Cort-Ma Law Hill race

I quite fancied a wee mid week blow out, and my idea of this these days is a wee hill race instead of trying to rattle 8 pints down the Dog House. The race that happened to suit was Cort-ma Law which is situated on the Crow Road above Lennoxtown. Now I'm no hill runner but I do like to test myself now and again and this suited my shifts and home life.

I had a quick swatch on the website which read  -MANDATORY KIT FULL BODY WATERPROOF COVER, MAP COMPASS AND WHISTLE. Still currently in the hottest Scottish weather known to man, I headed up with my full kit consisting of shorts and vest. And that was it. Sure I wouldn't get lost, and not having used a compass since 1st year, I thought I'd Just go with the 'follow the guy in front method. But on speaking to the organiser it turns out you actually did need all this kit! Anyway, that's the rules and It'll be the last time I turn up without the mandatory stuff no matter the weather. It's just not fair on the organisers and running about having to borrow kit isn't fun. I ended up using a full sized rucksack and looking like a  novice full kit wanker. Aw the gear nae idea type of thing.

                                                               Full kit wanker

After getting over the shame of not having the gear it was almost time to set off. The race started at 1930 instead of the 1900 advertised time which was a bit of a pain but not to worry. Everyone's kit was checked at the start and it was soon start time. Off we went and the pace of the leaders was unbelievable. I settled into a good wee rhythm and power hiked the really steep bits. To give you an idea I ran the first mile in 13:13 minutes, climbing 743ft according to strava. The route kind of flattens out a wee bit here with some minor up and downs and I managed to gain a few places by opening the legs up. I was keeping an eye on my HR which was comfy at around 155 bpm or so. Norry McNeill soon passed me, I've had some good races with Norry of the recent years and he powered past me. Good to see him racing well. There was now a good few tussocky bits to leap along which brilliant. There were numerous bogs which I tried to sight, and failed most of the time, going in way deeper than knee deep most times, great fun. I then slowed a wee bit and got passed by a couple of runners, so I picked up up before the descent.

Now as I say I'm no hill runner, but I was flinging myself down the steep descent as fast as I could, windmilling my way down. I was then passed by a proper runner who flew past me like I wasn't even moving. It's impressive to watch. I was going as fast as I could at this point as well! There was then a burn crossing which is always enjoyable before another tough climb up. At this point I was overtaken by Norrie again, who happened to go the wrong way earlier in the race. I don't ever remember getting overtaken twice in such a short race, so great running!! I did try keep him in sight but there was then the massive descent back to the start. Again I went as quick as my wee legs would take me. It's probably the steepest I've raced down. I was wearing the Inov-8 X-Talon 212 again which really kept the grip great down here. They have still never let me down in any conditions.

Coming in to the finish

                                       


I finished in 58:21 (watch time). Pretty happy with that having had tired legs for the last 5 weeks or so because of the miles I've been putting in. Next up is the Great Glen way, really looking forward to returning to this and seeing what I can do. It'll be my first long one for a while so I'll see how the legs cope!

Blackpool Marathon 2018

Flash back to a year ago, when my hopes were high, my legs fresh, my heart racing to the start line of Stirling 2017. Bang. The gun goes and so do I, intent on making this the fastest 26.2 mile I will ever do. If i reach my goal, there will never be another 26.2 again. Or so I believe. Then fast forward by 2 hours and 53 minutes to the most deflated and disappointed I have ever been in my adult (entire?) life. A huge personal best for me, but absolutely no doubt the race I feel I have underachieved the most, and believe me there's a lot of them. Now it may appear that I am dwelling on this particular occasion, and I suppose I am in someways, but it set something off in me. I've said it before and I know I don't ever want to be that disappointed again (we all remember the photo). But it has been purchased and printed off. I look at it more often than any other printed photo. It reminds me of the heartache and pain, and the absolute disappointment I had in myself that I felt in the days after Stirling. And herein lies the catalyst that fueled me for this training block.

So back to 2018. Blackpool is this years choice of marathon. And I make the same deal to myself. If I set out and achieve what I want, then the 26.2 is done and I would be absolutely happy with that. For a few months anyway until I move the goal posts again probably. Training started well, so much better than the piss poor weather we had. I don't think I took my gloves off until the end of March. The snow certainly hampered my speed sessions with me slipping all over the place but it did allow for some great hill sessions and some of the most fun I've ever had running. I was starting to feel pretty good and almost on track with what I wanted. The only thing that I could have changed looking back now is more speed sessions. I did plenty, but 100% of them were on my own. I'm not sure about other people who may be reading but I really do struggle to get proper fast on my own for whatever reason. I've tried many different things to sort this - time of day, what I've eaten, length of session, intervals etc and just about everything that I can think of. I just really struggle to get to my top end speed without getting to the running club.

