Slightly early this week, but the training's over. Planned to do 3 runs, but forgot my stuff on Monday (despite it being in a bag next to the door) and ended up only doing two. A couple of steady 7-milers, one with gales and pouring rain, the other enjoying the benefit of gales only. Almost forgotten what it's like to run in the dry.
So, no long run this weekend? Nope. 40th birthday party on Friday night (not mine, sadly - long gone) to be followed by shopping for a new school coat for the boy and some light snowboarding on Saturday. Then I'm off to see the band responsible for the year's best song on Saturday night. And as it's on the playlist, I can share it here:
Well, I could share it here if Polydor hadn't disabled embedding of the official video. So this is an unofficial one.
Week's summary: 2 runs: 14 miles: Long run n/a
Miles since acceptance: 132
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Saturday, 21 November 2009
22 weeks and counting
Or, the week it got serious.
As you've probably seen on the telly, it's been quite rainy this week. Whilst much of it has fallen on the unfortunate people of Cumbria, that which was left over has followed me around the West of Scotland, either in direct "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" fashion, or by interfering with planned routes.
Tuesday's 7 miler out to Eaglesham - albeit in pleasant conditions - was interrupted at a flooded ford, requiring a scrabble up a steep bank, wandering along the dual carriageway and then back down the other side to take up the route again. Then Thursday's run was "enjoyed" in the midst of the gales and downpour that affected others so much more than a mere runner. The thinking at this point was along the lines of "I'm going to be training all through the winter, so I may as well get used to awful conditions now".
Hence I found myself on the 1306 to Arrochar (again) in another downpour, with an extension of the route of 2 weeks ago in mind. Just under 13 miles. Now this is a lovely train ride and for the tourists who use the West Highland Line, the first glimpses of the mountains. Once you pass Garelochead and beyond the "secret" ammunition dumps at Glen Douglas, you start to get views of Loch Long, The Cobbler and the Arrochar Alps (well, usually) and everyone gravitates to the left of the train. Fairly sure that no-one else's VLM training runs start with such a ride.
Equally, I'm fairly sure that few runs can match the trip back down Loch Lomond - although the weather was, again, apocalyptically bad for the first few miles and the Loch as close to the top as I can remember. Dreich doesn't even begin to cover it.
Then, after about 6 miles, the rain stopped and the cloud started to lift (a bit). Rather than greys, the browns of autumn were now all over Ben Lomond, waterfalls pouring from the flanks and wispy mist licking the summit. Definition in the cloud levels suggested a further break was imminent, and this came on the iPod
All was well for a few miles, and the fact that you don't need blue skies to enjoy this part of the world reiterated.
Then it started to rain again. Heavily. And I got to 11 miles and my knees started to hurt. And I left the lochside for the A82 and wondered what the feck I was doing hobbling along a trunk road in the pishing rain. Anyhow, it got done. It reminded me that no-one said it was going to be easy but no-one forced me to do it.
It also got me a nice warm bath with a glass of #sauvignon and a wee snooze afterwards. Onwards.
Week's summary. 3 runs: 25 mile: Long run: 12.9 miles.
Miles since acceptance: 118
As you've probably seen on the telly, it's been quite rainy this week. Whilst much of it has fallen on the unfortunate people of Cumbria, that which was left over has followed me around the West of Scotland, either in direct "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" fashion, or by interfering with planned routes.
Tuesday's 7 miler out to Eaglesham - albeit in pleasant conditions - was interrupted at a flooded ford, requiring a scrabble up a steep bank, wandering along the dual carriageway and then back down the other side to take up the route again. Then Thursday's run was "enjoyed" in the midst of the gales and downpour that affected others so much more than a mere runner. The thinking at this point was along the lines of "I'm going to be training all through the winter, so I may as well get used to awful conditions now".
