tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70394589231970668562012-02-01T20:53:33.379ZDiary of an Ultra RunnerChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.comBlogger4861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-46326276868482451982012-02-01T15:51:00.000Z2012-02-01T15:51:02.127ZprogressionTraining going really well now, obviously at a low level but hopefully I've maintained lots of fitness through cross training so it shouldn't be too difficult to get back into full training with everything that that involves:
long runs, hill reps, tempo runs, fartlek, speedwork, cycling, weights, flexibility ...
Almost back to normal.
Yesterday I completed my longest run since 25 October last Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-32579313763925525592012-01-28T16:35:00.001Z2012-01-28T16:35:48.126Zhere we go ...The trip to the physio provided some excellent news. The stress fracture to my left calcaneous has fully healed now and the achilles tendinosis in the same leg is well under control. So much that it's now easier to get fitter than it is to relapse ... so long as I keep up the good work regarding rehab.
That's ice, exercises and being sensible.
Elsewhere in the news congratulations to Lizzy Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-762727680777611762012-01-25T19:51:00.001Z2012-01-25T19:52:01.901ZtomorrowWell ... the big day is tomorrow. My final appointment at the physio (all being well). Everything seems to be OK with the ankle and running this week has been consistently at the 100% level.
Looking forward to proper training again and planning a few races for the future.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-32911591085459874772012-01-21T18:55:00.000Z2012-01-21T18:55:04.176Zmixed scores this weekLast Sunday was a bad running day. The 40 minute outing could only be given a score of 95% which was a backward step after previous runs had been almost 100%. Very disappointing. Since then however things have improved every day and the last two days saw the 50 minute runs both given a perfect score of 100%.
Feeling good now as we head into a new week and hopefully things will continue to be Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-41483995509001627312012-01-14T19:04:00.001Z2012-01-14T19:07:49.095Znewspaper article ... weather ... good newsWell ... all was good at the physio last Wednesday and I'm now able to run continuously for about 40 minutes and gradually increase that to 60 minutes over the next two weeks or so. The ankle has been feeling better by the day and now I have no problems at all although I am still icing the area three times a day and will continue doing so until the end of January.
Then I'll gradually phase thatChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-90523194335870687152012-01-09T21:49:00.001Z2012-01-09T21:49:23.277Zthings still improvingJust a brief update on how the injury's progressing before my next visit to the physio on Wednesday afternoon.
Well, today was a 'no running' day but the previous four runs were all done in the morning and I would give them marks of 96%, 96%, 98% and 99%. So things are definitely still improving and the early morning aching has also abated.
Very good indeed. Stretching three times a day, Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-79392427030730770802012-01-04T16:32:00.000Z2012-01-04T16:35:46.697Zinjury updates ... stats ... other stuffQuite a bit to get through today so ... here goes ...
My rehab from the calcaneous stress fracture and achilles tendon injury seems to be progressing very well at the moment. Until Sunday evening I was a little unsure as to whether the ankle was actually getting any better. But then, from Monday morning, things seemed to click into place and I'm now confident that my rehab is going to plan.
Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-65947100728921368402011-12-30T16:29:00.000Z2011-12-30T16:31:58.309Zprogressing wellAfter running on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday today is a scheduled rest day - well, no running. The running has gone very well with the last two days being almost perfect.
The ankle is still a bit stiff in the mornings but I'm confident that with lots of stretching, ice, massage and specific exercises I can get that under control. The four runs (40, 40, 45 and 45 minutes) have all Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-51142968845883258212011-12-26T20:57:00.002Z2011-12-26T20:57:51.755Zrehab ... next stageHope everyone had a good Christmas. For the first time in a number of years I did no training whatsoever on the big day.
This afternoon I ventured outside for a run (of sorts) for the first time in six weeks. I alternated 5 minutes running with 5 minutes walking for a total of 40 minutes. I was prepared to only be out for 20 minutes if the pain or discomfort meant that would be wise ... but IChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-22302819682133724632011-12-21T15:34:00.000Z2011-12-21T15:34:23.073Zinjury newsJust arrived back from seeing the physio at lunchtime today ... and the good news is that I've been given the all clear to begin running (sort of) next Monday.
I've got to start with alternating 5 mins running with 5 mins walking and after a couple of weeks hopefully I can begin gentle runs of around 6 to 7 km (3.7 to 4.3 miles). That will follow a return to the physio on 11 January.
So, on Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-76377200763314190642011-12-16T11:33:00.000Z2011-12-16T11:33:40.745ZThis weekendJust time to let you know about a couple of things happening this weekend in the world of ultra running:
First of all Sharon Gayter is on a treadmill at Teeside University going well in her attempt to record the farthest distance ever in a seven day period. The current record is 753 km by Lee Chamberlain back in 2009. All the news is on Sharon's website.
Then, over in Spain, there's the Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-35344190863612764912011-12-11T20:18:00.001Z2011-12-11T20:56:25.288Zgetting better dailyWell ... I'm no longer having any pain from my achilles and heel bone injuries which is a good thing. Still cross training hard but the most frustrating thing has been that it isn't a running injury. It happened when I fell down the stairs at home back in October.
Things are looking set for a gradual return to running at Christmas time but a visit to the physio in ten days will confirm that - Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-66930187818511503062011-12-07T15:45:00.001Z2011-12-11T20:17:08.351Zrunning dangerouslyThis morning I came across something on the BBC website which I've copied below. My thoughts are that after suffering with three potentially fatal illnesses I know that my lifestyle is a lot healthier than most other people's way of living. My lifestyle was in no way the cause of any of those illnesses though but exercise has been my way of coping with what life has sometimes thrown my way. I Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-48318168513556215372011-12-04T19:07:00.001Z2011-12-04T19:16:53.396Zenergy balanceThis morning Fay turned to me and asked when I'm going to start running again. I told her it would hopefully be round about Christmas but wondered about her interest.
