In Which I Look Back, And Look Forward, And Get Dizzy Moving My Head So Much
Looking Back: Usually when I’m in the right mind set to aim for stuff, I try to get over 500 miles ran in a year. I think my best is maybe 510? I’ve only gone over 500 three times in 11 years of running though. This year must be one of my worst years, only 301 miles (so far, doing a few runs before the end of the year but nothing massive).
Looking Forward: Nearly every year (read, EVERY year) I tell myself I’m gonna get over 1,000 miles in the bag. I usually start with the right effort, one year I’d clocked over 200 miles before the end of Feb! In 2024 if I’m wanting to get all of those shiny new PBs I need to get fully in the zone and take it seriously. (Something else I say at the start of every year!) I will be blogging more (lucky you) and I’ll be adding other bits and pieces here and there too, to make sure I’ve got some regular output in my writing.
London Bling
Looking Back: In 2023 the official races I did were Edinburgh Kids 1km (with my son), Scottish 10k, Edinburgh Half, London Marathon and York Marathon, so only added four new medals to my collection (would’ve been six but a 10k got cancelled and I slept in for a 5k). I work a funny shift pattern of four on, four off, so don’t always get the chance to get to races (single parent too so THAT takes up a bit of time).
Looking Forward: I’ve been checking the race calendar against my work schedule for 2024 and it looks like I’ll be able to get a fair few more medals next year. If I’m creative with my holiday dates I should be able to do the 5k that I slept through, a couple of 10ks, three Half Marathons and three FULL Marathons. All nicely spaced throughout the year. York Marathon will be my 11th time there and the other two will be new (to me) so excited for those!
Running Round Edinburgh
Looking Back: My training was sporadic at best this year. I got injured when I was training for London Marathon which knocked my confidence and motivation but then got some of it back later on when training for York went well. My son started school this year which freed up a few more day times for runs and healthiness but since October (after York) I’ve used the free time playing on my PlayStation or watching Netflix.
Looking Forward: I’ve got a plan. A GOOD plan. An easy to stick to plan. From January if it’s a school day I’m going to break up my free time in to blocks for the day. Get home at this time, run/exercise at this time, lunch, free time, etc. I’ve always found that if I’m following a list or a plan then I can stick to it much better than just trying to listen to my own internal plan. (i.e. “go for a run in a bit? Maybe after Frasier?”) I’m not just mapping out January’s run schedule right now, I’m planning each day that I’m alone in detail. So don’t ask me to the pub OK?
Let me know your plans for 2024, either running or others! And maybe see you on a start line somewhere!
In Which I Get A Decade Of Yorkshire Running Checked Off
Saturday 14th October – Travel Day
Set off up to the local train station around 8am, I’d been as prepared as I always am and did my packing for the trip the night before. What with living in Edinburgh, I have to make my way to York for the marathon (because that’s where it takes place). Got the train into Edinburgh city centre then had a bit of time to spare before the York train so waited around. Not the *most* exciting way to start a blog, but it’s real and that’s what counts.
0915 – Got on the train.
I didn’t get a coffee in the station because I’d had one when I was getting ready and figured I’d get one on the train. Unfortunately the train staff had other ideas because they didn’t start selling anything until we’d gone through Newcastle so had to wait like an hour. See? NOW it’s getting exciting! Got a coffee finally. Then got to York just before noon and went to drop bags off at the apartment I’d booked.
The rest of the day was spent doing touristy stuff around York, the Museum had a ghost display around the gardens which were loads of figures and characters made from mesh wire to look like ghosts. Then because it was the day before a marathon I got my carbs on and had a massive burger with chips. Following that it was a nice relaxed evening and more carbs then to bed!
Sunday 15th October – Marathon Day!
I slept a bit rubbish, a combination of pre-marathon nerves and a slightly smaller bed than I’m used to. Got out of bed around 6am and made a coffee, then had a microwave meal of spaghetti bolognaise (seems to work for me for marathon morning carbs!) and got dressed, then after double and triple checking I had everything I needed I set off for the bus.
