Edinburgh Marathon – Race Report
Pre Race
“This is it” I thought as I awoke on Sunday morning at precisely 6.34am. I remember the time clearly as I planned to rise at 6am but had slept through my alarm. After a short telephone call to put my taxi back by half an hour I was up and alive, on the morning of my first full Marathon. Having made the call the second thing I did was open the curtains and prayed for a beautiful morning. What I got however was heavy rain, and lots of it. If I’m truth full, I was absolutely gutted! Every race before this one had provided me with beautiful weather, but hey, this is Scotland. To be fair however the whole of the UK saw a terrible weekend with only a few hours without rain.
So yes it was raining and by looking at the sky it wasn’t going to ease up soon, but I was not going to let a bit of rain ruin my day. “Today I run a marathon” I thought, and as my poem states “I will finish the course come rain or snow”. To be fair I remember thinking, “The rain as a runner does not bother me, it just means there will be less spectators and a lot of waiting around in bad conditions”.
So it was raining but there was nothing I could do about it. I moved away from the curtain and started going through my morning routine. I went for a shower before eating a light breakfast consisting of, a Hobnob flapjack, a yoghurt, a bottle of orange juice and a bottle of Lucozade. After that all I consumed before the race was water!
Having had breakfast I got dressed and did a final kit check before making my way to reception at 7.25am to wait for my taxi. The roads on the way to the marathon were eerily quiet and my driver told me this was unusual, even for marathon race day. Just as we were entering the city I was looking at the beautiful buildings that make Edinburgh so special when something in my head told me to check my kit. Everything was there, but then it hit me “My race number” I shouted, “I’ve forgot my race number”. I couldn’t believe it. I never forget any of my kit, let alone my race number! I asked the driver to turn around so I could go fetch it.
On the second attempt we made it into the city and around 8.05am. There were few people around where my driver dropped me but this was a good few hundred yards away as the roads ahead were closed. I got out of the taxi and started walking towards the start. The rain was still coming down hard and it did put a damper on things but I just kept walking like a man possessed, not thinking about anything but the task ahead.
I walked around a corner onto Princes Street where the marathon starts and it hit me. I saw the start line and hundreds of runners, but not as many as I thought there would be. I needed to prepare for the race so I dived in McDonald’s, which had become a refuge for cold wet runners trying to shelter. I prepared in the toilet and having set my Ipod up, vaselining those delicate chaffing areas and strapped on my ‘energy belt’ as a friend dubbed it, I was out the door and heading for the baggage trucks. When I got outside the number of runners had quadrupled. Princes Street was now filling with up to 10,000 runners all trying to stay dry under shop canopies.
I found the truck with my race number and after one final kit check I handed over my bag to be taken to the finish. From the truck I proceeded away from the crowds to find a place to go to the toilet. I saw the line for the portable toilets and there was no way I was waiting that long. Shortly after as I was warming up I heard an announcement but could not understand what was said as I was too far away. I then saw hundreds of runners making there way to the start. This I did understand…….It was show time!!
The Race
I made my way to my pen based on predicted my finishing time and continued my warm up by stretching and massaging my legs. I heard the announcer say “Five minutes until the start”. I had thought about this moment many times before and the thought alone made me nervous, however in the moment I was very calm. The announcer also said “Lets here it for the runners of this years Marathon”, and the crowd went wild. That felt good, very good in fact and I knew there and then that this huge crowd (even for an awful day) was going to be a huge help at the latter stages of the race. The next thing I remember was walking forward to the start line and before I knew it we were off.
It took me around thirty seconds to get to the start line and as soon as I crossed it I heard a voice in my head saying “Don’t go out too fast”. I spent the first few hundred yards taking in the atmosphere as the support from the crowd was fantastic. As the course went away from Princes Street the crowds started to thin out so I turned on my Ipod and simply ran at a very slow pace. In training I have not always been that good at pacing but I passed the one mile marker in just over nine and a half minutes so I was pleased with my first miles time.
The second mile leads out of the city and down a long sloping road so I simply kept calm, did not get excited and just kept at the pace I was going. It was still raining but that no longer bothered me. I remember very little about the next one and a half miles but I do remember running down a road and seeing a beautiful young lady in front of me. I have been told by a fellow marathon runner at work that when it gets tough to pick out a young lady or two and follow them, as it helps take your mind off things. Now this was only two miles into the race but what I thought was that if I follow her I would not get excited and start running too fast.
Miles two and three were paced just about right but if anything a little too slow but at this stage I was happy to be running too slow rather than too fast. After all this was my first marathon and I had no idea how tough those final few miles might be.
Miles four leads out towards the coast and onto Portobello Promenade where we were greeted by our first race photographer. I smiled intently and it was at that point that I realised how much fun I was having. I kept following the girl in front and the next two or three miles flew by.
After a couple of water and energy stations the next thing I remember was seeing a huge crowd at the first relay change over just before mile eight. Shortly after we passed over a small bridge, where we were greeted by the sight of the finish line at Musselburgh race course. From here on in the route was an out and back loop and I was looking forward to seeing the leading pack somewhere along the next few miles. The lady I had been following had fell behind but to keep my mind off the task ahead I knew that soon enough we would be greeted by the elite runners on the return leg.
As the course led away from the eventual finish line we were greeted by another energy station before a long straight climb up towards the half way point at Port Seton. You could feel the sea breeze along this stretch and I remember how good I felt at this point. I was actually enjoying myself but I did not get excited and just kept going at the mid nine minute miles pace. I could have easily run faster but I did not want to pay the penalty of doing so over the second half of the race.
As we approached the halfway point there was another huge crowd as shortly before mile thirteen was the second relay change over. This crowd really lifted me as the long stretch up to this point was very quiet so the crowd was a huge welcome. Having passed the crowd we then passed the half way point and a sign saying “halfway, well done”. This was nice to see but made me laugh as getting to half way is the easy part. The next thirteen miles was going to be the real test.
Having passed the half way point we were shortly greeted by the leading pack coming the other way. Seeing how fast these guys were running really gave me inspiration but one thing I did not envy was how lonely it was for these guys. The people around me really helped me through the tough parts of the course but hey I’m not saying that I would not swap having runners around me for being up there with the elite runners.
