James Taylor (3rd year Nottingham University), 14th November 2012
had a week off due to fieldwork - been to Norfolk and Somerset!
Back in the gym this week Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Good aqua jog last night 10 x 400m*, about 70s efforts with a similar recovery. Will be in the pool again Thursday/Saturday. Getting much stronger now which I know will help when Im back. *400m = about 15m in the pool..
Saw lufbra physio yesterday, just a routine check but I was anxious to know why my ankle sprain hadnt completely healed by now (they said 2 months, which has just passed). Tim looked at my foot and said the cuniform bone that he put back in place last time had popped back out again, so he manipulated it back in. Feels good now. He recommended immediate icing, a week of wobble boarding and a week on gentle heel-lowering on steps, before I see him again.
In the meantime Ive got lots of work to do, very busy at the mo, I feel this month is 'make-or-break' in that if I do well and get
organised (and fit) this month, the rest of the year should go smoothly.
Also keen to watch some races, we've got a weekend off this weekend, but our club has booked the lcal cinema to watch Chariots of Fire for a bit of motivation....
Should be down to see the judd lads at St Albans next week and might come over to Liverpool. Schools Cup teams look very strong for the Final in Bolton too.
JT
Back in the gym this week Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Good aqua jog last night 10 x 400m*, about 70s efforts with a similar recovery. Will be in the pool again Thursday/Saturday. Getting much stronger now which I know will help when Im back. *400m = about 15m in the pool..
Saw lufbra physio yesterday, just a routine check but I was anxious to know why my ankle sprain hadnt completely healed by now (they said 2 months, which has just passed). Tim looked at my foot and said the cuniform bone that he put back in place last time had popped back out again, so he manipulated it back in. Feels good now. He recommended immediate icing, a week of wobble boarding and a week on gentle heel-lowering on steps, before I see him again.
In the meantime Ive got lots of work to do, very busy at the mo, I feel this month is 'make-or-break' in that if I do well and get
organised (and fit) this month, the rest of the year should go smoothly.
Also keen to watch some races, we've got a weekend off this weekend, but our club has booked the lcal cinema to watch Chariots of Fire for a bit of motivation....
Should be down to see the judd lads at St Albans next week and might come over to Liverpool. Schools Cup teams look very strong for the Final in Bolton too.
JT
Megan Brickell, Swansea University 3rd Year, 22nd October 2012
Anyways, this is a standard Meg addition to the Diaries - injured yet again. The running Gods are seriously against me I swear so I have been in a rather sombre mood recently but am hopeful to bounce back from it ASAP. Optimistic thoughts are the ones I favour at the moment!
I don't know if anyone knows the full grizzly details of my injury but in short, I have fractured my L4 vertebra in the spine which is the lower part of the back although I'm sure 98% of the running community know the anatomy of the human body pretty well so I needn't go into depth with the location of my break!
It of course came as a shock as I was told by a variety of GP's, Osteopaths and Chiropractors that it was a muscular issue that would naturally recover with the help of a few exercises and the hot/cold treatment. It wasn't until 8 weeks into my back pain that I eventually got offered an x-ray which I had done in Swansea. The results came through almost immediately
and I was told to head straight to an orthopaedic surgeon for further assessment, but that never materialised so as an alternative, I am currently being treated in the hydrotherapy pool once a week for 30mins. Clearly, I am a little anxious about the whole situation as I haven't exactly been looking after myself pre-xray results as if I knew I a fracture all along (swimming
most days and the occasional surfing session too!), so I am hoping to go back to my University GP and ask if there is anything else that can be given to me in order to speed recovery and also strengthen the weakness that will I
inevitably suffer from. So that is my predicament in a nutshell. Obviously, I am not exactly thrilled with the result but at least I have had a firm diagnosis so I can work from that.
It is slightly depressing to see all your awesome sessions that I remember doing when I was a youngster and currently not being able to join in with that! Equally disappointing that I cannot train with my Athletics club here but I cannot physically sit around all day so I have been swimming gently every other day with a float so there is no leg movement - just concentrating solely on the arms. Apart from this injury, Uni life in general is running smoothly. Ploughing into my work and concentrating on getting good results for my final year!
Enough about me though - Hoping everything at TAC is going to plan and all the newbies are enjoying themselves as much as I did when I first started! The results are looking impressive and I hope TAC's winning streak continues! (I'm pretty sure it will!)
Take care of yourselves unlike I do!
Meg x
I don't know if anyone knows the full grizzly details of my injury but in short, I have fractured my L4 vertebra in the spine which is the lower part of the back although I'm sure 98% of the running community know the anatomy of the human body pretty well so I needn't go into depth with the location of my break!
It of course came as a shock as I was told by a variety of GP's, Osteopaths and Chiropractors that it was a muscular issue that would naturally recover with the help of a few exercises and the hot/cold treatment. It wasn't until 8 weeks into my back pain that I eventually got offered an x-ray which I had done in Swansea. The results came through almost immediately
and I was told to head straight to an orthopaedic surgeon for further assessment, but that never materialised so as an alternative, I am currently being treated in the hydrotherapy pool once a week for 30mins. Clearly, I am a little anxious about the whole situation as I haven't exactly been looking after myself pre-xray results as if I knew I a fracture all along (swimming
most days and the occasional surfing session too!), so I am hoping to go back to my University GP and ask if there is anything else that can be given to me in order to speed recovery and also strengthen the weakness that will I
inevitably suffer from. So that is my predicament in a nutshell. Obviously, I am not exactly thrilled with the result but at least I have had a firm diagnosis so I can work from that.
It is slightly depressing to see all your awesome sessions that I remember doing when I was a youngster and currently not being able to join in with that! Equally disappointing that I cannot train with my Athletics club here but I cannot physically sit around all day so I have been swimming gently every other day with a float so there is no leg movement - just concentrating solely on the arms. Apart from this injury, Uni life in general is running smoothly. Ploughing into my work and concentrating on getting good results for my final year!
Enough about me though - Hoping everything at TAC is going to plan and all the newbies are enjoying themselves as much as I did when I first started! The results are looking impressive and I hope TAC's winning streak continues! (I'm pretty sure it will!)
Take care of yourselves unlike I do!
Meg x
Clare Parkin, 1st year at Exeter University, 1st October
Hi everyone,
After being adopted by TAC this year I though it’s only a fair about how I’m getting on and after a year of no studying it’s a slight shock to the system.
On the running side…
I was a bit apprehensive about training at Uni as I know at the moment I haven’t been running like I was last year and
just not feeling myself. I was putting it down to being tired and working a lot, but it was very frustrating. Mark and Richard advised me to get some blood tests done-which I’m glad I did . Mark thought it would be helpful to tell you my results- my tests showed I had a 35-50% low hemoglobin count, which was why I was constantly tired and also significantly reduced my endurance. It is a common, simple problem to solve and I’m hoping with some iron tablets my running will have improved within the next month or so.I wish I knew what the cause was, most likely a combination of things, but if anyone feels like this,
I would highly recommend to go and get tested just in case!
Despite of this, I never want to miss out so am keen to continue training as usual, and there’s so many different things going on there’s no excuses! There’s 2 track/grass sessions a week, they will be pretty similar to our sessions like last week we did 3x 3,2,1, min on the grass. There’s 2 circuit sessions a week and on the weekend a hill session- oh I didn’t mention the hills in Exeter, just walking to lectures is a training session in itself, and on Sundays either a long run or a beach session with sand dunes- which is very hard work. In between there’s various other sessions going on such as tempo runs and interval session and also the chance to train with Exeter Harriers, so at the moment I’m just trying to find the balance of what I should do what days. If that wasn’t enough for me I decided to join triathlon- not necessarily because I’m going to be competing in it but I though it would be a way get back into swimming from my days when I was a swimmer and just to sometimes have a break from running, especially as I know I’m not running my best. I’ve been ding some nice and early swim and spinning sessions which have actually been rather fun and am hoping they will only help build up strength for X-Country.
I have my first X-Country race on Wednesday, which apparently is a very brutal course in Dartmouth with some very
steep steps and rivers, so was debating to run, but we’ll give it a go. It’s part of the British military league so I’m running against all the army, police etc. so that should be interesting and I’ll let you know how it goes...if I make it!
On the social side…I mean academic and studying side, I’m having an amazing time. Freshers week was crazy
but the lectures not so crazy and I have a lot of reading to do, so I better get back to my books… well they can wait until I get in from a night out tonight, I’m just kidding, I’m still recovering from last week!
Hopefully next time I’ll be able to share my comeback from a bit of a bad patch…but we’ll see…hope everyone is training well back at Tonbridge.
Speak soon
Clare
After being adopted by TAC this year I though it’s only a fair about how I’m getting on and after a year of no studying it’s a slight shock to the system.
On the running side…
I was a bit apprehensive about training at Uni as I know at the moment I haven’t been running like I was last year and
just not feeling myself. I was putting it down to being tired and working a lot, but it was very frustrating. Mark and Richard advised me to get some blood tests done-which I’m glad I did . Mark thought it would be helpful to tell you my results- my tests showed I had a 35-50% low hemoglobin count, which was why I was constantly tired and also significantly reduced my endurance. It is a common, simple problem to solve and I’m hoping with some iron tablets my running will have improved within the next month or so.I wish I knew what the cause was, most likely a combination of things, but if anyone feels like this,
I would highly recommend to go and get tested just in case!
Despite of this, I never want to miss out so am keen to continue training as usual, and there’s so many different things going on there’s no excuses! There’s 2 track/grass sessions a week, they will be pretty similar to our sessions like last week we did 3x 3,2,1, min on the grass. There’s 2 circuit sessions a week and on the weekend a hill session- oh I didn’t mention the hills in Exeter, just walking to lectures is a training session in itself, and on Sundays either a long run or a beach session with sand dunes- which is very hard work. In between there’s various other sessions going on such as tempo runs and interval session and also the chance to train with Exeter Harriers, so at the moment I’m just trying to find the balance of what I should do what days. If that wasn’t enough for me I decided to join triathlon- not necessarily because I’m going to be competing in it but I though it would be a way get back into swimming from my days when I was a swimmer and just to sometimes have a break from running, especially as I know I’m not running my best. I’ve been ding some nice and early swim and spinning sessions which have actually been rather fun and am hoping they will only help build up strength for X-Country.
I have my first X-Country race on Wednesday, which apparently is a very brutal course in Dartmouth with some very
steep steps and rivers, so was debating to run, but we’ll give it a go. It’s part of the British military league so I’m running against all the army, police etc. so that should be interesting and I’ll let you know how it goes...if I make it!
On the social side…I mean academic and studying side, I’m having an amazing time. Freshers week was crazy
but the lectures not so crazy and I have a lot of reading to do, so I better get back to my books… well they can wait until I get in from a night out tonight, I’m just kidding, I’m still recovering from last week!
Hopefully next time I’ll be able to share my comeback from a bit of a bad patch…but we’ll see…hope everyone is training well back at Tonbridge.
Speak soon
Clare
Sam Bradley, 2nd year at Lamar University, Texas, 1st October 2012
Howdy guys,
Apologies for the very long delay between the last update and this one. Despite the fact I was home for quite alot of it during the summer, it is also due to injury, illness and quite alot of laziness! Rgardless, I hope this is the first of many that I will try and put together and will do my best to make it a regular thing.
So we are 5 weeks into the semester now here and so far it could be described as a 'mixed bag'. I came back out in some nice shape, (a few of you may have seen my trudging around the edge of the fields on my own over the summer) but nevertheless, I felt I was coming back out here with some good fitness. However, the last 2 years seem to have been a constant battle on the egde of fitness and injury and once again injury got the better. Like most of the injuries, it was my fault and working 'too hard' in a weights workout overstretched a hammy and resulted in two tedious weeks on the sidelines. The physio staff and coach were great though and helped me emensely, getting to see the doctor within days, daily treatment
and under water treadmill running. The shorten the story slightly, the last 2 weeks have been quite a rapid build up in volume and intensity as the cross season is all but over in 6 weeks time here!! It is a strange concept to be completely done with cross country for another year by November but I'm sure the track runners out there would love the set up!
Fitness will hopefully come back quickly and as a starter, I was entered into a small race local to the college down in Louisianna over the weekend. It was a solid-ish start finishing 6th but was made tougher by sodden conditions with over 70% of the course underwater. I have attached a photo from the start, and it only got worse from there! Who said US courses were all fast golf courses!? The group is going well at the moment and with a few other guys coming back from small
issues, we hope to really step up the push for a place in the National Championships come November.
In other news, we now have a daily 'Gator' watch as there is reguarly a 10 foot Alligator sitting no more than 150m from the back of our house! Classes are going nicely so far and thankfully haven't been set too much work to do! Finally, congrats to the team last weekend at the road relays. Its great that they have managed to put the event back on as it looks like everyone is running well so would could have a good shot at top 20!
Kepp working hard guys and will update y'all again soon
SB
Apologies for the very long delay between the last update and this one. Despite the fact I was home for quite alot of it during the summer, it is also due to injury, illness and quite alot of laziness! Rgardless, I hope this is the first of many that I will try and put together and will do my best to make it a regular thing.
So we are 5 weeks into the semester now here and so far it could be described as a 'mixed bag'. I came back out in some nice shape, (a few of you may have seen my trudging around the edge of the fields on my own over the summer) but nevertheless, I felt I was coming back out here with some good fitness. However, the last 2 years seem to have been a constant battle on the egde of fitness and injury and once again injury got the better. Like most of the injuries, it was my fault and working 'too hard' in a weights workout overstretched a hammy and resulted in two tedious weeks on the sidelines. The physio staff and coach were great though and helped me emensely, getting to see the doctor within days, daily treatment
and under water treadmill running. The shorten the story slightly, the last 2 weeks have been quite a rapid build up in volume and intensity as the cross season is all but over in 6 weeks time here!! It is a strange concept to be completely done with cross country for another year by November but I'm sure the track runners out there would love the set up!
Fitness will hopefully come back quickly and as a starter, I was entered into a small race local to the college down in Louisianna over the weekend. It was a solid-ish start finishing 6th but was made tougher by sodden conditions with over 70% of the course underwater. I have attached a photo from the start, and it only got worse from there! Who said US courses were all fast golf courses!? The group is going well at the moment and with a few other guys coming back from small
issues, we hope to really step up the push for a place in the National Championships come November.
In other news, we now have a daily 'Gator' watch as there is reguarly a 10 foot Alligator sitting no more than 150m from the back of our house! Classes are going nicely so far and thankfully haven't been set too much work to do! Finally, congrats to the team last weekend at the road relays. Its great that they have managed to put the event back on as it looks like everyone is running well so would could have a good shot at top 20!
Kepp working hard guys and will update y'all again soon
SB
Michael Mason, 3rd year at Gloucester University, 30th September 2012
Hi All, I hope everything is good back at Tonbridge. The first few weeks have been interesting with a mixture of partying, training and lecturers scaring everyone with the amount of work we have to do. Ive moved in with a different group of people this year as my other housemates either left university or couldnt handle the banter and me being the dominant player and
call of duty and fifa. My new housemates are in some cases better than last years, as you can have fun with them and I get to meet new people. Ill be honest the thing with them being second years means they still have time to party, and me being a third year means i should be toning it down but they have bullied me to head out. So far I've been out quite a lot and we are celebrating my housemates birthday on Monday, by dressing up in all body suits (oneses) and friday we are celebrating my 21st, which of cause im 'really' looking forward too.
Well thats the fun over with, university work has really been pushed at us. I think ive got around 20,000 words to do over the
year which isnt looking pretty, along with dealing with PGCE applications. I can see myself rooted to the library for the next 10 weeks but I guess thats what happens in your third year.
Now to running. Ive been training often on my own, mainly doing 30 minutes with five strides of the football pitch, along with plenty of gym sessions. I start training with the athletics team on tuesday who train with Cheltenham Harriers, so Im sorry but looks like I could have a new coach for a year, if thats alright Mark? I know your losing the main man but dont panic ill be back at christmas. It will be interesting to see what the Cheltenham Harriers sessions are like compared to TAC. The
university team are a decent group of around 20 people, I went out to a social with them all on wednesday dressed as cow boys .... and of course the cow girls, which was decent, and they cant drink well at all, it was a poor show from the
majority of the group, apart from a couple of us ... including myself of course.
I look forward to seeing everyone in about 6 weeks as im coming back for a break as it looks like its going to be hard work this semeter, and good luck with all the races in the next few months.
Michael Mason out.
call of duty and fifa. My new housemates are in some cases better than last years, as you can have fun with them and I get to meet new people. Ill be honest the thing with them being second years means they still have time to party, and me being a third year means i should be toning it down but they have bullied me to head out. So far I've been out quite a lot and we are celebrating my housemates birthday on Monday, by dressing up in all body suits (oneses) and friday we are celebrating my 21st, which of cause im 'really' looking forward too.
Well thats the fun over with, university work has really been pushed at us. I think ive got around 20,000 words to do over the
year which isnt looking pretty, along with dealing with PGCE applications. I can see myself rooted to the library for the next 10 weeks but I guess thats what happens in your third year.
Now to running. Ive been training often on my own, mainly doing 30 minutes with five strides of the football pitch, along with plenty of gym sessions. I start training with the athletics team on tuesday who train with Cheltenham Harriers, so Im sorry but looks like I could have a new coach for a year, if thats alright Mark? I know your losing the main man but dont panic ill be back at christmas. It will be interesting to see what the Cheltenham Harriers sessions are like compared to TAC. The
university team are a decent group of around 20 people, I went out to a social with them all on wednesday dressed as cow boys .... and of course the cow girls, which was decent, and they cant drink well at all, it was a poor show from the
majority of the group, apart from a couple of us ... including myself of course.
I look forward to seeing everyone in about 6 weeks as im coming back for a break as it looks like its going to be hard work this semeter, and good luck with all the races in the next few months.
Michael Mason out.
A new year at university for many TAC distance runners (update 27th September)....
Many of the TAC distance runners have started a new year at university recently and here are a few updates -
Luca Russo - at St Mary's, Twickenham and starting his first year. Has settled in, sharing a room with Ryan Driscoll. Came down to Aldershot to run in the Southern Road Relays last weekend.
Ryan Driscoll - at St Mary's, with Luca and following a similar regime. Has settled in well.
Henry Pearce - moved into his hall of residence at Loughborough, yesterday. It is a spacious room in a hall of residence reserved for athletes.
Jess Owen - has commenced third year at St Mary's, Twickenham and in training.
Andy Combs - as per Jess, now in his third year at St Mary's, Twickenham. He raced for TAC last weekend and we have our fingers crossed for an injury free spell.
Sam Bradley - started his second year at Lamar University, Texas, at the end of August. He hasn't raced as yet, but after a few niggles is running again. Updates available at http://www.lamarcardinals.com/sports/m-track/lama-m-track-body.html
James Pigot - At University College London doing medicine. He is running well and joined Highgate Harriers for some training in his first few years there.
Chris Lloyd - Has just started at University College London, so in touch with James Pigot.
Lowri Richards - Based in East London now, doing a masters degree.
Grace Nicholls - Started back at Bath, on her second year.
Megan Brickell - Back at Swansea.
Jack Keywood - Has started his first year at The University of East Anglia.
Dan Bryant - At Durham, for his second year, like Lucy Reid
James Taylor - In his third year at Nottingham, where he wass cross country captain last season. Recovering from a sprained ankle, but hopes to be running again ina week's time.
Helen Wilson - Doing a nursing course at Southampton.
Catherine Symons - Back for a third year at Farnham University, Surrey, but not currently running.
Sophie Wilkinson - Keeping fit and training, at university in Christchurch New Zealand.
Michael Mason - Starts another year at Gloucester University and has commenced some training with the local athletics club, following his recent 'comeback'.
Clare Parkin (2nd claim TAC) - At Exeter University and has settled in well.
Robbie Farnham-Rose - At Alabama University in the USA, for his first year. He want out at the start of September and has been building his fitness. His first race is due to be on Friday 28th September, in the Notre Dame Invitational Cross Country Event. Updates available at http://www.rolltide.com/sports/c-xctrack/alab-c-xctrack-body.html
Luca Russo - at St Mary's, Twickenham and starting his first year. Has settled in, sharing a room with Ryan Driscoll. Came down to Aldershot to run in the Southern Road Relays last weekend.
Ryan Driscoll - at St Mary's, with Luca and following a similar regime. Has settled in well.
Henry Pearce - moved into his hall of residence at Loughborough, yesterday. It is a spacious room in a hall of residence reserved for athletes.
Jess Owen - has commenced third year at St Mary's, Twickenham and in training.
Andy Combs - as per Jess, now in his third year at St Mary's, Twickenham. He raced for TAC last weekend and we have our fingers crossed for an injury free spell.
Sam Bradley - started his second year at Lamar University, Texas, at the end of August. He hasn't raced as yet, but after a few niggles is running again. Updates available at http://www.lamarcardinals.com/sports/m-track/lama-m-track-body.html
James Pigot - At University College London doing medicine. He is running well and joined Highgate Harriers for some training in his first few years there.
Chris Lloyd - Has just started at University College London, so in touch with James Pigot.
Lowri Richards - Based in East London now, doing a masters degree.
Grace Nicholls - Started back at Bath, on her second year.
Megan Brickell - Back at Swansea.
Jack Keywood - Has started his first year at The University of East Anglia.
Dan Bryant - At Durham, for his second year, like Lucy Reid
James Taylor - In his third year at Nottingham, where he wass cross country captain last season. Recovering from a sprained ankle, but hopes to be running again ina week's time.
Helen Wilson - Doing a nursing course at Southampton.
Catherine Symons - Back for a third year at Farnham University, Surrey, but not currently running.
Sophie Wilkinson - Keeping fit and training, at university in Christchurch New Zealand.
Michael Mason - Starts another year at Gloucester University and has commenced some training with the local athletics club, following his recent 'comeback'.
Clare Parkin (2nd claim TAC) - At Exeter University and has settled in well.
Robbie Farnham-Rose - At Alabama University in the USA, for his first year. He want out at the start of September and has been building his fitness. His first race is due to be on Friday 28th September, in the Notre Dame Invitational Cross Country Event. Updates available at http://www.rolltide.com/sports/c-xctrack/alab-c-xctrack-body.html
Andy Combs (2nd year St Marys, Twickenham), 23rd May 2012
Alright Guys,
It's been a while since I last updated everyone with how I was going. And honestly, I would love to say its been going really well, unfortunately though I would be lying. I can't quite remember where I left off last but I guess I can start from around mid-April. In which, mid-April was where I was really showing some good progression and showing that I was finally getting back into form, and was on a path where I was improving on times (if not from previous seasons). Obviously I was very happy with this and could hardly complain.
