Fisher_OtleyAC

2007-04-29T12:33:00.000Z

For the latest information on Ian Fisher of Otley AC. Please try this address.

www.fisherofotley.blogspot.com

2007-04-01T14:31:00.000Z

My form at this moment seems to alright. The trouble with big mileage with the addition of a busy lifestyle, I seem to pick up bugs which knock me for six. My dad is on the mend from a stroke. He has the odd bad day, so I have to help out. This has had an effect on recent races. The Inter-counties in Feb I was run down, my dad wasn't too good. The National XC also in February at Sunderland was another day I should have stayed in bed cause I had a bad headache.

The club training weekend up at Chapel Stile near Ambleside in the Lake District in mid March was to prove I was getting back into it. I'm still not 100% since the National XC, but I was to put in some pleasing training runs on the roads, fells and a 30mile ride on my bike in the wind and rain to Coniston, then around the Lake in 42 mins, and then back. I was soaked and blown all over the place that afternoon. On the fells for 90 mins in the morning was very windy and a bit dodgy in places. My Innovate Mudclaws 370 gave me alot of confidence up there. The social side was also enjoyable. Our communial meal on Saturday was nice. I probably ate more cakes, deserts than anyone else.

My next race was to be the Ackworth Half Marathon on the 25th March. I was going to do Wakefield 10k for London Marathon prep. But I got persuaded to do Ackworth through there organiser Cyril Jones. Plus Jamil and Julian was also pre-entries. It made more sense for team purposes.

I remember feeling quite keen to race it on the day. I was still suffering with a cough. I was keen to get going and test my race fitness.
Ackworth is a undulating coarse with some good climbing included. On the more open area's, we had to put up with the strong winds.
For competition were Leeds City's Darren Bilton and Adam Osborne. Darran has always been consistant. Adam is also turning into a good runner for Leeds.
Soon as we went, I took the lead. On my left I could see Darren for the first fifty metres. Then I it was just me trying to break away from the field in my true fashion very early on. Around 4-5 miles, I could hear the lead car's commentry saying I was in front, with the two Leeds lads 40 yards behind. The forth runner was quarter of a mile behind.
This, according to second placer Adam Osborne was to be the closest they they get to me. I was also thinking I've messed up with the quick start. I was beginning to think they were catching us up as the raced progressed.
It was to be my sole thought all the way to the finish. It was only on the last two miles that I thought the race was mine. I wanted to win the race and the Yorkshire title again and make it eight titles.
I finished the race strong. Adam was next 40 or so seconds behind, with Darren getting third.
Jamil's foot injury was bothering him during the race, but he stuck it out for the team and came in eigth. Julian was 12th. Otley won the mens team and also the mens Yorkshire team.
Zac Whitehead ran Wakefield 10k that day. He was hoping to crack 35 mins, but finished in around 37 minutes. He is dissappointed by his race form. He felt he could have done better. He will eventually with some guidance from myself.
Steady training this past week. Yesterday (Saturday), I ran to Silsden and back to Shipley along the canal. I felt alright on that one. Nice day to run.

2007-02-18T15:25:00.000Z

I have been really busy these last few weeks. I have a lot of races to report on. Over four weeks since January 21st, I have raced a marathon, three XC's, a 10k road race and being part of a UKA Endurance meet/session. I need a break.

I raced Mumbai marathon for GB/Standard Chartered on Sunday 21st January. The marathon was the easy part. I left the UK on the day of those storms which caused havoc with the transport network.
My train to London went only as far as Newark. I thought I was stuffed, but other's opted to take a taxi down to King Cross. Myself and seven others got there for 8.30pm. I was 5 hours behind schedule. I arrived at Heathrows checking in desk at the exact time my plane was due to take off. Apparently I found out later it was still at the airport at 11pm.
Heathrow couldn't find me a local hotel either. The only option was to go back into London and stay there, which would have cost around 200 quid.
I slummed it there and caught the next place out at 10.40am the next day. I managed to catch up on sleep on the 9 hr flight over.
I arrived there for 1.30am Saturday morning. No one was there to pick us up either. So I had to organise transport to Mumbai's Hilton. Got to sleep for 3am. I had only 30hrs to go before the marathon.
I didn't feel to awake to begin with at the start. Myself and Michael O'Connor representing Ireland ran together for the first few miles. He was going to fast for those conditions. Almost London marathon like pace. Thankfully my lace came undone. I could now run at a sensible pace and take sensible fluid intake on board.
I had to stop again around 7 miles. It wasn't going well. Got the halfway point in better shape. My aim was to overcome the heat and go after the Danish and the Irish runner.
My targets were reached around the 27/28km point. I was feeling good about myself now. The only people in front now, where Africans, Indians and other sub-continent athlete's, and a top Russian athlete.
I was feeling a tingling sensation in my finger tips over the last quarter now. I was always trying to keep the fluid levels up. It was on going battle.
The last few miles were ran solo into the sun on long road around the sea front.
I finished comfortably in 2.31.30 and 1st Oceania entrant in the Nations challenge.
You might be interested to know the was a sub-continent runner called A,SHITOLE. Race bib 83. Check out The Greatest Race on Earth site for the results.
Monday was spent sight seeing, before returning back early Tuesday morning. A great experience indeed.

One week later (Saturday 27th). I took part in the Northern XC at Manchester's Heaton Park. Always a good quality field. My legs felt a little heavy. It was a three lap 12k race. My last lap was slower, cause of the tired legs and a broken spike on my shoe. Finished a pleasing 18th out of 1500 runner's I think. Jamil Parapia my club mate finished 48th. A great run by him. I don't think any other runner in the club since I've been there has finished in the first fifty. A good team turnout aswell. Andrew Robertshaw also had a great run for us. Leeds City won the team.

