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Moraghan Training - Stevie G
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Talking of parkruns, there's a local one to me which is a right bastard. The top two lads are GB mountain runners with 16.22 and 16.44 too their names. Yesterday a lad who hasn't broke 34 mins for 10k ran 16.44. I know he's done the odd cani cross parkrun but I'm wondering if they didnt notice the dog ;-)
Planned on doing a steady parkrun yesterday but a couple of running pals were pacing a lad to sub 17 so I decided to tag along. So much easier than doing it as a solo run. One of the lads pacing dropped off after a mile or so leaving me and another lad doing it. Unfortunately up the last long drag the lad was struggling and as we got on the downhill section we looked back to see him bent double about to throw up. The lapped runners were wondering what was going on as we were 1 and 2 and we'd just stopped. The lad went back and grabbed him by the collar and we finished. He'd have got a pb if he'd have just done a Bus and done it on the move.
Joined the same lads this morning for 15 miles on the fells. 2500ft of climbing pretty much through bogs etc. Ended up 7.50 pace but that's what happens when you let an England mountain runner lead the way. Some of the climbs were brutal. Ended the year on 4016 miles so just over 11 miles a day. Not bad for a fat lad.
Nice reports chaps.
I love how some of you are incapable of both following the template, and waiting until you've even finish your year of running
Right, I've done the latter, but best make sure I copy the former in right or that'll look ridiculous now
I love how intense we are on here are times, as scrolling through facebook earlier, an ex work pal wrote how she'd run "400 miles" in 2017.
It's easy to forget at times we're a thread full of hard workers and obsessives!
Let's go!
19. 5th highest in 16 years with a race logged. Very tidy total, bearing in mind there were 2 spells of 2months without a race. Short races help though.
- Different distances raced at
1mile, 5k, 5m, 10k, 7mile, XC random distances, and relay legs of 3-5.4miles, plus a 5x1km job.3200.5 (v 3000 dead in 2017) 61 a week average
Two. Both at the mile. In fairness only my 2nd and 3rd ever attempts, but still count. 5.00 at Ealing (after a teasing clock guy shouting 4.59 loudly then after a few seconds adding..that;'ll round up though)
Then 4.56 at the Gosport Golden mile.
As I lined up at the start of an Upton Court parkrun in Oct 2016, after a string of parkruns, still to some extent confirming to myself I could still "compete" locally, I saw a familiar face, Rob F from Datchet. That gently set the wheels in motion for probably my best decision in running in years - to get back involved with a club.
When the time came to firm plans up, it was a no brainer, a bunch of guys in and around my age, quality runners for the local scene, Phil's been a member for years, entry to the local 5k and XC series again, and quite close to work.
Probably in order, rather than ranked...
2018 Targets, as many as you like, specific times, races/distances to run, keeping enjoying it, whatever you like.
Thread poster of the year
Everyone contributes, and I always think you get a better view of someone and it gets easier when you meet them in the flesh, so was good to see Ric, albeit just the once, and Pete and Reg a few times, as well as the usual with Bus and Phil.
There was one spell Simon was at every race I was doing
I think he put it well by saying "well, you're racing again!"
Strangely i'm not sure I've seen Dachs out and about this whole year.
Shame not to meet Scott when I was vaguely in his neck of the woods at Gosport too.
Dean/Matt - I even more vaguely hold the dream to get up and do a northern 5k, so one day...one day!
Matt h - less so for the SW..you'll have to come up this way
Anyway, I go for Pete M as poster of the year. Had a really scary incident, and took it with incredible dignity and poise. Always took the parkrun/10k banter with remarkable good nature and respect, and just a good guy and credit to the thread! Popped up a few times at various events this year.
Scotty in the notes, as having the most colossal set of hard luck stories ever seen, alternating between humour and serious as the moment required. Certainly wouldn't write off the "serious" running just yet, especially how quick you can put in with small amounts of training.
ps...well you didn't expect a short one did you
I'd probably rank my 2017 for overall enjoyment as my best year since the 2012/13 pb stonks. Targets and priorities have slightly tweaked, but still looking to keep it hungry and get a 3k mileage in, and race a lot.