I got to the transfer bus around 0730 (saw a fox!) and updated my facebook page to say I’d got on the bus. The transfer goes from York train station to York University where the marathon starts and finishes and takes about 15/20 minutes. The race wasn’t sue to start until 0930 but, as previously mentioned, I’m one of the 37 runners who have taken part in EVERY Yorkshire Marathon since it first started in 2013, and we were all getting VIP treatment.
Usually before a race I’m queuing up at the portaloo and hanging around trying to keep warm waiting for the start. Not this time! This time I was sitting at a table drinking free coffee and eyeing up the free pastries. The VIP bit was in the Central Hall of York Uni and was great, no queues for the toilets or anything. Plus it meant I got to chat with some of the other ever-presents and we all got a group photo taken, then escorted to the start line. How the other half live!
Go time. My training this year has been, what can be politely described as, a bit shit. As such I figured I could get around the route in maybe 4.45, maybe closer to 5hrs. I wouldn’t be annoyed at going over 5hrs though, because I know that I’ve not put the effort in as much as previous years. But as the goal today was just to get round and get my 10th Yorkshire Marathon medal, I was gonna try enjoy the day (as much as you can enjoy running 26.2 miles…)
Start to Miles Two – I saw the 4hr 30min pacer in front of me so decided to stick with them as long as I could, which wasn’t very long because I got stuck in the crowd and couldn’t really get going for the first 10 minutes or so. Ah well, I’d just try stay ahead of the 4hr 45min pacer instead and see what happens. The first few miles are full or smiles and cheers and all the happiness of the race being under way. It goes right in front of York Minster around two miles in and the bells were ringing away.
Miles Two to Seven – After the huge York Minster we ran in pretty much a straight line for the next five miles, there’s a bit of a hill to where the relay people have their first change over (think they do like 6 and a half miles each?) and I was feeling all good. I’d reached the 10k point in about an hour and two minutes so was looking OK to get under five hours.
Miles Seven to 13 – After getting to 10k I told myself that I was going to run for two miles then have a bit of a walk (and a couple jelly babies) and carry on in that way for as long as I could manage. No WAY did I plan on running the whole thing, I know my limits. This part of the route is the scenic bit, it winds it’s way through a bit of the country roads and there’s a long(ish) bit that’s lined with trees on both sides. Then before you know it you’re at the 13 mile point, and then halfway! (2hr 18mins).
Miles 13 to 20 – The tough bit. There’s a short out and back from mile 13 to mile 15 but it’s always really well supported so it’s not so bad. I was starting to feel the effort but was still sticking to run a couple miles and walk a couple minutes. 15 to 17 is a bit tough, the support dies away for this section and it’s a steady uphill all the way. Plus if you’ve done the race previously (I have!) then you know there’s another tough bit to come. From mile 17 it goes down hill and you can see thousands of other runners coming the other way, as this is the looooong out and back bit. There’s amazing support on this section and someone on a microphone shouting and cheering you all on. The turn around is around mile 18 and then you run all the way back up (this time being one of the ones on the other side, obvs) and it’s a bit of a slog. Luckily, the 4hr 45min pacer group caught up with me and they had music going so I decided to try and stick with them to take my mind off the uphill-ness of it all. Finally FINALLY you get to mile 20, and the last 10k of the run.
Miles 20 to 26 – I stuck with the pacer group longer than I thought I’d manage (they don’t walk) and so I didn’t have my next bit of walking until around mile 22. I’d reached 30k in approx. 3hr 20mins so was feeling confident in getting back in under 5hrs. The last few miles for me are always a mixture of feeling so good that I’ve come so far, feeling so happy that I’m ticking off the last few miles, and feeling like I want to sit down and find someone to carry me to the end. I wasn’t running two miles at a time anymore, but I was keeping going by counting my steps and I was running 100 steps then walking 100 steps. Honestly, if you’re every struggling in a run, try it.
Miles 26 to 26.2 – Why the chuff is there a massive hill? Why did I forget it was here? Ah well, doesn’t go on for long, and having reached the top it’s a nice steady downhill sprint (HA!) to the finish line. Official time was 4hr 51mins 58sec. VERY chuffed with THAT.
Post Race – My legs hurt. I’d finished though, and well under 5hrs. Made my way to the event village where we (the VIPS) were told we had a special souvenir to pick up (pic below, arty shot with my medal on it) which was a really nice gesture from the organisers at Run For All. Actually ALL of the VIP stuff was amazing.
