4

The Endless Road

Since I came up to Leicester 2 months ago, I have spent quite a bit of time in the hotel gym, putting down the miles on the treadmill. Using the treadmill reminds me of the Rocky IV film, which is the one with the Russian boxer, Ivan Drago. Rocky keeps his training pure, banging out the miles through shoulder high snow in the Russian Tundra, lifting farming equipment to hone his body into shape and sparring with cattle in run down barns. Ivan takes the modern approach and uses all the latest computerised technology, has wires coming from every orifice and runs at 20 miles per hour at a 45 degree incline on the treadmill.

Drago’s approach is frowned upon in the film (admittedly this is partly due to his use of anabolic steroids) and similarly, the purists bemoan treadmill running as they wax lyrical about being at one with nature and the true spirit of running etc. To a degree, I agree with them. However, for some, the treadmill is the only viable option and this type of running is better than no running. It also has its virtues, notably a controlled climate, accurate pacing and easy access to food and drinks. You can also watch Hollyoaks or the footy; I definitely think the Italian Stallion missed a trick here.

Being a fully paid up member of the gym bunny community, I took the opportunity to take in my first gym triathlon. The event was held at Enderby Leisure Centre and organized by Triathlete Kim Sayers to raise funds for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance. Now I do not spend a great deal of time on the exercise bike nor the rowing machine however, I was fairly confident my fitness would translate pretty well. I started off with a 1km row. I felt pretty good on the rower and managed to finish up in 3:34. A short transition to the bike for a 2 miler in 5:34 (I know, I have work to do here!) and then another transition over to my favourite friend, the treadmill, when BAM it hit me.

I have read but hadn’t quite appreciated what happens when a cyclist dismounts and attempts to run at any kind of speed. I set the treadmill to 10 mph and couldn’t quite understand why my arms and heart were there in unison, but my legs were still over on the bike. I must have looked a complete mess as a stumbled and pounded my erstwhile friend to death with cast iron legs and lead filled boots. Athletic pride helped me cling on to a 6:23 mile, but the revelation was startling.

Somehow I managed to sneak away with first placed male with a total time (including transitions) of 15:56. Apparently this was just shy of the men’s record and with another event planned for June (if I am still around) this will be my goal. £140 was raised by the good people at Santander. Let’s hope this goal will be broken next time too.

It’s the Paddock Wood Half Marathon this Sunday and I will be running the 2k fun run with Alfie beforehand. It’s also my birthday so a win on the Grand National on Saturday should all make for a perfect weekend.

3

Race Report Sevenoaks 10K.

Sadly Alfie’s social diary meant that he had to miss out on the 2k fun run, although he was keen to improve on his 3rd in age placing at Greenwich. I therefore made the journey down into Kent solo, quaffing the mandatory half litre of Viper and singing along to The Carpenters (non mandatory) on the way.

Within 1 mile of the start traffic started to tailback and although I had left in good time I was starting to panic about getting to the start line. There was also the issue of losing some pre race ballast that had to be tended to. I somehow managed to change into my Wiggle Kit and Invo8 Flyroc trail shoes whilst sat behind the wheel (it is possible, but not recommended and probably illegal) and sprinted over to the start line, squeezing a quick loo stop in between.

I ran this race 2 years ago on a dry but much colder day. Today the stunning location was set off by brilliant sunshine and a buzzing atmosphere as over 700 participants (up from c400 last year) jostled around at the start.

The course follows a 5km double loop around a trail through the 1,000 acre deer park at Knole. There is a long and steep hill around km’s 2 & 7. You know any hill is going to be tough when those in front of you are walking it already and whilst I didn’t slow to a walk, I did slow down enough to get a wobble free picture of the stunning view.

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2

Fitting It In

For those of us that do not have the talent or fortuitousness (or both) to run for a living, training sessions will invariably have to be structured around work. For all of us, there will be other commitments such as family and friends, eating, sleeping etc that need to be incorporated into a normal day to keep us rounded and healthy beings.

It is easy to use these other commitments as an excuse for not having an active lifestyle. I have heard many excuses in my time, all of which I have probably made myself at some point. I have found that the secret to putting the excuses to one side is to reason each through have a positive approach replace the negative:

“I do not have the time”

Most days average around 24 hours. If 8 of those spent in bed and 8 at work, that leaves 8 hours. Take off an hour for eating, 2 hours for commuting and 2 hours for spending time with family / friends, that leaves 3 hours. Loo breaks average ½ hour, contemplating life another ½ hour, leaves 2 hours for EXERCISE.

By employing some simple time management skills and undertaking some of these activities at the same time, I can use my time more efficiently. For example, I sometimes run the 10 mile commute to or from work or maybe take my son out on his bike whilst I run. I wouldn’t recommend combining the loo break with exercise (doing a Paula) and whilst of course the day isn’t so neatly compartmentalized, time management and a simple “where there is a will, there is a way” mentality will see you knock the excuses down. You can make the time.

“I feel uncomfortable with how I look when I exercise”

A bit of a catch 22 this one as how will you look any better unless you do exercise? I hear this one from ladies more than gents. The answer is simple; get some decent running gear. Technical running wear like these days is both fashionable and functional, so you can look good and feel good at the same time

1

Setting Goals

As we push towards spring and the marathon season, I like to focus and plan on what my goals are for the upcoming year. I set around 4 or 5 main goals and put the necessary plans in place to make sure these happen. This can be anything from submitting a race entry form, working out a training schedule or sorting out the travel / accommodation arrangements.

These “core events” form the mainstay of my running year. I ensure that nothing (barring death) can jeopardise my taking part in these and I have managed (thus far) to keep to this level of commitment.
To my core events, I add others throughout the year. These may be races that others have recommended, I have read / heard about, or ones that are taking place in the local area I am working in at the time.

I find that this combination of well defined goals mixed with a variable race programme keeps me motivated each year and enriches my running experience. When my running fire is dwindling, I have other ways to reignite the flame. My top 5 ways to remain on track and get inspired are:

1) New kit / shoes – Nothing beats running on fresh new rubber. I probably average a new pair every 3 months (c500 miles). Stepping out in a new running vest and shorts is the runner’s equivalent of a new party outfit.

2) A fresh challenge – Look for a new challenge (it doesn’t have to be a road race). Last year I took part in the UK Microsoft Challenge, a 5 day adventure race set in Stirling, Scotland and loved training for and taking part in this multi-disciplined event.

3) Getting it from others – I have amassed a pretty large library of running books over the years and dip into these frequently for inspiration. Favourites include Ultramarathon man by Dean Karnazes and Running through the wall by Neal Jamison. I also find Sir Ranulph Fiennes Mad, Bad and Dangerous to know very inspirational.

4) Doing the robot – Turn off the alarm, get straight out of bed, put on your running kit (left out the night before) and head straight out the door. By the time you brain has caught up with your body, it’s too late to think about having that extra hour in bed.

5) Taking stock – Every once in a while take a look back and be proud of your successes and remember to learn from your failures.

My next event is the Greenwich Meridian 2K on Sunday 1 March 2009. I am running this with my wife and 5 year old son Alfie. My goal – Simply to enjoy the day and help Alfie to enjoy his first organized running event (by being the fastest 5 year old!).

On 15th March 2009 I am doing the Sevenoaks 10K, which will be my first “proper” pre-London training event, where I hope to get a good idea of how my speed training has been going. I placed 26th out of 300 here in 2007 and so a top 20 finish should be a good indicator that I am running well.