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Edinburgh results for event #67. Your time was 35:49

2011-03-06T23:03:00.000-08:00

Been a bit busy with exams and stuff and haven't run since 26th Feb at the Park Run. It was a really hard run due to the head wind bat here's what the result email said...

Congratulations on completing your 5th parkrun and your 5th at Edinburgh today. You finished in 225th place and were the 139th gent out of a field of 230 parkrunners and you came 19th in your age category SM35-39.

Another lame result but a finish none the less.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 57min 32sec

2011-02-23T23:03:00.000-08:00

This run was bloody awful this morning. There was a ridiculous headwind in the meadows and I really struggled running up to Bruntsfield. Eventually I had to stop. I only walked for about 30m but that felt like a bit of a failure.

Ran the rest of the way and still beat my last time but now beginning to realise that the marathon is going to be a real daunting task.

Yikes.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 57min 56sec - * NEW SHOES *

2011-02-21T22:52:00.000-08:00

So today was my first run in the new shoes. They were a bit sore to begin with but I think that was more to do with them being new than anything else. As the run went on they got better and there was no numbness this time.

Don't quite know what happened from Brunstfield down to Harrison Park but I seemed to get a second wind and everything suddenly seemed to improve. Posture, stride and speed - all much better and that's probably where I made up the 2 mins this week.

Anyway, another long run out of the way.

Edinburgh results for event #66. Your time was 34:30

2011-02-19T05:08:00.000-08:00

So another day at the Park Run with sleet and sore feet. Spent the first 2km training a fat run-walker and that really pissed me off. However over took and thankfully was far from last in comparison to previous events. Here's the feedback...

Congratulations on completing your 4th parkrun and your 4th at Edinburgh today. You finished in 174th place and were the 120th gent out of a field of 184 parkrunners and you came 19th in your age category SM35-39.
Congratulations on setting a new Personal Best by 00:41 seconds at Edinburgh parkrun!

So 4 PBs in a row. Pretty pleased with that. Also my new shoes arrived today so will let them on the street on Monday and see if the sore foot problem is sorted. Fingers (and toes) crossed.

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 31min 17sec

2011-02-16T22:40:00.000-08:00

Stretch Split - 7min 27sec

Overall this run was faster today and that's encouraging however, I was gutted yesterday to find that Simon is now running his 5kms in 25 minutes. Even at my fittest I have never run this fast. And then my feet didn't hurt anywhere near as much as they do now.

Oh well, I decided yesterday to order a new pair of trainers so when those arrive I'll see if it's my shoes... or whether I'm just fat and slow!

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 1hour 0min 12sec

2011-02-14T22:54:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this was slooooooow.

But I figured it's about time that I put up my distance. My new book on marathon running appeared yesterday and put the shits up me a bit so thought I should get back on track. It was ok from the breathing and thigh point of view but my feet were sore again quite early on. Then a weird thing happened... my right foot went numb.

It stayed like that from about Lauriston Place until Bruntsfield which was quite distracting as it was already really icy I was convinced I was going to trip up and do some proper damage. Fortunately I could walk it off at the end but it was all a bit odd.

Edinburgh results for event #65. Your time was 35:11

2011-02-13T02:23:00.000-08:00

This weeks results...

Congratulations on completing your 3rd parkrun and your 3rd at Edinburgh today. You finished in 255th place and were the 151st gent out of a field of 259 parkrunners and you came 17th in your age category SM35-39.
Congratulations on setting a new Personal Best by 00:59 seconds at Edinburgh parkrun!

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 31min 32sec

2011-02-09T23:12:00.000-08:00

Stretch split - 7min 24sec

Slow again today but main issue was how sore the soles of my feet were. It's definitely becoming a problem. I'm not out of breath, my legs don't hurt etc. It's all just my feet that's the issue. Had a look at the soles of my shoes and they are looking pretty worn. Perhaps I should think about new ones. Also really need to start going up my distances soon.

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 31min 52sec

2011-02-07T22:58:00.000-08:00

Stretch Split - 7min 24sec

So this started off pretty good. Thought I was on for a record time. However feet started hurting again - a bit later than usual - but by the time I was at the cinema they were really sore. Have dropped 8lb in the previous 2 weeks so surprised they are still hurting. Will continue to lose weight and if they continue to hurt I'll need to get new shoes. Booo.

Edinburgh results for event #64. Your time was 36:10

2011-02-05T08:33:00.001-08:00

Did the Park Run today again. Here's my result...

Congratulations on completing your 2nd parkrun and your 2nd at Edinburgh today. You finished in 201st place and were the 128th gent out of a field of 205 parkrunners and you came 17th in your age category SM35-39.
Congratulations on setting a new Personal Best by 01:16 seconds at Edinburgh parkrun!

Bit better than last time but still pish.

Ran back from Karen's - 4.5km - 31min 38sec

2011-02-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

Was round at a friends house tonight and since I hadn't run for a while I thought I should take my running stuff and run home. Unfortunately, it was raining on the way home and I was carrying a back pack so it was a bit tough. However, time was ok and I'm glad I did it.

Park run again on Saturday...

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - untimed

2011-01-23T22:38:00.000-08:00

This was awful today. I'm glad it wasn't timed as it would have been slow as anything. My feet were agony the whole way round and my left shin started hurting. It's all probably due to the fact that I'm the heaviest I can remember. Need to do something about this... and soon.

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 30min 11sec

2011-01-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

Stretch split - 7min 19sec

So this run was A LOT faster than the last couple of times I've done it. Don't really know why although I did get off to a faster start than normal. Feet weren't as sore although I was feeling a bit spent by the time I reached the cinema. However, I'm pretty pleased that things seem to be improving.

Edinburgh results for event #61. Your time was 37:26

2011-01-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

So did my first Park Run. Although the stats say I came last I know I out sprinted a girl at the end of the race so I guess she wasn't registered! Oh well, this is what the email said...

Congratulations on completing your 1st parkrun and your 1st at Edinburgh today. You finished in 183rd place and were the 110th gent out of a field of 183 parkrunners and you came 8th in your age category SM35-39.

Think I can do better next weekend?

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 33min 42sec

2011-01-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

This was a horrible run this morning. I've not run for 6 days for a start but also there was some more snow at the weekend and it made the conditions terrible. As it's all started melting the pavements were super-slidey. Think I probably ran about 1000m more just from my sideways skidding.

That aside my feet were also killing me and I almost stopped near the cinema but managed to make it to the end. Terrible time too.

All in all a bit shit... but at least I ran.

The Great Shoe Debate

2011-01-05T01:35:00.001-08:00

So, you're supposed to change your shoes every 500miles or so. My feet become agony on the soles after about 2miles. The soles of the shoes don't look too bad and I've only done 420km in them (about 300miles).

So, should I just get new ones as my feet are sore? Or, should I just continue until I get to 500miles?

Any ideas?

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 33min 31sec

2011-01-05T01:23:00.000-08:00

Very slow this morning. I guess the second run always is. Feet were pretty sore again and I'm thinking I should have a look at the soles and see how their baring up as I might need new shoes.

Alternatively, I might just be too fat and shifting some pounds will make more of a difference than spending more money on shoes!

Also going to start back on the bike again. Simon's back from NZ and I suspect he'll be hankering for some bike action. Will be good for me to be schooled on the saddle for the next few months!

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - untimed

2011-01-03T00:15:00.000-08:00

So I've realised that I've not run for about 5 weeks now and with Xmas and New Year in amongst that I'm reckoning that I've also put on about a stone. Fortunately, our scales have stopped working so I've no way of knowing exactly how much I weight right now...

Having said that my feet told me this morning that I need to drop some pounds as they hurt pretty much the whole way round. Other than that it was an ok run. Slow but pretty much pain free and no breathing issues. Then again, this route is short and flat and I ran at a snails pace.

Now that I've started though, I'll need to keep it up as the Marathon is now only 9 months away and I've spent the last few farting about.

Bruntsfield Loop - 4.5km - untimed

2010-11-30T10:14:00.000-08:00

Don't quite know what possessed me to go out in the snow today and run? There was about a foot on the ground and it was still snowing heavily as I trudged round Edinburgh.

Although quite trecherous, I'm sure it was good training however, I didn't really push it for fear of breaking something. At least I went out and the take home message is that if I can run in that then I can run in anything. Got a day off on Thursday so will WILL go out again.

Cramond Causeway - 5km - Untimed

2010-11-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

Through a whole bunch of misfortunate incidents including - tiredness, hungoverness, sciatica, calf pain and general laziness - I've not run in about 3 weeks.

I'd decided to get back on it on Sunday 28th Nov and unfortunately this coincided with the worst snow fall in 17 years. The run was ok but the first half was into a head wind with sleet and snow flying into our faces. Didn't even make it to the end of the esplanade and turned back around the half way mark. The way back was much nicer! Only one slip while turning to blow and air hanky - but I guess I was asking for it.

Once back at the car park Graham got his new 2.4 child carrier stuck and thankfully some bloke gave us a tow up the hill (to where I'd sensibly parked). The drive home was crazy and almost bought it head on into a Honda Jazz (I hate those cars) but managed to do some Iceman manoeuvers to get out the way. Then at about 200m from the the flat at 3mph crashed into some scaffolding. Luckily the curb prevented anything serious from happening.