All the best!
Early to bed, and parkrun double tomorrow for starters
Looking forward to getting 2 of the planned 25 done on day one.
· Total amount of races in 2017: 2, plus a dozen parkruns
· PBs: what, at my age?
· Race wins/prizes/awards: placed first M60 at most of the parkruns
· Highlights of the Year: difficult as I never got as far as a real highlight. However I ran 21:12 for the LFoM in March, with 77.69% WAVA which showed that come the summer I should be flying, relatively.
Fairly easy parkrun on June 17th saw 21:24 with little effort (WAVA 76.95%)
· Lowlights / regrets / challenges from the year: unquestionably one week after the above, again during a parkrun, when I somehow damaged my Achilles. Despite lots of treatment still struggling with it and haven’t run much further than 5k since, struggling around a few parkruns with more effort than in June and three minutes slower!
· 2018 targets: to be back to running, above all. If I can get back to where I was last June when I was expecting to run 80% WAVA it would be brilliant! And to finally get to my 100 parkruns which should have happened around last September.
· Thread poster of the year: Scott, closely followed by Pete
· One to watch: SG, of course.
And get ready to get your diary sorted for Thursday night Sale Sizzlers in the summer!
Yep, will have to make sure one of those or the Christelton one is on there.
Trying not to do what some of the Dashers do, and over stack...but potentially, the 2 parkruns in a 14mile min job tomorrow, a short hills sesh with them Tue eve, and one eye on the Ealing mile next Fri.
Have the week off so can basically recover/sleep in between it all
Even noticed my favourite race co, Nice work, have a 5k in Leicester on Wed night, but that's probably getting a little madcap!
Some really quality running, comebacks, tribulations and love stories this year. I find it hard to remember back but when these are posted everyone has been amazing
SG - Gosport will be on from my end I think next year, at least from a work perspective times changing as I've been (secretly) doing one day a week in Gosport for a while
It's such a shame we're not headlining Eastleigh 10km which could have seen some of you. Another local shop has had it for sometime. I'll be at Stubbington but not running
Weighed myself at 85kgs today ! Ouch
Happy new year to all!
I must get out more.
Fireworks going off already.
I must have missed something.
🙂
A five mile job off road of around nine minute pace. Felt fit for once, which could have something to do with not having drunk alcohol for three days.
🙂
Why yes, it does Ric.
As long as Phil doesn't sneak in before I finish this, i'll be the first race of 2018 report though!
Today's mission then - drive to Upton Court park, run the 5miles to Black park, race that one, 5miles back, then race Upton Court. (Phil leading the way, and sneering at the "mere" 4mile quickest route
Did a 13miler yesterday, as 10 just felt too short, but i'll admit I was wondering about the genius of that as we undertook what would be a 16miler, having not run that far as an easy pace run, probably all year - bar that mad directional screw up 19miler!
5.3miles to be exact to Black Park, some really slippy bits that almost sent me - wearing my no grip racers into the dirt.
A slight nervous glance at the watch as we rode into Black Park with about 15mins to go, but we were here!
Had been here once, in 2011, and I remember it as being a particularly wet boggy course, but it was a long time ago.
Our favourite parkrun showboater, Mr Boucher was on the front line, literally eyeing up anyone who looked like they might fancy a race. I overheard him boasting to someone about how he'd be after the win, but ideally as slow as possible, and only one guy can beat him. What, in the world son?
An older guy pointed out some kid who would "give him a race". Very inspired comment. And no I don't mean me, on either part! But I did know he wouldn't be winning this year in a 19min jog round and then allowed the win by the gracious Mr Bradfield.
We're off, I'm in about 7th, the kid goes flying off, Bouch takes 2nd, and I take on joint 3rd, with a guy i'm surprised is up there, with all due respect!
First km comes up at 3.30, and i'm slightly confused as I historically smash first kms. It is a slight up I think, and we have run 5miles here, for another disclaimer.
