Distance: 42.2km/ 26.2miles
Altitude: 45m/ 150ft
Temp: 11°C/ 52°F
Weather: Overcast and good for running!
I am up early to get in a good breakfast (mostly muesli, a good dose of coffee and a few glasses of water), get the gear together (check, recheck etc.) and get down to the bus stop way early. It is a cool and overcast morning with some black clouds around, hopefully the forecasts are wrong and this is what we have to look forward to for the day. The bus brings me to Croydon railway station where a number of runners who like to get on the move early are gathering, and we are soon on the train to London Bridge. Here the crowds of runners are everywhere but an announcement confirms our platform and an empty train arrives in minutes to accomodate us all in relative comfort (apparently this is a big improvement on last year when trains here were already full of runners getting on at Victoria).
The atmosphere on a train almost entirely filled with participants and volunteers is one of excitement and trepidation but we are all entertained for a couple of minutes as the train moves slowly past a mother fox suckling a large family of young right by the tracks. We arrive at Blackheath right on time (i.e. plenty early, about 100 minutes to the start) and it is not hard to find the way as a crown walks up onto the heath. I have a "good for age" (GFA) place so we have our own little starting area which is still pretty empty when I arrive so it is easy to check out the toilets, pick up a cup of tea (it is still cool and the black clouds are gathering with a little drizzle starting) and grab a sports drink for sipping. Then I just lie on a comfortable piece of grass and watch the world go by... until the drizzle becomes more steady rain and I decide to drop my bag to be carried to the end before the contents get wetter. I must have looked a little odd slapping on sunscreen in the rain but you can't be too careful!
There is just about enough space for all the GFAs in the tent provided for us (if we cram in pretty tight) and I get a good spot near the door for warmth with fresh air. The rain is still steady as people begin to head over to the starting pen, but I stay in the tent till the last minute as there are only so many GFAs and none of us will be too far back (though for some reason I have code 9 on my race number, meaning predicted time over 6 hours; good for age if I was about 90 maybe). I get my timing spot on heading to the start, the rain stops right after I leave the tent and I get into the starting coral just as we move forward to the start so get an appropriate spot maybe 200 people back (GFAs are placed in front of one of the three starting areas - elite men are similarly placed at another, not sure about the third) and fairly close to the start.
In the last 10 minutes there is nothing to do but listen to runners who deal with nerves by talking, but at least it is now dry and conditions feel good right now. Then suddenly it is 9.45, the gun goes and we are off (only 19 seconds elapses between gun and me hitting the start line). The early part of the course is generally flat or downhill and there is a natural urge to go off fast, but I'm lucky being near the front to be surrounded largely be sensible runners and having plenty of space around me to get into my own groove. The mantra "slow down, take it easy" is never far from my mind and the pace feels easy, even as the first 5km marker passes in 19.45 (a 5km race time I was happy to get 5 years ago). Here we get a glimpse of the Thames as we drop into the level river valley (the course is pretty much flat from here) before a rather nondescript 5km before Greenwich. This section gives me time to spot a couple of costumes around me who I'll see on and off for most of the course, a hobbit (or maybe Robin Hood) who is probably glad of the cool given the layers in the outfit and a mosquito who I see being interviewed later on the TV. I also learn the advantage of writing your name on the costume when shouts of "Go Tim" from the ample crown indicate I'm about to be overtaken by a namesake, I manage to keep with him for a while to share the accolades.
Greenwich is always one of the signature parts of the race on the TV but this year the whole area is being redeveloped I guess and is surrounded by wooden walls. Oh well, another 5km completed in 19:48. The next section is not very memorable, though a pipe band raise my mood briefly, and the race settles into keeping a steady effort and conserving energy for later. The weather is improving too but while the sun shows through several times the temperatures stay pleasantly cool. My times for the next two splits are 20:14 and 20:42 so a similar effort is gradually slowing my pace but I'm well on target.
20km on the London Marathon means 2 things, nearly half way and the best known part of the course, Tower Bridge. Here the crowds are thick but amazingly I spot Tracy and our friends Tessa and Cameron and run over to acknowledge them, just a shame the camera didn't capture a good picture. After the bridge we turn right and approach what was once (in the early days when I watched on the TV) a tough and boring part of the course on the Isle of Dogs. What was once empty and desolate warehousing however has been developed with a lot of housing and the crowds are as thick here as elsewhere.
This is also the part of the race where things get tough, the body starts to hurt more but I still try to keep the effort the same even if "running comfortable" gets a whole lot less comfortable. One thing I find makes keeping the pace easier than some races, usually I'm very poor at drinking on the run but here the bottles (I try to alternate water and isotonic drinks at each 5km drinks station) are really user friendly. My 5km splits at 25km and 30km are 20:36 and 21:20, still a good pace though I start to notice more people passing me. Not to worry, they are either disciplined runners who can do a negative split (second half faster than first) and are just better than me, or I'll see them going backwards later. I'm still deliberately trying to take it easy, even if "easy" is not quite the word.
The London Marathon route features a line on the road delineating the measured racing line which constitutes the exact 26 miles and 385 yards, and I find one way to occupy my mind is to stick as close as possible to it, which is generally easy as the roads are not too densely populated at this point in the field. It also helps when navigating the twists and turns around West India Docks. There are a few sections of the course around here where the road narrows and runners have to negotiate traffic calming speed bumps, easy for us but a bit of a liability once the densely packed runners arrive.
By now we are heading back west and while this is where the race gets really tough and memories are few it is also where I start to allow my effort to increase, with the thought that it's only 10km home and I've run 5 10km races in the buildup. The 5km split to 35km is my slowest, 21.50 but I know by now I should be in for a good time and in a way it's encouraging to reach the point where runners just past halfway are streaming towards us on the opposite side of the road... we have a lot easier day ahead of us! A couple of other random memories from this part of the race were finally getting ahead of Bilbo/Robin Hood after trailing his costume for the whole race and singing briefly along to the song "Dirty Old Town" as I passed one of the last of many bands on the route. I also tried to spot my support crew who should be with the London Hash House Harriers passing out beer to runners between mile 22 and 23, but they miss me and I miss them somehow. Damn I was looking forward to that beer...
