Keeping things interesting

It’s true that when you do something a lot you can lose interest over time. The same can be said about running. Most of us have at some time or other lost what we refer to as our ‘mojo’ and spend ages looking for it on the sofa, in the pub or asking friends if they’ve seen it. The reality is that sometimes we simply lose interest because we take things a bit too seriously or don’t have enough variety.Getting stuck in mojo-less rut is no fun at all, so I try to have fun events in the diary from time to time, like the Charity Beerathlon in London a few weeks ago, or more recently a full weekend of activities starting on Saturday with the Bear Grylls obstacle race followed on Sunday by an event called ‘Behind Enemy Lines’. What a weekend!The Bear Grylls obstacle event promised a 12k run with obstacles around the course such as water pits, rifle shooting, monkey bars, cargo nets and climbing walls to name but a few. I got a place with team ‘Decibel’ with some people I knew, and there was about 20 of us, so after the obligatory never-ending start-line selfies we went through a great warm up routine to get us primed and ready for the start. It was interesting to find that you experience the same start-line nerves as you do with normal running races as you eagerly await the countdown! The horn goes and then it’s show-time! Some of the obstacles were easier than others but all were fun to take on. Can you climb a rope 30 feet up? No idea, but happy to have a go. Turns out that no is the answer, but never mind, it’s not about completing all the obstacles, its about having a laugh trying! The run was challenging enough without worrying about completing every obstacle. I did like the shooting obstacle though, having to hit 2 out of 3 targets or else face a forfeit. Thankfully I managed that one! Finally, after crawling through sand under barbed wire, then through water tanks, we crossed the line together, dirty, covered in debris, tired but laughing. This was what we came for!I had another event in the diary for the weekend also. On Sunday a small group of LFR’s assembled at a top-secret location in the countryside to take part in an event called ‘Behind Enemy Lines’ organised by our friends at Regiment Fitness. The aim was for the team to race from checkpoint to checkpoint with only a map and compass to navigate, whilst being tracked by a team of army pros skilled at hunting. We were told that getting caught meant receiving a beasting from the captors! What did that mean exactly? We were not sure, but were keen from the outset to not have to find out. Each team was on a time limit of 2 and a half hours to get around all the checkpoints and take on the challenge at each one. 5 minutes in, and we heard the hunters’ motorbikes coming after us! Jumping off the track into the woods we ran full pace deep into the woods to avoid being seen….straight through nettles, fallen branches, brambles…anything in our way. First checkpoint was easy, and with that completed, Anthony Smith shouts “right lets do this!” then proceeded to launch himself straight into some sort of bog. From this point the hilarity of our situation became clear!Eventually, of course, we stumbled naively into a couple of hunters. Run!!! Have you ever seen a bunch of LFR’s stumbling through the woods at full pace, hurling themselves through branches, being chased by masked army types brandishing baseball bats? No, me neither, but it was very funny. So yeah we got caught and were beasted through a series of sit-ups, press-ups, squat-jumps and duck-walks until we were properly exhausted. I am still laughing at how bad we were at all that! We spent more time on the floor crying with laughter whilst being shouted at to take it seriously!2 hours 15 down and became pretty clear we were not going to get to every checkpoint, and cut, bruised, stung, filthy and tired we decided that we’d return to base and check in within the time limit to avoid the penalty. All in, we ran about 6 miles, although we all agreed it was the toughest 6 miles we’d ever done!Looking back on the weekend, it was an absolute blast! There was plenty of running to be had of course, but more importantly it wasn’t about miles, or pace, or finish times, but simply about getting out and doing something a bit different and having some fun. Despite the cuts and bruises and unexplained itchiness you are left re-invigorated and looking forward to whatever is next up in the diary. I cannot recommend highly enough putting some fun events like these in the diary to mix things up a bit to keep things interesting. Bring on the next run!  

Continue reading

Drinking in the club spirit

This week I had the pleasure in joining 19 other LFR members at the Bearbrook 10km road race.   This race is fairly local, so there is always a good turnout…

Continue reading

What happened to my mojo?

