My Forum

I've been running for many years now with little complications. I completed 2 half marathons in the autumn of 2012, quite satisfactorily. Towards the end of January I started to slow down and become breathless easily. I think it had something to do with the severe winter we have experienced this year. Last week I struggled to complete a 10K- personal worst, last year I achieved a personal best for the same course, that's 7 minutes down. I'm currently having blood tests with my GP, but I was wondering if anybody else has had similar experience, especially after this winter?

I entered a few weeks ago. A little bit concerned about it's challenging nature as I didn't do it last year. I've done Canterbury Half numerous times, and running it again this Monday. That's quite a challenge, I trust Tonbridge is no harder !?     

      Like myself I know many people cycle to running events particularly in the fair weather. I wonder what impact this has on their performance at the event.

Three main variables seem to be relevant here, (a) the distance to the event, (b) the race distance and (c) your own personal level of fitness. I'm 57 and just an average runner, I usually come in at around midpoint in most events. I cycle up to 10 miles  to 10k events and would consider it for a race up to half marathon distance.

 I personally find the ride to the event beneficial, acting as a warm up, opening up the lungs and circulating the blood to the legs. It also gives me a mental boost, raising my self esteem and making me feel more like an athlete. I allow plenty of time to recover and rehydrate before the race starts. 

Anybody else have views or experiences on this? How about cycling to a triathlon or duathlon?