Vermont 100

I woke up Thursday morning, checked my bag numerous amounts of times then made my way to Heathrow. We got to Heathrow at 2.45 - 2 hours 45 minutes pre our flight and when we went to check in they told us the flight was over booked and there were no seats left at the moment - I can't tell you how bad we felt, they said come back 50 mins pre flight and there could be some spares. So they gave us a Cafe Nero voucher and we sat in there for a while f8cked off, cutting the story short we managed to get on the flight just. I think BA are a joke of an organisation though.

We arrived in America at 8pm and we drove from Boston to Vermont and were in the hotel by 12pm. Went to sleep then the following day I felt pretty fatigued, we went to the race briefing, checked in, weighed in 169 pounds ( I had eaten a lot that morning). We dropped off our drop bags for all the aids station, then we listened to the race director, medical director go through the race details. We had a meal then went back to the hotel. We went to bed at 8pm, my night sleep was very patchy, a lot going through my mind and the couple next door in out Motel were bonking which woke me up at 11am - I was looking at Elson thinking whats he doing then heard a creaking noise coming through the wall - FINE that one.

Woke up at 2am, put my kit on and then we drove to the race, we got there at 3am (They were playing "Eye of the tiger" fall blast which was quite funny) with the race starting at 4am, so a bit of waiting around and then onto the starting line with the head torches. It's amazing really, your standing in a field in America with 300 Americans at 4am with Head torches on - Loved it. The race we were doing was a horse race as well, they started a little later and passed us during the race.

I started off with James and Sniper (James's mate who was running the last great race - 6 x 100s, he was actually doing about 10 this year and has done 36 now) The race started off with us running down a hill then onto trails through a forest. I started off at 10 - 11 min miles, I always think in a 100 mile race you need to start slow and conserve your energy. I ran a few miles with a guy called Gary who was from the UK and lived in Montreal, it's mental when your over the other side of the world and you meet people who are from the UK. I ran the first 6-7 miles in about 1.10 which was what I was after. Came into the first aid station re-filled my water bottle and it was starting to get lighter - some of the scenery was amazing. The race was mainly uphill and down hill (Total elevation of 15,000 ft, Umstead 100 was 8000ft) through trails and on gravel roads. By about 8am it was starting to get hot and I was running along quite smoothly and had built up a good cadence, running and walking the hills to conserve energy. From this race I wanted to break 24 hours to receive a buckle. I came into the check point at 21 miles and I saw Sniper, then I lost him and later I found out I had left the aid station before him. I carried on running and was starting to get hotter, I was sweating up and was thinking I have never run in anything like this. By the time I got to Camp Bear aid station the first weigh in, my weight was 160 pounds (So 9 pounds down from yesterday) I knew I was a bit over weight yesterday lunch time as had drunk sh8t loads of water and eaten loads. The medical guy started questioning me saying - Am I okay? I was like yes I am fine I was over weight yesterday, they can pull you out of the race if you're over 10% lower than weigh in so 153.1 for me so was over half of that. He was fine in the end and I took off. It was starting to get really hot now and I was thinking how am I going to do this, I got to 50 miles in 9 hours 40 mins so was way ahead of schedule for 24 hours. I came to a point at 51 miles where there was a yellow arrow pointing one way - I took that direction and ran up this hill half a mile in I couldn't see any signs, I was swearing at myself in the woods, turned round and saw an American guy called Mike, we ran back to the original point and had taken a wrong turning - that p8ssed me off - you do not need that in a 100 mile race. I then ran with Mike for the next 20 miles, he had the same goal as me - to break 24 hours as had run the race 6 years ago in 26 hours. We ran along chatting about life, miles passing by, his wife who was 8 months pregnant and a professional triathlete ran 5 miles with us which I thought was pretty amazing. At 70 miles you were allowed a pacer, I didn't have one but Mike had two and he said do you want to run the last 30 with us, I was like hell yeah. We reached 70 miles in 14 hours so we had 10 hours to run 30 miles which was fine. We took off and after about 3 miles Mike was slowing up a bit and I said do you mind if I go, he said go and get them,it was quite emotional but everyone feels different at different stages in a 100 miler. I took off and felt very strong, I was smashing it up and down hills, running past people, I was high on life. At about mile 82 it started to get dark so I put on my head torch which wasn't very good (Need a new one) and carried on running, I was now thinking, I have nearly done this, another journey completed, was counting down the miles in my head. I was thinking of all the good things in my life and it spurred me on. I got to mile 85 and saw Katie who was driving around in the car, she had my jacket so took that off her and asked if Mike was okay - she said he was doing fine. I got to 90 miles in about 19 hours so I thought I want to break 21 hours now, I carried on running, I was over taking people feeling strong. I ended up running the last 5 miles with another dude and we finished together in 20.54, he was slightly further ahead. I can't describe the feeling when you cross the finish line, it's amazing. That was by far the hardest race I have ever done, too hot and very hill but a great experience. I hobbled back to the car and saw James asleep, he had unfortunately DNF'd as was sick all day and had fainted at mile 57, I felt for him. We waited for Sniper to come in who finished in 22.59 and then Sniper collected his stuff and James and I were off. I am now laying on my bed watching The Open with some sore legs but feel good. Another great trip!!!!

Monday

4 miles at lunch today and a walk for half a k up a hill on elevation 10. That's me done now until Saturday at 4am American time and 9am UK time. We fly from Heathrow on Thursday at 5.10 in the afternoon and the flight is about 7 hours. We land in Boston at 7pm American time and drive from Boston to Vermont across New England which will take about 3 hours. Game on!!!!!!

This Week

This week I managed to run about 38 miles. Not bad but I haven't trained much over the last couple of months but I am still going to give Vermont a go. I am going to do a small run tomorrow and that will be it. I fly out Thursday and the run starts 4am Saturday American time. I am currently working out how many Gels and Salt tablets I need to leave in each drop bag across the course. I have just had an email from the race director and the temperature looks to be 80f in the day so 27c and 60f in the eve so 15c...so it's going to be pretty, pretty hot. All I want to do is finish this race, it should be a great experience and fun to travel with my mate Elson and watch him take on part 2 of the Grand Slam.

Tuesday

Today I ran 10.5 miles...that is all to be said..

Monday

Today I wanted to put myself through a mini fitness test in the gym to see where I was. I jogged 1k then ran 5.4k in 27 mins, so 4 miles in 27 mins including a 1k warm up jog...... so pretty quick. I am getting there, then I ran to fen street pretty quick as well. I may not have logged the long miles in the legs but I think I will be okay. It's what a guy called Russell Vaughan said to me - it's muscle memory. I have done a 100 before so no reason why I can't do it again even though I haven't trained as hard. I am starting to get excited now, I love America...the food, the people, it's a great place and seeing New England this time of year should be a bit of an eye opener.

