It’s approaching 7pm on Friday evening. We are somewhere north of the Cromarty Firth approaching Alness.

I’ve been with the team since 5pm the night before. Sleeping in car for a few broken hours in a deserted Aviemore car park, driving hundreds of miles to get there and get home. I dodged trucks, ticks and got sunburn on my neck and blisters on the tops of my toes.

All to run alongside Dan for about 75 or so miles, to try and help his relentless march to the signpost at John O’Groats.

And it was worth it, and more. For at that point, as the sun shone down beautifully across the Scottish Highlands, I witnessed a resurrection that makes me want to cover The Stone Roses classic but to change the chorus to Dan is the Resurrection.

I had goosebumps watching Dan slug out mile after mile. Just five hours earlier Dan had pleaded with his crew for a rest. He was breaking down. The incessant mileage and the madness of Scotland’s most dangerous road, the brutal A9, had begun to put Dan in a dark place in both body and mind.

A team effort

I got to witness an amazing balance of athlete care, record focus and excellent decision making in what was approaching the 9th day of continuous epic endeavour. The next steps at this point could make the difference between success and failure. Too reckless at this stage could make for regrets. Not bold enough could make for regrets. The balance was delicate.

Make no mistake, this is not only physically and mentally demanding undertaking for the runner, but for their crew it is as brutal and demanding in its own way for so many different reasons.

But, where are my manners? You may have no idea what the hell I am yapping about here.

In short order. Dan Lawson set a new record running from Lands End to John O’Groats. He bested Richard Brown’s 10 days and 2 hours mark, taking it to 9 days and 21 hours (+change) and in the process beat the 10 hour mark. This is LEJOG’s 4 minute mile.

And I had a ringside seat for a small part of it.

Photo: Dave MacFarlane

The community has a front row seat

Ultrarunning is well known for its accessibility and community. I mean, you can’t just rock up and run with Laura Muir as she attempts a record run. But the average runner can spend a mile or two with Dan as he undertakes this LEJOG mission.

In fact, it is encouraged. From Penzance to Perth it was happening every day. It has the twin benefits of giving a fillip to the runner, the record chaser, whilst at the same time helping reinforce that sense of camaraderie that makes this facet of the long distance two-legged propulsion game so unique.

Meanwhile, Dan has a level of generosity of spirit – an attitude of gratitude – that makes people gravitate towards him like metal to a magnet.

Running alongside Dan for the short time I did (relative to his overall charge) was a lesson in determination and drive. His crew are exceptional. Charlotte is as focused and tough and caring as you could wish for in a partner. Always striking the balance of compassion and competition.

Robbie Britton is someone I have experience with in the GB24 team, but this is a different level, needing different decisions for different cares and concerns. As Dan began to wobble midway through Day 8, I watched Robbie and Charlotte get smart quickly. They understand the inner workings of their runner. Charlotte knows the man and the athlete, and Robbie the athlete and the man. That balance showed up so importantly in that moment.

Fresh plans late in the day

A new plan was hatched. A eye on how to best maintain the forward momentum needed to ensure that John O’Groats would be reached before 7am on Sunday. That was what was required to make the record happen.

I watched people come and go and give over anything that Dan needed, that the team needed, in selfless shows of support and it warmed my heart. I got to meet long time social media friends Jim Mann and Ally Beaven. Ambulance drivers shouting encouragement.

Random people with cameras rocking up in lay-bys and passing places to snatch blurred images or wobbly videos of Dan as he pushed north. Him always thanking them. Always.

Then there was Alan Rankin – the physio from the GB squad – who must have driven well over 1,500 miles to meet Dan in various locations at the end of many days just to rub some life back into his aching legs. And, of course, the indefatigable encouragement machine that is Mick Seymour. He’s my Mick Seymour on GB duty. But for 10 days he was Dan’s and Dan’s alone. Except when I needed coke and Clif bar.

As if to make the point about the way this sport is about the community, the previous record holder, Richard Brown, had used planes, bikes and automobiles to be there for the last few days and to help push Dan on. HIs interest was in seeing the record go down. His record. His mark. By his friend.

Dan Lawson LeJog 2020 Teaser from Dave MacFarlane on Vimeo.

More than just the runner, a whole community

On social media all you see are pictures of a runner. A bit of drama in the face at the smartly snapped shot, or a moment in time that cannot do the hours and days of toil, effort and emotion justice. It’s a snippet that can be positioned anyway the taker prefers it to. When you are inside the ropes as I had the honour of being for a couple of days, you see the inner workings of ambition, talent and team all combine to create legend and greatness. Which is exactly what happened here.

