The first two days this week hurt. I had DOMS from running down Ben Ledi on Sunday which led my coach to saying that in the remaining 55 days my legs are going to get "battered. I've run out of time to put in the big running miles but I'll be doing a lot of hill walking to prepare my legs for the ascending and descending in the Canyon. From experience I know you can't hammer down the hills if you want to finish the race, especially one over 7 days. If you've run a marathon before you know how your legs feel the next day. Add to that carrying 12kg on your back, 35 degrees of heat, freeze dried food, sleeping under canvas, no morning showers and you'll begin to understand how I will need to manage my legs (and my head) during the race.
It looks like we may have established the cause of the hamstring problem which is linked to my hip. So more intense treatment is required including shockwave treatment to try and reset the muscles that are misbehaving. I also had a wonderful Thai massage from Mark Russell (yogi Mark). It was like having yoga "done to you" and I managed some positions I would never have got into myself. It was quite relaxing and really strenches off my tired muscles - you should try it out.
Running is out for me at the moment until we get the hammy/hip sorted but it gives me the opportunity to climb some hills. This weekend I headed out with ultra ironchick Dawn Williamson to be shown a different route up Ben Lomond (974 metres). I power walked up but before getting to the top I was in cloud base - again! Such a shame as the scenery is stunning, so I'm told! The rain came on heavily so the walk down was more about staying upright and not jarring my hammy. It doesn't surprise me that mountain rescue get regular call outs; on the way down I passed 3 people walking with umbrellas up. Seen as I almost got blown off the top I couldn't see them lasting too long. Others were going up in tee-shirts and jeans not realising the weather at the bottom of the hill was pleasant compared to being in the clouds at the top.
When I got up this morning the sky was blue so I headed out early to repeat the climb but on my own. The conditions were worse and with cloud base much lower. At stage I got lost and doubled back till I recognised where I was. If you know Ben Lomond I know you'll think that's daft because you just stick to the path, but when you've been walking in clouds for 20 minutes and didn't recognise where you are then your mind plays tricks. The last section before the summit is a bit tricky especially as visibility was limited and the wind had got up. I felt like I was "bonking" so played safe and took some shelter and got some jelly babies and a pork pie into me - that sorted me. The summit was the same as the day before so I wasted no time in taking the tourist route down. The path can be tricky especially with my right foot so I used my poles to support my descent and only went over on my ankle a few times. But it only takes I misplaced step to end the journey.
Next week I've got more shockwave treatment lined up and hopefully I'll be fit for a 6 hour climb, with a real climber, on Saturday. These legs are going to be battered into shape. I just hope to summit one mountain and get a view - Summer in Scotland!
Sunday 30 July 2017
Sunday 23 July 2017
Inspired by strangers
It's been a week of highs, lows and highs but you'd expect that in any journey in life. But before we get into that I was inspired by strangers this week. Strangers who swim with me but we don't often get the chance to talk while doing sets. On Friday an elderly gentleman (late 60s?) asked me how far I was swimming. He then went on to explain he used to do two miles but through health issues he'd cut it down to one - in his late 60s this guy is swimming a mile 4 times a week! Amazing and he's hoping once he gets "sorted" to get the mileage up. I was also chatting to a lady who it turns out won an ironman event 15 years ago in the UK - not an age grouper, but the whole race. Another girl has just swam the north channel and all of these people are in the same pool as me. It just shows that everyone has a story and goals they are still pushing for so never judge a book by its cover as they say.
On Tuesday the physio was pleased with my hammy which was great news. On Wednesday I went for a short run - pulled up after 3 minutes. Back to physio on Thursday and it turns out to be a different part of the hammy and that my glute is in need of some pounding! The secret is knowing how far you can push a muscle that is sending out distress signals because it still needs to be worked. Inactivity could set it back.
The first test was on Saturday - a walk up Tinto hill, 711 metres high using walking poles for the first time. The poles were like having a 4 wheel drive. I power walked to the top which was in cloud base so no views to be seen. The rain was heavy on the way down but I tested my hammy and glute with a couple of runs over 200m - I could feel the hammy but it was ok.
Rather than go out running today, with only 62 days to go I need to spend more time on the hills as there is 18,000 ft of climbing and 14,500 ft of descending in G2G. So I headed off early morning with my coach Genevieve to go up Ben Ledi which is 879 metres high. We started off by going the wrong way which added 50 minutes to our time. But it warmed up my hammy and glute which was just as well as it's a steep start. My hammy was fine on the way up and when we got to the top, yes you guessed it, we were in cloud base! I chose to really test the hammy and glute by running down the mountain and managed this with no adverse affect. That's a real confidence booster but I'm not getting carried away as it's still work in progress. This week I've got the physio, a massage and yoga exercises and the chiropractor! I've got to make it to that startline uninjured so a lot of time will be spent "nursing" my injuries. I'm going to be spending a lot of time up mountains before heading to the Caynon. I just hope there will be a view from some of them!
