My running journey

I often talk about running and it's time I blogged about my running journey.  Some of my friends will already know about this and others might be a bit surprised.

Reckoning most of my early running was out of desperation, not that I ever used to think of myself as being a runner.  For a brief time in my early twenties, I sometimes felt a bit lost in life, so I would go for a run in an old pair of trainers.  I would run a few miles, turn around to head home and then sprint as fast as I could.  Then as I was at my limit, I would force myself to go another 10 strides and even faster.  Then another 10, faster again, until finally I was panting uncontrollably and my heart was firing like a machine gun.  It felt so good.

Without knowing it, I had become a runner.

Roll forward to my mid 40s

Perhaps there's a theme forming here.  By now I had been working in the Probation Service and had been in the ranks of the management team for a few years.  A hit a stressful period at work and things were starting to get on top of me, so I went to see the HR manager.

Having explained to the HR manager how I was at my wits end, she kindly put forward a few suggestions.  Things like demotion, a sabbatical, unpaid leave, sick leave, reducing hours, sending me on a stress management course and so on.  While those were quite good suggestions, none of them quite hit the mark.

Also at this time I was putting on weight, I think I weighed 13st 8lbs at my heaviest.  So I decided to join a gym to lose weight and burn my stress away. At the gym I did a bit of everything but quickly found I enjoyed running on the treadmill.  However as soon as I got to like it, I had knee and ankle problems.  The solution was visiting a specialist running shop, a gait analysis, a proper pair of running shoes and BINGO!  I COULD RUN!  It felt so good.

Racing

After a while I decided to enter a 10k race, it seemed the obvious thing to do.  I remember my mother disapproving, flagging up all kinds of reasons why it was a bad idea for a man in his 40s.  I pressed on and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The actual "race" turned out to be a Britsh Heart Foundation fund raising event at Knebworth Park, Stevenage.  I think my time was about 55 minutes and I was pretty pleased, though not much of a race as such.  Later I managed to get my 10k time down to 45 minutes.
So next was a Half Marathon and this was at Bath. I have run a few Half's since, all with a time between 1hour 40-50mins which I was pleased with.

My favourite race is the Ridgeway Run, organised by Tring Running Club and I have run this a few times.  It is just under 10 miles and mostly off road.   As with many races, I latched onto someone ahead who had good form and was a bit faster - and I used them to drag me along out of my comfort zone.  Generally it works well for me.  One year I followed a tall, lanky man who was running well.  I was behind him most of the way apart from the last half mile when he shot ahead and lost me.  Afterwards I chatted to him and he explained he was in his 70s and, owing to being on a yacht for a few weeks beforehand, he was slower than normal.  I was amazed!  He, and others like him, are always an inspiration for me.

Like many runners, I suppose we like to have a go at a marathon, my first being when I was 50 or 51.  Again my mother was horrified, suggesting I would have some terrible injury.  So being stubborn, I ignored her and have now run a few marathons, each a little bit faster with my PB being 3hrs 50minutes.

Running alone

In spite of the rewarding buzz from racing others, I think my most significant runs have been on my own.  These could be training runs, or running just for the hell of it, or running to deal with the immense stress I have felt at times.

There were a few times when I had been so unhappy at work, I was at the verge of quitting but then "saved" by an incredible run.  Like those times in my early 20s, I would run and run as fast as I could, then push myself further so those problems melted away.  Some of my most memorable runs have been after work when I would stop off in a hilly area and run - I came to enjoy running up hills so much and managed to bag a few Strava segments.

Other times I would go for a run, feeling the burden of many problems. Even in those slower, longer runs, those problems would all be dealt with, one by one.  The miles would drift by, almost unnoticed as I mulled things over.  I found there was something so positive about running, often coming up with more imaginative solutions and ideas.  Those runs certainly helped me get things straight in my mind.  It is the amazing Runner's High I am talking about, the utterly amazing feeling you get after a good run - perhaps only runners will really understand this(?).

