So it’s been a funny year. With a sub-3 marathon in December 2019 I went on to a 50K PB in January and a 1:21 half in February, which I was super happy with back within 2 mins of my half PB. Then Covid. I hit the trails. Mainly at 2pm while my toddler napped.Continue reading “Goals for 2021”
Category Archives: Marathon
Goal setting mid pandemic
I wrote this blog pre Covid, as I readjsuted my own goals for a season. It got great feedback at the time, and as we enter 2021 with spring races uncertain and lots of people looking for fresh motivation to keep doign what they love, it’s time to dust it off. If you’d like toContinue reading “Goal setting mid pandemic”
Heart rate training & my comeback
So here I talk about the reasons we need to run slow and easy to improve 140bpm This post is all about improving the pace I can run at an easy heartrate, which for me is 140bpm. Your own number will be differnece based on 75% of your actual (not estimated max) This is aContinue reading “Heart rate training & my comeback”
Plan C
I advocate have different plans for marathon day ready in advance. If you need to adjust down because its a really hot day, or if plan A drifts beyond reach and you still need a reason to keep pushing and hurting. you’re also not thinking on the fly when your mind is lacking glucose atContinue reading “Plan C”
Consistency
“Consistency is contrary to nature, contrary to life. The only completely consistent people are the dead.” ― Aldous Huxley Now, as marathon runners, one of our aims is not to die and another is to be consistent in our training. Huxley goes someway to being honest about the fact that for a human being, beingContinue reading “Consistency”
Marathon
My marathon journey (vague justification for having ideas to share) In April 2019 I’ll line up for the 5th time at the start of London Marathon. I’ve been very grateful to be able to qualify based on my marathon time for the “good for age” start, but due to the ravages of parenthood I needContinue reading “Marathon”
Marathon plans
There’s lots of plans out there, here’s a few you may be interested. Hal Higdon Novice 1 You’re a first time marathoner, with a low milage background looking to be able to complete and try to enjoy 26.2 miles without damaging yourself in the build up! The focus here is on building your long runContinue reading “Marathon plans”
2014 – a mixed bag
Stroud Half this weekend was supposed to be a target race for the autumn, with lots of work travel in the summer marathon miles were out, and a sub 1:20 half was a good target. I had a bit too much fun riding my bike though, pretty sure I’ve built a bigger engine over theContinue reading “2014 – a mixed bag”
Long weekend
Saturday – Black Mountain Big Dipper 30 miles,1820m of ascent I love the black mountains, less than 90 minutes from home, plenty of variety and over 800m, not too busy, and the quite brilliant castle Inn for great hospitality, camping, steaks and ale. After dusting off the cobwebs it was clearly going to be aContinue reading “Long weekend”
Cardiff Ultra
Next up was the Cardiff Ultra, a 50 mile route along the Taff Trail from Brecon to Cardiff. Just 4 weeks after the Fling, I wasn’t sure quite how this would go, but felt good. Time at each 10 mile mark and (average pace in brackets) 10 miles 1:37 (9:40) 20 miles 3:16Continue reading “Cardiff Ultra”
