On the drive there was an eerie fog that rolled in and I’m so glad I had company and wasn’t driving! Which meant I could relax and help to navigate. We eventually arrived at Al Qudra track in Dubai and began to unload the car with the biggest ice box full of food you could imagine! A comfy chair, sun umbrella to shade is from from the Sun and a bag full of clothes for all sorts of weather and not to forget the first-aid kit containing painkillers, blister plasters, deep heat and sunscreen and all of the other lotions and potions you might need for a potentially 1-4day adventure.
On arriving there were a lot of familiar faces including some of the strongest male Ultrarunners in the UAE and some new faces were sprinkled in the crowds too. We were all looking around eyeing each other up.... wondering who would be the last “one” standing.
We gathered for the debriefing with the race Director and were told that there would be a whistle blown to give us three minutes notice to get to the start line and subsequent whistles for two minutes and one minute. A cow bell rang to mark the start of the loop and off we went on our first loop everyone was in good spirits And all very relaxed just chatting knowing we had plenty of time to get round 6.7 km on fresh legs. The day went by very quickly and the group of people starting the loop when the cow bell rang seemed to get smaller and smaller and my friend Helen who had been keeping me company from the start of the journey had decided to call it a day.... after 71km (Awesome effort)
By the time the sun set there was only four of us left going into the night section and my friends and crew had all left. The night loop was an out and back on a road so would test us mentally as well as physically. There on the start of the night loop was Me... the only female, the self declared “little running warrior” from Russia, Rob one of the tough guys from innerfight and Ole a guy who I had run in Jordan with if a few months back and knew he was mentally very tough.
I actually loved the night loops. I just counted to 10 over and over again which placed me in a meditative state... when I’m in this trance I feel I could run forever. I managed to keep a pretty consistent pace throughout the night and although the legs felt great I did start to suffer with nausea... which is pretty common in these long endurance events. One of my closest friends came to crew me for a few hours through the night which made me eat and drink more and made sure I kept as warm as possible which really helped having a familiar face at the end of each loop especially since the cold fog had descended and everything looked eerie and dark.
The nausea meant I probably couldn’t take on as much fuel as I required but because the running was at a low intensity I felt I could just keep going. I did think we would be in it for the long haul knowing the crazy Russian guy had once done 71 hours in a similar event but about 19 hours in he hobbled across the finish line declaring he was “done”. I think a combination of the heat of the day and the cold fog that had descended on us had gotten the better of him. Just me, Rob and Ole left. I could see that Rob was slowing and limping but knew he was mentally tough as I had previously raced with him in Jordan but then his Achilles niggle slowed him to a walk which ended up him not making it in from Loop 21..... that’s the thing about this type of race.... it’s easy until it’s not. I felt quite sad about Rob pulling out as we had formed a friendship and I really felt for him remembering when the same thing happened to me 80miles into a 100mile race in the UK but I managed to hobble to the end... I guess that’s another hard thing about this type race.... you have to go 6.7km an hour no matter what!
Just me and Ole. As the night loops continued and I began to feel more nauseous and eat less but I was looking forward to my husband arriving. The Sun came up and we hit the 100 mile mark. My legs felt great but my energy levels were dropping because of the lack of nutrition. As it started to heat up I was very conscious that I would have to take on more fluid because dehydration was definitely on the cards if I didn’t. I came in and my husband was there... yeah! He force-fed me some delicious mushroom risotto which seemed to perk me up a bit but as soon as I started running again I vomited. I’ve been running for 27 hours at this point and I couldn’t believe how good My legs felt and how well my feet at coped and that I had no pain or chaffing or blisters. The only thing that was slowing me down was the need to vomit with every sip or every bite and it had slowed me down so much I felt I wasn’t going to make the loop on time.
I hit the jeep track which was around 800 m from the finish line with five minutes to spare. I wasn’t sure whether I was going to make it but then I saw a familiar face on the side of the road (Dave!). This spurred me on and I was able to sprint to the finish line just making the bell. I couldn’t believe I could sprint 500m after running for almost 28 hours! I now knew this was me done. I was feeling incredibly unwell, dehydrated and lacking energy I collapsed into my husbands arms crying, knowing I had been defeated. Frustrated to think if I could just eat I could go so much further but nothing not even one sip of water was staying in my stomach.
That was it.
That was the end.
Ole had deservedly won.
He was the last one standing.
I sat and waited to share his victory with him! It was bitter sweet! I was so happy for him and sad for myself!
I have a new found confidence in my mind and legs and can’t wait to see what they help me to achieve next! (just need to sort my stomach out!)
Our tough as nails but kind, capable and fun all female team of Guides had a blast leading 60 ladies from 24 nationalities from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain on the adventure of a lifetime.
It was a gruelling, 120km journey across the dunes on foot, taking five days and four nights under canvas. The “Sand Sisters”, annually embark on this challenging trek to recreate the historical, seasonal Emirati migration between the two cities that was carried out by tribes not so long ago. Escape Events were delighted to deliver the pre-trip Training and the Guiding during the challenge for the second year in a row.
It is much more than just a physical journey between 2 cities. The experience is filled with personal growth and cultural immersion. The event's founder Jody Ballard, an American author and clinical counsellor, brought a strong wellness component to the experience promoting debate and contemplation with a focus on participant health and wellness, strength and leadership, and community building.
Her Emirati partner, Asma Sedeeq Al Mutawa is a prominent advocate of Emirati literature and culture who together with the support of the Department of Culture and Tourism -Abu Dhabi, shed light during the walk on the culture and heritage of the UAE. We were blessed with extraordinary activities which included a discussion about the book Words of the Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a falconry display, lectures on astronomy, the Emirati Burqa, Saluki (greyhound dogs), desert sands and more. Dr. Sheikha Shamma Bint Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khaled Al Nahyan Cultural Centre, also visited the camp where she delivered an impactful speech on desert traditions, social cohesion and the value of tolerance between people
All of this is often described by the Sand Sisters as a life-changing adventure. Since its inception in 2015, over 250 women have participated, including many from other countries. This year, six ladies from abroad joined the Walk. In fact our Guides come from 5 countries between the 6 of us.
The patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance cemented this event's important place in the cultural landscape of the UAE. The sixth Women’s Heritage Walk came to a close on February 4 at a ceremony held at the Cultural Foundation, in the presence of participants and their families.
In his speech, Sheikh Nahyan reflected on the essence of the Walk. “For me, as the Minister of Tolerance, this walk embodies the very best of human fraternity. This journey has led all participants to meet a great number of wonderful people. It has enabled all of you to know one another at a deeper level. You have overcome challenges together. Walking together, in conversation and in silence, motivating and encouraging one another, you have built a strong and diverse community of women. That community is an inspiration to all of us.”
Our Guides were a valued part of that community and we are extremely proud of our team.
By Rebecca @ Up and Running
Injuries are common amongst runners and due to the repetitive loading and high impact to muscles and joints makes certain injuries more susceptible to runners. Injuries that I frequently encounter runners sustaining include the following:
ITBS
Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is pain experienced on the outside of your knee caused by frictioning of the ITB near it’s attachment to the bone. This painful condition can stop runners in their tracks and experience severe, sharp pain when bending the knee. This is caused by too much tension being placed on the ITB often due to poor running biomechanics when the hip rotates in and the arch of the foot will drop causing the knee deviate inwards.
Immediate treatment includes rest from running, ice application to the painful site for 20 minutes and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines. The long-term treatment often includes stretching the tight muscular structures and strengthening the core and gluteal muscles to ensure good lower limb alignment when running. In some cases new footwear or orthotics are advised.
Achilles Tendinopathy
The achilles is a strong fibrous tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. With repetitive running or an increase in training load micro tearing of the tendon can occur. If left untreated, overtime this could result in a rupture. Runners with this condition initially complain of pain in the tendon when running but this can evolve to continuous pain, especially worse first thing in the morning.
Early diagnosis is essential and treatment initially consists of resting from running, ice application and release of any tight muscular structures. Placement of heel wedges in the shoe can help to off load the tendon in the early stages and a loading exercise programme for the achilles starting with static holds progressing to heel drop exercises.
Plantar fasciitis
The pain experienced with plantar fasciitis is often described to me by patients as like ‘walking on glass’. The pain is located at the attachment of the fascia onto the heel and/or along the arch of your foot. Plantar fascia is a thick band of fibrous tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes and acts as a support for the arch of your foot and a shock absorber. When this thick band becomes over stretched due to too much pressure on your feet or an increase in loading activities it can become inflamed.
Plantar fasciitis is not always attributed to one specific event but can develop overtime with repetitive running. Immediate treatment consists of ice, a nice way is to roll a frozen water bottle under the arch of your foot, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and taping to off load the plantar fascia. Once diagnosis
has been made the Physiotherapist will instruct on exercises to stretch tight muscles and strengthen other areas of weakness to improve overall biomechanics.
Anterior knee pain
Anterior knee pain also referred to as patella femoral joint pain, is an umbrella term referring to pain experienced at the front of the knee. This could be the result of inflammation to the quadriceps or patella tendon which attach the large thigh muscles to the knee cap and shin.
Pain when running at the front of the knee may also be caused due to an imbalance of a tight iliotibial band at the outside of the knee and weakness of the inner quadriceps muscle causing what refer to as maltracking of the patella. Ice, anti-inflammatories and rest are the immediate treatment modalities for anterior knee pain to allow the acute inflammation and pain to settle. An assessment by a Physiotherapist will then be able to diagnose the exact cause of the pain and instruct on the correct treatment plan to ensure return to pain free running. Taping techniques which the physiotherapist can instruct you on may also be part of
the treatment plan.
