Since my last update I’ve been collecting medals like an Olympic cyclist!!!

In the last six weeks, I’ve completed three superb half marathons - Maidenhead, Bristol and Cardiff.  I’ve found these mass participation races very rewarding and they’ve provided much needed motivation for those long weekend runs. To help build up my mileage I’ve been tagging some extra miles onto these runs – not easy when you’ve got your heart set on a celebratory pint.

For my last two long runs I’ve been accompanied by Diana Johnson (Pictured - Sarah’s mum) – a true inspiration.  Diana and Grahams vast running experience has helped with my own discipline and have been a great influence on my running, between them many marathons and hundreds of half marathons.  Among the many nuggets, my favourite has to be the Johnson family mantra of ‘start slow and taper down’.  Always make me smile and insights like that ensure that running remains fun without unnecessary pressure.  That and Graham’s (Sarah’s Dad) never ending supply of running socks - for some reason, I keep forgetting to pack them!   For the final stages of the Eastbourne Marathon it will be the Johnson grit and determination which I’ll be storing in the back of my mind and unleashing when I need to dig deep.

So we’re in the final countdown before the starter’s gun. 

Conditions may be variable but I’m looking forward to taking in the sights of Beachy Head and finishing with a smile on my face. 

Wish us all luck

….now where did I put those socks?

Allan and Diana Johnson

Eastbourne’s Frightful Family Half Term Fun

From The Big Draw to one of the biggest spook-fests on the south coast at Drusillas Park, there is plenty to keep the little horrors happy this half term at VisitEastbourne.com.

Launching with a weekend of creative fun at Towner, The Big Draw embraces the world’s biggest celebration of drawing with a free event on 27 - 28 October, centring around the campfire with youngsters invited to create their own Towner Tale in a variety of story making zones.

The return of Shriek Week from 27 October to 4 November at nearby Drusillas Park conjures up some spook-tacular fun.  Visit Winifred the Witch, as she plays hide and seek in her creepy cobwebbed Haunted Cottage and meet some mini monsters at Creepy Crawlies day on 28 October from hissing cockroaches and giant millipedes to large fanged tarantulas.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “It is fantastic to see so much going on this half term for kids, and a great chance for Mums and Dads to enjoy a bit of seasonal fun too.  With some great special offers on accommodation and attractions at VisitEastbourne.com, this is the perfect place to take a break, explore the national park and enjoy some late Autumn sunshine.”

The half term week kicks off with the Beachy Head Marathon on 27 October, one of the UK’s biggest off-road sporting spectaculars and a great opportunity to explore the stunning national park route. 

Also on 27 October, Princes Park’s brand new Pistachios in the Park café offers some theatrical fun with Wendy the Sneezing Witch, for an hour of stories and spooky silliness, followed by a free Diddi Dance class on 30 October and a guest appearance by Monkey Music on 2 November.

Knockhatch Adventure Park brings more Halloween fun with face painting, a ghost hunt and guess the weight of the pumpkin, to name but a few, and at Sharnfold Farm, get prepared for a fright-fest with a Wicked Witch Hunt and pumpkin carving, with both attractions running events from 27 – 31 October.

For historic fun, complete the Halloween trail at the Redoubt Napoleonic Fortress & Military Museum with a prize for every child at the end, or nearby Herstmonceux features a beautiful 15^th century moated castle in Elizabethan gardens and parkland, the perfect setting for the Treasures by the Moat antiques fair on 28 October.

Head to the South Downs, explore the Seven Sisters Country Park and follow the Gruffalo’s Child on 29 October through the woods to meet a scary mouse and some of the other animals living in Friston Forest.  Organised by Sussex Wildlife Trust, children can take part in hands on activities around a camp fire, or join the Autumn Camp on 30 October to find out how to light a fire, cook your own food and build a shelter.

For a rainy day escape, hop on the magic carpet for a Disney double bill of The Jungle Book Kids and Aladdin Jr at Devonshire Park Theatre from 31 October – 3 November, featuring high energy productions of two of Disney’s best loved classics.

For genuine haunts, head to Michelham Priory, from TV’s Most Haunted, for Hallowe’en fun on 31 October with Punch & Judy, stories, drama, arts and crafts, face painting and spooky trails through the house and gardens.  Pevensey Castle is also a must for ghost hunters with dark dungeons and a resident ghost – ‘the Pale Lady of Pevensey’.

VisitEastbourne.com offers a range of half term special offers on accommodation and downloadable vouchers for discounted entry to attractions all year round, including 2 for 1’s and kids go free.

For a full round up of Halloween and half term events or to download special offer vouchers, visit www.visiteastbourne.com.

One week to go...

It's come around so quick but somehow there's now under a week to go until the Beachy Head Marathon. Richard gives us an update on how his last minute preparation is progressing.

