Can Run Will Run: April 2017

Sunday 16 April 2017

Tractor 10k gets league off to a speedy start

LOOK, NO HANDS! Kelvin Elliott on a bright
red Massey Ferguson tractor at the Easter 10k.

Event: Massey Ferguson Tractor 10k

Location: Stoneleigh Park, near Coventry, Warwickshire.
Date: Sunday April 16, 2017

WHAT a ‘cracking’ start to Easter Sunday – with a fast, flat and traffic-free 10k race around the National Agriculture and Exhibition Centre (NAEC), Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Massey Ferguson Runners Club, the club’s annual Easter race – normally at Coventry War Memorial Park - was held on a three-lap course at the venue.

The morning looked promising, with a mild sun easing through the clouds. By the start of the race it was bright and sunny, with a mix of overcast and patches of clear blue sky. It was comfortably cool - the sort of temperature where you know you’re soon going to warm up once you get started – and very little, if any, breeze.

TRACTOR APPEAL: More club members join
Kelvin in front of the tractor.

There was ample free parking and a fun-filled atmosphere, as members of Massey’s, other clubs and unaffiliated runners gathered. A bright red Massey tractor, located not far from the famous clock tower, landmark to generations of visitors (especially when the park was home to the Royal Agricultural Show), proved irresistible – almost as much of a draw as the run itself!

The event was well organised, with marshals directing the parking, and checking-in desks and baggage area clearly indicated and well staffed. Changing facilities and tea, coffee and refreshments were available pre and post-race.

DRIVING SEAT: Oh look - it's Kelvin
at the wheel of that lovely red tractor!

The start was a short walk from the arrival point, and after a few words from Massey Ferguson’s Dave Goodwin, the hooter was sounded and we were off!

One of the challenges – especially on a flat, tarmac surface – is resisting the urge to set off too quickly, swept along by the fast pace, only to suffer later. It’s a good PB course. For some, like Callum Hanlon – first across the finish line in just 33 mins 21 secs – conditions were ideal; in fact, as he himself reported, just what he wanted! Callum's club, Leamington Cycling and Athletic Club, did well, with second place going to fellow club member Paul Andrew, with a time of 34:19.

For others, even with the favorable conditions, the time element perhaps wasn’t quite so crucial. I confess, I did have to ease up a touch when I saw road signs indicating that the speed limit was 20mph . . . Ha ha. I wish! In truth, there are points in most races where, as with many others, I have to draw on sheer will power to keep going, resisting the urge to walk, or simply collapse in a quivering heap altogether, and resort to mantra rather than muscle.

SPEEDY WIN: Callum Hanlon,
first across the finish line.

This race was no different, and I found myself - probably about three-quarters of the way through - repeating 'You can do this, You can do this, You can do this!' mentally pounding away any aches, pains, or even worse, doubt! It's amazing how these repetitive phrases seem to numb the fatigue and drive your limbs; although the sound of heavy breathing bearing down on you from behind can also give you a remarkable energy boost!

Mind you, being lapped by the likes of Callum is exciting. It’s a privilege and something to appreciate - you can admire both the skill and the stamina; even though I do put his greater speed and agility down to the, ahem, age gap!!

The surface at Stoneleigh is virtually flat for the entire route – just a very gentle slope here and there. On the run, it was also relatively quiet, apart from the robust encouragement from marshals and supporters!

On Monday evening, at a ‘trial’ run, a chorus of out-of-tune sheep and cattle erupted, like a group of wild, raucous supporters who'd been out on the town, as runners passed some barns.

LONG ROAD: Sheila and Dave - down from Hull.

There were over 350 participants, some from quite far afield. Sheila Maddison and Dave Playforth had travelled down from Hull, and made a weekend of it by also running at Leamington. Well done on your times, Sheila and Dave. Hope you had a good journey back,

Although flat, the course includes a number of sharpish turns, and I lost track of exactly where we were. The marshals became my markers. (Thanks marshals!). There were water stations at roughly two and four miles.

Part of the pleasure of running is not just challenging yourself, but taking part with others. You run as an individual, but also share the experience; and you have a special bond with other members of your club. You wear your colours with pride – and it was a delight to see, across the flat, manicured landscape, the bright ribbon of runners, weaving its way around the course.

CLUB COLOURS: Waiting at the start.

I tried to maintain a consistent pace, but my tracker (on Endomondo) shows more variation than I might have expected. You need to listen to your body but if you don’t have a watch it does raise questions about how accurate the ‘subjective’ assessment of your performance is, compared to a more ‘objective’ measurement. Food for thought for future runs, perhaps?

All in all, this was a superb inaugural event; a fitting celebrating of Massey's 40^th anniversary, and a sparkling first race in this year’s Warwickshire Road Race League.

A massive thanks are due to all involved – organisers, marshals, volunteers (not forgetting ambulance) – and, of course, the amazing runners.

At the finish there were goodies and an awesome medal which has been a sure-fire hit and which features, yes, you've guessed it - a bright red Massey Ferguson tractor!

Kelvin will be pleased!

AWESOME MEDAL . . . complete with red tractor

CELEBRATION TEAM: Massey Ferguson runners - this year celebrating the club's 40th anniversary.

SIGNING IN: Above and below, arrival and registration.

PRE-RACE CHAT: Relaxing before the start,

TRACTOR TIME: Above and below - Yes, it's that tractor again!

FEELING GOOD: A quick stretch before stepping into action.

ON THE MOVE: Heading for the start.

FOLLOW THE ARROW:
This way folks!

NEARLY THERE: Just a few more yards.

INSPIRATIONAL LINE-UP: Team-mates eager to get running.

READY TO GO: Anticipation waiting for the start.

ALL SET: Not long now and, below, thumbs up for a great race.