Drop the older chap, and then it's a procession, watching Boucher from a distance, and him watching the winner.
Splits gently slow down, and for the last mile I could hear som,e heavy feet splashing on the muddy trails behind me. Not sure if one is Chris B, as he was going to be taking them both easily apparently
The feet sounded really close, and I was thinking, someone's coming by soon, but they didn't. Up to 4k, put a little chug on myself. Doucher has gone round a bend, he's looking back, my word this guy is my most disliked runner.
See the finish, no-one's having me now, over the line for 17.46 and 3rd.
Joined very quickly indeed, by 2 chaps.
Matey is congratulating some guy who finished behind me on finishing strong, so I had to point out we'd merely changed positions in the finishing tunnel
And I was delighted to hear he was off to another location for parkrun 2.
Anyway, Phil and Chris B nicely in, we made it a 3 man team jogging off to Upton.
Some chat, some more slips, and we arrived in perfect timing(according to Phil), worryingly close (in my mind), at 10.24, allowing time to stagger around for a bit, check out the bushes, and wander to the start.
Last time I was here I threw a 17.20 in. Today, with muddy grass, in some places very slippy, and 13miles in the legs already it'd be a how much slower than Black Park can we manage!
Clock the guy who came 5th at Blackpark. He's driven here. He's not run there to start with. Cheat!!
He sets the pace, and i'm in the mix with a gang of 6. I can certainly feel the legs don't fancy going too fast here!
I take a roll call of who has started too fast at about 200metres in. 5 hands up. Chris B has come past, saying he's not 4.10ing the first km of this one. He did a 18.55 at the other one.
2 lapper with 1 big lap including this awkward little muddy field, and second lap without it.
Group breaks down to the front 4, and me and a youngster. Perfectly comfy sitting in with him this time round. Probably not much under 6 min miling for a lot, which will do today for certain!
Lifted by a couple of Dashers shouts. Rob and son Riley, Legs X1 Steph giving me some abuse for not going fast enough at the end of lap 1.
Feeling alright, and it's such a short distance. Just get to the top of the incline at lap 2 and see what's what I think.
Can tell the young lad is feeling it a bit from his breathing. (You haven't done 13miles to get to this point son!). Guide him inwards a bit, as we were running a foolish wide line at one point, and then ease away as we come to the glorious slight down on firm path - the best bit of the course.
Through a tonne load of first lappers, round the fallen tree onto some mud, round the bend, and there's the glorious finish.
YES!
18.27, which is my slowest 5k ever (if we ignore the 18.47 I was awarded for that Gadesbridge parkrun that time due to running too short a course...17.00 for 3miles somehow given as 18.47, but I digress!)
However, i'll take the pair today, amidst a 16mile day, having not cut yesterday's run down either.
Got what I came for, which was taking a chunk off that 17.59 Aylesbury turnout at the first one, and the second was a freebie really.
Chris B did an 18.12 to go with his 18.55, but i'll take my 17.46/18.27 combo.
Pleased to beat my 2011 Black park by 2seconds
So 2018 is off and rolling, 2 races done
Intentionally jogging them brings it to a grey area, but first rule of Stevie G thread is racing each turnout as fast as is available.
Hoping to do some hills tomorrow night for another session with the club. At least morning v evening the next day stretches the recovery a bit.
Vague plans to do a 1mile race Friday too. We'll see though. Will just be good to get one on the grid early doors. Took until March to get race 1 in last year,
6 miles of mud this morning. Still feeling lergied up, which I'll use as an excuse for why yesterday's 10.6 was so slow!
I need to get out and do more this year - thankfully I'm moving closer to one (well, a 3mi warmup...), albeit a hilly trail one!
SG, good work on the double parkrun! Must be great to be able to turn out two good times. And all part of a long distance!
Easy run for me this morning, despite a distinct lack of sleep! 5mi at 8:48/mi and 76.7% MaxHR.
