I went to run the West Pinchbeck 10k instead of the Clumber 10k because it was supposed to be a fast flat course. Yes, it was a good run, well organised and flat, and in good conditions could be one for fast times. However I did not count on the weather - very hot and sunny. Of course given this I should have started slower and increased the pace later on if I felt good.
I went out fast and was near the front for the first 3km. After this I started imperceptibly to drift backwards. More people started to go past. From about 7km onwards I struggled to keep up with people as they passed.
I know I can run a lot better than this. Maybe I'm not quite in 35 minute 10k shape but I should have certainly run better. Never mind I am looking forward to the Leicester marathon in a couple of weeks time.
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label race. Show all posts
10/1/09
8/10/09
Newark Half Marathon 2009
Looking out my window today you wouldn't believe that it was blisteringly hot weather yesterday on the 9th August 2009. Well, I suppose it had to be like that because that was the date of the Newark half marathon, and nearly every year it is the same apparently. When I got back to my car after the race the temperature gauge said 33 degrees. I couldn't really argue with that as the temperature inside the car wasn't that different from outside.
I had come into this race feeling fit - if not very well rested as a result of a week at Center Parcs with its paper thin walls - and thought a sub 90 minute performance was pretty certain. Standing on the start line in the heat I thought I could still do it, even if a bit slower than I wanted.
My mouth is dry after 3 miles and I'm looking around for the water station. One cup of water over the head, and a quick sip from another cup, and that is my pattern for most of the way round. Some sponges would have been appreciated as well as cups of water, and while I'm thinking of it isotonic drinks on the route as well, but only cups of water were on offer. At the final drinks station before the finish I stop for the first time. What's the point in carrying on? I grab 2 drinks here, and a third cup goes over the head. I'm annoyed by the comment of the woman marshall at the drinks station: "I like the walkers." I'm not a walker! I'm off running again, but despite my anger and frustration find it hard to raise much of a sprint even at the finish.
The best way to describe the Newark half is:- A blur of concrete, streets, cars and byepasses. There is no scenery to mention, and I'd only come here because it looked like a fast course. So much for that, never mind! After 13 miles I stagger towards the Market Square. Yes, I had warmed up here earlier and my legs had felt good, but now they feel slow and sluggish and I stumble apathetically across the finish line.
1:35:22
I need a drink. Where's the water? Down the funnel, a chap hands me an entry form for the Worksop half with the words "Well done, Clowne", but still no water anywhere. There's the t-shirts but I don't give a damn about the t-shirts, oh perhaps I'll get one before the water then, finally I see the water stand across the square and help myself to a pint. I walk around in a daze looking for some shade. I go to the Lucozade nutrition stand where they're giving out free samples. I help myself to a recovery bar and a recovery powder. Now, in my confused state it is a nightmare trying to open the thing. Even when I'm not exhausted I have trouble open packets like this. I gnaw at it despairingly. I have a bright idea of asking the Lucozade girl if she has a pair of scissors. She just points out that there's a point on the packaging which is designed to be ripped open. I stagger off towards the shade while ripping at the packet with my teeth. I cover my face with the sugary powder before adding it to my water.
Several pints of water later and another Lucozade recovery bar I stagger back towards the car.
Next year I'll know better and go and Race the Train....
I had come into this race feeling fit - if not very well rested as a result of a week at Center Parcs with its paper thin walls - and thought a sub 90 minute performance was pretty certain. Standing on the start line in the heat I thought I could still do it, even if a bit slower than I wanted.
My mouth is dry after 3 miles and I'm looking around for the water station. One cup of water over the head, and a quick sip from another cup, and that is my pattern for most of the way round. Some sponges would have been appreciated as well as cups of water, and while I'm thinking of it isotonic drinks on the route as well, but only cups of water were on offer. At the final drinks station before the finish I stop for the first time. What's the point in carrying on? I grab 2 drinks here, and a third cup goes over the head. I'm annoyed by the comment of the woman marshall at the drinks station: "I like the walkers." I'm not a walker! I'm off running again, but despite my anger and frustration find it hard to raise much of a sprint even at the finish.
The best way to describe the Newark half is:- A blur of concrete, streets, cars and byepasses. There is no scenery to mention, and I'd only come here because it looked like a fast course. So much for that, never mind! After 13 miles I stagger towards the Market Square. Yes, I had warmed up here earlier and my legs had felt good, but now they feel slow and sluggish and I stumble apathetically across the finish line.