Found the way to the transfer bus back into York city centre and it took ages because of the traffic, so by the time I was getting off my legs were nice and seized up. The joys of being a hero. Got back to the apartment (via the shop for beer) and had a shower (with a beer) then it took me like eleven hours to get dressed. The evening recovery plans were Thai food and alcohol and that’s exactly what happened, the Thai food was amazing and went to a place called Evil Eye for an Old Fashioned (just like Hemingway used to drink. And just like this Hemingway was drinking now!) Few more pubs, then back to the apartment for much needed sleep.
Monday 16th October – Recovery Day
Ow. Suck it up, legs! Today was full of touristy stuff so no time to listen to the aches and pains I was feeling. Instead, I vocalised them constantly. The morning was a trip to the Jorvik Viking Centre (home to the biggest poo in history! Honest!) followed by a visit inside York Minster, lunch (was a bit put off by the massive poo) and then Wizard Golf, which is obviously inspired by Harry Potter but without the licencing. Dinner was two big pizzas and more beer.
So that’s it! My Yorkshire Marathon recap for ANOTHER year done. I’ve got plenty of races lined up for 2024 already and decided that THIS time I’m gonna take it seriously (as he says every time). Thank you to everyone that takes the time to read me mumble on about this kinda stuff, and for the nice messages and comments I get. I’ll do a post next week about what’s coming up in 2024 and hopefully see you at a start line!
Story time! All the way back in…. oooft, 2013, I’d been running a few months and had done a total of two official 10ks and one half marathon (the Great North Run, the main aim I had when I started). I’d always said that I had no interest in running a full marathon because I found the half tough enough, and wasn’t planning on running anything further than a 10k in the future.
I must’ve been signed up to some running emails or news or something because I saw some info that was (as it turns out) gonna shape the next decade of my running life. Wait no, a DECADE? Where the chuff has THAT time gone! Anyway, the news. There was going to be a new marathon starting in October of 2013, the Yorkshire Marathon, based in and around York (my favourite city!).
Putting aside previous thoughts of never running a marathon I signed up and figured it’d be something to tick off and say that I’ve run an actual marathon and THEN I’ll just stick to 10k races… Yeah that didn’t happen like that did it though?
Since 2013 I’ve managed to get around each and every Yorkshire Marathon each and every year apart from 2020 because 2020 was stupid and messed up everything. Which means that THIS year (2023 in case you aren’t keeping count) is the 10th time that the Yorkshire Marathon will be taking place and I’m one of a select group of (equally daft) people that are ever-present at the event.
It was a lot easier to get to when I lived IN Yorkshire but since 2017 I’ve been living in Edinburgh which means that this race gives me a very decent excuse to have a long weekend in York every year.
This blog that you’re on right now was originally set up when I started to try to be a runner (June 2012, you remember it well I’m sure) and I know I’ve been crap at keeping it going these last couple years but I’ve got some decent plans in place to get it back up and running and a lot of good (I think) content to be posting. I’m making an appearance at the Scottish 10k next week (24th Sept) so that’ll be a good warm up for York in October. (Actually running home after work tonight so that’ll be a good warm up for the good warm up for the marathon).
The Great Scottish Run takes place in Glasgow and the 2022 version was on the 2nd October. I’d decided to enter it a whole week before it took place, so obviously I was FULLY prepared.
I picked up my original injury in mid June, didn’t run at all in July then started getting back in to it in August when I did a total of 13 miles spread out over four runs. September was a little better with nine runs (a total of 42 miles) but still waaaayyyy behind where I should’ve been in my marathon training (Yorkshire marathon was mid October).
AND SO that daft little voice in my head said “ooo you should do a race to see where your training is at” and the other, more sensible voice, went “ooo yeah you should sign up!” So up I signed.
The train from Edinburgh to Glasgow took an hour and I went all posh and sat in first class. (It cost an extra pound). The start of the race was quite near the train station which was handy and I got there in plenty of time to pick up my race number (it would usually get posted out but as I was a late entry I had to collect on the day).
