wannabe ultra runner?

Alistair - well done on the race - it's a lovely area, but I still don't fancy the tarmac! What did you do for your achilles? Just rest? Ice? I'm finding heat seems to help the most?

Alistair well done, sorry to hear you had injury issues  maybe a little rest in order to restore yourself to full fitness for 2013 needed?

i think thats wise Alistair, likewise Rocker should do the same. better to do low intensity for a couple of months and start the new season fighting fit than to keep going and risk more problems that may drag you down all of next year.

HI Alistair, would you run that race again next year?

Sounds like you are well on your way to becoming a 100 Marathon club member I am must admitt that I intend to enter more marathons next year as training runs with the intent of getting into that club

Hope you can get back to enjoying your runs soon. Maybe try some long bike rides?

Tim - not sure about next year, will definitely be back just not sure when. Looking at a social marathon (that was the deal with Snowdonia more about the company and after event party than the racing) now, first three entries on list are Kielder, Snowdonia, Glencoe and Coniston Trail (said I woudn't go back but having run and loved the first two I am loath not to run it every year - more 100 marathon runner behaviour I fear) i was going to circulate the list we put together to see what suggestion you and Phil have and to see what fits your calendars too.

I was thinking as I typed that earlier post I should start the spreadsheet to record marathons completed and when I get to 48 spend the next 52 weeks finishing it off!

I am enjoying running just not racing, simply because I have been in decline since April / May. Should definitely bike some, I bought a decent carbon road bike 18 months ago and have used it 3 times (all in the first fortnight) super shoddy really.

I am planning an 8 week, metabolic efficiency training cycle starting from Tuesday so will be keeping the intensity really low and am hoping I can rehabilitate whatever it is that is wrong with my hamstrings during this (need to see physio, I think it is a form of sciatica opposed to any damage, what is a bit of a nightmare is that driving really seems to aggravate things and I do 700+ miles of driving a week)

Jason D - Thanks go to you without  your mentions of it wouldn't have thought to run it, you should be on commission. Awesome race, made all the better by putting a few faces to names and or pseudonyms. Definitely struck gold with the weather!

So, reports from others who completed Beachy Head? Come on, I know I wasn't the only one... A club member who stayed overnight says there was no wind on Sunday morning...

Alistair, well done with Snowdonia.

Alistair...well done on Snod,watched it on TV last night,Looks very senic,but a bit to much road for me. Any way hope the hamstrings improve soon.How are you fixed for a bike ride this weekend , I promise not to kill you.  

ALISTAIR STEWART 4 wrote (see)

I am planning an 8 week, metabolic efficiency training cycle starting from Tuesday so will be keeping the intensity really low and am hoping I can rehabilitate whatever it is that is wrong with my hamstrings during this (need to see physio, I think it is a form of sciatica opposed to any damage, what is a bit of a nightmare is that driving really seems to aggravate things and I do 700+ miles of driving a week)

Alistair - Well done at Snod!... What is that ^^^?

WIB - This Podcast will explain it much better than I can:

http://trailrunnernation.com/2012/09/metabolic-efficiency-training-with-sunny-blende-and-tim-flemming/

In essence an active approach to improving fat adaption, using both diet and low intensity excercise.

Ah ok, cheers Alistair. Will have a listen Already have a pretty low carb/high fat & protein diet but want to improve it over the winter.

Currently reading "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance" so it could fit in nicely

Interesting - i'll have a read up as well. I'm currently reading Racing Weight by Matt Fitzgerald which is really making me think, and evaluate as part of my winter of improvement...

Ah, weight is the other thing. I have lost weight before but I had to reduce the amount I was eating to do it (surprise surprise). Cutting out carbohydrate has so far seen me drop 2kg without actually starving myself to do it! Infact, this time I had not had the intention of any weight loss I just wanted to try a new eating approach.

 2kg????? im not sure this cutting out food n stuff is a good thing!

I'm not specifically looking to lose weight per se: according to what i've read so far my optimum racing weight should be 10st, which is only just over half a stone from where I am now, but I should only be aiming to hit that mark in the same way that I aim to hit my peak of training on race day, and then allow myself leeway of up to 8% in off season etc. I'm still reading, and still learning. One of the main things I need to do is improve my diet, but cooking for one does get tedious...hence taking the easier options sometimes (no, NOT Pot Noodle!!). I also need to cut down on "treats", or replace them with healthier options. If I improve my fuelling then I should hopefully be able to improve my training, and my performance.

DAYTREKKER - Love to go for a bike ride buddy, let me know when and i'll put some air in the tyres of my poor neglected bike.