The car has been buried where I left it ever since... and it's now Tuesday!

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 54min 14sec

2010-11-02T00:27:00.000-07:00

Smilers
Wet, dark and windy but still got up and ran before work
Not out of breath and fastest time this year
Hip occasional twinge only

Spoilers
Wet Leaves everywhere
Sore feet at Toll Cross (and now)

Major Spoiler
Had to stop in the Bruntsfield Hotel for a poo!

Don't have much more to say than what's written above except to say that this was a good reminder that eating a spicy chicken pizza the night before a run is a stupid idea. If id hadn't been for the nice (albeit grumpy) night porter at the Bruntsfield I may have gone off running altogether.

Will start the 10k distance next week... promise.

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - untimed

2010-10-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

Ran with Graham again today. Forgot my watch but it was quite nice to jog without worrying about time. Took Thursday off as I'd been getting a bit of a right shin splint. Thankfully it seems to have worked out well as managed to chat with Graham the whole run without being too sore or out of breath.

Was supposed to start my 10k long runs this week but am going to do 7.5km again and start 10k next week.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 54min 46sec

2010-10-25T23:03:00.000-07:00

Stretch Split - 7min 14sec

Smilers
Rain
Good time
Thighs good
Hip less sore
No ankle pain

Spoilers
Feet very heavy from Lauriston to the Meadows
Back pain through Bruntsfield and breathing felt tight here too which is a first.

Ok so first you might have noticed that I've put "Rain" in the smilers section and that's the plan from now on. If the weather is bad and I got out running in it then that's a plus. Not a happy thing in the conventional sense but I think it'll proof useful in the long run (no pun intended).

The run itself felt generally slow and I really struggled round the University. Thighs didn't hurt but legs really felt heavy and I thought of stopping a few times. Really felt like I was dragging myself round Potterrow and the Meadows but the run up to Bruntfield felt the easist it's been so far and quite quick, however, I paid the price at the top and my back was hurting and my chest was tight from breathing hard. Those two things haven't happened before so I'll have to keep an eye on those - especially my back.

Anyway, both surprised and pleased at the time. Still not very fast but at least things are going in the right direction.

Another plus is that a mate is also signed up for Berlin which is encouraging.

Last 7.5km long run. Might have to make this one of my short runs soon.

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - 43min 45sec

2010-10-24T04:14:00.000-07:00

Half Way Split - 22min 24sec

Went out early to Cramond with the camera. Took my running stuff and went running after the sun had come up. Graham has taken a trip to the West Coast today so I was running alone.

Have to say that apart from kicking a stone block when I was stretching, it was quite a good run. The split felt pretty slow but I was surprised at the time. Tried to push it on the way back and although I beat my fastest time by about 2 mins I'm paying the price now. My left hip is really sore now. And worse... I've got to spend the day sitting on a chair studying. Crap.

One thing also noted - I ran faster without Graham but I think that's because I talk when I'm with him which is probably better for me.

Another plus is that I'm 9 for 9 on the running front. I've so far stuck to the timetable for my marathon ambitions. Hopefully, I can keep it up.

Bruntsfield Loop - 4.5km - 32min 36sec

2010-10-21T22:45:00.000-07:00

Stretch Split - 6min 55sec

Smilers
Fast split
Thighs fine
Proper fartlek from Stretch to Tollcross
Sciatica better

Spoilers
Rain and wet leaves
Sore feet from Tollcross all the way to Napier
Sore ankles from Tollcross all the way to Napier
Sore calves from Tollcross all the way to Napier

Actually quite a crap run this morning. The climb out of Tollcross was rubbish and I really struggled. Reminded me of the first time I ran round the Seat. Couldn't believe how sore things were. In fact I think this might have been the worse run I've done since starting training. Really didn't enjoy it at all.

At least it's out the way for another week.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 56min 51sec

2010-10-18T23:09:00.000-07:00

Started out slow this morning. In fact the only thing that got me out of bed was the realization that yesterday I signed up for the 38th Berlin Marathon.

Reached the stretch post at 7min 42sec which was supremely slow but I wasn't really looking for a good time. Cruised down to Tollcross and again by the time I was on Lauriston Place my feet were really sore. This seemed to improve by the Meadows and then up to Bruntsfield seemed to pass by in seconds. Can't remember what I was thinking about at the time but seemed to switch off for about 5 mins. I'd probably gone back to sleep.

The run back to the park felt great and I'm sure I could have done a few extra km if I'd had the time. Was surprised that I beat last week's time by 2 mins since I wasn't even out of breath at the end.

Left hip uncomfortable but less sore and right ankle now just annoying more that anything else.

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 28min 31sec

2010-10-17T12:13:00.001-07:00

Was in a really bad mood last night and this morning felt totally pissed off with life in general. Hate the fact I'm have to study for exams at almost 36 years old. It's really getting me down and I would much rather be out with the camera etc.

Anyway, texted Graham last night saying I wasn't up for running this morning and sure enough I decided to bail. However, as the day went on I began to feel more and more guilty about not running. Especially since I only had a short run left to do this week. So at 1830 put on my gear and did the short run.

It was awful. Couldn't do my stretches properly as the streets were quite busy and so rushed everything. Stretch split at 6min 54sec which was ok but by Tollcross I was spent. Had excruciating calves and sore feet and by the end of the run I couldn't feel my right foot at all. Took about 10mins to get the feeling back. The Canal part was more of a shuffle than a sprint and I could hear my wheeze even with my headphones in.

I know that it's mainly the weight that's causing all the issues here but I'm hoping that begins to come off as I increase my distances and move to 4 runs per week in the next few months.

Anyway, at least I went out and ran but I think there are a couple of lessons here.

1. Don't change your stretching routine - and do it properly
2. Always run in the morning
3. Stick to the timetable no matter what

Having said that... 38th Berlin Marathon - Entries Open Tomorrow

Bruntsfield Loop - 4.5km - 31min 20sec

2010-10-13T22:47:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to stop doing the Canal loop as it's pitch black and I can't see anything when I run along it. Last night I plotted a different 4.5km route. This new route goes up to Polworth and then along to the "Stretching Post", down to Toll Cross then up the hill to Bruntsfield. From there down Collington Rd until Gray's Loan and then back along to Harrison Rd.

It started off great and I was at the stretch at 6min 52sec which is the fastest yet. However, once I got down to Toll Cross I realised I was going to have to climb the hill up to Bruntsfield and that was really hard work. Running back down Collington felt knackering and the last 200m or so to the Park was so slow.

Looked at the watch when I got to the finish and I was disappointed by the time. I couldn't believe I was so much slower than the canal run. Granted that loop doesn't have a hill in it but still there was a 3 - 4min difference. So when I got back to the flat I re-plotted the canal loop and upsettingly, the Canal Loop is only 4km!

Disheartening but hey. At least this new route is probably better for me and for training.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 55min 51sec

2010-10-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

So quite a bit faster this morning. 7min 25sec to the stretch split and then the rest of the way was pretty straight forward.

Foot pains on Lauriston but they went away by Potterow and climb to Bruntsfield seemed ok too. However, has a stick from Tesco all the way back to the Park which was unfortunate.

Still far to heavy and although some weight has come off in the last couple of weeks I can't help thinking that it's not doing my joints any good and it definitely isn't helping my time.

What can I say? I love eating.

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - 47min 6sec

2010-10-10T05:04:00.001-07:00

There was a mega headwind along the esplanade this morning. We started out really slow and this ended up being more of a jog than a run. The split was 25mins and change and it really felt quite slow.

However, the way back was fine and due to the slow pace we were able to talk for the whole run unlike last week. Towards the end we were actually running but still the overall time was quite a bit slower than last week. Oh well. Don't suppose it matters since overall it felt like a better run.

Hip not too bad but now right ankle really playing up. Broke that when I was a kid pretty badly and have horrible memories of a black rubber gas mask being forced onto my face in A&E to put me to sleep so that they could pull everything straight.

...But it's not straight. No wonder it still hurts 25 years later.

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 28min 3sec

2010-10-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

This run started ok. I reached the stretch split at 7min 14sec. Hip was feeling ok until the end but as usual feet were hurting around Toll Cross and really bad at Cargo and the cobbles.

The fast part along the canal was completely black and I couldn't see where I was running so I'm blaming that for the lack of a sub-28min time. By the end I was knackered and I'm glad I only need to do one more run this week and it's not the long one - although it is with Graham so that will probably deliver the pain... again.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 58min 58sec

2010-10-04T23:11:00.000-07:00

So this is the first time in ages I've run this loop. For the next month it's going to constitute my "long run".

Having said that, it was really tough. I didn't try to run quickly, just get round without stopping. I got to the split at 7min 47sec which was quite poor but that bloody left hip of mine was really playing up. In fairness I should have expected that as it's sore all day long now and really plays up when I'm sitting at work all day.

Anyway, at Lauriston place I was going really slowly but down Potterrow and the Meadow's wasn't too bad. However, by the time I got up to Bruntsfield I was really struggling and that was the theme all the way home despite it being down hill.

