Double Trouble

2014 started with a parkrun, logic would suggest 2015 would follow suit. Why not start with two? The rules of parkrun allow for two events to be registered by a runner on a single day, the only trouble is finding a couple of events timed appropriately that aren't too far apart. Realistically the start times need to be 90 minutes apart, though some London events you could manage with just an hour between.
The other part of the logistics to work out is where would you run, how far are you willing to travel to complete the double. The good thing is, parkrun completely get into the spirit of the occasion and events work together to make sure doubles are possible. In 2014, there weren't many options available in Essex, so Chelmsford went ahead at the normal time of 0900. This year there are now a huge number of events possible.
Back in October I was involved in some of the planning, just in case we were live (newsflash, we're not). On a day when I was meant to be studying at home a rolling messenger conversation between Great Notley, Chelmsford, Maldon, Basildon, Harlow, Colchester, even Ipswich if memory serves me correctly ran for the whole afternoon. You see just because one combination works, doesn't mean others can't be considered. The rules allow for a start to be between 0830 & 1030, very few go early, it's New Year's Day after all. So based on a running time of 45 minutes, you need to be able to get to the second event start line in another 45. So think of the possibilities; Colchester & Ipswich, Maldon & Chelmsford, Great Notley & Colchester, Harlow & Chelmsford, Chelmsford & Great Notley.
With the location of Great Notley, it made most sense to pair with Chelmsford, though Colchester was reachable (and achieved by some in attendance), the drive across to Chelmsford is the shortest possible. You then have the question of what way round to run things. Chelmsford first, or Chelmsford second? Logistically Chelmsford is an easier setup and can be run with no signage and minimal marshaling. Though Notley experienced a sign free event between Xmas and New Year, with plenty of doubling up tourists expected, a full event would be required.

It was becoming clearer that Chelmsford should be the later of the two events, especially when you factor in Maldon Prom & their proximity to Chelmsford. It made sense for everyone to converge on the county's capital, the largest parkrun in Essex as a finale to the NYD double.

NYD is a special day for parkrunners, especially the tourist community. All events are encouraged to advertise their intentions so that runners from both near & far can make plans accordingly. Though my double would be at two of my local events, much tourist chatter could be found regarding the possibilities of visiting two new events in one, bonus parkrun day.

Once the plans were pencilled in, I offered my services to the GN core team to assist with the event running. This lead to me being the tailrunner on the day, able to both volunteer & run, a perfect start to the year. On top of this I gave the First Timers / Tourists Briefing. For those present, apologies if it appeared slightly rushed, I was being made aware that we had time constraints! It did give me a moment to realise a good order to run briefings in. Bring the tourists & first timers together, provide an overview of the course first, then send the tourists on their way & talk directly to the first timers. That way the experienced tourists get the information they need & the briefing is relevant to all.

I still seem to speed up when talking to a group of people, nothing I can't coach myself out of. I think this was the calmest I'd been at a briefing, not bad seeing as it was the biggest one I've had to deliver so far given the high number of tourists from both Chelmsford & Colchester. I also got an opportunity to welcome a school friend to parkrun, I might be a bit too much of a parkrun enthusiast at times, but it is always fun to see friends enjoy their first parkrun experience.

The Run #1 - Great Notley - Tailrunner

This was going to be a challenge of a different kind. My usual parkrun exploits when in decent condition are usually in the low 23 to high 25 mark, 4:35 - 5:10km would be a fair spread of my 5k pace, course dependent. My easy paced runs when training hover around the 6:00/km mark, when I paced Joel at St Neots, we ran at just over 6:30/km. The tail at Notley usually comes in between 40 - 55 minutes depending on the course conditions & with the hill now treacherous following a marathon the day before, I suspected we'd be at the slower end of the scale.

One of our Endure team mates, Paul had tailed in the past & advised that keeping running is the key. To me, it would be disrespectful to do anything other than run unless the person at the back of the field is themselves walking. You have to match the action of the slowest person on the run, walking whilst they run would not be appropriate behaviour in my mind.

I lined up at the very back of the field & gave the RD the thumbs up once all runners on the path had passed me, with the start line being moved for the winter it was always likely we might have late runners, especially with the event needing to start dead on time.

Starting off at the back of the field.

Once we were under way I started running, just dropping my pace so I was a couple of yards behind the back of the field. Before we'd even made the first corner I noticed another runner, so hung back as they were evidently a late starter. As soon as he was through I started up again, only to notice another regular, making his way to join me having run to the event! I stopped once more & then joined him, though in my mind I was panicking about making Chelmsford as he started walking! Thankfully it was just a breather & he was on his way.

