Trail busting

Training has drifted away from 'the schedule' but I don't feel I need to be too anxious. I am convinced that with the addition of some extremely testing trails in terms of ascent that a shortfall in weekly mileage not will be detrimental.

I headed off yesterday with Guillaume toward Le Vacquerie to take on a 12km trail with 700m ascent; from my position today I see how tough it was as my calves are complaining and demanding an altered gait: I'm delighted to be suffering some and look forward to reaping the rewards of such labour.

Well hello again......has it been that long?
The last (and first) of my posts was back in June so I must have been too busy running to post anything new........
I have recently given up the 'carpet running' after a successful trip to John down in the south of france. I went down with wife and kids and managed to get 3 or 4 decent runs in with John and Anita (wife). The runs were a mix of off road trails and road runs around the fantatic countryside near Johns house. We were also introduced to a new gadget (garmin 205 forerunner) which I had to buy as soon as we landed back in England and this has motivated me to continue with my outdoor running. I didn't realise what I was missing - cold, wet, windy and downright miserable and we are only in November, bring on February and all the snow you can throw at me. I am now running 2 or 3 times a week outdoors with distances ranging from my short 7k run to longer 19k run which I did last week. I have run a number of different routes, however due to the time of year and the time of day I generally run (in the dark) they have all been on the roads. I am looking forward to longer days when I will be able to get on to the downs which are right on our doorstep. Anita is in training for next April's London Marathon so I need to keep up my running just to keep up with her.....not that I'm competative :)

Happy running

Nothing to report except that all is going well. Today's 17km trail was taken on as if it were part of a longer run. I walked a number of hills but had bags of energy. It was a pleasure to be out despite wind and cold.

I am going to make a decision soon about my next shoes; the extra mileage will eat shoes and budget for a mid morning snack. I stuck now between going for Inov8's Terroc 330 and getting another pair of the Sauconys. Problem is, I feel, that I've not seen enough adverse weather to test the Triumphs and I'm still not convinced there's enough protection from the trail.

Long and winding road.

Temperatures have stayed at 7° or 8° ; the cold has not had an impact yet.

Training is from this day onwards is being approached differently. Until now I have, without exception, ran when I felt like it. This has left me languishing in low mileage-ville with little clue that progress was limited! Yes, I was relatively fit but, no, I wasn't quick, committed or capable of real endurance.

To arrive at the start line in April next year something had to change. For me, I needed a schedule that I could read, anticipate and tick boxes. The chosen numbers give me a day off from running and a day of cross-training each week. The mid-week mileage will increase over the months to bolster the week's total miles run as will the weekend double. The schedule starts at just under 60 kms for the week; at the most I should attain 120 kms.

The fact that I've run somewhat below the level expected on engaging the schedule means that I'm prepared to take a 'hit' on the mileage over the weekends until I can do it without risk of injury: there isn't enough time for recovery.

Here we go!

Johnny

Ultra-Trans-Aubrac

After a few months of base building I have decided to set myself a formidable target of my first official ultra marathon. This will take place in April 2008 and provide the neccessary motivation to run the winter here on The Larzac Plateau.

The race is 100k, the majority being on trails in The Aveyron. (Less than 10% being on tarmac being the portions through the villages en-route) The date is set for April 19 2008.
Ultra-Trans-Aubrac

I feel I have a good start to the training despite some 'lite' weeks. What is encouraging is the mental state I find at this time: determined and confident.

Johnny

No news is no news

Time to check in I guess. Despite my efforts to create something of a focal point for our efforts it appears I'm the last man standing! So what to do...

The name and thrust will continue in its present form, it will receive updates from me, and from others when they get the urge. I still have hope that we will grow and attract others to join us here in RunDx.


I want RunDx will become synonymous with distance running and its members will enjoy the sense of community that can be hard to find when we are all so widely spread around the globe.


I look forward to welcoming new members soon.


Right, as for me, I'm running well and regularly. Just having come through a foot problem which I feel was a result of upping the milage a tad too quickly. I dropped back and am now getting back into 4 runs a week and plan to bring the LSD back in a couple of weeks. I have a trip to The UK and plan to run some old training runs and events. These will include The Cuckoo Trail, Pier to Pier and Butts Lane Loop featuring The Gallops and George's Hill out of Jevington.


Happy trails.


Johnny.

Wooohooo...That was a cracking run. I arrived at the start point thinking I'd got something in the tank which may well get me under 30 minutes for my 5k of roader...I had extra incentive knowing Rick is visiting in a couple of weeks and we all know what that means...! I set off in a business-like fashion,pushing the pace and hanging on until my breathing settled. Once my legs were used to the pace and my lungs got used to the demand I was sure I would succeed. Glancing at the GPS I'd managed a 5:38 km despite hastily giving directions to a bemused and lost van in the middle of nowhere. Quickly back into my stride I got the next one out in 5:10...and so on. Final average pace of 5:38/km; I am pleased to be at this point.

The Mountains Are Talking

Had a great trot in the Welsh Hills a couple of weeks back, not too far Devils Kitchen through the Saddle at Tryfan then down to London Rock. A mini beast with a small pack and boots, but the weather was on myside, cloudy and cool. Having taken a soujourn from 42 degree daily temp what part of the Uk wouldn't be cool. The differential helped a great deal, hydration wasn't a problem and my legs were light. The scenery was inspiring, coming home made me realise how much I missed the green and the mountains.

