ANNABLOG 2011
ANNABLOG FOR 2011
Bare facts. I ended the year with 1455 miles ( 2342 K ), compared with 1470 in 2010,and 1433.5 in 2009. Not bad considering the injuries I sustained. This brought my lifetime recorded distance to 155,916 miles ( 250,922 K ) I have just completed my 18th training log and begun my 19th. The first one was started in September 1953.
I raced 34 times in 2011.
Of 2012 ? I will probably race less. I would like to find some new countries to race in :
The format of the blog will change in order to keep it current and more interesting.
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December 2011
WEEK 49
PARKRUN WOODBANK PARK
I continued with my quest to sample all the Parkruns in my local area. This one was only about 5 miles from where I live. I drove there and warmed up 31 minutes in order to get a few extra miles in the bag. I found this course fairly difficult as after the flat of
Tuesday I flew with Graham Richards and Jackie Turnbull to
THE INDIE 5K
Friday morning we competitors were bussed out to
I was 279th out of 360.
I flew home that afternoon. The week ended with 31 miles.
WEEK 50
On the first run of the week my left knee was very sore. Why? Perhaps sitting on two planes for such a long time. On the second and third runs the knee was sore all the way. On the fourth and fifth days the knee was only sore at first and on the sixth and seventh days the pain seemed to have gone. So 30 miles of gentle running had cured the injury.
WEEK 51
The previous week I had had to contend with ice and snow and Saturday 17th December I ran 3.5 miles on slush covered ice. I had promised Andy O'Sullivan I would race the next day but awoke to a further fall of snow. I rang Andy. The race was definitely going ahead at 11:30.
THE LYNNE EDMONDSEN MEMORIAL, COWM RESERVOIR
This was a multi-terrain race from near the Sportsman pub in Whitworth. From the word go I struggled and was almost last. There was snow, slush and ice. Up a steep hill then one full lap of Cowm reservoir, where I managed to pass three, then head out onto bridle paths, mainly uphill and mainly full of snow, mud and icy water. At the top of the climb I had almost caught Northern Vet, Tom Finch, a runner in my age group. We then had to descend on icy roads, only partly gritted. I was careful. Tom disappeared ahead, and I could hear someone behind me. As we reached the flat roads, pride forced me to give everything I had and I just managed to hold off a young woman, not in a club, K. Leech who I had overtaken much earlier in the race. 35 finished and I was 28th in 41:38. First home, L. Morley, Ilkley H., 25:22; 1st F, Sally Morley, Ilkley H, 29:16.
The race had not done my knee any good. Mid-week I wrote in my log, “Decided to see if less mileage would help my knee." But after a couple of 2.5 milers longer runs crept in. The week ended with 25.5 miles when it should have been more like 20 miles.
WEEK 52
As far as running goes Christmas Day is just like any other except there is usually less traffic on the roads but a few more new kiddies’ bikes on my railway trail. Stupidly, I forgot my vow to reduce my mileage and ran 3 X 3.5 milers before my final race of the year and another favourite:
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THE
I was invited and given No. 1. An honour indeed. I was not there to race but to run round, enjoy the event and try not to aggravate my poorly left knee. I stood at the back of a huge field of runners. No pressure. It was chip timing. My first 3 K went 5:51, 5:54 and 5:51. I did not feel comfortable but I could talk. About that point I got chatting to a big guy, No. 339, Nigel Hall of Leigh Harriers. We ran a couple of K's, 5:54 and 5:38, with 75 year old Brian Scully of Accrington Road Runners, before moving away. I kept telling him to cut the corners. It was not dangerous as the roads were closed to traffic. He kept asking me at each K, “Are we going to beat the hour?” We began to speed up and I was able to tell him we were. Our 5 K split had been 29:09 and we only had to equal that to get close to 58 minutes. Our 6th and 7th K's were 5:42 and 5:49. “Cut the corners, cut the corners!" Next a 5:22, then a 5:18. The last K includes a steep down then a steep up. I turned to him and said we could beat 57 minutes. He speeded up on the home straight then thought better of it and let me go ahead. A last K of 5:20 gave me 56:39. 793rd out of 896 finishers. 89% of runners ahead!
The race winner was Jonny Howard, Liverpool H & AC, 29:10; first woman, Katrina Wooton, Bedford and County AC, 33:57.
As usual a fantastic race. Perfect conditions and great organisation. Well done to Blackburn Harriers.
Three - X - 3.5 miles, the first of these from the house of our friends, Harry and Sylvia Smith, in Barnoldswick, of which my log reports, “Could feel exhaustion and tired heart from yesterday, “completed the week with 28 miles. 2.5 miles the next day completed the year with the comment, “Cutting back the distance as left knee not responding / healing very well."
November 2011
WEEK 45
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The previous week we had travelled by train to
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THE NYC DASH TO THE FINISH LINE 5K
The snow that had hit us in
First was Chris Thompson,
The next we flew home. 5 runs there gave me 27.5 miles for the week.
October had passed with 118.5 miles ( 191K ) bringing my lifetime total to 155,609.5 miles ( 250,429K )
Ready for off again. Photo credit - Sports Tours International
WEEK 46
GETTING GOING AGAIN
The results of the last two weeks have convinced me that I am over my pulled hamstring and it is time to start training again, especially as I have a 5 K race in
1 Race every weekend, including local Parkruns where necessary.
2 Include "speedwork" twice a week.
3 Hit 30 miles each week.
I got there early and did a 2.4 mile warm up. The run was warm enough for shorts. At the off I seemed to be left behind by practically everyone. I struggled the whole way. My K's went : 5:25, which gave me no confidence; 4:45, that was better; 5:01, OK; 5:16, obviously tiring but showing a possible sub - 26 minute finish; and 4:54 with some effort. 25:22 . Best for a good while. Half a mile warm down to the car. My stomach had not felt right and maybe a banana followed by a jam toast was not ideal for me . Next week I will try porridge.
The results were on the net by afternoon. I was 94th out of 171 ( in front of 45% of the field,) and 2nd MV 70 to John Riley, N vets AC, 24:24. The first past the line was "unknown," maybe he was not registered.So, first, Rob Sloane, Trafford AC, 17:01; first lady, Ashley Pia Ryan, Chorlton Runners, 20:03.
Sunday, 5.5 mile recovery run. Monday, 3.5 miles with number stride fartlek up to 40 and down, Tuesday, 3.5 miles , mostly easy. Wednesday a scare - 4.5 miles including a long climb up to
WEEK 47
I have it in mind to try all the Parkruns in the
I arrived at
I was having quite a good run ignoring the time. The only problem I had was that I could not get a deep breath - essential to get full use of my lungs. The next stretch was downhill. I relaxed and passed one or two. Then the last K; around the lake on a stoney dirt trail. As we approached the finish I did glnce at my watch, the cumulative time, and saw I was not going to berak 26 mins but still strode out to do the best I could. 26:14 which minus the 5 seconds at the start would have given me 26:19 with a chip, only one second slower than the mainly flat
First man home, Roger Alsop, Herne Hill Harriers, 17:04, First lady, Bev Jenkins, Salford Harriers, 5th overall, 18:09.
At the start of my 10 minute warm down I passed Louise Glchrist and asked, "Did you enjoy that ?" " No," she replied," I got too hot and had to take some of my stuff off."
I looked at her result later. 27:28. I had only taken just over a minute out of her in 4 K. A remarkable woman ! And she was best age graded runner of all Parkruns that morning with 93.29% ! !
Sunday I did a 5.5 mile recovery run and felt pretty good at the end. Monday, 3.5 miles with number stride fartlek up to 45 and down. Tuesday, 3.5 miles easy running but feeling really tired. Wednesday, a hilly 4.5 miles with 2 + 2 + 3 x 70 seconds strides 50s interval, 4m 50s between sets. Thursday, 3.5 miles easy in 38:21. Friday same 3.5 mile run easy, but feeling tired in 42:27 ! 30 miles for the week.
WEEK 48
THE SILKSTONE SHUFFLE
Saturday 26th November saw me lining up for my 30th race of the year, the Silkstone Shuffle multi - terrain, my 30th race of the year and one of my favourites. Starting from the back I struggled to make much headway and with a long uphill, into a gale force wind, I resorted to sheltering behind a posse of orange shorted Barnsley Harriers. With the wind behind they left me behind and along the fields I had difficulty getting over the stiles. My knees were just not flexible enough. I was holding my own over the last mile and successfully negotiated a tricky stile, downhill, with a drop into thick tree roots at the bottom. I did not fall. Great! These were the driest conditions I had experienced on this 4.5 mile course but my time of 42:16 was still slower than my 41:44 of November 2009.
The race winner was Steve Worthington,
I had a good week of training after that running twice on Tuesday, 2.5 miles in the morning and 5 K in the evening from the Sweatshop, Arndale Centre,
October 2011
WEEK 40
Saturday, October 1st, saw me running a solo 3.5 miles , in brilliant sunshine, from the Reigate Manor Hotel, down to the park again and back. My log reports, "41:01, OK - lovely morning. "The rest of the morning I spent in
For the rest of the week, the next three 3.5 mile runs seemed to indicate that the hamstring was improving but during my 4.5 mile run Wednesday, the muscle twinged then pulled once more. My log says, " A SET BACK ! " The next day, “DEFINITELY A STEP BACKWARDS."
The week concluded on 28.5 miles.
WEEK 41
Saturday October 8th I ran a slow 3.5 miles. My hamstring felt slightly sore all the way, so no change. In the afternoon I took the train to
In the evening I gave a short speech at a reception in the hotel and met up with Dick Hughes, who for many years commentated at The Tour Of Tameside, and his wife, Roz, and also Nigel Hards, whose company at the time, Thomas Cook, were overall sponsors of The Tour for three years, and his wife, Angela.
Race day morning I walked over to the Elite Athlete area. I had forgotten to bring my ibuprofen tablets which I needed to reduce the pain and inflammation in my hamstring a I was going to run some of the way with the runners in the race. It seemed all the shops were closed. Back to the hotel to change then return to the Elite Athletes to await the start. Mikey, a staff member at Elite Performance, Had managed to buy me a packet of Neurofen. What a star! I walked over to the start area with Liz and Martin Yelling and their young child in a buggy. Liz was racing.
Ready to go
I stood on the raised dais, sent the huge field of runners on their way, waited one minute, then starting my watch joined in, running carefully. I was surprised when I reached one mile in 9:39 the covered the second mile in 9:28. It was time to turn back and head for the finish in a different spot than the start. I got many shouts of, " You're going the wrong way, " from both the runners and spectators but covered the three miles to the finish at a leisurely pace. I stayed around to greet some of the runners then made the presentation to the first male runner, Edwin Kipto, Run Fast, 62:28. Liz Yelling,
Back to the hotel, pack quickly and I had to run for the train dragging my roller bag, making it with less than two minutes to spare. But I was home in time to make it, along with wife, May, to the Centenary Dinner of Stockport Harriers. Congratulations to them!
WEEK 42
By the end of Week 41, which had produced 27 miles, the hamstring was settling down but the first 4 days of this week was mixed. The last 3 days were manic, with me protecting the injury against further setbacks. I was travelling by train to
Andy picked me up and we went to the store then The Pond hotel to unpack and change into running gear. We got to
Vizion cap, with three LEDs, helped light my way. I reckon I had run 3.5 miles. The tent a dismantled, loaded into Andy's car and we returned to the hotel to wash, go across the road for a meal and I was in my bed for 11:30.
Next morning we headed for
By evening the weather had turned. It rained. And continued through the tent assembly and the run around “The Meadows." Not many turned up at first but one of the staff got the University Tri Club group to join in. I ended up running with a woman and her dog,
A busy 28.5 miles for that week
Dean Village Bridge. Credit: Run and Become
WEEK 43
Even with all the travels and recovery from injury I had been trying to make sure I was as fit as possible for a couple of races in the
May had always dreamed of visiting
The Washington Monument
May outside the Capitol Building
WEEK 44
We were rather unlucky with the weather. A couple of days we had rain and one day even snow. Totally unexpected. My pre-race day 3.5 mile run was in driving rain. My shoes got soaked. It did not rain the next day, Sunday 30th October, thankfully.
THE MARINE CORPS MARATHON 10 K
It was not wet but it was blooming cold. So cold that I raced in tights, a woolly hat and gloves. The start was at 8:00 am and we left the hotel in the dark for the walk to
We were heading
53:33 not a brilliant time but OK for the conditions. More pleasing, my position, 933rd out of 6926 finishers, meaning I was ahead of 87 % of the runners.
First, Reuben Mwei, 30:37. First female, Amanda Rice, 36:30.
Interesting statistic: of the 6926 finishers, 2729 were male and 4197 were female
!
10K Ready for the off
September 2011
WEEK 35 A VERY SAD DAY - MEL BATTY PASSES AWAY
For some reason I was tired all week and a bit down as it looked like winter was arriving early. Saturday I ran 4.5 miles at 9:14. It was less than 12 deg.C and half way round it poured. Sunday 5.5 miles then 3.5, then 5 on Tuesday 30th August.
That day I learned that my old friend Mel Batty had died of a heart attack at the age of 71. We had a lot in common in terms of performances and first met at the 1962 National Cross-Country Championships, held in
We both held the World record for 10 Miles on the track, Mel in 1963 and me in 1968. After 1965 Mel disappeared from the scene but we still kept in touch. He was in charge of Brooks running shoes in the
I finished the week with 4.5, 3.5, and 3.5 mile early morning runs, in full gear as temperatures were hovering just above 10 deg.C for a week of 30 miles.
August had passed with 122 miles (196 k) bringing my lifetime total to 155,366 miles (250,037 k)
WEEK 36 CLUB LA SANTA IO K AT
After four weeks without competition I was ready for this race on September 4th. I did not get the chance of a proper warm up as I was involved with meeting the Mayor and Mayoress of Salford, Cllr Eric Burgoyne and his wife Val, and having pictures with them at the start. Then there was a delay as a bridge, part of the course was raised to let a ferry through. So 10:15 turned into 10:30 before we were off. The beauty of chip timing you don't have to worry about fighting your way to the front to get a good position and I stood with the Mayor until 60 seconds had elapsed then joined the field. To me this as an advantage as I can then get the psychological boost of passing people. We crossed the new bridge, went through
My time here was 25:56. Slightly disappointing, but even though I was getting pretty exhausted I succeed in passing a few more and pushed on in the final stretch to produce something of a sprint finish, passing a couple of runners, to record a final K of 4:49 and a finish of 51:25. Slightly disappointing, but not too bad for me when I compared it with my times of 52:19 in 2009 and 53:05 in 2010. I put the improvement down to the later start. I was 308th out of 628; 51% of the field behind me, which was good for me, plus I was first in my 70 + age group. I wish I had waited for the presentation now!
The winner for the third year in succession was Tom Charles, Trafford AC, 31:43, and first woman, Jessica Oliver-Bell, Trafford AC, 39:25.
The race is set to become even more exciting next year as
On the second day after the race I felt very very tired and my left calf and below got very sore, perhaps a consequence of the bad fall I had in February. Nevertheless I continued running and by Friday I had put in 30 miles for the week.
Ready for off. With Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Eric Burgoyne and his wife Val. Photo credit. Brendan Fox STI.
In the last kilometre Photo credit Karl Kramer Photography
Sprint for the line. Photo credit, May Hill
MEL BATTY'S FUNERAL
On that Friday five of us from Ronhill/ Hilly, myself. Mike Deegan, Graham Richards, and Steve Brooks travelled by car with Dean Loxam driving. To
Afterwards we retired to the
With Mel's son Sean. Photo Credit. Sam Lambourne
At 6:20 we departed for the drive home. On the way down I had had a front seat and could stretch my legs. On the return I let Steve Brooks have that seat as he had recently had a knee operation. I ended up on the back seat between Graham and Mike with nowhere to stretch my legs. By the time I got home my knees had seized up!
WEEK 37 PULLED HAMSTRING & LAPPED TWICE IN A 2 LAP 5 K!
Saturday September 10th I did a careful 5.5 miles on the road. The sore left calf seemed to have recovered.