So after half a kilometre I joined Dan, one of Notley's Core Team, I'd be his company on the way round. Dan is aiming for a PB on Saturday, but conditions were not on our side on this New Years Day morning. We passed through halfway in decent time, but the hill of doom was going to be walked, both up & down. My job as the tailrunner isn't to cajole anyone to run faster, just provide assurance on the course & encouragement, no one should feel they are the slowest person on the course, for that is the tailrunner's job. As we made our way down the hill we were passed by two ladies, After saying hello, I presumed they'd headed out for some early morning PT, a great new year's resolution. It wasn't until we spoke to a marshal later on that I found out they'd be late arrivals & we in fact catching up! Of course I couldn't have mitigated for this, once we are through the first corner I can't see any new arrivals!

Tail running

Dan's decision to walk the hill of doom was very sensible, I felt the descend was actually more dangerous & lost my footing momentarily on a couple of occasions whenever I ventured from the very perimeter of the path. Once on level footing we started to run again, we'd be on for a 50 minute finish, which would give us just enough time to get across to Chelmsford without having to set any land speed records!

One thing I do need to remember when tail running is to be less chatty. Just because the pace I'm doing isn't taxing me, it doesn't mean that the person I'm running alongside isn't suffering. After all, when I'm at the top of my pace & Paul is pacing me, I'm not much conversation myself, at times I can barely make it past grunting.

I crossed the line in 50:33 & after getting scanned it was time to head to Chelmsford for the second half of the double.

The Logistics

At this point I should provide a bit more back story on how this double was achieved. Alec, my brother in law was also interested in doubling up, so it made sense to try & share transport. Logic would have suggested that as we live further away than him, that I'd drive. But that logic didn't apply once I'd agreed to be the tail runner. So Alec got up earlier, drove out of his way to Stansted to pick me up. I couldn't even do the decent thing of remember any change for the car park. It'd got it out ready & everything, but rules dictate that I always forget something & this time it was £2.50.

The logic made perfect sense as Alec had the car running ready for me once I'd may my way from the finish area. It wasn't quite a case of tights on the head & Drive Drive Drive, but it was a parkrun getaway vehicle.

Luckily spare change was the only thing I'd forgotten as I slipped the mud caked trail shoes off & into a bag. They were followed by the soggy socks & sweatband & I towelled down the feet for a complete pit stop.

I was then into nice fresh socks & lacing up the Saucony Kinvaras for the first time in a while, everything has been trail of late. Had I two pairs of trail shoes I'd have opted for them, Chelmsford has just enough mud to keep them interested. Upon arrival in Chelmsford I ditched my jacket & shirt for a new long sleeve shirt & we were on our way.

My regular human clothes were already packed into the boot of the wife's car, she was due to meet us for breakfast afterwards & I'd planned ahead.

Once in the park I checked in with Gerry, the Event Director who had himself been present at Notley. He'd announced beforehand that the tail from GNPR was also running at Chelmsford.

The Run #2

I had no plan in my mind for how I'd run the second of two 5k. My legs felt ok as the tail running hadn't overly taxed me so I could have run hard. I set off with the intention of just enjoying it, get round & get some much deserved breakfast.
I was comfortable & had spotted Len from Great Notley in front of me as we left Central Park. I pulled myself up alongside & we spent an enjoyable half hour chatting. As my mentor for parkrun Event Directorship, it was great to just chat on a nice easy run together. Given my recent hiatus, a PB was never on the cards so why not enjoy the sociable side of running. It was certainly an aspect to running I hadn't embraced properly until 2014, to start a new year being sociable made perfect sense.

Len was more enthusiastic than I was......

For the second of the two runs I was in road shoes & this only caused an issue twice for me. The section between 2-3km was a bit treacherous, nothing like the Great Notley course, but far from ideal in roadies. The second occasion was in the finish funnel as a result of my own stupidity. By keeping to an easy pace, I had plenty in the tank. As we turned off the path towards the finish funnel, I challenged Len to a sprint. What followed was quite possibly the best sprint finish of my running career. I surprised myself with just how much pace & power I had. Not only did I drop Len straight away, but I calved through a few more finishers. If this had be caught on film in its entirety it would have been a fun watch, all I have is an awesome picture showing me straining everything to get across the line.

The Sprint Face!

The issue with a sprint is that you then need to decelerate through the funnel. This is a challenge at the best of times, I've seen plenty of runners go through the funnel, unable to stop themselves. I have also myself experienced the complete opposite, a complete halt the moment I crossed the line in Helsinki having put everything into a run. Add the sprint to a mud bath of a finish funnel and you have an issue. On two separate occasions I had to right myself in order to not go over before I'd left the funnel. Sprinting is for fools, that's the lesson learnt.

The Eat

Double up means double to food yes? Before leaving Chelmsford I'd consumed the obligatory Gregg's sausage roll (Dunkin Donuts was closed) & then supplemented that with a double cheeseburger. Not sated, it was time for Welsh Rarebit once home, though I need to work more on my method for this dish, not quite getting the combinations right currently.
I promise that in 2015 I'll eat less crap, just need to empty the house of it at the moment....