Less than 24hrs later. I took part in the Winter League XC for my second claim Idle AC, It was over at Baildon and it's moorland. I remember not really wanting race so soon as I lined up at the start. Once I got going, I was alright. I finished first place in this exposed race. Very windy at the tops of the moor's.

[My dad ended up again in the BRI with a suspected stroke. Myself and my brothers were asked to join my mum at hospital. It was quite serious at the time. He's pulled through now, and taking it easy until he gets his pace maker for his irregular heartbeat. At the time, I decided not to do the next race at Dewsbury. Only decided the day before Dewsbury 10k to do it, after I was sure my dad was going to be alright]

One week later (Sunday 4th February). I raced the Yorkshire 10k road championship at Dewsbury. It's a fast out to Birtstall junction and back. There was no sharpness in the legs to begin with, but on the return things did improve. I was in forth position focusing on the third placer who was within reach of catching, but didn't happen. I ended up with 30.49 on my watch with a County 10k title to boot. Not bad two weeks after a marathon. There was some fast lads missing to be fair. But I can't help that.

Following week........No races!. But did a recce of the Esholt Winter League XC race for the following Sunday. St Bedes organised it. A technical route, which I'm glad I recced. Very enjoyable.

[In the coming week I find out that I have a elite selection for London marathon for the third time. I have done it every year since 2000. I did consider giving it a miss, but the selection changed all that]

Since UKA marathon coach and Tim Hutchings from the London Marathon office got us in. I felt I needed to show my appreciation by going to Birmingham's Alexander stadium on Saturday 17th Feb. It was most of the day with a good session in the local parkland. Later we had a talk from a professor on heat acclimatization. It was good to meet up with Bud Baldaro and team who I went to Slovakia with last October.
We also had Mike McLeod (Gateshead) He was one of the country's top athletes from the eighties. He was there to give advice on training and other related stuff. I found him very interesting bloke, who just did the work no messing. Despite his achievements. I was impressed by his down to earth attitude.
My coach Dennis Quinlan took us down. He even had the oppotunity to do a little speech to everyone. We had a good productive day there.
The session was 20 minutes at marathon pace. Then with groups of shorter distance athletes, we did. 6 x 3min at 5km pace with 90 seconds recovery. I felt comfortable with that one.
Then it was another 20 minutes at marathon pace. I slipped and grazed my leg on that one. I bounced back up quickly before someone saw me. I hope.

The next day (Sun18th Feb) was the final Winter League at Esholt. I recced the route the weekend before. But I got there early and ran it again just before the race.
It was a nice sunny day for it, but it was quite cool. Myself and Ben Mounsey from Stainland took the lead. Going up into hill into the woods I began to break away. I could hear Ben working hard at it. I felt a little tired, but I was fine after a mile. I took another tumble again on a down hill stretch, and grazed the same leg again. I wasn't having much luck.
It was well marked with red and white tapee. But it could have done with some extra marshalls for the tricky sections. I faltered on parts which can still happen after a recce. You don't always have time to think when you're in race mode. Even Ben and Chris Loftus made mistakes. They actually cut out sections through no fault of there own. The first three had there gaps, so it didn't really matter about final positions. Did I forget to tell you I finished first.
No..
I finished first.

Next weekend is the Inter-counties XC at Nottingham. Yorkshire have a strong team. I hope everyone turns out for it. I have been eligable for the team since 1998. I think I have only missed two due to holidays.

2007-01-13T21:56:00.000Z

Ahh yes. Here is one of my fleet of trucks delivering to Europe and beyond 'The Ian Fisher GB collection'.

There is a host of items on offer. Quilt cover's & pillow cover's, Curtains, board games, homemade jams, computer games, cat & dog food....where does it end!

2007-01-13T21:46:00.000Z

And here it is again. Bringing all 'The Ian Fisher GB collection' back from Europe!

Swines!

2007-01-13T20:28:00.000Z

Welcome back!

I've got a bit of catching up to do, cause it's been a while since my last post.

On Saturday 6th January, it was the Yorkshire XC champs over at Skipton's Airevale park. It had been a long while since I was really tested in a race. This was the one.
Skipton AC had designed a proper XC course for the champs. It was a testing course with nine ascents in the mens race over 11k. It was a three quarter lap, then two large ones to finish off.

The front end quality was high again. I noticed the inform pairing of Leeds City's of David Webb and West Yorks XC champion Martin Hilton. I rarely see or hear much of David Webb in races. Martin was unsure about his form after a recent cold.
Huddersfield's Glen Comish (Sale) was also a pre-race favourite, because of his fast 10k road races. I remember meeting Glen at a the Burton Leonard 10k back in 98 for the first time. I beat him that day into first after my shoe laces coming undone after running through deep water during the race.
John Henegan (P&B) won the Yorks XC championship at the same venue back in 2005 I believe. I was in India at the time doing a marathon for GB.
Knavemire's Kim Critchley although not as dominent as he was 10 year's ago cause he's trains more on the bike now. A very nice person to know. He isn't elitest in anyway, and is also a friend of Jamil's through racing. Kim claims he doesn't do the quality training anymore. I find that hard to believe.

