You probably can't get more different than a 30m ultra on the Sunday then a 5m XC race the following saturday, but that's what was in store for me yesterday. I hadn't run all week since the Winter Tanners. However did commute to work on the ElliptiGO on the Wednesday and rode back on the Thursday. You wouldn't pick the route I had to ride if it were a Sunday afternoon jaunt inthe countryside. A long part of the 22m route to work is down an unlit main A road. But I enjoyed it nevertheless and got my training miles in
Back to yesterday and it was a good race. A new course which served up a 3km first lap around a mass of football pitches, and a second 5km lap that started the same but then took a diversion through some extremely muddy fields before dipping steeply down a large downhill section then wound around a large field before ascending a very steep climb back up to the main playing fields and around to the finish.
It was a tough course made tougher still by the incessant head wind which it didn't seem to matter what direction you were facing - it still hit you head on! Why is that I wonder!?... Anyway I loved (almost) every minute of this race. I decided to pace my own race from the start rather than worry about what others may or may not of been doing. And I think it worked. I closed down in the later stages and took many especially on the final steep climb which left many a runner crawling up. It was my best XC position in a Chiltern League race too. 77 out of 188 division 1 runners. Leighton Buzzard came 6th on the day too (out of 14 clubs) which is out best race positin for years (so I'm told). So we sit in a solid 10th position in the league now and almost look certain to remain in the top flight for another year. For a small club (in comparison with those around us) this is a great achievement!
Roll on Parliment Fields in 2 weeks time which will be my first attempt at this famous southern XC race. It promises almost continuous climbs! Hooray.
Monday, 17 January 2011
Monday, 10 January 2011
Winter Tanners 30
My first long run/race report of 2011 and it's always nice to start the year off as you mean to go on. This was the Winter Tanners which is a LDWA event and the first one I have taken part in (but definitely not the last). My friend Nick (Ham) travelled down from Stockport for this one too, with his brother Julian also joining us and my dad. A real rarity for me to actually run in an ultra and not travel down and run on my own. Nick and I had entered the 30 miler whilst Julian and my dad opted for the 20.
A good hearty bowl of porridge and maple syrup set me up for the day with my homemade energy bar packed in my backpak to fuel me through the race. It was a cold frosty start with the four of us wearing a variety of layers to keep the cold at bay. Nick obviously knew what was to come out there as he donned a pair of water proof sealskin socks (not real seal skin I should add!).
The first 8.9 miles were the same for both distances but it was soon apparent and expected that Nick and I would be going at a slightly faster pace than the others. Being an LDWA event the other unusual aspect of the start is that you are free to decide when you start between 7:30 and 9:30. We aimed to start at 8:30 (having got up at 5:30), and at 8:28 we were on the line ready for the off. Such planning! We exited from Leatherhead car park in the town centre and headed South out of town and along a busy main road (a diversion of the route due to the height of the River Mole which meant we couldn't run along the river bank). We were soon off onto the trails though with route description and map in hand to guide us on our way. The route description was very thorough and described every aspect of every turn (sometimes in perhaps too much detail which left you wondering if the 'right then immediately left' described was actually just straight on).
It wasn't very long until we hit the first major climb in Mickleham Woods. It was a walker, as were many other ascents on this route. It's no surprise as the route goes around and through Box Hill country park which is the venue for the only fell race in the South of England! We didn't actually tackle the steepest part of Box Hill though.
The weather was very kind to us with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Nick and I continued on our way at around a 9-10 minute average pace on the flats and considerably slower on the ascents. Despite the sun being out it was far from dry under foot. Some fields were extremely sodden with thick shoe sucking mud in places with it impossible to keep dry feet (except for Nick who was loving his sealskin socks!).
There were 3 checkpoints on the 30 mile route with CP1 at 9 miles. We were greeted with a table full of biscuits including fig rolls which I went straight for. Three of them in fact!! Time to fill up the water bottle too, however I was surprised to see that I had hardly touched a drop in 9 miles of running. Not too clever but the cold doesn't really prompt you to drink too much. I made a note to self however to conciously drink far more on the second section.
I felt we were making good and steady progress, but without racing. I was running within myself, but this was how I wanted to approach this race anyway. It wasn't a race and the LDWA instructions actually stated as much. This definitely took any pressure off that one could feel the need to perform to their limits. It was the first event of the year and I was there to enjoy it and take in the scenery. Easier said than done though when you are concentrating on both your footing and the route description. Because of the level of detail you had to keep your place on the notes to avoid losing your place. I took to reading them out loud which helped to take them in and visualise the next turn or landmark.
Time was flying by and we were having a blast (I'm sure I can speak for both of us - although you may want to check Nick's race report too to see if he agrees!). The next major landmark and section of route that I can recall is the climb up to Leigh Hill Tower. Another walker for sure!
This was the busiest part of the whole route with many folk out enjoying the wonderful sunshine, blue skies, and scenery. Although I'm not sure the many mountain bikers we saw out were there for the views. Some of the trails would of been a blast to ride.
We stopped briefly for some tourist photos in front of said tower then decended down to arrive at CP2. This would be the main stop to refuel as CP3 was just 5 miles from the finish. Time for the homemade energy bar full with energy packed seeds (including the almost magical Mexican Chia seed!!), banana, dried fruit, and oats. I filled by bottle which this time was almost empty with my SIS energy powder mixed with water. And we were off. 17 miles down, just 13 to go.
It was the next section that Nick and I both lost our concentration and position on the route notes. Less than a mile after the checkpoint, having being following the group ahead of us I couldn't pick up where we were on the notes or the map. Those in front didn't know either. Looking at the map now (as I write this) I'm unsure why we couldn't work it out. It was a straight track that we needed to stay on for 1km or so, however the notes confused matters somewhat by making it sound far more complex than need be. There was a road to our right which I could see on the map so not knowing our exact position we decided to follow the road ahead and hope we hadn't already missed our turn. At the next junction our new friends (2 chaps and their Husky dog) whom we had crossed paths with many times onroute were looking as confused as we had been. With the map out however I confirmed our location and we decided to take the right turn along the ajoining road which would then intersect the trail that we needed to get back on to. It worked and we were on our way. By this point many behind us had chosen to follow our lead along the road so there was quite a bunch of us by now running together.
There was a quick descent down Whiteberry Hill on uneven ground followed by a long winding climb back up and even higher around Coldharbour and Duke's Warren. I still had plenty of energy and was keen to press on a little. Nick was grateful for the walk up however which in turn gave me a chance to ease back and remind me that we weren't racing today.
I really don't remember too much about the next section. There were no doubt more ascents and descents, more sodden fields, more mud, but plenty more sunshine, good banter and smiles too, as we went about our business of completing this opener to the year.
Soon after the next major village/town of Westcott we steered a course North and could see to the top of the North Downs Way. That's where we were heading and it was straight UP! At first a few fields gradually ascended but once over the railway which was one of those traditional STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN ones (I love those - reminds me on being a kid again) it was a massive steep climb to the top where CP3 awaited us.
I pressed on figuring that the sooner I was at the top the sooner I would have the much promised hot cup of tea in hand that the organisers had laid on. The climb was well worth it both for the views as well as the tea and chocolate digestives. Nick opted for Coke to quench his thirst and give him the energy for the last 5 miles back to Leatherhead.
I received a text from my dad at CP3. Him and Julian had finished the 20 miler in under 5 hours. Way to go dad! This of course meant that we had one hour exactly to complete the remaining 5 miles to go under 6 hours. I thought it was doable although Nick had his doubts. We were refreshed and ready to give it our all. The next descent through Ranmore Common was a real blast and probably the best of the whole day. Long and fast with the breaks off! hehe. At the bottom was the much spoken of 'Tanners Hatch' - a youth hostel in a very old cottage that provides the name of this LDWA event. Not quite sure of its significance beyond that but I should look it up.
