How bad do you want it?

Sorry my blog is late but I've had something on my mind that meant I couldn't concentrate on writing something of interest and I don't just blog for the sake of it.
Over the years I have had numerous injuries and continue to have niggles; neck, shoulders, calf, and foot need regular attention. In 2015 an old foot injury became a permanent foot injury which made me delay running Grand 2 Grand a year.  Instead I entered Ironman Frankfurt as it involved less running.  It proved a great success, despite 6 weeks out getting tests for prostate cancer and then pulling a hamstring 5 weeks out so no more running before the race.  It ended up I had prostatitis but it was only a month after the race I got this result.  The race gave me something positive to focus on and despite being crippled with back pain for the last 13 miles and walking large sections of it, I got a PB by 45 minutes.
A year later I ran the 250km G2G.  My foot and calf were taped up but I got round the tough course.
In 2019 I was signed up for Tahoe 205 mile non-stop race.  3 weeks before a hernia appeared with no warning.  I was offered the operation before the race but with the recovery time of 3 months I elected for Plan B - hernia pants!  I ran the race in hernia pants which wasn't the most pleasant experience.  My balls were just about in my throat as they were so tight and the pants offered no ventilation - the Grand Canyon is hot! 3 weeks after I got back I had the operation and started my training after 3 months.  A long slow recovery.
Last year I had to withdraw from my "A race" URR due to an ankle injury one month out from the race.  I've spent much more time in the gym and on my yoga practice to try and keep my niggles at bay.
But the reason my mind wasn't on my blog was yesterday I went through a prostate operation.  I've been on medication since 2016 and it's got to a stage that to improve my quality of life something had to be done.  It will be three months before we know if it's been successful but for the next week I need to wear a Catheter.  You may feel this is too much information to share but I've always been open and honest in my blog as I record this as much for my benefit as hopefully yours.  Perhaps it gives you an insight in how I deal with challenges and where ever possible, let nothing get in the way.  It's a mindset and as I have said before, it all comes down to "how bad do you want it"?  The answer is obvious.  I want to complete URR 2023 "badly".  It will be made easier having my partner Beth running it with me knowing how big a challenge it is for her, taking her ultra running to a whole new level.  But she is so capable of it down to her determination and mindset.
Depending on the surgeon's advice, I'll be running a hilly half marathon at Glentress in 4 weeks time and the Manchester Marathon in April.  My training has been going very well and despite not being allowed to run I will be doing light upper body weights at home (need to get bigger, stronger "traps" for carrying the rucksack in URR),  light yoga and am waiting for permission to start turbo training.  I can't just sit, vegetate and  lose the fitness I have worked so hard for in the last couple of months.
So as you can see, it's not "plain sailing" when trying to reach this level of fitness and we all have these struggles no matter what distance you are training for.  Hopefully by sharing my stories with you, catheter and all, it will give you extra motivation to work through any challenges put in your way.  Stay focused on the prize, stay safe, fit and healthy.

Pressing pause to reflect

The year had started off so well.  Nice relaxing break from work, spent time with family and friends, took delivery of a camper van and training was going well.  Life was good.  Then tragedy strikes and a friend dies after being ill for almost a year.  Everything seemed to stop as I reflected on life.  It's so precious and can be cancelled out in a second.  My thoughts are with her family and I'm sure there will be a celebration of her life fitting for someone who shone bright and made a difference in people's lives, just being herself. RIP Lisa.  Your legacy will live on and your family and friends will have wonderful memories to enjoy.
Despite our loss the world keeps spinning and life continues.  The first week back at work was a short one but it was good to see the team and we're focused on the year ahead.
Training is going well under my new coach and a Christmas present from Beth was a 31 day online yoga class with our friend Mark Russell which has been fantastic.  He has a unique way of teaching yoga to runners and triathletes who tend to have different needs.  I'm also doing another online yoga class each day and am back in the gym.  I definitely need to be stronger for URR in August.  While my training is insignificant in relation to last weeks news, I am lucky to be fit and healthy and I'm so grateful for everything I have.
Every January we look forward hoping it will be a better year than the last but when there is a serious setback, take time to pause and reflect.  Live in the present, the now, because you never know what lies head.  If you have things you want to do, don't put them off.  1 life, live it.

Van life

Happy new year to you all.  Here's hoping you have 2023 and beyond mapped out and are ready to turn the hurdles, that will appear on your horizon, into a form of exercise rather than a challenge!
I'm reminded about a client I was working with who, with persuasion from me, set out some goals for the year.  After the first quarter he was down in the dumps because he hadn't reached his goals and thought the goal setting was "a waste of time".  I pointed out that by having the goals written down he was able to see they were missed and could reflect on why they had been missed and what he needed to do to get them back on track.  If they weren't written down then he may have "thought" he was off track but wasn't sure and couldn't take corrective action as he didn't know what had caused the problem.  Having a plan and someone to be accountable to gives you a sharper focus and helps identify areas that need adjusting earlier.  It's a mindset worth developing.
The biggest change in my training in the last 6 months has been the introduction of daily yoga.  Now before you say, I don't have time for that, I'm only talking 15-25 mins a day and I can do it without leaving my home.  If you haven't got the time for that either get up earlier or stop sitting on the couch watching crap telly that won't improve your life! (sorry if that sounds a bit brutal but we all waste so much time).
I'd generally describe myself as "stiff / inflexible" so yoga is a real challenge to me.  I can now almost touch my toes but yoga is about much more than that.  It brings easier breathing and mental wellness.  With all the punishment I put my body through with my training regime, yoga helps my mind and body recover.  I use a number of podcasts and select the classes that suit my level of "stiffness"!!
But the big news is on Hogmanay we took delivery of a Camper Van!  He's been christened "Scooby" and Beth and I are planning to be away up the mountains at every available date staying over in Scooby to cut down the travel and allowing for some spectacular sunrise and sunset photos.  We will be living the "van life" as much as possible as we want to tour Scotland and the rest of the UK before heading over to Europe.  It will all be based around running and you can follow our adventures here.
So an exciting start to 2023 and some tough training in miserable conditions but the days are getting longer and therefore lighter.  Just make sure you are dressed appropriately and you'll survive whatever the weather throws at you.  It always looks worse looking out from a warm dry house or van than it is when you are out there in the elements.  And when you get back, have done your stretching and had a hot shower you will feel amazing and ready for some good food.  Isn't that the best feeling and knowing you have earned the food you're about to consume?
January is a start of a new chapter and you are the author so write the story you want to star in.  Here's to new adventures.