Sunday 16 December 2012

Running with the bionic man!

Today was a 6.30am start so I could have porridge before going out for a long run with a legend - Chris Moon. Chris lost his lower leg and arm by stepping on a landmine but is an unbelievable ultra runner. During our 23 mile run he talked me through the Marathon Des Sables which he has completed, with one leg! I picked up lots of tips regarding my training and learned that the walk / run is essential. He advised me that you should walk the hills, which doesn't come naturally to me, but carrying a 10kg rucksack while doing 5.5 marathons in 7 days in 40 - 50 degrees may make the walking easier! This was an important run for me as I have gone from 6 miles to 23 miles (15 miles last Sunday)in just over 2 weeks without any problems - not to be recommended though. Normally you'd only increase by 10% a run but I had to get back to the longer distances following my 5 week layoff. Come January my runs will involve a weighted rucksack. Bring it on.