As the elite runners came towards us in one then two then three and so on I knew that I would soon be at the turn around point at Gosford House and mile seventeen. The road up to Gosford house was long and I remember miles fourteen to sixteen dragging on forever and it was at this point that the fatigue started to set in and my legs began to tire. It was at this point that I started taking the energy gels I had strapped to my ‘energy belt’.
As the number of runners on the return leg started to grow I knew we were nearly there. The views at this point were amazing and then suddenly as we went around a corner I saw it. The turn around point and yet another huge crowd shouting and cheering. As I turned around to head back to Musselburgh I remember my legs being very tired but I simply told myself “Come on now Adam were on our way home”. This gave me a lift but I knew before the long straight back home were two more short diversions.
The first diversion came shortly after the turnaround where we entered Gosford House grounds and ran around the house and then proceeded back out onto the main section of the course. I remember halfway around the grounds that my legs felt very tired and I realised that it was at the lonely parts of the course that I was beginning to suffer. We led out of the grounds and down towards Lonniddry.
The second diversion came just before mile nineteen as the course leads of the main road and down towards Lyars Road. I was not looking forward to this part as you could see the other runners running back out and I just wanted to be where they were. However when I saw hat was waiting for us at the second turnaround point I was glad that a genie did not come down and grant my wish. The crowd here was the best yet. They were putting everything into it and the noise was unreal. The feelings I got here were too amazing to describe. As I ran away from the crowd and the noise faded out my attention was brought back to my tired legs so I took another hit of energy gel and was back running with ease but in lots of pain. As we approached the main road again this was it. I was on the final leg of the race; I was on my way home!
I do not really remember much of mile nineteen but the next thing I clearly remember was seeing the sign for mile twenty. Each step I now took was the furthest I had ever run. My legs were now getting very tired and very tight and I was beginning to slow down dramatically. It was at this point that I accepted that my secondary goal of a sub four hour finish was fading quickly but my primary goal of finishing with a smile on my face was very much alive. I was now taking the energy gels every few minutes. I actually took six out of the eight I brought during miles twenty and twenty three.
During those miles I was really suffering and I was just waiting each time to see the next mile marker. I was on countdown and so was the energy left in my legs. Once the gels ran out I was running on pure determination as my legs had nothing left. The miles came and went, twenty one, twenty two, twenty three and as I passed each I was fading rapidly. I remember seeing a small Scottish guy that put his hand on my shoulder at what was the hardest part of the race and said “Come on man nearly there”, and this really helped me push through the pain barrier. I passed the mile twenty four marker and remembered thinking how close I was to finishing my first Marathon. I kept repeating to “Come on Adam” over and over. I was now in a mental battle as my legs were empty. One thing is for sure though I never once considered dropping out, even with my legs being that tired and that tight that I could have easily said “f#@k it”, the thought never crossed my mind!
One more huge crowd lift came at the mile twenty five marker and it was here that I turned my Ipod off for the final push up to Musselburgh race course. After one final energy station the crowd began to steadily grow which I knew could only mean one thing, I was nearly there. I saw the race course and knew that I was nearly there, my legs were dead, but something happened that I will never forget. Seven of my friends came to Edinburgh to support me but due to bad traffic and road closures they could not get anywhere near the course so I never once saw them throughout the race. However as I was approaching the mile twenty six marker positioned on the entrance to the race course I saw two of my friends who shouted “Go on Fairf” and I will never forget the emotion that came over me. I literally could have cried like a baby running those last few hundred yards.
Then it was there, I entered the race course and threw my jacket over a wall as for the first time in the past four hours the rain had stopped and it was actually sunny. I ran towards the finish line and the emotion grew but I held it in. The crowd here was in it’s thousands and I have never experienced anything like it before. I sprinted that last hundred meters and crossing that finish line for my first full marathon is something that will be with me forever. They say that when you cross the finish line at your first marathon you decide there and then if you will ever do it again. Most say no. I cannot wait to get back into training for the NYC Marathon in November. I had done it, I had completed a marathon and the best part, I loved every minute of it!
New York City
"Running 26 miles around this place.....I can think of nothing better"
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Friday, 25 May 2007
Edinburgh Marathon - Pre Race Report
Edinburgh Marathon - Pre Race Report
So there it is my final entry into my training log. It has been a long hard struggle to get to this point. I have spent many hours on the road, many of them in pain, and many in pure ecstasy. There have been many highs and many lows, so much pain, sweat and tears. However, when I look back over the last nine months I know why I did it. It was for moments like this, when I am sitting here in pure ecstasy and anticipation of what Sunday morning will bring. I am sure there will be more sweat, more tears and my mind and body will pushed to breaking point, and beyond, but I am prepared, I am ready.
My journey has led me down roads and paths, from highs to lows, through rain and snow and I have come out the other end a better person than I ever was before. I am stronger, fitter and healthier and despite what people may say I am envied because I am doing something that most people would never dream of. It’s not just running twenty six miles, it’s the hundreds of miles that got me there. It was the training whilst friends were partying. It was the suffering whilst others were relaxing. However I would not change a thing and I would do it all again, only better.
Once this race is out the way it all starts again in preparation for New York in November, but that is another chapter in ‘My Journey’, for now I will leave you with this thought…….
“Nine months ago I set myself a challenge of running the New York Marathon. I have spent many hours on the road in training for this event. After several weeks of training I entered a local 10k race. When I crossed that finish line I felt the most unbelievable euphoria and I knew there and then that I was hooked. Within twelve weeks I had completed my first half marathon and nine months later I am in final stages of preparation for my first full marathon.
There have been highs and lows, injuries, holidays, illnesses that have all tried to prevent me from reaching my goal, but none have succeeded. I am ready for this and I will take this chance I have been given and I will show the world that I am strong , that I am a winner, that I will be victorious and that I will cross that finish line smiling.
I have reached a critical point in my journey. Get this wrong and it could scar me forever, get it right and it could be the start of something beautiful.
