Bishopbriggs 10K

It's been a little while since I updated my training / racing blog. So far 2009 has been going well for me in terms of marathon training. I still have no injuries (touch wood), and the odd niggles seem to come and go without causing too many problems. My longest weekend run is still only 15 miles, so I will wait to see how things progress over the next few weeks as I gradually increase the milage.

On Saturday January 17th, myself and Dan headed across to Bishopbriggs (just outside Glasgow) for the Jack Crawford 10K race. The weather forecast wasn't looking too good, with a severe gale warning for the afternoon in Western Scotland. Fortunately though, the bad weather just held off till after the event. The course followed the Forth Clyde canal towpath. A really nice route, although a bit narrow and muddy in parts. A hard weeks training meant that this race felt a bit tougher than usual, but I think the longer runs had paid off as the distance felt quite short. I came through in a time of 44:58 which I was very pleased with. My training plan has me down for doing a sub 47 minute 10k at this point to be on track for the 3:45 marathon - so far so good.

A big thank you for all the sponsorship I have had from so many of you so far for Pancreatic Cancer UK. This money will make a huge difference to many people. Many thanks. http://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

Bushy Park 5km Time Trial - New Years Day!

Well, I've very much enjoyed the Xmas and New Year holidays. I'm 3 weeks into my official 16-week training plan and all is going well so far. My longest weekend run to date is 14 miles (aiming for 15 today!). The Xmas holidays have provided lots of quality time to get out for training runs which has been great (fuelled by mince pies!). I've managed to meet up with Paris marathon training buddie Julia too. On Xmas Eve we did (along with our friends Katherine and Jamie) our traditional Xmas Eve run around QE park. We normally finish the run with a cup of tea and mince pie, but this year went for the more traditional McMuffin breakfast! haha!

On New Years Day myself, Katherine and Julia (and Marc who ran with Julia) entered the Bushy Park 5km Time Trail. Yes, it was at 9am on New Year's Day - madness. Beautiful course and perfect running conditions. So we started 2009 the way we meant to carry on! Katherine won the race! I was third in 21:19. Not a PB, but not bad for New Year's day and a hard week of training. Julia ran a PB which she was very pleased with!! I will carry on with the training schedule...XC race and 10km race in Glasgow to come next!