Hi Craig and Andy, I have only just looked at the league tables. a friend of mine told me I was at the top, I was surprised that I was, as my times are not that good in real terms. but as I am 52 now and running against much younger runners, my age % has gone up. I started running about 5 years ago, like Craig just to keep fit. I joined three brothers who had been running a local run called the ship six for about 12 years. its a very hilly run, through the Lincolnshire Wolds. as my times got better I decided to join a local running club and try my hand in a few races. I joined the Wolds vets, and started to pick up a few training tips from the very good seasoned runners at the club. it took about two years but I started to improve my race positions, Its very rear I win a race, but I do well for my age. as for world class I am flattered but don't think I am. I still only do it to keep fit, and have a little advantage over the runners who have done it for years, in that my legs are fresh. and also our club coach Mick Hall is a very dedicated guy. and has worked with me to help me understand the importance of speed and track work.you would be surprised at what improvement can be made from a 6 month training plan, that incorporates a couple of speed sessions a week,and maybe some hill sprints every 3rd week. in one year I went from just scraping under 40 minuets for the Cleethorpes new years day10k, to doing 35:55 the following year.but weather I am first or last the main thing is I am enjoying my running. the age grading is just another incentive to keep us old guys going.and we in turn keep the young bucks on their toes as it gets embarrassing if a 50 year old vet beats them. keep up the good work GRG, you're a top site.       

Fantastic story Peter. Its always good to read a persons own interpretation of their acheivements.
I'm about 10 years younger than you but I still doubt I'll be hitting 83% by the time Im 52 !!!! Its a fantastic acheivement.
I keep saying to myself that I'm gonna join a running club because I feel that training alongside experienced runners is only gonna have major benefits to my times and PB's if I wanna improve.
I'm currently averaging around 56%, but am working hard to reach average 60%. (I've been close to 60% on a couple of runs but not quite there yet.)
But... after reading your story, I think that's given me the final push I need to get my back-side into gear and contact the local running club. 
Thanks Peter !

Hi Guys,

Good stuff indeed. I would also encourage Craig to join a club for all sorts of reasons, not least the social side. They are generally very welcoming although it can be a bit daunting going along for the first time as generally everyone knows everyone else! Soon enough you'll be one of those everyones!

I will look with interest at the league to see if that percentage improves.

Andy

Hi Craig I am sure you will improve by joining a club. When you run on your own you are only running to your own expectations, but when running in a group, every one seems to find an extra 10%. It won’t be easy, at first you will be hanging on to the back of the group, thinking was this a good idea ?. But most clubs have three or four groups of different abilities. Make sure you start off with the slower ones, for the first week. And then move up the groups as you gain confidence. I will put money on you getting to 70% within a year. Good look Craig.

Ps

if you are looking for a good half Marathon I can recommend Fleetwood. I may do the Full again this year.

Pete Hutch

Hi Everyone,

We at GRG were thinking of making the league tables updated every 6 or 3 months rather than the present year. So that your best run in the last 3 or 6 months is shown having the effect of more movement in the league tables than at present which are tending to be rather static. What do members think?

Andy

Hi Andy

I think that's a good idea.  As you say, it should show more movement in the tables, which would be motivating for the runners who want to keep towards the top and give other runners a chance to get to the top.

What would happen if you didn't do a race in that time period? Would you drop out of the league?

We have a GRG meeting next week and the leagues are high on the agenda. Thanks for all your comments and any more would be very welcome. fiona, that is one thing we need to discuss!

Andy

Hi,

I cant seem to find any of my runs in the members league. Am i doing something wrong?

John

Hi John

For all the leagues apart from the training runs league - you need to make sure you have logged the run as a race.  Also, you will  need to have calculated your age graded percentage.  You will need to map or GPS the route to do this - but you also may be able to download the route from the shared race routes section.  Also, the race needs to be in the last 3 months.  If you think you have done all this and your races still don't appear then send me an email and I will check over your details.

Louise