Monday 31 May 2010: It's all systems go for Amsterdam Marathon and 3 jags in the arm... ouch!

Mileage: 12 miles

AM: 3.75miles PM: 8.25 miles

Well today I decided I couldn't wait any longer and booked my place in the Amsterdam Marathon, as well as my flights. I have always found it very exciting booking a marathon place, because instantly it makes it all real. It starts the clock on training, it gets the body motivated to get out there and run (to be honest I don't really need that!), it fills me with excitement and inspires me to dream about the possibilities: what time can I get, what position will I finish, how will I feel after? I am already feeling nervous sitting here typing about it.  I'm already praying for good weather and no injuries. I already feel sorry for all those around me who will hear little else for the next 20 weeks.

I'm remembering my two previous Amsterdam Marathons. My first one was an extremely emotional marathon, it was my second marathon and was my first under three hours (2:55:36). I still remember feeling tears as I crossed the line knowing I had achieved everything I had hoped for. I also remember the excruciating cramps and spasms in both hamstrings that accompanied the moment and I remember laying on the floor at the finish line in complete agony with two marshals helping me stretch my legs out, but filled with utter joy at the same time. Awesome. If I could replicate those feelings of joy (not the pain) after this Amsterdam Marathon then I know I will have done well. 

My second Amsterdam Marathon (my fourth marathon) wasn't quite the same, although the time was just about (2.55.45). I had hoped to run my first sub 2.50, but a bout of illness in the run up to the marathon and if I'm being totally honest, probably, as a result of over training left me feeling empty on the day and although I went though half way in under 1.24 I went to pieces in the last 6 miles. I just ran out of energy and steam. My last 5k was over 23minutes and I remember feeling sick and dizzy for most of that 6 miles. I did, however, still feel proud that I completed the race and still managed to get under three hours. In the five marathons I have ran, I have learnt that no matter the time it is still great to finish a marathon. 

So, I now have a third opportunity to run an Amsterdam Marathon and I have a target in my head. I've shared this with some of you, but I think I am going to stop talking about it now until nearer the time and once I've got a few heavy weeks training out of the way before, so I know how I am feeling. 

Before I can think about Amsterdam, I do have a 16 day holiday to look forward to. I am going to be spending 8 days in Vietnam and 8 days in Thailand. I am very excited. My trip is going to be part relaxing and part adventure, which is a perfect balance. I am going with my brother, Stephen, and my friend, Rob. Part of the reason for going is my cousin is getting married in Thailand, so this seemed a great opportunity to see a part of the world that I haven't been to before. We plan to spend a few days in Ho Chi Min City, before going on a 4 day cycle tour by the Mekong Delta River and then heading back to the city for one more weekend. We then fly to Ko Samui in Southern Thailand where the wedding will be. Ko Samui will also be a great place to do some kayaking, mountain biking and Stephen has even found a running club for me to go and meet up with! 

It's unlikely that I'll be able to do too much running during my holiday, which I am trying to consider to be a good thing, as it will give me some good recovery time after all the training I've done this year. I've run just about ran 1500 miles already (could be more, as I've not added it up in a while), so the break will be good. On the other hand, I am finding it hard too deal with the fact that i am probably about to do next to no running for 16 days!! 16 day!!! Argh!!! Okay and breathe!!! I am quite worried about it, part of me thinks I am just going to lose all my training and all my pace and that I'll return unable to run!! I keep thinking it'll be like a taper gone mad! I'm glad we've got the cycling sorted out as I hate the idea of doing no training. I'll also have to try and get some swimming in too and if possible, somewhere, somehow, perhaps with the running club Stephen found, make it out for at least a couple of runs!! 

In preparation for my trip I had to pay a visit to the Travel Doctor's today to get a whole load of vaccinations including Hep A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Rabies! Three jags in my arms, not nice!! I hate needles. My arms are already pretty sore, and I am sure they'll be worse in the morning, but better that than something nasty in the Nam! I was pretty pleased with what a brave little boy I was at the doctors, I didn't cry once.

Finally, I haven't even mentioned today's running. I'll keep it brief. I ran home along the canal and bumped into Kim paddling the other way in her kayak. We stopped and had a wee chat for 10 minutes and it was good to catch up. My run home was about 8 miles, the first was slow, but the rest picked up and averaged out at about 6.40-50 minutes per mile. I felt good towards the end, so pleased with that. back to track tomorrow. Love track!

Sunday 30 May 2010: Long run Sunday!

Weekly Mileage: 88.5  miles (plus 30+miles on the bike)

Mileage: 16 miles

I fully intended to go to Craiglockart today and meet up with the club for the usual Sunday morning run, however, I woke later than I had planned and by the time I managed to get up I knew I would never make it in time for the run, so instead I lay in bed with a coffee and watched Doctor Who from last night.

I was also really tired, stiff and sore. This week's hard training was really running through my body this morning, but I was determined to get out and go for a run as soon as Doctor Who was finished. I texted Colin McGill, as he lives close by, to see if he would be interested in going for a run. I was hoping that company would ensure that I did my 16 miles at a reasonable pace. Unfortunately by the time the credits were rolling on another brilliant episode of Doctor Who he had not replied.

I wearily pulled on my kit and decided to run around the Warriston cycle network and then head toward Cramond. As with my last few runs I decided to run without looking at my watch for at least three miles to let my body set the pace. By the time I checked, I was again just under 7 minutes per mile pace and it felt comfortable so didn't push any harder. By the time I got to Cramond and turned round after 7 miles I was feeling good and a lot of the stiffness in my muscles had gone. It was at this point I turned round and nearly bumped in Colin McGill! Colin, who had not seen my text, was out for his Sunday run and by complete chance we had bumped into each other, so we ran bang along the sea front and back towards Newhaven.

It was good to have company for the journey and although we were running at around 6.50 pace we still had enough breath to chat. This was good, as it meant that I couldn't get carried away and start pushing too hard. We chatted for a bit about marathon training, club running and upcoming races and plans. As we ran back through the Warriston cycle network we bumped into Gail and her parents who were out walking Jack. When Jack saw me he got very excited, and ran along beside me. He kept up as well, so Colin and I had some company, it was nice too and I was really pleased the dog did do well, as it bodes well for later in the year when I plan for him to come running with me as part of my MDS training. After 0.75 miles Jack started to fade a little, so we turned round and led the dog back towards Gail who caught a hold of him as we ran on. 

After a few miles I was finished and I left Colin to head back up the road home. 

I finished my 16miles in 1hour 50minutes with nearly all of my miles sub 7 minutes, so I was pretty pleased with that. 

I then spent the afternoon shopping for my holiday and am just about to enjoy a massive vegetarian lasagna so a good Sunday! More about my holidays tomorrow I think. I am off to Vietnam and need to get some holiday jabs! Ouch!!  

Saturday 29 May 2010: Broken chain ruins biking day out...

