Since my last blog I have had a couple of races the first
of which was Poole 10k
and this was
followed by a half marathon at Cheddar Gorge while I was spending some time at
home. These yielded a mixed bag of results and were entered with very
contrasting expectation.
Following North Dorset Village Marathon I took a light
week of training to recover but soon felt well recovered so tentatively forged
on with a regular training load. This was a mixture of regular runs and the odd
cycle or sea swim thanks to the nice weather. The variety helped me to do some
longer efforts without racking up the miles on foot again, which I am sure
helped with a good recovery. I continued
with the regular Bournemouth AC session gradually increasing the speed of
efforts as my body allowed. In the last few speed sessions prior to Poole 10k
form looked good clocking some 5 minute efforts close to 5 min/mile, this
prompted me to have a go at running 33 mins for at Poole 10k (what a flop
that was).
Poole 10k was an afternoon race and surprise surprise was
sun, warm and slightly windy (typical South coast racing conditions it seems).
Setting off I was on pace for the first mile and then was all down hill from
there (unfortunately in my performance not the course). Heart rate shot
up during this first mile and was unable to bring this down leading to the
speed dropping, resulting in an average of 185 bpm for the 10k and a
disappointing 34.48 (10th), but help me learn to manage competing in relative heat for the UK. After the race the general feeling was that it was not a day for
going fast, which was reassuring.
Following completion of my university course I returned
home (swim in the sea filled lake in the picture above) to attend an interview and to race a half marathon. While I was home
having a bit more free time I also fitted in a Parkrun at Ashton Court which
was 2.5 km up hill 2.5 km down, not being a fast course (17:05- 1st) but turned out to be good
prep for the half marathon. I was informed this race was a bit hilly a
some bits of rough ground. What this really meant was that it was full on trail with
some hills you could only walk up. Thanks Dad! In the early miles I built a
lead on the ascents and then was caught on the technical trail, again heart
rate shot up in the heat but this time I managed to hydrate better and
sustain a reasonable pace in places. Finishing in 2nd (1:37'58) over 2 mins behind the
leader and 4 mins ahead of third, I saw
this as a successful first outing on trail and ultimately left me wanting to do
more which I would consider a success for anyone (maybe even surprised some
people turning up a obvious road runner).
Training for Weymouth Challenge Half triathlon is
continuing with every bike ride being followed by a mile run with a few longer
swims and rides. As I begin my unemployed graduate life I look forward to
having more chance to train a bit more but obviously not sustainable for long, so
prioritizing job applications and getting experience where I can (if anyone fancies paying me some mentoring then
now is as good a time as any, three years as a physiotherapy undergraduate has
taught me a lot about people vary is personality and ability along with me
learning to train my own body so may be helpful!). I also have a weeks holiday
in Spain to look forward to, will be packing the trainers and exploring the
trail that leaves from the town we are staying in (looking forward to this
reminding me why I run). Will also race a bit when I get chance but on the road this time I imagine for the time being and just
continue ticking along with training triathlon training.