Stress fractures
Running can result in forces applied to the bone and joints in excess of 6-8 times an athlete’s body weight. Over extended periods of time, and without proper recovery between workouts, these forces can result in stress fractures, most commonly in the pelvis, leg, and foot.
The precipitating factors of stress fractures are multiple but typically result from repetitive high impact activities, such as running, especially when there has been a sudden increase in intensity, duration, or frequency of workouts without proper recovery.
Training errors such as poor running mechanics, improper shoe selection, and muscular fatigue can also predispose a runner to fractures. Each of these factors can cause excessive mechanical forces to be concentrated at key locations in the lower extremities, thereby exceeding the stress-bearing capacity of the bone. Other factors can also predispose an athlete to stress fractures. Hormonal and nutritional imbalances are thought to be responsible for the high rate of these injuries found in female athletes.
Once diagnosed, the first step in treating stress fractures is to identify the cause. Hormonal imbalances and nutritional issues must be resolved. Training and equipment errors should also be addressed. Shoe selection, training conditions, workout intensity and volume should all be analyzed by an experienced trainer or coach! Most cases are directly related to overuse and poor recovery. In these cases, strict avoidance of impact activity, dialling back your workout schedule, and using non-impact cross-training exercises to maintain fitness is
usually successful in allowing the body to heal and recover.
Muscle strains
Calf strains are amongst the most common, but can also strain the large hamstring or quadricep muscles. Strains can occur with a sudden acceleration of speed or with repetitive striding over a long run. A muscle strain can occur anywhere within the muscle and is described as a sharp pain especially on movement.
Like with most acute injuries ice is the go to initial treatment strategy for the first 48 hours and rest to reduce any further injury such as a full rupture. With milder strains there may be no bruising or swelling, unlike moderate to
severe strains. In this case compression such as tubigrip and elevation is important to reduce the swelling. With muscle strains the tissues need to heal and so evidence now discourages the use of anti-inflammatory medicines as this reduces the inflammatory cells which are needed for acute tissue repair. Ice and paracetamol are recommended for pain relief following muscle strains
Diagnosis
With all the above described injuries it is Important to seek a medical professional to get an accurate diagnosis of the condition to ensure correct treatment plan and advice on returning to running.
Prevention
Most people have heard the term ‘prevention is easier then cure’ and this is true for many injuries, especially niggling injuries that won’t resolve over time. Below are my top tips for preventing common running complaints:
Ultra-marathons have risen in popularity in recent years and there are some incredible events with breathtaking scenery being held all over the world. However, if you're planning your first ultra-marathon then there are a few things you might want to bear in mind to get ready.
Training plans
An ultra-marathon is considered anything above 50k and the terrain can be incredibly varied. Research the course of the ultra-marathon you want to do and plan your training accordingly. Hill repeats are a good idea for anyone looking to improve their running, but if you are about to put yourself into an ultra in the deserts of Oman, then running in the sand dunes is going to be even more valuable to you. It’s also worth remembering that the general pace on an ultra is considerably slower than that of marathons, and there should be a strong focus on endurance in your training plan.
Nutrition and fueling
You’re unlikely to get around your first ultra on water alone and your nutrition is going to need careful planning. You’ll want to test various nutrition plans and experiment with different gels, electrolyte sachets and bars to find a solution that works for you. See our separate blog on Sports nutrition and check out Secret-traininguae.com. It’s a good idea to start experimenting with this early on in your training, so you can start refining your fueling plan as you approach the event.
Test kit out beforehand. As with your fuel and nutrition, it’s a bad idea to try anything new out on your first ultra. Familiarity is key here and you want kit that you are accustomed to and comfortable with. Be sure to test new kit out on some good long-distance training runs to figure out if they chafe, rub, or need some breaking in. It’s much easier to deal with any issues in the lead up to your
ultra, than on the day itself. Never try anything new on Race Day!
Check weather reports
Most ultras are going to see you out in the field for a considerable amount of time. You are likely to be in exposed areas such as desert, national parks and countryside and getting caught in adverse weather could hinder your progress. Check weather reports thoroughly right up until the morning of the run and pack accordingly.
Pack extra socks
High quality, anti-blister running socks are essential for all long-distance runners. When undertaking an ultra-marathon though, be sure to pack a spare pair. If you have damp, or wet socks, after a while abrasion is going to be inevitable. Making the switch to a fresh pair could be the difference between crossing the finish line comfortably, or with open sores and burst blisters.
Footwear
Again, if you’re about to embark on your first ultra-marathon, make sure you're wearing running shoes that you are familiar with. You want shoes that have room around all your toes to splay out as feet expand during exercise and even more so in heat. When covering greater distances, this extra room is going to prove integral to your overall comfort.
Lastly, enjoy your run! Many ultra-marathons take you on a journey through
often stunning scenery, so look up and take it all in!
Top tip: Don’t try anything new on race day
1. Race day preparation begins before race day
Preparation for Race day, especially a marathon, begins with all those long hours and long runs that you have done in your training plan. The important thing now is that all of that preparation does not go to waste. You will know what shoes, socks, vest, shorts and chafe free running underwear you are going to use. It is not recommended to go out and buy anything new in race week. You should have practiced in your race day kit several times before the race; it should be comfortable and familiar. Don’t be tempted to try the latest gimmick!
It is highly recommended to have a stress- free day the day before your big race. Try and avoid situations that will cause you stress or anxiety and make a point of leaving work early if you can, get home and relax and do all those little things to get race ready in good time. Relax, stay off your feet if you can, turn off the social media and prepare yourself mentally for the race. Visualise crossing the finishing line in your target time
2. Read the Race Pack
It sounds obvious but so many people do not read the race instructions, which for most races is either on line or printed out and in your race bag. It is your responsibility to know at what time the race starts. If something is not clear or you have a query email or call the event organisers. It is a good idea to read the race pack thoroughly and make sure that you are racing the right distance and in the correct category.
3. Know the course
It is your responsibility to know the course so read the race pack carefully and know if it is one loop, two loops etc. Look at where the aid stations are and plan your nutrition strategy* accordingly.
4. Know where to park
Again it sounds obvious but at some of the bigger races in Dubai there is just not enough parking at the race venue. For example, at the Creek Striders Half marathon, the overflow car paris the City Center Mall, a ten minute walk from the race village. Plan where you will park, give yourself plenty of time, and ensure you arrive stress free on race day. The last thing you want to be doing before your race is trying to find a car parking space. If in doubt take a taxi!
5. Race Pack Collection
Something we always recommend that you do before race day. Most big races offer a couple of prick up points and the bigger ones don’t allow collection on the day. Get your race bag well in time and make sure you have your timing chip and race bib and that they have your name on it and you are in the correct race and category. You are ready to go.
6. Those little things
They are called safety pins, a race belt, nipple plasters and whatever else you need for your race. Make sure you have either pinned your bib number to your vest or you are using a race belt. If it is a half or full marathon we highly recommend the use of Nipple Plasters and you can normally pick up some for free at the Runderwear tent.
7. The Night before
Lay everything out and tick it off against your race day checklist. That is another one of our tips. Ensure you have a race day checklist!. It may sound a but nerdish but it’s a de-stresser, the pros have them and it will ensure that you don’t forget anything. Do your last stretching and rolling session- not too much but just enough. Get an early night. Eight hours of solid sleep will put you in a good place for your race. Don’t forget to set your alarm.
8. Race Day arrival
Having worked back from race start, warm up, arrival, parking and travel you will probably be up between 2 and 2 and a half hours before the big race. Remember the old adage; DON’T DO ANYTHING NEW ON RACE DAY. Arrive in plenty of time and keep calm and avoid stress. Eat your normal race day breakfast which would probably be some brown toast and honey about two hours before the race start, a banana about 45 mins before the race start and a gel** around 15 minutes before the off.
9. Warm up
Stay warm and warm up. For races in December and January in Dubai it can be cold and you will get cold just standing around. Make sure you keep warm in a track suit and undertake some dynamic stretches, stride outs and mobility exercises. Don’t do static stretches and don’t do anything you haven’t done before just because you saw somebody else doing it.
10. Clothing
One last tip is that it is highly recommended to take an old T shirt you don’t mind losing to wear while you wait in the funnel for race start. Having dropped your bag at the Bag Drop or with your loving support crew, it can be quite cold while you wait for the race to begin. Sometimes races are delayed while the Authorities close the roads so keeping warm and conserving energy is a must.
11. Have a great race
You are well prepared.
*there is a separate blog on Nutrition
**Secret-traininguae
]]>Runderwear’s Tips for Nutrition
1. Have a strategy
When talking about a nutrition plan for training and racing the first to do is have a strategy. You should be using the same products in training that you intend to race with. Don’t try anything new on race day. Nutrition is a highly personal thing and what might work well for one athlete may not work for another. So find out what works for you and stick with it and avoid the temptation especially in race week to try the next new thing.
For marathons and half marathons you will need a plan. In training when your body is working aerobically and using your fat resources as a source of energy there is very little need to take on a lot of fuel in the form of carbohydrates. A good electrolyte drink that replaces the salts you have sweated out should be enough. However, for hard interval training, and working in your anaerobic threshold your body starts to use carbohydrate as a source of energy. Your body has a limited store of carbohydrates and these need to be replaced as you exercise.
2. Train with what you intend to race with
Simply done. Find the drink mixes and gels that sit comfortably with your body and do not produce adverse reactions. Practice with them. It is harder to take in food while than cycling for example so it is best to practice in training than try and do it for the first time on race day.
3. Know the on-course nutrition
Many big races advertise the nutrition sponsor well in advance and in race day communications. So you have two choices: either use the on course nutrition, and train with it beforehand, or be largely self-sufficient and use what you have used in training.