Did all my stretches afterwards but my hip is going to be an issue for weeks to come I think.

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - 45min 35sec

2010-10-03T04:05:00.000-07:00

This was horrible.

I don't know what was going on but I really struggled. On the way back ended up having to slow down and at points walk/run. As usual, Graham seemed to be cruising without much bother.

Legs weren't particularly sore. Feet were alright. Ankles a bit uncomfortable from the camber. Hip not really playing up (although it is now). But the main issue was my breathing. I was out of breath the whole run and felt really wheezy. Don't know if it was because I had an ibuprofen before the run - can make asthmatics wheezy you know!

But I'm not asthmatic. Just unfit.

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 27min 46sec

2010-09-30T22:40:00.001-07:00

So the alarm went off this morning at 0530 and I felt a horrible twinge in my left buttock. Over the last few days my backside has been getting sorer and sorer and to some extent I was dreading this mornings run. I'm sure it's my hip and the last thing I need is a hip problem or some bloody sciatica.

Anyway, as I looked at my phone which now said 0537 I almost turned over and went back to sleep. However, I remembered a conversation I had last night at an ENT conference which went like this...

"So, I'm thinking of doing the Edinburgh Marathon next year"

"Why are you doing that one?"

"Dunno?"

"Cause my mate did the Berlin one last year and it was much more of an incentive and there's a great picture of her at the finish line holding a huge jug of beer!"

I think she might have had a point as I haven't really been that enthused about running along the coast and back. All I can think about is the Edinburgh Half marathon last year and how dull a route it was. So with that Berlin in mind I limped out of bed and got onto the street.

The run to the stretch was much faster - 7min 04sec. Cut almost 40sec of that time. It felt good up until Toll Cross and my feet really started hurting again. Once I battled through the cobbles at Cargo I got up to the first bridge and then moved up to a run instead of a jog and managed to make it all the way back at that speed again. However, at that part my hip started hurting and I think that might be the cause of it all.

I guess I really need to keep and eye on it and make sure I'm stretching it out properly each run. Hip problems at age 35 would spell disaster. Anyway, overall time was over a minute faster and if I could run at this pace for a 10k or a half marathon I'd do the following times...

10km - 61min 35sec

Half Marathon - 2hours 9min

Not bad but at this stage highly unlikely. Guess I'll just keep plodding away.

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 28min 51sec

2010-09-27T22:46:00.000-07:00

Stretch Split - 7min 41sec

So this run really surprised me this morning. I started this as a fartlek run and I was supposed to be a jog down to Toll Cross and then a run/jog along the canal. Last time I did it I managed to divide the canal bit into 2 runs and 2 jogs. This morning I jogged up until the first bridge and then ran the rest of the way.

Ultimately, I'd like to be able to run at that speed for the whole route which I think is a reasonable ambition. One thing that did give me a fright though is that I was reading the Triathlete's Bible last night and it reckons that in the weeks before an Ironman you should be doing 35 hours of training a week. That's like a full time job almost.

Crazy.

Arthur's Seat Loop - 5km - 38min 46sec

2010-09-26T07:11:00.000-07:00

So this is the first timed run I've done in ages. I decided it would be worth doing as I'm not sure exactly how bad I've become at running. Funnily enough it wasn't my worst time round the Seat. Kinda surpised.

It was still quite horrible and now that we have got into the habit of starting the run at St Margaret's Loch there is no warm up - just a ridiculously steep hill that knackers me straight off the bat. There was some talk of altering the route etc so we'll see what happens with the Sunday Run in the future.

Of note - freezing and glad I had gloves. Crap though - feet really hurting. Hope I don't need new trainers again. Perhaps should have been keeping a note of how many miles I've put into these ones over last year.

Canal Loop - 4.5km - Untimed

2010-09-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm back on the road now. Recently I've been trying to improve my speed and actually run instead of jog. As part of this I've been doing this wee loop out to Toll Cross and then back along the canal. During the canal part I've been doing a sort of fartlek and I've really noticed a difference.

Today, I managed to run the length of the canal with only 2 "running" sections were as previously I've had to divide it up in to 4 and 5 parts. The hope is that I can actually get up to calling myself a "Runner" instead of a poor excuse for a social jogger. A few more weeks of this and I should be able to move onto a marathon-type training program as it looks like I'm going to need a minimum of 26 weeks serious effort to pull this off.

Oh well, at least I've got a project for the winter now!

HERE WE GO AGAIN....

2010-09-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

This has been a lame-ass year. After dropping 2.5 stone for the wedding I have eaten and slothed my way back into obesity. As a token gesture to former fitness I signed up for the Glasgow 2010 10km road race and put in a blisteringly poor time of almost 80 minutes!

80 MINUTES!!!!!!!! To run 10km. In the words of Eric Cartman "WEAK!"

So that's it. I've had enough. I'm getting back on the road. Since then I've run about 3 times. Only 4.5km at a time but it's a start. The training starts in earnest tomorrow and I'm going to start trying to build up speed first and then distance as I never really managed the other way round. There's about 10 months till the Edinburgh Marathon and I might just be tempted to make that my goal for 2011 and "run through" all the shorter races that I missed out on this year.

Get on it Chunk.

Meadows Loop - untimed

2010-02-08T08:26:00.001-08:00

Soooooo after far too much eating, almost no training in 4 months and 2 stone of weight gain I decided to get back into it today. I've decided that I'll be doing the Stirling Tri again this year although I really should do some half marathons and other road races too. Perhaps I should actually join a club this year.

Anyway, went out on the pavement at 5:45am this morning and happily made it round my old 7.5km route. Legs etc felt fine and was surprisingly not out of breath but it was super slow - didn't time it for fear of having a dreadful time. Thinking of going out again tomorrow but perhaps that might be fool-hardly. We'll see...

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52:22

2009-10-19T23:32:00.000-07:00

First run in over 4 weeks and surprisingly I could still do the distance.

Felt OK to begin with and it wasn't till Lauriston Rd before my legs began to slow down. The Meadows part dragged a wee bit and on the uphill I felt quite out of breath. Knees were hurting by Napier so I just cruised the last bit. Mind you still relatively fast - 3 mins faster than last time I ran it.

Mind you, it's getting cold and I did notice it today. Motivation is going to be the issue in coming weeks.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 55:31

2009-09-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

A very slow run yesterday. Just cruising but haven't run for about 2 weeks so wanted to take it easy. Felt really slow but legs felt ok. Feet were very painful and I was also quite out of breath. The uphills felt hard too. Guess I need to get back to a 3-times-a-week routine.

9 days till the wedding.

Glasgow 10km - 1:05:23

2009-09-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

Oh well.

Was really trying to get sub-60 but at least I improved on both the Edinburgh and Balfron times... not by much but an inprovement none the less. Graham did well today. Infact, as I crossed the line I felt a slap on my shoulder. It would appear that he'd kept up with me for the whole race and I only just tipped him at the line. Good to know that we run at the same speed for future races/training etc.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 48:09

2009-08-30T02:24:00.000-07:00

This is possibly going to be my last run before the 10km race in Glasgow as I'm on nights next week and the chances of squeezing one in before then is unlikely.

Fortunately, I posted a good time (my fastest I think) and that's made me happy but I really had to work at it and I went out too fast and paid the price on the return leg. I'll need to be smarter next sunday if I'm going to do it in under an hour but my mate assures me that it's flat so that should also help. Fingers crossed.

Yup - just checked - this is my fastest time by 11 seconds. Nice.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 48min 57secs

2009-08-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

Well well,

I was pretty surprised with this time. Didn't think I'd get down to this in so short a time. I guess the weight loss is what's done that. Pretty pleased with this. Need to get in at least 3 more loops before the Glasgow 10km.

Please Please Please sub 60min!!!! (Which means I would have to do this loop in under 45 mins).

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52min 47secs

2009-08-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Signed up for the Glasgow 10km in 2 weeks time and realised that I've not run in ages. So got up yesterday at a very horrible 5am and went out to pound the streets.

It was actually not too bad. Knee was fine and there was no point where I was out of breath.

Lovely actually.

48 hours till next run.

Haddington Cycle - 84km - untimed

2009-08-16T13:31:00.000-07:00

Simon and I blew the dust off the bikes and headed down the coast to Aberlady and then up into the hills towards Haddington. Haven't been on the bike for ages so was glad to get out on it again.

However, horrific head wind. Surely must have been topping out at 50km/h. By the time we were back near the city the legs were burning. Had to stop for a bit of cake on the Portobello esplanade which was well deserved. After that, only managed 10 metres to the next doorway which happened to be a pub... so we had a pint.

Back into Leith followed by the climb up Leith Walk which I always hate. Again it was made worse by the head wind but finally it ended.

Have had a headache ever since.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52mins 16sec

2009-07-19T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I've not been running since the Triathlon so I thought it was about time that I got back into it. Ironically since all my training stopped I've been steadily losing weight thanks to the South Beach Diet and I think that might have something to do with today's time.

I really took it easy but my legs felt amazing and I wasn't out of breath at all. Unfortunately, my right knee started hurting on the way back through the Meadows and I'm quite worried that it starts to play up again. None the less pleased all the same since this was the 5th fastest time I've done this run - and I've been off the running for about 6 weeks. I guess the weight loss has been the biggest factor.