Mileages: 11.5 miles (10 miles in 67.30. Splits - 6.43, 7.00, 6.54, 6.45, 6.49, 6.38, 6.44, 6.41, 6.44, 6.33)

(Plus 30+ miles on the bike)

Today I was suppose to be cycling 60miles to St. Andrews with several of my running club pals, unfortunately a broken chain 4 miles outside of Dunfermline put an end to that. It was a real shame and I felt gutted on my long walk back to the train station, having left my pals to cycle on. At least I had a Kit Kat Chunk, courtesy of Garry, to cheer me up.

The day started by meeting Dan and we then cycled along Queensferry Road and joined up with Jo, Niamh and Garry at Crammond Brig. We set off heading over the Forth Road Bridge, something I'd never done before without a car, which was quite exciting. Once into the Kingdom of Fife we went through Rosyth and out on to the rural roads past Dunfermline. My legs had felt pretty good and I was strong on the bike. I was really enjoying the climbs as well, although they weren't too steep. It was on one of these hills that my chain buckled under the pressure and snapped. I knew as soon as it happened that it was terminal and despite managing to put it back together with a set of pliers it was all about getting back to the train station. I left the rest of the gang as they continued on their journey and tried to ease the bike back to Dunfermline. My repair job didn't last too long, as soon as I hit the next uphill section the chain snapped again. I had no choice, but to walk back to Dunfermline feeling pretty sorry for myself. 

I managed to catch the train just after 1pm and got back into Edinburgh before 2pm. I free wheeled the bike down to the bike shop, where the news wasn't great. Not only had the chain gone, but the rear gear cassette was worn out. I was told at first glance it looked like about £80 worth of repairs, the bike isn't worth that, so that could be the end of that. Bad day, indeed!!

I had really enjoyed the ride until the chain incident and I've already made a promise to myself that I will be making that trip again in the very near future and making it all the way to St. Andrews! Although, it will have to wait until after my holiday. 

When I got home I was in a bad mood, so I decided the only thing for it would be to change into my running kit and head out the door for a run. I set off with the aim of doing 10 miles and mid run I decided that I would call in at the gym for a session as well, so I did a 10 mile loop to the gym, taking in the cycle paths around Warriston and the footpaths along the Water of Leith, before finishing off on the cycle paths near Ferry Road. Again, as with yesterday, I was tired and heavy in the legs. The cycling had also taken a fair bit out of me, but once I got moving I started to feel good and I enjoyed the run.

I ran fairly consistently and quite quickly for an easy run, which improved my mood greatly. I am very happy with my level of endurance at the moment, and today showed that even after a lot of training this week and a 30+mile cycle in the morning, I can sill run at a good even pace. This bodes well for my marathon training when I start it next month. 

I finished the day off at The Taste of Edinburgh Festival with Gail, Stephen and a whole load of friends. The Festival, basically a giant food fayre, was okay, but I did enjoy working my way round all the stands sampling the free food, most of which was excellent. I did have to pay for some and bought an Italian flat bread with Parma Ham, rocket and sauce, as well as a roll with shredded pork and an Asian sauce, followed by a cheese burger. All good. Thankfully I was still hungry by the time we left the festival to go to dinner at the Pickled Green on Rose Street. A three course meal there, including a squid starter, a salmon main and a chocolate and peanut butter desert, and I was at last full! I was very tired by the time I crawled into bed just after midnight. 

Friday 28 May 2010: Run, gym and squash!

Mileage: 10 miles (65.28, splits:7.14, 6.49, 6.50, 6.39, 6.34, 6.39, 6.26, 6.18, 5.51, 6.05) 

I had a major report due in for work today and I had hoped to finish most of it on the train yesterday. The train, however, had been so busy that it was impossible to find the space I needed to work so, I decided to get up early today and work from home in order to get it finished by lunch time. This meant no morning run for me. 

I finished my work mid-afternoon and after sorting a few more bits and pieces I decided to take the rest of the afternoon off. Stephen and I took Jack for a walk down Crammond and by the time I got back I was pretty tired and needed a power nap. I was still pretty groggy when I woke up and everything felt like a struggle, especially putting on my running kit. Still, I did, and out the door I went. 

Whenever I feel like this I usually start running and don't look at my watch for at least 3 or 4 miles. I just let my body decide the pace. I went down the cycle network around Warriston and my legs felt heavy and tired, and a little sore after my mile reps from last night. When my watched beeped to tell me I had passed 3 miles I allowed myself a wee glance and I was pretty pleased to see that it was just less than 21minutes, so I was running sub 7 minute mile pace for each mile, which all things considering was good. I decided to try and keep the pace as long as possible.

I managed to get steadily quicker throughout my run and towards the end, despite feeling pretty tired with heavy lungs and aching legs I couldn't help but push at the end. My last 2 mile reps were 5.50 and 6.05.

I love the feeling of running fast and pushing myself hard and although I know I should be a little more conservative on my recovery runs, I often can't quite convince my legs and body to do what it should.

I stopped after my ten miles feeling pretty good about myself having run in just over 65minutes.

It was then I realised that I still had to play a game of squash with Dan! I grabbed my racket and jumped in the car, collecting Dan on the way to Meadowbank. We spent 40 minutes in the gym doing some core and strengthening work, as well as psyching each other up over who would win the big game. We'd agreed to a game of squash last Sunday in the pub, after the marathon and after several beers. Dan talked a good game, so I was fairly concerned, as I hate to lose.

It was a really good game and Dan and I were evenly matched. I haven't played squash for a couple of years, so I was a little worried as to how I would get on. Thankfully after a few loose strokes and a couple of shots that were too hard I got into the swing of it. After an hour's playing I managed to win, so I was pretty pleased with that. I was also really happy that I was still feeling strong and fit after all that exercise. 

To celebrate I allowed myself a couple of Budvars!  

Thursday 27 May 2010: Thursday training on my own and dinner at Steve Manian's!

Mileage: 10 miles

Today I had to go to Elgin for work, so there was no morning run. There was a 4.30am wake-up call and a 5.30am train, which wasn't much fun. Thankfully I slept for most of train journey to Aberdeen, where I changed for Elgin. It was a long journey, but in between sleeps I did manage to finish off reading my Runner's World, where there was a really good article about ultramarathon running.

Because my train home didn't pull into Waverley until 7.30pm I didn't get home until 8pm, so I missed running club this evening. Steve Manian, from the club and member of the Sistine Sisters Ceilidh Band, who are playing my fundraising Ceilidh on Saturday 23 October (tickets still available!!), had invited me and others from the club for a post training session dinner, so I decided to head up to the Meadows and do my own session before catching up with everyone else at Steve's a little later on. 

I decided to do 5 mile reps tonight (with 2-2.5 minute recovery) as I wasn't really in the mood to do the club session of 1200m run-throughs and I really wasn't feeling very creative. Mile reps seemed an easy option. By the time I had dashed up the road from my house it had begun to rain. By the time I begun my first mile rep it had begun to hail! I really can not believe the contrast in weather between now and the weekend past. It was so cold, wet and windy tonight that I felt miserable, my hands and cheeks felt especially numb. 

