Bad Day

I love REM, I didn't love the way I ran on the weekend at the Richard Burton 10k.

First up, no issue with the race itself, apart from a bit of chaos at the start of the fun run (Which I ran with my youngest) it was a smooth day and enjoyable, scenic course.

The fun run went well for the kids, my boy ran a mile PB of 9:19 and my oldest got round with little in the way of issues, if not exactly stressing herself. Good stuff!

Then it was my turn. Off I went, sensible 7:40ish first mile, up the first hill at a steady pace. Then the wheels came off, no idea what was wrong with me, but I was heavy legged, tired, had a headache. By half way, if I wasn't 5km away and had to run back anyway I'd have pulled up. But I was and so  got on with it.

It wasn't pretty and it certainly wasn't to the standard I wanted to produce but it was over 51 minutes later. The first time I've run 50+ minutes for a 10k since September 2016 in Swansea (Not including the Loop 10k, cos that's 1000ft climb)

But it's done now, I can only look back and learn. Even though I'm not really sure what went wrong. All I can do is step up the training, even though I thought I'd been running ok.

It's a long way from the end of the world but it is a hit to the old confidence.

Positives from the weekend though, i did my Level 1 officials course, completed the online section today and have enough experience events to pass already. So hopefully that'll be done soon! See if I can get to level 2.

The London issue

Yes, there are other marathons, I've run a few, but I wouldn't mind a crack at London.

Yes, I can qualify with a good-for-age time... well no, I can't, I'm not fast enough. Never was and am pretty confident never will be. Also that's not guaranteed anymore anyway.

Yes, I can run for a charity, I've even had some contact me, but an (average) £2000 minimum or I have to pay it myself target feels beyond daunting. I know I wouldn't manage it, so I'll leave that to competent people.

If you hadn't gathered, I had a no for London yet again next year.




Quelle surprise!

Of the last 10 years I've now had 9 no's and 1 forgot-to-enter-the-ballot-oops. There could still be hope in the shape of my club ballot but that's potentially not 'til Christmas, so if I don't get it all the other spring marathons will be full/more expensive. It probably has about the same odds as the real ballot and honestly at the moment, rejoining for next year (a requirement if you get the place) is something I'm seriously considering not doing.

It's really not the end of the world I know, but I really would like a go at this race one day. But sadly resigned to the fact it'll never happen. Also the ballot system in general is balls, so many applicants for almost no places, months of delays for a process that could be done relatively quickly.

I know the race loves the build up and publicity and making a spectacle of itself almost as much as it loves overcharging charities, but it's just plain annoying from my side.

As I have written before, I think my target is now going to be Newport. I'm told it's a flat fast course and with a bit of work I think I could clock my second sub 4 hour.

I ran tonight (last night by time I put this out) and it went pretty well, I did what I set out to achieve. 7 fairly steady miles which will hopefully give me a bit of confidence come Saturday and the first (and easiest) Cross Country fixture of the season.

I honestly think the easiest way for me to get into London long term is to come 42nd on a reality TV show at some point. I'm off to practice my naked baking or something.

The miscalculation...

I've said this before, I really like the Manchester Marathon.

I entered the Manchester Marathon.

I realised I can't do it... too late...

I somehow managed to get a refund...

Newport Marathon anyone?

Well it was a minor mistake which has been rectified. In the short term I have other things to be concerned about. I'm still only training once a week, this isn't enough and if possible I'm still getting less fit. This weeks run in particular was awful, as I tried making it hilly, which I couldn't do...




Taking into account a few factors, some of them form related some of them not, my motivation to run, train etc is pretty much dead. I need to make some changes before I'm essentially written off.

As of next week I'm going to try and find the time to get at least 1 more in, build the miles. But I think I already know I'm too far behind to do anything worthwhile in Cross Country next month. I could of course still do it for distance / race practice, but in all practicality would I be better off getting more training miles in and not destroying what confidence I have in, what is a very high quality field?

