The ? Seconds Ahead*
02/11/2009 by Dick.
November’s Coach of the Month, Mark Harvey, starts his stint off on Tuesday with another running of the session he first introduced last Winter - the Beachley Loop. Three loops (900 mtrs) alternate with three straights (700 mtrs) with jog recoveries.
It’s a long jog to Beachley, so Mark and some other coaches will be giving lifts there and back for those who want.
As promised we’re also offering a hills alternative with 12 efforts up Hospital Hill.
On Thursday it’s the Itton Run or the 20 minutes out/20 minutes back tempo session from the top of the Link Road. The choice is yours.
WARNING! The Leis Ctre car park will be choc-a-bloc Thursday with Bonfire Night traffic. Try to share transport, and in any case come early to avoid missing your run.
Then on Sunday it’s the 2nd Gwent League Cross Country at Bath Uni’s Claverton Down. See the Gwent League website for more details. Junior races start at 11.30, Snr Women at 1, and Snr Men at 2.30. We have a minibus booked for 10am which may have room for a few adults after we’ve squeezed the juniors in.
Remember this is a great Club event with free entry to the races, a great training effect and cakes afterwards in our tent!
*Extra cake for first to tell me how many seconds…
Marathon Eryri 2010 (Snowdon) by Paul Lidgett
02/11/2009 by Ivan.
Last Saturday was the 27th and my 3rd Snowdonia Marathon. I’d prepared well, but conscious of the basic mistakes I made in my last marathon - getting carried away in the first mile; not staying in control in the first half; and not drinking enough. Once again, the weather was “challenging”, but it couldn’t spoil another excellent race. Starting line – bumped into Gareth Jones, returning from a knee injury and a rare break from the race. Mile 1 – controlled, easy running along one of the few flat miles, but still split at 7.30 – too fast?Miles 2 to 4 – road gets steeper as we climb up Llanberis Pass. Manage to drop my first drink – great start! Sometimes a struggle to make headway in a gusting wind, but reach the top in 35 mins.Miles 5 to 12 – a lovely stretch, plunging 300 m down the side of Snowdon and out of the wind. Quick wave to Caroline and kids. Notch up several 6.30 miles before hitting the valley floor. Keep a steady pace to Beddgelert at 12 miles. Fantastic support as we enter the village. With the halfway mark just round the corner, I feel pretty relaxed, but a little concerned I’d run the first half too fast.Miles 13 to 14 – leaving Beddgelert, the crowds and the worse of the weather behind, the course starts its second hill – this one gradual, but long. A slow mile and I pass 13.1 in 1.36 – too fast? Yes, probably. The hill goes on and round every bend, on and on. But no signs of fatigue…yet.Miles 15 to 21 – a long and lonely stretch, but with some of the most fantastic scenery you’ll see anywhere. I’m pleased I keep a steady, if modest pace, but at 19, I suddenly feel the will leave my legs – I keep running the same pace, but I’m fighting a losing battle. I take two gels knowing what’s coming.Mile 21 – I walk! A couple of hundred yards to the next drinks station, where I take on a shedload of drink. Here the course takes a sharp right turn and a sharp uphill climb – 250 m in 2 miles.Miles 22 to 24 – I walk and run for the next mile (as do many other runners!). The rest and drink have helped and I manage to run the last hill mile along a dirt track to Bwlch y Groes. The path now drops sharply and, in the distance, the first sight of Llanberis and the finish.Miles 25 to 26 – I find new legs as I manage a 6 minute mile down the hill to the village. Just as you sense the end is near, a sting in the tail takes runners away from the finish and a final sharp hill (only a few metres climb, but feels so much worse!). A quick stop as both legs cramp, but only yards to go.Final 385 yards – I pick up the pace to pass the runner in front, wave from the kids and cross the line for a PB. It’s all over… for another year!The next 6 hours – a very painful recovery.PS. Everyone should run this race at least once – without doubt the most scenic, challenging and friendly race I know.