I didn't feel too great running either. My right hamstring was nibbling away, my guts felt a little achy and uncomfortable and I generally felt quite tired. I have trained quite hard this week, that combined with a recent cold (yes I am back on that!) and back-to-back races, I am not surprised I didn't feel particularly fresh tonight. The first rep came in at 5minutes 31 seconds, which to be honest I was fairly pleased about. It had also warmed me up quite a bit, so standing there under the heavy rain soaking through, water running off the end of my chin and hands I was still in the mood for a second rep. Half way through this rep the effort felt so much more than the first one and I noticed that my form dipped and my head fell forward. It always does when I get tired and I remembered reading in Runner's World earlier today that if you say to yourself repeatedly, "run tall" then it helps you to do just that. I tired it, I kept saying it over and over to myself for the rest of the lap and I did feel as though my head looked up more and that my shoulders weren't slumping so much. The mile rep beeped in at 5.30, not much faster, but I am sure keeping better form helped. At this point though, I convinced myself that I would only do four mile reps, as nothing felt good. 

I don't know if you do this, but I sometimes try and trick myself. I'll tell myself I am only doing 4 reps so that I push them hard and get them done, but deep down I am always going to do the fifth one.  That's what I did tonight, as I was struggling. I did the third rep almost convinced that it would be my penultimate one. I also spent the entire mile running through the rain and wind whispering to my self to "run tall". It was still tough, but I managed a 5.27. The 2 minute recovery seemed to go by very quickly, but as this fourth rep was the last one, kind of, I pushed hard and finished it in 5.29. Following 2 minutes of deep breathing, shrugging off the aches and lots of stretching I found myself lining up for my fifth rep. The trick hard worked and I was finishing off the session as originally planned. The last, last rep was a struggle. I could feel my legs were still very tired from racing and track on Tuesday, but the final straight of a final rep is always a fast one and I managed to finish off on a 5.30.

Overall, I was about 5-10 seconds a rep slower than I would like or expect to be doing, but all things considered I was pretty pleased. Dripping wet I then jogged the nearly 2 miles to Steve's house. 

I arrived at Steve's to be welcomed by the most amazing smell of lamb. I found a room full of hungry runners including Garry, Niamh, Jo, Katjia, Ben, Stuart and Seamus, with Steve, in a very fetching apron, slaving away in the kitchen. After I got out of my wet kit and into the dry clothes I had brought with me I was presented with a lovely bowl of homemade pea soup and freshly made bread. This was followed by a slow roasted lamb off the bone, with cannellini beans, couscous and salad, again it was excellent. However, the best came last, with a sublime piece of dark chocolate torte and homemade Bailey's ice cream! It was simply beautiful and I had to have seconds. I even made some space for a spoonful of Pavlova that Steve had also found time to make. With some good chat and banter about old TV shows and cartoons, as well as my fear of snakes, the evening was a perfect end to a hard day and a good training session. Thanks to Steve for the awesome food and for offering to take us all in like that. In true Come Dine with Me fashion, in my taxi home I awarded Steve a 9 out of 10. He lost a mark for not giving me a goody bag with the rest of the chocolate cake and ice cream!

Wednesday 26 May 2010: Usual stuff, my new Runner's World and MDS on the telly!

Mileage: 13.5 miles

AM: 3.75 miles PM: 9.75 miles

Today I felt a little stiff and sore as I set off for my morning run. I may have gone a little too hard at track last night, but I can live with that. It wasn't, however, my legs that bothered me most, it was the weather. I can't believe that last Sunday it was a scorching 25c and this morning it was so cold I shivered as I stepped outside and I could see my breath. I guess we had summer last week and we have now moved swiftly into autumn.

This evening I ran home first, as I had stuff from work to take back with me. I also had to pick up my swimming kit as I was due to meet Dan for a gym workout and a swim, but not before an additional 5 mile run. I wasn't planing to go to fast, but just let my body run as it felt. I actually felt pretty good and churned out some reasonable mile reps (6.51, 6.41, 6.57, 6.21, 6.41). The weather was a lot nicer tonight than it had been this morning, so it was really nice to be zipping about the cycle paths near Warriston. 

After my quick 5 I met up with Dan at the Ainsley Park Sports Centre and we did 35 minutes in the gym doing the usual core work and then hit the pool for a few lengths. Dan is still recovering from his marathon, but tells me he is doing well and his legs feel fairly good. Hopefully, he'll be back running soon. After swimming some lengths we were disappointed to find that the Jacuzzi was out of order and that the sauna was rammed full of hot sweaty men. Our contingency plan was to jump into the kiddies play pool as it had some pretty powerful jet streams. It turned out to be a really good idea, as they were just at the right height to give the legs a perfect massage! It was great for my right hamstring, which has been causing me problems since the race on Sunday.

Finally, I arrived home to find the latest edition of Runner's World in the letter box. I love getting Runner's World. Even after 3 years of running and subscribing I still get very excited when I see the latest edition all wrapped up in its nice plastic container. I can't wait to crack it open and find my latest craze for the month or new food or product that I will definitely try and buy to help me knock off a second a mile. Sometimes they have some really good human interest stories or reports from far flung races from across the world, which I will then convince myself I will definitely run one day. This month they have an article on an ultramarathon runner who ran the MDS. It looks like the article will have some very useful tips and advice (I haven't quite read it all yet, too busy typing this!). It's pretty formulaic, the same stuff is always there, but I can't wait to read it cover to cover. I've got two 4 hour train journey's tomorrow, so I will most definitely be taking it with me!

Tonight the MDS is being shown on Eurosport. I may go very silent and very dark after watching it... I'll report back.

Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 May 2010: Easy running and back to track

Tuesday 25 May

Mileage: 17.5 miles

AM: 3.75miles PM: 13.75miles

Tonight I was back at track, it felt great. I've missed track over the last two weeks as I have been in constant taper mode. 

I was still quite tired from Sunday's race, so I was determined to take it a little easier than normal. The session was 6 sets of 500m, 300m, 100m reps, with one minute recovery between the reps and 2 1/2 minutes between the sets. I decided straight away that I would not do the 100 meters, as my hamstring was still a little tights and sore after Sunday. 

I felt pretty tired and heavy during the first two sets, but by the third I felt pretty good. I was trying my hardest not to go too fast, but on a couple of 300m reps I did push it a little. Thankfully it all felt good and it was really great to be training hard again after 2 weeks of bitty training. 

I am in the bizarre situation of not having any upcoming races, so nothing to aim for. I've obviously got Amsterdam in October, but aside from that I have nothing else planned. I have a  few ideas, but nothing concrete. I have also got a holiday coming up, starting on 4th June for 16 days. I have decided that I am not going to do too much running on that holiday, but to use the time to rest before going for it when I get back. I will be doing other activities on my holiday such as mountain biking and kayaking, but very little running. It means that the time I have between now and then can just be spent training and ticking over. 

It feels strange not having a race to aim for. I am not sure I like it. I maybe need to find a small race before my holiday and have one last blast. Any ideas, please email me!!

