Is it just me, or is this just the best weather ever for going offroad? Running this morning was really enjoyable - the group I was out with certainly helped.
People stared at me in disbelief when I ran into work this week. "How far?" "5 miles in THIS??"
They just don't get it - I felt great all day and actually looked forward to the journey home
...and I got plenty of miles in which makes the beer and curry taste so much better!!
Saturday, 9 January 2010
Saturday, 2 January 2010
Saturday, 26 December 2009
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Abbey Dash 2009
Set out with Willie Milne at 8:15 on what had been forecast to be a windy and cold day...but found a pleasant Autumn morning waiting instead!
Great run - I could not have worked any harder and got a 2nd best ever 10K result of 47:59 - yes! that counts as 47 minutes, in the same way that my marathon time of 4hours 1 minute was over 4 hours!
Great runs from Willie, Kev Nicholson, Debbie Hoos, John and Helen Bradbury, Alec Pinto and others who I will name in an update
Anyone interested in me putting club race times up on this or another blog? (like I used to do on the old website). Post a comment if you think this would be a good idea.
Better also make a link to this blog as the link from the club website may cease to exist soon
Russ
Great run - I could not have worked any harder and got a 2nd best ever 10K result of 47:59 - yes! that counts as 47 minutes, in the same way that my marathon time of 4hours 1 minute was over 4 hours!
Great runs from Willie, Kev Nicholson, Debbie Hoos, John and Helen Bradbury, Alec Pinto and others who I will name in an update
Anyone interested in me putting club race times up on this or another blog? (like I used to do on the old website). Post a comment if you think this would be a good idea.
Better also make a link to this blog as the link from the club website may cease to exist soon
Russ
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Guy Fawkes 10
Andie, Jane and myself headed off in torrential rain on Sunday morning to Ripley to run the Guy Fawkes 10 mile race.
The wind picked up and armed with bin bags and hats we tried to stay dry before the race began at 10:30 - unsuccessfully! At one stage Andie said that she preferred being inside a portaloo to being outside!
Race eventually began at 10:40am - we had to wait for the number 22 bus to come past first!
Steady progress through the castle and narrow trails for 2 miles until the field spread out a bit and then I saw a sign for The Birstwith Brute! Now any race that actually has a name for a hill must take it seriously - 1 mile of 45 degree ascent later I could see why!
Field now well spread out and running steady with the rain now easing off slightly until we hit the next hill - nothing like the brute though!
Heading back to the finish in the castle forecourt - a welcome sight. Nice goody bag with plenty of Nestle product (race sponsors) and a decent sweatshirt.
Great race/route - better weather next time please
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Not one of my better runs...
Went out on Tuesday evening to do the Calverley - Rodley - Rawdon hills run. 7.5 miles of 3 hills which is usually a good workout and a chance to listen to a few tunes on the mp3.
Raining when I set off - not a problem I thought - done this plenty before
Got heavier - driving rain into face just as I hit the first hill.
Can't get any worse I thought...then I ran into some dogshit covered by leaves
...which then stuck to my trainer
...then my mp3 player battery ran out
Still, mustn't grumble!
Raining when I set off - not a problem I thought - done this plenty before
Got heavier - driving rain into face just as I hit the first hill.
Can't get any worse I thought...then I ran into some dogshit covered by leaves
...which then stuck to my trainer
...then my mp3 player battery ran out
Still, mustn't grumble!
Saturday, 10 October 2009
Thanks
Just wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone who came up to me today at the club and thanked me for what I had done
...and I'm still thinking...what HAD I done?
I will continue to write this blog as a club runner - thanks to those people who came up to me and said they liked reading it - you can post a comment if you want to and you don't have to leave a name!
It felt right today just heading out with a group and running and chatting at the finish
Now training for the Guy Fawkes 10 Miler at Ripley on 1st Nov and for the Abbey Dash at the end of November
Running feels good again!
Russ
...and I'm still thinking...what HAD I done?
I will continue to write this blog as a club runner - thanks to those people who came up to me and said they liked reading it - you can post a comment if you want to and you don't have to leave a name!
It felt right today just heading out with a group and running and chatting at the finish
Now training for the Guy Fawkes 10 Miler at Ripley on 1st Nov and for the Abbey Dash at the end of November
Running feels good again!
Russ
Saturday, 3 October 2009
Standing down as coach / head coach
A decision not taken lightly, but here goes as to an explanation...
Filling the shoes of someone like John Radigan was never going to be an easy job for anyone in the club. Bev did a good job when he left, but then her own personal pressures forced her to hand over to me.
At the time this happened, I was seriously considering whether or not to continue as a coach. I felt that the social running structure at the club did not really "fit" with the notion of traditional coaching - where a group turn up for a regular session and have a structured workout.
But I tried! I published a marathon training program and ran some sessions on Saturdays involving hill and fartlek training, but did not seem to inspire people to join me.
