The Adventures of Runningbear

Still Here...

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:17:00 +0000

...alive and kicking but very busy selling and buying houses. The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of selling then not selling, buying then not buying and not much running has featured either. Anyway, I'll not jinx our plans by sharing specific news of our fab new pad just yet as there's a bit further to go before it's in the bag. For now we're whiling away weekends pondering the costs of rewiring and deciding what kind of survey to go for. Exciting stuff of course but no running adventures to report. I'm now growing a curly wurly belly. The new place is however a fab spot for runners and will hopefully feature in 2012 blog pics. It's funny how you know a place is home as soon as you walk through the door.

P.S. That's M upstairs.
P.P.S As you can see, the roof needs a bit of work.

CurlyWurly Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Ampleforth 7 was the second race in as many weeks after what seems like yonks off from proper racing. The combination of a gammy leg and new-job-syndrome have taken their toll this summer. [That and being trapped in a Chewy Soft Chocolate Heaven; I've now developed a CurlyWurly dependency having rediscovered the childhood treat at a garage en route to work]. But, the cross country last week brought home the realisation that there's no more time for excuses and some serious training and racing is needed. This tidy and low key race was another chance to toughen up this ageing boot and get some hard tempo miles in the legs.

The drive over took us past the beautiful Byland Abbey. There was much quaintness to be seen roadside as we ambled our way north for a very civilised lunchtime start. The trail race starts in the grounds of the great Ampleforth college; a famously posh school with expansive grounds and sports fields to die for. The course undulates around the forest overlooking Yearsley and offered little respite as we scrambled doggedly up the trails and stumbled the muddy descents. The course took us up and down, right and left, mostly on foot but sometimes on butt - the aptly name 'chute' descent spat many of the more tentative footed out in a soggy heap at the bottom.

Byland Abbey

I ran hard if not very fast, enough to call it a tempo effort and sufficient to win the ladies race and place 5th overall in a smallish field. M finished a place in front, leading the field for parts of the race but feeling a bit too tired and heavy legged to keep up the pace of the earlier miles. The race was a welcome break from the usual Sunday long run. The drop in mileage provided a timely ease down before a return to some hard miles again this week. I've now entered a few more events; encouraged that the racing pain will dull as the weeks go by. I'm starting to enjoy the mud, the rain and the wind again. Hello autumn!

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	7M @ EASY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 12X400M
WEDNESDAY	REST	7M @ STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	5M @ STEADY
FRIDAY	REST	5M @ RECOVERY
SATURDAY	REST	5M WITH STRIDES
SUNDAY	RACE: 7M TRAIL	REST
	WEEKLY TOTAL	50 MILES

The Adventures of Runningsnail

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:24:00 +0000

What a scorcher of a week! It's been all shorts and sunnies on school nights; running each evening in brilliant October sunshine. Another healthy training week has been had leading to yesterday's tentative return to racing. It was a painful day out for this Runningbear.

I've been putting it off for weeks but slowly ran out of excuses and just had to face up to the racing facts; I'm a slow and slobby Runningsnail. Yesterday was when the truth hit home at the Northern Athletics XC relays. The event was a confusing mixture of County Vets and Northern open teams - a fact only announced this week which led to a last minute kerfuffle and Bingley ladies scraping just one team in the V35 category. The boys (including M) had a fine V40 team also competing in the Yorkshire Vets Champs.

The event at Graves Park, Sheffield was my first effort at jumping back on the racing horse after a rubbish summer of injury and eating too much pie. It was also a rather long drive for the sake of a 2 mile race. Yes you read that right; a 2 mile race! I've never run such a short race as a grown up. The one lap route seemed to involve one very very long hill with a bit of downhill at the start and finish. This course really should be reserved for youngsters only... I'm still coming to terms with how slow I was. We finished second V35 ladies and won a small silver & plastic thingy. M's team mirrored our success as second V40 team, stealing Steve's prize (had he been running for a Yorkshire club!). Results here.

It's a funny thing coming back from injury. Though in my head I know I'm off my best and the racing is about getting fitness back, I still walk away from these things torturing myself about my crap time/position/pace. It's daft I know but hard to change the internal hand wringing. I'm now trying to deftly convert this said mental torture energy into Runningbear rocket fuel. I've some way to go before race fitness returns and remain a flabby, untrained Runningsnail with a soft underbelly. I've yet to build back the roughty-toughty shell that grows with the grit of some hard racing. So the adventures of Runningsnail continue for now... it's race #2 at the Ampleforth 7M next week. Wish me luck!