"Because you've got too much energy" she said.
hmmm ... I didn't need to ask her to explain.
Obviously 16 hours of training per week (without the running) isn't enough ...Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-70131463333698078442011-11-28T11:48:00.001Z2011-11-28T11:59:00.762Znot much to reportBeing injured at the moment I don't really have much to blog about. I am taking a very professional attitude with the achilles and calcaneus and, although still painful at times, I am doing what I can to maintain fitness and repair the leg. It isn't always easy though as rehab exercises for the achilles can be quite painful for the stress fracture. Got to be very careful.
At the moment an Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-57883902488351198422011-11-22T19:59:00.001Z2011-11-22T20:51:23.609Za bit of medical stuffCongratulations to William Sichel on his recent win in the 8 day race in Monaco.
My new exercise regime continues with much more cycling for the next few weeks. I imagine that, on average, I'll soon be up to an hour cycling per day. It's not all at a steady pace though, there are a few options:
- after a suitable warm up alternate 8 mins hard with 2 mins easy. The hard work to feel like mileChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-18468060398695903232011-11-19T10:50:00.001Z2011-11-19T11:21:34.204Zinjury updateYesterday morning's visit to the physio was quite revealing to say the least. After an X-Ray, another ultrasound scan and some prodding, poking and manipulation (by three different doctors) we now know what the problem has been.
It all started when I fell down the stairs at home four weeks ago. I mentioned it on the blog at http://thoughtsofanultrarunner.blogspot.com/2011/10/welcome-back.html.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-51410115380444075622011-11-17T12:16:00.001Z2011-11-17T12:21:23.603Zstill not goodSince starting rehab stage 2 a few days ago I've been running four times and each time there has been quite a bit of pain in my left ankle.
It now seems obvious to me that there's more going on than simply achilles tendinopathy. Going back to the physio tomorrow because there's something he missed when I was there a few weeks ago. In the meantime I'll be carrying on with the weight training Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-14317789408015770512011-11-11T11:22:00.001Z2011-11-11T12:14:18.239Zrehab - stage 2I've just spent the past two weeks cycling, cycling and cycling. With a bit of strength work, stretching and cycling thrown in for good measure. The old achilles has been fine for the past seven or eight days so now I plan to take a risk and move onto the second stage of rehab.
This basically entails adding some actual running into the mix. At first the running must be interspersed with Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-36842753870389474332011-11-06T11:57:00.001Z2011-11-06T11:57:47.166Zan incredible 77 daysCongratulations to Chris Finill and Steve Pope who, at about sunset yesterday, dived into the Atlantic Ocean in New York. Today they are taking part in the New York Marathon but I don't expect they'll be actually racing.
Chris has taken part in every London Marathon and completed them all in less than 3 hours. He has also represented his country many times in ultra distance events around the Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-2644334699045442122011-10-31T19:31:00.001Z2011-10-31T19:32:40.217ZTV ... carbs ... injuryHope you all watched the program on Channel 4 (UK) on Saturday morning at 7.00am. It was almost an hours worth of coverage from the second Commonwealth Mountain & Ultra Running Championships which took place in Llandudno a few weeks ago (as if you didn't know).
A very good program showing about 20 minutes from each of the three races. If you haven't seen it yet you can find it here. I believeChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-34576825862949834522011-10-29T20:37:00.000+01:002011-10-29T20:37:45.999+01:00The old ankle is feeling much better now that I haven't run for a few days. On Monday I get the results of various tests and scans and after that I'll know what I can do ... and more importantly what I can't do.
Because the pain seems to have settled down very quickly I am confident of a return to full training well before Christmas and in the meantime I'm keeping as fit as possible with Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-31795182178730565702011-10-26T19:55:00.000+01:002011-10-26T19:56:03.003+01:00oh no ...This morning's run was not good.
Yesterday afternoon's was perfect. I ran 13.4 miles (21.5 km) in 1h 45 ... easily. This morning though I woke up with a pain in my left ankle (as well as both elbows). The ankle felt stiff all morning and was quite painful for the first half of my 8.6 mile run (13.9 km).
This afternoon it's been fine but I'm a bit worried about the possibility of having Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-10493373227241587142011-10-23T21:00:00.000+01:002011-10-23T21:01:20.674+01:00Welcome back ...Recently had a week or two break from training and that's been really enjoyable. Still been running but not training ... I feel that there is a difference. Sometimes a big one.
For the past two or three days I've started looking at possible races for next year. Ideally I'd like a 24 hr race in May followed by the World & Euro 24 hr race in September (to be held in Poland) and finally a long Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-37047425020615450472011-10-15T21:59:00.000+01:002011-10-15T21:59:47.605+01:00the first steps to stronger shoulders and upper backWoke up this morning ... and there was no electricity supply to the house. Nothing worked. No lights, no switches, nothing.
Phoned the generating company and they said they'd send an engineer out. Meanwhile I went for a run. It was still only 7.00am but it was a wonderful morning. Sunny, cold and foggy. A great and peaceful time for running.
Shortly after I returned home the engineer Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-50804638144173502612011-10-10T20:46:00.001+01:002011-10-10T20:47:20.780+01:00Race ReportOK ... I know it's late but here it is.