From here onwards it was a case of just keep going across more fields and mud. I felt we were still on for sub 6 but it would be very close.
The closer and closer we got the tighter and tighter the maths looked. The critical moment was when we came to cross the A246 which is a busy road with plenty of traffic. We had 1.5 miles to go and we had under 12 minutes to do it in. Nick knew he couldn't run that pace and said as much. I saw an opening in the traffic (30 seconds of waiting had felt like 5 minutes with the clock ticking) I crossed safety but Nick hesitated. I had an instant decision to make as I slowly starting running along the trail ahead. As I looked back I still couldn't see Nick and with a sub 6 all but fading I decided to press on ahead a go for it. I hope Nick doesn't think worst of me for leaving him. Someone should of reminded me this wasn't a race ;-)
I was running too fast to read the route notes and had no idea of the way so I relied on catching and passing those runners and walkers ahead of me to guide the way. Luckily it paid off and as I rounded a corner and recognised the road ahead I continued along, crossed the road and into the car park and finished in 5h:57m. My last mile was a 6:30. This wasn't a race and I didn't race it throughout but my competitive edge definitely kicked in at the end, and there is always something satisifying about ducking under the hour. Nick followed shortly afterwards, with dad and Julian waiting for us both at the finish.
We cleaned off and headed to the pub for beer and burgers! What a way to start the new year.
A good hearty bowl of porridge and maple syrup set me up for the day with my homemade energy bar packed in my backpak to fuel me through the race. It was a cold frosty start with the four of us wearing a variety of layers to keep the cold at bay. Nick obviously knew what was to come out there as he donned a pair of water proof sealskin socks (not real seal skin I should add!).
 |
| Myself, Nick, Julian and dad |
It wasn't very long until we hit the first major climb in Mickleham Woods. It was a walker, as were many other ascents on this route. It's no surprise as the route goes around and through Box Hill country park which is the venue for the only fell race in the South of England! We didn't actually tackle the steepest part of Box Hill though.
The weather was very kind to us with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Nick and I continued on our way at around a 9-10 minute average pace on the flats and considerably slower on the ascents. Despite the sun being out it was far from dry under foot. Some fields were extremely sodden with thick shoe sucking mud in places with it impossible to keep dry feet (except for Nick who was loving his sealskin socks!).
There were 3 checkpoints on the 30 mile route with CP1 at 9 miles. We were greeted with a table full of biscuits including fig rolls which I went straight for. Three of them in fact!! Time to fill up the water bottle too, however I was surprised to see that I had hardly touched a drop in 9 miles of running. Not too clever but the cold doesn't really prompt you to drink too much. I made a note to self however to conciously drink far more on the second section.
I felt we were making good and steady progress, but without racing. I was running within myself, but this was how I wanted to approach this race anyway. It wasn't a race and the LDWA instructions actually stated as much. This definitely took any pressure off that one could feel the need to perform to their limits. It was the first event of the year and I was there to enjoy it and take in the scenery. Easier said than done though when you are concentrating on both your footing and the route description. Because of the level of detail you had to keep your place on the notes to avoid losing your place. I took to reading them out loud which helped to take them in and visualise the next turn or landmark.
 |
| Nick tackling Leigh Hill |
This was the busiest part of the whole route with many folk out enjoying the wonderful sunshine, blue skies, and scenery. Although I'm not sure the many mountain bikers we saw out were there for the views. Some of the trails would of been a blast to ride.
 |
| Leigh Hill Tower |
It was the next section that Nick and I both lost our concentration and position on the route notes. Less than a mile after the checkpoint, having being following the group ahead of us I couldn't pick up where we were on the notes or the map. Those in front didn't know either. Looking at the map now (as I write this) I'm unsure why we couldn't work it out. It was a straight track that we needed to stay on for 1km or so, however the notes confused matters somewhat by making it sound far more complex than need be. There was a road to our right which I could see on the map so not knowing our exact position we decided to follow the road ahead and hope we hadn't already missed our turn. At the next junction our new friends (2 chaps and their Husky dog) whom we had crossed paths with many times onroute were looking as confused as we had been. With the map out however I confirmed our location and we decided to take the right turn along the ajoining road which would then intersect the trail that we needed to get back on to. It worked and we were on our way. By this point many behind us had chosen to follow our lead along the road so there was quite a bunch of us by now running together.