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	8M @ EASY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 12X400M
WEDNESDAY	REST	MID LONG RUN: 12M @ STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	8M @ STEADY
FRIDAY	REST	4M @ RECOVERY
SATURDAY	RACE: 2M YVXC RELAY	5M @ EASY
SUNDAY	LONG RUN: 18M @ STEADY	REST
	WEEKLY TOTAL	70 MILES

Fluid & Free

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:50:00 +0000

So it's Sunday night and I've just about managed to peel myself off the sofa to blog for a bit after a weekend of eating and training. There's been a bit too much wine and pie consumed and a fair amount of post-run-lolling in front of the telly. I've revelled in the afterglow of some good sessions; training is feeling less painful as the legs get used to the longer runs and the odd bits of tempo thrown in. I'm still slow but happily battling to get fit with a training plan under my arm and my mojo back in my knapsack. These training weeks are whizzing by...

After what feels to have been another reasonably productive running week of logging good miles I'm a step nearer to sustaining and holding a 70 mile week. After that the focus will be building more quality on the track and roads with a regular sprinkling of races. All being well I can start to think about a marathon schedule for the new year and a stab at a new PB in April.

For now I'm determined these rep times will shed a few seconds each week as I clamber back towards those heady days when even monster 1k rep sessions felt fluid and free.

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	8M STEADY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 8x600M
WEDNESDAY	REST	8M STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	12M BRISK
FRIDAY	REST	4M EASY
SATURDAY	SPEED: 8X200M	REST
SUNDAY	17M (6M TEMPO)	REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE:	64 MILES

Into the Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:33:00 +0000

It's so good to be able to report that this Runningbear's training mojo is back. It seems so long since I've enjoyed my running quite in this way; I know this because I've started looking forward to those extra tough training days [as opposed to feeling a quiet dread at the thought of a track session - a sad feature for much of this year]. Perhaps that's a feeling only other runners understand? It seems to puzzle many a work colleague that I might be motivated to work my legs and lungs into mincemeat on a damp dark night after a long, tough day at the office. It probably also says a lot about my psyche, but it's true as much as some might think it odd. Sitting in watching Eastenders on a Tuesday night ...eek.

For the anorak types out there I'm slowly returning to a former training routine of Tuesday night on the track, Thursday night tempo run and then a long weekend run, with plenty of steady running sprinkles in between. I plan to slot in something short and speedy the odd Saturday morning but for now I'm taking my time to build up the miles and get these old pins eased back gently into some faster running. No injury niggles (touch wood) makes for some satisfying sessions.

I've lost a fair bit of speed endurance and hate to think what kind of time I'd manage around a 5k course. It's a bit depressing to think of the chasm in my rep times compared to last summer... I'm quietly telling myself it'll come with patience and consistency. I'm dipping in to the odd XC relay in the next few weeks; here's hoping the Bingley team captain isn't expecting too much from this old croc.

Having the North of England team event at the Great South Run is proving to be a perfect focus though and a helpful milestone for feedback to plan training through to the spring. I'm now six training weeks away from what could be a very tough day but it'll give me a measure of the work to do this winter and keep my eyes on the ball for a marathon next April. Which marathon is still to be decided. London could be great but also slightly too big and scary. I've been intrigued by the return of the Greater Manchester event next year; a flat and fast course according to the race information. I might even persuade a few work colleagues to come along for the ride...happy running to all. RB.

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	REST
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: LADDER
WEDNESDAY	REST	8M STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	12M HILLY
FRIDAY	REST	5M EASY
SATURDAY	9M TRAIL	4M RECOVERY
SUNDAY	17M (6M TEMPO)	REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE:	64 MILES

Bouncing Back

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 08:06:00 +0000

So it seems that I've written countless blogs in the last year threatening a comeback to some kind of fitness and racing plan. Sorry for the repetition readers. A mix of all sorts seems to have delayed me but after a bit of twiddling of spreadsheets and race planning I'm starting to feel very focused and race hungry again. Unfortunately I'm some way off what I'd describe as race fitness and also have a few pounds to lose, but I'm actually feel up for it in a way that I haven't felt for a while. This week is the first for some months that I've actually run every day.

After a call this week from the North of England team manager I've now got a nice target race to work towards; the Great South Run. A ten miler is a nice distance to work towards in 8 weeks and will help focus the mind. After that I'm thinking a fast half marathon in early 2012 and a spring marathon to capitalise on whatever speed I've gained. Does it sounds like a plan? In the meantime I've a few mini races to look for to pepper the schedule with some hard training runs. What would we do without Mr Schofield? The cross countries should serve me well; a bit of lung-bursting speed on the odd Saturday to remind me of the pains of racing. It's been some months since I last donned a club vest and it's all a bit scary. Today, a 16 mile tempo sandwich. I'm quite looking forward to it...