It was a bit sunny but not too warm which made it decent running weather, so I made use of the facilities and got myself into the start pen. My wave got going not long after 9.35am and we were off, my second event of the year (actually third, I’ve decided to count the kids 1km I did with my son). (Actually FOURTH! I did a potato run. I’ll talk about that another day…)
About 500 metres in to the run I saw a Facebook friend, Craig, at the sidelines cheering everyone on. He was doing the Half Marathon later in the morning and I noticed him because he’d dyed his hair purple for fundraising for the New York Marathon. I’d never actually met him in real life, he’s one of those that you’ve ended up online friends with through various groups. I gave him a shout, he gave a wave, and then I approached a hill.
A HILL?
Yep, the Great Scottish 10k starts with a Great Glaswegian Hill. It wasn’t as bad as I’m making out, maybe like 100ft or so, but as I’d not checked the route I hadn’t been expecting it. Never mind, start of the race so I figured I’ll power up it. Mistake. As soon as I got to the top I felt my (formally healed) injury start to niggle at my foot, not even a mile in. What can you do though? No way am I not finishing so I figured I’ll run as much as I can then take a few walking breaks.
At two miles the route took us over the River Clyde on the Kingston Bridge and then we looped underneath to reach the halfway point, by which point I was taking my first (of a few) walking breaks. I don’t have much to say about the sights because it’s Glasgow and as far as I’m aware it’s not known for its natural beauty. Although I DID go by a few shops, one of which could’ve been called Natural Beauty I guess?
Back over the River Clyde (different bridge) then we followed the road at the side of the river for the final two miles (which included TWO MORE bridge crossings). Finally it was done. I was very done. And sore. But I had a new medal and a new t-shirt and the promise of beer was in my mind. My official time was 1 hour and 5 seconds. (As it turned out the course had been measured a bit short so I’m not counting that I went over an hour).
I saw Veronica from work and we went to find a pub and food (beer). We’d been in there an hour or so and who should turn up in this random pub, with hundreds to choose from, but Craig with his purple hair. Finally met him in person!
I’ll be doing this race again this year (1st October) because I need to go get an official time. And a good time. And I just love bridges, ya know?
*****
As always, feel free to make friends with me on Strava
74 Days to London Marathon! I’m gladly accepting anything and everything towards my sponsorship goal (so long as it’s money).
(Just to be clear, in case you’re thinking that this’ll be a recap of EVERYONE’S January, it’s just mine. Sorry about the confusion).
After Yorkshire marathon in October I got a little bit injured. Then a bit sick. Then recovered and got a different sick. Then Christmas and all that jazz and suddenly I realised I didn’t run AT ALL in November or December. What’s THAT about?
My first run of 2023 was 3rd January, five miles, after a 12hr shift (I didn’t run the 1st or 2nd because I had family visiting). I then ran again on the 6th and after that guess what? I got sick AGAIN.
First run of 2023
My next run was on the 19th and then I did four more before the end of the month to give me a total of 28 miles. February definitely needs to be a much higher mileage because London marathon is fast approaching and I’ve not been going ANYWHERE fast.
Got myself a training plan written out (love a plan) and on my rest days I’ll follow a YouTube kettlebell fitness video as, at the moment, my kettlebell is actually used as a doorstop…
Pretty much sticking to the healthy eating most days, plenty of salad and stir frys, but struggle when my son is home with me (he’s here half the week) because he doesn’t need salad so I usually have what ever I make for him. And then his leftovers.
On a healthy day
That’s it for today! As always, feel free to make friends with me on Strava
And I’ll leave my fundraising begging link here too:
After January last just under 18 weeks, it’s a shock that February only lasted 12 days. How is it March already?!
My target for Feb was the same as January, 100 miles. The crappy weather made it a much tougher challenge this month and I’m VERY much looking forward to Spring springing it’s way here.
As well as wanting to run 1’000 miles this year, I’m also wanting new PB’s (Personal Bests) for 5km, 10km, half and full marathons, so it was very nice that my first run of February, on the 1st, was a BRAND NEW 5K PB! 22:41 according to my watch! (Previous was 23:00.)
The next day I had a long, steady run planned of 13.1 miles. (Half marathon y’annow) but as it was a steady run, I took it steady. Took 2 hour and 14 minutes and it actually blows my tiny mind that only a few years ago that was my PB, now it’s training pace!