Tonight's Splits

Set One - 500m: 1minute.35seconds; 300m: 54secs

Set Two - 500m: 1.33; 300m: 53secs

Set Three- 500m: 1.31; 300m: 52secs

Set Four - 500m: 1.31; 300m: 49secs

Set Five - 500m: 1.30; 300m: 47secs

Set Six - 500m: 1.32; 300m: 47 secs

Monday 24 May

Mileage: 10 miles

AM: 2 miles PM: 8 miles (54 minutes)

I was very stiff and a little bit hungover when I woke up this morning. Not a pleasant feeling at all. I was instantly regretting my decision not to take the day off work like Dan and Seamus had! Lesson learnt. My run to work was slightly interrupted, as I had to pick up my car, which I had left in the city centre overnight.

I spent most of the day feeling pretty sorry for myself, but by the time it was early evening I was ready for a run, if for no other reason than to clear my head after a hard day at the office. With my car parked near work, I decided to go for a run along Blackford Avenue and through the Hermitage Park and near the Braids, a wee out and back 8 miles. I even passed coach Alex's house and was amazed to see his car parked outside. He's usually out most night's doing something. On the way back I was very tempted to knock on his door and ask for an energy drink, I was parched. 

My run was actually quite good. I started off quite stiffly and my hamstring was a little sore, but once I got going I quickly dropped from 7 minute mile pace to close to 6.30 minutes per mile. I was pretty happy with that and felt pretty refreshed by the time I got back to the car.

Sunday 23 May 2010: A PB and a glorious day at Edinburgh Marathon

Weekly Mileage: 48 miles
Mileage: 15 miles

Scottish Half Marathon - 1.15.54 (New PB!), 12th place, Full Results here

Splits: (1) 5.33 (2) 5.40 (3) 5.34 (4) 5.40 (5) 5.45 (6) 5.47 (10K) 35.45  (7) 5.52 (8) 5.52 (9) 5.47 (10) 5.50 (11) 5.57 (12) 5.44 (13) 5.43 (13.1) 1.08


What an amazing day! 

Today started at 5am with my first alarm call. After 30 minutes of snoozing I got up and had some breakfast, a toasted bagel with peanut butter. I got dressed into my kit and headed off to the start line of the Scottish Half Marathon, which was due to start at 8am.

The Scottish Half was the first race of a day of running as part of the Edinburgh Marathon Running Festival. The weather was perfect, overcast with very little wind. The MC on the loud speaker system announced that it was 13c at the start line. A quick rain shower kept us even cooler. I quickly found my team mates, elite runners Niamh Devlin and Jennifer MacLean, and we warmed up together by jogging and striding up and down London Road. With a few minutes to go we took our places at the start line. It was then that I noticed I had somehow worked my way into the elite starting pen! There were about 20 runners, but I wasn't keen to move so I stayed where I was. No one asked me to move as I hid behind my elite team mates! I was pretty pleased, because the masses were kept quite far back and so I wouldn't have had the best start. 

British running star Liz Yelling set us off and it was a quick scarper down London Road. I immediately felt that my legs were a bit heavy and tight, so I tried to reign in my usually quick starts. As we headed past the Scottish Parliament  a couple of runners passed me and as we entered Holyrood Park I could hear a group of runners close in on me. I turned and saw Jenny was just tucked in behind me. We passed the first mile (according to Garmin) in 5.33 which I was very surprised at, as I hadn't felt great at all.We passed the second mile in 5.40 and again it felt heavy, a complete contrast to how my legs felt last Saturday in the Loch Leven Half. By the time we passed Meadowbank stadium and worked our way towards Lochend Road Jenny and I were in a group of six runners battling it out for the top 13-19 places.

The third mile was quicker in 5.34 as the group was clearly trying to push on and some were trying to break away. It was interesting to watch as those around me would quickly push to catch anyone trying to break away. I even found myself doing it too, I guess that's racing! The group ran through mile 4 in 5.40 and as we turned on to Salamander Road a Shetland runner made a break and it stuck. I tried to go with him, but couldn't quite keep up, as he pulled about a 5 second lead on me. I did, however, drop the other runners in the group and by the time we had reached Portabello Promenade I was a good few seconds in front and several behind the Shetland runner.

It was at this point I noticed Colin McGill (Bellahouston Road Runner, but trains with us on a Thursday night) on his bike. He cycled alongside me for a while giving me encouragement and then stopped to take photos, all of them you can see on this blog. His encouragement was great, as he kept trying to convince me that I was catching the Shetland runner, I wasn't so convinced. Colin did this every mile until we reached Musselburgh, it was fantastic support and really appreciated. Thanks Colin.

I passed mile 5 in 5.45 and felt reasonably good although already I was feeling tired. My legs were feeling better at this point than they were at the start and not quite so heavy, but I felt a small stitch in my side. I pressed on running through the mist and fog that was clinging to the shore making it difficult to see too much further ahead. Very spooky and in complete contrast to the bright sun and clear skies of yesterday. I went through mile 6 in 5.47 and half way in 35.47, much more conservatively than last week, but then I wasn't feeling as good as last week. I pushed on left the Promenade and hit Musselburgh Road going through mile 7 in 5.52. I was a little disappointed with that mile rep, but I'd kind of knew it was coming as I felt slower and my lungs were pulling in air a lot heavier than before. I was, however, encouraged by the fact that the Shetland runner did look a little closer, so I tried to focus on him and trying to catch him. Mile 8 was just before the racecourse and went through that in 5.52 again. I was still not happy, but pleased to be not losing anymore pace.

It was at this point that I felt two twinges. The first was in my bowls, it wasn't a pleasant feeling and although not crippling was very uncomfortable. The second was in my right hamstring. I've always had twinges in my right hamstring ever since I started running 3 years ago and thankfully it has never fully gone. Today's twinges were definitely as a result of last Saturday's running. I hadn't felt it at Loch Leven

The gathering crowds at the racecourse were quick to applaud and cheer as I came through and it was a real boost as I passed mile 9 in 5.47. As I dashed down the road away from the racecourse I felt really good. My bowls had eased and my hamstring had calmed down again so I tried to really speed up. In the distance about a minute down the road was a Hunter's Bog Trotter (HBT) and there's no bigger incentive for an EAC runner than catching a 'brown vest'. I was slightly disappointed to run 5.50 for mile 10, especially as that was the best I felt in the whole race. Mile 11 was the only uphill mile of the race, but I didn't mind at all, I felt it was a good opportunity to catch the HBT runner who was definitely getting closer. I also knew that at the top of the hill I would be turning round and coming back down the hill.

Getting to the top I went through 11 miles in 5.57, but it was here that I felt my hamstring twinge again and this time it was really quite sore and for the first time I thought it might actually pop. I also felt my bowls again and it was cramping quite badly. Again,with a HBT runner in sight and a PB on the horizon I tried to put both to the back of my mind. As I turned I could see the runners behind me and I was fairly clear of the chasing pack, so was confident of not been caught. I also saw Jenny who was still in the lead and looking strong with a 15-20 second lead over her nearest rival. She even found the energy to give me a wee wave, which I really appreciated. Running down hill was great for speed, but not for the bowls and every step caused more cramping, but I raced through mile 12 in 5.44 and the trotter was ever closer.