Apart from the mental health benefits, I became quite lean through running.  I quickly went from over 13st to 9st 7lbs and stayed like that for quite a few years.  I'm a little heavier now at just over 11st with a BMI of 23.

And these days

Having had a few health issues (kidneys), my running these days is less ambitious.  Mostly I run 2 or 3 miles every other day, with the occasional 7 or 8 mile run.  I thoroughly enjoy Parkruns for the social element and how it is such a marvellous way for all kinds of people to run, or walk, together on a Saturday morning.

I still dream of getting back to where I was in terms of running, or at least somewhere close.  I can only accept that the best is still to come; I just cannot accept that, at 58, I am inevitably heading downhill.  Perhaps that is the perpetual optimist in me, or perhaps the Type A personality surfacing a little?

In the cold light of day, I know I have run my fastest marathon.  Whether I have run my last marathon is a different matter altogether!

Blogging about running

On one of my other blogs (long retired) I used to talk a lot about running and had quite a following as it peaked at 20,000 page views a month.  I even used to get samples of clothing, coffee, energy gels and snack bars sent to me for reviewing on my blog.  All that, combined with running some decent times and some unforgettable runs, has seared itself on me forever.

While there is something so fantastic about the simplicity of running, it is also a complicated thing to do with so many different aspects - mental strength, personality, planning, being disciplined, nutrition, hydration, resting, sleeping, slow/fast runs, getting lost, falling over, injuries, shoes, clothing and the list goes on for miles.

All this adds up to be something so fascinating, so compelling, I hope and pray I will be a runner for many, many years to come.

I am so blessed

On Tuesday I had the most incredible run, perhaps the most fantastic run of my running life and I must tell you about it.  I am so blessed.  It was so uplifting as a run and yet it was also was a run about faith and trust.

To begin with, let me tell you a little about the day.  At my work, there has been a restructure brewing since March (officially) and for several months before that (unofficially).  It has been a horrible ordeal, already with so many great colleagues taking voluntary severance deal and leaving over the last two months.  For those of us who are left in corporate services things are coming to a bit of a head and Tuesday was a critical day for me.

While I cannot share the details yet, let me tell you I have complete faith and peace about the situation.  Whether I am to stay or leave soon, I can be assured everything will work out well in the end.  I say that as I have my strong faith as a Christian, plus I am a naturally optimistic person and I often turn various situations around in a positive way.

And so on Tuesday at around 5pm, I changed into my running gear at the office, jumped into my car and drove up to Preston, the small pretty village in Hertfordshire.   When I got there it was already dusk and getting dark so I wasted no time and got going.  As the light was fading so quickly I decided to stick to the roads and do a circular run which I'd done before.  It was a typical route, the kind of thing I can reasonably do on my way home from work and without upsetting our evening routine at home.

Here's my run in numbers:

Distance: 6.7miles
Time: 46:12
Average pace: 6:52/mile

And the splits:    

Mile      Time/mile   Feet
1            7:29            -69
2            6:44            -114
3            6:10            -13
4            5:47            -31
5            7:50            +158
6            6:59            +75
0.7         7:10            -7

I can tell you I was pleased with these times, especially as I hadn't set out to achieve any personal bests at all.  Within those times is my personal best 10k of 42:11.

As I ran I felt so alive, my mind was full of thankfulness and joy in spite of all the uncertainties around.  I ran to enjoy the run, not to beat any records and yet my mind was on God in wondering what this was all about, what was he trying to say to me.  I ran through the remnants of the daylight with a very low sun skimming across the fields before it was dark.  As I ran up the steep part of Charlton Hill and the wooded part, I could barely see where I was going let alone see how steep it was.  I knew my strides were longer than usual as I could feel my quads pulling a little tight and my breathing was a shade deeper than normal.  And yet it felt so good.

When I got back home and looked at the stats, I was surprised by some of those times, much faster than normal.  Most importantly was that feeling of being tested and now blessed in such a spectacular way.  I have thought about this run quite a lot since and the significance of the day.  God's mercy, his undeserved grace, seems to be the main reminder when I ask what it was all about.  As I said earlier, I don't know the outcome of the restructure at work and how it will affect me - but I do have that complete trust and faith things will work out.