The race started off surprisingly quick considering the nature of the course. I remember feeling sluggish right from the start. The eventual first six in were leading the charge. I had people coming back and forth. My 12mm spike's were not proving their worth on the muddy camber's.
From early on it was Kim, myself and Leeds City's Mike Burret who was having a fine run. He must have felt very confident running with us two. Plus he had a great West Yorkshire XC season before Christmas.
I had the endurance in me from my marathon training, but I was lacking a controlled fast pace. It was so up and down. Maybe I should have done the Ribble 10k the week before as a sharpener. It worked for Jamil who was also having a very fine run to finish 18th in the end. But Dennis Quinlan talked me out of doing it.
Going into the second lap I felt I was running on empty. I wanted to shake these two off and go after John Henegan and Glen Comish. It didn't happen.
Going into the third lap, I felt a change was coming. I began to get more energy back. I was feeling more upright and not as tense in my body. Finally I shook those two off.
Chasing after John down to the play ground did help me close the gap on him and Glen. Going up through the woods, I caught a tree root and went over, which took the wind out of me a little. This mistake did help the gap between 4th and 5th place increase after coming out of the woods and along towards the finish. I wasn't aware of Kim closing on me towards the finish.
Still, it was a great race for us all and those who watched. David Webb deserved his victory that day. Poor Martin has once again just missed out with coming in second again. Will he ever be champ?
A great planned course by Skipton AC. It's what a XC should be like.

Day after that. I raced for my 2nd claim club, Idle AC. The third Winter League race was held over at Oakwell Museum near Birstall. It was another exciting course planned by Dewsbury RR. It looked complicated on their site map. I had to go early to familiarise myself with it.
I used my new Innovate Mudclaw 370's. They were great in the heavy mud.
These Winter League races despite the easier standard are much more fun to run with their well thought out races.
My brother David was there to take pictures of myself and a few other's in the race.

After a slight down hill start and loop around the field, I was in a good lead over a future league champion Ben Mounsey from Greetland. I felt totally relaxed from the start. After the first loop, I then just settled down into a controlled tempo. There are no time recording's in these, so there is no need to blast it. It was a lovely day and I was enjoying the run out.
Idle AC had a good team performance that day, and moved up from 5th to 4th place. The top three big clubs are too far in front now to catch. I'm hoping we can keep the 4th position until the end.

With a week to go Mumbai marathon. I decided to take part in our club handicap up at North Rigton. I haven't done this one in a long while, so I was keen to do it. Only this time I was wearing extra clothing for marathon purposes.
It was nice to see Josie Hodgetts there aswell. Josie in here own word's, is in hardcore training for her first London Marathon. I predict she will do well on her debut marathon. I am watching over her progress and giving her advice on preparation.

Once again I was last off after Andy Robertshaw. This can be a windy race to do. Once again on this exposed circuit, the Beckwithshaw towards Leathley road was head-on wind.
I set off 3 minutes after Andy Robertshaw, and I didn't see anyone until halfway around. That person was Ultraman Chris Carver who ran there from Otley.
Turning off the main B-road onto thethe unclassed road towards North Rigton, I was beginning to see the rest off the club infront. This does help to wake things up a bit for me.
From two miles out, I began to reel them in. My targets were Andy Robershaw and Zac Whitehead who is turning into very good runner. Targets were reached, and then it was into the village where I saw Mick Jeffrey and Josie. Mick looked around and spotted me and went for the line. I was unaware that these two were the leader's until I noticed no runner's at the finish. Mick got it in the end. Then myself, and Josie finished in a superb 3rd place.
I finished on this undulating 10k course with 32.23. A pleasing time. We then popped into the village pub for a pint or two afterwards.

2006-12-19T22:46:00.000Z

For the first time in at least three year's I took part in the Ken Dixon Christmas Handicap around Timble village and Swinsty reservoir, which is a good five miles north of Otley.
It was the first club handicap I've done in a long while. I haven't done many this year to be honest.
It was a nice sunny winter's morning, and twenty four member's took part. I didn't taper off for it, cause I'm in marathon training. I also sank a few ales the night before in Idle village with people I know from Idle AC.
Weary eyes and bright sunshine don't mix. So sunglasses had to be worn to race in this time.
I took in a sensible warm up just to wake me up and encourage the early runner's setting off.
The last three were Andrew Robertshaw, Jamil Parapia and myself. I started off a minute behind Jamil.
The first runner I passed was Phil Robinson who arrived late. As I got to the top of the long climb. I could just make out Jamil in front. Jamil looked to be running very well. Seeing Jamil in front did encourage me to make an effort to chase him down. After the first loop of two done, we passed the start onto the dam.
Even here, Jamil looked good. I think seeing Andrew in front made him try harder to catch him. Going around the north side of Swinsty, Jamil passed Andrew on the road. I was just behind them now. First I got Andrew and then Jamil.
After passing them both, Jamil made a good effort to latch on to me. It wasn't until after crossing the second bridge by the car park. That I realised I could hear a runner breathing heavily behind. Thinking it was Jamil tailing me. I kept calm, while putting in a bit more effort to break away.
By now, there was the other club member's to chase down. I finished second after Michael Pickard who had a blinder of a run. Jamil finished around 23 seconds later.
I also broke the course record I set some time ago by 45 seconds? The new course is around 100 meters short of the old one. So I think I trimmed half a minute off. I was surprised by the result as I didn't feel stuffed by it at the finish. Having Jamil, Andrew and Rogan to chase did help I suppose.

On the training side for the Yorkshire XC on the 6th January, and Mumbai marathon on the 21st January for GB. Things are going well, after my bad patch in October.
Training feels like I'm on automatic. Most of it is still off road in the mud.