1:35:22
I need a drink. Where's the water? Down the funnel, a chap hands me an entry form for the Worksop half with the words "Well done, Clowne", but still no water anywhere. There's the t-shirts but I don't give a damn about the t-shirts, oh perhaps I'll get one before the water then, finally I see the water stand across the square and help myself to a pint. I walk around in a daze looking for some shade. I go to the Lucozade nutrition stand where they're giving out free samples. I help myself to a recovery bar and a recovery powder. Now, in my confused state it is a nightmare trying to open the thing. Even when I'm not exhausted I have trouble open packets like this. I gnaw at it despairingly. I have a bright idea of asking the Lucozade girl if she has a pair of scissors. She just points out that there's a point on the packaging which is designed to be ripped open. I stagger off towards the shade while ripping at the packet with my teeth. I cover my face with the sugary powder before adding it to my water.
Several pints of water later and another Lucozade recovery bar I stagger back towards the car.
Next year I'll know better and go and Race the Train....
7/10/09
Maltby Abbey Dash Results
Here's this years Maltby Abbey Dash results. Apparently the course was shortened a little this year, so I don't think this is 5 miles. It's a tricky course, and you have to cross a stream on stepping stones at one point. Good fun if you like xcountry and off road running.
Name Affiliated Club Sex Age Time
1 Darren King Killamarsh Kestrels M 40 28.01
2 Simon Bennett Steel City Strider M 39 28.46
3 Edward Hardy Killamarsh Kestrels M 40 28.48
4 Simon Gregory Killamarsh Kestrels M 35 29.35
5 Chris Adams Killamarsh Kestrels M 28 30.03
6 Ryan Cudworth Tickhill RAC M 35 30.47
7 Matthew Russell Clowne M 38 30.59
8 David Booth Rotherham Harriers M 18 31.38
9 Sarah Kriel Killamarsh Kestrels F 37 31.49
10 Claire Spencer Kimberworth Striders F 27 31.5
11 Pat Rooney Kimberworth Striders M 63 31.55
12 Richard Self Killamarsh Kestrels M 57 32.16
13 Brian Wheatley Unattached M 47 32.26
14 John Spencer Rotherham Harriers M 47 32.29
15 Christian Desaaegher San Quentin RC M 47 32.35 16 Paul Saddler Clowne M 28 33.20
17 Paul Campbell Rotherham Harriers M 45 33.49
18 Hayley Smith Maltby RC F 15 34.07
19 Richard Stocker Clowne M 46 34.25
20 Paul Mears Unattached M 37 34.33
21 Geoff Smith Maltby RC M 56 34.53
22 Dominique Dubrevil San Quentin RC F 48 35.46
23 Antonio Martins San Quentin RC M 57 35.54
24 Bruno Landouzy San Quentin RC M 43 36.23
25 Will Gealby Sheffield Tri Club M 34 36.3
26 Jean-Rene Pierin San Quentin RC M 54 37.12
27 David Wheatley Clowne M 51 38.08
28 John Proffitt Clowne M 66 38.12
29 Peter Humphries Rotherham Harriers M 66 38.17
30 Greg Goddard Clowne M 55 38.24
31 Karen Osborne Maltby RC F 52 38.3
32 Neil Shaw Rotherham Harriers M 36 38.36
33 Mick Hawkes Clowne M 53 38.47
34 Brian Thornhill Handsworth Road Hogs M 39 39.15
35 Paul Staley Rotherham Harriers M 54 39.3
36 Dan Keeling Clowne M 22 36 39.36
37 Christian Baccle San Quentin RC M 57 37 39.42
38 Debbie Howarth Kimberworth Striders F 47 38 39.52
39 Malcolm Rhodes Rotherham Harriers M 61 39 39.55
40 Kerry Booth Clowne F 47 40 40
41 Micheal Hill Rotherham Harriers M 59 41 40.15
42 Chris Clayton Unattached M 15 42 40.16
43 Andrew Hickson N. Derby RC M 44 43 40.32
44 Gary Needham Maltby RC M 42 44 41.02
45 Peter Down Killamarsh Kestrels M 45 45 41.2
46 Henry Marston Rotherham Harriers M 62 46 41.32
47 Sally Wheelhouse Maltby RC F 40 47 41.35
48 Jose Goetz San Quentin RC M 49 48 42.09 49 Paul Dickinson Clowne M 43 49 41.35
50 Barrie Williams Clowne M 67 50 42.09
51 Paul Summerley Clowne M 52 51 42.11
52 Jenny Lippitt Killamarsh Kestrels F 35 52 43.58
53 Mick Scarr Kimberworth Striders M 37 53 44.12