Sunday

Today I woke up and it was rather hot, I went straight out at 9.30 - managed 4.5 miles as was hot and I felt weak so I gave in. I did a 12 mile cycle later. That takes me to 50 miles for the week - not what I really wanted but sickness and boozing got in the way. With under 2 weeks to go there is not much I can do now, I am still going to fly out to Boston and give it my best shot. I am looking forward to another adventure and meeting some great people.

Getting Excited

Starting to get excited now.....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMQT8ibAB9A&feature=related

Saturday

Waking up very hungover today, I needed to run 20 miles with 2 weeks to go until Vermont. I managed to run 20.2 miles in the heat today, feeling very tired now. Need to get another one in tomorrow.

Thursday

Today I felt a lot stronger as in terms of being ill, I still have a slight cough so trying to get hold of some more antibiotics from doctor but waiting for a repeat prescription as really need to nip this in the bud for Vermont. Today I ran 10k at lunch in 44.55, I ripped it for first 5k then jogged the other 5k...perfect training for a 100 mile race...haha!!!not!!!!!then after work I ran 3.1 miles to the station. So 9.3 miles today, starting to feel better and fitter. Rest tomorrow then big one Sat and Sun.

Wednesday

Tuesday - I was sick all day. I woke up at 5am and was sick for 6 hours. Not sure what it was, it could have been food poisoning or running in the heat. Today I still felt weak but ran a slow 4.5 miles tonight and felt pretty bad. Will see how I feel tomorrow before deciding on if I run and how much.

Monday

Today I felt pretty tired and was it hot again. As it was so hot I decided not to run in the gym at lunch as would have been like a sweat box. I decided to run after work, I ran a couple of laps of Hyde park and then back to Fen street. Was pretty tough in the heat and with a back pack on, plus having no energy as in gels or food but got through it in the end. At the end of the day it's another 10.5 miles in the legs pre Vermont.

Sunday

Today I ran 9.9 miles in the heat and nearly died...haha. I was in bits, was very tough but was good training. Elson finished Western States in 28.25 - big up to him, that was a great effort. He also just confirmed to that he will becoming to Vermont so the game is now on. This week I have managed just under 56 miles so not bad. This week I am going to try and put in a big week to give myself best chance as possible for Vermont, the race is 2 weeks on Saturday and I haven't been training hard at all with boozing and chest infections but I am up for this race now. It will be a massive challenge but life is all about measuring yourself, experiences, you're only on this earth once.

Saturday

16.2 miles today in 2.09. I woke up today early played golf and I had a migraine and my eye went funny during the round but after 20 mins was okay. I came home after golf and had a 2 hour nap then decided to go out for a run. It was pretty hot, I ran with my t-shirt off for most of the way and had to stop a couple of times to get water, I struggled as didn't have any supplements or salt. I finished in 2.09, was good to run in the heat. I am up for running tomorrow as well, I am thinking of getting out early as looking to be 30 degrees. Elson is doing okay ....38 miles in 8.30, fingers crossed for him to finish and start Vermont in 3 weeks.

Thursday

Today I ran 6.2 miles at lunch in 44 and half minutes...so getting fitter.Rest on Friday then run on Saturday and Sunday.

Wednesday

Today I ran a slow 9.3 miles with a friend. It was good training for a 100 mile race as took an hour and 33 mins with a lot of stopping at traffic lights. I am still unfit but getting there. Good luck James!!!

Tuesday

Today I ran 6.2 miles at lunch in the gym in 47 and half minutes. I really struggled but finished and was dripping with sweat, I came out of the shower and was still sweating and looked like a tomato. My p.b for 10k is 38 mins even though training for a 100 miler isn't about how quick you can run a 10k, it's more about how long you can keep running for without stopping I have a long way to go to get fitness back. I like working to get it back, it's a bit of a challenge and when you do get it back it feels good. I ran 3.1 miles to the train station after work as well, just took it easy and this felt pretty comfortable. I still have a gentle cough so need to be careful and I am still finishing my antibiotics. So I am currently sitting on 14.1 miles for the week. James flies off tomorrow morning at 11.25 for the Western States 100, probably the most famous 100 mile race. I am hoping to wake up on Sunday morning to see on my Facebook that he has finished the race is up for Vermont. He said he will let me know on Tuesday so all I can do is keep running and await his decision.

Today

I ran 5 miles today in the gym. Felt as though I had lost a lot of fitness and was sweating booze. It's going to be a long road back to good condition but I'll give it a go.

Dilemma

I haven't blogged in a while, mainly because I haven't had the internet in my new flat and I haven't really been running. I put in a 65 mile week 2 weeks ago. Since then I have gone off the rails a bit, I have been out 6 nights in the last 2 weeks, all very good fun but I have had a chest infection as well. Last Sunday I started the Southend Half marathon and I knew I shouldn't have as was coughing heavily pre race and during. I ended up running 6 miles and pulling out - my first ever DNF in a half marathon, very demoralising. This week I have been coughing heavily and decided to go the doctors on Thursday and he said I have a chest infection so I am now on antibiotics. Vermont 100 is 4 weeks today, I wont be running for another 3-4 days until this cough has gone. I am suppose to be running Vermont with my friend James Elson who is attempting the Grand Slam. James has been injured all year with a stress fracture and is attempting the Western States 100 next Saturday with his longest run being 16 miles in the last 3 months. I am praying that he runs and finishes Western States then we can go and do Vermont in 4 weeks. He is going to let me know on the Monday after the race if he will be doing Vermont so a week on Monday which will give me just under 3 weeks to put some training in for Vermont. This is a massive ask I know but I will give it my best shot and I think if I can do one x 100 and I can do another even though I wont be anywhere near the same level of fitness, plus this race will be hotter and have climbs of 14,000 ft compared to Umstead of 8000 ft. I have decided that if James pulls out of Vermont,I will do the same, I am not going to go out to America on my own to do this one as it's a 3 hour drive from the airport to race as well and I am not up for that on my own. I spoke to British Airways and they said I can transfer my flight to another destination so that's what I will do. So for me at the moment, I am trying to get better and await James' performance at Western States. You may say I am being a coward but that's my decision....so lets see what happens over the next week.I will be following James at Western States, it looks to be a massive race again this year with the likes of Roes, Jornet and Sharman, Anton misses out with a broken leg. Peace Out.

This week

This week I have managed to run 65 miles with 2 days off so doing okay. With only 6 weeks to go until Vermont I need to get some big weeks in. The alcohol and various events has affected training. I have really enjoyed being out and about recently but need to get back to moderation drinking and get some big mileage weeks in or I could be in trouble. Hopefully I will be okay......