E.G. Session - Track
1200m + 2 x 400m
800m + 3 x 400m
5 x 400m
My times being;
3.22/ 63.0/ 62.9
2.08/ 63.0/ 61.7/ 62.5
61/ 62.5/ 62.5/ 62.2/ 60.0
This was a tough session as not only was it really windy at St. Mary's but I wasn't
feeling great either, in saying all this however, it was actually one of my 'breakthrough' sessions.
There was one hugely frustrating thing about this time period though. My sessions were going very well, but when it came to
my runs, my shins weren't feeling up to the task, and it was constantly 40minutes of niggling 'pain'. This was really getting me down as I remember the times where I could go for a run (pain free) and enjoy being out with my mates, but this is not the case thus far and hasn't been for quite a while as it just ends up being a more obvious repetitive boring 'chore' (obviously I'm not in depression as thats extreme but when it seems to be the same pattern that has a constant occurrence then I'm bound to get annoyed). Don't get me wrong though, I was enjoying the sessions and I do have support from my mates around which is nice but its the sessions that has kept me motivated as that is what get's us back into fitness and racing condition.
After an exact week from this session, this was where my inevitable bad luck was bound to occur. In which, my
message I left off on from my last update was to listen to your body, however there was no fault of my own in what happened when gaining 'Peroneal Insertion-Tendonitis in the 5th Metatarsal'. There was no feeling of tightness or sharp pain in the lead up which was the most frustrating and psychological 'painful' experience I've had so far with any injury, as I know
I've had part blame in previous injuries but this time round, there was nothing I could've done.I had completed half my session before I had my major rest of 400m and when I was about to start up again my foot felt like it was going to give way underneath me constantly, I did the one rep but had to stop and didn't warm down, I physically couldn't warm down, it wasn't down to laziness (honestly).
This injury occurred on the 24th of last month, so I'm a day away from being out for a month. This being extremely annoying as although it had made vast improvement, it hasn't fully recovered and its like 10% thats
not fixed but its been that 10% thats not allowed me to run comfortably.
On a non-running subject, studies have seemed to be going pretty well this year and its surprising how quick university goes, it's crazy as Larn (Alex Hookway) is graduating this year and I know I only have one more year left. I have the option to split my last year into two but I'd really like to do it in 1. Then after that, its finished, I've technically done with
education.If I finish university and go into a job then my dream job is to become a Fitness Coach/ Sports Scientist for Football teams or Sporting Teams, which I'm currently trying to gain work experience for the summer.
However, a serious option that is starting to come upon me is the opportunity to go to America. It is an amazing option to continue my running career, but the main sway of going to America would be the medical cover. I haven't had the best of
luck when it comes to injury but if knowing that I can get something sorted asap out there and live in America which alone is an amazing place to chill for a couple of years, then it would be hard to say no to.
Anyway, thats me out for another few months no doubt till I finally remember to update everyone
again.
I hope everyone is well and hopefully I'll be running in some
full flight shape very soon
Combzy
P.S. I did a cheeky run 2 days
in a row of 20 minutes, in which although my foot has felt very good, there are some still ongoing problems so I'm not going to get carried away!=
It's been a while since I last updated everyone with how I was going. And honestly, I would love to say its been going really well, unfortunately though I would be lying. I can't quite remember where I left off last but I guess I can start from around mid-April. In which, mid-April was where I was really showing some good progression and showing that I was finally getting back into form, and was on a path where I was improving on times (if not from previous seasons). Obviously I was very happy with this and could hardly complain.
E.G. Session - Track
1200m + 2 x 400m
800m + 3 x 400m
5 x 400m
My times being;
3.22/ 63.0/ 62.9
2.08/ 63.0/ 61.7/ 62.5
61/ 62.5/ 62.5/ 62.2/ 60.0
This was a tough session as not only was it really windy at St. Mary's but I wasn't
feeling great either, in saying all this however, it was actually one of my 'breakthrough' sessions.
There was one hugely frustrating thing about this time period though. My sessions were going very well, but when it came to
my runs, my shins weren't feeling up to the task, and it was constantly 40minutes of niggling 'pain'. This was really getting me down as I remember the times where I could go for a run (pain free) and enjoy being out with my mates, but this is not the case thus far and hasn't been for quite a while as it just ends up being a more obvious repetitive boring 'chore' (obviously I'm not in depression as thats extreme but when it seems to be the same pattern that has a constant occurrence then I'm bound to get annoyed). Don't get me wrong though, I was enjoying the sessions and I do have support from my mates around which is nice but its the sessions that has kept me motivated as that is what get's us back into fitness and racing condition.
After an exact week from this session, this was where my inevitable bad luck was bound to occur. In which, my
message I left off on from my last update was to listen to your body, however there was no fault of my own in what happened when gaining 'Peroneal Insertion-Tendonitis in the 5th Metatarsal'. There was no feeling of tightness or sharp pain in the lead up which was the most frustrating and psychological 'painful' experience I've had so far with any injury, as I know
I've had part blame in previous injuries but this time round, there was nothing I could've done.I had completed half my session before I had my major rest of 400m and when I was about to start up again my foot felt like it was going to give way underneath me constantly, I did the one rep but had to stop and didn't warm down, I physically couldn't warm down, it wasn't down to laziness (honestly).
This injury occurred on the 24th of last month, so I'm a day away from being out for a month. This being extremely annoying as although it had made vast improvement, it hasn't fully recovered and its like 10% thats
not fixed but its been that 10% thats not allowed me to run comfortably.
On a non-running subject, studies have seemed to be going pretty well this year and its surprising how quick university goes, it's crazy as Larn (Alex Hookway) is graduating this year and I know I only have one more year left. I have the option to split my last year into two but I'd really like to do it in 1. Then after that, its finished, I've technically done with
education.If I finish university and go into a job then my dream job is to become a Fitness Coach/ Sports Scientist for Football teams or Sporting Teams, which I'm currently trying to gain work experience for the summer.
However, a serious option that is starting to come upon me is the opportunity to go to America. It is an amazing option to continue my running career, but the main sway of going to America would be the medical cover. I haven't had the best of
luck when it comes to injury but if knowing that I can get something sorted asap out there and live in America which alone is an amazing place to chill for a couple of years, then it would be hard to say no to.
Anyway, thats me out for another few months no doubt till I finally remember to update everyone
again.
I hope everyone is well and hopefully I'll be running in some
full flight shape very soon
Combzy
P.S. I did a cheeky run 2 days
in a row of 20 minutes, in which although my foot has felt very good, there are some still ongoing problems so I'm not going to get carried away!=
Jess Owen (2nd Year at St Mary's), 15th May
Hi ,
Hope that you are well. Just thought that will give you a quick update.
Apologies for me slacking but I vowed to not go near a computer for a few days
after spending my life in the library with mammoth loads of coursework and
exams! But I have now successfully finished my 2nd year (well hoping i pass my
recent exams!) All finished for the year now and moving back to Tonbridge for
the summer on Friday so thought would give a brief update before I see you over
the weekend.
So since coming back over Easter, training has been
consistent. Managing to do runs both mon (45mins) /wed (45 mins) /sun (60 mins)
and then a track session on tues, grass session on thurs and a tempo session
on Saturdays, as well as this getting in my swim or bike sessions on Mondays
and Fridays as sometimes a Wednesday depending on how I feel. My bike isn't up
at university at the moment as left it at home after the triathlon but looking
to get back on it next week. Consistency is key for me in order to regain some
fitness and it has been nice to run on the track again (well not at the time of
the session its not!)
As you may know I completed my first triathlon on
May bank holiday (7th) in Tonbridge. Was within an stressful university period
what with coursework deadlines and an exam the next day but was really looking
forward to it. The tri was a sprint distance of 400m swim, 25k bike and a 5k
run. Had some great support with both Mum, Dad and Diane out on the course
which was much needed, especially on the run! Absolutely loved it though, such
a great experience and I am looking around to compete in a few more over the
summer. Running hasnt been great performance wise these past 2 years really so
its been really nice to get into something different and I believe its helping
my running individually too. It is something that I would really like to get
into more and look forward to competing again.
I've also been dragged
into competing on Saturday at the SAL, so yes the track spikes will be brought
out once again for a 1500m. Not saying im looking forward to it, its been
awhile and after the track session today
(1x800m,1x600m,2x500m,3x400m,4x300,5x200m - 200m job rec between each effort,
expect 100m between the 200s) where luckily I managed it but felt like i have
needed a sleep all afternoon I think Saturday is going to be a bit of an
experience. But saying that will be nice to get racing on the track again, I
hope!
I am back Friday, so shall see you probably over the weekend. Also I have
managed to get into halls for my third year of university, so those guys coming
to St Marys next year will have me and Andy watching over them! See you soon.
Jess.
Hope that you are well. Just thought that will give you a quick update.
Apologies for me slacking but I vowed to not go near a computer for a few days
after spending my life in the library with mammoth loads of coursework and
exams! But I have now successfully finished my 2nd year (well hoping i pass my
recent exams!) All finished for the year now and moving back to Tonbridge for
the summer on Friday so thought would give a brief update before I see you over
the weekend.
So since coming back over Easter, training has been
consistent. Managing to do runs both mon (45mins) /wed (45 mins) /sun (60 mins)
and then a track session on tues, grass session on thurs and a tempo session
on Saturdays, as well as this getting in my swim or bike sessions on Mondays
and Fridays as sometimes a Wednesday depending on how I feel. My bike isn't up
at university at the moment as left it at home after the triathlon but looking
to get back on it next week. Consistency is key for me in order to regain some
fitness and it has been nice to run on the track again (well not at the time of
the session its not!)
As you may know I completed my first triathlon on
May bank holiday (7th) in Tonbridge. Was within an stressful university period
what with coursework deadlines and an exam the next day but was really looking
forward to it. The tri was a sprint distance of 400m swim, 25k bike and a 5k
run. Had some great support with both Mum, Dad and Diane out on the course
which was much needed, especially on the run! Absolutely loved it though, such
a great experience and I am looking around to compete in a few more over the
summer. Running hasnt been great performance wise these past 2 years really so
its been really nice to get into something different and I believe its helping
my running individually too. It is something that I would really like to get
into more and look forward to competing again.
I've also been dragged
into competing on Saturday at the SAL, so yes the track spikes will be brought
out once again for a 1500m. Not saying im looking forward to it, its been
awhile and after the track session today
(1x800m,1x600m,2x500m,3x400m,4x300,5x200m - 200m job rec between each effort,
expect 100m between the 200s) where luckily I managed it but felt like i have
needed a sleep all afternoon I think Saturday is going to be a bit of an
experience. But saying that will be nice to get racing on the track again, I
hope!
I am back Friday, so shall see you probably over the weekend. Also I have
managed to get into halls for my third year of university, so those guys coming
to St Marys next year will have me and Andy watching over them! See you soon.
Jess.
James Taylor (2nd year Nottingham University), 10th May2012
hi all
update:
plenty of work on at the moment so enjoying any gym time i can get!
Went to the lufbra clinic again the other week.. saw tim king's assistant. All good. orthotics feeling good, just need to buy a couple other pairs of shoes for them to fit better!
For the past 6 weeks ive been doing specialist core exercises every day.. they really are superb, would recommend them to anyone. massive improvement. The guy was really pleased with my progress so gave me the
next 2 exercises to do. Takes about 15 minutes a day, including a bit of stretching. Just part of the routine now, and I think will really help.
Running-wise, my couple of weeks home over easter was a real mixed-bag. I had probably some of the worst runs of my life and then a couple of decent ones! I dont expect to be running fast, but once or twice i really did feel dreadful, even though i was plodding round. I wouldnt have expected to have run like that if id never trained in my life. Saying that, im
in a bit of a transitional phase with technique etc, so the odd bad run i'll put up with. The session I did with Dierdre / the parlauf / pumphouse reps with the younger group really did me some good. I came back up to uni, and ran every
other day and something just clicked! Im running really ugly but was really shifting! Last couple of runs inc today not quite so good, but bearable. Will just keep ticking over for the next month during exams, hopefully running every
other day, until I see Tim again and he sees me jogging. Core and stregthening going really well, i know will help when im
back.
having looked forward to it for well over a year, i was gutted to miss out on the BUCS at the olympic stadium.. would have
gone to watch but had too much work (+got tickets for the real thing, so cant complain....;) )
Good to hear about sean's win today + other TAC success
will prob come back home June 9th to stop off at Watford for the BMC
JT
update:
plenty of work on at the moment so enjoying any gym time i can get!
Went to the lufbra clinic again the other week.. saw tim king's assistant. All good. orthotics feeling good, just need to buy a couple other pairs of shoes for them to fit better!
For the past 6 weeks ive been doing specialist core exercises every day.. they really are superb, would recommend them to anyone. massive improvement. The guy was really pleased with my progress so gave me the
next 2 exercises to do. Takes about 15 minutes a day, including a bit of stretching. Just part of the routine now, and I think will really help.
Running-wise, my couple of weeks home over easter was a real mixed-bag. I had probably some of the worst runs of my life and then a couple of decent ones! I dont expect to be running fast, but once or twice i really did feel dreadful, even though i was plodding round. I wouldnt have expected to have run like that if id never trained in my life. Saying that, im
in a bit of a transitional phase with technique etc, so the odd bad run i'll put up with. The session I did with Dierdre / the parlauf / pumphouse reps with the younger group really did me some good. I came back up to uni, and ran every
other day and something just clicked! Im running really ugly but was really shifting! Last couple of runs inc today not quite so good, but bearable. Will just keep ticking over for the next month during exams, hopefully running every
other day, until I see Tim again and he sees me jogging. Core and stregthening going really well, i know will help when im
back.
having looked forward to it for well over a year, i was gutted to miss out on the BUCS at the olympic stadium.. would have
gone to watch but had too much work (+got tickets for the real thing, so cant complain....;) )
Good to hear about sean's win today + other TAC success
will prob come back home June 9th to stop off at Watford for the BMC
JT
Various updates, 30th April 2012
Here are some snapshot updates of some of our athletes that have gone back to university for the Summer term -
James Pigot - after his diary update in March he did some good training, but last week had a dose of food poisoning, which has held him up. He hopes to be recovered in time to race the 1500 metres in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports) Championships, in the Olympic Stadium. The BUCS champs take place on 5th yo 7th May.
Alex Hookway - on his final few weeks at Brunel University and has started running again successfully, after IT band and knee issues. Much of his focus has been on his final exams for his degree, but then hopefully he will be building up again.
Lucy Reid - managed to get accepted into the BUCS 10,000 metres championships.
Lowri Richards - reported to be getting some solid running in now
Abblie Shepherd-Barron - racing 1500m at BUCS
Grace Nicholls - racing 5000m at BUCS
Andy Combs - as of yesterday had rested three or four days with a foot injury, having got some good training in prior to that.
James Taylor - last week was progressing well and training.
Megan Brickell - after spraining her ankle at the National Road relay was back running last week.
Catherine Symons - continuing with her barefoot running program.
Sam Bradley - in USA and was struggling with low energy levels and having tests after a disappointing race.
Jon Undy - ran a superb London Marathon in 2.44
James Pigot - after his diary update in March he did some good training, but last week had a dose of food poisoning, which has held him up. He hopes to be recovered in time to race the 1500 metres in the BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sports) Championships, in the Olympic Stadium. The BUCS champs take place on 5th yo 7th May.
Alex Hookway - on his final few weeks at Brunel University and has started running again successfully, after IT band and knee issues. Much of his focus has been on his final exams for his degree, but then hopefully he will be building up again.
Lucy Reid - managed to get accepted into the BUCS 10,000 metres championships.
Lowri Richards - reported to be getting some solid running in now
Abblie Shepherd-Barron - racing 1500m at BUCS
Grace Nicholls - racing 5000m at BUCS
Andy Combs - as of yesterday had rested three or four days with a foot injury, having got some good training in prior to that.
James Taylor - last week was progressing well and training.
Megan Brickell - after spraining her ankle at the National Road relay was back running last week.
Catherine Symons - continuing with her barefoot running program.
Sam Bradley - in USA and was struggling with low energy levels and having tests after a disappointing race.
Jon Undy - ran a superb London Marathon in 2.44
James Pigot (2nd year University College London), 12th March
Hi Mark,
Great to see everyone at the TAC meal. I'll give a summary of what I've done since then:
Sunday - 40 minute steady run - felt stiff (hadn't run for 3 weeks previously due to illness)
Monday - 40 minute Steady run
Tuesday - 2 sets of 3x300m. Recovery 3 minutes and 10 minutes between sets.
Did it in trainers, really enjoyed it. times = 42s, 43s, 45s... 46s,47s,45s. Lots of lactic
acid at the end but good session.
Wednesday - Recovery run in Regents Park
Thursday - Rest day
Friday - Went on the treadmill for 30 minutes (20minutes at 15km/h, 9minutes at 16km/h and 1 minute at 20km/h)
Saturday -
Sunday - Long run at home
Monday - Ran in Regents Park
Tuesday - 30 minutes of treadmill (20mins at 16km/h, 9mins at 17km/h, 1min
at 20km/h)
Wednesday - Rest day. Elected Captain of UCL athletics
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Easy jog
Saturday - 10 x 40 second hills at home
Sunday - 45 minute run at home
Sir Roger Bannister has organised the first ever University Hospitals Cup (London medical students) Cross Country race for this Wednesday at Parliament Hill. It's 8km for men and 4km for the ladies. I'm feeling good at the moment and really enjoying running so hopefully I can produce a good result!
Hope everyone is well, see you all soon
James
Great to see everyone at the TAC meal. I'll give a summary of what I've done since then:
Sunday - 40 minute steady run - felt stiff (hadn't run for 3 weeks previously due to illness)
Monday - 40 minute Steady run
Tuesday - 2 sets of 3x300m. Recovery 3 minutes and 10 minutes between sets.
Did it in trainers, really enjoyed it. times = 42s, 43s, 45s... 46s,47s,45s. Lots of lactic
acid at the end but good session.
Wednesday - Recovery run in Regents Park
Thursday - Rest day
Friday - Went on the treadmill for 30 minutes (20minutes at 15km/h, 9minutes at 16km/h and 1 minute at 20km/h)
Saturday -
Sunday - Long run at home
Monday - Ran in Regents Park
Tuesday - 30 minutes of treadmill (20mins at 16km/h, 9mins at 17km/h, 1min
at 20km/h)
Wednesday - Rest day. Elected Captain of UCL athletics
Thursday - Rest
Friday - Easy jog
Saturday - 10 x 40 second hills at home
Sunday - 45 minute run at home
Sir Roger Bannister has organised the first ever University Hospitals Cup (London medical students) Cross Country race for this Wednesday at Parliament Hill. It's 8km for men and 4km for the ladies. I'm feeling good at the moment and really enjoying running so hopefully I can produce a good result!
Hope everyone is well, see you all soon
James
James Taylor (2nd year Nottingham University), 11th March 2012
Hi
eally enjoyed the sky sports 1 coverage yesterday! Your tent got quite a few mentions!!! ( "and you should have seen the size of the kent tent .. took 8 people to carry it in...." etc )
congrats to all athletes, particularly nicole! i didnt see here first time round (too focussed on dark blue vests!) but caught her on athleticos.
Ive had some time off. Havent run since National weekend. Letting foot recover properly - feels better but havent tested it
yet. Been stretching / pilates but otherwise complete rest first week. legs felt good. This week theyve felt worse. Swam 3 times and continued core.
Our local running shop 'Up & Running Nottingham' advertised a biomechanist who was visiting yesterday. I saw him for about 10 minutes. He stood me up barefoot and observed my posture. He made a few interesting comments (not just about my foot.. pelvis/back/knee...), which I think are worth following up - ive booked an appointment to see him in Loughbough on the
20th. Apparently he's worked with Paula Radcliffe before- his name is Timothy King from footcareservices.co.uk. I was hoping to start jogging again this week, but I think Tim wants to almost 'start again' with me so I dont think there's much point in running this week - want my foot to have recovered completely. Will continue swimming / cycling. Really hopeful that this time, things will be sorted, although no doubt it will take time.
Im home on wednesday so should be at circuits.
James
eally enjoyed the sky sports 1 coverage yesterday! Your tent got quite a few mentions!!! ( "and you should have seen the size of the kent tent .. took 8 people to carry it in...." etc )
congrats to all athletes, particularly nicole! i didnt see here first time round (too focussed on dark blue vests!) but caught her on athleticos.
Ive had some time off. Havent run since National weekend. Letting foot recover properly - feels better but havent tested it
yet. Been stretching / pilates but otherwise complete rest first week. legs felt good. This week theyve felt worse. Swam 3 times and continued core.
Our local running shop 'Up & Running Nottingham' advertised a biomechanist who was visiting yesterday. I saw him for about 10 minutes. He stood me up barefoot and observed my posture. He made a few interesting comments (not just about my foot.. pelvis/back/knee...), which I think are worth following up - ive booked an appointment to see him in Loughbough on the
20th. Apparently he's worked with Paula Radcliffe before- his name is Timothy King from footcareservices.co.uk. I was hoping to start jogging again this week, but I think Tim wants to almost 'start again' with me so I dont think there's much point in running this week - want my foot to have recovered completely. Will continue swimming / cycling. Really hopeful that this time, things will be sorted, although no doubt it will take time.
Im home on wednesday so should be at circuits.
James
Andy Combs (2nd year St Marys, Twickenham), 12th February 2012
Boys, Girls, Coaches, (Parents if you're reading to),
Firstly, apologies that I've only written once since this website has been up. Not really a good impression when everyone else has been keeping you lot up to date. Before you read on, I can't remember my sessions I've done. Literally, I've written
them on the back of a Jaffa Cake box which is not sensible or convenient when trying to find it under all the cr*p on my desk, or when the cleaner nearly throws it in the bin. Anyway, as I'm not at uni at the moment, I can't remember my sessions.
Now I got that out the way, as some of you probably know, I've had a horrendous 6 months, in which I've been in and out of running for a vast majority of it. This period was hellish to say the least. Finally getting an MRI it showed no clear results that anything was wrong and so, we diagnosed it with a stress reaction. Doesn't sound so bad, but some people say it can
be worst than a fracture as there is nothing fully wrong, so instead you tend to run with it when you can feel something there but knowing its not doing much harm (but it could do so just be careful).
So for the past month and a bit I had to start at 5 minutes running, then 10, then 15 (you get the point). Going along all okay doing a 2 day on 1 rest basis. I though yeahhhh this is going alright. Nope, I hit a wall of only being able to do 3 days in a row with a days rest for a long time. Then suddenly I managed 5 in a row with a day rest. I'm still at that point now but now in some sort of session and longer runs.
