Race 4: Leicester Half Marathon 52/203 miles.

Race 4 completed! Leicester Half Marathon in the city: 23rd October 2016; Time completed 01.55hrs; Weather overcast, cold, damp. 

Leicester has been absolutely brilliant, a late start (again) but another PB and a huge turnout of Harry's Helping Sands supporters! 

Ok, so this late and frantic rush for the start line is getting a little beyond a joke now. This time I have to say It was more the organisers fault (Although Leicester, I do applaud you on many other aspects). Having parked up finally... with some time to spare albeit 20 minutes or so, we took a brisk walk to Victoria Park to the race start line. Half way there we see a tall, dark figure which resembled none other than Michael. Great I thought, he's come to meet us and hurry us along...
I stand corrected as Michael is headed back out of the park to his car to collect his race number (You can't run without your race number...although I think Michael may have wanted to be the first to attempt it). Let's say the birthday boy was none to pleased...Happy birthday Mike!
As we arrive into the start area, we managed to find the rest of the team in an enormous queue for the last minute toilet stop. Only around 16 toilets for over 2000 runners! The race was delayed by 5 minutes or so (there was still a huge queue) and you could see people were battling with their inner voice; to pee or not to pee! 
We managed to join the end of the pack (again!!) but at least we were all a little lighter!

I was expecting a pretty fast time as this would be the flattest course we have ran, having said that with no music allowed (runners will be disqualified!), I wasn't sure how this would affect my race. 
The first mile out of the park was a dream...all down hill and the next 6 or so miles was a breeze. It is amazing how your body becomes accustomed to the training. Rewind 2 months, running 7 miles would have been a big effort for me. I had no new strategies for this race, just to remember to take on fuel (jelly babies) every 2 miles after the 5 mile mark and to remember to run at my own pace and not fall into the pace of other runners. 
The course was pretty flat, a mixture of town and country. The toughest part of the course was the last mile of steady hill to the finish line. This time, I made sure that I had a bit of sprint in me to finish stronger and with a PB of 1.55hrs I was well and truly impressed, my first sub 2hr half! A great course with a great atmosphere, there seemed to be lots of spectators which always helps motivate you to keep going. 

Another great run from Jane and Michael. Well done you two! A well deserved birthday drink was had after the race by us all! A great end to a successful race. 

A big thanks to the band playing (drummers) in the town, a great motivating gesture and also to the huge turnout of Harry's Helping Sands supporters who came despite the cold and wet weather. Thanks to Deni & Den, Meims, Rob, Silvie & Amy the dog, The Cunninghams, The Caldwells, Kasey, Dan & Morad.  

Race 5 Tatton Park Half; more runners joining the team; Matt, Rita, Frank and Megan. It's a flat course, so I reckon im on course for another PB- note- Must NOT start at the back...get there with plenty of time!

Clarke

Race 3:Bangor Half Marathon 39/203 miles

Race 3 completed!

Run Wales Bangor Half Marathon: Saturday 8th October 2016;Time completed 02.03hrs; Weather clear, dry and warm (for October!). 

Well what can I say, another PB and another successful race for all (not one drop of blood shed by anyone this time!). I knew the Bangor course would be slightly easier than the Abersoch one, but considering the lack of training and feeling unwell for the past 2 weeks I am rather chuffed that I managed to shave 13 minutes off my time. Don't get me wrong, I did feel the effects of managing only a 3 mile treadmill run in 2 weeks...it was hard work. 

I was hoping that the start of the race would be a little more relaxed than our marathon hill walk start at Abersoch. Well it didn't start to look too promising as we tried to negotiated our way through that mystical labyrinth that is a multi story car park. Who knew Bangor multi story car park could be so hair-raising, an obstacle galore...people and cars?! Luckily we managed to survive the journey and find a car parking space, paid up and off we went to find the starting line. 

We picked up our race numbers and chip tag which we had to tie to our shoes, a new experience for me as previously they have been embedded in the race numbers...so I was just hoping it stayed on...knowing my luck and all that...!
The atmosphere was good, lots of people and supporters already there. I felt that this would be similar to the Wirral Half in that there was a 10K race starting at the same time, but this time no pace makers. After a last minute dash to the loo....I managed to catch the end of the line as the race started off......phew!