The Conclusion

A fine way to see in 2015. Two enjoyable runs with company, some volurunning included into the mix. The first time I've managed to score a NYD parkrun double & hopefully something I can repeat in the future.

Claimed by the Hill of Doom

Saturday morning was a sobering dose of reality. Everything had been just fine on Xmas day, potentially all too easy. Perhaps I should have headed back to Chelmsford, kept running there for a little while, I'd have not realised my current limitations for a little while longer. The parkrun route in Chelmsford is everything a runner like me could want: tarmac, flat, well drained so no standing water. Nothing too energy sapping, perfect time for masking my current lack of training.
Instead though I took the car to Great Notley. I wanted to challenge myself, take on the hill of doom and get a true understanding of my current capabilities.
I was second to arrive on site, there to assist with pre event setup, ticking both the volunteer and running boxes. I'm a temporary addition to the GNPR core team to give me ED training so when the volunteer roster was short I was eager to still help whilst not sacrificing a run. So there is was, in shorts and a ludicrous Turkey Trot jumper, trying to comply with the Xmas jumper theme.
Saturday became a waiting game. The core team and volunteers waiting for someone from the on site cafe to arrive so that the event could get setup. Things weren't looking good when we'd noticed the amended opening times and Len, GNPR's ED was none the wiser. So it was time to make phone calls.
By 9am there was still no one in attendance so with a bench as the finish funnel it was time for the minimalistic parkrun. After a short briefing urging tourists and first timers to try and buddy up, it was on the start line. To say I was cold by the start would be an understatement! Under my Turkey Trot sweatshirt was a hot base layer as I'd presumed I would overheat, so with nothing to do but shiver beforehand, the cold was really getting to me.

The Run

It was a far smaller field that usual for the run, the cold temperature and windy conditions kept many people wisely in their beds. Time to start the insanity though.
I opted for a wide right route to try and at least keep dry for the first then metres! The trail path was littered with puddles, I'd probably add distance to the course just with my zigzagging. My first lap was reasonable, there was no doubting just how much hard work the conditions were. The final field of the lap was horrendous as you turned into it, muddy on the turn and then the option to either so substantially inside and cut the course, go straight and get soaked, or turn further and run in the longer, less saturated grass. I opted for the latter and then took an even wider line at the base of the hill of doom. 

All smiles at the start of the first lap. Deluded muppet.

Oh the hill of doom, how I've not missed you. Negotiating the climb was tough, the two runners just in front of me were also struggling, but I had more grip. Avoiding their slips whilst also striving for a vertical base was hard work, I eventually went to the long grass once more, a bit more purchase was available there. The photo of me towards the peak tells you everything about the run on Saturday. I was determined to not stop during the climb, but also aware that the sheer effort involve in achieving this would come back to bite me.
Being a man made hill the Garmin never picks up the climb, but at the peak I took a moment to veer off course to touch the bird, not many of my fellow runners showed such eagerness. The descend was all about not hitting the slick grass, any more rain and I suspect the route would be run without the hill, just a standard two lapper. 

Hill of doom - there to break you

After the climb and following downhill I was completely done, shame there was still another 2km to go. I had completely overcooked the hill. Though commendable to not stop on the climb, my pace had gone, like a cyclist with only first gear, everything was moving but very little was being achieved. My second lap high five to Andrea the bridge marshal was substantially weaker, more being used as a means to get myself going. After the relatively easy return on Xmas Day, this was a crashing back to earth. The lack of miles in my legs & cardio in my lungs was coming back to get me here, the treacle like conditions not making my life any easier!

The remainder of the lap was just a struggle. I was thankful for the low turn out, it meant the underfoot conditions didn't deteriorate too much. My pace was a write off, a 5:58 third km was followed by a 5:34 & 5:39. In fact only a quick first km was under the 5:30 mark. I crossed the line / reached the table in 27:34, over three minutes slower than my previous effort at Notley. Lesson learnt. Stopping was tough, the finish area completely saturated. Had I a change of clothes on me then I'd have been very tempted to Klinsmann my way through the funnel!

Such a happy face

The Eat 

GNPR is surely the foodie capital of parkrun. I regularly contribute a box of sausage rolls & with attendance significantly down, a number made their way home to Stansted for consumption throughout the day. One half of the new RD team Jenna had also attempted Tiffin, something GNPR is famous for. Nothing can be better than finishing a 5k and gorging on some tiffin & sausage rolls. Both were excellent (though I am biased).

Once home it was back to the Xmas carb loading (is nine months too early for Berlin). Fair to say this rest period combined with the festive period has led to a bit of weight gain. Thankfully nothing too drastic & restarting the cycle of training and cutting out the white carbs will return me to a happier weight.

