June 2011

[Sweder]

Wise words....and if you need more, read this interview.

http://endurancejer.blogspot.com/2011/06...rview.html

'the keys to success in ultra distance mountain racing are devastatingly simple: pile on the miles, be CONSISTENT with your daily running, run lots of vertical on rugged terrain'

Absolutely, and fair enough if you're a professional sportsman. I find it nigh on impossible to stay consistent for any period of time due to work, travel and home-life commitments. In fact I'm up to my flabby arse in excuses if anyone needs any.

I have a lot of time for Glaconman's observations on routes. I run the same old route (with occasional variation) because
a) it's accessible from my house without getting into a car
b) it's mostly safe for the dogs

The hounds get two outings a day, first thing and end of the day. They're extremely excitable teenagers just now so new/ less well-known routes are not really an option for me or for them. That means a longer/ new route runs would have to be in addition to 2 x 45 minute dog walks. That's a lot of time to find every day. See? I have excuses to spare.

I do have far more challenging terrain accessible from my doorstep; the Big W is only three miles away. That's about as verticle and rugged as you can get. I also have the streets of Lewes which offer less of a challenge by way of terrain but perhaps the change of scenery and the novetly of road-running offers the jolt I need. Once I've started to regain my mojo there's a great track through the town, up into the eastern Lewes hills and on to Glynde by way of some precipitous climbs and a deep downland valley. This ends at the Trevor Arms, purveyors of well-kept Harveys ale. Hmm ...

My gently forming running plans extend into the summer. With P2P fast moving into (training schedule) view I need to bank some core fitness. One plan is to take off on occasional early mornings to cover long distances very slowly, the old 'time on your feet' scenario. This will involve a lot of walking (some of the climbs on the W are only runable for athletes in tip-top shape) and possibly a return to the rucksack-mounted picnic adventure. I discussed these with Ladyrunner recently and she agreed it would be fun to pack away some victuals and head of for a 30 km sojourn through the hills and valleys some time.

Alas I'm way short of that sort of adventure, but without goals we are but aimless wanderers. My running goals for 2011 are now:

1. Establish base fitness by walking or running at least 3 miles every day
2. Get fit enough to cover 30 - 40 hilly kms slowly by September
3. Take part in the Jog Shop Jog (October)
4. Be ready for the point 2 Pinnacle in November

My other (whispered) hope is that a return to distance running, however slow and careful, will offer an opportunity to fill my head with nonsense to the point I have to write some of it down. I live in hope.