Great news in that I seem to have no problem with my foot any more! Really happy with that, and time to build up to some more consistent miles.
Good work on the NYD run Ric.
Happy New Year to you all, may 2018 bring all that we want
Off to central Leeds tomorrow for 6 days, and will be running a few days. Any recommendations for where to run?
Also, are any threadsters doing Reading this year?
Total amount of races in 2017
9: 4 parkruns, 1 fell, 2 trail, 2 road. My lowest number of races since about 2004
Different distances raced at
5k to half
Year's mileage
2180 (Oh, and as SG always likes me to add ascent, 197.699ft)
Pbs
A big fat zero!
Race wins/prizes/awards
Another big fat zero!
Highlights of the Year
For me - running up Snowdon. Something I’ve wanted to do for ages, and was very fortunate to pick a cracking day for it too.
Dachs’ 69 min half was pretty damn special.
Matt’s Yorkshire marathon was a lesson in steely-hard determination as well as being a time most of us could only dream of.
Reg’s Abingdon result was very impressive off the back of minimal running, but I’m even more impressed by some of the long bike ride speeds and the (forgive me!) tri performances
Lowlights / regrets / challenges from the year
Number of breaks from injury and particularly struggling to get rid of that bloody adductor/hip thing
2018 Targets
Sub 1:20 at Wokingham.
Possible sub 3 at Chester – if I can be arsed to do a marathon that is!!!
Get some V50 silverware after June!
Thread poster of the year
No clear-cut winner for me this year:
Scott gets the “perseverance in the face of life being a bastard” award (and for most horrific photos that I never want to see again before breakfast!)
SG, gets the Oscar for race reporting!
Reg and Dean get the joint “telling it as it is” award
Simon gets the “sessions most likely to make me feel ill” award
Philip gets the “most impressive stalking” award
Matt H gets the “best newcomer” award
Aley gets the “long-service and good conduct” award
And finally, Ric gets the prestigious award for “posts that best galvanized opinion”
Good run Bus; Matt, Aley and Ric on the comeback trail and Philip on the pr double. Impressive mileage and even more so climbing Bus.
Did my pr double today at Maidenhead and Woodley. Was just not firing quite right at M'head. Stuck in a clear 3rd from very early on and the gaps to 2nd ahead and 4th behind just got bigger for the full 5k. 19'26 on the board which wasn't a great start to 2018 on a flat course (but still top age grade and 3rd of nearly 300 outright) so off to Woodley.
Massive field there of over 550; pr is just so popular these days. Course was very wet around the pitches so needed a shift to trail shoes. Start extremely muddy but after a short time onto tarmac and the pace can pick up. Moved up over lap 1 from about 30th to 15th and kept progressing my maintaining pretty much 6mm pace. Ended 11th but in 18'42 despite traffic issues and top age grade again so much better time than the first run. Fathom that one!
Really proud of my 11 (soon 12) year old daughter who completed the double as well and in times only 2 seconds apart (28'33 and 28'35). Top age cat for her too at M'head out of 9 despite being youngest age. She also completed all 5 pr's over the festive period. Girl after my own heart☺
Well done Bus for getting out running, at all.
And thanks for the award - I think
🙂
Pete- good efforts (kid too!). Maidenhead certainly isn't that fast a course though, with some of the ropey footing, 2 laps, couple of tight bends, and that tight offroad hill on each lap!
I can see why Dachs always praises Woodley for being lightning from your times! You were 44 secs quicker on your second one, despite being boxed in!
Ric, having spent the hours in between lounging around, eating some choc (!) and trying to sleep but being too tired to, I will definitely make this sort of thing a once a year treat
On the stalking side, see Mike BOUCHER came home first at Gladstone parkrun so second and first can't be scoffed at but isn't the pair he was hunting for.
Also, note to SG, that is 14 parkruns now for you. None in 2017 and 2 in 2018 by the end of day one.
That's a very consistent double there Phil.