To see that was inspiring. It was humbling. It was something I am proud to have witnessed. It also has me google mapping. If that is a verb…

They say you should never meet your heroes. Frankly, if my experience of meeting Dan, a hero of mine, is anything to go by, I’d encourage you all to meet them and more. He is, quite frankly, amazing.

EPILOGUE: Dan and I passed an hour or so chatting as we created our dream teams for a West Ham v Celtic all star match. A nice example of how you pass time on a journey that lasts just shy of 240 hours. I have noted down both teams and may put them together for a simulated game, maybe Fast Running will post the match report one day. Jinky v Roberto Carlos (one of Dan’s wildcards) would be up there with LEJOG.

If you want to be one of the first to see the full film this autumn then the best plan of action is to follow @davemacfarlane on Instagram and join Dan and Charlotte @rerunclothing. We at Fast Running will keep you updated too. 

The post Down, but not out appeared first on Fast Running.

The most common words we have heard recently are, “these are unprecedented times”, and yes, undoubtably these words ring true. We have never seen anything like this in our lifetime and hopefully will not again.

What we have come to learn is that there is one trait that has stood out above the rest: adaptability. A trait that can absolutely be applied to the question of how do you adapt to virtual road racing when we should be racing on the track right now (or racing alongside others on the road)?

Let me say from the outset, racing on the road only differs to racing on the track slightly. There are still tactics, race plans, rivalries, PB’s to be had, conditions to be dealt with, and fun to be had. The difference lies twofold; the surface is different, and you can worry a little less about positioning.

“Track races are predictable” adds Thomas. “They’re a certain amount of laps, they’re always flat and most of the time you’ll be running at a relatively consistent pace. Road races are very different. Every course and every race is different. You have uphill, downhill, U-turns, cornering.”

Therefore, adapting to racing on the road is not too difficult when compared to track, but there are three subtle differences that should be made.

Train specifically

If you are racing on the road more than the track, you should be doing more road sessions in than track sessions. Yes, a track session can certainly compliment your road racing and has a pivotal place in training, but you need to learn to race on the road surface. The same goes vice versa, road can compliment track, but ensure you are at least getting one track workout a week in.

This applies to footwear too. Get yourself a great pair of racing flats that are fast and durable. Saucony Endorphin Pro’s are my go-to. Make sure you train in these at least a few times before race day. This allows you to get used to the shoe and get a feel as to what race day will be like.

RELATED: Charlotte Arter’s top 5k tips

Know your race

Learn to not worry about distance. In a track race, you can tick off the laps. 400m at a time. In a road race, seldom does thus ever happen. So beforehand, determine where the 400m to go mark is, and the 200m to go (just so you know when to sprint), and practice switching off and not worrying about distance.

It is a different story again when it comes to virtual racing. Virtual road racing during these times is a superb way to maintain motivation and positivity. It gives you a target and a goal to reach for. Here are a few tips for when it comes to virtual racing:

Set yourself up for a couple of virtual races to give you something to train towards, after all we have no idea when the next race may be.

Thomas takes it a step further when discussing traditional road races but you could apply to virtual racing too. Try to “recon as much of the course as possible in advance. Talk to other runners and find out their experiences of the course. Does the wind always go in one direction?”

Make sure no cars are coming before you stretch in the middle of the road. Photo: Saucony UK

Mix it up

Try different distances. I have seen road 500m races, 1ks, 2ks, 3ks, 5ks, and 10ks. When do you ever race over some of these distances? Challenge yourself. Have some fun.

Challenge a training partner. My training group are having some great fun and banter when it comes to virtual racing. It helps keep those competitive juices flowing and pushes you to strive for more.

“It would also help to practice running in a group so that you’re ready for that mass on race day,” adds Thomas. When we can all race back together on the roads, you’ll be one step ahead of the pack.

I hope that helps give an insight into racing on the road versus the track and add some insight into virtual racing too. They all have a fantastic place in your training, and there can be a great balance that can be struck.

Saucony have launched the new Endorphin Pro range, to find out more check out their website.

Want to run faster? For just £30 per month athletes are provided with a Final Surge plan for each day of the week, coaching advice from Robbie Britton and Tom Craggs, as well as access to the unique Fast Running Performance community.

If you would like more information on joining the project, click here. 

The post Adapting to virtual road racing appeared first on Fast Running.

On Friday 3rd July Scotland lifted the five mile limit for leisure travel. For most, this just meant a drive into town but for one man it meant 134 miles on foot.

At 8am James Stewart (Fast 10 class of 2018 and experienced GB 24hr runner) set off on a mission to run an FKT on the John Muir Way.