There was a quick descent down Whiteberry Hill on uneven ground followed by a long winding climb back up and even higher around Coldharbour and Duke's Warren. I still had plenty of energy and was keen to press on a little. Nick was grateful for the walk up however which in turn gave me a chance to ease back and remind me that we weren't racing today.
I really don't remember too much about the next section. There were no doubt more ascents and descents, more sodden fields, more mud, but plenty more sunshine, good banter and smiles too, as we went about our business of completing this opener to the year.
Soon after the next major village/town of Westcott we steered a course North and could see to the top of the North Downs Way. That's where we were heading and it was straight UP! At first a few fields gradually ascended but once over the railway which was one of those traditional STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN ones (I love those - reminds me on being a kid again) it was a massive steep climb to the top where CP3 awaited us.
I pressed on figuring that the sooner I was at the top the sooner I would have the much promised hot cup of tea in hand that the organisers had laid on. The climb was well worth it both for the views as well as the tea and chocolate digestives. Nick opted for Coke to quench his thirst and give him the energy for the last 5 miles back to Leatherhead.
I received a text from my dad at CP3. Him and Julian had finished the 20 miler in under 5 hours. Way to go dad! This of course meant that we had one hour exactly to complete the remaining 5 miles to go under 6 hours. I thought it was doable although Nick had his doubts. We were refreshed and ready to give it our all. The next descent through Ranmore Common was a real blast and probably the best of the whole day. Long and fast with the breaks off! hehe. At the bottom was the much spoken of 'Tanners Hatch' - a youth hostel in a very old cottage that provides the name of this LDWA event. Not quite sure of its significance beyond that but I should look it up.
From here onwards it was a case of just keep going across more fields and mud. I felt we were still on for sub 6 but it would be very close.
The closer and closer we got the tighter and tighter the maths looked. The critical moment was when we came to cross the A246 which is a busy road with plenty of traffic. We had 1.5 miles to go and we had under 12 minutes to do it in. Nick knew he couldn't run that pace and said as much. I saw an opening in the traffic (30 seconds of waiting had felt like 5 minutes with the clock ticking) I crossed safety but Nick hesitated. I had an instant decision to make as I slowly starting running along the trail ahead. As I looked back I still couldn't see Nick and with a sub 6 all but fading I decided to press on ahead a go for it. I hope Nick doesn't think worst of me for leaving him. Someone should of reminded me this wasn't a race ;-)
I was running too fast to read the route notes and had no idea of the way so I relied on catching and passing those runners and walkers ahead of me to guide the way. Luckily it paid off and as I rounded a corner and recognised the road ahead I continued along, crossed the road and into the car park and finished in 5h:57m. My last mile was a 6:30. This wasn't a race and I didn't race it throughout but my competitive edge definitely kicked in at the end, and there is always something satisifying about ducking under the hour. Nick followed shortly afterwards, with dad and Julian waiting for us both at the finish.
 |
| Nick and I at the finish. A job well done! |
We cleaned off and headed to the pub for beer and burgers! What a way to start the new year.
Friday, 31 December 2010
The year in numbers
So 2010 is almost finished with just four hours left of the year as I write this. So it must be time once again to get all reflective on what the year has served up. I have to say it has surpassed all my expectations. Words don't always cut it, and I can ramble on at times so instead here are a few numbers to sum up my year of running.