I would really like to see a juniors section at the club, and if this happens, you may see me back coaching them.
Thanks to anyone who gave me support and encouragement, and keep on running!
Russ
Filling the shoes of someone like John Radigan was never going to be an easy job for anyone in the club. Bev did a good job when he left, but then her own personal pressures forced her to hand over to me.
At the time this happened, I was seriously considering whether or not to continue as a coach. I felt that the social running structure at the club did not really "fit" with the notion of traditional coaching - where a group turn up for a regular session and have a structured workout.
But I tried! I published a marathon training program and ran some sessions on Saturdays involving hill and fartlek training, but did not seem to inspire people to join me.
I would really like to see a juniors section at the club, and if this happens, you may see me back coaching them.
Thanks to anyone who gave me support and encouragement, and keep on running!
Russ
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Getting Better All The Time
Horsforth 10k was a great run - felt strong all the way round but did not see John Bradbury coming down the home straight like an express train!
Good strong runs also by Alejandro Pinto and Helen Bradbury
49mins on my watch on a hilly course, so feel strong now for the Abbey Dash in November
Plenty of speed training over the next 2 months and a 45min 10k might be within reach
Back to being a happy runner!
Good strong runs also by Alejandro Pinto and Helen Bradbury
49mins on my watch on a hilly course, so feel strong now for the Abbey Dash in November
Plenty of speed training over the next 2 months and a 45min 10k might be within reach
Back to being a happy runner!
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Keeping it simple
Back to basics!
Training now for a couple of 10k runs, which might seem like a backwards step compared with everything going on around the club at the moment!
Surely I should be planning to run 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 different countries or something?
The truth is after my last marathon I had lost the desire to just go out and run. What used to be fun felt like a chore and it really worried me. The saving grace came when reading a Runners World article where someone had gone through a similar experience and advised stepping back in distance for a few months.
It worked! Shorter runs, Fartlek, Intervals and the smile was back!
So Horsforth 10k in September and the Abbey Dash in November are my race goals
Anyone around the club on Saturday is welcome to join a shorter quicker session and let me know if you share my goals
Has this happened to you? How do you overcome the running blues? How do you motivate yourself to run when a pizza and beer seems more attractive?
Feel free to comment here
Russ
Training now for a couple of 10k runs, which might seem like a backwards step compared with everything going on around the club at the moment!
Surely I should be planning to run 7 marathons in 7 days in 7 different countries or something?
The truth is after my last marathon I had lost the desire to just go out and run. What used to be fun felt like a chore and it really worried me. The saving grace came when reading a Runners World article where someone had gone through a similar experience and advised stepping back in distance for a few months.
It worked! Shorter runs, Fartlek, Intervals and the smile was back!
So Horsforth 10k in September and the Abbey Dash in November are my race goals
Anyone around the club on Saturday is welcome to join a shorter quicker session and let me know if you share my goals
Has this happened to you? How do you overcome the running blues? How do you motivate yourself to run when a pizza and beer seems more attractive?
Feel free to comment here
Russ
Friday, 7 August 2009
Cairngorm Running
CAIRNGORM RUNNING
Whilst on holiday in Aviemore, Scotland, I made contact with a fantastic running club called Cairngorm Runners. They could not do enough to accomodate me and were one of the most friendly groups of people I have ever met in my life.
They invited me along to one of their training sessions and have already linked Dragons Running club on their website
They have issued an open invitation to any Dragons Runners who are visiting the area, or on holiday, to join them for training on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. They run from Inverdruie, which is close to Aviemore.
Email any of the links - they will respond - and be sure of a great Scottish welcome!
www.cairngormrunners.org
Whilst on holiday in Aviemore, Scotland, I made contact with a fantastic running club called Cairngorm Runners. They could not do enough to accomodate me and were one of the most friendly groups of people I have ever met in my life.
They invited me along to one of their training sessions and have already linked Dragons Running club on their website
They have issued an open invitation to any Dragons Runners who are visiting the area, or on holiday, to join them for training on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. They run from Inverdruie, which is close to Aviemore.
Email any of the links - they will respond - and be sure of a great Scottish welcome!
www.cairngormrunners.org
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Doing It For The Kids...
A great fun run last night at the back of the Emmott Arms.
The highlight of the evening was the fun run orgainised for children of running club members and the participation in the adult run of one young man (proudly mine!)
This highlights to me what we should be doing more of as a club - and I know Bev has already started this on Tuesday nights. We will add a Dragons Juniors section to what we do as a club - proper coaching, affiliation and events
Thanks again to everyone who came out and supported, marshalled, participated and cheered on the youngsters and the not-so-youngsters. They all appreciated it.
Just a note - this was intended to be a fun run, not an evening social event! It would have been nice to see a few of the people who just turned up at the pub actually running or at least cheering on the kids
We will be organising an official club championship in the future - Dave has agreed that we could start in the morning and have a brunch laid on. All to be consumed in sweaty running gear by everyone - make up and party frocks will not be required...
