To Cranleigh ... and beyond

Did another long run today on my own as John did his long run on Friday morning and Tim did his yesterday.

We all independently did about 22 miles though which was to schedule.


However, while the others did their runs round the outskirts of Guildford, I played mindgames along the Guildford and Horsham railway (disused) from Guildford to Cranleigh (about 8 miles) plus another 3 miles past the village to get the out and back total.

I say mindgames because as usual, that sort of run is more telling your mind you can manage something rather than being physically unable to do it, for 2 reasons - firstly, however far you run out, you have to run back, and secondly it is the first time in over 3 years that I've run 22 miles, and longer than that since I've completed that distance on my own.

Up to 33km (20 miles) I was just about okay, but then the tireness set in - and then shortly after I hit the uneven ground of the canal on the way back, so the last 2-3 km was tough :-(

Still only 5 weeks to go and I know I can do 22 miles, so with rest (tapering training), proper food and hydration (rather than 500ml over 3 hours!) and the whole race environment, I am confident to be able to complete Amsterdam in a PB time.... Famous last words :-)

Wooooo-hooooo - Long run!!

Well as some of you may realise I've been out of the proper running for a bit with shin-splits, but WHAT A FANTASTIC FEELING to have completed a long run with no major adverse effects other than the usual stiffness - but even that was not excessive.

20 miles today, along the Wey navigation from Guildford to Woking direction. I've done this run before, although not quite as far and the last time was back in February, so the ground and weather were a little more challenging!

Completed that run with Tim and John in a good 2:35 time - which is about a 3:20 marathon pace. With the excitement of the day, the racing environment, a little more speed work and 2-3 weeks of 'tapering' this time should certainly be possible, perhaps even up to 3:10 - realistically at this stage I don't think sub-3 hours is possible, without risking further injury.

Training is a balance between performance and injury - getting to the start line is the greatest battle.

Speed work

Hi guys, Richard has just introduced me to the marvels of BLOGGING so here goes my first entry:


Felt like a runner for the first time in ages this evening. 10 min warm up and then 8 x 3 min with 1:30 jog between. Pleased to be feeling as though I was moving faster than for a long time. Hopefully this means all the 50 mile weeks starting to pay off...........about time as Amsterdam Marathon now just around the corner.

Till next time, tim

The Intrepid Adventurers

So here it is - finally!

We are a group of 7 individuals who have been planning to race the Marathon Des Sables for a number of years and we are now deep into the training cycle for the 2008 running of this event.


Billed as the 'toughest footrace in the world' the MdS is actually 5.5 marathons over 6 days - 150 miles, with a schedule that includes a double marathon (that's 54 miles) on day 4, followed by a 'normal' marathon on day 5 of 26.2 miles.

Just to make things interesting, each competitor has to carry ALL their food and equipment or the entire 7 days, being provided only with water throughout each of the races and a rudimentary communal canvas at the end of the day! We estimate that backpacks will weight anywhere between 9-13kg at the start of the event.

The team consists of: -

• Jason McCreight - British, Guildford based, ex-triathlete, Business Manager
• Tim Stewart - South African, Guildford based, ex-triathlete, GP
• Rob Urwin - British, Newbury based, ex-County athlete, Director
• John Rees - Welsh, Guildford based, GP
• Greg Collett - South African, Leeds based, Financial IT
• Will Forbes - Leeds based, Financial
  
• Richard Pomeroy - British, Guildford, IT Manager

If you're interested to read more of our exploits over the next few months then follow our progress here and sponsor our efforts to raise money for charity.