At some point here the course runs through a tunnel and with the field thinning right out and none of the cheering crowds it is quite surreal and silent. By now I am overtaking quite a few people and just concentrating on making forward progress and keeping up the effort. The high point here is hitting The Embankment, suddenly you can see the Thames and the sights of central London and the end is nigh! My 40km split is quicker than 35km at 21.36 and suddenly I feel good for the run in, though like in New York the course loops right road near the end to you don't actually see the finish until the last few hundred yards/metres.
And what a finish it is. You run towards Buckingham Palace, take a sharp bend to the right and there is the Mall lined with crowds. You would have to be really beat not to such in your gut, stand up straight and put on a finishing sprint. OK, maybe a slightly faster shuffle but it feels like a sprint. The big clocks at the finish show me that a burst of effort will get me under 2.55 and I finish clocking 2.54.54.
More soon
Friday, July 30, 2010
24/04/10 - Leatherhead
Distance: 9.0km/ 5.6miles
Altitude: 35m/ 115ft
Temp: 22°C/ 36°F
Weather: Warm and Humid
After the cool of Inverness the forecasts for a warm weekend in London are scary, anything up to 25°C (77°F) which is a bit warm for marathon running. We took the sleeper down from Inverness last night (very pleasant), headed over to Docklands to find my race pack and took the train down to Croydon to meet up with our friend and host Eric before traveling out to the southwest of London for a hash run.
The day is humid and I am careful to take the running easy, the drinking regular and the beer to the absolute minimum. We arrive a little late but soon pick up the trail and immediately meet a friend at the back of the pack who is just getting back to running after the birth of her baby. This is just the right pace for me and I keep a relaxed pace for the rest of a pleasant country run.
After the run we spend an afternoon sitting out and basking in what passes for warm weather if you live in the far north, while I sup plenty of fresh orange and lemonade. Then it's back to Eric's for the pre-race routine (check clothing, check clothing again, check instructions, recheck instructions etc.) and my favorite pre-race meal of spaghetti in cheese sauce with peas, washed down with home made isotonic drink (litre of herb tea with 3 tsp salt and 3 tbsp sugar).
Altitude: 35m/ 115ft
Temp: 22°C/ 36°F
Weather: Warm and Humid
After the cool of Inverness the forecasts for a warm weekend in London are scary, anything up to 25°C (77°F) which is a bit warm for marathon running. We took the sleeper down from Inverness last night (very pleasant), headed over to Docklands to find my race pack and took the train down to Croydon to meet up with our friend and host Eric before traveling out to the southwest of London for a hash run.
The day is humid and I am careful to take the running easy, the drinking regular and the beer to the absolute minimum. We arrive a little late but soon pick up the trail and immediately meet a friend at the back of the pack who is just getting back to running after the birth of her baby. This is just the right pace for me and I keep a relaxed pace for the rest of a pleasant country run.
After the run we spend an afternoon sitting out and basking in what passes for warm weather if you live in the far north, while I sup plenty of fresh orange and lemonade. Then it's back to Eric's for the pre-race routine (check clothing, check clothing again, check instructions, recheck instructions etc.) and my favorite pre-race meal of spaghetti in cheese sauce with peas, washed down with home made isotonic drink (litre of herb tea with 3 tsp salt and 3 tbsp sugar).
21/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 8.7km/ 5.4miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Cool and dull
A final run with the jogging group, and the hardest running I do all week is along the canal towpath to catch up with them after arriving late. The rest of the run is at a much more relaxing pace and everyone send me off with their best wishes.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Cool and dull
A final run with the jogging group, and the hardest running I do all week is along the canal towpath to catch up with them after arriving late. The rest of the run is at a much more relaxing pace and everyone send me off with their best wishes.
20/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 3.4km/ 2.1miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Chilly
A simple and easy run home after a late night at the paperwork.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Chilly
A simple and easy run home after a late night at the paperwork.
19/04/10 - Elgin
Distance: 7.9km/ 4.9miles
Altitude: 22m/ 72ft
Temp: 6°C/ 43°F
Weather: Cool and dry
Quite a long hash run around Elgin but all taken at an easy pace.
Altitude: 22m/ 72ft
Temp: 6°C/ 43°F
Weather: Cool and dry
Quite a long hash run around Elgin but all taken at an easy pace.
17/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 6.6km/ 4.1miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild and dull
By now I'm deep in my taper for the marathon so the only running activity for the weekend is an easy paced run back from Raigmore Hospital where I'm on call for the weekend. The first part entails carrying a rather heavier than normal pack on my back but I ditch the weight at work. No time for any backache now!
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild and dull
By now I'm deep in my taper for the marathon so the only running activity for the weekend is an easy paced run back from Raigmore Hospital where I'm on call for the weekend. The first part entails carrying a rather heavier than normal pack on my back but I ditch the weight at work. No time for any backache now!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
15/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 7.0km/ 4.4miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 9°C/ 48°F
Weather: Mild
The schedule calls for a last tempo run over 30 minutes so I warm up with 5 easy paced minutes towards the canal, 5 minutes at marathon pace on the canal bank rising to 10 minutes at 5km pace, another 5 at marathon pace and an easy jog home.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 9°C/ 48°F
Weather: Mild
The schedule calls for a last tempo run over 30 minutes so I warm up with 5 easy paced minutes towards the canal, 5 minutes at marathon pace on the canal bank rising to 10 minutes at 5km pace, another 5 at marathon pace and an easy jog home.
14/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 11.8km/ 7.3miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Mild
Our with the jogging group tonight and they decide on doing the big climb up Craig Dunain. I'm supposed to be tapering for the marathon so I take it nice and easy and it's a very pleasant climb with fine views from the top.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Mild
Our with the jogging group tonight and they decide on doing the big climb up Craig Dunain. I'm supposed to be tapering for the marathon so I take it nice and easy and it's a very pleasant climb with fine views from the top.
13/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 7.1km/ 4.4miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Cool
Cooler weather than of late for one of my regular routes down the A82 and over the road past Craig Dunain, adding a couple of extra km by heading out to the end of the canal.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Cool
Cooler weather than of late for one of my regular routes down the A82 and over the road past Craig Dunain, adding a couple of extra km by heading out to the end of the canal.
