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.

Favourite run getting harder

This is my favourite run which I had been planning to run at night time with my friend Jon, who unfortunately has gone down with the dreaded flu and consequently whipped out.  I decided to still go ahead with the run, albeit in daylight.

I have run this route many times, or variations of it. Add all the variations of the basic route and I have run it hundreds of times.  I know it well and yet every time it is a little different; the seasons, the weather and how I'm running.

So on Monday morning, just a few days ago I decided to run it alone.  A nice way of starting my week's annual leave at an otherwise drab time of year.

After a mile of running along the A5 through a particularly drab Dunstable, I headed up Beech Road and into the countryside; this being the first proper hill.  As Beech Road and the subsequent hill is about a mile from home, at this stage I am not warmed up or running at my best.  Nevertheless I confess I had to stop at the top for a breather.  It is a short, sharp hill which has always tested me and I've certainly enjoyed running up it (especially when I overtake cyclists!).

Hollicks Lane is the next hill and probably the steepest in Bedfordshire at about 1:4 (or 25% in new money).  Again it's short and steep.  Again I had to stop and catch my breath at the top which is not good news at all. There were some builders doing some work on a driveway there and they were surprised to see someone actually running up the hill which made me smile.

The route then turns right and is flat, running through the outskirts of Kensworth to Land Park Lane which I think has now been de-listed as a road.  It is gradually returning to nature and this is where the nicest part of the run starts.  I absolutely love running through the woods and eventually out onto Dunstable Downs - this is always the highlight and my pace often quickens across the Downs footpath before dropping back down into Dunstable and plodding home.

The run's main features were:

• Hard going, especially up the hills
• Quite a lot slower than years gone by.  My average pace was 9:26/mile. My fastest pace for this exact route was 8:35/mile and that was in 2015.
• Muddy in the woods.  But then I quite like getting splattered with muddy water.  As for my running shoes, well they look well-used nowadays.  Even my feet were muddy when I took my socks off!
• Missed running with Jon 
• Uplifting, making me more thoughtful for the day
• Gave me a nice gentle runner's high buzz for several hours after.  Not blowing my brains out this time but a nice feeling nevertheless

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

Running up Charlton Road, Hitchin

The start of Charlton Road, from Hitchin 

 Charlton Road is just outside Hitchin, Hertfordshire.  This is all "very Hertfordshire" with leafy lanes, gentle rolling hills and probably has a good number of millionaires in the area.  For me I sometimes drive through this area on my way home from my office in Stevenage and I am getting to explore some of the good runs in the area.

Turns out Charlton Road has two running segments on Strava and, from memory, one segment for cyclists.  I have cycled this Cat 4 climb a few times but the best bit is RUNNING!

It gets used quite a bit by runners and cyclists as normally I see at least one or two, sometimes more.  Cyclists tend to go up the hill, runners tend to prefer coming down.  Not me, I prefer running up!  Each time I have parked my car in the pretty village of Preston, at the top of the hill.  I either run down the hill and straight back up (a bit boring) or perhaps do a circular run mostly on the roads, as I did in the Strava print out below. Additionally I am gradually piecing together a number of bridlepaths and footpaths which are very pleasant in this area.

In terms of stats, the "Charlton Hill full climb" on Strava is 1.3 miles and a rise of 249 feet.  My PB time on this is 12:41 and places me 62nd out of 121 other runners - this is simply not good enough for me.  The other segment is the "Charlton Hill steep bit" which is just 0.2 miles and has a rise of 121 feet (but it feels a lot more than that!  The steepest section is 1:4.  My positioning improves on this bit with me being 21st out of 121 other runners.  My PB is 2:31 which I'm sure I can improve a little.  I know this is all a bit nerdy but it must be proof that I like running up steep hills!

The day these photos were taken, I bumped into another runner.  I think he said his name was Sean and he's also a blogger but concentrates on wildlife.  We had a little chat while he took the photo of me (below) and he explained he's doing the Couch to 5k programme (aka C25k) and he looked as if he was doing very well, certainly not a complete beginner.

The actual climb
The first part of the climb is a gentle incline (picture below) with arable fields either side.  The lane passes through a wooded area where it gets steep and steeper still as the road winds its way up the hill...Once out of the wooded area the road levels out and fields once again are on either side.

Credit to Richard Puckey who is the course leader for the steep part segment with a really impressive time of 1:27 (against my PB of 2:31) and the fastest woman is Sarah Mitcherson who ran it in 2:30 back in 2012.

Charlton Hill, near the start and only a gentle incline

Charlton Hill,   approaching the steepest part by some lovely farm buildings.
Very Hertfordshire!