1681 miles ran (just 39m more than in 2009)
155 total number of runs (28 less than in 2009)
108 longest run (miles) (Adidas 24hr Thunder Run)
32.3 average weekly mileage
10.8 average run in miles (avg 9 in 2009)
23:30.51 longest time on feet (hh:mm:ss - Adidas Thunder Run)
6 the number of seconds that I was over my 3:30 marathon target in London! argh
1000 amount £ raised for PACE centre at Royal Parks Half Marathon
120 highest weekly mileage
55 longest training run
1:27.51 half marathon PB
3 average number of runs per week
168,000 number of calories burnt (100 cal per mile avg for male)
569 number of McDonalds cheeseburgers I could have eaten (295 cal each)!
1953 or the number of chocolate digestive biscuits... hhmmm yum yum!
220 number of loops completed on my local 440yrd track in a single training run
5 number of ultras completed
369 total number of miles covered in the 5 ultras
1 number of ultras won (Lightning 12hr)
A few pics of my highlights in 2010
ROLL ON 2011!!
1681 miles ran (just 39m more than in 2009)
155 total number of runs (28 less than in 2009)
108 longest run (miles) (Adidas 24hr Thunder Run)
32.3 average weekly mileage
10.8 average run in miles (avg 9 in 2009)
23:30.51 longest time on feet (hh:mm:ss - Adidas Thunder Run)
6 the number of seconds that I was over my 3:30 marathon target in London! argh
1000 amount £ raised for PACE centre at Royal Parks Half Marathon
120 highest weekly mileage
55 longest training run
1:27.51 half marathon PB
3 average number of runs per week
168,000 number of calories burnt (100 cal per mile avg for male)
569 number of McDonalds cheeseburgers I could have eaten (295 cal each)!
1953 or the number of chocolate digestive biscuits... hhmmm yum yum!
220 number of loops completed on my local 440yrd track in a single training run
5 number of ultras completed
369 total number of miles covered in the 5 ultras
1 number of ultras won (Lightning 12hr)
A few pics of my highlights in 2010
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| London Marathon 2010 (perhaps shaving would have made all the difference!) |
 |
| Wiggle Lightning 12 hr |
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| Adidas 24hr Thunder Run |
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| Royal Parks Half Marathon PB |
 |
| Leighton Santa Dash |
ROLL ON 2011!!
Sunday, 26 December 2010
ElliptiGO maiden voyage
The snow had cleared enough on the roads to take my elliptigo out for the first time. It was a short journey over to my mum and dads for boxing day lunch. I had already run 8 miles in the morning so my legs were warmed up nicely for this ride. First Impressions - it's a workout!! unlike a conventional bike which makes it feel like the miles are going past effortlessly on the elliptigo you really do feel like you are working out! The sense of this will be heightened by the fact that it was my first ride and thus the body and muscles aren't use to this different type of work out.
Technically the elliptiGO is a fine machine. It's solidly built with some high performance components including the shimano alfine 8 gear internal hub. Features conventional breaking system and steering column. The fine with the elliptigo is that it doesn't feel exactly like running nor cycling. It is a unique feeling. The makers say that it takes a while to get really use it to the point where you don't need to think what you are doing.
Even my ride back from the folks felt smoother and more at ease than he ride there. And this was in the dark utilising my new cateye light got for Christmas.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting to grips with the elliptigo in 2011. I plan to enter a few events. This includes getting my name enrolled on the official elliptigo century club list which is reserved for the first 100 riders to complete an offical 100 mile race.
Watch this space for updates on my progress and further thoughts on how I integrate it into my training.
Merry Christmas people.
Technically the elliptiGO is a fine machine. It's solidly built with some high performance components including the shimano alfine 8 gear internal hub. Features conventional breaking system and steering column. The fine with the elliptigo is that it doesn't feel exactly like running nor cycling. It is a unique feeling. The makers say that it takes a while to get really use it to the point where you don't need to think what you are doing.
Even my ride back from the folks felt smoother and more at ease than he ride there. And this was in the dark utilising my new cateye light got for Christmas.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting to grips with the elliptigo in 2011. I plan to enter a few events. This includes getting my name enrolled on the official elliptigo century club list which is reserved for the first 100 riders to complete an offical 100 mile race.