12/04/10 - Glenlivet
Distance: 7.9km/ 4.9miles
Altitude: 280m/ 919ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Damp and humid
I put in 2.5km running home in Inverness, but the main run tonight is following my hilly hash trail, sadly the weather isn't up to yesterdays standards and the group don't get to see the spectacular views. But it makes for a nice easy run to start the week.
Altitude: 280m/ 919ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Damp and humid
I put in 2.5km running home in Inverness, but the main run tonight is following my hilly hash trail, sadly the weather isn't up to yesterdays standards and the group don't get to see the spectacular views. But it makes for a nice easy run to start the week.
11/04/10 - Glenlivet
Distance: 10.0km/ 6.2miles
Altitude: 250m/ 820ft
Temp: 20°C/ 68°F
Weather: Warm and sunny
A beautiful day for a 10k race from the Glenlivet Distillery. The course is tough with a sharp drop in the first km followed by 3km of climbing, an undulating stretch and a downhill finish, but the views today are spectacular. 38 mins 36 secs is not my best time but I'm happy with it in the warm conditions and with the climbing, I feel I'm in good shape for London. After the race I head to a nearby wood to set the hash run for the next day, but I opt to walk not run!
Altitude: 250m/ 820ft
Temp: 20°C/ 68°F
Weather: Warm and sunny
A beautiful day for a 10k race from the Glenlivet Distillery. The course is tough with a sharp drop in the first km followed by 3km of climbing, an undulating stretch and a downhill finish, but the views today are spectacular. 38 mins 36 secs is not my best time but I'm happy with it in the warm conditions and with the climbing, I feel I'm in good shape for London. After the race I head to a nearby wood to set the hash run for the next day, but I opt to walk not run!
09/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 19.3km/ 12.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild evening
I have moved my long run to Friday so I can race Sunday, and get a pleasant evening to do 12 miles. After a warmup run to the canal I head down to the lock at Dochgarroch, then make the route tougher by cutting up over Craig Dunain rather than sticking to the flat of the canal towpath.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild evening
I have moved my long run to Friday so I can race Sunday, and get a pleasant evening to do 12 miles. After a warmup run to the canal I head down to the lock at Dochgarroch, then make the route tougher by cutting up over Craig Dunain rather than sticking to the flat of the canal towpath.
Friday, June 18, 2010
08/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 9.9km/ 6.2miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 12°C/ 54°F
Weather: Mild and pleasant
A jog home followed by hill reps in the woods of Craig Phadrig. A tough hill, but much more pleasant doing hill reps on a forest track than using a road in the dark.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 12°C/ 54°F
Weather: Mild and pleasant
A jog home followed by hill reps in the woods of Craig Phadrig. A tough hill, but much more pleasant doing hill reps on a forest track than using a road in the dark.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
07/04/10 - 2 Runs: Inverness
Inverness 1
Distance: 2.4km/ 1.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 12°C/ 54°F
Weather: Mild and pleasant
A simple jog home.
Inverness 2
Distance: 8.8km/ 5.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 11°C/ 52°F
Weather: Mild and pleasant
A great night to go running with the Jogging Group. We have a fairly easy run tonight along the canal and then through the woods on the lower slopes of Craig Dunain and back through Leachkin.
Distance: 2.4km/ 1.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 12°C/ 54°F
Weather: Mild and pleasant
A simple jog home.
Inverness 2
Distance: 8.8km/ 5.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 11°C/ 52°F
Weather: Mild and pleasant
A great night to go running with the Jogging Group. We have a fairly easy run tonight along the canal and then through the woods on the lower slopes of Craig Dunain and back through Leachkin.
06/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 16.8km/ 10.4miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Bright
After all the recent hills I'm back on the canal for 10 miles at marathon pace.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Bright
After all the recent hills I'm back on the canal for 10 miles at marathon pace.
05/04/10 - 2 Runs: Inverness
Inverness 1
Distance: 2.5km/ 1.6miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 13°C/ 55°F
Weather: Dull and mild
A simple jog home.
Inverness 2
Distance: 4.9km/ 3.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 13°C/ 55°F
Weather: Dull and mild
I set tonight's hash run as no-one else was free on Easter Monday, and ran it with Tracy. We had a pleasant jog over Craig Phadrig and had excellent views of Easter Ross. Plus a stop in at the Clachnaharry Inn to finish.
Distance: 2.5km/ 1.6miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 13°C/ 55°F
Weather: Dull and mild
A simple jog home.
Inverness 2
Distance: 4.9km/ 3.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 13°C/ 55°F
Weather: Dull and mild
I set tonight's hash run as no-one else was free on Easter Monday, and ran it with Tracy. We had a pleasant jog over Craig Phadrig and had excellent views of Easter Ross. Plus a stop in at the Clachnaharry Inn to finish.
04/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 32.2km/ 20.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Overcast
I have 20 miles today and opt to add in a few hills, first doing a couple of laps over Craig Phadraig to give Barny a run and scout then lay a trail for a Hash run, then heading Southwest to pick up the Great Glen Way over Craig Dunain. I'm more familiar with the area now and follow the marked way further before picking up a forest road which brings me back to the route of my last long run. By the time I get down to the canal I'm really struggling with hypoglycaemia (only brought one gel on the run, should have brought two!) but manage to struggle home after a short rest.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Overcast
I have 20 miles today and opt to add in a few hills, first doing a couple of laps over Craig Phadraig to give Barny a run and scout then lay a trail for a Hash run, then heading Southwest to pick up the Great Glen Way over Craig Dunain. I'm more familiar with the area now and follow the marked way further before picking up a forest road which brings me back to the route of my last long run. By the time I get down to the canal I'm really struggling with hypoglycaemia (only brought one gel on the run, should have brought two!) but manage to struggle home after a short rest.
03/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 16.1km/ 10.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Chilly
I have 10 miles to do today and finally drag myself out of the house at about 10.30pm. In the cold and dark I stick to familiar bits of Inverness and judge the distance perfectly.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Chilly
I have 10 miles to do today and finally drag myself out of the house at about 10.30pm. In the cold and dark I stick to familiar bits of Inverness and judge the distance perfectly.
01/04/10 - Inverness
Distance: 11.2km/ 7.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Damp and cool
A tough 8 x 800m reps on the canal bank. beats running on the road at least.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Damp and cool
A tough 8 x 800m reps on the canal bank. beats running on the road at least.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monthly Totals - March
Spring sprung and then winter returned along with the lighter evenings, but I'm still on schedule with a couple of good 10k times in March to indicate my progress. Monthly total 342km/ 213 miles. Weekly summary:
28th - 6th 105km 65 miles
7th - 13th 66km 41 miles
14th - 20th 66km 41 miles
21st - 27th 105km 65 miles
28th - 6th 105km 65 miles
7th - 13th 66km 41 miles
14th - 20th 66km 41 miles
21st - 27th 105km 65 miles
31/03/10 - Inverness
Distance: 15.8km/ 9.8miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cold wind and sleet
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cold wind and sleet
28/03/10 - 2 Runs: Alves and Elgin
Alves
Distance: 6.1km/ 3.8miles
Altitude: 59m/ 194ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Cold wind
Distance: 6.1km/ 3.8miles
Altitude: 59m/ 194ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Cold wind
Elgin
Distance: 10km/ 6.1miles
Altitude: 19m/ 62ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Cold wind
Distance: 10km/ 6.1miles
Altitude: 19m/ 62ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Cold wind
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
23/03/10 - Inverness
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 9°C/ 48°F
Weather: Mild
I have to catch up with the 10 mile (16km) run at marathon pace I missed while skiing Saturday, so I head out from work with a brief warmup then pick up the canal down to Dochgaroch and back on the west bank. The path here is narrower and it is tougher to keep a steady pace in the deepening gloom, particularly as I start to feel a little hypoglycaemic towards the end, but I make it home in about the right time.
22/03/10 - Inverness
Distance: 9.9km/ 6.2miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 3°C/ 37°F
Weather: Cool and clear
For once I have the car in the day so I run late in the evening under clear starry skies. I make a few wrong turns in Scorguie but soon get onto a familiar route.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 3°C/ 37°F
Weather: Cool and clear
For once I have the car in the day so I run late in the evening under clear starry skies. I make a few wrong turns in Scorguie but soon get onto a familiar route.
21/03/10 - 2 Runs: Aviemore and Inverness
Aviemore
Distance: 4.1km/ 2.6miles
Altitude: 327m/ 1073ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Mild and sunny
A hash run near Loch Morlich, and likely to be the highest altitude run of this training program.
Inverness
Distance: 32.0km/ 19.9miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild with sunny periods
Another weekend, another 20 miler and with a very pleasant afternoon in prospect I aim for the woods. Tracy drops me at the Tesco at the edge of town and I run through the city, down the canal, up through Scorguie and over Craig Phadrig. here I aim south through Leachkin to Craig Dunain where I pick up the Caledonian Way for a while, cut over the hill on forest tracks and pick up the Way again heading south and west. Not knowing whether I'll find a better way back towards Inverness I take an old closed forest road which leads me into more familiar woods. Heading down to the canal I turn south on the towpath, crossing the water at the Dochgaroch Lock. I'm pretty exhausted by now and regretting not eating more earlier in the day. I finally complete my route close to home on the canal and walk home.
Distance: 4.1km/ 2.6miles
Altitude: 327m/ 1073ft
Temp: 8°C/ 46°F
Weather: Mild and sunny
A hash run near Loch Morlich, and likely to be the highest altitude run of this training program.
Inverness
Distance: 32.0km/ 19.9miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild with sunny periods
Another weekend, another 20 miler and with a very pleasant afternoon in prospect I aim for the woods. Tracy drops me at the Tesco at the edge of town and I run through the city, down the canal, up through Scorguie and over Craig Phadrig. here I aim south through Leachkin to Craig Dunain where I pick up the Caledonian Way for a while, cut over the hill on forest tracks and pick up the Way again heading south and west. Not knowing whether I'll find a better way back towards Inverness I take an old closed forest road which leads me into more familiar woods. Heading down to the canal I turn south on the towpath, crossing the water at the Dochgaroch Lock. I'm pretty exhausted by now and regretting not eating more earlier in the day. I finally complete my route close to home on the canal and walk home.
18/03/10 - Inverness
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 11°C/ 52°F
Weather: Mild and damp
One of my least favorite training nights, 7 x 400m hill sprints. But at least there is no snow and ice this time. In fact it is mild enough that I'm sweating a lot by the end.
17/03/10 - Inverness
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Very mild
Another Wednesday and I run down from work to meet the jogging group, a large group this week reflecting the mild evening.
16/03/10 - Inverness
Distance: 16.1km/ 10.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Mild
With the evenings getting lighter I mix up some flat on the canal with a couple of good climbs up to the old hospital at Craig Dunain and then to Craig Phadrig where I find the path completely devoid of snow unlike 11 days ago. I complete the mileage by looping through residential streets before running around the Reach on the canal for the first time in a while.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Mild
With the evenings getting lighter I mix up some flat on the canal with a couple of good climbs up to the old hospital at Craig Dunain and then to Craig Phadrig where I find the path completely devoid of snow unlike 11 days ago. I complete the mileage by looping through residential streets before running around the Reach on the canal for the first time in a while.
14/03/10 - 2 Runs: New Lanark and Inverness
Distance: 7.8km/ 4.8miles
Altitude: 128m/ 420ft
Temp: 12°C/ 54°F
Weather: Mild with sunny periods
A hash run from the World Heritage Site of New Lanark which takes us south on the River Clyde past the famous Falls of Clyde... sadly devoid of water. The low level of the water allows a couple of river crossings without any danger of wet feet. Nice springlike day too, but with a cold wind away from the shelter of the deep river valley.
