Four kilometres into this morning’s planned 30 kilometre run, I lost all energy and felt like I’d hit the wall. The pace I could maintain was drastically reduced, and slight undulations became mountains.
I believe that the cause was hypoglyc(a)emia – low blood sugar. I’ve experienced similar symptoms in the past after drinking Sprite or Fanta immediately before a run. The body’s insulin response to the influx of sugar is complicated by exercise. This morning I had my usual pre …
by Spartan How did Mo Farah become a dual Gold Medallist for Britain although born in Somalia? Mo arrived in England aged eight knowing very little English. His talent for running was noticed at an early age and this greatly aided acceptance of him. Early in his secondary school career he so easily won an endurance race that his PE teacher had Mo sign each of his classmates’ diaries because “Mo is going to be a star”.
The book is 350 pages …
by Spartan Paula Radcliffe has the three fastest marathon times run by a woman: the fourth best time is almost three minutes slower than Paula’s best.
As the cover says, this 2011 book covers the beginning runner attempting 5 kilometres all the way through to very serious marathoners. All aspects of running are covered from mental preparation, equipment, injuries, exercises and training schedules. It is not a step by step journal of a great running career although there are anecdotes to …
by Spartan Everyone knows two things about this book:
– it was a large part of the running boom in the late 1970s and among other benefits of running, made the claim that anyone who trained properly for a marathon was protected from heart disease;
– James Fixx died of a heart attack at a comparatively young age.
It was published in 1977 in the United States, and my copy was printed (in Fitzroy) September 1978, the fourth reprint in 2 months. …
by Spartan “Waterlogged: The Serious Problem of Overhydration in Endurance Sports” is the latest book from Tim Noakes, author of “The Lore of Running”. In “Waterlogged” he examines the “drink early, drink often” recommendations to distance runners. He describes the history and science and why these suggested rates are both incorrect and dangerous. He is a medical doctor, a widely published scientist and a foundation member of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Science Academy.
Until the 1970s, marathon runners drank very little. …
by Spartan Those who have been following the sporadic reports on my training might remember that the aim was to run faster than last year, and to break 5 hours. Neither goal was achieved as my time was three minutes slower than in 2011. The only reason I’m smiling in the photograph is that I finished.
I have no excuses as there were no injuries and no illness, not even a cold during the preparation. And who could complain about the weather? …
by Spartan In my original post, I set a few targets for training. The chief aim was to have at least two runs in the 30k range, and this has been achieved. However, although quantity has been OK the quality has been lacking. I also wanted to lose a couple of kilograms, and I’ve done this but haven’t quite reached my target. Peter Ryan also wanted to lose a little and went “dry in July” – such dedication. I’m still doing the …
by Spartan My longest run has increased to 14km thanks to participation in one of the events comprising the Great Ocean Road Marathon weekend. I’ve never been before but it was no secret as there were 3800 finishers over four events. Steve Moneghetti completed 3 of the 4, wimping out of the 45km run. At least two other Melbourne Marathon Spartans club committee members were there: Jay Fleming completed the marathon despite an injured hamstring, Graeme Lay was also a finisher in …
by Spartan
For the amusement of some, and to set a challenge for myself, I will sporadically post my training log for the 2012 Melbourne Marathon.
The graph shows my times over the preceding years. The column on the right is the target for 2012: for the statistically minded, it is approximately 2.42 times the current world best time, and some 12 minutes better than last year.
My current training regime includes the occasional run with the longest over the previous …
by Spartan