The route for my spring marathon is now confirmed. The inaugural Marathon of the North posted the full route on their website yesterday and I have reviewed the course for potential points of wind resistance. Ok, there will be huge chunks of it that are not all that scenic but when I am running along the rugged north east coastline, with the wind attempting to blow me into the North Sea, I will be appreciating the beauty of it all. Honest, I will.
Because running in the North East isn't all about the scenery. Most of the Great North Run itself is along dual carriageways, although crossing the Tyne Bridge is spectacular and it does have a stunning final 1.5 mile section, where I defy anyone's flagging spirits not to be lifted by the sight of the South Shields open water. What running in the North East is all about is the people. More specifically the 'community organised refreshments'.
The Marathon of the North website has a wonderful disclaimer on the home page 'Water/isotonic stations are as marked on the map. There may be additional community organised refreshments, which are to be used at the runner's discretion'. This is a fairly essential disclaimer for potential first-time visitors to the North East - that's because the locals love to come out into the streets for the runners, even in fairly bleak weather, and feed them. People in the North East are all about making sure you're fed. When I was a kid, I thought it was just my family, but then I ran my first Great North Run. Now I've run the race a few times, in varying weather conditions, I can confirm 'community organised refreshments' include orange segments, jelly babies, Coca Cola, ice pops, baby wipes and, my own personal favourite, someone around 11 miles who stands at the end of their drive with a giant tin of chocolate digestives. At 11 miles, this is always very tempting and only the thought of indigestion on the last mile stops me from putting my hand in the biscuit tin and taking a handful. If that same person wants to stand in Roker Park on May 6th, at the 35k mark, I might not be so restrained.
When a region offers so many snacks to its runners, it gets a disclaimer on the race website, you have to love it. I'll remember that when the wind blows in the wrong direction on the day...
Thursday 26 January 2012
Sunday 15 January 2012
This is a low
Week 2 of marathon training is over with, and what a week that was. Every single mile was an ordeal, my body felt sluggish and all my times were slow ones. Thankfully, my head is still in the game, so I was able to run my miles and keep the training on track. But while the spirit was willing, the flesh was definitely weak.
To make matters worse, I've ended the week with a bloody toe, significant chafing in some seriously antisocial areas and the overwhelming feeling that humankind is not what it used to be.
While I may have had some comedy in the shape of the 'crazy left arm lady' in the park the other day, today was a real disappointment. It was cold, but it was bright, and I really don't mind running in the cold if it's dry, so I headed out quite enthusiastically. The first couple of miles were fine, but then I had to make a brief toilet stop (somewhat predictable given the supersize coffee I had about an hour before heading out - schoolboy error). I chose to do this at Watermans Centre in Brentford as I was on a riverside run. Watermans is a lovely arts centre, which I am a big fan of. But its clientele this morning left a lot to be desired. Arts Centres need to make money, so Watermans host a Christian church group meeting on a Sunday morning. Fine - it's a free country. But I think individuals would be much more Christian if they didn't a) allow their children to deliberately block toilets and b) encouraged their children to wash their hands after using the loo.
Ok, you think, so modern manners are on the decrease - we all know that. True, and I quickly forgot to be angry as the sun was out in force as I headed south over Kew bridge towards the towpath to Richmond. This was a regular route for me last summer but it's been a good 3 months since I've been down there. And I'd forgotten how selfish everyone is on that towpath. It's not even every man for himself, it's 'deliberately make life difficult for other path users'.
Towpath users basically fall into the following categories
1 Runners
2 Cyclists
3 Families out for a walk
4 Dog walkers
5 'Ramblers'
It's safe to say these are numbered according to the level of consideration they can give to others. Runners seem to shut themselves into protective mode and keep out of everyone's way as far as possible. Cyclists for the most part are quite good too - although you get the odd person who can't actually control the bike or who doesn't feel the need to let you know they are behind you, I've noticed that 95% of them are quite considerate about communicating with other. Families out for a walk are the best at responding to an 'excuse me' and letting you pass (if you're passing from behind) or giving way to let you pass (if they can see you approaching).