Inverness
Distance: 12.2km/ 7.6miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 6°C/ 43°F
Weather: Mild
13/03/10 - 2 Runs: Glasgow and Stathaven
Glasgow
Distance: 5.0km/ 3.1miles
Altitude: 28m/ 92ft
Temp: 9°C/ 48°F
Weather: Mild
For the first time in 6 months I get the chance to run the Glasgow Parkrun, a weekly run on a tough little course in Pollok Park. I am happy with my time of 18:15, 24 seconds faster than my best before the Edinburgh Marathon last year.
Distance: 5.0km/ 3.1miles
Altitude: 28m/ 92ft
Temp: 9°C/ 48°F
Weather: Mild
For the first time in 6 months I get the chance to run the Glasgow Parkrun, a weekly run on a tough little course in Pollok Park. I am happy with my time of 18:15, 24 seconds faster than my best before the Edinburgh Marathon last year.
Route
Strathaven
Distance: 7.4km/ 4.6miles
Altitude: 146m/ 480ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild
Altitude: 146m/ 480ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild
A hash run from a brewery on the edge of a small Lanarkshire town. After a false start where I undergo the traditional ritual of being thrown in a stony river (the run is set by Hamilton Hashers who have a curious attachment to the habit), somewhat to the peril of my knees, I retreat for dry clothes and hit the trail again. There are a couple more river crossings (good thing it is a pleasant springlike day) but I make it safely home with only wet feet. To the reward of an excellent selection of real ales.
11/03/10 - Inverness
Distance: 9.9km/ 6.2miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Mild and damp
I have 7 x 800m reps tonight so I decide to run on the canal bank near home for a change. While the towpath is dark and a little soft underfoot I manage my target times and have no traffic or pedestrians to deal with!
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Mild and damp
I have 7 x 800m reps tonight so I decide to run on the canal bank near home for a change. While the towpath is dark and a little soft underfoot I manage my target times and have no traffic or pedestrians to deal with!
10/03/10 - Inverness, 2 Runs
Distance: 4.0km/ 2.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 6°C/ 43°F
Weather: Mild
I finally get around to meeting up with the Jogging group at the Inverness Harrier Club, but with Tracy away I have to run home and walk the dog first.
Run 2
Distance: 7.0km/ 4.3miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 5°C/ 41°F
Weather: Mild
With the group we run from Queens Park across the river, down to Drummond and back along the river. It is a pleasant change to actually have some company.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
07/03/10 - 2 Runs: Elgin and Nairn
Distance: 5.6km/ 3.5miles
Altitude: 80m/ 262ft
Temp: 10°C/ 50°F
Weather: Mild, breezy
I warm up for my 10k race with a gentle hash run in Quarry Wood west of Elgin, a pleasant jog in the woods on what must be the warmest day of the year so far.
Nairn
Distance: 10.0km/ 6.2milesAltitude: 20m/ 66ft
Temp: 9°C/ 48°F
Weather: Mild, breezy
A pretty good day for a 10k, not too cold and with a moderate breeze. We gather on Nairn High Street before heading southwest out of town into the breeze on an undulating road surrounded by fields. I get going at a good steady pace and gradually reel in a few runners as we near a sharp left turn near half way where my time is 18:36, the Moray Road Runners are especially good targets in their luminous yellow shirts. Another turn and we are on a long straight and flat road back into town with a tail wind, perfect for maintaining a good pace through the hard section of any race. A couple of sharp turns and a quick down and up under the railway and we are back on the High Street where I up the pace but can't catch two runners a little ahead. I'm very pleased with my time of 36:50 (officially 36:51) which eventually nets me 19th place in a field of 380 or so. In this kind of form I might even have a chance at a PB, set 18 years ago in Malawi (36:30).
05/03/10 - Inverness
Distance: 32.2km/ 20.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Cold wind
With a race on Sunday I move this week's long run (the first of 3 20 milers) to a Friday night, an act of will as my workmates are heading for the pub. I take a long route home with lots of climbing, down to Dunain on the canal, then up the road towards Craig Dunain hill, down through Leachkin and up the steep hill towards Craig Phadrig and on past as I miss the car park. I try the road down to Blackpark in the hope of joining the route that runs down to the Beauly road... and find a dead end necessitating a climb back up the hill before running through the woods of Craig Phadrig in the near dark and with plenty of wet snow still lying on the path and descending the hill through Scorguie.
After dropping my rucksack of work clothing at home I complete the long miles by running out to the A9, over the Kessock Bridge (with a stiff side wind blowing along the Firth), back down past the Inverness Caley Thistle football ground, and home via the Harbour Road. It feels good to get one of the 20 milers out of the way.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Cold wind
With a race on Sunday I move this week's long run (the first of 3 20 milers) to a Friday night, an act of will as my workmates are heading for the pub. I take a long route home with lots of climbing, down to Dunain on the canal, then up the road towards Craig Dunain hill, down through Leachkin and up the steep hill towards Craig Phadrig and on past as I miss the car park. I try the road down to Blackpark in the hope of joining the route that runs down to the Beauly road... and find a dead end necessitating a climb back up the hill before running through the woods of Craig Phadrig in the near dark and with plenty of wet snow still lying on the path and descending the hill through Scorguie.
After dropping my rucksack of work clothing at home I complete the long miles by running out to the A9, over the Kessock Bridge (with a stiff side wind blowing along the Firth), back down past the Inverness Caley Thistle football ground, and home via the Harbour Road. It feels good to get one of the 20 milers out of the way.
04/03/10 - Inverness
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cool, breezy
A 45 minute tempo run today and with the evenings getting ever lighter I opt to use the canal bank to set an even pace on the flat. I break down the time with 5 minutes slow warm-up, 10 minutes at marathon race pace (about 6.50 minute miles), 15 at 10k race pace (just over 6 minute miles), another 10 at marathon pace and a final jog home. I'm pretty accurate on the timings too during what is a fairly tough work-out.
02/03/10 - Inverness
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -4°C/ 25°F
Weather: Cold and clear
A fine night for running which is a good thing as I have to put in 10 miles tonight. I take a zig-zag course home via South Kessock before picking Barny up for a jog up the hill behind our house. He is not in the mood for running so it's a start and stop business until I drop him back at home and complete the route with a loop between canal and River.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
01/03/10 - Inverness
Distance: 6.8km/ 4.2miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cool, bright
The weather today has been bright which suddenly makes the day feel longer, and I finally have the chance to run home in the light after work. Spring is on the way!