I am under no illusion that this is without doubt the greatest challenge of my life so far. However, what is the point in having goals if they are easy? What is the point of having a goal that when if you reach it you wonder why you feel no different? What is the point of having a goal that brings you no fulfillment? What is the point?
It is not crossing the finish line that changes you or makes you a better person, it is the person you become when you cross that finish line, and I will cross that finish line….
The decision has already been made!!”
“There is no I in team, however, there is and I in win... And I will WIN!”
So there it is my final entry into my training log. It has been a long hard struggle to get to this point. I have spent many hours on the road, many of them in pain, and many in pure ecstasy. There have been many highs and many lows, so much pain, sweat and tears. However, when I look back over the last nine months I know why I did it. It was for moments like this, when I am sitting here in pure ecstasy and anticipation of what Sunday morning will bring. I am sure there will be more sweat, more tears and my mind and body will pushed to breaking point, and beyond, but I am prepared, I am ready.
My journey has led me down roads and paths, from highs to lows, through rain and snow and I have come out the other end a better person than I ever was before. I am stronger, fitter and healthier and despite what people may say I am envied because I am doing something that most people would never dream of. It’s not just running twenty six miles, it’s the hundreds of miles that got me there. It was the training whilst friends were partying. It was the suffering whilst others were relaxing. However I would not change a thing and I would do it all again, only better.
Once this race is out the way it all starts again in preparation for New York in November, but that is another chapter in ‘My Journey’, for now I will leave you with this thought…….
“Nine months ago I set myself a challenge of running the New York Marathon. I have spent many hours on the road in training for this event. After several weeks of training I entered a local 10k race. When I crossed that finish line I felt the most unbelievable euphoria and I knew there and then that I was hooked. Within twelve weeks I had completed my first half marathon and nine months later I am in final stages of preparation for my first full marathon.
There have been highs and lows, injuries, holidays, illnesses that have all tried to prevent me from reaching my goal, but none have succeeded. I am ready for this and I will take this chance I have been given and I will show the world that I am strong , that I am a winner, that I will be victorious and that I will cross that finish line smiling.
I have reached a critical point in my journey. Get this wrong and it could scar me forever, get it right and it could be the start of something beautiful.
I am under no illusion that this is without doubt the greatest challenge of my life so far. However, what is the point in having goals if they are easy? What is the point of having a goal that when if you reach it you wonder why you feel no different? What is the point of having a goal that brings you no fulfillment? What is the point?
It is not crossing the finish line that changes you or makes you a better person, it is the person you become when you cross that finish line, and I will cross that finish line….
The decision has already been made!!”
“There is no I in team, however, there is and I in win... And I will WIN!”
24th May 2007
Final Training Run
24th May 2007
2 Mile Taper Run
Conditions: Sunny, Warm
Notes: Well here I am, writing my final log entry before my two hundred and eighty mile journey up north to Edinburgh, to run my first full marathon. Having had an extremely painful pre race massage two days ago, I was advised and decided to run a very easy two miles as my final run. I also decided to stop at my Grandparents, who live little over a mile from my house, to say hello and goodbye before the biggest day of my life so far.
I set out running at an unbelievably slow pace and just really enjoyed the mile (well just over) run to my Grandparents. I stopped at the mile marker to stretch out and shortly after made the hundred or so yard run to my grandparent’s house.
After a hello and goodbye I set out again on the return leg. I again ran very slowly and I just took the time to enjoy my final run before the big day. I thought about the race, the finish and the good times that I have enjoyed in training that make this whole thing worth while. I crossed the line neither tired or out of breath in the slightest, which shows how far I have come. When I started out I would run two miles round the block and come back gasping with a tight chest. Not anymore, as on Sunday I become a marathon runner.
Run Time: N/T
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 3
Below are a few pointers for myself to help me on race day…..
1.Don’t go out too fast!!
2.Don’t go out too fast!!
3.Don’t go out too fast!!
4.Remember your hill training (Form and breathing) when it get’s tough!!
5.Picture the finish line in times of struggle and what crossing the line will
feel like!!
6.Imagine the feelings you will get when telling everybody that you did it!!
7.Remember songs that inspired you in training runs. Below are just a select few…..
• Superman – Syntax 10k
• Chasing Cars – First 10k
• Worlds Greatest – Those tough first few runs
• Rocky Tunes – All training sessions
"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them. They are not barriers anymore."
24th May 2007
2 Mile Taper Run
Conditions: Sunny, Warm
Notes: Well here I am, writing my final log entry before my two hundred and eighty mile journey up north to Edinburgh, to run my first full marathon. Having had an extremely painful pre race massage two days ago, I was advised and decided to run a very easy two miles as my final run. I also decided to stop at my Grandparents, who live little over a mile from my house, to say hello and goodbye before the biggest day of my life so far.
I set out running at an unbelievably slow pace and just really enjoyed the mile (well just over) run to my Grandparents. I stopped at the mile marker to stretch out and shortly after made the hundred or so yard run to my grandparent’s house.
After a hello and goodbye I set out again on the return leg. I again ran very slowly and I just took the time to enjoy my final run before the big day. I thought about the race, the finish and the good times that I have enjoyed in training that make this whole thing worth while. I crossed the line neither tired or out of breath in the slightest, which shows how far I have come. When I started out I would run two miles round the block and come back gasping with a tight chest. Not anymore, as on Sunday I become a marathon runner.
Run Time: N/T
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 3
Below are a few pointers for myself to help me on race day…..
1.Don’t go out too fast!!
2.Don’t go out too fast!!
3.Don’t go out too fast!!
4.Remember your hill training (Form and breathing) when it get’s tough!!
5.Picture the finish line in times of struggle and what crossing the line will
feel like!!
6.Imagine the feelings you will get when telling everybody that you did it!!
7.Remember songs that inspired you in training runs. Below are just a select few…..
• Superman – Syntax 10k
• Chasing Cars – First 10k
• Worlds Greatest – Those tough first few runs
• Rocky Tunes – All training sessions
"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them. They are not barriers anymore."