I think this beautiful rendition of Psalm 23 sums it up, especially the phrase "And I will trust in you alone, for your endless mercy follows me, your goodness will lead me home".  Take a listen:

We have been in tight situations with work a number of times before, either for Rachel or myself.  Often unexpected things happen at precisely the right moment and this cannot be by chance.  Somethings happen which aren't what I wanted to happen and yet, looking back, I can see now why things did go the way they went and how it is for the best.

I have run twice since then, each time that Tuesday run was on my mind so much, still wondering what lies ahead....

Related
Running up Charlton Road, Hitchin

Ridgeway Run 2015 - tattooed legs and heavy feet

Never enough Portaloos!

Here's my race report from the truly excellent Ridgeway Run on 11th October 2015.  As usual race HQ is at the cricket ground in Tring, Hertfordshire.  It was a cool and delightful morning to arrive early enough to sign in and collect my race number.  Helpfully there were a good supply of safety pins!

All of the officials were welcoming, friendly and chatty.  There was a really nice atmosphere as runners prepared themselves for the race, plenty of high spirits and laughter going on.  It looked as if the majority of runners were with club mates or with friends and I think this adds to the event in having someone to share it with.  I find with almost every race, there is always a lengthy que for the Portaloos; it does matter how many have been supplied, there will never be enough for the 15 minute window in which they'll be fully used.

It was great chatting to the two officials on the left, in between checking in on-the-day bookings.  He thought I looked like Edward Fox and I think he looks like my daughter's physics teacher.  We got talking about blogs (naturally mentioning this blog!) and how Mr M wants to set his own up about the history if Rock & Roll so please do get in touch if you'd like some help.  In fact I think I could do a workshop for budding bloggers - let me know if you're interested - I'll cover all the basics in three hours giving enough practical guidance to have your own blog up and running in that time.  Just let me know.  Back to running now.

As usual there was a 10-15 minute walk from the cricket ground to the start line which is right at the edge of Tring, in a quiet little cul-de-sac and at the start of a bridleway.  Gradually everyone assembles, the Race Director arrived with his airhorn and timing officer, complete with clipboards and stopwatches galore.

Many runners seem to have GPS watches these days and these were all being checked, primed and ready for the press of the start button.  Me?  I have my old fashioned analogue £20 Timex on my wrist and my iPhone with Strava ready to record the run.

Ready, steady, go!
Last year I commented on heavy breathers and fast women: this was based on the first mile or so where we were all tightly packed with each other and the heavy breathing surrounded me.  This year the early stage was pretty much the same with everyone running closely together but this time I became aware of a different breed of runners around me.

The new breed were of the tattooed leg variety, perhaps normally quite rare.  I did notice how I was surrounded by the sound of "heavy feet" landing all around me.

These tattoos included all the latest fashionable swirling designs and also a few (but more discreet) Ironman tattoos on the backs of some runner's legs on the calf muscle.  Interestingly I spotted a number of other discreet tattoos and these also could be a sign of having completed a gruelling sporting event.  Apologies for not knowing what these are, I'm afraid that's not my world but I can understand people wanting some kind of wearable memento which entitles one to a kind of membership into an exclusive club.   Didn't spot any Olympic rings on shoulders though and I suppose it does add to the list of "wearables" we hear much about these days.

I had deliberately positioned myself a little further up the field on the start line for this year.  I dare say there were about 200 runners in front of me, more behind.  So that seemed a good place to start.  Once the race was underway and we had all done the start line shuffle, our pace picked up to one that was just right and we gradually jockeyed for position and started to thin out a little over the first mile or two.

No heavy breathers; instead I was conscious of heavy feet landing all around me. I was trying to listen out for my own but I couldn't quite discern them.  Sometimes when I'm running alone on something like a beach I will close my eyes and listen to my feet, my breathing and so on.  This tightly packed race was hardly the time to start closing my eyes but then I realised I was running lightly i.e. my footfall was light in landing on the ball of my foot i.e. towards the toes.  I often find myself doing this when I'm running quickly over rough ground, it's not a conscious thing, it generally just happens.  It does make running a little more comfortable I find and I like the extra "spring in my step" which it seems to bring.  I guess that landing lightly and in a deliberately controlled way puts less strain and impact on joints.