Beautiful challenge

To quote James: “The route looks pretty cool”. Slicing right across Scotland from Helensburgh on the west coast, through Edinburgh, and finishing at Dunbar on the east coast.

FKT’s or Fastest Known Times are a growing phenomenon and one which James believes will only increase thanks to lockdown, “you can do it when it suits you, at your behest and to satisfy no-one but yourself’.

The aim is to run a distinct and repeatable route which can be followed by others. The best efforts are logged at fastestknowtime.com.

It’s the original socially distanced race. The John Muir Way was even more appealing because “you don’t need trail shoes for most of it – it’s a very runnable route and not super technical” – ideal for a man who hates ridge running and heights!

The John Muir Way

No recce, no problem

In October last year a long held desire to try an FKT solidified, with the aim to hit the John Muir Way at the start of July. Luckily the slight lockdown lifting came just in time (though not enough for his planned post-FKT holiday).

Lockdown restrictions meant James was unable to recce much of the route, though he admits he probably wouldn’t have done so anyway.  ‘It means you can’t be worried about a particular hill or dread a certain stretch’.

Consistent training

That said, he has found that overall, lockdown life has made his training easier. Normally he’d be commuting down to London or around the country in his role as Head of Learning for Sky but instead he’s had more time at home. That has meant more space for S&C (3 classes a week) and a different training cycle with less of a build and taper.

A normal solid training week would be around 80 miles, lifting to 120 at peak, but in current circumstances it has been less variable.

Lockdown life has meant he is able to “have a lie in and just get up on a Friday morning for my long runs which can be anywhere from 25-40 miles”. When pressed as to what time that is he concedes that he’s often out of the door at 4am to ensure he’s ready for meetings at 9am.

Tough conditions

Supported largely by his Dad Andy Stewart and friend Alan MacCuish, with coach Paul Giblin running an early section, James battled horrific conditions for the first 11 hours.

“The problem was, even when it wasn’t raining the ground was wet which means your feet get wet anyway, but I’m a Scot, I’m used to it”.

James had made a pledge at the start of the year not to buy any new clothes so when we talk about kit he’s very straight forward.

“I used whatever I already had that was comfortable – several pairs of Hoka ONE ONE shoes and socks, swapped out when they got wet, plus a Gore gilet that was a leaving present from a past job”, but in general he’s “not one for brands or lots of gear”.

James at the finish with his Dad. Photo: Adrian Stott

Despite the conditions at the start, shorts and t-shirt were enough for most of the route. As for fuelling, his wife’s banana bread got him a good way through the challenge along with sports drinks (SiS) and other solid food until he couldn’t stomach it any more and switched to the ultra-runner’s standard of Coca Cola and gels to get him through the final stretch.

Mental toolbox

James says that breaking the race up into the next few miles or until the next place he’d see his support team was key. While he did do some mental preparation he aims to “have a whole toolbox of tricks rather than one specific strategy, because if that stops working you’re stuck”.

It was eight miles from the end, with a truely stunning sun rise over the Scottish coast and the realisations that a sub 22hrs was in reach, that he “really began to enjoy it”. As Adrian Stott commented “they don’t call Dunbar ‘Sunny Dunny’ for nothing!”.

Photo: Rob Turner

“I worked out that I needed to run 10 minute miles which doesn’t sound like much but after that distance it is. But just like a football team who are several goals up and minutes from the end, it was then that I started to really feel it flow and be able to take it in”.

He finished in an unofficial time of 21:53:22 – smashing the previous record by over 7 hrs.

Support team

Having the support of family, supporters and other runners was an important part of the achievement including the CEO of Scottish Athletics Mark Munro, who joined James on the bike for the last eight miles.

GB trail team manager Adrian Stott said “special mention to GB 100k international and former GB 100k champion Rob Turner who buddied James on the last 50k.”

What an athlete, now @james_stewart13 is the true definition of tough, as he smashed the #FKT for the @johnmuirway route, 130+ miles from Helensburgh-Dunbar by over 7 hours in 21 hours 53 mins! @pyllon @VP_Glasgow_AC @scotathletics pic.twitter.com/yISNAaF21L

— SALMarkMunro (@SALMarkMunro) July 4, 2020

Impressive achievement

Clearly tackling 134 miles is an incredible physical challenge but for non ultra runners it can be hard to get a sense of how impressive James’ performance was.

Part of the GB24hr management, Robbie Britton highlights that “what’s always impressive about all of James’ performances is his work ethic.

Even if the odds are against him he will always give his best, so when it comes to a good day like this, when things are generally going his way, he achieves something really special”.