Next few runs were a mixture of 10k’s and some hill work. (Hills make the runner!) Luckily I live near an extinct volcano (Arthur’s Seat in Edinburgh) so that’s handy for hill training.
Where does that put me miles-wise… Hang on, I’ll check… 30! 30 Miles by the 7th Feb! Very much on target. Next day was a Saturday, so to ParkRun. With a respectable time of 24:17, I earned a big fat breakfast.
Then a few days later a storm hit, so I didn’t run. And I know what you’re saying to yourself, you’re saying ‘you should run in all weather’ and you’re right, as usual. But this was TORRENTIAL. So, no running.
The next run was also cut short by the weather, it was so windy that I almost ended up in Oz. Then the NEXT run I was battered by more wind and rain, so my targets weren’t getting hit. I was getting hit. By weather.
The miles needed to be done though, so went out later than usual for a long run thinking that I’d get finished before it got dark, and I almost made it! 7 miles run, last one in VERY unsafe conditions…
With five days of February left I was on 73.5 miles. Looking at my work schedule I couldn’t see that I’d be able to reach 100 miles for the month but decided 75 is still impressive. Then decided I’m not sawft so went out and ran 10 miles.
Then the next chance I did a short run, just to get a few more done. This left me with the wonderful task of running 13.5 miles on the last day of February. (Thank chuff it’s a leap year!)
I’d had a few too many beers the night before so wasn’t really feeling my best. Slow and steady though, walk if you need to, just do the distance. It was actually a really nice morning for it, but my hangover didn’t agree.
Ran by Arthur’s Seat (see pic), down the Innocent Railway, through some wooded areas, along the beach in Portobello, then back around the other side of Arthur’s Seat, towards the Meadows and did a couple laps which gave me 13.5 miles and my SECOND MONTH IN A ROW OF 100 MILES RUN!!
Bradford 10k in two weeks times back in my home town.
Can’t believe it’s March already!
If you want to keep a close eye on me, and let’s be honest why WOULDN’T you, I’m on Strava:
Oh hi there, didn’t see you. Were you hiding under the table? Very odd of you. ANYWAY stop going on about yourself I have news.
I had a baby!
Well, technically Hayley had a baby but he’s half mine and he’s perfect even though he quite often stinks.
He turned up six months ago, so now we have a six month old baby because that’s how time and aging works.
I’ve not had so much time to concentrate on proper training since he turned up (but did York marathon again in October). I managed to run most days in January but then had sickness for the last couple days. Then had a few days in Vegas with my friend Rob and that took a couple weeks to recover from…
Which brings us to March! Been out a few times with the boy in a running buggy that we bought. (Boy in the buggy, me pushing.)
I’ve entered the Edinburgh Kilomathon (13.1km) in April, Edinburgh half marathon in May and of course Yorkshire marathon in October. Decided that this year is gonna be a year of PBs and learning how to Dad.
Mad Dog. One of my first 10k races ever and the one that I always say means that my running year has started properly. (York marathon in October signalling that I can take it easy over the winter. As though I’ve been pounding the pavements all summer..!)
The main concern with this years Mad Dog (Sixth year in a row I’ve been there!) was getting there. (Floo powder?) For the five years previous I’ve been living in Yorkshire and so a little over an hour drive and you’re there. At the end of last Summer we moved up to just outside Edinburgh and so the commute to the race got a bit longer. Four hours to be exact. (Not too exact. Four and a bit hours. Four hours 15 minutes. And 17 seconds. Not counting stopping off.)
(Four hours 37 minutes and 32 seconds in total to be exact.)
(Roughly.)
There was also the matter of staying over to take into account as it was too much driving (For Hayley) to go there and back in the same day (lazy) so we decided to make a weekend of it. (In Southport. In Winter.)
I had a hotel booked (Ramada Plaza) with payment on arrival, which was £90 for room only so we decided to stay Friday and Saturday nights. A few days before race day however, I got an email from the (excellent) organisers of the Mad Dog 10k saying that you could get Bed and Breakfast for £90 a night and organise late check out if you mentioned Mad Dog but only at the hotel… Ramada Plaza!
Straight on to the phone was I, and the nice lady at the other end changed my booking. Same price as before but now with late checkout and breakfast for us both? Magic!
I won’t bore you with the Friday and Saturday details because you’re here for the race recap and not a holiday recap. But we ate plenty, had a good wand-around, Hayley spilled my beer all down me on the Friday, and we played in loads of Amusements and won a baby Groot after spending a few quid(ditch).
Sunday MorningÂ
Getting up nice and early (nope, snoozed my alarm loads) we went down for breakfast. I took it easy and had bacon (x2) sausage (x2) hash brown (x2) and coffee (x2 and a bit.) We then walked the 15 minutes to the car park where the coaches were lined up shuttling runners and spectators to the start of the race. Only takes five minutes or so on the transfer buses and its free for everyone.
Every year there’s a movie/tv theme to the Mad Dog 10k with a canine connection. This year was Hairy Potter and The Half Bred Pup and as such there were plenty of Harry Potter costumes going on. We saw a few wizards, plenty of HP scarves, a woman dressed as a broomstick and, oddly, five blokes dressed as the Spice Girls. (It’s not Leviosah, it’s Levi-Zigga-ZiggAH.)
A nice touch and to save time at the end, you can get your t-shirt and goody bag before the run. (Medals at the end still.) It means that if people want to run in that years themed tshirt they can, and also reduces congestion at the end of the race. The goody bag is BRILLIANT. You can wait til the end though.
Time to line up so went and lined up. Must’ve got giddy with my predicted time because I was right at the front. The race was started by Jo Pavey (an ACTUAL Olympian) and after a countdown and some barking, we were off. The course is an out-loop-back kinda set up. The first and last 2.5k are on the same stretch of road with a 5k loop in the middle.
There’s plenty of bands/singers/entertainment going on and the middle loop is always well supported. You run alongside the coast for a lot of the run and even though the day had started off icy, it was very nice running weather.
Now the thing is, starting too far forward means that there’s fast people around you. From the start. And because they are fast you feel you have to go fast too as otherwise they all overtake you. Which is why, after planning to start off around 8m15s a mile, I clocked my first mile at 7m15s. WAY too quick. I actually did the first two miles in 15 minutes which is probably where the (golden) stitch came from to slow me down.
Running towards the Pier and by the Elvis impersonator (think he lives under that Pier, he’s always there) I made myself slow down because I knew I couldn’t keep that pace for long without messing up the second half of the race. Still, first 5km done in bang on 24 minutes.
Water station coming up so allowed myself to walk through it to get some energy back before tackling the second half (blood prince) of the course. I was nowhere near the speed that I had before and that was fine by me. Sub 50 was ebbing away but figured I can still get under 51 minutes. Before I knew it I was back on the main road and then turning towards the finish line, keep going keep going annnnnnnddd…… finished. 50:41.
Chuffed.
So that’s that! Mad Dog 10k done for six years in a row now. Will I make it back for next years race? Always. (Especially seeing as though it’s called “Bark To The Future”!)
Oh wait! Before you go!
LOOK AT THE GOODY BAG!
Backpack, Running hat, Racebelt (THAT HAS A FLASHING LIGHT) Water Bottle, Fridge Magnet Picture Frame, Snood, Fruit, Energy Drinks, Number Clips, loads of snacks PLUS the Medal and TShirt! (The bar just above the bag is a doggy treat bar. I’ve seen a few people on facebook that didn’t realise it wasn’t an energy bar til too late… Mongrels!)
Saturday morning. Odd day for a race, a Saturday. I think every other race I’ve taken part in has been on a Sunday. Probably because there was a televised cross country run around the same area later on in the day, but still. A Saturday.
We woke up around 7am then snoozed til around 7:20, as is the tradition. I got up and made myself and Hayley a wonderful home made breakfast (microwave burger to share, I normally have one to myself but as it was only a 5k that felt greedy.)