2006-11-26T21:52:00.000Z

I hear people are starting to say "What's Ian Fisher up to?"
Well, since my marathon in Slovakia back in October, I've been hit hard with the flu. It has taken me an age to get over it and train properly again.
My first race was a XC for my second claim club Idle AC. I won that one with a tight calf muscle on my left leg. I was also going to run for Otley in the afternoon over at Wakefield in the West Yorkshire XC series, but I felt below par after the first one and I expected that would have to be in good shape to do the second one.
Yesterday, I raced for Dennis Quinlan's club Aire Valley Runner's. It was a bike vs runner event, held by Dennis's favourite other club Bingley Harrier's.
Personally, I wasn't too fused about doing this event, as it's not my bag. I don't like to fanny about on descent's I'm not used to handling.
But Dennis was very keen for me to race against Bingley Harrier's and other folk.
There was some good competition there. You had Bingley's Rob Jebb who is a seasoned master on stuff like fells and cyclocross. He is one of GB's finest. There was also his team mate Ian Holmes who is also a champion of many fell races. Both were racing there bikes on this one.
There was a nice up hill start, followed by ploughing through fields full of shit.
The deeper the shit the better. I soon took the lead expecting Rob Jebb to attack soon. I was on my own more or less from the start.
There wasn't many places I could get good traction for me to open up the pace. I wasn't aware off the lead I was building up as crossed Shipley Glen, and then up and around Baildon Moor.
At about two thirds around the course? Rob whizzed passed me down the hill to the Quarry part of the glen on the return journey. I did kind of expected it, but powerless to respond to it as I'm not a good decender.
I finished second behind Rob, and finished a few minutes behind Rob? in over 36 minutes. I wasn't concerned about the time, but I was about the position. Ian Holmes was third in on his bike, but Rob and myself judging by the photo's were way in front. I ws quite surprised by that as I felt wasn't or even couldn't try to go flat out. Good fun though.
I won't make a habit of racing in Pie n Pea event's as I affectionately call them. But on a whole I enjoyed racing it. Everyone else seemed to enjoy it aswell.
I had Shona Brash to support me aswell, and she finish 5th lady which is very good going in that class of field. Graham Bird also of Aire Valley came second in his class on his bike.
I got some welcomed support of Bingley Harrier's on route. One marshall even joked by suggesting I would would run faster with a Bingley Harrier vest!

We then met up in Bingley's Fisherman's Inn pub. For wait for it....Pie N Peas. And a Guiness which didn't hamper my training run later around Lister Park in Bradford for 50 minutes.
After running through that shit. I just hammered it on each lap! It should have been a steady session, but I didn't feel stuffed after the race three hours earlier.

Going to do the XC for Idle AC next Sunday, not sure about West Yorks in afternoon. It's a bit of a lost cause now.
Before Mumbai marathon for GB on Jan 21st 2007. I will gunning for the Yorkshire XC in Skipton at Airevale Park. I've won a few races on that park and have alway's enjoyed the demanding terrain. I hoping for really tough one hilly one with deep mud.
It's also Ribblevalley 10k over in Clitheroe on New Years eve. Jamil want's me to race it with him and also Josie. It's a week before the Yorkshire's, and Dennis has tried to talk me out of the 10k and concentrate on the XC, as I want that the most. We shall see.

2006-11-04T21:15:00.000Z

I've still got this nasty cough/cold. Maybe I should stop training (steady) to aid full recovery. I'm doing day on, day off at this moment.
I wasn't in race shape to do the XC at Boddington, Leeds. It's a shame, as I alway's enjoy racing on that one.

But enough of this running lark. I will tell you about the embarrasing incident I experienced in Bradford a few day's ago.
I was just browsing through the music section books, and this book caught my eye on the top shelf of taboo title's.
A book on the history of Smash Hits magazine.

I thought that look's interesting and I went to reach out for it. But first, I had to check the coast was clear.

It was.

I proceeded to flick through the pages of this great book. Then one of the poster's fell out onto the floor in front of me.
To my horror and disbelief, it was a poster of George Michael in his Wham day's. A picture from their debut 'Young Guns' day's. He was also in that 'Come and get me' pose.
The poster I felt made a loud noise as it hit the floor in the bookstore.
I couldn't get down quick enough to pick up the poster of George Michael when a group of girls walked passed me.

People moved out the way as I swiftly made my exit.

2006-10-26T20:57:00.000Z

This weekend is the second West Yorkshire XC race. This time it is over at Boddington Hall in Leeds. It's a favourite of mine, as I've always to date, had a good run there. I won my Yorkshire XC title there back 2001. I have to do all three now if I want to try and win the title.
At this moment, I'm trying to shake of a cold. I've had it for a couple of day's now, and I did feel unsteady in training yesterday. Frustrating.
Took today off to aid recovery. I try to do some last minute work before this Sunday's race. I have recovered from the marathon I did a few weeks back, but I'm struggling to switch on for racing.
I'm hoping come Sunday, I will be fired up to do the business. We'll have wait and see.

2006-10-22T12:46:00.000Z

Today I did a recce of the first West Yorkshire Winter League series XC race hosted by my second claim unit - Idle AC.
I heard it was going to be 4.5 miles, so I decided to run to their club house from home 8.10am and meet them for 8.30am start. Quite a good turn out for so earlt in the morning.
My plan was to extend it afterwards by taking in the canal, Spring woods up to Hollins Hill, over the golf course and back along the canal via Tong park. I was out for three hour's in the end, with almost ten miles added on.

The start of the Buck circuit begin's next to the BMX track opposite the Thackley Sunday League football club. The course is two laps, the first being the smallest. The area it cover's is mostly in the woods and along the canal bank, between Ainsbury avenue canal bridge and Brackendale canal bridge. There are some fast stretches, but the canal stretch needs more concentration and skill.