54 Chris Flintham Maltby RC M 47 54 44.39
55 Ben Wheatley Unattached M 15 56 45.17
56 Mick Chetwynd Unattached M 40 56 45.17
57 Gary Morewood South York Police M 52 57 45.21
58 Dominique Goetz San Quentin RC F 46 58 45.24
59 Bridget Bouttell Doncaster Athletic c F 43 59 45.28
60 Christine Stimpson Tickhill RAC F 56 60 46.06
61 Dave Keeling Clowne M 44 61 46.06
62 Benoit Desaegher San Quentin RC M 18 62 46.18
63 Jean Marc Dubios San Quentin RC M 60 63 46.51
64 Russell Chetwynd Unattached M 35 64 47.21
65 Catherine Jones Tickhill RAC F 34 65 48.28
66 Genevieve Theron San Quentin RC F 64 66 49.44
67 Jennifer Harrison Tickhill RAC F 30 67 49.53
68 Lisa Carter Unattached F 38 68 50.04
69 Val Vine Unattached F 43 69 50.04
70 Dominique Baccle San Quentin RC F 50 70 51.08
71 Caroline Boyd Maltby RC M 52 71 51.08
72 Gina Green Bannatynes F 37 72 55.21
73 Malc Proctor Kimberworth Striders M 55 73 55.21
74 Janet Butterworth Clowne F 66 74 59.3
75 Mary Chapman Kimberworth Striders F 66 75 61.53
76 Ken Chapman Kimberworth Striders M 67 76 62.21
77 Tony Redfern Maltby RC M 45 62.3
---
Some of these times might be wrong unfortunately; my time stated 28:59, but that would mean that I was faster than several people who finished in front of me. I timed my run myself, and know that I wasn't that far behind the 6th man, so I have adjusted my time accordingly. Also, Paul Dickinson from Clowne has run a faster time than the man who finished in front of him!
Name Affiliated Club Sex Age Time
1 Darren King Killamarsh Kestrels M 40 28.01
2 Simon Bennett Steel City Strider M 39 28.46
3 Edward Hardy Killamarsh Kestrels M 40 28.48
4 Simon Gregory Killamarsh Kestrels M 35 29.35
5 Chris Adams Killamarsh Kestrels M 28 30.03
6 Ryan Cudworth Tickhill RAC M 35 30.47
7 Matthew Russell Clowne M 38 30.59
8 David Booth Rotherham Harriers M 18 31.38
9 Sarah Kriel Killamarsh Kestrels F 37 31.49
10 Claire Spencer Kimberworth Striders F 27 31.5
11 Pat Rooney Kimberworth Striders M 63 31.55
12 Richard Self Killamarsh Kestrels M 57 32.16
13 Brian Wheatley Unattached M 47 32.26
14 John Spencer Rotherham Harriers M 47 32.29
15 Christian Desaaegher San Quentin RC M 47 32.35 16 Paul Saddler Clowne M 28 33.20
17 Paul Campbell Rotherham Harriers M 45 33.49
18 Hayley Smith Maltby RC F 15 34.07
19 Richard Stocker Clowne M 46 34.25
20 Paul Mears Unattached M 37 34.33
21 Geoff Smith Maltby RC M 56 34.53
22 Dominique Dubrevil San Quentin RC F 48 35.46
23 Antonio Martins San Quentin RC M 57 35.54
24 Bruno Landouzy San Quentin RC M 43 36.23
25 Will Gealby Sheffield Tri Club M 34 36.3
26 Jean-Rene Pierin San Quentin RC M 54 37.12
27 David Wheatley Clowne M 51 38.08
28 John Proffitt Clowne M 66 38.12
29 Peter Humphries Rotherham Harriers M 66 38.17
30 Greg Goddard Clowne M 55 38.24
31 Karen Osborne Maltby RC F 52 38.3
32 Neil Shaw Rotherham Harriers M 36 38.36
33 Mick Hawkes Clowne M 53 38.47
34 Brian Thornhill Handsworth Road Hogs M 39 39.15
35 Paul Staley Rotherham Harriers M 54 39.3
36 Dan Keeling Clowne M 22 36 39.36
37 Christian Baccle San Quentin RC M 57 37 39.42
38 Debbie Howarth Kimberworth Striders F 47 38 39.52
39 Malcolm Rhodes Rotherham Harriers M 61 39 39.55
40 Kerry Booth Clowne F 47 40 40
41 Micheal Hill Rotherham Harriers M 59 41 40.15
42 Chris Clayton Unattached M 15 42 40.16
43 Andrew Hickson N. Derby RC M 44 43 40.32
44 Gary Needham Maltby RC M 42 44 41.02
45 Peter Down Killamarsh Kestrels M 45 45 41.2
46 Henry Marston Rotherham Harriers M 62 46 41.32
47 Sally Wheelhouse Maltby RC F 40 47 41.35
48 Jose Goetz San Quentin RC M 49 48 42.09 49 Paul Dickinson Clowne M 43 49 41.35
50 Barrie Williams Clowne M 67 50 42.09
51 Paul Summerley Clowne M 52 51 42.11
52 Jenny Lippitt Killamarsh Kestrels F 35 52 43.58
53 Mick Scarr Kimberworth Striders M 37 53 44.12