Sunday I raced the WORSLEY WOODS 4.5 MILE TRAIL RACE. I had done this one before in 2009 and remembered the superb organisation and the varied terrains. I warmed up 2 miles and at 10:00 am we were off. I got rather left behind and soon got passed by Bruce Green of Sale Harriers. He caught a female clubmate and although I could see this pair for about a mile, with all the twists and turns they disappeared. One thing missing from this years race were the mile markers. I really needed them as time on the watch running off-road did not give me a good guide to distance covered. I battled with 2 or 3 other runners but I had no idea where I was and how far we had to go. With I guess about 1 mile to go my knees began to hurt at the bottom of my kneecaps. Whether I altered my cadence because of this I am not sure but my left hamstring, right in the middle, really began to tighten. At last I reached a point, with about half a mile to go, that I could hear the finish. I should have slowed right down. There was a short but steep climb to a field with about 300 M to go. I could hear someone behind me and had to speed up near the end in order to hold the guy off. 4 minutes warm down.
Worsley Woods. Pulling my hamstring to the finish, Photo Dave Leese
My official time was 40:15 compared with 39:55 in 2009, so not too bad. 56th out of 94 finishers. First and only MV 70 - 74.
Winner: Andy Jones, Salford HE & AC, 23:53; winning lady, Donna Jones, Sale HE.
Monday it took me 49:35 of careful running to cover 3.5 miles. My hamstring was very sore. My knees were not good, especially the left with pains in my lower knee-cap. THAT BLASTED CAR JOURNEY!
Tuesday, same run, careful again, 47:00. Hamstring less sore but the pain had spread down the leg to the outside above the knee. Running uphill more comfortable.
Wednesday, AM, 2.5 miles in 32:52. Slightly better. A loosener for an evening RACE!
One of Andy O'Sullivan's races to help Helen with her training for 2012 as she had lost her lottery funding. THE HELEN CLITHEROE GOLD 5 K. I guess people would call me stupid for racing with a recent injury, but I had promised to be there. I did 14 minutes warm-up, running awkwardly with the hamstring hurting. On the 2 lap Cowm Reservoir, Whitworth, course I was dead last for almost one lap in 16:59, and sixteen runners had lapped me. I had passed Ian Stansfield, Todmorden Harriers, just before the dam head but I kept pushing because at first I did not seem to be leaving him by much. Eventually I did pull away and could relax a little, but blow me if Dave Norman, did not lap me again on the dam head having won the race and then run another lap! My time was better than I predicted, 34:00. How about that for even pace? I was 91st out of 92 with Ian Stansfield 45 seconds behind me.
1st, Dave Norman, Altrincham AC, 15:56; 1st F, Helen Glover, Keighley and Craven AC, 17:46.
Next morning the painful area was in the belly of the hamstring. Careful running brought me 45:53 for 3.5 miles. The morning after that 44:59 for the same run. I wrote in my log, “Getting there!” Despite all the problems I ran 33 miles that week.
WEEK 38. ROUND
Fortunately I had not committed myself to a race this weekend, but travelled instead to
CO-COORDINATOR “I felt important!
The Round Norfolk Relay is a seriously tough race; 195 miles, 17 stages, some of them very strenuous. The first stage is 16.81 miles, the 10th 20.6 miles, and the 12th 19.67 miles. This was the Jubilee year, the 25th edition, and the Race Director, Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle, was bowing out after 25 years involvement with the race, 24 years as Race Director. There was a record entry of 57 teams! Each team has to give an estimate of the time they will take to reach the finish then the organisers calculate what time Saturday morning, starting from 5:30 AM, the teams set off so that theoretically all teams arrive at around 8:30 AM Sunday. After dinner and a night at a local hotel I agreed with Dave and Christine to meet at to meet at 6:00 AM the next morning to drive to Lynnsport, have a short run, some breakfast and be out there for me to present a finishers' to the final leg runner of each team after they crossed the line. Dave, who was also injured, accepted that 2 miles would be enough to get the blood flowing. Dave liked to run on grass; I preferred tarmac so we did half and half around the fields and paths of Lynnsport. It was a clear cold morning with frost on the grass. I was out of puff at the end but had not harmed my hamstring.
Then panic. It was only about 7:00 but a runner had arrived at the finish. His team must have over estimated their time disastrously and had a very lonely 24 hours plus negotiating the boundaries of
The presentation was jam packed with many awards to be given out. I was honoured once more when a perpetual trophy in my name was awarded Best Family. I made a formal presentation to Ian, who in turn made presentations to a number of people who had been involved with the race over the years. It was all very emotional with Peter Duhig speaking about his experiences with the race and his admiration for Ian and his stewardship of the event for so many years. Finally Ian presented me with an engraved glass pint tankard which was duly christened at the bar. I was also able to renew my friendship with Diane and Harry Collins, quality runners and organiser’s runners themselves for many years. In a whirl I just made my train back to
RESULTS: Premier club class, Norwich RR, 20:41:29, Open class, Ely R, 20:45:18, Masters, Norwich RR, 21:56:17.
THERE WERE FEW CLUBS, IF ANY, FROM NORTH OF
Monday 3.5 miles; Tuesday 4.5 miles; Wednesday 5 miles - “UNFITNESS CREEPING IN NOW;" Thursday AM 2.5 miles " left leg uncomfortable - knees and hips sore - back sore in kidney area - muscles and health poor generally ?"
MY 73RD BIRTHDAY 5 K RACE
A few people had travelled some distance to race and I was honoured by their presence. Paul Smith of Crook & District AC had travelled from
The race winner was Ian Grime, Newham & Essex Beagles, 15:48, and first woman home was Laura Hesketh, Clayton-le-Moors, 18:46. I was only third of the three MV70's behind Sid Sacks, Salford Harriers and Tom Finch, Northern Vets. AC.
My popularity is definitely on the wane.In 2008 we had 467 finishers for my 70th birthday race; 2009, 329 finishers; 2010, 291; and this year 191. At this rate I will be running on my own in two years time!
The next day I ran a careful 3.5 miles. I had aggravated the hamstring. My left knee was now hurting. It took me 45:34 but I wrote in my log, "HAPPY TO BE OUT." There followed 5 weeks of no racing. The week ended with 28 miles.
WIth race director; Andy O'Sulivan and Diane Modahl
Heading for the finish with Christine Navan and Myra Wells in pursuit. Photo credit : Graham Hill.
WEEK 39
I reduced my mileage and ran slowly to rehabilitate my left hamstring. Thursday morning I had a great early morning run in the dawn sunshine down La Rambla in
Friday morning I was in Reigate having a 2.5 mile run in
That week gave me 27 miles making a total of 125 miles (201 K) for September and a lifetime total of 155,491 miles (250,238 K)
August 2011
WEEK 32.
ANOTHER TIRED RACE
Sunday 7th August, THE IDLE TRAIL RACE 10 K. This is one of my favourite races though you could be forgiven for wondering why. My first time there was in 2006. I returned in 2007 and as I was warming up I slipped on some steps leading to Leeds -
It was not to be this year. Warming up for 23 minutes I did not feel good. It was raining at times. Starting near the back of the runners I made little headway around the large grassy field.nor on the run up the pavement to the canal where there was a large queue waiting to descend the steps. I was delayed 53 seconds but did not worry ; I would make up a lot of ground along the canal bank. At 1 mile my watch read 11:13 which meant 10:20 taking off the time in the queue. Not good. I passed no-one ! Two men overtook, then, approaching the turn off the canal at around 2 1/2 miles, four women running together passed me led by a lady in white an pink, Kirsten Lishman, U/A. I was not happy. On the downhill run from there I got half a dozen runners, but not Ms Lishman. I would get close then she would run away. My left knee started to hurt. I was wearing some heavy Far-Infra Red knee supports which were very tight but would have given me protection in case of a heavy fall. At around 4 miles I had to stop momentarily to roll the support down.
Entering the finish field in front of 347, Jane Glover, U/A,; 192, Christine Glover, U/A; and 201, Sharon Roberts, Swinton Running Club Photo credit; www.idleAC.co.uk
On a long private road I gradually clawed her back then with an effort overtook her and two others at the 5 mile point. This was because I wanted a clear run down
Overall winner was Quentin Lewis, Baildon Runners, 35:36. First woman, Margaret Beever, Stainland Lions RC, 42:02.
The next day my left leg was very very sore from the hip all the way down to the outside of the knee and my right knee was sore too. I limped badly throughout my 3.5 mile run and was very slow. My diary reports, " That puts a stop to ambitions of a big mileage week."
The reason I was looking for a bigger week was that we were going on holiday to the Greek
WEEK 33
RUNNING IN THE SUN 1
This was our fifth visit to
The springs next to the sea were super hot and, although most of my aches and pains had disappeared by then, I hoped the therapeutic properties would give my body a lift. I did not stay in long!
We did a lot of walking which was a lot easier to handle than running even in the mid-day sun.
23 miles for that week.
WEEK 34
RUNNING IN THE SUN 2 PLUS REACHING 250,000 K
Saturday 20th August I set off a bit later, a lie in, and covered 4 miles " really hot again." Sunday we were on another excursion so I ran at 7:03 am. 22 deg C, “felt cool." I had seen a few runners about throughout the fortnight, but none spoke as they came past running the other way. This morning I actually overtook a runner as I was returning along the sea front. That made me feel good. It was a bloke by the way. The excursion was to Kefalos in the
Monday's run was only a 2 miler as I was up late and we had a 1.5 mile walk up to”The Main Road” to catch a local bus. We had to hurry but made it in time. Four buses leave
It was an interesting spot but we missed the signs for the castle. In fact from our viewpoints we thought it would be impossible to get up there until we heard voices and spied tiny figures atop the walls. It was along way down to modern Pili and we certainly enjoyed a Mythos beer apiece in a taverna before catching the 3:20 bus to the main road and hiking back to the apartment. We had been walking for over 5 hours. Another 3.5 miles on Tuesday and on Wednesday, the day we came back, I was out at 6:36 am to attempt the hill, Profitis Ilias once more. I only got as far as last year, the foot of the final climb, but by the time I got back I had covered 6 miles.
At home, two 3.5 milers in full gear - tights, gloves etc completed a 26 mile week. More significantly a landmark was reached in my training diaries 2500,000 Kilometres.
It was a lonely way to reach what had been one of my targets in running (155,343 miles in old money.) I had been so busy I did not have time to organise anything more dramatic. Quite a contrast to getting to 200,000 K which happened on the very last day of 1991 when a group of runners ran with me from Barnoldswick to the top of the Weets hill. 19 1/2 years to do 50,000 K!
July 2011
WEEK 27
Saturday 2nd July. 7:35 AM, 2.5 miles, very easy running. Still feeling tired and heart a bit tight.
I did not know what to expect the next day when I ran THE K SWISS CITY OF MANCHESTER 10 K from the Regional Athletics Track at Eastlands. A early start, 9:30 am, but a lovely warm day with full sun. I warmed up on the track, 1.3 miles so I could add the 6.2 miles ( 10 K ) of the race and put 7.5 miles in my training log. In view of my disaster at the Round The Resers race I decided that I was going to take it easy. I " started " the race with the Lord Mayor of
I had a good run. My kilometres went : 5:24 ( in the crowd ), 5:14, 5:05, 5:04, 5:22, to half way, then a 4:52 to 6 K. May be the 5 K marker was too far along. I was pretty comfortable but a bit unhappy with all the corner cutting. Whenever the course turned most of the runners jumped on to the pavement and took the shortest line. I guess that these runners did not realise that the course had been measured on the road ! Nor did they care. But they had not run 10 K by the end. Between 6 and 7 K there was a left hand turn where the road swung in quite a big arc but on the inside was an area of cobbles. Runners merrily took to these cobbles cutting a considerable distance. I stuck to the road and the marshal there said, " You're the only one running the official course." I heard a spectator shout, " Cheats ! " No-one seemed to care,and no-one followed me.
It reminded me of a race I had run in the African country of
I wanted a time for a full 10 K. It was just slightly annoying when having just caught someone or a group I lost it all on a short cut. My 7th K was 5:14, and followed this with 5:01, 4:55. In the last K I actually found it funny when athletes in front jumped on to a bay of chippings instead of sticking to the roadway into the track saving perhaps one metre, then once on the track cutting across the steeplechase water jump zone to save a couple of metres more. I raised my pace over the last 200 M but did not sprint and stopped my watch at 51:08. My official times were 51:48, GUN and 51:28 chip ? I was happy with that time as I never got into oxygen debt and was never distressed despite the heat. And I never needed a drink throughout. My position on gun times was 565th and on chip times, 605th out of 1425 finishers. More than halfway up the field. I was second MV70 behind Malcolm Parry ( again ), 48:25.
Race winner was Tewodros Shiferaw, 28:53 CR; First female, Tessa Walker, Salford H., 35:53.
This is certainly a fast course Nd I will be back next yrar to hopefully improve my time to sub 50 minutes.
The next 3 days I ran 2.5 miles and on the third day, Wednesday, July 6th, I hit the 17,00th DAY OF MY STREAK. I thought that anniversary was on 17th July but I have a follower, Dave Rose from
WEEK 28
The Spanish house in Barxeta is in a lovely part of
Saturday, 9th of July was race day. THE 3RD
I remembered last Fridays 3 mile early morning runs and how hot it had been even running vestless. It was even hotter this evening, probably around 35 deg C. I did a 14 minute warm up, in the shade as much as possible,and the sweat was pouring off me. The course was marked by a blue line all the way round. An orderly start saw me going over the line in 8 seconds to begin a lap of the village of Lloc Nou of just over 1 K ( missed the marker here in the crowd ) before passing the start again and heading out into the country. Forgetting the 8 seconds to get to the start line, I was 10:08 at 2 K and was now holding my own. That was promising. There was now some significant downhill to 4K and my splits were 5:04 and 5:01.But that downhill had to be paid for. My next K was 5:42. We were climbing in open country and the sun was beating down.
What I needed was a white vest. Everyone knows that white reflects the heat. White shorts too; you cannot find them anywhere now. AND WHAT HAPPENED TO MESH ? Airflow over the skin helps with cooling. 5:27 up to 6 K and I was suffering. I was telling myself, " 1 1/4 miles to go." But I was also praying, " Don't let us have to go up that really steep hill we went down as we left the village." I could se the village at eye level ahead. Luckily there was no hill. 5:25 to 7 K. Even the slight inclines in the last K were hard work. I broke away from four runners as we approached the turn to the finish. On the straight I glanced back. No danger. I jogged home with a 4:51 last Kilometre. But no reception. I waited for Rod to finish, he was next to last, and heard the announcer saying, " Ron hill......Boston Marathon winner....European Champion...." Rod had picked up my race number and I had his !
My chip time was 41:44 and I was 385th out of 469. Only 18% of the field behind me. What happened to the rest ? An awful lot of " no shows." And to be fair there were a lot of club vests around, so serious runners. Men's winner was Fouad Benzeroual, La Rabosa, 25:29, and 1st woman, Maria-Carmen Millet Vila, 32:00.
Sunday, 3.5, Monday 2.5 and Tuesday 2 miles. Tuesday we were leaving early for
WEEK 29
What a contrast to the heat of
Sunday, 17th July, THE GRAVY " 6 " Hadfield, 11:00 am. Warmed up for 14 minutes in the rain. I stood near the start line and joined on after 9 seconds. I moved through a little bit at the start of the Longdendale Trail then could see only 4 runners just ahead. The trail was wet with puddles and although I was not killing myself and my breathing was steady, I did not feel good. I passed one woman and two men and just at the turn off the trail, at about 2 1/4 miles, I caught Maggie Jones, Altrincham AC. My time there was 24:31, 12 seconds down on 2010. We had had a following wind up until then. Maggie got away going down to the head of the dam, but I put in an effort to catch her before a left turn into the wind. There were a couple of other women not far ahead and I thought I would catch them too. I managed to shelter for a while until we left the tarmac and hit a rough stony trail.
I lost my ride her as she pulled away. I was being ultra careful for fear of falling. By the end of the stony trail I could see that Maggie had taken 150 metres out of me. A male runner passed me towards the end of rough. I could not stay with him. Left on to the second dam and I tried all I could to get back to the bloke and a woman in the yellow of Stockport Harriers, but to little avail. I was closing a little and as we hit the short very steep hill back on to the Longdendale Trail I passed the man. Then the
Race winner, Dan McGrath, Salford H., 32:17. First woman, Tessa Walker, Salford H., 35:45.
Monday morning, 3.5 miles railway run. Pouring down, Sprayway Goretex jacket with the hood up. MY RUNS ARE MY HEALTH BAROMETER AND I WAS VERY LOW THIS MORNING. Tuesday, same run, " felt a lot better without the wind and rain." Runs of 4.5, 2.5, and 2.5 miles finished off the week for a total of 27 miles.
This week I had a letter from John Walshe in
John reported that back in June he had recorded the 3000th race of his career, October 1971 to June 2011. I thought I was doing well with a lifetime total of 2339 races. 3000 plus. That's amazing !
