Sunday 30 October 2011

++So that's 'Week 1' then...++

Finally managed to not only start, but finish 'Week 1' of the New Training Plan...and what a week.

Per normal didn't go to plan (see what I did there?) in more ways than one. But I learnt a long while ago not to be religiously zealous about Training Plans, but to try and be disciplined instead. If the world gets in the way of a run one day then it's not the beginning of doom as we know it. Either wipe it off with a smile and an extra Rest Day, or try to make up the miles elsewhere.

This week past was meant to be a R, 7, 5, 7, R, 12, 6. Not the heaviest of weeks but a great way back in. However back in real life it turned out to be a R (I'm good at these days!), 7, 5, R, 5.69 (more later), 12, and a 5.3.
So a 'near as dammit' week I reckon.

Highlight of the week? I travelled 176 miles up North on Friday to go visit my sister. She plays Hockey at quite a level and despite admitting to being one of the two most, ahem, 'Senior' members of the team - is still pretty fit. She likes to do a bit of running and she took me out around the country lanes near her beautiful rural home. It was truly stunning. A short lap at 2.65 miles so I ran one with her and then one on my own. Both in glorious sunshine...in Cumbria - I know!

Next week is much the same, but with the miles added to the LSR to take it up to 14. Hopefully this will be a double lap of the Park, in the dark, with #TNSG. I fair missed the boys, and the dogs, and the trail this week. So that will give me a focus to the training, as well as the re-start of speedwork on Thursday - gulp!

I am not a fan of the 'speedwork!'

Run well all...

The day after the LSR before...

Newton Road Round by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

First time for the back to back run after the LSR the day before.

Felt pretty good and bouncy to be honest?!

Whether that was to do with the fact that I'd done little during the day and ran late after a hot bath earlier..I'm not sure? Either way the Newton Road held no hassles and even the trainers felt spongy and comfortable after a LSR yesterday.
Reckon as well that running on food from through the day as opposed to running very first thing in the morning on food from the previous night also had an impact.

Either way a confident warm evening run.

Saturday 29 October 2011

LSR 12 miles

Aldridge LSR by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

This was the first LSR of the new plan.

I was meant to take yesterday as a rest day but that didn't happen as I had that incredible run up North with my sister, Rachel.
I wanted to try and keep the pace steady and sensible today, especially at the start, so that i could just get into the run. To be honest the entire run felt much like that - steady and an okay pace.
Although it was a longish way I felt okay at the end because of perhaps better pacing around the 8:15 mark?!

We shall see how future runs pan out..but a good start.

A very special run...

Run with Rachel by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Well this was a great treat!
Ran a loop by my sisters house in Cumbria, with her in company.
Now my sister is thin and fit due to a lot of hockey playing. However she didn't rate herself as a runner..hmmm, I think she may be a little too self-deprecating!
Beautiful loop with a couple of decent hills in them and the scenery was incredible! Sun was out and it was nice and warm; there was nothing to not love about this.
I had a second lap on me own at a little harder work rate and loved it all!

Complete with Nephew William, the water boy at the end.

All very special.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Newton Road

Newton Road by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Well that was a cooler one this morning.
Well planned for though!
Long sleeves out as Met said temp going to be around the 8C mark and fair needed really. Maybe it was just the wind chill?
Tried to lift the legs a bit more today as the distance was shorter, not to be faster but to try and build form a little - fat chance!
Had a bright smile from an older Afro-Caribbean woman that was out running..which was nice!

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Day 1...

Broadway Cut by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Finally.
It's happened.

Today marks Day 1 of a new 6 month plan on the road to properly prepared (ha!) Ultra Running.
Started with a 7 mile run that felt bit tough at one point but then picked back up. Pace showing that I've not been training regularly over the last month thanks to coughs and colds and a general feeling of cackdom!

But most importantly its a start.

Sunday 23 October 2011

Cycle to Spectate Bham Half Mara

Bham Half Cycle to spectate by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Decided to cycle to Cannon Hill Park to meet up with Sharon and company to cheer on the Bham Half Mara runners. Was a little tricky cycling a route into the park as obvious road closures in place. Managed to see Haile Gebrselassie (yes, I did cut n paste that!) twice, which was a real thrill gotta say!
It was ridiculous how MUCH lift the man was getting with every kick and stride. He wasn't running he was floating.

Also saw louise Damen which was also pretty cool, although still think she has the Strangest running style!
Shame some BvH got in the way! LOL!

Cycle itself was fine, easier on the way back, seemed more downhill? More pressure in the tyres made for a faster ride in places as well. Not bothered about stats as lots of messing about trying to get up and down pavements. Still, good way of getting there and back!

Saturday 22 October 2011

A very welcome return...

Sutton Park Run by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Great run out this morning with #TNSG in full attendance. Had the 'Blackpool Illuminations' Head Torch on and still managed a quite epic trip over a log! But did go to demonstrate how good Innov8 Roclites are at toe protection. Just great shoes.
Felt nice and warm this morning as well in just a long sleeve.
A very welcome return to running after an unheard of absence of two weeks. Now fingers crossed that THE Ultra Training Plan can get going starting Tuesday!

Sunday 16 October 2011

++Still not got going..++

I know it's not the point. But when you're feeling cack you really don't want to read about how well everyone elses training is going!
You kinda feel that there should be some solidarity of illness. You know, everyone gets poorly at the same time in a mutual non-training episode.
Nobody races, runs, cycles (swimming you can keep to yerselves anyhow!)
Nobody catalogues minutes, miles and lengths.
Nobody exclaims at the early morning beauty of the park/path/pavement/pool.
Nobody posts lovely scenic POV videos of their escapades along picturesque watercourses, quiet little pathways and excited canines.

So just have some courtesy (as the song goes), be ill, do nowt!

Cos I'm having to... :o(

Thursday 13 October 2011

++Not exactly the start...++

So Monday was a rest day this past week..it's a kind of start!
However  it was also the start of a tickly annoying cough that by Day 1 had turned into a minor chest infection! That was making me feel completely cack. So pulled a sicky and thought of the 'below the neck' rule of running feeling dodgy. ie don't!

So I didn't.

And haven't since.

Planning on running on the trails in the dark Saturday morning with Madlot but we'll have to see how I feel. As Shaz mentioned..."Don't start running again till you feel completely better"

She may have a point...

Monday 10 October 2011

++The week past...++

5,8,4,9,7 and a 26 mile bike ride to get to, and back from a 10k race!
In other words more miles (33 not including the bike) in a come back week than in my first week of actual Ultra Training! Ironic? I reckon.

Was good to get running again though, especially in company on Friday night and Saturday morning. Saturday morning with the head torch is a stand out. Such a toy!

Looking forward to starting training and working out all the little foibles like...how to fit in speedwork when its only allocated in minute blocks? Will probably split it into longer sections ie 15 mins = 3x5 with 1 recovery.
Also running both days at the weekend, although not that unusual, the idea of the longer run being on the Saturday and an almost recovery run on the Sunday will be new.

Pace is a new challenge as well. I’m reckoning on going a lot slower on the long runs on Saturday. But what pace? 1 minute slower? 2? I know its meant to be an easy pace, but 8 minute pace is easy at the start! I think I’ll be aiming for an 8:30-8:45 pace consistently. Especially whilst the legs get used to running on the Sunday as well.

Not ever wanting to be a slave to the 'great-god-Training-plan’ it’ll be a challenge in some ways as Friday (theoretical rest day) is usually a running day in company; then LSR the next day?
Also Saturdays. I can mix up the LSR with Trail runs but I’m going to have to be a little clever with the mileage. Either park further away from the park (if you get me?) or go back round for more miles at the end.

Either way…it’s a plan, and the best laid plans should be flexible…!

Sunday 9 October 2011

Cycle to BvH Leafy 10k by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Cycle to BvH Leafy 10k by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Cycled over to Bournville (and back but forgot to start the watch on way back!) to watch the 10k and meet up with Sharon and Mark. Ended up Marshalling and enjoyed it very much. Apparently difficult course and field seemed well strung out. But lots of fun! Needed a ton (60lbs+!!) of air when I got back, as Mark told me! But made it and no flats!

Saturday 8 October 2011

Sutton Park in the dark! by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Sutton Park in the dark! by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Couple of kids! Me an Mat the only representatives of #TNSG this morning. Me with me new Senser Headtorch as well. Was absolutely worth the money. great light spread and very powerful on 3 AAA's. Run itself was the usual route and we stepped along quite gently really as the mile pace shows. But still not detracting from a simple easy run. Oscar on fine form as well!

Langley School Run by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Langley School Run by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Bit drizzly but nowt to speak of. Good usual run with Rich. Came up quite long really. Blatted up the Wolvo and ran out of Thimble Mill well. Bit sedentary towards the end as Rich tiring but good effort all round really. Good to get back to a Friday night run.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Newton, Peartree, Whitecrest by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Newton, Peartree, Whitecrest by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

I wanted a new route of about 4 miles as a get back into it easy day before a rest tomorrow. Mapped this out last night on http://www.mapmyrun.com (a great thing!) and tried it. Its only new section really is the Whitecrest, which was mostly downhill, very downhill. But still its miles back in the legs.

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Broadway loop by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

Broadway loop by jules_perox at Garmin Connect - Details

++A day to start...++

As I prepare this Blog as half experiment and half motivation I can't help but think of 'why' I'm embarking on this long, training journey?!
I blame Mark...and Dean...and Amanda...and numerous other inspiring runners whom have shared amazing stories of pain, suffering and ultimately triumph.

I want to be one of those..well maybe not so much the 'pain!'

I want to be able to take part in Ultra races knowing that at least my preparation has been there. The best way for this to happen, for me, is the discipline of a 'Training Plan.'

Mine has come courtesy of a book on ultra running called..


This is an 'e-book' that I got for my newly acquired Kindle. It is very in depth and very well thought out. I like the training plan as it allows me to train 5 days a week and still potentially have my usual two rest days.
However the big difference is that with this plan, I train 'Back-to-Back' at the weekends. Running Long one day and shorter the next to still make you go out and run on tired legs...at least that's the theory. 
It's a new approach to me as I've always had a rest day following a Long Run.So, again, the originality of this for me appeals.

We shall see!

As for an ultimate 50 mile race...well who knows where or what? Nowt set up or fixed yet. I plan to do a 50k on the way and probably some marathons instead of running that distance in training.

Again...we shall see.

It's all really stepping into the unknown, but having a go.

Wish me luck..and come along for the journey...at least electronically?!