After a month and so many days, I'm doing small sessions which have their up's and down's and to say the least, very frustrating as my shins could be good one day and the next, take a turn for the worse, so it's hard to judge.
In which I can manage 60-75min runs, and did a session this afternoon of a few 800's in the snow but cut short as shins were sore from running in the snow the previous day.
With 6 months out, that makes my last race, Senior 5000m Champs? And my first race back was the BUCS B-Race,
which St Mary's dominated. My race was full of twisting my ankle on the frozen ground but took it easy to start with as I'm not in any type of fitness or shape to be hitting the front so started slow and worked through to 12th.
I'm hoping as long as everything is alright that my next outing can be with my U20 team, I'm not expecting anything amazing from myself but if I can help the team to victory (which I'm sure we can achieve), I'll be happy. Think of me as Stevie Gerrard coming back from injury with the young crop of first year U20's, that's the scenario that could be happening at Parliament Hill.
So, if there's one thing I can suggest to people, which I used to be good at but not so much anymore. Listen to your body, as if you feel tired and tight, take a step back as you'll probably make 2 steps forward in doing so.
x
Firstly, apologies that I've only written once since this website has been up. Not really a good impression when everyone else has been keeping you lot up to date. Before you read on, I can't remember my sessions I've done. Literally, I've written
them on the back of a Jaffa Cake box which is not sensible or convenient when trying to find it under all the cr*p on my desk, or when the cleaner nearly throws it in the bin. Anyway, as I'm not at uni at the moment, I can't remember my sessions.
Now I got that out the way, as some of you probably know, I've had a horrendous 6 months, in which I've been in and out of running for a vast majority of it. This period was hellish to say the least. Finally getting an MRI it showed no clear results that anything was wrong and so, we diagnosed it with a stress reaction. Doesn't sound so bad, but some people say it can
be worst than a fracture as there is nothing fully wrong, so instead you tend to run with it when you can feel something there but knowing its not doing much harm (but it could do so just be careful).
So for the past month and a bit I had to start at 5 minutes running, then 10, then 15 (you get the point). Going along all okay doing a 2 day on 1 rest basis. I though yeahhhh this is going alright. Nope, I hit a wall of only being able to do 3 days in a row with a days rest for a long time. Then suddenly I managed 5 in a row with a day rest. I'm still at that point now but now in some sort of session and longer runs.
After a month and so many days, I'm doing small sessions which have their up's and down's and to say the least, very frustrating as my shins could be good one day and the next, take a turn for the worse, so it's hard to judge.
In which I can manage 60-75min runs, and did a session this afternoon of a few 800's in the snow but cut short as shins were sore from running in the snow the previous day.
With 6 months out, that makes my last race, Senior 5000m Champs? And my first race back was the BUCS B-Race,
which St Mary's dominated. My race was full of twisting my ankle on the frozen ground but took it easy to start with as I'm not in any type of fitness or shape to be hitting the front so started slow and worked through to 12th.
I'm hoping as long as everything is alright that my next outing can be with my U20 team, I'm not expecting anything amazing from myself but if I can help the team to victory (which I'm sure we can achieve), I'll be happy. Think of me as Stevie Gerrard coming back from injury with the young crop of first year U20's, that's the scenario that could be happening at Parliament Hill.
So, if there's one thing I can suggest to people, which I used to be good at but not so much anymore. Listen to your body, as if you feel tired and tight, take a step back as you'll probably make 2 steps forward in doing so.
x
James Taylor (2nd year Nottingham University), 3rd February 2012
Hi
I was about to tell you about the judd race in coventry, but youve already got it on the website!!
a superb day, everyone ran well, after coming 2nd four years running it was great to win! tom purnell ran an incredible 10.56
(unnoticed) which was more than a minute quicker than any of our lads! our b team still beat marling though!
and to cap it all off ron hill was there to present the cups! incredible man, he told me hes having a poor weeks training, only
25mpw.... apparently cos its the 125th anniversary, all the nationals winners will be in parliament hill. he wont be racing though this year. an honour to meet him, will make sure i find him on hamstead heath.
about to head over to cardiff for the BUCS. I'll be in the 'b' race so no pressure. Legs coming back. did 15 short hills on wednesday. hamstring a little sore today, will be taking the foam roller with me...
looking forward to jonny hay v my lanzarote mate jonny brownlee in the main event will text results as they come through
JT
I was about to tell you about the judd race in coventry, but youve already got it on the website!!
a superb day, everyone ran well, after coming 2nd four years running it was great to win! tom purnell ran an incredible 10.56
(unnoticed) which was more than a minute quicker than any of our lads! our b team still beat marling though!
and to cap it all off ron hill was there to present the cups! incredible man, he told me hes having a poor weeks training, only
25mpw.... apparently cos its the 125th anniversary, all the nationals winners will be in parliament hill. he wont be racing though this year. an honour to meet him, will make sure i find him on hamstead heath.
about to head over to cardiff for the BUCS. I'll be in the 'b' race so no pressure. Legs coming back. did 15 short hills on wednesday. hamstring a little sore today, will be taking the foam roller with me...
looking forward to jonny hay v my lanzarote mate jonny brownlee in the main event will text results as they come through
JT
Lucy Reid (1st year Durham University)
Hi , just thought I'd give you a quick update. Iv run every day this week-
been doing longer runs with faster sections ie yesterday did 5km at pace then
10km after at a slower pace. Trying to do some faster stuff as well as higher
mileage as im doing a half marathon in march. My calves are stil really sore
and my foot is playing up a little bit so am going to physio at the uni sports
centre next week. Hope everything at tac is going well! Thanks, Lucy
been doing longer runs with faster sections ie yesterday did 5km at pace then
10km after at a slower pace. Trying to do some faster stuff as well as higher
mileage as im doing a half marathon in march. My calves are stil really sore
and my foot is playing up a little bit so am going to physio at the uni sports
centre next week. Hope everything at tac is going well! Thanks, Lucy
James Taylor (2nd year Nottingham University), 22nd January 2012
Hi
update:
Ive been back at Notts for 2 weeks and in
this time Ive decided its now or never for this season, so have tried to
complete sessions as best I can. Ive had a fair amount of work to do, but
fitted good gym sessions inbetween revision- and put my new foam roller to the
test! I would thorougthly recommend them, my legs feel much better as a result,
although they do take a bit of practice to get the technique
right.
Pierre said the peroneal tendon, right foot
should be okay (on the morning of kent champs).. though with hindsight I
wouldnt have raced, and it was a bit sore for 1 week. My mileage was very low.
However with two weeks til the BUCS university champs I needed to test myself
out and attempt some sessions. I did a few hills on my own on tuesday,
alternating between about 35 second efforts straight up and then up the same
hill but continuing along the flat and gently all the way back down, so about a
2 minute effort. Total: 3 reps of each, not much recovery. They wernt super
fast but as a first 'session' in almost 3 months I was satisfied. I tried a
decent run on thursday but went off too hard and my right hamstring didnt
appreciate it. I must warm up more thoroughly in future. No lasting
damage.
On Saturday I went along
to Notts AC: 3 laps of Wollaton Lake- a bit like Barden lake, similar distance.
I completed 3 reps, about 1 minute recovery in fairly even splits. Wasnt quite
up there with the top guys (eg Blayne Pick) and didnt want to push too hard so
soon, so didnt do the last rep. Worked hard, but felt good. warmed up and down
very well and legs felt better than they have for a while.
Having cut the session short slightly to save
my legs I was torn between going for a long steady this morning or racing the
local East Midlands League (that Ive won on the last 2 outings). We were hoping
that most of our uni runners would race to aid selection for the BUCS. So I
decided to race, albeit starting very slowly. I had new (asics) spikes* which
felt good. I moved through the field as usual and was reasonably happy with 5th
behind 4 other uni runners. The ground was quite good annoyingly, i could have
done with some mud, and it was extremely windy. Unlike last time I could
actually walk after the race and even managed a decent warm down. Will give the
legs a go on the foam roller tonight, having given them the day off it
yesterday....
overall Im pleased with how the weekend's
gone, and should have secured my place in the BUCS A team. Well I do pick the
team... haha seriously I know I need to improve but I can feel my legs coming
back to me and the good of Lanzarote coming to fruition. Im glad Ive tested my
spikes and raced semi-competitively so will take confidence into the BUCS
provided I can have a good 10 days now of regular sessions-recovery runs. I
hope my foot can take it. The BUCS distance of 10.6k will be good practice for
the 12k National which is my only other planned race of the winter. Following
that I shall assess my form and hope to concentrate on track work for the
season-opening BUCS Athletics champs in the Olympic Stadium.
Congrats to all the county schools, knole and
indoor champions of the last week or so, and best of luck at the Southerns this
weekend. Hope the U20s can retain my one title! I'll be at Wollaton Park
managing a small contingent of ours racing the Midlands, but I'll be very keen
to hear about the happenings in Brighton.
Cheers
JT
*bought these spikes last week.. you know how
it is: walk into the shop, and you know the guy trying to sell you them hasnt a
clue what he's talking about. So I start asking probing questions into the
shoes' qualities and about his own relatively limited running experience. Turns
out he's a 13:52 5k man....
update:
Ive been back at Notts for 2 weeks and in
this time Ive decided its now or never for this season, so have tried to
complete sessions as best I can. Ive had a fair amount of work to do, but
fitted good gym sessions inbetween revision- and put my new foam roller to the
test! I would thorougthly recommend them, my legs feel much better as a result,
although they do take a bit of practice to get the technique
right.
Pierre said the peroneal tendon, right foot
should be okay (on the morning of kent champs).. though with hindsight I
wouldnt have raced, and it was a bit sore for 1 week. My mileage was very low.
However with two weeks til the BUCS university champs I needed to test myself
out and attempt some sessions. I did a few hills on my own on tuesday,
alternating between about 35 second efforts straight up and then up the same
hill but continuing along the flat and gently all the way back down, so about a
2 minute effort. Total: 3 reps of each, not much recovery. They wernt super
fast but as a first 'session' in almost 3 months I was satisfied. I tried a
decent run on thursday but went off too hard and my right hamstring didnt
appreciate it. I must warm up more thoroughly in future. No lasting
damage.
On Saturday I went along
to Notts AC: 3 laps of Wollaton Lake- a bit like Barden lake, similar distance.
I completed 3 reps, about 1 minute recovery in fairly even splits. Wasnt quite
up there with the top guys (eg Blayne Pick) and didnt want to push too hard so
soon, so didnt do the last rep. Worked hard, but felt good. warmed up and down
very well and legs felt better than they have for a while.
Having cut the session short slightly to save
my legs I was torn between going for a long steady this morning or racing the
local East Midlands League (that Ive won on the last 2 outings). We were hoping
that most of our uni runners would race to aid selection for the BUCS. So I
decided to race, albeit starting very slowly. I had new (asics) spikes* which
felt good. I moved through the field as usual and was reasonably happy with 5th
behind 4 other uni runners. The ground was quite good annoyingly, i could have
done with some mud, and it was extremely windy. Unlike last time I could
actually walk after the race and even managed a decent warm down. Will give the
legs a go on the foam roller tonight, having given them the day off it
yesterday....
overall Im pleased with how the weekend's
gone, and should have secured my place in the BUCS A team. Well I do pick the
team... haha seriously I know I need to improve but I can feel my legs coming
back to me and the good of Lanzarote coming to fruition. Im glad Ive tested my
spikes and raced semi-competitively so will take confidence into the BUCS
provided I can have a good 10 days now of regular sessions-recovery runs. I
hope my foot can take it. The BUCS distance of 10.6k will be good practice for
the 12k National which is my only other planned race of the winter. Following
that I shall assess my form and hope to concentrate on track work for the
season-opening BUCS Athletics champs in the Olympic Stadium.
Congrats to all the county schools, knole and
indoor champions of the last week or so, and best of luck at the Southerns this
weekend. Hope the U20s can retain my one title! I'll be at Wollaton Park
managing a small contingent of ours racing the Midlands, but I'll be very keen
to hear about the happenings in Brighton.
Cheers
JT
*bought these spikes last week.. you know how
it is: walk into the shop, and you know the guy trying to sell you them hasnt a
clue what he's talking about. So I start asking probing questions into the
shoes' qualities and about his own relatively limited running experience. Turns
out he's a 13:52 5k man....
Sam Bradley (1st Year Lamar University, Texas, USA)
Hey Ya'll!
Another apologies for not writing this alot sooner. Things
have been very busy over here with running (although alot less of this
recently, will come to that soon), travelling and school work. At present, I am
managing to maintain a 4.0 GPA (equivalent to an A grade) however we are only a
semester in! Since the last time I wrote, we have been travelling around quite
a lot. We have ventured as far as Chicago and Wisconsin but most of the meets
have centered around Texas. The last two races were in Nachadoges and Waco,
both a reasonable drive (6 hours) for conference and regional championships. As
a team, we managed to win conference putting 8 guys in the top 14! We were very
pleased making it 6 years straight Lamar has won the conference championships.
The women managed a 3rd place which was great running for them! There were some
pictures that went up on facebook which a few of you may have seen but I will
endevour to get mine up soon to give you guys a better idea. I managed a 25.40
on the day which isn't too far outside my road 'PR' (pb in our language) but
the race certainly contradicted the fact that all American cross country races
are flat, fast golf courses. It was a mix of rolling and steep hills, something
similar to Somerhill school but alot nicer grass and the occasional bunker!
Two week later we were faced with the regionals championships in Waco.
As a team, we were confident but also looked like we could get a few guys in
the top 10 to get individual places to nationals. Training went well for the
week after conference and recovered from the race well. However, around came
the Friday tempo. 8 mile at 5.15 pace, sounds simple enough but me being me,
the task became alot more difficult wearing a pair of shoes which have tears
down both sides. It was a silly decision to run in the shoes and completely my
fault as I had a spare pair sitting in my room! Consequently, my foot became
very sore after the tempo and continued to hurt for the weekend and as a result
had to take a few days off. Monday came and the foot felt good enough to run on
so we started back up and ran through the week tapering for the weekend.
Despite this, even with a severe taper into the regional champs, the foot
became too sore to complete the Thursday session. The coach immidiatly pulled
me out of the weekend for fear of making the foot worse which with hind sight,
I am hugely greatful for! (yet at the time, persistantly argued I was fine).
The regional champs were a good experience for the team and even for
myself trying to hobble across the golf course shouting at the team.
Unfortunatly, we were not quite good enough on the day to steal a 3rd place
however the bonus of the day was that Matty Johnson (MJ) was a national
qualifier individually which was great news for him. Since, he has competed at
the nationals championships last weekend where he performed brilliantly
finishing a solid 89th with a time of 30.40 on a windy and cold day in Indiana!
The team has since taken a 2 week break from training which has given everyone
time to recover and recoup from a stressful last 3 months. Meanwhile, I have
been hitting the bike, gym and pool in an attempt to keep some attainable level
of fitness. I now have a whole new level of respect for swimmers as my triceps
having been aching for the past week! Friday just gone has been two weeks off
all activities and with a predicted 4-5 week recovery rate from the injury, it
should only be another couple of weeks until I am allowed back running and
hopefully join in with some of you guys back home over the christmas period!
I have spoken to a few of the guys in the group and tried to
follow results as much a possible but it appears the group is moving forward at
an incredible rate. We will soon be up there with the like of Newham, Belgrave
and Aldershot on a national level! Finally, would like to congratulate the guys
who ran today. Believe Graeme was 2nd at the International Masters so a huge
well done to him! Also the guys at the South of Thames looked like they ran
well to claim a 2nd. Lastly, to the small group that travelled to Liverpool, it
looked like an epic trip up north. I don't know the guys too well but awesome
runs from Charlie and Laurie to take wins shows just how well the group has
come on. Also great results from other Charlie, Robbie, Luca, Grace, Tom and
Henry. You guys will continue to move up the field, so stick at it and it will
definitly come!
Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the festive season.
I hope to be back mid december and have provisionally put my name in for the
country champs yet will have to see how things pan out over the next few weeks.
Apologies for the lengthy message and I look forward to seeing and training
with you all soon!
Sam
Another apologies for not writing this alot sooner. Things
have been very busy over here with running (although alot less of this
recently, will come to that soon), travelling and school work. At present, I am
managing to maintain a 4.0 GPA (equivalent to an A grade) however we are only a
semester in! Since the last time I wrote, we have been travelling around quite
a lot. We have ventured as far as Chicago and Wisconsin but most of the meets
have centered around Texas. The last two races were in Nachadoges and Waco,
both a reasonable drive (6 hours) for conference and regional championships. As
a team, we managed to win conference putting 8 guys in the top 14! We were very
pleased making it 6 years straight Lamar has won the conference championships.
The women managed a 3rd place which was great running for them! There were some
pictures that went up on facebook which a few of you may have seen but I will
endevour to get mine up soon to give you guys a better idea. I managed a 25.40
on the day which isn't too far outside my road 'PR' (pb in our language) but
the race certainly contradicted the fact that all American cross country races
are flat, fast golf courses. It was a mix of rolling and steep hills, something
similar to Somerhill school but alot nicer grass and the occasional bunker!
Two week later we were faced with the regionals championships in Waco.
As a team, we were confident but also looked like we could get a few guys in
the top 10 to get individual places to nationals. Training went well for the
week after conference and recovered from the race well. However, around came
the Friday tempo. 8 mile at 5.15 pace, sounds simple enough but me being me,
the task became alot more difficult wearing a pair of shoes which have tears
down both sides. It was a silly decision to run in the shoes and completely my
fault as I had a spare pair sitting in my room! Consequently, my foot became
very sore after the tempo and continued to hurt for the weekend and as a result
had to take a few days off. Monday came and the foot felt good enough to run on
so we started back up and ran through the week tapering for the weekend.
Despite this, even with a severe taper into the regional champs, the foot
became too sore to complete the Thursday session. The coach immidiatly pulled
me out of the weekend for fear of making the foot worse which with hind sight,
I am hugely greatful for! (yet at the time, persistantly argued I was fine).
The regional champs were a good experience for the team and even for
myself trying to hobble across the golf course shouting at the team.
Unfortunatly, we were not quite good enough on the day to steal a 3rd place
however the bonus of the day was that Matty Johnson (MJ) was a national
qualifier individually which was great news for him. Since, he has competed at
the nationals championships last weekend where he performed brilliantly
finishing a solid 89th with a time of 30.40 on a windy and cold day in Indiana!
The team has since taken a 2 week break from training which has given everyone
time to recover and recoup from a stressful last 3 months. Meanwhile, I have
been hitting the bike, gym and pool in an attempt to keep some attainable level
of fitness. I now have a whole new level of respect for swimmers as my triceps
having been aching for the past week! Friday just gone has been two weeks off
all activities and with a predicted 4-5 week recovery rate from the injury, it
should only be another couple of weeks until I am allowed back running and
hopefully join in with some of you guys back home over the christmas period!
I have spoken to a few of the guys in the group and tried to
follow results as much a possible but it appears the group is moving forward at
an incredible rate. We will soon be up there with the like of Newham, Belgrave
and Aldershot on a national level! Finally, would like to congratulate the guys
who ran today. Believe Graeme was 2nd at the International Masters so a huge
well done to him! Also the guys at the South of Thames looked like they ran
well to claim a 2nd. Lastly, to the small group that travelled to Liverpool, it
looked like an epic trip up north. I don't know the guys too well but awesome
runs from Charlie and Laurie to take wins shows just how well the group has
come on. Also great results from other Charlie, Robbie, Luca, Grace, Tom and
Henry. You guys will continue to move up the field, so stick at it and it will
definitly come!
Hope everyone is well and looking forward to the festive season.
I hope to be back mid december and have provisionally put my name in for the
country champs yet will have to see how things pan out over the next few weeks.
Apologies for the lengthy message and I look forward to seeing and training
with you all soon!
Sam
Jess Owen (2nd Year St Marys, Twickenham), 22nd November
Hope all is well. Just to confirm that I am planning on racing the Kent Champs, Southern as well as the National next year all going well of course :).
Am into lectures, with a lot of practicals learning taping techniques, electrotherapy and in the pool doing hydrotherapy too. Pretty hectic as all seems to come round quickly and have exams in about 2 weeks as well as coursework deadlines! But am still enjoying it. Turns out the body builder that i helped massage on placement won his competition and is off to America to
compete in the worlds or something, massaging a body building celebrity ey! Running is consistent at the moment, was spurred on by better performance at Mansfield and the fact the girls did well, had a bit of a drop last week as my
ankle/foot flared up slightly but saw the physio on campus and am managing it well and hoping to get back into a session on tues/thurs. Yesterday (Sunday 20th) competed for St Marys, in the BUCS duathlon at Castle Coomb race circuit
( 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run) 2 weeks prior to taking part in this i got myself a swish racing bike and have been going out for some cycles on that too. Was such a great experience and would love to get into this into the future as well as developing and getting involved in some triathlons. The second 2 mile run was a killer, and although your legs feel like they want to fall off, its weirdly the greatest feeling ever! And once you get into it you start to feel okay! Need to work on my bike a bit, and today after a 40 min run, was struggling with a bit of a sore bum and legs weren't feeling too fresh, but I suppose its something that i will get used too!
Hope to come back before Christmas, but with alot on and exams etc may not so if not ill be back for Christmas. Will update you before then. Hope you are well.
Jess
Am into lectures, with a lot of practicals learning taping techniques, electrotherapy and in the pool doing hydrotherapy too. Pretty hectic as all seems to come round quickly and have exams in about 2 weeks as well as coursework deadlines! But am still enjoying it. Turns out the body builder that i helped massage on placement won his competition and is off to America to
compete in the worlds or something, massaging a body building celebrity ey! Running is consistent at the moment, was spurred on by better performance at Mansfield and the fact the girls did well, had a bit of a drop last week as my
ankle/foot flared up slightly but saw the physio on campus and am managing it well and hoping to get back into a session on tues/thurs. Yesterday (Sunday 20th) competed for St Marys, in the BUCS duathlon at Castle Coomb race circuit
( 2 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2 mile run) 2 weeks prior to taking part in this i got myself a swish racing bike and have been going out for some cycles on that too. Was such a great experience and would love to get into this into the future as well as developing and getting involved in some triathlons. The second 2 mile run was a killer, and although your legs feel like they want to fall off, its weirdly the greatest feeling ever! And once you get into it you start to feel okay! Need to work on my bike a bit, and today after a 40 min run, was struggling with a bit of a sore bum and legs weren't feeling too fresh, but I suppose its something that i will get used too!