“I was sick at just over 100 miles. That was really hard. Just gone midnight and all that,” remembers Stewart. “But the experience of the the 24hr races kicked in. Salt, Pringles and dark chocolate saved me.”

Stott adds “The JMT is not too technical and pretty much all runnable s played to James’ strength as a 24 hour runner. It will take a top effort to beat this but no doubt others will be tempted”.

Just out for a run with a bottle of pop and the shortest shorts James could find that morning. Photo: Gerry Healy

Looking ahead

Being able to speak so coherently about his experience just seven hours after finishing, James is clearly able to bounce back fast but he’ll be taking some time to recover.

“I’ll take a week off doing anything and tonight I’ll put my feet up and I’ve promised the kids we’ll have a Dominoes.”

The European 24hr Champs in September, where he was due to represent GB this year, has been cancelled so the next big competition is the World Champs in Romania in May 2021.

Selection is still to be confirmed but ”things like this can only help to remind selectors that you’re in good shape and can cover good distance without getting injured”.

Intrinsic drive

With James’s experience, he’ll be hoping to make the 2021 World Champs team, but having said that he’s conscious that his love of running has evolved over the years. Now, racing and placings is not the only thing that drives him. Nowadays it’s “all about the story” and he’s certainly got more FKT’s on his mind.

The best part of the FKT? “The real best bit was that I must have had 30+ different people run with me at times, many of whom I didn’t know. Add to that scores more out supporting and saying hello, waving flags etc. That was so cool”.

He says that having just finished this challenge his mindset is at the point “where I think never again” but in the same breath laughs “I’m sure I’ll have a few more adventures”.

Want to run faster? For just £30 per month athletes are provided with a Final Surge plan for each day of the week, coaching advice from Robbie Britton and Tom Craggs, as well as access to the unique Fast Running Performance community.

If you would like more information on joining the project, click here. 

The post Stewart smashes record on 134 mile John Muir Way appeared first on Fast Running.

A British team of 12 has been selected for the IAU 24 Hour European Championships in Verona, Italy, between the 19 and 20 September 2020, although in light of the current Covid-19 outbreak, up to date government advice will be followed and reviewed by British Athletics over the coming months, unless the event is postponed or cancelled in advance.

The women’s squad contains a mixture of previous internationals and those making their debuts for Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Ali Young was part of the British line-up which finished fifth overall at the world championships in 2019, held in Albi. She also covered just over 214 kilometres on her way to 14^th at the Europeans, in Timisoara, two years ago, spearheading the women’s team to the bronze medal. Wendy Whearity was also part of the squad which reached the podium in Romania, finishing 19^th individually, and she is selected once again for the 2020 edition.

Following an impressive debut for GB & NI in the 2019 world championships, finishing 23^rd, Cat Simpson earns her second British vest.

Sam Amend, who has competed for Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the world 50km and 100km championships in recent years, will take on her first European 24-Hour Championships. She is joined by debutants, Sarah Cameron and Jo Newens.

The mens team

The men’s team consists of four returning athletes and two new faces to the international scene.

James Stewart is the only male athlete with more than one appearance and was 11^th in Romania two years ago, contributing to a men’s team silver medal.

Paul Maskell debuted for the British team at the 2019 world championships with a personal best of 251.26km. Grant MacDonald and Mike Stocks were also in the 2019 outfit which finished sixth overall.

The two debutantes are Nathan Flear, and Rob Payne who both earned their place on the team by running excellent distances in Albi and Tooting Bec respectively in 2019.

It is the first time in quite a few years that all the home nations of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be represented in the GB & NI team.

Unfortunately Verona is in Veneto one of the harder hit regions of Italy as it neighbours the epicentre of Lombardy, but at the time of going to print there had been no decisions made to postpone or cancel the Championships.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patreon. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Full team named for European 24hr Championships appeared first on Fast Running.

To start this week we’d like to post a quick reminder about the ethos of parkrun as it’s not just about running so fast you feature in our top ten. It’s about everyone enjoying the great outdoors on a Saturday morning and includes people just out for a walk. If there’s not a smile on your face then you’ll probably going too hard.

Now let’s get to it. We hope Tom Marshall checked in with the local aviation authority before running at Bryn Bach this morning as the Saucony athlete got some serious air in the finishing straight (as seen in the fine picture taken by Robert Gale above).

Marshall is no stranger to fast times and has a 14:19 best on the track for 5000m. This week the Welsh international ran 14:36 and set a new course record.

The quickest lady this week was Lincoln Wellington’s Abbie Donnelly and it took a 16:29 at Doddington Hall parkrun to nab the number one spot. It’s a parkrun PB for the Loughborough student, but still a wee bit off her 5k road best of 16:11, set in 2019.