The race was a little undulating, a few hills here and there but not as hilly as I had anticipated, which was good. With that said, I did feel a little heavy on the legs and had struggled with my breathing throughout. I am not surprised though as (1) I had only run 3 miles in two weeks and (2) still getting over a cold. 
Bangor is supposed to be a lovely scenic route, but to be honest I was really not paying too much attention. I do remember seeing Penrhyn Castle and the Pier which was lovely but in all honesty my focus was more on, how many more paces to catch up with the next runner and playing mind games with myself! On one part of the course I could feel someone hot my heels going up the hill, my response, " You can't pass me mate, it'll do me in! " His response? " Sorry mate", and sprints off. Great, I thought...who can I pass next? Anyway a while later, who do I catch sight of....yes, it's the 'Sorry mate' guy. He is struggling and I know he was sorry he attacked the hill like Mo Farah....who is sorry now mate? I breeze past him as he looks on in despair. Me competitive...no not at all. 

Towards the final mile I realised I was still on for a PB finish. The finish was a not a gruelling beach finish this time but a small hill in the centre of Bangor town. I put in some extra effort and decided on a sprint finish. Another PB, another success. 
What was rather amusing was after discussing my race and tactics later on in the day with Julie (I apparently looked knackered and legs looked really heavy at the end). Well, I did just do 13 miles and attempt a sprint finish. 
Looking back on the photos and Apple's live photos....I could swear I was going some 50mph up that final hill to the finish.... No no my sprinting was all in my head, it was that fast that people were actually strolling and had enough time to reverse back and window shop before crossing again out of my way.  Funny how you think you are having a Mo Farah moment when I may as well have walked across the line!

Jane and Michael did amazing again, more PBs! Well done to you both! Thanks to the lovely trio of Deni, Den and Lily who came to show their support again. Thank you so much! 

I have to say what a friendly town Bangor is. The people and supporters were fantastic, they really encouraged and cheered all the competitors on which was great to see. Great atmosphere, Thank you Bangor and Run Wales.

So race 4 tomorrow...Leicester Half Marathon....a newbie joining us for this one...are you ready Ben? Another PB and sprint finish? 

Clarke

Bangor, banging on the door!

Ok so tomorrow is race day and I am literally writing this in bed! My preparations for this race has been zero and I really can't believe that race 3 is actually happening tomorrow! 
The reason I have been so unprepared? Well since the amazing feat of Abersoch I have since suffered a terrible cold and have been unable to train. In fact since Abersoch I have ran 3 miles, and that was on a treadmill! I had planned two 4 or 5 mile runs this week as I was feeling better but actually managed 0. So preparations for tomorrow couldn't have gone any better. With that said, I am looking forward to it and although  I haven't been able to train I have still been cycling to work and so hopefully this has kept me in some sort of fit state. Only time will tell (12hrs precisely)!



Clarke 

Race 2: Abersoch Half Marathon 26/203 miles

Race 2 completed!

Chaparral Abersoch Half Marathon: Saturday 24th September 2016; Time completed 02.07hrs; Weather overcast and windy. 

Firstly apologies for the untimely update of race number 2. It has been a busy week since and time just flies (to the point where I am writing this with only 2 days to go to race 3!). 

The Abersoch Half was fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the race, I will be putting it on my to do list again for next year! It was a small race compared to the Wirral Half with just over 300 runners. The course was very undulating with plenty of hills, which made it challenging but also exciting and interesting; it definitely keeps you on your toes. 

It was a windy start to race day (no not that kind of wind). With an interrupted nights sleep due to heavy rain and howling wind, I woke with a little feeling of dread at the thought of a 13.1 mile run in wind, rain, cold, hills, sand, mountains and perhaps snow?! But luckily by the time we had finished breakfast (in sheer fear I'll add) it had died down to just some wind. As we headed off to collect Jane and Michaels race numbers from the pub next door to our cottage, we were full of new found confidence, happily strolling and taking in the atmosphere. What we didn't realise was that race numbers were being handed out at race headquarters by the finish line on the beach (not from the pub where I got mine the night before). That's ok, we still had time and its only a 10 minute walk away... Well a brisk marathon walk down then up a mammoth hill later we were all set and legs were well and truly warmed up. As we approached the start line we spotted Deni, Den and the lovely Lily (as Michael accurately described her, a lovely little flirt, that's the dog not Deni!). 