It is also useful to know how many aid stations there will be and what nutrition is on those aid stations. Many races will provide bananas or other fruit, water and often electrolyte or flat coke
4. Gels/bars
Typically for sustained muscular activity in race mode you will need to consume approx. 60-90 grams of carbohydrates per hour which equates to one isotonic gel every 20 -30 minutes. These can be carried on a race belt.
5. Electrolyte Drinks
A great idea especially if it is hot and humid. Either carry your own in a camelback or use the on- course nutrition if you are comfortable with it
6. Caffeine
When the going gets tough, there is normally flat coke to fall back on. A source of pure sugar. Most marathons will provide flat coke in the second half of the race and this can often be a life saver!
We're pleased to have partnered with Secret Training to develop a nutrition pack designed specifically with runners in mind. Designed to give you everything you need to fuel your marathon the pack is available for 100AED at https://secret-traininguae.com/products/marathon-race-day
]]>So you want to know how to run a faster marathon? Well the short answer is dedication, focus and pushing yourself to run faster for longer than you ever have. The longer answer below involves time, commitment and a little pain (but not too much if done correctly.)
Stick to these strategies and that new time will be well within your grasp.
1. Set your marathon goal
When setting goals for long distance running, it’s important to be realistic. If your current marathon time is 4:30hrs, don't leap to a goal of 3:30hrs. Aiming for something like 4:10hrs, or 4hrs dead on would be much more achievable, while still requiring some serious training.
2. Find a plan that works for you
So you've decided on your target time? Great, now you need a plan.
There are many marathon training plans out there. No plan is the same - they all have differing workouts and weekly mileage volumes - however, they all have one thing in common; a mix of session to help you run faster, further.
Most plans will gradually increase the number of total weekly miles each week, peaking around 3 weeks before your marathon date.
They will also include at least one long run each week, usually on a Sunday, which builds up to 20-23 miles in the final stages of training. These runs are without doubt the most important part of your training so try not to miss or shorten them. Build up gradually, increasing the work load by 10% per week.
There are many plans available on the internet. However, its often a good strategy to join one of the many running clubs within the UAE, such as Abras or Dubai Creek striders. Many of these clubs will have groups of like minded people training for a marathon. They will be following a plan so consider joining a club and training in a group- it can be a lot more fun than training by yourself.
If you feel you can afford it then get a coach!
3. Manage your time well
It takes a lot of time to train for a marathon. If you're running 40 miles per week, that's around five and a half hours a week of training (at 8 minute miles, longer at a slower training pace).
Be realistic about how much time you have to 'give' to marathon training. We all have other commitments such as work and/or family. If you want to achieve your goal then sacrifices will need to be made by both you and those around you. Whether early morning, pre-work alarms, lunchtime runs, going for a run while the kids are at a club or missing out on that night out because you have to run 10 miles on a Friday evening. You CAN reach your goal but it will take willpower and effort.
Treadmill running is much underestimated. If you have a busy travel schedule you can keep up your training by going to the hotel gym and knocking out either a long steady run or an interval session. Likewise if you have a gym near your office or home clock in some miles or do a specific workout.
The beauty of running is that the only thing you need is your running kit and a pair of shorts. You can run from the front door or from your hotel. If you travel use it as a way of discovering the area!
4. Build running stamina
The science bit.
Running uses a combination of aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Aerobic energy is where oxygen is delivered to your muscles; the air from your lungs is pumped by your heart through blood vessels and capillaries to your muscles. Your longer runs (anything over 13 miles or 90 minutes) make your body better and better at delivering oxygen to you muscles in this way. When you repeatedly run long and slow, your body adapts, your heart gets stronger, your lungs deliver more oxygen and you expand your network of capillaries.
In the early part of your training these long runs are a vital part of building the endurance needed to run for 26.2 miles - it's called 'building your aerobic base', your ability to run a long way, comfortably.
It is essential to build up the long run gradually. Increase the distance by no more than 10% per week. If you are training for a full marathon then your longest run should be around 22-23 miles but you don't want to just run 26.2 miles comfortably!
You want to do it in a specific time. Which means you will need to have a target pace. For example, if you want to run your marathon in 4 hours then you're going to have to train your body so it adapts to be able to run for 26.2 miles at an average of 9:09 minute per mile or 6:52 minute per mile for a 3 hour marathon.
So if the first 6 weeks of a 15 week plan involves building your aerobic base, weeks 7-12 involve training your body to run at your target pace.
You really want to try and do this twice per week in one 'shorter' run and one longer run. So for example on the Wednesday you would start by running 10 miles - 3 mile easy pace warm up, 4 miles at target marathon pace (say, 9:09/mi), 3 mile cool down. Then the next Wednesday, 3 mile warm up, 5 miles at target pace, 2 mile cool down. By week 12 you'd be running 12 miles on a Wednesday with a 2 mile warm up, 9 miles at target pace, 1 mile cool down.
The same on your long Sunday run, you want to be building up so that by week 12/16 you're running at least 15 miles at your target pace with warm up and cool downs at the beginning and end.
We also recommend to run a half marathon in the build up to the full monty. Pick one about 2 months before the real thing and use it as your long run training run. You should be able to run it slightly faster than your marathon pace. It is also recommended to run a couple of faster 10Km races to build speed endurance. An easy session to keep in your back pocket as a base set to check your progress is 6x1km with 1 minute recoveries. Do it once per month and calculate your average times.
5. Marathon nutrition and rest
If you want to run a fast marathon, then don't overlook the importance of your diet and sleeping habits. Fuel and recovery are integral to your performance not only on the big day, but also throughout your training. Be sure to eat and rest well following your training runs. See our separate blog on nutrition.
The mantra 'listen to your body' is never truer than in marathon training. If you feel over tired or have a slight injury, then rest is usually the best cure.
6. Find a nice flat fast marathon
The distance of 26.2 miles is not the same everywhere! If you want to achieve a personal best time then don't choose a marathon with 3,000ft of climbing!
They don’t come any flatter than Dubai and taking place in January when temperatures are cool, give you an excellent opportunity to get that PB.
We caught up with long distance runner Anne-Mari Hyryläinen who set her own PB of 2:28:53 at the Dubai Marathon in 2018 to get her tips on preparing yourself for a PB.
]]>The event gave runners and triathletes the opportunity to see first-hand our latest products, meet Runderwear co-founder Richard Edmonds and witness an exciting Swim/Bike competition featuring well-known local athletes.
Starting off the night, Richard Edmonds, told the story of how he started Runderwear close friend Jamie Smalley. When training for the New York Marathon the pair became frustrated at not being able to find any good underwear for running, they knew that it didn’t make sense to be paying for expensive shorts, tops and trainers and then wearing our normal underwear. The pair set about solving the problem of discomfort they were experiencing from their normal underwear by travelling the world looking for the best fabrics and techniques.
Fast forward 5 years and Runderwear has grown into a leading running brand in the UK producing award-winning, chafe-free running underwear. This year the brand was voted as The Best Underwear and Socks Brand at the UK Running Awards
Building on their reputation for developing performance underwear the brand has recently expanded their product line to include cushioning socks, Tri suits and their first High Impact Fully Supportive Bra. All created with materials and production techniques that guarantee to keep wearers, comfortable and chafe-free mile after mile.
With the triathlon season just getting started in the UAE we were keen to put the new Tri Suit to the test with an exciting Swim/Bike team competition that challenged teams of three to each complete two lengths swim followed by 1 km on static bikes provided by Technogym. The competition’s participants took the challenge of testing the product very seriously with warm-ups commencing long before guests began to arrive!
The competition was fierce with teams giving it their all, no spoilers here so if you’d like to see who won watch the competition in full: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiAfViaU3fI&t=
It was great to see so many members of the running and triathlon community in attendance, we hope that you enjoyed the event as much as we did and if there's one thing to take away from the event it's that Runderwear keeps you comfortable and chafe-free in all weather conditions....
We’d like to thank our challenge teams for their participation and Technogym for providing the bicycles.
TriDubai: Hasan Itani, Lynette Warn and Giles Richardson
Kona Legends: Andy Edwards, Liz Marshall and Mark Fourie
Team Runderwear: Marc Carson, Simone Camposeranio and Rinat Mustafin.
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To help you through the disappointment of not getting into London this time, we've put together a list of ten equally good marathons in spring 2019.
26.2 is 26.2 eh?
Fast and flat this early April marathon is a good one for a PB, although it does sell out quickly so best get your entry in soon.
http://www.greatermanchestermarathon.com/home/
Starting at Preston Park in Brighton, this is a mainly flat route which takes you through the town and along the seafront. Lots of support and all the feel of a big city marathon.
https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk
A little later on in the year, the Edinburgh Marathon offers GUARANTEED entry to anyone who failed to gain entry to the London Marathon.
https://www.edinburghmarathon.com
This marathon doesn't rely on its famous namesake's reputation for entries. Billed as 'the fastest marathon in the UK' why not head off to Lincolnshire next April?
https://www.bostonmarathon.co.uk
Someone in our office did the inaugural Newport Marathon in 2018 and gave it a big thumbs up! A well organised race on a flat course.
https://newportwalesmarathon.co.uk
The half and full marathons both start at the same time, from underneath the iconic Blackpool Tower. 26.2 miles and all the sticks of rock you can buy!
Leafy streets, tree lined boulevards and a finish in the MK Stadium - what's not to like!
http://mkmarathon.com/enter-events/
A far more relaxed affair than big city marathons but still incredibley well organised and with a studding route though the Lake District countryside. You'll run a single circuit of Lake Windermere.
https://www.brathaychallenges.com/events/running/marathon
Let's throw one in that's local to Runderwear HQ! This marathon is as described; 26.2 miles through the Dorset countryside, from village to village. Optimists would call it undulating, realists...
Wales' longest running marathon is set in the beautiful Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park, the course is both flat AND traffic free. Amazing.
