How's it going? Do tell us all about it in the comments! π
On Friday I was out on my bike and found myself amongst an oncoming event! I stopped to chat to the marshals at an aid station and discovered it was a 145 mile race!!! Really! On my normal running/riding route. Normal, ordinary looking runners and walkers. But 145 miles!!! I would really struggle to cover that on my bike!
It was the Kennet and Avon Canal race, from London to Bristol (one of a series of three events) canalrace.org.uk/kennet-avo...
The marshalls told me the first returners would finish in around 26 hours, the last in 45 hours. Wow! I came home and read up; from London to Bristol along rivers and canals, max 100 starters, no more than 40 minutes rest at any time, cut off time of 45 hours.
But what really struck me was just how ORDINARY these folk looked! It was real. Not an elite race in the Sahara ... but right here on my doorstep, ordinary people of all ages and sizes.
The first chap I saw had bib 008, name Michael. He wasn't young. Long white hair all over the place! I'm pleased to see he finished in 42h 35m in 28th place. Awesome run Michael!!! I loved reading about the event, watching the results come in ... 70 starters, 32 retirees, 38 finishers. The retirees all left a note as to why they had retired ... my fave? from Simon - he needed to catch up on Love Island!!! Well, you have to admire someone who got almost 24 hours into a race, had to give up and still had a sense of humour π. You can see more results and comments here canalrace.org.uk/results/live/
It strikes me again - runners truly are awesome !!!
I hope you're all having fun out there - when you're not catching up on Love Island that is - tell us all about it below !!! πππ
The Marathon Team xxx
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linda9389
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Well what a weekend! So it's now 4 weeks since the dreaded covid decided to leave me alone, albeit it left me with breathing issues really affecting my running, but each week I went out and my runs and Parkruns started to get better.
Got my first 10km race in a couple of weeks, slightly nervous as my time is still slower than it was but that's my impatience, I know it will come back, but I thought after 4 weeks I'd be back to where I was! π
Ive made a decision that I'm going to enter the Boston HM next March I think it is. Scary as I've never ever ran one before, but reckon I've planty of time to train and prepare.π€π€ππββοΈ
You can do it HH, just remember, your head will hold you back more than your body will. Get your head in the right place and youβll be at the finish line in no time πͺπͺπͺ
Thank you so much. I forgot to add to my post that the clutch went on my car on Friday and I was down to do course check at Parkrun and to then run. So....... I thought rather than let anyone down I'd cycle there. Well, a head on wind and 1 hr 15mins later I arrive at Parkrun, quickly do the check and then with 10 mins to spare, ran Parkrun. Then cycled another 40 mins. I was exhausted but thought that was a good sign I'm getting fitter again!!π€£
How hilly is "very hilly" though cheekychipmunks ? Without figures it's hard for me to grasp what that means. π
Depending which route I take the last 0.6m of my run is usually 26-32m elevation gain. That's near enough identical to "Heartbreak Hill" in the Boston FM, though of course I'm way, way slower than anyone running that.
For me very hilly means around 4% average gradient over the entire run, so you're looking at 800m+ elevation gain over a HM. Serious trail runners wouldn't even consider that particularly hilly, and it's really not out of the ordinary for events round here.
I donβt know the exact stats Cmoi ! I might have been thinking of the FM actually, so donβt mind me! We lived in Boston for 13 years, way before my running days, but I do remember thinking βjeepers, they have to run up thatβ in relation to Heartbreak Hill. Itβs seriously nasty! π³
I think youβre in a whole other hilly league though. Youβd eat it for breakfast!
Fabulous that you are beginning to see progress, even if it is a bit slower than you would like. Don't forget to factor in 'race magic' - that alone will elevate your time; those nerves can prove to be your new best friend too once you cross the start line and then there's the pom pom's (never underestimate the power of the pom poms and all your HU buddies at your back!). Do not worry!!!Boston HM sounds fab - and yes, you have loads of time to train for that π
I am very glad to see the back of the heat! Iβm working my way through the NRC HM plan but last week I just switched on to easy runs because of the heat. Back on it today.
Last night was my first 10k since the race I did in June. It was just an easy run and I ended up adding on an extra km at the end but somehow I set a new 10km pb. I guess all this slow and consistent running with a few short interval runs is doing the business. Itβs so encouraging to see some improvement.
Iβve got a 10km race at the end of August and Iβm hoping to dip under the hour if conditions are right on the day. Then thereβs the actual HM in October. Itβs unbelievable to think back to December 29th just gone and remember that was c25k week 1 run 1!
Enjoy the process of gradually increasing distance. Donβt go crazy speed wise as your leg building will still be a work in progress. You donβt want any injury setbacks
An October half is a temptation. The weather can be mixed though. Iβve had horrible weather in October for a HM π₯Ά. Itβs a game innit π
Iβm doing an NRC marathon plan. Theyβre really good. I adore Coach Bennett. Some fab guided runs to keep us entertained π
I agree with the vote for NRC guided runs. Until discovering those I was rubbish at speedwork. I may not be great now, but at least I regularly give speed intervals a go - the variety and inspiration makes all the difference in the world to my motivation.
Oh yes, it's great seeing tangible progress isn't it. You have come a huge way in such a short time - you're definitely an awesome runner πThat sort of flexibility and adaptability is exactly what will get you to your October HM finish line!!!
Not even a maybe-longest run to date 23.28 km and that was last September(-it was meant to be a half marathon but they had issues setting the course ) currently I'm only doing 10-13 km runs nursing a slightly stiff knee and plucking up courage to visit a physio. Will leave the ultra stuff to the experts...for now
That's where the ultras belong I reckon. Sorry to hear of the knee issues .. but listen to that 'only' 10-13kms ... don't be so hard on yourself.A physio visit will be the fastest way to healing I'm sure. Whatever you decide, I hope it resolves fast π€
Wow, 145 miles? π± I know where Iβd finish! The road sweepers would be long gone home, all catching up on Love Island!
Today is a faff day. First day back from holiday, laundry in, short yoga practice done (would have been longer if my watch wasnβt at 2% - and like with running and walking, we all know that activities never happened without Garmin!) Dog walk to follow. π
Iβll be cracking on with the NRC HM Plan from tomorrow, capping at 10 miles, in readiness for the GSR. πββοΈ
I was happy with my 4 holiday runs totalling 24.5k. I did nearly 140,000 steps last week with our runs and walks. I received my 18 miles to go postcard from Route 66, so some time this week Iβll be there! π 2,278 miles done, medal on the way. π Then I wonβt need to track all my runs and dog walks any more will I? π€₯π (Wondering which End to End challenge to sign up for next!)
I did a 12k on holiday, so I should be ok for it. I just donβt want to have prepare under pressure again. I will see how my legs feel on Thursday. I will be running solo so can choose my route and distance, so maybe I will make it a slow long run day, avoid hills, and see how far I get.
I've not watched Love Island, but I think I might have become a convert long before it went dark (they set off at 6am!)!!!That was one active holiday CC, how lovely to get almost 25 tourism kilometres under your belt.
I'm sure it's hard to end a challenge after such a long time and not feel a big loss in sense of purpose - still, GSR is a great focus to have. Happy training!!! π
Thanks Linda π I saw a few episodes of Love Island a few series ago, and couldnβt really get what all the fuss was about. Maybe being a 50 something mum of 3 had something to do with that! I hear itβs become pretty dark, so I wonβt be going back for more. π³
Yes it was a fab holiday and Iβm happy with my miles. They helped offset the mountains of food I consumed!
I love that mug! I also love reading about ultra runners as it helps me keep pushing forward with my running. No ultras π€£or even maybe any running for me this week after the big stack last weekπ€
I managed to hobble to the trail shop & bought some shoes from a local brand. I love that theyβre trying to make a more eco running shoe & apparently they should last 1000km which is double what I would do in my Altraβs. Some ultra runners in Australia have been wearing them & report good things but thereβs not much online yet.
When I read about those ultras I always think of elite athletes, trained to the hilt, quite out of reach but these were such very, very ordinary looking folk - a total cross section - and it seemed incredibly real and, dare I say it, possible!!!Hope you are slowly healing and feeling much better after your tumble, you have heartfelt sympathies from me! Bet you're impatient to give those lovely noo shoos a spin; hopefully it won't be too long π
You have already done a marathon so you can just run on next time. Thatβs what my 12 year son told me he is going to do when he runs his first marathon π
Wow Linda! 145 miles?! I was proud of my 3 hours yesterday and my legs are trying to kill me today π Canβt imagine 26 or 45 hours!! Your comments remind me of listening to the Running Commentary podcast about Race to the Stones, they said a similar thing about the women looking ordinary, particularly the older ones. Because they picked out the women, it was a bit sexist, a bit patronising but Iβm trying to convince myself they meant well as normally I really enjoy their natter.
My head is currently all over the place. The long runs are ramping up, Iβm constantly tired and my mum is starting chemo today. Iβm loving the runs but theyβre leaving me in bits, mentally and physically, afterwards - I wish I had the ability and strength to keep running as psychologically I could really do with a 145 mile run!!
Oh goodness, what a lot you have on your plate and in your head right now TC. Do remember to give yourself some TLC too - it really is very important, if only to help you help everyone else! You're doing a fantastic job with your training, try to take it as easily as you can so it helps heal xxx
Thank you Linda π€π€, Weβre trying to have a holiday at the moment but itβs not going too well so far! I have a knack of timing holidays or fun things with family crises!! Mum was supposed to start last week but she, understandably, delayed it to this weekβ¦ Iβm hoping things will ease now sheβs started but weβll see. Iβm going to go back to plan tomorrow. I was going to catch up on the tough run that was delayed from last Tuesday but Iβm going to do a nice, gentle 5k as per my recovery week on the plan. The other run will just have to be missed xxx
aww bless you, no wonder and you are so good to many others on here. You take care too, thats ultra important, good for your body heart and soul. Hope your mum's treatment goes as well as it possibly can.π€ Virtual bunch of flowers for you both. π
Sending hugs, strength, and also virtual "permission to let myself feel crap because frankly I have good reason" vouchers to you and your Mum TailChaser . xx
They're the rechargeable, lifetime validity ones btw. Running can be really good for recharging them, though occasionally it sends them a bit haywire. π³πββοΈπ€
Loved your post Linda! I can imagine you hurrying home to read up about what was unfolding. You could have been in it had you known! Maybe next year! ππ
I was on our canal yesterday, peering into an empty lock. You never see them empty do you, so it was a good chance to see whatβs in the bottom. Very interesting for canal anoraks π€£. Itβs been emptied and sealed temporarily on orders from TPTB to save water. Theyβve made a step for the ducks π
Good walk for me yesterday which I enjoyed immensely. It was really humid though
Running in a mo, just supping coffee before setting off. Not sure whatβs on the plan. π€
At the hospital tomorrow to see the physio with my knee. Itβs fine now so I expect that wraps things up π€πββοΈ
Have a great week folks πββοΈπββοΈβοΈπ°ππΆπ΅πππ¦βοΈ
The young physio was emphatic about keeping moving. She had me doing balance tests and urged me to keep using my balance cushion but upping the ante by moving my head from side to side whilst trying to maintain balance, and then still further by closing my eyes. Should be fun π.
That was my first thought MissW - hey, what have I missed?!!! I did feel a bit of a stalker checking online, but have cycled by people telling them how AWESOME they were I felt a connection to their welfare, and frankly I was quite concerned about Michael πππ. There was no mention of cake though and I didn't spot any at the aid station ...We had a long walk along the canal yesterday - sooooo many ducks ... but these two in the photo were my favourite, just floating slowly down the canal while the baby kept up a constant 'cheep cheep'.
Great news that your knee is better. Enjoy the run!!!
Hi Linda. Meanwhile back on the planet earthβ¦β¦.seriously, how do they manage these huge distances? Chapeau !! β¦.Cmoi and Frenc are having an impact!
I managed to build in a bit of variation this week. A 5k, followed by a 10k on Saturday and an 8k today, but today involved hills for the first time in ages; 165m total ascent, which is a lot for me. I was sensible and walked the steepest parts, so a bit of a run walk really, but it was a lovely scenic route with a nice down hill stretch to finish. I probably did 10k overall because I jogged back home from the cafeβ¦but that bit it is not on Garmin so it doesnβt exist. Average heart rate of 138 was good in the circumstances. Now, fingers crossed that that the change of terrain hasnβt flushed out any weaknesses. No breathing/ spasm issues; I think postponing my zero intake to post run may have done the trick. So what should Thursday be? Long or shortβ¦..I will consult my legs on Thursday morning!
What fabulous progress BC! 165m over 8k sounds like a LOT of elevation, if you can't feel that in your legs I reckon you must be superman!!! A cool 138 HR sounds super too. GSR is not going to present a problem for you. Definitely earning those cafe stops π
I am just struggling to manage a 10% limit on week on week increasesβ¦..maybe at this pace, and given all the longer distances I have run, it doesnβt matter so much. π€·ββοΈ
You're taking 10% of your total weekly distance and adding it to your long run? If it's working OK I'm sure you can increase by slightly more ... just do so gradually and keep checking in π
Oh donβt we just need more Simons and Michaels in this world! I would need to catch up on more episodes of Abandoned Engineering though π€£. Just love that program. Anyway, how is it going? Well, itβs sort of going, the heat totally had me wiped out, as Iβm sure it did most folk here, so have only really been pottering with the running. But I feel newly energised with the fresher weather, and hope to kick myself up the bottom this week and get back on track! Iβm even picking up my heavy kettlebell and doing some deadlifts again as this seems to help.
During my run yesterday I had quite good fun imagining what peopleβs personalities are like on here - we are a mixed and wonderful bag! Ordinary but pretty amazing, like the runners you saw on their crazy 145 mile run! Now thatβs dedication πππ. All the best!
Abandoned Engineering ... off to Google that ... πThat heat threw a curveball at us all I think, didn't it? I even got rained on today at work, that was REALLY nice!!!
I am in awe of your kettlebell deadlifts, you deserve some serious kudos for dedication like that!!!
I hadn't thought of it, but yes we are a mixed and wonderful bag ... and we are of course ALL awesome runners π
The Running Channel recently featured a 24 hour run hour by hour. It was very interesting. The planning is military-style and the runners can stop off to eat, nap and rest. I quite like the idea of the eating and napping but I just canβt imagine running for that length of time!
Mind you, before I started C25K I couldnβt imagine me running for 30 minutes π
Although Iβm pleased to say that last week saw me running a bit more than 30 minutes and Iβm now up to 7K in the build-up. No post-run aches or niggles and everything feels tickety-boo although the final hill felt harder than usual. I don't know whether thatβs because of the humidity or COVID after effects or a mixture but in any event it got done. So Iβll go for a slow 10K this weekend π€ I always think once I hit 10K Iβm well on my way to HM again π€
PS Iβve never watched Love Island because I would probably shout at the TV a lot and that wouldnβt do my sense of calm any good whatsoever ππ§ββοΈ
I'd like to find the strava activity for one or more of the entrants - see how often they rested, what pace they had to achieve while they were on the go. It's way out of my reach ... but I would love to understand how they approached it.So good to hear you are back on the road to recovery after everything that has been thrown at you recently. HM here you come!!! Stay calm and run on ... π
Hello Irishprincess,'No post-run aches or niggles and everything feels tickety-boo' Oh what a lovely thing to be able to say. So pleased for you and I that I can say that one day. I replied to Linda and mentioned you as I think you asked me for an update and I can't quite remember when that was or even whether I replied. Sorry.
Happy injury free running to you. πββοΈπ
Wow 145 Mile's thats a crazy distance!! πͺBig respect to those ultra runners! I was marshalling at my clubs 10 mile race yesterday, much nicer than running it! π€£ lots of familar faces,really enjoy supporting .amongst them were C3PO and her eldest son both running. She's done the race a few times before but her son was doing his 1st go at that distance,she tells me it was a big leap for him, and he was excellent! Well they both were! π
It's such a Hilly route too ,so we'll done to them both!
My running not been up to much lately but hoping to get out a few times this week and have a local 5mile trail race next Sunday πxxx
I recall in my last race we still had the 100 miler folks out with us as we started and I was also struck with how average many of them looked. Only the grim determination on their faces gave them away.
The heat has been steadily growing here too until a huge thunderstorm broke it yesterday. I had to cut my Saturday run short by a few k as I ran short of water in the heat. The only problem with a September race is your longest training runs are in the heat of late August So Iβve been researching hot weather acclimatization. But for the moment it has cooled. Happy running everyone!
You'd need grim determination, that's for sure πIsn't it lovely when that heat breaks? It may be making us train harder but it's no fun!!! On long runs especially it's phenomenally tiring - just think how strong you'll be by September though π
I'd typed a longer reply but as the forum just ate it I'll just say three things:
1. I'd rather run that event than watch Love Island.
2. I managed an hour, 7.6k, 212m elevation gain on roads and tracks and round fields this morning. Longest and furthest run in a month. Garmin promptly increased my age and dropped my V02 Max again to give me my worst scores ever. Thoroughly demotivating, hate it. Going to stop looking at them.
Ugh, don't you just hate that! happened to me yesterday too π‘I'm with you on all three of the above points! Great to hear you're back out and building up, but Garmin can be a proper pain in the proverbial - you have my sympathy there π
Hello Linda,Wow and more wows 26-45hours running! I am shaking my head in amazement!
Well, sadly my running news/body news isn't good. Bad knee injury August 2020, slow recovery and up to new distance PB of 10 miles last November and a new 10k PB on January the first this year, before breakfast even. What a good way to start the new year. It felt so good! I had hoped to slowly increase my distance to HM by October this year as a 66th birthday gift, but in May my knee problems flared up. I had 2 months off running and have seen a physio twice since then. The appointment was initially made about my left Achilles tendon, but before I saw the physio the knee problem had flared up so that, of course, dominated our time. I think you mentioned Linda about your meniscus being repaired when we chatted before. Of all my knee issues, the 2/3 torn through medial meniscus is probably the one that has caused the flare up. I seem now to have 5 areas of concern in my body, boo! And more boos! Today I reached c25k w5r3, but my left hamstring, I assume that's what it is, is hurting too much, so I shall stop running for at least a week. I had my right hamstring go 'ping' a long while back while running along at easy conversational pace. This hamstring trouble didn't start with a ping. It mostly hurts when running even at a really slow pace.
I do hope that my body isn't trying to say that my running days are over. I so appreciate the stamina that running has given me and my healthy VO2max as well as the pleasure of my body working well and sightseeing that the longer distances generate.
Oh dear! I am feeling rather disappointed. Plenty of gardening to do within the limits of what my body tells me.
Happy injury free running to you and thank you for hosting.
I'll just say hello to Irishprincess as I think she asked for an update
Oh what a nightmare. I'm so sorry to hear of your ongoing troubles. In my experience, if I have an issue or a niggle then others start to pop up; one heals and at the same time something new fails ... I think it is some sort of chain of compensation injuries; my body not being quite in sync, other things flare up. It is very depressing but in the end I usually come out the other side and manage a short period of injury free running. Try to hang on in there and just keep listening to your body, don't give up π₯°
Aw ... thank you. I hope that you short periods of injury free running grow longer and longer. I am wondering how long your injury free periods have been. With the various events that you have entered, I assumed you had quite a lot of happy, injury free running.
Iβve come to the conclusion that those of us who get injured regularly are clearly using our bodies well as they were intended and maybe just pushing our limits a tad. Iβm still learning what my limits are π but you know what? I wouldnβt have it any other way.
Boo to your latest running concern βΉοΈ I do hope a weekβs rest will work some magic for you.
Thank you Irishprincess, Having had 13 months more or less pain free running since completing c25k after my fall, I had felt that I had got through my knee troubles even though the physios had told me things like that my knee would never be as it was before my fall and then it would never be a normal knee. Without realising it, I obviously pushed things too far, although always adjusted if I realised. Some HIIT, different intervals with the Nike Running Club and some weights. But really so little. I am very definitely also learning what my limits are. What sort of intervals do you do?In the garden I have found the weather we have had has made it rather too easy to dig things up! Now wondering whether I have removed too much Alchemilla Mollis, also I have removed even more of my montbretia, especially from the areas where the leaves suffered in the hot weather.
I have a further 68 Antirrhinum plants to find homes for! Two different varieties, taller and shorter. They are the reason I have been endeavouring to clear some spaces. I had originally grown them hoping that they would live as perennials, but they haven't. Must try harder at not sowing so many seeds and remember my 'less is more' mantra in the garden. I already had one packet of seeds, a friend gave me the second packet. Some of my plants are pot bound and have been for a fortnight. Wonder whether today is the day to plant them all. I do hope so.
Happy injury free running and gardening to you. πββοΈππ
I love snapdragons! Luckily many of mine last through the winter and so they pop up in all sorts of different places around the garden, usually in gravel! I have a wonderful display in a tub. Iβll take a photo and post it to you laterβ¦.
Most intervals I do are usually as per a training plan so they vary and for non-training they are more Fartleks than intervals. I just run fast for a while and then slow down and repeat π₯΅ great fun!
Enjoy the garden. I have loads to do but because my mum has been staying with us Iβd rather spend time with her π
I keep telling myself that 'less is more' is my garden mantra, so probably I shouldn't be sowing seeds, or at least not too many. Pleased to say all 68 or there abouts, Snap Dragons have been planted. I removed a lot of Alchemilla Mollis and Montbretia to make room for them. Now for the fun of watching them develop. I hope they produce a riot of colour. ππΈπΌπ
Yes, someone I follow on strava, came 3rd in 27hrs. π€£ I know I like a bit of distance but that's still in crazy territory. My sister in law did a backyard ultra and achieved over 8 loops before deciding she'd had enough at 45 miles (5k ft elevation), her run mate carried on for 13, over 53 miles. The longer distances definitely attract a different breed. Just check out the Vol State 500k Road race which just took place for really crazy folk!! vacationwithoutacar.com/
It really is crazy stuff isn't it? The laps would definitely screw me. The thing is, these people did not look like a different breed π€£ but they do say looks can be deceptive ... π
I used to be very anti-lap but I think it depends on the lap/terrain. I quite like the backyard idea of setting off every hour. An interesting lap would be so much better than a dull linear distance too...
Hmm, yes, I might prefer an interesting lap to a dull linear distance. However I'm really bad with repetition and unless I was getting faster every lap - no chance - I'd find it really demotivating. I need to feel I'm getting somewhere!
That's quite a race you bumped in to but I love your description of it and all you found out! I did the same when I saw "caution runners" signs on the lanes here and thought "What? A race I don't know about - on my doorstep?" Turns out though it is an invitees only race from running clubs ..... booo (Rack raid 100 mile relay run). Running wise I am lacking oomph to get out the door. I signed up to a 10k in September and a half in October and that seemed to put pay to my enthusiasm even though I know I should be well on the way through my plan now!! I have gone back to NRC guided runs for motivation and am enjoying Coach Bennett again! Note to self.... visit health unlocked forum regularly again for motivation too! It always helps!!
You can relyon us to hold you accountable too! Events really do help motivation, but it sounds like you're really testing the boundaries!!! Get out there with CB anΔ come back with a smile and a big tick π
I don't own any Apple stuff except for an ipod that must be 15 years old! My phone's predictive text mixes French and English so is much slower than typing on computer.
Hi!!! Good to see you here again. You don't have to run long distances to banter here πVolunteering was a clever call, hope you get a role you fancy π€. Volunteering at a big event is full of great atmosphere and it's really interesting and humbling to watch from the other side f the line. Hopefully you will have a fab day supporting and cheering all the HU VRBs that are running it - it will certainly put your observational skills to the test π
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So Iβve been researching hot weather acclimatization. But for the moment it has cooled. Happy running everyone!