Cycle - Gullane and back - 70km untimed

2009-06-14T22:56:00.000-07:00

Did this with Simon yesterday. Was good fun and we certainly got the best of the day as there was thunder storms and all sorts later. Simon was trying out his new bike "Sasha" and it made for a much more pleasant ride than the last time we went to North Berwick as he was on a mountain bike which was considerably slower.

Stopped for one or two pictures en route then at Gullane Golf Course turned round and headed back to Edinburgh. We spilt up near the city and I went through Duddingston which had a significant uphill section. However, legs felt really good and I think that the recent weight loss has had a massive effect on how well I can cycle.

Keep it up Dude.

Stirling Triathlon - 1:40:31

2009-06-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I'm pleased. 3 mins faster than last year. I'm sure the weight loss that did more for my time than any training I'd done. Here's the breakdown....

Position - 197 (last year 196)

Time - 1:40:31 (last year 1:43:39)

Swim + T1 - 20:58 (last year 18:48)

Cycle - 44:20 (last year 46:47)

T2 - 1:02 (last year 1:07)

Run - 34:25 (last year 36:57)

So overall a better time for everything except the swim which is unsurprising since the last time I swam was LAST YEAR'S TRIATHLON!!! Please with the cycle since there was a horrid head wind this year too so I'm glad I knocked 2:27 off the time. Also pleased with the run although I thought I was going to have a much longer time than this.

Most important is that I wasn't last in category this year.

Next year..... 1:30.

Meadow's Loop - 7.5km - 53mins 20sec

2009-05-20T22:47:00.000-07:00

I pretty much just went out for a jog this morning as my legs had been a bit sore since the fart-lek on Tuesday and also I played an hour of badminton last night (there was only three of us so plenty of one-on-two action which is always hard work... but good fun).

About half way round I though "this is the best that my legs have ever felt" and I was pleased by that. The time, however, was a good 5 mins off my best and that was disappointing but I suppose I wasn't really trying and there was plenty in the tanks.

One thing that is getting much more obvious is that my recovery time for a run like that is minutes now. My breathing goes back to normal almost as soon as I stop which I guess indicates improved CV fitness. I wonder what my BP and heart rate are doing? Perhaps I should find and blow the dust off my heart rate monitor!!

17 days till the Stirling Triathlon. Quite excited. 1:42 to beat from last year.

Meadows Loop (Fart-Lek) - 7.5km - 52min 49sec

2009-05-20T22:44:00.000-07:00

This was the first time that I'd ever tried fart-lek properly. I tried to sprint-run the whole way but eventually it became sprint-walk then run-walk then hobble-walk. I can definitely see the advantage to it but to be honests it's really horrible and making the effort to do it once a week it going to be hard.

We'll see.

North Berwick and Back - 80km - untimed

2009-05-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Bailed on the Loch Leven half marathon out of sheer laziness so punished myself by getting on the bike and cycling into the wind for 40km. Was originally planning to take the train back up but since the wind was behind me I decided to got for it on the bike.

Good fun but not too pleasant by the time I got to Arthurs Seat on the way back - ended up with cramp IN MY THIGH. So weird. Had to stop on the hill for a bit and then slowly cruised home for some much needed water.

Legs feel fine today so quite happy with that. Need to do a LOT more as I've got the triathlon in less than 3 weeks.

Dunfermline Half Marathon - 2:30:54

2009-05-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

Well that's another one in the bag.

This was a mixed bag today. There was not that many people there and it was a 2 loop course. Things started out ok and overall the first lap was relatively straight forward but it became apparent there were a significant number of hills and the second time around they made their gradient felt.

On top of that it was a late (11am) start and the sun was beating down. I had to take two bottles from every water station - one to drink from and the other one to pour over myself. The salt in my eyes became quite annoying and it wasn't long before I couldn't wait till the end.

However there were some good points...

1. I managed to overtake and beat a girl that whomped my ass at the Edinburgh Half Marathon

2. The legs felt better this time and my ankle/achilles didn't give me as much jip as I thought it would

3. I got another medal.

4. I managed to overtake several people in the last 2 - 3 miles.

5. I beat Arfon (sorry mate)

6. Although my time was slower than the Edinburgh Half I feel the victory was mine due to all the hills etc.

Loch Leven Half Marathon in 6 days.... if I'm up for it!

Results

Fastest time - 1:06:59
Slowest time - 3:03:43

Stuart - 1:37:49 position 141
Zain - 2:30:54 postion 646
Arfon - 2:52:48 position 660

Well done everyone.

Long random loop - 17.3km - 2hours 8min 5sec

2009-05-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

This was a post race training run but at the same time was a pre-half marathon training run. All in all it was quite good. Totally relaxed and I totally ran at a really easy pace. My left achilles was agony again but stayed consistantly shit the whole way round. I guess it's something I'm going to have to put up with for the duration of this "season".

Anyway, glad I got another run in. Two more halfs in the next 10 days so we'll see how they go.

Edinburgh 10km - 1hour 7mins 07sec

2009-05-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

Another race. Another Medal.

This had potential to be a really great run. The atmosphere was amazing and there were about 10,000 runners. It reminded me of the City to Surf in Australia. However, there were loads of problems.

First, the number of people meant that the place was rammed. The runner never actually began until the top of the mound so we walked for ages. Then at the bottom of the mound there was a bottle neck at the National Gallery so we were actually reduced to waiting for people to squeeze through. On that narrow path along Princes St Gardens people were already walking and instead of keeping to the side they were walking in pairs and threes... WIDTH-WISE! Morons.

As the race went on this was a running theme (no pun intended) - people stopping infront of you without moving to the side. This meant a lot of side stepping and dodging. At one point I had to avoid a line of real tubsters who were walking around Arthur's Seat with t-shirts on which had "Running for *someone*" written on the back. Running???? Bollocks! They were simply there as obstacles for actual runners. I think it's admirable for "fun-runners" to do these things for charity but there should be some sort of etiquette for when people walk like "Keep Left" or "walk on the outside of the corner" etc.

Anyway, I beat my last time despite this... not by much but I still beat it so I'm happy. Here are some results...

Finishers.... 7817

Fastest - 0:28:13
Slowest - 2:01:02

Simon - 1:12:08 position 7157
Me - 1:07:07 position 6535
Isla - 0:52:18 position 2337
Sara - 0:49:03 position 1468
Cathy - 0:47:02 position 554

Dunfermline Half Marathon next week.

PS - couldn't find Natasha's result but she says that she did it in about 59mins I think.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 54min 38sec

2009-04-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

This was definitely a jog as opposed to a run. My legs felt ok but my right knee is giving me a bit of gip especially when I run on a left hand slope. Also my shoes are feeling tight over the bridge of the MTPJs and my left big toe joint is really sore. The laces are practically undone and still it's sore. Perhaps I'll put my triathlon laces on them.

Anyway, Edinburgh 10km next week and Dunfermline half marathon the week after. Hopefully they'll both go ok.

Balfron 10km - 1 hour 7mins 30 sec.

2009-04-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

One word....TOUGH!

This was really difficult. Firstly I'd not run for 10 days and secondly the route was up and down and up and down. It was bloody relentless. There was nothing to be done but to put the head down, listen to the tunes, and get to the end.

I did this with Tash and Simon and although I'm glad we all finished, I'm really worried about the Dunfermline Half Marathon as I don't know if I could have run any further today. Had a great sprint finish though so was please about that.

Our times...

Tash - 59min 59sec
Me - 67min 30 sec
Simon - 76min 50sec

Edinburgh 10km next weekend.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 48min 20sec

2009-04-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

I am desparate to run something faster than 10km/h so today I went out into the freezing fog of Edinburgh and really tried to push it.

Unsurprisingly my feet were aching within a few minutes and the more I lengthened my stride the more painful they became. Rubbish. So with that handicap I still tried to push on through and get a good time. Of course I was aiming for 45mins or less which will be a major accomplishment this year and towards the end of the run I felt that my pace was fast enough that I stood a chance of getting that time. However, I forgot how slow the start of the run was and when I looked at the stopwatch I couldn't help being pissed off with the time - even though it's the fastest I've run this route so far - 9.3km/h

Next time I do this short run I'm going to try for 9.5km/h. At the Balfron 10km I'll hopefully be able to eek out the remaining 0.5km/h and come in under 1 hour. That said I'm screwed for the Edinburgh 10km as there's about a million hills. Pure Pish.

Simon's Meadows Loops - 13.1km - 1:32:33

2009-04-13T03:43:00.001-07:00

Ran down to the Meadows today to meet Simon for a run. Tried to really run flat out on the way there but my feet were hurting loads and I did the 2.7km stretch in 17min 18sec which worked out a 9.4km/h which, although the fastest pace I've run to date, was still slow and only over a short distance. Also it means there is very little chance of me doing a 10km race this year in under 1 hour which is one of my goals.

Anyway, we ended up doing 4 laps of the Meadows before I peeled off and ran back up Polworth Terrace to the flat. The overall speed was only 8.5km/h and I'm getting quite disheartened with how little that's changed over the last few months. I'm definitely putting in the miles but I just can't seem to increase the speed. Perhaps I need to incorporate different exercise too e.g. spin classes or Fart-lek. Just don't know if I can be arsed though and that's a real problems.