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cool, bright
The weather today has been bright which suddenly makes the day feel longer, and I finally have the chance to run home in the light after work. Spring is on the way!
Monthly Totals - February
A mixed bag of weather this month, but on the whole despite the cold it has been easy enough to stick to the schedule and total 300km/ 187 miles. Weekly summary:
31st - 6th 74km 46 miles
7th - 13th 72km 45 miles
14th - 20th 77km 48 miles
21st - 27th 68km 42 miles
31st - 6th 74km 46 miles
7th - 13th 72km 45 miles
14th - 20th 77km 48 miles
21st - 27th 68km 42 miles
28/02/10 - Glasgow
Distance: 31.9km/ 19.8miles
Altitude: 63m/ 207ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Dull but dry
I have a 19 mile run scheduled today, so I opt to make things more interesting by visiting the football (soccer) grounds used in the city in my lifetime. Plotting online suggests that this will easily give me 19 miles, and I carry some money in case of running into problems or getting lost far from home. I set off in reasonable weather (dry, not too cold) and head towards Milton and down to the Lambhill Bridge to pick up the Forth and Clyde Canal at the point we turned in yesterday's race.
There are a few other people getting their Sunday run in as I wend my way through Maryhill on the canal, taking the southern spur to Port Dundas past stadium 1, Partick Thistle's Firhill. At Spiers Wharf I spot trail from a Glasgow hash run before crossing under the motorway to pick up Rose Street over Garnethill, past my Dental School and through the western edge of central Glasgow. At the River Clyde I take the new Tradeston footbridge and head west along the river to Govan, and Ibrox Stadium, home of Glasgow Rangers and already busy with fans and vendors before the big Rangers vs Celtic game in a couple of hours. Being a Celtic fan I turn up the volume on my Ipod and blast a couple of Celtic songs to get me through!
Crossing Paisley Road West I pick up Nithsdale Road which brings me several miles back east before turning south onto Cathcart Road and eventually to Hampden Park, home of Queens Park and more importantly the Scottish National Stadium. I run around the perimeter in the car parks as far as possible before getting back on residential streets and trying to judge how to find Cathkin Park, once home to Third Lanark (a team that went bust in 1967) and still boasting the original terracing. I aim too far east and after a few twists and turns in Toryglen I use the GPS to try and get back on the right road, eventually finding the park and doing a quick lap of the pitch and a run up the terracing, now overgrown but still completely resembling the old ground.
I now aim northeast, where I pass stadium 5, Clyde FC's old Shawfield Stadium (now a rundown greyhound racing venue) before crossing the Clyde and heading into more familiar territory around the Paradise of Celtic Park. I'm getting near my mileage so rather than loop around the stadium on the main road I cut through waste ground on the west side of the ground, only having to climb one fence en route! My first thought now is to pick up the train at Duke Street, but arriving there after 19.8 miles I find no Sunday service. Plan B involves a not unpleasant warm down walk north to the Tesco superstore at St Rollox where I purchase energy food and pick up the bus home. I've really enjoyed today's run, beats trying to find a novel long route in Inverness... but it is a pity Celtic can't win the big game.
Altitude: 63m/ 207ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Dull but dry
I have a 19 mile run scheduled today, so I opt to make things more interesting by visiting the football (soccer) grounds used in the city in my lifetime. Plotting online suggests that this will easily give me 19 miles, and I carry some money in case of running into problems or getting lost far from home. I set off in reasonable weather (dry, not too cold) and head towards Milton and down to the Lambhill Bridge to pick up the Forth and Clyde Canal at the point we turned in yesterday's race.
There are a few other people getting their Sunday run in as I wend my way through Maryhill on the canal, taking the southern spur to Port Dundas past stadium 1, Partick Thistle's Firhill. At Spiers Wharf I spot trail from a Glasgow hash run before crossing under the motorway to pick up Rose Street over Garnethill, past my Dental School and through the western edge of central Glasgow. At the River Clyde I take the new Tradeston footbridge and head west along the river to Govan, and Ibrox Stadium, home of Glasgow Rangers and already busy with fans and vendors before the big Rangers vs Celtic game in a couple of hours. Being a Celtic fan I turn up the volume on my Ipod and blast a couple of Celtic songs to get me through!
Crossing Paisley Road West I pick up Nithsdale Road which brings me several miles back east before turning south onto Cathcart Road and eventually to Hampden Park, home of Queens Park and more importantly the Scottish National Stadium. I run around the perimeter in the car parks as far as possible before getting back on residential streets and trying to judge how to find Cathkin Park, once home to Third Lanark (a team that went bust in 1967) and still boasting the original terracing. I aim too far east and after a few twists and turns in Toryglen I use the GPS to try and get back on the right road, eventually finding the park and doing a quick lap of the pitch and a run up the terracing, now overgrown but still completely resembling the old ground.
I now aim northeast, where I pass stadium 5, Clyde FC's old Shawfield Stadium (now a rundown greyhound racing venue) before crossing the Clyde and heading into more familiar territory around the Paradise of Celtic Park. I'm getting near my mileage so rather than loop around the stadium on the main road I cut through waste ground on the west side of the ground, only having to climb one fence en route! My first thought now is to pick up the train at Duke Street, but arriving there after 19.8 miles I find no Sunday service. Plan B involves a not unpleasant warm down walk north to the Tesco superstore at St Rollox where I purchase energy food and pick up the bus home. I've really enjoyed today's run, beats trying to find a novel long route in Inverness... but it is a pity Celtic can't win the big game.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
27/02/10 - Bishopbriggs
Distance: 11.8km/ 7.3miles
Altitude: 63m/ 207ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Overcast and blustery
To test my fitness at this stage of the training I signed up for a 10km race in my home town of Bishopbriggs. The course is theoretically flat and fast being on the Forth and Clyde Canal bank most of the way, but with the recent snow and rain it is very muddy today in places. To warm up I jog the km or so to the town's sports centre (Leisuredrome) and we are soon lining up on a side street for the statrt.
