Races for 2015

First post for a while.  I feel this post is like having a silly argument with a loved one.  It just needs someone to break the silence and then all will be forgotten and forgiven.  So, this is me breaking the silence.  

Here's my plans for 2015. Subject to change.  Possibly by the time I've pressed "publish".

February 14, 2015:  Donadea 50K

What better place for a romantic St Valentine's weekend than the beautiful surrounds of Donadea Forest Park in Co. Kildare, Ireland?  Shame we're only going there to run 10 loops of the forest trails. And then jump on a Ryanair flight home the same day.  It's the Irish 50K championship and an IAU champs selections race, so I guess it will be wicked fast and I'm prepared to be lapped. Lots. Last year's winning time was 2:59.  I've never run a 50K before, so I'm looking forward to it. Although if the weather is grim - let's face it, it's Ireland in February - it will be an interesting experience. 

March 8, 2015:  Balloch to Clydebank half marathon

Following on from my PB of 1:35:12 at the Great Scottish Run in October, I'd like to have another crack at the half marathon distance.  This is a local point-to-point race and popular with club runners.  Fingers crossed for a tail wind. 

April 10-11, 2015:  World and European 24-hour Championships

I was delighted and honoured to be selected to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the championships in Torino, Italy.  Even more delighted that most of my old team mates will be there too.  With some new faces - including Sonic in a vest, not with a crew badge.

This will be my third outing in the GB vest. Obviously this is my A+ race for the year.  

Click here for British Athletic's team announcement 

May 17, 2015:  Glasgow Women's 10K

Probably not the best idea a month after a 24-hour race, but I love this event.  It's the reason why I started running nearly 13 years ago.  I did it 10 years on the trot, but the last couple of years ultra racing has got in the way.  Given the lack of recovery time, this might be the year I do it in fancy dress.

May 27: Kilpatrick Hill Race
Strava buddies will know that I do a fair bit of joggings around the Kilpatrick hills.  Just a few miles from my doorstep, it's the perfect escape without the logistical dramas.  This has been on my to-do list for a few years, but for one reason or another - mainly because I find hill racing quite intimidating - I've never got around to it.  Now I've blogged about it, I better not back down.

June 27, 2015: Arrochar Alps race
Again, not too far from home.  I've done all the munros there, but not as a circuit.  With 2400m of climbing across the 25km course, it's certainly going to be cheeky.  Good training for Lakeland 50 though, right?

July 25, 2015: Montane Lakeland 50

Which, of course, leads me on to the Montane Lakeland 50.  After running the Lakeland 100 twice, it's time to up my game and have a crack at the 50.  It's a different ball game.  I think the 100 is the easier option.  Once I get the 24 is over, this is my next main focus.  Hills and more hills.  Actually running on hills!

September 26, 2015: Spartathlon

Well, I've completed the application.  Just waiting to hear if it's been successful or not.  I'm hopeful as I'm lead to believe females athletes who have run further that 204km in a 24 hour race "will be automatically initially accepted".  I guess it depends on how many athletes enter with the same prerequisites.    Anyway, this race is high on my bucket list.  153 miles through the boiling streets of Greece. Anyone who knows me, know I don't cope well in heat.  Why then?  I'll get back to you on that one.

And that's as far as I've got.  There will be a few Parkruns thrown in there too. Nothing for last quarter yet.  Although don't mention Barcelona!

Balloch to Clydebank half marathon

You might have guessed that I've done sod all for two days. The plan was to rest up for today's half-marathon. It started to go a little bit wrong when I went to my core conditioning class on Friday. My usual teacher was on holiday and was replaced with a fiercely strong hobbit who took it upon herself to knacker our arms and legs. Who leaves a core class with arms like chimps?? Yesterday - on my second day of rest - I spent seven hours cleaning the house. I swear I've expended less energy with a marathon. I only had to stop from sheer exhaustion.

That aside, I was still raring to go this morning. Despite severe storm warnings, the weather was kind. It was torrential lining up for the race, but all in all we were quite lucky. There's not really much to write about a course that starts in Balloch and winds its way through Renton, Dumbarton, Bowling, Old Kilpatrick and ends in the Clydebank Retail Park. Scenic it ain't.

Started out on a good pace. At mile two I was joined by Maz (pictured). See post from January 3, 2008 for more info on the wonder that is Maz. I was still listening to my usual boppy tunes on my ipod. After another mile, I realised that Maz was staying and I was being very rude. As I packed away my ipod, I turned to Maz and said "I'm going to put this away and you're going to be off like a shot". She duly informed me in her delightful Irish drawl: " No way. I'm here for the distance". Yep, you guessed it, another mile in she was off like a shot. I didn't bother with the tunes, so I was probably more focused.

Anyway, enough of my drivel. I got another PB. Unofficial time was 1:42:53 which is approx one minute faster that Blackpool half two weeks ago. That's 3 1/2 minutes off (a long standing PB) this year.

Splits: 7.40, 7.32, 7.35, 7.44, 7.43, 7.37, 7.40, 7.46, 7.55, 8.00, 7.57, 7.53, 8.05 (average pace 7.46). Course slightly long (everyone's Garmin showed this, OK!) with 13.24 miles.

Marco got a PB too. And finished in sixth position. His unofficial time was 1:16:45.

Thanks for everyone for the well wishes. And huge thanks to Maz for the setting the pace early on and pushing me. Never before have I studied someone's back with such enthusiasm.

It's Sharon's birthday today. She got an extra special birthday gift - PB with 1:37 something. We're having a girlie night to celebrate a good day all round. Guess what? I'm having a rest day tomorrow to recover.

Marco and Davie struggling with the toffee from their Mars Bar - only found in Scottish race goodie bags.