Watch this space for updates on my progress and further thoughts on how I integrate it into my training.
Merry Christmas people.
Thursday, 23 December 2010
Sunday long run report
With a number of ultra races coming up in January including the ULTRArace90 which is a back to back 45m on consequtive days along the Grand Union Canal, I need to start getting in some higher mileage. Hence Sunday's long run in the deep snow. I was actually really looking forward to getting up at 6:30am to be out the door by 7am in the sub-zero temperatures. Why waste such glorious opportunities to get out and experience nature at it's wildest by spending it in bed!
I wrapped up warm (base layer / insulated T / outer shell) and this worked a treat. It was earrily quiet as the snow acted like an impenatrable blanket letting neither any sound or light through. Most weird of all was the lack of any colour in the landscape as it felt like I was emersed in my own black n white film. Magical. See photo.
It was such a nice run and whilst the effort levels were considerably higher to trudge through the snow it was most definitely worth it. Perfect resistance training! I ran 8 miles on my own before hooking up with two running club buddies Fred and John. Fred then led us on a tough off road 10 miler through Stockgrove Park and Rushmere Woods. This including some very steep ascents and long stretches through untouched snow. By the end of this run I was beat. At 18 miles and still 2.5 miles from home I didn't have much left. My pace at this point must have been in the 11-12mpm range. The avg pace for the 20.5 miles covered was 10.38mpm completing it in 3h38m. However speed and distance mean nothing in these types of condition. Effort wise it was easily a marathon and I felt far better for it.
So that's my first 20 miler in the bag for a while. I need plenty more of them to get my endurance back up to where it was in the summer. The focus on speed since then has definitely effected my ability to string out the miles effortlessly. So roll on 2011 with more long runs to come :-)
I wrapped up warm (base layer / insulated T / outer shell) and this worked a treat. It was earrily quiet as the snow acted like an impenatrable blanket letting neither any sound or light through. Most weird of all was the lack of any colour in the landscape as it felt like I was emersed in my own black n white film. Magical. See photo.
It was such a nice run and whilst the effort levels were considerably higher to trudge through the snow it was most definitely worth it. Perfect resistance training! I ran 8 miles on my own before hooking up with two running club buddies Fred and John. Fred then led us on a tough off road 10 miler through Stockgrove Park and Rushmere Woods. This including some very steep ascents and long stretches through untouched snow. By the end of this run I was beat. At 18 miles and still 2.5 miles from home I didn't have much left. My pace at this point must have been in the 11-12mpm range. The avg pace for the 20.5 miles covered was 10.38mpm completing it in 3h38m. However speed and distance mean nothing in these types of condition. Effort wise it was easily a marathon and I felt far better for it.
So that's my first 20 miler in the bag for a while. I need plenty more of them to get my endurance back up to where it was in the summer. The focus on speed since then has definitely effected my ability to string out the miles effortlessly. So roll on 2011 with more long runs to come :-)
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Track run
I really wasn't feeling it today. I was meant to go for a long run (15-20 miles) but just couldn't be bothered (unlike me). But rather than not go out all and mope around in my dressing gown I went to the local track (concrete 1/4 mile loop) and blasted out 20 laps (five miles). definitely not my usual Sunday morning run yet I got my head down and went for it!
The track was half frozen because of tall tree cover at one end. So I had to go for it on the dry half and be a bit more cautious (slow) on the icy half. However this didn't stop me setting the pace. My mile splits were 6:01, 5:59, 6:00, 6:04 and 5:54. Total time 29:58!!! This is actually the first time I have gone sub 30 minutes on a full 5 mile course. Whilst in racing terms I ran a 29:40 last year I measured the course at 4.89m so coming up short. With this being a 1/4 track, and confirmed by the garmin at exactly 5 miles this for me is the first sub 30 minute 5 miles I have ever run :-) Funny what you can achiee on a cold frosty Sunday morning when you don't even feel like running.