WEEK 30
A BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE
This is what I wrote in my log for the first day of the week, Saturday 23rd July. "A BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE" "Oh, he's not moaning again," I hear you say. But I was back to wearing full gear again. That includes tights. And I felt awful on my 3.5 mile run writing, " I MUST BE ILL - YOU DON'T GO FROM A 49:01 10 K IN LATE NOVEMBER, TO HOW I FEEL NOW, JUST THROUGH GETTING OLDER." 4.5, 3.5, and 3.5 miles followed, all in full gear, and this is the end of July, supposed to be our summer! The sun shone on Wednesday for a 5 miler and I felt " better than of late " for a 4 miler on Thursday. Friday's cold 3.5 miles gave me 28 miles for the week.
WEEK 31
A RAY OF SUNSHINE
Saturday, 30th July, I ran my second PARKRUN in BRAMHALL I did about 2 miles warm on a beautiful summer morning. The sun was shining, there was little wind the ground was dry and there was a huge crowd of runners. I lined up about half way in the field and was passed by a few up a hill just after the start. This was an interesting course of two laps with some testing inclines and runs through some woods. I was surprised to see a young woman drinking, on the run, from a hand held bottle, before 2K; on a 5K run?
I was wearing my super lightweight black ASICS Piranha road racers and was moving fairly well by the last kilometre. I passed two or three on a steep downhill, we crossed a short bridge near a duck pond and were faced by a final short uphill not far from the finish. On the hill I caught a very young girl expecting to pass but she moved ahead. I thought, " Light body, young legs, that's why." I caught her at the start of the final downhill and strode out. She stayed with me and on the flat road to the finish line, with arms pumping, she outsprinted me. I couldn't believe it. I asked her, “How old are you?" “Eight, “she replied. Well done Daisy Tomlinson. Keep it up!
Outsprinted by 8 year old Daisy Tomlinson. Photo credit :Dave Marshall.
First man home was Russell Bennet, Manchester Tri Club, 17:54; and first woman, Grace Eleanor Dalby, U/A, 21: 28.
I was 145th out of 355 (!) finishers. I ran back to the car, on my toes. Someone called, “Did you enjoy that? " To which I replied, "I'm enjoying it now.”
The rest of the week I ran in shorts. Monday I was a lot more tired than Sunday. Bramhall had been quite an effort! Friday, my last day of the week, 3.5 miles got the comment in my log, “- felt quite tired, but was not bothered - " Quite a big week for me : 32 miles.
JULY passed with 118.5 miles in the log.
June 2011
WEEK 23
Saturday 4th June. After a 4 mile run in the morning we did our longest walk. We took the bus to Pothia, and went in search of the " Italian Path." This was supposedly a " paved " way built during the Italian occupation of the island 1912 - 1943, leading from Pothia to the
There was another climb ahead and the footing got more difficult with the limestone paving becoming more uneven. After the second climb we emerged on to a huge plain with no sign of the descent into Vathi. The path needed total concentration and May got dizzy by having to look at the path and calculate where her next step was going to land. Added to that it was not long past mid-day and the sun was belting down. Plus we had taken no water with us. It was easier for me to walk at a quicker pace but May was not able to do that on the uneven setts. After 2 1/2 hours we arrived at the top, an area littered with telegraph poles, obviously helicoptered up there. The valley floor looked a long way off. A light breeze cooled us a little
The walk down proved as difficult as the ascent, a switchback of overgrown and pebble strewn paths with prickly vegetation and thick spiders' webs. We were down in around 45 minutes and confused as to what road to take to get us to the sea. No signposts and really no village. We had not seen a soul since we left Pothia and there was no-one around now. After a total 4 hours of walking we arrived in the tiny
Sunday 4 miles, Monday 3 miles, Tuesday 5 miles, and our last walk the day before we came back. This was to the monastery of Aghios Panteleimoras. We could see the building faintly in the distance and after one false start finally made it there. It was well worth the walk.
Then back to reality. Thursday in Hyde, 4.5 miles in rain and 9 deg C. Friday, 3.5 miles, full gear including tights, chest still affected and nose blocked up.
27 miles for that week.
WEEK 24
We had enjoyed our Greek holiday with great running. The sun had made all the difference and we had come back with possibly the best tans we had ever had.
Returning to the British weather was a shock and frankly depressing ! Saturday 11th June I ran 5.5 miles in the morning and felt very tired. I was wearing full gear but did take my gloves off after 4 miles. Sunday I was running WARRINGTON " LEGACY " 5 K RACE in Victoria Park. It was a windy morning. I warmed up on the synthetic track, running in the outside of the first lane and was amazed to see 10 minute miling. I was invited to start on the front line but quickly moved to the outside to let athletes pass. Many of these were charity runners. Much of the surface was grass. At about 2 K I got isolated and had to run a good way into a head wind. I was in no-man's land, neither passing nor being passed. Heading back to the finish there was just one runner catchable wearing a purple and green quartered vest. I caught him as we hit the track once more but he began to pull away, sprinting up the home straight, leaving me to finish into the teeth of the fierce wind. I clocked 24:23. There was some talk of the course being slightly short so perhaps my time was equivalent to 25 minutes. Not bad as the cold and infected chest were still with me.
My position was 52nd out of 218 finishers. I was surprised at the standard of some of the charity runners. There are potentially some good athletes amongst them.
The winner was Nick Harmin, u/a, 16:47 and first woman was Julia Eccleston, Sutton St Helens AC, 21:08.
Next morning I ran 3.5 miles and wrote in my diary, " SO, SO TIRED." There was no way I was going to train my way out of this one. I had to cut back the miles. I dropped back to 2.5 miles easy runs. That left me with 26 miles for the week.
WEEK 25
No race this weekend but a mid-week race to look forward to.With 4 miles on Saturday June 18th followed by three 2.5 milers, I felt I was up for a good run in
the ROUND THE RESERS RACE in Tintwistle on Wednesday June 22nd, a favourite of mine. After only 1.5 miles warm up, an effort to keep myself fresh, I started near the back, trying to relax down the hill. There were not many behind me and at one mile I was 8:29 compared with 8:25 last year. It is 2 laps and the first part of the lap is flat, followed by a steep, rough downhill. On this section a Stockport Harriers lady, Marie Kay, passed me. I wasn't happy. Then came a steep uphill. I struggled. A guy being pulled by two dogs overtook followed by
On the flat I passed two women but at the big hill I was desperate and out on my feet. I just held off Colin but he caught me at the end of the dam. The plank was at the 4 mile marker. I stepped on top, apologising. Colin hopped over and strode away down the hill. I was close behind and he said to me," We can pass a few of those ahead."
I replied, " I'm not bothered." And I wasn't. I stayed with him thinking that we would finish together. He kept surging, and we passed Marie Kay, but she repassed us. With 100m to go Colin sprinted and took 5 seconds out of by the finish. I could not catch Marie Kay and to my dismay FV50 Cecelia Boodhoo, Belle Vue Striders, passed me just before the finish line. My time of 44:30 was 1:51 down on 2010 and I was SHATTERED ! 138th out of 159 meant I was in front of only 13% of the field. 28% last year. I wrote in my training diary, " Must be poorly."
Race winner was Dan McGrath, Salford H, 27:51; women's winner, Sarah Tunstall, Kendal AC, 30:03.
Thursday, 2.5 miles, " felt rubbish " Friday, 2.5 miles, " felt absolutely DREADFUL - quads were SORE - knees were SORE - absolutely nothing in my legs, no STRENGTH - HEART protesting - FELT REALLY ILL ! " I decided to take some Amoxicillin antibiotics.
I know I am a long long way off the form I had at the height of my career and I can accept being beaten younger runners and, indeed, runners in my own age group whom I perceive as having superior talent today, but runs such as this makes me question my decisions to compete when it is such as struggle and success, in my perception, is not forthcoming. Meanwhile, next week has to be low mileage, but daily runs to keep my mental state in good condition.
23 miles that week.
WEEK 26
Starting Saturday 25th June, my longest run of the was a measly 4.5 miles on Sunday. At least the weather picked up at the beginning of the week, but from Wednesday onwards it got cold and I was back into full gear including tights.
On Wednesday I wrote in my training log, " Really not recovering that freshness / fitness I was hoping for."
Thursday, JUNE ended and I had clocked up a scant 104 miles (167 K) bringing my lifetime total to 155,124.5 miles ( 249,648 K )
This week's daily runs showed a total of only 20 miles
May 2011
WEEK 19
The week started with an excellent breakfast run from Sweatshop,
Sunday was rather a long run for me as I ran to Altrincham to pick up my car which I had left overnight after the Altrincham AC 50th Anniversary Dinner.
Tuesday I raced in the evening; The Geoff Doggett Memorial 5 K, held in Littleborough, one of Andy O'Sullivan's races. A slow 1.9 mile warmup. Starting on the pavement I was quickly across the line, but struggling. I passed a few going up the road towards
There were big gaps in font now. I turned left at the
My 25:55 got me 84th out of 125: 23% of runners behind. I was second MV70 to Sid Sacks, Salford H, 22:22. The N. Vets guy just one behind me was an MV70, Tom Finch, 26:28. The race winner, Mike Flatley, Middleton H ran 16:34. The first woman was Sarah Louise Cumber, Halifax H, 19:33.
This was my 13th race of the year and I can't say I enjoyed it. I wanted to beat my 2010 total of 26 races but things were not going right. My next three runs were all recovery runs to give me a total of 31 miles for the week.
Things were not right. My weight was down to just over 8st 8 lbs. Dangerously low!
WEEK 20
My first run of the week, Saturday 14th May, was a 5.5 miler. I was still in full gear as the weather was cold and rainy at times. Depressing. With about 2 miles to go I was running up a field towards a gate and spotted a few sheep with lambs. Approaching the gate the path narrowed and I ran to my left alongside a fence to give the animals plenty of room to run off to my right, which most of them did. Getting nearer, one sheep remained with its lamb and it decided to charge the broad mesh fence at full tilt. It had no chance of getting through, instead tangling its horns in the wire. I spent ten minutes trying to calm the animal down and unhook the horns. The lamb stayed with it.I finally got it free and off it ran. Off I ran too.
My next three runs were 4.5, 3.5, and 3.5. Wednesday I did 4.5, risking shorts that morning. Commencing the steepest climb on that run it came on pouring and I got very cold knees for the rest of the run. No fun. This brought me to my 14th race of the year, The IAN CASEY MEMORIAL 5 K organised by the irrepressible Andy O'Sullivan MBE from the Cock and Magpie pub near Cowm Reservoir, Whitworth. This is not my favourite course because of the uphill start. After one lap of the two lap course warm up I started off very slowly up the slope to the banks of the reservoir. This meant most of the field had left me and I was still in oxygen debt. Half way round the first lap I was sitting behind two women , one of them Kate Hall, unattached, wearing a grey t-shirt and black tights. A tall Middleton AC man passed and I got into his slipstream. Running across the dam head he died. I slowed. First lap 13:27. Suddenly the grey t-shirt went past at speed and it was all I could do to hang on. But I did. All the way to the final gate before the dam when she let me go ahead. On the dam Lorraine Leary, Rochdale H. & AC passed me. I tucked in against a head wind, but she too let me go ahead at the last gate, after which I legged it down to the finish. Second lap 12:31. Official time 26:04. Taking off the 6 seconds it took me to cross the line, 25:58 for my actual 5 K. Not much different than last Tuesday's race. 88th out of 105. I'd beaten only 16% of the runners. 3rd MV70 ( 1st Richard Lawson, Clayton, 23:21: 2nd Tom Finch,
Race winner, Shaun Dimelow, MV40, Barnsley H., 16:09; 1st woman, Jaclyn Davison, ( J ), Rochdale H., 19:54.
I didn't hang around and drove straight home. I should not have raced as it was May's birthday. I felt I had been racing too much and something was not quite right. My weight was still low, just over 8 1/2 stone, 120 pounds. 3.5 miles rounded off the week to give me 30 miles.
WEEK 21
Into week commencing 21st May, Sat. 5.5 miles. Sun. "7.5 miles plod." I was really tired and after that my weight had decreased to 119 pounds, 8 stone 7 pounds. This was not healthy. I had not been that low since December 1992, around 18 months after I lost the Ron Hill Sports business and I was very unhappy with my role in the new regime. Then I had sought doctor's advice and after blood tests was told there was nothing physically wrong with me. " It must be stress. " Up until then I had never believed in stress. Anyway, in early 1993, after a bunion operation and 6 weeks of 1 mile per day in a plaster cast I had put on 14/15 pounds and it stayed on.
So, I don't know what is going on with me now. Maybe the weather has been getting me down. Maybe running too much when I am tired. But this week I am still at it. The two days at the start of the week were followed by 5 and 4.5 mile days. We were going away for a 2 week holiday on Wednesday and I was stacking the miles at the beginning of the week to achieve 30 miles by the end of the week. Wednesday, before our flight, 2.5 miles at 5:15 am. All five runs this week in full gear and this nearing the end of May. A lot of it not much faster than 12 minute miling. Now that is depressing!
We flew to the
I would continue on roads, often to a third beach, Plati Gialos, which involved some good climbs, to and from, and occasionally higher still to a dirt road which led to the resort of Myrties. The sun on my back and the wonderful vistas made the work worthwhile. And I love a good sweat.
During my first run on the island I passed through 155,000 Lifetime Recorded Miles ( 249,448 K ) The next landmark and my target after I completed 100 Countries of Competition is 250,000 K.
Week 21 finished with 31 miles.
WEEK 22.
Saturday 28th June I woke up with a sore throat. Had I caught this on the plane ? 4 miles in the morning. Following breakfast we walked into the
Sunday the sore throat had spread to my chest and May had caught it too.But we just got on with it, ran together to Linaria beach and I continued to run the 4 miles of Saturday with a run over to Plati Gialos beach and back. Monday I extended that run to include an out and back from the highest point of the Plati Gialos road, climbing higher to check that the road did indeed lead to Myrties, the next resort. Late that morning we set off to walk that way to Myrties, but taking a short cut we had discovered previously, on a walk back from Plati Gialos beach. This involved climbing a lot of steps, not signposted but saved a lot of time. A great walk, no traffic for most of the way, and the bees busy collecting honey from the wild oregano. If we were still there was a background hum of the bees busy going about their work. It was a pleasant walk down to Myrties, passing on the left, Aghios Ioannis, a small church with interesting mosaics outside and lines of pillars from some much older structure. We took a boat from the small jetty near the scruffy harbour. Two euros per person each way to the small
Tuesday, the last day of May, I restricted my run to a 3 miler as we were hurrying to catch the 10:30 bus towards Pothia. We alighted well before the port to climb up to
May had produced 132 miles ( 212 K ) bringing my lifetime total to 155,020 miles ( 249,479 K )
By Wednesday our chest infections had spread to head colds with sinuses blocked with sticky phlegm. We did not let that stop us and Thursday we walked, partly on the main road up to the
That week produced 26 miles.
April 2011
WEEK 13
Saturday 26th March I did my first Park Run. I got the train to Milton Keynes the afternoon before and Peter Ford, the manager of Sweatshop MK, picked me up at the station and took me to a hotel at
I had forgotten to pack my tights and for the first time this year raced in shorts. OK, I know it is not classed as a race but I and a lot of runners were in a competition ! A 2 mile warm up and I was ready to go. Standing near the back I hit a lot of runner traffic from the start. Parks do not have wide roads. Patience was necessary. In my ignorance I thought it would be flat; it was round a lake, but the first K climbed to a canal. 5:47. That was disappointing but should have been expected. I had been moving through nicely but on some good downhill had to reign in my stride because of runners in front. The 2 K marker had been stolen but at 3 K my watch showed 10:10 for that split, average 5:05 per K. That was better. Still moving forward a zig- zag step uphill then down to the banks of the lake. Now it was flat. Looking ahead I could see 69 year old Len Voralia, I think of Indian origin, who I had chatted to before the start. I believe he holds the course record for his age group 65 - 69.
I caught him and sped past. But only as far as a woman ahead of me then slowed to run behind her. Hearing Len trying to get on terms with me I waited until around 500 metres to go then strode out. I caught one guy in blue, who upped his pace when he saw me, but could not handle his final sprint. My last 2 K's had averaged 5:06 so I was happy with that and my final time of 26:18 plus my final position of 97th out of 193 finishers. This will not be my last Park Run. Ist man home Tom Best 16:37, 1st woman M Jesson 19:22.