Hence I found myself on the 1306 to Arrochar (again) in another downpour, with an extension of the route of 2 weeks ago in mind. Just under 13 miles. Now this is a lovely train ride and for the tourists who use the West Highland Line, the first glimpses of the mountains. Once you pass Garelochead and beyond the "secret" ammunition dumps at Glen Douglas, you start to get views of Loch Long, The Cobbler and the Arrochar Alps (well, usually) and everyone gravitates to the left of the train. Fairly sure that no-one else's VLM training runs start with such a ride.
Equally, I'm fairly sure that few runs can match the trip back down Loch Lomond - although the weather was, again, apocalyptically bad for the first few miles and the Loch as close to the top as I can remember. Dreich doesn't even begin to cover it.
Then, after about 6 miles, the rain stopped and the cloud started to lift (a bit). Rather than greys, the browns of autumn were now all over Ben Lomond, waterfalls pouring from the flanks and wispy mist licking the summit. Definition in the cloud levels suggested a further break was imminent, and this came on the iPod
All was well for a few miles, and the fact that you don't need blue skies to enjoy this part of the world reiterated.
Then it started to rain again. Heavily. And I got to 11 miles and my knees started to hurt. And I left the lochside for the A82 and wondered what the feck I was doing hobbling along a trunk road in the pishing rain. Anyhow, it got done. It reminded me that no-one said it was going to be easy but no-one forced me to do it.
It also got me a nice warm bath with a glass of #sauvignon and a wee snooze afterwards. Onwards.
Week's summary. 3 runs: 25 mile: Long run: 12.9 miles.
Miles since acceptance: 118
Saturday, 14 November 2009
23 weeks and counting
Yes, I know I said 25 last week. I was wrong. Old age.
Reasonable week, with a really good run in crisp conditions on Monday followed by a bit of a struggle on a semi-cross country run that goes partly through the woods on Wednesday. A bit muddy and slippery, and I came back with various bits of me sending out warning tweaks. Did the sensible thing and cancelled Thursday's planned gym session to give myself a rest day, following that with a nice, short & easy lope yesterday.
Invented yet another route for this week's long run - here. Tend not to like out-and-back as there's always the temptation the shorten the "out" bit. Varied this one a bit by going up the hill into Rhu on the way back - 'cos, like, hills are something I'm really short of around here. Amazingly found a window in the awful weather and stayed dry - to the extent that when the sun came out I was regretting the Rons & Long-sleeve shirt.
Also trying out the new playlist (see under Spotify on the left) for the first time, and the attention grabber was a real blast from my past - especially as I'd just seen a metal fan sporting the leather jacket with sleeveless denim over the top combo that I used to favour
Ah the memories.
Week's summary: 4 runs: 27 miles: Long run 10.25miles
Miles since acceptance: 93
Reasonable week, with a really good run in crisp conditions on Monday followed by a bit of a struggle on a semi-cross country run that goes partly through the woods on Wednesday. A bit muddy and slippery, and I came back with various bits of me sending out warning tweaks. Did the sensible thing and cancelled Thursday's planned gym session to give myself a rest day, following that with a nice, short & easy lope yesterday.
Invented yet another route for this week's long run - here. Tend not to like out-and-back as there's always the temptation the shorten the "out" bit. Varied this one a bit by going up the hill into Rhu on the way back - 'cos, like, hills are something I'm really short of around here. Amazingly found a window in the awful weather and stayed dry - to the extent that when the sun came out I was regretting the Rons & Long-sleeve shirt.
Also trying out the new playlist (see under Spotify on the left) for the first time, and the attention grabber was a real blast from my past - especially as I'd just seen a metal fan sporting the leather jacket with sleeveless denim over the top combo that I used to favour
Ah the memories.
Week's summary: 4 runs: 27 miles: Long run 10.25miles
Miles since acceptance: 93
Music helps the legs go round
iPod or not is a surprisingly common debate amongst runners. The benefits of a good tempo playlist to keep you focussed are fairly clear, but against that is a safety issue. There's no doubt you're less aware of what's going on around you, and when you run on country roads like I do, that's an issue. I like my music, though, so I balance it by trying to look around and behind me more and at the road ahead less.