My race report for last months Commonwealth Championships ... read it on http://llandudno2011.blogspot.com/
Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-57560969767384033782011-10-07T19:36:00.001+01:002011-10-07T19:36:34.987+01:00I'm still here ... a bit busy thoughI know I'm supposed to be writing a race report following the Commonwealth Championships but I've been a bit busy the past week or so.
The main thing has been Keir. He's wanted help with university applications and with research for his A level History coursework - 'The Causes of the General Strike of 1926'. He's doing the work of course but my role has been to look for (and buy, of course) Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-33967319172111802572011-10-05T18:53:00.000+01:002011-11-19T10:47:23.713ZbruisedYesterday morning while out running I fell over in Menston. Apart from a badly dented ego I finished with two bruised hands and a bruised left hip.
Also grazed both elbows and, strangely, the outside of both knees. How did that happen ?
That's twice in six months now ...Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-81810311571948522722011-10-01T20:17:00.000+01:002011-10-01T20:17:02.585+01:00one week afterWent for an 11 mile run this morning in glorious sunshine. Left home at 7.30am and the temperature was already 13.25 Celsius (55.85 Fahrenheit). Amazing for October. The run itself went very well with no major problems ... recovering well it seems.
My shoulders are still painful though, especially the left one. I guess I now know my weak spot ... and now I've got to learn what to do about itChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-72094262360578446432011-09-29T13:10:00.000+01:002011-09-29T13:10:17.484+01:00recent raceOver the past few days there has been lots written about the Commonwealth Championships in various places and here I attempt to bring them all together.
- lots of stuff on the IAU website
- this appeared on the IAAF website
- UK Athletics put something on their website after being prompted by me
- England Athletics has some stuff too
- Welsh Athletics has something here
- the news from Scottish Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-21978121599680292882011-09-27T10:40:00.003+01:002011-09-27T13:56:30.263+01:00Yes, I had a bad run.
Actually
everyone except the debutants had bad runs. The people who came closest to
their pre race targets were those who revised their targets downwards because of
the gale force winds - unfortunately I didn't (and paid the price).
The weather was exceptionally windy for about 20 hours and the 1026.7m loop was such that it was a headwind for
about 500m and a Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-35143381103748875792011-09-21T13:35:00.000+01:002011-09-21T13:42:01.932+01:00training finishedA couple of hours ago I did my very last training session before the weekend's race. Just a short steady run in the morning sunshine ... a bit breezy but not too bad. I hope it's not too windy during the race on Friday and Saturday.
The remainder of today will be spent packing, eating, relaxing, snacking, sleeping and nibbling. Must remember the beetroot juice.
England Athletics have now Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-12357705763210161962011-09-18T19:54:00.000+01:002011-09-18T19:56:17.792+01:00almost there ...This afternoon I completed my last training session with the weights. Just three more runs now before the race ... fartlek on Monday and Tuesday with a final steady run on Wednesday.
Started drinking the beetroot juice yesterday. Half a litre per day every day until the race. I'm sure I've mentioned it before but it was Jim Rogers in May 2010 who introduced me to the delights of the red stuffChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-10215732293278894822011-09-16T20:08:00.000+01:002011-09-16T20:09:05.223+01:00One week to goWith only a week to go before the Commonwealth Championships my official England kit finally arrived. Still got to run in it to make sure it's up to scratch and then wash it before the race next Friday.
Today's training was a four mile tempo run ... with an excessive amount of clothing. I did this first thing in the morning to avoid the heavy rain that was forecast between 10am and 4pm. I Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-46733139795399189672011-09-11T17:55:00.001+01:002011-09-11T17:58:34.382+01:00Continuing my preparation for the Commonwealth Championships I've just begun the second week of tapering (out of three). Last week the mileage was 30 miles, this week it will be 40 and for the final week 20 [not including the race].
If that seems a little strange it's because the final week before tapering was my crash training period and to help recovery after that intense seven day period I Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-45969417824174351632011-09-07T16:29:00.000+01:002011-09-07T16:29:57.974+01:00hard work todayToday's run was hard ... not because of the run itself but because of the exceptionally windy weather we've been having recently.
The plan was for a 5.1 miles (8.2 km) out an back tempo run on a flattish route.
For the first half I ran 17:08 (target was 17:10 to 17:57)
For the return section I ran 19:40
For the whole I ran 36:48 (target was 34:21 to 35:55)
During the second half I was running Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-6332587266320013422011-09-03T17:39:00.000+01:002011-09-03T17:39:31.605+01:00Crash Training (summary)A bit of background to begin with. I first came across the idea of crash training when reading various articles written by the successful coach Frank Horwill - the one about crash training can be found at http://www.serpentine.org.uk/pages/advice_frank19.html
Of course I realised that, like all training, it shouldn't be just copied blindly without adapting it to my specific needs/strengths/Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-72446987444065093652011-09-02T20:26:00.000+01:002011-09-02T20:26:39.301+01:00crash training (day 7)7.10am ... stretching
8.25am ... just over 7 miles steady at my usual pace
11.45am ... strength work (legs)
12.55pm ... cycling
1.55pm ... strength work (upper body & core)
6.05pm ... stretching
6.35pm ... just over 10 miles incorporating 25 x 30s with 60s recovery. Excellent run this evening - the fast bursts were quite a bit quicker than last nights 3k race.