This race and the follow up have a West Yorkshire XC in the afternoon, which are higher standard and generally faster courses. These winter league's have more interesting/enjoyable routes for all standards.
My plan is to hold back on the first two WYWL XC's by running with the second placer. Tsk, Tsk.
Mind you, that plan could back fire. Cause the person in question may force the pace. I have also got be careful with fallen leaves and tree root's. I don't want to injure myself, which might hamper my performance later that day.
It is a crazy idea to do both in one day with a three hour gap between them. But if I do 'tempo' for the am one, and 'race it' for the pm. It might work?
I will get a few gripes from people at Otley AC and my coach for this. But my coach has said in the past, I'm fit enough to do a half hour run in the morning and do a 3pm race.

Training has been going alright to this point. I'm spending my time training mostly on the fields with my XC spikes on the shorter run's for XC purposes. My immune system is good one point, then down the next. It will be almost a month since Slovakia, so I hope I'm in good shape. If not, I hope I'm dignified in defeat, even when someone close to me will say I've had a crap run.

2006-10-21T14:35:00.000Z

Training is going well, and so is my recovery. It's all down to cutting back for a bit and starting the mileage increase later ready for Mumbai marathon in late January (21st).
Quite keen to run the 2nd West Yorks XC league over at Leeds Bodington Hall. I won my Yorkshire XC title there back in 2001. Nice undulating circuit with plenty of mud to plough through. Hoping for a good hard race and team support on that one.
The 3rd and last race day's of the WYXC have a race running for Idle AC in the morning. I probably am putting the WYXC at risk? If I do the Winter League XC for Idle, I will run at tempo with who ever is leading. They are not as demanding as the WYXC races, so I hope my plan works.
Dan Simmons has had to pull out of the Greatest Race on Earth marathon series. He was due to race Nairobi marathon at the end of October, but has acute tonsillitis. Poor lad is gutted not to run. Not sure what's going to happen, but hopefully it will be sorted very soon.

2006-10-16T21:28:00.000Z

Before I go into talking complete and utter...way's of how to get the most out of your running. I would like to congratulate the Otley AC member's who took part in the first Complete Runner XC league race over in Huddersfield last Saturday in my absence.

Jamil Parapia had another superb run to finish well high up, and get a few scalps at the same time with 8th place. Jamil won't admit that I'm on his list of marked people.. I would like to believe him, but some how I'm not so sure. His form has improved a lot since he started with us around two year's ago. He has confidence in his ability's which has made an impact in his race times and positions this year. It's nice to see he's doing very well for us.

Now then. What was Obi-Wan Fisher up to that day?

I could have made it, cause my exam had finished earlier than I thought. Being a bit of a clever clogs. I thought (just like my running) it went rather well. A multiple choice was included in the exam's.
I like multiple choice.
I really do.

One plant pot in my class even asked the examiner "What's the answer to question 14?"
"You can't ask that in a exam" I said, with my head in my hands.
"You could have atleast asked about question 18.... cause I'm a bit stuck on that one"
No, I didn't reply to that.

I couldn't believe my ear's..

This wasn't one of the related questions below. But there was some obvious stuff in there, I felt some individual's struggled with...

Q. If a person was suffering from severe dehydration. What would you do to help?

A= Sit in a chair and learn to play the guitar.
B= FOR SOMEONE SUFFERING FROM DEHYDRATION - GIVE THEM SOME WATER!
C= Force down their throat a nice big bag of salted peanut's.
D= Ask them first if they like the American hit movie "Invasion USA" with kung-fu master Chuck Norris. You can also tell them you think it's ace aswell.

Before I sign off. I think better tell you how I'm getting on after Koscice marathon in Slovakia two weeks ago. That's what the blog is for isn't it. Well isn't it?
Are you ready? Here goes.

Ahem!

Things are going alright.

2006-10-10T21:19:00.000Z

Going to have to miss this weekends first Complete Runner XC as I'm doing a work related exam over three day's (Thu-Sat).
My form has taken a dip aswell. It's been ten day's since Kosice marathon, and yet I still feel heavy legged and a bit lifeless.
I honestly thought the visit to my favourite Bradford curry house would help top up the reserves. Yet despite over eating (two starter's and a main course). I still feel depleted.
Did a 50 min grass session earlier today. Felt okay on that one. I was going to do a 6 x 3min tempo on grass up hill later tonight, but my legs felt very heavy? I felt going over to join the other's at Nab Wood would have been a wasted effort. I'll try again tomorrow.
It might have something to do with riding hard on my racer for an hour yesterday?

For the foreseable future, I will be concentrating on XC's for Otley and Idle AC (9 races over winter) Yorkshire XC (nice and hilly and hopefully knee deep in mud). Mumbai Marathon two weeks after Yorkshire XC. Missing Northern and the Brass Monkey Half, the day after cause of Mumbai which is on the 21st Jan. Aiming to do National XC. Then I will do this, and then I will do that..

Other than that, a quiet winter period.

2006-10-03T19:22:00.000Z

Welcome back folk's to another installment to my sometime's bizarre world.

Just come back from Slovakia after racing the Kosice Marathon on Sunday 1st October which I believe is the oldest one in the world (1924).
My team manager was Martin Rush of UK Athletics who took part in the Barcelona Olympics as a race walker, and Holly May and Nigel Leighton to whom he coaches. All three are from down southwest in the Bath area. Despite their close connection's I didn't feel the outsider in the team.
We all stopped over at Stansted on Thursday 28th before flying over to Kosice via Bratislava the following day. Our hotel was metre's from the start/finish area. Lucky us.
For the host's, this is a big event on their calendar. All our needs were catered for (well not all needs).
During Saturday there was many race related things to do. Including lighting the Kosice Marathon torch, followed by a introduction of ourselves to the locals. Best bit was signing autographs for Kosicians for them to sell on Ebay SK.