Show Time

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:19:00 +0000

It’s a bit shocking to realise that it’s been a whole month since my last blog; where does the time go? There’s been so little play time this last month that I’ve been only minimally aware of injury time and the absence of running. Quite a confession from such a running nut I know. The big job and commuting and all the new stuff to learn has tired me out. I’ve even been wondering whether Runningbear’s blog deserves continued attention. I’m not making any rash decisions yet and hope that over the coming months real life starts to feel more manageable and the blogging mojo hopefully returns. I think maybe I work too much...

For now, a Runningbear update. I am running! I even managed a rather tough 15 with a few mile efforts yesterday (and gave M a run for his money). The Achilles ‘sheath’ is seemingly okay and has coped with a bit of speed work this week too. I’m a few pounds heavier and a bit sad to have missed my favourite races again this year; Burnsall 10 most of all. But I’m also kind of mentally refreshed and thinking excited thoughts about the cross country season and possibly a half marathon PB in January. So the running break can’t have been that bad.

In the mean time M & I have been contemplating a house move. We’re house hunting in various spots but there’s not much about of what we’re after; something small but secluded. To inspire ourselves we returned to one of our favourite places this weekend for the show. What a lovely day it was. Latest idea is we're thinking of escaping the rat race to become Alpaca farmers... Hope you enjoy the pics.

All Dressed Up & Nowhere To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Okay so here's my news. The new job started. Tomorrow will be the start of week 4. I'm just about starting to remember some names. I can now find my way to work without relying on the Tom Tom and I'm suffering less from face ache caused by my inane smiling at all the new work people.

The job is great; exciting, challenging. The commute is bearable on good days; a pain the rest of the time. And I'm so tired from it all I can barely sit on the sofa beside M and watch telly beyond the watershed without my head drooping and droolcicles forming at the corner of my mouth. This would all be fine if I was still running to keep me sane.

After weeks and weeks of slog trying to bounce back from the post marathon break I've only gone and got myself an injury. The kind that's more than a niggle. I've been so fed up I couldn't face blogging, blipping or any constructive activity at all. I seem to have spent most nights (that's the 30 minutes between getting home from work and going to bed) gobbling biscuits and watching trash TV. I'm now chubby and unfit.

I understand from Mike the magician (physio) that it's an Achilles 'sheath' problem. No major rupture just a niggling-won't-go-away thing that has left me bereft. At the time when I really needed mind-emptying, lung-bursting, physical exercise I've instead been forced to sit on the sidelines feeling sorry for myself. Recent world events have forced some perspective taking but I still can't seem to shift the flat, lifeless feeling having spent another sunny weekend with my trainers parked up. So, after three weeks of moping (and limping) I'm writing to report on my whereabouts and to say sorry for being such a fair weather blogger.

21 Again

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:42:00 +0000

I'm back briefly to blogging (hello!) after weeks of winding up an old job and preparing for a new work life. The holiday in the mountains seems light years away, having since smuggled in 4 tidy track sessions and an introduction to drills since then. Ouch, my glutes are still smarting.

But my leaving do last week has allowed some thoughts of the future, including a return to thinking about running and planning ahead. I've been told by an acquaintance at the track that I need a three year plan. He was probably right. My head just hasn't been in my running of late with everything else that's been going on; the Runningbear mojo has been on holiday.

I'd set myself up for another marathon later in the year, Chester maybe. But I'm now beginning to wonder if this is wise, particularly in the first three months of starting a new and challenging job. I've wondered if a focus on building some speed for a good half in the autumn would be better prep for a fast marathon next year. No decisions as yet but I've yet to feel marathon training hungry.

I'm keep my options open for now including a steady 21 on the trails today, a long run in the rain to start burning off some of that Austrian kuchen! This last week finishing off has been hectic, so much so I've still not downloaded the holiday pics. A poor show I know but starting Monday it'll be just one job. I'll be the new girl tomorrow; all shiny shoes and a fresh hair cut. Hope I make some new friends in Manchester. Wish me luck.

Hello Mayrhofen!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:16:00 +0000

We arrived safely in the Alps at lunchtime yesterday welcomed by glorious sunshine and the most incredible mountain views. We dumped bags, donned trainers and dashed out for our first run at altitude in 28 degree heat...the 9 miles jog felt more like a brisk 18.

A good sleep and a few wursts later and we set out for some high rise fun this morning, starting with a cable car ride up the nearest peak. Less Runningbear and more quivering bear we traversed the Zillertal dangling in our wee tin box, climbing 6000 feet for lunch above the clouds and the rain.