That said, Saturday night was all about the rare roast beef, crispy potatoes (gave them a proper fluff up, though might have cooked at too lower temperature), parsnips, veg. So much food that it is now Tuesday & I'm only just realising we forgot Yorkshire Puddings!

Hmmmmm Beef

The Conclusion

If you don't like the truth, don't make a visit to Great Notley, especially during the winter. The course is tough (Run Britain gave it a SSS score of 5.0 - anyone?), unforgiving & a true test. Can't blame anyone that stayed in bed on Saturday morning, they were the sane ones.....

A Festive Return

November 16th. 

The last time I laced up my running shoes with the intention of racing. I've not been completely out of action, despite the rest period I've taken a few trips to the Forest as the planning continues. This has included finding and testing new routes as a very wet and muddy route run in November made it clear we needed alternatives. I've also started playing squash again, though my swimming has stopped, need to pick up on this as we enter 2015. 

During the time off I've also volunteered as work commitments have allowed me. With Event Directorship in my future it has been imperative that I've continued to learn the various roles required to keep an event going, even if it does mean getting chuffing cold on a December morning! That in itself is a lesson, if you're just standing around you need more layers. I'll be investing in some decent gortex boots to get me through the wet and cold mornings. 

Of course I had promised myself I'd stretch and rest and of course I've done one of those and it certainly wasn't stretching!

Chelmsford parkrun - Xmas Day special

A banana for breakfast on Christmas Day? Surely not! Normally by 9am on Christmas Day I've consumed multiple chocolate bars & am already slipping into my first food related coma after a combination of eggs and salmon (recently the benedict variety). Last Christmas I ventured out locally for a run, before settling in to the usual overfeasting that is expected.

Though I'd started to properly get into parkrun towards the second half of 2013, 2014 really was the year of the parkrun for me. My total stood at 35 at the end of 2013. By October 18th it had increased to 62. Yet it would be another 9 weeks before that total would increase. I hadn't since a gap between parkrun attendance that large since 2012, had I fallen out of love with parkrun?

Not quite. Statistics only tell you the part of the story you want to hear. Since that time I'd had my enforced break, but also been in attendance half a dozen times to volunteer. In addition I'd made plenty of trips to the Forest & spent countless evenings in meetings or putting together paperwork & here I am moaning as if I don't enjoy it!

One thing I was certain of, I'd certainly be slower than the last time I went to Chelmsford & took home a lifetime best over 5k. Although one forest run had shaded under 30 minutes, realistically I didn't know what to expect. I'd promised myself not to start too quickly, blowing up after a stupidly quick 2km would be ridiculous.

My first visit to Chelmsford since volunteering in November also provided a couple of interesting sights. Event Director Gerry was resplendent in a Santa Claus outfit & brother in law Alec was donning the fluorescent vest for the first time & volunteering as a marshal. As I was parking in Meteor Way for the first time & unsure of how far the walk was I ended up being one of the first on site, so lent a hand with funnel setup, finish cones etc. The parkrun itself would be minimalistic, zero signage & just a handful of on course marshals. Thankfully the A route was runnable so there wasn't a need for too much guess work by the runners.

The Run

I lined up alongside fellow Core Team member Jim who is in the form of his life at the moment. I'd last seen him dressed as David Hasselhoff at Notley's fancy dress day, this time he was in standard running garb & ready to attack a PB set on the far harder Notley course.

Easy to spot when I have bright blue legs (Smurf outfit one day perhaps)

We did initially run together, but after the first corner I told him to go on without me, I didn't need to drag myself along & I didn't want to cost him any time. I settled straight back into a rhythm, through a kilometre in 5:02 despite my best efforts to slow down! I was able to apply the brakes a little during the second click, only ten seconds slower but I was feeling more comfortable. This was the first time I was using trail shoes at Chelmsford, on Alec's advice as he runs there more regularly than I do. The stretch 2-4km does include a fair amount of grass & I was thankful for a bit more grip certainly. With their recent Forest exploits I've now covered 100km in my trail shoes. If you'd have suggested this to me at the start of 2014 I'd have laughed at the idea of even owning trails!!!!

My pace continued to be reasonable & I was soon out of Admirals Park & heading through 4km & onto the finish. This was a well known path to me, Christmas Day being the occasion on which I ran a single event for the tenth time. Chelmsford has been good to me this year, 8 visits so far I believe, the adaptability of the team to the issues the many parks present has led to many different course configurations during that time.

I still felt reasonable as I entered Central Park & readying myself for the final lap. Despite having no intention to race I was still checking over my shoulder, old habits I guess.

As I said, no intention to race, just get home. Then I spotted Alec as the last marshal. I beckoned him to come a bit closer and with a high five I turned onto the grass and kicked into an almighty & completely out of character sprint finish.