After getting all the required details for the marathon. Our team manager arranged a meeting for us regarding drinks, race split's etc and when and where Martin was going to meet us on the circuit on race day. As it was going to be mostly a solo run on my part. Martin's updates proved helpful.
Race day itself was like Saturday - warm 24c. It was also humid, but was likely to get cooler later on, according to Martin's source.
My target was to get under the 2.20 mark, which I believe I was fit enough to do it. Nigel had a target of 2.15.50ish. Holly was going for I believe a 2.40 - 2.45 target. Can't quite remember.
Despite the conditions the Africans and the Russian's belted off. Martin told us to run our own race and work at it once things have settled down.
Nigel went of with a Romanian who was aiming to go through half in 67.30. Nigel wised up to this being a bit too quick for these conditions early on into the race. Yet he kept trying.
I had company from just one runner who later dropped off as I came to the end of the first half of the race.
Further up the road I could see Nigel on his own. It was to early for me notice what he was going through. Martin told me to pull him back gradually which I did and work together.
I looked across at Nigel and his face told me things weren't going to plan. I went ahead hoping he would latch on but it wasn't to be.
Martin being concerned for his athlete was worried he might do some long term damage. Nigel was suffering with heavy legs. Nigel a whole is a marathon runner who can run easily between 2.16 & 2.19 on the right day. Today wasn't his day.
My target of getting under 2.20 was going to be close as we passed the half way point in a time which would have given us 2.20.
From then on it was me, long stretches of road, humidity and smart arse kids running beside me shouting, Tempo, Tempo, Tempo.
Around 18 miles I passed the 2.15 Romanian who was going to help Nigel with the pacing. He was just about jogging. The Ruski just in front was just the same. They had paid the price.
Blister problems arose on the last five miles in, but I tried to take my mind off that and try to keep the tempo going which is hard on your own with no one to run with or having the luxury of a lead car there.
A mile or so from the finish I was passed by a Hungarian? and a Polish runner. I didn't want to look at my watch. I just wanted to believe I was 2.20 or near that mark. I was actually 2.25.55.
My first thought's were I let down UKA and Martin Rush who did all he could, and my coach Dennis Quinlan who planned a meticulous training program for this race. So I decided to polish off that can of Slovakian premium lager which we all got in our 'goodie bags'. It took a while to reach out for it out from the cupboard as I was quite stiff.
A little later, I was right as ninepence.
Nigel Leighton didn't want to DNF for GB so stuck it out to the end, and finished 2.48. Good for him for sticking it out for the team.
Holly May who's Martin's partner had the best run of us three. She came to finish second with 2.41ish to beat the over confident Ruski. She got a nice trophy and nice pay day aswell.

It's pot luck with getting the marathon right. I still feel fitness wise I can do it. I will have to work on the belief more to make it work.

I enjoyed Kosice Marathon very much and representing GB again was a very proud moment for me. ....and the Slovakian crumpet was rather nice on the eye too. I can tell you this, I wouldn't mind being used as a meal ticket for the right one...strickly speaking only.

Hmm, nice report if I say so myself...

2006-09-24T11:31:00.000Z

Last Friday night we decide to meet up in Otley to celebrate with a drink or two and a plate of curry!
Matt, Julian, myself and Neil turned up at Jamil's house to kick start off our victory. We then proceeded to 'The Junction' hostilery for some light refreshment. We were joined there by Andy and Mick and some more from the club. The Jewel of India wasn't accomodating so went back to the Balti restraurant next 'The Junction' for a good fill of food and drink. The night was finished off back in pub.

2006-09-24T10:56:00.000Z

OTLEY ATHLETIC CLUB

WINS IT'S FIRST OPEN RELAY

The club entered two teams in the Yorkshire 6 stage road relays at Don Valley stadium down in Sheffield.

It was to become a day of mixed fortunes.

The 'A' team were in running order Matt Cox, Jamil Parapia, Ian Fisher (capt), Neil Cayton, Julian Mawson and Andrew Robertshaw.

The 'B' team were in running order Zak Whitehead, Malcolm Court, Howard Jeffrey, Mick Jeffrey (capt), Dan Lambert and Paul Clifford.

The 'A' team started of well with Matt keeping in with the leading pack to the finish. Finishing a minute behind York Acorn's Andy Hilton. Jamil made up the gap and took the lead, and increased it to 17 seconds. I was surprised to take over with the lead so soon. From then on, my team were time trialing. I passed over to Neil with a 2 minute 8 second lead. Neil under pressure to keep the lead wasn't in his usual form and ran himself into the ground for the club. He ended up in Hallam hospital till the following Thursday for check's. But he was okay a few hours after the relay. Julian took over with me pilling the pressure on as we had lost ground. He ran his best that day, but Hallamshire did a great job in catching us up. Andrew took over with just 9 seconds gap! I was pulling my hair out. Could a long distance fell runner keep us the lead? He did, but it was close. He did increase the lead a bit more. The gap was around 150 meters to the finish. Okay, the big clubs weren't out in force to beat us. But I think we deserved it. Neil certainly did!

I was so engrossed in my team that I found following the 'B' team a little difficult. At one point on my third leg, both of our teams were seperated by a lap but running almost together with nobody around us. Mick Jeffrey wanted a good balance of runner's in his team. It is difficult to get those last one or two in, but he managed it. His team finished 15th out of 24 starter's. A good result.

I have had some good individual successes, but to see Otley do so well as a underdog club has to be one of my proudest moments. Well done everyone!