Or you could try for a charity place in London or try and get Good For Age (or even Championship) starts for 2020!
]]>Parkrun is enjoyed the world over and has allowed millions of people to enjoy a free, timed run on a weekly basis. The great thing about parkrun in particular is its inclusivity - everybody is welcome, with people turning up at 9am on a Saturday (9:30 in Scotland) to achieve their own aims. Whether this is to simply complete the distance, meet up with friends or get a PB - it's all the same at parkrun!
If you've already been to a few parkruns though and are pondering ways in which you could improve your time, read on...
1. Set yourself a lofty goal
It helps to have something to aim for that will really push you. Something just on the realms of possibility that you would be over the moon to achieve in, perhaps, 12 months time. Running 28 minutes at the moment with not too much training? Ok, your aim is now 25 minutes - you can do it!
2. Set yourself a series of realistic time improvements.
Now you're not going to magically jump from 28 minutes to 25 - not without working hard - and it's going to be a series of incremental improvements, rather than a sudden huge PB. Even if you go faster by 10 seconds each week, that's going to be a minute dropped every 6 weeks.
3. Run More
If you want to run faster at a distance of 5k then a mixture of speed work and longer distance is required. You need to get a good ‘base’ of running down as this gets your body used to running – your muscles will get more efficient, your heart will get better at pumping blood around your body, the ligaments, tendons and muscles will get stronger and YOU will feel more confident and more like a ‘runner’. Increase the number of miles you run per week by 10% a week. So if you run 15 miles a week, up that to 16.5 and so on. Again, gradual progression is key to avoid injury or illness. Mo Farah runs 100 miles a week, but there’s no need to go that far!
4. Run faster
If you want to run faster, run faster! You need to teach your body to run at the pace required to hit your target time. This can be done through speed sessions comprising 5k broken down in the shorter, faster segments. This could be 5x1km with 3 minutes rest between, or 12x400m (killer sesh!).
Fartleks are a little more informal and a great way to easily introduce a little speed to your regular run. Swedish for 'speed play', fartleks are mean throwing faster sections into your normal run. So, jog at normal pace for a mile or so to warm up, then sprint to the 3rd lamp post on the left, then jog for a minute... then TO THE POST BOX ON THE RIGHT - GO!, then jog... etc.
The Run Britain website has some good schedules and guides on this, for example this is their guide to running a sub 18 5k
5. Try hill repeats
Resistance training such a hill repeats are often touted as the best way to improve your running as they work everything hard!
“Training on hills improves leg-muscle strength, quickens your stride, expands stride length, develops your cardiovascular system, enhances your running economy and can even protect your leg muscles against soreness. In short, hill running will make you a stronger, faster and healthier runner”
Running hills also forces you to adapt good running form, lifting your knees higher and driving with your arms.
6. Warm Up Before
It's so tempting on a cold winters's day to sit in the car with the heaters on, before reluctantly going to the start line at the last minute. But they say the shorter the run, the longer the warm up needed.
Warming up your body with a easy jog, dynamic stretching and some little sprints will get your heart pumping, your muscles warmed up and have you raring to go at the start line - rather than yawning.
7. Nutrition
Nutrition has more of an effect for longer runs (over 60 minutes) than shorter distances like 5k however, what you eat before-hand can make a difference. Try to eat a light breakfast, just enough to keep hunger at bay - save your proper brekkie for afterwards. You'll really notice a full stomach when trying to go at 5k pace, especially if you're pushing for a PB.
Also, ditch the water bottle - you don't need it for 5k and it's just extra weight to carry.
8. Know your field
When you start running the same parkrun every week you’ll begin to recognise the people around you. Speak to them, make friends with them and then remember who they are while you’re running. I use a Garmin but I only glance at it a couple of times during the run. I know exactly who I should be in front of and who to chase. I know that if I come in just after that person, then it’s going to be a good time, but if that person overtakes me then not so much. I find this a lot easier than concentrating on minutes per k and stats.
9. Do the parkrun pacer events
Some parkruns do pacer events, with volunteers running at a set pace to help you achieve your chosen time. Try and make one of these events as it can really help - you can switch off and just follow the pacer.
10. Try and smile
The great thing about parkrun, is that it’s held every week so if you don’t do as well as you’d hoped this week then never mind, just come back next week! There’s evidence to suggest that those who enjoy their running, do better. Look at Haile Gebrselassie – always smiling!
PS, volunteer. It's great fun and parkrun couldn't survive without the army of people that give up their time on a Saturday morning.
PPS, Junior Parkruns are also amazing!
]]>Running often pushes you past your comfort zone and, done in a safe way, this can lead to performance gains. Pushing yourself to the limit is the basis of many training programmes!
However, there is a difference between pushing yourself safely and going too far. Once the temperatures increase, we need to account for the heat in our approach to training and racing. If not, you may find yourself succumbing to the symptoms of dehydration.
I once suffered from this at the end of a hot and hilly 10 mile race and I can tell you, it wasn't pleasant and the symptom came out of no-where. Immediately after crossing the finish line I felt fine, however after a few minutes I felt like I just needed to sit down in the shade. And then needed to quietly lie down. Next thing I knew I had a doctor perched over me forcing fluid down my throat (the race didn't have any IV fluids to hand) and telling me to fight the urge to pass out as then I wouldn't be able to drink and things would get much worse. I hovered on the edge of consciousness for just long enough to drink gallons of sports drink and after about 90 minutes started to feel less ill.
Where I went wrong that day was drinking too much in the morning - I just weed it all out before the race and then not drinking enough during the race.
1. Thirst. Sounds obvious but ensure that you are prepared and have an electrolyte infused drink to hand.
2. Headache - never a good sign especially whilst running.
3. Tingly hands and feet - this was what I had and to this day, if I'm running and the tingles start, I stop straight away.
4. Dry mouth - if your mouth is constantly dry then chances are you're starting to become dehydrated.
5. Muscle cramps - like many of these symptoms, cramp can occur even when not dehydrated but when combined with the other symptoms is a sign that you are.
6. Feeling light-headed or confused - if this happens you need to stop immediately, rest, breathe long deep breaths and have a drink.
]]>We're proud that #Runderwearers all over the world wear our products, running chafe-free and in comfort; from jogging around the block to 100 mile Ultra Marathons.
We recently had the chance to catch up with an incredible Runderwearer™ - Adrien Prigent AKA @Ultra.Chamois - winner of the Tarawera 100m Ultra Marathon in New Zealand earlier this year.
How long have you been running?
I started running at the end of 2013. I was partying and eating a little too much back then and decided it was time for me to lose some weight.
Running seemed to be the most efficient way to lose weight so I bought a pair of trainers and went out on a run.
So it’s been 4.5 years now.
Was it a gradual build up to longer distances?
I first race in 2014 in the Manchester marathon so no it wasn’t what we would call gradual…
I ran my first Ultra, a 100k, in July 2015. From the start I was always drawn to longer distance.
You won the Tarawera 100 earlier this year which was an incredible achievement - congrats! How do you feel the night/morning before a race like that?
I usually feel quite relax because I know at that point there is nothing I can do I just have to trust my training and my body but I also feel quite nervous because of the huge challenge ahead. It is quite a weird feeling and it hard to describe. It is a 100miles so anything can happen really
Any pre-race rituals?
The only one I could think about is if my mum is with me to crew or support she is the one who is going to pin my bib on my shorts.
I won’t let anyone else do it if she is around.
What’s your nutrition plan in races? E.g. How often? Solids vs gels
During my long races I only and exclusively use Tailwind. I try and drink a 500ml with 3 scoops of Tailwind (300cal) every hour.
I would sometime have the odd piece of banana at the aid stations but I usually only drink Tailwind as it works really well for me.
What are the most important items in your race kit-bag?
It’s got to be the shoes and my Runderwear™! I think they are the only things I’d struggle to find a replacement for if I would be to forget them home…
Oh and my inhaler as well! I have athlete asthma so I would really struggle to finish a long race without it.
Do you have an ‘ultimate goal’ in running, or do you tend to go from race to race?
I obviously would like to do well in all my race and there are so many races I dream to run but my ultimate goal is to be able ro run and have fun in the mountains when I am 70!
Running is more than just a hobby for me it’s a way of living. I really do hope I can maintain this lifestyle for the rest of my life. It has brought so much happiness in my life.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not running?
I love climbing, swimming and cycling. I also enjoy reading a good book but I’ve been struggling to fine the time to do this lately.
Who do you look up to or admire in the running world (or outside it!)
The people I really admire are the ones who cross the finish line last. We always talk about the first runner and how amazing and fast they are but I think the real troopers are these people who sometime take twice as long as the first runner to complete the race. At the end of the Tarawera 100miler I went back to the finish line to greet the last runners and it was mind blowing!
Most of these guys had been out for way over 30hrs and you could on their faces they had a rough time out there but most of them were still smiling. It was really beautiful to witness that!!
How many miles a week do you run? Are these all longer sessions or do you do any speed sessions for example?
I usually run between 80 and 130miles per week depending on where I am in my training and the terrain I am running on.
I would typically have 2 session a week (speed, hills,…) and the rest of my mileage is done at an easy pace with some back to back long runs on weekends.
I have a coach who takes care of my training. I find it much easier that way.
How good does it feel, crossing the finish line of a 100-mile race (in first place)?!
Oh man that’s the best feeling! I unfortunately didn’t get to experience this at Tarawera as a guy took a wrong turn at the end of the race and overtook me in the last 5k (he skipped 15k…) but crossing the finish line first in the Centurion SDW100 in 2017 is one of the proudest moment of my life especially as my parents were there. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it… All the hard work, the sacrifices, the pain you had to go through finally pay off. It is such a special moments. The crowd shouting and going crazy as you come in is really overwhelming it is just crazy. I love it! I hope I will experience this again in the future.