My main playlist for long runs is a simple matter. Limited to a few right-tempo songs from each of my 3 favourite acts (Springsteen, Killers, Music) and jumbled into no particular order. The link's over there on the left in the Spotify section.
I am developing another list for my longer runs. A mixture of songs from numerous artists (one per artist rule) that either make me smile, have the right tempo or otherwise seem "right" for a long, steady run. It's a collaborative playlist which means that you, dear reader can contribute. Just add it to your own playlists then save songs to it. Couldn't be simpler. No taking the piss, mind.
Not got Spotify - send me a message with an e-mail address, and if I have any of my free invites left, you can have one.
My main playlist for long runs is a simple matter. Limited to a few right-tempo songs from each of my 3 favourite acts (Springsteen, Killers, Music) and jumbled into no particular order. The link's over there on the left in the Spotify section.
I am developing another list for my longer runs. A mixture of songs from numerous artists (one per artist rule) that either make me smile, have the right tempo or otherwise seem "right" for a long, steady run. It's a collaborative playlist which means that you, dear reader can contribute. Just add it to your own playlists then save songs to it. Couldn't be simpler. No taking the piss, mind.
Not got Spotify - send me a message with an e-mail address, and if I have any of my free invites left, you can have one.
Monday, 9 November 2009
OK, OK...
I know I said I wasn't going to report on every damn run, but today was a goodie.
One of the first really crisp, frosty days of the year, and only a limited amount had melted before lunchtime. A nice 7 mile route out over the top of East Kilbride and via Carmunnock in beautiful sunshine, with EK shimmering in light mist below. Some would say it looks better that way, others that thick fog is a better bet.
Anyway, it was such a brilliant day, "Human" got two plays.
Definitely my favourite running song, and when I'm absolutely sure no-one's around, I may be tempted to give the Yeeeahhhh's a bit of laldy. Always feels like a celebration of the human spirit, which seems apt 20 years after the Wall came down.
One of the first really crisp, frosty days of the year, and only a limited amount had melted before lunchtime. A nice 7 mile route out over the top of East Kilbride and via Carmunnock in beautiful sunshine, with EK shimmering in light mist below. Some would say it looks better that way, others that thick fog is a better bet.
Anyway, it was such a brilliant day, "Human" got two plays.
Definitely my favourite running song, and when I'm absolutely sure no-one's around, I may be tempted to give the Yeeeahhhh's a bit of laldy. Always feels like a celebration of the human spirit, which seems apt 20 years after the Wall came down.
Why Marie Curie?
I lost my father to cancer on September 10th 2001, the day before 9/11. His stomach cancer was undiagnoised until post-mortem, so we'd had no period of "living with" or "preparing for".
He'd been poorly for a couple of weeks, but it didn't seem to be anything too serious; then on the Monday afternoon I got a frantic call the get down the road as he was seriously ill. Unfortunately he'd passed away before I made it to Yorkshire, but even at that point I was grateful that he hadn't suffered and that we hadn't had a long period of coping with the disease.
Not everyone is so lucky. Many people are able to battle and defeat, or at least delay, this disease; but many thousands more have to go through a long period of caring for a loved one, watching them gradually deteriorate until they die.
Marie Curie specialise in end-of-life care, and promote the belief that as the end approaches, people have the right to die in their own homes, surrounded by the things and people they most love.
This needs support, and Marie Curie's network of nurses provide that support, caring for the patient in their home and providing support and respite for the families. Their 2000 nurses provide 1.2m hours of home care each year, as well as hospice services and R&D funding. 70% of their funding is from charitable donations, and the "daffodil team" is a regular sight at events like the VLM.
In many ways, I'm glad that we had no need for the services Marie Curie provide, but thousands of people need them at the most difficult and traumatic time of their lives. So please give generously.