2006-09-04T21:41:00.000Z

Finally sent names off for the Yorkshire 6 stage road relays at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield on 16th Sept. My final race before Kosice Marathon on Oct 1st.
Past week has been a bit difficult for me. My father has just had a small stroke about six day's ago. He is fit for his age so thankfully he is making good recovery. I ended up missing the club's 'Mile race' at Carnegie last Thursday because I went to visit him at the BRI in Bradford.
I have just done tempo runs from half hour to ninety minutes over the past week. Including my Sunday 22 miler off road along the canal to Rodley and over the tops towards Baildon. I can end up burning 2700-2800 kcal's on that run alone. My metabolism is high so keeping up with the food intake can be a bind. My heart rate monitor reading from complete rest is 32 bpm. I keep at 130 bpm max all the way around at 6, 6.30 min pace. On the track my rate is 150-152 bpm. I've been told it should be higher around 170 bpm? My immune system can get week by it sometimes, but I seem to recover quite fast after a hard run/race.
Last Thursday and Friday were good training day's. Thursday was a race tempo run around Lister Park in Bradford, followed by a 40 min field run later on that night. Friday, I managed to get down early to Apperley Bridge for the impromptu training session around the pitch, with a hour along the canal and local woodlands.
I was joined up with four other Idle AC member's including Secretary Chris Smith aswell as Donna, Lisa F and David. We did a variety of relayed effort's around marked points around the pitch.
Still managing to see my dad in between other things. Sunday's big run was done in blustery conditions. It was no where near as bad as the day before. Still, I did get kitted up for any downpours. It got warm further on and I was beginning to feel the heat.
The Leeds Country Way was also on that day going through the Woodlands area between Apperley Bridge and Horsforth.

2006-08-27T16:51:00.000Z

Burnsall 10 on the 19th August went very well. Conditions were blustery but managable. I felt relaxed before race. I was planning to run around the route after race, which I did in the end.
I didn't feel any pressure on this one after my run at the Sale 10 in Manchester.
Took the lead from the start and made up a 70 yard lead within the first mile. I wanted to keep it at a good tempo without stuffing myself. It worked as I felt great all the way around. I finished about three minutes in front of the next runner with 52.08. I think it's probably my fastest on that one.
Had around half hour break and then I ran it again fully kitted up. The weather was better this time around. Otley won the team over Keighley & Craven. That will keep one or two doubter's at bay.
Not much in training the following day. Monday was a 17 mile steady. Tuesday I didn't feel too good as I went for a 12 x 400 with 1 min recovery (Times were 65-67 secs). Awful to begin with but my times stayed consistant on each lap with the wind in my face on the back straight.
Missed Otley that night as I had a bad headache. Wednesday felt the same. Thursday I was back to normal. Friday was a long field run which is a good surface for high mileage runners. Saturday, I simply couldn't fit a decent run in. Went to visit family over the Pennines. Spent lots of energy playing with Edward my two year old nephew. Today I did an out and back to Silsden. It's about 23 miles. Felt strong strong and bouncy. Boring run but it's ideally flat apart from Bingley Five rise locks. As Kosice Marathon is flat. This was ideal.

2006-08-16T22:03:00.000Z

No time to train today. Had to pick up my brother and his wife from Manchester Airport and got back late. Plus very heavy downpour and thunder.
Just fancied a break from it and spin me plates on the poles instead...

Do you like my colouring pencils. I have got green, orange, brown and yellow. Around the back there is black, purple and some other intesting varieties.
Must remember to sharpen that black one up at the back with my Thomas the Tank engine pencil sharpener.

2006-08-16T21:10:00.000Z

Ahh yes, I remember this shot.. It was me kind of dropping in to a start of a race I did recently. I did my best not to get myself noticed by not attaching one of those flare things which blow out red smoke.

Just to spice it up a bit for my arrival. I decided to land in a kiddies paddling pool with only a few inches of water to break my fall.

The look I got from people was priceless. Imagine being at the foot of Mount Everest and gazing at the wonder before your very eyes.
I then finished off with a bit of magic for the kids by spinning dinner plates on ten poles blindfolded!

Running wise it just been training since Sale 10. Done some very long runs for the marathon and some track work. It's been nice to get back on the track again. Jamil, Zak and myself did 8 x 600mtrs with 200 recovery last Monday at Carnegie. I felt comfortable in 1.37 - 1.39. Could have done more, but it would have turned into an endurance workout.
Went to Idle AC on Tuesday. Did hill work in Carverley Woods. That was fun to do. Tomorrow (Thurs) I will before club do 12 x 600mtrs with 100mtrs recovery at Horsfall track . That will be done at tempo as I'm doing Burnsall 10 mile road race this Saturday. Almost straight after I will train over the course again (20 mile) before the event is over. Going to race it as a tempo.
Hope I don't miss the Greasy Pole competition?

2006-08-07T22:08:00.000Z

Welcome back.
Before you go on to read my report on the Sale 10. I would like to draw your attention to the about picture above...
It is as you know an 'escape key' on a computer keyboard. But not just any keyboard. This one was made by Ortek Technology in China (serial no. 8078786) around 1998 - 99 time. Going by the colour it looks like a Mk2 version. And as I look at my records about 23,887 were made.
It is my favourite one as it has a better looking escape key than my other keyboards in my collection.
The keys are quite comfortable to operate and it's a little bit bigger in length than the standard keyboard, about 4 millimeter's to be precise.
The flip out stands at the back have a nice spring action to them.
Quality.