M is in heaven; sausage is on the menu everywhere and I have to say the Austrian cake is keeping this Runningbear pretty happy too. Another 12 miles of steady running in the valley tonight before another telly free evening with a beer and a good book. Bliss.
@~@~Sent from my BlackBerry~@~@

Bye England

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:24:00 +0000

A crazy week of getting ready for holidays ended this morning with a 3.45am alarm and a drive in grey drizzle to Manchester to fly away to the mountains. Trainers and camera all packed; we're more than ready for the break. We'll be back in a week, bye England...

@~@~Sent from my BlackBerry~@~@

Record Breakers: Millennium Way Relay 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:59:00 +0000

A weekend jumping back on the training horse included plans for some big mileage to round up this week; a smell-the-roses Sunday run to kick off a return to marathon prep. However, such fine plans went to pot on Friday night with a late call up from the club for the Millennium Way Relay team. I'd decided to pass this year, what with a month of long runs to catch up on. But this was not just just any relay team. This was the Bingley Open Team. This was the proper Bingley men/blokes/fellas/male team. Yikes.


Will: that's not mascara he's wearing. He swallowed a bit too.

Last minute injuries led to a gap in team pairings and an unexpected invite to step in and help the boys out. How could I refuse?! M can be very persuasive... I joined the boys to run leg 3, paired with M over an 8 mile leg of undulating off-road running, from Laycock to Silsden. The heat was on!

Excluding the addition of Runningbear, the team was impressive. My knees knocked at news of the team sheet with thoughts of fell running legends Andy Peace and Ian Holmes handing over the relay baton to little old me; this is the stuff of running dreams... a true running career highlight it has to be said (am still hoping someone caught it on camera!). In fact I'm sure I spotted a few double takes as M and I sauntered up for registration. Being mistaken for a mixed team I enjoyed a wee ripple of smugness I have to admit. (I might have even swaggered a bit).

The hanging around at the hand-over was torture; visions of picking up a lead from Andy and Ian and throwing away the race to the chasing teams was pressure enough without even thinking about what competition faced us on the leg. No scarily fast types were spotted though and somehow we kept our cool. Soon we spotted Ian running in like a train and Andy on his shoulder. M and I were off, me with jelly legs at the occasion of it all.

I ran my heart out, trying to hang on to M who was truly motoring. Not knowing what lead we had and fearing we'd soon be caught by the chasing teams; it was mental torture. We flew across the early climbs and hammered down the descents, slowing only for an excited sheep dog who abandoned his owner and mistook us for his flock for a quarter mile. The heel snapping and path weaving caused me an ankle twist and a near race-fatal tumble but we eventually lost the excitable pup at a stile. We pressed on through the valley, crossing the Aire with ease. Luck was on our side at the road crossings and we were on the final miles of the leg with no other teams in sight.

M was a star and showed his fitness, managing all the gate openings and taking on bum pushing duties as I scrambled up the final climbs. He was a patient partner and got me through the rough bits until we hit the final 2 miles when I had a final Runningbear burst for the finish. We arrived at the hand-over with a fine lead. 12 minutes in fact, doubling our 6 minute lead from leg 2 and finishing as fastest pair overall for leg 3; also setting a new all-time leg record! It was flippin' brilliant stuff.

No. 1 and no lie; it's in black & white!

Final results saw Bingley boys (and a girl) finish in first place by 24 minutes, including four fastest legs out of 5, two leg records, and an overall course relay record by 2 minutes. We had a storming race despite missing some of our fast boys. An unexpected but spectacular day out. We came home with trophies, prizes and great memories for me of being a boy for the day. Relay results here.

Wharfedale Half Marathon 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Pics courtesy of D Brett: http://www.photos-dsb.co.uk/WORM/index.html

Back to blogging albeit briefly in between Runningbear life, which incidentally feels like a vortex of work, training and trying to eat and sleep in between! I'm a bit late in reporting on our run around the wonderful Wharfedale Half Marathon last weekend. This fine off road race offers some of the most beautiful countryside running a Runningbear can get. M and I both ran our muddy socks off in beautiful but very blustery conditions.The route sets out from Threshfield Rugby club and follows very runnable trails including the Dales Way, the Monks Road and the long and slightly painful climb up Mastiles Lane.

Pics courtesy of D Brett: http://www.photos-dsb.co.uk/WORM/index.html

The summer is all about this kinda stuff; less obsessing about race times and PBs, just great running in summer weather enjoying some of our most beautiful countryside. I love this race, the route is well planned, the event well organised with the perfect cafe menu at the club house finish (for those that like to indulge in a chip butty or a generous slice of Victoria sponge post race!) Unfortunately, I'm never quite prepared for the hammering my quads seem to suffer from the descents and have hobbled my way around training earlier this week.