54 Chris Flintham Maltby RC M 47 54 44.39
55 Ben Wheatley Unattached M 15 56 45.17
56 Mick Chetwynd Unattached M 40 56 45.17
57 Gary Morewood South York Police M 52 57 45.21
58 Dominique Goetz San Quentin RC F 46 58 45.24
59 Bridget Bouttell Doncaster Athletic c F 43 59 45.28
60 Christine Stimpson Tickhill RAC F 56 60 46.06
61 Dave Keeling Clowne M 44 61 46.06
62 Benoit Desaegher San Quentin RC M 18 62 46.18
63 Jean Marc Dubios San Quentin RC M 60 63 46.51
64 Russell Chetwynd Unattached M 35 64 47.21
65 Catherine Jones Tickhill RAC F 34 65 48.28
66 Genevieve Theron San Quentin RC F 64 66 49.44
67 Jennifer Harrison Tickhill RAC F 30 67 49.53
68 Lisa Carter Unattached F 38 68 50.04
69 Val Vine Unattached F 43 69 50.04
70 Dominique Baccle San Quentin RC F 50 70 51.08
71 Caroline Boyd Maltby RC M 52 71 51.08
72 Gina Green Bannatynes F 37 72 55.21
73 Malc Proctor Kimberworth Striders M 55 73 55.21
74 Janet Butterworth Clowne F 66 74 59.3
75 Mary Chapman Kimberworth Striders F 66 75 61.53
76 Ken Chapman Kimberworth Striders M 67 76 62.21
77 Tony Redfern Maltby RC M 45 62.3
---
Some of these times might be wrong unfortunately; my time stated 28:59, but that would mean that I was faster than several people who finished in front of me. I timed my run myself, and know that I wasn't that far behind the 6th man, so I have adjusted my time accordingly. Also, Paul Dickinson from Clowne has run a faster time than the man who finished in front of him!
6/19/09
Inter-club Summer X Country
This is a very low key event, and not knowing this, but just seeing the words "summer x country" on our club website, I thought it would be a competitive xcountry race, and so approached it like that. It was the day after running the Elmton Chase, but I felt good so looked forward to running fast.
Unfortunately not many people turned up - I would estimate around 20. We did a steady lap of the Retford Rugby pitch then went out through the woods across trails and fields. There were just enough marshalls along the way to stop you from getting lost, and also some arrows and ticker tape.
Three runners got away fairly early on - the eventual "winner" Carl Thackeray, and Steve Battle running for Clowne as well as one runner from Killamarsh - and there was a group of us behind them. I made an effort to leave the others behind and opened up a gap (not sure how large because I was focussed on making efforts to catch the three at the front; I could see them most of the way, but didn't catch them.)
Towards the end we went into a field, the marshall said follow the arrow, I ploughed into the field running across plants etc, and said "where's the arrow?" The Killamarsh runner said "it's over here". He was quite a way to the right on the correct path. I rejoined the path, but he had a lead now, and as we went over the hills towards the Rugby club he gained a bit more of a lead, and even though I was working hard I couldn't catch him.
He didn't finish that far in front though!
Anyway, it was a fun event and I thoroughly enjoyed it. No, it wasn't a race, but I'll beat him next time!
Unfortunately not many people turned up - I would estimate around 20. We did a steady lap of the Retford Rugby pitch then went out through the woods across trails and fields. There were just enough marshalls along the way to stop you from getting lost, and also some arrows and ticker tape.
Three runners got away fairly early on - the eventual "winner" Carl Thackeray, and Steve Battle running for Clowne as well as one runner from Killamarsh - and there was a group of us behind them. I made an effort to leave the others behind and opened up a gap (not sure how large because I was focussed on making efforts to catch the three at the front; I could see them most of the way, but didn't catch them.)