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
21st May 2007
5 Mile Run = Home - Woodhouse - Kilburn - Home
Date: 21st May 2007
Conditions: Mild, Sunny
Notes: With the Edinburgh Marathon only six days away and having a sports massage tomorrow, this was my penultimate run before the three days rest leading up to Sunday morning. I decided on a light five mile run on a new route. I chose to run towards Belper but cut back through Kilburn before hitting Belper.
The first mile was the usual mile that finishes at the cross of Dobholes and Wood Lane. Having listened to my Sports masseuse (Sam) who ran the London a few weeks back, I went out stupidly slow. Sam informed me that the end of the race is extremely hard and that you need to go out slower than you have even run before for the first fourteen miles. Having listened to what she said I passed the one mile marker a little faster than I had hoped to but much slower than I usually reach this point by.
Having passed the marker the next mile leads down towards the A38 and Belper. This was an enjoyable part of the run but I felt the aching in my ankles again and really needed the toilet but I told myself that I won’t stop, and soon enough I had blocked out that I needed the toilet. I passed the mile two marker thirty seconds slower than the first mile and this is almost the pace I think I need to run to finish the Marathon well and in sub four hour time.
The third mile cuts through Kilburn and the aching in my ankles was slowly wearing off and I was running well. I had some ‘back to my roots’ music playing in the form of ‘Happy Hardcore’ which was good to run to but did not give me the drive and determination that I thought it would. This was probably due to me having it already. I passed the mile three marker dead on eight and a half minutes. I knew however that the tough part of this run was now upon me.
Mile four leads up Ryknield Road, which is a steep climb back up to Woodhouse. I remember feeling my legs tire a little but I remembered one of the quotes I had used for previous training log that goes, “Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made." I remember running up that long steep hill and thinking to myself, “I will make it to the top without stopping. The decision has already been made.” This gave me all I needed to reach the top and continue once there. I felt tired at the top but I remembered my previous training runs and just concentrated on form and breathing and soon enough I was running with ease again and I crossed the four mile marker well under my maximum of nine and a half minutes for the mile. This is a classic example of running being as much a mental sport, as a physical one!
The final mile was a steady one back through Woodhouse. As I came to the junction to the main road (A608) I saw a female runner in front of me ands decided that I was in a race and she was in first and me in second. She was that far ahead that I knew I would never catch her before I crossed the finish line, however I gave it my all anyway. I crossed the line with a late eight minute final mile, and felt fantastic in doing so.
Positive: I used my inner power and proved that running is as much mental as physical sport.
Negative: I did not warm up my lower leg properly and suffered with an aching ankle.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 6
Fast Mile: 8.14
Slow Mile: 9.14
Run time: 43.31
"Believe in yourself, know yourself, deny yourself, and be humble."
Date: 21st May 2007
Conditions: Mild, Sunny
Notes: With the Edinburgh Marathon only six days away and having a sports massage tomorrow, this was my penultimate run before the three days rest leading up to Sunday morning. I decided on a light five mile run on a new route. I chose to run towards Belper but cut back through Kilburn before hitting Belper.
The first mile was the usual mile that finishes at the cross of Dobholes and Wood Lane. Having listened to my Sports masseuse (Sam) who ran the London a few weeks back, I went out stupidly slow. Sam informed me that the end of the race is extremely hard and that you need to go out slower than you have even run before for the first fourteen miles. Having listened to what she said I passed the one mile marker a little faster than I had hoped to but much slower than I usually reach this point by.
Having passed the marker the next mile leads down towards the A38 and Belper. This was an enjoyable part of the run but I felt the aching in my ankles again and really needed the toilet but I told myself that I won’t stop, and soon enough I had blocked out that I needed the toilet. I passed the mile two marker thirty seconds slower than the first mile and this is almost the pace I think I need to run to finish the Marathon well and in sub four hour time.
The third mile cuts through Kilburn and the aching in my ankles was slowly wearing off and I was running well. I had some ‘back to my roots’ music playing in the form of ‘Happy Hardcore’ which was good to run to but did not give me the drive and determination that I thought it would. This was probably due to me having it already. I passed the mile three marker dead on eight and a half minutes. I knew however that the tough part of this run was now upon me.
Mile four leads up Ryknield Road, which is a steep climb back up to Woodhouse. I remember feeling my legs tire a little but I remembered one of the quotes I had used for previous training log that goes, “Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made." I remember running up that long steep hill and thinking to myself, “I will make it to the top without stopping. The decision has already been made.” This gave me all I needed to reach the top and continue once there. I felt tired at the top but I remembered my previous training runs and just concentrated on form and breathing and soon enough I was running with ease again and I crossed the four mile marker well under my maximum of nine and a half minutes for the mile. This is a classic example of running being as much a mental sport, as a physical one!
The final mile was a steady one back through Woodhouse. As I came to the junction to the main road (A608) I saw a female runner in front of me ands decided that I was in a race and she was in first and me in second. She was that far ahead that I knew I would never catch her before I crossed the finish line, however I gave it my all anyway. I crossed the line with a late eight minute final mile, and felt fantastic in doing so.
Positive: I used my inner power and proved that running is as much mental as physical sport.
Negative: I did not warm up my lower leg properly and suffered with an aching ankle.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 6
Fast Mile: 8.14
Slow Mile: 9.14
Run time: 43.31
"Believe in yourself, know yourself, deny yourself, and be humble."
Thursday, 17 May 2007
16th May 2007
Syntax 10k
16th May 2007
Training Run - Taper
Conditions: Mild, Raining
Notes: I am now well into my tapering for the Edinburgh Marathon, but I have never had more enthusiasm towards wanting to get out on the road. What I keep telling myself is that I don’t want to over do it, so I have opted for running and resting on alternate days.
For today’s run I decided to run home from work (dubbed the Syntax 10k). This consists of a one mile warm up to the Odeon Cinema and then a six mile run home. From using the ‘route planner’ software I found online I realised that the past few times I have run this route I have been running short of six miles so I expected this time to be much slower than previous runs. Time however was not top of my list, this is a taper run so I would not be pushing myself to get a good time.