Second placed female was Hayley Carruthers and we wonder if Hayley was down at Cardiff parkrun in South Wales having a crack at Charlotte Arter’s parkrun world record from last week?

It wasn’t to be, but still a super quick 16:51 in south Wales and probably part of bigger training in the build up to spring half and marathon racing.

It was another middle distance runner in second place for the men with Ed Shepherd, a 3:47.51 1500m man, who ran 15:11 at Penrose parkrun. The Woodford Green and Essex Ladies athlete hasn’t been at the XC as usual this year so good to see him starting the year with a solid run.

Third lady was another runner who often features, Hannah Taunton of Taunton AC with 17:07 at Exmouth parkrun. The GB athlete has already started the year with a 10k PB at the Stoke Stampede, winning in an excellent 35:32 so 2020 looks to be another exciting year with this being a new parkrun best by four seconds as well.

Also running at Doddington Hall was Joseph Green, who stopped the clock at 15:17 and takes the final spot on the virtual podium for this week. Green, we’e assuming, is the Lincoln Wellington athlete on Power of Ten as the only unattached Joseph Green is a V75.

Its a new parkrun best for the U20 and actually quicker than his 5k best on the road by some margin as well, so this could be a break through year. We’ve already seen a fine 13th at the Northern XC Champs from the youngster.

Men’s top 10

1) parkrun: Bryn Bach
Tom Marshall, 14:36, Brecon AC
2) parkrun: Penrose
Ed Shepherd, 15:11, Woodford Green AC with Essex Ladies
3) parkrun: Doddington Hall
Jospeh Green, 15:17
4=) parkrun: Worthing
Maxwell Dumbrell, 15:26
4) parkrun: Rother Valley
Nathan Lawson, 15:26, Dark Peak Fell Runners Club
6) parkrun: Sizewell
Sam Stabler, 15:29, Wreake and Soar Valley AC
7=) parkrun: Heslington
Jordan Howe, 15:30
7=) parkrun: Dulwich
Jack Foster, 15:30
9) parkrun: Cardiff
Karl Welborn, 15:31, Birmingham Running Athletics and Triathlon Club
10) parkrun: Alvaston
Richard Weir, 15:37, Derby AC

Women’s top 10

1) parkrun: Doddington Hall
Abbie Donnelly, 16:29, Lincoln Wellington AC
2) parkrun: Cardiff 
Hayley Carruthers, 16:51, Birchfield Harriers
3) parkrun: Exmouth
Hannah Taunton, 17:07, Taunton AC
4) parkrun: Burgess
Daisy Rawlings, 17:08
5) parkrun: Raphael
Alexa Joel, 17:23, Billericay Striders RC
6) parkrun: Bushy
Isabel Clark, 17:29, Serpentine RC
7) parkrun: Hackney Marshes
Rosa Prideaux, 17:39, Chelmsford AC
8) parkrun: Southampton 
Ellie Marie Monks, 17:40, Southampton AC
9) parkrun: Wollaton Hall
Lauren McNeil, 17:42, Buxton AC
10) parkrun: Dulwich
Jess Saunders, 17:46, Fulham AC

If you would like to run faster at parkrun, top tips to help runners of all abilities can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us and become a patron. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you

The post 10 fastest UK parkrun times on 8th February (2020) appeared first on Fast Running.

From race victories and medals to injury challenges and the dedication on the road to recovery, everyone at Fast Running would like to thank each runner who shared their story over the last 12 months.

The Fast 10: class of 2018 offered readers an insightful glimpse into the lives of a group of top runners, and shone a light on the dedication that happens behind the scenes with many juggling jobs, studies and other commitments.

Marathoner Anna Boniface shared her experiences on the road to recovery after injury and helped raise awareness of RED-S (Relative energy deficiency in sport), which will no doubt have aided many in a similar situation.

Kevin Dooney reflected on the rollercoaster highs and lows of a long distance runner and bravely wrote about mental health and the challenges with depression he has faced.

Up and coming sprint stars Leon Reid and Imani-Lara Lansiquot shared their inspirational journey as they made a footprint on the global stage with medal success at the Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

At the other end of the distance spectrum, ultra runner James Stewart documented the life of a 24hr runner and the balancing act between family and work, while also ensuring he squeezed in a musical reference or two.

Middle distance runner Tom Marshall reached the heights of the Commonwealth Games and provided a great insight into his training, while Katie Kirk wrote an honest piece on how taking a step back from an all-consuming sport can be a positive thing.