What are your plans for the rest of this year? Any other big ones on the horizon?
I have now settle down in the Rockies in Canada and I am planning to stay here for a while. I live in Canmore, a town surrounded by mountains. It is such a beautiful place with many many trails to explore!
I will take part in the following race this year:
- Sinister 7 100miler (Canada, July)
- The Canadian Death Race (Canada, August)
- UTHC 125k (Canada, September)
- Golden Ultra (Canada, September)
- TNF EC 50 California (USA, November)
Sinister 7 is only 10 days away now (7th of july) so I am currently tapering for this. I don’t want to jinx it but I am hoping to do well there. Let’s see
What advice would you give someone wanting to make the step up to Ultra distance races?
Take your time and listen to your body! All these races and trails are not going anywhere!
Never forget that resting is part of the training it allows your body to adapt to the training.
I often hear people say “it is not for me” or I could never run that far” but I think anybody can do it. It is of course a lot of train ing and dedication but it is woth it ;)
Just don’t rush it!!
]]>
Don't down a pint of water just before you head off on a run - you'll just need the toilet within minutes! Instead, throughout the summer months, ensure you keep yourself constantly hydrated. Drink to thirst rather than a prescribed amount, but make sure you always have a bottle of water to sip on.
Here's what the Training Peaks website suggests for hydration:
There have been incredible advances in garment tech over the last few years and it's no longer just a case of wearing loose-fitting cotton in the heat. Instead, opt for lightweight, moisture-wicking technical fabrics. All Runderwear™ clothing is designed to deliver sweat away from your body, helping it to evaporate quickly and so continue to cool your body throughout your run.
Avoid the midday sun if possible by running early or later in the day. The thought of setting an early morning alarm may not sound appealing, but there really is nothing like running just as the sun's coming up or going down.
Some people just aren't made for running in the heat! If you really don't like running in in hot temperatures, or you know your body reacts badly to it, stay inside. Most gyms these days have air-conditioning, fans and machines dispensing ice-cold drinks.
Take to the treadmill and avoid the heat altogether!
The human body is an incredibly adaptive machine and will respond to the stresses placed on it by hotter conditions - this is called acclimatisation.
After several weeks training in the heat, your body will become more efficient at sweating, using less water and losing less salt. After a few weeks heat training, your cardio-vascular system will also adapt through a decreased heart-rate, increased plasma volume and blood flow.
Easily done, especially in the UK where hot, sunny days are something of a rarity! As everyone knows, you can still burn even when it's cloudy so make sure you apply a layer of sun cream before heading out.
The effects of heat exhaustion, hyperthermia or dehydration can come on very quickly, so if you start feeling light-headed, dizzy, headachy or have a tingling in your limbs, stop immediately, have a drink and a rest in the shade and call for help on your phone.
Get yourself a small hand-held running drink bottle or hydration bladder and sip as you go. The average person sweats between 0.8-1.4 litres of fluid every hour, with this increasing the hotter the conditions. Ensure your drink is suitably restorative and has the right balance of electrolytes, sodium and key minerals to replace those you lose.
Remember, drinking too much water can be just as bad for you as not drinking enough and may result in hyponatremia.
If you really don't want to carry water with you, find a loop with somewhere you can keep your water bottle, returning for a drink at every lap.
Some people don't like carry water bottles but there are some sleek designs
Everyone likes to explore whilst out in the great outdoors but going off the beaten track on a very hot day is not a good idea. You can only carry enough fluid to last you a limited amount of time, so getting lost under the summer sun is not advisable.
Therefore, plan your route in advance so you know exactly how far and where you will be going. Take your phone with you so you can consult Google Maps if needed or, if it comes to it, call for a ride home.
Let someone know where you're going and what time you intend on being back, so they can raise the alarm if anything happens.
It sounds simple but check the weather forecast to see what's going to happen that day. Many a runner has been caught out after heading out the door under grey clouds, only for the skies to clear and the sun to appear overhead. The forecast should also tell you about pollen levels if you need to take an anti-histamine and the UV levels for the day for sun-screen application.
]]>
Chafing is a friction-induced skin injury where the outer layer of skin (epidermis) is rubbed creating microscopic tears, exposing the skin layer below (dermis), which becomes red, raw and irritated.
Runners are more susceptible to chafing, along with other endurance athletes, due to repetitive movement, generated through skin-to-skin or clothing-to-skin contact of multiple body parts, combined with sweat. Chafing causes an extremely painful burning feeling, particularly during your post-run shower!
Chafing is exacerbated by:
Excess moisture from sweating, water sports such as a triathlon swim or damp weather conditions will increase the likelihood of chafing. Salt residue from perspiration or seawater will aggravate the situation, acting like sandpaper, grinding and irritating the skin.
Clothing that is too baggy or tight including socks will rub and make you more susceptible to chafing. Proper-fitting, moisture-wicking clothing that is ergonomically designed to move with you will prevent chafing and ensure you enjoy a comfortable run.
Clothing with thick seams will aggravate chafing. Choose clothing that is seamless or has flat seams in the areas that are prone to chafing.
Some clothing material, such as cotton, is more likely to hold sweat and moisture next to the skin, causing chafing. Choose clothing that is made of moisture-wicking fabric, which transports moisture away from the skin and is created using mesh panels for increased breathability.
If you are dehydrated, your body is unable to flush salts away from your skin as easily. Drink lots of water before, during, and after exercise, allowing you to perspire freely so the perspiration doesn't dry into salt crystals that can enhance the chafing.
Runderwear™ performance clothing comes with a chafe-free guarantee.
Runderwear™’s award-winning range of chafe-free clothing is:
Seamless design
Most Runderwear™ clothing is seamless to prevent rubbing and chafing. Where seams are vital within the design, seams have flatlock edging, again to minimise skin rubbing.
Breathable
All Runderwear™ clothing is created using mesh panels of micro-perforations to control air-flow, increasing breathability of the skin, maximising comfort and enhancing the lightweight, moisture-wicking properties of the fabric.
Moisture wicking
All Runderwear™ clothing is made using technical moisture-wicking Polyamide fabric, a highly effective material, which transports moisture away from the skin, preventing chafing mile after mile.
Ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort
All Runderwear™ clothing is ergonomically designed to fit your body shape and move with you, providing the ultimate in comfort. Runderwear™ also contains high-grade Elastane to ensure your clothing continues to fit properly, even when hot weather causes swelling.
Light-weight
All Runderwear™ clothing is designed to be lightweight. Running in the heat increases exertion levels, so you want to remain as light as possible to retain fluid and energy. Many people consider the weight of their trainers, but choosing clothing made from a lightweight fabric for underwear, socks, shorts and base layers can really make a difference.
Top Tip - And remember as well as wearing your Runderwear™, make sure you are drinking plenty of water, especially in the heat, to minimise chafing.
]]>We'll be at:
• 18th & 19th May - Rock 'n' Roll Liverpool Marathon
Starting at Liverpool's historic docks, this marathon is an event not to missed! We'll be setting out our stall and look forward to meeting anyone running it.
• 19th May - Night of the 10,000m PBs
The annual gathering of the fastest 10k runners around at the Highgate Athletics Track in London. Crowds line the track and cheer on different waves of runners to hit their PBs!
• 27th May - 2018 Dorchester Marathon & Casterbridge Half
From the intense frenzy of Night of the 10k PBs, to a more laid back affair in the Dorset countryside.
• 16th June - The Maverick Inov-8 X Series Exmoor 2018
Maverick Races have a reputation for being beautiful yet challenging off-road courses and this race in Exmoor is no different.
• 22nd June - Purbeck 10K
A local race to Runderwear™ HQ, starting and finishing in the shadow of the majestic Corfe Castle, a flat, out and back 10k put on by local club Purbeck Runners.
• 23rd & 24th June - Giants Head (White Star Running 100th event)
From the creators of the Dorchester Marathon, the Giant's Head Marathon goes back to White Star Running's roots, being off-road and hilly!
• 7th July - Maverick inov-8 X Series Peak District 2018
The Maverick Race show moves onwards and upwards to the stunning climes of the Peak District.
• 12th - 14th July - Long Course Weekend Wales
The Long Course Weekend in Pembrokeshire is one of the toughest triathlon events in wales - triathlete's need to be chafe-free too you know!
]]>Over the course of four different Facebook Live sessions this spring, we discussed and took questions around four different aspects of a marathon; Training, Nutrition, Pacing and Race Day. We learnt a lot ourselves!
Throughout the series, we scribbled down 5 tips from each session, with all 20 listed below:
5 MARATHON TRAINING TIPS
• There are broadly 2 types of training; mileage-based or time-based.
• Set yourself A, B and C goals. Train for A but still be happy to achieve C.
• Try not to drop too many of your long runs, these are the 'bread and butter' of your marathon training.
• Listen to your body. If you feel good, go for it! If you feel a twinge then it's ok to back off or miss a session.
• Run with a club! It's fun, you meet great people and 20 miles is a lot more interesting with a group!
5 MARATHON NUTRITION TIPS
• Try different forms of nutrition whilst training, nothing new on race day!
• Try taking a gel 5-10 minutes before race start - this'll kick in 20 minutes later.
• Plan and practice how you take your race nutrition mid-race. You don't want to be fiddling with gel wrappers whilst running!
• Your body can process roughly 200 calories per hour so aim to take this in, whether through gels, bars or other portable snacks.
• If you're running a large marathon such as London, never rely on someone in the crowd to pass you nutrition - it's busy!
5 MARATHON PACING TIPS
• Decide on a goal finish time, so that you can work out the pace required.
• On race day don't start off too fast. Adrenaline doesn't last for 26.2 miles!
• Decide whether you're going to run an even pace throughout, or if you intend to speed up/slow down at certain places.