The race started off and I had positioned myself near the back as my tactic for this hilly half was to go steady and not try to push for a time; hills, wind, sand did not equal a fast time. I knew from the Wirral half that I struggled at mile 8 and 9 so I wanted to make sure I had enough in reserve and for the hill at mile 10 (so extra jelly babies were needed too). The course was beautiful, going through quaint little villages in the countryside and down narrow lanes. Thankfully at the beginning of the race I did not have to contend with a Banana man; and Wonder woman was obviously off being wonderful somewhere else. I did have to negotiate and dodge some traffic though as not all roads were closed. This wasn't too bad as the roads seemed generally quiet. What I did find confusing is that at some points of the course, it was difficult to work out where to go. At miles 9 and 12 you pass the same part of the course (you complete a loop twice before heading to the finish) and I did think to myself it'll be my luck that I miss 4 miles out and finish first (I'll re-phrase that, be one of the first to finish). 

Heading up to mile 10 was the dreaded hill named ' Tocyn Brutal ' (translation please Deni, although I think we get the gist).  This was one hilly hill! As I approached, I made sure that I took shorter steps, head up, concentrated on breathing and finding the correct path up. I have to say, my competitive side made me run all the way up (I may as well have been walking at the pace I was going) but the majority of runners were indeed walking up. They should have took more jelly babies with them!

Throughout the race I felt great (apart from needing the toilet from mile 7) and I definitely felt that all the training I was doing was paying off. From about mile 4 to 12.5 miles, I had the company of a green vested Macmillan runner. As we approached the beach finish, she all of a sudden thanked me for the company and for being her wind shield throughout the race, She then scampered off kicking sand in my face! I felt cheated! Never found out your name but thanks for your company and the sand bath!

The dreaded beach finish was made all the more entertaining by the added bonus of having to negotiate a dozen or so groynes. These were not too high, but were very challenging at the end of a race and in the end I resorted to stopping and stepping over them. Looking at my watch, I knew I was on for a PB, but this was not your normal finish, I still had the little problem of negotiating half a mile of sand. The end was in sight and the clock was ticking and no matter how fast I thought I was going I just didn't seem to be getting any closer. Finally spotted Julie, Deni, Den and Lily and to a big round of cheers applause I managed a PB 02.07hrs. A medal, banana, Mars bar and a well deserved cider topped of a great race. 

Not far behind was Jane and Michael. A great relief that Michael did not look like he had been shot this time, but instead some race wounds from Jane's dainty fall on the beach! Well done to you both, more PBs with everyone improving on their time from the Wirral half. And who said there would be no PBs at Abersoch. Race 2 done! 

For anyone remotely interested my mile splits were:
Mile 1:  9m
Mile 2-4: 8m
Mile 5-7: 9m
Mile 8-9: 10m
Mile 10-13: 11m

Thank you to Abersoch for such a wonderful scenic race. Lets hope the Sensations Group do their homework and realise that people run these races for their own charities, no one charity is more deserving than another! 

Good job Team!

Race 3 is nearly here. Roll on Bangor!

Clarke 

Race 2, two days to go!

Only 2 days until Abersoch half marathon. Getting really excited as training has been going really well. I am really excited for the next race and although I was looking forward to starting this running challenge I didn't realise how much I would enjoy it... I think I have caught the running bug....and I am glad! 

Since the Wirral half, I have noticed a big improvement with my speed on my shorter runs. I am now averaging 9 minute miles over 5 miles compared to 10 minute miles at the beginning of my training. I think my general fitness and the fact that I have started fartlek training has helped improve my speed. 

"Fartlek; means 'speed play' in Swedish. It is a training method that mixes continuous training with interval training. Fartlek training is periods of fast running intermixed with periods of slower running."

During my runs I have been practising some speed work. I will find a hill and run up as fast as I can and then jog back down, doing sets of 5 before continuing my run. The key is to ensure you maintain the same pace of running after, to get any benefit from the hill work. This training has been beneficial in helping me increase my aerobic threshold (CV) and improving my pace. 

I have also been incorporating lots of core stability work (plank work, ab roller and leg raises) to enhance my performance. It is important to ensure you have good core strength to help link your upper body to your lower body for effective running. 

The Abersoch half will be a stunning course with views across Cardigan Bay, views of Snowdon, Bardsey Island and a beach finish along Abersoch bay, really can't wait. But I am not expecting a fast time as I am sure the hills and beach finish will make it a little tougher. No PBs being set on this course!

So with training going well, all that is left is, to ensure good fuel and hydration over the next 2 days.