On Tuesday the physio was pleased with my hammy which was great news. On Wednesday I went for a short run - pulled up after 3 minutes. Back to physio on Thursday and it turns out to be a different part of the hammy and that my glute is in need of some pounding! The secret is knowing how far you can push a muscle that is sending out distress signals because it still needs to be worked. Inactivity could set it back.
The first test was on Saturday - a walk up Tinto hill, 711 metres high using walking poles for the first time. The poles were like having a 4 wheel drive. I power walked to the top which was in cloud base so no views to be seen. The rain was heavy on the way down but I tested my hammy and glute with a couple of runs over 200m - I could feel the hammy but it was ok.
Rather than go out running today, with only 62 days to go I need to spend more time on the hills as there is 18,000 ft of climbing and 14,500 ft of descending in G2G. So I headed off early morning with my coach Genevieve to go up Ben Ledi which is 879 metres high. We started off by going the wrong way which added 50 minutes to our time. But it warmed up my hammy and glute which was just as well as it's a steep start. My hammy was fine on the way up and when we got to the top, yes you guessed it, we were in cloud base! I chose to really test the hammy and glute by running down the mountain and managed this with no adverse affect. That's a real confidence booster but I'm not getting carried away as it's still work in progress. This week I've got the physio, a massage and yoga exercises and the chiropractor! I've got to make it to that startline uninjured so a lot of time will be spent "nursing" my injuries. I'm going to be spending a lot of time up mountains before heading to the Caynon. I just hope there will be a view from some of them!
Sunday 16 July 2017
Lost in London
It's been a hectic week as I have increased my training with double sessions and having a busy work schedule. Two runs were before 6am and while I was treated to a the birds singing I also had the pleasure on a blue sky with no clouds and an almost full moon while the sun was blazing in the sky. That's what makes getting up early worthwhile and I feel I have a head start on the world!
On Tuesday the hammy got a good report from my miracle worker Pamela Lock but the calf muscles were re-taped as they were showing signs of being overworked in a way they shouldn't be - this is all connected with my foot instability.
On Friday me and the boss headed off on business in London so Friday was my rest day. A nice lunch with clients helped me towards my weight target followed by a concert and an after show party. We got in about 1am but I was up at 6.45 to go for a run in Hyde Park. It's a big park and it took me a while to navigate my way round it but 1hr and 20 minutes passed with only one person acknowledging me - "hello cock" he said. I did have a quick check in case there was a wardrobe malfunction but fortunately everything was in order!
This morning I was meant to be running for 1 hr 50 minutes as I build up my mileage. I was in a different hotel and checked the map before heading out to run in Hyde Park, Green Park and St James Park. Took a wrong turning and it was about 20 minutes before I reached Green Park. What a stunning park. I wish I'd more time and I'd have happily spent the day wandering around and stopping to read a book under the shade of the massive old oak trees. The same could be said for St James Park and I waved to the Queen a few times as I did my laps - even saw the soldiers practicing for a parade. I was enjoying the sticky heat when I became aware that my hammy was talking to me. I was 1 hour and 8 mins in and it had tightened up. I stretched it off but it didn't improve so I walked back to the hotel - more physio on Tuesday. I'm confident this will be fixed but don't want to risk making it worse.
I've really enjoyed being lost in London and feeling energised by the trees and the beautiful plants and it's hard to believe that such beauty is in the middle of a busy contrete jungle. Tomorrow's a rest day and we'll start all over again on Tuesday. Seems the title of my previous blog will apply before as well as during the race. Failure isn't an option!
On Tuesday the hammy got a good report from my miracle worker Pamela Lock but the calf muscles were re-taped as they were showing signs of being overworked in a way they shouldn't be - this is all connected with my foot instability.
On Friday me and the boss headed off on business in London so Friday was my rest day. A nice lunch with clients helped me towards my weight target followed by a concert and an after show party. We got in about 1am but I was up at 6.45 to go for a run in Hyde Park. It's a big park and it took me a while to navigate my way round it but 1hr and 20 minutes passed with only one person acknowledging me - "hello cock" he said. I did have a quick check in case there was a wardrobe malfunction but fortunately everything was in order!
This morning I was meant to be running for 1 hr 50 minutes as I build up my mileage. I was in a different hotel and checked the map before heading out to run in Hyde Park, Green Park and St James Park. Took a wrong turning and it was about 20 minutes before I reached Green Park. What a stunning park. I wish I'd more time and I'd have happily spent the day wandering around and stopping to read a book under the shade of the massive old oak trees. The same could be said for St James Park and I waved to the Queen a few times as I did my laps - even saw the soldiers practicing for a parade. I was enjoying the sticky heat when I became aware that my hammy was talking to me. I was 1 hour and 8 mins in and it had tightened up. I stretched it off but it didn't improve so I walked back to the hotel - more physio on Tuesday. I'm confident this will be fixed but don't want to risk making it worse.
I've really enjoyed being lost in London and feeling energised by the trees and the beautiful plants and it's hard to believe that such beauty is in the middle of a busy contrete jungle. Tomorrow's a rest day and we'll start all over again on Tuesday. Seems the title of my previous blog will apply before as well as during the race. Failure isn't an option!