Towards the end we went into a field, the marshall said follow the arrow, I ploughed into the field running across plants etc, and said "where's the arrow?" The Killamarsh runner said "it's over here". He was quite a way to the right on the correct path. I rejoined the path, but he had a lead now, and as we went over the hills towards the Rugby club he gained a bit more of a lead, and even though I was working hard I couldn't catch him.
He didn't finish that far in front though!
Anyway, it was a fun event and I thoroughly enjoyed it. No, it wasn't a race, but I'll beat him next time!
5/4/09
Photos from Shakespeare Marathon 2009
Here's a couple of photos of me finishing the Shakespeare marathon on 26th April. I look fairly fresh in the pictures, and I felt good I remember, but when I tried to sprint again for the line there was nothing there. But still a good race and it felt like I'd picked the pace up over the second half - in reality everyone else was slowing badly, but my pace was pretty even.
4/17/09
Notts AC Easter 10k at Wollaton Park
The Notts AC Easter 10k is run round the grounds of Wollaton Park in Nottingham. It's a good off-road run mainly across parkland and on paths; the advantage is that there are no cars to contend with; the disadvantage is that there are pedestrians and dogs, and some of them are oblivious to runners going round the park!
It is not a pb course either. There are several sharp hills, and if you enjoy running the first lap you are sure to feel the hills the second time around. It's a well organised friendly race, though, and I did enjoy it. A total of 342 runners finished the run - one runner may not have finished because halfway round my second lap a female marshall was running round asking where a runner had fallen down - all I could do was shrug as I continued running as quickly as I could.
A bloke tripped over just behind me as well, and tumbled onto the dirt track. There were gasps of "Oh, my God!" from the few spectators. I glanced over my shoulder to see him picking himself up and carrying on.
Well, I ran just over 40 minutes, and considering the course I'm pleased with the time, though I was hoping to run quicker! As I was coming down the final hill towards the finish the crowd started to shout the name of the runner just behind me. After a quick glance around I put in a final burst, sprinted through the line, and beat him by a clear second.
It is not a pb course either. There are several sharp hills, and if you enjoy running the first lap you are sure to feel the hills the second time around. It's a well organised friendly race, though, and I did enjoy it. A total of 342 runners finished the run - one runner may not have finished because halfway round my second lap a female marshall was running round asking where a runner had fallen down - all I could do was shrug as I continued running as quickly as I could.
A bloke tripped over just behind me as well, and tumbled onto the dirt track. There were gasps of "Oh, my God!" from the few spectators. I glanced over my shoulder to see him picking himself up and carrying on.
Well, I ran just over 40 minutes, and considering the course I'm pleased with the time, though I was hoping to run quicker! As I was coming down the final hill towards the finish the crowd started to shout the name of the runner just behind me. After a quick glance around I put in a final burst, sprinted through the line, and beat him by a clear second.
3/27/09
Retford Half Marathon
Well, I have to say that I think I underperformed in the Retford half marathon this year. Not to say I didn't run a decent time, but from my other race results and my level of fitness I think I could have run 5 minutes or so quicker.
Initially I blamed this on the wind, and the fact that the course is not as flat as I thought. Sure it was very windy, but looking at the results other people performed well, and I was further behind them than I would have expected.
My problem was perhaps that I went off too near the front, and did the first half mile in just over 5 minute mile pace, then I spent the next 6 or more miles looking at my watch; checking my heart rate and my pace. In future I should run without a watch and just run as I feel, then I may run better.
People inevitably came past me and I slipped down the field to finish in 85th place. If I had started off more conservatively I could have worked my way through and finished higher. But, that is all ifs and buts. I had a good run, enjoyed it, and gave it all I had on the day. And I have learnt to go off a little slower, and build up the speed as I go.
Looking forward to a good run in the Stratford Marathon in April.
Initially I blamed this on the wind, and the fact that the course is not as flat as I thought. Sure it was very windy, but looking at the results other people performed well, and I was further behind them than I would have expected.
My problem was perhaps that I went off too near the front, and did the first half mile in just over 5 minute mile pace, then I spent the next 6 or more miles looking at my watch; checking my heart rate and my pace. In future I should run without a watch and just run as I feel, then I may run better.
People inevitably came past me and I slipped down the field to finish in 85th place. If I had started off more conservatively I could have worked my way through and finished higher. But, that is all ifs and buts. I had a good run, enjoyed it, and gave it all I had on the day. And I have learnt to go off a little slower, and build up the speed as I go.
Looking forward to a good run in the Stratford Marathon in April.