It was a great feeling to close on a runner that had been so far ahead and half way through mile 13 I caught him, as with the Shetland runner, I decided not to hang about, but just keep going on and make a gap. Bowels and hamstring aside, I was actually feeling pretty comfortable and I just kept telling myself to keep going. I knew I was perilously close to a PB and after just missing out last week I was determined not to let another one slip by. It was great to get support from the runners coming in the other direction. I wish I could have told them that or showed my appreciation back, but at this point I was using every ounce of effort to keep going. I hit mile 13 with a 5.43 mile and despite my bowels really cramping now I entered the racecourse, passing a cheering Jo on the way.

The final straight was so tough. My bowels felt awful, the ground was covered in the worst plastic panels that made you feel like you were running on a sponge, there was no support. I could see the clock ticking agonisingly close to my PB. I was running as fast as I could, my hamstring was burning my guts wrenching and I just didn't seem to be getting any closer. Just as I was thinking the chance was lost I found my across the line in 1.15.54, 3 seconds quicker than my PB. I was too tired, sore and doubled over to feel elated. After catching my breath and shaking hands with some of the runners that had finished close by I allowed myself a well earned smile. A shout out from Steve Booth and baby Joe (although he's no longer a baby!!) was much appreciated and I hobbled may way through the finish area.

I was really pleased with my race. I finished 12th overall, beating several of the elite men who I had lined up against, which was great. I felt justified lining up with those runners at the start and look forward to my elite entry next year. I definitely fancy having a name instead of a number (the elite runners have no number, just their surname across their sheet - looks great!!).

As has become my new tradition I have noted below my positives and negatives from the race

Positives:
1. I got a PB!
2. I ran every mile under 6 minutes.
3. I overcame bowel cramps and sore hamstring.
4. I caught and passed 2 runners, reeling them in and not letting them retake me.

Negatives
1. My preparation was far from ideal, race the week before and full of cold for over a week
2. I can run faster, I know I can.
3. I didn't take full advantage of perfect conditions.
4. I went off too fast again.

Overall I am pleased, but still feel I can go sub 75minutes. Next time, hopefully.

Jenny came second, having been overtaken just before 13 miles, which was a real shame, but she did get a massive PB, so great for her. Niamh also did really well finishing in 82 minutes to continue her good recent running.

The Marathon

After the half a gaggle of EAC club members including Jo, Niamh, Simon, Nick, Garry,myself and Colin (well he's almost EAC) gathered to watch the marathon runners and to cheer everyone on, including team mates Dan, Callum, Vik, Karen, Emma, and Izzy (sorry if I've missed anyone!).

It was a brilliant afternoon. It was great to see everyone running so well, so determined.

We watched people at mile 9 and then walked up to mile 25 to watch them come back the other way. Those on the bikes, Garry and Simon went to mile 22 and Nick and Colin went to meet up with family, so Niamh, Jo and I took up chief cheer leading duties at the 25 mile marker. My throat is still croaky from all the shouting. Niamh and Jo were so loud, positive and supportive it must have sounded like there were twenty of us stood there.

By now the sun was out in full and had burned off the fog and cloud that had blessed the half marathon and the temperature was close to 25c. It was truly inspirational to watch all the runners from the elites to those in fancy dress and everyone else in between running their hardest in such challenging conditions. I loved watching people's faces and seeing their sheer determination to make that last mile.

I found myself thinking of my planned marathon in Amsterdam and I simply can not wait to get started with my training for it. I also had a bit of a reality check as I realised that when I run in the MDS next year I'll be running in weather conditions 10c hotter than yesterday! Considering I had trouble just walking about it in the heat never mind running in it, I can't imagine how I am going to cope next year. It's made me determined to make sure that I get time in an environment chamber before I go into the desert.

Everyone from the club did really well, and it was a fantastic effort from them all. They should all be very proud. We were definitely proud of them as we cheered them on into their last mile.

We finished the day off in a pub in Musselburgh with a cheeseburger and several pints. The chat, the banter and the random guitar playing was all great and I was a little bit tipsy as I caught the taxi back to Edinburgh with Dan and Seamus.

Saturday 22 May 2010: Summer has arrived in Edinburgh

Mileage: 0 miles

I know, two zero miles in two days, what on earth is going on! Well I decided another rest day would be good for me to make sure that I am fully over the man flu and well prepared for tomorrow's race. Man flu is well and truly on its way out, which is great. I have a little niggle in my lower back and my right hamstring, but apart from that I'm feeling good and hoping to give it a good go tomorrow.

I did do some exercise today. I went for a swim at Portabello and even in the sea, a little bit of running about on the beach and my legs felt good and strong, so hopefully all will be well and I'll have a good chance of getting a PB.

The weather today was stunning. Rarely has Edinburgh been so sunny and warm. I was stuck in doors for most of this morning waiting for my new Netbook (which I am writing this blog entry from!) and new digital camera, which I am going to use tomorrow. Thankfully I got out in the afternoon for the swim and then later a dog walk and enjoyed the sunny weather. 

I know I said I was going talk about my fundraising efforts today, but I am afraid the day has got away from me, so I'll have to leave it for another day. Tomorrow's blog will all be about the Edinburgh half and the marathon, with lots of details and plenty of photos on my new camera. Until then, good night and good luck to all those running tomorrow!!

Friday 21 May 2010: It's Frday night and I am going to party... well sleep on the sofa

Mileage: 0 miles

I hate writing zero miles! It's so not me.

Today I've had a very rare day off and a night to myself and true to the rock and roll lifestyle of an endurance runner tapering for a race, I spent it eating, drinking pints of water and sleeping on the sofa cuddled up with the dog. I even managed to sleep through the last ever episode of Ashes to Ashes. Not to worry though I don't watch that programme. I sometimes wonder what ever happened to the Richard Meade who would never let a Friday night pass without a visit to the pub, 10 pints, several Jack and Cokes and a visit to a random Edinburgh night club till 3am. I have to admit, I don't miss him, well not too often. I've enjoyed tonight and after writing this I've got the excitement of watching the last episode of Season 2 of Fringe.  I do watch that programme. 

I know some of you are keen for a progress update, as I have been asked by more than one person (two to be precise!), on the man flu and I am pleased to report that it is a lot better. I am just down to a good sniffle and a bit of congestion. Hopefully another good night's sleep and a rest day tomorrow and I will be fit and raring to go on Sunday. I really hope tomorrow will be the last reference to man-flu for some time, I am sure you do too!

Tomorrow is going to be about as exciting as tonight. I've got to sit in from 7am to 3pm and wait for the delivery of my new Netbook and digital camera. I hate sitting about and with a glorious day promised by the weather girl I'll just want to be outside! It's going to be bad enough that I'll have to limit myself to a 2 mile run with some strides, but not been able to take Jack out for a long walk until the mid afternoon is going to be tough too. I think I'll take him to the beach again when I do get out. 

Just a brief blog tonight, as there's clearly not much for me to say or report on. Tomorrow, I am going to blog a bit about my fundraising efforts and where I am with them. Hopefully some of you might have some ideas or contacts that could help me with my fundraising so blog in and checkout my ideas.