Good to see Bouche, at least got a race at the second one. Interesting to see he put a 16.44 in at Walsall. Suspected that one must be quick as Rob F suddenly got back under 17.30 recently, and while we can't be certain the way showboat Malone races, it's a good min quicker than everything else he's done for ages.
Was slightly surprised to see 2nd age range at Upton, Chris B clearly being 40s, and the rest looking pretty young. Turns out the guy 5th at BP and winner there is 35-39! Wow.
Only 15 secs slower from first to second, but it's certain if he'd put the extra 10miles in it'd have crept a lot slower!
6secs behind Douche at BP, and only 2/3 secs in front of the other 2. I knew they were close!!
no of races = 17 plus 3 park runs
races = 5*1500m, track mile, 10k road, 8*xc, 2*road relay
pb = 10k (32.05)
awards
- gold county v40 xc,
- Gold Midlands v40 xc,
- Team gold county xc,
- team gold north Staffs league xc,
- silver European 1500m v40.
- 1st v40 Trafford 10k
- And still didn't win vet of the yr at our club!
Uk v40 Rankings = 1st mile, 2nd 1500m, 12th 10kmileage = 2386m v 2283 last yr.
highlights
- Defying form, illness and injury to squeeze the 1 decent race I needed in the final to get Euro silver. The time wasn't great but the sprint finish bailed me out to land a spot on the podium.
- The 10k pb. I don't really train for this long a distance, and weather was shocking on the day but to carve out a pb was satisfying. I thought I would struggle with breaking 33 that day. I didn't have great form and with the weather I tucked into a group who I knew was 33 guaranteed. We went through 5k in about 16.20 but I felt good so I pushed on and just kept getting faster. Second half 5k was about 15.45. I wish I had gone off stronger as I'm sure I could have gone sub 32... learnt a lesson that day.
- I hate xc . That said the beginning of the yr I raced a few really strong xc races. Beating people I don't normally on this surface. It was pleasing to run a few good ones.
Lowlights- Injury. Really badly timed which i still don't think I have truly recovered from yet to get back my form and fitness. I was flying in March, and my 10k said I had all the long distance speed I would need for the track so I could focus on the short brutal sessions. But whilst on the start line of the road relays a fortnight later I fell and hurt my ankle putting me out for weeks. When I came back a few weeks later my Achilles went. After a few weeks of coming back I hurt my hamstring. Yet Another few weeks out and all the good spring training was washed away. It also left a scar of being worried to truly go all in in sprint training in case it went again.
- Because of the above my summer was mostly meh! Training wasn't great, struggling to hit targets I used to hit for fun but in fairness the races were decent times. Not great but ok. But if you ignore the euro medal, this summer wasn't good enough. I should have faster times than I hit this yr.
- National xc. Having to stop mid race to sprint into the woods for a shit. A real low point.
Poster of the yri like the freshness of Matt head and Pete m on here....along with matt84 and Simon (not fresh
targets
medal in the european indoors champs
medal in the world outdoors champs
pb in 5k and 10k.
Performance of the year.
i was between 4 that stood out.
Glad you like my posts, though some on here would probably dispute they are fresh, more predictable!
Anyway onto my own 2017 review now I have the data to hand;
- Total amount of races in 2017
19: 3*Mile; 1*5k; 2*5m; 4*10k (1 DNF); 2*10m, 1*HM,1*Duathlon, 3*XC, 2*relaysAlso 4*club handicap 10k's and 46 parkruns (don't know how I did so many but a few were carrying injuries and some jogs)
Nice parkrun doubles too chaps. Boucher sounds a lovely bloke. ;-) surely it's always better to be a bit modest on the start line. That looks like ideal half marathon training SG.
Glad I got my 45 min tempo out of the way yesterday which meant I could have a few beers after and not have to do it rough as rats today. Ended up running 8 miles on the nose in the 45.03 and with a mile warm up and then down so about 58.20 for 10 miles. Straight on the ale after from 12 til around 10pm. Woke up on the sofa at 2am. Great start to the year. Just as Storm Eleanor or whatever it's called is setting in I've to go out and do 10 miles now. Superb