Finding races and paying your way
I'm writing this after a stressful last week or so not knowing where I was going to be racing this weekend. I always intended on doing a 5k 2 weeks after the AAA's. I knew there was Solihul, there was the Gateshead British Grand Prix where I was told if I medalled at the UK Champs i'd have a chance of getting in and also a race in Europe which I remember watching online last year thinking "i'd love to be in that race!"
The thought that went through my mind that day last summer is what has stuck in my mind and driven me to doing everything I can to get in. A few weeks back I got in touch with the organisers and secured a place in the C race. At first I was disappointed as I was hoping for the B race with it being a 13:25-13:40 race however the C race is a 13:36-14:00 race and I think that'll suit me better as I can get in the race rather than just try and hang on the back.
The only downside is i've had to pay my own way out there. I fully understand it's a race I want to do so I have to be prepared to pay to get there, which I am, otherwise I wouldn't have... but it's a little un-heartening to hear other British athletes saying they're running too and when I ask how much it cost them they just say "free, my agent sorted it for me." I really don't know what standard you need to be for this, obviously i'm not good enough at the moment but it's a bit of a catch 22. I think to run fast times you need to be in these types of races. The prime example is Andy Vernon. He ran BMC 5000's for a few years and was constantly running 13:40's however never managed to run in Europe and go faster. Eventually when he went out to America and got in a good standard race he went out and ran 13:28 which he fully deserved. Granted he has improved too but it's just a general example.
I think British athletes should be helped out more in getting into higher class races, we have a huge bunch of 1500 lads all looking to break 3:40, these should be given the chance to go abroad and run with 3:35 athletes- if they have an off day a 3:40 man suddenly becomes a 3:38 man because they have a line of athletes ahead of them to catch.
We have the BMC in this country as well which is great but every athlete sits on the internet checking the weather every day 'hoping' it will be a good night because Sport City is a windy track etc. We all know Watford and Stretford are the two best tracks for fast running yet there is rarely, if never good 3000's, 5000's or 10 000's on them. If we aren't going to take advantage of are 'element free' tracks then we as an athletic nation need to look at getting our top 10 15, 3, 5 and 10 runners out to Europe to run in there perfect conditions and high class races.
Well i'm off to Heusden on Friday for my race late on Saturday evening so i'll post up on how it goes for me, hopefully I can get that 5k time down.
*After speaking with Matt, comments removed pending payment*
Comments On "Finding races and paying your way"
I have to disagree Barny.... Bowser is well capable of a sub 3:40
Runner Posted on July 12th, 2010What am I missing about Bowser. Nothing has been said in the blog about him.
Tell me Posted on July 8th, 2010Matt Bowser is the biggest joker in British athletics. The guy thinks he is going to make an Olympic Final one day - i'd bet my house he wont even make it to the express queue in Sainsbury's let alone the Olympic Games.
Barny McGrew Posted on July 8th, 2010What a tube.
'no more comments about matt please' - well don't write a bloody blog about him if you don't want people to respond to what you say! i don't care if you say you have txt him, rang him, facebook messaged him - to put this on a public forum really shows how little class you have. you should have just spoken to him face to face at a race or something.
bowser fan Posted on July 8th, 2010In 2008, chasing an olympic QT, Thommo managed to get a start in the Rome Golden league 5000m. He got dropped almost immediately so he ran solo and clocked 14.08. Our top domestic guys seem to think racing "abroad" is a golden ticket to a pb. It is possible, but the wind still blows in Europe and it's often "too hot" in central europe in the summer. It's about finding races at the right standard. Take Mays as an example who has raced abroad a number of occasions: 3.39.84 (Oslo); 3.39.85 (SportsCity); 3.39.92 (Heusden); 3.39.94 (Stretford).
chimney sweep Posted on July 8th, 2010Our guys need to be realistic about what shape they are in, find a suitable race and go for it. Therefore, good luck in Belgium.
No further comments on Matt please.
Ryan Posted on July 7th, 2010Ian- I'd love to have an agent however I don't think i'm quite good enough to warrent one. Hopefully with some good performances over the remaining few weeks of the summer I can improve my times and get some help. To be fair someone at UKA is helping me with the transportation from the airport to the race but i'm unsure if this will happen just yet.
Fair point- I agree about the brits not making the most of the opportunities however I can understand why those in the 1500 didn't follow the pacemaker as it was a championship and it's disappointing to see a champs specifically paced. A contrasting race, sport city BMC 1500 where Jermain was out in front, why wasn't anyone following him or trying to push past? that's where we go wrong.
Road or track- unfortunately it is times i am chasing at the moment as that's all that matters when trying to get into higher quality track races. A road 5k does sound great from time to time, can you point me in the direction of the event? Thanks
How about a rare vintage oil painting as payment?
Bowser Posted on July 7th, 2010Sorry but as an outsider Ryan, you are able to write what you want and when you want. I just feel that bringing in something that is totally irrelevant and on a personal note, 'Matt is one mental Kid'
Tit Posted on July 7th, 2010Hey Ryan , do you have your heart set on track 5000s at this time of year, because if you are a bit more flexible you could do a road race 5-10k every weekend in europe, expenses included and earn a bit of money too.
road or track? Posted on July 7th, 2010You're probably right that there isn't really any opportunities in this country for people hoping to run 13.30-13.45. The fast-track events aren't much good to anybody who can't run sub 13.30. Finishing 100m behind the main pack is hardly conducive to running p.b.'s. Vernon is a great example of somebody who benefitted from races which bridge the gap between BMC's and top international races.
Fair point Posted on July 7th, 2010But on the flip side I don't think us british athletes make the best of all the possible opportunities we do have here in the UK. Ian Stewart organised the 1500 at the UK trials with a 'pacemaker' specifically to help the '3.40' athletes you talk about make a breakthrough and then they don't even bother going with the pace it. So I don't think this type of thing helps standards much either.
Everyone loves Bowser
Trolley Posted on July 7th, 2010Wanted- Top Agent for elite distance runner!
Ryan
Ian Jones Posted on July 7th, 2010Think you need to get yourself a decent agent! perhaps your old man could do a good job as he's well respected and known in the running world?
Agree UKA or similar should help runners like you out in order to get the quality and depth of races under your belt.
Anyway enjoy the race and change of scenery. Send your room extras bill to Bowser!!!!
bowser
quality the guy is a turd
jimmy Posted on July 7th, 2010