Hope to come back before Christmas, but with alot on and exams etc may not so if not ill be back for Christmas. Will update you before then. Hope you are well.
Jess
Friday 18th November - various updates from university
Lucy Reid finished 2nd in the Durham University past vs present race last Saturday (see results page)
Grace Nicholls (Bath University) finished 2nd in the Gwent League senior women's race last Sunday (see results page)
Sam Bradley (Lamar University, Texas, USA) missed last weekends regional conference race, due to injury, but is coming home for Christmas on 17th December and has asked to race the Kent Championships.
Andy Combs is injured at present with shin problems.
James Taylor (Nottingham University) has had a couple of good races, in relays and a league, but then picked up an injury 2 weeks ago. He has reportedly been hitting the weights room instead !
Alex Hookway (Brunel University) had a tendon issue with his ankle, but seems on the mend and is back in training, with steady runs.
Megan Brickell (Swansea) has her leg back in plaster having turned her ankle over, wearing high heels on a night out !
Dan Bryant (Durham) is reportedly back in training, which included a 27km run last weekend.
Sophie Wilkinson (New Zealand) is still doing some running and the odd race.
No news from James Pigot, Seb Harding, Michael Mason, Jess Owen, Lowri Richards
Sam Bradley racing for Lamar University Texas in Southland Conference Championship
Monday 31st October
(report from the Lamar University Cross Country web site)
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Lamar University men's cross country team won its sixth consecutive Southland Conference championship Monday, as it dominated the 12-team field at the Piney Woods Country Club. The Cardinals
placed five runners in the top 10 to finish with 29 points, 34 better than runner-up UTSA's 63 points. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was third with 91 points. Lamar has won a conference record 11 men's cross country championships. "It was a good day for us," Lamar coach Trey Clark said. "We ran well today." Matt Johnsen led the Cardinals with a second-place
finish, covering the eight-kilometer course in 24 minutes, 51.3 seconds, just behind Patrick Kimeli of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who won the race in 24:50.6. Lamar's first five finishers earned All-Conference honors for finishing in the top 10. Tom Wade was fourth in 24:57.5, Bob Ahimbisibwe was sixth in 25:16.2, Joe Wade was seventh in 25:19.8 and Anthony Pequeno was 10th in 25:26.6. In addition, three other Lamar runners just missed out on earning All-Conference accolades.
Sam Stabler was 12th in 25:34.5, Sam Bradley was 13th in 25:42.3 and Ryan Creech was 16th in 25:48.2. Ceech's 16th-place finish was better than the top finisher on six teams.
placed five runners in the top 10 to finish with 29 points, 34 better than runner-up UTSA's 63 points. Texas A&M-Corpus Christi was third with 91 points. Lamar has won a conference record 11 men's cross country championships. "It was a good day for us," Lamar coach Trey Clark said. "We ran well today." Matt Johnsen led the Cardinals with a second-place
finish, covering the eight-kilometer course in 24 minutes, 51.3 seconds, just behind Patrick Kimeli of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who won the race in 24:50.6. Lamar's first five finishers earned All-Conference honors for finishing in the top 10. Tom Wade was fourth in 24:57.5, Bob Ahimbisibwe was sixth in 25:16.2, Joe Wade was seventh in 25:19.8 and Anthony Pequeno was 10th in 25:26.6. In addition, three other Lamar runners just missed out on earning All-Conference accolades.
Sam Stabler was 12th in 25:34.5, Sam Bradley was 13th in 25:42.3 and Ryan Creech was 16th in 25:48.2. Ceech's 16th-place finish was better than the top finisher on six teams.
Lucy Reid (1st year Durham University)
Lucy Reid has settled in at Durham and started training regularly. On 22nd October she ran 19.16 for the Durham Park Run 5km, to be first woman home and then finished third in the Start Fitness Northeast Harriers League race in Saturday 29th October, as she opened her cross country season.
James Taylor (2nd year Nottingham University), 23rd October
JT reports on his win at the East Midlands Cross Country League
Fairly low standard league but we try to support it (dominate it!) and was good pace, josh bull (derby) really took it out. Wasnt anywhere near him til 2 miles to go then realised i could close in. Worked hard to close the 200m gap to his shoulder but he kicked on. Thought he was bluffing and he was- went past him easily, pulled out a lead ad coasted in.
Got a fair bit of work on next few days but want to see physio about foot. not tendons like last time but need some manipulation i think.
Warwick relays next weekend (3.3km xc i think) then home for judd davies cup at TJs then mansfield.
JT
Got a fair bit of work on next few days but want to see physio about foot. not tendons like last time but need some manipulation i think.
Warwick relays next weekend (3.3km xc i think) then home for judd davies cup at TJs then mansfield.
JT
Alex Hookway (3rd year Brunel), 8th December
Having had a good start to the Winter Alex has now picked up a niggling ankle injury, which just came on during an easy run. This had followed a good solid week's training, that had included a session of 8x600m and an 11 mile run. Some physio work and rest is showing an improvement and he hopes to still be in action at Mansfield. Otherwise all going well in the final year at Brunel.
James Pigot (2nd year University College London), 13th October
Hi,
Just a quick update on the training. Apart from freshers week when I didn't run, I've been putting in quite a few runs on my own in Regents Park as well as going down to Highgate Harriers on a Tuesday evening. Last Tuesday I did 12 x 400m with 40 seconds recovery (I'm guessing my average was around 69 seconds). This Tuesday I did 8x500m (the best guys did
600m with 200m jog recovery). I've been trying to go down to the gym to do some upper body strength as well. The work load at uni is really heavy this year so I've cut down on going out and am making sure I'm getting plenty of rest.
Hope everyone at TAC is well, see you soon
James
Sam Bradley, Lamar University, Texas, 1st year, 3rd October
Hope things are going well guys!
Firstly apologies for not getting this second instalment sorted earlier, the last few weeks have been very hectic and so the initial target of a diary every 10-14 days may be a little optimistic! Secondly, great work from everyone at the Road Relays. From what I have been hearing, it was our most successful year to date across the board and looks like we had some fastest legs too so extra congrats to those guys! The club is definitely going places, it won’t be long before we are medalling as a senior team!
Hope things are going well back home and again, from recent results, it looks like everyone has started the cross season well and in good form already! Thankfully for us, we are already over half way through the cross season which hopefully culminates at the National Cross Final in Indiana on the 21st November. For our team to make it this year, would be a phenomenal achievement considering we have a large number of freshman on the team and no full time coach! Lamar has never made Nationals on the cross, and if we do achieve it this year, the sense of satisfaction in the team will be unreal. It is a strange and new concept to build towards one race in the season whereas back home, the peak needs to be maintained for a LOT longer! We are gradually increasing things and hoping to come good around November time. For now, the immediate goal is to travel to Wisconsin, near Chicago next weekend and give a strong account of ourselves in an attempt to beat some of the teams around us which will get us closer to nationals.
On a personal level, I feel these letters are getting longer and more in depth, similar to a blog as I have to fit so much in to so little space! As for training and racing, things are ever improving. Since I last wrote, I think we have raced twice (one good race and one less so) however the latter was a hilly golf course off the back off a 100 mile week. Only after the race did I accept that going into a race with that preparation may not have been wise. Thankfully the race was of less importance than ones to come and fortunately for me, my team mates ran extremely well, we ended up winning the meet and beating out rivals Texas University in the process (which was a quite reminder that we up for the challenge this year) meaning we are unbeaten so far as a team.
Our resident Australian, Matty, who is coming back from knee surgery in the summer won the race (we are all in shock how well he has recovered) and he is always getting stronger so things are looking up. For myself, I am now knocking around the 80-90 miles mark just hitting consistent stuff but trying to work on feeling good in workouts. As a brief cover of this week, Monday we broke things up a little and hit a 2 mile followed by 3 x 1mile. It was probably the strongest repeats session the group has done so that was a great bonus. Tuesday we hit some steady mileage and weights (quite a boring day). Wednesday we had an 8 mile tempo in a park consisting of 4, 2 mile loops. This was by far the best tempo we have done as a group finishing between 41.40 and 42.20 with the second 4 miles run in 20.05. Needless to say, we were all as shocked as the coach.
Away from the training, some of the experiences have been quite surreal. Some in the last two that spring to mind are the long run around a swamp infested with alligators either side! We didn’t hang about on that run. The experience of a night race in Austin last week was also pretty cool and a concept which they are hoping to keep pushing. Finally, the Texan rain. It is something else, it comes down so hard for a short period of time but is the equivalent of jumping in a swimming pool.
I’m not sure how many people actually read these ‘diary’ blog inputs but I’ll keep putting a few thoughts down for those who fancy the read. Hope everyone is well at home, keep training hard and pushing even if it doesn’t seem to click right now, eventually it will come good!
That’s all for now folks
Catherine Symons (2nd year Farnham Univerrsity), 17th September
I still don't have internet in my new house (will take around 2 weeks), but i can obviously use the uni library to check emails etc, if i have important things to tell you then i will use my phone. This week has been better for my foot as i have been resting a lot more than i normally would and when i do run it has only been so far for 16mins. Today and tomorrow i'm going to try run for around 20mins, and it will be interesting to see how my foot copes with 2 consecutive days. I've been keeping the treatment going, and i do feel that the sock has been a big help too. My foot is definitely getting there, and i'm hoping that i will have no or very little pain by Aldershot relays. It was a very good decision not to race today too. Will keep you updated. Uni is going well, all settled into my house, we had our first introduction lecture on Friday & start properly on Monday, my timetable seems quite good too. Been cycling into uni (takes around 30mins) which will keep me fit too, and on Monday's i'm going to a Zumba fitness class wit friend which should be fun. Hope all is good at TAC, Catherine.
Sam Bradley, Lamar University, Texas, 1st year, 3rd September
Hey guys!
Mark asked me to have a go at putting together a diary to account some of the stuff that I am getting up to in America and hopefully it might give some of you guys a small insight into the American system for those who are interested.
Two weeks ago I made the move 'across the pond' to Beaumont in south east Texas to Lamar University to join a team with athletes from all over the world. On the team we have 9 Brits, 2 Irish, an Australian, Few Danish and Belgium and a handful of American guys. Everyone seems really friendly out here but we are still getting a few strange looks when out shopping or getting food and people realise we aren't locals!
The first day I arrived was pretty hectic and was about a 24 hour day including time differences and connecting flights. Surprisingly though, it didn't take long to get into a regular routine which consists of getting up at 5.45am, cycling onto campus and preparing for practice at 6.30am. The main reason behind this is the trouble with heat and humidity. Cycling in at 6.00am, the temperature gauge regularly reads 80 degrees and quickly rises to 90/95 degrees by the end of training at 9.00am! However, after a week and half, it was the humidity which was causing problems providing no air to breath. It was similar to putting your face in a pillow and trying to breath heavily.
With regards to training, it took some time to get used to the conditions and the early routine as I have never been an early riser! We are currently in the steady running base phase as a team and not doing any sessions or tempo work yet. The plan is to have another couple of weeks of steady work and then start of the workouts in preparation for the bigger races in October and November.
As Mark mentioned on the website and Twitter, we had our first outing as a team on Friday night in Houston on a warm and humid evening situated in the middle of some main roads and a freeway. It was quite a peculiar place for a race but interesting at the same time. The plan for the race was to 'tempo' as a team and see how it unfolds with the other teams around us. The team ran solidly and we placed 6 runners in the top 10. I finished 4th overall and had one Lamar team mate in front of me. We ran a controlled race and didn't push too hard as the plan was to train through and come out of it feeling strong. We have a similar meeting in two weeks time at Rice University which will have a bit more quality!
So far things are going pretty well and settled in nicely. The team seems nice and the coaches are happy with where the team is at the moment. Hopefully everyone is going well back home and looking forward to putting on another good display from the club this cross season. Finally, would like to offer some congratulations to Sean for winning the UK Games as the lad has had an amazing season! Would also like to offer a good luck to Robbie as he goes off to Isle of Man to compete in the Commonwealth Youths.
Will hopefully try and put together an update every 10 days to 2 weeks to let you guys who are interested how it is going. That's all for now guys, take it easy and keep training hard!
SB
Mark asked me to have a go at putting together a diary to account some of the stuff that I am getting up to in America and hopefully it might give some of you guys a small insight into the American system for those who are interested.
Two weeks ago I made the move 'across the pond' to Beaumont in south east Texas to Lamar University to join a team with athletes from all over the world. On the team we have 9 Brits, 2 Irish, an Australian, Few Danish and Belgium and a handful of American guys. Everyone seems really friendly out here but we are still getting a few strange looks when out shopping or getting food and people realise we aren't locals!
The first day I arrived was pretty hectic and was about a 24 hour day including time differences and connecting flights. Surprisingly though, it didn't take long to get into a regular routine which consists of getting up at 5.45am, cycling onto campus and preparing for practice at 6.30am. The main reason behind this is the trouble with heat and humidity. Cycling in at 6.00am, the temperature gauge regularly reads 80 degrees and quickly rises to 90/95 degrees by the end of training at 9.00am! However, after a week and half, it was the humidity which was causing problems providing no air to breath. It was similar to putting your face in a pillow and trying to breath heavily.
With regards to training, it took some time to get used to the conditions and the early routine as I have never been an early riser! We are currently in the steady running base phase as a team and not doing any sessions or tempo work yet. The plan is to have another couple of weeks of steady work and then start of the workouts in preparation for the bigger races in October and November.
As Mark mentioned on the website and Twitter, we had our first outing as a team on Friday night in Houston on a warm and humid evening situated in the middle of some main roads and a freeway. It was quite a peculiar place for a race but interesting at the same time. The plan for the race was to 'tempo' as a team and see how it unfolds with the other teams around us. The team ran solidly and we placed 6 runners in the top 10. I finished 4th overall and had one Lamar team mate in front of me. We ran a controlled race and didn't push too hard as the plan was to train through and come out of it feeling strong. We have a similar meeting in two weeks time at Rice University which will have a bit more quality!
So far things are going pretty well and settled in nicely. The team seems nice and the coaches are happy with where the team is at the moment. Hopefully everyone is going well back home and looking forward to putting on another good display from the club this cross season. Finally, would like to offer some congratulations to Sean for winning the UK Games as the lad has had an amazing season! Would also like to offer a good luck to Robbie as he goes off to Isle of Man to compete in the Commonwealth Youths.
Will hopefully try and put together an update every 10 days to 2 weeks to let you guys who are interested how it is going. That's all for now guys, take it easy and keep training hard!
SB
James Taylor (1st year Nottingham University), 12th May
Hi
quick update for you: been well since ive returned to uni and recovery has continued (slowly). My few weeks over easter back with the club were very good i think, in getting back into it and of course being motivated by the excellent running throughout TAC at the moment. However now that the season is already well underway i do not intend to risk further injury by rushing back too soon.. (interesting second 'quote of the week'..) effectively i hope to be back training properly some point in June to hopefully record some reasonable times in July before the holidays. But right now i have no specific targets. Having spoken to steve keywood a few weeks ago i am wary of building up the pace too quickly, so wont try anything fast until i can run for an hour at very steady pace for several days back to back. At the moment ive been working on a 2 days on, 1 day off basis which seems to be going well. (rest day today!). Ive been working my whole body and am feeling very stiff!! typical training day: 30 mins arm workout , low weight high reps eg 50x bicep curls/upward rowing/bar press/push-press , 2 sets. Followed by 20 minutes easy jogging warm up (to gym). 30 mins leg weights & exercises again low weight (target: working quads and esp glutes while extending hamstrings). Then core workout, sets of sit-ups, v sit etc plus richards 'end of circuits' abs exercises. 10 minutes jogging cool down. If my foot feels ok i'd extend the run a bit to go up and down a few hills, but not more than 35 minutes so far. Im hoping to see the sports department later to explore any facilities for aqua jogging (hopefully no blisters this time!!) as this would be a suitable activity for the 'rest day' as will not pressure the foot. Also tempted to see the doc once again to see if they can do a better scan. will keep in touch
regards JT ps good luck to all kent champs athletes!
quick update for you: been well since ive returned to uni and recovery has continued (slowly). My few weeks over easter back with the club were very good i think, in getting back into it and of course being motivated by the excellent running throughout TAC at the moment. However now that the season is already well underway i do not intend to risk further injury by rushing back too soon.. (interesting second 'quote of the week'..) effectively i hope to be back training properly some point in June to hopefully record some reasonable times in July before the holidays. But right now i have no specific targets. Having spoken to steve keywood a few weeks ago i am wary of building up the pace too quickly, so wont try anything fast until i can run for an hour at very steady pace for several days back to back. At the moment ive been working on a 2 days on, 1 day off basis which seems to be going well. (rest day today!). Ive been working my whole body and am feeling very stiff!! typical training day: 30 mins arm workout , low weight high reps eg 50x bicep curls/upward rowing/bar press/push-press , 2 sets. Followed by 20 minutes easy jogging warm up (to gym). 30 mins leg weights & exercises again low weight (target: working quads and esp glutes while extending hamstrings). Then core workout, sets of sit-ups, v sit etc plus richards 'end of circuits' abs exercises. 10 minutes jogging cool down. If my foot feels ok i'd extend the run a bit to go up and down a few hills, but not more than 35 minutes so far. Im hoping to see the sports department later to explore any facilities for aqua jogging (hopefully no blisters this time!!) as this would be a suitable activity for the 'rest day' as will not pressure the foot. Also tempted to see the doc once again to see if they can do a better scan. will keep in touch
regards JT ps good luck to all kent champs athletes!
Jess Owen (1st year St Mary's, Twickenham), 6th May
Just a quick update on the training front, i now luckily have access to the university gym so using the spin bikes as well as still going to the pool for aqua jogging. Attempted the kicking action of swimming, but still not right. Session wise Ive completed: 28th - 30 min bike 29th - 1 hr core circuit 30th - 5 x 5 mins with 2 mins recovery. 10 min warm up/down 1st May - 60 min steady bike - last 10 mins pick up 2nd - 1 hr core circuit 3rd - Aqua jog - 10 mins warm up, 5 x 3 mins with 1 min active recovery, 10 mins warm down 4th - bike - 10 mins warm up, 1 x 6,5,4,3,2,3,4,5,6 - 1 min active recovery between each rep, 10 mins warm down. This was a bit of a "sit there for a few minutes afterwards as you feel like you have no legs left and the whole gym is going to see your ham sandwich that you had for lunch, moment," 20 mins of core - med ball, press ups, abdom 5th - bike - 10 min warm up, 5 x 4 mins (3 mins hard and controlled, 1 min slightly harder) 2 mins active recovery. 10 mins warm down. Aqua sesh - 30 mins continuous. No training today, expect 1 hr core circuit later. Expected to go for a jog on Monday for 15 mins, shall let you know how it goes. Still going to keep up x training and the jogging until fully back running doing sufficient worthwhile sessions. Within myself, feeling a bit more motivated due to being allowed to do some form of hard exercise now. Bit stressed due to 4 exams this week and 3 next week but that's not too bad, been quite good escaping from the revision to be honest! Before i come home I'm going to try and get a blood test if not when i get home to see what vit d levels are like, this this summer as ill be home for quite awhile fingers crossed actually get into some proper structured training at last! See you soon, hope your well. Jess
Jess Owen (1st year St Mary's, Twickenham), 5th April
If I was an animal I would clearly have been put down by now :) Hope all is well with you. Sorry for the lack of update recently but have been immensely busy with uni work. Got my exam results back and did well on my upper limb paper so that's all that done. Lots of coursework deadlines are coming up so nearly there with them and then its revision time again for the seven or so exams that i have in may. After that year 1 will be finished, which is such a scary thought, it has all gone way to quickly!
Helped at a massage event at Crawley on Saturday, was a 6 or 12 hour ultra event, just running around the K2 track. Not the greatest of scenery's for the runners, but they appreciated hopping off the track for a quick flush through in order to get through the next few hours! Also helping out at the London marathon this year alongside cancer research runners so should be an enjoyable day.
Running aspect.... lets just say not good. So as you know i have been having a slight issues for the last gazillion years. But recently after my right ankle started to get better attempted to get back into training again in preparation for the track season. From the knee upwards, everything felt good for once but below was a different story. Have been experiencing an unusual tightness, burning and pins and needles within the front of the lower leg, coming on after a few minutes of running and lasting for up to an hour afterwards. At worst i would even be feeling it walking up stairs or around university. So today, (Tuesday) i had an appointment booked at Tonbridge Clinic with the sports rehabilitator there. Was nice to be home on Monday eve, and certainly stocked up on the food and was nice to sleep in a quiet environment for once! Decided to run this morning, in order to aggravate my symptoms. But as the running gods are against me went over a style after dad, landed funny on the left ankle and completely went over on it (yes just my luck.) Hobbled back, and went straight to my appointment. Ill miss out the part about how i did stand in a field for awhile with dad bawling my eyes out!
So the two sets of news is that, i have ruined all of my ligaments on my lateral side of my left ankle, now sporting a egg for an ankle or as we like to call it - a cankle (where the ankle is non existent) and a lovely bruise that's coming out. Secondly, about the original reason why i actually went, my muscles within each of the front compartments are really tight and pressurised. Compartment syndrome is a possibility but i have another appointment on the 18th, where she will strip through each compartment again and see if the stretches i have been given have helped, so hoping that will be one positive.
So running update - zilch at the moment!! As soon a more mobility comes back from my ankle ill be back in the pool or whatever else has to be done to maintain fitness. But for now, a physical and maybe more importantly mental break from running needs to be taken. Will always be there in the back of my mind and I'm distraught that the possibility of this summer down the drain, i know I'm only 19 and have PLENTY of years to come , hopefully injury free. I'm home for Easter between the 18th April - 2nd of May so will be down the club, whether it be running, doing some sort of training, helping out, or massaging! See you soon. Jess.
Helped at a massage event at Crawley on Saturday, was a 6 or 12 hour ultra event, just running around the K2 track. Not the greatest of scenery's for the runners, but they appreciated hopping off the track for a quick flush through in order to get through the next few hours! Also helping out at the London marathon this year alongside cancer research runners so should be an enjoyable day.
Running aspect.... lets just say not good. So as you know i have been having a slight issues for the last gazillion years. But recently after my right ankle started to get better attempted to get back into training again in preparation for the track season. From the knee upwards, everything felt good for once but below was a different story. Have been experiencing an unusual tightness, burning and pins and needles within the front of the lower leg, coming on after a few minutes of running and lasting for up to an hour afterwards. At worst i would even be feeling it walking up stairs or around university. So today, (Tuesday) i had an appointment booked at Tonbridge Clinic with the sports rehabilitator there. Was nice to be home on Monday eve, and certainly stocked up on the food and was nice to sleep in a quiet environment for once! Decided to run this morning, in order to aggravate my symptoms. But as the running gods are against me went over a style after dad, landed funny on the left ankle and completely went over on it (yes just my luck.) Hobbled back, and went straight to my appointment. Ill miss out the part about how i did stand in a field for awhile with dad bawling my eyes out!