Sunday 9 July 2017
Run, Trek, Walk, Crawl - whatever it takes
I think the title of this blog sums up my mindset and I am sure I will be repeating it to myself over the next 76 days when I'll be standing on the startline of the Grand 2 Grand 170 mile race. But early on Monday morning, 1am, I was awake wondering if I should postpone the race for a year as I won't be reaching the startline with the mileage in my legs. This race is going to be tougher than MdS. It's 35 miles longer, has more ascending and descending, variable weather conditions and let's not forget I'm 4 years older. I needed to make a decision before booking flights and accommodation so I decided to wait till I'd had my physio on Tuesday and see how my running went this week. The good news is I have no more hamstring pain and all my running this week has gone well.
As a result today I committed by booking the flights and the accommodation - ouch £££! In total I'll be away for 3 weeks and once the race is finished my wife will join me on a luxury holiday in the area finishing up in Las Vegas. Just the thought of that alone should get me through the pain I will undoubtably suffer during the race. If it's anything like MdS then I'll experience "heaven and hell" on the same day!
Now some serious planning is required. The training plan is in place and I'm going to be having regular physio to make sure the chance of injury is reduced. I'm upping my food intake as I could do with a few extra pounds. I've been researching rucksacks as it is such an important item that could make or break your run as I'll be carrying in the region of 12 kilos. On MdS my rucksac's shoulder straps were too narrow and cut into my shoulders causing a lot of pain. I need to buy a lot of equipment and also test out my freeze dried food. Unfortunately the company that I used last time have gone bust which is a shame because their food was good. So some tasting to be done To be confident that I like the food and that it has the right calories and mix of carbs, protein and fat.
My focus is definitely beginning to narrow as the time ticks away. I will be blocking out any negative thoughts or doubts because in the end this will be done whether I need to Run, Trek, Walk or Crawl!
As a result today I committed by booking the flights and the accommodation - ouch £££! In total I'll be away for 3 weeks and once the race is finished my wife will join me on a luxury holiday in the area finishing up in Las Vegas. Just the thought of that alone should get me through the pain I will undoubtably suffer during the race. If it's anything like MdS then I'll experience "heaven and hell" on the same day!
Now some serious planning is required. The training plan is in place and I'm going to be having regular physio to make sure the chance of injury is reduced. I'm upping my food intake as I could do with a few extra pounds. I've been researching rucksacks as it is such an important item that could make or break your run as I'll be carrying in the region of 12 kilos. On MdS my rucksac's shoulder straps were too narrow and cut into my shoulders causing a lot of pain. I need to buy a lot of equipment and also test out my freeze dried food. Unfortunately the company that I used last time have gone bust which is a shame because their food was good. So some tasting to be done To be confident that I like the food and that it has the right calories and mix of carbs, protein and fat.
My focus is definitely beginning to narrow as the time ticks away. I will be blocking out any negative thoughts or doubts because in the end this will be done whether I need to Run, Trek, Walk or Crawl!
Sunday 2 July 2017
DNS
Three simple letters but behind them always lies a story - DNS = did not start. When the Edinburgh 70.3 Ironman was announced I got over excited. An Ironman (half) event on my door stop and it would have been my second of the year and good motivation to continue cross training which would reduce my chance of injury. Well that was the plan which would have worked had I not had an injury earlier in the year which set me back and meant my training plan had to change.
Today was the day of the 70.3 and I wasn't at the start line. I made my decision after completing the Swashbuckler 70.3 back in May but as Edinburgh was approaching I was beginning to get "withdrawal symptoms". Could I do it? Could I just rock up and surprise everyone? Those thoughts were going through my head this week but that was just stupid because my hammy is still not 100% and a 70.3 requires you to be fully fit and I haven't been on a bike for over a month.
While my pals were all battling the waves at Gullane and the jelly fish, I was at Tollcross knocking out 3,200m followed by a 6km run. Except with 300m to go on the run my hammy began grumbling so I walked to the finish.
But hats off to all of those who made the start line and braved the elements. And congratulations to all who finished. To those who didn't, it will make you all the more determined to come back stronger. There is a story behind everyone's training and the races are the icing on the cake. I'm working hard to make sure that it's extra thick icing come September, but I need to get the body sorted first!
Today was the day of the 70.3 and I wasn't at the start line. I made my decision after completing the Swashbuckler 70.3 back in May but as Edinburgh was approaching I was beginning to get "withdrawal symptoms". Could I do it? Could I just rock up and surprise everyone? Those thoughts were going through my head this week but that was just stupid because my hammy is still not 100% and a 70.3 requires you to be fully fit and I haven't been on a bike for over a month.
While my pals were all battling the waves at Gullane and the jelly fish, I was at Tollcross knocking out 3,200m followed by a 6km run. Except with 300m to go on the run my hammy began grumbling so I walked to the finish.
But hats off to all of those who made the start line and braved the elements. And congratulations to all who finished. To those who didn't, it will make you all the more determined to come back stronger. There is a story behind everyone's training and the races are the icing on the cake. I'm working hard to make sure that it's extra thick icing come September, but I need to get the body sorted first!
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