I spent a pleasant 2 1/2 hours in the Sweatshop store chatting to runners and answering questions before my rail journey home.
I ran easily Sunday, 5.5 miles and Monday 4 miles. Tuesday, 5 miles with speedwork : 2 + 4 + 4 X 70s. strides with 50s interval. Wednesday, an easy 3.5 miles. Thursday, hilly 4.5 miles including number stride fartlek up to 60 and down. Friday, easy 3.5 miles for a 31 mile week.
WEEK 14
Saturday April 2nd, a breakfast run from Bourne Sports,
This was a good warm up for the PENNINGTON FLASH 10K the next day, an off-road race starting and finishing at
There was a cold rain shower at about 7 K as we headed into he wind. Suddenly a fluorescent sign announced 8 K. My watch had 21:25 for that long split But my brain was too tired to do any calculations. Odd runners were still coming back to me. Now it was flat. 5:36 between 8 and 9 K. Disappointing. Two more to be overtaken then a dash to the line, recording 6:07 for the final K, which I could not quite believe, and a final " chip " time of 54:14 for 70th place.
Well, with 232 finishers I had beaten 70% of them. The time was almost irrelevant as it was off-road, slower than tarmac.
The winner was James Scott-Buccleuch in 35:00 and the first woman, in 6th place overall was Laura Riches, Leigh H&AC, 42:16.
A dash to the line - Photo Credit - Brendan Fox, STI
Training for the rest of the week was identical to Week 13 except that Tuesday's speedwork included 2 + 4 + 6 x 70 seconds strides, the maximum for this training period.
All this added up to 32 miles for the week.
WEEK 15
Saturday April 10th I ran 3.5 miles. It was a breakfast run from the Sweatshop, Hyde, when a group of us ran out along the banks of the River Tame then back along the towpath of the
The morning was unseasonally warm which did not bother me as I was used to training in full gear and sweating accordingly. The course was a lap of 1 mile followed by two laps of 2 miles. I warmed up alone at a gentle pace allowing 24 minutes for 2 miles. At the start I stood near the back not the very back as the track was narrow here and uphiil. I had noticed several rivals all of whom had had the better of me in races, some recent; MV65 Kevin O'Brien of my own club, Clayton le-Moors Harriers; MV75 Peter Edwards, N Vets AC, and new MV70 Keith Robson, a handy triathlete.
Halfway through the first lap I tucked in behind a young woman in a sage green top and wearing earphones. She was an unattached runner, Rachael Simpson. A gentle uphill and a slight head breeze. On the steep uphill back to the start line she went away. 1 mile passed in 8:29. Slow. I caught her on the downhill and followed again into the breeze. We passed Kevin O'Brien with little response. 2nd mile 8:02. I was striding to keep up with Rachael and away she went up the steep hill. With her again down to enter the final lap. The 3rd mile, 8:33. She helped me up the long hill and just after 4 miles ( 8:21 ) we passed Keith Robson. He gave me a shout but was having an awful day and dropped out of the race. The last time up the hill Rachael raced away to beat me by 2 seconds. I'd had no answer despite a last mile of 4:11.
A good run for me, 41:36 for 112th out of 173 beating 35% of the field. But I was only 2nd MV70 to John Riley, N Vets AC 37: 46 ! Kevin O' B ran 42:43 and Pete E. 43:20. Worthy of mention, Derek Haworth MV80, 43:30.
Winner, Tony Battersby, Leigh H & AC, 24:52. First female, Laura Riches, Leigh H & AC, 29:48.
The rest of the week was similar to previous with speedwork, which seemed to be paying off, on Tuesday and Thursday for a total of 30 miles.
WEEK 16
The reason for including speedwork in previous weeks' training was to be in top condition for the B.A.A 5 K Race on Sunday, April 17th, the day before the
From landing on Friday the 15th we were treated like Royalty, being met at the airport and whisked to the Fairmont Plaza Hotel right near to the
Champions breakfast. L to R Jean Driscoll, Rob de Castella, Alvaro Mejia, and RH
Serving at the Pasta Party, Mayor Meneino on the left in green, Rob de Castella on the right, Rh on Rob's right
A delightful lady, Gloria Ratti, a Vice President of the B.A.A, was looking after the invited past champions and she did a great job.
Saturday evening there was first a Cocktail Reception for Sponsors and B.A.A Board of Governors. Plenty of beer and excellent nibbles, followed by the Mayor's Reception hosted by Thomas M. Menino, Mayor of Boston, with more beer and food. I think I may have overdone the liquid hospitality in view of my race the next day.
This was the third Annual B.A.A. 5 K starting at 8:00 AM. Our friends Graham and Oona Richards came to our room at the hotel to collect their race numbers. I had been given number 1970 in recognition of my victory in 1970. The minutes seemed to run away and I had only time for a 0.9 mile warm up in the back streets near the start. Far too short. It was cold raining and windy. Then we were corralled in the start area for some time. It was a huge field and as we set off up
Approaching 1 Mile, BAA 5 K. Credit: May Hill
The final duty of the day for the Past Champions was to help serve pasta and salad, alongside Mayor Menino, at the pre-race Past Party at City Hall.
Next day, Monday, we watched the fabulous Boston Marathon Races on big screen TV's in the Westin, Copley Plaza Hotel, after an early morning 3 mile run.
Tuesday another 3 miler by the
Next morning after a final visit to the
3 miler and I'm not grumbling here ; I can always find something interesting to see. We checked out, Chris took us to another hotel, a Holiday Inn, near to where I would start a 10 K race the next day and after leaving our luggage we went sight seeing in Providence, RI, looking at lots if impressive mansions and touring " Breakers," home of the Vanderbilt family. We had dinner in the evening in The White Horse Tavern,
WEEK 17
The day before had been spring like and sunny. Saturday 23rd, after getting up at just after 6:00, I looked out of the bedroom window and it was pouring!
I brewed coffee and had this with honey and 2 date biscuits. Chris Nelson was waiting for us in the lobby when we emerged at 8:00 and took us to the race start area.
Ron and May with Chris Nelson's wife, Mary, in front of The White Horse Tavern, the oldest tavern in the USA. Credit, Chris Nelson.
The race was the
I passed a few and a good few passed me. At the bottom the fist big climb loomed. There was ahead to right side wind blowing. I found the uphill hard work. I did not see 1 or 2 mile markers. In fact they were sprayed on the road in blue which I discovered when I reached 4 miles. As the climb steepened I sheltered, first behind a guy and girlfriend running abreast, then a young lady wearing a purple T-shirt and loose black long pants. My left calf kept tugging in the cold. Due to a falling down injury in January. At the top there was a fierce wind with rain. I noticed most people were running in jackets and tights. I had on my Hilly compression socks and ASICS Piranha racing shoes.
Entering the last mile and hill of the race. credit Chris Nelson
After a stretch of downhill we turned right into a neighbourhood then right again almost down to the water's edge. I was passing and being passed. On a level stretch I passed the 3 mile sign. I hit my watch. The split showed 23:16. “Not bad I thought." Shortly after I remembered the bollard split needed to be added, so not so good after all. More runners mainly women were passing. Eventually the road climbed on to the bridge again. The lass in purple was still there but I soon left her. Now the wind was behind us and the climb up this time was not so steep. I saw the 4 mile marker on the road. An 8:32 mile. Not so bad. Holding my place now. Over the top and down. Now I was moving better. After the downhill there was a slight uphill before the final climb up to the finish. At 5 miles I had a split of 8:16. Encouraging. I looked ahead to where the last hill started and thought, “It should take me around 10 minutes from there." I climbed well, passing and still being passed and reached 6 miles with a split of 8:38.
The road went under a bridge and swept right. Finished runners were shouting, "Just round the corner.”. I put in an effort and covered the last 0.2 miles in 1:43.
My official (gun) time was 52:29 making my actual time 52:18. I could not grumble at that in those conditions. I was 224th out of 930 finishers: only 24% of the field in front of me. I was 1st MV70 to finish. Interestingly, there were 533 female finishers and 397 only male.
The race winner was Adrian Rishworh, 37:07; and the first woman, Tara Allen, 43:07.
Chris took us back to the hotel for me to change, then immediately to
I felt tired all week and did not enjoy the cold weather. Wednesday I ran 9 miles, down to
WEEK 18
Saturday was the last day in APRIL. I had run 129 miles that month. This brought my lifetime total to 154,852.5 miles (249, 210K) Both 155,000 miles and 250,000 K are beckoning!
No races this week, and not very pleasant running. Only twice did I run in shorts. The rest of the time I was in full gear as the temperature was below 50 deg F/ 10 C and I was conscious of protecting my knees. And to add to my misery the first 4 days featured a fierce headwind. Nevertheless I still managed 30 miles.
March 2011
WEEK 9
Saturday I ran 5 miles to get a good start with the week's mileage. My chest infection had still not cleared so I took it easy with a race the next day. My fifth race of the year was the LYNN HINDLE, BRIAN HARGEAVES AND JOHN McDONAGH MEMORIAL, 5 MILE MULTI-TERRAINS RACE from Littleborough, organised by Andy O'Sullivan MBE. I didn't know
I like this course with its 2.5 mile climb to a bridge across the M62 then under the motorway to drop down to the edge of Hollingworth Lake and then descend a further mile to the finish back in Littleborough. I started at the back as usual, struggled for a while up the hill then passed a few as we left tarmac to continue the climb on a gritty trail. I trod carefully on the steep downhill and spotted a small figure in a red jacket ahead. Pushing on into a headwind and soon realised it was Brenda Robinson. When I finally caught her I tucked in behind her to shelter from the breeze. As we ran along the water's edge a woman in a blue jacket went past, Rossendale Harrier, Christine Navan. That meant one MV 70 and two FV 65's together with a mile to go.
Approaching the summit. Photo credit www.runningpix.co.uk
I followed Christine down the hill. There were two other runners not far ahead but after last week's trauma at the National I had no inclination to chase them. With about 400m to go I "sprinted " but could not catch the two.
One mile to go L to R, Christine Navan, Brenda Robinson and Dr Ron - Photo Credit - May Hill
I was happy with my time of 48:36, faster than 10 minute miling, and my position of 65th out of 84. I'd beaten 23% of the field. An improvement, though was only 2nd MV 70 to T Finch, N Vets AC, who recorded 45:43.
Overall winner was Rob Jackson, Horwich RMI Harries, in 29:27. First woman was Jessica Cope, East Cheshire H., 37:05.
I followed this with 2 X 3.5, and 2 X 4.5 milers, with a bit of speedwork on the last two.
My last run of the week was in
and 10K and three times winner of Varsity Cross Country. He joins such greats as Roger Bannister, Chris Chataway and Julian Goater.
On the train home I finished “The Sun Also Rises (Fiesta )" by Ernest Hemmingway. I had read this over 50 years ago. Set in Northern Spain; Pamplona and San Sebastian, it reminded me of a holiday in 1967 when I had driven my family in A 35 van down through France to camp in San Sebastian then across Spain, via Pamplona, to the Mediterranean coast, camping again before returning to the French coast, sailing overnight to Southampton and after an early morning 2 mile run in a park racing the Chigwell 10 Miles, winning in a course record of 49:57.
Another week of 30 miles. February had added a mere 99 miles
WEEK 10
Saturday was an easy 3.5 miler in preparation for my 6th race of the year, March 6th, THE TROTTERS 5 MILES MT RACE, organised by Burnden Road Runners at
Catching him at the top, I passed but he began running again and overtook me. I tucked in behind. Down the long road back to the park we ran side by side, he on the pavement, me on the road. There was one runner ahead but he was not catchable. I followed Brian into the park. I could see the finish. It was up a short sharp hill. Our pace increased. At the bottom of the hill I sprinted. He responded. I almost fell forward but managed to stay on my feet and triumphed by one second. My second lap had taken 23:06 for a total of 46:54 (officially 46:52) 94 seconds better than last week. I was pleased. I walked back to the school and car park with the runner who had finished just in front of me, 15 seconds ahead, Phil Martin, Bowland Fell Runners. He told me he had turned 70 in December last year. He won the MV 70 category! with me 2nd, obviously. I was 148th out of 176 finishers; 84% of the field in front of me.
Approaching the summit & About to outsprint Brain Pinder - Photo credit www.runningpix.co.uk
Race winner was Marc Tillotson Bolton UH, 27:14; first lady, Marie Lowe, Astley and Tyldesley RR, 32:33.
Two easy runs to recover, two runs with speedwork, and an easy 3.5 miles on Friday Gave me 30 miles for the week. I was getting quicker on my runs and my breathing seemed to be improving.
WEEK 11
Saturday I ran my hilly 4.5 miler. " Did not feel good at all at the start." Sunday I raced the TRAFFORD 10 K from Partington leisure Centre, Manchester. I was off early for the 9:30 am start. It was pouring with rain. Luckily it had stopped by the time I had finished my 18-minute warm up and pinned in my race number " 1."
Starting not right at the back as I usually do, I was passed by other runners in the first kilometre then settled down to run in a pack. Strangely or maybe not so strangely, I did not see one person that I knew throughout the whole race. My first 4 K went by in 5:20, 5:16, 5:28, 5:18. We turned left after about 4.5 K, into a slight headwind, and I began sitting in. My 5th K was 5:25 then a man and a woman, running together went past, with me following. The next K was 5:12 but then the couple slowed and so did I for a short while. A slim young woman with a scarf on her head, Elaine Platt, passed and I slotted in behind her for a 5:12 K. I was really hanging on now but she took me past a few runners and I was about to let her go when she caught a friend form Chorlton Runners and slowed to talk to her. A 5:17K. Then I heard her friend say, " You go on now." Which she did with me in tow. I stayed right behind her and the last 3 kilometres were 5:13, 5:12, and 5:08. I strode out with 150 metres to go to record a chip time of 52:49. This was 11 seconds faster than 2010 and 10 minutes better than 6 weeks previously at the Meltham 10 K. This was progress and vindicated my methods of recovery from injury - continuing to run daily but slowly and not so far, gradually building up, until any pain subsided. I was very happy.
Around 2k & ...Finishing straight, i strode out. Photo Credit - www.flamingphotography.co.uk
I was only 2nd in the M 70 category, well beaten by Sid Sacks, Salford Harriers, with 44:31, a time I will never approach again. And well done to Joe Park who led the
This course is surely one for fast times !
First home, Edwin Kipkorir, Birchfield H, 29:12, one second ahead of Jonny Taylor, Morpeth H. First female, Ava Hutchkinson, Cardiff, 33:20.
The race left me exhausted for my 4 mile run next day, but by Wednesday and Thursday I was able to put in some gentle speedwork and achieve a week of 32 miles.
WEEK 12
With no race this weekend I ran 5.5 miles Saturday and 6.5 miles ( a long run for me ) on Sunday. Tuesday I ran twice, 2.5 miles AM and 3 miles PM from the Sweatshop Arndale Centre, in the dark, with about 30 others. Something different and reminding me of 11.5 years training to work and back in winter and not running in daylight until the weekends. Wednesday,Thursday speedwork, a bit more than last week.
Thursday I passed through a lifetime's total of 154,762 miles = 249,000 kilometres.
The week's total had been 34 miles.
February 2011
WEEK 5
Perhaps the
Saturday morning I recorded 40:54. Quicker still. What I was ignoring was the pain in my right knee. Saturday's log reported, " Left leg OK but right knee hurting."
Saturday after noon I attended a meeting of Group Leaders within "Run In England " at Sportscity in
Despite the knee pains, I was expecting to show an improvement over
I scuttled along at the start, 19 seconds to cross the line, and after a bit of flat a right turn led to a serious hill. I lost a bit of ground here and must have been almost last. The course levelled a little then came a long, long hill. I began to move forward and was delighted when 1 mile came up at 9:54. Still more climb, 3 or 4 more passed and second mile in 9:52. Very surprised and hoping for a good time. At about 2.5 miles the route took a left turn. Three runners were not far ahead and slowly I overtook them. A good downhill brought me to the 3 mile marker. My right knee was beginning to hurt. That 3rd mile had taken me 10:18 which did not seem right.From 3 miles was a big hill stretching into the distance.My pace was dropping and 2 runners passed. On the descent to 4 miles my action became more awkward. Right knee was becoming more painful and my left leg with the pulled calf muscle was acting purely as a pivot. the 4th mile was 10:48. All hope was gone. 3 more passed on a protracted ascent. I was getting worse. Some descending to the 5 mile marker where I could not believe 11:10. From then on it was steeply down; even more difficult for me. An FV65, Sheila Ely, Longwood Harriers, overtook me. I remembered passing her towards the end of the 2nd mile. What was going on ? I tried to stay with her but it was impossible. Another woman went past. The road was now busy and occasionally I had to hop on to the pavement. I was scared to death of falling.