The run up to the saddle (800m) was exhilirating, the countryside commission had placed granite slabs to create a mountain stairway. I'd come across something similar in the Hajar of the Musendam, the Shihi and cut a stairway in a particular exposed part of the mountain to link two villages some 2000 yrs back. By the time my mind wandered back I was 50m from the saddle with a burn in my thighs- happy days. The cloud had lifted from the peaks exposing both Brisley,Tryfan and the way through.

In a few days this part of town would be filled with runners competing in the welsh 1000. Maybe next year....

Time? long enough.

Distance? see time.

It felt bloody good.


Dave

A new kilometrestone

This is today's log entry


A big raise in distance on a tricky trail. I coped but with the expected fall off in form, speed and focus in the last 4km

I took this on 17.5 km after being well rested. I will need a couple of days at least to recover but I'm pleased to report no injury or adverse signs.

It's a couple of hours after this run and I realise that I won't get away with it that easily!! I put myself to bed after re-hyrating and taking a bowl of homemade soup. I slept an hour and got up. I found the old legs to be stiff as boards, strangely troublesome behind and below the knee around the top of the calf...feels like ligaments.
Anyway, nowt too bothersome; I will recover tomorrow, I may take a bike ride as a 'loosener'.

Other news, the bad sort, from the UK. After a promising return over the last 3 or 4 weeks George is in trouble. It appears that he has some discomfort in the lower to bottom calf: not for the first time. This really is disappointing. Fortunately the entries aren't in for The Nottingham Half Marathon. I suggested holding off; there are numerous races throught The Midlands this autumn. I'd rather not add any pressure to his return and hope that with some rest and massage George will come back to us.
Meanwhile I and Marty will keep up the mileage.

I have no news from Dubai regarding Dave's running other that his life-style and profession keeps him in good shape. I know his wife to be an active runner and would hope to have some reports in to brighten our pages with UAE sunshine and Dubai beach runs..

It's time for a post from our treadmill expert I feel...
I'm keen to hear the story of what motivates someone to put in, I believe to be true, 30 miles a week running on the spot! What tricks he has to keep things ticking over...whether he plans to enter a 10km race at some point - for the fun of it!

News from Robin Hood country

I love this software stuff; although separated by a 1000 miles you have a real grip on each others work and progress. It's clear from the three maps (I've only posted one of them) that George and Marty are well on the road toward half marathon success. This can only inspire me to keep my own work-rate high with a view to arriving at both the start and finish line together in good form.

Well done guys! Roll on September.

Slow, but sure...

I had meant to do this tomorrow till a family conspiracy blocked-booked my energy for a mountain- biking trip to La Couvertoirade.
So, the 10k I'd hope to do this week had to be today. I guess I was probably rested enough but I wasn't confident heading out the door.

The sun was blazing down giving 28 in the shade and there was little of that.

I'd decided to find a loop on the road in prep for September's half marathon.

I took plenty of water, some nibbles (which included an apple) and set off trying to find an economical pace.
All went well. The elevation was a little surprising (175m) but I was taking my own sweet time and found it a pleasure.
I broke the run at half way to drink and eat the apple then set off on the long climb home.

Not a blistering pace but I have to say that I'm pleased to have got back up to the distance especially in the heat and with the hills.

Mischief managed.

A hot sunny day...maybe not the right day to move up to 10k, but all went well despite elevation of 175m and 28 in the shade :)

Hello

This is the first of my posts......I am currently running (on the carpet as run dx puts it) around 21 miles a week over three sessions in the gym. The weather is generally extremely hot and sweaty all year round, however I have recently discovered the air con unit's remote control so have managed to knock a couple of degrees off the temperature. I have been running in the gym for about 8 years, however it was only last Dec when I increased the distance to its current level. Have been having a bit of trouble with my back for the last couple of months so am now concentrating on running in a more upright position......doesn't feel right but my back has eased a little. Also have problems with my right knee but that has eased as my weight has reduced from 12st 7lb to 10st 10lb since going on a diet and increasing my distance.

Injury..your achilles heel?

News is coming in from the UK... George and Marty are putting in the spade-work with the goal now, of a half Marathon in September.

George has been struggling with an inflamed achilles tendon. He's had a number of sessions with the physio and finally, perhaps too soon, headed out for a canter. He got a 3 miler in and, other than feeling a bit tender, lived to tell the tale.
Moving on from this George, and his running buddy Marty, took on a 5 miler with aplomb. Holding a commendable 8:15 per mile up to mile number 4....

Another 5m is to be taken on this week with the inclusion of a nice climb for the last mile.

And the beat goes on..

Well, 4 weeks in and all goes well. No fireworks yet but at this stage it's more than enough to get some TOFFEE (i) runs in and some regularity to training. I personally won't be happy to call myself a runner till I can run a couple of 10kms during the week and throw in a 10 miler for a long run.

There is a possibility of a September half marathon if I can get to a point where a sub 2 hours in achievable.



i. TOFFEE: Time On Feet Focusing on Energy and Efficiency

The heat is on....

The temperature is rising which, as each year shows, gives the incentive to get out there, lose some flab and dream of future events!
This year is no different; I've had four 5K runs in the last couple of weeks. It is clear thought that this return will be the most protracted, the most demanding and, ultimately, the most satisfying.
George is back in the saddle too; having built up to 20 minutes running; he is nursing an injury and cominmg back cautiously: he has joined up with Martin, a running collegue, so he will soon return to his best.


Dave is in Wales at the moment and in good shape generally so I don't anticipate any problems there should I need to call on him for the team!
My personal goals are to get the 5k time down to 25 minutes then build the distance to 10k in under an hour. Once this is achieved I will address the future. Here we go again; again!

Day 1

Don't expect too much yet..