He'd been poorly for a couple of weeks, but it didn't seem to be anything too serious; then on the Monday afternoon I got a frantic call the get down the road as he was seriously ill. Unfortunately he'd passed away before I made it to Yorkshire, but even at that point I was grateful that he hadn't suffered and that we hadn't had a long period of coping with the disease.
Not everyone is so lucky. Many people are able to battle and defeat, or at least delay, this disease; but many thousands more have to go through a long period of caring for a loved one, watching them gradually deteriorate until they die.
Marie Curie specialise in end-of-life care, and promote the belief that as the end approaches, people have the right to die in their own homes, surrounded by the things and people they most love.
This needs support, and Marie Curie's network of nurses provide that support, caring for the patient in their home and providing support and respite for the families. Their 2000 nurses provide 1.2m hours of home care each year, as well as hospice services and R&D funding. 70% of their funding is from charitable donations, and the "daffodil team" is a regular sight at events like the VLM.
In many ways, I'm glad that we had no need for the services Marie Curie provide, but thousands of people need them at the most difficult and traumatic time of their lives. So please give generously.
Saturday, 7 November 2009
25 weeks and counting
Nice long run today: Train to Arrochar and a run back down Loch Lomond to the hyper-exclusive golf club, where Mrs. T. was waiting to pick me up. View the route here. Nice & flat, which is a rarity around these parts.
This route will be extended as the miles pick up, with several handy "pick me up points" until, I suppose, a final "all the way home" will have to be considered. Haven't mapped that yet. Daren't.
As I mentioned, the scenery I get to run through is stunning, and I'm always accompanied by a good iPod playlist in training (never in a race). As I rounded Firkin Point, in a hazy grey light, but with clear skies to the south, this nicely atmospheric bit of music was on.
Week's summary: 3 runs: 22 miles: Long run 10.6 miles:
Miles since acceptance: 66
Let's Get This Party Started
Ever since the envelope dropped through the door with "Congratulations, You Are Running the 2010 Virgin London Marathon" enclosed, the blog has been inevitable. I decided to wait until I'd got my charity sorted out and a JustGiving page set up, ahead of the full media (or at least social media) launch.
Still not sure exactly how to handle this blog, though. The Sucata ones (see links to General Ignorance over left) were such fun, and spontaneous, but this will have to be a bit more measured. Certainly not going to just log training runs, although no doubt a weekly summary will appear, but what else can you write about when training for a marathon? Runner's nipple notwithstanding.
To set the scene, I realise how lucky I am to get in on my first application, so I will be giving it a real go, as I also know it could be the only chance I get. My target is a 3:30, which I believe is attainable so long as I keep more disciplined on the training front than I do on the #sauvignon front.
I AM blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery around to run through, so I'll try and lift my eyes from the road and enjoy it as I rack the miles up. The MapMyRun widget here gives you links, should you be interested.
The training schedule at the moment is based around 2 or 3 lunchtime runs during the week with a longer run at the weekend. Just building up gradually until I hit the main 16-week programme in the New Year.
On the subject of which, the train to Arrochar leaves in 45 minutes and I need to be on it...
Still not sure exactly how to handle this blog, though. The Sucata ones (see links to General Ignorance over left) were such fun, and spontaneous, but this will have to be a bit more measured. Certainly not going to just log training runs, although no doubt a weekly summary will appear, but what else can you write about when training for a marathon? Runner's nipple notwithstanding.
To set the scene, I realise how lucky I am to get in on my first application, so I will be giving it a real go, as I also know it could be the only chance I get. My target is a 3:30, which I believe is attainable so long as I keep more disciplined on the training front than I do on the #sauvignon front.
I AM blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery around to run through, so I'll try and lift my eyes from the road and enjoy it as I rack the miles up. The MapMyRun widget here gives you links, should you be interested.
The training schedule at the moment is based around 2 or 3 lunchtime runs during the week with a longer run at the weekend. Just building up gradually until I hit the main 16-week programme in the New Year.
On the subject of which, the train to Arrochar leaves in 45 minutes and I need to be on it...
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