Cambridge and Coleridge

I went along to another good session with the Cambridge and Coleridge club on Tuesday night. We jogged about 1/2 mile and then did a 1K time trial and then 4 x 3 minutes where the aim was to run out hard for 3 minutes and then try to run back to where you started for the next 3 minutes. I didn't quite manage it the first time, but the second time didn't go quite so fast and managed it on the way back. I took it a bit easy because of my knee, but it seems almost ok now.

I went out for a 1 mile jog, followed by 2 miles at 8 min mile pace, followed by a 1 mile jog last night. This was pretty hard and hot, but I managed it. This is part of my training plan for the Peterborough Great Eastern 1/2 in October, which started this week. I need to run 8 min/mile pace to finish it in 1:45 which is my aim. After last night's run the thought of running 8 min miles for 13 miles seems very hard. It's achievable but will need some serious training.

After going along to C&C for a few weeks I have now joined. I think going along to their sessions will really help with my training.

Very sad news on Tuesday. James Kew from Saffron Striders was killed by an electric cable while out on a training session with the club.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-18980255

I have been along to one session with Saffron Striders and they seem a very friendly club. There are often members from the club at local races.

Long run

Hadn't felt that great yesterday, but was desperate to get out for a run. Decided to run a slighly different route when I set off at about 8PM. I ran down towards Trumpington and dropped off a cheque for my entry to the Chariots of Fire race in September.

I then headed off to Granchester, running past Jeffrey Archer's house and through the Orchard. The Orchard is a lovely place to go, but I find it unbelievable that they don't tidy away the cups and glasses before they pack up for the evening. There were full trays and the remains of scones on the racks near the kitchen and on the tables in the Orchard.

I then ran along Grantchester Meadows. I love this route. Saw quite a few runners on the path to Newnham. I then want along a very muddy path alongside the river and returned home via Trumpington Road.

Lovely evening for running, not too hot, it would have been too hot earlier. Felt fairly good and only a little twinge in my right knee. Could feel though, that I hadn't run properly for a bit. I ended up running 7.08 miles in 1:08:40 at a pace of 9:42.

Girton 5K

I ran in the Girton 5K (http://www.girton5k.org.uk/) last night. This is a fun well organised race. It's not a course for a PB, as for the first half or so it goes along narrow footpaths where it's difficult to overtake, made even harder last night as it was very muddy.

When I was getting ready to set off it was pouring with rain, so I wasn't sure about going, especially as I was going to cycle. Decided to go anyway, as I really wanted to run, having not run properly for a bit. It was a bit of a long cycle ride, which took over an hour. I was getting worried I might not get there before registration closed (at 7:15PM), but got there with about 10 minutes to go.

Due to the problems I have had with my knee over the last couple of weeks I decided to start at the back and see how I felt. Felt Ok, so decided to speed up. I did it in 25:23 which was slower than last year. A bit disappointed with the time, but starting at the back and with the conditions, probably wasn't going to do any better. Enjoyed the free finisher's beer at the end. Hopefully next year the conditions will be dry and I don't have any injuries, so that I can start at the front.

Garmin connect of the race here :

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/201065766

Physio

Went to Fit for Sport today so they could see what is causing my knee problems. Richard gave my knees a really good examination and there aren't any problems with my knees, it's tightness in my calf muscles which are pulling on my knees, causing them to click and sometimes collapse.

Richard gave my thigh muscles a good workout and gave me some new exercises to do. He told me take it easy for a few days and only do up to about 5 miles at the weekend. If I feel ok and have done a bit of a faster run next week, I should be ok to do the Girton 5K and get my free finisher's beer !

http://www.girton5k.org.uk/

It was a good fun race last year (although some parts you can't pass anyone for ages).

Picture of last year's start :

Cambridge Torch Relay etc.

We went to see the Olympic Torch pass through Cambridge last Saturday. We saw the final leg when Iwan Thomas carried it onto the stage on Parker's Piece on Saturday evening to light the cauldron. It was very wet and muddy, but we had a reasonable view and we all enjoyed it. Can't wait for the games to start. I would have posted some pictures of it we took but they are all rubbish !

We have managed to get some tickets to see one of the athletics sessions on the morning of Monday 6th August. It will be good to soak up the atmosphere, even though we will only see some qualifying rounds.

Went for a run on Sunday. Was planning to run about 10 miles. Started off and felt ok and was running 9 minute miles. Unfortunately after about 2 miles my right knee collapsed and I fell over. I then slowed right down in case my knee collapsed again. It did a couple more times but as I was running slower I stopped myself from falling over. Very frustrating. In the end I ran about 6 miles in 1:05. I did plenty of stretching afterwards ; my right knee was very tight. My knee felt ok on Monday when I was walking and I did a gentle jog of about 1 1/2 miles today without any problems. I still get the occasional twinge when walking, although it seems a lot better today. I am going to continue to take it easy for a bit and I'm going to see the physio on Thursday to see what they say. I may do a gentle jog between now and then and hopefully can do a slow run at the weekend.

I've entered the Girton 5K a week on Thursday and it will run it dependant on what the physio says and how I feel next week, but will probably run it slowly anyway, as it's such a good event.

The week after I'm starting training for the Peterborough Great Eastern (1/2 marathon) run in October, so hopefully I will be back up to speed then.

Crocked

I was going to do a long run of about 10 miles on Sunday, but I woke up with a cold on Sunday morning, so decided best not to run. Went out for a short run last night and my right knee collapsed under me a few times.  Looks like the 2 sessions and parkrun on Saturday last week were too much for me, which is disappointing (I went to the SRC Wednesday session as well last week). I think the tightness in my thighs I had after the sessions has pulled on my knee. Did plenty of stretching after the run, so hopefully it will be ok again soon. Had planned on going to the SRC session this Wednesday night, but I think I will give it a miss this week and have a bit of a rest from running.

I then plan to go to next week's SRC session. It may be best to wait another week after that before I try any more Cambridge and Coleridge sessions.