So the two sets of news is that, i have ruined all of my ligaments on my lateral side of my left ankle, now sporting a egg for an ankle or as we like to call it - a cankle (where the ankle is non existent) and a lovely bruise that's coming out. Secondly, about the original reason why i actually went, my muscles within each of the front compartments are really tight and pressurised. Compartment syndrome is a possibility but i have another appointment on the 18th, where she will strip through each compartment again and see if the stretches i have been given have helped, so hoping that will be one positive.
So running update - zilch at the moment!! As soon a more mobility comes back from my ankle ill be back in the pool or whatever else has to be done to maintain fitness. But for now, a physical and maybe more importantly mental break from running needs to be taken. Will always be there in the back of my mind and I'm distraught that the possibility of this summer down the drain, i know I'm only 19 and have PLENTY of years to come , hopefully injury free. I'm home for Easter between the 18th April - 2nd of May so will be down the club, whether it be running, doing some sort of training, helping out, or massaging! See you soon. Jess.
James Pigot (1st Year University College London), 28th March
Hi All, Sorry I've not kept in contact with updates but this term has been hectic so I thought I would write a little something for the Distance runners diaries! The amount of work has shot up significantly compared to the first term. We spent the first 7 weeks studying the cardiovascular and respiratory systems which was really interesting as so much of it related to running. In one of the practicals we were performing lung tests on ourselves; I had the biggest lung capacity in the group (8.4 litres) but my peak expiratory flow rate was poorer than expected (indicating a possible obstructive lung disease - maybe mild asthma). We also started dissection this term... a lot of us found out the hard way that you don't want to turn up to the dissection lab with a hangover! On the running front, my back was playing up earlier this term which was causing the calf problems that caused me to miss the nationals. It has cleared up now and I am back training. I'm running well on the track but lacking in steady mileage (hopefully these holidays will let me get some good steady runs in). Looking forward to coming back to the club and racing this summer. James
James Taylor (1st year Nottingham University), 27th March
Hi all - update: sorry i couldnt make it today, but looks like we did really well, particularly harry paton at the end (despite your worried tweet on about stage 8!!) The twitter thing is a great idea- although i hope not to be needing it in the future as hopefully i'll be racing - it will be good for the national relays, which i dont think i can make due to a field trip returning on that day. As you know, my foots been buggered since the start of the month. Initially it was extremely painful and swollen, and although it gradually improved over the first week or so, i struggled to walk let alone run. I took the oppotnuity to take some time off, and rest my limbs. The plan was that id get back into training promptly tho for the relays (southerns, xc and road). However the doc advised me to rest a further week (ie until 14th march, the week i came home). Progress on the 'tendonitis' ws very slow however, so i sought a second opinion from a t-wells physio- so didnt rule out possible fracture (too much swelling to tell) and advised me to try a few exercises to help and also to start up training to avoid getting too unfit- a bit late to be honest, as by this point i had put on 5kg to my usual pre-injury weight! Using the ultra sound, thanks lucy, was helpful i think, and i managed a couple of jogs, but incredibly slowly. Since coming back up to uni ive been in the gym 2 hours a day on average - as long as im careful i feel i can do everything except run! Typical session: Jog to gym (gingerly!), 20 mins warm up bike, 3 sets on leg weight machines (quads & hamstring extension // quads & glutes), a few specialist leg exercises recommended by physio to strengthen lumbar spine/glutes/hams , a few exercises from our wednesday circuit, fartlek session on cross trainer inc 1kg in each hand or steep incline/resistance. Jog back. 40 mins stretching. Ive gradually built up to this over the week, making it gradually harder, and i feel much fitter now than i did this time last week. My foot hasnt bothered me at all in the gym- although i can somethimes feel it generally, and a little when i jog to/from the gym (5 mins)- this jog is getting better each day, tho is still pretty slow and disjointed- my hamstrings whilst not being especially tight just feel like they havent been ran on for a while- frustratingly no matter how much i do in the gym (and ive been careful not to overdo it) nothing really replicates the running action perfectly. I rested today, will see doc tomoro to confirm no fracture hopefully (tho im sure it would hurt more if it was). Realistcally i hope to be running this week, and will keep to grass. Racing-wise, i need to rethink- i had pencilled in a few before my injury, but i have no idea now, and will depend whether my foot will prefer short (quick) races (eg 800) or longer slower ones (eg Notts 10 miles, May 22nd) or somewhere in the middle (eg SAL 1, 5k 30 April). Otherwise enjoying life up here, was really nice in the sun last week, pity i had to spend so much of it inside (often embarassing myself by removing the (lightest) 10kg bar from the testosterone-packed weights room for my circuit!) cheers JT
Megan Brickell (1st year, Swansea University), 24th March
Hi All, Apologies for the lack of communication on my front! Been such a busy term with lots of new faces and things to do. LOVING LIFE AT THE MOMENT! Been keeping pretty fit, aiming to do something everyday whether it be swimming on Mondays, gym, squash or even the cheeky spinning session! I've had my ups and downs running wise though. Training hasn't been terribly good with the club as I've been struggling to run calf pain free so I've decided to bite the bullet and get yet ANOTHER physio to have a look at it and as soon as he examined me, he noticed my left leg is shorter then my right so he is basically going to 'pull' my leg down a notch (Dread to think how!) He thinks that could really be the main cause as it's putting a lot of strain on both my legs - Running as if I'm limping basically! I've had some really good gym workouts though concentrating on strengthening and toning those temperamental muscles! Swimming has been a real life saver also although I'm not terribly good at it but still gets that heart pumping etc! Social wise has been exceptional this term! Had some amazing nights with my new flat - they're so similar to me which is just brilliant! Varsity warm up has been the talk of the town, pulling off some awesome nights out on Wind Street. My best night/s has got to be Paddy's day and Ani-ball - Both dress ups and both hilarious. Swansea like to pull out the stops to make sure we have a good time! Work has been full on to say the least but luckily these last 2 weeks have been lecture free (We finished the course in all 4 modules) so I've just been typing up lecture notes and doing a little bit of revision to keep me occupied! Living practically on the beach has been super and as we have had some sunny days, we've been spending most of our free time on there, playing games and building sandcastles etc. We even tried a bit of cheerleading which proved to be a hidden talent of mine ;) (I was awful!) So that's just a small summary of what I've been getting up to recently. Only a week left then I'm back for 4 weeks over Easter and hopefully will be seeing all of you more often over that period if I'm fit so I look forward to it! Hope you're all well Megan=
Catherine Symons (1st year Farnham Univerrsity), 24th March
Hiya all, hope everything is going well, everyone at the club sounds as if they are training and racing hard which is great to hear! Since coming home 2 weeks ago i feel my training has stepped up another notch. Kinda realised when doing the Sunday run that i needed to get longer runs in, and this made me become really motivated for my running. Here's a quick summary of the 2 weeks- Week commencing the 14th March- Mon- 30 mins steady run Tues- 4x (3x1min) 30 sec recovery and 3 mins between reps Wed- 30 min run (increasing speed every 10mins) + circuits Thurs- 5,4,3,2,2,3,4,5 (3mins recovery inbetween each) Fri- Rest Day Sat- 2x5mins (3 min recovery inbetween each), 5min recovery, 3x3min (3min recovery inbetween each), 5min recovery, 4x2min (1 min recovery inbetween) Sun- 40min run Week commencing 21st March so far.. Mon-30 mins run (increasing speed every 10mins) + circuits Tues- 12x90 secs (1min recovery) Wed- Rest Day Thurs- 4x5mins hard and increasing speed for last min of each rep (3min recovery inbetween) Tomorrow i am coming home as Emily is acting as a model for my work, however because i need to shoot i wont be able to make training with the club on both Saturday & Sunday, but will train in the evenings instead. Uni is going really well, we have had to look for houses for next year, i'm sharing with 5 other friends, and we've got a house which is in Aldershot! This means i will be hopefully training with Aldershot next year which i really look forward to as i do miss hard training amongst other athletes!! Look forward to hearing more about what everyone else is up to & seeing everyone at Easter! Catherine :)
Catherine Symons (1st year Farnham Univerrsity), 6th March
Thought i'd give you a quick update as i haven't in a while. University has been very busy with work, i had a deadline last Monday, and have been catching up with my other projects since. Tomorrow i get my 3rd project!! Still really enjoying uni life though, and the course is brilliant! Since the nationals, running has been going really well. I find myself mostly training in the gym, but i still do key runs. For example, this week- Monday-30min bike session, upping the tempo every 5mins to keep heart rate up. Tuesday- Treadmill session, 10mins warm up, 4x5min reps with 3 mins recovery, 10 mins cool down. Wednesday- 30 min run + 20 min circuits in my room. Thursday- Treadmill session, 10mins warm up, Rep session- 3mins,2mins,1min,1min,2mins,3mins x2 (1min rec inbetween reps and 5mins inbetween both sessions) 10 min cool down. Friday- Rest Day Saturday- Bike session, 10min warm up on treadmill, 10min warm up on bike, 8x2mins (1min rec) 10 min cool down. Sunday- 30 min run and 5 min power walk to finish. Next weekend i will home because its my grandparents anniversary, so i will down to club training on Sunday morning. See you then! Catherine.
James Taylor (1st year Nottingham University), 4th March
hi - im a bit nervous now, having found out at the nationals that quite a few people read these updates!! I feel a bit under pressure to deliver a humerous account of my weeks' trials and tribulations.. I can assure you nothing would give me greater pleasure than to recount to you a very dull list of successfully completed training sessions, but tacdistancerunners.com fans will be pleased to hear it has been another eventful week up here in nottinghamshire!!! firstly a quick word about the national, thank you very much for great weekend, congratulations to everyone running and thanks to everyone supporting. Ive only been to 2 of them now, but already it has become one of those events i wouldnt want to miss for anything, and that is due to the whole club weekend we have made around the event. From a running point of view, to complete competitive teams in all 10 races is a great achievement, and I feel we can improve our ranking in almost all the races next year. Ive just about managed clean my tracksuit, but it would be appreiciated if we could change our TAC vests to brown with blue hoops from now on.. it would save me buying another one! right back to the training: took things easy for a few days after the national, just went out for a few steadies. Was planning to do the (uni) Hyde Park Relays on saturday but went down with a bit fo a cold on thursday/friday so wasnt really up for it. However I was persuaded to jog round the last East Midlands League of the year on Sunday, to try to help one of my teammates claim the individual gold from a local guy. The plan was i'd finish between the two of them, securing my teammate victory by a solitary point. However as it turned out, i felt ok, got a bit bored, and won the race!! I didnt really mean to, to be honest, but sort of ran off, pulled out a bit of a lead and stayed there! In the end it didnt really matter cos our rival bloke beat my teammate anyway so there was nothing i could have done to help! it felt good to finally win one of those East Mids races anyway, having led all the 3 id entered at some point only to be pipped towards the end, finally i won one! results as usual on the newark ac website. felt fine afterwards and did a couple of steadies on monday along with some new exercises i was advised to do by a physio to sort out my leg imbalances causing my hamstring issues. more on that later. tuesday: long reps on road with Notts. 4 x 4 mins or so off 1 minute. Odd session for me, to be honest. They do it by the river (actually its where i had all my stuff nicked if you can recall that memorable evening..) (aha just realised the start of this sentence sounds a bit dodgy, sorry about that) and i decided to jog the 3-4 miles as a warm-up to get to the Trent instead of getting my usual bus. Felt ok. Put on my racing flats (my preferred flats have been missing for a few months...). The session began and I didnt feel that good, and also realsied my right shoe was tied up a bit too much. However as it went on, it was bearable, and actaully I was moving quite quickly. I wasnt particularly out of breath, but my legs felt really disconnected and horrible. Its been happening a lot recently, though thankfully never in races (except liverpool) and im hoping that my work in the next month or so with stretching and leg exercises will sort it out. I cant really describe what happens, but its during tempo running or fast reps, my legs feel really uncoordinated just not right!! Hoping it's just a bit of imbalance on the hamsting/quad/glutes side of things and a natural side-effect of re-modelling my running gait last summer. So.. felt rubbish but was going pretty fast, albeit my right foot was killing me. It was quite nice to overtake bruce (raeside, who admitadly might have been on his warm-down) on my last leg but when i finished i took my shoes off and i could hardly stand up. The top of my right foot had swollen badly, and was very painful. Im hoping its just bruised, it has got gradually better to the point where i can walk (painfully) today (3 days later). My back's also been giving me a bit of gip (not sure how to spell that one.) but im pretty sure thats just due to me hobbling a bit lop-sided for a couple of days. Id like to be training asap.. what do you reckon? Its just the top bit of the foot, towards the toes, still a tiny bit swollen. hurts particularly when walking as im about to lift my foot off the ground as opposed to when grounding the foot. centre of pain is about 2cm behind my 2nd toe. Heard tom cox mention he's gonna be out for a while due to foot issues, presumably from his high placing in the 1-shoed-national- is it anything similar? cheers, next week's update will honestly be really dull, just good preparation for the southern relays... good luck to everyone for tomoro (though if you are reading this now you really should be in bed !!!) James
Jess Owen (1st year St Mary's, Twickenham), 26th February
Hope everything is going all okay. Would just like to say well done to all the individuals that raced last weekend, as well as thank you to all the supporters. I certainly appreciated all the cheering.
Just thought I would give you an update. Beginning half of this week went well, did runs on both sunday and Monday as well as Netball training and a positive 800m rep track session on Tuesday. Went downhill from there really. Played Netball on wednesday and went over on my ankle near the end of the game shook it off but afterwards it ballooned up and was rather painful. Benefits of already doing lower limb anatomy me and my friend in halls assumed I've done my anterior talofibular ligament (the most common one damaged when you twist your ankle) saw my lecturer the day after and I have indeed damaged it, borderline grade 2. So major annoyance but all going well and with the exercises I've been given will be 2 week, if that, before I can start stressing it by jogging on it. Luckily I've managed to get an aqua belt from a friend and yesterday and today have done aqua sessions planned by dad. (fri - 10x2min with 1 min active recovery and today 3x5min with 2 min active recovery, 6 mins easy and 6x1min with 1 min active recovery.) the pressure aggravates it a little but only near the end of the session. Do get some funny looks but suppose it will have to do at the moment! So yeh stupid Netball!
Other than that have been busy revising for my upper limb anatomy exams on Monday and Tuesday as well as completing other work that needs to be done. Have also been signed up to a charity for the London marathon to help out massaging, so that will be good although hard work!
See you soon. Jess
Just thought I would give you an update. Beginning half of this week went well, did runs on both sunday and Monday as well as Netball training and a positive 800m rep track session on Tuesday. Went downhill from there really. Played Netball on wednesday and went over on my ankle near the end of the game shook it off but afterwards it ballooned up and was rather painful. Benefits of already doing lower limb anatomy me and my friend in halls assumed I've done my anterior talofibular ligament (the most common one damaged when you twist your ankle) saw my lecturer the day after and I have indeed damaged it, borderline grade 2. So major annoyance but all going well and with the exercises I've been given will be 2 week, if that, before I can start stressing it by jogging on it. Luckily I've managed to get an aqua belt from a friend and yesterday and today have done aqua sessions planned by dad. (fri - 10x2min with 1 min active recovery and today 3x5min with 2 min active recovery, 6 mins easy and 6x1min with 1 min active recovery.) the pressure aggravates it a little but only near the end of the session. Do get some funny looks but suppose it will have to do at the moment! So yeh stupid Netball!
Other than that have been busy revising for my upper limb anatomy exams on Monday and Tuesday as well as completing other work that needs to be done. Have also been signed up to a charity for the London marathon to help out massaging, so that will be good although hard work!
See you soon. Jess
James Taylor (1st year, Nottingham University), 12th February
JT here just thought id touch base.. all going fine I think, getting excited and ready for next weekend! training's been going ok: raced ok at the BUCS last weekend, and was nice to see all the other TAC runners either on the course or at the after-party!! we (nottingham) didnt do quite as well as we hoped, but st marys (andy!!) birmingham and oxford all had very strong teams, so all in all was a successful weekend, despite ending up lost in the outskirts of birmingham in the small hours of sunday morning.... its a long story.. since then, all been ok, did a couple of recovery runs on sunday/monday and trained with notts on tuesday night: 2 x ~2900m with 60s recovery on road inc reasonable hill up and down towards the end. 8:55 & 9:02 and felt a lot better on the first one! i did a long run on wednesday, but felt dreadful and cut it short at about 50 mins (around 8 miles) when my knee gave me some real pain. The tendons (i think) going into the back of my left knee have been giving me a bit of a problem since parliament hill, but only really after several continuous day's hard training (and has been ok since wednesday). as a precaution i didnt do the cicruit session i had planned for wed evening, and rested thursday morning too. We were on the track thursday night, and as usual despite a half hour warm up my hamstrings were very tight when the session began. what session we were to be doing, i didnt have a clue! Maybe ive just got used to the slick efficiency and organisation of tonbridge training, but it seems that notts sessions, whilst tough and good once underway, are not very well planned- annoyingly no one seems to have a clue what session we're doing til weve already started!! so much so that, when i was eventually told we'd be doing a pyramid session at the startline (2/4/6/8/1k and back) i was quite surprised at the relatively slow start. I didnt particularly mind (hamstrings!) but when noone stopped after the 200m point, i was a bit confused! nor did they stop after the full lap! the pace sped up, so surely we're doing 800?! no! Four laps we did! FOUR LAPS! after expecting only half a one, and running each home-straight as if it were the last, i was not particularly happy..! i finally found out the session for my group (turned out it was the other one doing the pyramid), a further 3 x 1k off about 2 minutes. I was around the 3 minute mark i think, definately under for the last one. To complete the session we did 4 x 400 off a minute: 65,65,65,62. I was pleased to finish the session well after honestly feeling dreadful earlier on. I went out for a good tempo run yesterday, and did 2 x 10 short hills this morning. I plan to go for a jog and a gym session tomoro and then taper down over the week. Ive seen your training programme for the week, i'll try to match it up here, and hopefully will contribute to another excellent day for Tonbridge! a quick note about the national: ive mentioned before about my travel plans, but until now not for definite: i considered going home either before or after the national and going on the coach, but ive thought against it, so i shall be making my own way to and from the hotel on friday and sunday- i wont be on the coach to or from tonbridge, i'll be taking the train to/from nottingham. I'll be purchasing my tickets tomoro, i'll let you know which trains i'll be on. I'll still be at the hotel both nights. right, best be off, suffice to say im looking forward to seeing everyone, and hope everyones hard training pays off. see you at the hotel. (i'll try to remember a shirt this year!) Jay Tee
Megan Brickell (1st year, Swansea University), 9th February
Hows it all going? I've been checking out the results and it sounds like TAC are on a ROLL! Bring on Nationals 2011! Just a little briefing of what I've been getting up to - I've really stepped up my training since moving to campus which has made me feel a whole lot better with myself. Really REALLY enjoying campus life now and it's now 10 times easier to just get in the running gear and run along the beach or the park or even the gym! I've been doing a few sessions with the Uni team and we most recently did a 40min run with 1min efforts after every 5mins which was really beneficial and I felt so good afterwards! As I'm very injury-prone, I've decided to mix training up a little and do more cross training - I've recently started up spinning sessions with a friend of mine which have proved to be very tough. We decided to be brave and face an advanced class with some professional cyclist and it practically killed us! I still can't feel my legs now! He really did push us and wouldn't let us slow down but it was all done to the beat of the music which made it easier to keep up with him. Still extremely hard work though! I've also been doing a lot of squash and I really enjoy it - I've been having lessons from a mate and we're thinking of taking part in the league coming up soon which should be interesting! Of course I couldn't go without a run so I've been managing a run every other day and then gym/squash/spinning those days in between. It's really made a difference and I'm starting to feel a lot stronger - The ultra sound has helped so much too and I've noticed a real change with my calves and ankle by using it so often. I think that's about it for now - Can't wait for the Nationals coming up and seeing all of you again! Take Care Meg
Michael Mason (1st year University of Gloucestershire), 9th February
university is still amazing, the work is still coming at me thick and fast but i got some results back and they were all very positive, got a 2.1 in my teaching session was one im very happy about. Me and 3 others have a house in Cheltenham and are already looking forward to moving into.
Sport wise, my cricket training has been grounded at the moment due to facitlities not been hired out. On the other hand my running is blossoming, im going for a run atleast 3 times a week. Im still not getting a lot of distance on the runs, around three miles is usually route but iv set aims to achieve certain distances by the end of the year, Iv managed to get others out for runs aswell on my block, up to about 7 of us although they only do about a mile or so but still. Everyone on my floor and downstairs are all fitness nuts. Im doing a lot of circuits a night before i go to bed, I do sit ups/v sits/ crunches/trunk curls and press ups, i try to do 120 ab reps and 80 press ups and iv just started using some make-shift weights to do some biecps work.
And thats probably all really, other than some horrific nights out which i wont bore you with. So yer hopefully see you all at easter maybe before. Toodles x
Sport wise, my cricket training has been grounded at the moment due to facitlities not been hired out. On the other hand my running is blossoming, im going for a run atleast 3 times a week. Im still not getting a lot of distance on the runs, around three miles is usually route but iv set aims to achieve certain distances by the end of the year, Iv managed to get others out for runs aswell on my block, up to about 7 of us although they only do about a mile or so but still. Everyone on my floor and downstairs are all fitness nuts. Im doing a lot of circuits a night before i go to bed, I do sit ups/v sits/ crunches/trunk curls and press ups, i try to do 120 ab reps and 80 press ups and iv just started using some make-shift weights to do some biecps work.
And thats probably all really, other than some horrific nights out which i wont bore you with. So yer hopefully see you all at easter maybe before. Toodles x
Jess Owen (1st year St Mary's, Twickenham), 30th January
Hiya
Apologies that didn't I didn't see you yesterday was too busy, cheering on all the tonbridge runners. Am sure you were too! Everyone ran really well and looks like people are in good shape for the nationals.
Just a quick update. Ran bushy park 5k yesterday. Just merely a "see how unfit I am" race, as obviously attempting to get myself back. Was tough, hit 15 mins and it started to turn into a bit of a gruel. Think the most embarrassing bit was being overtaken by a man weaving between me and some other runners pushing a buggy!! But did finish in the end in 23:17 mins. Was a nice course, good turnout and well organised. Am aiming to make more or an appearance as there run every week at 9. (will get that buggy man next time!)
