A weekend of Sun and Beeches but no Sand!

For the first time in a month I ran Bromley Parkrun on Saturday. I didn't think that the heat was enough of a test (sic) so I pushed Max round in his running buggy. I managed the 5k in 25:15.
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/212056186

Five weeks ago I ran the Dartford Half Marathon and it was the hottest day of the year so far.

Today, I ran the Burnham Beeches Half Marathon and guess what?...... when we (me, Mich (my wife) and Max) left home at 7:30am it was already showing 21 degrees. When I started running at 10am it was 27 degrees and when I finished approximately 2 hours later, the mercury was showing 30+!

We arrived at 9am which I thought would be plenty of time to get ready for a 10am start, but once we had parked, had toilet stops and the 20 minute walk to HQ/race start, I only had just over 10 minutes to pick up my number, timing chip and to get ready. So it was a bit of a rush to say the least. The lack of prep time came back to haunt me as I didn't tape my nipples effectively and at about 10 miles I glanced down to see two faint red streaks running down my vest. For those of you who have suffered nipple rub, you will know it is not pleasant! You would have thought having run over a dozen half marathons, I would have had my prep sorted by now?  Ray you div!

Whilst running I tested some 'Nectar' energy gels from My Goodness Shakes. They were very palatable and no need for water to take them. Bit of a git though to get into my race belt loops.

The two-lap course was undulating and the hills definately felt steeper the second tine round. Fortunately the route was mainly tree lined, so a lot of it was in the shade. My official time was 1:56:32 and lo and behold, you will see from my Garmin link, that is the time I made it as well.  You have got to love technology! http://connect.garmin.com/activity/212472549

So having sweated so much over the weekend, I am now going to re-hydrate with a nice cold glass of rose wine.  Sophistacted me, I am :-)

TJH

Boxes, De-Ja-Vu & Mobs

BOXES
About a month ago, I was contacted to ask if i would test and provide feedback on some running gear, and could I get some other testers? So I said 'Yes' on both accounts.  Being a member of a running club, I knew I would have plenty of willing volunteers. What I wasn't expecting (and certainly my parents weren't) when they took delivery of 9 very large boxes containing almost 50 pairs of running shoes and bundles of clothing. My mum's conservatory quickly turned into a warehouse! So frantic e-mails were sent to the volunteer testers to come and collect their gear. For those that couldn't make it, I turned up at the regular run night to distribute the rest of the gear from the back of my motor. Proper Arthur Daley style! But now there are lots of happy Petts Wood Runners with shiny new gear :-)

DE-JA-VU
There was a de-ja-vu moment on Saturday. Once again the Sievey family had been invited round friends for a BBQ, this time to celebrate Harry's 2nd birthday. But once again the celebrations were put on hold as everybody piled into the living room to scream and shout at the TV in support of Mo. Well you know the result, as I said 'de-ja-vu'

MOBS
Tuesday evening was the annual Mob Match between Petts Wood Runners & Orpington Runners. This is basically where two clubs compete in a race. Your finishing position earns you that many points and the lowest number of points wins the match.
So on a very warm & sticky evening at Willet Rec there were a sea of White and bright Yellow running tops. The route was a 4m jaunt through the local woods expertly marked out, including flour sprinkled over any tree routes on the course to help avoid any trips or falls! Orpington won the match, so many congratulations to them. However, I did have a personal victory, as I entered Willet Rec for the 3/4 lap around the rec before the finish, there were 4 yellow shirts spread out in front of me.  I put in a sprint finish and managed to pick off 3 of them and finished in 48th position out of 165 runners. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/210735380

The Mobs walk to the Start

There was also a third mob present and I reckon this could prove that the animal world has learnt how to use the internet.  As there was a mob of mosquitos that far outnumbered the running mobs.  They must have been reading our forums or facebook and turned up en-mass for a feast and feast they did.

Many runners from both clubs retired to the local pub for re-hydration and this is where Petts Wood Runners came out victors as we showed superior stamina.  At the final orders bell, there was still a group of at least half a dozen PWR's but no ORs to be seen :-)

TJH

Olympic Fever

I am sure that the majority of blogs at the moment include references to the Olympics and I am no different and let's be honest you can't but help get caught up in the atmosphere.   Watching these athletes and sportsmen and women is truly inspiring!

I have always been a 'Sports' fan and can quite happily watch most sports, so when the Olympics is on I am like a pig in sh*t. It also helps that work has provided a live feed to everybody's PC, so whilst 'trying' to work I have managed to keep an eye on most of the going's on. You know who in the office is watching as well when there is a collective and synchronised "Yes" or "Get in there" as another Team GB medal is secured.

My 2yo boy is taking great interest as well and has been enjoying watching the cycling, rowing and swimming. This last bit is paticuarly comforting as I managed to secure tickets for the Paralympics this week which will mean a very long family day at the Olympic Park, but we will get to see the Aquatics Centre & Olympic Stadium. So I am really looking forward to that.

I had made a conscious decision before the Olympics started that I didn't want to be involved in the forecast commuting chaos. By all accounts it hasn't been too bad. But I cycled to and from work Mon to Thu this week and ran in to work on the Friday. So that means I have clocked up 88 miles on the bike & a 10 mile run as part of my commute. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/206164692

As well as saving money and getting fitter, the cycling has been a joy as it seems that the Olympic Lanes means a significant reduction in traffic!

Saturday, I had my annual pilgramage to the Hogs Back Brewery; Brewers of my favourite ale, T.E.A (Traditional English Ale). This annual event involves meeting at my Boss's house followed by an 8 mile walk http://connect.garmin.com/activity/206999080 across the South Downs to the Brewery (my walk has an extra workout element as I have to carry my 2 and a half stone boy on my back)

After the Brewery tour, the brewery shop is then sponsored by my Visa card and then it is a cab back to my Boss's for dinner and consumption of vast quantities of real ale. Bliss!  Saturday evening had the added bonus of watching Team GB secure 3 sensational golds at the Olympic Stadium!

TJH