Closer to the time of any marathons etc I can start introducing proper 'long runs'. I've not hit 10 miles since I had to go to the hospital in Mountain Ash months ago and ran over from the Tyd. From the random pains I still get in my hand/wrist I know I'm not going to the gym any time soon, so it's gonna be graft out on the tarmac!

I'm tempted to do 1 longer and one shorter, but faster then try and extend the longer one a bit as I go. For the short one parkrun is currently a no go due to child classes, but there's plenty of places round here with easy to measure distances to get reps going.

If everything is going OK, it looks like I'll be entering Newport when it reopens next month! Something I think I need to do, as I'm aimless at the moment. Give me a target and I'll work to it.

The plan! Running late but sounding great!

Right.

I'm still here dual wielding splints so my hands don't fall off (not really), but the plan remains the same, just starting a week or two later than I had imagined.

2020 will be the year of the triathlon... little, beginners triathlon.

The main target is the Inspire Super Sprint Triathlon which is scheduled for 17th May. It's short, I'd imagine I can do it on my hybrid bike and it feels unlikely I'll hurt myself or anything.

Let's not get carried away, I've not signed up yet (is it even open yet?). I don't even know how much it is, or how much extra stuff I'll need. But it's a goal. 

If I find myself miles ahead on training and all going well, I can look for an earlier one, but no later. This will be it. 400m in water, 10k on a bike and 2.5km running or something like that, it will be done.

I'll start working on targets once I get into training a bit, as I know I'm slow, but that's a broad term.

I also want to run a spring marathon. I am of course in the London ballot, but that's never going too happen, so once I've had my 'get stuffed' magazine, I'll probably sign up to Manchester. I like Manchester.

Tomorrow we (hopefully) begin again

Hello there!

It's been a while since I've posted here, but I feel like I'm about to start something new. A new challenge and this feels like something I'll have content on, while maybe before... I'd kind of run out of steam.

6 weeks or so ago I purchased something I'd been wanting for a while, it's been on my instagram it's...

The reason is I quite fancy a go at Triathlon (look I've changed the title of the blog). I'm a decent cyclist, but it'll need work. I'm an OK swimmer, but it'll need work, I've done some running, I suppose.

I started with a few small rides, then it must've been on ride 4 or so, commuting the short distance to work, the frame shook under me and the next thing I know a kind motorist and her son and picking me up off the road.

I managed to in total, break my hand, fracture my elbow, crack a couple ribs, bang my head and generally rough myself up. Mainly as it appears the front wheel wasn't fitted properly in the shop I bought it from. But that's an ongoing complaint so I won't go into that yet.

Tomorrow sees my return to the hospital and the pain I still get in various parts of my arms (mainly my right wrist) implies I may not be fully fixed yet, but there's a chance and I can get training again. As it's been weeks I can only dread how poor I'll be, but this feels like a good place to start my latest return from some kind of injury.

More tomorrow on what I'm planning to do as I don't want to get overly carried away then to find I've broken something else and am in plaster til I'm 40.

Race Report Greater Manchester Marathon

I haven't written anything in a while, mainly as I haven't done all that, or at least all that well. But one of my major goals for the year came up, the marathon. The aim? Sub 4:00.

I don't do many marathons (funnily enough) as chances are few and far between, so I was keen to make this count.

Prep was on and off, with some injury issues I mentioned before, some weekends and races lost to the snow, including a 20 miler which was to be a main warm up event. However I did manage a decent 21 mile run at a pace I didn't really expect to keep up (8:33 p/m).

Arrived at Manchester nice an early the day before, ate well, drank water, I was as set as I really could be I think.

The targets were simple, only 1 and it was make my finish time start with a 3. An 03, 30 hours would be a poor run. I sought out the 4 hour pacer, but it all looked quite busy (popular target, plus pacing celebrity Paul Addicott on duty), so with encouragement from the wife, I joined the wife I joined the back of the pen in front and thought I'd drift back at some stage.

The gun went, I of course didn't for some 6 minutes but we were underway, adrenaline peaked... it was time.