Bring it on Abersoch, race number 2!

Clarke

Race recovery

With the Wirral half marathon being my first race and with so many people signing up to their first half marathon in memory of Harry and for Sands (Thank you everyone, means a lot) I wanted to share my post race recovery. 

I am pleasantly surprised at how well I have recovered from the race. I have felt great, my body has felt fine, a little tired but not to a level in which I thought I would feel and my legs which I have always struggled with (aches and pains) have actually felt fantastic. In fact I think my legs actually have felt better post race than pre-race! 

Thinking back to how my legs felt a few days prior to the race, I definitely think using rollers on them (which I don't usually use) had a big impact on how sore they were feeling leading up to race day! I know they were a little tired from all the cycling but I am convinced now it was the rollers. So my advice would be to make sure you don't try something out of the ordinary during race week! Now I am not saying don't use a roller as they are good, but maybe give your body time (more than 2 days!) to adapt to anything new. A mistake I made with the rollers, is not drinking enough water to ensure I flush the toxins out of my body. So like I said, give yourself time to get used to any new changes in routine.

I know I keep going on about my running shoes, but I think they have had a massive impact on how well my training and racing has been going. As I have said before and I know Julie would definitely agree with me but I used to complain about leg pains constantly after training whether is was gym training or a run. When I decided to take on this running challenge I did wonder how my legs would cope, but I can honestly say that I reckon the running shoes have been the key to getting me through the training in one piece. Anyone who is struggling with injuries, I would definitely consider if your trainers/ running technique is a possible cause. The advice I got from the Runners Hub has helped too; just a slight change in technique can have a big impact on your running and recovery. 

I also think that having a good stretch out after the race (and before) is really important and aids recovery. Something I will have to make sure I do, even if it is cold and lashing it down...(it is forecast for rain in Abersoch!) Having a post race massage of course also helps too. Creations in Heswall, Thank you! It will be interesting to see after the Abersoch race whether my recover will be as quick and pain free as I am guessing (but hopefully wishing) that there won't be a massage tent available after the race (anyone in Abersoch reading this, feel free to organise one!). 

Stretching out, no matter what.

A good massage is great for recovery too!

I have continued to cycle to work everyday and I know that this has also helped support the recovery process. The daily cycle has helped keep my legs moving so that they aren't stiffening up. Important to keep those legs moving. With views like this, cycling to work has been amazing, wish I had decided to do it years ago.

A beautiful misty morning....Snowdrop on her way to pick me up.

My advice to anyone starting running would be these 5 essential points:

Clarke's Running Essentials

1. Good Kit- running shoes (preferably through a professional advisor)

2. Good food and hydration- keep body well fuelled with nutritious foods and well watered.

3. Plenty of miles- important to get your runs in..even if you are tired/busy. 

4. Plenty of rest - just as important as getting the miles in (can't do this one without no.3!)

5. Stretch- important to warm up and essential to stretch out after every run/ training session.  

Race day number 2 in a few days, must keep up the training and keep off the rollers!

Clarke

Race 1: Wirral Half Marathon 13/203 miles

Race 1 completed! 
Btr Liverpool, Wirral Half Marathon: Sunday 11th September 2016; Time completed 02.16hrs; Weather sunny and warm with a light breeze.

Well, our first race has been a triumph, all 4 runners are still standing...(just!) and still smiling!

The morning of race day, I woke up feeling fresh and excited about the days challenge ahead; I had an early night, off to bed after watching X factor! That feeling didn't last too long, as soon as I went to move my legs, my legs decided that X factor went a little too far last night....or perhaps it was cycling overload? Whatever it was, my legs felt like two blocks of lead. The day before I had decided against a short 2 mile run to give my already heavy legs a stretch out, opting for an afternoon nap instead. This rest obviously had little positive impact on my legs. 

So the morning continues as planned, porridge and banana for race day fuel, a cup of coffee to wake me up (and wishful thinking- my lead legs?) and lots of water to hydrate my self on what was looking like a glorious sunny morning. My race day preparations also involved some Vaseline and nipples (I hear sniggers). Take note all you lovely supporters who have signed up for a race (fellas that is...ladies you somehow get away with this problem) behold the ...runners nipple! Just ask Mike and he'll explain to you all about it (maybe I should have put this part of the post up before race day). I also tend to Vas up the inner thigh too...I am not lucky enough to have model thin legs so chafing can occur here too!

