Running in Japan Episode 4

Starting to smooth this out. A work in progress as Kevin said but it's got potential. I'd like to bring in a bit more humor but hopefully that will just come natural as I relax a bit more and the two of us build some rapport.

Any advice on what we can discuss and or anything you think might help would be appreciated.

Bye for now.

Think I'm coming down with something, cancelled my second session tonight.

3000 meter track race

Did my first 3000 meter track race today as part of the events associated with the "Sakai City Olympics." Actually I've never raced on the track and think this is due to a couple of reasons. Firstly haven't had the opportunity but mostly it's cause the shorter distances freak me out, and hurt.

While I don't really bat an eyelid running a fast 3K on the road, 3000 meters on the track does my head in for some strange reason. Anyway I think I should try to do much more track racing. I could be wrong but I think our friend in Ireland "Beer Matt" from "Marathon Exploits" once blogged that it was only after starting to run regularly on the track that his distance times started to come down significantly.

I guess if I do the same the fear factor will diminish and my times will start to come down too. Got any thoughts on racing track? And my first attempt at 10:25:51 ? I was disappointed with it and thought I could have gone a lot faster today, but simply couldn't. Anyway what doesn't kill you as they say.....Blah blah blah.

(Above photo: My mate Tiho from Bulgaria came to watch me run today.)

Half Mara Race Report

Did the half marathon with the Kansai Ladies Marathon club today.  Pretty good run for this time of year, was 28 degrees when we finished. At this stage of my build up I simply needed to get the body used to marathon race pace which I pretty much did.

My time 1:21:58 is over what I will be wanting to run in the Osaka marathon in 8 weeks but feel that by that time, with the extra training and atmosphere of Osaka and the cooler temperatures, I shouldn't have too many problems running a little faster.

I think today I would have run faster but I was running on my own the whole way. The fast leaders took off and the few that were with me dropped back in the first few Ks. I wasn't looking at my watch and couldn't rely on the group to help me move along. This will not be a problem in Osaka. I expect to latch on to a speedy group and hang with them!

On Monday, day after tomorrow, I'll race a 3000m on the track and as Ewen said I'll have to be careful not to pull a hamstring trying to out kick some younger dude, but if I can put in a decent time it will be another positive for Osaka.

Hope you're well. On my way out now to get a massage and then for a nap! Life is good!!

Week 8 Osaka Marathon training update

Another video post. Things happily on track. I hope you are well.

Video "Hangout"

Up loading a google "Video Hangout" I did with Kevin O'Shea yesterday. Kevin is a local runner, active on twitter and has a pretty successful youtube channel that focuses on all things "Japanese."

This is a kind of interview made mainly for the benefits of beginners or those wanting to take their running up a notch or two. If it gets some good response on Kevin's channel we will keep making them.

Week 12 Osaka Marathon Build Up.

Hope you are well, here's my update.

Summer Update

No real running as I've been away on holiday for the last couple of weeks but now ready for the serious work of training for the Osaka marathon.

Medicine Ball Routine

(Excuse the hissing, it's my Macbook Pros' fault. I'll take the blame for anything else)

I got this routine from a download I bought by "Jay Johnson" it's called "Building a Better Runner. Building From the Ground Up." Plenty in it for doing just that, I reckon.

I'm going to do another two weeks of steady running and then start in earnest at week 14 with the more serious training. I will keep you up dated and try to put a few numbers/details in it (although not my strong suit) so as it may be of help to you.

I hope you are all enjoying the Olympics as I am.

Later

Scott

Update, of sorts.

Sorry for not posting last week, excuses below.

Week 4

Sun LRP 25K

Mon RR 15K

Tues 10Kam 8Kpm LRP

Wed OFF

Thurs 10Kam 12K on TM pm

Friday 16K LRP

Sat 7K RR

WEEK TOTAL 103K

Week 3

Sun LRP 23K Mon LRP 12K Tue 8K am & 10K pm LRP Wed 20K LRP Thu 11K on TM plus gym wkout Fri Off Sat RRP 20K WEEK TOTAL 104K

Osaka Marathon Training W2

Sun LRP 21K Mon LRP 12K Tue TM 10K Did @ gym Wed RR 21K Thu 12K with 4K @ MP Fri 12K with 6x30sec hills Sat RRP 15K WEEK TOTAL 103K

(Macbook was hissing while making this video, sorry about that)

Anyway some notes:

On to my 3rd week without any alcohol, feel no more withdrawals. Left Achilles still hurting but getting better with massage before & after running.

UPDATE

Why You'll Never be a Great Runner!

Inspired by a TED talk I saw this morning see link below. I talk about why we will never be the runners we are capable of being and why it's important that we are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKHTawgyKWQ

Long overdue update