• Ensure some of your training includes running at your goal pace. For example if you're aiming for 3 hours, run some session at 6:50/mi.
• Be flexible. Sometimes it doesn't all go to plan with injuries, or being hot or windy on the day. Adjust your pace to suit...
5 RACE DAY MARATHON TIPS
• Think your marathon day through beforehand. Use Google Maps to find the start area, know how and where you're getting dropped off and arrange a meeting point with friends or family.
• Pack some nice warm tracksuit bottoms and a jumper in your kit bag. Even if it's a warm day, you'll want to lose that sweaty vest ASAP!
• As mentioned previously, don't ever try anything new on race day. Your stomach might not thank you for it!
• Use a marathon kit checklist to ensure you don't forget to pack anything. Check it twice and then check it again.
• Pack a banana and isotonic drink in you back for after. Eat the banana (or other carb rich snack) as soon as you can after finishing.
BONUS TIP: wrap your trainers in plastic bags before the race start to keep your feet dry.
]]>This is the final post in our Marathon Heroes series for 2018 - putting the spotlight on some of the many, many people out there running marathons for great causes.
Sharon Irving will be running the London Marathon to raise money for a charity close to her heart - Cancer Research UK. Here's Sharon's story,,,
"I am running for Cancer Research UK. I have been running and fundraising for Cancer Research UK since 2010. My main motivator is my dad, Hamish Moffat. I lost my dad to stomach cancer when he was only 34 years old and I was 9 years old and over the years, I have lost my uncles Bing (pancreatic Cancer) & George (Bowel Cancer), my Granny Moffat (She died when I was a toddler so not 100% sure which type of cancer she had), my neighbour Linda Nawrocki (Survived Cervial Cancer but it travelled to her Liver) and in 2016 my friends lost their 5 year old son, Super Sam Dorrance to a Brain Tumour.
I am extremely passionate about my running and fundraising for Cancer Research UK and this is my way of keeping memories alive and trying to make something positive out of a tragedy. Treatments and preventative measures have come on leaps and bounds over the years and this is due to the continued research done by charities such as Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK are the only UK Charity dedicated to beating all types of cancer so this is why it is important for me to keep running and raising awareness and raising vital funds. In 2010 I decided to run my first 5K Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK (5K just about killed me off) and since then I have been hooked. I ran my first Great North Run in 2011 and I ran my first London Marathon in 2015.
I have raised around £14K to date for Cancer Research UK. My fundraising goal for this years marathon is £3.5K and I held a Charity Cocktail Night on 17th February 2018 raising £2,847 which takes this years total to £4,133 so I am really chuffed that I have done so well. I have held movie nights, bonus ball draws, raffles, etc in the past and my local community always get behind my fundraising. I ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon in 2016 as the official Cancer Research UK Mascot Shoe Barker (pictures attached). This was an absolutely fantastic event and despite Shoe weighing a stone in weight, we still got round in a good time. I am very active on Social Media too and this was picked up by CRUK during my 2015 marathon journey so myself along with 2 fellow CRUK runners, Debbie Ward and Gower Tan, are now the Social Media Ambassadors for the London Marathon Cancer Research UK Facebook campaign. We write about our marathon journeys and we advise other runners on all things from running tips, injury tips (I have had a few), kit tips, fundraising tips, how to get to the start line, you name it we can help them or point them in the direction of someone who can.
Training is going ok this year. Had a chest infection which has taken me out for 3 weeks but there are so many bugs going around this year that I didn't really think I would get through without getting something. I do run with my local ladies running group the Muckle Toon Joggers so I am lucky that I have company on most of my big runs and if I have to run solo I just put my tunes on and get going. London is an absolutely amazing event. The whole weekend is amazing and the day itself cannot be beaten. Fellow runners and the support you get around the whole of the course is just amazing. You just want to take in every second of the day and even when you hit the wall at mile 20 the crowd just keep shouting your name and give you that second wind. I ran with Shazza on my vest in 2017 and that really kept me going - everyone was go Shazza, you can do this Shazza."
Donate to Sharon's cause here
]]>You've trained for months and the big day is fast approaching. Time to taper, get a positive mindset and visualise crossing that finish line. What you don't want to be doing is worrying about what kit to pack and whether you've forgotten anything.
Here's our marathon kit checklist to help:
Number Collection / Expo
Race Kit
Race Nutrition
Post Race
As part of our 2018 marathon heroes series, we are highlighting a selection of people running the London Marathon for good causes. We have featured each individual's story in our fortnightly #MarathonReady Live Stream, with further details below!
Rebecca Foster is raising money for a charity close to her heart, Sobell House Hospice. Here's what Rebecca has to say about her reasons to run:
"Shortly before Christmas 2016, my Nan Pauline was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She passed away less than a month later. During that time, Sobell House went over and above to make her last weeks comfortable and provide invaluable support to the family.
To say thank you, I completed the Blenheim 7K in May 2016 with my Dad, raising an incredible £555 for the charity in just a few weeks.
We are now taking on the much bigger challenge of the 2018 Virgin Money London Marathon, and are aiming to raise as much as possible for them again.
Of course when I say 'we' I use the term loosely as it will be a walk in the park for Dad, but this will be my first marathon I will complete having only taking up Running December 2016.
The next few months will be packed with countless hours of training, but it will all be worth it when we cross the finish line in April, and hopefully provide Sobell House with a large contribution to help them to continue to do their fantastic work."
]]>So you've decided to do your first triathlon! You've heard people talking about triathlon suits or 'tri suits' for short. What are they? How do you pick the right one?
Never fear, we're here to help!
1. Ensure it has a good level of padding in the posterior region. Not so important in the swim and run parts of the race, but definitely a factor to consider for the bike...
2. A quick drying suit is very important. Water has weight and it also increases the level of friction between fabric and skin. Choose a quick drying tri suit to help minimise and ideally avoid chafing.
3. Make sure your suit offers good UV protection. Depending on the length of your triathlon, you could be out in the sun for a long time.
4. Pick a tri suit with pockets or a pouch. This will help you carry any gels or other fuel and is usually located at the back of the suit.
5. Look for a suit that is seamless or has flatlock seams to minimise chafing.
6. Find one with a zip on the front and without a pull string (really annoying on the bike.)
Strangely enough, the Runderwear™ Women's and Men's Triathlon Suits feature all of the above - take a look at the women's suit here and the men's suit here.
Happy triathloning!
]]>https://cysticfibrosistrustlondonmarathon.everydayhero.com/uk/
Liam is the 2nd of our #MarathonHeroes - people doing extraordinary things to raise money for great causes. Here, he tells us his reasons for running the London Marathon...
"The charity that I run for is the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. This charity is very close to my heart as our only child Rachel was born with this condition 26 years ago.
When Rachel was born life expectancy was 16 years of age. Several years and marathons later and I'm approaching the £200,000.00 mark for fundraising for the CF Trust Rachel is doing great. Life expectancy has soared to 42 years old and rising due to research and fundraising. Rachel has a degree, Masters and is in her final year of completing a PhD all in Psychology. We are so proud of her."
]]>
First off, we have Rachel Ashton who is running this year's London Marathon and raising money for the National Autistic Society. Here's Rachel's story and if you want to donate, you'll find her fund-raising page here.
So why am I running the London Marathon ?
Well the truth is that I cannot run. I’ve not been able to run since I was born. In my early years I was labelled Mrs Soft, the female version of a favourite 80’s TV (mint) advertisement character.
Through the first 14 years of my life I saved my popularity by performing contortions and tricks that seemed fun at the time. I have HEDs which is a genetic condition and means that the glue that holds my joints, organs and generally my body together is made differently slightly faulty and therefore is not very successful at keeping the bits that matter in place. This includes important bits like knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, well… in-fact every joint in
my body. This syndrome gifts me with chronic pain, fatigue and a popular 'Friends' character’s running style!
I don’t take myself too seriously so I don’t really care too much about what people think of me and my uniqueness.
A few years ago I thought I would give running a go, partially because my husband is a wonderful runner and my competitive nature kicked in somewhat!
I was of course going to be quicker! I’m not, so what’s the worst that could happen?
Well what indeed…
A bit of a false start with a severe knee injury during the first week of taking up the sport and some niggles along the way. In short, running has been the single biggest challenge of my life it takes extreme concentration as my proprioception is terrible and I pretty much start every run/race in pain. I have had to be trained by a physiotherapist to know how to keep everything in place. There have been times in my life when I have had to use a video booth so that I can learn to move and I’ve got a splint for more or less everything in my body. I of course I don’t use any of them very often but they form part of my ‘getting by’ toolkit. My mantra is if you don’t use it you lose it, and that’s very important to me.
I cannot run fast because my brain cannot keep up with the mental and physical challenges that running brings, but this said, running gives me a meaning, the most exceptional and unique meaning. A meaning for the pain and the fatigue which I experience on a daily basis. I keep running because of this reason and because of the most phenomenal people I have met throughout my journey. Every one of them I an inspiration to me and others.
If you see me run by you will not realise the challenges I face. It is invisible to you and this is why I have the deepest empathy with people living day to day on the Autism spectrum, that I have worked with in some way or another - for most of my life with either children or adults with Autism.
Autism touches all our lives.
Mine is just one journey. But every person with Autism takes that journey everyday and they don’t always have the toolbox that I have been able to build up.
That’ where the National Autistic Society becomes so important.
Around 700,000 people in the UK are on the autism spectrum. Together with their families, this means autism is a part of daily life for over 2.8 million people, and these are just the people who have undertaken the tireless battle to get a diagnosis or acknowledgement that they are Autistic.
