Training Log Archive: Shminty

Helsby Half Marathon

Every year I think I should do this race and this year was no exception. But decided a while ago I wouldn't do it as it's not that relevant to the year's goals and think the longer race makes for higher risk of injury.

However convenient 5k/10k races this spring are in short supply and wanted to put a marker down for fitness. So had a cheeky look at entries on Thursday and saw it was still open. Thought about it for 24 hours only to then see it had closed over night. After more indecision found someone with a spare number and made the final decision to run at 9 this morning.

Unlike every other pure running race I've done race started at a sensible pace. After about 1km three guys were about 10m ahead of me and made the decision not to go with them as I felt like I was in good rhythm and was a long way to go! In hindsight probably should have kept up as one dropped off not long after but was just too far ahead to catch and work with him. So from then on it felt more like a time trial than a race. Wind wasn't too bad but at times it was noticeable and seemed to have a headwind on the uphills. All the main climb was done by 11 miles and at that point knew I had to put my foot down to make sub 70. Had made conscious effort not to look at watch and go off feel but was constantly checking m/km for last 3km. Pace definitely increased but alas not enough!

A bit disappointed with the time. Was at least hoping for sub 70. Next time will come a bit more prepared and go for a flatter course in (hopefully) better weather. Did at least win some ££.

C • Nice one! 6

Plan was to do 30mins (mainly to get out the house) but got a bit nervous about the ice so tuned round after 10.

Icy. Stuck to the canal.

New route. Along greenway and then cut up and round back of the zoo and back along canal.

Also came with a micro second of being wiped out by a pickup truck. My fault. Trying to do too many things at once plus looking at the wrong traffic light and completely misjudging speed of the truck!

Another new route. Along the canal through Chester to Waverton.

Walls and Zoo

Unwound this morning.

Went down to local track in Ellesmere Port. Never been and was a bit of a hassle to get onto. There was then a fair headwind on home straight which again made going to a track to do this session a bit pointless.

6x1km, starting every 4.30

Between 3.04-09.

Round the walls and out to the zoo then some new roads round acresfield and Hoole Bank. Body starting to feel normal again after last week's intensity.