London to Brighton Training Underway at Last

So I've got a few runs under my belt now from my ultra program.  (Apologies for no updates for a couple of weeks.)

Did my first long run on Saturday - 18miles.  Leisurely pace and it felt comfortable.  Should have done a follow up 5 miler on Sunday, but couldn't make that one.  Must try harder this weekend.

Aiming for 25-30 miles during the week days + another 20 miles at the weekend.

The break after the Richmond Park Marathon was welcome, but it has been tough to get going again.  However, I'm already starting to feel good again.

Jon, I hope you're feeling better after your superb L2B performance last month.

Accumulating some more kit, but I'll do a separate post on that in the next day or so.  See my Equipment Page for brief update details.

Richmond Park Marathon & New PB!

Just completed the Richmond Park Marathon - my first trail marathon. It is definitely one to do again. The route is pretty stunning. The marshalls and support staff were all excellent and there was good support around the route.

Won't know official time until tomorrow, but my Garmin had 3:59:49. Oddly enough, the clock on the finish line had 3:59:01 as I crossed? Not sure why that should be. It must have taken me about 15-20s to get over the start line, so it should have shown just over 4hrs. Anyway, new PB and sub-4 on a trail on a hot day - I'm pleased with that...especially after my disaster in Brighton 3 weeks ago.

In the end, I ran the race in road shoes - my GT1000s. I took the Trabuccos but the terrain was dry paths and grass so there was no point in using trail shoes. Used with Injinji liners and Thorlo Experias. Great combination, no blisters.

Last Longish Run Before My First Trail Marathon

8.5 miles today in 1:11. 5 of those miles were on sand, which is hard work on the knees and ankles.

The Asics Gel Trabuccos are doing a great job and, for me, they are far better than my Salomon Crossmaxes. The Trabuccos could be the shoes for the London-to-Brighton run and maybe the MdS. I'll update this after the Richmond Park Marathon on Sunday.

Just a couple of short runs this week then the race.

After that, the ultra training starts proper...

Busy times...

Been struggling to fit everything in.  Just one of those phases.  

Managing to squeeze running in by running to work rather than cycling.

Need to get a 20 miler in this weekend.  

I feel the Brighton Marathon looming.  Must get under 4 hours...

New Shoes...and New PB!

Target for Sunday - Half marathon in <1:45.

Went out in new Asics GT-1000 and Injini toe socks that I picked up yesterday (see Equipment page).

Managed it - 13.15 miles in 1:45:44 (or 1:44:18 if you remove time waiting to cross roads!)

No shoe problems, feet feel great.  The Injini socks are good too - I used them as a liner layer with Thorlo Experias on top.  Very comfortable