So why not get to the club you may ask? Well it would be that wee thing called a family! Trying to achieve a work/training balance is hard enough, but throw in a wife, 2 kids and shift work to that and it makes it so much tougher. Now my wife is the most supportive person I've ever met, and I've said loads that she gives up all her own dreams to focus on mine. She never (rarely) moans when I want to go running and I never wash or find any of my own kit, so it's certainly not on her part that I didn't manage to get down, it just happens that I'm one of these people who love my wife and kids and love spending time with them. Well that and daughter number 2 was an absolute nightmare at bedtime for the entire duration of this year. From 7pm one of us was completely tied to her, so these other things rightly took priority. It's just so difficult at times. I sometimes feel I've thrown my two Mizuno, my two kids, my wife and my job up in the air and I need to try and juggle them all, without letting one drop down even a wee bit. And I'm shit at juggling.

By the end of March I was sure I wasn't going to meet my target, but hopefully wouldn't be a kick in the arse aff it. But April soon sorted that. I'm a healthy chap and until this moment had never had a day off sick in my adult life, but at the start of the month I was totally wiped out. None of this common cold crap, I couldn't even sit up without feeling dizzy. So it caused me to miss a run. And another. And another. Then finally I succumbed and had to phone in sick for work, my pride hurting more than anything else right enough. In the end I missed a full months training. I ran a few days in the 'taper week' of the marathon but even then I knew I wasn't right. I even thought about not running which is unheard of for me. But the hotel was booked and a weekend away with Mrs Shaw to the romantic capital of Blackpool was on. Chris and his wife Lynsay were coming so at least it would be a good weekend away full of banter (even if Chris still has to find some) and it would be good to hang about with someone who has more grey hair than me I suppose. The trip down was good with Mrs Runners enjoying a drink, while me and Chris went mental with some pints of fizzy juice and water. Pre race madness I tell you.

Race morning I felt good. The weather didn't and it was pishing down and freezing. Never one to have dampened spirits, Mrs Shaw soon led the charge to the shop for some prossecco while we set off for the 26.2 miles of fun. It's an out and back looped course so I looked forward to seeing Chris at a few points, along with Danny, Willy and a few others I knew running.

                                                            half way point


Despite my month lay off I was still pretty ambitious so I set out aiming for a PB (I don't believe in aiming low), and if I started to feel unwell I would ease off then simmer down to a more comfy pace where I would be sure I wouldn't keel over and die. It all went well until about 2 miles in, and I knew it was time to simmer down and ease off. I just wasn't feeling up to it (although it is the first day I had felt normal in a month). So I just totally eased off and tried to enjoy myself, and surprisingly enough, I totally did. The main reason for this was that I totally loved seeing Chris, and the others I knew, out there working hard and getting what they deserved with their hard work. There aren't many things I like more than seeing people achieving their goals (look back to the finish line photo blog post). It was brilliant to see Danny get a sub 3 after everything he has been through, (even though I missed it by being a mile behind haha), and Willy finishing hungover after sinking about 15 pints the day before.

                                                         Finishing Straight

I was fortunate enough to spot Chris running to the finish line, and seeing him powering hard to the finish after spending the effort out there on the course was amazing. I just love seeing others achieve what they think is beyond them, and it never is. The body achieves what the mind believes, and I 100% believe that.

So even though I finished 11 massive minutes outside my PB, it's not all bad. If you had asked me a year ago if I would have been happy with that I would have laughed in your face and thought you were crazy. But I seen a different side of racing again from this. I never got what I set out to do, but I know one day I will. The flip side of seeing others achieve is massive for me and I love seeing others succeed on the day and much as I want to see myself succeed. Maybe I'm getting older and wiser, maybe helping others here and there will become more important to me than my own current goals, who knows. One thing I do know is that even if I do get that elusive 26.2 target I have, every year I'll be back there whether I'm aiming for that or just to finish. I'll still be running and racing as long as I am able. Sorry Mrs Shaw...

As always I ran my road miles in Mizuno Hitogami  which have powered me over all my road miles for the last few years. 100% the one for me. Now the focus heads back to the longer stuff. Next race up is the Great Glen Ultra at the beginning of July. Stay tuned!

Glentress Trail Marathon

The first proper race day of the year was Glentress trail marathon. I had done a few wee short races but this was a wee tester and a good long tough training run which would give a bit of a gauge as to how I was feeling. I had been doing a wee bit more climbing than I normally would do, and although I always feel weak on the hills and get passed by everyone and their dug, I was interested to see how I'd get on. As is my specialty, I had missed just about every planned long run on my plan, for a mixture of reasons. Although this is probably the first time I've missed them for reasons other than I couldn't be arsed.