So now the plan for this week is to prepare myself for the 7k cross country in Birmingham for BUCS next week! Hopefully see some fellow tonbridge runners there.
Will do a longer run later, about 40 mins which will be longest run in awhile.
Jess
Apologies that didn't I didn't see you yesterday was too busy, cheering on all the tonbridge runners. Am sure you were too! Everyone ran really well and looks like people are in good shape for the nationals.
Just a quick update. Ran bushy park 5k yesterday. Just merely a "see how unfit I am" race, as obviously attempting to get myself back. Was tough, hit 15 mins and it started to turn into a bit of a gruel. Think the most embarrassing bit was being overtaken by a man weaving between me and some other runners pushing a buggy!! But did finish in the end in 23:17 mins. Was a nice course, good turnout and well organised. Am aiming to make more or an appearance as there run every week at 9. (will get that buggy man next time!)
So now the plan for this week is to prepare myself for the 7k cross country in Birmingham for BUCS next week! Hopefully see some fellow tonbridge runners there.
Will do a longer run later, about 40 mins which will be longest run in awhile.
Jess
Alex Hookway (2nd year, Brunel), 27th January
Finished 29th in London Colleges League yesterday, which was highest this season. However, downside was that there were not so many in the race as normal, so difficult to judge. Back a bit stiff again, for first time since DNFing at Kent Champs.
James Taylor (1st year, Nottingham), 27th January
quick ish update: good training since last diary entry, some good paced runs leading up to thursdays track session: 1200m (45s) 1200m (2 1/2 mins) 1200m (2 1/2 mins) 600m then a few strides. cant quite remember the times to be honest - maybe mid 3 30s then 1:40 for the 600m? - but the short recovery after the first rep made them tough, but i felt good and was consistenly 2nd in group 1, a bit behind Ian Kimpton. The next day I did a good long run of about 10.5 miles in 64 minutes or so. I went out for a jog on saturday to loosen for a race on sunday- a local East Midlands League race that the uni team enters. When we arrived i thought it was the dullest course id ever seen- it was predominently along the banks of the national water centre- a 2.5km long olympic rowing lake!! as it turned out though, it wasnt too bad and after the first (of 2) laps we had three nottingham students with some old bloke in the top 4. Last time i was beaten in a sprint by our uni captain (tom crowley) so i decided to put the hammer down soon into the second lap.. i really went for it and pulled out a couple of metres on him. i knew once id gone i couldnt slow down at all, i was rather hoping he couldnt stay with me.. alas he to his credit he just about hung on, and i was slow up the stupid zigzags theyd put in the course up and down a bank. I finished about 15s behind him in 2nd but was quite pleased with my effort and had at least given it a go. (the results are prob online somewhere, maybe the newark ac website). i went out for a recovery run on monday, and had a good session with notts last night: 6 x 8/900m (on road, ~450m to a point up a hardly-noticable-hill-unless-youre-running-up-it-type-of-hill and back) off a minute (for Mr Raeside, so about 40s for us mortals) starting comfortably at 2.45, we quickly dropped to 2 40 and for some reason i made the last 3 reps quite tough by accidently pumping in a 2 36 by getting a bit too close to the leaders' slipstream on rep 3! the rest were a 2.39/40. A recovery run (which actually turned out to be a reasonably fast one) for 35 minutes or so today felt good, and i'll do some strides tomoro for saturday. generally then, all good and ready for the big races coming up, of course for Tonbridge , but also the BUCS next week! hopefully i'll make the scoring 4 (and if thewlis, kimpton et al perform i could become the worst ever runner to win a bucs medal.. ) ciao for now JT
Jess Owen (1st year St Mary's, Twickenham), 25th January
Hi,
Just thought i would give you an update on how everything is going. Hope everything is going well for you and everybody is preparing well for this weekend!
As you know i was ill over the Christmas period, which of course resulted in minimal training being done. Going back to Uni and having full days of lectures and hard work really didn't help me recover properly, feeling tired all the time and still didn't feel 100%. This of course really affected my training and after a think and talk to the guy who trains us here I was forced to have a break (10 days) Went to the doctors as well and had a blood test done as well.
Having a break from running was awful, went slightly crazy, and went for 40-50 min brisk walks most days, as well as core, this made me feel like I actually was doing something!! Although a pain did finish the break with a vow to never stop running! Made me realise how important it is, whether your running great or not.
Got my results Friday and turns out my vitamin D levels haven't improved from when I was first tested in August. Got a call from the doctors today and they have prescribed me with a much stronger dosage as well as each supplement having calcium in which aids absorption apparently. I pick them up tomorrow. Will be getting a months worth and then can go back to get retested and then go on from there. Also James, (track coach - so I'm already preparing myself for a good 400/800 time this year!), has a friend who is a qualified sports nutritionist and a meeting is being set up between her and myself to talk about ways in which my diet can help with the absorption of vit d.
Training wise I have done:
First sesh back Thursday - 15:54 min run. Av HR 193, max HR 199
Sunday - 3 x 500m (1:28,1:32,1:33) - 5 min recovery between, few 150s to finish.
Monday - 19:24 min run. Av HR 180, max HR 191.
Have track session tonight. On saturday bushy park run 5k races, which are low key. I have been told to race it just to see how I feel, especially as I'm down to race the BUCS cross country champs the following week. It starts at 9 so am planning on doing this then coming to support the tonbridge runners up Parliament Hill!!
So yeah has been a tough few weeks but getting there slowly, fingers crossed. Other than that Uni is still going well and still loving it. Word has got out that i can massage and have regular texts from everyone asking for one! So busy at the moment. Get my exam results back soon which is a bit scary.
See you on Saturday.
Jess
Just thought i would give you an update on how everything is going. Hope everything is going well for you and everybody is preparing well for this weekend!
As you know i was ill over the Christmas period, which of course resulted in minimal training being done. Going back to Uni and having full days of lectures and hard work really didn't help me recover properly, feeling tired all the time and still didn't feel 100%. This of course really affected my training and after a think and talk to the guy who trains us here I was forced to have a break (10 days) Went to the doctors as well and had a blood test done as well.
Having a break from running was awful, went slightly crazy, and went for 40-50 min brisk walks most days, as well as core, this made me feel like I actually was doing something!! Although a pain did finish the break with a vow to never stop running! Made me realise how important it is, whether your running great or not.
Got my results Friday and turns out my vitamin D levels haven't improved from when I was first tested in August. Got a call from the doctors today and they have prescribed me with a much stronger dosage as well as each supplement having calcium in which aids absorption apparently. I pick them up tomorrow. Will be getting a months worth and then can go back to get retested and then go on from there. Also James, (track coach - so I'm already preparing myself for a good 400/800 time this year!), has a friend who is a qualified sports nutritionist and a meeting is being set up between her and myself to talk about ways in which my diet can help with the absorption of vit d.
Training wise I have done:
First sesh back Thursday - 15:54 min run. Av HR 193, max HR 199
Sunday - 3 x 500m (1:28,1:32,1:33) - 5 min recovery between, few 150s to finish.
Monday - 19:24 min run. Av HR 180, max HR 191.
Have track session tonight. On saturday bushy park run 5k races, which are low key. I have been told to race it just to see how I feel, especially as I'm down to race the BUCS cross country champs the following week. It starts at 9 so am planning on doing this then coming to support the tonbridge runners up Parliament Hill!!
So yeah has been a tough few weeks but getting there slowly, fingers crossed. Other than that Uni is still going well and still loving it. Word has got out that i can massage and have regular texts from everyone asking for one! So busy at the moment. Get my exam results back soon which is a bit scary.
See you on Saturday.
Jess
James Taylor (1st year, Nottingham), 17th January
update for the week: Been a very busy week, but training well: managed to get out Monday and Wednesday for a couple of longer steadies and then with Notts AC on the track on Thursday: 3 x 600/400/200 off 90 seconds. Too many people in group 2 so went in group 1, and coped well, so will ask to stay in that group in the future. times: 1m 39/40s ; 65s ; 29s. unfortunately felt left hamstring contract a bit on the last 400, so as a precaution didnt do the last 200 rep. Long warm down, stretching and icing when back at the flat did the trick though, i think. Had a couple of good tempo runs since, and will probably do a circuit session tonight. sorry for lack of humour/incident but im in the middle of exams!! see you all at parliament hill
JT
ps well done tom cox for last week.. but dont get used to it mate ;)
JT
ps well done tom cox for last week.. but dont get used to it mate ;)
Megan Brickell (1st year Swansea), 12th December
Final update before I come home to tell you all in person! After finally getting the cast off, I have been pretty busy in getting back to my usual self. The first week consisted of 3 swimming sessions, 2 of them being in the National Welsh Pool which nearly killed me! 50m lengths are very difficult after having 7 weeks out! Luckily, I had my very own swimming partner to keep me going which was nice(: The second week, I was a little too enthusiastic and decided to go for a VERY gentle jog around the Student Village - I couldn't wait any longer! It went really well although it was very easy but still good progress nonetheless. I also did some more swimming which is now happening on Monday Evenings & Saturday Mornings! We've made a timetable! Third week is when it got interesting - I went for three runs, all unfortunately on the pavement as I'm very limited to where I can go living here. It's a shame because campus just happens to be right next to the beach, the park AND the sport village so I have been thinking on moving to campus accommodation so I can focus more on getting fighting fit again! I also did two gym sessions that week, 20mins on the bike and Cross-trainer. I also spent 10mins on the treadmill which felt really good, much better then the hard road! I've decided to join the pilates club so as to improve my terrible flexibility - This may help on preventing my various injury problems in the future! Since then, I've been going to 2 circuit sessions a week - The rowing circuits and the running circuits. I'm afraid the running circuits make Richard's circuits look easy! They really do push us to our limits, which is horrendous at the time but it does do you a whole lot of good at the end! Rowing circuits like to take things gently, so not a fan of those but I still turn up for a go on the ergo. Last week, I took part in an experiment for medical research. It's aim is to find a mobile aid for people with lung problems instead of those awful oxygen cylinders they have to carry around all day. It was actually thoroughly interesting and I got the chance to work with some extremely hi-tech equipment they had on offer in the exercise physiology department. The first visit was by far the hardest! A maximal test on the bike, getting harder every minute as they would rack on the weights. 6 mins
So this is what I have been up to recently! Hope you are all very well and I'm really looking forward to training with TAC again over the Christmas Holidays :D Meg x
So this is what I have been up to recently! Hope you are all very well and I'm really looking forward to training with TAC again over the Christmas Holidays :D Meg x
James Taylor (1st year, Nottingham), 9th December
Been a little while since i emailed.. given me a bit of time to reflect upon a pretty bad month!! Injured for mansfield, then a month of what i thought was good hard training only to be followed by a pretty poor run at liverpool, to be honest. not really sure what's happened.. i've cut the training slightly (no double days) to try and recover better, and (reluctantly) ditched the short-shorts in favour of the dreaded skins to aid my fragile hamstings. felt a bit better, however recently ive just felt rubbish when running!! No energy really, not particularly out of breath, but just cant go any faster (and having spoken to another TAC athlete - i am not alone in this!) having said that, the last couple of days have been much better, ive pumped out a couple of good fast runs in the cold evenings- having made sure id done a decent warm up though. Up til this week though, things were not good at all- i really wasnt enjoying my running, and to me, that is crucial, that even in the most painful of sessions, i would know that at least i was improving! Unfortunately this has not been the case recently. compounded to all this, i had an absolute nightmare on tuesday.. well not an actual nightmare- i dont get those any more, not many anyway (and if i do they tend to involve those 1200/800/400 sessions we do..) basically it was the first proper night of snow in nottingham (which apparently never gets any snow).. anyway i went to the River Trent for training with Notts- but theyre clearly not as hardly as all you TAC eskimos who carry on your sessions regardless of a bit of snow, as noone else turned up!! i was pretty annoyed tbh, so thought id try and do a session anyway- annoyingly i had a bag with me, which i decided to leave on the steps of a big statue, which shielded it from the road. I kept my tracksuit on and started my warm-up.. by running in circles around my bag (i didnt rele trust the locals.. for good reason so it turned out!) yep, youve guessed it, i turned my back to run to a tree and back, and again, and again, and on the sixth time, i came back and my bag was gone!!! i couldnt believe it!! i did a real cartoon double-take and slapped myslef a few times to make sure i wadnt seeing things! it was unbelievable, they had no more that 30 seconds to come from wherever they came from to swipe my bag and leg it! i could see their bloody footprints in the snow.. i was furious!! i was thinking (and i know its easy to say it now) 'where is he? lemme at him!!' i was fairly confident that despite my general tardiness in the running department recently i could have given him a run for his money - or perhaps more accurately, my money! well, i spent about an hour looking for him, but to no avail.. then i had to contemplate how to get home without any money/phone/bus pass... as well as to rue my loss of driving license, keys, wallet, bank cards, university id card, sainsburys necter card (ok- dont rele care about that one), racing flats, £20 or so cash not to mention the colecters item that is the judd school Malaga training week 2007 sports bag!! well, i hitched a lift on a bus, went to the police, and very kindly got given some money to get home... its all mostly sorted out now, but it really was a terrible night, and the abrupt end to my warm-up followed by a hour or so or aimless sprinting up and down the banks of the river trent randomly accosting anyone with a navy blue sportsbag didnt do my hamstrings (or my dignity) and good at all- still at least id kept my tracksuit on for the warm-up otherwise it could have been a whole lot worse..
right i think thats enough of a moan for one week, so i'll leave it at that.. dont worry i do still have some motivation left, and will be in tip-top shape for january (yes i know ive said it before..)
Please wish robbie and andy all the very best for Portugal, i hope to catch the race on TV, but prob wont be able to as im skiing! (it is a uni ski trip though, so i use the term 'skiing' very broadly!!)
see you when i get back, hope training goes well for everyone in the meantime.
JT
Alex Hookway (2nd year Brunel), 8th December
Monday track session 1000m, 3 x 500m, 5x300m, 5x200m, Tuesday run and Wednesday sustained paced 3 miles in 17-38, pb by 37 secs. Winter targets to improve 3 mile capability and also short recovery sessions. Looking for a race over Christmas (not too far).
Lowri Richards (3rd year Cambridge), 6th December
Two weeks ago, it was the II-IV teams Varsity Matches held at Cambridge against the 'dark blues' (Oxford). The conditions were very very cold, and the ground quite hard, but the sun was shining to make things a bit better! It was a fast race for the Ladies, and unfortunately my team lost, Oxford were stronger and managed to pack in the numbers to bring the score to 15-23 to them. I ran faster around the course than I had the previous week, which was positive, but it still proved that I need to put more work in to get back to where I was this time last year. This weekend it was our Blues (1st teams) matches on Wimbledon Common. It was very snowy, which made it very hard to run at times, as our spikes were slipping on the ice and it seeped a lot of your energy. Once again, things didn't quite go our way, as the team was struggling with a few injuries and Oxford managed to get ahead. I ran in the supporters race, which was good, but tough in the conditions, so I don't think my time was faster than when I ran the course about a month ago. It was a good test though, and I tried to push myself, even though it wasn't a serious race. This week I am hoping to start thinking about what sessions I want to put in over the next fortnight so that I can try and join in with the club again when I come home! Sorry to hear that your Kent League got cancelled last weekend, but well done to those who put in a good hard session Saturday morning instead- it will all pay off!
Be careful in the snow everyone- don't do a 'me' and slip on ice like I did last Winter!
All the best, and looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks,
Lowri
James Pigot (1st year University College London), 3rd December
I ran in the race at Hackney on Wednesday. They combined the race with the University of London Cross Country Championships. I really enjoyed the flat and fast course (the snow wasn't too bad!). I felt I had a pretty good run and came 18th overall (4th in the ULU champs). This should mean I get selected to run for University of London A team in the BUCS Cross Country Championships in a few months time. At the moment I've got a cold so I'm having a few days off as a recovery before a heavy period next week of lectures and parties! Glad to see that the snow hasn't stopped TAC training!
A massive congratulations to Andy and Robbie for making the European Championships! Next step the World Championships!! I wish them all the best in Portugal!
Cheers, James
A massive congratulations to Andy and Robbie for making the European Championships! Next step the World Championships!! I wish them all the best in Portugal!
Cheers, James
Alex Hookway (2nd year Brunel), 23rd November
Over the cold that he had at Mansfield and feeling better. Like the rest of the group did 400s over the weekend (Friday), managing 12 of them off 60 seconds recovery, then Sunday a 10 mile run in 71 mins (felt good) and Monday on the track - 5mins (about 1500), 2 mins recovery, then 3 x (2min. 2min, 1min) with 60 seconds between reps and 2 mins between sets.
Last Wednesday was pleased with 31st at London Colleges League, althougha few ahead, including James Pigot, went off course ! Another plus point is that Charlton are on a winning streak and second in the league.
Last Wednesday was pleased with 31st at London Colleges League, althougha few ahead, including James Pigot, went off course ! Another plus point is that Charlton are on a winning streak and second in the league.
Andy Combs (1st year St Mary's), 23rd November
Andy is back training hard and well, after the toe niggle that kept him out of Mansfield. He was 2nd in the London Colleges League race last Wednesday, but trained right through it. Has been bashing out some good sessions eg 7.30 tempo, 6 x 1k (90 seconds rest)+ 5 x 200m (45 seconds rest).
Will be aiming at the UK under 20 trial on Saturday at Liverpool.
Will be aiming at the UK under 20 trial on Saturday at Liverpool.
James Taylor (1st year Nottingham), 23rd November
heres my update for the week: had a tough week training - kept up the steady morning runs (if i get up early enough!) and trained several times with Notts AC to back up own individual evening sessions. Last tuesday we did 4 x just under a mile reps, (along the Trent, up over a bridge and back the other side, finishing on Trent bridge). I was told the recovery was only a minute! as it turned out, it was 45 seconds, and even then, that was only for whoever crossed the line first, which happened to be Bruce Raeside! basically the upshot was that we had no recovery rele- i only had enough time to jog from the finishline back to the start 50m or so away, to start the next one! such was the case I was pretty happy with my times (prob went off a tad quick) of 4m 44, 4m 45, 4m 53, 4m 55. I was really at my limit on the last ones, and had nothing more to give. I felt great after the session though, and could do with a few more of that nature to kick into racing shape.
We were on the track on thursday- 1 continuous set of 700/500/300 with 90s after the 700 and 1 minute after the shorter reps, 3 times. I was doing about 2m 05 for the 700s, 82s for the 500 and 50s for the 300. Consistently the fastest in group 2 on the longer reps, but often beaten by some of the 400/800 runners on the sprint.
Kept up the training through the weekend, culminating in an hour or so's effort on sunday (when i got locked in Wollaton Park!).. i was about to finish the run (35 mins or so) when it was getting very dark, cold and misty, and i found theyd locked the gates! I then noticed a load of signs saying 'keep out- deer rutting season'!! I was wondering why the park seemed so empty! well, i had no choice but to run back through it again. by now it was very dark albeit the mist lit up by a full moon, and every so often id see these massive stags in the shadows! i was quite relieved to get out unscathed- it certainly made me run faster! I went for a jog on monday, but didnt feel great, but that was probably due to the volume of work ive been doing (all handed in now, thank goodness, but its really taken it out of me).
didnt train again til tonight (with Notts AC) when we did a ~3k rep (9m 14s with decent hill from halfway then a downhill last 400m) followed by a couple minutes recovery and 4 ~800m reps. these reps were straight up a reasonable and steepening hill, around a bollard at the top, then straight back down. my times were 2m 24, 2m 23, 2m 21, 2m 19. good session, very happy, and now feel good afterwards.
so- generally all well- ive kept up my stretching and felt like ive been running well- i honestly have no idea how i'll do on saturday, but i'll do my best and feel that im in as good a shape as possible.
see you in liverpool
JT
ps surprisingly i didnt get in the university challenge team lol.. maybe next year!
We were on the track on thursday- 1 continuous set of 700/500/300 with 90s after the 700 and 1 minute after the shorter reps, 3 times. I was doing about 2m 05 for the 700s, 82s for the 500 and 50s for the 300. Consistently the fastest in group 2 on the longer reps, but often beaten by some of the 400/800 runners on the sprint.
Kept up the training through the weekend, culminating in an hour or so's effort on sunday (when i got locked in Wollaton Park!).. i was about to finish the run (35 mins or so) when it was getting very dark, cold and misty, and i found theyd locked the gates! I then noticed a load of signs saying 'keep out- deer rutting season'!! I was wondering why the park seemed so empty! well, i had no choice but to run back through it again. by now it was very dark albeit the mist lit up by a full moon, and every so often id see these massive stags in the shadows! i was quite relieved to get out unscathed- it certainly made me run faster! I went for a jog on monday, but didnt feel great, but that was probably due to the volume of work ive been doing (all handed in now, thank goodness, but its really taken it out of me).
didnt train again til tonight (with Notts AC) when we did a ~3k rep (9m 14s with decent hill from halfway then a downhill last 400m) followed by a couple minutes recovery and 4 ~800m reps. these reps were straight up a reasonable and steepening hill, around a bollard at the top, then straight back down. my times were 2m 24, 2m 23, 2m 21, 2m 19. good session, very happy, and now feel good afterwards.
so- generally all well- ive kept up my stretching and felt like ive been running well- i honestly have no idea how i'll do on saturday, but i'll do my best and feel that im in as good a shape as possible.
see you in liverpool
JT
ps surprisingly i didnt get in the university challenge team lol.. maybe next year!
Lowri Richards (3rd year at Cambridge University), 22nd November
On the weekend we had our selection match for the Varsity teams, which was held at Wandlebury Country park, just outside Cambridge. The selection race is held here every year, and the conditions were pretty favourable on Saturday- mild and no rain. My race was 6.2km over undulating terrain, with a few hills comparable to the Longmead hills in Tonbridge (but nothing like Knole Park!). I finished 7th, which was the same position that I finished last year, and although my time was a little slower, I qualified for the Womens' 2nds Team to compete against Oxford at the same venue this Saturday. I'm in a team of 6 ladies, and we will run against 6 Oxford runners. It's 4 to score, and so hopefully I can contribute towards the points. It's a very exciting week building up to this race, as it is what the squad has been aiming towards all term. There are currently numerous emails flying round with inspirational quotes and motivational you-tube clips to get everyone hyped-up for the big day. All that is left to do this week is prepare well, rest sensibly, hydrate and eat lots at our pre-race team meals! We've done the hard training, and now is the time to put it all together- very exciting! Next time I submit an update, hopefully it will be one of celebration of a Cambridge victory!
