London ballot

All over social media it's been non stop this week of the result of the London ballot. I did enter the ballot and like most wasn't surprised when I didn't get drawn in fact I've only spoken to one member who is actually in, well done Paul. October seems to be the time to make plans for target races and fit some nice races around them, make sense to me and at least you have a few nice races to look forward to which I think you do when your not in as many as others. I've got a few races in mind but I think I will see how Sunday goes first to decide any future plans.
There are a few others running the marathon Sunday and they have all worked hard to get to this point and I wish them all the best with what they hope to achieve, and me, I just want to cross that finish line!

Slowing it down

Tuesday evenings regular meeting place for NYMAC members has in recent weeks stated to become a little busy, regular planned sessions and a new hunger to the training is attracting large numbers to the club nights and tonight is no exception, sadly for me the club sessions are again not an option as we are still taking it easy ready for the weekend. Tonight we ended up running a reverse tees Pride 10k route and are joined by Dave and John who are relaxing after good results at the Redcar half last week. The pace seemed to be a little fast for my liking initially but it soon calmed and was pretty much perfect by the end. This run will probably be my last now before York as I need to rest these legs.

Redcar half marathon

Seems a little strange to discuss the Redcar half this morning as I didn't actually take part. After a lot of thought I decided it best that I didn't enter with the marathon a week away. The race is very popular amongst NYMAC runners and for many it's a highlight of the year. The race had already set off when I arrived so my first glimpse of NYMAC vests were when the runners returned to Redcar for the first time after the excitement of the trunk road. Looking very quick up front was James and Paul then a large group followed with Phil, Darren and Jack all going well. Many more NYMAC vests streamed through after and most had time for a wave on our unofficial NYMAC supporters corner. I moved further up the road for the final return of the runners who had all run fantastic races and it was good to be able to put a few faces to names. NYMACs James Fahey finished sixth overall and Paul and Phil not much further behind. Plenty of PBSs behind them including another club record from Laurence and another PB from Dave Robinson. From a personal point of view i actually enjoyed watching the race which I didn't think I would as I wanted to run especially as I enjoyed the race last year but I have a bigger target to aim for this week so some things have to give.

Cold mornings are back

After a few weeks away I returned to Stewart parkrun for a planned gentle jog around catching up with some familiar faces. This week I drove to the park as I wasn't planning to do many miles this week. Stepping out of the car was a little reminder that summer is over and them fresh Parkrun mornings are back, must remember my gloves next time!
Numbers seemed down this week probably due to tomorrow's Redcar half and the fact that yet another parkrun has begun in Middlesbrough. I think it's now five parkruns inside a ten mile radius, very strange. The run itself went to plan and was very enjoyable and best of all, no aches or pains to report, well no more than usual.

Nymac thursdays

 Under the new coaching plans set up by the club this weeks Thursday session was a tough hill reps session. As it's Redcar half this weekend and York next week quite a few members were taking it easy this week. I was just planning a slow 10k so made an offer of anybody wanting to do the same could join me. After arriving at the squash club it's noticeable how many more members are taking part in the sessions at the moment which is great to see. About a dozen or so chose to take the route I was doing although they all completed it quicker than me?  Suppose everyone prepares in there own way.

Last long run

after months of training we come down to the last long run of the schedule, it's two weeks until York and we're about to cover a distance I have never tried before. I chose Redcar sea front as today's location as next weekend it's the Redcar half which Chris is taking part in and secondly because it's the flattest place I could think of,no hills at last!
We set off on a misty damp morning determined to stick to the 10 minute miles plan we have decided on to get me through the distance of the marathon. After a short visit to marske and back then a boring stretch of the trunk road a quick visit to the Locke park loo was in order. With things a little more comfortable now we had along the prom for another visit to marske with things going well. Into miles 18+ we were into unknown territory for me but we have trained well recently so I had to trust my legs. Into the 20th mile I actually started to feel comfortable again, wether it was the thought of the finish I don't know but was pleased to feel as well as I did when we completed the 20 miles.
Very pleased now it's out of the way and a great confidence boost, taper time now!

Finishing touches

with the NYMAC training going from strength to strength I'm still in the final weeks of my training plan so still not able to take part. Just over two weeks to go our latest run is a ten mile run around Nunthorpe. Half way around the run we pass the faster group who are on a tempo 8 mile run in The opposite direction, looking good and committed. I struggled through this run as I'd run 8 mile two days earlier but Chris seemed comfortable. We reached the squash club after 9 miles and after a quick chat it's club members Doug and Barry we set off on a cool down run passing the 6 mile group who were all looking happy in there steady pace. Roll on Monday when I attempt my longest ever run.