After the one mile warm up I set off from the new starting point just before the Cinema entrance, up towards Oakwood. The climb up the hill was steady and I concentrated hard on my breathing and form. Once at the top of the hill I felt good but I realised I had not warmed up the muscles around the ankles enough as they felt very tight and sore.
As I passed the one mile marker I looked at my watch and I was nine seconds under my eight and a half minute mile pace that I need to run to get my sub four hour finish in Edinburgh.
The second mile leads out of Oakwood and down towards Broomfield College. As I passed the two mile marker the pain in my ankle was not easing at all and I had slight stitch but my time again was well under the target pace. I was not pushing myself though so I was happy that my conservative pace was under my target pace which gives me high hopes of getting that sub four finish.
As I passed the second mile marker and began the descent towards Broomfield, followed by the subsequent climb up towards Morley I remember the pain in my ankles slowly easing but it was still causing some discomfort. As I approached the mile three marker I remember the last time I was at this point. Superman came on my Ipod and it gave me the most unbelievable amount of adrenaline and energy. That thought alone got me through the next mile and by the time I reached the mile four marker at Morley Hayes the pain had gone and I had just run another eight and a half minute mile.
Having passed Morley Hayes, the course then led down to Smalley Cross and having negotiated the traffic the next thing I remember was passing the mile five marker and as I looked at my watch I saw that this was my slowest mile of the run thus far at just under nine minutes. This is still well within my pace as I have allowed anything up nine and a half minute miles for my race.
As I passed the mile five marker on the hill up to Smalley I remember how hearing the Superman tune gave me a huge burst of energy so I quickly skipped through my track list until I found it. Hearing this whilst running up that hill made it so easy. I have never run up that hill so effortlessly and felt so good at the top. I finished the course feeling amazing and even more importantly my right hamstring felt ok and feels fine the morning after.
In closing this was a successful run. The low point was the pain in my ankles, but that soon went after around three miles. I know that warming up more thoroughly is a must come race day. The high point of this race was how easy I ran up that final hill. It was proof that running is as much a mental battle as a physical one. If you are in the right frame of mind and you block out what it is you are actually doing, you can achieve anything. When I was running up that hill I was not alone in Smalley. I was Superman running with ease with the whole world watching me. It felt good and it confirmed why I put myself through this pain day in day out. That reason is because the rewards far outweigh the costs!!
Run Time: 51.15
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 11
"Fear is a great motivator."
16th May 2007
Training Run - Taper
Conditions: Mild, Raining
Notes: I am now well into my tapering for the Edinburgh Marathon, but I have never had more enthusiasm towards wanting to get out on the road. What I keep telling myself is that I don’t want to over do it, so I have opted for running and resting on alternate days.
For today’s run I decided to run home from work (dubbed the Syntax 10k). This consists of a one mile warm up to the Odeon Cinema and then a six mile run home. From using the ‘route planner’ software I found online I realised that the past few times I have run this route I have been running short of six miles so I expected this time to be much slower than previous runs. Time however was not top of my list, this is a taper run so I would not be pushing myself to get a good time.
After the one mile warm up I set off from the new starting point just before the Cinema entrance, up towards Oakwood. The climb up the hill was steady and I concentrated hard on my breathing and form. Once at the top of the hill I felt good but I realised I had not warmed up the muscles around the ankles enough as they felt very tight and sore.
As I passed the one mile marker I looked at my watch and I was nine seconds under my eight and a half minute mile pace that I need to run to get my sub four hour finish in Edinburgh.
The second mile leads out of Oakwood and down towards Broomfield College. As I passed the two mile marker the pain in my ankle was not easing at all and I had slight stitch but my time again was well under the target pace. I was not pushing myself though so I was happy that my conservative pace was under my target pace which gives me high hopes of getting that sub four finish.
As I passed the second mile marker and began the descent towards Broomfield, followed by the subsequent climb up towards Morley I remember the pain in my ankles slowly easing but it was still causing some discomfort. As I approached the mile three marker I remember the last time I was at this point. Superman came on my Ipod and it gave me the most unbelievable amount of adrenaline and energy. That thought alone got me through the next mile and by the time I reached the mile four marker at Morley Hayes the pain had gone and I had just run another eight and a half minute mile.
Having passed Morley Hayes, the course then led down to Smalley Cross and having negotiated the traffic the next thing I remember was passing the mile five marker and as I looked at my watch I saw that this was my slowest mile of the run thus far at just under nine minutes. This is still well within my pace as I have allowed anything up nine and a half minute miles for my race.
As I passed the mile five marker on the hill up to Smalley I remember how hearing the Superman tune gave me a huge burst of energy so I quickly skipped through my track list until I found it. Hearing this whilst running up that hill made it so easy. I have never run up that hill so effortlessly and felt so good at the top. I finished the course feeling amazing and even more importantly my right hamstring felt ok and feels fine the morning after.
In closing this was a successful run. The low point was the pain in my ankles, but that soon went after around three miles. I know that warming up more thoroughly is a must come race day. The high point of this race was how easy I ran up that final hill. It was proof that running is as much a mental battle as a physical one. If you are in the right frame of mind and you block out what it is you are actually doing, you can achieve anything. When I was running up that hill I was not alone in Smalley. I was Superman running with ease with the whole world watching me. It felt good and it confirmed why I put myself through this pain day in day out. That reason is because the rewards far outweigh the costs!!
Run Time: 51.15
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 11
"Fear is a great motivator."
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
14th May 2007
5 Mile Training Run (Taper)
14th May 2007
Conditions: Mild / Sunny
Notes: Having really enjoyed the run with my friends on Saturday, we all decided to do the course again, except in reverse. We figured that the course this way around would be slightly faster as the hills are not quite as grueling, so I was expecting a faster time. This however was not my aim as this is a taper run that should be relatively easy. For this reason I would not be going ‘gung ho’ trying to beat it.
The toughest part of this course was the first half mile as it is a steep climb up Claramount Road towards the top of Marlpool. I took it really steady going up the hill so not to tire myself out for the rest of the run. I had a quick glance back and saw my friends pushing their bikes up but I carried on alone as I knew they would soon catch me once on Ilkeston Road. Once at the top of Marlpool I concentrated on my breathing and soon enough I was running with ease and really enjoying it.