Sprint finish - A return of my happy running face....

The Result

Turns out the sprint, though ill-conceived, was worthwhile (in my mind at least), I'd clocked an unofficial 25:01 (nearly going through the funnel), but Jim was certain I'd ducked just under 25. Given that I always start a couple of seconds early, that was certainly plausible. Until that text message came through, nothing was certain.

Mid morning, the phone bleeped & there was confirmation, 24:59! Surely, nearly 2 minutes over PB, but a result I was exceedingly happy with. After nearly two months off, I really wasn't expecting to be that quick. Bizarrely, the Run Britain handicap system (and the SSS & vSSS ratings that I still don't get) put this effort in my top ten. Guess that means that it was tougher on the day than I'd originally thought.

Jim not only broke his PB, he ran up behind it, tapped it on the shoulder & knocked it to the ground. I'd promised Chelmsford was fast & I was true to my word, a mid 22 for Jim. A PB for Christmas, nice start to the day (well less of a start when you have two young children)!

The Eat

Christmas Day, even with 500 extra calories from a 5k, it was going to be a day of gluttony wasn't it? Be it a refuel with a bag of Snow Bites & an Orange Lucozade (they should really sponsor me through Berlin) on the drive home. Toast with a slab of butter upon my return home, a full Turkey roast at my Mother's place, the completely unnecessary but predictable 4pm table of extra food or an evening of Celebrations & Sausage Rolls, it was a day of complete overfeeding.

But I ran a 5k at the start of the day so that makes everything all right yes?

The Conclusion

A very satisfactory return to running, what could possibly go wrong after this Xmas Day effort (bit of foreshadowing there as another blog post is to follow)?

After seeing the camaraderie & enjoyment the event brought, it reminded me that by this time next year, my core team will have a decision to make (if the venue allows for us to run an event). Holding an event on Christmas Day might seem like lunacy, but can mean a lot to those who run & volunteer.

Not running, honest.....

Well mostly honest. I'm itching to get running again having hung up the trainers after the St Neots Half in November. Since that time I've been keeping activity to a minimum. Other than a couple of games of squash and some route tests around the Forest, I've kept myself away from actually running, but found plenty of fulfilment.

Time keeping duty at GNPR

Over the course of November & December I've volunteered at Harlow, Chelmsford & Great Notley parkrun events covering all kinds of roles, even the event starter at Notley on the Saturday just passed. I've learnt that I don't have the camera or the skill to be an event photographer, that I need to talk at a slower rate when giving briefings (nerves & confidence) & that you can never have enough layers of clothing.

Xmas Fancy Dress at GNPR

With Christmas Day approaching it is time to get the trainers back on & aim myself at the Cambridge Half marathon in March. By lunchtime on the 3rd I'll have added five parkruns to my total & volunteered three times as well! My schedule currently looks like this:

Xmas Day - Chelmsford Central
27th - Great Notley (+ pre event setup)
NYD - Great Notley (+ tailrunner) & Chelmsford
3rd - Chelmsford Central (+ 30 minute pacer)

Six months ago I'd not even volunteered, when I picked up my 50 shirt at the Great Notley inaugural, I still hadn't donned the florescent vest. Sure I had reasons of distance, but in truth I knew it was time to start paying back to parkrun. Then I found out just how enjoyable volunteering can be, although I'm pretty confident with people I know, but actually forcing yourself outside of your bubble to engage with strangers is no bad thing. It doesn't come natural to me at all to just strike up conversation with people I don't know, but the warmth that is the parkrun family has shown me that it's not that hard. Once you have an icebreaker of being insanely stupid to be out of bed and running or volunteer at 9am on a Saturday morning you can pretty much talk to anyone.

Starting Great Notley parkrun

I'd encourage anyone who regular runs at a parkrun (or club or other) event to consider volunteering every so often. Don't ever feel burdened by it, the experience can only be enjoyable if you're not resenting being there, so if it is not for you, so be it. Many events have pacers or tailrunners, why not combine the two? On Saturday I really fancy running, but as a temporary member of the Notley core team I'm also aware of the volunteer roster & it's need to be filled. The solution? Pre Event setup. I get to lend a hand, volunteer & still run. Who knows, there might even be a sausage roll left by the time I finish!

Be careful what you wish for

October 17th:

Sadly some runners will be desperate to run the London Marathon & bite the charity bullet. Where as in previous years I'd entered, been turned down & said I'd wait another year, this time around I want to run a marathon. I want to see how I can perform over 26 miles so in 2015 I'll find a race, sadly it won't be London.

