In preperation for my off-raod 15k on Sunday at Kielder Castle, I’ve cut today’s long run of 14 miles down to 6 (10k). I’ll give myself a full days rest tomorrow and time to fuel up!

I’m looking forward to this race, another chance to run in my trail shoes

Update: 28/JULY/2008
Just added photos of the Kielder 15k to the gallery.

Tags: Kielder, trail

Nike are offering free entry into this years Great North Run, having done this event last year I can honestly say this is the best run I've ever done! If you are a Nike+ user, enter yourself into the Great North Run challenge... the top 50 finishers will gain entry.

You can view and enter the challenge from my challenge page:
http://www.jimsavage.com/nikeChallenges/challenges.html

The challenge ends on the 15th July... but the good news is if you join now, any runs you have made since the challenge started will also be logged, so all is not lost

"The Great North Run is one of the most famous and respected events in the UK running calendar.

This year’s event is completely sold out. But thanks to the Nike+ Great Runs Contenders Series, you could earn tickets to this iconic event. And announce yourself as a Great Runs Champion." - Nike

I thought I'd share this with you all, a new film has emerged in the US documenting the ultimate race from the perspective of 6 runners of all levels, beginners to olympic champions.

http://www.marathonmovie.com/home.html

"Four years in the making, Spirit of the Marathon is the collaborative effort of three-time Academy Award winner Mark Jonathan Harris, Telly Award winner and marathon runner Jon Dunham and producer/marathoner Gwendolen Twist."

"As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike."

The results for the Saab/Salomon forest 10k have been released:

Jim Savage: 46:43
Position 49 out of 337

Fastest male:
James Riley: 34:38

Fastest female:
Anna Frost: 37:21

Download results (excel file).

Just found this photo set on flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/musicaljourney/sets/72157605388641687/

Photos of the Mersey Tunnel 10k, photographed by Pio Cardoza.

Tags: mersey tunnel

It's the morning after the Saab/Salomon 10k at Delamere Forest, my first ever trail run and what a run it was! My legs and feet ache like you can't imagine... I didn't realise just how steep a run can be.

The first 2-3k was a steep incline, climbing to what seemed like the highest point in Delamere as the view on the way down was just utterly stunning, it was an evening run so the sun was low, it was an amazing sight to see the trees and countryside below.

The last 4k was through more dense forest trails, wide enough for just one runner at times. As we got deeper into the forest the light wasn't so bright... jumping rocks, water and tree roots have given my legs a good workout, it beats my regular interval training on the road.

Some images now in the gallery, apologies for the poor quality... I only had my iPhone with me and had to store it away during the race.

Race Time:
46mins (awaiting official time)
That is a much better time than I had anticipated considering my PB (road race) is 43:32! only 3+ mins slower

I've ran a few rural routes recently, getting a taste for trail running (off-road running). Tomorrow night I run my first official off-roader through Delamere Forest, the Saab/Salomon 10k Forest Trail.

I'm REALLY looking forward to it, my few experiences of rural running has already taught me that I need a different type of running shoe as my standard running shoes struggled with the rougher terrain. I've opted for a pair of Salomon XA Pro 3D.

I'll be running a steady pace, not too hard... and absorbing the new scenery!