Also, shifting a few pounds wouldn't hurt... easier said than done when you've got a fridge full of Easter chocolate!

First Run Post Half Marathon - partially timed.

2009-04-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

To some extent I've been dreading running again since the half marathon and the last 2 mornings that I've tried to get up and do something about that, there's been a smidgin of rain and hint of wind and that's been enough to make me go back to bed.

However, Stuart's been angling at doing some exercise for ages now and to be honest I've been putting it off as he's too fast at most things and training with him scares me. That said I agreed to go on a run with him today and the plan was he would head over to my flat and we would run from there to Arthurs Seat, round the Seat and then up to his in Braidshill.

It was too fast... and certainly too fast for my first run post-half.

My split time by the pool was 28:09 (over a minute faster than my PB at that point) and the split at the second pass of the pool was 1:12:13 (a massive 4 mins faster pace than my PB).

I was pretty spent by that point and my legs and ankles were really beginning to hurt. We ran/walk the remaining 4.5km back to Stuart's which had some horrible hills. I drank 3 pints of water when I got to his and that was a first. I've not felt that thirsty for ages and I drank far less at the end of the half.

Following a very welcome lift back to the flat I had one of the best showers ever and even now I still feel washed out. I'm happy about the times and that sort of training is what I need to improve my half marathon times and help give me a good time in the 10km races I'm doing.

By the end of the season I'd like to be able to run 10km in under an hour and get 2:15 or less for my half marathons. I think a sub 2 hour time might have to be reserved for next year!

Edinburgh Half Marathon - 2hours 28min 21sec

2009-04-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

One down.... 3 to go!

So that's the Edinburgh Half out the way and how was it I hear you ask? Tough. There's no doubt about that and although I'm glad it's over I'm really happy that I did it.

Anyway, it started over at Meadowbank Stadium and as with all these things it took a while to get going. It was really cold so everyone was crammed inside the stadium instead of going out to the track. Eventually, the call went out that the race was due to start so we traipsed out into the grounds and froze for 20mins before eventually the croud started moving.

All to soon, the start line was upon us and with a click of the stopwatch and pre-emptive salute to the camera we were off. Within minutes Matt had opened his stride and left Arfon and myself in his wake - we wouldn't see him again until the switch-back when he must have been about a mile and a half infront of me.

By the 3 mile stage I was feeling good - bored actually. Arfon was falling behind slightly and so I was stuck with nothing but my ipod and my shoes. Till this point I'd overtaken nobody and everyone else seemed to be running faster than me including 7 army blokes that had massive packs on there back (and it would take another 2 miles before I could drop them). I grabbed a quick glup of water from the water station and threw some over my head - cause that's what they do on the telly - and squirted some glucose gel into my mouth. It actually tasted not bad. Not sure if it helped any but I felt better for eating it.

I didn't see any more mile markers for ages until I reached the Racetrack at Musselburgh. A bit of a teast that - being able to see the finish but realising you're only just over half way there as the 7 mile marker drifts by. From there till the return leg was a test of mind over matter. It was soooo tough running away from the start line knowing that I would have to run all that way back again. What made it worse was that I passed Isla's mate, Sara, and then Matt who we already on the home stretch. Matt and I had a comedy relay lucozade baton swap which made me chuckle for 100 metres or so which was light relief. About half a mile later I wished that I hadn't given Matt my remaining lucozade!!!

Soon after that I was doubling back towards the Racetrack and I couldn't be happier. It definitely put a spring in my step but unfortunately it seemed to have the same effect on everyone and the girl I'd been using as a pace maker also picked up her pace. Shortly after that I saw Arfon and we had a "high five" for encouragement.

The remainder of the race became a bit of a blur. Lots of people were walking although numbers overall seemed a bit thin on the ground. I was really disturbed by the number of folk who were doing the run/walk thing and despite running the whole way I couldn't catch some of the walkers. I guess my running pace is so slow that these freaks can out-walk me. I remember grabbing another bottle of water at about the 11 or 12 mile mark but I felt sick drinking it so just chucked it over my head and this time it made sense.

Soon the finish line was in sight for the second time and this time it wasn't a tease. I'd already done some mental arithmatic earlier on and knew that if I'd been consistant with my pace then I was going to come in under the time I wanted so seeing the line spurred me on to eek out the last bits of stamina and chop off a few more seconds.

As I approached I saw Isla and KP cheering me on and got in an opportune "high five" for the camera before putting on a pathetic final sprint over the line. Matt was waiting for me with a grin and after some well deserved juice we got a hold of our medals, bananas and t-shirts. All in all I felt good. Legs were not bad and no signs of cramp and my joints felt (and still feel) fine. Could I have run further... not sure about that but I'm happy I completed the race, running all the way with a smile on my face at the finish and surely that's the main goal of any race?

Here's the details of the race...

Applicants - 4700
Finishers (within 3 hours) - 2469

______Position___Category Position___Time
Matt:___2107_______801_________2:12:09
Zain:___2371_______848_________2:28:21
Arfon:__2431_______861_________2:41:55

Next time we've got times to beat so I guess there's nothing for it but to get back out on the road again... but not till Wednesday.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 50mon 44sec

2009-04-01T00:58:00.001-07:00

This is the last run before the half marathon and it was supposed to be a short easy run... supposed to be!

Started off far too fast and that chest pain came on within seconds and lasted for a good 7 mins or so. Then my right foot started hurting and didn't really improve at all. Slowing down helped a bit but it was still there niggling away in my shoe. Before the run I checked the laces were nice and loose so I can't blame that.

I ran too quickly up Laurison Place and by the time I was on Potter Row I was out of breath and that really slowed me down round the meadows. The up hill part of the meadows were terrible because of that. Also by the time I got to Bruntsfield I had no kick for the down hill or the finish.

Happy about the time but perhaps as my last run before the race I should have taken it easier. I'm now petrified that the marathon is going to be a massive mixture of agony, tears and humiliation.

4 Days to go. Oh dear.

Random Long Route - 17.3km - 2hours 2min 28sec

2009-03-29T02:51:00.000-07:00

This is the last long run before the Half Marathon next week. Perhaps it should have been longer. Still have doubts about added on an extra 4km on the day but fingers crossed that atmosphere and adrenaline will get me to the finish line.

Knee was good during run but pain in head of right 5th MT again which is a bit of a worry. Hopefully it'll be better by the race. Speed was better too 8.47km/h. At this rate I should complete the race in about 2hours 28mins. That would be incredible. As I said before - Under 2:45 I'll be happy, under 2:30 I'd be ecstatic.

Pentland Hills Hike - 10.2km

2009-03-25T09:27:00.001-07:00

Did this hill walk today http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2667979 as I've been meaning to get myself up there for ages. It was pretty nice and I took quite a few pics which is always good. Don't know that it really counts as training but to some extent it is exercise and thus gets a mention!!!

Long Arthur's Seat Loop - 15km - 1hour 47min 10sec

2009-03-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

Got up at 5am yesterday to do this. Talk about dedication.

It was quite hard as the weather was colder than I expected but at least it wasn't raining and there was not much wind. I really went for it and it was worth it as I managed to knock almost 5 mins off my fastest time. Although I'm sure I could have gone further I was glad when I reached the end as my right knee was agony (for the first time) and my left achilles was beginning to ache - both of which would get worse over the course of the day.

Anyway, at least that's another long run in the bag and I'm looking forward to seeing how I'll do over 21km - hopefully with no hills.

Bridge Cycle - 53km - untimed

2009-03-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Went for a leisurely cycle this morning down to Leith to meet Simon then we headed out to Silverknowes and Crammond then through South Queensferry and finally over the Forth Road Bridge.

We stopped for about 10 seconds on the North Side of the Bridge and when I asked Simon if he wanted to go further he said, "Nope, I've had my fill of Fife already!" Class.

Cruised back through the various cycle paths in the North side of Edinburgh before heading back soon. Very nice morning without any urgency... but a few hills thrown in for a laugh.

Run to Meadowbank from the Lister - 3km

2009-03-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Just a jog.

Was at the Lister on Wednesday in town so took my running stuff and ran down to the stadium after that for badminton at 6pm. Nice warm up. Took my old shoes though as I didn't want to wear my new running shoes to play badminton and surprise surprise my feet were agony in about 5 mins. I guess I've proved once and for all that they should no longer be used for running.

Gym Cycle - 40 mins

2009-03-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

A wee stint in the gym on the way home from work on Tuesday. Certainly worth doing but no replacement for the real thing so I guess it's about time that I get the road bike serviced.

Very sweaty and smelly in there.

Random Route - 17.3km - 2hour 14mins 18sec

2009-03-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

Well I don't really know what the plan was supposed to be this morning but as I ran round the north side of Aruthur's Seat I realised that I couldn't be bothered doing the up hill part so I just continued on towards Meadowbank Stadium.

After running over the Bridges and round the town I ended up in the familiar territory of the Meadows and made a token effort to add a bit of extra distance by heading all the way down Morningside road before cutting back towards Collington Rd.