November 20th:

Just after that October blog was posted, the Berlin ballot opened, I wanted in to the Marathon party so signed myself up. A mere four weeks later (something London should really take on board), I get back from my lunch break & see that Joel posted his acceptance on Facebook. It dawned on me, D-Day had arrived.
The sense of anticipation grew as I launched into my email. Sure enough there was something there from the Berlin organisers, I couldn't be sure if it was good or bad news from the subject so opened it up & scrolled down to the English section.
I was in, I'd drawn a spot in the ballot and would be running my first marathon. The news took a while to sink in, a full marathon to run. It was a prospect that held both fear & excitement. The joy of finally making it through a marathon ballot & the chance to test myself over 26.2 miles & the fear that I had made it through the ballot & now had to prove myself over 26.2 miles.
Joel & I chatted through the afternoon, getting flights & hotels booked before availability got snapped up, both of us trying to take in what we'd signed up to.
And with everything now booked, there's nothing else to do for now. The marathon is just under ten months away & the best thing I can do is embrace this period of rest & recuperation until Christmas. My current goal is to recover from the multiple training plans over 2013 & 2014, not consume too many mince pies & start 2015 feeling injury free & mentally refreshed.
My 2015 schedule is essentially in three parts. January to March will be all aimed at the Cambridge Half & potentially a 1:50 attempt. Then, from mid April the marathon training will begin, to also include the Endure 24 hour race in June that'll be a completely different experience for me. The final phase will be post September 27th, where with a marathon medal to hold I will be taking another break, a chance to take in what looks to be another good year of running.
I wanted to run a marathon, now I have the opportunity to. Be careful what you wish for indeed.

St Neots Half - The end of 2014

Oh the St Neots Half. The race that wasn't overly planned and really in my current condition shouldn't have happened. When the plan for 2014 was put together the idea was to complete just three halves, Brentwood, Helsinki & Richmond. Then once the California road trip was booked the US Half in San Fran was added into the mix. My thoughts were to run it as a tourist, take photos, enjoy it. Whilst I did do just that, I still managed to drop comfortably under the 2 hour mark.
So 2014 already had four half marathons, although only two were the end point of training plans. Then our friend Fergie moved to St Neots and sold us all on their immensely popular half marathon event in November. It was just a fortnight after San Fran, although I wouldn't target a PB, why not run it? A plan then formed, why not run with Joel & Fergie and try to attack the 2:15 mark. I'd be running well within myself and could provide pacing. The last time I'd paced Ferg hadn't quite gone to plan (Check out the Edmonton 10k report from October 2013), but I was confident everything could run to plan.
Then three weeks out from the race Fergie quite rightly decides that his Berlin Marathon exploits had taken too much of a toll and that he wouldn't be making the start line. As soon as we got the news I consulted with Joel and he was still good to go.
Fast forward to Sunday morning and I'm lying in bed wondering why I'd signed up for the race. My enthusiasm for putting my weary body through another 21km was minimal. A quick message to Joel confirmed he was still heading to the start line, we'd been chatting goal times in the days leading up and he was adamant that it would be a gentle run with no attempt to break his PB.
Once the fog had been negotiated I found myself parked up in St Neots and picking up my race pack. Credit to the organisers, they'd printed our names on the front. This lead to lots of encouragement later on as we made our way around the course. As Joel & I chatted before the start it turned out that neither of us really wanted to run, we were both there out of a sense of obligation! Although Joel was still clear that he didn't want to go for a PB, but had mentioned a 6:30/km pace, this was a surprise as his 2:19 PB would be breakable with 6:35/km. So there wasn't a goal, but a pace that maybe we could maintain. 