COMFORT FOOD: Welcome goodies at the end of the race.

TASTY TREAT: Volunteers hand out chewy bars, jelly sweets and water at the end of the race.

HELPING HAND: Big thanks to all those not taking to the track, but who ensure everything runs smoothly.

TIME TO RELAX: Above and below, medals and chat at the end of the race under the landmark clock.

TEAM PRIDE: Medals and smiles - Massey club members celebrate after a brilliant race.

Tuesday 4 April 2017

10 learning points from half marathon

JUBILATION, pictured below, as runners cross the line at Coventry's recent half marathon. As part of my ongoing 'adventure in running,' I've identified some learning points from the event. These are my own personal 'takeaways.' I'm not an expert - or even a particularly experienced runner - but this is by way of reflecting upon my first half marathon, and mulling over how to improve in future. Fab race-day pictures by BECKY THOMPSON. Thanks Becky!

VICTORY WAVE: Above and below, arms raised in
triumph at the end of the run.

Event: Half marathon (lessons learned)
Location: Coventry, West Midlands
Date: 19/03/17

OK! A little over a fortnight since the Coventry Half Marathon – my very first HM - and six weeks before my next, at Chillington Hall, near Brewood, in Staffordshire, on May 12. What can I learn from the experience?

FLYING FINISH: Crossing the
line in style

First of all, recovery time . . . It can take longer than you think.

There are people who are able run marathons day after day, apparently without flinching. But mere mortals, it seems, need to allow plenty of time for the impact to ease.

Like much that’s to do with running it seems that ‘nice and slow’ is best.

HIGH FIVE: Fantastic encouragement from supporters.

A lot will depend on age, fitness and experience, of course. You can go on an easy run or distance run the day after a race, but effective recovery takes time.

I was surprised at how long the ‘aches and pains’ actually lasted!

Training plan or no training plan?

There are plenty of ready-made plans available, either in books, magazines or off the internet.

They provide a helpful guide, but the general advice seems to be to adapt the plan to your needs. I loosely followed a schedule, missing days here and there, switching others around to suit.

PROUD SMILE: Final runner
completes the half marathon

Different people will have different reasons for entering a half, and so may need to follow carefully designed schedules more closely.

My goal, however, was survival, not speed. I wanted to enjoy the experience.

Learning point 1: Listen and learn. The tried-and-tested ‘listen to your body.’ Follow a plan, yes, but go with what you feel is right for you. Build a solid running base first, increase mileage slowly - small increments each week - and mix workout types. And certainly don’t overdo it! Too much too soon can be a recipe for injury! (Been there, done that!)

Feeding the dream

I was a little apprehensive first thing, as I felt stodgier than normal following quite a large pasta meal the night before. I imagined having to heave this extra weight around the course (or worse!). Luckily it was ok, but there's a lesson in there somewhere!

I substituted water for caffeine as often as possible in the week preceding the HM, but other than that, made no changes to my diet, and certainly didn’t try out any gels etc on the day! The mileage is enough to deal with – without the possibility of a ‘grumpy’ stomach as well!

Learning point 2: Nothing New. If you do want to try gels – or any other change in diet, for that matter - it’s best to become familiar with them before race day, not make sudden changes, or try anything new, at the last minute.

WARM UP: Friends in pen 2 before the race.

Note to self: take a closer look at nutrition.

CLUB COLOURS: Massey Ferguson members
ready for the run.

Jelly babies – One thing I did try was jelly babies! I thought I’d give them a go because ‘they were there’ (thanks to the amazing supporters lining the route).

However, as I discovered, grabbing and consuming this squashy confectionery while on the move takes practice (as with water). I managed one, but it felt like a sort of gummy Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters trampolining on my tongue!

I wasn’t disappointed when the blobby gymnast finally dissolved - and was grateful I had failed to scoop up a whole team!

Learning point 3: Bye Bye Baby. Give the jelly babies a miss next time.

Sleep and euphoria

Sleep – or lack of it – the biggest problem. Some fitness coaches recommend around 10 to 12 hours. I’ll aim to achieve more, but I don’t know many people, especially if you work evenings, or other awkward times, who actually have 12 hours they can devote to sleeping. How heavenly would that be?

Learning point 4: Snooze control. Try to improve sleep time and squeeze in as much as possible!

WINNING STEPS: Nathan and Rachael, from Massey
Ferguson Running Club cross the finish line. Below,
ready for the off in the 2.5 hour pen.

Although euphoric, I was surprised at how, paradoxically, ‘down in the dumps’ and disoriented I felt the day after the race. But it appears this is a normal reaction – after the build-up, training, physical exertion etc - and does ease off.

Learning point 5: Go with the flow. Conflicting emotions can be a natural outcome of the event – whatever the cause – you just have to ‘ride with it.’

And finally . . .

6) Buddy up: Being part of a club or having a running buddy can be a great help. You can learn from others, share experiences, and help keep each other on track.

7) Be prepared: Having everything ready the night before eases stress on the day – no last-minute searching for anything that might be missing. There’s enough to cope with as it is!

8) Familiar feel: Know what you're going to wear and wear what you know! You need to be comfortable: no new t-shirts or trainers!

CHARITY DRIVE: Lots of money raised for charity and,
below, lots of support and encouragement!

9) Time travel: Allow plenty of time for reaching the venue, parking, making your way to the race village, finding your pen etc. It gets busy. Car-parking – and portaloo - queues can quickly grow, adding even more tension to the proceedings.

10) Great goal: Ultimately, a half marathon is an exciting goal to aim for - not as gruelling as a marathon, but a respectable, and doable, challenge beyond 10k. It's a great motivator.

Last year, I didn’t feel ready. This year, I loved every step!