First 10k

Be sensible now, I thought over n over. 4:00:00 is about 9:09 a mile. So why am I doing more like 8:30... busy roads kept me in check a bit but I was ahead of target and creeping a little faster. Through it in 53:47, 4 hour target being 56:51 (even) - 3:14 up!

Up to half marathon

Continued feeling good, creeping a little faster maybe. This section felt a little more... inclined than I remembered and the actual half marathon point had moved, so changes had been made at some point. But still feeling comfortable and happy and creeping faster, I soldiered on reaching 21k in 1:52:02, 7:58 ahead of schedule, if schedule was even. As I expected to crash in the second half, I didn't think even would work.

To 30k!

...or a bit short of 20 miles if you will. 20 miles was when, in my head, the world would end and I'd be clinging on to life. Especially as it was around a county-ish bit (Carrington?) where I was pretty much defeated last time.

Mile 19 saw a frankly stupid 'challenge' to do a mile quicker than your average pace, which I managed it!

The  marker for 20 came up and I expected the worst, I was almost waiting for my body to give up, but it didn't. I still felt good and I pressed on... very aware only 10k to go.

Mile 24

OK things got a little rough here, but with only 2 miles left, I had the ability to 'dig in' and pretty much hold pace. The final straight is torture, You can see teh finish but you're still quite the way away... seems to go on forever... but then

Finished!

So, how did I do...

A negative split extravaganza of a time, 3:43! (1:52 - 1:51)

Very happy camper. I had far more stamina than I expected, I think I got fuelling right and the weather was awesome.

Can I retire now?

Next up is the 6 mile Parc Bryn Bach race then it's Ultra time!

Everything works!

Well I've been injured, I've been ill but today, after failing to run comfortably for almost 2 weeks, I got going again!

Sadly not in time for Gwent League which I missed last weekend, but plenty of races coming up!

I've been stretching, kind of like:


Only imagine a middle aged, overweight, graying bloke doing it for accuracy. This hurts a bit, but not like the sports massage did!

The weather felt warmer, I had a solid plan to stay flat, moderate pace/effort  and within easy reach of the car just in case everything went wrong and before I knew it it was 3 miles deep and headed down the Trevethick Trail, which isn't flat, but was fine.

It was a little further and maybe a little faster than I went for, I'll take it as a win, maybe I'll try something a bit faster over the weekend.

Route!


Main feeling on getting back to the car was relief, I've lots coming up and need to get the training done, or I'll have a very unpleasant time.

Right I'm off to stretch again

Sports Massage time!

My leg hasn't been right for a week now. I ran parkrun Saturday and it hurt, lots, so my time was crap.

I ran my club session Tuesday and midway through the 2nd rep (of 4 x300m, 500m, 1k) I knew I was done and hobbled my way looking sad back to the car.

Not practical while a) training for a marathon b) training for an ultra marathon and c) trying not to be fat.

So... today I ventured in to the relative unknown of a sports massage after receiving many recommendations for the same guy. Well, I've little doubt it's helped but, well I'll leave it to Captain Hammer there:

Ooof there were a few sore moments, but for the greater good and all that. Best part is he was relatively easily able to identify the problem as being in my glute/hip flexor and give me stretches to get it going long term.

I had muscles etc rubbed in places I didn't know I had anything and every one was sore! I'm fine now but am very aware (as he told me) I'll be sore tomorrow!

My knee has always been a bit of an issue and I really hope this will help me out going on. Downside at the moment is I've not run really all week, I won't be fit for parkrun tomorrow and it's 50/50 or so if I'll be fit for fixture 4 of the Gwent League in Pontypool Sunday.

I'll keep an eye on myself but not liking my chances.

Bigger picture time, think was a nice positive experience (tap me up for the recommendation, this guy was really good!) and long term I'll be better.

Onwards!

January review - First month down!

As well as the various time targets I've set myself this year, I also plan on running a grand total of 1,000 miles! Far more than I did last year but I think it's achievable.