Two-time Manchester Marathon champion Dave Norman documented his first steps into the veteran ranks with some excellent advice for all runners, while Ben Fish provided detailed accounts of his races along with interesting topics, such as classic road races that have fallen by the wayside.

Last but not least, Laura Riches wrote about important subjects including the perceived body image of a distance runner and volunteering, as well as her eventful marathon debut.

On behalf of the Fast Running team, I would like to thank everyone for their contributions over the last 12 months. Rest assured readers have greatly benefited from your insights and I hope you enjoyed documenting your journey.

Finally, when one door closes another opens… and by Friday (January 11) a new group of 10 runners will be announced for the Fast 10: class of 2019.

Until then, you can revisit some of the interesting articles from 2018’s group of runners here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post Fast 10: class of 2018 reaches successful conclusion appeared first on Fast Running.

Well, that seemed to fly by, though I have to admit, I’m glad to see the back of 2018. It’s been one of those years where things just didn’t fall in place and I think the only PB I could claim would be getting ill the most frequently in a calendar year!

There’s been some good results and training at times went really well, especially in the first half of the year. This past month has been very frustrating; I got off to a solid start with 31:15 (a seasons best out of a bad bunch) at Percy Pud 10k, a cracking race on the outskirts of Sheffield, quite a fast course despite being undulating. A few days later I got ill and it wiped me out for the best part of a week, perhaps in rushing to try and get back some form for Ribble Valley 10k, I ended up getting ill again and I decided to withdraw from the race, drawing a thick black line under 2018 – time to move on!

It was a pity, the conditions were excellent and both the men and women produced some incredible times, with both course records going. It was depressing watching the race, I hate not running and being a spectator, but I have to say, it was inspiring watching so many runners produce excellent times and personal bests.

I’m already looking beyond January towards Barcelona half marathon, I have six weeks, so it’s pretty much a case of sh*t or bust. I still think it leaves me enough time to get some form together. After that it’s speed, speed, speed! No spring marathon and I want to have a right good go at the track season, I regret not doing more of those this year.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s had a year of performances that have fallen below expectations; if I can offer any advice it would be that it’s all part of what running is about, it’s not supposed to be easy is it?

Work hard every year and make plans, it won’t always work out, but more often than not it will. When it doesn’t work out, you can put it down to experience and treat it as a toughening up experience that will make you stronger for bigger challenges ahead.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed sharing my story with you all on the class of 2018 blog, I hope some of you might have learned one or two things, or even if you learned nothing and just enjoyed a good read.

So, 2018 is a year I’ll put down to experience (one of many at my age!) and it will toughen me up for better races ahead in 2019! All the best for the New Year and I hope it’s one that brings more great memories and happy results!

Ben Fish features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018’ and over the course of the year will share his running journey. You can read Ben’s previous posts here and further information about the ‘class of 2018’ can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post The importance of putting it down to experience and looking ahead appeared first on Fast Running.

The comedown from big races and the end of the season is always tough to navigate. The end of this cross country season was no different.

After working for the better part of six months towards the European Cross Country Championships it was hard to know what to do once they had come and gone. With no races for six weeks and the festive season to get through it would be tough to keep some semblance of routine in my life, which I find very important to keeping myself on an even keel.

In the absence of any running goals to immediately work towards and recognising that I couldn’t simply go straight back into miles and tempo runs I decided to embark on a new challenge.

I had heard of the Rapha Festive 500 (cycling 500km over eight days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) before, but never seriously considered it until jokingly mentioning to my brother Conor at some point in November.

We went back and forth on whether it was actually a good idea or not, ultimately deciding that it would be worthwhile taking on.

Realistically this form of recovery was something more needed for my mind than my body. I knew that whenever I started training for the next phase that would be it. Running would become the all-consuming priority again and there’d be little room for much else.

I equally knew that in mid December I wasn’t quite ready to take this dive just yet. So over the course of the past week, I decided to give myself a new test, something not defined by running. A task to accomplish where performance wasn’t measured just a journey to go on and enjoy the scenery along the way.

On our bikes we went

Starting out on Christmas Eve the goal was simple, log 500km on the bike between then and New Year’s Eve. Eight days, 500km, an average of slightly over 60km per day. Before the month of December, I hadn’t used the bike for anything more than getting to work and training or running errands.

After a relatively easy 82km on the first day I figured the whole thing would be very manageable. This attitude changed rapidly the following day when half way through a cycle in the Wicklow Mountains I began to question every decision I have ever made in my life that has led me to that point.

Spending my Christmas Day grinding up a hill in my lowest (but still not low enough) gear, with a driving headwind and misty rain making visibility close to zero was a battle unlike anything I have experienced before.