Anyway, hope you've all had as good a Friday night as I have.

Thursday 20 May 2010: Dare I say it....

Mileage: 10 miles

AM: 3.75 miles PM: 6.25 miles

Dare I say it, but I feel better! Hallelujah and all that. Okay I am not perfect. I am totally bunged up and I sneezed more times today than I normally do in a month, but I feel better. It's a bit of a relief. I am sure it'll come as a relief to those precious few readers I have left as well! I'll try and limit mentions of man-flu to every second sentence now!

My run to work felt good, so I decided that I would go to club tonight as well. Gail was out with her pals from the charity shop where she volunteers, so I had to get home to walk Jack. I was finishing later at work than normal so I ran home really quickly, grabbed the dog, jumped in the car and took him to training. I even dressed him in one of my old club vests so he looked the part. Everyone appreciated the effort. If my phone hadn't of run out of battery then there would have been photographic evidence - he looked cute.

I took him for a brief walk round the meadows, which was a fairly impressive sight this evening (again I wish I had my camera). Tonight was a warm, sunny, late spring evening and it was as if the whole of Edinburgh had descended onto the open grass fields of the Meadows. Cricket games were surrounded by football matches, plumes of BBQ smoke breezed across the fields carrying the smell of sausages and the laughter of students already well passed their daily recommended alcohol intake. Jugglers, musicians, and dancers fluttered and skipped between groups of sunbathers, book readers and those just watching everyone else. The music of bands and guitar solos rang through the air. There were sophisticated well thought out picnics with blankets and champagne flutes, as well as less thought out ones of drunken men drinking Carlsberg and peeing behind walls. There were children playing, dogs barking and chasing balls, and adults dashing after both. Most incredibly, all were happily sharing the same small fields of grass. Encased by a pavement pulsing with runners, cyclists and walkers the whole sight of the Meadows  could only be described as an urban festival, like a painting of happiness and activity that had come to life. I am not sure I have ever seen the Meadows quite like it. It was fantastic.

Amidst all that our club gathered to be told that tonight's session would be mile reps. I only ever planned to do a little bit of speed work just to get my legs turning over, so I decided to take Jack with me on the warm up mile, which he did really well, and then do some 2 minutes fast/2 minutes slow over a lap of the Meadows, but without the dog.  I was pleased that Jack managed the mile, because as my MDS training steps up I intend to bring Jack on some of that training as I will need the company over those long slow runs, so it was good to see him running.I hope he liked it!

After I'd finished my little session I got Jack back out of the car and we went and watched the rest of the club finish off their session. We chatted to people between reps and those tapering off for races this weekend. On a lovely evening like this it was great to be out. Although, I hate missing training and not doing the session with everyone else it was still good to be at the club getting the chat and banter.

Finally, as it was such a good night and Jack was still full of beans I decided to take him to the beach. A quick stop off at Tescos for water and food and off we went. Jack loved it and was out in the water chasing stones and shells that I was throwing in for him. Eventually he realised that they always sank, so he stopped chasing them. He did, however, drink too much sea water as on the way home he threw-up in the back of the car- lovely!! 

I hope this weather holds up! Although not too hot for Sunday please. 

Wednesday 19 May 2010: Worrying about nothing?

Mileage: 7.5 miles

AM: 3.75 miles PM: 3.75 miles

I know yesterday I said I wasn't going to dwell on my ongoing man-flu in this blog, but, today I still feel unwell and it is starting to play on my mind. I woke up feeling heavy, tired and energyless. My throat is still gunky and my chest feels tight. I can't seem to shake this cold. I again restricted my running to work and back, and no gym. I hope this helps.

I do feel a little better as I write this, but this niggling cold has started to play on my mind quite a lot. I am not sure if you, like me, get this way when unwell. But I am already starting to wonder what if its something worse. What if its a bad virus that won't leave my system for ages? What if it seriously effects my training? What if it completely undoes all the good training and new speed that I have found this year. I have seen friends that have been knocked for six by viruses and spent ages coming back. How would this effect my MDS training? All these things and much more cross my mind as I dwell on what is probably no more than a cold that has lingered a bit longer than normal, because I haven't taken a complete rest.

In all seriousness when thinking rationally it is probably nothing more than a cold virus. We all get them from time to time. However, I just can't help think about the worse. It's simply the way I think. Sometimes I even go so far as to wonder if I'll ever run properly again! Stupid I know. 

Thankfully, this week was always meant to be an easy week on my feet as I prepare for the half marathon on Sunday, so I don't feel as though I am missing any training. If I was missing training  my mood would probably be three times as bad! The other plus is that my legs still feel fast. My run home (which I know is mainly downhill) takes no time at all and every mile is around 6.40/50 and feels comfortable. 

I am going to go to training as planned tomorrow, but only do a rep or two just to get my legs moving quickly again. I am then going to take a complete rest on Friday and do no more than a couple of miles on Saturday and if I still feel even slightly unwell on Saturday evening then I am going to pull out of the half. I think that would be the wisest thing to do. I need to make sure I get over this cold before my holiday in a fortnight. I have nothing to train for until I get back from holiday, so if I need an extended rest then now is the time, as when I get back I will be ramping my training up for the Amsterdam Marathon.

Sorry, to all of you who have read this far, I didn't mean to bore you with my tales of woe (which are hardly that!!!). I should read yesterday's blog again and count myself lucky that a cold is the worst of my problems. I am taking my dog Jack to training tomorrow, so that should be funny. I will take a couple of photos of him in the meadows, I may even dress him up in an EAC vest so he fits in! Until then, good night.

Tuesday 18 May 2010: The human spirit can be incredible

Mileage: 7.5 miles

AM: 3.75 miles PM: 3.75 miles

I am still not feeling great. You must be getting sick (excuse the pun!) of reading about me moaning about my man-flu. In an attempt to sort it out I restricted myself to my run to and from work at a steady pace. No gym. I have thrown loads of fruit down my throat and had a healthy salad for tea, as well as the daily herbal cocktail. Let's hope tomorrow, all will be well. That's enough of that. 

Today, I saw a feature on the BBC News about  a group of ex and current service personnel who plan to trek to the North Pole. Nothing too demanding about that for trained soldiers you would imagine. At least until you find out that every one of them is an amputee. They plan to become the first group of amputees to reach the North Pole unsupported.  Watching them, as they did their ski training and then listening to them as they were interviewed I was hugely impressed and inspired beyond words. Firstly, to have gone through what they have gone through just been able to find a way back to normal life in our society and in their careers would be nothing short of exceptional, but to refuse to stop there and instead challenge and push themselves to and beyond a limit attainable by almost every 'able bodied' person is breathtaking. This, they do in the name of other more severely injured soldiers, who even with the will power of this group would never be able to make the trip. 

I really hope they make it and I will be following their progress on their website Walking With the Wounded.

It reminded me of another modern day hero, Major Phil Packer, you may remember him as the man who was told he would never walk again and then just over one year later completed the London Marathon 2 miles a day over 13 days. He has also rowed the English Channel and climbed a 3,000ft mountain to raise £1.2m for the Help The Heroes charity, because he considered himself more fortunate than others. He recently finished this year's London Marathon in 26 hours. He has now left the army and set-up the British Inspiration Trust, which will help to encourage activities for young people. He continues to do adventures and expeditions. 