This video is very inspirational from the WS100 last year

http://www.ws100film.com/

Interval Training

Interval training is the only way to get quicker and tempo work. After chatting with my physio Nigel, he said I should be doing intervals at a speed of 16km per hour which is 6 min miles for 400m with 30 second breaks then try and do a tempo run on a Wednesday/Thursday at a quicker pace. This will get my times down, I am reading a book at the moment about how to train for your first ultra. It talks about all the basics, back to back long runs, what to eat, drink, etc. It also mentions interval training, you don't have to do it when training for an ultra. I believe it increases fitness as gets the heart rate up and I think as it makes you quicker it will help you run an ultra quicker. Even though a 100 mile race is completely different to running an ultra I still think it will help if you do intervals once a week. Plus adding in interval work and tempo work mixes it up a bit and keeps it more exciting.Today I ran 1km warm up then 15 x 400m intervals at speed 16km per hour with 30 second breaks, it does take it out of you but feels like you're really pushing yourself. Chatting to James today, he is on his medication at the moment and is off to Comrades on Friday to watch then kicks off his Grand Slam with Western States at the end of June - I hope he can start this and complete the other 3 races - Vermont, Leadville and Wasatch - he deserves it and his been out for too long. Will be good to go to Vermont with him as well. Just a bit of info on the Grand Slam for you, James is one of 22 people attempting the Grand slam http://www.run100s.com/gs11.htm and his the youngest, the only guy from the UK as well. So it's 4 of the hilliest 100 milers in the states within a 11 week period which sounds mental. Western States - 25th June, Vermont - 16th July, Leadville - 20th August and Wasatch 9th September. I would like to attempt this one day but the cost implications, lotteries and actually doing it makes it a big thing to do but I believe if you want something you can do anything. If James gets through this it will be a great achievement, especially considering he hasn't been running for the last 4 months.

This week - 55 days to go to Vermont

This week has been very productive running wise. I wanted to put some good mileage in. I also got an email on Wednesday saying that I got into Vermont 100 - http://www.vermont100.com/ which was brilliant news which I have been waiting for since I got back from Umstead. I am so excited about this race, it's 14,000 ft climb and hot so will be more challenging than Umstead 100 which is 8000 ft climbs. This week I ended up running 60 miles with 2 days off. This week looked like this http://www.attackpoint.org/log.jsp/user_8677. I ran most lunch times, after work, and 17.6 miles today hungover which was good. Coming up I have the Northants 35 miler, South Downs marathon and maybe the Southend half. That will get me through June and then taper 2nd week in July leading up to Vermont.

Vermont 100

Today I found out that I have got into the Vermont 100 on the 16th July. This has made my summer, the race is 8 weeks on Saturday. This race is going to brilliant, it has 14,000 ft of elevation and will be pretty hot. I booked the flights today so game on!!!James is running it as well as part of his Grand Slam so should be an amazing trip.

Here is the website if you want a browse http://www.vermont100.com/

Knowing when to run and not to run

Today I ran the Essex marathon. Going into today I had a bad cough and bad hay fever plus I had run the Three Thorts marathon last week. I woke up this morning and drove to Halstead to start the race, I got it in my head even though not feeling the best I could run a p.b today - sub 3.13. The Essex marathon was where I ran my first marathon 2 years ago, I stood on the line today running my 3rd Essex marathon and 17th marathon (13 marathons, 2 x 45 milers, 1 x 50 miler and a 100 miler). On the drive up there it was raining and cloudy which I though was good as would make it cooler, when I stood on the start line the sun came out and it started to get hot unfortunately. I ran the first 9 miles at a good pace - all in the 6s and early 7 min miles then when I got to mile 10 I blew up and had to walk/jog for 3 miles. I wasn't enjoying it and got it in my head I was going to DNF. I was walking through aid stations saying where can I pull out and people said I could pull out at mile 14. When I got to mile 14 I started running, I thought in my head I am not pulling out, I am here now so I will finish. I struggled through to the end - jogging, running and walking for the last 12 miles. I came in with a time of 3.37.44. I learnt a lot today, when running consecutive week marathons you need to use them as training runs as you're never going to have the energy for a p.b and when not feeling good just don't run. I am sitting here writing this and I am happy as I finished today as could have easily pulled out which would have p8ssed me off. So breaking 3 hours 5 weeks after Umstead 100 was a silly idea. I will have to look to do that on another marathon this year or even next year. My main priorities this year now are getting into Vermont 100 in July and completing Caesars Camp 100 in October. Both these races will give me points to qualify for UTMB 100 next year and I can go through the entry process for Badwater.
Garmin Report - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/84355789

Three Forts Marathon

Three forts was my first marathon back after 100 miler. This was 4 weeks after 100 miler so I didn't know what to expect.Pre race I was talking to my mate James and he was saying I could run a good time there, he won it last year in 3.13. I somehow got this in my head which was very stupid of me. Drove to the race, hour and half to Worthing which wasn't bad, was a sunny day. Arrived at the marathon,was quite a small one with a field of 240 odd. I was chatting to a guy on the start line who was doing his 2nd ever marathon and had googled James from last years marathon and now followed his blog. The marathon started at 10am, I ran the first 2 miles in 2nd place, then it hit me as we approached a steep hill and had to walk the hill. This is when I realised I did not have it in me today. I carried on running by about mile 8 I was in bits and it was getting hot. A DNF did actually cross my mind with another 19 miles to go as was 27 miles long. This was a very hilly course, the first 11 miles was into wind and then the 2nd half was a cross wind. In the end I manage to finish in 4.09.50 http://www.threefortsmarathon.org.uk/3forts-results-full-a.asp. What I learnt yesterday was you need time to recover after a 100 miler as I was lacking lot of energy, so it was a good learning curve and a good training run. I am suppose to be doing the Essex marathon on Sunday but I will see how I feel on Saturday.I want to run it as it's quite close to me but will have to see how I feel. I have just had my first ice bath which should hopefully help the legs recover. Looking at yesterday's results 3.25 won it so it proves how good James' time was last year.

Getting back into it...

Since I got back from America, I took one week off running. 2nd week I ran a little, 3rd week I ran a little bit more. I have been a bit like Charlie Sheen over the last few weeks, going out with friends a lot and had work dos, I have got myself into some right pickles.I have never been a good drinker, I think after running 100 miles the booze hits me even more now. I also pulled my left hamstring tendon so have had 2 trips to the physio to sort that out. I feel it's okay now, I can feel it slightly but I think I will be okay.

