#13 Viking Coastal Day 2

25th January 2015
4:10:23

Ran most of it with E,
Phil joined us for the second half,
Wind was still quite strong but not half as bad as yesterday.

Double medalling

BCRC girlies

I'd literally just fallen over the line so I look like death.

A less noticeable headwind-tailwind pace difference, I guess I spent a bit more time at the aid station than before.
Super 'kick' at the end.

#12 Viking Coastal Day 1

24th January 2015
4:12:16

Bluewater Friday night, met up with L who'd travelled in from Dawlish. Bit of Pret, browsing the sports shops and Pizza Hut tea (no cheese).

Forecast
19 gusting 29mph
Highs of 6degrees (plus windchill)
Sunny

Course
4x out then back, very flat, very straight, mainly (old) Tarmac with some of it off-camber.
The usual awesome aid station.

What to say.....
Similar to Martello a strong headwind on the outward leg towards Reculver Towers, glad of full jacket, buff and hat/headband combo.
I ran as slowly as I could really, I was aiming for 4.25-30 as I was slightly over 9h for my first double in December. I'm quite well wind-trained after Martello, my legs are getting strong with the strength training, and it does feel similar to running uphill. I say I was running as slowly as I could as weirdly any slower just felt like being blown backwards.
Once I turned around at the far end (gate) the wind was enough to catch in my lower back and push me along.

I love on this chart how you can see the headwind-tailwind pace for each of the 4 laps.

Anyhoo......
My pace was steady. A little over 6'00"/km on average including breaks at the aid station each 'lap'.
I'd found some space and was running on my own, naturally seeing runners coming the other way and occasionally passing/being passed.
I saved my iPod until the third outward leg, the beach was beautiful, the sun came out, and an awesome first song came on. I got such a kick. I don't remember what the song was- I should sync and check iTunes to find out, but I was miming and dancing my way along the path for a while. I was beaming after that and either it was contagious or other runners were a bit happier now too. I was mouthing along, singing aloud in some places I didn't care and it felt so good.

I kept a reasonably consistent pace, I wanted to not trash my legs so I could a) run happy tomorrow, and b) get some proper training runs in ASAP as Paris training has been hindered somewhat by all these marathons.
A slight increase on the final lap and I brought my average down just a little bit to 5'55"



Fuelling
Strategy: OTT fuelling and early to help protect carb supplies for tomorrow and promote some recovery
3x shot bloks at the far end of the first 3 laps
Sweeties at the aid station.
I'd put a Lucozade sport there (didn't bother with it much) and a Powerade (gave myself brain freeze it was that cold when I gulped it down. Ow. )

Clothing
Flyknits
Brand new socks (lush for the feeties)
Nike winter tights
Nike LS high neck wool
Reebok LS high neck thick jersey
Taped seam wind/water proof jacket
Buff
Thin hat + fleece headband

#11 Martello

11th January 2015
4:27:53

Saturday inland had been wiiiindy, heavy showers at times and pretty grim overall. I'd been back runner for the school's cross country event. On the coast had been yucky wet, gale force and even hail.

The Sunday marathon was set to be sunny, dry, and probably less wind.

Got greeted by E at number collection, had an inkling she would be there after spotting a Facebook post relating to doubling in Kent.

The previous Sunday I'd run a very slow 15 and suffered fudged legs for days afterwards so was planning to take things easy.

First outward leg- into the wind. I dropped behind a group going about the right speed and used them as shelter. I walked a little at the turnaround.
First return leg- feeling a bit better, taking a few walk breaks, legs happy. Caught up with E and two buddies after she'd nipped behind the sea wall :o stayed with them and chatted. Run-walking.
Second outward- stayed with the group, enjoying the company and conversation. One dropped back so three of us continued. Again run-walking.
Second return- same.
Third outward- R stayed a little longer at the aid station so it was just me and E. Wind was really picking up but it was /just/ still quicker to run than power walk.
Third return- we picked up some speed.

Fourth outward- I took some cake at the aid station but really I shouldn't. E pushed us on into the howling treacle. She suggested running to halfway up and reassessing, at halfway, the question, "do you need to walk?" I was ready to walk, but did I /need/ to walk? No. So onwards we ran. I was zoned out a bit by the end- I though I was watching for the chalk marking the turnaround, but I missed it and E shouted me back- I laughed- ironic to miss the thing you're desperately waiting for.
Return and final leg- we pushed the pace. And pushed it again. And again. We are well matched runners even down to stride length and cadence. This was our fastest 10k, with an insanely fast last 2k (4'50"?/km) and a top speed of 4'08/km- threshold pace.

4'27" and a hug from Traviss.

Such a buzz.
I'm still buzzing two days later.
Company in the second half really helps. And a fast finish just feeeeels soooo gooood.

Love the medal. Great detailing, enamelling and turquoise ribbon.
Good goody bag. Chocolate appreciated.
I had to get changed pretty pronto-too cold. Then had the chicken wrap Phil had made me, and scoffed some more cake while chatting to a few people inc Rob- "MarathonMan" before heading for home.

I made myself an awesome Monday breakfast with the Cadbury Caramel Buttons.: