Milestones and Organisation

Today we past the £1000 on the donation website which I am really pleased about. Helped out by a slightly anonymous Derek W, Thank you very much sir! Its all very much appreciated on behalf of Jem and of course TCHC.

Plans are shaping up the very first 'International Ashfield Health Village Marathon' which is due to take place on Friday the 6th of June. It has very exclusive entrance criteria with qualification being even more rigorous than getting into other International Marathon Majors. The line up is yet to be announced but it looks like a very strong field with a high chance of a course record being set. This is an 82 lap near flat course that takes in a very mild downhill and uphill on the straights.

Training has started on this brutal multi-lap course and will continue weekly until race day arrives. All monies raised via this marathon will of course be going to the Burns Unit at Sheffield Childrens Hospital.

This marathon is taking place, also, as part of the national 'Work Out at Work Day 2014' an idea from the CSP to help people, especially staff at hospitals, take opportunities to become more active at work and at home and therefore be more physically and mentally healthier. Up and down land there are challenges and ideas being put forward to be rolled out and introduced on the 6th June.

For our Hospital we are looking to introduce the idea of walking one or a few laps of the building at lunchtime as a simple, free way of being more active and gaining a long list of other benefits that go with this. These simple ideas can be carried out by everyone at any age and any exercise level and hopefully these skills, ideas and experiences can also be passed on to the many different patients that we come into contact with. Us phyiso's as flagships of general health and activity will be trying other challenges to bring, fitness, comedy and coordination into it as well. There has been talk of an 'Egg and Spoon Race', a '3-legged Race' or running a lap or 2 or 5k, 10k, even a half marathon. As a challenge the physio staff of Ashfield and Mansfield are looking to complete 160 laps in total over the lunch time period. This would equate to a team effort of 50 miles! Bonkers? Well you might just be right, but if we preach it then we need to value it and if we value it then we need to do it. So if we can do it then so can you! Inspired? Then come and join us...

Marathon Number 9. Shakespeare Marathon. Inspired by his Birthday Celebrations.

And so to a flattish marathon and the chance of achieving a PB; a GfA place at London Marathon and possibly going under 3 hours. Was it to be or not to be?

The weather all week had not been great and the weather forecast for the rest of the day was worse with rain, rain and more rain making the road slippery and the Greenway wet, muddy and dotted with puddles as well as rabbit holes which signs kindly warned us away from potentially breaking our ankles! But it was mild and I found myself at the start line stripping off to just the TCHC vest.

One thing was clear from the very start of this race. This was a superbly organised event that oozed slickness from the start. A very different feel to it than some races that I have recently finished! The photo above was taken from the car park where I parked about 45 minutes from the start of the race. The tent on the left is where I picked up my number and chip as I had entered the race late and had tea and coffee for all finishers. On the right the finish line is clearly seen. There were plenty of loo's and further to the left a male changing block, showers and a bag store! This meant that you could cross the finish line, get food and hot drink go straight to your car for clothes and on to the changing room to get clean, dry and warm. No faffing! I hardly queued the whole morning even out of the carpark after the event. Seriously impressed. Thought and planning has gone into the event and other organisers seriously need to up their game to get to this level of quality. The full marathon was only a few quid more than the Sheffield Half Marathon and they even had bottled water every 2 miles!... And its reasonably sized as well with about 2000 in the half marathon and 730 in the full marathon.

Anyway, to this race and I had multiple things I wanted to achieve. I was not about to waste a sunny(in Derbyshire) day with the kids on a round trip of 200 miles and a wet run for nothing. Top of the agenda was attempting to get a 'Good for Age'(GfA) time for London next year. I say attempt as there is still some dispute over whether this course is accepted as it has sections of disused railway line, so we'll see. This 'qualifying' time is set at 3 hours 5 minutes. Second on the list was getting a PB which if I achieve the first task then was sorted as I don't tend to do road running. Lastly with a fair wind behind me it would be great to dip under 3 hours. The course was more of a slightly undulating one with 1 notable peak over Rumer Hill on each lap but generally long flat sections throughout.

So chucking caution to the wind I set off at 3 hour pace and felt good through 10k and up and over Rumer Hill for the first time. I actually struggled more on the steep top part of the descent but happily pushed on to go through the half way point in about 1 hour 29 mins. Unfortunately around 26 or 27k I really struggled to maintain the pace. I realised I was at serious risk of not finishing if I tried to carry on at the same pace. I just felt the batteries had run out. I had a quick change of plan:- Just get over Rumer Hill for the second time and do some quick maths on what I would need to do to come in under 3:05 given that I had about 5 minutes in hand.

The last 6 miles on the Greenway with the puddles and mud were a bit grim but it wasn't too slippery and apart from a little wobble between 41-42k and some yelling and growling at my legs over the last 15k it was relatively straightforward! Actually it was bloody hard work and pleased to finish in 3 hours 4 minutes and 4 seconds. But not as hard as getting out of the car after the 100 mile journey home 2 hours later! Nothing beats Sunday roast lamb after a Marathon. Especially when theres no washing up to do because you're at the inlaws! Thanks, it was the perfect recovery alongside a pint of Gardeners Tap.

I think the key thing I have to be pleased with is the time considering I haven't done any speed work and flat road is not my thing. I also can't underestimate the fatigue from 8 previous marathons in 6 weeks. What I'm more impressed with is how good my legs were later on in the afternoon and Monday at work. I think I could have easily run again, ok so not quick and not pretty but testament to the type of training I've put in. So GfA done and I will hopefully be accepted by the London Marathon in June for race next year. And if a place is secured then this can be all about flat speed work on the back of all this endurance. So Alls well that ends well. What am I going to do for my pre-run photo when I run out of fingers?

Shoe Choice: Nike Icarus Stealths
Stats. Distance: 42.2 km  Elevation: 0.13 km  Total Dist: 390.6 km  Total Elevation: 5.79 km

The Peddars Way Marathon

And so to Norfolk to take in the sunshine, dry air and delights of Easter with a fantastic opportunity to catch up with family and eat. It was also an opportunity to bash out some miles and complete marathon number 8, a route that I have been looking forward to for a long time and even since I first knew of the route let alone cycled it some 8 or 10 years ago. So the plan was to run the Peddars Way from the coast to Castle Acre but as this comes up short, the start was extended round the coast to Thornham and the latter part was diverted to West Lexham to miss out the road section after Shepherds Bush. This would bring us in at 26.3 miles ending nicely at the castle.

We had intermittent cold cloudy spells and hot sunshine with northerly breeze for the first 3/4 turning into blazing sunshine for our arrival into CA. My cousin James had shown murmurings of intent to join me for a long section of the run as one of his long runs in the lead up to the Stockholm Marathon later this year and needed little persuasion to turn his 18 mile planned run into the full distance of 26.2 miles of jogging, chatting and stopping to take photos etc. This gave a lovely opportunity of company along the route and a catch up although this was mostly limited to the flats and downhills.

A point of note to all those who know nothing of Norfolk: It is not flat !! Ok so its not the Peaks but this is rolling hills of farming country and this time of year is special with the vivid colours against big moody skies. In fact pretty much any time of year is special with various different vivid colours against big moody skies hence the reason I rocked up here for a few weeks in the mid 90's and ended up staying a while. Happy days..

The route saw a mix of terrain from tarmac to sand with everything in between but road shoes were fine for the dry conditions and the length of the run and so we set off round the coast. The raised walkways and views of the seaside brought back memories of the longs summers spent on this coastline.

The initial section was the Norfolk Coastal Path and consisted of following the acorns with well maintained paths and signs in situ. At about 6k we turned inland and started the gentle undulations Southwards on the Peddars Way. Looking on a bigger map this route is pretty much as straight as an arrow, however due to chatting and me being preconcerned with not being run over by a van we missed one of the signs and added our own detour between Sedgeford and Fring. Oops. My error!

We then came across a massive group of silver ramblers heading in our direction and holding good pace. On reaching the back markers of the group a hellish yell of 'Runners!' broke free from one petite lady scaring the life out of me and parting the masses to allow safe passage for my running companion 'Moses'. It is probably also time for me to note that whenever we came across other users of the Peddars Way, Moses's pace crept up to somewhat unsustainable speeds where I'm sure that they were left suitably impressed.

Next stop was our stash of water in Harpley Dams, which gave a brief respite to the legs and added more weight to our packs. I can definitely recommend the Dog Hotel and they seem busy if not full. I definitely wouldnt recommend becoming a close neighbour. Happily we strolled up the next hill and cracked on. Before long we arrived at the trig which signified the end of our journey with the Peddars Way and time for our excursion out to the East to keep off the main road.

Due to our(my) earlier error and extra mileage we actually finished our Marathon in the secret little lanes leading to the water mill just before Castle Acre. This just left a pleasant stroll back towards the castle, bathed in warm sunshine and reminiscing over previous marathon times. Our 'run' time came up as 3 hours 39 minutes which we could probably add a few extra minutes to for watering the nettles and filling up on water, but wheres the fun in that. We were happy with an ambling 3:39 for an offroad, uphill undulating marathon. Hopefully this run ticked the box for a long run pre-Stockholm and gave an opportunity to talk and try some different nutrition ideas. No blisters and no whining meant for a lovely day and to top it off both of us felt pretty good the next day with minimal stiffness. Thank you very much, Jim, for the outing. Am looking forward to doing one with you in my back yard later in the year.

Shoe Choice: Nike Icarus Stealths
Stats. Distance: 42.2 km  Elevation: 0.29 km  Total Dist: 348.4 km  Total Elevation: 5.66 km

Post BBC Radio Sheffield.

Summing up the first radio interview. It was an odd experience. So many things you think about afterwards that would have been better or more interesting to say, either about our experience at the hospital, the challenge or the Childrens Hospital in general... Our biggest error is not thanking the Occupational Therapists at the Burns Unit. Since he was medically stable this team has worked the hardest to ensure that he continues to improve by reviewing him regularly, giving advice as to scar management, providing us with tailored compression suits every few months and starting to help us help him understand whats happened and to provide him with strategies of how to cope with looking different. They have been simply brilliant. Many, many thanks! With their careful guidance we have recently been given the thumbs up to stop using the compression suits and the silicone dressings. This is after about 18 months of continual use.

2 Laps of Dronfield 2000 Rotary Run:- My London Marathon Substitute!

Firstly, blah blah, no I am not doing London Marathon. Secondly yes I did try to do it because I would obviously have liked to have done it. But I'm not bitter about it, in fact I've let it go and have moved on. I'm not dwelling on the fact that I didn't get in on the ballot. I don't actually hold a UK passport so I'm also not fussed that I didn't get in as an overseas athlete either. I'm not bitter that this was the first year that the qualifying times were lowered by 5 minutes and I missed out on a qualifying spot by 72 secs for the new time. The Sheffield Childrens Hospital also don't have any charity places at London Marathon so that drew a blank as well. In fact they were also approached directly to see if they would let me run as part of this challenge and the refused to support my quest. I must however assume that they get bombarded with all sorts of hairbrained ideas. Still I'm not going to rabbit on about it, like I say I've moved on.

What I did do was something far more exciting and far more exclusive. I was also accompanied by 2 of my favourite running partners which made it extra special. What I took on was the Dronfield 2000 Rotary Walk, opting to run the first lap clockwise with Jonny C, fresh off the plane from the Paris Marathon and the second lap anticlockwise with Simon O, keen to get back into decent training after the Haworth Hobble. And so we set off after parking in Holmesfield.

This was marathon #7 completed in 5 weeks and whilst the legs felt pretty good at the start, the sore throat and chesty rattle was getting a bit tiresome. The benefit of going for longer runs is that you don't have to breath as hard so as long as the legs would hold out this should be pretty straight forward.

The weather was perfect, just a nice solid sunny day with a little wind on the tops and warm hollows and I was soon just running in a vest. Route finding on the first half of the clockwise direction out of Holmesfield was mixed with easy paths that were well signposted through to signs missing, defaced or lying on the ground begging you to take a punt as to the route.

It was really difficult to stay focused and positive mucking around so early on, but having a companion helped keep it all in context. We rocked up back at the car a little later than planned, Jonny relieved to finish and get back to watch Wilson and Mo and me keen to crack on with Si and my now extensive knowledge of the route.

Si had earlier dropped off his wife and kids at our house and had spotted our son making chocolate brownies for later. So between these, Simons Apple Betty cake and the baked spuds and chilly, there wasn't really much time to talk about anything else. There is something specially about doing a decent bit of exercises knowing that there was an all you can eat buffet waiting back home.

The weather held well although the wind did pick up and it got cooler. Legs felt generally good all the way round and apart from walking a few hills the pace stayed consistent. On review I think that this is a great walk, in fact first class walk with beautiful views all the way round. As far as a run route, I would opt for anticlockwise especially if you don't know it. Ideally a couple of hundred quid could do with being spent on the maintenance given that it was put together to mark the Millenium and now 14 years on its showing the signs of neglect in a few key areas.

So from my marathons perspective, it was always going to be long and with the errors it clocked in at just over 29 miles. It gently undulated all the way round and without the need for speed gave a good opportunity to stretch the legs on mixed terrain and stop and admire the view at every possibility. This ended up being a lovely sociable run hardly bumping into anyone. Thank you very much to my tag team partners for coaxing me round. I'm definitely looking forward to running more with you both through the summer.

Shoe Choice: More Mile Cheviots
Stats. Distance: 46.7 km  Elevation: 1.06 km  Total Dist: 306.2 km  Total Elevation: 5.37 km

Shambolic Sheffield Half Marathon + Run home on our beautiful hills.

Crikey where to start with this one. I certainly never thought so much could be packed into one run! It was a tale of many many halves.

So dropped off in good time for the start and the rest of the family went off to a brunch birthday party as it was too cold, windy and unspectator friendly for little ones to be hanging around. That gave me free rein to pop to the TCHC marquee and meet some of the Team who have been kindly assisting with this challenge. Then time for a check on the exit strategy from the finish as part of the warm up..

Oops, oh dear, someone appears to have locked the gate I intend to use to get across the river and the canal to the towpath. On closer review this just adds another challenge, no need to reroute. Back to the start of the race. It was chilly and a struggle to keep warm prior to the start, time to mingle down wind of the larger groups. 15 minutes to go and an announcement that the start of the race was to be delayed by 30 minutes. Great!

More warm up, another wee, further warm up. Must have covered about 4k by now. Intermittent loud speaker updates about the course not being free of traffic, meant 9:30 came and unfortunately went. Then finally at 9:50, 50 minutes after the scheduled start, the bombshell: Final announcement from the officials was that the wasn't enough water out on the course to make it safe so they 'regrettably cancel the event - for further information check on the website.' A massive chorus of boo's rippled through the crowd, then a couple of people started anyway and the rest followed! Eager to have a run. I think most people weren't angry with  the lack of water, the poor organisation, the delay or the lack of information prior to the start but more the fact that they had blatantly lied to us and tried to shift the blame initially onto traffic not being clear on the route. It is clear that they must have known that there was a more serious cock up. Following the race the officials appear to be saying that the contractors who were supposed to be delivering the water didn't show up. I wonder whether we will find out further information on this: a lack of confirmation, a lack of payment etc as cause for them not turning up.*Update* Anyway the run was underway and this was the most important thing, people would complete it, money would be raised and charities would be better off. It wasn't a race anymore.

What happened was the people of Sheffield! Wow, everyone supporting had gone into the nearest shop or filled up loads of cups from home and were handing them out to the runners.. The irony of it. There was now more water available than in any running event I've ever done. Thank you to the folk of Sheffield! Who needs big companies cashing in to doing a half hearted attempt at organising? Maybe this event should stay in the hands of the community next year.

Back to the running.. The weather held off well with only mild drizzle on a brief stretch of the course and by the time we got back to the finish there was patchy sunshine! I was aiming to get round the first half in about 1:30 and despite the cold and disorganised start I finished in 1:29:54. Happy with that. The volunteers still handed out the T Shirts and medals at the finish despite it being 'cancelled.' Coming in over the last 5k I was conscious that I wanted to get the 1:30 and also that lots of runners had started to put a burst of speed on that I kind of forgot that I had a bit more running to do... That dawned on me in the last k.. stop getting carried away..

1/2 way and a quick pop over to the crew from TCHC who were standing (looking a little chilly) patiently at the finish line waiting for everyone to come back and time to fill the water bottles, have a bit of food and a rant about the race and then head off for the daring assault on the locked bridge. Unspiked and wife updated I started out along the canal which seemed to go on eternally. If you've ever run along there you'll know its tough going with awkward flags, mud, dog crap and cobbles so hard to get back into the running after the buzz of finishing in the bowl. But the good things about this 2nd 1/2 is that it only gets better.. well more scenic!

Oh and harder as it kicks up and up and up through Endcliffe Park following Porter Brook to pop out at the top of the Clough. Given the wet weather last week, I opted not to take on the moors instead heading to Ringinglow Road and follow it to Higgar. The headwind was brutal and slowed progress despite being a good running surface. Then on finally reaching Higgar the valley stretched out below and I knew that gravity was going to carry me home.

There really is something special about running home, especially after an epic morning. I will never tire of this view with it clearly one of the best panoramas in the Peaks. I also love the that fact that no photo can ever do it justice, instead you have to be there immersed momentarily. Wow, a tough and memorable day!

Shoe Choice: Nike Icarus Old Knackered Blue and Greens.
Stats. Distance: 42.4 km  Elevation: 0.56 km  Total Dist: 259.5 km  Total Elevation: 4.31 km

Looking forward to the Weekend..

Weather looks shocking for Sunday but it should be a good day. Great to meet the Team at the Childrens Hospital and meet up with others running in the same vest. Team photo early doors and then down to business. First 1/2 should be fairly straight forward. Second 1/2 I just need to use distraction.. Avoiding that Subway.. Mmmmm! Maybe I'll just check what the Sub of the Day will be... Just out of curiosity you understand?

Mid Week update..

Ouhff. This week I have still been struggling with energy and its been a challenge to get out running and focus on keeping going. Following last weekend I have had a lot of downs with realising how hard this is alongside family life and working full time. Wednesday meant an interval session and after the warm up jog and starting the first interval, I almost stopped and went home. It was just too hard. By the end of the interval I was broken recording my slowest ever time and finding it like running through water. Then I gave myself a good old fashion talking to: Time to man up, Come on, This is just a couple of intervals, This is what I've trained for.... The next interval helped by a slight downhill and a tail wind was slightly easier. Ok.. So I'll jog out the set, only another 6 * 720m to go. With each interval I felt stronger, running easier and going quicker, recording nearly my fastest interval ever on the last one! Since that session I have had a spring in my step and everything has felt effortless. Ok so my immune system has taken a beating, but this is not just a physical game. This reminded me that this challenge is 75% mental if not more. Now all I've got to do is remember or reread this post the next time negativity comes knocking at the door! There's only 35 more marathons to go and the weather is getting better (altho the weather forecast is shocking for this Sunday), lighter and warmer. Time to consign the headtorch to cupboard and the tights to the training drawer until the latter end of the challenge.