A short loop of paved roads precedes the canal towpath, and as the early stretch on the canal is narrow I've been told it's important to go off fast and get a good position where overtaking is difficult. With the muddy conditions underfoot requiring some zig-zagging on the path this is even better advice today. We turn at Cadder Bridge and the north path is much easier to run on, though the cold blustery wind can't seem to make up its mind which way it is blowing. Continuing past the Leisuredrome we hit a stretch that was really waterlogged last year, but improvements have been made and it is not bad underfoot.
I am going well and overtaking a few runners when we hit the final turn on the Lambhill Bridge and get back on the south bank, where on the whole the path is back to muddy and wet. There have been markers every km so I've ignored the distance on my GPS, but glancing at the time suggest I'll be close to my 10km best last year, and I'm sure my local knowledge will help in the tough last few km (I've run here quite a bit and played in the area as a kid as far back as 1975!). I know when the headwind will be blocked by trees (a relief), how the path will be (big puddles) and also realize that when I hit the 9km marker we have quite a bit less to run... my GPS says 9.3km. Sure enough the finish looms quickly and though I can't overtake the guy in front my time of 37.45 is a very pleasant surprise.
My parents are at the finish to meet me (another nice surprise, especially when my dad lends me his fleece jacket) and overall I feel good having kept a nice steady pace and felt strong all the way.
P.S. A final surprise later in the week, I get a cheque for £10 for 3rd male veteran. Blowing my amateur status (I've never won money in a race before!) I bank it to pay for the Nairn 10k.
Altitude: 63m/ 207ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Overcast and blustery
To test my fitness at this stage of the training I signed up for a 10km race in my home town of Bishopbriggs. The course is theoretically flat and fast being on the Forth and Clyde Canal bank most of the way, but with the recent snow and rain it is very muddy today in places. To warm up I jog the km or so to the town's sports centre (Leisuredrome) and we are soon lining up on a side street for the statrt.
A short loop of paved roads precedes the canal towpath, and as the early stretch on the canal is narrow I've been told it's important to go off fast and get a good position where overtaking is difficult. With the muddy conditions underfoot requiring some zig-zagging on the path this is even better advice today. We turn at Cadder Bridge and the north path is much easier to run on, though the cold blustery wind can't seem to make up its mind which way it is blowing. Continuing past the Leisuredrome we hit a stretch that was really waterlogged last year, but improvements have been made and it is not bad underfoot.
I am going well and overtaking a few runners when we hit the final turn on the Lambhill Bridge and get back on the south bank, where on the whole the path is back to muddy and wet. There have been markers every km so I've ignored the distance on my GPS, but glancing at the time suggest I'll be close to my 10km best last year, and I'm sure my local knowledge will help in the tough last few km (I've run here quite a bit and played in the area as a kid as far back as 1975!). I know when the headwind will be blocked by trees (a relief), how the path will be (big puddles) and also realize that when I hit the 9km marker we have quite a bit less to run... my GPS says 9.3km. Sure enough the finish looms quickly and though I can't overtake the guy in front my time of 37.45 is a very pleasant surprise.
My parents are at the finish to meet me (another nice surprise, especially when my dad lends me his fleece jacket) and overall I feel good having kept a nice steady pace and felt strong all the way.
P.S. A final surprise later in the week, I get a cheque for £10 for 3rd male veteran. Blowing my amateur status (I've never won money in a race before!) I bank it to pay for the Nairn 10k.
25/02/10 - Inverness
Distance: 9.4km/ 5.9miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Damp and slippery
A hard night to be doing hill work with the recent snow and sleet making the pavements slippery, so on the whole I run on the road as the traffic is light. Not a pleasant night to be out either with periodic driving rain/sleet, and 6 reps up a hill is never an enticing prospect on the calendar. A night to endure rather than enjoy.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Damp and slippery
A hard night to be doing hill work with the recent snow and sleet making the pavements slippery, so on the whole I run on the road as the traffic is light. Not a pleasant night to be out either with periodic driving rain/sleet, and 6 reps up a hill is never an enticing prospect on the calendar. A night to endure rather than enjoy.
24/02/10 - Inverness
Distance: 7.3km/ 4.6miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 3°C/ 37°F
Weather: Overcast
Suddenly feels like winter again for tonight's 4 miles with considerable amounts of snow falling this morning and leaving the pavements slushy into the evening.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 3°C/ 37°F
Weather: Overcast
Suddenly feels like winter again for tonight's 4 miles with considerable amounts of snow falling this morning and leaving the pavements slushy into the evening.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
23/02/10 - Inverness
Inverness 1
Distance: 6.6km/ 4.1miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -2°C/ 28°F
Weather: Clear and cold
Inverness2
Distance: 8.8km/ 5.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -4°C/ 25°F
Weather: Clear and cold
Distance: 6.6km/ 4.1miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -2°C/ 28°F
Weather: Clear and cold
Inverness2
Distance: 8.8km/ 5.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -4°C/ 25°F
Weather: Clear and cold
21/02/10 - Dunoon/Inverness (2 runs)
Dunoon
Distance: 10.7km/ 6.6miles
Altitude: 42m/ 138ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cold and bright
Today's hash run starts in the coastal town of Dunoon in the bright sun but with a cold breeze. We wind generally inland with many false trails, gradually climbing to open moorland with great views and a network of paths. One false trail takes me over 200m (650ft) before we drop down into the woods and back into town.
Inverness
Distance: 8.7km/ 5.4miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -4°C/ 25°F
Weather: Cold and clear
I need another 5.4 miles to complete the day, so I run into work to complete some paperwork before taking the long road home.
Distance: 10.7km/ 6.6miles
Altitude: 42m/ 138ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cold and bright
Today's hash run starts in the coastal town of Dunoon in the bright sun but with a cold breeze. We wind generally inland with many false trails, gradually climbing to open moorland with great views and a network of paths. One false trail takes me over 200m (650ft) before we drop down into the woods and back into town.
Inverness
Distance: 8.7km/ 5.4miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: -4°C/ 25°F
Weather: Cold and clear
I need another 5.4 miles to complete the day, so I run into work to complete some paperwork before taking the long road home.