Dog walkers are split into two groups - as ever. Responsible pet owners considerate of fellow path users and selfish b***ards who seem to think they and their dog should be allowed to do exactly what they like. I love dogs, I really do, and it breaks my heart that one day one of those poor animals will be deemed 'dangerous' and put down, all because they can't really behave properly off the leash in a confined space (which is what a towpath is, people - fall one way and you're right in the Thames!). I have a message for this second group. Ignoring your dog when it jumps up at small children, runners or basically anyone coming its way is really bad behaviour. And when a small child is barrelled right into the river, his/her parent complains and your dog gets a lethal injection - well, you only have yourself to blame.
'Ramblers' are the worst. Groups of well-heeled middle-aged, middle-class men and women who firmly believe that they should be able to walk 3, 4, 5, even 6 abreast and not give way to anyone else - ever. Cyclists, runners, dog walkers, families coming their way - you can almost see them thinking 'well, you can all just go jump in the river before I will move 3 inches to the right or left to allow you to pass'. And this is just when they can see you approaching! When you are passing from behind you virtually have to thump them on the back to even get their attention. After nearly ending up in water twice today because of these people, I was angry. And running when angry is a bad idea.
There was some light relief in Old Deer Park. I saw two Sunday footballers guilty of missing absolute sitters in their matches. The second one was such a bad miss I actually laughed out loud as I ran past. I did feel a bit guilty laughing, especially as he was knelt on the grass with his head in his hands, but perhaps it will teach him to just tap it into the open goal next time instead of trying to do a flashy cross-the-face of goal chip.
So I enter week 3 with the hope of better legs, better times, better ball control and better road users. Come on, people, let's be nice to each other. It's the only way to live.
To make matters worse, I've ended the week with a bloody toe, significant chafing in some seriously antisocial areas and the overwhelming feeling that humankind is not what it used to be.
While I may have had some comedy in the shape of the 'crazy left arm lady' in the park the other day, today was a real disappointment. It was cold, but it was bright, and I really don't mind running in the cold if it's dry, so I headed out quite enthusiastically. The first couple of miles were fine, but then I had to make a brief toilet stop (somewhat predictable given the supersize coffee I had about an hour before heading out - schoolboy error). I chose to do this at Watermans Centre in Brentford as I was on a riverside run. Watermans is a lovely arts centre, which I am a big fan of. But its clientele this morning left a lot to be desired. Arts Centres need to make money, so Watermans host a Christian church group meeting on a Sunday morning. Fine - it's a free country. But I think individuals would be much more Christian if they didn't a) allow their children to deliberately block toilets and b) encouraged their children to wash their hands after using the loo.
Ok, you think, so modern manners are on the decrease - we all know that. True, and I quickly forgot to be angry as the sun was out in force as I headed south over Kew bridge towards the towpath to Richmond. This was a regular route for me last summer but it's been a good 3 months since I've been down there. And I'd forgotten how selfish everyone is on that towpath. It's not even every man for himself, it's 'deliberately make life difficult for other path users'.
Towpath users basically fall into the following categories
1 Runners
2 Cyclists
3 Families out for a walk
4 Dog walkers
5 'Ramblers'
It's safe to say these are numbered according to the level of consideration they can give to others. Runners seem to shut themselves into protective mode and keep out of everyone's way as far as possible. Cyclists for the most part are quite good too - although you get the odd person who can't actually control the bike or who doesn't feel the need to let you know they are behind you, I've noticed that 95% of them are quite considerate about communicating with other. Families out for a walk are the best at responding to an 'excuse me' and letting you pass (if you're passing from behind) or giving way to let you pass (if they can see you approaching).
Dog walkers are split into two groups - as ever. Responsible pet owners considerate of fellow path users and selfish b***ards who seem to think they and their dog should be allowed to do exactly what they like. I love dogs, I really do, and it breaks my heart that one day one of those poor animals will be deemed 'dangerous' and put down, all because they can't really behave properly off the leash in a confined space (which is what a towpath is, people - fall one way and you're right in the Thames!). I have a message for this second group. Ignoring your dog when it jumps up at small children, runners or basically anyone coming its way is really bad behaviour. And when a small child is barrelled right into the river, his/her parent complains and your dog gets a lethal injection - well, you only have yourself to blame.