3/11/09
Clowne X Country Race
"It's over the same course as previous years, but just listen up..." mmm I thought, well this is the first time I've run it so that doesn't help.."just bear that in mind and you'll be alright."
I had missed something here. What was it? Oh, there was no way I could get lost because I wouldn't be leading the field out like I did at Retford. No, I didn't want to drop back through the field again like that. Yes, it's ok to have a fast start to stay out of trouble, but then you have to deal with the lactic acid. I'm not quite fit enough for that; not quite a Gebreselaissie.
The wind was blowing cold, and the dark clouds were circling. I hadn't come prepared for this - a Clowne running vest, a pair of shorts and my Walsh's, oh and a grey woolly hat. A t-shirt wouldn't have helped keep me warm, though, as it would just have got wet, and these Ron Hill technical vests do an excellent job of wicking the moisture away. Plus, if you're running fast enough you should keep warm anyway.
I couldn't feel my hands for the first 20 minutes of the run. Keep you hands clasped together,I said to myself, to stop your wedding ring falling off your finger. A pair of gloves would have helped.
Paul Sadler was just ahead of me, yes and Stuart Platts and Scott Ramsden weren't that far ahead. Then there were four Kestrel vests. Over one stile, through the mud, over another stile, my studs slipped on the wet wood and I nearly went over.
Keep up the pressure, just try to gain on them through the mud. One Kestrel runner is taking it easier through the mud then speeding up afterwards. If I can just gain on him in the mud maybe I can keep with him and beat him at the finish.
We're coming to the end, just another mud-strewn field then can't be much further. Accelerate, you can catch them. That's when my foot slipped from under me, my right shoulder hit the mud and I slid forward a couple of foot. Straight up, get running again. Mud everywhere, at least I missed all the stones, so no major damage.
Round some more corners, then I'm scrambling over a wall. Keep on running...
Andy Ward calls out encouragement "come on you can catch both of these", and I've nearly finished. I start sprinting past a Retford runner, and a Kestrel is just ahead, then round the corner, keep on pushing, nearly there - I sweep past Stuart Platts, and sprint for the finish. The Kestrel runner holds me off.
I'm 10th, a good improvement on the Retford run. Scott finishes 7th, so just a few places ahead. Paul Sadler is back in 19th.
Damage done: scratches on right shin, cuts on right hip, small bruise on right knee, vest covered in mud.
3/4/09
Retford X Country Race
The sun was shining, and all was right with the world. Except I had a mini-panic that I wouldn't be able to find the start of the race. Yes, I had a satnav, but no it wasn't a great deal of help. Yes, I had the "postcode", but when I put this into the TomTom it didn't recognise it and made suggestions for somewhere in Northern Ireland. No, I wasn't leaving England, I just wanted to find somewhere in Retford.
Thanks for the wonders of a mobile phone (& Dave Johnson) I found the race start - helped by seeing some runners walking down a street, if it hadn't been for that I may have driven round a bit more in a daze.
Half an hour to go to the start of the Retford interclub X-Country race - time enough to do a warm up. So I ran round in circles for a bit - yes I felt good, did some strides and some sprint drills. They have a couple of football pitches, and alongside there is an old track (it might be cinder, it is certainly not one of these tartan ones, and if pressed I would say it was dirt, but it's marked into lanes and good for running on in that it's flat and level.)
Now, the start. When we eventually got to the start we were told we had to run to the corner of the field and round a cone. Anyone going the wrong side would be disqualified. Then there was some more bunting in another corner (anyone going the wrong side would fall down a hole), then we would go through a gap in the hedge and well...not sure where after this, but it would be self-evident surely?
I need a good start, I thought. Don't want to be tripping up over people going round that cone. So, "Go!" Got a good start and to my surprise I was first to the cone - what's happening here then, how come I'm in the lead, relax don't panic - to the other side of the first field and Steve Battle passes me, then I draw level - out through the gap in the hedge and there's three of us - which way is it then? No one seems to know - I spy John Proffit to the left, and presume it's that way.
After this more people passed me especially as the ground got uneven, we crossed stiles and went uphill. The rest of the race is a blur. I remember Scott Ramsden passing me and saying come on Matt keep it up, then Stuart Platts & they didn't get that far ahead. Even near the end I was thinking I could bridge the gap, but when we darted through the gap in the hedge again the race was virtually over and it was too late.
And I was working on closing the gap to the Killamarsh yellow vests right to the end, but the gap in the hedge beat me and the funnel came too quick for me to catch them. I did see Paul Sadler just behind me, but concentrated on trying to catch people in front rather than thinking about who was behind!