Meltham 10k - Steep hill to finish - Photo Credit - www.flamingphotography.co.uk
Meltham 10K - steep hill to finish." Photo credit - flamingphotography.co.uk
The 6th mile took 8:04 ? A left turn and the steep hill we ran at the start. I was catching Sheila Ely but had no finish left in me and was still 4 seconds behind at the finish. My official time was 63:05 and the last 315 yards had taken me 2:42. What a disaster ! For my own personal information my actual 10 K was 62:48. 333rd from 363 finishers meant I had beaten only 8% of the field. My worst ever performance ! First in my age group was Jack Cowlishaw, U/A, 52:08. Was this fate slapping me in the face ? My last fall, which did my knee in, was down a hill near me called Cowlishaw Brow ! " 1st MV 75, Gordon Booth, Longwood Harriers, 51:56.
Race winner, Michael Hunt, Trafford AC, 35:21. First female, Karen Pickles, Pudsey Racers, 39:24.
For the rest of the week I retreated to 2 mile slow runs on my railway track.
Monday I ran at lunchtime. 24:29.
Tuesday morning May and I attended the launch of the RUN LIVERPOOL MARATHON. Of course
Wednesday, another mid-day run. Knee comfortable for 1/2 mile, then sore. 24:20.
Thursday, morning run. Right knee still a problem, but no real pain. 25:30.
Friday. Morning. Hardly any pain in knee. 23:47.
That last run has made me optimistic about achieving a good recovery. I hope so. I am entered in the English Cross-Country Championships at
WEEK 6
The first two days of the week I ran 2 miles on an out and back course from home. My legs and knees were recovering well but now unfitness was setting in. My breathing was shot, though I was still carrying a bad chest and cold which seems to have been afflicting me since November last year. The 3rd and 4th day's runs were also 2 miles but took place early morning in the dark in
The last 3 days were from home; morning runs of 3.5 miles on my railway course, with my torn left calf still suspect. All in all I am optimistic about a full recovery, but it will be a long road back.
Week 6 totalled 19.5 miles.
WEEK 7
The previous week my doctor had prescribed a course of antibiotics, Amoxicillin, to try to shift my persistent cold and chest infection. But I still wanted to ease up my mileage without setting back my recovery from injuries. the fist day of he week, Saturday February 12th I did a hilly 4.5 miles. That was pain free but from my breathing I could tell I was unfit. That feeling continued for the rest of the week.
Sunday I ran 4 miles on the road. Monday was a 3.5 miler, my railway run. Tuesday back to my hilly 4.5 miles. No problems.
Wednesday I dropped back to 3.5 miles for the last 3 days. After Wednesday's morning run I attended the launch of the Pennington Flash 10 K and Half Marathon races at
Launch of the Pennington Flash 10K and Half Marathon
On Friday I finished my course of antibiotics. I was confident I would get round the course of the English Cross Country Championships at
WEEK 8
The English Cross-Country Championships at
Driving to the venue was ominous. On the tops above Buxton and then Leek there was snow on the road and mist on the tops. After parking I sought one of my club mates, Mark Whiteman, to collect my number, 6153. The whole area in front of the start line was churned mud. I did no believe that the course itself would be anything like this. Then came the news, " The distance has been reduced from 12 K to 10 K. " One short lap of 2 K and two big laps of 4 K. There was a delay of around 15 minutes before we were off.
From the back of pen 54 I started up the slight incline and was out of breath immediately. Lack of fitness due to my falls and low mileage. Very soon the field had gone leaving around half a dozen of us at the back, strung out. Martin McGann, East Cheshire Harriers, running his 42nd consecutive National ! dropped back to run with me. Suddenly it was mud, mud and more mud. I had thought I would be able to find grass at the edges of the course. Wrong. I had no strength to lift my legs. At the end of the short lap I could feel both my calves pulling. Into the first big lap I was desperately trying to find grass to run on but instead I was wallowing. Now I had to get out of the way of the rest of the field as the leaders,
With Martin McGann helping me through. Photo Credit - Dean Loxam
The end of the first long lap we had to run alongside the never ending finishing straight. Finishers were streaming past on our left churning up the mud to well above ankle level. By now I was exhausted and was absolutely dreading the last 4 K. My watch showed 45:03 for 6 K. I did not work it out at the time but that was 7:30 per K equivalent to 75 minutes for 10 K. I had already had one fall and now had difficulty dragging my feet out of the mud. at every little uphill I had to walk, or rather stagger. I kept telling Martin to go on but he said I was doing him a favour by stopping him racing as he had recently been injured with plantar fasciaitis. He felt the " soft " going was protecting his heel ! Four of the back gang staggered past again. I did not care. I just wanted to get to the end. But I looked at them and wondered how they did it. The only thing I could think was that they were big guys and had the strength to drag their legs out of the quagmire.
Where has everyone gone? Photo credit - Dean Loxam
I walked up the steep long hill again Now my back was aching. I felt helpless. At the top of the hill I tried to start running and fell down. I runner from the South Cheshire Running Club, Chris Walsh, who was catching us called, " Are you OK ? " "Yes," I replied, " It was a soft landing." He ran away taking 72 seconds out of us before the finish. Martin was urging me on but kept falling forward, such was my lack of energy. Eventually that dreaded finishing plod. About 250 metres out it became a river. It was not runnable for me. I had to wade. I tried to raise a trot, more of a stagger. 150 metres to go I fell down. Martin waited and as we got to the finish line he held my left hand high. I fell on to the finishing mat and my timing chip kept the electronics ringing signalling my ordeal was over. My last 4 K took 36:26 an average of 9:07 per K.
Thank you Martin for your help and congratulations on 42 consecutive National finishes. A record that will never be broken.
1st,
Watching our local northern TV news that evening I was surprised when
Sunday I wrote in my log "The route to full fitness must be 30 miles per week plus speedwork." That day and Monday I ran recovery runs of 3.5 miles. I was in a sorry state. When I opened my emails there was one which cheered me up from Debbie Hope of Staffordshire Moorlands AC:
"Hi, I was marshalling on Saturday at the National Cross Country Championships at
You will be more than welcome to come to any of our club events and I am sure Roy Fowler was smiling down on you. Kind regards."
Tuesday and Wednesday I ran my hilly 4.5 miler.
The last two days were both 3.5 milers, but in the City of
January 2011
WEEK 1
2011 got off to a bad start. Whilst it was still holidays I added a few extra miles. 5, 3.5 and 5.5 miles brought me to Tuesday. A fresh fall of snow covered the roads and pavements. I set off in the dark to run a familiar 3.5 miler. Not 1/2 a mile into the run I tripped on a raised flagstone going downhill and fell full length on to a gritty tarmac road taking the full force on my hands, especially the left, my left elbow and both knees. My gloves were shredded. The greatest pain was in my left hand. I got to my feet and continued slowly. I was in shock. After about 1.5 miles my left knee got very sore but eased on the climbs towards the end of the run. My Timex, Ironman tap screen watch showed that hitting the ground had created a split at 5 mins 17 secs and that the run had taken me 42:35.
I had cuts to my hand, elbow and both knees. The accident was not going to stop me. Wednesday morning I set off in the rain, downhill, for the same run. Both my knees were very, very painful. It was as if there was no cushioning and I was trying to run on my toes. On the flat it was slightly less painful and even less going uphill, but still very sore. Those 3.5 miles took me 47:48.
I had planned a 4.5 miler on Thursday and stuck to my plan. I wore some tight knee supports made from Far Infra Red material. These absorb energy from the body, change its wavelength to Far Infra Red, and fire it back into the tissues to increase blood circulation and hopefully healing. This is another reason that I did not seek medical help. I would have only been to told to stop and rest. By continuing to run I was increasing blood circulation in the wounded areas. My left knee was feeling it most going downhill whilst my right knee was hurting all the time, even climbing.
Thursday night I slept without knee supports in an attempt to let the wounds dry up but when I got up Friday morning my knees were sorer than ever. On went the IR supports. Both knees sore going downhill on my 3.5 miler but right one worse. Left knee easier once on the flat and uphill. Right knee sore all the way. I was worried.
I had contained wear and tear. Had a fall finally done my knees in? A glimmer of hope. The time for that run was 43:00. 4:58 faster than Wednesday. Total for the week was a mostly painful 29 miles.
WEEK 2
The fall was not going to deter me in my plan to race on Sunday. The “Hit the Trail 5”, organised by Belle Vue Racers, and run in Reddish Vale,
There is a flattish start and I feared I was just about last. A steep climb led to an old railway track. Up this a few people passed me but on the long gentle ascent I pulled most of them back, then one or two more on a steep descent and round a big field. There was then a tough climb with steps, up which I had to walk, to the railway. The bunch repassed me once more. We then ran down the railway track for about a mile. What had seemed quite a climb on the way out suddenly seemed almost flat on the way back. I got 2 or 3 on this section and a couple more, who were slipping and sliding in flat shoes, down a steep muddy hill. Thank heaven for my studs. Across a narrow river bridge then around another big field. I had a couple of pursuers here but gradually left them behind. Out of the field, right up a steep short climb, then down to the river bank. There was only one runner in sight. A woman in black and pink. Quite a long way ahead. I was tired. Probably pretty unfit.
The gap had close a lot by the time we reached a sign " 400 m To Go." A left turn and a massive climb ahead. Slowly I edged past the lady. There was no response and the gap became 8 seconds at the finish line. I was exhausted. The girl had been Janet Shirling of Holmfirth Harriers. She turned to me after and said, "You passed me after 1 mile in the Woodland Challenge. I must have had a good run today." Well done, Janet. Peter Edwards had taken the MV 70 prize, 25 positions and 2 mins and 18 secs ahead of me.
I clocked 45:19, 5 minutes faster than I expected, in 103rd position out of 130. Only 21% were behind me, I was happy with that.
Race winner was Domonic Mahon, Warrington A C, 29:02. First woman, Cara Kavanagh, Sale Harriers, 32:40.
No further damage was done to my knees which were still not perfect and on Friday I ran 40:40 for my 3.5 mile course the best I had done since my fall 11 days previously.
WEEK 3
Saturday I was happy calculating a 30 mile week. At 8:15 I left the house deciding on a 5.5 mile route which I knew might be muddy. It was raining. The peaked hood of my waterproof jacket was up and I had heavy padded cycling gloves on plus my thick Far I R knee supports. My knees were nowhere near healed from the fall 10 days previously. My pace was slow. After just over half an hour I emerged from a track along the top of Romiley golf course and turned left and a steep tarmac hill called Cowlishaw Brow. There is usually not much traffic at that time on a Saturday morning but as luck would have it a car appeared behind me. Moving well over to the left and probably glanced to my right as the vehicle came alongside. Suddenly, my foot hit a pothole and I went sprawling headlong on to the road. Before I hit the ground I shouted, “NOT AGAIN." The car drove on.
I picked myself up and examined the damage. There were road burns on my right elbow and my left knee. The recovery on that knee was set back but could have been much worse without the knee supports. The gloves had saved my hands. I was in slight shock and decided I needed to walk a bit before trying to run on. I took one step forward and screamed. I had not experienced pain like this before. The top of my calf muscle, right at the top had been torn. Maybe I had put my right foot in pothole and jabbed my left leg out to try to save myself. Trying to continue was murder. Fifty metres of tarmac and my route tuned left on to farm tracks. If I put my left foot down awkwardly I screamed again with pain. It happened time and time again on the muddy tracks. “Running " uphill was worst. I stopped to roll down my knee support to give compression in the torn area. As I progressed the pain crept slowly up the back of my leg and all the way up my hamstring. I DID NOT NEED OR DESERVE THIS! It took me 47 minutes and 25 seconds to “run” home. About 2.5 miles. I compressed the muscle, iced it and applied ultra sound.
Sunday. A lot of pain. How was I going to manage this ? Instead of a 3.5 mile run which would have been downhill for about a mile I drove to the start of the railway I use a lot and wearing knee supports I ran out for a mile in 16:01 and came back in 12:04. Left calf and knee sore but eased into it. 28:05.
Monday. Foolishly I ran my 3.5 mile course. Very difficult at the start as it was downhill. The mile on the railway which I did yesterday was timed at 14:08. Steep uphills wee really painful. Time 51:12.
Tuesday. Drove to the railway track. Run as Sunday. 15:25 out and 11:43 back. 27:08.
Wednesday. As Tuesday. 14:27 out, 10:59 back. I was doing some fartlek on the way back. 25:26.
Thursday. Drove to the railway to run 3 miles. 13:54 to my 1 mile point. 13:20 for the mile in the middle. 11:02 back. First plus last mile 24:56. A further improvement but had felt more awkward and my right knee was now hurting. 38:15.
Friday. 2 mile run as Wednesday. 13:53 out, did not push and no fartlek on the way back 11:45. 20 miles and a big improvement over 6 days.
WEEK 4
Saturday morning I drove to the railway and ran 2 miles out and back. 12:02 out and 10:16 back for a 22:18. Better by 2:18 than anything I had done since my dreadful fall a week previously. I was ready to test myself the next day at CHERNOBYL 10 K. the next day. But a heavy cold and chest infection was not going to help me.
Photo Credit - Steve Bateson www.runningpix.co.uk
It was a bone chilling day and I ran in fleece tights, long sleeve top plus woven jacket with my Clayton vest on top. Gloves with padded cycling gloves on top in case of a fall. 11:00 am and the announcer reported that present. I was right at the back ! A careful start, mindful of the torn calf, with heavy knee supports to stabilise my legs. 14 seconds to cross the start line and I felt comfortable with my scuttling stride. I was passing runners which felt good. Approaching 1 mile I caught an old MV 70 rival, Blackpool's Howard Henshaw. He had told me that he had a hip problem and that the week before had run only 68 minutes for a 10 K. He said, " Your'e not doing bad; 10 minute miling." As we passed the marker I glanced at my watch. 9:57. I was amazed and encouraged as I wanted to get under the hour. The next mile was contained a lot of uphill and 10:29 knocked my hopes back somewhat. I was still passing runners but did not know any of them. 9:01 and 8:51 downhill third and fourth miles got me back on schedule. There was a short sharp hill after 4 miles up which I limped causing a 9:50 split , but the 1 hour was still doable. Now I had more or less stopped passing and was with a small. One guy said, " I never thought I would ever be running alongside Ron Hill." and a girl retorted, " That's one advantage of running at the back of the pack." I wondered whether trying some fartlek would gain me some time but running on a slightly muddy trail in the last mile took all my concentration. Plus I was tired. One woman, Tina Carr, U/A, kept surging and I tried to stay with her. A tall runner in the red and white colours of Red Rose Road Runners, took off in the last half mile perhaps sensing that he could beat me. He did by 10 seconds. I kept trying and slowly crept up on FV70, Evelyn Elkington, Lancaster and Morecambe AC. At 6 miles my watch told me I had 3 minutes to get to the finish to beat that hour. I passed Evelyn to take 7 seconds out of her by the finish but did not catch Tina Carr who was 2 seconds ahead. There were two people at the finish line to congratulate me; Louise Gilchrist, Valley Striders, 1st FV75, 56:28, and Conrad Slater, Kendal AC, 1st MV75, 57:09. My official time was 58:50. Subtracting the 14 seconds it took me to cross the start line, 58:36. A massive PW (Personal Worst) Winner in my age group was Mr ! Robson, Manchester Tri, 53:29. Howard Henshaw did 68:45. Get better soon, mate. I walked straight back to the car. I had enjoyed the run. A great new course.
Race winner, Jon Fletcher, Border H, 33:24. First woman, Philippa Maddams, Keswick AC, 38:30.
The next two days I ran my 3.5 mile railway course, carefully. 44:16 then 45:47. Wednesday I did the same course but diverted for a doctor's appointment. I was getting severe pains in the area of my kidneys.That 3.5 took 43:24, The pains gradually disappeared. They must have damage to some muscles near the kidneys when I had my last fall and tensed before actually hitting the tarmac.Thursday I was better still with 42:07 but this time my right knee was hurting all the way. Friday, faster again - 41:02, but right knee painful especially down a steep hill. 28 miles for the week.
2010 ANNABLOG
This year I ran every day for a total of 1470 miles ( 2366 K ) slightly up on 2009 - 1433.5 miles ( 2307 K ) I did 23 races, 9 down on 2009. I competed in two new states of the
December 2010
Fresh snow is fine for running on. Difficulties start when it partially thaws then freezes again. At the end of the week I ran one of my favourite courses which peaks out at
25.5 miles was enough that week.