'Ramblers' are the worst. Groups of well-heeled middle-aged, middle-class men and women who firmly believe that they should be able to walk 3, 4, 5, even 6 abreast and not give way to anyone else - ever. Cyclists, runners, dog walkers, families coming their way - you can almost see them thinking 'well, you can all just go jump in the river before I will move 3 inches to the right or left to allow you to pass'. And this is just when they can see you approaching! When you are passing from behind you virtually have to thump them on the back to even get their attention. After nearly ending up in water twice today because of these people, I was angry. And running when angry is a bad idea.
There was some light relief in Old Deer Park. I saw two Sunday footballers guilty of missing absolute sitters in their matches. The second one was such a bad miss I actually laughed out loud as I ran past. I did feel a bit guilty laughing, especially as he was knelt on the grass with his head in his hands, but perhaps it will teach him to just tap it into the open goal next time instead of trying to do a flashy cross-the-face of goal chip.
So I enter week 3 with the hope of better legs, better times, better ball control and better road users. Come on, people, let's be nice to each other. It's the only way to live.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Running in style
Today's run was short, but highly entertaining.
I was joined in the park by a young woman walking, who would every now and then burst into a run. And she ran like this...
http://youtu.be/E_0Ta_DIWuU
I was joined in the park by a young woman walking, who would every now and then burst into a run. And she ran like this...
http://youtu.be/E_0Ta_DIWuU
Monday 9 January 2012
Watching me, watching you
Well, that's week 1 of marathon training under my belt. All runs completed as per training schedule, and only one soaking. A good week.
I loved my first long run yesterday. There is something about running 10 miles that I love - it is just a perfect distance. Far enough to make it interesting, not long enough to wear you out totally. I really need about 5 miles just to get going, so 10 miles gives me time to really stretch myself. Of course, it's going to be just a midweek distance soon, as the long runs creep up to 20 miles. But I still won't mind.
Yesterday's run also gave me the opportunity to pursue one of my favourite urban running pursuits - nosiness. While a run off road or along beautiful countryside roads gives you fresh air and inspiring views, running around West London gives you a chance to muse on the eccentricities of your fellow man.
I planned yesterday's route to investigate a house in Isleworth that has interested me for ages. Normally I only drive along this route, but if the traffic lights are red, I frequently get a glimpse of small figures in a front porch along the main road. At Christmas, these figures all sported Santa hats. The addition of the red caps to something that looked suspiciously like a replica Charlie Chaplin made the decision for me - I had to see these figures close up.
Off I ran to Isleworth, taking in the lovely Syon Park and the river Thames on the way. I headed back via the main road, so I could have a close up look at the figures. As suspected, one was definitely a mini Charlie Chaplin. Another is a little old lady and the third a butler in a red jacket. All of them the size of 6 year old boy. All of them waiting creepily in the porch to welcome visitors. Santa hats are packed away for the next 11 months, of course, but that doesn't make them any less weird for a front porch!
So why not get out running and indulge your inner curtain twitcher!
I loved my first long run yesterday. There is something about running 10 miles that I love - it is just a perfect distance. Far enough to make it interesting, not long enough to wear you out totally. I really need about 5 miles just to get going, so 10 miles gives me time to really stretch myself. Of course, it's going to be just a midweek distance soon, as the long runs creep up to 20 miles. But I still won't mind.
Yesterday's run also gave me the opportunity to pursue one of my favourite urban running pursuits - nosiness. While a run off road or along beautiful countryside roads gives you fresh air and inspiring views, running around West London gives you a chance to muse on the eccentricities of your fellow man.
I planned yesterday's route to investigate a house in Isleworth that has interested me for ages. Normally I only drive along this route, but if the traffic lights are red, I frequently get a glimpse of small figures in a front porch along the main road. At Christmas, these figures all sported Santa hats. The addition of the red caps to something that looked suspiciously like a replica Charlie Chaplin made the decision for me - I had to see these figures close up.
Off I ran to Isleworth, taking in the lovely Syon Park and the river Thames on the way. I headed back via the main road, so I could have a close up look at the figures. As suspected, one was definitely a mini Charlie Chaplin. Another is a little old lady and the third a butler in a red jacket. All of them the size of 6 year old boy. All of them waiting creepily in the porch to welcome visitors. Santa hats are packed away for the next 11 months, of course, but that doesn't make them any less weird for a front porch!