Howard's intervals
Once the pack had reached and crossed over the main road (and here's a "thank you" to the fabulous marshals) we turned right along the road for a short distance, through a gate and onto a path which was single file.  This was also a little slower for everyone.

Next was a little climb and I found myself tuning into a conversation going on behind me, between a man and a woman.

"You know I feel as if my training is paying off now"

"Training?"

"Oh have you never been on any of Howard's Wednesday night sessions?"

"No"

"It's brilliant.  He gets us doing intervals, you know fast and slow, plus running up and down a hill.  Really good and I'm feeling the benefit".

I remember thinking that yes, that did sound like good training by Howard, although I don't believe I know him.  I too have found reps to be beneficial in going to the limit for a couple of minutes and then jogging to allow my heart rate to come back down.  Repeating this many times is tremendous training and if I'm honest, I should do more than simply clocking up the miles as it would make me a better runner.

Going up
I like hills, as you my already know and I can just about remember the time when I used to avoid them like the plague.  I found myself looking for opportunities to over-take some other runners as we climbed through the wooded area to the Monument in the Ashridge Estate.  Gaining some time on these stretches is at least one thing I can do alright.  As I said, I like running up hills!
The first drink station by the Monument was such a welcome site and once again I'm so grateful to the marshals and volunteers for being there.  I made the most of a cup of water, so refreshing.  Then it's a case of turning left and running through the woodland area which is so beautiful at this time of year.  There were plenty of Sunday morning strollers around and everyone was stepping aside, letting us go by.  Before too long the trees thinned out and to the left you could see glimpses of wide open countryside in the soft October sun - really nice.

Going down
As I had gained a few places running up hill, now we were heading down the start of the actual Ridgeway I got over taken by quite a few.  I just don't have the right technique or form to run down hill well.  Something to improve on.

The terrain undulated and before too long another drink station, just before a short uphill slog and a waiting photographer ready to snap these exhausted runners - believe me that was a steep climb!  Next was a hazardous section, twisting and winding through a wooded area with lots of tree roots and rabbit holes.  I took this at a pretty easy pace as I didn't want to risk tripping.  Unsurprisingly I had a runner on my tail before long.  I yelled out asking if he wanted to get by and he said he didn't at all.  It seemed funny having a conversation for a few minutes with someone I could see!

Home straight
Once back down on the flat and onto the bridleway which runs straight back to Tring, I attempted to increase my speed in trying to estimate how further with the pace I would maintain.  Unfortunately for most of this straight section I was on my own.  It was so welcome getting back to the start line and knowing there was about half a mile (maximum) to go.  I gave it my all, which didn't really amount to much of an increased speed although I did feel a bit mean overtaking another runner within yards of the finish line!

Result
My result was 1:16, about 5 minutes faster than last year.  Chuffed.  This places me at 149 out of 564 runners.

Again I find myself asking "if I lost a little more weight, trained better, did Howard's intervals, how much faster could I go?

I felt so good, having a generous dose of the Runner's High.  This was a brilliant reminder of why I run, or at least one of the many reasons.

Serious side
My running form has changed over the years and there was a definite shift earlier this year when I had a bit of an injury.  Now that I'm running with a lighter, softer footfall using more of the central part of my foot and the ball of my foot, I can feel it is better somehow.  It feels just as natural as it was before when I was a bit of a heel striker sometimes.

Once again this was a lovely race.  I like it for not being a big event.  I'd say the number of runners this year - well over 600 - was probably about the maximum for this course towards the start.  It is a tricky balance as it wouldn't be a nice race if there were only 50 runners and we became too spread out.  No, it's nice to run in the company of others and I find I enjoy running a little faster this way.
Speaking of other competitors, my admiration for the winner and other prize winners.  My admiration goes especially to those who are in their 60s who beat me (I'm 53).  You give me something to aim for!