Building on his continued awesome form and trashing me yet again in another race, M finished second male in the open race, knocking nearly 4 minutes off his race time from last year. He is flying. Some of the other leading male runners suffered some unfortunate navigational errors which assisted me in swooping into the third spot in the open race and first lady by a healthy margin. I beat my previous course record by 2 minutes despite the windy conditions and received a very fine and generous Black Sheep hamper for my hard work. I'm now quite tempted by the full Marathon next year and that course record is looking tasty. Even M seems quite tempted for his debut at the distance. Watch this space... Results here. News report here. Race report here.

Small News

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:48:00 +0000

After sampling the delights of the beautiful new running track at Keighley and revelling in the fresh, new and very bouncy running surface my training has taken a bit of a back seat this last fortnight. That goes for blogging and blipping too ...

Another promotion opportunity at work came along unexpectedly, all at very short notice and demanding lots of nervous energy and attention. The very long and complicated application went in on Friday 13th, assessment centre was then endured on the very same day as my birthday, Monday 23rd and then bam! Shock job offer on 25th. It's all been a bit unexpected really and not much time for thinking in between. I'm very chuffed though and am now planning for my job move to Greater Manchester with very little time to hand over the old one in West Yorkshire. In between I'm planning my next marathon effort in October and trying to squeeze some training in. To add to the excitement, M and I have just booked our first proper holiday in years. I'm so excited! A week's trip to Austria in June with mountains, lakes, lots of trail running and plenty of fine pastries for me and German sausage for M. It's gonna be bliss. Life should calm down soon. (I'm the one in the frock).

P.s. to any local runners fancying a session on the new Keighley track - you can use the new facilities from 6.30pm Tuesday & Thursdays for a small fee of £2. John Dennis is your man to contact for more information: sportjohn@blueyonder.co.uk.

Big News!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:14:00 +0000

This Saturday 14th May sees the grand and official opening of the fantastic new facilities at the University Academy Keighley. The athletics track and associated sports facilities will be unveiled at the newly-built University Academy, Greenhead Road, Keighley. The day has been organised by students from Leeds Metropolitan University as part of their Sports Business and Sports Development degree course, in conjunction with Keighley & Craven Athletic Club and UKA.

A wide range of activities and opportunities are planned from 11am to 3pm and will give athletes a chance to look around the facilities, culminating in the official opening of the track by Mrs Angela Woodcock, whose late husband John was such an inspiration and driving force behind athletics in the Keighley and Bradford area before his untimely death from cancer in 2006. John would have been delighted to see the fabulous facilities that have now, after many years of hard work been developed in perfect time for the lead up to London 2012 and the legacy beyond.

Keighley is now a real centre for ongoing high quality sports development for all standards and abilities and the future looks very bright indeed. If you're local (or even if you're not!) get down to Keighley on Saturday. I'll definitely be there ogling the new track along with M to celebrate the arrival of some top notch facilities at long last. In the meantime pass on the news round your networks to kick off the summer athletcis season in style... hope to see you there.

Thirsky Work

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 07 May 2011 08:33:00 +0000

What a joy it was to be back running in the Harrogate summer league this week. It's been 3 years (at least) since M and I stepped out for this summer race series; a very sociable set of evening races comprising of 5-6 miles along road and trail followed by a summer supper. Each race is hosted by a participating Yorkshire club in the Harrogate district and includes a fine sandwich and cake spread to aid runners with post race refuelling after a long day at work. It was great to be back, these events were my introduction to road running and racing with Ilkley Harriers six years ago; check out my first ever result.

This first event of 2011 was hosted by Thirsk and Sowerby. Though a bit of a trek for some, it was well worth the trip up north. The mad dash from work via Leeds to collect M lacked the usual relaxed pre-race prep, as did the drive up the A1 through the downpour. It's moments like these I wonder what on earth I'm doing; dashing from work to race 6 miles in the pouring rain. There were a few sideways glances from colleagues when I answered polite questions about my evening plans. They think I'm slightly mental. In any case, as is the way with these things, I was really glad we made it. The rain freshened up the air and had eased off to a light drizzle once we got to the race start. The field was a fine, scattered rainbow of club vests, peppered with lots of old friends and running chums, some I've not seen in absolutely ages.

Our own club is not a participating member of the league so we both opted to join up with friends' clubs, second claim. M ran for Dragons, alongside good mate Tricky (a Dragons celebrity and featured on their site!). As you can see M's sporting his new Dragons vest proudly (as I shiver from the back of the car like a big wuss). This was my debut race for Otley AC, a fine local club full of lovely folk that I've got to know in recent years. It's the club I nearly joined as a new runner a few years ago, (though they've got women in the club nowadays thank goodness!).