Anyway...I'd had a pretty rubbish training week in the week leading up to this, and was keen to get a decent weeks training in on the week of the race, and hopefully run on semi tired legs, which I succeeded in doing. 

Race day came and me and Allan set off from Dumbarton about 0715 ish, arriving there about 9. The weather was perfect, little wind, clear skies, and a few degrees above freezing. This meant the course wouldn't be chewed up with much mud, and it had been sunny all week so little snow also. I opted to run in the Inov-8  X talons (which I spoke about in my previous blog). Given the perfect conditions I could have went with my Inov8 Race Ultras which would have maybe been a little more comfy, and I didn't require the extra grip. But they were good as ever and I have no complaints over my choice on the day. I didn't have any hopes going into the race, other than feeling decent throughout. 

The countdown started and at 10 bells we were off. A wee cheeky downhill for 20 seconds doesn't give an accurate insight into whats ahead. 2 loops of 2500ft climbing over single track, fire roads, switchbacks and mountain bike trails. More trail porn than anyone could hope for in a mornings run anyway.

It starts with a gentle climb and I was happy for loads of folk to leave me in their dust, and settle into a comfy pace. Even early in the race some of the downhills are quad shredding, I wasn't paying much attention at one downhill and crashed pretty hard. I was up as quick as I was down incase anyone seen me - but it meant me nursing a sore knee and hip for the rest of the race which was not fun on the rest of the downhills! I was trying to count and I think I was as low as 18th after a few miles. I aimed to complete the first loop in about 1:50 ish, and I maintained a very easy effort for the loop, walked the steeeeep uphill, and got back to the start in 12th position, in a time of  1:49 and change (whoooop). I had noted a few points where I would pick up the pace on the second loop, and hoped to pass a few people on those sections. I knew I would slow a bit (see above lack of long runs), but it wasn't too rough. I was aware I was slightly slower on the climbs, but I was putting a decent effort in on the flats and downhills and started to pass people. As the climbs went up and up, the pain in the quads was well worth it as we were rewarded with awesome views and crystal clear skies.

The miles passed very quickly for me in the second half, and I picked up several places within a few miles. I know I'm way down on a podium spot, but it's all good and I'm wanting a decent training run, as opposed to a race. However, as to anyone who knows me...I can't resist a race. I love it. I love throwing everything down and going all out against someone, be it for 1st or 30th, I just love racing. So as I was going up the swtichbacks under the trees, I see 2 runners in front, and I pass one pretty quickly, and catch the other one. I stay in his shadow and plan to pass on the flat or the downhill. But he has other plans. He tore away on the downhill and on this occasion I just couldn't match the speed to put a burst in. I don't recall the other runners name but it was a great effort at the end of a tough shift and well deserved, and was good to watch from a distance. I'm still a bit off mentally to dig deep in races, and this is something I need to work on for races so early in the season. But that's the way I am if I treat a race as a training run, and talk myself into it from entry day so I'm not worried, and I know I can zone in to races that I chose to put the mental energy into. But, well beaten in a wee sprint off in the closing miles.

In the end I finished in 6th position in a time of 3:47. I was pretty happy with this, but more happy that I ran what I felt was a decent run. My legs weren't goosed at the end, I felt good throughout and I was able to walk hobble free, unlike my usual post race zombie march.

For the pre race breakfast this time I opted for porridge with Almond and coconut milk, with a wee bit of granola.  Apart from that, the entire day was fueled by Tailwind which sorted me right out. For those who haven't tried this, which I'm sure isn't many, it's an amazing fuel for both races and training. No drops in energy, no stitches, no need to constantly be near a toilet. Plus it tastes awesome. I usually like to back it up with some solids during the really long stuff, but for a cheeky wee marathon there is no need at all for that. Go tailwind!!!


This is twice I've turned up at this race, and the first I've finished. 2016 I chucked it after 1 loop, so it was good to finally clear the 2 year slagging off I'v had for wearing the race T shirt that I never earned. For those who haven't ran this, the race has everything and is a great event so early in the year that will surely test the winter training.


The switchbacks are awesome, downhills tricky and rocky with the ankle grabbing heather ready to bring you to a crash if you aren't paying attention (I wasn't - ouch), the climbs are tough and the views awesome, if you're the type of person who like to look around during races.

See you next year to skelp my time!!

