The Road To Chester: Week 2

Less than 100 days to go until my first marathon in Chester. This is my weekly blog on how my training is going and what I'm up to.

Week 2 Highlights:

• 52 miles ran this week.
• A new parkrun pb.
• In the top 10 percent!
• Less than 100 days to go.

I've completed less miles this week than last but included a Sunday long run. Due to race commitments it's my first one of training and will be my last for a couple of weeks, after that it's long runs every Sunday!

 I ran up Hartshead Pike again today and it doesn't get any easier. While the views a fantastic up there I'm thinking for long runs it's not the best, by the time I was nearing home I was feeling it in my legs and I know I can run further without any problems. Time to spend sometime on Connect planning some new routes.

On Saturday I did a spot of parkrun tourism to Pennington Flash in Leigh. I'm doing the Leigh 10k next Sunday round the country park and this was an ideal chance to recce the area. Originally Mark, Mike and I were going to run it but due to other commitments and an injury there was only me running. Mark kindly drove me over to Pennington Flash and provided so excellent support as I ran.


The course is ran all on trail or bridal paths, including a small hurdle at the end of each lap, some sections were also slightly muddy from the weeks rain.

Me, in blue, leading at the start of Pennignton Flash parkrun.
Hot on my heals in black and red is Jake Holt also an
Oldham parkrunner on tour. 

I set off at a reasonable and found myself leading as we headed towards the loop section of the course. It was quite a strange feeling leading a parkrun; I've lead at Oldham before but know the course well so don't have to worry about the "which way do I go" thing. Saturday however was a bit different, I led for most of the first kilometer and had to hope that I was going the right way! Finishing the third lap there is a run back to the finish line, but not knowing the course I wasn't sure when to kick the sprint finish in. Started a bit too early backed it off then found I'd left it a bit too late!

My finishing time of 19:22 is a parkrun pb, but while the Garmin data gives a total climb of 20 meters it felt more, combined with the trail didn't make it the fastest course. Need to get down to a flat fast one soon!

I've seen a few runners wearing t-shirts with #TopTenPercent on the and been curious as to what it's all about. Doing a quick Google search (other search engines may be available) I found out it is something organised my Lucozade for "elite athletes only - those performing in the top ten percent of their sport". I applied to join, not really thinking I'd be accepted but I thought I had nothing to loose. Turns out my time at the Chester Half Marathon in May qualifies me. Elite athlete? Me? Not sure what I get apart from a free t-shirt and a gel, some sales e-mails from Lucozade maybe?

Chester Marathon posted on Facebook this week that there was just 100 days to go to the race. It's starting to feel very real and a little scary. Can I really run 26.2 miles at a race pace? Over the next few months I'll find out. The key indicator of how I'm doing will be the Fleetwood Half Marathon at the end of August. I'd like to think I can break 90 mins for the half I'll be on target.

Next week I'm competing in two 10k races: the Rochdale 10k and the previously mentioned Leigh 10k. Rochdale should be fun as it is my first Royton Road Runners club championship race and while I wont win anything this season it will be nice to get some points on the board.