What amazes me about these people is that when life deals them a hand that would test even the strongest souls they rise back up and refuse to give in. Not only that, they push through the boundaries, pain and limitations put on them and excel to achieve more than most people dare hope to ever dream about.

It makes my challenge pale in comparison, but motivates me at the same time. I hope that I can find just a small amount of the courage and dedication that these people have, because if I do, then I can achieve my goals. I think, if ever I waiver or have doubts in training, or wonder if what I am doing is too difficult or hard, or even think about quitting then I'll just remind my self of guys like these.

Monday 17 May 2010: Easy running, the gym and man-flu lingers on

Mileage: 8 miles

AM: 3.75 miles PM: 4.25 miles

I am straight into another taper, as this Sunday I am running the Edinburgh Half Marathon. I know it's not particularly sensible to do back-to-back half marathons, however, this weekend is the weekend of the Edinburgh Marathon and the half is part of the day. I ran the marathon last year and Edinburgh was also my first ever marathon, so it has some really special memories for me and by running the half I can feel a part of it all. Several club mates are also doing the half and some are doing the marathon and the relay too. It should be a really good day for everyone and I am looking forward to it. There's even talk of another post race BBQ too. The down side is that I have to taper again! I think you all know my views on tapering by now, so I will spare you.

So, today's running was light. My usual run to work, then a slightly extended run home as I stopped off at the gym. My legs felt slightly better than they did yesterday, but are still creaking and twinging a bit. My 4.25 mile run home was pretty rapid as I did 6.20-35 minute miles, so despite the aches, my legs still feel fast, which is reassuring. I just need a bit of easy running and recovery before Sunday. I am really hoping that I'll be fit and fast enough to have a go at getting a PB, but I know after Saturday's efforts I'll be lucky to be fully recovered in time.

One thing that is still bothering me is my lingering man-flu. I still feel lethargic, have a sore throat, as well as a bit of a cough. I don't think running a half marathon at pace, followed by several beers on Saturday helped all of that much, but I was hoping to be rid of it by now. I am drinking lots of water, shovelling herbal pills and throwing manuka honey down my throat, so maybe tomorrow I'll be all better again!

Just a short entry today, although I could bore you all with my thoughts on BA strikes, political strife in Thailand, volcanic ash and everyhing else that has been conspiring against me to stop me going on holiday in 3 weeks... maybe I'll leave it for another entry....

Sunday 16 May 2010: Hangovers and taking it easy

Weekly Mileage: 54.5 miles

Mileage: 11miles in 1.16.05

Splits: 7.16, 7.03, 6.54, 6.56, 7.04, 6.57, 6.34, 6.40, 7.05, 6.11, 7.16

Today was always going to be a tough one. I woke up this morning feeling a little hungover from the beer and alcopops from the night before. This combined with a really croaky, sore and dry throat made me feel pretty bad and I wasn't keen on getting up. When I could finally lift my head off my pillow and clamber out of bed I felt straight away that my legs were pretty stiff and sore from yesterday's race.

I'd already made myself a promise that I wouldn't go running until the afternoon, so I took the dog out for a walk to clear my head. Walking through Inverleith Park with the dog was just what I needed. The bright sunshine and fresh air really cleared my head. The Venti Hazelnut Latte from Starbucks also hit the spot, so I stopped off at Scotmid on the way home and picked up some bacon and eggs for everyone back at the flat - lovely!!

I ended up meeting up with Dan for a run in the mid afternoon. We went through some of the Warriston cycle network and down towards the sea and Granton. The wind was a bit breezy, but the sun was still nice and bright, so it was a really pleasant run. My legs felt stiff and a little sore, so we didn't go too fast, by the time we turned round and started heading back up the road my legs felt a lot better and on the way to the gym our penultimate mile ended up been pretty quick, which felt good and helped stretch my legs further. Dan and I hit the gym for a wee while afterwards and then jogged home. A nice good, Sunday run, which helped clear my system of any lingering hangover and make a little room for the lovely 3 course Sunday dinner made for me by Stephen. A lovely mozzarella and Parma ham salad, followed by Salmon en croute and then a home baked Victoria Sponge. Stuffed!!

I am running another half marathon this Sunday, so this week is likely to be very light on the training front. I am probably just going to run to and from work each day and maybe do a bit of the session on Thursday, as well as some stuff in the gym. I am already looking forward to getting back to my 90 mile training weeks, as tapering and less miles is nowhere near as much fun!!

Saturday 15 May: Loch Leven Half Marathon

Mileage: 15 miles

Loch Leven Half Marathon: 6th place - 1.16.00

Splits: (1) 5.34 (2) 5.33 (3) 5.37 (4) 5.45 (5) 5.43 (6) 5.28 (7) 5.41 (8) 6.05 (9) 6.01 (10) 5.36 (11) 5.55 (12) 6.00 (13) 6.10 (13.1) 45.5secs

Full Results here

All things considered I am pretty pleased with today's race result, especially as it is the first road race of the year where I haven't picked up a PB.

I ran this race last year and finished 7th in 1.18.57 and was part of the winning EAC Team. I had really enjoyed the race last year and had even got a PB, so I was keen to come back and  make sure that we successfully retained our team trophy. Over the last couple of months I had been lobbying several club members to run to give us a good chance of keeping the trophy, so at the start line there were plenty of us, which was great.

Looking through the starting list on Entry Central I knew there were quite a few good runners in the race, so I was looking forward to running in a group to help drag me round to a good time. All of the road races I have been in this year I have ran on my own with people out in front or a fair bit behind me. It's harder to find that extra bit of performance on your own and it can be a tough, mental battle to keep going and keep the pace up.  

It was sunny in Kinross, but very blustery and windy, which was quite annoying. What was more annoying was I was still  not feeling great. My week long battle with man-flu was still going on when I woke up on Saturday morning. I felt tired, lethargic, my glands were swollen and I had a sore throat. Not a good sign.

Lining up on the start line I wasn't feeling super confident, but I had already made up my mind that I would run my race as fast and as hard as I normally would for as long as I could and then deal with any ill affects when they occurred or at the end of the race.

Straight from the start a very small group of 3 quickly established themselves as the leaders and pulled away before we'd even reached half way through the first mile. Knowing the names of those runners I'd expected that. I found myself in a group of five other runners including my club mate, Graham Beal. Graham told me before the race that he was in good shape and running well, so I thought it would make sense to just fall in behind him and try and keep up with him. My intention had been to run 5.45s for the first 3 or 4 miles and then see where I was. We smashed through the first mile in 5.34! I knew it was quick, as I could feel it in my legs and chest.

I turned to the group and said "that was a bit quick" hoping they would all see sense and drop back to my pace. No one answered. I knew it was a little quicker than I wanted to go, but I didn't want to drop back and fall away from the group, as we had already opened up a gap to the next group and I was determined not to run on my own. I stuck at it. The second mile was 5.33 and I did quietly shake my head at the speed, but kept going.