Just before the start. Deluded smiles

The Race

Having raced the past two weekends in California, this was an unwelcome reminder of how cold autumnal UK can be. Sure the temperature was around eight degrees, but in a long sleeved shirt I was feeling the cold! Joel did have half a dozen layers and bases on, thankfully he realised this might be overkill!
We lined up a long way from the front, way behind the two hour pacers. The PA system appeared to be a bit hit or miss and depending on who was announcing the race start was either ten or five minutes away. Both of us were entirely relaxed, this was not a day for heroics, we'd decided that already.
Soon we were underway and taking on a gentle climb out of St Neots. Pace for the first couple of kilometres was pretty much on point and we'd heard that the last three miles was downhill, so there was potential in the course.
My job was fairly easy, maintain what for me was a gentle pace and ensure Joel was fine. The fog wasn't clearing so there were times when you couldn't quite grasp what the course was going to be like. The only other course tips I'd seen were some roadworks later in the race and a mention of the Abbotsley hill on twitter.
With 5km banked we were just over the 32:30 target but still under a 2:19 pace. Joel's PB was a mid 2:19 so I was also factoring in that we might have seconds to play with if required. The course was full of gentle undulations, so I encouraged Joel to carry on working at the same rate uphill, take a moment and then enjoy the downhill. We were soon in Abbotsley and the hill was in focus. In truth it wasn't overly taxing, a sharper incline, though the climb then continued as we left the village. At this point we saw the nine mile marker so were aware we'd have to climb through Abbotsley once more.
Joel's pace was remaining consistent and although there was another relatively tough climb as the first hour completed, he was on track for getting close to a PB. The 6:35/km 10k target was 1:05:50 and we were through with around ten to fifteen seconds of buffer. If this pace could be maintained then at 20k we'd be at 2:11 and then Joel could essentially walk to a PB.
I had taken gels at fifty and one twenty, unsure what strategy to take as this would be one of my longest duration runs. I had four with me, my usual half quota. Just after 10km there was a true downhill section and for a couple of clicks we were able to make decent progress, though every kilometre appeared to have some form of climb! The pace carried on, under 6:40/km as we passed through Abbotsley for the final time. As we reached the crest of the climb I encountered some sharp momentary pain in my left glute. Hardly a surprise, but something I didn't want to share with Joel whilst he was still going strong. After a couple of (hopefully) subtle winces the terrain thankfully evened out enough that I wasn't working it so much and everything loosened off again. A reminder that I'm overdue some rest!
Once Abbotsley was done we were approaching the 9 mile marker and the friendly water table. I picked up just to top up my bottle. The climbing was now over and the pace was still excellent. My job here was just to keep Joel talking, make sure he's comfortable and I did this partly by identifying runners in front that we'd reel in. Soon we were turning right and back towards St Neots. Just after 9.5 miles we entered the road works area, they'd stripped back the road surface so we had a bizarre firm trail footing to contend with for the next one and a half miles.
During this trail we crossed the 10 mile marker and Joel now had around 34 minutes to run a 5km. 34 minutes and the course was now downhill. The 17th km was a 6:40/km pace, but as we got closer to the finish line the faster Joel got. And sure enough we started reeling people in and passing them. With 4km the equation was to run seven minute clicks and still get a PB. Be the slowest you've been all race and still PB! But Joel wasn't slowing up and we started to push. Eighteen through twenty went 6:22, 6:26, 6:23, and true to form we were at that 20km marker at 2:11 and we could now practically walk and score a PB.
This wasn't on the agenda though a Joel dropped the hammer with a 5:47 final kilometre! This include a kick the moment we turned into the housing estate at the end of the course. For a moment, my legs felt shaky as Joel kicked, I hadn't expected that and thankfully recovered straight away. Of course the housing estate stint was a bit longer than Joel thought and it was now me urging him to keep going to the finish.
We reeled in our final target just as we crossed the line, Joel delivering a two minute PB of 2:17:26!!!! Post race my job changed to holding him up and giving a moment to recovery.

PB for Joel, so he's allowed to look knackered!

The Eat

Thankfully the freebies were perfect, some haribo, smarties and crisps, all much needed after the exertion. After chatting for a while with Ferg and the rest of the Oak Hill crew it was time to head home. As a bonus there was a donut waiting for me in the car!
Despite having a huge steak lined up for dinner, that was hours away and I fancied some dirty food! So as I left the M11 I headed into KFC for some takeaway. It certainly meant I had some very attentive cats to greet me upon my return.
Of course the steak was awesome, served up with sweet potatoes, asparagus & mushrooms, a well deserved treat. 

Steak & Zubaz

The Conclusion

The race that nearly never was became the race I'm glad I got out of bed for. Knowing that a PB was never on the cards for me meant a different focus for me. Being able to pace a friend to a PB is an amazing feeling, something I've been able to experience on multiple occasions this year. Running can be very solitary, yet to run alongside others makes for an all together different experience. To run with a friend and help them achieve a goal is something special and it was great fun to work with Joel and get him across the line.
And that's 2014 done for me. Apart from parkrun route planning I'll be doing nothing until Christmas Day, where I'll enjoy the festivities at Chelmsford parkrun. I've had an excellent year in terms of running form and now it is time to reward myself with an extended period of rest. After big personal bests at every distance and a lot of back to back training plans, now is the time to kick back for a little while. The next blog post will focus on what is already a blockbuster 2015.

Hollywood 5k race report

This blog started life on Wednesday 12th, I kept it parked waiting for official photos of the race. After a nearly 2 weeks, it wasn't worth the wait....