I have seen first hand the challenges that are faced by people diagnosed on the Autism spectrum on a day to day basis and throughout most of my career. Autism does not disappear, it is a lifelong condition that can lead to varying and unique challenges throughout each person’s journey. Every person has the right to live positively with lifestyle and work choices and opportunities. If the right levels of funding, research, support, advice and guidance are available, coupled with positive public awareness and perception some of these challenges can be diminished and people can live to their strengths. I feel immensely proud to take this journey on behalf of The National Autistic society and the wonderful, life-changing support they facilitate everyday to unique and wonderful human beings.
You can donate here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?pageUrl=3&userUrl=RachelAshton
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So, you’ve signed up to do a marathon? There’s a huge number of training plans out there and by now, you’ll probably have decided on which one to follow. If you haven’t found one yet, try the London Marathon website.
26.2 miles is a long way though, and you’re certain to have all kinds of questions about training and the big day itself. Well you’re in luck, because between us, the Runderwear™ team have run a LOT of marathons and even ultra-marathons! So we thought we’d share some tips we’ve learnt over the years…
TIP 1
Take two plastic bags with you to wrap around your feet at the start. Most marathons start fairly early and as you walk across that dew-laden grass to visit the loo for the umpteenth time… Well, you’re going to be wearing wet trainers for the next 26.2 hours.
TIP 2
Practice taking gels in just a couple of your longer training runs, to make sure your tummy can handle them.
TIP 3
Try going without water or gels as much as you can whilst training, as this will increase the training effect on your body. Most people should be able to run for around 60 minutes before needing to sip on some liquid. This depends of course on your level of hydration before running and the weather/temperature. As you train, you’re basically forcing your muscles and aerobic/cardiovascular system to be more efficient when running. If you keep giving them all the energy they need during, you may not be working them as hard as if they went without until the end of your run.
TIP 4
Change your trainers up. Trainers are expensive these day but there’s a school of thought that says wearing different shoes can help avoid injury. By wearing a combination of flatter and more structured shoes, you’ll be changing your running style very slightly and so not repeatedly hitting the same muscles, ligaments and joints with every run.
TIP 5
Try beetroot juice! It’s been said that this wonder juice increases the levels of nitrate (converted to nitrite once consumed) in the blood, opening capillaries and so helping blood (and more importantly oxygen) to travel around the body.
TIP 6
Joining a running club can really help motivate you to get out on those cold windy evenings. Many people find that they push themselves a little harder in a group or with a coach. Miles pass a lot more quickly when you’re having a chat than counting them down on your own!
TIP 7
Don’t overly stress about weekly mileage. Many training plans state specific weekly or daily mileage targets which can be hard to fit in and can get stressful trying to accommodate. Time on feet can be just as important, so running for 2hrs rather than 15 miles.
TIP 8
Mix up your training. In general, most plans will begin by building your aerobic base – your ability to run for a long period of time. However, you’ll also want to improve your speed endurance – your ability to run faster, longer. Rather than doing every run at the same place, try including a progressive run where you start slower a gradually make each mile faster than the last. Or a speed session with a warm up, 8x 1k repeats and a warm down.
TIP 9
The two most important training runs are your mid-week MLR (medium long run - 10-14 miles) and your long run (15-22 miles), which a lot of people do on a Sunday.
TIP 10
Rest up! Your rest days are when the body repairs itself after the stresses of training. It's this rear that builds improvements, to make sure you allow yourself the correct time to recover.
]]>We love getting out to different events and races, meeting all you wonderful #Runderwearers!
This spring you'll find us at the following:
23rd-25th February - the Triathlon Show London
3rd-4th March - Scottish Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show
16th April - Boston Marathon Expo
22nd April - London Marathon Expo
18th - 19th May - Rock N Roll Liverpool Marathon & Half Expo
10th -11th March - Larmer Tree Races
17th March - Endurance Life Sussex
1st April - Weybridge 10k
5th May - Centurion Running Thames Path 100 - We'll be on the Aid Station at Reading.
12th May - The Maverick Inov-8 Original Dorset 2018
12th May - Detox Health Beauty Day at Archerfield Walled Garden
25th - 27th May - The Maverick Summit (Running + Music Festival)
27th May - Dorchester Marathon & Casterbridge Half
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In the Maverick Trail division we all love trails and therefore find ourselves in a head of heels, can’t stop thinking about you, weak at knees relationship with Trail Running. We love the excitement, the adventure, the challenge, the unexpected, the freedom and the friendships that come with the relationship. 2017 was a year overflowing with all these things which further cemented the giddy, butterflies in tummy type of love we have for our sport.
Between the 8 of us (Alex, Bajan, Bambi, Becky, Chamois, Julia, Spencer and Svenja) we clocked up 1000km at Maverick races alone. In addition to the 46 Maverick Medals we share between us from 2017, we ran in some of the world’s most famous; Marathons (London, Berlin, Scott Snowdonia, Mont Blanc) and Ultra running events (UTMB, Ultimate Trail 110, South Downs Way 100). We had enormous personal victories; Alex now holds the record for the Dorset Coastal Trail Series Marathon, Bajan completed the UTMB OCC finishing as 6th Brit, Bambi came home first lady in the Maverick Snowdon Marathon, Becky came second in the UK Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) league, Chamois was victorious in the South Downs Way 100miles, Julia was the 3rd placed lady in the mass start of the London Marathon with a time of 2hours 39mins, Spencer successfully smashed the UTMB CCC his greatest challenge yet, and Svenja placed third in the 56km notorious Monshau ultra Marathon.
It is easy to feel that these victories are the only possible outcome of the time, dedication and love we put into our Trail Running. These successes are testament to the fact that when we think our legs and bodies are broken we push on with a fearless heart. As surely Trail love is a straightforward relationship where what you put into it is exactly what you get in return. We run hard, train hard and fuel ourselves with peanut butter and therefore the Trails reward us with being able to complete challenges far beyond our expectations.
However the relationship between runner and running has the ability to be cruel, demanding and heart-breaking. Running is a punishing mistress that has the ability to kick you whilst your down and say ‘actually it’s not me, it’s you’. This year we have all certainly experienced our share of heartaches that are just as important to document as the triumphs. Alex, Bambi, Julia and Svenja have all experienced several months of injury, Becky only narrowly missed the UK OCR league victory on one of the final obstacles, Chamois was unable to complete his UTMB attempt and Spencer just missed out on his sub 3hour London Marathon.
It is through these events that we have found that our Trail Love is unconditional. Despite the obstacles, brutality and potential despondence we are all brave enough to continue dedicating our time and energy to putting ourselves on a start line knowing that we open ourselves up to hurt. Maybe this relationship with Trail Running has made us all slightly subservient, sadistic and quick to say ‘go on do it again’. Or maybe the relationship with Trail Running has made us increasingly resilient, courageous and determined? In truth it is probably a bit of both, which is why next year promises to be the toughest but most rewarding yet.
We are all lining up at the start line of 2018 with so much planned; Alex is targeting sub 2hour 30mins in the London Marathon, Bajan is looking to complete the UTMB TDS in August, Bambi is hoping to explore the UK on foot starting with running round the Isle of Wight, Becky is aiming for a top 10 finish in the European OCR Championships, Chamois is taking on the 100mile Tarawera Ultra in New Zealand, Julia is going for a sub 2hour 35min London Marathon, Spencer hopes to implement a national ‘wear your trucker hat’ day and live a bananut (banana and nut) existence and Svenja hopes to do the North Face Endurance Challenge in California.
So here’s to the year ahead. We will work hard for all the euphoric highs that come with being in Love, we will run in the most beautiful parts of the world knowing that it is a privilege, we will forgive the Trails if they hurt us and we will get up and run again if they do. So here’s to the year ahead and Trail Love to all.
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Here at Runderwear™ HQ we practise what we preach. We are a group of runners who are out every weekend at the same races you are, trying to get those PBs!
As we build up to Christmas the chat around the office kitchen has been our 2018 goals. We would love to hear yours too! Please share them with us on our Facebook or Instagram pages using the hashtag #DontRunCommando
Our 2018 Goals
Co-Founder - Jamie
2017 has been my first go at the Ultra Running Scene having done the MSIG Hong Kong 50 and the McDowell Mountain Frenzy 50km in Phoenix, Arizona. I absolutely loved it! Therefore my big dream this year would be to run OCC in Chamonix in August. Fingers crossed for the ballot! At the same time I would love to achieve my long term target of sub 35mins for 10km. I recently ran 36.40 and my PB is 35.30. The question is can I combine the long ultra running with the spadework it would take to get under 35mins? 2018 will tell me!
1) Run OCC in August and qualify for CCC in 2019
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For many, Boxing Day means turkey sandwiches, games of Monopoly and watching repeats of Home Alone. For us crazy runner types, it means that too. But first, a race! Drag a few reluctant family members along with you and earn those treats!
To help you on your way, we've listed ten of our favourite:
Starting of course with our local offering, the annual Round the Lakes 10k sees local runners drag themselves round the lake in Poole Park several times before being handed a bottle of bubbly at the end.
Leave the piles of hastily torn wrapping paper and head off to Black Park Country Park! Run around the boundaries of the famous Pinewood Studios and return to the finish at the country park.
3.5 miles taking in Hindhead Commons, Gibbet Hill and the Devils Punch Bowl, this race provides the option to have a winter ale at the 2 mile point! Enter here
Work off that turkey and trifle/Christmas pudding, with a Boxing Day run around Worden Park, Leyland.
This is an off roader sure to get you coated in a refreshing coat of mud - people pay a fortune for that at a spa! Enter in advance by emailing them here, or on the day.
Fast and flat, this is run that attracts a number of club runners - Boxing Day or not. A closed-road course, this popular race has been , ahem 'running', since 1986. Enter here - be quick!
