End of the line...all change.
So this is it, my 2009 track season has come to an end, and what a disappointing one it was too. I got this season all wrong, and it will probably go down as one of my worst. I think the reason behind this was down to poor planning. Ive always said if you fail to prepare you should prepare to fail and thats what happened. I did races when I shouldnt have, and didnt race when I should have. In the end I got into a mess and felt it was time to go back to the drawing board.
I think I could have carried on for a few more races, chased some times, but to be honest after the whole coaching split, my head was all over the place. The training became dis-jointed and to be honest I lost a bit of faith in myself. I wasnt prepared to throw myself into races with the attitude that I had. Ive always been someone who- If I cant give 110%- then I wouldnt normally put myself in the racing situation. Im not going to pass the blame to anyone else other than myself. It was my fault that things went wrong and ive certainly learnt a lot about myself this season. Ive reassured myself about the importance of planning, and I guess taken everything this season has thrown at me on board.
Im on my rest period now. I will take a week off to re-charge and re-ignite the running flame, then will begin the base phase of the winter build up. Im hoping to have the coaching situation sorted by the end of the weekend, so fingers crossed the next time I blog, it will be the start of new beginnings. This week has been nice. Ive been able to do a bit of off road mountain biking, few walks with the mrs and a few hours down the driving range. Nothing makes up though for the absence of the running buzz, and im really looking forward now to getting stuck into some hard miles for the winter......and trust me, I will spend a lot more time in the planning phase of this winter season than those gone before...ive learnt from my mistakes.....even now at 25!
Sorry for the delay in blogging this week. I will be honest, I almost withdrew my involvement with the website. After some of the comments posted under my berlin race report, I felt angered by the fact that someone could openly abuse me for no real reason. All the guys involved with this website take time, sometimes hours writing blogs, reports etc. Ive loved doing it, and for those who read my stuff, they know i never shy away from taking the piss out of myself, saying when im a plonker or even commenting on some of the daft stuff ive done. I love a bit of banter- the sun tan jokes, the hair jokes they are class...hand on heart I dont mind....But i draw the line when someone behind the comfort of their home computer calls me a waster, a nob end, a gay boy? I got involved with runnerslife because I wanted people to have a small insight into what I do- whether that be running/ work/ training or other stuff. I know I may not be everyones cup of tea, thats fine. Some people might read my stuff and think what an idiot... some might read it and want to read more...either way im chuffed that both people took the time to have a look. But the end result is simple, if you like- keep in touch, keep reading- im sure we can have a laugh along the way. If you do think im a nob end, gay boy- fine.... go elsewhere and dont read. Remember, Im not hiding, you know me, my cards are the table- my hand has been shown.... someone once said “Judgements prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances.”
Just wanted to say a massive thanks to sim and the guys for their support this season and for making me see sense and keep the faith. The site has gone from strength to strength and its a pleasure to be a part of. Thanks to those who read my stuff too. Hopefully the new season will bring more tales of ups and downs-- stay tuned for the next chapter.
Comments On "End of the line...all change. "
Idiots
Hi Phil glad to hear you are still going to be apart of runners life wouldnt be the same ,no how you feel when i had shorts issue and my balls came loose i got a right abuse even tho it was an accdient like you i take the piss out myself but sometimes they go to far ,people just get pissed off because you are doing something with you`re life and that you`re good at it ,the first blog i got when i started was about my accdient, i had second thoughts but i couldnt give a toss it a only a small minded people that have nothing better to do with there lives than try and put someone else down how many people can say they run for their country etc etc
Darren (Runnerslife) Posted on August 10th, 2009See you around up and coming races mate
I expect by now this comment is slightly redundant, but just wanted to add my voice to the choir. Keep up the good work with the blogs (oh, and the running!).
anonymous coward Posted on August 9th, 2009For some reason morons take pleasure in taking time out of their days to be snide, whereas the vast majority of us who read and enjoy your blogs are unlikely to bother filling up the comments section with "well done - enjoyed reading that." Perhaps I should post random unprompted praise, but I will generally only post when I have something specific to say, but don't let that make you think people don't get something out of what your doing. See if you can find out how many hits your blogs/training logs get - I expect the number will be pretty high and out of a large number it's inevitable you get the odd jack-a*s.
Let us know what happens with the whole coach set up - would be interesting to hear what sort of things you discussed when arranging it (goals, methods, training priorities etc)
Phil, I enjoy your blogs a lot because there is definitely a sense that you're not putting stuff in to put out a persona, or writing stuff to fill space because you've made a commitment to writing a blog. Was really enjoying you updating your training as it happened and seeing how the week developed.
Al Posted on August 8th, 2009Keep your head (and tan) up. It's a very long winter ahead, have you thought about maybe taking 2-3 weeks completely off rather than just the one? Allowing you time to recharge fully while sorting and thoroughly planning with a new coach.
Thanks guys for the comments below. It is people like you who really give me a buzz about the sport, and encourage me to really push on now and have a big winter. I always knew that I was part of a great sport, that attracted great people--- comments like these just re-enforce that.
Phil Nicholls Posted on August 8th, 2009Thanks, and keep in touch.
Keep it up
Just wanted to re-terate others comments, I am a massive fan of your blogs and you as a runner.
Avid fan Posted on August 8th, 2009As a runner trying to run 90/100 miles a week whilst working 40+ hours a week I use your blogs and training for support and inspiration.I admire your dedication to the sport and training.
Look forward to your future blogging and training logs. Have a good winter season.
Dont let one idiot stop you writing blogs, I really enjoy reading them and the committment you give to running is obvious. Its not all bad, just because you didnt achieve what you wanted this season doesnt mean you wont next year. A running career seems to be one long continuous cycle and its easy to get down if you see it as a failed season, when you could look at it as another season where you didnt get injured, did some races and put some valuable mileage in your legs. Many great runners didnt achieve their fastest times until they were years older than you, stay injury free and keep slowly building the training and you will fulfill the potential you have. Be positive, you know you have the talent, look forward to making the winter the perfect base for next years fast times.
Matt Posted on August 8th, 2009Keep up the blogs.
Past, Present and future!
Phil
Mentor Posted on August 7th, 2009This is a true reflection of past errors and problems in your 2009 summer season. You have identified the issues and your blogs are always open and honest, as you seem to open your heart out and show your feelings on this site. Perhaps its your way of letting steam off and getting rid of any anger and lack of self confidence and self esteem.
This mental toughness and self belief is something that you and your new coach will need to prioritise and improve for the new winter season.
Your an open guy and yes your blogs are a true picture of your runnerslife, an insight and awareness for others to read and enjoy. True runners can identify with your efforts and hard work- so don't give in to the jealous idiots who try and put you down- Your better than them so rise above them- like a true elite runner that you are!
You know your priorities for winter are better planning, achieveable goals and targets and mental preparation. Attention to the smaller detail and focu are also important.
Good luck and we look forward to more details,info,ideas etc
Heres to xc - champion!
Be patient and have self belief
Phil,
Charles Posted on August 7th, 2009You don`t realise how much support you have out there. The odd comment from some nobody who will not post their name and is nowhere near your standard is not worth two hoots. For every one of those plonkers there is a thousand out there who want to see you do well and are willing you on.
How many guys in this country can cope with you when you are in shape?
You don`t need to perform on a regular basis and its all about long term targets.