No training at all tomorrow.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-53806381298191160752011-09-01T21:08:00.000+01:002011-09-01T21:08:01.198+01:00crash training (day 6)7.30am ... stretching
8.20am ... just over 15 miles steady (at my usual pace - no problem)
1.05pm ... cycling
2.05pm ... strength work (upper body, core and legs)
5.50pm ... stretching
7.45pm ... Otley AC 3000m track race. I ran unofficially 11:16 which I'm very pleased with considering it came near the end of a very big training week.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-6607821494966227342011-08-31T20:57:00.000+01:002011-08-31T20:57:17.869+01:00crash training (day 5)7.05am ... stretching
8.30am ... about 12.5 miles steady
1.40pm ... cycling
2.40pm ... strength work (upper body & legs)
6.25pm ... stretching
7.10pm ... 6 miles tempo. Glad to say I completed that on schedule in 41:30
Also glad to report that my overall running pace doesn't appear to have dropped at all during the course of the week. This morning's steady run was no slower than expected Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-63212408095721152872011-08-30T20:58:00.000+01:002011-08-30T20:58:02.571+01:00crash training (day 4)7.05am ... stretching
8.25am ... just over 17 miles (incorporating 10 x 30s fast with 60s recovery)
2.50pm ... strength work (core and legs)
6.05pm ... stretching
7.25pm ... about 10k mainly off road with Otley AC. Hilly, and a bit quick at times, but it was good to run with a group for a change.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-61655213989505097292011-08-29T20:52:00.000+01:002011-08-29T20:52:21.317+01:00crash training (day 3)8.05am ... stretching
8.45am ... long run - 25 miles - last one before the Commonwealth Championships. Felt good even though the weather was still windy (and cold this morning).
3.45pm ... strength work (upper body)
8.05pm ... stretching
Having For Goodness Shakes drinks to aid recovery between sessions is definitely helping (and so is the compression clothing I seem to be wearing almost Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-4516162363706223952011-08-28T20:42:00.000+01:002011-08-28T20:42:22.029+01:00crash training (day 2)8.30am ... stretching
10.05am ... just over 27 miles - fartlek. Another good run but it was very hard work with strong winds, hills and showers.
3.35pm ... strength work (core)
6.35pm ... stretching
7.05pm ... cycling
Feeling good and not unduly tired yet. Looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully better weather [it is August !!!]Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-91025999136329204562011-08-27T20:40:00.000+01:002011-08-27T20:40:09.465+01:00crash training (day 1)7.35am ... just over 25 miles including a 5k race in Lister Park, Bradford. I completed the race in 19:48 and finished 5th out of 82. Pleased with that as it was an improvement of over a minute in three months.
2.05pm ... stretching
6.00pm ... just over four miles at a reasonable pace (7:30 per mile)
7.20pm ... stretching
A good day which included a very good 25 miles.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-19112710302903933872011-08-25T20:56:00.000+01:002011-08-25T20:56:14.170+01:00another good weekOn Monday I went for another long run in the afternoon. Fartlek style again but this time the fast sections were 7:40 in length with 3:55 recovery. In total I ran 26 miles in about 3h 25
No running (or any other training) on Tuesday but I spent the day relaxing and buying kit, food, drink, etc needed for next month's Commonwealth Championships.
Wednesday morning was a straight forward long Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-77540333091332019602011-08-21T19:12:00.000+01:002011-08-21T19:12:16.557+01:00possible changesJust a brief post to explain that there are a couple of POSSIBLE changes to my racing plans for the remainder of the year.
On Thursday 1 September I was hoping to take part in my club's annual 3000m track race which, this year, is on the new track in Keighley. However ... yesterday an important meeting was called by the local Group Scout Leader to take place on the same evening. Perhaps I can Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-22172409646796242862011-08-19T19:42:00.000+01:002011-08-19T19:42:29.127+01:00good news all roundAfter a day free from running yesterday (lots of strength work and cycling though) I got back outside this afternoon for a tempo run of eight miles. A fraction shorter than my last tempo run but with the Commonwealth Championships only five weeks away now I've got to start being a bit careful. Most of the hard work has already been done.
Anyway today's run was again on the route of the Otley Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-57412797693860001852011-08-16T20:36:00.000+01:002011-08-16T20:36:42.906+01:00I feel good this eveningOn Monday afternoon I went for a long run - fartlek style. A hilly 25 mile route with the usual fast bursts at 10k pace. Total time 3h 06. Excellent.
This morning, ie with less than 14 hours recovery, I went for another long run. Hilly again but without the fartlek [come on ... there are limits ...] the 27.5 miles took 3h 53 and it seemed easy. Even running up Hollins Hill after 22 miles Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-12319429413897544882011-08-13T15:32:00.000+01:002011-08-13T15:32:12.208+01:00Not Much To ReportOK I know I haven't posted for a while but training and family stuff has been a bit of a priority this week.
After a relatively easy week (see previous post) I went straight back to normal training with 9 miles steady on Saturday, 12 x 100m on Sunday, 24 miles fartlek on Tuesday, 26+ miles on Wednesday, 9 miles on Thursday and 18 hill reps on Friday. Not forgetting the strength work, cycling Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-35201831069124375862011-08-06T18:28:00.000+01:002011-08-06T18:28:40.935+01:00the end of an easy weekYesterday was the final day in an easy week's training. Every four weeks I do about a third less training than usual. This provides a welcome break for me both physically and mentally.
This week's training was:
day 1: 16 hill reps using Newall Carr Bank to the north of Otley. Plus cycling, stretching and strength work
day 2: nothing
day 3: 33 miles plus cycling and stretching
day 4: Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-22915133603089684092011-08-04T13:53:00.000+01:002011-08-04T13:53:40.291+01:00Nutrition planningSpent the last few days planning my nutrition for the race in Llandudno. I'm sure I've explained before how I go about doing this but for newer followers I'll go through it again ...