All in all good fun - but maybe I won't start so fast next time.
Thanks for the wonders of a mobile phone (& Dave Johnson) I found the race start - helped by seeing some runners walking down a street, if it hadn't been for that I may have driven round a bit more in a daze.
Half an hour to go to the start of the Retford interclub X-Country race - time enough to do a warm up. So I ran round in circles for a bit - yes I felt good, did some strides and some sprint drills. They have a couple of football pitches, and alongside there is an old track (it might be cinder, it is certainly not one of these tartan ones, and if pressed I would say it was dirt, but it's marked into lanes and good for running on in that it's flat and level.)
Now, the start. When we eventually got to the start we were told we had to run to the corner of the field and round a cone. Anyone going the wrong side would be disqualified. Then there was some more bunting in another corner (anyone going the wrong side would fall down a hole), then we would go through a gap in the hedge and well...not sure where after this, but it would be self-evident surely?
I need a good start, I thought. Don't want to be tripping up over people going round that cone. So, "Go!" Got a good start and to my surprise I was first to the cone - what's happening here then, how come I'm in the lead, relax don't panic - to the other side of the first field and Steve Battle passes me, then I draw level - out through the gap in the hedge and there's three of us - which way is it then? No one seems to know - I spy John Proffit to the left, and presume it's that way.
After this more people passed me especially as the ground got uneven, we crossed stiles and went uphill. The rest of the race is a blur. I remember Scott Ramsden passing me and saying come on Matt keep it up, then Stuart Platts & they didn't get that far ahead. Even near the end I was thinking I could bridge the gap, but when we darted through the gap in the hedge again the race was virtually over and it was too late.
And I was working on closing the gap to the Killamarsh yellow vests right to the end, but the gap in the hedge beat me and the funnel came too quick for me to catch them. I did see Paul Sadler just behind me, but concentrated on trying to catch people in front rather than thinking about who was behind!
All in all good fun - but maybe I won't start so fast next time.
2/19/09
Liversedge Half Marathon
The Liversedge half marathon is a tough run with lots of hills. I don't remember the course that well except for the parts when we were running uphill or downhill, but perhaps that's my mind playing tricks with me, perhaps there were some flat bits as well.
It shows how hard the run was by the fact that the winner finished in 1 hour 17 minutes 57 seconds. Also, Olympian Tracey Morris was fifth overall in 1 hour 19 minutes 51 seconds. I don't know what her personal best is, but I'm pretty sure she has run close to 2 hours 30 for a marathon.
So, that puts my time of 1 hour 32 minutes 57 seconds into perspective - just 15 minutes behind the winner. On a kinder course I would surely have gone well under 90 minutes.
I didn't take a lot of water on board as I found the one drink I did take made my stomach feel unsettled (this probably had something to do with the curry and half a bottle of wine I'd had the night before).
It was a well-organised friendly race, and I would recommend it - forget what I said earlier about it being a really tough race! The only problem I found was the fact that the roads were open to traffic, and lots of the drivers weren't very patient. So, it was a concern at times. This would have been helped if there had been more marshalls, but it is hard to get more volunteers on a half marathon I suppose.
On a side note I was annoyed by a woman runner who passed me at 3 miles, then cut in front of me blocking me in - I dashed onto the pavement to get past, then made sure if she came past again she couldn't block me in (stick elbows out and run nearer to the middle of the road!) She did come past again (another annoying habit she had was blocking her nose with her finger then shooting snot out of the other one!), but at the 3 mile point she stopped and jogged back.
Anyway, from what I remember of the race it was fun, and I hope to run it again in the future. My photos is here:- Matt's Photo
It shows how hard the run was by the fact that the winner finished in 1 hour 17 minutes 57 seconds. Also, Olympian Tracey Morris was fifth overall in 1 hour 19 minutes 51 seconds. I don't know what her personal best is, but I'm pretty sure she has run close to 2 hours 30 for a marathon.
So, that puts my time of 1 hour 32 minutes 57 seconds into perspective - just 15 minutes behind the winner. On a kinder course I would surely have gone well under 90 minutes.
I didn't take a lot of water on board as I found the one drink I did take made my stomach feel unsettled (this probably had something to do with the curry and half a bottle of wine I'd had the night before).
It was a well-organised friendly race, and I would recommend it - forget what I said earlier about it being a really tough race! The only problem I found was the fact that the roads were open to traffic, and lots of the drivers weren't very patient. So, it was a concern at times. This would have been helped if there had been more marshalls, but it is hard to get more volunteers on a half marathon I suppose.