I like also having a technical teeshirt instead of a useless medal and it's always nice wondering what it will look like.  It's nice being handed a bottle of water and a flapjack instead of the carrier bag of rubbish you get at some races. Well done to Tring Running Club!

I love the course being virtually all off road on lovely tracks in wonderful countryside.  I like the hills, even though I need to get better at running down hill.  As races go, this is extremely good value and I'm already looking forward to another go in 2016.


My thanks to Tring Running Club for the friendly welcome, great organisation (inc perfect weather conditions) and everything else which made this a great race.

Other
No, I'm not having a tattoo, ever. Even I ever do something where I'm "entitled to" I simply won't be having one.  Not my cup of tea, sorry.

Here's a few snaps from the day:

Marshals getting ready

First aiders having their briefing

Race numbers being pinned on.  Note watercress tee shirt.

Race numbers being pinned on.

Post race drinks handed out!

More drinks!

Clubs enjoy a social side too

Lovely first aiders, they said they weren't needed

Made it!

This is a muddy splash on my leg, not a tattoo

Related:

Heavy breathers and fast women
Ridgeway Run 2011
Ridgeway Run 2010
Link to the Tring Running Club website and the nice people there

MK Marathon race report

Cannot waste anymore time.  I need to type up some thoughts on the MK Marathon before they get lost as I want to be able to look back on this in many years to come.  After all, isn't that one of the points of a web-log i.e. a blog?

You might know I was thinking this marathon might all go wrong as I had been suffering one or two injuries which I do believe, were all inter-related and self inflicted.  In the end it all came together and I even shaved a couple of minutes off my last MK Marathon by coming in at 3:56.  Now I know that result isn't going to set the world alight but I can tell you, I was delighted.

Getting ready started the night before by laying out the clothes I was planning to wear and this turned out to be an almost new outfit with my Ron Hill shorts, X-socks and dhb tri top kindly sent by Wiggle for me to review; more about that some other time.

Gravel for breakfast
Breakfast was a small bowl of gravel.  When I say "gravel" this is in fact the term Rachel uses to describe my breakfast cereal.  You see, it consists of a little basic muesli with added oat bran, a spoonful of ground flax seeds, a few sunflower seeds etc.  I suppose she might have a point, in describing it as "gravel" but take it from me it's brilliantly healthy.  Also included are some fruit, a dollop of yoghurt, coffee and Cherry Active to wash it all down.  Apart from all kinds of healthy nutrients to keep me healthy, there's a good supply of carbs to keep me fuelled.  Not too much though, last thing I want to do is run with a full stomach (this is the nearest a man gets to know what being pregnant is like).

Anyway, I drove up to Milton Keynes, found somewhere to park and strolled over.  It was looking like the perfect day: not too hot, not too cold, not windy or wet.  Just right.

Arriving in MK
I am used to this venue, the MK Dons stadium and this is a great place for the marathon to be based around, probably good for football as well.  To keep warm it seemed most runners were inside the bag storage area, which coupled as the VIP Bike Park and a place to hang around waiting for the cue to make a move.  Needless to say there was a steady stream of runners using the toilets (there never seem to be quite enough) and unsurprisingly some men had a last minute pee, yards from the start.

Starting
Once I was in the starting pen, I found my way to the 4:15 pacer, thinking that would be a pretty cool time, given my injuries.  As I was hanging around, alongside the other runners, little conversations nervously started up as we jogged and shuffled on the spot in an attempt to keep warm.  The PA system had the usual annoying rubbish coming across, including instructions to do a few Mexican waves.  Basically this was killing a bit of time as I think the start time had been and gone.  Eventually though the gun (horn, actually) went off and off we went.  Well, we didn't really.  There was the usual agonisingly long period to even start shuffling forwards before getting to jog my way across the starting line.