First of all I consider the hydration aspect. I've been weighing myself before and after every training run for a number of years now and combined with my training speed and the temperature/humidity I now have a Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-58951546831058985502011-08-01T20:10:00.000+01:002011-08-01T20:10:12.232+01:00good long runFirst thing this morning I left home for a 33 mile run. The idea was not to push the pace too much but to generally run how I felt.
The route from Otley took in Burley in Wharfedale, Menston, Guiseley, Shipley, Saltaire, Leeds Liverpool Canal, Kirkstall, Headingley and Bramhope.
So basically the first and last thirds were hilly but the middle section was flat.
I felt very good throughout, Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-89106620975984730702011-07-30T16:40:00.000+01:002011-07-30T16:40:38.520+01:00aching quadsIn the last couple of weeks I've added a new dimension to my training - plyometrics. About seven or eight months ago when planning my training for 2011 I read a book entitled Running Anatomy and got a few ideas and suggestions which I incorporated into my training.
These included four plyometric exercises and the suggestion was to do one to five repetitions of each, one or two times a week, in Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-35231319459058067102011-07-25T20:53:00.000+01:002011-07-25T20:53:31.742+01:00a few days restJust arrived home from a few days in Newcastle upon Tyne. A while ago Iron Maiden (Fay's favourite rock band) announced a tour but as every UK date inexplicable clashed with one thing or another we couldn't get tickets.
About a week ago the sad death of a friend meant that we had nothing to do on 24 July and, by a strange twist of fate, three of Keir's friends wanted to sell their tickets for Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-35973051650267122462011-07-20T19:29:00.000+01:002011-07-20T19:29:02.199+01:00scary stuffYesterday I decided to get my bike out. This was the first time in a week or so but it wasn't where I always leave it.
And the odometer was showing 67 km more than after I last used it.
Fay and Keir swear they haven't used it, so ...
I don't know what's been going on but it isn't the first time I've had a supernatural encounter in this house. The first, and most vivid, was when something Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-58013810828396300622011-07-18T20:05:00.000+01:002011-07-18T20:05:41.715+01:00Selection newsJust noticed on the very good Australian Ultra Runners Association website that they have selected nine runners for the Commonwealth Championships 24 hr race.
Congratulations to Jo Blake, John Pearson, Anth Courtney, Dave Kennedy, Rick Cooke, Sharon Scholz, Susannah Harvey-Jamieson, Meredith Quinlan and Allison Lilley. I immediately noticed that the men's defending champion, Martin Fryer, is notChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-61578342386459166942011-07-16T16:30:00.000+01:002011-07-16T16:30:03.470+01:00Recent trainingRecent training has been going well and I've now started including more speedwork as it's only 10 weeks before the Commonwealth Championships. The organising committee have set up a new website at http://www.cmudc2011.org/en/ Well worth a look.
A couple of long runs last Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning showed that I've recovered from the 100 miler. The Monday run especially as that was Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-67013820766767525182011-07-10T20:56:00.000+01:002011-07-10T20:56:13.159+01:00Race reportThe report from my recent 100 mile race in the Cotswold is now available.
You can read it at http://ultrarace100.blogspot.com/
I'll keep a link to it near the top of this page for at least a week but after that there will be a permanent link to the report from the page which lists all my races - here.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-85011750886385508622011-07-08T19:46:00.000+01:002011-07-08T19:46:41.678+01:00planning and trainingThis week I have just started planning my race in Llandudno. This mainly involves pacing and nutrition. I now have quite a lot of data from previous races so I am beginning to learn what works for me and what doesn't.
Although I'm always keen to try new things which may work better there is a dilemma. Because my next race is the Commonwealth Championships (which means it's important) do I Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-54371683361763284882011-07-03T15:50:00.000+01:002011-07-03T15:50:24.727+01:00Eight days laterOver a week after the 100 miler and I'm back to normal training ... well, almost. I've got all the ingredients back but not in the same quantity as before. That will come in another week or two.
My last couple of runs have shown that I've recovered well and that I'm all set for the final 12 weeks before this year's big race.
Recently I've been reading 'Mental Training For Runners' by Jeff Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-26242320099917682202011-06-30T13:36:00.000+01:002011-06-30T13:36:03.737+01:00first runLast night I ran for the first time since ... well, you know ... THAT race.
Anyway it was a local 5 mile race as part of the Harrogate & District Summer Road Race League. I got all the usual jokes which I sort of expected. None of them made me feel any better but I guess the other runners had to get it out of their system.
Fay said: "Let them try run 99.5 miles in 17h 45 ... or even 24 hoursChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-75385902191708721922011-06-28T12:59:00.000+01:002011-06-28T12:59:42.714+01:00the futureAlright it's time to move on. I took a tiny short cut and paid the penalty for my mistake. On the plus side - very nearly 100 miles in about 17 hours 43 when it's raining for over 60% of that time - I do realise that was a good run in the conditions but a bit slower than I would have liked.
Yesterday was the day when all the emotions finally caught up with me ... anger at myself, exhaustion, Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-72674214050342279862011-06-26T18:37:00.007+01:002011-06-26T18:50:39.464+01:00error detailsJust looked at the map and found that I didn't actually miss out the big hill. Which I'm pleased about !!! Here are the details for those that are interested.