The highlight of the evening was the fun run orgainised for children of running club members and the participation in the adult run of one young man (proudly mine!)
This highlights to me what we should be doing more of as a club - and I know Bev has already started this on Tuesday nights. We will add a Dragons Juniors section to what we do as a club - proper coaching, affiliation and events
Thanks again to everyone who came out and supported, marshalled, participated and cheered on the youngsters and the not-so-youngsters. They all appreciated it.
Just a note - this was intended to be a fun run, not an evening social event! It would have been nice to see a few of the people who just turned up at the pub actually running or at least cheering on the kids
We will be organising an official club championship in the future - Dave has agreed that we could start in the morning and have a brunch laid on. All to be consumed in sweaty running gear by everyone - make up and party frocks will not be required...
Monday, 15 June 2009
Back to normal
Whatever 'normal' is...
Some people would argue that I could never be normal! It feels good not to have the pressure of the training regime for a marathon hanging over you - but then again, it got you out on nights when you just wouldn't...
Nice to get out on the Chevin again - offroad is just so risky when a marathon is on the horizon.
So, new targets? a 45 minute 10k and a 1:40 half marathon!
Watch this space, or comment if you have the same goals and want to work towards them with me
Some people would argue that I could never be normal! It feels good not to have the pressure of the training regime for a marathon hanging over you - but then again, it got you out on nights when you just wouldn't...
Nice to get out on the Chevin again - offroad is just so risky when a marathon is on the horizon.
So, new targets? a 45 minute 10k and a 1:40 half marathon!
Watch this space, or comment if you have the same goals and want to work towards them with me
Monday, 1 June 2009
Edinburgh Marathon 2009
It was hot! Not as hot as it has been in previous years, but still very, very hot!
Well done to everyone who took part
The super fit Dragons (Simon, Willie, Torri) seemed to cope better with the conditions than many of the other club runners (me included) and various heat related cramps, etc were setting in on the last 5 miles - probably put 15 minutes on a 'cool' time
Big thankyou to Liz Moyes who saw me streching out a cramped muscle and slapped me on the back with encouragement to keep going and also Iain Denby and Craig Savage who also egged me on as well.
Great support on the way from Wendy, Lorraine, John Laurie and Bev - thanks guys
Will post some piccies later
Well done to everyone who took part
The super fit Dragons (Simon, Willie, Torri) seemed to cope better with the conditions than many of the other club runners (me included) and various heat related cramps, etc were setting in on the last 5 miles - probably put 15 minutes on a 'cool' time
Big thankyou to Liz Moyes who saw me streching out a cramped muscle and slapped me on the back with encouragement to keep going and also Iain Denby and Craig Savage who also egged me on as well.
Great support on the way from Wendy, Lorraine, John Laurie and Bev - thanks guys
Will post some piccies later
Friday, 29 May 2009
Here we go...
The last post - parp, parp, paaaaarp!!!
Well...at least as far as the Edinburgh marathon goes. Not sure what is waiting for us in Edinburgh - the weather forecasts seem to be getting hotter and hotter. Never run wearing suncream before! Last 2 hours of a marathon in the midday sun. Can't say I'm looking forwards to that too much - just need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Planning to listen to a Bill Bryson audiobook for the first hour or so - rock & roll eh!
Got 8 gels on my belt and planning one every half hour so I'll let you know the result of that one
Just hope I can beat my 4 hours 1 minute from Amsterdam 2 years ago - cannot explain how much that 1 minute has bugged me and I plan to run through whatever barrier I need to to not do that again!
Having to go to the helpdesk on Sat to pick up a new race number as mine didn't arrive! What DID arrive was a return bus ticket from the finish! Oh the irony...
Seems that they could have got them out earlier, especially as the race was full yonks ago....
Anyway, onwards Dragons!
Well...at least as far as the Edinburgh marathon goes. Not sure what is waiting for us in Edinburgh - the weather forecasts seem to be getting hotter and hotter. Never run wearing suncream before! Last 2 hours of a marathon in the midday sun. Can't say I'm looking forwards to that too much - just need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Planning to listen to a Bill Bryson audiobook for the first hour or so - rock & roll eh!
Got 8 gels on my belt and planning one every half hour so I'll let you know the result of that one
Just hope I can beat my 4 hours 1 minute from Amsterdam 2 years ago - cannot explain how much that 1 minute has bugged me and I plan to run through whatever barrier I need to to not do that again!
Having to go to the helpdesk on Sat to pick up a new race number as mine didn't arrive! What DID arrive was a return bus ticket from the finish! Oh the irony...
Seems that they could have got them out earlier, especially as the race was full yonks ago....
Anyway, onwards Dragons!
Friday, 22 May 2009
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