Friday 25 January 2013

2012 review

Just when I thought 2011 couldn't get any better, along came 2012. I know it's a bit late for an end of year reflection, but I'd like to write it down just for my own records. I started this over a month ago, so I thought I may as well finish and publish it. So here goes...


L-R, the GM, me, Sonic and Crazy German
January 2012: My New Year's Resolution was to start training with the Glasgow Lunchrunners.  This is a group of club runners, who basically, erm, run together at lunchtime.  Near Glasgow city centre.  Yes, the clue's in the name.  All under the guidance of the messiah that is Mark Johnston. I've followed Mark's plans throughout 2011, but never had the confidence to join in.  Even if I'm only there until they become dots in distance,  I'm glad I did, as I PBd in all road distances in 2012.

 April saw my ultra race of 2012: The Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon, which is a healthy 57 miles on canal path.  I finished second lady in 7:54 (behind the GM who was first in 7:41) and 8th overall.  

The best thing about this race was that I started at 8:30m/m pace and finished averaging 8:30m/m. Textbook, if I do say so myself.

May's Women's 10K:  This was my 10th in a row finish of the  Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K. I just love this race and would crawl round on my hands and knees if I had too.  Thankfully, I didn't have to, as I got a new PB in 43:27 and 78th out of 8000+ 

With June came the  piece de resistance of 2012: The Grand Union Canal Race.  I've milked it enough, so I doubt you need reminding that I won this race outright.  Also setting a new Ladies' course record of 28:01. Apparently people think the one minute over should bother me, but it really doesn't.  Although I'd like to give the race another bash in the future.  And hopefully not go to pieces during the night.

With this win came new opportunities.  Firstly the Ultramarathonrunningstore.com asked me to be their first female sponsored athlete.  It also fast-tracked me for GBR selection at the World 24 hour championships in September. Although I had the qualifying distance from my previous 24 hour race, I still had to prove form and fitness for the GBR team.  It's a good job the selectors didn't see my feet after the race!

The week after, I had my first post-GUCR run with my Garscube friends and our very own Olympic Torch Bearer, Anita. It was ridiculous o'clock on a Saturday morning, but hundreds of people turned out to see the celebrations. It was a magical experience

In July, Sonic was selected to represent Scotland at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100K at Newport in Wales.  It was an absolute scorcher of a day and I practically baked just standing about.  It was kicking the a*s off 30 degrees centigrade.  Granted, that's not hot for some races, but for a race in Wales it was the worst case scenario.

Then came the Olympics and I was glued to the TV for weeks.  I don't need to tell your how amazing the Olympics was.  Not just for sport, but for community and spirit. Apparently Londonders were talking to each on the tube, which is unheard of.  I think I cried at least once every day. The feel-good factor created by the Olympics has been a major boost for Glasgow 2014.

In August, I got new 5K PB of 20:40 at the Strathclyde Parkrun.

The week after, I ran Devil o' the Highlands for the 5th times.  Previous finishes were all podium places of 3rd, 2nd, 3rd and 2nd. Behind the likes of Joasia Zakerzewski  and Lucy Colquhoun.   I finally nailed it and was first lady. Jo and Lucy weren't running :-)  I was equally pleased that the Crazy German was first male, as we were no longer the Bridesmaids. 

Sonic has treated himself (as you do) to a 3D TV after the ACP, so it was great to go home with my trophy, drink wine and watch the most amazing night of the Olympics. I got this made for the Crazy German to recognise his contribution to the day.

Two weeks later, I ran around the Island of Arran with the GM. This is something I've wanted to do for a for ages, just for a personal achievement. It was 55 miles on hilly roads and would be the last long run before the 24-hour race.

.September:  It was a very proud moment when I was given the honour of representing Great Britain at the World and European 24 hour Championship in Katowice, Poland.  Race report here

I was second counter (Emily first and the GM third) in the GB ladies team that won European silver and World bronze. 

I also set three new Scottish records: 100 miles (15:48), 200K (20:55) and 24 hours (217km).  If you scroll down to the very, very bottom of THIS PAGE, then you will see the proof.   You will also see - and be more impressed by - that some of Don Ritchie's Scottish ultra records have remained untouched since in 1977.

I'm going to quickly move over this but I ran the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon at the end of October 2012.  I got a new PB in 3:28, which fell short of my self-imposed expectations. Still, mustn't grumble.  A PB is a PB.

The lovely Richard Felton's organised an unofficial award for the home-based UK athletes of the year.  It started with a blog post, which grew into a poll.  I think it was less to do with athletics ability and more to do with Sonic's gung-ho tactics and bullying people to vote, but I won the Athlete of the Year.  Mimi Anderson won Performance of the Year with her amazing Ireland crossing record.  Terry Conway was male Athlete of the Year and Neil Bryant won Male Performance of the Year by simply running across Europe.  Yes, Europe.


And last but not least, December's Marcothon has gone from strenght to strength.  During 2012, the fourth official Marcothon, over 1000 runners "signed up" on Facebook to run every day in December.  That's at least 100,000 Marcothon miles clock up - all over the world.

This year, we have a new website and branding.  The logos were designed by the lovely aforementioned Torch Bearer.  There's no end to her talents.

Happy 2013, everyone.  Maybe I should start on the 2013 review now.

Friday 4 January 2013

Marcothon 2012 review


That's it over with for another year.  And with all previous Marcothons, it's been a blast.  There were a few days I cursed it (mainly post-red wine or in a storm), but I kind of miss it now.

At the last count, there were 1096 Marcothoners on Facebook.  That's over 100,000 minimum miles clocked up all over the world. 

Here's a summary of a my Marcothon training calendar. Double click to read.