Has anyone anyone seen my running mojo? Since I sprained my ankle in February I have felt quite down about how much running fitness I have lost.  This time last year I was running a 10k most weekends and was achieving a new PB each time.  This year my running has been limited to the Tuesday runs and only a few races.  With a Half Marathon looming I really should be running more often but I seem to find any excuse not to run.  I feel like i’m not alone at the moment in not feeling the love for running so thought I’d have a look to see what advice was out there.  Focus on how great you feel post run - We all have to admit we get a buzz after a run and even though Fartlek tough last week and I could have easily bowed out at the 3 miler option I stayed with the 5 milers and I really did feel great after. Change your scenery/time of day - I’m definitely not complaining as the weather is beautiful but running at any time of the day is going to result in a warm run and not really having anywhere that allows you to escape the warmth is definitely not helping.  I’m hoping the cooler weather will help bring back my mojo. Loose the Garmin - EEEEEKKKKKK this one really freaks me out.  At the moment I am really enjoying looking at segments and feel that wanting to beat or at least get near to some of my previous PB’s has actually given me a little bit of motivation.  Have you tried this? Let me know how you got on, at the moment I’m still feeling if it’s not on Strava it didn’t happen. Take a break - Although I haven’t been running that much I am trying to stay active and hitting the woods on my bike has be an nice change in activity until I start feeling the love again. Run with a friend - This one may be a huge contributing factor.  Most of my running buddies are whipping my arse at the moment and I’d be the holding them back if I went out with them.  I have massive fear of running alone and go off way too quick and then give up after a mile.  I’ve never successfully run more than about 2 miles alone. Don’t worry about the plan -  I have decided not to stress out about the training plan for my Half.  I’m instead I’m going to take each week as it comes and fit it around what else is going on.  It is summer after all and it won’t be here for ever. Go shopping - This one might actually be the answer but it will be an expensive one.  I’m desperate to find some comfortable summer running gear.  Top wise I’m sorted but i’m sure a lot of ladies out there can sympathise with the claustrophobic feeling of trying to get out of a hot sweaty sport bra and mine all take a lot of contortion to get out of.  My short are also not great as the ride up and give me hideous bulges round my thighs, which I’m sure no one else notices but really bother me. Do you have any suggestions?  Anyone else out there not feeling the love that wants to buddy up with me for some more social runs?  Hopefully it won't stay away for much longer and I can get to enjoy my runs again soon.

Continue reading

Sometimes you have to adjust your goals….

OK – its confession time here at ‘worst pace scenario’ It’s been around three weeks since my last blog – and a lot has happened since then. Many of you…

Continue reading

Witnessing Something Special (brew)?

  Its not often you are able to witness an amazing performance or achievement, which makes it extremely special when you do see something incredible. Thursday this week was…..well ok lets…

Continue reading

Should I run?

Is just running really the best training.   Its easy to get drawn in to just running for exercise – let’s face it we’re in a running club….but is running on…

Continue reading

Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge

The mountains of Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-y-ghent are collectively known as the Three Peaks and they form part of the Pennine range in the picturesque northern England landscape. Popular with runners and walkers alike, this circular route is about 25 miles long, with over 5200 feet of climb. So, absolutely perfect for an LFR afternoon out then…what could possibly go wrong? The idea is simple, which is handy, as that’s always a good start: You start at a known point on the circular, and head round, trying to avoid falling over and requiring medical attention or temptation in the form of some of the amazing watering holes dotted around the route. Or, as in our case all of that. Chris Taylor, Steve Ellerton, Martin Crane, John Preston and myself headed up on the Friday night ready to blast round the course in record time, fresh on Saturday morning. Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans…. Starting out from Horton in Ribblesdale, we soon learned that the weather was definitely not going to be on our side and almost immediately we started to regret sampling the local beer the night before, some more than others. Back to the running, and within a couple of miles comes the first peak, Pen-y-Ghent, with its steep, sharp rocky face. It was very ‘hands and knees’ in places but was probably the easier of the three peaks to ascend to be honest, possibly as we were still fresh and after a quick gel stop at the top, we moved on in search of Whernside, peak 2.By 10 miles in we had managed to get separated out so had a regroup by the roadside café near the viaduct and set off again towards the long, slower climb up Whernside. This section has some beautiful scenery along the way, with waterfalls, river crossings, and a great view of the long path snaking up the mountain. Sadly the weather turned from poor, to unbelievably poor at this point meaning not much at all could be seen by the time we got half way up. When we actually got to the top, it was completely gross, the wind coming from all directions blowing rain at you like you wouldn’t believe. Waterproofs on, time to get off the mountain as quickly as possible without falling.By the time 18 miles are done and you head for peak 3, Inglebrook, you know you are in a tough event. The important aspect is to keep moving, keep the cold from seeping in. This was our priority as we went up this final climb, and it was the toughest of the three. Once out of the way though, you have a 4 mile downhill finish. What could go wrong? Well it’s the most treacherous 4 miles you’ll ever run. A lethal mixture of sharp rocks and mud on the downhill making for a very nervous time, but in dry weather could be potentially very enjoyable. Martin and myself pushed on hard at this point, but the rocks claimed one victim here with Steve Ellerton tumbling and smashing his knees up. He was probably not the first or last of the day on that section to fall.Finally a grassy section, then a road section and back to the café in Horton to stamp ourselves in and enjoy a pint of tea! It’s impossible not to enjoy a run like that no matter what the weather did, with 25 miles and 5200 feet of climb, it's always going to be a tough run, but I can’t help but want to go back and do it again. The weather is simply something to be wary of, an extra dimension if you prefer, not something to shy away from. The surroundings, the food, the local ales are all amazing and it makes the 4 hour trip up there worth every second. This is a must do event for anyone that likes off-road running and I will surely be back.

