Running

Marathon training does seem to be all consuming. I don't remember doing anything other than going to work and running for the whole of March.

That does depend on whether you're aiming for a sub-3h or a 4h marathon.

if you have some particularly noisy kids and a chaotic home life, a three hour run can seem quite appealing

See my previous post about a lovely Sunday morning!

The nicest long run I did while training for my first marathon was when I had to be up at 5am to get ready to run up to richmond park for 6am when the gates open so I could get round and back home in time to go to @Stonehedge's stag do. Running through the park as the sun came up (early march) surrounded by nothing but wildlife was easily the best way to suffer through the miles.

Best excuse to have two full portions of the monster ribs and chips served at the kings arms ever.

richmond park for 6am when the gates open

Unless there's a deer cull on the pedestrian gates (which cycles can fit through) are open 24h.

that's what I read on their website at the time, was possibly during a cull then.

Recce’d the Ennerdale Horseshoe on Saturday. 22.5 miles, 7400ft. Absolutely shagged.
Really enjoyed doing some navigation and felt reasonably proficient. I’m sure I was off the racing line many times - missing the occasional cheeky contour etc.
6 hours moving time with time spent stopping to chat/eat a bagel.
If I can get round in 6, that’d put me somewhere in the middle (going on past years results), which I’d be more than happy with. Slightly nervous with 2.5 weeks to go, but feel glad to have trotted round and got the feeling for such a long/steep route.
Either way, it’s an incredible place to go running (calling it running might be a stretch tbf).

Picture is the view from Green Gable - about halfway. Left to right is Great Gable (which you skirt below), then up Kirk Fell, and then Pillar.
Now with added squiggle.

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Just confirmed my place as support crew on a BGR attempt this weekend. I just got back from a few weeks working abroad so I’m completely unprepared with kit and accommodation and feeling a little bit sluggish.

Crewing on legs 3 and 5... suddenly very nervous.

Get on lad! Good luck. Weathers been belter. Lad from the club just did it this weekend past.
Fuck knows for advice. Just er, keep going!

for friend? or how did you get roped in?

Mrs Cookiemonster has a interest in the BGR. On the one hand she cant find her way from the kitchen to the bathroom without getting lost, but on the other she came mid pack in a 30 mile trail ultra off the back of four weeks running after a 3 year layoff (post kid). With reasonable prep I reckon she'd manage it if she had a guide(s)

Weather's looking ok, so good luck (both you and whomever is having a go)!

For a club mate. I don’t know them well but it turns out that we’ve been very close in ultras we’ve both done.

I expressed an interest when he put out a call a few months ago but wasn’t sure because I’ve had a lot of work travel. I got back this weekend and emailed to see how his plan was coming along and another crew member had pulled out with injury so now I’m in :-)

The more I think about it the more terrified I get! Just trying to find my ultra kit now.

Fucksake. So my race vest was hanging up in my mum’s garage and I found it covered in mould.

This is as good as I can get it after a machine wash and a hand wash + vanish and it’s still super gross.

It’ll need another hand wash to remove excess detergent, and I ’m pretty sure there is no actual mould left but it’s still covered in stains. It looks horrible but I’m not buying a new one so I’ll just have to look like some kind of unwashed hobo.

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Just dye it black, innit.

Running into work this morning the muscle at the front of my left shin pumped up until it was fairly uncomfortable. I abandoned at 6.3 of 10km -currently sat on train platform.

Is this just a response to distance, which will taper off?

is that the s-lab advanced 5? you may not want to buy a new one retail but I'm selling one in black, size m/l for £80 with 2 softflasks. still brand new on the hang tag but i needed the xl and couldn't return this one easily and its sat in my cupboard for ages. if you don't need/want the bottles I'd do it for £70 without them

Thanks for the offer but it's a s-lab advanced 12 vest. For most purposes I actually really like the 5 but for this weekend I think I'd prefer the extra space in the 12 to let me carry some excess food and kit for my runner.

Add bleach.

Ace, enjoy!

no worries. hope all goes well this weekend!

Looking for advice on running shoes. Just starting out again, since my Cross country days at school, many many moons ago. I'm after shoes for mixed terrain, some road and bridalway, don't want to spend too much (until I know I'm gonna fully commit). Not a fan of Nike, Addidas et al, what should I be looking at/for? Runs will be an hour or less to start with.
Cheers. Jon

I like inov8, they don’t last brilliantly and seem to fall apart all at once, but while they are going they are comfortable, grippy and just generally do a good job.

Lots of options for road to mixed to full on big snorkeling so have a look on their website and see what meets your needs, worth trying to find a shop to try on as recent reports suggest the fit has changed a bit...

I like inov8

Me too.

if buying online sportsshoes.com always has last seasons colours for nearly half price if you can get lucky with sizes.

I use these ones... https://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino1283/inov8-roclite-280-trail-running-shoe/

Had a great day out 'fastpacking' Edale to Glossop yesterday after a bivy by Back Tor. Got a scenery hangover today.

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for mixed terrain, some road and bridalway

Also an Inov8 fan but would likely choose my Salamon Speedcross for mixed terrain like this, so worth considering those too.

Definitely try inov8 on before buying they vary quite a lot in fit.

I'm a fan of Nike Peg 32s for road and summer trail running. Saucony have a really good range too, check them out.