 

Over the last couple of weeks things have picked up distance wise and with the weather getting wetter the off road running has had to take a back seat and the tarmac has been pounded.

 

The longest I had previously run was 16m back in 2010 and that was a flat 16m where I ended up really struggling the last 4 miles with runners knee problems. On that day I decided that 10k was enough with the Hastings Half Marathon once a year to be my long run. But since I decided that I wanted to do a marathon I had the mental barrier of not running well after 12 or 13miles.

 

So with that in my mind I went out plugged into my ipod, music going and ran comfortably for 15miles. Got home with no problem and even managed to better my half marathon PB by a minute. Another 7.5 miles midweek followed by a 10k at race pace on the Friday night on my own, again dropping my PB by 45 seconds to 41.43. Doesn't sound like a lot but I was over the moon.

 

Sunday morning was to be the run into the unknown. I arranged to meet a friend of mine who has recently completed his first marathon in Loch Ness (asked if he was seeing Nessie by the end of the race he replied "I was seeing Jesus by the end!"). I ran 6.5 miles to meet him in Ashburnham, did the 6.4 mile off road loop I've done before, managing to get soaked and muddy, before leaving him and running the 6.5 miles home. Total of 19.4 miles and the best thing was I didn't feel dead on my feet after running for the furthest Ive ever run and for the longest time I've run.

 

With just a week to go I am feeling confident and trying to ward off a snotty nose I may have caught from my 5 month old son.

 

Once race day rolls around I'm hoping for very little wind and overcast skies and to get to the end in one piece with a decent time. But till then I'm just eating and resting for the week!

14 days, 20 hours, 5 minutes, 46 seconds...45...43

Here we are then another week has somehow flown by and that can only mean one thing, another week closer to M-Day (marathon day!)

So far this week has progressed very nicely with the usual clear up operation of beer festival taking place whilst our focus turns attention to the next main event on the Eastbourne calendar...The Beachy Head Marathon.

With this there was the sudden realisation that it really isn't long and if I'm honest, I better pull my finger out with doing a couple more runs! Here in the office the transition from beer to trainer has gone very smoothly. No sooner were the kegs empty than the advertising banners and volunteers being enlisted. The hunt however still remains for the elusive final few, urgently need volunteers to help steward the big day. If you or someone you know can help then please do get in touch on 01323 415442 or email julie.paul@eastbourne.gov.uk.

This week also saw the 'presentation' of the official Garmin running watch that I shall be wearing on the big day for distance and elevation measuring. However when I first saw it my first thoughts were not of being the next Mo Farah, instead more Spiderman with the size of this thing! Joking aside I have test run with it once since and I must say it has been a real training aid. From telling me minute detail about where I'm easing off too much or burning too much energy.

If you want any further information or would like to share your stories then do please get in touch with myself at matt.kuchta@eastbourne.gov.uk

All the best,
M

Press Release - Free pint for marathon runners!

''The Tiger Inn in East Dean is offering runners who complete the Beachy Head Marathon this year a free pint of beer from the Beachy Head  Brewery on presentation of their medal. 

The Beachy Head Marathon, which this year takes place on Saturday 27 October, is one of the biggest off-road marathons in the UK.   The race starts at 9.00 from the St Bede’s School site at the western end of the seafront at the foot of the South Downs walking trail. The 26 mile route takes the 1750 runners across the stunning landscape and challenging terrain of the South Downs countryside.  Spectators will be able to watch from a variety of viewing points as the course covers the villages of Jevington, Alfriston and Litlington, plus Friston Forest, the Cuckmere Valley, Seven Sisters, Birling Gap and Beachy Head.

The Tiger is ideally located for spectators to stop for a drink or something to eat.  The pub even serves breakfast seven days a week to non-residents.  It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and serves delicious classic British dishes, plus a variety of drinks including beers from the award-winning Beachy Head Brewery.''

Allen Grant is a step closer

With the final couple weeks of training ticking away, Allen gives us the latest update.

Just got back today from my last long training run which was Chester marathon on Sunday. The race was flat and the weather was great, but I am a little sore today. Although I have not been training much it went well, so hopefully I will be able to beat my personal best at Beachy Head this year.

This week leading up to the race I have been cutting down on the proteins and increasing my carbs with plenty of wholemeal bread and pasta and making sure I drink plenty of water. Training has been reduced to a 13 mile LSD (Long, Slow, Distance) run on Sunday around 1/2-1 min slower than race pace, 5 miles easy pace midweek and 3 miles slow in race kit on Friday, rest on Saturday ( walking round Chester Zoo) and plenty of sleep.

I will be back training in a day or two when my legs recover.

Keep going Allen and the rest of our runners, it's the final push!