The last weeks running has looked a bit like this

Saturday - 6.4 miles
Sunday - 8.64 miles
Monday - 5.41 miles
Tuesday - 6.2 miles
Wednesday - 6.2 miles
Thursday - 4.37 miles (Interval training)
Friday - 6.9 miles

Total - 44.12 miles

I have the Three forts marathon on Sunday which is in Worthing and is 3400ft climbs, my friend James won it last year with a time of 3.13.24, he won the race by 22 mins which is a massive effort. First marathon back for me, I am looking forward to getting out there again. With regards to breaking 3 hours at Essex next Sunday, I am not sure that will happen due to injuries, haven't been doing enough interval training and I am running Three forts this Sunday but you never know, I may fluke it somehow or feel amazing on the day. I am still waiting to get into Vermont 100 in July, I am in touch with Julie the race director and at the moment they are at just over 345 and she said she will let me in when they get to 335 so I am hopeful. I have entered Caesars Camp 100 in Aldershot in October so I am hoping to do 3 x 100s this year but who knows what can happen. I have recently started taking Udos Choice Beyond Greens which was recommend by another friend James Keenan who was recommended it by Tony Robbins the American Life coach. You mix the supplement with water and take it 2-3 times a day, it give you lots of minerals, vitamins and is suppose to give you 8 greens a day. Apparently it's good for endurance athletes with recovery and joints,etc so I am hoping that will help me- I am all about living a healthy lifestyle now, the old booze up is fine but should more be moderation - easier said than done. I have also started taking Hammer Perpetuem mix in my water while running - this was recommended to me by a guy called Tony who I was running with at Umstead as it's easy to digest than gels so I will see how that goes. Anyway, that's about it for now, happy running!!!!!!

Recovery, Halstead and Vermont

4 days after 100 miler, everything has calmed down a little now. I am still on a high, still a little tired, not sleeping well for some reason. My legs are still a little stiff, I told myself I would take this week off to rest and enjoy myself. Hopefully I will recover well with no injuries, I now have 2 personal goals over the next few months

1) To break 3 hours in a marathon, current p.b 3.13. I have one opportunity which is the Halstead marathon 4 weeks on Sunday, this seems a bit mental considering it's 5 weeks after the 100. You have got to set your goals high in life though. If my legs are okay, I will go easy next week then the 3 weeks after I will do a lot of speed work, interval training to give myself the chance. I obviously have the endurance and mental aspect, I just need to work on the speed, I ran 1.28.50 at the Brentwood half, I would just need to keep that pace up for double the distance. This maybe a lot to ask but I like to set the bar high.

2)Vermont 100 miler, only after finishing Umstead the other day I was thinking I love this sh8t and would love another piece of the action in the States. I had an eye on Vermont earlier in the year and was tempted to enter but didn't as not sure I would enjoy 100 or not. Turns out I loved the 100 and think I have potential with this distance, Vermont is harder than Umstead as will be hotter and bigger climbs. Here is the race description http://www.vermont100.com/100_mile_description.html, 14,000ft climb compared to 8,000ft climb at Umstead. Anyway the race is full at the moment but I have spoken to Julia the race director and James has and I am now first reserve so hopefully someone drops over the next month.

Umstead 100

Took off on Thursday morning to the airport. When I said goodbye to my brother Charlie, he said good luck, I was walking up the road to the train station and I was choked and I kept receiving messages from people saying good luck and we are really proud and nearly started crying but didn't, haha. I checked in at Heathrow and had a full fry up, I have never been away on my own before so this was all very surreal to me, walking around the airport and having the fact that I had to run 100 miles in the back of my head was pretty nerve racking. My flight was at 12.55, American Airlines, got on the plane and there were no tv screens, I thought, what a shocker. Luckily I had a book which I finished "Catcher in the Rye" very famous book and I had my MacBook so I watched 7 curb your enthusiasms which kept me entertained. Towards the end of the flight, I had stomach upsets which was not good. I got to the airport and had to go through security which was ridiculous, typical America - finger prints, "Why are you here?how long for?what are you doing? - I am here to run 100 miles, next" Finally got through and had to get a shuttle bus to my hotel. A kind American lady rang my hotel for me, Americans are so kind. Dumped my stuff and went and had a burger, chips and coke from Wendys. Then sat in my room and was getting paranoid about my stomach, it calmed down. The next morning there were a few upsets but luckily it ironed itself out at the end of the day. I got a taxi to Wallmart which is mental, no wonder why yanks are so fat, I loved it in there though, topped up on pepsi, water, bananas, oreos and salted crisps then back in taxi to Umstead park. The park is 40 miles wide according to the taxi driver so it took a while to find the race camp but found it and 45 dollars later - the taxi driver must have been loving it, fair play. I checked in and went to my hut, I thought - what is this, no light and some bunk beds...not good but only in there for 2 nights. Went to race briefing and dinner at 5 which was amazing, they made me feel very welcome and met some amazing people including the race director Blake who made me feel very welcome. I was the only person from UK in the race which was quite cool, a lot of people where saying to me you flew over here to run this....bumped into a guy called Ray (he has run over 70 x 100 milers) who looked at me and said have you done a 100 before - I said no and he said I reckon 18.42 for you, I was like no way, all I want to do is finish....Anyway I went to wash my teeth and this guy called Jim approached me and said can I stay in your cabin, I was like, yeah f8ck it there are 4 bunk beds. Chatted to him for a while, he is a 52 year old American and was attempting his first 100 miler. I got to sleep around 10 and woke up at 4, was a very patchy night sleep. When the alarm went off I thought, this is it, got ready and down to the HQ where I gave my 2 drop bags in.