Get to Witham Rugby Club for 11am and you'll find a race with the perfect combo of being on-road, yet rural and certified by UKA. Find out more here
To the north-east of the city, Sutton Park plays host to this Boxing Day 10k, taking runners on a looped course out to Ganstead and back. More here
A race that really is at the hear of the local community, with the course taking entrants around the Market Square, before racing around the town centre and finishing in Kingsbury Square. Find out more here.
Now in it's 46th year this claims to be one of the oldest in the country! Starting and finishing at Chester Racecourse (also one of the oldest in the country), this is the perfect way to 'horse around' on Boxing Day. Sorry. More here
]]>Dee Caffari has sailed around the world five times. She is the first woman to have sailed single-handed and non-stop around the world in both directions and the only woman to have sailed non-stop around the world a total of three times.
In 2006 Dee became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents and was awarded an MBE in recognition of her achievement.
Now Dee has set herself a new challenge. Read on to hear all about what she and the rest of the Turn the Tide on Plastic team will be undertaking during the Volvo Ocean Race.
"I am skippering Turn the Tide on Plastic, a multinational youth orientated mixed team, in the longest most competitive professional sporting event in the world - the Volvo Ocean Race.
Our campaign is dedicated to raising awareness around the issue of ocean health and has a strong sustainability message. We will be racing 45,000 nautical miles around the world, taking in 12 host cities on six continents. Leaving from Alicante on 22 October 2017 we will stop at Lisbon, Cape Town, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Auckland, Itajaí, Newport, Cardiff and Gothenburg before a big finish in The Hague at the end of June 2018.
Our challenge is to be as competitive on the water as possible. We are the first truly mixed crew to take part in this race and are predominantly made up of under 30 sailors, many of whom have not sailed around the world before. I am proud to lead a team that has no gender divide and, I know that regardless of experience, my crew will be pushing as hard as possible out on the water.
We are also trying to encourage people to think about their interaction with single use plastics and make changes in their behaviours. If we all make a small change then together we can make a big difference.
Life onboard is intense. At times, it can be cold, wet and miserable for days on end. We have no bathroom and changing clothes is a luxury. Personal management is essential and skin care is of paramount importance, especially in a salt-water environment. Biodegradable baby wipes and barrier creams help but I have to say that Runderwear makes a huge difference and helps avoid that spotty botty that can plague an offshore sailor!"
]]>Blind Dave along with his guides, Garry and Tony, are attempting to complete all 24 Great Runs this year and fundraising for The Albion Foundation. They began their journey back in January in Edinburgh and their final run will be the Great Ethiopian Run in November.
Read on to hear all about Dave's experience at the Great Scottish 10K & Half Marathon.
The Bank of Scotland 10k and Half Marathon is the next race on our schedule. We were off to Glasgow on Saturday. No team bus this weekend as we found it difficult to find parking in the cities. 11.24 am saw us board the train from Sandwell and Dudley direct to Glasgow Central station. Garry joined us at Wigan and, after about 4 hours of travelling, we got to our hotel rooms by mid-afternoon just as the Premier League football games started. Georgie, my daughter, being at the match kept me up to date and it was a pleasant surprise for me to receive a text telling me the Baggies were two up against Watford, mind that was short lived as suddenly I’m informed they got a goal back.
Checking in the hotel, getting up to the room, it was getting on towards full time and we were still two one up! Keeping an ear on the TV it was going to be very nice the following morning greeting Mr. Dave Hart, part of the great run team, with a smile and mentioning our win over his team Watford, with two minutes to full time I was still smiling. The lads continually winding me up saying they had equalised, but I wasn’t having any of it, with only seconds to full time Tony said if Watford score I’d buy breakfast the next morning. You’re on I replied, then disaster, with only seconds left, Watford equalised! The smile and the thought of three points left my face, with words such as, oh dear me, being uttered! The laughter followed me out of the room; we had agreed to meet up with Jay, a Glaswegian blind runner. Meeting him we decided to go for a beer in what I’m told is the oldest pub in Glasgow, the Scotia Bar, allowing myself one Guinness. Would have liked a few more to drown the sorrows, but with a double run the following morning that wouldn’t be the most sensible thing for me to do.
Coming out we had a little walk around George Square, hearing and listening to the city revellers, having a few landmarks described to me, one being the Duke of Wellington sitting upon his horse. Standing in the square at one point we were approached by a man named Martin, in Glasgow for the weekend, living now in Kendall, but formally from our neck of the woods. Seeing the Baggies badge on our jackets, very kindly gave us £10 for the Albion Foundation. We chatted for a while, then the rain started so we made our way back to the hotel, had some tea then it was time to get our kit ready and bed down for the night.
The familiar routine began, Sunday morning and unbelievably 1 October! Up, kit sorted and numbers pinned on. Today I was trialing some new Runderwear™. They kindly donated a few pairs of briefs, and with a double run in front of us I thought it to be the ideal run to try out their products with heavy rain being forecasted. Down for breakfast, then out into the fresh morning air, a bonus that wet stuff hadn’t arrived yet! With the start line literally two minutes away in George Square, met up with the great run team and no gloating, had to share a point with Dave Hart, a much happier Watford fan. After having an interview with David Murray on the BBC it was time to line up for the start of the first run, the Glasgow 10k.
The hooter was sounded and we began the 10k. Garry was guiding me for this one and he very kindly reminded me of the hill in front of us, St. Vincent’s Street, I needed no reminding. It went seriously up and if you were cold at the bottom, your heart rate and body heat was up to temperature at the top! Over the top and a swing to the left where we were confronted by a load of parents with kids giving high fives. It’s great to hear the laughter from the kids. I gave them a loud oggy oggy oggy and the response was tremendous. We ran on, the lads not saying much in the way of sights to describe as it was more an industrial route.
We seemed to cross over the river Clyde many times and that word undulating came into play more than once. I’d be more inclined to say hilly! At one point in the run, Garry frightened the life out of me when he reported we were running on the motorway! I heard the hiss from the traffic and exclaimed, “What?” I was told we were not actually on the motorway, but running alongside the slip road of the M8 and M77. Not seeing and hearing a lot of vehicles certainly unnerved me for a fleeting moment. All I get from the lads is laughter and it wouldn’t surprise me for a minute them running me down the hard shoulder.
Not much to report on after that, but I do recall there being a pier playing the bagpipes at every kilometre. The finish line at Glasgow Green seemed to come very quickly, with the 10k and run number 19 now completed.
We collected our goody bags and a few photos. It was then time to make our way from the finish and back to the start for the half marathon in George Square. With the crowds building, it took us around 15 minutes to walk with the rain just starting to fall lightly. We popped our bags quickly into the hotel reception then found the start and a marquee just as the rain came down heavy.
The wheelchair contestants set off, then the white wave runners were sent on their way and it seemed like only seconds ago we were standing on this very start line for the 10k. Now we lined up again only this time for the half. Tony was guiding me for the half, the hooter sounded and we were off again. St. Vincent Street got no easier the second-time round with the rain chilling and dampening spirits. At the top this time it seemed like someone had a disco blaring out, but to our surprise Tony told me it was a ladies choir and they were simply fantastic. I honestly thought it to be recorded music. We could have listened to them all day, but we had the matter of some 13 miles to run.
The rain now started to come down rather heavy and we followed the 10k course for about 4 miles, and then branched off towards a park. The pipers seemed to be playing again this time it seemed like every mile. As the rain was bad, the wind got up slightly. No history lessons this time as Tony was looking more to the road and what was underfoot. I’m sure we passed through two parks and there was certainly some undulating once again! Garry was slightly ahead of us. Tony kept an eye on him from a distance that way he was able to keep his own pace.
The rain was now even heavier. Muscles were getting cold but we still had the chance to chat to other runners. We passed another blind runner and his guide. Neil was from St. Andrews. We had a little chat, compared guide dogs then pushed on. It was around 8 miles being cold and wet, Tony told me it was one of those runs he now wanted to see the finish as he was beginning to get fed up. Those words always make me worry! Knowing those words of old, means mischief could be on the horizon! It was about this time that my feet seemed to start getting extremely wetter, puddle after puddle. In fact, I asked at one point if there was fish in the last one. Then it seemed like I was running in the Clyde! Tony said there was a long stretch of road, which housed the water like a stream for about a hundred yards. I was running in water up to my ankles and I asked Tony if he was as wet. He replied, “No, I’m running in the dry. I can see the water so why should I run in it?” At this point it seems like he started to play a game to stop him from getting too bored! It seemed I was the game, seeing how many puddles or streams in this case he could run a blind man through!
After a few choice words, we then had a good laugh. All this mischief is being stored up. The rain got heavier, the puddles deeper, the laughter more. We caught up with Garry and it was pleasing to hear Tony tell me he could see the finish line, mind I always ask him how good his eyes are as he might be seeing it from quite a distance away! I was literally wet from head to toe, but spirits being high, as we had now finished run number 20. After a couple of photos, a finish interview with David Murray of the BBC, goody bag collection, we were then off to Glasgow Green for the last time. Sloshing our way back to the hotel for a quick shower, cuppa, then to find the station.
Glasgow Central housed a nice bar where we had a couple pints, some food and then met up with my pal Simon from RNIB radio. I have done a radio blog with him for the past 10 years. After chatting for the past year about the latest challenge it was nice for Simon to meet the lads who he simply knew only by name.
After completing our journey of nearly 500 miles to run #19 and 20 it was satisfying to have a soft seat for four hours instead of pounding our feet. Another great weekend! After trialling my new pants from Runderwear™, I can honestly say they did me proud! With the miles and the rain they were put to the serious test. No chaffing whatsoever and only pure comfort, so I would certainly recommend them!
Eyes now closing, but the thoughts are on the next couple runs – the Birmingham Marathon & Half Marathon! Wonderful but terrifying at the same time!
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