The race itself was bit of a shock; 6 miles being a bit shorter than my recent adventures. The faster pace on the back of a return to some proper training this week all felt a bit too much for the legs. After a very cautious start I managed to keep working my way through the field and after a couple of miles the first lady was in sight. I edged to her side eventually and we ran a fine race together; working hard on each other's shoulders (especially me when Charlotte dropped me like a bag of spuds on the bobbly grass tracks - I was useless).

This has got to be the most exciting race I've run for years and I loved every minute! The final half mile came around so quickly not knowing the course and with a short push on to the finish I managed to rob the win with only a couple of seconds to spare. Rob G of Wetherby was also by our side in the final miles, pushing hard but no doubt still feeling his run at John Carr this week. Either that or his mid race chat tired him out, (how do you do that Rob?!). Thank you to Charlotte S for making me work hard and for being such a fine and gutsy competitor.

M had a great race, he was barely in my sights from early on, pressing on with his go-faster knee socks and new T7s. He worked well to take 15th position overall, closely followed by Tricky who ran amazingly after his fine run at London and not yet three weeks gone. Our respective clubs enjoyed fine performances given the trek for many members. Otley ladies finished second team overall, with us lady vets taking first position. Results here, pics here.

Next Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:01:00 +0000

It's now three whole weeks since M day and only blissful, unstructured, smell-the-roses kind of running has followed. It's been a perfect post marathon recovery break with endless sunshine, cool breezes and clear days to amble about the Dales in shorts and sunnies with no sessions to worry about or mileage to reach. I've been truly lazy, eaten too much, slept late but am now feeling race hungry and ready to plan my next marathon.

This last week I've tinkered with training plans, dabbled with race entries and today was my first official day back to proper training. It marks the last of 11 days off work; a blogging and training free few weeks and I'm feeling kind of refreshed, though also a bit spacey at the thought of being back working in an office tomorrow.

I've now a second marathon planned for October with lots of time in between to do all the fun stuff over the summer, kicking off with the postponed treat of the Calderdale Way Relay this weekend. We dared not risk racing without a good recce and this is my first time on Leg 4; a real beauty of a route from Blackshaw Head to Wainstalls.

The 9 mile run was slow and relaxed and gave plenty of time to admire the magnificent, and lush Calder Valley. Once upon a time this place was home and it felt wonderful to be back running across the sweeping moors with the wind in my pigtails and warm sun on my legs. It was a pure delight filled with nuggets of teenage nostalgia.

This week also sees a return to the much loved Harrogate League; a summer race series starting this Thursday. The race diary is brimming with summer race delights; I'm just not sure when I'll fit all the marathon training in.

Fame

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:27:00 +0000

I'm famous, (well sort of)! At least amongst the select few who thumb the Ilkley Gazette & Observer each Thursday. Another one for the scrap book, (I don't photograph well).

I'm back on my running feet and feeling suprisingly niggle free since Sunday's efforts. A day off from running on Monday has been followed by light and easy running to get the legs turning over. It's been lovely to have no targets, sessions or mileage to hit; just plain, easy, blissful running for a couple of weeks at least. It's shorts and sunnies time and I'm properly enjoying it.

More importantly, best wishes to fellow bloggers and running mates out there who are taking on London this Sunday. I can't wait to hear news of all that winter training paying off. We're gonna see some fine times this year I know it. Go for it guys, do some damage to those PBs!

Debut

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:13:00 +0000

So, I did it. I've really gone and run a marathon. Raced a marathon even. It's now slowly starting to sink in that it's really all over. And I think it's got to be one of the hardest things I've ever done.

Arrangements over the weekend went swimmingly. The drive up was trouble free with a stop off at Tebay for some motorway fare overlooking the Howgills (spookily at the same time as fellow blogger AMcD). We found a great spot in Glasgow to sleep and eat and the second leg of driving onwards to Fort William set up the mood with the most breathtaking scenery I've ever seen. The B&B was spot on; just a mile away from the race start and a great porridge breakfast was ordered to set me up for race day.

I was feeling sicky nervous the whole of Saturday; when not obsessively checking the weather forecasts that is. Our hosts assured us it would be fine weather, having narrowly missed some major storms this week. I was thanking my lucky stars that the tormenting winds had eased down to a breeze. So, after a dreadful nerve-wracked night's sleep I awoke well before 7am. The sky was already hazy blue and promised fine weather for race day. I managed to stuff down my porridge (tricky when feeling sicky) and build in numerous loo stops to allow for a more nervy than usual pre-race tummy. The race start was a relaxed affair with a small field of around 400 runners, all slapping on the factor 20 cream as the sun burned off the early morning haze. I should have taken note...