The track was half frozen because of tall tree cover at one end. So I had to go for it on the dry half and be a bit more cautious (slow) on the icy half. However this didn't stop me setting the pace. My mile splits were 6:01, 5:59, 6:00, 6:04 and 5:54. Total time 29:58!!! This is actually the first time I have gone sub 30 minutes on a full 5 mile course. Whilst in racing terms I ran a 29:40 last year I measured the course at 4.89m so coming up short. With this being a 1/4 track, and confirmed by the garmin at exactly 5 miles this for me is the first sub 30 minute 5 miles I have ever run :-) Funny what you can achiee on a cold frosty Sunday morning when you don't even feel like running.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Buckingham XC race report
An overdue race report on last Saturday's XC race in Buckingham. This was the 3rd race in the Chiltern XC League. I missed the first. Me and 2 team mates reccied the 2.5 mile loop which we would be running twice. It was up and down but hardy ever flat! The snow was still on the ground in places with some slush but quite firm footing due to the exceptionally cold weather of late.
I was determined to give this one my all. However from the start my mindset quickly changed as a few runners passed me in the pack obviously putting in far greater effort than I was and i wasnt prepared to respond. However when your team mates go past you it's a different story and this gave me the kick up the backside I needed to start my race proper! Isn't it funny how the mindset can change so quickly based on just one external factor. I didn't feel any better physically but the competitive streak kicked in and I found another gear that wasn't there before.
At this point I was just hanging on to the back of my 2 team mates Tom and Joby, but importantly I wasn't losing ground. This continued for a bit whilst I adapted to the new faster pace (6:30 mpm).
As I said this was a very hilly course which I actually relish! Nothing worst than flat and boring. I used the down hills to my advantage lengthing my stride and going for it. I was able to past Tom and Joby on the down hills. Then on the flats they would pass me back. This ding dong battled continued for the rest of the race, with me pushing the pace on the downs and they on the flats.
On lap 2 two more LBAC team mates joined us - Pete and Tom M. Both were the faster of us five runners so quite what they were doing behind us at this point in the race was a mystery. But actually they were just pacing it well. There were now 5 LBAC runners all in line working well together to push the pace with Pete and Tom M up front and the three of us continuing our own battle.
The course was such that you rarely knew exactly where you were. There were so many switch backs and zig-zagging up hill after hill and down again that I never gave too much thought where I was on the course. It was just head down and run. The 5 of us were still together however Tom M had started to push the pace and opened a gap between him and Pete who was further in front of myself, Tom and Joby. At this point in the race I wasn't in a position to respond as I was already giving it my all. A gap can open up so quickly and if you do not respond immediately in a split second they have the advantage and you have to let it go. I always leave something for the finish though. I had dropped back to 5th behind Joby in 4th. But there were still a few down hills before the finish line where I could attack.
One of these short sharp hills is followed by a very sharp slippy right hander which you practically need to stop at to get around and then proceed straight up again. So with the pack together with other club runners also fighting for position but slowing down the hill to take the corner, I sped down the hill at full tilt taking about 4 places sliding around the corner and only just staying on my feet, but that I did. The up was tough but I held position which then flattened out slightly before a gradual descent and another ascent back up the other side. Pete was now in my sights and the finish line was less than 400m away. I gave it what I had and caught and passed Pete but this chap is a 2:54 marathon runner so I knew he would respond. He didn't immediately though so for a split second I thought I had him but then he came back at me and passed making me look like I was standing still. I chased Pete to the finish but he was too strong for what I had left in my legs.
Distance = 5.08m. time 33:12. Position 73 out of 184 Div 1 runners. 100th ish out of 300 runners overall. I was the fastest Santa though!! Donning my fab new seasonal head gear :-)
This was a great XC race and definitely my favourite to date. The way the 5 of us worked together was great racing and I definitely benefited from it on this day. Otherwise I fear I would have plodded along coming in several minutes slower.