The Race

We lined up on the start line with our head torches on at 5.55, I was thinking, this is it..I have been waiting for this, game on. The gun went and we were off. Imagine 300 head torches running off into the pitch black in a forest, it was pretty mental. I ran the first 2 miles with Ray and a girl called Cherry who was running with Ray, Ray and Cherry were very uplifting, they were singing, shouting stuff, it was pretty mental. After about 25 mins of running it started to get light and warmer, when I got to the first check point at 6.85 miles I stocked up on some peanut butter on crackers and some water then got back onto it. Mile 6,7 and 8 were the hardest, very hilly. I ran the first loop in 2.09.49 which was probably a little too quick. I took off my jacket, hat and gloves and got back out there. I ran the 2nd lap with 2 guys called Tony and Eric who had done a few 100 milers - Tony knew James from Badwater last year, it shows how much of a small community this is, I was running a 100 mile race in North Carolina and I bumped into a guy who knows James. 2nd lap was completed in 2.16.17, was feeling strong. 3rd lap commenced, I ran most of the 3rd lap with Tony and Eric as well who were very friendly, I kept stopping at aid stations to eat and top up with water as James said always eat even if not hungry. They had really good aid stations - Turkey sandwhiches, burgers, hot dogs, pizza, M&Ms, pretzels. Towards the end of the third lap I caught up with Ray and Cherry and they were being lively, singing, etc I was feeling hot so Ray said change to short sleeve shirt and I said I was feeling a little sick, he said take on Gatorade instead of Gels so I did at aid station, and every station from then in - felt so much better. 3rd lap completed in 2.12.34, was smashing it really, probably a little too quick. I was running with Tony and Eric again and they said about putting the gels into your water bottle so your not taking it down in one go - great advice, thats what I did from now on. Towards the end of the 4th lap I started to feel pretty dehydrated - finished in 2.26 so still way ahead - 37.5 miles covered. I commenced running the 5th lap and a guy called Billy ran alongside me for a bit who was running his 4th Umstead (A lot of people come back to run this race a few times) he said you okay, I was like a bit dehydrated so I kept drinking loads and it eventually ironed itself out. I stopped in the toilet for my only pit stop for no 2 towards end of 4th lap. Once I completed lap I pulled out my friend Keenan's shuffle (He had put together a running play list for me as I had lost my shuffle charger)also at the aid station they were worried about me and said can you put some more clothes on as going to get cold, I was like do I have to as was hot so tied a top to my waste. My garmin died then - battery only lasts 7 and half hours, I had 2 watches for race - Garmin for pacing at start, Polar for overall timing. I got some food and kicked on up the hill, I put the shuffle on and "Jesus Walks" by Kanye West came on, I was like this a tune, I actually went goose pimply. I started running and thinking, I am over half way now, I am on count down, this is where I expected it go wrong as never had run over 50 miles before. The music on the shuffle helped me - Foo Fighters, Foals, Blink 182, Eminem, Jay Z and Faithless - all very good running music. Completed the 56th lap in 2.18.03 - 11.23 of running for 62.5 miles. Kicked off again for lap 6, feeling strong so much goes through your mind when your running a 100 miles, you think about everything in life, what kept me going was people following at home and the messages people had sent me. Lap 6 completed in 2.18 - 75 miles in 13.42 - I was like this is ridiculous, I am killing this, I could break 20 hours but all I wanted to do was cross that line. I pulled the head torch out for lap 7 as was starting to get dark. Started running and it went pitch black very quick - I was running through a forest in North Carolina with a head torch on, was amazing...haha. I lapped Ray on this lap and he said - well done...you are going to break 20, possibly 19, he said that's amazing for a first 100. I also lapped Jim on my 3rd lap, and he said "You lapped me, you bastard" as I ran past..haha. 87.5 miles done in 16 hours 20 mins, I couldn't belive how well I was doing. Last lap I was buzzing, got mid way through stocked up at check point, I was running fast up hills, wanted to finish, passing people, Americans were saying "Great Job". When I got to mile 99.5 - last half mile down the hill, I ran as fast as I could - Finishing in 18.53.48. Finished 20th place out of 260 people - http://www.umstead100.org/raceresults.txt . The guy gave me my buckle and said congratulations, they thought I had done a few 100s and I said that was my first one, they were shocked.

Garmin report of first 40 miles - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/77215785

Post Race

I then sat down near the fire and had some soup, I was in pain but it's probably one of the best moments of my life. I had a massage and chilled, I got chatting to this American girl called Crystal, she was very nice - she asked where I was staying I said my hut, she said I dont normally do this but do you want to stay in my spare room - I was like yesssssssssssssss. Stayed at hers and had lunch the next day then got dropped at the airport - she is a great person and I met a lot of great people this weekend. What went from being a trip i was dreading on my own to one of the best weekends of my Life. I flew back and I am now writing this, cant walk too quick but I am okay, I have only had a 3 hours sleep over last 2 days and had 4 hours today so hopefully should get some more tonight. What next?who knows...definitely another 100....Game on.

Pictures Below

22 hours to go

Sitting in my hotel room writing this. My flight was okay yesterday, 8 and half hours into Raleigh airport. My hotel was near the airport so I got a shuttle bus to hotel room. We are 5 hours behind here in North Carolina, I must admit I feel a bit weak today and have had stomach problems which is worrying, hopefully I will feel okay later. Maybe it's my body clock and everything adapting. Plan for today is to chill out here until 12 then get a taxi to race camp via supermarket (Where I am going to pick up some supplies) then register for the race, chill out. Race briefing is at 5, then dinner, then an early night. I will be up at 4am for the start at 6!!!This is it now, I am starting to feel nervous, maybe that's why I am feeling a bit weak, who knows.I hope I feel better for tomorrow. Hopefully today will be good fun and hopefully I will meet some nice people.This is my last blog pre race now, this is it!!!!

6 days to go

This week has been fairly chilled-

Monday - 6
Tuesday - 4
Thursday - 6
Saturday - 10

Total - 26 miles

Just started packing my bag, the kit I need to take is pretty mental. Picture below



Plus I need to add sleeping bag to this. So I don't have much room for anything else. I fly out Thursday at Midday, land in the evening, in a hotel Thursday night. Then I am off to the Camp on Friday - race briefing Friday afternoon and dinner then back to my hut and the race starts Saturday at 6am - 11am UK time. I will run and hopefully finish sometime Sunday morning, then I will die in my hut and fly back Sunday evening and land in the UK monday morning I am pretty nervous now, this is going to be a mental experience but I am up for it. Game on!!!!!!

This week

This week has been pretty low key with a few runs

Monday - interval training at lunch, 8.13 miles in eve
Tuesday - 3.1 miles
Wednesday - 8.2 miles
Friday - 6.2
Sunday - 13.1

Total - 38.7 miles

Today I ran the Brentwood half marathon with my friend Tom. I managed a p.b in 1.28.49, was sick 5 times on the finish line. Probably not the best thing do 13 days before a 100 mile race but I think I will be okay. I managed to come 73rd out of 3000, I am not really bothered about positions as running is all about your own goals but not a bad finish http://www.brentwoodhalf.org/Results/half_results.php.

Garmin report - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/74160361

Tom ran a p.b himself with 1.41 which was a great effort considering he just wanted to come in under 2 hours. A friend from work Holly also ran her first half marathon, having only ran 8 miles before, she ran it in 2.12 so another great effort. I would recommend this half to anyone, great course and very well organised. Anyway only 13 days to go now, so need to jog out a few miles this week and get myself sorted. Peace Out

A little snap of me and Tom at the end

Training and Umstead 100

Monday - interval training at lunch, 8.13 miles in eve
Tuesday - 3.1 miles
Wednesday - 8.2 miles

Found out today my friend James definitely isn't coming to America with me as he can now transfer his flight for another race. This is fair enough as there wont be much for him to do out there anyway. So I am heading out there on my own on Thursday 31st March, I am still up for it, I think going to these things on your own can be interesting, meet new people and it's a test of character. Pushed my run tonight, wanted to see how fit I was, I ran the first 5 miles in 33 mins then slowed the last 3 as a couple of hills and didn't want to go too mental but I feel like I am getting fit now and there are the odd tweaks in my legs so I need to be careful I don't get injured. I am running the Brentwood half marathon on Sunday then I will take it proper easy for the next couple of weeks.

84.18 miles

I ran 84.18 miles this week, I needed a big week as haven't had a big week in a while and was a bit behind compared to Elson's schedule and I still am but getting this big week in has made me feel a lot better.

This week looked like this

Monday - Lunch - 6.2,Eve - 6.34
Tuesday - Lunch - 6.2,Eve - 3.1
Wednesday - Lunch -6.2,Eve - 6.34
Thursday - Lunch -6.2, Eve 3.1
Friday - Day Off
Saturday - 23
Sunday - 17.5

Miles logged - http://www.attackpoint.org/log.jsp/user_8677

Today was the hardest run, I ran the whole way but struggled for the last 2 miles, good training running on tired legs. I spoke to Elson today about how many Electrolytes (This explains what they are http://www.planetultra.com/training/born2.html) to take during the 100 as I don't really take them that much but need to take them in this race as could be out there for 30 hours. I have decided to take one Electrolyte every hour and a gel every 45 mins. I am not sure I will be able to take 40 gels as after taking 12 in the Thames Path 50 miler I felt a little sick. Luckily there will be food at aids stations as well so I will be taken on food as substitutes. It's sort of becoming a reality now, race is 2 weeks on Saturday and it's starting to hit me that 100 miles is a long way, massive distance to cover in one go. As Elson has said to me, the worst bit is when you have covered 50 miles and your knackered,it starts getting dark and you have to cover the hardest part of the race in the dark with a head torch on. Anyway game on...!!!!take it on!!!!this week is probably going to be around 50-60 miles, I have the Brentwood half on Sunday with some friends, I probably wont be in any state for a p.b but you never know.

This week

This week I am aiming to run a big week as haven't been putting in the miles over the last few weeks due to illness, boozing and small injuries. 3 days into the week I am on 34.3 so I am going strong. I always find when your trying to put in lots of miles, it becomes a bit like trying to get a run in whenever you can and you're just running for the sake of it and not through enjoyment. For me with a 3 hour daily commute and working full time in media, I just have to try and squeeze in a run anytime I can. I am very lucky as we get an hour and half lunch break so I can squeeze in 10k up the gym. Today I ran 6.2 at lunch and 6.3 along the seafront tonight and pre running tonight I was on the train feeling tired but as soon as I got out there I felt good, I ran the first 3 miles in 20 mins which is a bit quick then the next 3.3 miles in 24 mins. I was running along the seafront tonight in the dark watching other people run, people on their own, people in 2s, people in large groups and I was thinking what a great sport this is, everyone is out there working away, all of us have our own goals whether it be to lose weight, get fit, run a 5k,10k,half marathon, marathon or ultra. I just thought you don't get many sports where you talk to people and everyone looks happy and you can cheer each other on. I find when you run most people give you the runner's nod or a smile, most runners are happy. With just over 3 weeks to go, it's getting to the crunch and everything I am doing now is all for that end goal. My friend James who was suppose to be running isn't running now due a stress fracture, he is going to be out of action for 6-8 weeks which is a massive shame but he has a big year this year with Comrades, Western States, Leadville and many more races so it's important he rests and the injury is rectified. Good news for me is, he is still going to come out to North Caroline as he already had his flight and accommodation booked and I could do with the support.So he will be very valuable to me finishing the 100 miler in one peace and can advise me accordingly. James got me into running in the first place, I remember walking over to his desk when he was a manager on Pinnacle at CC and asking him which marathon to enter, we entered the Essex marathon, that was 2 years ago in early May. Now look at me, I am running a 100 mile ultra marathon in 3 weeks time, without meeting James I doubt I would have ever got into running, he is a great inspiration. There are people running across America like Dean Karnazes and Marshall Ulrich, then you have your super athletes like Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, Geoff Roes and Ian Sharman who are all very inspiring as well.I read all these guys blogs as they have been running a long time and are achieving some amazing things and it gives you something to aspire to.

This week

This week has been low key due to illness and not feeling too good after Cambridge last Sunday

Monday - 5
Tuesday - 5
Friday - 6.2
Saturday - 6.5
Sunday - 8.3

So not good mileage at all, this week I am going for big mileage. Game on, need to put in a big week this week with just under 4 weeks to go.

This week

This week started off with intervals Monday, 6 miles Tuesday and 6 miles Wednesday. I didn't get an opportunity to run Thursday or Friday as was out with work and was very boozy. Today I ran the Cambridge Boundary run which is a marathon as a training run for 100 miler as I find it hard to run more than 20 miles on my own so if you enter a race then it makes you run the fall marathon distance. I woke up at 7.30 today and headed down to Cambridge which is a bout an hour and 15 minute drive from me. Turned up at David Lloyd in Cambridge at 9.30, I collected my number and sat in my car until 9.55 as was cold and race started at 10. I didn't feel very good this morning after this weeks boozing but todays run was just a training run. Kicked off at 10.05ish running around the streets of Cambridge then into fields, after 5 miles I was dripping and thinking today is going to be a long day. Most of this race is off road which isn't good when it's been raining as the ground is soft which makes it harder to run on but there you go. I got to the half way point in around 1.38 then kicked on through fields, footpaths and a bit of road running but not enough. I felt pretty weak at mile 20 but managed to push on to finish in 3.35-36ish by my watch.When I crossed the finish line I saw one of my clients James there which I was shocked to see someone I knew as you don't see many people at these small races but he was supporting his flat mate who crossed the line literally 30 seconds after me. He did very well considering it was his first marathon and in tough conditions. Writing this I feel pretty exhausted, I normally feel okay after a marathon but I think the boozy week and pushing my body in the other direction running wise has taken it out of me. 100 miler is 5 weeks yesterday so it's getting pretty close now. I need to get some big mileage weeks in and long weekend runs over the next couple of weeks. I just hope injuries don't stop me doing that. Looking at 100 mile training plan I am probably running a bit behind on the mileage but there you go, there's not much you can do when injuries and other things get in the way.I will still be on that plane 4 weeks on Thursday to give it my best shot. Game on !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Todays Garmin report - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/70450412

This week

This week has been relatively chilled.

Tuesday - Interval training (approx 4 miles)
Wednesday - 6.2 miles
Saturday - 17.6
Sunday - 12

Total - 39.8 miles

Was good to get a couple of long runs in this weekend,,,felling pretty tired now. I have the Cambridge marathon next Sunday so that will be good to get another long run in with under 5 weeks to go until Umstead.

256.86 miles this year

I was just logging my mileage for this year and worked out that I am on 256.86 miles so far for the year. I am probably a bit behind schedule and I am currently icing my foot so maybe going a bit further behind schedule but if injured rest is important and if I stay injured, the physio is the next step. My next long run is the Cambridge Marathon a week on Sunday, I need to be okay for that as that's a good opportunity to get a long run in without having to go out on my own.

I watched this video last night and it gave me a lot of inspiration and stuff to think about it, what I have entered is going to be the hardest thing I have ever done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXJ5ratO5XY

48 days to go

This week has been relatively quiet after the Thames Path 50

Wednesday - 10
Friday - 5
Saturday - 12
Sunday -8

I have had a couple of boozy nights out as a bit of release and now I want to get right back into training. I have a few niggles but should be okay, if bad I will just rest for a couple of days and see physio if have I to.