WEEK 49
Tuesday I was due to do "An Evening With Ron " at the Sweatshop,
That week was 26.5 miles. Close to my target 30 but the " rest " would not harm me.
WEEK 50
I ran a 4 then a hilly 5.5 miles at the beginning of the week. The next five days were all 3.5 miles on a favourite course which is about one mile downhill to a tarmac surfaced disused railway line, just over one mile slightly uphill before leaving the railway, just under a mile climb on a road, then streets back almost to home, before a steep climb of around 500 metres.There were still some slippery bits on freezing mornings, but manageable with care. 27 miles this week. Friday night it snowed heavily.
WEEK 51
That Friday night I had a very lucky escape. I had been at the OSC Christmas Dinner, enjoyed some pre-meal lagers and excellent food washed down with red wine. I was getting a lift back by car at midnight. The driver and three others had gone so I hastened to catch them from our third floor function room in
December 20th marked the 46th Anniverssary of my streak!
26.5 miles for that week.
WEEK 52
The snow played havoc with this final week's plans. Monday morning there was a bit of white on the ground at home but set off at 8:30 to get to the Ribble Valley 10 K, Clitheroe in good time. Approaching Haslingden the dual carriage ways were down to one lane then just before the
That week was 26 miles.
December added 117.5 miles (189K) to my lifetime total giving 154,435 miles (248,538 K)
DECEMBER 1970
WEEK 49
Sat Dec 5th, AM 4 miles, PM 2 miles. Feeling a bit stiff ? Sun AM 2 miles, " Didn't feel brilliant at all." 12:30 PM Start of the
1st Usami, Japan, 2:10:37.8; 2nd Ken Moore, USA, 2:11:35.8; 3rd Unetani, Japan, 2:12:12; 4th Jack Foster, NZ, 2:12:17.8: 5th, John Farrington, Australia, 2:12:58.4; and 6th Bill Adcocks, 2:13:32.
Had I blotted my copy book ? When I requested preselection for the European Games the next year I was told by telephone that percentage wise there was little difference between my 2:09:28 in Edinburgh and Jim Alder's 2:12:04 for second place in the same race ! I ran disconsolate 2 mile runs for the rest of the week for a total of 56 miles.
It was obvious that the super high mileage had not worked for me. I did not have the physical and emotional strength to cope with running three times a day whilst working full time.
WEEK 50
Thirteen runs this week was a mere 30 miles.
WEEK 51
On Sunday I ran the INTERNATIONAL CROSS DE EREMBODEGEM in
WEEK 52
Saturday Dec 26th I took part in the BOLTON UNITED HARRIERS BOXING DAY RACE at
1970 had given me 2 of my greatest victories but ended with a disappointing marathon. My total mileage for the year was 5059 miles.
November 2010
Week 44 ended with only 24 miles due to resting and travelling.
WEEK 45
This week included two runs in
In good company Cutting the tape with Sam and Matt Hale
By the end of the week I had run another restful 23.5 miles.
WEEK 46
Three runs from home before travelling with May and Graham Richards, Brand Director - Sales and Marketing, Ronhill and Hilly Ltd. to
At the trade show with Chris Nelson and Graham Richards
On the second day there was an early morning race, " The Indie 5 K," with many of the show attendees taking part. Over the previous three weeks May had had a bad cold and chest infection and I had wondered why I had not caught it. It looks like it had only been a matter of time as I was going down with the same things. A 1 mile warm up and I was on the start line at 7:00. This was a serious bunch of runners. Most were wearing compression socks, and strangely, a good few male runners were sporting skirts!
It was a hilly course and I did not run well. At one stage I was running behind three women who were gossiping continuously but an a hill the ran away from me, still chattering. I was happy to scrape under 25 minutes with 24:59.2. 207th out of 272, 76 % of the field ahead. The show went well. I met a lot of old friends from my marathon days, and the distributor, Chris Nelson and his wife Mary seemed satisfied with the number of meetings they had. It was a fun time and the running was good on a trail by a river right by the hotel. May, herself had a couple of runs until one morning she slipped getting out of a low sided bath and cracked her ribs. It was walking only after that.
A slightly better week - 26 miles.
Chip time just under 25 minutes
WEEK 47
At the end of last week we flew from
After breakfast we weighed our options. The drive down had been rather featureless. A leaflet in the lobby advertising "
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Sabino Canyon & Santa Cruz river bed and hills beyond- Photo Credit - Ron Hill
We headed back to the
Casa Grande - Photo Credit - Ron Hill
The race I had entered was the Mesa Mi Amigo 10 K Turkey Trot and it was Thanksgiving Day.
It was a bright, cool, windy day and I tried to use all my racing craft to get the best out of myself. The start was into the breeze and slightly uphill. I was near the front as there were kids and joggers on the start line. I sheltered in the crowd wherever I could. The course made a right hand loop and even in the crosswind I was sitting in. A young woman in black served the purpose here. My first mile was 8:15 followed by a 7:39, slightly down and with the wind before heading back up to the start at 2.4 miles. The third and fourth miles were 7:50 and 7:52, courtesy of whoever would allow me to run behind them into the wind. I was having a good run; 31:36 was an average of sub 8 minute miling. The fifth mile was tough, up a long drag, and I was suffering here. Had my recent illness finally got to me ? When we got to the marker I was disappointed to see 8:24 for that mile but a cumulative 40:01 suggested I could beat 50 minutes. That uphill mile gifted us back a downhill mile; 7:31 for me as we turned off the road and on to park paths. My time was very promising and I was passing people but a combination of uphills, headwind and finally grass did for me. I was all in, could not raise a sprint and crossed the line very tired. However my chip time revealed 49:01, 26 seconds faster than my
Mesa Mi Amigo 10k Turkey trot & At 2.4 miles - Photo credit - May Hill
Finish. Could not raise a sprint - Photo Credit - May Hill
I won my age group and the prize,as for all age group winners, was a turkey ! ! I gave it to the second MV 70.
The race winner was Andrew Lemoncello,
A 2.5 recovery run the next day rounded off the week with 27.5 miles. We headed home.
WEEK 48
We were greeted by freezing weather and to make matters worse on the last day of November it snowed.
November brought 105.5 miles (170 K) making a lifetime total of 154,343.5 miles (248,391 K)
NOVEMBER 1970
WEEK 45
Sat November 7. AM 5 miles. PM the WATERLOO 8 MILES ROAD RACE near Crosby,
WEEK 46
Sat AM 7 miles, PM 13.5 miles.Sunday 28 miles. Trained 3 times Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. At this time all the runs to and from work were in the dark !
152 miles.
WEEK 47
Sat. same as week 46. Sun AM 20.5 miles, PM 5 miles. Trained 3 times a day Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur and Fri which meant a 6.5 mile run at lunchtime from work each day. Speedwork on the way home Mon, Wed and Thur. My biggest week ever :164 miles. I was hoping that all the hard work would bring me a time in
WEEK 48
Sun 29th Nov travelled to
October 2010
WEEK 40
For the rest of the stay she headed off in the opposite direction, towards the beach, to do her own thing at her own pace. In addition, every day we did a good walk along the coast or up into the hills through tiny villages. I did a couple of 3.5 milers. Then one day I ran twice. We had got up rather late and were short of time as we wanted to catch a bus to the
May on the Yellow Brick Road Profitis Illias
The next day was our last and I felt disappointed with myself that I had not run anything more adventurous. To the south of Tijaki were the Dikeos mountains in the distance, but over the main road was a big hill with a communications tower and a white church on top. Profitas Ilias. I would try for the summit. We had seen a sign pointing right on one of our previous walks and I headed for that. It was further than I thought. It took me almost 22 minutes to reach that sign and turn. 3 minutes later I was on a dirt trail. After 34 minutes I had almost circumnavigated the hill and came to the final climb which was barred to vehicle traffic.Uphill to my right were two sentry boxes and two soldiers carrying rifles appeared. I waved to them and they waved back signing for me to continue to the peak. But I had run out of time, pointed to my watch and waved goodbye. I had 5.5 miles in my log. But I will be back !
A couple of runs at home and I had 29 miles for the week.
WEEK 41
Saturday 5.5 miles. Sunday Stadium Runners Woodland Challenge 6, at Storthes Hall near
Dr Starter - Photo credit - www.photographybyelspeth.co.uk
Emerging on to tarmac a left turn put the end of the first lap in sight. Climb and climb. I was still passing but getting more and more tired. Carefully through the woods and grassy parts, carefully eyeing the tree roots, some sprayed orange, I came once more to the steep muddy descent. A Stainland runner came hurtling past me whist I passed a female Stainland runner, Genevieve Thompson, who was picking her way down. Turning to the climb both positions were reversed and two more passed me. My legs were buckling. Walk 10, run 10, five times this time. Those in front gradually moved away. On the final tarmac climb I got good support but I felt like my eyeballs were about to pop out. Time, 57:30, each lap timed at 28:45. How about that for even pacing ? But 53 seconds slower than last year.
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Middle of the field - www.flamingphotography.co.uk
Race winner, Rob Downs, MV45, Wilmslow RC, 37:47. First woman, Julie Buckley, FV50, Penistone Footpath Runners, 43:18.
I was only 3rd MV 70. !st was Jeffrey Taylor, Meltham AC, 51:15; 2nd Raymond Brown, Penistone Footpath Runners, 54:43. I do not know what to think about that. How can Jeffrey Taylor finish over 6 minutes ahead of me? And he ran all the way up the big hill each time. After one race he asked me what training I was doing and when I told him, "About 30 miles a week" he replied,” That's about what I do." And there is nothing I can do about it!
David Mcguire, Hyde Park Harriers, 3rd Overall and 1st V40 Pays Homage!!!
Photo credit - www.photographybyelspeth.co.uk
The day after, Monday 11th, the pains around my left knee had returned but eased by Wednesday. Thursday morning on 2.5 easy run my heart felt sore, especially at the start. Had I pushed myself too hard at the Woodland Challenge ? I finished the week on 30 miles.
WEEK 42
The first day of my week I had a Saturday race on October 16th. THE CLAIRE RYDER MEMORIAL RACE held from the Globe in Wardle incorporating a circuit of Watergrove reservoir. The event was organised by Andy O'Sullivan who had measured the route at 4835 metres. I don't think he realised that this was 3 miles + 7 yards.
It was a good clear day and the scenery up there was inspiring. Although a cold wind was blowing into the faces of the runners in the first part it was warm enough for shorts, long sleeve T with sleeves rolled up, and club vest. I warmed up on the course with a runner form Pembroke and Sefton AC who had travelled from
Starting with Brenda Robinson - Photo credit - Bill & Carole Noble
Drafting Mandy goth - Photo Credit - May Hill
Winner - M Flatley, Middleton H, 16:42. First lady, Jen Lewis, u/a, 20:11. In 20th place was 11 year old Emma Pilling, Rochdale H., 20:43.
I had a pint of Timothy Taylors Landlord ale during the presentation. On my 3.5 mile run the next morning I did not feel exhausted. Have I found my perfect recovery drink ?
With some speedwork on the last three days of the week I recorded 31 miles.
WEEK 43
This week started with a 5.5 mile run. My log comments, " FELT VERY TIRED - PERHAPS TIME TO HOLD BACK ON MILEAGE TO REST." Despite this I ran slighty longer than normal until Wednesday when I was out at 3:12 am for a 2 miler prior to flying to
Lighting the Flame Ceremony
The start line of the 1896 Marathon
Thursday we were present at the official opening of the Marathon Expo. Friday, we received a special trophy each and attended a dinner in the
Another Athens Medal - Photo - Chris Broadbent
In the Stadium Photo - Chris Broadbent
Finishing the 10K
WEEK 44
We were busy the night before the race. I was due to give a 30 minute talk at the Sports Tours International Pasta Party to a big group of runners at the Hilton Hotel. After that we were going to a private Pasta Party at the house of Makis Asimakopoulos the Athens Classic Marathon Coordinating Consultant. Makis had come with the design for the wonderful souvenir medal for the races. I dashed across to the Hilton, arriving in good time only to be thwarted by crowds attempting to use the lifts to ascend. It took twenty minutes to get to the roof restaurant and gave me only ten minutes to relate my experiences of the course. As well as winning my European Title there in 1969, I had run my 100th marathon there in 1985. My advice seemed to go down well.
L to R: Stefano Baldini, Joan Benoit-Samuelson, Rosa Mota, Costantina Dita, Abel Anton, Dr Ron and a race official - At the tomb of the fallen warriors
Makis' pasta party went down well with some interesting people there. I was relaxed about the race the next day and drank beer and red wine. We walked down to the Panathenaikon Stadium with Abel Anton and Angela Baillie, one of the delegates at the AIMS Congress, and the three of us warmed up together. Just one mile. I normally try to do two. We were on the front line and I stood to the right so that faster runners could get past without me in the way. The course was uphill on the way out with the first K the steepest, except for a killer short climb just before 5 K. I tried to relax and not push too hard, using the road and keeping close to the bends so as not to run extra distance. My K's went: 5:15, 5:16, 5:15, 5:02, 5:23 (that last hill had my heart complaining and I did not feel good.) On the downhill to the 5 K marker I recovered but 26:11 did not look clever.
I tried to relax and take inspiration from the blue line of the marathon course. I imagined back 41 years when I was second and only Gaston Roelants was in front of me. 4:45 for the 6th K, 4:45 for the 7th. The course levelled for the 8 and 9th K's: 2 x 4:46's. I was doing mental calculations all the time and knew I was getting close to 50 minutes, especially with a steep downhill last K. I relaxed and strode out. The stadium was not visible from the long descending street and as I hit the bottom there was nothing left in my legs. Left turn, right turn and there was the finish line at the far end of the packed arena. No sprint, but as fast as my legs would carry me. Stop the watch. 49:27, my best time for 2 1/2 years and a last K of 4:23.
I must thank Georgia - Maria Sagiadinou who helped with all of our arrangements and young Lea, a French girl studying in
At the brief visit to the opening of the Marathon Expo I met an old friend Kerk Lazaridis. We had been team-mates in Bolton United Harriers in the '70s whilst Kerk was studying in the
With Kerk Lazaridis
The Athens 10 K had been on the last day of October. That month had totalled 132 miles (212 K) My lifetime total was now 154,238 miles (248,221 K)
OCTOBER 1970
WEEK 40
Back to
WEEK 41
After a 5 mile run AM I ran for Bolton in the NATIONAL ROAD RELAYS in
WEEK 42
Saturday October 17. AM 5 mile run. PM A return to
WEEK. 43
No race this weekend. Sat. AM 7.5 miles. PM 13.5 mils. Sun. 21.5 miles. to work and back in the week. 125.5 miles.
WEEK 44
Again no race this weekend. Ran 3 times on Tuesday. Felt very tired running to work the next morning. 131 miles.
September 2010
WEEK 36
With the right worshipful Mayor of the City of Salford,George William Wilson - Photo Credit - Brendan Fox
Another race followed Saturday's 5.5 mile training run. The JD SPORTS CITY OF SALFORD 10 K, September 5th., held from Salford Quays on a flat course. It was a windy day and an early 9:30 start. After a 2 mile warmup I didn't much feel like racing. I was assisting at the start as the Mayor of Salford got the runners under way and waited behind the line before joining in at the rear of the field. We were wearing disposable "chips" on our shoes so accurate finish times for the distance would be available later. I took my time weaving through the field and it took me 10:58 to get to 2 K. We began to hit a head wind and I sheltered behind anyone available. I was not having a good run. My 4th kilometre was 5:41 ! Things got better as we ran along
Men's winner was Tom Charles, Trafford AC for the second year running( ! ) in 33:32: women's winner, Kerrie Wood Doyle, 42:44.
Salford 10k "Blimey that was hard" - Photo credit - Brendan Fox
The next day my left hip felt very sore again on a 3.5 mile run but soon felt better and by the end of the week of 31 miles I was including some speedwork.
WEEK 37
Saturday morning I did a gentle 3 mile breakfast run from Ironbridge Runner shop in
Approaching 9K - Photo Credit - May Hill
The race director admitted that the course was over-distance by 100 m. Some thought it was more than that.
The winner was James Bellward, SWRR, 36:54. First woman, Karen Cook, 8th., 44:10. Our friend, Sid Wilcocks, clocked 51:31 for 1st O 65. I think I was 2nd O 65.
As usual I was rather tired for a couple of days following the race but over the last three days of the week put in a little speedwork and totalled 30 miles.