Using the 1:25 000 OS map number 151 (Stratford-upon-Avon) I can now see that I ran up Ebrington Hill from Chipping Campden (GR 165 396 to GR 188 427). However I took the right hand fork instead of the left about 450m from the summit (GRChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-67934154080175350652011-06-26T09:50:00.002+01:002011-06-26T09:54:41.896+01:00initial (brief) report
It's now 28 hours since I stopped running and in that time my thoughts about it all haven't changed much, for the record here they are:I finished first by 55 minutes but was disqualified for accidentally taking a wrong turn and only running 99.5 miles (and missing out one of the many hills). This happened at about 82 miles.
The course record was 18 hours 38 minutes and my time was 17 hours 43Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-56176612921949349902011-06-21T09:58:00.000+01:002011-06-21T09:58:36.214+01:00Last minute preparationsYesterday morning I ran a 6 mile fartlek session - with lots of extra layers - heat training. Following the tried and tested advice of Ron Daws and others I wore 3 T shirts, a long sleeved top, a sweatshirt and a rain proof jacket. It wasn't raining but ... every bit helps !!
In case you were wondering ... I also had three layers on my legs. Tracksters, track suit and shower proof trousers.
Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-88478712502743454962011-06-17T16:06:00.000+01:002011-06-17T16:06:26.425+01:00Aaarrrgh ... Keir has a bad cold. I hope he stays away from me, I definitely don't want a cold so close to a 100 mile race. Luckily for me he's a teenager which means he spends most of his time either in his bedroom or outside.
Heat training has been going well generally but causing lots of extra laundry. Running with lots of extra clothes is quite a bit harder sometimes and about a week ago Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-81756336345360432892011-06-16T12:18:00.000+01:002011-06-16T12:18:11.093+01:00Almost There ...Eight days to go before my first important race of the year. I'm ready to go but in a bit of an unusual situation really.
I've now taken part in thirteen ultra events and won three of them. Of the other ten, one was a solo run and two were trail races in which I wasn't competing seriously. So ... I've competed seriously in nine ultras and won three, not a bad record overall.
But now, for theChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-45817144468395260172011-06-12T10:09:00.000+01:002011-06-12T10:09:01.686+01:0011 years into the 21st centuryAt last I've taken the plunge and started using some of the available technology to have my posts appear on facebook. I know it's taken a while but it was suggested Carl Walsh (whose company - The Divan Centre was my first sponsor).
It's taken a day or two to sort out but I've also added something on the right which allows followers (or others) to receive an email notification every time I postChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-40005733345740651722011-06-09T19:21:00.000+01:002011-06-09T19:21:44.545+01:00Otley 10The 27th running of the Otley 10 took place yesterday evening. As usual I helped out where I could - setting up stuff in the morning and working as a finish recorder during the race itself. I also did various other miscellaneous stuff during the course of the evening.
I'm not actually the race director any more. Colin Best now has that thankless task - and he did an excellent job too.
This Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-8748070866712568172011-06-06T20:06:00.000+01:002011-06-06T20:06:04.609+01:00taperingTapering for the ULTRArace 100 miler has now well and truly begun. This week will see a reduction in training to about two thirds of last weeks level. Next week it will be down to less than 50% and for the final week before the race about 20 to 25%.
Obviously I can't fit in long runs but everything else is per my normal training - less of it that's all.
Also started heat training this morningChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-45321746024121127352011-06-03T19:35:00.000+01:002011-06-03T19:35:31.161+01:00what have I been doing ?Not had much time for blogging recently. Training mainly but also Keir's birthday a few days ago. He's 17 now and halfway through some AS exams.
Anyway ... training. A brief resume of what I've been doing since the last post.
24 and 25 May
A long run on each day ... 25.6 and 28.2 miles but also some strength work and stretching. Five hours training on the 24th and 5h 30 minutes on the 25th.Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-69458703219525786452011-05-25T20:17:00.000+01:002011-05-25T20:17:22.186+01:00a tale of two runsTwo long runs this week - originally planned for Monday and Tuesday but postponed until Tuesday and Wednesday because of the excessive wind speeds in Wharfedale (above 50 mpw around here on Monday ... gusts were much more severe).
For the first run (yesterday afternoon) I decided on 25.6 miles fartlek (on a hilly route). Because it was still blowing a gale I decided to run three loops of 8 - 9 Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-1615596028242288872011-05-22T16:15:00.000+01:002011-05-22T16:15:42.876+01:00a few minor thingsNot enough time for a large post but here are a few short pieces:
The Commonwealth Championships website now has details of the course for the 24 hour race. It seems excellent but I'm a little worried about the two tight turns. There will also be a few open races and lots of other things happening between 23 and 25 September. It promises to be a good few days.
I've now stopped using the ballChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-29383195622129460192011-05-20T18:50:00.000+01:002011-05-20T18:50:44.993+01:00Challenge 66Fantastic achievement by Andy McMenemy over the past 66 days. He been running 50km every day since 16 March ... in each and every one of the official UK cities. And he's been raising money - lots of it, I hope - for ABF The Soldiers Charity.
I've been following his progress on the Challenge 66 website ... and reading about a couple of the more serious injuries he's endured which would have Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-80848680282922907142011-05-17T20:42:00.000+01:002011-05-17T20:42:07.242+01:00good long runsBefore yesterday afternoon's long run (24.3 miles ... hilly ... fartlek ... windy) I was a bit apprehensive as my previous two long runs have ended in injuries of one sort or another. I'm pleased to report that all went very well indeed and so I approached this morning's 27 miler in a slightly better frame of mind.
Left home just after 8.00am having had just a light breakfast. It was hard work Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-42740296757913128192011-05-12T12:18:00.000+01:002011-05-13T21:40:09.560+01:00recoveringI'd just like to say 'thanks' to everyone for their 'get well soon' messages after my recent mishaps.