Got to the bus stop a few minutes before the bus arrived (handy) and stayed on it for around 40 minutes before getting off quite near Holyrood park where the run was taking place. (Which is obviously why we got off there…)
Ten minutes steady walk and a quick look around then it was pretty much time to line up for the warm up. I don’t usually take part in the warm up for two reasons:
1. I use the first mile as my warm up, and:
2. I don’t want to look like a knob.
However! I took part this time for two reasons:
1. It was a 5km run so not long enough to use a mile as a warm up, and:
2. It was chuffing freezing.
Warm up done, it was go time. I’ve not been around this area so much but figured that it would be a lap of Arthur’s Seat and so nice and steady. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano and popular with climbers, it’s not too hard to get to the top. (Been there, done that.) The views from the top of Edinburgh are amazing.
Back to the run! Started off easy enough, nice and flat route for a few minutes then we turned a corner and… hill. Big hill. BIG hill! Should’ve checked the route.
Turns out the first mile included 200ft of climb. And I felt every foot. In my feet. And legs. But the views from the top were amazing. There was a bloke playing bagpipes at the top and he must’ve had a lift up because otherwise he would’ve not had enough air in his lungs to play.
The down hill section was fun though. Not done many 5k races and so it seemed over very quick. Especially the last mile. Before I knew it I was over the line and getting my goody bag with a brand new medal and t-shirt.
Found Hayley easy enough and we watched a few of the runners finishing before heading off to Wetherspoons for a breakfast and to recover.
I love food. Normally, right around now I’d show you the medal draped over a cool, refreshing pint of lager. Unfortunately I’m still doing Dry January so here’s my medal with diet coke instead.
I’d signed up to run Berlin marathon for charity, and agreed to raise £500 for the cause. The marathon was yesterday, in Berlin, but I wasn’t in Berlin and I definitely wasn’t a marathon. (How would that even work? Why would you even think that?)
The reason I wasn’t in Berlin is because I was in Scotland. The reason I was in Scotland is that I now actually live in Scotland, and so find myself quite often in Scotland, what with living there and all that. I work there too! In Scotland.
“But you live in Yorkshire! In England!” You cry.
No. Scotland now. Keep up.
ANYWAY that’s why I wasn’t in Berlin, because I’d met a wee Scottish lassie and we decided to move here (Scotland) last month. Moving ain’t cheap, and so Berlin has been deferred until next year. The charity is fine with this, which is good.
So what with living and working in Scotland (Edinburgh to be precise) I looked for a run somewhere around to take my mind off Berlin and found a run three miles from my front door. Can’t get much more local than that!
Sunday
The 10k route was a relativity flat, out and back route starting and finishing at Musselburgh race course, just outside Edinburgh (in Scotland.) Hayley (wee Scottish lassie) dropped me at the race course at 8:40 and went off to park up while I lined up and watched people stretch and looked at clouds and stuff.
There was a half marathon going on too which started a way away but finished at the same bit as the 10k which meant less runners doing the 10k. Just over a thousand (according to results.)
Turns out I must’ve been quite confident on signing up as I was right behind the elites. Bet they felt nervous when they saw me looking all athletic and with my number hanging off.
Few minutes to go. Minute to go. Ten seconds. Go.
Hayley and her little sisters were at the start cheering me on and the elites sped off into the distance like the chuffing show offs that they are.
I wanted under 50 minutes but decided the run the first half on feel and without looking at my watch. Needed a pace of around 8 minutes a mile to get under 50. The weather was nice and overcast and at 2km I was feeling quite well.
This event would be ideal for someone’s first 10k run due to the lack of hills, but unfortunately there was a lack of support on the route. A few people were knocking around outside their houses but nothing major. Unless they were all waiting on the 1/2 marathoners coming by later? How should I know, do your own research.
4k went by then before long the turn around and the 5k sign. I was averaging 7:45 a mile! Quicker than I thought! Just realised that this is gonna be a very boring post as not much happened. Didn’t see any fancy dress or cats or anything so if that’s what you’re after then you probably want a refund.
Got a bit of an ache in my right knee so took it a bit easier as York marathon is coming up next month. Walked a little at each km marker and had a sip of water too. Before long, race course was back in view and I could see the end. Gave Hayley a wave as a flew by and then I was done!
WELL under my 50 minute target! Chuffed! Rest of the day was spent relaxing, visiting, and drinking beer. Standard recovery.
Marc Hemingway 