Green Man Ultra
So far the New Year has gone to plan from a running perspective. I’m building up the mileage, managing 65 and 72 miles over the last two weeks. The aim is to get a few 100 mile weeks in before spring and another 3-day block in the Lakes. Unfortunately I have a sticky left glut and hamstring which has caused some soreness and stiffness at times, with occasional light imbalances. It’s a lot better this month though and I’m now able to get some faster paced running into the programme. I also still have swimmers-ear from December, which doesn’t seem to want to shift. I think I have had one swim session to date.
Because of the lack of swimming and cycling my training is very much based around running and gym (core, balance, weights) work at the moment. I don’t mind this, but I am aware that my body is far more sore and stiff despite the drop in weekly training (hrs). However I am enjoying the new focus. Last Wed I did a tough XC event followed by 10 miles along the Ridegway Trail. Then on the weekend I did a 15mile run on Sat and a 25mile run/walk (25/5mins) on Sun to incorporate the London Loop, Grand Union Canal, Capital Ring and Thames Path. I thought I might have to pull-out from the start as my right leg was very sore, but it gradually worked itself out after a self-massage and broken running.
The XC event was a 10km race at RAF Halton. I was in the Civil Service select team to take on the RAF select and RAF special, Fire Service, Police Service. We came 2nd to the RAF again, but it was close. I was really pleased with my run and seemed to have improved over last years performance despite the heavier training. I did just under 36mins for the technical 10km course, and certainly felt like I could have done a mid 34min 10km on flat road.
GREEN MAN ULTRA
On 3March I hope to take part in the Green Man Ultra. It follows the course of the Green Man challenge, a 45 mile loop around Bristol. This will probably be my first main race of the year. I’m hoping to be in good form. My only slight concern is navigation as there have been plenty of comments from people taking wrong turns. I’m doing a (run/walk) recce of the course on 31 Jan to get it loaded into my Garmin. I’ll then just follow the tracker on the day like I did for Malvern Ultra.
The Green Man Ultra is organised by the same company that do the Malvern Ultra (amongst other races) – Ultrarunning.uk.com. I’ve been offered by them to run Offas Dyke as a recce for a race they’d like to stage in 2013+. I may do this at the end of the season depending on how my body is holding up and my experience on the GUCR.
http://ultrarunning.uk.com/green-man-ultra/
http://www.closertothecountryside.co.uk/index.php?page=GREEN%20MAN%20CHALLENGE
.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !
“And so you touch this limit, something happens and you suddenly can go a little bit further. With your mind power, your determination, your instinct, and the experience as well, you can fly very high.”
Ayrton Senna
A slightly delayed blog, originally I was going to send this out at the end of the year. I have spent some time thinking about ultra running, doing a bit of research and investing in a few more products. I’m certainly keen to get stuck into 2012 with the Green Man Ultra (March 3) probably being the first Ultra of the year. The Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR) of 145 miles and the attempt at the Cotswold Way Trail record are probably going to be the main races/challenges of the year but I also have a few other ~50 miles races and various other challenges to keep myself motivated. I’ll have at least one trip to the Lakes to do another Bob Graham Recce/Training block, and I’ve even been asked to recce the whole of the Offas Dyke trail prior to a planned race in 2013. I might do this at the tail end of the season. I’m entered into the Forestman Ironman-Distance Traithlon and may do another triathlon or two if I can fit them in. The Races page lists the lot.
2011 was all about the transition from Long-Distance Triathlon to Ultra Running, while trying to excel at both of course. Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out that way having picked something up off the back of the Lanzarote Double Iron event (DNF) and a heart issue for the main season. This messed all of my triathlon races up inc a DNF at Challenge Roth and Ironman UK DNS. On a positive note I really enjoyed and performed well in the Ultra races. The Malvern Hills 55 mile run was great fun, as was the Caesars Camp 100 mile (although at the time I thought I was literally killing myself). The Brecon Ultra was a much tougher event in terms of pace. I couldn’t stay with Mark Palmer just like last year and had a good battle with Shaw Pye. To do 6hr29 over 45miles of Welsh hills/mountains was very pleasing. The ultra running community is also very friendly, I’ve made some good new friends. I have also learnt a lot more about gear, nutritional (including supplementation) and racing strategies and my own limitations (physically and mentally) and can only gain from this in 2012.
The target-fitness coaching business has been going well. I enjoy working with athletes of all abilities and seeing them improve and achieve great results.
Many thanks to Eladon and Bike-Science who have supported me over the year, as well as Infinit Nutrition, Activate4 and Deluci Retreat Training Camp. And it goes without saying – my girlfriend, brother and parents who have put up with my moans and groans and supported me (even crewed) throughout the year.
.