20/02/10 - Ardentinny/Loch Eck (2 runs)
Ardentinny
Distance: 9.4km/ 5.8miles
Altitude: 3m/ 10ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Cool and bright
A hash run in the Argyll Forest Park south of Ardentinny. We begin right beside Loch Long before climbing generally south on forest paths, taking in a few false trails on the way. A section of trail brings us steeply through the trees at a slow walk before we pick up the track again to a high point at about 300m (1000ft). Then we wind steeply downhill again on narrow paths before a long stretch of forest road heading generally south which brings us out at a fine viewpoint with vistas over Loch Long (including a passing aircraft carrier). Bipassing a herd of Highland Cows we head north again on the forest road which brings us back into the village.
Loch Eck
Distance: 5.4km/ 3.4miles
Altitude: 51m/ 168ft
Temp: -1°C/ 30°F
Weather: Cold and still
The training scheme calls for 9 miles today so I have another 3.2 miles to complete after the hash. We are staying at the Whistlefield Inn on picturesque Loch Eck so I opt to run south on the Loch near sunset and enjoy the views to the hills over the narrow stretch of water. One of the most beautiful places I've ever run!
Distance: 9.4km/ 5.8miles
Altitude: 3m/ 10ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Cool and bright
A hash run in the Argyll Forest Park south of Ardentinny. We begin right beside Loch Long before climbing generally south on forest paths, taking in a few false trails on the way. A section of trail brings us steeply through the trees at a slow walk before we pick up the track again to a high point at about 300m (1000ft). Then we wind steeply downhill again on narrow paths before a long stretch of forest road heading generally south which brings us out at a fine viewpoint with vistas over Loch Long (including a passing aircraft carrier). Bipassing a herd of Highland Cows we head north again on the forest road which brings us back into the village.
Distance: 5.4km/ 3.4miles
Altitude: 51m/ 168ft
Temp: -1°C/ 30°F
Weather: Cold and still
The training scheme calls for 9 miles today so I have another 3.2 miles to complete after the hash. We are staying at the Whistlefield Inn on picturesque Loch Eck so I opt to run south on the Loch near sunset and enjoy the views to the hills over the narrow stretch of water. One of the most beautiful places I've ever run!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
16/02/10 - Inverness
Distance: 15.8km/ 9.8miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cold wind with sleet flurries
Today is scheduled for a nine mile run, but as we'll be off the beaten track Saturday I swap for Saturday's 9 mile pace run as keeping up the required pace is easier on familiar territory. It won't be easy tonight however as Inverness has had snow on and off all day and the evening conditions are windy with sleet showers. At least the snow has not stuck around on the road and after warming up by jogging through town I up the pace on the road out to the A9. Once on the highway I continue northwest to the Kessock Bridge where the wind is pretty stiff from the east before I reach relative shelter for a stretch on the Black Isle.
I opt for a new stretch tonight, taking the side road from the A9 down towards North Kessock where I hit familiar territory in continuing under the bridge and up the steep slope onto the east side of the highway. From here I get buffeted by the wind returning over the bridge before I complete the target mileage by taking Longman Road home, ending the 9 miles in a few seconds under the target time. A little slower than recent pace runs but OK given the wind and a bit of up down en route.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Cold wind with sleet flurries
Today is scheduled for a nine mile run, but as we'll be off the beaten track Saturday I swap for Saturday's 9 mile pace run as keeping up the required pace is easier on familiar territory. It won't be easy tonight however as Inverness has had snow on and off all day and the evening conditions are windy with sleet showers. At least the snow has not stuck around on the road and after warming up by jogging through town I up the pace on the road out to the A9. Once on the highway I continue northwest to the Kessock Bridge where the wind is pretty stiff from the east before I reach relative shelter for a stretch on the Black Isle.
I opt for a new stretch tonight, taking the side road from the A9 down towards North Kessock where I hit familiar territory in continuing under the bridge and up the steep slope onto the east side of the highway. From here I get buffeted by the wind returning over the bridge before I complete the target mileage by taking Longman Road home, ending the 9 miles in a few seconds under the target time. A little slower than recent pace runs but OK given the wind and a bit of up down en route.
14/02/10 - Inverness
Distance: 27.1km/ 16.9miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Mild, occasinal sun and drizzle
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 7°C/ 45°F
Weather: Mild, occasinal sun and drizzle
Sunday, February 14, 2010
08/02/10 - Inverness
Distance: 4.9km/ 3.0miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Chilly
It feels a little colder tonight but I only have 3 miles to run.
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 2°C/ 36°F
Weather: Chilly
It feels a little colder tonight but I only have 3 miles to run.
07/02/10 - Nairn/ Inverness (3 Runs)
Nairn 1
Distance: 12.2km/ 7.6miles
Nairn 2
Distance: 8.8km/ 5.5miles
Altitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Dull and cloudy
I make up the final part of today's mileage in a practical way, by running into work to catch up on a little paperwork.
Distance: 12.2km/ 7.6miles
Altitude: 3m/ 10ft
Temp: 3°C/ 37°F
Weather: Dull and cloudy
Today calls for 16 miles (25.7km) and as I'm haring this week's hash run I'll get in a lot of mileage by setting the run (by dropping flour marks for the uninitiated) then following behind the group as they follow my trail. Barny will also get a good run today, joining me for both Nairn legs. Good thing he's a very energetic dog. I begin aiming west along the sea front before cutting inland, winding through a residential area, crossing a park and passing the railway. Running south past the hospital we pick up the footpath on the River Nairn to bring us back through town and down to the river mouth. As the map shows I also ran back and forth quite a bit to lay false trails.
Nairn 2
Distance: 8.8km/ 5.5miles
Altitude: 3m/ 10ft
Temp: 3°C/ 37°F
Weather: Dull and cloudy
Same as the above run, but this time other people run in the wrong directions and I just follow the main trail. I also added an extra half mile (km) by jogging from the end of the road to the pub!
Inverness
Distance: 5.1km/ 3.2milesAltitude: 5m/ 18ft
Temp: 4°C/ 39°F
Weather: Dull and cloudy
I make up the final part of today's mileage in a practical way, by running into work to catch up on a little paperwork.
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