2006-08-07T21:40:00.000Z

Sale 10 road race over in Wythenshaw in Manchester went well yesterday. Conditions were muggy. First off I heard it was a three lap race, but on the day it became a four lap race.
The lap around the track at the start felt slow. A US based lad from Preston Harriers belted off at the start. I thought he isn't going to last... but he did. I totally forgot about him during the race.
Instead I decided to concentrate on Sale's Gareth Raven. Gareth has raced under 2.20 marathon's in the past and has done around 49 minutes on a past Sale 10. he is quite an all rounder so it was good to have him there to race against.
We did have a bit of a group with us on the first lap but going into the second it was just me and Raven.
I felt confortable with the pace as we took turns leading each other. The first mile was slower than my recent 10 miler's by 20-30 seconds. It mean't though in the end it was going to be cruising at a sharp even pace.
We did have problems passing back marker's on the latter laps as it made us to go wide or ease up to get around people. It the end I suppose we felt we did a bit more than 10 mile's like everyone else.
The one who I forgot about finished about 2 minutes in front. Gareth Raven broke the deadlock between us as we arrived into the finish and complete another lap to the line.
I finished in 50.12. Twelve seconds behind the Sale runner.
Jamil had another great run by taking four minutes of his PB with a time of over 53 and a half. he also had a tussle with Darlington's consistant Martin Grainger.
I was hit with a cold of sorts in the week up to it. But I've come away happy with the result as I feel I was in shape to get under 50 minutes comfortably.

2006-07-28T21:09:00.000Z

Phew! I thought I was never going to get back for the 3k track handicap with the club last Thursday.
Remember 'The Human CannonBall' thing? Well the cheeky blighter's at the Circus put in far too much gunpowder in the cannon and I ended up in another county.

Fear not, I am back to fill you in with more Fisher Facts!

Not long now till the Sale 10 in Manchester. It's going to be fast!
Flight's to Slovakia for the Marathon have been confirmed. They are pretty organised at UKA.

Last Thursday night was the club's 3k race at Carnegie over in Leeds. It was handicaped, and I set off over seven minutes behind the first off runner.
The runner I first had to catch was Otley's star runner Jamil Parapia. He bought some fancy white spikes for the occasion. So the lad mean't some business.
The race felt a bit congested in places, making it a bit hard in places to get going fully. Foolishly, earlier on I sort of fancied a 'light' Full English. Bad move, even a few hours before the event.
I could tell it wasn't my night on the strides before the race. I started off well enough but ran out off steam soon after.
Training up to the night before had been going really well. I think a little too hard the day before. I find it hard to jog to lower my heart-rate when it rises over 130 at 6 min per mile pace.
The run of the night was from Jamil. He has aimed his training over 10k stuff and his pace showed. He had good bounce in his stride. He set off 20 seconds in front and finished in 9.04, which was 8 seconds slower than my run.
I was annoyed with my run when I finished with the warm down. But knocks are good for you and wake you up a bit.

Oh, and my favourite fizzy pop is Limeade as it's quite refreshing. Just in case you wanted to ask but didn't dare.

Thaat's fizzy!

2006-07-18T22:58:00.000Z

Here I am again. I will come to the training/racing part in a bit, but first....

People from all walks of life ask me what I do outside running?
Well I like to ride my bike and also like to drink fizzy pop when I'm doing a bit sketching.

But more realistically, another favourite past-time of mine is helping my foreign friend from a travelling circus. If the poor fellow has a bad headache, I step in for him and wear the coverted cap and mask of 'The Human Cannonball'.

Atlast,I'm finally going up in the world!

Now for the running bit.

This heat wave has like the rest of us hampered the training a bit. But I'm now gearing up for the fast Sale 10 mile road race in Manchester on Aug 6th. Over the last few weeks I have been getting back on the track just to get some bounce back in my step. It is working.

Main event for me is being asked by UKA to run for GB in the Kosice Marathon in Slovakia on Oct 1st. The course looks undulating, so it will suit me perfectly.

Meanwhile, back back down at club level....

Both my clubs Otley AC and second claim Idle AC staged well organised events last weekend with great success.

The Washburn Relay had a record 40+ teams turn up on the 14th. Each club enjoyed themselves. There was no elitism, just solid competition and fun. Skipton had taken the lead from start and going into the last fourth leg. We were second around 90 secs or so behind on this 3-4 mile stage. I did pass Skipton's Ian Magee towards the end and clinched VICTORY once again for Otley. Skipton do impress me with their part in relays. They should try the more serious relay's more often.

Idle AC also finished up there in the results. Their ladies team are very strong.

Last Sunday I ran for Idle in their event 'The Idle Trail Race'. This event is very well organised and good value. Friendly support from marshalls on route which takes in part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and surrounding woodlands. Even Ron Hill was there running for Clayton Le Moors. I was first and an U/A Jamie Noon was second. The day again was very warm. My friend and ex-coach Pete Shields won a prize in his catagory. This year included pictures of yourself at the event. There is a few shots of me doing my bit for the camera.

As you can tell by me being at complete ease in front of the lens I've done this sort of thing before.

Presentation night at Ripon tomorrow for the Harrogate League series. I wonder what Handicap I will get this time? Last year I had to run under fifthteen minutes on this 5 mile plus circuit to win it. I think I will just go there to enjoy it and maybe just maybe eat more than the human dustbin of R/Z Jon Orange.

Somehow I think I'm going to fail on that one.

Training as usual with track on Saturday with a three hour run on Sunday. All basic stuff really, but it works.

And finally,

Had a chicken Rogan josh last night at Bradford's Sweet Centre with some Ilkley Harriers and Wharfdale's premier club (Otley of course). Tasted nice but far to many tomatoe's.

I had a couple of Shami's to begin with, but I was dissapointed that they couldn't supply me with a plate of onions bargies and a medium donna (also for starters).

Keep your comments commin'

Sorry for any spelling mistakes. Vivid imagination but that's about it.