We were off pretty sharpish and I found myself somewhere near the front 20 or so from early on. There were no ladies in sight but small clumps of blokes, though none that matched my pacing plan. In fact I struggled to find the relaxed clip I'd found in my recent 20 milers. My running seemed to range wildly from too fast to too slow. There was nobody near me to shelter from the breeze and so after mile 3 the race became a fairly lonely ride.

The course info reports a flat and fast route but strangely it felt uphilll all the way! Either an optical illusion or I reckon this was an early sign that I wasn't feeling quite right. The 6.17 pace that felt so easy a few weeks ago felt nowhere near as relaxed and by the half-way turn the guys in front were dropping off pace rapidly. I seriously began to struggle too. It was a challenge not to panic, knowing full well I was too tired for the HM point. I dug in and tried to stay calm, passing another three guys who seemed to be struggling to breathe easy in the heat. By mile 15 I found myself in what I think was 4th place but there were no other runners in sight, only seemingly endless stretches of shimmering straight road ahead. I felt wasted.

Somehow I kept going, taking it a mile at a time. My pace continued to drop off until mile 24 where I felt so slow I was convinced I was nearly walking. The final two miles saw me lose three spots to 7th overall, at which point I seemed to crawl in at 7 minute pace to cross the line in 2.51.33, (missing out on the healthy course record bonus). I'm not sure how I did it. I was feeling slightly delirious and verging on teary. It was a relief not to see M until 26.2; any sooner and I fear I might have collapsed with the emotion.

I don't think I've ever felt quite so bad in a race but somehow still managed a reasonable time, (which I'm now finding really quite encouraging). I'm still not sure what happened. Post race reports indicate the freakishly warm weather was worth at least 6 minutes for many finishers. I just seemed to struggle with the pace from early on. I was first lady by a fair gap and won a big cheque, a weekend away and a bottle of whisky for fastest debut. Sadly, I didn't get my big silver winner's trophy as last year's leading lady hadn't returned it.

Whatever the cause of my race woes, I'm glad I crossed the finish line. I'm in one piece, with a fine and shiny red blister on my right toe to match my trusty scarlet T6s; the fine pair saw me through the hardest race of my life so far. Until that next one of course. And last but not least, thank you to M. He was a superstar. He's probably cringing as I plan the next big race, what with all my spreadsheet tinkering, fretting and pre-race stress to deal with. But I couldn't have done any of it without him. Thanks M :] Results now here.

Appreciation & Apprehension

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 16:35:00 +0000

I just had to blog to make lugging this flippin' thing all this way worth the effort. Our B&B has free Wi-Fi so I can settle my nerves with a wee bit of blog fiddling and try to distract myself from anxious pre-race thoughts...I'm now feeling all sicky and nervous; not a great state when trying to eat and adequately fuel oneself for the big day.

After a glorious journey through breathtaking scenery we arrived in Fort William just in time for a spot of lunch at the Nevisport Cafe. They had my favourite cake (ginerbread loaf!) which has to be an omen. The sun is shining, with just a gentle breeze rippling over the loch waters; a hypnotic sight that makes me think of this tune. We've just had an amble over across to registration; a wonderfully low key affair. I'm number 119. Eeek!

M did the driving up from Glasgow as I snapped away through the car window at endless vistas of rugged mountains and mirror lakes. This place is incredibly beautiful and I'm totally smitten. The weekend has been finely topped off by a load of good wishes from loads of folks posted via my blog, email and text; all wishing me well for the big day. Thanks very much to all of you for your kind messages; I'll try and not disappoint you tomorrow. Most of all I hope I'm gonna get round whilst mostly enjoying myself. Apols for the blurry through-the-car-window shots, hope you still get a flavour...

Toe Tapping and Taper Trials

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 20:38:00 +0000

It's been a long and foot-tappingly frustrating week. Last week's feelings of triumph at finishing the last of my long runs has quickly faded; I've been at a loss for what to with myself in the absence of any major miles. The training has dropped to mid 50s and with it my double helpings of puddings. (I'm trying to avoid developing more cuddly bits than I really need in time for M day).

To pass the time at the weekend I escaped the house and meandered around the village pointing my new toy at random, twee things. The legs are not full of the expected spring and I'm generally experiencing a parade of niggles. I'm really not keen on this taper lark. But yes, I know... it'll do me good.