This wasn’t about how long it took; it was simply about getting over the hill with a back that was tightening up with every pedal stroke.

I was quickly realising that while the second hand road bike I bought when I was sixteen was a great purchase, the optimism of the man in the shop who said I would grow into the frame was greatly misplaced.

The bike remains about two sizes too big, something that only added to the fun of the whole journey. Conor sensed my anguish, probably because I kept complaining about it, and was good enough to let me ride his new bike home while he took over my bike. He also knew that me completing the cycle on my machine could have been the end of my Festive 500.

We were kinder to ourselves the following day and stayed on flat roads but also taking in parts of Dublin and Kildare I had never visited before, something the bike gives much more scope for doing than running.

A ride in the dark was necessary on the 27th given our work and other commitments, but watching the sunrise over Dublin Bay from the Summit of Howth is another opportunity I’m very thankful to have experienced this past week.

Then there were four cyclists

The next day was one that really made me appreciate all that is good about sport and the possibilities it can create. While doing our S&C session in Sports Med Ireland in the morning, Donie our physio put us in touch with Olympic silver medallist in sailing Annalise Murphy who was also attempting the Festive 500.

A brief exchange of messages led to a 12:30 meet up in Enniskerry being set up. Annalise was cycling with Olympic triathlete Bryan Keane, and so the two groups not knowing each other beforehand combined and set off into the hills.

Over the next three hours, Conor and I were able to listen to and share stories with two people who have competed at the absolute highest levels of their sports, all while sharing in a passion that is not a speciality for any of us. As we cycled deeper and deeper into Wicklow eventually it was decided that after our coffee and cake stop we needed to turn for home.

With over 100km completed on a day where we probably planned on doing half the distance the power of company really shone through.

Having the opportunity to share in a sporting community other than a running one and learning along the way is something I will remain incredibly grateful for.

The challenge was rounded off with a handy 80km around Waterford and finished at the pub for much earned celebratory pints. Despite new pains in my back and quads, the change of scenery from running was just what I needed. As the old saying goes, a change is a good as a rest.

Now, after a week off the feet and in the saddle, I feel fully ready to head into the new year of running. There are some big changes coming up and hopefully many more challenges to overcome along the way.

And so here ends my blog writing for 2018. Thank you to those who have followed along throughout the year and & to Fast Running for giving me the platform to share my stories.

I’m sure I’ll continue the writing in 2019 and hopefully find a place to share it with whoever cares to read. Until then have a happy New Year.

Kevin Dooney features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018’ and over the course of the year will share his running journey. You can read Kevin’s previous posts here and further information about the ‘class of 2018’ can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

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Whilst reflecting on 2018, my initial thoughts are of disappointment and regret. No PBs. None of my running goals were achieved. In fact, for many months, I wasn’t running. Being sidelined with injury and health issues hasn’t been easy.

Yet, the biggest challenge has been confronting, accepting and dealing with the issues that led me down that path in first place.

2018 has been disappointing to some extent. Getting back to competing took much longer than anticipated. Progress has not been linear. It’s been a constant rollercoaster of ups and downs.

Three periods, a 6% improvement in bone density, encouraging lab tests and a few pleasing cross country races marks progress. Psychologically, there is still some way to go. What’s important is what I’ve learnt moving forwards into 2019 and beyond.

Trust those that are trying to help you

This has been the hardest challenge of all. Trusting and allowing health care professionals, my coach and friends to help me has been the most important lesson learnt.

Only then did things really start progressing. Being honest and reaching out for support throughout my recovery has helped more than anything.

Rest – It’s where the magic happens

My rest day is the most important day of the week. Rest means complete rest. No cross training, gym work or easy running. No exercise whatsoever and not restricting food intake as a result.

Resting is where you get fitter and you need to adequately fuel that process. Similarly, never underestimate the power of a good nights sleep!

Do you even lift bro?

I used to find strength work a chore but since braving the squat rack, I’ve become a big advocate of lifting weights. Not only does it build muscles and improve form but it’s essential for injury prevention and bone health.

Now back running, I can feel the benefits with every push off.

Eat, and keep on eating

I’ve previously had a warped interpretation on what and how much you need to eat as an athlete, particularly from social media and getting caught up comparing myself to others.

With the daily support from Alex (my dietitian), I’ve learnt the necessities of snacking, carbs and deviating away from continuous clean eating. It’s about getting the calories in, which is easier with nutrient dense food, including switching to full fat and becoming less carbphobic

Not just a runner

My life is and has been consumed by running. It’s an obsession and addiction. As other athletes experience through being injured, they can loose their sense of identity.