Well today is the last day of the first month! To hit my 1000 mile target I should have at least covered 84 miles, to make up 1/12th of the overall distance. MATHS!

This month I ran 3 races (2 of which were parkrun so not really races) and ran on a total of 26 days from the 31, covering 114 miles and just under 7000ft of elevation!

Well ahead of schedule so far!

I ran 2 PB 's at:

5k -         was 21:05 now 20:50
8 Mile -  was 63:03 now 56:59

and hit 1 goal by going under 60:00 in the 8 mile race (Lliswerry!)

Somehow my Runbritain ranking handicap thing has dropped down to 8.8!

Overall happy with the month!

Post race - Lliswerry 8!

I like the Lliswerry 8, did I mention that?

It was my first race last year and I exceeded the expectations I set out for myself comfortably, it was my first race of this year and I'd upped my expectations, but happily I also managed to ease past them!

The route was different this year and I definitely preferred last years route, but it still presents a fairly flat, fairly fast 8 mile race through some fairly pretty scenery!

New experience this year as I placed myself in the sub-8 min/mile pen, as opposedto having to walk to the back like last. But honestly by the time it was time to go everyone had moved up.

Photo by Robert Gale on flickr

Started well, if a little fast and got through the first half well ahead of my 60 minute target. Downside being before the race I had felt a little pull of something in the front of my right leg, past half way I felt it a little more and wasn't 100% comfortable, but I don't think it cost me any time...

Carried on well under 7:30 a mile until hit the turn for the last mile, the encouragement was strong here and I kicked on and put in a good last mile back to around 7 mins, not that strava shows that as it messed up...

got passed on the final straight and wasn't having that, so broke with my plan of getting to the end sensibly and bolted the last 200 yards, but i got the place back...

So, how did I do?

Aim was A target of 58 mins, should do target of 60... I got...56:59!

Very happy, ran much better than even my 5k PB the other week. Onward and upwards now to my next race... which isn't til March on my own, but 2 team events in Feb!

Also means I can officially cross the first of my 2018 targets off!

Merthyr parkrun / Lliswerry 8 preview

It seems I'm in the midst of a busy weekend.

I like a run before a race, and this weekend sees me taking on the Lliswerry 8 in Newport Sunday. So I thought my few miles may as well be a gentle jaunt round my former stomping ground of Merthyr parkrun, run it in 23 or so... warmed up and checked everything works.

Problem is I never really committed to that and part of me was ready to go for it.... As a result I kind of caught myself sitting between the two (e.g. forcing myself to sit on one guys shoulder at a respectable but not fast pace, until I had a rush of blood and passed...)

I finished in 21:11 which is reasonable on a slowish course for 3rd place. 

I think I should be set up decently for Lliswerry.

I like this race, it was one of my favorites last year and I ran better than expected (63 mins) last time out. Tomorrow I'm hoping for an improvement, as there's little doubt I'm in better shape than I was at the time.

Hopefully I can go around 58, but my main target is 60 mins. That would be my first target of the year crossed off. Exciting times!

People of Newport, I will see you on the morrow!

'Race' Report - Penallta parkrun #131

I like Penallta parkrun. Of all the parkrun courses I've ever run (4) it may very well be my favourite, but I'd not run it in a while (just over a year) with my Merthyr exploits taking over and a lack of free Saturdays prior to that.

As a result, the course had missed my somewhat improved form of late, with my best round there being 23:47... in 2016. My last time out was 25:24... not sure where I was that day.

After recent failed attempts to run a parkrun (damn you ice!) I was determined to give it a crack and just about made it this morning, sadly this cut into my warm up, but still got some in. I got to the line, quick chat with Ian, one of the core team there and an all round nice guy, showed me the parkrun ropes back in the day, and I was ready to go.

The hopes were to definately improve that CR, and maybe get in the 21s so my parkrun course bests look more even. I kind of thought maybe sneak a PB as it is a little quicker course than Merthyr, but didn't build myself up as Nos Galan wasn't great and was probably faster again.