WEEK 38
I had just five runs, three of them with a bit of speedwork, a couple of them in shorts, possibly the last in the UK until next summer, before my 72nd BIRTHDAY RACE from the Falcon Inn in Littleborough on the 23rd. We had a big delay coming off the M 62 but I had allowed good time to get in a 2 mile warm up. Completing this, I popped into the loo at the Falcon and was surprised how quiet it was with still 10 minute to go before the off. As I crossed the road towards the start I was suddenly aware of the field racing past before me. The start had been changed from the traditional 7:00 pm to 6:45 and I was the only one unaware of the switch. there was just time to join in at the rear of the field and pursue the crowd. But it put a real damper on my performance as I had intended to start about halfway up line instead of right at the back as in the past.
Start.What happened? Photo Credit - May Hill
I pushed hard up
Struggling Downhill - Photo credit - Steve Bateson - www.runningpix.com.uk
The Falcon was packed and a few friends had travelled a long way to race. Paul Smith, aka The Lord Smythe, Crook and District AC, from
The race was won by Andy Norman, Altrincham and District AC, 15:34. Female winner, Megan Davies, L 15, Rossendale H & AC, 19:24. I was only 5th of 8x MV 70.The winner of that age group Richard Lawson, Clayton- L-M H. in 22:06. A special mention for 8 year old Isaac Wilkinson, who ran with his dad Gary, Clayton - le - Moors H. who finished in 23:50. 45 runners from East Cheshire H & Tameside AC completed the course.
With Race Winner, Andy Norman - Photo credit - Steve Bateson - www.runningpix.co.uk
Well done to Andy O'Sullivan and his team for making the race a success.
A rather tired 3.5 mile run the next morning completed a week of 31 miles.
WEEK 39
Tiredness lingered for 4 days.On the 5th day I ran 2.5 miles in light drizzle at 4:47 a m prior to flying to the Greek Island of Kos and the resort of Tijaki. We had stayed there for 2 weeks in early summer but this time we stayed nearer to the centre. The next morning May and I set off and ran together for a mile with me running on
alone to complete 3 miles. In that session I passed through 248,000 Kilometres of Recorded Running. The conditions were excellent for training. Cloudless skies and moderate temperatures. Vest and shorts.The next day we did the same run but May was pushing too hard, trying not to hold me up. A 30 mile week.
September had totalled 128.5 miles (207 K ) Lifetime mileage 154,106 ( 248,009 K )
SEPTEMBER 1970
WEEK 36
The short week had been deliberate I was attempting a World Record on the track over 30 Kilometres at
A good field had been invited : Gaston Roelants, Tim Johnston who had broken this World Record in 1964 with 1:32:34.6, Jim Alder another previous record holder with 1:34:01.8 also in 1964, Mike Turner,Gerry North, Barry Watson, Ron Grove and Bob Richardson. We were attacking Jim Hogan's World mark of 1:32:25.4. As I went to the line I didn't feel like running at all.
The early pace was brisk as the lesser runners did the work over the first 5 K for the "contenders".After that Roelants, Alder, johnston, Turner, and myself did 2 laps stints apiece.At 10 K I was hanging on and opted out of the pace making; my legs were going great but I had a nauseous sickness in my stomach, which I could only put down to the glucose tablets and it was making running difficult. Jim Alder sensed I was in trouble and at about 8 miles stuck in 5 laps averaging just under 71 seconds which disposed of myself and Roelants who eventually dropped out. I plodded on, pulling both Alder and Johnston back in the later stages, but all I could get was an unhappy 3rd. Jim smashed the World Record again with 1:31:30.4, Tim got 1:31:56.4, whilst I too broke the old mark with 1:32:17.0.I was annoyed and humiliated at only being able to virtually jog round in front of a big crowd, including my parents, whom I could hear shouting for me ,in a race that had been put on for my benefit.
It was time for a mini rest.
Three days later I raced the LINOTYPE 5 in Altrincham finishing 2nd in 23:17 to Alan Blinstone's 23:10 with Alan Dean 3rd, 23:21. Some 2 mile runs twice a day brought 47.5 miles for that week.
WEEK 37
Although resting I did not neglect my racing. Saturday afternoon was the
WEEK 38
Sep. 9. AM 5 miles. PM HARTINGTON WAKES SPORTS. 1500 m 1st. Later PM Longdendale Road Relay. Last leg for Bolton U H . Took over with a big lead. About 6th fastest. BUH broke the course record. Team :Haslam, Freary, Kenyon, Hill. 77.5 miles.
WEEK 39
SPRINGBANK ROAD RACES 12,
August 2010
WEEK 31
A short Saturday run of 2.5 miles took me to the Idle Trail Race on August 1st. This is another of my favourites, approximately 10 K of Leeds -
Men's winner, Colin Walker, Pudsey and Bramley, 36:04; women's winner, Karen Pickles, Pudsey Pacers, 39:34.
Overtaken by No. 140, M55 Colin Toole, Unattached
WEEK 32.
I was racing the Saddleworth 6 on the Wednesday and Saturday ran 3.5 miles followed by 5.5, 2.5 and 2.5. Warming up for the 7:30 start I ran on the dirt 400m track in the second lane. My first 1/4 mile was 2m 50s - painfully slow - equivalent to more than 11 minutes per mile ! By the time I had done 1 3/4 miles I had loosened up a little.It rained at the start then cleared a little. I did not feel comfortable. I missed the 1 and 2 mile markers. Just after about a mile I caught two guys one in a red vest who I guess was Oldham AC runner, Paul Taylor, who turned to his companion and said, " There's an International just behind us." Saddleworth Runner, Dave Sinnot was just ahead. Just after the top of a steep hill after a right turn I caught Dave and stayed right behind him. I was not comfortable but hoped to shelter from the wind when we turned right again after about 2 1/2 miles. We made the turn and for some reason I let him go staying behind a small group. Paul Taylor passed again,
I ran behind him for a bit and stuck out on my own. The 3 mile marker signals he start of the second lap and I was buckling up the sharp incline.My watch had shown 25:16 at 3 miles and I was deflated. Had I been mentally alert I would have realised that this was 8:25 a mile; not bad in my condition. At the top I'd had enough and on catching I slotted in behind an Oldham AC woman, Grace Atherton. I was glad of a rest. Not long after Paul Taylor overtook me again. I followed him. Down the hill a rain shower combined with a shaft of sunlight to produce a wonderful rainbow to our left. Up the other side I passed before turning right and on the long flattish section to 5 miles began to pull a few more back. My 4th mile was 8:33 having taken that sitting in rest. Trying to stride and relax my 5th mile took 8:38. I was tired Following the turn at 5 miles I took shelter again but when everyone moved over to the right hand side of the road I stayed left.Pushing on I passed about seven runners before turning into
Men's winner, Ben Fish, Blackburn H., 29:26. Women's winner, Tess Walker, Salford H., 34:48.
I struggled the next couple of days notching up 27.5 miles for the week.
WEEK 33.
A week of easy running. Niggles in left hip / gluteal may be easing. Usually come on during climbs. 27.5 miles for the week.
WEEK 34.
Another week of easy running for 26 miles. The discomfort in my left hip area ( I hate to use the word "pain" ) seems to be easing. I look forward to getting back to 30 miles a week.
WEEK 35
Photo Credit - Whiteflyer Photography
After an easy 5.5 miler on Saturday morning, Sunday, 29 August, I headed for the YMCA 5 MILE MULTI-TERRAIN RACE at
Overall winner, Mark Russell, M 40, 27:24; first woman, Isaline Hughes, F 35, 32:43. My time was 40:48, for 37th out of 48 ( 77% ahead of me ) and 5th O/60. 1st O/60, Frank Reilly,
I stuck to my resolution and totalled 30 miles for that week.
With Andy Clarke - Photo Credit - Whiteflyer Photography
August had totalled 126 miles ( 203 K ) bringing my lifetime mileage to 153,977.5 ( 247,802 K )
AUGUST 1970
I did not have my customary and recommended ( by me ) 4 weeks recovery after
Within a week I was back in full training. I seemed to recover quickly and the only thing that troubled me was a sore and swollen right knee. But that didn't stop me and after three weeks the pains had gone away. I had three objectives left for the year. Firstly a 30 K World Record attempt on the track at
WEEK 31. 120.5 miles.
WEEK 32. 128 miles.
WEEK 33.
WEEK 33.
Saturday morning 5 miles. In the afternoon a 5 K track race on a rough grass track at the Ashbourne Sports. John Simmons led the field to about half way then began to slow. I had worked through from 8th to 2nd. Dave Lem and Ron Grove were hanging on and Trevor Wright was sitting in. I wasa running a very negative race. Dave Lem took over, set a fast pace then slowed. With 4 laps to go Trevor said, " Come on," and took off . I could only hang on for half a lap and had to let him go..I made up a little ground on the last lap to finish 3 or 4 seconds behind in 14:15.6. I wrote in my log : "A defeat like that does me good. Makes me want to have a go again and wipe it out. I was out of race practise." 20.5 miles the next day in wind and rain. 117.5 miles for the week.
WEEK 34. 113 miles.
WEEK 34. 113 miles.
WEEK 35
July 2010
WEEK 27
Sunday 4th of July I raced the K- Swiss City of Manchester 10 K. The day before I had done a very easy 5.5 miles to boost my mileage for the following week.
After a 2 mile warm up I waited behind the start line until one minute had passed from the off then joined in the pack. For the first time I was wearing a disposable chip on my shoe. Luckily someone had told me I had not looped the device correctly and put it right otherwise my time would not have been recorded. It was a windy cool day and I sheltered in the crowd until we reached 1 K and ran along
My chip position, 723rd out of 1792 finishers meant 40% of runners in front of me. 2009 showed 32 % so a higher standard of competitors this year. I was 2nd MV70 to Malcolm Parry, Unattached, who ran 46:48.
Overall winner was Jean Ndayisenga, Birchfield H., 29:22, 10 seconds ahead of Andi Jones, Salford H. First female, Tessa Walker, Salford H., 35:03.
The rest of the week I ran slowly. The pains or niggles in my left leg were not getting better. It was worse when I got out of bed and starting my morning runs I could feel my knee was not moving freely and there was soreness in my hip area. My big fear was that my hip joint had deteriorated with all my miles. But I persevered with my usual self help treatment: run slowly. 34.5 miles that week. I needed to cut back the miles.
Leaving the stadium - Photo Credit: Brendan Fox
WEEK 28
As I drove to my next race, the Jane Tomlinson Pennine 10 K in Blackburn, the temperature plummeted and strong wind blew in from the Irish sea at Preston about 10 miles away. Jane's husband had asked me if I would run and I could not refuse to support such a worthy cause. The start was in
Then, horror of horrors, just before 1 K my left shoe lace came undone. I was wearing some new ASICS Piranha lightweight racers, only 137g, but the laces were a silky material and though I had tied a double knot they had untied themselves. I stopped, moved to the pavement, tried to retie them, but after getting the single bow each time I went for the double bow the wind blew the laces ahead of me and undid them. Eventually they were secured. 1 K passed in 6:13. I was disheartened but ploughed ahead. I was passing and eventually ahead I could see a blue and white Blackburn Harriers vest. The white haired guy was wearing black tracksters. I guessed it was Chris Fay a rival from way back who I knew had not raced for years. I would soon catch him. Wrong. For a long time he stayed the same distance ahead. The route was very complex with lots of corners and I was frustrated to se all the runners cutting these corners whilst I ran the road as I was sure the course had been measured losing several places each time. Most of the runners ran 9.5 K maximum! After a short steep hill to
First man Lee Cook, 35:46. Women's winner Gwen Kinloch, W 50-59, 42:42.
The rest of the week slow running. I was tired and in a " DOWN " period. Left knee, hip, hamstring origin still sore. 30.5 miles.
I should have had a boost to my morale on the last day of the week, Friday July 16th. May and I went to Bolton University, firstly to witness the installation of the first Chancellor of the University, Baroness Morris of Bolton, then to receive from her an Honorary Doctorate " in recognition of outstanding contribution to sport and textile technology." A proud moment; can I now call myself Dr Dr Ron?
WEEK 29
Sunday, 18th, I had entered the Gravy 6 Trail Race, one of my favourites, which starts at Hadfild station. Saturday I ran a slow 5.5 miles. My legs felt weak. There was a good following wind up the Longdendale Trail and from the back I made fair progress in passing runners. After dropping down to the Torside reservoir head, I was very careful on the stony trail at the other side of the valley. On the Rhodeswood dam head I put in a fast push to slot in behind a red vested Prestatyn Running Club woman, to shelter from the strong wind. Her club was out in force that day. On the steep climb back to the trail I followed to Prestatyn ladies but got ahead when they walked the last bit. I was on my own running into the wind and relaxed until someone went past so that I could get in behind. It was a different Prestatyn lass who went by, Sharon Hullett. I had overtaken her on the first section of the trail on the way out. We passed a handful of runners taking one man, MV55 Reg Czupek, unattached, with us. The pace wound up over the final 800m but I had no sprint left in me and the pair got me by one second.
50:30 for 155th out of 200 finishers; 75.5% of runners ahead. 1:51 down on last year but an enjoyable race.
Winner, Ben Riddell, Salford H. 30:16, first woman, Donna Jones, Sale H. Manchester, 34:16.
An easy next 5 days to record 30 miles for the week.
On the last day of week 29, Friday, July 23rd, at a delightful ceremony at the offices of OSC and in front of all the staff, CEO Mike Deegan presented me with a bottle of champagne and a handsome cake. It was exactly 40 years since I won the Commonwealth Games Marathon title in
WEEK 30
On the first day of this week, Saturday, July 24th, Sweatshop Hyde organised a breakfast run from their store. Again it was a celebration of the Edinburgh Marathon Gold, but the venue was significant as this shop was the first premises that Ron Hill Sports Ltd ever had. Runners of all abilities enjoyed a 6 K run along the Tame Valley Trail and back on the banks of the
A deliberate easy week of 26 miles with left leg not a lot better
July ended with a total of 131 miles (211 K ) Lifetime total now 153,851.5 miles ( 247,599 K )
JULY 1970
WEEK 27.
No race this weekend. % miles + 13.5 miles Saturday, 20.5 miles alone Sunday. Monday ran home from work, 7.5 miles with speedwork. Tuesday, an extra session lunchtime,
That week was a mere 108 miles.
WEEK 28.
No race. Saturday, 7.5 and 13.5 miles. Sunday, 20.5 miles in my " World 10 " racing shoes.Monday, 10 miles home from work with speedwork. Tuesday 6.5 miles with speedwork. Wednesday drove up to Edinburgh.Thursday I ran the first half of the marathon course - " meant to go very easily but found myself running faster and faster - in fact moving very well indeed. "Friday morning I set off to do 7.5 miles but got lost and ended up doing 12 miles. I found the 7.5 mile course in the evening did some speed work and finished with a sore right knee. That gave me 117.5 miles for the week.
WEEK 29
Saturday morning I ran 4 miles and in the afternoon the last 10 miles of the marathon course with speedwork.I was on the third day of low carbohydrate. Finished the 10
At the Start line
Thursday, JULY 23, RACE DAY. AM 2 miles easy running in racing shoes.PM 1 mile warm up. As threatened, the pace was really fast start with some downhill from Meadowbank Stadium to the coast. I tucked in behind Jerome Drayton,
Second man home was the Commonwealth Marathon Champion from 1966, Jim Alder,
Derek Clayton was reputed to have run 2:08:33.6 for a marathon in
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Posing for pictures with GOLD medal
WEEK 30. I had ended up with a sore right knee and had an easy week of 13 runs totalling 62.5 miles.
My mileage for JUNE 1970 totalled 436.
June 2010
JUNE 2010
WEEKS 22, 23 & 24
On Wednesday of week 22 we flew to the
Week 22, 30 miles; Week 23, 25 miles; Week 24, 24.5 miles
WEEK 25
I finally got to race on Wednesday June 23rd; The Round The Resers 5 Miles in Tintwistle. I had not competed for over 4 weeks. I got there early for the 7:30 pm start and did a good 2.5 miles warm up. The race is a run down from the Woodhead road then two laps of Valehouse reservoir. There is some rough stony trail with one sharp hill to be climbed twice, with the rest on tarmac. Weather conditions were perfect. Cool and little wind. After a steady start I pulled back a good few runners, especially in the last mile to finish 116th in 42:39. I was pleased with that. With 162 finishers I had beaten 28% of the field plus my time was better than 44:37 in 2007 and 43:23 in 2009. However a long way short of 35:06 in 1998!
