What?! I've been doing it all wrong?!

Did you ever think that you were training as best as you could.....only to find out that you've been going about it in COMPLETELY the wrong way?

It's been a year and a half since I've been training with the goal of running a sub-2:00 half marathon. This is partly due to an injury which knocked me out for about 6 months, and more recently a bad cold at the worst possible time.

But since my injury I really have been trying hard to get into top form. I spent most of 2011 just trying to build up my running foundations. When I trained for Dublin I increased my weekly running volume to an average of about 30-35 miles a week (compared to 15-20 miles when I trained for my previous halfs). I made sure I was getting some strength training and core work through pilates. I was doing my best to eat right and get enough rest.

Three half marathons later, I still hadn't broken the 2 hour mark but I really felt that it was just a matter of time and I'd beat it one day soon.

So as I've started train for my 5th half marathon with the same exact goal, I thought it would be a good time to do some reading on how to become a better runner. The book "Run Faster" caught my eye--partly because it was recommended by @JasonFitz1 on his website Strength Running, partly because what I want to do is in the title. I want to RUN FASTER!

I'm still trying to digest all the information and tips in the book (I'll be reviewing it in the next few weeks, so stay tuned) but one thing in particular has struck me so far.

I'm WAY OFF where I need to be if I want to run faster.

In the book there's a chart on the optimal running volume for different race distances based on your level. I was shocked to find that what I considered to be my highest weekly volume ever (just under 40 miles) is what's expected of a beginner! As a "competitive" runner with a few years training and the ambition to improve, my optimal running volume is 50-60 miles per week.

50-60 miles. I just couldn't believe it. I've never been anywhere near that kind of running volume.

And now I feel like I've spent the last year and a half just going through the motions of trying to break that sub-2:00. Like based on my training there was never any real chance I was going to run under 2 hours anyway. Like I've wasted 3 chances because I wasn't running nearly enough.

I know my sub-2:00 failures are not down to running volume alone but this really did surprise me. I guess because in some ways I'm still a beginner after all! So now that I know, for THIS half marathon getting my running volume up will be a big focus for me.

If I've been doing things wrong up till now, I can only improve.....right?

Here's to attempt #5!

Sorry, but do you have to do that?!

Admit it. We all have them.

Pet peeves when it comes to running. Like runners who don't say hello or hog the pavement.

You know what I mean.

While there are random things that do bother me here and there, I do have a particular pet peeve when it comes to races.....

So I'm running in the Old Deer Park 10K. The race has started and we're running along the narrow pavements towards the canal. A mile or so into the race, I'm trying to get into a steady, comfortable pace. Then suddenly I hear it.....loud, pounding, steps and heavy, labored breathing.

Oh no, I think. A giant is loose in Richmond and he's going to run right over us! Yikes! He's getting closer....

Eventually the giant is behind me but of course, it's not a giant. Just another female runner.

Her steps are so loud that they drown out the steps of everyone around me. I'm trying to follow my own footfalls but I can only hear hers and it's throwing off my rhythm.

And while I can relate to her breathing--we've all struggled through tough moments--the sound of it is adding to my own stress. The sound of her labored breathing is so loud and overwhelming it's almost as if I'M the one struggling!

I hope she just quickly moves past me but she doesn't. I have no choice but to push myself a bit to move away. But after a few minutes surrounded by the quieter rhythms of other runners, I hear her coming again! I can't get away!!

AAAAHHHHH!

Not the first time it's happened, and I'm sure not the last.

Am I allowed to ask race organizers to add, along with the usual rules like no headphones, ones that say "No stomping like an elephant" and "Quiet breathing only"?

Perhaps I'm being unreasonable, but it is a pet peeve after all.

Do you have any pet peeves when you race?

Rest Day Review: Old Deer Park 10K, Richmond - 20 November 2011

On Sunday I ran the Old Deer Park 10K in Richmond.

It's been a while since I've run a 10K as I've been focusing more on the half marathon this year. But when a friend of mine suggested Old Deer Park I thought it would be a nice "fun run" do to after the half in Bexhill. Plus it looked like it would be a flat course in a beautiful setting.

For most races in or near London parking can be an issue. Luckily there is a car park just across from the Old Deer Park, and on Sunday it's free until 1100. We arrived about 45 minutes before the race and had no problems finding a space.

The registration tent and race start were just a 5 minute walk away in the park. I had to pick up my timing chip and while the queues felt a little chaotic, it only took a few minutes. There were about 20 or so port-a-loos near the start--more than enough for the size of the race with minimal waiting times.

After several mild and sunny days in London it was a cold, very foggy morning with little visibility. I tried to stay warm as I waited for the start at 9:15.

Runners trying to stay warm near the registration tent