Started well, maybe a little fast and after the first k-ish I settled myself down to try and keep things even. There is a little climb, and my memory had let me down as I didn't realise how far it was along a section of the path, but I got up there then tried to use the down. All going well.

Round the top of the course I had a little flap, of course I did, I always do, convinced I had gone off to fast (maybe a little...) but I held it together uncharacteristically well! But morale boost when I hit the turn of the junior course as I suddenly knew, 1k to go, so built it up as best I could from there, ending with a borderline sprint to hold off a couple of people who were gaining.

Looked at the watch... 20:50...

Noooo, it can't be!

I've been faster on a treadmill of course, but in the 'real world' that would be a PB. Let's not get too excited... I'll wait for the real results.

Well it was...


Whoop PB!

15 seconds off and under 21 mins for the first time. 50 more second to go for my target. It's coming!

Running every day

So Run Every Day in January is a thing, and it's pretty much half way! Also, I've already failed after having a bit of knee soreness so missing a day to ensure I was fit for a Merthyr Half Marathon training run.

So far my month has looked like this:

So far it's taught me a few things, mainly:

• I need rest, I'm not that fit and running every day is hard. I've used shorter runs or runs with my daughter as kind of rests. Not every run has to be a long one!
• I'm strangely determined. I can get up and run, even a short way even when I really can't be bothered,
• I need more running kit, flying through the stuff running every day!

So far this month, it has pushed me a little further with a total of 61.9 miles, currently ahead of my 1000 mile for the year target! But after 2 weeks, let's not get excited!

Also, why do these things in January? I know it captures the new year, new me types and people setting off after big totals for the year, but equally it captures the darkest, coldest, least hospitable time of the year.

I think I'd do far better on a RED June challenge!

Inclusivity

Last night I had a bit of a rant on twitter after coming across a conversation which, p'd me off ever so slightly...

Some runners elitism makes my blood boil! Just cos I'm not running 2:45 for a marathon doesn't mean I don't deserve to be there. Anyone of that attitude following me, kindly stop now.

— Andrew Driscoll (@thatrunningguy_) January 9, 2018

Now, I think I've made my point there, also absolutely unprecedented levels of engagement! As it was all in agreement I think I've struck a nerve!

My point of view, as a slower runner myself, is clearly that everyone is a runner, yes at different paces but running a ten minute mile doesn't make you less of a runner than doing a 7 minute one. Races have become busier and busier since I began as the sport gained popularity, and apart from occasionally cursing someone I can't get passed (St Davids Day 10k 2017...) I think this is great.

More fitter people is great, bigger self supporting races is great (even though some events ramp up prices to take advantage I'm sure), the sport in which I participate becoming bigger and stronger... I'm on board!

However, there is a small minority who disagree. See slower runners as a waste of resources, think they're in the way, a waste of time.

Firstly, I stand by the point that everyone deserves a crack at any event they want. Secondly, I'd never get how these people are a bother to these swift (and 99% of the time anonymous on social media) runners, as they're behind them and they'd never see them...

I guess I just don't get some people, but remember, I've always thought a proper runner is someone who runs, regardless of pace.
We're all proper runners!

2017 - A review of stuff

2017 was a good running year I think. I had some disappointments, but I think they may have been caused by the increased expectations the rest of the year forced upon me.

Nos Galan being the prime example where I ran by 4th(ish?) best 5k time... ever and was disappointed I couldn't get under 21 mins on what I thought was a faster course than I'm used too. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Here's how I think I did:

Distance: Target was 650 miles and that was easily passed! Breakdown was:

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Monthly	78.8	71.6	77.4	45.3	71.9	56.6	78.4	53.3	76.3	71.3	77	44.3
Total		150.4	227.8	273.1	345	401.6	480	533.3	609.6	680.9	757.9	802.2

I'll call that a pass!

5k - New PB!