I'm still feeling a bit sorry for myself after Monday's accident. My right hand is still very painful and the bruise on my arm is now less than half the size it was. On Monday evening the swelling was so severe Fay thought I had a hens egg up my sleeve !!!!
Because of the location of the bad Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-67653696833123774432011-05-09T20:34:00.000+01:002011-05-09T20:34:25.854+01:00the good samaritanThis morning my foot felt sufficiently well for me to try a long run. 34.5 miles. I decided it would be wise not to stray too far from home though just in case I needed to return quickly.
No problem, quickly decided upon a route and set off with different food stuffs to try at 3 hours and 4 hours. At about 22 miles the worst happened - I tripped and fell on a short cobbled section of the Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-48726579880884520762011-05-07T15:58:00.000+01:002011-05-07T15:58:20.365+01:00unusual weekFollowing Sunday's painful afternoon and evening I decided that there would be no running on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday but there would be plenty of ice, ibuprofen and rest for the old left foot. I never planned to run on Wednesday anyway as it was Fay's birthday and also our wedding anniversary. Yes, I know, we married on her birthday [her 21st actually] ... and we became engaged on her 18thChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-65237221302749294872011-05-04T17:30:00.000+01:002011-05-04T17:30:55.473+01:00quick updateHaving sought advice on my painful foot (see previous post) ... and following that advice ... I can now report that ibuprofen, rest, ice and the use of 'ball of foot cushions' from Scholl are beginning to reduce the inflammation and pain. Unfortunately the cushions aren't available on the Scholl website but I bought mine at Boots.
Very good they are too. I'm now confident again about this Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-40901906565651714062011-05-02T13:32:00.001+01:002011-05-02T14:54:06.924+01:00ouch ...This is what happened yesterday:
Woke early, had breakfast, and left home at 7.30 precisely to run the 22.1 miles to Grantley for the morning's 10k race.
I took with me a hand-drawn map of the route because many of the roads I planned to run along were unfamiliar to me and, of course, I didn't want to get lost. On this map I had noted the distance at various places and my expected time of Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-47648701111895901422011-04-28T16:03:00.000+01:002011-04-28T16:03:12.532+01:00plans, plans and more plansOK so I like plans. Plans are good ... they make things easier.
PLAN 1 - running to Grantley on Sunday morning to take part in the annual Fountains 10k. That way I get to do a long run and a race at, more or less, the same time. My route to Grantley - via Pool, North Rigton, Killinghall, Ripley and Sawley - is about 22 miles. And then another long run on Monday (24 miles)
PLAN 2 - a very Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-7434918885637794232011-04-20T20:17:00.001+01:002011-04-20T20:19:26.160+01:00Good few days runningOn Monday afternoon I set off for my first long run of the week - 19 miles to Bradford and back via Hollins Hill. The idea was to run this fartlek style with the fast segments being lasting about 4 minutes and the recovery phases just over 3 minutes. Exceptionally pleased to get back home in 2h 23. Just over 7:30 per mile (4:40 per km).
Then, on Tuesday, came another long run in the morning Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-15344649055420943892011-04-17T18:10:00.001+01:002011-04-17T18:12:00.777+01:00marathon or 26.2 miles ?What's the difference I hear you ask.
Well, I think there are quite a few and I guess this post may be a bit controversial so I must stress that these are are only my opinions and not facts or scientific in any way. And I am not undervaluing, in any way, the performance of anybody who's been for a run around the streets of London earlier today.
For me the main difference is that the word 'Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-73245240402585399392011-04-15T16:24:00.000+01:002011-04-15T16:24:01.563+01:00easy weekAs I'm just coming to the end of an easy week's training I thought I'd briefly review how the past seven days have gone.
Saturday 9 April ... (am) 50 mins cycling ... (pm) strength work and stretching
Sunday 10 April ... rest and recovery
Monday 11 April ... (am) 27 miles steady ... (pm) strength work and stretching
Tuesday 12 April ... (am) walking ... (pm) strength work and stretching
Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-17727700653286750872011-04-12T13:37:00.000+01:002011-04-12T13:37:08.723+01:00a very good runYesterday's 27 miler went very well indeed. In fact I was surprised at how well it went.
After a large bowl of porridge for breakfast I headed for the 7.15am bus to take me to Skipton where I re-fuelled with another coffee and a croissant.
Leaving Skipton at about 9.20am I headed to Apperley Bridge along the canal - a journey of about 21 miles. As you would expect this was almost entirely Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-13361450869276147852011-04-09T18:41:00.002+01:002011-04-09T18:48:25.517+01:00plans for the next two weeksOn Monday the plan is for a nice and steady run of about 27 miles (43 km). The idea is that I'll catch the X84 bus from Otley at 7.15am and arrive in Skipton at 8.10am. Then for a cup of coffee and a snack before running along the Leeds Liverpool Canal to Apperley Bridge near Bradford (via Bingley and Shipley). From Apperley Bridge it's up the rather large hill to Rawdon and then to Otley via Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-21937749401721025532011-04-06T14:03:00.001+01:002011-04-06T14:05:45.680+01:00This morning I spent an enjoyable couple of hours running around Swinsty reservoir in the beautiful Washburn Valley about 7 miles north of Otley.
Exceptionally warm weather for the time of year. Very humid and windy though. Hilly too but that's OK because the upcoming 100 miler isn't exactly flat.