Continue reading

Greensands Fun

Looking back, it is possible that I started running for the same reasons as lots of other people: to get fitter, to loose weight etc. Over time though, we discover many other things that keep us running. For example no one ever starts running to keep themselves sane, but it is something that you kind of pick up along the way and many a runner will state that they can’t imagine giving up running as they’d go nuts. It’s the same with fun. How many people would start running because it's fun? When you start it may even seem far from the truth, so I’d guess not many. However over time you soon learn that it can be… That brings me to yesterdays event - the Greensands Relay race. The idea is a simple one, 35 miles of trails, lanes and tracks divided up into sections. Teams are formed to each complete a section of the course with various different route lengths. Of course there are also some that do the whole race solo. Once teams are formed, then starts the fun of recce’ing the various sections of the course so no one gets lost, but that always happens and adds to the fun. The word ‘race’ doesn’t really do the event justice. It’s more of a team ‘day out’. Normally you all jump into a single car and drive round the course, dropping off and picking up runners at the various checkpoints. It’s like a huge team-building exercise, people getting together to take part and bonding. We were ‘Team Golden Boot’ on account of having Dan ‘Golden Boot’ Green in our team and from the moment he set off running at 12.15, and the rest of the team jumped into a car, it was an amazing experience. You have an age-graded handicap and part of the fun is seeing if you can push yourself to get under that. That said, there are a lot of teams that take part purely to enjoy the day and are not interested in the results. So, Dan put us in a great position by smashing his handicap on leg 1. Then it was my turn on leg 2. I was apprehensive as I face-planted in the mud the week before on a test run…what was going to happen whilst running flat out this time? I need not have worried though, it was wetter than an otters sock, but great fun ploughing through tracks full of water and mud and I pushed us another 3 minutes under the handicap. Leg 3 was Martin Crane with the longest section of 9 miles, then Jo Lancaster, John Preston and finally Stephen Moore finishing. All the while, we were driving to the next checkpoint and mingling with the other teams, soaking up the friendly atmosphere, before heading off in the car again. It has a very ‘grass roots’ feel to the event, which is appealing and great to be part of, with fellow runners, friends, family and pets all out in support. There’s a slightly competitive feel to it too, but not too much, not too serious, it’s definitely light-hearted and supportive with all runners being clapped in by everyone at each handover. Just the right balance I thought! Then there’s the end. We drive through some nameless villages to find Northill, and on arriving we pass by a village green surrounded by thatched cottages and a maypole as a game of cricket took place. We all remarked that we couldn’t find a better example of middle-England if we tried! Finally parked up, we get beers from the pub and head to the finish line to support the last leg runners. It was almost a shame to leave, it was so much fun, but people need to get home so we set off and start dropping team members off along the way. This morning as I think back to the event I am reminded of an expression I first heard at school many years ago: “it’s not the winning that matters, it’s the taking part that counts”. I can’t think of a more apt phrase, the results are largely irrelevant when you enjoy a day like that. Greensands is not a race, it’s an experience! Looking forward to next year already!

Continue reading

A Month as a Fun Runner

A month as a fun runner….      May is crazy, packed and busy, So much happening – makes me dizzy, MK – concrete cows and roundabouts, Mile 21 rocks – have no doubts.   Takeover at…

Continue reading

MK Marathon Support

When I was first asked about finding a mile manager for the MK Marathon earlier this year I knew that finding someone would be tough, mainly because I was certain no one knew what it was about and as such it represents the big ‘unknown’. Most people are happy to take things on when they understand the task, but when asking for people to support an unknown entity, then they are far less likely to come forward. Not having done this myself before either didn’t help, as the important reference point required to get the message across wasn’t there.Being an ‘anything goes’ sort of person, I thought I’d take it on myself – what could possibly go wrong yeah? That’s sort of my motto anyway, so that was that! The first task was to assemble a team of marshals for the allocated mile. And oh yes we had a crack team of marshals! LFR had mile 21, which stipulated 10 marshal points and on the surface of it, you could ask why so many, but after the first recce of the section of the course, it became apparent. A lovely section of path, but plenty of twists and turns to throw the tired marathoner off course easily. So back to the team of marshals: I wanted to get the recruitment of this out of the way as soon as possible as LFR has its own race to properly recruit for and I wanted to assemble this team for MK with no impact to other activities.Team assembled, familiarisation of the section was the next activity. Understanding who would go where and what the likely issues would be. Simples! A couple of recce runs of the area sorted this out, which turned out to be just the ticket. We always talk about how great it is to get out and run somewhere different, well this was all the justification I needed to get out of the local area for a different run.So with a team assembled, recce runs done, all that remained is to ensure all the team met up at the required time, got into position and had everything they needed to marshal the section of course. While all that was going on, I cycled round the team a bit and did some of my own style of runner encouragement.Having over 20 LFR runners on the marathon, it turns out that having so many LFR marshals on the mile 21 section was a great thing! We all got the chance to wave, shout and otherwise encourage our team through to the next mile and this was very well received. Its such a great feeling to see people visibly pick themselves up when they hear you screaming their name, urging them onwards.Whoever takes the mile manager role on next year ought to not be apprehensive about it. It was an easy and thoroughly enjoyable process and extremely enjoyable on the day! I would hope that next year people will be scrambling to do this, so good luck to them, and thanks again to the crack team that marshalled. You were ace!   

Continue reading