"Spring Track Open Meet"

For the second week in succession the sun shined on the first real challenge of the spring, the club's (Macclesfield Harriers & AC) annual track & field "Open Meet". Although we have had one league track event already this is seen as the first real chance for athletes to sharpen open for the summer season ahead. Attracting clubs from all over the north west of England it promised to be a great afternoon of sport.

The afternoon was also special because Sarah my daughter was also competing (and cheering me on even when I was getting lapped!). I ran the 3k in a season's best time whilst she won the Under 11 girl's javelin event in a pb 14.32m. following that with a pb of 2.08.09 in the 600m. A local photographer was on hand to capture our performances!

Another excellent week of running including track session (5x 1k, 1 min recovery + 4 x 22m, 1 min recovery) & some general hill running.

Weekly mileage @ 25 miles. Annual mileage 426

"Back On Track"

It's a warm and sunny early spring afternoon. it's the opening day of the much awaited track and field season. For once the two come together and the opening Cheshire League track and field meet at Woodbank Park in Stockport leaves athletes digging out their sunscreen along with their spikes on a glorious afternoon with an opportunity to really start the season in fine style.

The men's team manager started the season as he means to go on and i was "encouraged " to run the 3000m, the 800m and with my arm up my back the opening leg of the 4x100m relay!! They were run in that order with increasing tiredness as the afternoon progressed being matched with the increased speed required for each successive event! I led the club's charge in the 3k (not saying a lot!) but had to take second fiddle to the younger "senior " men who are only 17 years old (I am 49) in the 800m but opened the relay by holding my own against the swift sprinters of Trafford AC, one of the top clubs in the country. All in all a great start to the season.

Mileage for the year to date 401

"Shutlingsloe"

Despite yet another week that conspired against running (work, family, cold & chest infection)the week was rounded off with a fantastic run up through Macclesfield Forest & on to Shutlingsloe, the highest point in Cheshire. After a few days battling a cold and dropping out of the weekly track session as the pace picked up (must have been ill!) a few recovery runs prepared me for a 6.30am start on my most favourite run of all.

Starting in Langley it's a steady climb up through the forest until you appear out onto open moorland with a fantastic climb up to Shutlinsloe. The day was perfect with the sun coming up and the forest and moor all to myself. A steady climb is rewarded with fantastic views of the Cheshire Plain to one side and the rolling hills of the Peak District on the other. After all the climbing (and the wonderful views) its a rapid descent back into Langley and breakfast! Catch a short video of the run I shot http://www.runcast.tv/video/my-time-to-run-video-1

Next week it's back on the flat as the track and field season finally commences.

"Spring"

Another varied week with running time being in direct competition with starting a new job! Despite this I got in around 25 miles which can contribute to the "Running From The Reaper" team in the buckeye podcast challenge!.

My efforts did get some reward however at the annual Macclesfield Harriers awards evening, where for the 2008 season I took third place in the club's senior men's track and field championships, winning the vets series and also finishing third in the vets for cross country!

Finally, I did get one great longer run in the hills this week (pictured) which really made it feel that Spring has finally arrived & will help when the Swift Half in the Peak District in May comes round. Before that the track and field season opens in just over a weeks time so its time to get to the track and get some reps in!