Other club times were: Simon in 29:45 (non scorer as 2nd claim run) followed by Andy 2nd in 31:29 (1st LBAC scorer) and Mark in 32:18. Then the 5 of us who battled - Tom M - 33:07, Pete - 33:09, Me - 33:12, Tom - 33:18, Joby - 33:19. So it was all very close!
LBAC finished in 10th place (juniors/female/male) out of 14 in Div 1 and keeps us out of the drop zone! The club hasn't stayed up in the top flight for years so if we continue to perform and get our runners on the start line we stand a good chance!
Bring on Luton XC in January
I was determined to give this one my all. However from the start my mindset quickly changed as a few runners passed me in the pack obviously putting in far greater effort than I was and i wasnt prepared to respond. However when your team mates go past you it's a different story and this gave me the kick up the backside I needed to start my race proper! Isn't it funny how the mindset can change so quickly based on just one external factor. I didn't feel any better physically but the competitive streak kicked in and I found another gear that wasn't there before.
At this point I was just hanging on to the back of my 2 team mates Tom and Joby, but importantly I wasn't losing ground. This continued for a bit whilst I adapted to the new faster pace (6:30 mpm).
As I said this was a very hilly course which I actually relish! Nothing worst than flat and boring. I used the down hills to my advantage lengthing my stride and going for it. I was able to past Tom and Joby on the down hills. Then on the flats they would pass me back. This ding dong battled continued for the rest of the race, with me pushing the pace on the downs and they on the flats.
On lap 2 two more LBAC team mates joined us - Pete and Tom M. Both were the faster of us five runners so quite what they were doing behind us at this point in the race was a mystery. But actually they were just pacing it well. There were now 5 LBAC runners all in line working well together to push the pace with Pete and Tom M up front and the three of us continuing our own battle.
The course was such that you rarely knew exactly where you were. There were so many switch backs and zig-zagging up hill after hill and down again that I never gave too much thought where I was on the course. It was just head down and run. The 5 of us were still together however Tom M had started to push the pace and opened a gap between him and Pete who was further in front of myself, Tom and Joby. At this point in the race I wasn't in a position to respond as I was already giving it my all. A gap can open up so quickly and if you do not respond immediately in a split second they have the advantage and you have to let it go. I always leave something for the finish though. I had dropped back to 5th behind Joby in 4th. But there were still a few down hills before the finish line where I could attack.
One of these short sharp hills is followed by a very sharp slippy right hander which you practically need to stop at to get around and then proceed straight up again. So with the pack together with other club runners also fighting for position but slowing down the hill to take the corner, I sped down the hill at full tilt taking about 4 places sliding around the corner and only just staying on my feet, but that I did. The up was tough but I held position which then flattened out slightly before a gradual descent and another ascent back up the other side. Pete was now in my sights and the finish line was less than 400m away. I gave it what I had and caught and passed Pete but this chap is a 2:54 marathon runner so I knew he would respond. He didn't immediately though so for a split second I thought I had him but then he came back at me and passed making me look like I was standing still. I chased Pete to the finish but he was too strong for what I had left in my legs.
Distance = 5.08m. time 33:12. Position 73 out of 184 Div 1 runners. 100th ish out of 300 runners overall. I was the fastest Santa though!! Donning my fab new seasonal head gear :-)
This was a great XC race and definitely my favourite to date. The way the 5 of us worked together was great racing and I definitely benefited from it on this day. Otherwise I fear I would have plodded along coming in several minutes slower.
Other club times were: Simon in 29:45 (non scorer as 2nd claim run) followed by Andy 2nd in 31:29 (1st LBAC scorer) and Mark in 32:18. Then the 5 of us who battled - Tom M - 33:07, Pete - 33:09, Me - 33:12, Tom - 33:18, Joby - 33:19. So it was all very close!
LBAC finished in 10th place (juniors/female/male) out of 14 in Div 1 and keeps us out of the drop zone! The club hasn't stayed up in the top flight for years so if we continue to perform and get our runners on the start line we stand a good chance!
Bring on Luton XC in January
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