Was 22:14 - Now 21:05

Decent improvement, bit annoyed I couldn't get it down further at the end of the year as my best 3 times are all on the Merthyr parkrun course which, let's face it should not be a PB course. I thought Nos Galan was a chance but really struggled for form in the run up and only managed 21:17.

Still OK!

10k - New PB!

Was 48:11 - Now 44:15

Bigger improvement now I look at the numbers! Didn't realise! Set it in Swansea then went close again on a fairly tough Richard Burton course, so maybe a little more there. Not a distance that is my primary focus for time next year, although still keep an eye as the cross country is over roughly 10k!

Half Marathon - New PB!

Was 1:50:56 - Now 1:39:59

Probably my best improvement, actually setting a PB 3 times (Merthyr - Swansea - Cardiff) during the year. Cardiff last PB caught me a little by surprise to be honest, wasn't expecting to go (by the slightest margin) under 1:40. Maybe a bit more? Who knows.

Marathon

Was 4:09:32 - 2017 4:15:08

Not great this year, can't say I put 100% of the prep in and both attempts were awful ones (Tenby was really tough to be fair). This year I have one in Mancester (where I got my PB) and I will prep for 4 hours.

I can do it!

2018 targets

Overall I did ok last year I think, I covered 800 miles, set PB's at 5k, 10k, and Half Marathon and at 35 (years not stone) competed in Gwent League for the first time.

Didn't I look good...

I didn't do great though.

So, time to set some targets for 2018!! Yes this is the most bog standard blog post possible (along with the previous year review, which is coming) but... tough! I could make it more of a cliché and add some kind of inspirational quote here. That's too much even for me. so...

Distance 2017 803 miles 2018 1,000 miles

Step up from 650 too 800  this year, trying for 10000 (with training etc) next!

5km

Current PB 21:05 - Target 20:00

I'm off form, can't deny that, should have done better at Nos Galan last night but I didn't (21:17, 13th in fun run) so no point dwelling on it. Form will come and I am faster than the PB on a good course. If I work I want to get down to around 20, then next year, Nos Galan Elite! Better to come last in a great race than first in a bad one.

I think strength is the key here... must work harder in speed sessions.

10km

Current PB 44:15 - Target 43:00

Extension of the above really, probably came down further this year than I expected. But still more there. The 5k work will probably feed down the line and give me a bit more over 10k. Not so bothered about this distance this year really as there's longer things to worry about.

8 Mile

Current PB 1:03:?? - Target 1:00:00

Only do the one 8 mile but I feel an hour is achievable as even running like a bum I'm faster / fitter than this time last year. This will also be the one I get first swing at (except parkruns) as Lliswerry 8 is the day after my 36th birthday!

Half Marathon

Current 99:59 - Target 98:00

Wasn't expecting to go that fast last year... still can make some improvements I think, but not expecting much really.

Marathon

Current 4:09:?? - Target 4:00:00

I was awful over marathon last year, didn't really prepare well and paid the price. I do want to run a 4 hour marathon though and Come April I have a chance at my PB holding course (Manchester). Feeling confident and this time the work will go in.

Ultra (50km)

Current Not sure how much of a good idea this is - Target Finish

Follows on from Marathon and it's a whole new challenge, should be interesting.

Fair targets I think, if I'm honest the ones I really want are 5k and Marathon (two extremes!)

Bad two weeks, back on the horse

In some respects anyway! I did actually post here which is a positive, but as a negative, I didn't run.

First there was a bit of a sickness bug...

Then there was the snow...

Then there was the ice...

I have a full on list of excuses, none of them help really.

Monday saw me break the two week streak of relative inactivity with a quick run after work. Two weeks is a long time not to run it turns out. I was awful, had heartburn from about a mile in and am still confused about how I didn't end up blowing chunks into the side of the road.



Not exactly my finest moment.. But on I press, same as I always do, into last nights club session. Never easy these and I don't feel I was running well at all but I think it'll get me back onto some kind of track.

The session consisted of 16 x 45 second efforts with a 1 min between. After 8 we also had a 1/2 mile lap... rest.