Snow snow snow

Well this week was all about getting back into the start of some proper mileage, instead of just messing about.The week started as normal with Horseshoe Monday, which this week was an easy 10 miles. Unbelievably,  my legs were still hurting slightly from the Trossachs trail race the Wednesday before, so it was good to ease them off.

On Tuesday the snow started but at this point it wasn't very deep. I had planned a hill repeats session. This is one of my weaknesses and I've not ran a hill repeat session for years. I had every excuse ready not to do it and to do an easy run instead. It's too slippy, it's getting dark, I've only slept for 3 hours, the list goes on. But I keep looking at this picture

and I don't want to be this disappointed again. So off I go. 10 reps of running through treacle while my legs are on fire. I'm not sure I was even running at some points moving up the hills but i got the job done and it was good to finally get a leg burner in the bag.

As I continue to work on my weaknesses (the biggest of which is hills obviously) I'm doing all my easy runs that I can on hills. By this time the snow had hit and I was constantly been rewarded by views like this

                                       



The hills even at an easy pace are still working my wee legs hard, but no one is going to give me the ability to run up hills fast, it's not going to magically appear so the only thing I can do is get up them every day. In many ways I feel like a beginner again at this. But I continue on and on, and it's made slightly easier by it getting slightly easier. So already feeling the benefit, and next weeks hill session will be a good bit tougher.

An 18 miler on Friday was pretty miserable. Freezing, icy and pouring rain but I got the job done and my legs at the end felt as fresh as when I'd started, Bonus!

I ended up on 70 miles for the week, pretty much my go to mileage, with 6500ft of climbing. The highlight of the week for me, was running around Balloch Park with my eldest daughter. She didn't ask to go sledging, or go make a snowman, she insisted on going out running with me in the heaving snow. Running can be such a selfish sport, and I often worry that I'm spending too much time away from home, too much time away from the kids when I should be doing other things. But I'm living in hope that it teaches them the dedication and sacrifice that you don't get from book learning. To work hard when you don't feel like it. If you only work hard on the days you feel good, you'll never get anything done.

                       
                                                              My favorite miles

I have to say, I am super impressed with Inov8s latest X Talons. Fortunately for me, these come in the team colours of black n red. With all the ice, snow, mud I've ran in this week, I haven't slipped or fallen once! Much better than the previous versions I've used and I've had total confidence in them doing speed work and decending quickly!! You can check them out at the link below here -

                                                              

The finish line photo

Finish line photos are great. To catch people's immediate emotions as they cross the line of whatever race they are doing as they meet their targets, achieve what they once thought they would never be able to do as they are cheered and applauded on by crowds of family, friends and strangers. I love being at the finish line watching people cross the line and reach their goals. For me it's one of my favorite parts of race day. However sometimes we aren't always happy. Which is shown in my Stirling Marathon finish line photo. I think it sums up just about every ounce of disappointment I felt that day.

Stirling was the only 'proper' race I had on this year. Due to great planning, my marathon training was due to start the week my baby was born, so I got off to a flyer by taking a rest week to hang about with the newest addition. The next 9 weeks or so involved the soon to be Mrs Shaw allowing me to run whenever I wanted, however the appeal of home life was far too great and my training was littered with missed runs and runs that were cut short so I could get home to my growing family. I did turn up on race day hopeful as ever but my lack of decent training showed and I ended up finishing with what I feel was my most disappointing performance to date, despite me having  huge pool of underwhelming performances to choose from. It is still my favorite finish line photo I've had, and it will take a lot to beat for many reasons.

Moving swiftly on and I didn't have any races at all over the summer. What I did have was pretty much non stop beer drinking just about every day. Doesn't really help the running in any way but it did help me sleep through the night while my soon to be wife won at wifeing for me and the kids. Who knows how I would survive without her doing everything for me and supporting me everywhere.

In September the soon to be Mrs Shaw finally became Mrs Shaw...woooop woooop! Then I had a cheeky 5 weeks off work, which was felt with a bang when I went back to work and run the Kielder Marathon in a little over 3:30.

For those who are wondering, the above picture is what it looks like to drink constantly for months, do zero training and then run a marathon. It hurt a good bit. But it doesn't take me too long to get back into it and with a solid 2 weeks training under my belt, and some days off the beer I managed a PB at the Lochaber half marathon in 1:20 with a good bit less pain in my face and body.

So it aint all bad! 2018 will be a bit different. Back to the proper racing with a middle sized ultra and hopefully another 24 hour race, that's where it's at! I didn't achieve much running in 2017 but I did extend my wee family to 1 more daughter, and upgraded my number 1 supporter to my wife, so I can safely say it's my best year I've had yet. Different, but I've never looked this happy in a finish line photo...