As soon as I had started, I then started to feel even more nervous as some self-doubts rattled through my mind.  Would my calf muscle hold out okay?  What about shin splints?  What about my hip, that could be even more serious?  That ground looks concrete hard if I trip and fall.  Am I going to be too cold going around?  Too hot?  Will I make it....? You get the drift.  And yet those unhelpful thoughts melted away as I gradually got warmed up.  For the first two or three miles I seemed to be surrounded by a lot of other runners, all packed closely together.  I had no idea where the 4:15 pacer was.

The runners around me seemed a mixed bunch, all age groups, men, women and a lot of heavy breathers!  Some seemed to be sweating a lot and grunting, so I was half checking they were okay and not about to keel over.  Nobody did, although one or two looked as if they could.  I consoled myself they were in the relay race and this is where individual runners would cover a few miles and then hand a baton over to someone else waiting.

The miles drifted by
As the route took us through the closed streets of MK, we must have been a fantastic sight with runners tightly packed on both sides of the roads.  Marshals were all well positioned.  I remember catching sight of a couple of race officials on Eliptigo bikes escorting the last runner.  It was a woman on her own, really struggling to move herself along and yet I thought "there's something I admire about you for trying".

The miles drifted by and eventually the full marathon and half marathon runners split in different directions.  This thinned out the field quite a bit and yet the profile was very similar.  Perhaps more women split to do the half?  Not sure.  In the full marathon there seemed to be some really good runners who seemed really accomplished and running with good form.  At this point I normally latch onto someone as a pace maker and I did just that; a runner who was cruising along almost effortlessly.  This was helpful for me as she was running at a good, steady pace and able to weave in and out of others.  I kept up with her for several miles.

The mile signs started to become longed-for sights and yet they seemed to crop up when the time was right for me.  As before, I was wearing my analogue watch which is good enough at giving me a rough idea of the time so far and then I'd try to calculate how I was doing.  By the time I'd passed the half marathon point, I realised that I could come in on 4 hours if I was fortunate.

And now the second half
The second half of the course seemed the best.  I knew I was being tested and thoughts ran through my mind about whether the pain of my various injuries would flare up and cause me to retire.  I had a couple of Ibuprofen tablets in my pocket, so I popped a couple in my month, one after each other, and crunched them up into the most digesting, foul taste and then swallowed.  What I needed was a drink station but this seemed to be so far off!

On the subject of drink stations, these seemed to come along just as I needed them, spaced out at good, helpful points.  I made sure I took a drink at each until I got to the 20 mile mark, when really I was feeling I should now make it without any extra water, Gatorade or gels.  Also at the 20 mile mark were a couple of Portaloos and I decided to make use - and boy, did I need it!  Running after that brief comfort break was wonderful!

My legs were starting to flag a little but I was so determined to keep going in the last hour or so.  There were now more and more runners who were walking and or jogging slowly.  I desperately wanted to maintain my pace for fear of slowing down and not being able to run properly.  There were some slopes leading up from some of the underpasses and these seemed to really cause people to walk.  The steeper these went, the more effort I pout in to dash up as fast as I could.

Finishing!
When I got a glimpse of the MK stadium at about the 24 or 25 mile mark, I felt very encouraged and even more determined.  I checked my watch and did my best to work out a 4 hour time was possible.  In the last half mile I really went for it with every bit of energy I could possibly muster.  I could almost hear people say "flash git" as I overtook several slower runners as I approached the stadium and once inside the ground my heart lifted.  There I was, finish line in sight and I was eager to make it across the line quickly, but without making a fool of myself.  Seconds later, I was across the line and it felt so good!

Part of the course design is to keep runners moving after their finish as a sort of cool down.  There was a St John's Ambulance crew on hand, just in case.  I got handed a bottled of water, got my medal, goody bag and then I went back to watch others finish.  Sitting down close to the finish I sunk deep into the seat, loving every minute.  My body was tired, a little cold and shaky; yet I was on top of the world.  I was having to hold back my smiles, my euphoria, my delight.  I watched the glee and delight on the faces of other runners as they too came in, on top of the world.  Cheers and greetings were there from many friends and families, all sharing hugs and cheers together.  I shared their joy.