Gareth Raven, of Sale Harriers Manchester set a course record of 25:51. The women's winner was FV45 Alison Sedman, Belle Vue Racers in 33:44.
The next two day's easy runs of 3.5 and 4.5 miles gave me a total 35.5 for the week and brought to me next race.
WEEK 26
This week commenced with a Saturday race. THE ANGELA DEEGAN MEMORIAL 5 K RACE an Andy O'Sullivan production organised on behalf of Mike Deegan who was Angela's husband. Angela had battled cancer for several years but had finally succumbed a year ago. She had been a serious athlete and a member of Sale Harriers Manchester. For me her greatest achievement was winning women's 1984 The Tour Of Tame, a double marathon over six races in the space of seven days. Mike had won the men's race the year before. I have fond memories of racing with Angela, especially when the Ron Hill Sports race team went over to contest the
The 5K race marked the end of a year for Mike celebrating the life the life of Angela and raising £30,000 shared between The Christie hospital and Cancer Research
The race was held at Cowm reservoir, Whitworth near
It was a fabulous day; hot and sunny. I never recovered from the uphill start and ran in oxygen debt all the way. For much of it I was trailed by a guy called Andrew Denton, who was running with his dog, and John Wild. Towards the end of the second lap I was catching Sue Exon, Trafford A C. As I ran across head of the reservoir Andrew Denton's dog almost tripped me. On the final run down to the finish I passed Sue and John kindly allowed me to cross the line in front of him. 25:30. Not very impressive, but 69th out of 115 finishers was about right.
The first woman home was Rachel Deegan, Angela's daughter, Sale Harriers Manchester, 18:46. Overall winner was Gareth Raven of the same club, 15:18. First MV50 was Mike Deegan, Salford H., 17:10. Mike has run every day since Angela passed away and hopes to become MV 55 World 10,000m Champion next year.
Angela Deegan, 1984 Tour of Tameside, Champion
This week showed 31 miles. I had developed a sore left leg in the knee area and in the buttock probably as a result of a day in inappropriate on a 3 island trip on holiday. It was affecting my running.
June ended on the Wednesday and showed 123 Miles (198 K). Lifetime total stands at 153,720 miles (247,388 K)
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JUNE 1970
WEEK 22
No race this weekend but Saturday 7.5 miles am 13.5 miles fartlek " felt good and strong " pm. Sunday 20.5 miles. Tuesday's mid-day flying 440's were 59.7 and 56.2.A week of hot weather running to work and back for 128 miles.
WEEK 23
Saturday 5 miles am. The PLESSEY NOTTS 15 MILES ROAD RACE pm. 1.5 miles warm up. Ran to 13 miles on a scorching afternoon with Pete Calladine of
WEEK 25
Five weeks to go before the Commonwealth Games Marathon in
It was back to running to work then home again in the evening. Except Tuesday. That day after work I drove to
That brought a solid week of 132 miles.
WEEK 26
No race this weekend. Saturday morning 7.5 miles, afternoon 13.5 miles with fartlek on all the uphills. Sunday I ran 28 miles with Arthur Walsham. To work and back the rest of the week with an extra session Tuesday lunchtime - 4 x 220 yards on the Ashton track, and Thursday lunchtime 6 miles on the roads from work. Speedwork on the way home Monday and Wednesday. My last run, 7 miles lunchtime from work on Friday. " Felt pretty good - one or two enthusiastic bursts." A solid week of 140 miles.
During week 26 June ended with a total of 562.5 miles.
May 2010
WEEK 18
On Sunday May 2nd I raced the Great Edinburgh Run 10 K. I was classed as one of the elite runners and ran with " HILL " as my front number. The course did not suit me as from shortly after the off there was a hill which seemed to go on for about 2 K. I stood on the start line, behind the chip mat, for 28 seconds before joining the throng. The hill put me into oxygen debt and I was struggling. It did not seem to bother many people as runners were passing in their hundreds for around 3 K. Also I was not thinking straight. At the 1 K marker I looked at my watch, which I had started at the gun, and saw 5:57. " Hell, this is one hour pace," I thought. I had not figured in the 28 seconds before I actually started. The second K was 5:49 which appeared to confirm a slow pace. I struggled on and began to see some quicker splits but did not know, or care how these would affect my final time. K 8 took me 5:05; and K 9 5:01. With 500m to go my left shoe lace came undone ! I dare not stop nor sprint flat out. The finish clock showed 52:06 which was a pleasant surprise and gave me a final chip time of 51:38. The positives I took from this race were : my fastest time of the year on a tough course, first MV 70 out of 8 runners, 2018th position overall out of 6846 finishers meaning that only 29% of the field were in front of me.
Winner of the race was Titus Mbishei,
Whilst in
The day after the race I did not feel the fatigue on my run I had felt after previous races this year plus I was looking forward to a week's visit to Club La Santa in Lanzarote.
Photo Credit: Phil Wilkinson / Scotland on Sunday
Photo Credit: Phil Wilkinson / Scotland on Sunday
WEEK 19
The week in La Santa was on behalf of Sports
32 miles for that week.
WEEK 20
Saturday was the Veterans Road Relay Championships at
Just two runners behind Moved away quickly
WEEK 21
Friday morning saw us heading by train once more to
The total journey from home was around 4 1/2 hours with two changes and what, with the walk from Waverly train station to the Apex City Hotel on Grassmarket carrying a heavy rucsac, pretty tiring. That night we had dinner with my Team Captain, her partner, Robert, and daughter Jennifer who was running the full marathon.
Saturday was a scorcher. We spent the day visiting the " Marathon Hub " in
All week it had been predicting rain for Sunday. It was hot. I pitied the full marathon runners. The relay runners bus got to the changeover point at around 11:00 am. I had no idea what runners 2 and 3 looked like but luckily the handovers were close together. I looked in vain for my third leg runner in the crowded pen and in the end spent almost an hour standing at a point where I could see leg 3's number as he departed and leg 2's number as she finished. at last I spotted our race number - 30587 - a green vest with " GARRY " on the front. He was on an 8 mile leg so I could begin to calculate what time I should warm up. Peigi, our second leg runner had taken over from Ann who had run the first stage of around 8 miles. Ann had had a nasty fall in the week before the race and hurt her knee pretty badly. Despite this she ran well. Peigi had only raced one 10 K before this event and with the heat was exhausted at the end. I had to wait a good while at the end before she recovered and I could hand her my bag to take to the finish.
Wearing the actual string vest worn in the 1970 Commenwealth Games
Garry too ran well and passed the timing chip over for me to strap to my ankle. My leg was 4.7 miles and I had warmed up 2.3 miles so I could get 7 miles into my training log. Despite all the hanging around I had a good run. I hardly noticed the heat.I was wearing my string vest from 1970 with my race number from then - 108 - above my relay number. I did a fair bit of weaving around the exhausted marathon runners and a lot Race Relay contestants, many of whom were walking. I only saw one of the mile markers, No. 23, and contented myself with counting the number of relay runners I could pass. This worked well and I could not believe it when the crowds were shouting, " Nearly there now. " But I saw the white rails of the Musselburgh Race course and suddenly I was on the rubber mats with the finish line in sight. I had passed 103 Team Relay runners and raised my right arm in an anniversary salute then stopped my watch at 40 minutes.The Kilgour Killers team recorded just under 4 hours 25 minutes.
With so many runners it was chaotic at the end. I made the reunion area but we had great difficulty getting out. Eventually, Robert drove Ann, Garry and myself back to the hotel to pick up an anxious May and our bags which we had had to leave at reception as we had no late checkout, then on to
Despite this loss in weight I seemed to have recovered well but my mood was not helped by the weather and I never expected to be running at the end of the week, close to the end of May in " full gear " including gloves. My log records " going through a bad patch." Week 21 showed 33 miles.
WEEK 22
The weather and the way I was feeling did not improve much and on the last day of May my log reports of a 5 mile run, " felt pretty awful."
May added up to 144 miles ( 232 K ) - lifetime : 153,597.5 miles ( 247,191 K )
MAY 1970
WEEK 18
This was my third week of active rest after my
WEEK 19
My final week of rest. Mainly 5's and 2's with a "long" run of 7 miles on Sunday. Total 51 miles.
WEEK 20
Now I began my 10 week build up to the Commonwealth Games Marathon in
Saturday morning I ran 5 miles. In the afternoon " 7 miles - easy for 2 miles - then fartlek with bursts on the hills - my first steps on the way to attempting a Commonwealth Gold " Sunday I did 13 miles, then for the rest of the week my runs to work and back : 7.5 miles there and a bit further on the way back.. One day 6 X 70 seconds strides with 50 seconds interval in 3 sets of 2; another day fartlek. Thursday lunchtime I did my 2 flying 1/4 miles on the Ashton under Lyne cinder track in 60.3 and 60.6. This pushed my mileage to 100 miles for the week.
WEEK 21
This week we spent on holday in th
WEEK 22
Saturday morning I ran 5 miles and in the afternoon raced the Pembroke " 20 " It was a very windy day . I ended up battling with Eric Haslam and John Balmer but managed a narrow victory in 1:45:25 just 7 seconds ahead of Eric. The next day my Sunday run was only 13.5 miles.
May ended with a total of 347 miles.
April 2010
WEEK 14.
The third day after landing from Lanzarote was Easter Saturday, the day of the Rivington Pike Fell Race. This was the 36th time I had run in this 3 1/4 mile classic. I had two objectives for this race. The first was to get all the way to the top without walking and the second was not to fall down on the descent. On the part of the course which was grass it was quite wet with one section deep mud which cows had churned up. I got left behind at the start and ran steadily. At the quarry I took the long way round, a sweeping curve, but as we approached the gate leading to the rough cobbled road I thought, “I am not going to make it." The course levels a little here and I got my breath back. With much effort I managed the last bit and the tower at the summit. Descending carefully, I managed not to fall and crossed the line in 32:35, my slowest ever. The speedwork in Lanzarote had not done me much good!
I will never try to run all the way again. It is quicker to walk in parts! It would be nice to end my affair with Rivington Pike on 40 runs. Two of the four I would need would be in my 75th and 80th years. I am not so sure about my 85th year so I am looking for two more.
I was 189th out of 209 finishers. Only 8 % of runners behind me. Leading V70 was Ted Orrell, Clayton-le-Moors H., 27:51; 2nd V70, John Swift, Chorley AC, 29:49; I was 3rd V70. John Coope, Horwich RMI, V75, 32:52.
Overall winner: Thomas Cornthwaite, Blackburn H & AC, 17:31. First woman: Laura Richards, Leigh H & AC, 21:46.
The man in the duffle coat is not a competitior! - Photo Credit STEVE BATESON (www.runningpix.co.uk)
I was hoping the slower run down would protect my quads and indeed the next day they were not too bad, but the next three days they were murder!
Total for the week 25.5 miles.
WEEK 15.
The first day of my week I ran my 4 mile "country" course. The first warm day of the year and I was in shorts I felt great. The rest of the week was cold and it was back to full gear, pants, cap and gloves. Friday was just a 2 miler as we were flying to
Total for the week 28 miles.
Correction. Because of the eruption of the volcano in
Below is a link to an interview with Ron in the April edition of Runners World USA:
http://racingnews.runnersworld.com/2010/04/a-brief-chat-with-ron-hill-2.html
Later this year I am looking forward to returning to
WEEK 16.
I was really disappointed not to be in
WEEK 17. This week I enjoyed 2 runs in shorts but by the end of the week also the end of the month it was back to full gear. I also enjoyed getting used to my new Timex Ironman, Tap screen chronograph. I ran 30 miles that week.
April added up to 122 miles ( 196 K ) bringing my lifetime total to 153,453 miles ( 246,952 K )
APRIL 1970
WEEK 13 contd.
The rest of the week I eased down as I had an important race coming up. I ran just 107 miles that week.
WEEK 14
Saturday morning I ran 4 easy miles. In the afternoon I lined up for the AAA track 10 Miles Championship. I had won this five time since 1965 breaking the World record in 1968 with 47:02. This was the last of Ron Clarke's world records to fall. Later that year I lowered my own world record to 46:44. On this occasion I was looking for a good run and possibly a new record, before crossing the
The next day I ran 20.5 miles with my friend Arthur Walsham. I did an extra run on Wednesday; Speed sessions Monday, Wednesday and Friday! 5 runs, including the race, gave me 130 miles for the week.
WEEK 15
This was something of a taper down week prior to my Boston Marathon. The RRC of Britain had had a whip round to raise the airfare to send me to
WEEK 16
This week included the Boston Marathon on Monday, Patriots Day. On my 2 mile morning run I felt " indifferent." I jogged 1 mile warm up in rain. I had been given race number " 1 " .Jerome Drayton, who had beaten me on December in
I had won the most famous marathon in the world and was the first Briton to do so. What was even more amazing to me was that I had run 2:10:30, a personal best, and had broken the course record by over 3 minutes. My reward was a medal and a bowl of beef stew but most of all an amazed feeling of pride.
I could now relax. The next day I flew down to
WEEK 17
I ended up in
April totalled 348 miles.
March 2010
WEEK 9 contd.
I felt pretty good the day after the Lostock 6. It was the first day of spring and the sun was shining. My spirits were lifted but took it easily for the rest of the week to record 29 miles. The only mild upset was on Wednesday when half a mile into my run I turned my body to the left to look at the traffic before crossing a road and must have twisted my left knee. But I jogged on and soon the pain subsided.
WEEK 10.
3 1/2 miles easy on Saturday morning in preparation for the TRAFFORD 10K starting at the Partington Leisure Centre. It was a freezing morning. A 9:30 start beneath a cloudless sky. I could not get warm and as the previous week decided to run in two long sleeve tops plus a fluo jacket with my Clayton vest on top. The race director, Dave Norman had honoured me with race No. 1. I wanted a repeat of Lostock 6 with a run at training pace and to this end set off at the back. It was chip timing so I did not have to worry about an accurate time. I crossed the start line after 22 seconds. However, almost all the runners were of a decent standard and as we wended our way along country lanes I realised I was operating at faster than my easy training pace. The kilometres were all marked and there was a time keeper at 1 mile. Dave Attwell shouted,
“9 minutes 12, Ronnie," as I passed. I did not have the mental agility to subtract 22 seconds. 9:12 was way faster than my training pace, never mind the actual 8:50 it really was.
9.5 Km - Followed by Ruth Brown
The country lanes made for interesting, traffic free running. In the 4th kilometre there were two hills, hump back bridges, the first over a stream the second crossing the
The winner in a fantastic time was Chris Thompson,
For the rest of the week the weather continued very cold. I felt really tired most of the time and on Friday, the last day of my week, I wrote in my log of a 3 1/2 mile run,
“Can’t say I really enjoyed it."
Slow recovery runs gave me a total of 30 miles for the freezing week.
WEEK 11.
I felt tired on all of my daily runs which still required full running gear including, hat and gloves, because of the cold weather.
I was out earlier than usual on Thursday morning, the 18th as I was travelling by train to
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Left to Right: Gerry North, Dick Taylor, Mel Batty and Dr Ron
That week was 29 miles with some more enjoyable running as the trails I sometimes use were dry.
WEEK 12.
I spoke too soon. Saturday, the beginning of my week it rained. The planned 8 mile run was miserable. It rained all the way. Part of it was on the
We stayed, all inclusive, for 11nights, at the Sol Morro Mar in Mattagorda. It was a downhill run of about 800 metres to the promenade; a nice warm up after which I normally left May to go either east towards the airport or west towards Puerto Del Carmen. I got a couple of runs out on to a trail by taking the west option and turning right at Calle Pluton; no street sign but marked on maps; and following this street until I hit the country then heading out on trails to an underpass visible in the far distance.
It was great to be running in shorts and enjoying the sun and temperatures in the mid twenties. I actually did some speedwork, 70 second strides with 50 second intervals and number stride fartlek. Preparation for the Rivington Pike fell race on Easter Saturday. A good week of 29 miles.
WEEK 13.
As well as running we walked every day. May caught a cold out of nowhere, but I appeared to resist it. We flew back on April 1st with just 23 miles for that week.
MARCH added 123.5 miles (199 K) to my training log bringing my lifetime total 153,331.5 miles (246,762.5 K.)
197O MARCH
WEEK 9 Contd
The day after Saturday's National Cross-Country Championships I ran 21.5 miles with Tony Byrne (see Sep '09 blog) from my parent's house in
WEEK 10
Saturday morning I ran 7.5 miles in snow. It was