Lowri
Lowri
James Pigot (1st year University College London), 19th November
Sorry for not sending any emails recently but the workload at uni has rocketed!
Last week I struggled with the training; every day we had several hours of lectures followed up by lots of self study. It was very difficult trying to get out whilst it was still light to run in Regents Park. Ironically the session I did with Highgate on the Tuesday was the same session I had done at TAC the week before (8x600m). This time the recovery was a 200m jog (instead of 2 minutes recovery). I really struggled with the session but did complete it. The majority of the group are 5000m specialists ( the best guy is a 3m51 1500m runner). This week I did 10x400m (40s recovery) at Highgate on the Tuesday and ran much better.
69, 68, 68, 67, 68, 68, 68, 68, 68, 67.
I decided to use the race on Wednesday as a "training run" which was just as well since the group I was running in (including Jason Prickett) managed to get lost...!
This Saturday I am racing 10km at Parliament Hill for Highgate (senior men) in the London Cross Country Championships.
Hope everyone is well James
Hope everyone is well James
Megan Brickell (1st year Swansea), 18th November
Megan told us today that she is finally free to do some exercise, after suffering with a broken foot for weels. Was off to do a swim this morning, but desperate to get fit again.
Catherine Symons (1st year Frnham), 18th November
Thought i'd update you on how my training is going :)
Well as you know i raced on the saturday in the kent league which i was quite pleased with, apart from suffering with stomach aches i felt i ran well. I stayed at home that weekend, and was pretty excited at training with everyone on Sunday as i have really missed running with other people! I found Sunday's run very enjoyable, MUDDY, and useful.
The next day i went back to uni feeling motivated to get sharper for my races. That day i woke up and felt like my hamstrings had been shot! Must have been that muddy hill on Sunday, so for my morning run i took it steady and was careful (ran about 30mins), had also planned to do a session in the gym that evening, but Richard advised me to give this a miss due to the Hamstrings and having a hard weekend.
Tuesday i took photographs of Diane Osborn at her home in Wadhurst, i decided to stay at home that evening as it was so close and i had the day off on Wed, so i thought it would also be a great opportunity to train again in the evening at Judd with everyone. Really enjoyed this again, and was good to see how fit i was. Just lacking a bit of sharpness but otherwise all good.
Wednesday i was back at uni (until christmas now), had agreed with Richard to just do a circuit session due to training hard recently. I just did 6 different exercises, about 40secs each, repeated this twice. Today (Thursday) i did 4x1000m with a 3min recovery. Hamstrings were much better today (saw Louise on Tuesday which really helped). Felt good this morning, working hard on the efforts, most of them were on a slight uphill too which was good.
Tomorrow I'm having a rest day (treating myself to go and see Harry Potter with a friend) Saturday i have a 400m session planned in Farnham park, and Sunday i will do a long run (about 50-60mins) So yes, i am feeling much happier with my training now. Training with the TAC group a couple of times was really beneficial and left me feeling a lot more motivated. Its getting closer to christmas which unfortunately for me means i have all my deadlines coming up. 3 deadlines in the space of 2 weeks!! As you can imagine i'm starting to get a bit stressed with the work load but its all good fun and still really loving it. Catherine.
The next day i went back to uni feeling motivated to get sharper for my races. That day i woke up and felt like my hamstrings had been shot! Must have been that muddy hill on Sunday, so for my morning run i took it steady and was careful (ran about 30mins), had also planned to do a session in the gym that evening, but Richard advised me to give this a miss due to the Hamstrings and having a hard weekend.
Tuesday i took photographs of Diane Osborn at her home in Wadhurst, i decided to stay at home that evening as it was so close and i had the day off on Wed, so i thought it would also be a great opportunity to train again in the evening at Judd with everyone. Really enjoyed this again, and was good to see how fit i was. Just lacking a bit of sharpness but otherwise all good.
Wednesday i was back at uni (until christmas now), had agreed with Richard to just do a circuit session due to training hard recently. I just did 6 different exercises, about 40secs each, repeated this twice. Today (Thursday) i did 4x1000m with a 3min recovery. Hamstrings were much better today (saw Louise on Tuesday which really helped). Felt good this morning, working hard on the efforts, most of them were on a slight uphill too which was good.
Tomorrow I'm having a rest day (treating myself to go and see Harry Potter with a friend) Saturday i have a 400m session planned in Farnham park, and Sunday i will do a long run (about 50-60mins) So yes, i am feeling much happier with my training now. Training with the TAC group a couple of times was really beneficial and left me feeling a lot more motivated. Its getting closer to christmas which unfortunately for me means i have all my deadlines coming up. 3 deadlines in the space of 2 weeks!! As you can imagine i'm starting to get a bit stressed with the work load but its all good fun and still really loving it. Catherine.
Jess Owen, 17th November
Hiya, Hope all is well with you and everyone down at the club. Been looking at the emails and it seems like everyone is training and racing well. Am still loving it here at St. Marys, even if i have a hefty workload at the moment as well as revision for 6 or 7 big exams in under a months time! Its crazy, my room is covered in anatomy posters as well as a small skeleton that sits on my desk. Ive asked for a massage bed for my birthday so if anyone fancies just a general massage over Christmas then send them my way!!!
Been a busy few weeks. I raced at the last London college league and really enjoyed it and was felt good to get out racing again against a mixed field of runners. I'm racing again later on today so hope all goes okay for that as well. Training is going okay, still on my own at the moment, which is hard sometimes but getting into it know which is good. Sometimes feel like i need to escape in my own little world after a day of hard lectures or doing work. The track at the university is now available after it had some work done to it, so may even do a session on there soon.
This Monday i went to Guys campus in London to their dissecting rooms (yes human body dissection!). As you know as part of our course we need to now everything anatomical about the body and visiting these rooms allows us to get a proper look as such into what the structures feel, look and where they specifically place. This first term we have been doing the lower limb (hip,knee, ankle) so after getting on our lab coats and gloves and getting over the chemical smell we were let loose on the bodies! At first we were just given a leg so not too bad, to begin with was a bit weird thinking that your holding a human leg in your hand but its was so interesting to look at how it looks underneath the skin as well as looking actually inside the knee and seeing the ligaments inside it and how they can be stressed. It did make everything much clearer too.
All around us in the room there were these metal shaped coffins all containing a body in, on each of them they had their age,gender and cause of death on there. Most of them were pretty old , including a 103 year old man who had died of "grand old age." We then were allowed to see the whole body, they had a coverings over their faces though but if you stupidly looked close like we all did you could see them! Was interesting and we get to have regular visits there after learning about each part of the body.
Training so far this week: Sun 14th - 50 min run Mon 15th - 25 min run and netball training Tues 16th - 10 min warm up and a fartlek session doing 10 x 1 min efforts with 30 seconds recovery and then a 10 min warm down Wed 17th - am racing in the college league then have a core session planned with my friend whose a sprinter in my halls! Ill train Thursday, Friday and Sunday and will let you know what i do etc. Still keeping up with the vitamins etc, felt really tired yesterday but had a little nap during the day before my session! And after a good nights sleep do feel better today.
Speak to you soon. Jess
Been a busy few weeks. I raced at the last London college league and really enjoyed it and was felt good to get out racing again against a mixed field of runners. I'm racing again later on today so hope all goes okay for that as well. Training is going okay, still on my own at the moment, which is hard sometimes but getting into it know which is good. Sometimes feel like i need to escape in my own little world after a day of hard lectures or doing work. The track at the university is now available after it had some work done to it, so may even do a session on there soon.
This Monday i went to Guys campus in London to their dissecting rooms (yes human body dissection!). As you know as part of our course we need to now everything anatomical about the body and visiting these rooms allows us to get a proper look as such into what the structures feel, look and where they specifically place. This first term we have been doing the lower limb (hip,knee, ankle) so after getting on our lab coats and gloves and getting over the chemical smell we were let loose on the bodies! At first we were just given a leg so not too bad, to begin with was a bit weird thinking that your holding a human leg in your hand but its was so interesting to look at how it looks underneath the skin as well as looking actually inside the knee and seeing the ligaments inside it and how they can be stressed. It did make everything much clearer too.
All around us in the room there were these metal shaped coffins all containing a body in, on each of them they had their age,gender and cause of death on there. Most of them were pretty old , including a 103 year old man who had died of "grand old age." We then were allowed to see the whole body, they had a coverings over their faces though but if you stupidly looked close like we all did you could see them! Was interesting and we get to have regular visits there after learning about each part of the body.
Training so far this week: Sun 14th - 50 min run Mon 15th - 25 min run and netball training Tues 16th - 10 min warm up and a fartlek session doing 10 x 1 min efforts with 30 seconds recovery and then a 10 min warm down Wed 17th - am racing in the college league then have a core session planned with my friend whose a sprinter in my halls! Ill train Thursday, Friday and Sunday and will let you know what i do etc. Still keeping up with the vitamins etc, felt really tired yesterday but had a little nap during the day before my session! And after a good nights sleep do feel better today.
Speak to you soon. Jess
Various, general update, 17th November
Alex Hookway - After a disappointing race at Mansfield with a cold, this has cleared and he is training hard again. Due to race in the London Colleges League this afternoon, at Wimbledon Common.
Michael Mason - Was back home this last weekend and all very well. Has been out running quite a bit and there was talk of him wanting to run the National, but maybe this is a bit premature.
Jess Owen - training well and also involved in netball. Her course brought her into contact with some preserved dead human bodies for examination last week ! Due to race in the London Colleges League this afternoon, at Wimbledon Common.
Catherine Symons - Raced the Kent League at the weekend and was at training last night before going back to university.
Grace Nicholls - reported as doing some running, but not structured training at the moment.
Megan Brickell - Still recovering from a broken foot, but somehow got up to Scotland with the Swansea University cross country squad last weekend !
Lowri Richards - In training and going quite well, although with a lot of work on with her last year at Cambridge.
James Taylor - see below.
Sam Bradley (final year at St Marys) - Raced at Mansfield and seemingly getting over a frustrating period of injury. (heard he might now have a groin strain - 18/11)
James Pigot - Has been training and racing well. Possibly due to race in the London Colleges League this afternoon, at Wimbledon Common.
Michael Mason - Was back home this last weekend and all very well. Has been out running quite a bit and there was talk of him wanting to run the National, but maybe this is a bit premature.
Jess Owen - training well and also involved in netball. Her course brought her into contact with some preserved dead human bodies for examination last week ! Due to race in the London Colleges League this afternoon, at Wimbledon Common.
Catherine Symons - Raced the Kent League at the weekend and was at training last night before going back to university.
Grace Nicholls - reported as doing some running, but not structured training at the moment.
Megan Brickell - Still recovering from a broken foot, but somehow got up to Scotland with the Swansea University cross country squad last weekend !
Lowri Richards - In training and going quite well, although with a lot of work on with her last year at Cambridge.
James Taylor - see below.
Sam Bradley (final year at St Marys) - Raced at Mansfield and seemingly getting over a frustrating period of injury. (heard he might now have a groin strain - 18/11)
James Pigot - Has been training and racing well. Possibly due to race in the London Colleges League this afternoon, at Wimbledon Common.
James Taylor (Nottingham), 14th November
Firstly just wanted to say how much i enjoyed mansfield- i was gutted not to be fit to race, but really enjoyed it nonetheless and was delighted and impressed at how well everyone did: many congratulations to all.
I think my couple of days' lay-off and ultrasound did the trick with my hamsting(s!). following the couple of laps' jog i did with richard before the relays: i did a few steadies early this week, gradually building it back up again. felt ok. stepped it up with a few morning runs (after henry's recommendation!) to back up my main sessions in the evening- did a good fartlek on thursday and circuits on friday. Went for a decent long run yesterday (48 minutes) but after half hour or so my hamstrings felt almost too 'warm'- and my legs felt a bit unconnected- slowed right down for 5 mins or so, then sped up a bit at the end. afterwards (as i have done after every session so far this week) ive been doing some good stretching- i feel this is going well, i am certainly a lot more flexible in the legs, although my back has been giving me some issues. Today, for the first time in 10 days or so, i went for a flat-out run. felt very good- its my 'usual' course, with 3 big hills after a lap of the lake on campus. I jogged the first half mile as a warm-up (with a few drills), in total i did the 4.5 mile course (checked on mapmyrun) in 26 minutes. I wont do anything else today, but Im very pleased with how things have improved this week, and look forward to a good week's training ahead, followed by some fine-tuning leading up to Liverpool.
I think thats about it.. again, nice to see you all at mansfield, looking forward to seeing a few of you at Liverpool, and everyone else just before xmas.. crikey not long now!!
regards
JT
Lowri Richards, (Cambridge University, 3rd year), 10th November
10th November 2010
Dear TAC,
Quick question for you- where is this year going?! Cross country is in full swing again and I can't believe it's November. What happened to October?!
Congratulations to all of you dominating the Kent leagues- I'm always happy to read about your successes on the emails, so keep it going! I wish I could say that I have been competing as much and running as fast as you all, but that would be telling porkies. However, I have been trying to train regularly and ran my first race of the term last weekend. I have previously restrained from racing because of various injuries/bike accidents/thought training would be more beneficial, but I'm hoping to get back into competing over the next few months.
The race last weekend was a 'mob match' on Wimbledon Common against the Thames Hare and Hounds' who are our* sister club (Cam' Uni' Hare and Hounds are the x-country/middle/long distance runners*). The course for the women was 4miles and the same route that the Blues Varsity Teams, who have raced here annually since 1880. It's famed for its water jump (charging through a river), beautiful woodland, hills, a random windmill and a few Wombles... The likes of Roger Bannister (ran the first sub-4minute mile) and Chris Brasher (co-founder of the London Marathon) have raced this course, which was pretty special.
The race was tough to start but I got into it after the first 2 miles or so and was really enjoying charging up and down through the woods...and then I hit a tree root and fell- quite spectacularly I must add. I managed to bruise myself pretty badly and had a dead arm for a good 30 seconds- which would have been absolutely hilarious to have seen as I got back up and tried to run with one good arm while the other was flinging around all over the place- and finished 4th, close behind 2 other team mates. My time was not very creditable at all, but I am hoping to run the same course again in about a month at the 'spectators race' for before the real Varisty match, and hope to knock the time down by then.
Tomorrow is a fartlek, easy run friday, hill session saturday-YES! It's true! there ARE hills in Cambridge! and long-run sunday. The following weekend is our selection race for the Blues Varsity teams- all very exciting stuff- so looking forward to that.
So although I am feeling quite deprived of shakespeare road reps, cemetry hills and pembury road runs, training here can still be good fun. I take circuits on a monday- getting my inspiration from Richard, getting the burpees and squat thrusts going, and yelling people to 'push out and up' with their dumbells. we try and train at different venues throughout the week to get a bit of variety which is nice, but the timings of sessions are getting increasingly difficult as it gets darker. I'm definitely not as fit as I would like to be, or running as much as I would like to, but I am really enjoying what I am doing, which I think is very important, especially after being injured on and off for so long- it's not always a bad thing to take a mental break and ease off for a bit. You need to be fresh in your mind as well as your legs to compete.
Best of luck to those competing over the next few weeks, hopefully I can submit an update again soon.
Lowri :)=
Megan Brickell, 1st November
SO sorry about the lack of communication, but I did get to catch up with all of you at Somerhill last week(:
Was brilliant to see you guys and I can see TAC is still getting stronger every day which is really nice to see!
Uni wise I was having a really good first few weeks with the introductory lectures, the various sports clubs and of course the constant socialising and it felt like I was really settling into Swansea.
My first session with the Netball club was pretty daunting! SO many county and even national players playing at a very high standard. Us poor freshers were terrified! - Was a really good, if not knackering few hours and the trials went really well but I had a very tight schedule and Netball squad training was on Tuesdays which clashed with Athletics training so I decided to opt for the 'Social Netball' team, which happens on Monday evenings.
The first Athletics training session was a really nice outing - we all got to know each other and they are all the nicest people you could meet. We ended up running the whole length of the seafront whilst the sun was setting which was a perfect picture!
The rowing session, too was brilliant. The girls train earlier than the guys and they usually do circuits (rowing specified) and also ergo- training on Wednesdays and Thursdays evenings in the sports hall, and then Wednesday lunchtimes and Saturday mornings on the Marina, so it is pretty full on and I don't know how I will ever fit it all in but I will try my best!
I ended up doing double days the other week - A hardcore rowing circuit session at 5pm and then a 8k run at 7pm! My legs have never felt so wobbly before apart from the dreaded track sessions I used to do with Richard!
BUT, as most of you probably know, I was a complete fool and managed to break my foot whilst tripping over some plug cables and am now stuck in a cast for 6 weeks! JUST MY LUCK! I was really getting into the training regime and then this happened - I was very depressed for the days that followed after my accident!
I'm now on a weight bearing cast after 2 weeks of not being able to put it down, which is so much easier, yet still annoying! I've managed to stick at it but getting to and from lectures can prove very difficult at times - Luckily I have some help from my mates.
I managed to go out for the Halloween weekend - the running social last Wednesday was brilliant! We all had to dress as Zombie runners and parade around Wind street in our BEST fancy dress, me being carried most of the way! Last night was the BIG night where ALL Swansea uni students had to dress up in a particular costume according to where we live - Our flats were the Zombies AGAIN but I went for the look of a Zombie Alice in Wonderland for a bit of variety - An amazing night and the costumes were pretty incredible, if a little scary at times!
So there's my latest update - Hope you enjoy it(: and there will be more to come. I will keep you up to date with my foot situation - ONE day, I'll be back running injury free!
Hope all is well with everyone,
Meg
James Taylor, 31st October
quick update: training's been going better recently, and ive joined up with Notts AC for a few sessions. Raced for the university for the first time last week, in the East Midlands League (i think!) and came 2nd behind the notts university captain. could have won, should have won- I'll beat him next time. My foot and then behind-my-knee (not sure what to call it!!) has been sore since- my foot probably due to wearing xc spikes for the first time in a while - i plan to do a couple of sessions in them to get used to them again before mansfield.
Im still mostly training on my own, but i don't mind that, as i often do anyway, and have got a series of nice runs I do around the uni campus and neighbouring parks. I'm probably doing on average 8 sessions a week, including taking advantage of the facilities here in the gym with a few more circuits/core sessions. The cross-trainer, whilst helping my foot recover, probably is what has hurt my knee!
A few weeks ago I was stopped on the street by a guy who turned out to be the President of Notts AC, and he's been bombarding me with propaganda, including the middle-distance coaches' numbers. I gave them a call on Thursday, and went to their training for the first time that evening. A few others from the uni were there, and there seems to be a good group training- it felt a bit different from Tonbridge, but it was laways going to be a bit awkward on the first night, so I'm sure i'll fit in fine. We did a track session, 10x300 (60s recov), a not-too-taxing session that i was quite pleased about as i was not fully fit and hadnt been on a track for a few months. It was good to get a bit of speed work though, and although the times werent fantastic I was satisfied with low-50s at the start while i was easng into them, to 47s at the end. I was put in group 2, which was probably a good idea, though I'll be in group 1 in the future. As i said, theye got a good (like us, mostly junior) group it seems, perhaps not the depth that TAC has, but certainly rivalling the quality.
We then did hills yesterday morning- short and sharp, 2 lots of 10 continous hills with 5 mins jogging between sets. good session.
(by the way I spoke to the team manager afterwards about mansfield, and it seems I will be able to get a lift back after the relays.)
Today i plan to do a slightly longer run if i have time, perhaps interjected with a few strides.
Im home on wednesday - judd race in the afternoon, then circuits?
I should be at training on thursday for some strides.
looking forward to seeing everyone- looks like training's been going well, Mr Henry Pearce in particular..
Regards
JT
James Pigot, 27th October
I came 21st in the London League race last week but took a couple of days off afterwards due to feeling poorly. I went for a 35 minute easy run on Saturday and a 55 minute run on Sunday. I had a rest on Monday and did a really good session at Highgate yesterday. I was put in a different group with runners who are better than me. I did 2x6 400m with 40 seconds recovery and about 3 minutes between the two sets. My times were as follows:
72, 71, 70, 70, 69, 69
70, 69, 72, 70, 69, 67
At the moment my main focus is for the University of London Cross Country Champs on the 4th of December.
Thanks
James
Catherine Symons, 27th October
Firstly, sorry that i haven't made contact in a while, it's been very busy and i have a deadline on Monday. Hope everyone is ok, training seems to be looking good from the updates you send out. Since my performance at Sparrows Den you would have thought i would be sky high with confidence and upping my training. However, recently i've been finding motivation a little hard, i find it hard when there are no other athletes here, there isn't even a athletics club at the uni. So sometimes it is quite lonely. Some days i have brilliant sessions where i feel great, like i should do, and then other times i find it really hard to get up in the morning etc. However, i had a good chat with Richard about this, because i really want to race like i did at Sparrows Den all the time, and better. This chat really helped me, and i do feel much more confident now. This week i've enrolled into the gym at the local sports center, yesterday was my first time there so i hadn't really planned a proper session that i was going to do there, i really just wanted to get confident with the machines, i did 30mins on the bike with an interval session which had changing resistances every 2mins. I then did a further 20mins on the cross trainer, just at a steady pace. I am looking to do my running sessions in the morning (like i normally would) and then most evenings go to the gym, helping me get fitter and stronger. This week i've also had a bit of a cold, so taken my runs a bit steadier, getting earlier nights and eating well. The cold seems to be starting to go now. Despite having this little dip in my training i don't feel that i've really lost fitness, and i'm really looking forward to training harder than ever now and racing well in the next kent league. University is still going well and i'm still really enjoying it. I have 3 projects on the go at once, and one of those projects is due in on Monday so i'm very busy at the moment. I am going to be coming home for the next Kent League so look forward to seeing everyone then and also training with the group on the Sunday.
Catherine.
Ed - Have suggested that Catherine might try Farnham Runners, who have 150 members and meet regularly.
Catherine.
Ed - Have suggested that Catherine might try Farnham Runners, who have 150 members and meet regularly.
Alex Hookway, 27th October
Did his first session with some company, last night, rather than on his own. The company was the coach Mick Woods from Aldershot, who is up at Brunel University on Monday evenings. Mick saw Alex through a session of 3 x 500, 5 x 300, 5x 300, with 75s recovery on the 500s and 45s on the 300s, plus a gap between sets.
Alex has been training hard and reduced his 3 mile course time by 35 seconds to 18.15 today.
Alex has been training hard and reduced his 3 mile course time by 35 seconds to 18.15 today.