Feel like everything's coming together now. Looking forward to some good summer running and Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-85000513712639602012011-04-03T18:56:00.000+01:002011-04-03T18:56:48.957+01:00windyThe weather has been lovely here for the past week or so - except for the strong wind. I can confidently say that wind is my least favourite weather. It's the one that interferes with running the most. Running is possible in snow, rain, the cold and the heat if one wears appropriate clothing, but the wind causes all sorts of problems with speed and /or pacing ... making fast running twice as Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-57405692104521324082011-03-30T20:45:00.001+01:002011-03-30T20:46:00.936+01:00the past few daysRan with the club last night for the first time in a couple of weeks. The idea was that we all ran around the new course we will be using for the Harrogate League race in June.
It seemed to be a very good course with approval from all concerned. Even in the fading light at about 8.00pm there were lots of positive comments.
For my part I ran a fair bit quicker than I really would have liked Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-64745278821547103052011-03-28T12:39:00.002+01:002011-03-28T12:47:43.381+01:00more helpPleased to announce that For Goodness Shakes! are able to provide a little help for me in the foreseeable future with recovery drinks. I have been using this milk based drink for a couple of years now with really good results - the good points for me are that it comes in a variety of flavours and that it actually tastes good.
If a product isn't appetising it won't do you any good at all despiteChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-73903520624638181932011-03-25T17:34:00.000Z2011-03-25T17:34:34.763Zcoming along nicelyThis morning I ran some hill reps for the first time this year. Felt good, ran well, used a different hill. I usually use a short steep hill of about 250m but earlier this year I decided to use a much longer hill (about 700m) but less steep. That's because of the hilly nature of the 100 miler in June.
For those of you who know this area, Farnley Lane in Otley is still quite a serious hill andChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-74457333224206949512011-03-23T14:01:00.000Z2011-03-23T14:01:20.924ZschoolApologies in advance because this post has nothing whatsoever to do with running.
Yesterday Keir left home early (5.45am) to meet his fellow sixth form students, and a couple of teachers, in Leeds as they made their way to London for an educational visit as part of their A level Politics course. Visiting the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, et al was the order for today but yesterday was Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-22594142581038359952011-03-21T19:27:00.000Z2011-03-21T19:27:33.574Zfirst race of 2011Yesterday 12 men from Otley AC travelled north to Catterick Garrison for the annual North of England 12 stage road relay. As a team we usually finish about 30th with the top 25 qualifying for the National 12 stage road relay a fortnight later. Although we did finish in the top 25 a few years ago but then couldn't get a team together for the National!!!
The format follows a similar pattern Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-31705883965915565912011-03-18T18:22:00.000Z2011-03-18T18:22:36.270Zthe long and the short ...Starting to seriously think about my first ultra of 2011 - a 100 miler in June. Plans need to be made: travel, nutrition, pacing, etc.
I know that race will only be a warm up for the Commonwealth Championships in September so I'm using it to try out one or two new ideas -
(1) pacing ... I still feel that on the whole I need to slow down less during my 24 hour races. Maybe start a bit slower Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-62705104526028700002011-03-14T15:16:00.000Z2011-03-14T15:16:03.830Zlong runThis morning I went for a long run. Only about 19.3 miles but the main significance was that it was by far the longest run since my injury. In fact it was my longest training run since 6 December last year.
Anyway the run, quite hilly, went without a hitch at all. Easy in fact. I also tried out a couple of ideas picked up from the discussion about nutrition earlier this year on blogs by JohnChris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-62087595189764098362011-03-13T20:53:00.000Z2011-03-13T20:53:15.161ZLatest news ...The IAU have recently announced that there will be no World Championship 24 hr race this year. Their website has all the details but it's a shame for a number of reasons:
- after having an annual event every year since 2003 it seems sad to miss a year. That means that the 2010 world champions will be the title holders until September 2012.
- Soochow in Taiwan was the setting for some very Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-25239801276068583522011-03-09T19:15:00.000Z2011-03-09T19:15:21.605Zbusy ten daysWell, training seems to be following some sort of routine now. Two long runs per week, fartlek, tempo runs and steady runs complete that side of training but not for long. Shortly I'll be adding hill reps to the repertoire as well as increasing the length of the long runs and the overall weekly mileage.
This week the long runs were about 11 miles each (17.6 km) and the weekly total about 48 Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-2244688046996009192011-03-05T19:32:00.003Z2011-03-05T19:46:05.796ZChallenge 66Some of you may remember that when I undertook the Run to London, almost two years ago now, one of the key members of my crew was Andy McMenemy.
He helped me so much during the excessively hot Sunday afternoon ... and on into the night. Even holding me upright at times so that I could doze and run at the same time.He was also instrumental in getting me running again 15 minutes after passing out Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-89132430212692431772011-03-01T18:15:00.001Z2011-03-01T20:18:29.535ZThis year's races ... at lastOK here we go ... time to get serious.
As mentioned in a previous post I plan to take part in three long ultras this year - that's anything over 100 miles.
Originally I had also planned to take part in the open 100k race which is being staged at the same time as the Anglo Celtic Plate 100k in Perth, Scotland. That's at the end of March but my recent knee injury scuppered that plan.
Sorry Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039458923197066856.post-11053603841982525342011-02-28T16:23:00.001Z2011-03-01T18:20:41.661ZteenagersKeir, my 17 year old son is now in the sixth form at school, and he doesn't have any lessons on Monday afternoons ... he's expected to do homework, research, revise, etc to make full use of his time though. Because we only live a short distance from his school (about 10 minutes walking at most) he's allowed to spend Monday afternoons at home.
Today he arrived home at about 12.40pm and an hour Chris Carverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12981666701817524753noreply@blogger.com0