So why not get out running and indulge your inner curtain twitcher!
Friday 6 January 2012
I don't want your money, honey, I want your love...
Happy 2012 followers. Sorry it's been a while, but let's just say that my NY resolution is to revive my blogging habit and keep my training alive. Believe me, I've been busy. Since I last posted I have notched up a marathon PB at Berlin, and have kept running through the winter (a first for me, and possibly a greater achievement than that marathon PB). I've also managed to keep my fledgling business afloat while juggling a 5 day a week training schedule, so that has taken up much of my spare blogging time. However, another NY resolution is to be much better at the old time management lark, and as a result the blog will once again become a priority in my diary.
My resolutions this year all have something of a theme as in August, I turn the big 40. Or not-so-big 40, if you believe that 40 is the new 30. I'm certainly fitter and healthier than I was at 30, although probably a bit fatter. And all that, good or bad, is down to my distance running habit. In spite of this, my crazy Auntie informed me last year that I will be old at 40, so 'should stop running marathons, as old people shouldn't run marathons'.
I don't feel in the least bit old (well, maybe the day after a long run). So this comment sounded a lot like someone throwing down a gauntlet (she might just have dropped it, she's a bit clumsy as well as eccentric). But with my 4th decade approaching, I have set myself a series of new challenges for this milestone year.
Obviously the trick to resolutions and challenges is to keep them positive, and manageable. Therefore, my 2012 challenges are:
For my spring marathon, I had hoped to do London, but the ballot defeated me so instead I selected the glamorous location of...Sunderland. Reasons: it's the inaugural Marathon of the North, it was cheap, I can benefit from free accommodation (and positive messages about my age, health, fitness and suitability for running long distances from my crazy Auntie) and, of course, if the support for the Great North Run is anything to go by, the spectators will be brilliant, in any weather.
Other races in the calendar are the Watford half in February, the Great North Run in September and the Thames Towpath 10 mile in April. I'll also be doing either St Albans or Ealing half marathons in June, depending on whether the Ealing half goes ahead. And, for my grand finale, the New York Marathon in November.
Readers, you'll be able to check on my progress towards these challenges by following this blog (I promise) or following me on Twitter @nylonruns. I'm not doing it for charity, I'm doing it to prove that old people CAN run marathons!
My resolutions this year all have something of a theme as in August, I turn the big 40. Or not-so-big 40, if you believe that 40 is the new 30. I'm certainly fitter and healthier than I was at 30, although probably a bit fatter. And all that, good or bad, is down to my distance running habit. In spite of this, my crazy Auntie informed me last year that I will be old at 40, so 'should stop running marathons, as old people shouldn't run marathons'.
I don't feel in the least bit old (well, maybe the day after a long run). So this comment sounded a lot like someone throwing down a gauntlet (she might just have dropped it, she's a bit clumsy as well as eccentric). But with my 4th decade approaching, I have set myself a series of new challenges for this milestone year.
Obviously the trick to resolutions and challenges is to keep them positive, and manageable. Therefore, my 2012 challenges are:
- to run two marathons - spring and autumn
- to run a sub 2 hour half marathon
- to run a sub 1h 22min 10 miler
For my spring marathon, I had hoped to do London, but the ballot defeated me so instead I selected the glamorous location of...Sunderland. Reasons: it's the inaugural Marathon of the North, it was cheap, I can benefit from free accommodation (and positive messages about my age, health, fitness and suitability for running long distances from my crazy Auntie) and, of course, if the support for the Great North Run is anything to go by, the spectators will be brilliant, in any weather.
Other races in the calendar are the Watford half in February, the Great North Run in September and the Thames Towpath 10 mile in April. I'll also be doing either St Albans or Ealing half marathons in June, depending on whether the Ealing half goes ahead. And, for my grand finale, the New York Marathon in November.
Readers, you'll be able to check on my progress towards these challenges by following this blog (I promise) or following me on Twitter @nylonruns. I'm not doing it for charity, I'm doing it to prove that old people CAN run marathons!
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