I passed through the windy streets at the top of Marlpool where the heavens opened at the end of Saturdays run, and then before I knew it I was running down past Hardy Barn on Ilkeston Road. Next minute Ste and his bro’ came flying past me as we approached the turn off down the long slope to MFN. This of course was far more enjoyable that the first leg as I was running down the hill as opposed to up it.
Once at the bottom of the hill I went over the bridge and crossed the canal for the final leg back to Ste’s house. Ste and his bro’ had decided to take a slightly different (longer) route back and I was well into the stretch of canal before they even appeared. As I was so far in front I wanted to keep this lead so I upped my pace which took its toll on my legs but I never had to stop unlike the first leg. Just before the turn off to Langley Mill Ste appeared behind me so I slowed off for the final push.
We passed through the alleyways and paths and soon enough we came out at the bottom of Ste’s street and although very tired I sprinted up the hill as my final ’kick’ and I looked at my watch and we had completed the course nearly four minutes faster than Saturday, and without stopping.
In closing I am really enjoying having friends on my training sessions with me. They enjoy it too so we will be deciding on our next route ready for my next run on Wednesday. As for my leg it feels ok this morning ands with the Marathon a mere twelve days away I am very please that my injury seems to be getting better rather than worse.
Run Time: 38.38
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 13
"If I faltered, there would be no arms to hold me and the world would be a cold and forbidding place."
14th May 2007
Conditions: Mild / Sunny
Notes: Having really enjoyed the run with my friends on Saturday, we all decided to do the course again, except in reverse. We figured that the course this way around would be slightly faster as the hills are not quite as grueling, so I was expecting a faster time. This however was not my aim as this is a taper run that should be relatively easy. For this reason I would not be going ‘gung ho’ trying to beat it.
The toughest part of this course was the first half mile as it is a steep climb up Claramount Road towards the top of Marlpool. I took it really steady going up the hill so not to tire myself out for the rest of the run. I had a quick glance back and saw my friends pushing their bikes up but I carried on alone as I knew they would soon catch me once on Ilkeston Road. Once at the top of Marlpool I concentrated on my breathing and soon enough I was running with ease and really enjoying it.
I passed through the windy streets at the top of Marlpool where the heavens opened at the end of Saturdays run, and then before I knew it I was running down past Hardy Barn on Ilkeston Road. Next minute Ste and his bro’ came flying past me as we approached the turn off down the long slope to MFN. This of course was far more enjoyable that the first leg as I was running down the hill as opposed to up it.
Once at the bottom of the hill I went over the bridge and crossed the canal for the final leg back to Ste’s house. Ste and his bro’ had decided to take a slightly different (longer) route back and I was well into the stretch of canal before they even appeared. As I was so far in front I wanted to keep this lead so I upped my pace which took its toll on my legs but I never had to stop unlike the first leg. Just before the turn off to Langley Mill Ste appeared behind me so I slowed off for the final push.
We passed through the alleyways and paths and soon enough we came out at the bottom of Ste’s street and although very tired I sprinted up the hill as my final ’kick’ and I looked at my watch and we had completed the course nearly four minutes faster than Saturday, and without stopping.
In closing I am really enjoying having friends on my training sessions with me. They enjoy it too so we will be deciding on our next route ready for my next run on Wednesday. As for my leg it feels ok this morning ands with the Marathon a mere twelve days away I am very please that my injury seems to be getting better rather than worse.
Run Time: 38.38
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 13
"If I faltered, there would be no arms to hold me and the world would be a cold and forbidding place."
Monday, 14 May 2007
12th May 2007
5 Mile Training Run
12th May 2007
Conditions: Sunny / Raining
Notes: Having decided to drive to my friend’s house and run from there to new see some new scenery my friends decided to join me. They would be joining me, but not running, however on bikes.
We set off from Ste’s house and headed down towards Langley Mill, through country paths and alleyways. The run there was steady with lots of twists and turns. After around one mile the path we were on led out at the Canal in Langley Mill. From there we turned onto the Canal path and headed towards MFN in Ilkeston.
The run along here was not too hard, however it was very straight which tends to bore me. I was also puddle dodging the whole way which got a little annoying.
After around a mile and a half on the path we reached MFN and saw an awesome Bikers meet. It was like jumping into a Mad Max film. We stopped briefly to observe but soon enough we were off again towards the huge climb up to Ilkeston Road near the American Adventure. We climbed over a bridge and once over it I began the climb up the hill. The first part was long and steady and I ran this too quickly. Come the second and more difficult part I was very tired and had to stop to walk part of it. Once at the top however I was back on track and running again for the return part of the run.
Once on Ilkeston road it was around another two miles to home. It helped having my friends there and I started imagining them there in Edinburgh in fifteen days time. The course approached the last tough hill on entering Marlpool but as with all the final hills on runs, I breezed up it as I knew it was the final push of the run.
On the penultimate street the rain started coming down hard, but this was very refreshing so I was glad of it. We turned the last corner and I decided to treat this like a race and kicked it along the stretch of grass leading to Ste’s street. I felt like I was running very fast and Ste told me that he had to keep upping the gears on his bike to keep up with me.
In closing I really enjoyed this run and having my friends there too helped which reminds me how having eight of my friends and thousands of supporters in Edinburgh cheering, will carry me through those tough parts of the race. My only worry at the moment is my ongoing hamstring problem but I strongly believe that come race day my mental approach will put this to the back of my mind and I will hardly notice it.
Run Time: 42.05
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 15
"Run hard, be strong, think big!"
12th May 2007
Conditions: Sunny / Raining
Notes: Having decided to drive to my friend’s house and run from there to new see some new scenery my friends decided to join me. They would be joining me, but not running, however on bikes.
We set off from Ste’s house and headed down towards Langley Mill, through country paths and alleyways. The run there was steady with lots of twists and turns. After around one mile the path we were on led out at the Canal in Langley Mill. From there we turned onto the Canal path and headed towards MFN in Ilkeston.
The run along here was not too hard, however it was very straight which tends to bore me. I was also puddle dodging the whole way which got a little annoying.
