Dave Bradshaw Running

Feels like the weeks are flying by, maybe a sign I'm in the zone and enjoying myself. Week two was almost an exact replica of the first. The only changes were an extra rep on Friday and a slightly faster long run on Saturday.  Before I go into last week's training in detail, I just want to mention my nutritional changes, they're quite simple really, eat more! For me this is extra bowls of cereal and also toast and jam. My energy levels appear infinite, and as a result I'm looking forward to every run. Monday 8 miles (13K) easy, weather was perfect for running and energy levels were high. Tuesday 8 miles (13k) easy, humid and windy, my least favourite conditions. I also got a reminder from my left quad to foam roll. Wednesday 7 miles (11k), up to Marlay Park for my first session of the week, which included 5 miles (8k) at 160 heart rate. For this run to happen I have to be out the door by 6:30am. I love these early morning starts but it does take the body time to wake up...

Last year's Valencia Marathon resulted in a small personal best. I ran 3 hours 18 minutes and 31 seconds, it was my first time to ever run a negative split (second half faster than the first half) and my eleventh attempt at the distance. I'm definitely a slow learner! It was very satisfying and not once did I experience any weak spots throughout the 42k. Needless to say, I was thrilled, however I left this wonderful city thinking, what if.... What if this wasn't my third marathon in eight weeks, what if I concentrated on a good diet (eat more), what if I did some strength/core work? So here we are, twelve weeks out and my motivation is sky high. I want to run another personal best, feel strong and have a smile crossing the finish line, it doesn't sound like much, but to an experienced runner, we know what's involved! Time, commitment, patience, effort, recovery, support, to name a few. I've made some rough sketches that are starting to form a plan. Some of which...

Dublin Marathon Report   October 29th 2017   Niall Doyle   BIB : 437   After a good night's sleep (aided by the hour going back) I rose at 7am. Body weight was 80.1kg before breakfast. Everything was prepared the day before so after a small bowl of pasta I left the house at 7.30. Roads were clear and I got into town and parked on Fitzwilliam Lane before 8.00. I had been sipping away at my water bottle since waking but was anxious not to over hydrate. It felt good to mingle amongst the other runners and after I did my bag drop I wandered up to the junction of Fitzwilliam Street and Merrion Square. I felt good. Very focused. I spotted familiar faces from other races earlier in the year. The weather was overcast with occasional spots of rain with temperatures of about 12. No appreciable wind. I stretched a little without overdoing it. My right calf which had been concerning me since the day before seemed to be more settled. It was about 8.15 by now and after...

It's that time of year again when I start to reflect on the year that's been. Taking stock of what I have achieved and noting areas that were lacking. What then quickly follows are thoughts of the year to come, and how I can do better.  This is where goals are important, they sound simple enough, just targets to be completed in the future and that contribute to a more improved version of oneself, but it's never that easy. A number of years ago I attended a motivational talk by double European indoor gold medallist and Olympian David Gillick. He was tasked with inspiring the younger athletes in my local athletics club where I was coaching at the time. It was a really uplifting talk but what stuck with me was something he said at the very start "a goal without a plan is just a wish".  Planning or having a system is key to achieving goals. Writing down what steps are going to get you there, setting smaller and more achievable goals along the way. Creating an environ...

12. "Running with the Buffaloes" by Chris Lear An honest account of renowned coach Mark Wetmore and his winning cross country team.  Coaching philosophy, hard work, personal insights and tragedy all told with a delicate touch, definitely due a reread. 11. "The Art of Running Faster" by Julian Goater & Don Melvin The book is an account of Julian's own running career and almost a case of 'what if?'  He tries to impart wisdom to the reader, all the things he's learnt through experience and reflection with regards to training, technique etc. Things he wished he had applied during his time as a competitive runner. 10. "Can't hurt me" by David Goggins The language in this book is not for the sensitive. This is not your typical running book! For one thing he runs ultras. There's so much more to this former navy seal than meets the eye. I may not agree with some of what he says but his tenacity and mental toughness is to be both admired...

There are lots of reasons a runner can lose their running mojo, injury or illness, time constraints from family or work commitments, failure to hit a goal, over-training or perhaps an underlying medical issue. More recently it could be due to our schedule being out of whack due to the current restrictions that have been imposed on us as we try to tackle the covid19 virus. The loss of one's mojo has happened to most if not all runners, including myself. It can come from nowhere and be both frustrating and exhausting. I'm a lot better now at recognising the signs and taking appropriate actions to quickly sort it out but in the past I've gone a year, maybe longer without running, and so maybe by default, I'm now an expert in the subject. 1. Go for a run when you feel like it. Don't force yourself out the door but aim for at least twice a week if you can. 2. Keep your runs short, if your normal run has been 5 miles or 10k, cut it back to 2 miles or 5k and ...

I was 59, the kids were adults, the husband had taken redundancy and found himself a hobby, work was becoming more toxic and stressful by the day.  I knew I needed to do something.  But what ?  I felt too young for Bridge,  I was never any good at sport (don’t think darts after a good night at the bar counts), fermenting, whilst fun was too kitchen bound; I needed something sociable, fun, accessible, stress free and preferably easy.  And so I decided to try Running.  It seemed to tick so many boxes and would be something I could do both with people or on my own when travelling for work. And sure if I got slim and beautiful in the process that would be an added bonus.  Taking up running meant that I needed to buy my first ever pair of runners which was exciting and then find a Group or Club that would happily welcome a 59 year old woman who had never even run for a bus before.  And that proved surprisingly easy.  My husband was in ...