Eased back in

Eased back in with 10 miles tonight, ran at quite a strong pace considering 50 miler on Saturday - 1.13.43. Bumped into a couple of people running along the seafront, one woman who had run on Saturday and who was running the Grand union canal - 145 miles non stop and the other guy was running the Thames ring this year - 250 miles. It's weird how running along Southend seafront on a Wednesday night and you bump into 2 people who are running these sort of races. My left knee did twinge a bit so icing as I am writing this and back of right leg stiff again so will need to get these 2 minor injuries ironed out pre 100, maybe another trip to the physio is due. I really enjoyed tonight's run, there's something about running in the dark, you feel like a warrior...anyway I do. Here is my garmin report from the 50 miler, my watch died after 7.40 but gives you an idea of the race http://connect.garmin.com/activity/67468636

Thames Trot 50

This weekend I was running the Thames Trot 50. A race along the Thames Path from Oxford to Henley of 50 miles. Friday night I caught the train to Oxford from Paddington and stayed in a hotel by the start of the race. I woke up at 7 had some brown toast with honey and a tea then I walked down to the start of the race for 8ish to register. I met up with a guy called Paul who I met through James at Jurassic coastal challenge and a couple of his mates Luke and Webbo. We began the race at 8.45ish a little later than official start time, we ran through Oxford and onto Thames path, we started off at a pace of around 9.30 min miles. We ran along the Thames path into wind for the first 10-15 miles, I was running with Paul, Luke and Webbo, then Paul and I ran for a bit then after about 20 miles I ran on. I took a couple of pain killers at 20 miles as legs and left knee were a little sore. Then after a bout 27 miles I started running with a guy called Dave, I ran with him from there to the end, he was a good bloke and knew the course as he had run the 2nd half as a training run. We stopped at various check points to load up on Water and bits of food, I didn't consume as many gels as last time, tried to take on sweets instead as I find with too many gels you start to feel nauseas. Unfortunately at 39 miles I started to feel sick so had to walk for half a mile. David was meeting his wife at 40 miles for some drinks and food, he gave me a Isotonic and then we ran the whole way in at a slow pace. Running the last few miles was tough but you have that end goal in your head and after running 40 plus miles with 10 to go you just count them down, the scenery running into Henley was picturesque and some of the houses were immense. We finished in 8.12 which I was happy with as wanted between 8 and 9 hours. Sitting in the chair with a tea at the end of the race I was thinking how am I going to run double this!!!I am going to set off a lot slower pace of 12 min miles, so aim to run 5 miles an hour which would take me to 20 hours. I am not aiming for a time in the 100 miler as my first one, all I want to do is finish the race pre the 30 hour cut off line. With 55 days to go I am so up for the 100 now, I just want to be on the start line now. I will probably rest for a couple of days now then get back onto the training. I would recommend todays race to anyone who wants to run an ultra in the UK. Go Beyond are very good at organising races and are quite well established.

This week

I hadn't run up until Saturday for a while so wanted to put in a run everyday up until Thursday and take Friday off pre 50 miler.

Sunday - 8 miles
Monday - Interval - approx 4 miles
Tuesday - 5 miles at lunch, 3 miles after work
Wednesday - 4.5 miles at lunch
Thursday - 6.2 miles

So I have run everyday and feel pretty good, injuries are there but only slightly, hopefully tomorrow's rest will help the legs recover for Sat. Today I knocked out 10k in the gym in 41 mins which was probably a bit stupid 2 days prior to 50 miler but there you go, I wanted to push myself. I think in a 10k race I definitely have 39 mins in me, so will have try that sometime this year. I am looking forward to Saturday, I just hope I don't get lost, it's going to be a great test, 50 miles on my own. Great training for 100, I won't run over 50 pre 100 so this will be my biggest training run. The run starts in Oxford and runs along the Thames Path and finishes in Henley on Thames, I am hoping for a good days weather and a good run!!!

62 days to go..

This week has been relatively quiet, I ran 10 miles the Sat before and 5 miles on Monday before and felt an injury coming on so I decided to go to the Physio on Tuesday this week. I had a Sports massage which was rather painful at times but helped, my legs were still really stiff from the 45 mile race a week and half before. I got lots of tips off the physio (Nigel Kimpton - ex International Athlete) who was a great help - he is looking to swim the Channel next year which is a massive achievement. He gave me 12 stretches to do twice a week, take ice baths after long endurance events, this speeds up recovery massively - I have been taking hot baths - not good. So next time I run a big run I am going to try a 10 minute ice bath post race. This weekend I ran 2 x 8 mile runs in times of 59 and 58.20, my leg held up and left knee was okay but could feel little niggles, so hopefully should be okay for the Thames trot 50 on Saturday. This week I am going to run but low key in preparation for Saturday. Saturday will be my longest training run pre 100. 50 mile race along the Thames path starting in Oxford finishing in Henley, I am running this one on my own, a friend from Jurassic coastal challenge (Paul) is running it so hoping to hook up with him at the start of the race to run a bit with him as not that confident map reading. I am going to have to learn one day so this is the time to do it, how hard can it be ... a compass and a map...I am staying in Oxford on Friday night as it's too far for me to get to on Saturday morning and then my mate Ash is picking me up in Henley. This race is costing me a few pounds but it's got to be done, I am hoping it's a good one and the weather holds out. This week I bought 72 Gu gels costing me £108, this will take me up to the 100 miler. I sat down with James a couple of weeks ago and for the 100 miler I will need to fill 2 x drop bags with 20 gels, ibuprofen, salt tables, cap and jacket, will also need head torch. I am going to have to run with my polar watch as well and wont be able to track distance apart from laps as the Garmin only lasts for about 10 hours which I think is pretty poor for a £250 watch but there you go.With 62 days to go I am starting to get excited, it's going to be a massive challenge but a great achievement.

Follow your body, Not your mind...

Today I woke up, wanting to run something in the region of 13-16 miles. I woke up and had some really sharp pains in the back of my right leg, even walking to the kitchen it was really stiff. I was thinking I could probably run on this as would warm up after a couple of miles. After 5 minutes of procrastination, I was like, rest and see how it feels in the morning and if bad I will go to the physio tomorrow night. I have done the right thing here as would have only made it worse and with Thames trot 50 in under 2 weeks I need to be in okay shape, not trying to run 50 miles with pain killers on a bad leg. So even though pretty p8ssed off today, it shows that I am learning to rest and not push it when my body is in pain.

A few photos from Country to Capital 45

The week after

This week has been pretty low key running wise. I rested Sunday, ran 5 miles Monday, attempted to run Tuesday - ankle and knee were playing up so I thought best to leave it so cycled 20k then rested until today, popped in 10 miles today and was a little hungover but managed to do it an hour and 15 mins. There was a pain running up the back of my right leg which I am not sure what it is, will have to see how that goes. Going to pop out tomorrow for a similar length run, need to get back into training now for Thames Path 50 in 2 weeks.

