Ely Runners 10k Handicap

I recently joined the Ely Tri Club in April 2011, I booked my first Triathlon for 4th September, this just seems ages away at the moment.

With all my fellow members off enjoying triathlons and talking about there conquests, I feel I needed something I could do to get me more involved in with the club, with the restricted time I have. 

There are always a few small local races that are going on, and after the club was invited to the Ely Runners 10k handicap with it only being 5 mins up the road it was perfect.

We were all asked to give our 10k running time. As I had not actually timed a full 10k I based mine on my 5k run and other club members times. Putting forward a time of 46mins 30secs.

After making my way down to the start, I watched the people I was pursuing set off. 

For the first 3k I felt completely comfortable, then after that I started to zone myself out. Not focusing too much on running but more on a breathing pattern and focusing on chasing people down.

I knew that I should be better than the people in front of me therefore this give me the will power to chase. Between 3-5k I was overtaking quite quickly through a few bends. 

Then came the stretch between Pymoor and Little Downham where you could see a long way ahead, more mentally challenging, it makes you realise just how far you are running.

Towards the end of the straight I remember that there was a hill around the 7k mark, so I thought to myself I must run more of a steady pace to make sure I have enough to get up it.

But I could see fellow club members up ahead so I kept the pace. As we approached the hill I still kept a good pace and felt surprisingly good. And also overtaking more runners.

Just after that, we hit the pub called the Plough, completely zoned out I ran by and heard shouts of come on Jay. With a quick glance realised it was Leights and Mark (the coach) so I put my foot down a bit, hit the corner and the last straight, then I remember there was a little extra further to go. I hit the chicane and ahead was the finish - through a long grassy field, 2 people in front and no-where to over take. In a split second I had no choice but to overtake in the long grass. 

And so I sprinted achieving 46mins. 

With only 6 people in front and no-one overtaking - naturally I was happy. 

Getting back in the saddle

It started back in 2008, a couple of work colleges where trying to convince me to start some mountain biking with them. While I was at University and with a young family I had neither the time or energy for this.

However it was some thing about getting back on the bike that appealed to me. I was extremely unfit.

So in Christmas 2008 I decided I would purchase a Chris Boardman 2009 sport edition mountain bike which helped re-ignite my passion.

I realised there wasn't a chance of me going out with my work colleges unless I wanted to get left behind and lost in a forest. So I decided I would set a goal to cycle a 7 mile route round Ely each night to build my fitness. This gave me the confidence to start riding on the dangerous Fenland Roads.

It was during this period that I discovered the web page www.mapmyride.co.uk this enabled me to track my analse my rides better than ever before.
It would be on the Incredibly windy Fen roads that I would rediscover my grit and determination, with my wife working I could only steal 1-3 hours at a time after 9pm at night. 

My first logged workouts in March 2009.

My First Post - Sketches of Barcelona.

Hello,

In 2009 I was able to embark on a Tour of Barcelona, that was kindly set up by the University I attend 'Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford'. This is where me a my fellow friends and students would descend upon the Catalonian city.

An amazing time was had by all on the trip. Architecturally and socially and also totally fulfilled any expectations I had of the city, bearing in mind it was my second visit.

I would just like to share some quick sketches of the places that I visited

• Casa Mila AKA La Pedrera, one of the most amazing buildings showcasing some of the unprecedented work by Antoni Gaudí.
• Barcelona Pavilion by Frank Gehry, an early use of how steelwork can be used with some outstanding cantilevers. Amazingly Frank Gehry designed the building so that I would be best viewed in B&W to provide contrasts between the materials.
• Sagrada la Familia designed by Antoni Gaudí, which is just an incredible Cathedral, I need to go back and see this when it is complete. where Gaudí spent his last years. It is due to be complete by 2026 to mark the centennial of Gaudí's death.

http://picasaweb.google.com/jwoods.columbine/SketchesFromTourOfBarcelona?feat=directlink

I will definatly go back here for more Tapas and Sangria, with my family next time!