Reluctantly I made my way out of the stadium after a little while.  I needed to get home to my family but not after whispering a "thank you" to the Good Lord for bringing me through.  My mind was buzzing, loving it, wishing I could do it all over again!

Marathon in numbers:

Distance: 26.2 miles / 42,195metres
Fastest runner: 2hrs 37mins
Slowest runner: 6hrs 51mins
Number completed: 1559
Men: 1167
Women: 392

My position:
Total completes: 589 out of 1559
Position male: 514 out of 1167
Veteran 50+ position: 88 out of 215
Fastest 50+ veteran 2:50
My time (chip time): 3:56

Split times:
6 mile: 54:08 male position 853
13.1miles 1:56 male position 751
20 miles 2:58 male position 595

Estimated VO2 max: 38.6

Although I am pleased with my results, I am humbled by the two men (Kevin Smith and Jonathon Norton) who are both in the V70+ group and beat me!

Waiting for the start

All shapes and sizes very welcome

Recovery?

Recovery, reflection?

Nice to share the experience

Thanks to St John's Ambulance 

KFC (Keep Fat & Chubby) doesn't quite seem right

Related:
MK marathon 2013
Mk marathon 2012

Race report - MK marathon, 6th May 2013

If you've been following my blog lately, you'll already know that because of my disjointed training my strategy was to "get around somehow", rather than be too ambitious.  In the end I was pleased and surprised with the outcome.  Here's the story....

This is the second year I have entered the Milton Keynes (MK) Marathon as it's not too far from our home.  It is also a flat course, very well organised and quite scenic.  I know that "scenic" and Milton Keynes do not always naturally go together but it goes to show what can be achieved through good planning and negotiation with the Local Authorities.

My goal, my ambition

My time last year was 4:12 and I was hoping to get somewhere near that, although it has to be said, I was not feeling too confident.  My training hadn't gone to plan with fewer-than-ideal long runs and I'd a dose of flu that knocked me out for a couple of weeks at an important time.  So I was pleased when I got my result of 3:58:45 - not only beating last year's time but coming in just under the magic 4 hours. Apologies for being a bit self indulgent here!

Warm weather

We couldn't believe how fantastic the weather was looking.  A month ago we still had some snow lying around and it was bitterly cold.  Now we were enjoying some beautiful spring sunshine at my favourite time of year - what could be better?  It was fairly cool first thing and as lovely as it was, I planned for some high temperatures.  Sunblock, my lightest running top and well hydrated from the previous day.  When I started running a few years ago, I never seemed to know quite what to wear: partly wanting to blend in and appear a "proper runner".  Nowadays I couldn't care less - I wear what I think is right for me.  That paid off.  I think many other runners were overdressed and it became apparent later on (see below).

The pattern for starting was the normal approach - fast runners at the front, us slow coaches towards the back.  It is always a nice opportunity to chat to other runners and I found myself listening to a man (can't quite remember his name) who was 59 and had run 70 marathons.  Now that's something to take note of!  

We're off!

By courtesy of the Mayor of Milton Keynes, the starting horn blew and we just stood there and only inched forward after a few minutes - this is perfectly normal and with individual chip timing, it's perfectly okay and you're not disadvantaged.  Many runners were pressing buttons and fiddling with smart phones and Garmins.  Me, well I just had my £20 Timex analog watch.  What took my by surprise, in the first few yards, I suddenly had two little girls running alongside.  "Daddy, Daddy, good luck Daddy!" it was Becky and Hannah, my daughters.  This made me smile as I pressed on.  

After a mile or so the pack was still fairly tight and I was aware I was running amongst lots of "heavy breathers" who were either going to be slow plodders or were saving themselves for the second half.  I picked up the pace a little and moved through them, still feeling okay.  I knew that my weak spot was my knee and ankle joints and it seemed I would take the same number of steps no matter how fast or slow I went, so I pressed on.  Needless to say when I got to the 25 minute mark, my own personal "wall" appeared and then melted away after 4 or 5 minutes.  I'm not phased by this anymore; it happens.