On our journey to the start line we picked up our fellow runners Jane, Mike and Rita who all looked happy, excited and raring to go (I did think this will all be different in 3 hours time). After a few wrong turns, I talk too much apparently and the sound of 3 sat navs in the back of the car, we arrived (in plenty of time). Parking didn't seem much of an issue with lots of side roads to park on. The atmosphere was initially quiet but as more runners and their supporters began to arrive, it quickly picked up. There were plenty of loos and the whole layout seemed pretty spot on, not too busy but busy enough for a good atmosphere. There seemed to be a range of people racing from professional runners, running club members, amateur runners, wannabe runners to fancy dress runners...according to Gary (Mike's dad) Mike fell into the latter category. I'll do thanks at the end but thanks Paula, Gary, Deni and Den for making it to the start line to show your support. 

As the race started, and it was inevitable, my Nike plus app decided to have a battle with me. If you know me well, if anything happens, it seems to happen to me! Luckily I don't think I was the only one, I think Mike was having a battle with his armband, Jane battling to decide if she needed the loo one last time and Rita was ready for the battle ahead. All systems go (my fitbit saved the day, Mike discarded the armband and Jane's choice made for her), we were off. 

The beginning of the race was going pretty well and pretty fast (first mile was 9.28). Steady on there I thought, better pace this. At mile 2, I passed China Spirit UK playing the drums and handing out water which was fantastic. This was not on the official course guide but a great gesture of support, thank you (wishing they there were there near the end!). Plodding on, I hit mile 3 and some friendly faces in Nigel and Julie from the Runners Hub to push me on. I spent the next mile or so fending off the banana man; I think saw him off around the 4.5 mile mark only to find myself competing with Wonder woman. That took some fighting and I seemed to win that battle around the arrival into New Brighton (mile 6). My legs were still feeling like two blocks of lead but my CV felt pretty good. I felt throughout the race I needed to keep a conscious effort to keep at my own steady pace. I found myself copying and falling into the pace of others around me. I hit my slowest mile split at mile 8 (11.00). From this mile I picked up and increased my pace all the way to the end. 

As I was heading towards the finish line, there was a good atmosphere and lots of spectators cheering us all on. Heading towards the line I felt the urge to gee on others around me. I was looking forward to a sprint finish but actually the occasion and support takes you to a different place, one which makes you appreciate yours and others achievement....I had finished! 02.19hrs.. on the clock with a chip time of 02.16hrs and looking forward to a Sunday roast and a few beers. 
As I crossed the line, it took me a while to focus and get my bearings, exhaustion had kicked in. I did eventually spot everyone cheering and a rather concerned looking Julie. Asking if I was OK and that I didn't look too great. 
"Get some water down you, your lips are so dry....is that salt on your lips?" 
I realised my appearance probably looked worse than I actually was. Erhhh...no I think that will be the flour off the jelly babies I have been eating.  I must have looked a like a rabid dog panting and flouring at the mouth...no wonder people were keeping away! 
After picking up my medal and goody bag, I happen to spot a tall dark figure coming onto the final stretch...its was Mike. I decided to run down to cheer him on to the finish but changed my mind to walk down as my legs had nothing left. As I got closer, I realised Mike looked like he had been shot...runners nipple had taken hold...lesson learnt for Abersoch! Mike had completed his first half marathon..well done Mike. Not too far behind was Jane and Rita, both in seemingly high spirits and looked like they could do that all again. Although speaking to Jane after she actually struggled with a leg cramp from mile 9 onwards. Well done Jane and Rita, amazing that you continued on!

After the race we were lucky enough to have a post race massage from the team at creations. I thought this was an amazing idea...Although I know this is wishful thinking for the rest of our races...Julie you I hope you took some notes!

So race one completed. The course was pretty flat, a good atmosphere, not too busy (around 2000 participants) although there were two races the half marathon and 10K happening at the same time with a route split in New Brighton. The course was scenic with beautiful views of Liverpool and made all the more amazing with the fantastic weather. 

A big thanks to Paula, Gary, Deni, Den, Lily the dog, Sandra and Rebecca for seeing us off at the start line and supporting us at the end. Thanks to our supporters and all the donations for helping us get our first race and fundraising off to a wonderful start. 

Rest for the next 2 days then back into the training for Race number 2; Abersoch. I think this will be a different kind of race, welsh hills and a beach finish!

Well done Jane, mike and Rita!

Clarke