After around a mile and a half on the path we reached MFN and saw an awesome Bikers meet. It was like jumping into a Mad Max film. We stopped briefly to observe but soon enough we were off again towards the huge climb up to Ilkeston Road near the American Adventure. We climbed over a bridge and once over it I began the climb up the hill. The first part was long and steady and I ran this too quickly. Come the second and more difficult part I was very tired and had to stop to walk part of it. Once at the top however I was back on track and running again for the return part of the run.
Once on Ilkeston road it was around another two miles to home. It helped having my friends there and I started imagining them there in Edinburgh in fifteen days time. The course approached the last tough hill on entering Marlpool but as with all the final hills on runs, I breezed up it as I knew it was the final push of the run.
On the penultimate street the rain started coming down hard, but this was very refreshing so I was glad of it. We turned the last corner and I decided to treat this like a race and kicked it along the stretch of grass leading to Ste’s street. I felt like I was running very fast and Ste told me that he had to keep upping the gears on his bike to keep up with me.
In closing I really enjoyed this run and having my friends there too helped which reminds me how having eight of my friends and thousands of supporters in Edinburgh cheering, will carry me through those tough parts of the race. My only worry at the moment is my ongoing hamstring problem but I strongly believe that come race day my mental approach will put this to the back of my mind and I will hardly notice it.
Run Time: 42.05
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 15
"Run hard, be strong, think big!"
Friday, 11 May 2007
9th May 2007
3 Mile Run = Home - Doctors - Home
Date: 9th May 2007
Conditions: Heavy Rain, Windy
Notes: This was my first run in over a week due to a pulled muscle in my right hamstring that I have suffered with for many months now. My Sports Therapist informed me that the injury is only minor but I still felt the need to rest my leg.
This was a fatal error as my fitness has suffered and it was clear in my three mile run last night.
I set out in heavy rain and for the first time since starting running without my running partner, my trusty Ipod. The rain was coming down really hard as I set out down Dobholes lane on the one and a half mile run to the Doctors before turning around for the return leg. The run there was ok but after turning around the rain and wind was coming straight at me and this made the return leg much harder. My running top was saturated and stuck to my chest which made breathing difficult.
I made it home very wet and happy to be indoors.
In closing I know that my fitness will rapidly return over the next three weeks but I will not be pushing myself too hard as I am now in my three week tapering period. The race is getting close now and I am beginning my mental preparation, as the physical preparation is almost complete.
Positive: If I can run in these conditions I can run in anything.
Negative: My fitness levels have dropped due to missed training sessions.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 17
Fast Mile: N/T
Slow Mile: N/T
Run time: N/T
"Discipline is the bridge between thought and accomplishment".
Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made."
Date: 9th May 2007
Conditions: Heavy Rain, Windy
Notes: This was my first run in over a week due to a pulled muscle in my right hamstring that I have suffered with for many months now. My Sports Therapist informed me that the injury is only minor but I still felt the need to rest my leg.
This was a fatal error as my fitness has suffered and it was clear in my three mile run last night.
I set out in heavy rain and for the first time since starting running without my running partner, my trusty Ipod. The rain was coming down really hard as I set out down Dobholes lane on the one and a half mile run to the Doctors before turning around for the return leg. The run there was ok but after turning around the rain and wind was coming straight at me and this made the return leg much harder. My running top was saturated and stuck to my chest which made breathing difficult.
I made it home very wet and happy to be indoors.
In closing I know that my fitness will rapidly return over the next three weeks but I will not be pushing myself too hard as I am now in my three week tapering period. The race is getting close now and I am beginning my mental preparation, as the physical preparation is almost complete.
Positive: If I can run in these conditions I can run in anything.
Negative: My fitness levels have dropped due to missed training sessions.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 17
Fast Mile: N/T
Slow Mile: N/T
Run time: N/T
"Discipline is the bridge between thought and accomplishment".
Workouts are like brushing my teeth; I don't think about them, I just do them. The decision has already been made."
1st May 2007
4 Mile Run = Home - Woodhouse - Smalley Cross - Home
Date: 1st May 2007
Conditions: Mild, Sunny
Notes: Having not run for eleven days due to injury and illness, I knew this run would be a little harder than this four mile course usually is. I have run this route many times before and know it inside out. It has two tough hills but with the right approach both mentally and physically it is a relatively nice run.
After my usual warm up I set out along Dobholes lane and by the mile one marker I felt good. As I ran down Wood lane and approached the first hill still felt good and halfway up the hill I remember thinking that this was far easier than I thought it would be having not run for so long. Once at the top I did feel a little tired but nothing to worrying.
I proceeded down the second decline towards the mile two marker but it was at this point that I felt a slight stitch like feeling in my lower abdominal. I believe that this was a pulled muscle rather than stitch.
As I passed the mile three mark the pain was still there so I had to stop to stretch out but soon enough I was off again. As I came into Smalley I slowed down so the pain would not return. I crossed the finish line and felt tired but I know that my fitness will not be in question come race day. I am mentally prepared for the Marathon now and I know that I have put the work in to enable me to finish the race in one piece.
Positive: I felt good at the top of Wood Lane hill.
Negative: I felt a stitch / pull at the half way point.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 25
Fast Mile: N/T
Slow Mile: N/T
Run time: N/T
"Mind is everything: muscle - pieces of rubber. All that I am, I am because of my mind."
Date: 1st May 2007
Conditions: Mild, Sunny
Notes: Having not run for eleven days due to injury and illness, I knew this run would be a little harder than this four mile course usually is. I have run this route many times before and know it inside out. It has two tough hills but with the right approach both mentally and physically it is a relatively nice run.
After my usual warm up I set out along Dobholes lane and by the mile one marker I felt good. As I ran down Wood lane and approached the first hill still felt good and halfway up the hill I remember thinking that this was far easier than I thought it would be having not run for so long. Once at the top I did feel a little tired but nothing to worrying.
I proceeded down the second decline towards the mile two marker but it was at this point that I felt a slight stitch like feeling in my lower abdominal. I believe that this was a pulled muscle rather than stitch.
As I passed the mile three mark the pain was still there so I had to stop to stretch out but soon enough I was off again. As I came into Smalley I slowed down so the pain would not return. I crossed the finish line and felt tired but I know that my fitness will not be in question come race day. I am mentally prepared for the Marathon now and I know that I have put the work in to enable me to finish the race in one piece.
Positive: I felt good at the top of Wood Lane hill.
Negative: I felt a stitch / pull at the half way point.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 25
Fast Mile: N/T
Slow Mile: N/T
Run time: N/T
"Mind is everything: muscle - pieces of rubber. All that I am, I am because of my mind."
Thursday, 10 May 2007
22nd April 2007
15 Mile Run = Home – Eastwood – Moorgreen – Jacskdale – Codnor – Heanor
Date: 22nd April 2007
Conditions: Mild, Sunny
Notes: I had set out a brand new route for this Sundays long run through a new piece of software I found on the net. When drawing out the route I realised just How far my running was now taking me. I had watched the London Marathon before I set out so my spirits and adrenaline were running high.
I headed out towards Eastwood on a mild sunny day and soon enough I was heading down towards Moorgreen having completed six miles without even realizing it.
Having passed through Eastwood I turned down towards Moorgreen and was soon running by the reservoir. After passing the reservoir the course takes a long climb up towards Brinsley which was a tough run as it is a constant climb on an uneven surface. I remember feeling very tired but I remembered watching the Marathon and soon enough I was heading towards Underwood and mile nine.
As I ran through Underwood I remember feeling fantastic and I was amazed how far I had come without realizing it. The course then led down towards Jacksdale where I stopped at a shop to fuel and stretch. Having done this I was off again towards Ironville and the long run along Coach Road. This was as I said very long and a very lonely part of the run. Once at the other end I stopped again to stretch as Codnor hill was very steep, much steeper than any hill on any Marathon. This was very challenging but as I have always said if I train on these surfaces and terrains, the Marathon course will seem far easier. Not easy, easier!!
Once at the top of the hill the course inevitably sweeps back down before another gradual hill up towards Codnor. I do not remember the next two miles. The next thing I remember was being in Loscoe between miles fourteen and fifteen. It was at this point that my right hamstring felt really tight so I decided to end the run at mile fifteen.
In closing I really enjoyed this run apart from the hills, which are not supposed to be enjoyable. I am getting towards Marathon fitness now and with only a few weeks to go the excitement is starting to kick in.
Positive: Even with my stops and grueling hill I was within my predicted Marathon times.
Negative: I had to stop occasionally to stretch.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 34
Fast Mile: 7.36
Slow Mile: 9.47
Run Time: 2.12.26s
"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run a hundred meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."
Date: 22nd April 2007
Conditions: Mild, Sunny
Notes: I had set out a brand new route for this Sundays long run through a new piece of software I found on the net. When drawing out the route I realised just How far my running was now taking me. I had watched the London Marathon before I set out so my spirits and adrenaline were running high.
I headed out towards Eastwood on a mild sunny day and soon enough I was heading down towards Moorgreen having completed six miles without even realizing it.
Having passed through Eastwood I turned down towards Moorgreen and was soon running by the reservoir. After passing the reservoir the course takes a long climb up towards Brinsley which was a tough run as it is a constant climb on an uneven surface. I remember feeling very tired but I remembered watching the Marathon and soon enough I was heading towards Underwood and mile nine.
As I ran through Underwood I remember feeling fantastic and I was amazed how far I had come without realizing it. The course then led down towards Jacksdale where I stopped at a shop to fuel and stretch. Having done this I was off again towards Ironville and the long run along Coach Road. This was as I said very long and a very lonely part of the run. Once at the other end I stopped again to stretch as Codnor hill was very steep, much steeper than any hill on any Marathon. This was very challenging but as I have always said if I train on these surfaces and terrains, the Marathon course will seem far easier. Not easy, easier!!
Once at the top of the hill the course inevitably sweeps back down before another gradual hill up towards Codnor. I do not remember the next two miles. The next thing I remember was being in Loscoe between miles fourteen and fifteen. It was at this point that my right hamstring felt really tight so I decided to end the run at mile fifteen.
In closing I really enjoyed this run apart from the hills, which are not supposed to be enjoyable. I am getting towards Marathon fitness now and with only a few weeks to go the excitement is starting to kick in.
Positive: Even with my stops and grueling hill I was within my predicted Marathon times.
Negative: I had to stop occasionally to stretch.
Days to Edinburgh Marathon: 34
Fast Mile: 7.36
Slow Mile: 9.47
Run Time: 2.12.26s
"We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run a hundred meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon."
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The Five Boroughs
"There's more to this place than Manhattan"
Staten Island
"Only the first half mile is spent on Staten Island as you immediately leave across the Varrazano-Narrows bridge into Brooklyn"
Brooklyn
"Almost half the race is spent in Brooklyn, where many different neighbourhoods and cultural changes are passed through"
Queens
"The race enters Queens at exactly the half way point by crossing the Pulalski Bridge, over Newton creek, where you get your first amazing view of the City. The next 3 miles are spent here until crossing the challenging Queensboro Bridge over the East river."
Manhattan
"The first of two visits into Manhattan comes at mile 16 as you leave the Queensboro Bridge. Greeted by thousands of screaming spectators makes this one of the most memorable moments of the race, before the 4 mile stretch up First Avenue towards the Bronx"
Bronx
"At mile 20 you cross the Willis Avenue Bridge into the Bronx where little over a mile is run before returning to Manhattan across the Madison Avenue Bridge, where you see the Yankee Stadium, which has to be the highlight of the short trip across the Harlem river"
Manhattan 2
"As you arrive back in Manhattan the course proceeds down Fifth Avenue for 3 miles before entering Central Park for the final push and that moment that will last forever."
Varrazano-Narrows (Staten Island-Brooklyn)
Pulalski Bridge (Brooklyn-Queens)
Queensboro Bridge (Queens-Manhattan)
Willis Avenue Bridge (Manhattan-Bronx)
Madison Avenue Bridge (Bronx-Manhattan)