Champion!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:54:00 +0000

Just a quickie as we're off out for some tea to celebrate... I only went and won Thirsk 10m today, (the ladies race I mean). I'm now officially ladies Northern 10M Champ, Yorkshire Champ and Yorkshire Vet Champ. I came home with some fine swag including a very pretty enamelled medal, a cute trophy and a wad of cash. So we're just off out to celebrate with a teatime treat at our local, the Fleece Inn.

It wasn't a PB for me on this flat, fast and scenic course but I'm chuffed to be only 11 seconds off my fastest time on the back of a 90 mile week. M also ran another PB though is slightly gutted that his chip time today of 58.01 left him only two seconds away from being able to claim that elusive 57 minutes! We had a brilliant morning surrounded by loads of lovely running folk, including fellow bloggers Gary Dunn, Old Running Fox and Tony 'Chasing Pavements' Bradford. All had fine runs as they return to fitness. Hats off to Kevin O who had a fantastic run despite running on a dodgy calf and racing yesterday. Other local ladies in the prizes included Jess N and Amy G. Special mention to Nigel A of Pudsey Pacers who ran an amazing race to clock 56.13. This has definitely got to be the best 10m race in the North! More news to follow, food first. Initial results here, race pics here.

The Last Long One

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 20:52:00 +0000

So, I'm back. Hello from me, your fair weather blogger. But there's been far too much to do at work and many miles to run in preparation for M day. And now there's only 18 days to go!

Training over the last few weeks has been patchy, with initial injury worries following the Bramley 20M and then last week a rather doddery me had a very sore ITB. I was left wondering whether I'd gone and messed it all up again. Anyway, after several days spent rollering around on the carpet; biting my fists to stifle my screams (from the eye watering pain of ITB massage), I've now enjoyed a week of niggle free running. I'm now nearing the end of the serious training, finishing with a couple of solid long runs.

I can officially say it was my last long one tonight; a mid week 20 miler with a few miles at tempo thrown in. It was the perfect end to what has been less than perfect marathon prep; a clear, cool and calm evening where the running felt easy, especially for a school night.

This final week of high mileage ends with a good quality threshold run at the Thirsk 10M on Sunday. I'll no doubt be tired from this last heavy week but I'm ready for a bit of a blow out after all the marathon paced running. Then it's two weeks of chilled, relaxed running leading up to the trip to Fort William for M day. I'm getting all excited now it's nearly here. And then there's all that summer running to come after, with all those lovely summer races...Burnsall 10... Wharfedale HM... Otley 10... I can't wait.

Sunshine!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 17:53:00 +0000

A truly gorgeous day today. After another frantic week at work there's been little opportunity for catching those sunny rays I keep spotting through the office window. Today was the exception with a chance to pop out for a lunchtime run. The off road adventure was blissfully warm and breezy with clear and perfectly cloudy views of Wharfedale. The sheep seemed happy with the weather too.

I also sneaked another race on Sunday, the Trimpell 20 for a bit more marathon paced training. The run felt easy and perfectly pleasant until mile 18 when the gels played havoc with my tummy. I was lucky to make it to the finish with the contents of my tummy still in the right place. It really is a lovely race, with beautiful scenery of the Lune Valley but the very pricey entry (£22) was marred by the most dismal prize I've ever received for winning a race. First lady saw me with 2 x £10 vouchers for 'Lancaster Races in 2011'! And with only 9 months left of the year too. And I didn't even make my entry fee back. Is it me or is that really stingy?

She Takes Sea Shots On The Sea Shore

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:25:00 +0000

I'm back on the bright side after lots of ice, elevation and gentle running; these leggies are back in business! Thanks to all fellow blog chums for the top tips and moral support. I had a bit of a panic over what was probably just very grumbly legs from the 20miler. Anyways, am building back up and have tested things out with a tougher session this week; a 13miler on Wednesday with a few tempo miles chucked in. All was well and even my giant blister (legacy from Bramley) has behaved itself.

Today was a bit of a treat. A trip out to the seaside with Mr RB for some 10k action and a walk on the seafront. M spotted the Stanley Park 10k a couple of weeks ago and decided a jaunt out to Blackpool for some fresh sea air might be just what we need. This pretty fast and frisky route around the undulations of Stanley Park was an opportunity for this Runningbear to debut her movie making skills, act as dutiful clapper, cheerleader and coat-holder whilst M did the business.

A quality field turned out this morning, the race won convincingly by Steve Littler of Wesham, with a Horwich talent chasing him down to take 2nd. M came home in a respectable 12th overall and with a PB of 35.24 (the official results robbed him of a second but I have photographic evidence!). So, a small(ish) step for Mr RB but a PB all the same. The day was topped off with fish and chips by the sea, a stroll along the promenade, some brief arcade action and a bag of fresh, warm donuts to warm us from the pier back to the car. I got to play with the new camera too.