Half way through the third mile I knew that I had to make a bit of a choice so I eased slightly and sure enough three of the group went ahead of me, including Graham. The fifth runner in our group had already begun to fall away and so was a few strides further back. I was a little disappointed to see Graham and another runner pull away so easily. The other breakaway, a Perth Road Runner, didn't follow them and ended up coming back to me. By the time we reached the third mile marker I was convinced that I had dropped back to 6 minute miles, such was the distance that Graham and his rival had put between us, so I was pretty surprised to see the mile time flash up as 5.37! Graham and friend must have done close to a 5.25 for that mile.

The Perth runner put on a burst of speed and I decided to let him go, as I wanted to settle into a steady sustainable pace. He quickly left me and opened up about a 10-15 second gap. I passed through the 4th mile in 5.45, exactly what I had wanted and I tried to hold the pace. At this point I was feeling pretty good and strong. I certainly wasn't feeling the effects of the fast opening miles. 

The 5th mile was a bit of climb and I actually like hills, so I decided to pick up my pace and try catch the Perth runner who was ahead of me and looked to be slowing. He was, as I caught up and went straight past him finishing the mile in 5.43 and now in 6th place. At the top of the hill the road drifted gently downwards again and still feeling good I thought I would try and put some distance between myself and the 2 runners behind me who were (based on a quick glance) about 5-10 seconds further back. It was a great mile and I cruised past the 6 mile marker in 5.28 and an overall time of 33.40 seconds - about 45 seconds quicker than I had been aiming for. I I checked my watch at about the 10k mark and realised I went through in about 34.55, an unofficial 10k PB! I was pretty pleased with that, but wondered if I was going too quick, my half way time was 36.55. The problem was (if you can call it a problem) that I was feeling really good, especially in my legs - they felt strong and fresh. My lungs felt a little heavy and my throat was sore from the man-flu, but I felt good and just kept going. I crossed mile 7 in 5.41 and got a good round of applause and encouragement from the people of Falkland village which I was just entering.

This was the part of the race I had been dreading. Mile 8 and 9 were both up hill and to make things worse it was straight into a strong head wind. The wind had been blowing us about a bit over the first 3 miles, but for miles 4-7 it had been behind us or nowhere. It was a bit soul destroying, because I could feel myself slow and I well and truly on my own now, like all the other races I have ran this year. The only thing on the plus side was that I was convinced that Graham and his rival were a little closer to me than before. I'd checked my watch at 6 miles and seen that the two of them were close to 2 minutes ahead of me. I tried to convince myself that I could catch them, but I had to run hard up the hills. Miles 8 and 9 were slow, but I knew they would be, 6.05 and 6.01. The 10th mile was undulating, but still with a strong wind into the face. It was also at this point that my lungs started to feel quite tight and wheezy and my throat was sore and dry. I had run well for so long so I decided I wasn't going to worry about it and I convinced myself that the adrenaline would take care of everything until the end of the race. I went through mile 10 in 5.36 and in an overall time of 57.19, a PB for 10 miles!

Looking ahead I knew for sure then that Graham and the other runner were definitely slowing. Graham had pulled away slightly and the guy in fifth place looked vulnerable. I knew I had a chance. I focused on them and tried to drive on. Unfortunately it was still quite hilly and the wind was not letting up at all, if anything it had got worse. I started to worry that my almost certain PB was at risk. I crossed 11 miles in 5.55, but it felt faster than that. The fifth place runner was so close now, only about 20-30 seconds ahead of me and Graham wasn't much further on. I tried to chase. My legs were starting to feel a little heavier now and my throat and lungs were sore. I crossed 12 miles in 6.00 exactly.

The last mile was pretty awful, strong winds, but more than anything else I had just run out of steam. Maybe I was finally paying for the fast start, maybe my man-flu had used up all my adrenaline, whatever the reason I just couldn't kick on. What made it worse was that I was almost within touching distance of the guy in front of me and having ran so hard over the last 6 miles to catch him I was gutted not to get up to him or even past him.

My watch bleeped a 6.10 mile at 13 (at the exact spot of the marker) and as we turned into the park and the finish straight I still thought a sprint would bring me a PB. Alas it was not to be. I crossed the line, stopping my watch at 1.15.58, 1 second off my PB. What made things worse was that later my official chip time was given as 1.16.00 - I don't know where they got that from, as I was certain that I had got under 1.16. Also my Garmin had the course long at 13.14! I know that Garmin's aren't always that reliable, but my mile reps had been bleeping at exactly the right point at every mile marker during the race including the last one at 13, so if it was long by 0.04 miles than that would have been worth 12 seconds or there abouts! Never mind.

Graham had finished 4th, 15 seconds in front of me and with Club Captain Martin Ferguson coming home in 11th place we managed to retain our team trophy holding off the challenge from the Perth Road Runners. My other team mates also did very well, particularly Niamh Devlin who was 2nd woman and Simon Adamson who finished in 81 minutes to follow-up his good time at the Chris Hoy Half in April. Seamus and James were less fortunate. Seamus suffered from bad cramps and sickness so, had to stop several times. James had been going well, but had some muscle problems in the last few miles which meant he didn't finish as strong as he wanted.

I have been known to be very self-critical after a race. I am never a 100% happy, because I am in a hurry to get quicker and faster. It's not healthy to be that self critical, especially when I have no real reason to be. In an attempt to balance this out I now, after every race, write down a list of all my positives and negatives from the race- a sort of self assessment. I find it really good for reviewing my race, making sure I stay positive, as well as ascertaining any learning points for training and future races. So here is my self assessment from yesterday's race:

Positives
1. I ran really well and fast for first 7 miles.
2. I reeled in the 2 runners in front of me and closed a 2 minute gap at halfway to a 15 and 3 second gap by the end.
3. I ran this well despite feeling a little choked with the cold and having a sore throat.
4. I was only 3 seconds off my PB on a much tougher course than where I got my PB.
5. (Most of all) I was 2 minutes and 57 seconds quicker than my time from last year.
6. I ran the last 10-11 miles of the race on my own, so had to keep myself going.
7. Got my taper right.
8. Based on the first 10 miles, in better conditions, I know I can run a sub 75minute half

Negatives
1. I ran too fast at the start
2. I caught the 2 runners in front of me, but didn't have enough to go past them
3. I didn't get a PB, but was on course for one right up until the last mile
4. I had man flu

So many more positives, than negatives - therefore I am happy with today's run!

Club mates, Dan and Jo, had been providing morale and photographic support during the race and were there at the end to cheer us all through to the finish, which was really good. They had also been to get a disposable BBQ. We set it up near the rugby pitch close to the finish and rounded off a good race with some sausages and burgers. A great way to spend a summer afternoon. We hung around for the prize giving to collect the team trophy and Niamh's second prize, some of which she used to buy us all an ice cream.

The day was finished off in Lebowskis where we celebrated with beers and burgers. I am sure there was absolutely no need for Dan, Seamus and I to end up in CC Blooms drinking alcopops, but I guess Saturday night's have got to finish off somewhere!!