It's time to try and fight off jetlag by keeping myself busy with some fantastic blogging. The fantastic is more in hope rather than expectation! I was barely conscious after two alarm calls this morning. As comfortable as the flight home was, the 8 hour time difference and generally tiredness from a long twin city holiday is catching up with me. Last night I'm sure I woke myself up on the train home with a snore!
Of course one additional explanation for tiredness could be the early wake up call on Saturday. We were up at 5am in order to get down to Hollywood. Most folks would only get up that early to go on a day trip, perhaps see the sunrise. Me, I dragged everyone up to run a 5k just for the sake of some run bling!
Perhaps my addiction to a Saturday morning 5k is getting a bit too much. With parkrun struggling for traction in the USA, we weren't able to make a visit to one of their events. I searched online for various events up to 10k to get another running fix whilst in the states. At one point I was considering a 10k around Griffith Park, having been up to the Observatory, I'm pleased to have found a more sensible 5k. The Hard Rock Cafe 5k was due for its 2nd running. Sure the entry fee was a bit high (events in the US are just damn expensive), but the medal promised to look fantastic. Just five kilometres would also be non taxing and a good way to start the day.

Lots and lots of bling.....

We arrived in Hollywood with a good 45 minutes before the start. After number and t-shirt pickup we had time to take on a banana, stay hydrated and at least attempt a toilet visit (given up on, half a dozen portaloos for 1700 runners isn't a decent enough ratio). At this point I should point out that my race attire wasn't as regular as usual. The Um Bongo shirt was there, my sister Clare was also making her Team Um Bongo debut. But as we were in America I'd invested in a pair of Zubaz trousers to add all kinds of colours to the outfit. Once topped off with a pink leopard print headband and I was quite the colour palate!

Pre Race - Lots of colours

After the obligatory pre race photos we were off to the start line. Originally I thought we'd run together, but that plan was scrapped, which was a good idea as the race start was the most frustrating I've experienced. 

The Run

A slow start to Team Um Bongo

After the guy on the PA system hyped everyone for the start we were underway. Unfortunately the slow start from the US Half was to be followed by even more annoyance.
Perhaps we were too far back, but everyone around us moved like zombies, some folks barely walking! The decision to not run together meant I could just start weaving, I suspect I added a good extra 50-100m with sideways movement in the first kilometre. I suspect this is the norm, but why not having some timing pens, even a split for runners and walkers so that those of us that don't have all day to kill can get to the front.


The course was meant to be all about the music, however other than at the start line there appeared to be just one music desk along the route, a bit disappointing to be honest. The course itself was also a bit bland, 2.5km out and then straight back to the finish line. I'd managed to settle into a decent rhythm getting down to five minute kilometres and reasonably happy with the pace.
At halfway I turned and couldn't see Clare so presumed she might be hovering on my shoulder, looking to sneak a win. With that in mind I wasn't in the mood for offering high fives to the runners in the other direction, but did give Paula a wave once we passed.
Though my pace was decent, my decision to run in full length Zubaz pants wasn't clever. Despite a 7am start time the temperature was ramping up and I found myself in a self created sweaty mess!
Thankfully the finish line was soon in sight, the course took us gently downhill. I was grateful to see the ever closer finish line, the sheer volume of Korean, Japanese & American food consumed over the preceding days was all being sweated out! Another kilometre would have had me adding projectile to my already funky colour scheme!
My delightful Zubaz even got a shout out from the PA as I came through the finish and grasped a water bottle and medal. Stick a fork in me, I was truly done. My time of 25:11 meant that a family win was never in doubt. In turns out Clare wasn't on my shoulder, finishing a couple of minutes behind me and Paula coming in just under the half hour. Despite my 194th place I was the 2nd place international runner and 1st place British finisher. In fact we'd have swept a British 1-2-3 but my sister registered herself as an American! Sure there were only 6 countries represented, but a win is a win!

Post race with Bling!

The Bling

One of the reasons for signing up to American races is the excellent run bling. The half marathon medal was superb and in terms of shiny, the Hard Rock 5k medal really is something special. I also picked up the start and finish pin badges so that I can convert them to magnets for the bridge.

The Eat

We were in Hollywood so a trip to Roscoe's for Chicken & Waffles was mandatory. The early start meant we'd get there before any queues. How better to follow a 5k run than with half a fried chicken, a massive waffle and an oozing of maple syrup? I'm sure the 500 calorie deficit was more than repayed!

Pilgramage to Roscoe's

Chick N Waffles N Medal....

Worth getting up early for fried chicken goodness

Followed by $7 chocolate milk

Later in the day (once dressed normally, without those Zubaz) I even got a chance to make the pilgrimage to In-N-Out Burger. I'd been anticipating a visit since our visit to Vegas in 2011 and was well aware of their much publicised secret menu. My brother in law Dan and I were out wandering around midday and despite the post run refuel I was feeling peckish. It turns out the In-N-Out was just a five minute detour so we wandered in to order up a double double (double cheeseburger) animal style and animal style fries. The fries weren't amazing, though covered in plentiful amounts of cheese and sauce, but the burger was very decent with the extra sauces and cheese. It was probably never going to meet my unrealistic expectations, but for cheap and cheerful fast food it hit the spot.

Let's go Animal Style

The Conclusion

Start further forward at American races. End of conclusion.