Jess Owen, 17th October
Hiya,
Really sorry for the length between this email and my last update but at the moment i am soooo busy! At the moment i am working my way through 8 pieces of work for different topics that are involved in my course including, a lovely essay question on Wieners Attribution Theory (don't ask!) Other than all the workload am absolutely loving it here and yes even though my course is hard its really interesting.
Still struggling to get into a running group :( have joined the athletics team, which will allow me to compete etc. There is alot of abilities of runner at St Marys but am finding it hard to find them! Mick Woods runs training sessions for the longer distance group, which I'm keen to get into, but he usually runs them at 9 in the morning. Unable to make these as i start at 9 everyday for lectures. There are sessions on Saturday and Sunday but have got in contact with Sam and just waiting to hear a reply about times etc, as well as asking him if there slow enough for me! There is also Craig who is another coach but he also trains at weird times i think meaning i cant make them, also he’s only a shorter distance coach, but i want to keep my endurance up. I’m not giving up though and really want to get myself into a group of my ability soon.
Saying that though i have been training on my own and actually enjoying it. Am wearing my heart rate monitor and GPS each time so i know if I'm not working hard enough or not. On the vitamin D sides of things am feeling slightly better whilst running but i do have certain sessions where i feel like not progressing at all. I usually feel like this after about 20 minutes or when i set out to do a hard session.
I decided to join the netball team again as haven't played in a few years. We had trials to get into teams as so many wanted to play. Found the trials hard and even woke up the next day feeling i had done a hardcore circuit session as i was so stiff! My ribs and arms were rather tender for the couple of days afterwards, obviously lost my condition for netball! Turns out though Ive actually made the first team, which is full of 2nd and 3rd years. We were promoted last year so in a tough league with Imperial medical university, Kingston, Brunel and Brighton. Training times are Monday (6-8), Thursday (8-10) and Friday morning fitness (7:30-8:30) obviously I’m fitting in my running sessions in between these or before. As part of the first team we get supported by the university and on Thurs eve we had physiological testing and have psychology testing at a later date. Thursday eve, we did a suicide sprint test, a power test and then at the end did a bleep test. Did us runners proud and was the last person in and made level 12.8. Felt like I was going to die afterwards and then I had to play straight afterwards.
Here is the sessions that I’ve done since last time i got in contact with you:
3rd – 34:12 min run
4th – netball training
5th – 30 minute fartlek – 1 min extra hard, 2 min hard (in hindsight maybe should have cut the 2 min easier pace to 1.30 or something but felt like pushed the harder efforts) avg heart rate – 183 bpm
6th – core training with group – hurdles/drills and core (can make these sessions as day off on Wednesday)
7th – netball training
8th – Intervals reps on the field that I look out on from my room x 6 (wanted to do 8 but couldn’t see due to darkness!) 10 min warm up/down. Recovery 1 min 10 secs. Avg heart rate 186 bpm
1. 2:11
2. 2:08
3. 2:05
4. 2:07
5. 2:06
6. 2:05
10th – 43:49 min run – distance approx 9 km
11th – netball training
12th – 25:43 min run. Avg heart rate 183 bpm, max heart rate 190 bpm
13th – core training with group – drills and core work
14th - netball training (physiological testing)
15th – netball fitness training – 20 min run and circuit training ( was going to do a session later but had lots of work to do)
Will do a longer run later on today. Another reason why i am emailing is that I'm coming home this Friday for the weekend and would like to race this Saturday if possible at the Kent league. I know, bit of a weird choice to come back to race Somerhill! Sorry that its a bit late notice asking if i could race or not as know that you sent the email back awhile ago. Hope everything is okay with you etc and everyone is training well down at TAC and hope we got some good results today. I am now a whizz on anything related to the hip or knee joint (well not technically only learning about the bones/joints/muscles/ligaments in that area - didn't actually realise there were so many and am struggling to contain them all in my brain! See you Saturday. Jess
Really sorry for the length between this email and my last update but at the moment i am soooo busy! At the moment i am working my way through 8 pieces of work for different topics that are involved in my course including, a lovely essay question on Wieners Attribution Theory (don't ask!) Other than all the workload am absolutely loving it here and yes even though my course is hard its really interesting.
Still struggling to get into a running group :( have joined the athletics team, which will allow me to compete etc. There is alot of abilities of runner at St Marys but am finding it hard to find them! Mick Woods runs training sessions for the longer distance group, which I'm keen to get into, but he usually runs them at 9 in the morning. Unable to make these as i start at 9 everyday for lectures. There are sessions on Saturday and Sunday but have got in contact with Sam and just waiting to hear a reply about times etc, as well as asking him if there slow enough for me! There is also Craig who is another coach but he also trains at weird times i think meaning i cant make them, also he’s only a shorter distance coach, but i want to keep my endurance up. I’m not giving up though and really want to get myself into a group of my ability soon.
Saying that though i have been training on my own and actually enjoying it. Am wearing my heart rate monitor and GPS each time so i know if I'm not working hard enough or not. On the vitamin D sides of things am feeling slightly better whilst running but i do have certain sessions where i feel like not progressing at all. I usually feel like this after about 20 minutes or when i set out to do a hard session.
I decided to join the netball team again as haven't played in a few years. We had trials to get into teams as so many wanted to play. Found the trials hard and even woke up the next day feeling i had done a hardcore circuit session as i was so stiff! My ribs and arms were rather tender for the couple of days afterwards, obviously lost my condition for netball! Turns out though Ive actually made the first team, which is full of 2nd and 3rd years. We were promoted last year so in a tough league with Imperial medical university, Kingston, Brunel and Brighton. Training times are Monday (6-8), Thursday (8-10) and Friday morning fitness (7:30-8:30) obviously I’m fitting in my running sessions in between these or before. As part of the first team we get supported by the university and on Thurs eve we had physiological testing and have psychology testing at a later date. Thursday eve, we did a suicide sprint test, a power test and then at the end did a bleep test. Did us runners proud and was the last person in and made level 12.8. Felt like I was going to die afterwards and then I had to play straight afterwards.
Here is the sessions that I’ve done since last time i got in contact with you:
3rd – 34:12 min run
4th – netball training
5th – 30 minute fartlek – 1 min extra hard, 2 min hard (in hindsight maybe should have cut the 2 min easier pace to 1.30 or something but felt like pushed the harder efforts) avg heart rate – 183 bpm
6th – core training with group – hurdles/drills and core (can make these sessions as day off on Wednesday)
7th – netball training
8th – Intervals reps on the field that I look out on from my room x 6 (wanted to do 8 but couldn’t see due to darkness!) 10 min warm up/down. Recovery 1 min 10 secs. Avg heart rate 186 bpm
1. 2:11
2. 2:08
3. 2:05
4. 2:07
5. 2:06
6. 2:05
10th – 43:49 min run – distance approx 9 km
11th – netball training
12th – 25:43 min run. Avg heart rate 183 bpm, max heart rate 190 bpm
13th – core training with group – drills and core work
14th - netball training (physiological testing)
15th – netball fitness training – 20 min run and circuit training ( was going to do a session later but had lots of work to do)
Will do a longer run later on today. Another reason why i am emailing is that I'm coming home this Friday for the weekend and would like to race this Saturday if possible at the Kent league. I know, bit of a weird choice to come back to race Somerhill! Sorry that its a bit late notice asking if i could race or not as know that you sent the email back awhile ago. Hope everything is okay with you etc and everyone is training well down at TAC and hope we got some good results today. I am now a whizz on anything related to the hip or knee joint (well not technically only learning about the bones/joints/muscles/ligaments in that area - didn't actually realise there were so many and am struggling to contain them all in my brain! See you Saturday. Jess
Alex Hookway, 13th October
Having recovered from the senior men's Kent League, on Saturday, ran almost an hour on Sunday, then a run on Monday, a 4 mile morning and 5 miles afternoon on Tuesday and 12 x 300m off a minute recovery on Wednesday. Following the plan to keep the volume up.
James Pigot, 12th October
I went to my first session with Highgate Harriers today. The track was closed so not many athletes turned up. We did a hill session (not too long but steep towards the end).
I will join Highgate as a second claim club and do some local races for them as well as racing for UCL in their league matches.
James
Megan Brickell, 11th October
All was going very well for Megan until she tripped over a cable in her room and has apparently broken a bone in her foot. Just by the law of averages her luck must change soon.
James Pigot, 6th October (1st year at University College London, UCL)
Hope everyone is well. I've just finished freshers' week and have really enjoyed uni so far! I have done some long runs in Regent's Park on my own. I went to the UCL cross country club training today but the quality of training was not that high.
Apparently if I want to do serious training with a group then I would have to join Highgate Harriers who train over at Parliament Hill.
Is this worth doing or should I just do sessions on my own? What would this mean about first claim and second claim club etc?
I want to make the most of running competitively whilst my workload is not too heavy.
Thanks
James
Ed - we have suggested to James that he tries Highgate Harriers for training as a 2nd claim member.
Ed - we have suggested to James that he tries Highgate Harriers for training as a 2nd claim member.
Megan Brickell, 4th October (1st year at Swansea University)
Here’s an update on how I’m getting on up in ‘Sunny’ Swansea!
Have had such a manic experience here and have met some amazing people along the way. My flatmates are a real nice bunch and I’ve settled in nicely into uni life. Cannot WAIT to start my actual lectures and sports clubs now - (Freshers week was brilliant but a serious lack of things to do during the daytime!) Recently went to the Freshers Fayre which proved overwhelming! So many societies and clubs to join, I was spoilt for choice! I signed up for Netball, Lacrosse, Rowing, and Athletics but I think I’ve got my work cut out, joining so many clubs! It should be really great fun though and I’m really looking forward to getting fighting fit and injury free hopefully!
The Athletics club train on the exact same days AND times as TAC and they also have a circuit training session so it will feel just like training at TAC again!
Been on two runs so far - still have had a long-lasting cold throughout the entire week so wasn’t in brilliant shape to do too much when I’ve been getting very little sleep. Oh well, it’s all part of Uni life and you’ve got to put your all in to enjoy it!
Both runs involved 10min run and 5 min walk and I did this 4 times -ended up getting very lost so that added to my mileage. Wasn’t at all nice to be running in the pouring rain but I knew I needed to get out there and try out these orthotics which seem to be hassle free so far - a few niggling pains in my knees and pelvis but that was bound to happen. I have been working in them gradually and also have another set to wear in my everyday shoes so I’m making the most of them! Hopefully, these might just do the trick.
I hope everything’s going super at TAC and you’re not missing all of us too much! I will keep you updated on how it goes both lecture and sports wise(:
Meg
Have had such a manic experience here and have met some amazing people along the way. My flatmates are a real nice bunch and I’ve settled in nicely into uni life. Cannot WAIT to start my actual lectures and sports clubs now - (Freshers week was brilliant but a serious lack of things to do during the daytime!) Recently went to the Freshers Fayre which proved overwhelming! So many societies and clubs to join, I was spoilt for choice! I signed up for Netball, Lacrosse, Rowing, and Athletics but I think I’ve got my work cut out, joining so many clubs! It should be really great fun though and I’m really looking forward to getting fighting fit and injury free hopefully!
The Athletics club train on the exact same days AND times as TAC and they also have a circuit training session so it will feel just like training at TAC again!
Been on two runs so far - still have had a long-lasting cold throughout the entire week so wasn’t in brilliant shape to do too much when I’ve been getting very little sleep. Oh well, it’s all part of Uni life and you’ve got to put your all in to enjoy it!
Both runs involved 10min run and 5 min walk and I did this 4 times -ended up getting very lost so that added to my mileage. Wasn’t at all nice to be running in the pouring rain but I knew I needed to get out there and try out these orthotics which seem to be hassle free so far - a few niggling pains in my knees and pelvis but that was bound to happen. I have been working in them gradually and also have another set to wear in my everyday shoes so I’m making the most of them! Hopefully, these might just do the trick.
I hope everything’s going super at TAC and you’re not missing all of us too much! I will keep you updated on how it goes both lecture and sports wise(:
Meg
Alex Hookway, 1st October (2nd year at Brunel, West London)
Now in second year and has spent the first week getting the house shared with two others sorted out. Gas bills and electricity bills had to be swapped over and internet has been installed. Now has to resolve council tax exemption. The letting of the property is managed directly through a university department, rather than with the landlord, which has maLectures have started and all under control, doing Maths.
Has upped the volume of running this year, having tried more speedwork last Winter. Managed to do 3 x 1 mile and the 2 x 15 mins as the quality sessions this week, after a good run at Aldershot, knocking two minutes of last year's time. In five days has run 35 miles, including a couple of double days, so may have a day off on Saturday. He is otherwise following a similar training plan to the TAC one, with slight adjustments. Has said he may do the Kent League next week, if Charlton are not playing at home (Bad luck they have an away game at Plymouth !)
Has upped the volume of running this year, having tried more speedwork last Winter. Managed to do 3 x 1 mile and the 2 x 15 mins as the quality sessions this week, after a good run at Aldershot, knocking two minutes of last year's time. In five days has run 35 miles, including a couple of double days, so may have a day off on Saturday. He is otherwise following a similar training plan to the TAC one, with slight adjustments. Has said he may do the Kent League next week, if Charlton are not playing at home (Bad luck they have an away game at Plymouth !)
Michael Mason (temporarily retired from distance running !), 1st October, from Gloucester
Hey Mark,
I know it was a while since you text me and I am very sorry I've taken this long to reply, its just been all go here.
Well, I am loving Gloucester! The place is amazing. My first day was great, although parents leaving was a bit awkward but went straight to the student bar and made friends with some guys from another flat who I've remained friends with. I know its only been 2 weeks but still. First evening we had a school disco in Cheltenham which was good and I got fairly drunk but not too bad. There were plenty of girls too and my street cred seems good as I pulled the first night .lol. I've been to most of the clubs in Gloucester and Cheltenham and they are way better than SOS.
My course looks good, although my first week was like a bonding session which was good and I've just started proper lectures. The amount of work I've got to do is a large amount, but I've got plenty of free time to do it in.
Cooking has been interesting, as I've tried different dishes and haven't resorted to ready made meals yet .lol and I haven't bought a takeaway or pizza either, but it will happen.
Sport wise I signed up to the hockey, cricket and athletics teams and I went to the first hockey session, where they all seemed like pros, but no worries. Cricket has not started yet and I guess athletics is the one you're keen to hear about .lol, There's a track in Cheltenham which is a bit hard to get to and I have a lecture half way through training sessions but I've asked them to keep me in touch about meetings and races. I've been doing regular circuits and runs about 20mins long, but been having to run around town as there aren't any fields near the uni.
I'm cool with this being put on your website as I know Jess sent a message aswell and my message to people wishing or thinking about going is to go for it! it is one of the greatest things that will ever happen to you and when you get there put yourself out there and get to know people straight away. Plus give everything a go, sign up to as much as you can ! (Ed- but make sure your training comes first !)
See you soon
Michael x
I know it was a while since you text me and I am very sorry I've taken this long to reply, its just been all go here.
Well, I am loving Gloucester! The place is amazing. My first day was great, although parents leaving was a bit awkward but went straight to the student bar and made friends with some guys from another flat who I've remained friends with. I know its only been 2 weeks but still. First evening we had a school disco in Cheltenham which was good and I got fairly drunk but not too bad. There were plenty of girls too and my street cred seems good as I pulled the first night .lol. I've been to most of the clubs in Gloucester and Cheltenham and they are way better than SOS.
My course looks good, although my first week was like a bonding session which was good and I've just started proper lectures. The amount of work I've got to do is a large amount, but I've got plenty of free time to do it in.
Cooking has been interesting, as I've tried different dishes and haven't resorted to ready made meals yet .lol and I haven't bought a takeaway or pizza either, but it will happen.
Sport wise I signed up to the hockey, cricket and athletics teams and I went to the first hockey session, where they all seemed like pros, but no worries. Cricket has not started yet and I guess athletics is the one you're keen to hear about .lol, There's a track in Cheltenham which is a bit hard to get to and I have a lecture half way through training sessions but I've asked them to keep me in touch about meetings and races. I've been doing regular circuits and runs about 20mins long, but been having to run around town as there aren't any fields near the uni.
I'm cool with this being put on your website as I know Jess sent a message aswell and my message to people wishing or thinking about going is to go for it! it is one of the greatest things that will ever happen to you and when you get there put yourself out there and get to know people straight away. Plus give everything a go, sign up to as much as you can ! (Ed- but make sure your training comes first !)
See you soon
Michael x
Megan Brickell, 30th September, from Swansea
Megan contacted me today about doing a bit for the web site on her university experience. I phoned her up and had a chat. She had read Catherine's piece and been keeping up to date. She has been for a run trying out her new orthotics and is getting over her cold. She has signed up for the university running club and says they do circuits on Wednesdays ! She might be home once before Christmas, maybe in mid Oct and might be able to tie it in with the Tonbridge Kent League. She has settled in well at Swansea and sounded pretty happy.
Jess Owen, 30th September, from St Mary's Twickenham
Hiya! Seeing that both Catherine and Meg have updated you all on training and uni etc thought i would drop just a quick note to you and let you know whats happening! Firstly ive decided against mansfield, have lectures till late on a friday and the expense would be too much if i came up on my own, epsecially if we are not even going to get a team out, bit of a shame but theres other races. Also probably wont be back for the Kent Leagues etc that are coming up, due to not planning on coming home soon. Freshers week last week was really good and have met some lovely people. Im staying in the grottiest accommodation on site but everyone is really nice and weve kind of got used to shower arrangements! Ive even found myself calling it home so must be settling in well! Although not with a group i managed to train the usual times, although did feel a little tired etc on a few! Mon 20th - rang to the local bushy park - 40 mins Tues 21st - ran to bushy park and then did 3 x 1k with 2 mins recovery (had my heart rate and gps) Wed 22nd - few abdoms etc in my room Thurs 23rd - run 30 mins and strides Raced on saturday Sun 26th - 25 min run Mon 27th - 40 min run Tues/Wed - missed as was on a camping trip with my course but was active both days (assault courses etc) - did do some abdoms in room when got back wed eve Thurs 30th - 30 min run with 6 hard strides, netball meeting and did a circuit session with them with organisers nike fit Most sessions have been using heart rate monitor in order to make sure have been working hard. Struggled these past few days as have come down with a cough and sore throat. Have done alot of hard runs so hopefully once in a group the intervals and other sessions can be done. Got in contact with sam as missed the athletics meeting as was on a bonding camping trip and hes going to send me times etc for training with the group, getting a bit lonely on my own! My course started on the 27th and we did a full 9 - 4 day on anatomy and physiology lectures, tues and wed we went camping and today had a full 9 - 4 day on client assessment and massage in the afternoon, have a full day tomorrow too doing anatomy. Am really enjoying my course but there is so much content that i need to learn, i actually havent even been out this week due to the amount of work we have been given! Most days im in 9 till 4 or 5 so training is hard to squeeze in, especially if ive had a bit of a tough day but fingers crossed being in a group will help lots. Have netball tryouts on monday so am going to get back into that as well. Anyway, im off to bed. We had a drill fire alarm at 7 o clock this morning and being a bit of a run down building all three floors have to be out in 3 minutes. Lets just say we failed badly with one guy appearing 8 minutes after the alarm went off, guess he would have been frazzled if it was a real one! Apparently we have to do it again until we get it right and the alarm is now going to go off an hour earlier. See uni isnt all about the fun! Having such a good time though. Hope you and everyone is all okay and see you soon. Jess
Catherine Symons - 20th September, from Farnham, near Aldershot
This week has been a bit strange with getting used to doing sessions on my own, but i feel quite comfortable with it now. Richard had given me a brief plan of going 2 CAR runs, and 2 Strength Endurance sessions. I did my CAR runs on Monday & Thursday, both were about 30mins. Then on tuesday i was unable to run due to oversleeping and not having time, so instead i did a hard session on Wednesday. This was 4x 6mins with 30sec recovery. On Saturday i did Fartlek, with lastest about 30mins. This morning (sunday) i overslept again, and then was so busy today with my first uni project already starting. The sessions went well and although i did miss a few sessions, which i felt a little guilty about, i still did 4 like richard had advised. Next week i have 2 CAR, 1 strength endurance and 1 tempo sessions planned. As well as Aldershot relays. Next week will be better with my training as i am more settled into uni life. I tend to do my sessions first thing in the morning which has been really good & then i have time in the rest of the day for work etc. Looking forward to the relays. See you on Saturday. Hope everything is going well at TAC the sessions look good from the emails.
Catherine Symons
Catherine Symons started at Farnham, in Surrey, in September 2010. This was her first experience of training at university -
Just did my first training session so thought it would be nice to update you. Woke up at 9 am, everyone else was asleep, so i put on my running gear and made my way down to the front door, except i think someone locked it from the outside so i couldn't get out!! I didn't want to wake my housemates up so i had to ring the porter and he came and unlocked the door! Not really sure why i couldn't get out, and felt really stupid! I had previously looked at the surrounding area on google earth, to get a feel for where i could run, and found that at the back of the uni is lots of countryside. So i made my way to there, it was really nice & there are fields and fields for miles which is great! I followed a footpath, and every so often came to a crossroad. Really didn't have a clue where i was running so was quite fun running free. At one point i decided that i should start to head back, i came to an opening where you can look down onto Farnham, i could see the university, but thought to myself 'how the hell do i get there', after 50mins of running i returned to my house! Not really sure where i went, so it will take some getting use to, but there are so many routes i wont get bored! If you type into google earth University of the creative arts, Farnham, you will see where i am and also how much countryside there is to run! Richard has given me a brief training plan, and i will base my sessions around what you have planned for everyone else. Thanks, Catherine
Just did my first training session so thought it would be nice to update you. Woke up at 9 am, everyone else was asleep, so i put on my running gear and made my way down to the front door, except i think someone locked it from the outside so i couldn't get out!! I didn't want to wake my housemates up so i had to ring the porter and he came and unlocked the door! Not really sure why i couldn't get out, and felt really stupid! I had previously looked at the surrounding area on google earth, to get a feel for where i could run, and found that at the back of the uni is lots of countryside. So i made my way to there, it was really nice & there are fields and fields for miles which is great! I followed a footpath, and every so often came to a crossroad. Really didn't have a clue where i was running so was quite fun running free. At one point i decided that i should start to head back, i came to an opening where you can look down onto Farnham, i could see the university, but thought to myself 'how the hell do i get there', after 50mins of running i returned to my house! Not really sure where i went, so it will take some getting use to, but there are so many routes i wont get bored! If you type into google earth University of the creative arts, Farnham, you will see where i am and also how much countryside there is to run! Richard has given me a brief training plan, and i will base my sessions around what you have planned for everyone else. Thanks, Catherine