The early stages of the course took the runners through the commercial office area, weaving in and out of the shadows cast by the taller buildings.  Lots of dual carriage ways with so many supporters at the junctions added to the atmosphere with little kids waving their Dads (and some Mums) on their way.  There were quite a lot of keen-looking cyclists who, after a while, I started to recognise them as they cropped up again and again!  The course also double backed on itself so you could see slower runners on the other side of the road and I spotted the pack I had been in and knew I'd done the right thing to leave them behind.  I later realised this was the position of the official 4:30 pace setter.

Half way, half marathon done

Getting to the half way stage was nice, although I was starting to feel a little fatigued but nothing out of the ordinary.   I was also taking every opportunity to grab some water or Gatorade at each of the drink stations and I am sure this helped keep me fairly cool through the race.  During the second half I was definitely amongst my peers in terms of our running ability.  We would take it in turns to over take each other several times and yet we were all keeping a steady pace going.

The course itself was showing its variety which I really liked.  The earlier commercial urban areas were nicely contrasting with the semi rural villages and the tow path of the Grand Union Canal for a bit; that was nice and running through the dabbled shadows from the lovely trees was nice.  The path took us over some short but steep bridges criss-crossing across the canal.  It was here that some runners were starting to flag a bit by walking over them.  

Running through a residential area there was a man outside his house spraying his hosepipe over the runners - quite welcome and I heard a fellow runner say "thanks mate that's nice" followed by "if that buggers up my iPhone, I'm coming 'round to see you".  Talking of hosepipes and cooling water, I was delighted when I saw my family at about mile 17!  I didn't expect that at all.  Becky and Hannah were cheering me on, complete with a poster that said 'Go Daddy Go' and then they were squirting me with water.  That was nice and after I'd passed they carried on squirting other runners; apparently that went down well!  Talking of kids, those little children who dutifully hold out boxes of jelly babies are fantastic!

The home straight (nearly)

I saw the 20 mile sign go past and it gave me a mental boost - just 6.2 miles to go and somehow telling myself it was just 10k seemed to make it shorter in my mind.  I was starting to hurt at this point and I remembered my longest "long" run beforehand was just 15 miles.  For a minute a knee would hurt, then an ankle, then a minute later a part of my foot - each pain taking over from the previous one.  Then I got a stitch - I couldn't believe it!  I have only ever had a slight stitch when setting out, not 20 miles into a race.  Happily it went almost as quickly as it came.  I smiled to myself as each bit of my legs started to complain in turn and because each protest was short lived I reckoned there was nothing too serious going on.

The slopes seemed to get a bit harder for everyone.  None of them are too steep or long but they did seem a struggle with many runners walking them.  As with last year I refused to walk - it did come down to a jog once or twice but I refused to walk no matter how much it hurt.

I remembered last year catching a glimpse of the MK stadium about half a mile or so before the finish and that gave me a wonderful boost.  The gradient was very slightly down hill and I enjoyed coasting in.  Going down the slope into the stadium building was painful on the soles of my feet - all my weight landing with extra force with each step.  Coming into the stadium was so uplifting and spotting my family in the crowd was fantastic - thanks Rachel, Becky and Hannah - you're wonderful!

Finish!

And so I crossed the finish line, all a bit of a blur and I walked passed the 'results table' where you could pick up your exact time without having to wait any longer.  Last year my ambition was to come in under 4 hours.  My training this year was aimed at (sort of) matching last year's.  More recently my aim was to survive regardless of the time.  And so the chip time result is 3:58:45.

Delighted!  Even my colleagues gave me a little round of applause when I went into work yesterday (before they suggested it must be my turn to buy them all cakes).  Thanks guys.

I enjoyed it so much, even now a couple of days later I'm still on a high and recovering a lot better than I did last year (other blog post to follow).

I'm just so thankful, so blessed, more than I could imagine.  Thank you.

St John's Ambulance crew getting ready

Easing sore muscles for some runners

Longed for finish line

Not selling much junk food today

After my race, being reflective