Soon I was home. I really took my time today and the only real goal was to run more than 15km... which I did. However, when I saw the time I couldn't help being a bit disappointed. It worked out at 7.73km per hour which means the half marathon would take me 2 hours and 42 secs (ish).

In saying that, I put down 2 hours 45min for my expected finish time so anything less than that will make me happy. I would be ecstatic if I managed to get less then 2 hours 30mins but I guess we'll see in 3 weeks.

One other good thing is that today I felt that I could manage another couple of kms... I don't know about another 4km though!

Long Arthurs Seat Loop - 15km - 1hour 51min 35sec

2009-03-11T02:03:00.000-07:00

Faster again today.

Shoes felt quite good after the first few minutes of tightness but no foot pain like before so I'm happy I bought them! Dry today and less windy and overall the run felt relatively straight forward. However, a particularly upbeat song came on the iPod while I was half way up the seat and I started sprinting which was the dumbest thing ever.

After about 50m I was so out of puff that I thought I was going to puke and ended up running so slowly that I could have walked it faster. Sometimes I wonder about the benefits of not stopping. Perhaps sometimes it would be better to walk. It might even improve my overall time as I guess I'd also be getting a rest.

Don't really want to go down that route but still...

Long Arthur's Loop - 15km - 1hour 52mins 8sec

2009-03-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

The weather was shit today but there was no choice but to get out on the road. I awoke to a snow storm and driving winds this morning whic was disheartening to say the least.

Unfortunately, although I've already run 3 times this week the've all been 7.5km runs and that means I was missing a long run. Given that the first half marathon is only 4 weeks away I really had no option but to go for it.

Thankfully there was a bit of a break in the snow and the sun came out for a bit of it. The new trainers felt good even thought they were a bit tight to begin with. I wasn't sure about doing the full 15km with the new shoes on but they performed well and I even managed to knock 5 mins off my time despite the wind and the snow.

Worryingly, I was quite spent again at the end and I still think that I don't have 21km in my legs for the half. I guess I'm going to have to spend the next 4 weeks increasing the distance a bit although I don't know if I've got the time or the inclination. Perhaps if I start putting in 2 long runs and 2 short runs on alternate days that might be enought...

We'll see.

New Shoes

2009-03-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

On the shelf...

In the bag...

On the feet...

Big improvement...

Brooks Beasts... Love 'em!

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 49min 35sec

2009-03-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

Read it and weep!

I really went hard today and it felt like it was going to be a better time. Thankfully it was and more importantly... it was sub-50 which I've been trying to get for ages. In fairness my times have been so far above that time that I thought it would be a few more weeks before I made it under the 50 mark.

What's also good is that I knocked about 3 mins off my best time so all in all a significant improvement.

The down side though (cause there's always a down side) is that my legs are now really sore. I'm supposed to be doing a long run at some point this weekend but I'm worried that I'll be too sore after todays effort (and the fact that I've already run 3 times this week).

On the plus side - weirdo chest pain thingy was much less today - about 2 mins and feet were much less sore but still causing a problem. Still unsure about the whole new shoe thing but perhaps a trip to the shop with my shoes is merited so the pros can check em out and decide if I need new ones (which I'm sure they will).

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 56min 7sec

2009-03-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

Tried to take it slow today but I still had the sore feet thing going on. It was really icy as well and in all honesty my heart wasn't in it. I actually got up at 5am to do a 15km run but it was still snowing so went back to bed until 6am then did the shorter run.

During the Meadows part I got over taken on the hill by FIVE people. First 2 old folk that looked like they were going really slow but I still couldn't catch them. Then I got beasted by 2 girls but they thankfully started walking about 100m later on and I was able to run past them. Finally a guy who looked like a proper runner soared passed me at Holy Corner.

I actually thought that the time I got was going to be longer so I'm kinda happy about that especially with all the ice on the deck. However, the foot pain is really beginning to frustrate me and I'm still getting that odd chest pain. That's coming on more frequently and usually starts at the beginning of the run before fading. The most annoying thing is that it's been there for a couple of years now and although I'm sure it's muscular, it just doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52min 58sec

2009-03-01T23:28:00.000-08:00

A wee bit faster again but feet were agony for the first half. I don't know what's going on? Maybe I'm needing new shoes and I'll have to bit the bullet. Perhaps it'll wait till March's pay cheque!!!

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 53mins 5sec

2009-03-01T02:17:00.000-08:00

Not a bad time. Felt I had quite a bit more to give so I reckon that I should be able to get a sub-50 time soon. Fingers crossed.

Long Arthurs Seat Loop - 15km - 1hour 57min 1sec

2009-02-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

Faster again today.

Seemed really good to begin with and the legs were good for most of the way round. However, on the last km or so I really felt out of steam. Once I got to my street I new running on vapour. There is no way that I could have eeked out any more metres once I was at the end.

I can only put it down to the fact that I've run 37.5km in 5 days. Perhaps I've not had enought rest in between these runs but I'm getting worried about the close proximity of the first half marathon. I hope I don't fall into that trap of injuring myself prior to the race and then being unable to compete.

Wanna squeeze in one more 15km run before the end of the week though. Perhaps I'll do it on Saturday which gives me 3 days rest.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 1hour 8 sec

2009-02-23T11:33:00.001-08:00

Took this really easy today since it was only 48 hours since my long run on Saturday. Felt really good and my legs were fine. Cruised round the course without much difficulty and appart from my right foot aching slightly everything was fine. However, it wasn't till I reached the end of the run that I realised why it things felt so good...

...my time was horrifically slow. I'd not even call it a run today - more of a jog. I guess time on the feet is more important than anything else so every run is a good one.

Afterall, it's better than not running!

Long Arthur's Seat Loop - 15km - 2hours 0mins

2009-02-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

VERY windy today.

Glad I got this out the way but it felt really difficult. I think it had something to do with the wind and it blew into my face the whole way home. Feet felt ok but my legs began to run out of steam towards the end. Last time I felt I could have gone a few more kms but this time I was spent by the time I reached the flat.

On the plus side. I chopped 5 mins off my time and I'm pleased with that. As long as that trend continues I'll be happy. 6 weeks tomorrow till the first race!

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52min 06sec

2009-02-19T09:38:00.000-08:00

Hey hey!!! Much better run this morning. In fact it's the fastest that I've ever done this run. Still only about 8.7km/h but I'm pretty happy with my feet. The right one was still a bit sore but I'd taken some voltarol before hand and slathered arnica cream on my feet a while before the run and it seemed to make all the difference.

MUST do a long run the weekend as I've just realised that I've only got 6 weeks until the first Half Marathon. Kinda dreading it but at least it will give me a good kick up the arse for the other ones I'm doing this year.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 58mins 25sec

2009-02-18T07:09:00.000-08:00

Dreadful!

Appauling!

I don't really know what else to say about it. It was shit yesterday. My feet hurt the whole way round and I was almost forced to walk (but I didn't thankfully). I've no idea what was going on but it felt like plantar faciitis. Feet still hurt when I walk and I'm worried about the next time I run. I'm supposed to be going again tomorrow morning but I don't know if my feet are up to it.

Maybe it's time for some new shoes?

Meadow's Run - 7.5km - 52min 53secs

2009-02-13T17:12:00.001-08:00

Well this felt a lot faster than normal. Instead of jogging I tried to run some of it. The first half was ok but later it got shit and I ended up jogging at lowest pace. My right achilles sucked again and the sole of my left foot was wank but I got over them both and pushed on.

The end result was a pain free cruise to the end of the run as I managed to turn up the speed at the end which is probably the only reason that I managed to beat my last time on this run by over 2 mins.

Plan next is to do the 15km run again in under 2 hours.

We'll see!!!

Leith Path Run - 10km - 1hour 15mins

2009-02-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Simon talked me into coming down to Leith today to run along the maze of paths down there.

I was up for it but to be honest I should have brought a pair of ice skates instead of trainers as there some much of the slippy stuff that we probably ended up running double the distance if you included all the side-ways action.

Anyway, glad I went. It felt quite easy and again it was non-stop. Simon said it was 15 mins faster than when he ran it last time so I was please about that.

Long Arthur's Seat Loop - 15km - 2hours 5mins

2009-02-08T05:09:00.000-08:00

Well I decided to do a proper long run today. I've been putting it off for ages but today I just got up and went.

Headed out on Gilsland then Collington and onto Strathearn Rd. Up to the Commie Pool and then round the seat and back with a wee extra bit of a loop round Polworth and Ashley to finish. I went really, REALLY slowly but the aim was not time but the fact that I could do the distance without stopping... and I did.

At the 2007 Sydney City to Surf I crawled my way round a cramp-ridden 14km course with the sun beating down bringing with it 28C temps and it was awful. I never thought I'd ever run that distance again... but today I did... and then some.

Actually it wasn't too bad and I think that I had a few more kms left in the legs. That's good news for the upcoming half marathons. Fingers crossed they go as well as todays run - or better.

Gym Running - 6.35km - 45mins

2009-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

It's been snowing a lot recently so my only options to run at the moment are to either goto the gym or buy snow shoes to run in.