Wendover to Paddington - 45 miler

Today, we started off at 8.30 in a pub in Wendover, today's run for me was a training run for the 100 miler, good way to get back into running after Christmas. We started off running through Wendover, through Chorley wood, all off road, muddy and slippery. When your running in this kind of terrain even though your running slower, you don't realise how much it takes out of your legs, they have to work harder. I was dripping after 10 miles and it wasn't amazingly warm and I was thinking this is going to be a long day. Ploughed on, we covered the first 25 miles in 4 hours which was good and then we were on to the Thames path into Paddington for 20 miles, head down running slowly, my ankle was playing up at points so took some of James' ibuprofen, he had to take a couple for his knee as well.When we got to around 32 miles I was really feeling hit, I had to walk for half a mile, I had only had one wee all day and had probably drunk 3 litres of waters, I hadn't really eaten much solid food as at the aids stations they provided sausage rolls and crisps but that's not really what you want, you want pizza, sandwhiches,etc.I think I was feeling sick because there were lots of energy gels and water in me swishing around, after walking for half a mile i picked up again and carried on at a steady pace ranging from 9.30-10 min miles, again at around 38 miles I was feeling rather sick again so walked for a while, then battled on, when I knew I had 10k to go we ran pretty much the whole way in, James and I ran with a few people today - a guy called Ian who was training for the Gobi desert Challenge and an American girl who was very fit (She won best girl in Sahara desert race last year). We finished the race in 7.09 which was pretty good considering last years time was 8.06 so happy with that, I feel pretty tired writing this but good to get a long one in. Got a 50 miler in 3 weeks and then Cambridge marathon end of Feb, I will try and get some other long runs in as well then taper out through March up to 2nd April for Umstead. Today was tough at points but very enjoyable.

Just 5 miles today

Just the 5 miles today in the gym in 36.28, pretty chilled out run. My Legs are getting used to running tired now having run the last 9 days with no rest days. I am starting to feel a little fatigued now in the afternoons, eyes watering, etc. I am going to give myself 2 days off now for legs to soften up and get some rest pre 45 miler on Saturday. I haven't run over 20 miles since November, I am actually really excited about Saturday, getting a long one in, hopefully the weather is better than last year. Speaking to James tonight, it looks like his injury has rectified itself so hopefully he will be there on the start line on Saturday.

Interval training and 5 mile run

The last 2 days have consisted of interval training and a 5 mile run
Interval training on Monday in the gym, it's very intense, you start by warming up for 5 mins. Then you set the speed to 17km per hour and gradient to 2% and you do 30 secs on 30 secs off. This then increases to a min on and a min off on 17km speed, then up to 18km speed for 1 min on and off, 45 secs on and off, then 2 mins rest. Then set the gradient to 1% for 15km for 2 mins and 1 min off x 2, then 8-12 x 20kms 15 secs on and off. This really is intense and gets your heart rate right up, the beauty of interval training is it increases fitness massively and gets your legs used to running to proper speeds. If you keep the above up 1-2 times a week you are on your way to breaking 3 hours in a marathon, something which I would like to do this year but not sure I have the time with lots on but we will see, you need to find the right race, conditions and timing, etc. Today I just ran 5 miles up the gym in 35.28, so quite a strong pace. With 3 days to go until 45 miles I am feeling a little tired having run the last 8 days, I think I will squeeze in a run either tomorrow or Thursday and take Friday off pre 45 miles. Last year I ran the race in 8.06, hoping to beat that this year but you never know how your body is going to react, specially after a month of boozing, this race is a funny time of year just after Christmas but great to get back into it. I am suppose to be running on Sat with my mate Elson but he may not be able to run now due to knee problems but he hasn't completely ruled himself out.... It's much more fun to run this race with someone as you can have a chat, bit of a laugh, etc but if Elson can't run I will have to go it alone.
P.S - 81 days to go

83 days to go....

With 83 days to go until Umstead 100, my mind is really focused now...2nd week back running looked like this http://www.attackpoint.org/log.jsp/user_8677. 44 miles in the last 6 days, not a bad effort with tomorrow still to run. I am getting used to running everyday now and running with tired legs, runs are taking a lot longer, for example yesterday 9 miles took me an 1 hour and 17 mins and that was along the seafront which is flat, wind against on the way back, it was a tough run but good to finish. Today I ran 8.95 miles on an off road course, really muddy and slippery around Benfleet and then up Essex way which is 3 quarters of a mile uphill, that took me an hour and 17 mins, admittidely I was a bit hungover as had a few beers last night for my brothers birthday. To put 9 miles into perspective, it normally takes me 1 hour and 5 mins to run 9 miles so running everyday takes it's toll but it's good to get the body running through pain. Hopefully as the weeks go on, training will get easier. This week I am going to do a few small runs in the gym Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, then I will take 2 days off as have Country to Capital 45 miler on Saturday which I am looking forward to, ran this race last year with my mate Elson and running this year as well with him, it's the first big run of the year, not sure I am in good shape but we will see. I must say writing this at the end of this week I am glad to be back into running, todays run was really fresh, sunny, bit of wind and good to sweat out a few beers.

Getting back into it...

After the Amsterdam marathon I was on a massive high and training died down a bit...I kept running when I could, I had Luton marathon in the diary on 6th December. In the build up to that I went out on quite a few runs but unfortunately this was called off due to snow, very disappointing as wanted to get a cheeky marathon in pre Christmas. I was running 2-3 times a week in December as December in the media industry is very boozy, your out 3 nights a week and out with friends as well, with all this going on training goes out the window but still tried to get the odd run in when I could. I started running again properly this week, I had this week off work so it was a good opportunity to get some proper runs back in... specially with Country to Capital 45 in under 2 weeks. So this week consisted of Tues - 16.2 miles, Weds - 13.7 miles, Thurs10.2 miles and Sunday 14.35 miles. I hope to run 10 miles tomorrow as well to put in a 66 mile week- I do have some massive blisters on my heels though as put some orthotics in my trainers which have been rubbing against my heels. This week has been tough, specially putting 3 biggish runs in 3 days in a row and I haven't run over 40 miles a week for at least 10 weeks so good to get back into it.I am now going to run a lot over the next week and half in the build up to Country to Capital 45, but wont be running anything over 10 miles. My main focus this year is the Umstead 100 miler which is on 2nd April - just under 13 weeks away......99 days to be exact...I have the Thames Trot on 5th Feb which starts in Oxford and finishes in Henley, Cambridge Marathon 27th Feb, Brentwood Half mid March and any long runs I can get in. I am nervous about the 100 miler as when you think about it, it's a massive distance to cover in one go without stopping, well stopping for food and drink...Elson reckons I can do it in 24 hours...also you need to think no sleep and on your own for 24 hours, my brain is going to be going f8cking crazy but lets bring this big boy shit on, life is all about testing yourself, Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!