Ultra training

3 weeks into my 16 week training plan for the Highland fling ultra marathon and all is going well. Two quality sessions at the club per week and back to back long runs at the weekend with some sort ones in-between mean I'm on schedule. The long runs are going to get longer. Need to read up on nutrition and what to plan for during the race.
I'm really enjoying the club sessions, especially the track. I'm maintaing some speed but it's a shame it's out of action at the moment with all the white stuff coming down recently.
I should probably get a race in soon before my form plummets!

Not even going to mention a certain football club performing like an already relegated team. Surely not....

Looking forward to a long run tomorrow, like running on candy floss! Hope it doesn't freeze overnight.

Chapel wood (19/01/2013)

Hillforts and Headaches 1st January 2013, 3 miles, 1020'

Had a grand New Year's day race this morning over in Rothbury at the Hillforts and Headaches annual race.

A bit of a breezy affair with a definite cold snap in the air so I was expecting to get a battering on the top.

I checked in at registration in the Newcastle Hotel and passed over 4 groats for the pleasure. A couple of miles warm up on part of the route helped loosen the legs and acclimatise to the hills somewhat.

We set off at a steady pace which was most welcome as I have a tendency to shoot off and spend all my energy early doors. I moved up the field concentrating on my own running and not worrying about other runners. I felt quite good and maintained my position after the first mile right through to the end.

It was blowing a hoolie on top but I was well chuffed with a 7th place finish winning me a bottle of ale. Now that's a proper prize! A great start to the year, have a good one!

2012 summary

STATS FOR THE YEAR OF 2012 FOR ALL YOU GEEKS OUT THERE

January - 209 miles, 3,986ft
February - 219 miles, 18,502ft
March - 237 miles, 21,910 ft
April - 168 miles, 18,856ft
May - 191 miles, 19,733 ft
June - 74 miles, 3,889 ft, INJURED!
July - 200 miles, 7,841ft
August - 181 miles, 12,367ft
September - 210 miles, 11,831ft
October - 163 miles, 6,509ft
November - 62 miles, 4,293ft, INJURED!
December - 202 miles, 10,126ft

Total - 2,115 miles, 139,840ft

Big year in 2013, glad to see the back of 2012 - Happy New Year!

Lakeland 50 recce, Ambleside to Coniston

Had a cracking day yesterday (23rd Dec) over in the Lake District meandering around the Ambleside to Coniston section of the Lakeland 50 race. This is the last 15 or so miles of the route and takes in Elterwater, Chapel Stile and Tilberthwaite also through Little Langdale. A combined climb of around 3,000 feet.

Bearing in mind that 35 miles would have been trodden when leaving the Ambleside checkpoint, this is going to be a hellish race. The terrain is akin to the Borrowdale fell race so the feet are going to be battered for much it. A wise choice of footwear will have to be mulled over, x-talon's for an ultra?? Doubtful

We set off from a dry Ambleside at around 9am using the published road book which I have to say was very descriptive and an essential tool. There are a few tough climbs along the way which will not be welcome come race day. It has put me off even considering doing the 100 one year (for now!).

The weather remained dry throughout although blowing a hoolie on the tops.

Final descent to Coniston

We returned to Ambleside via the road route as it was more direct. In total we covered over 23 miles. A welcome pit stop at the cafe above Lakes Runner for a pint of tea and some sugar before the drive home. Cheers JM!

Looking forward to the next recce. Aiming for the Hillforts and Headaches race on New Year's day. Approx 16 weeks to go until the Highland Fling. Can't wait.

Best foot forward

I'm back running again after a two week break to rejuvenate and to allow a few niggles to settle down. I took this decision so I would be ready and raring to go when my Highland Fling training plan kicks in at the end of December. 16 weeks of training building up to my first ultra marathon. I'm really looking forward to it, something new and something which I know will be tough but fulfilling (and thinking of the long term goal of course!).

During my two weeks off I did a little cycling but nothing too strenuous, kind of got used to doing nothing really. It was a good decision as now I'm recharged and focussed on the job in hand. I'm going to make sure I build up slowly as I'm pretty fed up of setbacks this year. Back to the club on Thursday for a track session, should be interesting and tough!

Hoping to do a recce of the Lakes 50 around the weekend of the 22nd December, should be a good day out.

Skiddaw bimble 3,000', 9.64 miles

Headed over to the Lake district on Sunday for a bit of a jaunt up Skiddaw. Picked a perfect day for it as the pictures will reveal!

Could have stayed up there all day!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62513996@N02/sets/72157631928045880/

Sunday jaunt

Had a great run in the Northumberland countryside today starting from Thrunton Woods car park. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Clear blue skies as far as the eye could see. A few bogs to negotiate but inspiring views in all directions. Makes you feel proud to have it on your doorstep.

Ended up doing around 10.7 miles with just short of 1700' of ascent. Magic.