GLOUCESTER SPORTS BLOG

Summers here... apparently?

2012/06/28 at 12:47PM by Pat

This is not how athletic tracks should look!

 

Summer is here... I just cant seem to find it! As I write this staring out of the window at the river running down the pavement outside the shop, wiping the remnants of the man flu i've been enduring for the last 2 weeks from my nose, its difficult to get motivated for tonights session. I haven't helped myself with clothing either, as because its "summer" all i've got is my trusty vest (every runner has at least 1 Nike Miler vest somewhere!) and split shorts... Good.

Apart from the weather the running seems to be going well. I decided to have 3 weeks away from racing so I could concentrate on some good training, but I'm planning to make an appearance at the first cheltenham open on wednesday to get back into it, and I'm considering entering one or two 10ks, pretty sure I'll regret that one three miles in...

I'm also going to enter a new multi terrain race called the cranham beast ( http://iamoutdoors.co.uk/events/cranhambeast/ ), with a 5 miler on the Saturday and a 14 miler on the Sunday it looks to be a great event, and I cant wait to find out what the "hidden surprises" are. Time to get my Saucony Peregrine off roaders out of hibernation I think!

See you all soon.

Pat



Great Manchester 10km

2012/05/21 at 14:31PM by Steve

I was lucky enough to be invited (as a last-minute replacement) to run for the Midlands in the Great Manchester 10km yesterday, so thought I would let you know how I got on! A fantastic experience, being in the elite section alongside the likes of Haile Gebreselassie!

As we were waiting for our race, we were in a fenced-off area which had dozens of people peering in to see if we were anyone famous, now I know how it feels to be in a zoo! As we got closer to the start time, our bags were taken on the transport truck to the hotel and we were allowed to run up and down the start section. Gave a nod and a smile to Haile who returned in like, felt very pleased with myself but quite aware that I was so very lucky to be in that kind of company.

The 5 top Kenyan and Ethiopean athletes were introduced to the crowd and we lined up directly behind them. The gun went and they took off! It was a slightly downhill start but the leaders went through 1km in about 2.40! I tried to go off conservatively but still went too quick in 3.05. Wearing my Brooks Green Silence I went through halfway in about 16 minutes, spot on for what I thought I was capable of. Sadly, no-one told me how many inclines were in the second half, not hills but enough to sap your legs.

I struggled between 6 and 8.5km, then managed to pick up a little as the crowds got bigger and I got closer to the finish. The noise was great, just a shame that I slowed over the second half and finished in 51st (out of approx 25000) in 32.46. Great event to do and incredible to be allowed so close to some of the greatest runners in the world. Happy running



Back on Track!

2012/05/14 at 13:35PM by Pat




For the love of the sport

2012/05/03 at 14:25PM by Steve

As I was half way around my 45 minute run this morning in the pouring rain, I began to wonder why I do this? My kit was soaked through, shoes (Nike Zoom Elite 5)and socks were wet and cars kept driving past and splashing me. Happy days. Yet for some reason, I was enjoying myself. The rain was relaxing (go with me on this), the pavements were quiet and I could just get on with it, apart from the odd glance at my watch to see if I was past half way!

It is a simple sport, why complicate things?

Happy running



Trying to get fast!

2012/04/24 at 15:05PM by Steve

Now track season is very much upon us, I've been trying to get some track-work done, remind my legs how to run fast! It's the time of year where the recoveries get longer, but the reps get quicker and the lactate builds up in your legs! I'm using the Adidas Arriba 3 M for my track sessions, really nice spike but my calf muscles definitely know about it! If my legs need a bit more pampering, I'm going for the Puma Faas 300 as they offer that bit more cushioning with sacrificing the speed.

Had a lovely session of 8 x 300m last week, aiming for 45s per 300m which is a tiny bit slower than my 800m pace with 2 mins recoveries. Managed an average of 45.05s per rep but by the end my legs and arms were so full of lactate that I felt physically sick. I know how horrible I feel after doing these sessions but they are a necessary evil if I want to run some decent times this summer. Will let you know how I get on, first race in 10 days time!!



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