On a side note I was annoyed by a woman runner who passed me at 3 miles, then cut in front of me blocking me in - I dashed onto the pavement to get past, then made sure if she came past again she couldn't block me in (stick elbows out and run nearer to the middle of the road!) She did come past again (another annoying habit she had was blocking her nose with her finger then shooting snot out of the other one!), but at the 3 mile point she stopped and jogged back.
Anyway, from what I remember of the race it was fun, and I hope to run it again in the future. My photos is here:- Matt's Photo
11/24/08
Clowne Half Marathon Results
Well, I had a good run in the Clowne half marathon yesterday. I started very near to the front thinking I wouldn't have any problems running into anyone. Well, we went round the corner, a bloke tried to undertake me, I was crowded in from the other side as well so nowhere to go & then I couldn't avoid running into this woman & treading on her heel....
the thrills and spills are continued here
the thrills and spills are continued here
11/4/08
Races
I'm itching to go racing again. To put on my running vest and get to the start line, and to run as fast as I can. There's nothing like the feeling of freedom you get running fast - time stands still and you just concentrate on moving forward.
I've been looking for more races, but chances are that my next race will be the Clowne Half marathon on 23rd November. Done that a couple of times before and it is a harder course than the Worksop half. But what goes up must come down as they say!
After that I hope to have a couple of 10k races at the beginning of December - to hone my speed for the winter, and to look forward to some cross country.
Ran twice today - faster run for 45 minutes this morning, then an easy 30 minutes on the treadmill tonight. It felt good to run twice, but feeling tired now.
I've been looking for more races, but chances are that my next race will be the Clowne Half marathon on 23rd November. Done that a couple of times before and it is a harder course than the Worksop half. But what goes up must come down as they say!
After that I hope to have a couple of 10k races at the beginning of December - to hone my speed for the winter, and to look forward to some cross country.
Ran twice today - faster run for 45 minutes this morning, then an easy 30 minutes on the treadmill tonight. It felt good to run twice, but feeling tired now.
10/28/08
Worksop Half Marathon Result
Well, I had a good run in the Worksop Half Marathon on Sunday. I have to say that it is not an easy run: the first mile is uphill so if you're keeping an eye on your pace I wouldn't be too worried that you're slower than you expect at this point.
The word that they use to describe races like this is undulating. Lots of gradual hills that you might not notice, but very few flat parts (I don't remember any flat sections), and well what goes up must come down, and the last mile is all downhill. Run as fast as you can to the finish, but don't run too fast, and whatever you do don't fall over in your desire to get to the finish.
It's a well organised race, and as long as you're not bothered about drinking on your way round you're alright. There were 3 water stations on the route where people were handing out small plastic cups of water - I had one mouthful of water towards the end, but didn't really see the point in trying to drink much until I'd finished.
I've put my race result on the right. I'm quite happy with my race, and have recovered quite well. Oh, all race finishers got a £5 off voucher to be used at SheRunsHeRuns , and also a very nice t-shirt.
Here's a photo of me with my mum at the finish --
The word that they use to describe races like this is undulating. Lots of gradual hills that you might not notice, but very few flat parts (I don't remember any flat sections), and well what goes up must come down, and the last mile is all downhill. Run as fast as you can to the finish, but don't run too fast, and whatever you do don't fall over in your desire to get to the finish.
It's a well organised race, and as long as you're not bothered about drinking on your way round you're alright. There were 3 water stations on the route where people were handing out small plastic cups of water - I had one mouthful of water towards the end, but didn't really see the point in trying to drink much until I'd finished.
I've put my race result on the right. I'm quite happy with my race, and have recovered quite well. Oh, all race finishers got a £5 off voucher to be used at SheRunsHeRuns , and also a very nice t-shirt.
Here's a photo of me with my mum at the finish --
10/16/08
Worksop Half Marathon - My next race
My next race is the Worksop Half marathon on the 26th October. This is an undulating course that goes through the scenic Clumber park. I ran it last year, and I remember quite an uphill, and a lot of road running for the first 3 miles, but you then go off into the park and quite a lot of the race is through Clumber, and is relatively traffic free.
I'm looking forward to the run, and hope to finish in around 90 minutes. I have run quicker than this before, but I will be happy with 90 minutes as it is a good starting point for further improvement.
I'm looking forward to the run, and hope to finish in around 90 minutes. I have run quicker than this before, but I will be happy with 90 minutes as it is a good starting point for further improvement.
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