I went for the former. I have to say that I'm really hating the machine and finding it so boring. It's difficult to keep going for more than about 10 mins. Threw in a bit of fart-lek at the end but it was still dull.

Must get on the road again - day off tomorrow so snow allowing I'll hit the tarmac.

Gym Cycling - 45 mins

2009-01-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

As is sounds.

Need to get more time on the "actual" bike prior to any triathlons that are coming up. Had a chat to Simon today and he's got a few triathlons that he wants to do. They're not that far in the future and so there's perhaps a bit too much training to do!

Not to mention the swim training?!?! Where's that gone?

Arthur's Seat Run - 5.3km - 37min 37secs

2009-01-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Did this run again yesterday morning with Arfon. He's getting better and had to slow up about 3 times so that I could catch up with him. He was trying for a sub-35 time but we ended up getting 37:37 and I have to say I am happy. That's the fastest time so far and I was happy. I reckon I could to sub-35 in about 2 or 3 weeks.

We'll see.

Catch Up Summary - Dec 08 to Jan 09

2009-01-26T02:06:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys,

I’ve been really bad with this blog and not written anything for 2 months! Actually, that’s not specifically true as I have written stuff elsewhere – in my “running log” which my sister bought me as a present last year (but which I’ve never used – until now).

Anyway, here’s a summary of what I’ve been up to…

29th Dec 08 - Arthur's Seat Run / 5.2km / 39min 40secs
This was a relatively easy run today and had a good downhill section. I did it with Simon and we only had to stop once on the uphill. Faster time too than the last time we did it.

30th Dec 08 - Arthur's Seat Run / 5.2km / 40min 10secs
Very frosty run today with Arfon and quite slow on the uphill as Arfon had calf agony and had to stop 3 times. Slower also on the down hill due to the frost.

1st Jan 09 - River Ness Run / 5km / Untimed Run
This is a very nice run and I previously did my fastest 5km time on this (around 28mins I think) last time I was up visiting Matt and Kristin. Today was mind over matter though as we'd had quite a big night as it was New Year's Eve and only gone to bed at 3am. I started the run at 8am and I'm sure I was in the middle of being both hungover and still drunk. Thankfully, I took the camera with me and managed to take quite a few snaps which broke up with run.

Very slow but very, very enjoyable and a good start to the New Year.

4th Jan 09 - Arthur's Seat Run / 5.2km / 38min 13secs
Solo run today where I really tried to get a good time. Arfon had done it the day before in 37min and 46secs but alas I was unable to get under the elusive 38 minutes. It felt very tough and my feet were sore and my right achilles tendon was playing up as it has tended to do recently.

Didn't take the iPod and unfortunately got the song "It's not what you do but the way that you do it" stuck in my head which was the correct tempo for the run but very, very annoying.

5th Jan 09 - Running Machine / 5km / 35min 02secs
This was a confusingly difficult run in the gym today. I don't know why. I was only running at 8.7km/h on zero gradient and still I struggled. Sole of my left foot became sore but my left ankle/foot was fine. Need more music for running as I'm getting a bit bored of what's on the iPod.

13th Jan 09 - Uni/Meadow/Morningside Run / 10km / 1hour 22mins 4secs
This was a totally confusing run. Originally, I had planned to run round the Meadows and then back to the flat. As I'm not from Edinburgh it's very easy to get lost... and I did. I ran up past the University then found the Meadows then ended up in Bruntsfield and then Morningside. Next I ended up on Collinton Road heading out towards the Bypass. Finally, I found my way back to Polworth Terrace and then to the flat.

The time was dreadful but it was incredibly icy and I found myself sliding about the pavements and roads. HOWEVER, I did the whole thing without stopping and although the time for 10km was awful (7.3km/h) the fact I didn't stop is a major achievement.

15th Jan 09 - EICC/Meadows Run / 8km / 57min 31secs
Ran down to the EICC to meet Arfon who had figured out that from his flat round the Meadows is a perfect 5km. Unfortunately, I had already run almost 2km by the time I met him so when we started to run together he spent a lot of time slowing down in order for me to keep up. My left sole was hurting again and I really struggled to keep up with him but the speed was much faster than my run on the 13th (8.4km/h).

At the end of the Meadows he trotted home and I still had to run up to Bruntsfield and then home. Glad it was over when I got to the flat!

25th Jan 09 - Meadows Loop / 8.2km / 1hour 2min 39secs
This was actually an OK run and I was surprised that I could run for that length of time without stopping having spent the last week on holiday in Les Arcs. Perhaps it was the altitude training but to be honest I didn't ride perticularly hard all week due to a mixture of conditions and abilities - and although I took my running stuff, I didn't run once. Shame on me.

Incidently, the Chris Hoy Half Marathon confirmation arrived while I was away and that's spurred me on to be more dedicated. There's no bailing out now!

26th Jan 09 - Bruntsfield/Morningside Run / 6.1km / 44min 50secs
This run was really just a challenge to see if I could do 2 runs in 2 days. This was quite a short one and I took an easy pace but there was loads of hills and was more concerned with doing it non-stop than the time taken. Only 8.1km/h but hey?

Need to get the distance up though now as the first half marathon I'm doing is in April and it's almost February! Yikes.

Anyway, that's the summary to date. All running you'll note but the bike still needs to go to the shop for a service and swimming?!?! well that's self explanatory.

Running Machine - 30 mins - 4.34km

2008-11-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

So the plan with the running machine is to get faster and to run for longer. I appreciate that it's not the same as road running but it's a useful tool. At the moment I'm doing 8.6km/h and plan to increase it by 0.1 every run and once I've reached the 5km mark on the machine I'll start increasing the time by 5 minutes each day.

We'll see what happens!

North Berwick Cycle - 40km - 1 Hour 59 mins

2008-11-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

Tash and I did this 2 weeks ago. It was a great ride but really more of a gossip and catch up than any kind of training ride.

It was great to be out on the coast road down to North Berwick and there was loads of other cyclists and not much in the way of traffic. I'd never been down that neck of the woods and the scenery just made the miles disappear without even realising it.

The plan is to do this again but at speed but after deciding that we opted to jump on the train back to Edinburgh and have a quick coffee with some more chat and banter. All in all a really nice day out on the tarmac.

One annoying this is that the rear derailier on the Trek is playing up really badly since the Glasgow-Edinburgh crash. I've footered around with it for ages now but I guess it's time for the professionals to get in on the act as it's no fun pedalling up hill when your gears have a mind of their own.

Arthur's Seat Run - 5.3km - 40mins 31 sec

2008-11-15T04:34:00.000-08:00

I really can't make my mind up if today's run was good or a nightmare!

The time posted if obviously faster than last time and only slightly shy of the 40 minute mark. I think we both knew that it was going to be a faster time as we only stopped for 3 very short walks. The weather was also better in so far as it was dry and sunny.

However, it was sooooo windy and it didn't matter which direction we ran in, the wind was always in our face... and it blowed (in more ways than one!) We really struggled and it was definitely at it's worse during the up hill segment.

Thankfully the down hill was great and we cruised to the end of the run without to much of an issue. The usual sprint finish was obligatory but we missed out on 40 mins by a few seconds but at least it gives us something to aim for next time.

Of note, weirdly so, the cycle there and back took exactly the same as it did last time... to the second.

Arthur's Seat Run - 5.3km - 43 min 10 sec

2008-11-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

OK. I've been bad. It's been ages since I've ran and this is the first time I've EVER run since coming to Edinburgh. Thanks to Simon for making me get off the couch today and jog round Arthur's Seat.

The weather was a bit miserable which was unfortunate since I had the camera with me and was hoping for some tasty pics from the top. Alas it was not to be and what was more unfortunate is that yesterday it was lovely which was when we were suppose to run it. The view was still not too bad though - as shown above.

Next time!

Also the cycle over to the Parliment Building and back is 13.3km so that an extra wee bit of exercise thrown in. Very hilly though and took 42min and 42 sec. Poor!

Pedal For Scotland - 55 miles - 3 hours 56 mins

2008-09-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

I don't' know how I got talked into this annual event... wait, now I remember - Stuart berated me on the phone a couple of nights earlier until I finally gave in and agreed to sign up.

So what is Pedal for Scotland? Well it's a Glasgow to Edinburgh cycle that had around 5500 particiants. However it wasn't a race and so there was a whole range of cyclists and unfortunately the variety of "speed" meant that we were slow-to-walking at many of the bottle necks.

The day started at 6am. I was up and on the bike trying to find Victoria Park in the North of Edinburgh. It took a while of cruising around until I met a bunch of other cyclists who also seemed lost. Our peleton increased in size till we eventually found the park. There was already a fairly big queue but it moved resonably quickly and soon my bike was on a random truck and I was on a double decker heading over to Glasgow.

It took quite a while to get all the bikes off our particular truck but when mine was handed down to me I was glad to see that it was in one piece. It didn't take long for me to find Stuart at the Winter Gardens and after quickly registering and a rapid porta-cabin pee break we were at the start line. There seemed to be no real start time and groups of people were leaving every few seconds. This was all egged on by a very camp "Radio Presenter" who's nail of a voice scraped down the blackboard of my ear drums.

