Not quite. But the last couple of weeks I've been thinking - yes that burning smell was my cogs whirring.
I've found myself looking at websites for stupidly long races, partly boredom, and well, I have been inspired by reading peoples accounts of such exploits. Not sure what to do, I want to go faster at Manchester in April, but after that who knows. The idea of running a very long distance in one go appeals, e.g. upwards of 40 miles - been there done that and got the t-shirt that I love dearly and wear at every opportunity (Connemara). Ideally I want something with nice scenery and a course I'm going to enjoy. Ever since I met J at the club and heard her tales of what she has done I've wanted to do a long distance in one go. 4 in 4 marathons in 4 days is easy. <JOKE!>
Commrades or Two Oceans ultras have been mentioned, both in South Africa. I'm usually quite OK with travelling on my own, but to be honest with those ones being so far away I find the idea a bit daunting - it is about the one time it would actually be useful to have a significant other. I could try and organize a club trip, but I'm not sure how many people would be interested in running that distance (unless they have a 1/2 marathon option or something!), going on holiday with ME, and have the money to go out there anyway. To be honest whilst those two appeal, they are a bit short.
I'll cut to the chase, I fancy doing a 100 miler. Why? Well it is not something I would enter in to lightly, but mostly "to see if I can". If that sounds weird then well I guess I'm weird.
 |
| Walk 500 miles? You've got to be kidding. Running will get you there quicker. |
I've also been looking at the "Piece of string fun run", ( http://www.centurionrunning.com/piece-of-string-fun-run/ ) an event which for extra head f*** does not disclose the race distance or many race details apart from basically where it starts. It could be 10 miles, it could be 100+ miles. An interesting psychological take. Most of the time when you are dying a death at mile x, you know you only have y miles to go. And what about pacing and nutrition if you have no idea how far you are running... I shall watch the upcoming one with interest, but all in good time I don't want to run before I can er..... run.
The plan is to do a 100k next year and then go for a 100 miler in 2014. Things happen and plans change but for now the seed is definitely planted. I may well hate the jump from 40 miles to 100K in which case 100 miles would be a non starter but I want to try.
In a bid for all round fitness, I have started doing some core work again. On selected runs I get back and stick the Jillian Michaels DVD in. To be honest I would rather go to an actual circuits class at the gym (Wombourne Leisure Centre do pay as you go classes) but I've yet to find one that doesn't clash with running so my living room seems the next best option. A few years ago I used to do some core sessions in Hyde Park with my friend Boo and really enjoyed them. We'd spend an hour doing CV circuit type stuff, core and arms and it was actually great fun. (I also met Mo Farah on the tube whilst on the way to one of these sessions!) Other things take over, and really since then all I have done is run. (Not a bad thing!)
I started with the most basic workout, the first session I did seemed fairly easy at the time. Situps, crunchies and anything abs related I seem to be able to cope with quite well. Had a quick plank and I've still got it. Perhaps the sheer amount of miles I've done has helped contribute to quite a strong core. The arm bits towards the end of a set felt hard, especially with the weights, and I nearly lost a lightbulb in a comedy style-ee whilst doing some squats that have an arms up bit at the end. I think I made the schoolboy error of starting off at 2KG weights on my first attempt, I managed to do it but by the end I knew that I was going to pay big time. The day after morning I could barely move my arms, and 2nd day after driving to Bristol hurt every time I changed gear, much to the amusement of Mark who kept prodding me in the arm. I left it a few days and had another go using slightly lighter weights. I could still feel it, but it felt much better! Liking it actually, I hope it is doing some good. I guess it's not doing any harm. I've moved up to the next level, where I have discovered my balance and coordination are even more shite than I thought. Practice and consistency.
I entered the Suicide Six last week, a 6 mile ish 10k at Baggeridge Park near Dudley. I have wanted to do this race for years, but it has always clashed wit the Sodbury slog or other events. I ran a league XC at Baggeridge in Jan and loved it, despite having to leg it all the way up to a trig point and down the other side, and this version has an added wade through a waist high lake to contend with. Example - I don't know this man but I think the photo sums up the general jist:
 |
| I know my shoe is in here somewhere...... |
Not much else to report really. I've had all my hair chopped off and am loving it - am quite pleased I was brave enough to take the plunge. Go me.
Spent the weekend with my parents in their new house, my Dad has purchased a "Smart TV" which is so smart that when he starts to rant and wave his arms around (yes I'm so glad I haven't inherited this trait) it actually switches off. Is it possible to love a TV? I think I love this one for its sheer attitude.
Whilst there, to keep the XC momentum going, had a fairly solid performance at Cambridge parkrun. 5K, 25:29. My PB is 24:11, set on a nice tarmac course in Birmingham, but it was a massive course PB, the first time I have ever run this course in less than 27 mins. Cambridge is twisty turny trail terrain and Saturday was very muddy. I definitely had more oomph in me but was a bit afraid to use it - post marathon (let alone 4 of them) my 5Ks are like stepping stones, I don't have the speed confidence so I do one conservatively (its a sub conscious thing) assess it went OK, do another and push a bit more before I realize I am actually alright. Just need to keep doing them. Speed work starts again in November, can't wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment