London Open at Battersea Park (track and field)

[RunBrianRun]

I had an amazing day out in London at my first outdoor event of the year.

The 100 metres was first race and I was really nervous at the start (like almost gagging 🤢) as all the other runners were using block starts and I haven’t learnt how to use them yet. Anyway I got off to a half decent start and made up ground coming in 4th place in 13.76 seconds. Which is a PB and a big improvement over my previous best of 14.2. The best bit is this time places me in 5th position overall in the U.K. rankings for my age group! Yay 😁 It’s very early in the season though and there’s many more faster runners who haven’t had a run yet this year but if I’m still in the top 20 or so by the end of the season I’ll be really happy.

My second race was the 200 which is my current favourite event. I just love lassoing off the curve on to the final straight. It’s a great feeling. I was really happy with this run as I came in first with a new PB of 28.29 seconds 😁 I am currently 11th overall but expect to drop later as the other more seasoned runners in my age group take to the track. But considering the indoor events have taken place already I’m hoping to hang on to a decent ranking maybe even top 10.

I’m making improvements all the time which is great provided I manage the training load properly. To this end I have now secured the services of a sprint coach which should really help,

Well done to all you HU runners out this weekend. It was amazing weather and wonderful running conditions 👍

[Katnap Marathon]

Well done Brian. Some great results that might still stand up well for the season.

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Katnap]

Thank you katnap I’m hoping I can hold my own for a little while. It really helps when it comes to team selection for the club events etc.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Gosh how exciting Brian. It’s so interesting to read your posts and get a different perspective on our wonderful sport! You’re certainly a speedy one and I can’t wait to hear how you get on this season! Sprint coach! The mention of blocks! (I assume you’ll learn to use them eventually? That’s serious stuff! 💥💥💥💥💥 Keep us posted won’t you? 😀 🏃‍♂️

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you cheeky 😃 It’s a whole new world and lots to learn. I love challenging myself. I do miss my park runs and the longer runs in the open and I’ll get back to them once I’ve achieved what I can in this sport.

PS I’m hoping my sprint coach will show me how to use those blocks soon. I have my first session this Thursday.

[RunWillie Marathon]

Well done RunBrianRun

Great photo 😍

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

Thank you runwillie 😊

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

Wow, look at that running form! Who would have thought when you did c25k on a treadmill that it would develop into this? Do keep us informed of your progress.

I’m running in Battersea park in a few weeks but I won’t be on the track. 😂😂

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you Dexy 😃 My running form isn’t too bad I don’t think once I get going but there’s lots of room for improvement. In this photo I can see that I’m far too tense and should relax my face and shoulders more. I’m hoping the coach will give me some pointers on this. It’s been quite a unique journey so far and I’m loving all of it (except those pesky injuries 😠).

I’ll happily post more of my progress. 👍

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon]

I can't begin to imagine what it must be like to compete at that level!

Great to see that you're making fantastic progress!

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to SkiMonday]

Thank you skiMonday 😊😃 The great thing about masters running is that it’s fully inclusive. Anyone over the age of 35 can have a go. 👍 Give it a try at your local club; you never know ☺️😃

[SkiMonday Ultramarathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thanks Brian. I had a look at some of the results to try and get an idea of performance. In the HM, those in my age group were finishing in around 1:30 whereasit takes me over 2:00 so I'vesome way to go!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

That's just amazing!!! What an exciting year this is going to be. Huge congratulations 👏👏👏

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda and the same to you too. 😊👍

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

This is wonderful!!!! Well done 😍😍😍 LOVE that pic too xxx

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Thank you Roseabi 😃

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Wow! Look at you go!!! A proper action shot 🏃

Very well done Brian, that sounds like such an amazing experience. And you’re getting better and better! A sprint coach - oh….er 💪 just brilliant.

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you IP 😊 It’s such a technical sport that making the slightest adjustment can have a profound effect on the outcome. This is where it really helps to get someone to assist you. In fact even looking at this picture is helpful as I can see myself that there are things to work on in training. 👍 Great fun and cause and effect is fascinating.

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon]

Wow! So good to read all about your experiences. A brilliant photo! Your finger positions were even interesting to me! Two PBs! I wonder how much time you had between each event and I am also wondering how many hours of training per week you currently undertake. All the very best to you for your onward running journey. I hope that you and your sprint coach make an excellent team. 🏃🏻‍♂️💥👏

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you for this o61 😃☺️ My first race was at 13.00 and the 200 14.45 so not really long enough to fully recover. My legs take a beating at my age and everything takes longer to recover from. I think I’m going to have to rethink this approach in future events and just stick with one race distance.

It’s funny you should mention my hands. It’s something I’m looking to change as I read that having them like that causes too much tension. It was suggested by one online coach that a fail-safe technique to relax your hands, is to run with a crisp in your palm, and to make sure you don’t crush it. Dying to try that out tbh 😂 I might end up eating it instead 😂😂😂

I try to get to the track twice a week for training and that usually lasts around an hour to 90 minutes.

There’s a lot of hanging around between sprints and drills to allow for recovery. It’s important that I only focus on fast twitch anaerobic muscle development so recovery is key. Total opposite to C25K and long distance running that I was doing before.

I do push-ups, squats and weights most days in the morning and sometimes in the evening and do a full gym session at least once a week. I try to have two full days leg rest between each track session.

I never train in the 3 days leading up to an event other than body weight exercises and light walking.

[over61andstilltrying Half Marathon in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thank you for your reply. You have clearly been learning lots. I hope that your sprint coach helps you find more and more tweaks that help you further. Using blocks properly will clearly be on the list.Many years ago, at school sports day, I found myself running 400m, not a usual event for me at all. Then I had to throw a discus, which was something I had done for the school. Recovery time was far too short so I simply couldn't throw the discus properly at all. I have not forgotten how it felt not being able to do what would usually be easy.

Here's to happy, rewarding injury free running. I look forward to reading about it.

Now wondering whether you were actually a sprint runner at school?

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

Brian that is awesome, improving all the time is magical, well done and glad you had a good day out

[RunBrianRun Half Marathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you SueAppleRun I am happy to be making progress and also that you are too. 👍

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to RunBrianRun]

Thank you