Over the next hour we slowly snaked our way out of Glasgow spending much of our time avoiding the ubiquitous green glass of shattered Buckfast bottles. The route was also hampered by lots of day-tripper cyclists free wheeling en masse and the odd jackie asking us if we wanted a can of beer from his blue plastic bag.

The first sign of countryside came at the first break. It was at Drumpellier park and there was loads of free munchies for everyone. Bananas, red bull, water, Tunnocks caramels, Lion Bars to name a few. However everyone decided to stop here and there was no way through the crowds so we ended up pushing the bikes through everyone and finally gave up and joined in the feast. After shoving a couple of spare Smarties chocolate bars in the back packs we set off again.

The next stage of the ride was really nice. We cruised through Airdrie and out towards Avonbridge. The sun continued to shine on and off and there wasn't a hint of rain. The wind blew from the side but never blew from the front so that was one battle we didn't have to content with. We missed out the pit stop at Avonbridge and continued onto Linlithgow. This was perhaps the nicest part of the ride - lots of downhill coasting and chatting and everyone in this section seemed to be having a great time.

In no time we reached Linlithgow where a couple of wardens waved us into what can only be described as a hole in a wall. However on the other side the wall was the very beautiful and picturesque Linlithgow park and castle. A big marquee was set up and volunteers were serving free pasta, sandwiches and soup. The view was incredible and we sat out in the sun for 30 mins or so enjoying the atmosphere.

All too soon we were back on the bike and decided to forego the final pitstop and continue through South Queensferry to the finish line. The legs were beginning to burn by this point and my lack ot training was showing. There were plenty of people at the sides of the roads clapping and cheering us along so we found the extra strength to keep going.

No story would be complete without a crash and this trip didn't disappoint. About 1 mile from the finish I overtook someone on a narrow part of cycle path. It was reasonably steep and we were doing 35-40kph when my front tyre slid in some moss at the right hand side of the path. I careered into the front of the bloke on my left and went over onto my right elbow then slid along the ground for several metres with the other irrate cyclist onto of me. Both of us were clipped into our pedals and it took a while to untangle us. Thankfully nobody was properly hurt and I escaped with a grazed elbow. My handle bars were slightly damaged and the other guy was missing a few spokes but although he was obviously pissed off he refused my offer to pay for new spokes.

I should point out that although I didn't have a bell and didn't warn him that I was overtaking he was chatting up a girl on his left and while not paying attention he moved slightly to the right on the narrow path just as I was overtaking which pushed me into the verge. So although in the world of cycling I was at fault, if it had been on the roads in cars, he would have been the one that was at fault.

We were thankfully close to the finish line and minutes later crossed it basically in one piece. The time was lame but my original plan was to attempt to do it in under 4 hours which we did. Had it been a straight ride with none of the obstacles I'm sure that we would have made it in nearer 3. None the less I was happy that we made it and I'll definitely be up for it again next year.

Edinburgh to Livingston via don't know where - 45km - 1 hour 59 mins

2008-08-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

Right,

I've not bloody idea where the hell I went today. I tried to cycle out to Livingston on the B roads and got totally lost. One of the consultants at work said "hey make sure you take a OS map or you'll get lost. Took me ages to find the correct route".

I said that I'd find the way but eff me I didn't. Anyway, I finally found the way to Howden which was close enough and then headed back. Originally I thought I was going the right way but soon I realised that I was on the B7015 which was a totally different road that I'd cycled out on.

Eventually I was on the A71 and although faster was much much busier. Still it was a good distance althought the overall speed sucked. At least I know that I can make it out to work and back on the bike.

West End Loop via Norval - 6.8km - 47mins 10secs

2008-07-18T14:41:00.000-07:00

Well well. A big improvement today and an non-stop effort. It just goes to show you that managing to keep going without a walking break makes a huge difference in time - more than 2 minutes faster than the last time we did this.

Next we'll have to increase the distance.

Western to Partick via Norval - 3.5km - 22min 46sec

2008-07-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

A slow one and a painful one to boot. I've decided that it sucks running home from work with a backpack. My Chi is all off center when I've got that thing bouncing up and down with every step. Also the mesh lining of my jacket is now totally ruined from the friction.

Worse though is even on this short run I'm looking at a 10k time of 65mins. D'oh.

West End Loop via Norval - 6.8km - 49min 35sec

2008-07-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Well this could have been better. Adam's been in the midst of a house flit over the last few weeks and so hasn't run at all. Also this is the longest distance that he's run so a stop or 2 was to be expected.

In the end we had 3 walks due to stitches but at least we are creeping closer to that elusive 10km mental barrier for Adam. I doubt a sub-hour 10k will be achiveable by the Glasgow Race in September but I guess that's not really the point.

The Pain

2008-07-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

Don't really know what's going on with my legs but I've not run since the sore ankle episode. Every day since I've had a variety of leg aches and pains from sore knees to sore shins. Only my toes seem unaffected.

Supposed to be running with Adam tomorrow but I'm not sure how I'll be feeling then. opefully he's done no running for a few weeks and my agonising shuffle will seem less noticeable.

Western to Partick - 6km - 40min 02sec

2008-07-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Ran this yesterday as promised and it felt much harder than it was the day before despite bring almost a minute faster. Unfortunately I awoke with pain in my right ankle this morning which was so sore that I had to take some Ibuprofen.

I don't think I'll run today!

Western to Partick - 6km - 40min 55sec

2008-07-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit crap in the last few weeks since the Triathlon. Since then I've only done 5 runs, no cycling and no swimming (no surprises there). This one yesterday is the only one that I've timed and I was taking it really easy.

I've started doing this route on the way home from the Western and it's got the potential to be stretched out a wee bit if I feel the need. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true and if I get bored or tired I have several alternative routes that I can bail out on and drop the distance easily.

I've also temporarily lost my running partner to the vices of maturity and he's busy moving house and mortgaging and shopping in Ikea etc. All the things I've got to look forward to in the next few months. Worse luck. Anyway, we've got a run planned for next Tuesday and I'm planning to always run home from work from now on.

We'll see how that goes!!!

Try-athlon

Edinburgh results for event #67. Your time was 35:49

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 57min 32sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 57min 56sec - *** NEW SHOES ***

Edinburgh results for event #66. Your time was 34:30

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 31min 17sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 1hour 0min 12sec

Edinburgh results for event #65. Your time was 35:11

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 31min 32sec

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 31min 52sec

Edinburgh results for event #64. Your time was 36:10

Ran back from Karen's - 4.5km - 31min 38sec

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - untimed

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 30min 11sec

Edinburgh results for event #61. Your time was 37:26

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 33min 42sec

The Great Shoe Debate

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - 33min 31sec

Fountainbridge Loop - 4.2km - untimed

Bruntsfield Loop - 4.5km - untimed

Cramond Causeway - 5km - Untimed

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 54min 14sec

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - untimed

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 54min 46sec

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - 43min 45sec

Bruntsfield Loop - 4.5km - 32min 36sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 56min 51sec

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 28min 31sec

Bruntsfield Loop - 4.5km - 31min 20sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 55min 51sec

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - 47min 6sec

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 28min 3sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 58min 58sec

Cramond Esplanade - 6.2km - 45min 35sec

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 27min 46sec

Canal Loop - 4.5km - 28min 51sec

Arthur's Seat Loop - 5km - 38min 46sec

Canal Loop - 4.5km - Untimed

HERE WE GO AGAIN....

Meadows Loop - untimed

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52:22

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 55:31

Glasgow 10km - 1:05:23

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 48:09

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 48min 57secs

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52min 47secs

Haddington Cycle - 84km - untimed

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52mins 16sec

Cycle - Gullane and back - 70km untimed

Stirling Triathlon - 1:40:31

Meadow's Loop - 7.5km - 53mins 20sec

Meadows Loop (Fart-Lek) - 7.5km - 52min 49sec

North Berwick and Back - 80km - untimed

Dunfermline Half Marathon - 2:30:54

Long random loop - 17.3km - 2hours 8min 5sec

Edinburgh 10km - 1hour 7mins 07sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 54min 38sec

Balfron 10km - 1 hour 7mins 30 sec.

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 48min 20sec

Simon's Meadows Loops - 13.1km - 1:32:33

First Run Post Half Marathon - partially timed.

Edinburgh Half Marathon - 2hours 28min 21sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 50mon 44sec

Random Long Route - 17.3km - 2hours 2min 28sec

Pentland Hills Hike - 10.2km

Long Arthur's Seat Loop - 15km - 1hour 47min 10sec

Bridge Cycle - 53km - untimed

Run to Meadowbank from the Lister - 3km

Gym Cycle - 40 mins

Random Route - 17.3km - 2hour 14mins 18sec

Long Arthurs Seat Loop - 15km - 1hour 51min 35sec

Long Arthur's Loop - 15km - 1hour 52mins 8sec

New Shoes

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 49min 35sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 56min 7sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 52min 58sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 53mins 5sec

Long Arthurs Seat Loop - 15km - 1hour 57min 1sec

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 1hour 8 sec

Long Arthur's Seat Loop - 15km - 2hours 0mins

Meadows Loop - 7.5km - 57min 56sec - * NEW SHOES *