I felt slower than I should be and I kind of tired during the session, but it got done and there are only benefits to that. Been really enjoying running with Aberdare this year and I'm clearly fitter than I was, so it's been a positive experience all round!

Come Saturday I'll be hitting up Penallta parkrun to have a swing at a decent 5k time. Not expecting a PB, even though it is a faster course than Merthyr, just want to get ready to have a good run at Nos Galan on New Years Eve.

Hoping to try a few new parkruns over the next couple of months, as my association with Merthyr parkrun came to a unceremonious end last week, freeing me up to try. I plan on hitting Ponty at some point, I'm told Swansea Bay is fast too...

I'm just past 10 miles for the week, plus I'll probably run Thursday, much better stuff. Feeling quietly confident about 2018 at the moment, new challenges (the Ultra!) await.

I had an Ultra good idea!

I shared my idea to upgrade my long distance races from Marathon to Ultra in my last post. It was an idea, quite possibly a bad one, but an idea regardless.

Well it is an idea no longer, it is a thing, a thing that is happening... on May 6th in the lovely surroundings of Pembrey I will be running the 50km version of...

For the record I didn't pay £28...

I went to St Illtyds school, this is St Illtyds race, it's written in the stars!!

I should be building up to it quite nicely, Jan will see me peak (in races) at 8 miles (Lliswerry), Up to a half marathon in March (Merthyr), Full in April (Manchester) then May comes around!

I'm a bit sparse for Feb...

I've had a quiet week n a half as I've had a unwell belly and then the snow and ice came and I'm not fancying breaking a leg. I have an Ultra coming up you know.

In other news I'm RD for parkrun this week, so if anyone wants to come and swell Merthyr's frankly poor numbers you're very welcome. We're also short of volunteers... hit me up!

It's been a while...

I've been busy!

Luckily including busy running. Fairly normal service will resume I'm sure.

Now, what this about, could be many things, but for now I'll stick to... cross country!

I'm a lousy trail runner, I've said this many times before, so by extension I'm a pretty lousy XC runner. I'm not great on tarmac either, but getting better...

However, as a part of my club I've been running in the Gwent Cross Country league. Dragging my oversized gut through mud in several very nice locations.

Firstly was to our fair capital city, Cardiff, in particular Llandaff Fields. I didn't really know what to expect, I thought the standard would be monstrously high and I was right. Regardless, I strapped on my new-from-ebay spikes and off I went. It was tough, very tough but I ran quite well and it was over before I really realised. It was fun! Now my score was counting towards the Aberdare D (maybe Even E?) team, so I wasn't setting the world alight. But it was a start.

Next it was on to Brecon and much tougher heavy conditions, however I improved my finish place by quite a few places (less people there maybe) and was lapped by Dewi Griffiths...



Didn't run so well after a busy schedule really but it was ok. Tough but good day in the office.

Finally (more to come) was a longish drive to Pembrey Country Park, and by far the best conditions so far. Sandy climbs weren't the easiest but I got my highest placing to date, which is the kind of progression I can track. Wasn't feeling 100% well either so, all good!



The moral of the story I suppose is, try something new, you may enjoy it.

With that in mind, my 2018 races will hopefully include my first Ultra... only slightly further than a marathon, but baby steps.

No London Baby!

Wait, what's this? I have an email... off no-reply@London.... oh balls.

I have now received confirmation, for the 6th(ish?) successive yea I have been unsuccessful in my ballot application to the London Marathon.

The ballot receives too many applications to be a realistic shout anyway, the system needs reviewing badly, as unless I come 14th on Big Brother or something so get given a place, manage to raise more money than I've ever managed in my entire life or take over an hour off my PB, I'm never running that race.

However, this will not get me down! I'm now planning a return trip to Manchester to redo my first ever marathon, which is also still my PB.

I'll get on that tonight!

There's also apparently a Newport one next year. I've never been a fan of the half (only done it once, no training, didn't enjoy) so I think Manc is the future.

Manchester baby!