Not being an ‘athlete’, I felt I lost myself. Working through that, I’ve found that I can’t tether my value or self worth to my accolades in running.

Through having time away, I’ve found my identity independent of athletics. I’ve been able to invest more energy into other projects this year, including academic, business and creative pursuits. Most importantly, being more sociable amongst the brilliant group of friends I have (both runners and non runners).

Thank you to Fast Running for the opportunity to share my year and raise awareness of RED-S through my experience. Writing about the ups and downs of this year has helped me a lot. I hope it has resonated and helped others as well.

A huge thank you to all those who have supported, believed and stood by me. Alex Cook, my dietitian who has supported me every step of the way.

Nick Anderson, my coach for always believing in me and getting me back on the road towards my running ambitions. My doctor, Kate Hutchings, Reading AC, Saucony UK, my training partners and friends.

2019, I’m ready for you – smarter, stronger, healthier, happier and hopefully, faster.

Anna Boniface features in the ‘Fast 10: class of 2018’ and over the course of the year will share her running journey. You can read Anna’s previous posts here and further information about the ‘class of 2018’ can be found here.

Are you a fan of Fast Running? Then please support us. For as little as the price of a monthly magazine you can support Fast Running – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.

The post What I’ve learnt from 2018 appeared first on Fast Running.

There you go. That’s the year done. A whole year. 365 days. 52.14 weeks. A year in which I have personally had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in running terms.

It’s funny how we use the concept of a calendar that was brought together to account for equinox drift to underpin our construct of achievement versus time. As humans we kinda need some boundaries and framing to make sense of time so I guess that’s ok. Right?

And with that preamble I have lost 96% of the readers I was likely to have today. There is a point.

It tends to be that at this time of year plans for the next year are forming. Aims and targets are drawn up with the best intentions, races are entered and new gear is gifted, all against the backdrop of party nights and calorific excess. Who doesn’t love a contradiction after all?

Time off at the end of the year

One thing I always do in the early part of the winter is have some time off. The importance of allowing for muscle recovery and mental recuperation is one of the most overlooked parts of training in my experience, yet arguably the most critical. Taking a break is essential to allow for longevity, especially when you are training for ultras. You can only go to the well so many times before you find the bucket comes back dry.

For my part, I timed the rest with getting a wee procedure that means the risk of hearing the patter of tiny feet is now eradicated until grandparent days. It wasn’t as bad as I imagined but when you imagine something akin to being in the middle of a Road Runner and Wile E Coyote, ACME fuelled battleground as the level of pain you might go through everything else is better than that. And phew, it was. I was laid up for just over a week. Which was perfect on the back of a little rest in the weeks leading up to it.

All of which has me entering the festive period in the freshest state I have felt in a long time. And that is super important. Never scrimp on your rest and recovery is the message. It’s the foundation on which your fitness will be built.

A man with a plan

Looking ahead and planning for a new running year in that lovely 12 month window that Pope Gregory XVIII devised for us is mega-exciting. On a personal level I tend not to have any more than three focus races. Last year I only had two big races and I felt I lost a bit of sharpness as a result. A common mistake I see from runners is that they race and race and race. Which is fine if that is what they want.

However, I want to perform in races, not participate. Hence the focus on a few races. Quality over quantity. That doesn’t mean I won’t do more than three races but anything outside of a focus race is simply a training run. It will be used to practice race conditions, build fitness and glean information that will be useful for one of my “A” races. If you find yourself racing every week or so and are frustrated that you are not improving, the old idiom about less being more absolutely applies here!

Thank you and good night

It’s been an honour and pleasure to write for Fast Running these past 12 months. When I first got the call to be part of the Class of 2018 I thought that perhaps they’d dialled the wrong number. Getting to share my thoughts and take the readers on my journey has been great. It has helped me reflect on myself in an odd sort of way too. From being part of a silver medal winning GB team at the Euros, to DNF’ing at the Autumn 100 and of course the outstanding experience that was the Pyllon Endeavour, 2018 has been tumultuous and life affirming period.

The #1 highlight for me though was seeing how Louise set about kicking cancer’s ass. Yeah, she’s not beat it all yet – the all-clear takes a few years – but she is standing over it like Ali to Foreman in that most famous of sporting pictures. For me, everything I do now in running and life is with a sense of gratitude and happiness. I am inspired every day by those around me and especially those close to me. And will be using that to fuel the best 2019 I can have. I hope you do too.

Thanks for reading and all the best.

The post Being thankful for the highs and lows of the calendar year appeared first on Fast Running.