Establishing a new "baseline"

Life is never dull and as I get older I certainly take it less for granted!  As a result of my prostate operation, which has been a complete success, they found I have a faulty heart value but are not too bothered about it.  However I have Atrial Fibrillation (A Fib) which is an irregular and sometime very fast (200 bpm) heart rate - fortunately not life threatening.  I started on medication a week ago and it's meant to sort the rhythm out.  
As a result I'm paying very close attention to my heart rate when exercising and trying to keep it down by running slowly and on flat terrain until I can establish a new baseline for my heart rate.  But it does play on your mind?  It sure does; am I out of breath? am I tired?  Should I be running this far?  Not good when the Manchester Marathon is 3 weeks away and I am hoping that things will have settled down by then.  But any chance of a fast time is highly unlikely and probably not worth taking the risk.
But I am beginning to enjoy being back out running again with the lighter mornings and nights.  This is when I feel alive, in spring heading into summer although I've had a couple of colder than expected runs this week.
I'm also back in the gym to build back my strength and try my best to ignore not only the "confinement" of a gym (indoors with lots of people), but the twats who think they own it, hog the machines and free weights while they swan around talking to likeminded twats while not using the equipment!  I appreciate that "gym life" is a big part in their life and better they are doing something positive with their time.  But come on lads, a bit of consideration to the other gym users please.
Consideration is also in short supply as you try and dodge the long dog leads or the dogs who are not on leads at Strathclyde Park as they get in your way when you are running.  It's not the dogs fault and I love dogs but come on owners, runners really can hurt themselves either trying to change direction quickly or even worse falling over your beloved dog which would be a disaster, especially for the dog.
I think I've got all my moans out of my system.  I put it down to discovering that getting older brings with it some challenges.  But I love a challenge and nothing's going to stop me.  Not even a long lead with a handbag dog on the end of it.  Bring on Manchester.  After all it's meant to be a warm up race!

Food for the soul

In the last couple of weeks I've had to dial down the training rather than increase it which is what you'd expect with a marathon lined up next month.  My HR has been high and I haven't had the energy required for the miles especially if it's been hilly.  I'll be starting on medication shortly which will help, but don't worry, it's not life threatening.  I'm just going to have to take it easy for a couple of months which isn't ideal, but health first.
I'm continuing with my yoga and have just started back on weights and resistance work.  This has been neglected for the last 6 weeks for various reasons and I'm enjoying working out again.
Last week I had a few "pan flat" runs down south with Beth and despite a slower than normal pace, my HR was too high.  In contrast we then headed up to Glencoe, our happy place.  There was snow on the mountains and our first adventure was a low level walk / jog 22km  with 554m of ascent which took just over 4 hours.  At one stage I was up to my knees in a bog and the snow made the scenery even more spectacular.  The following day we headed a summit. We climbed 685m, 8km in just over 4 hours - what a contrast.  The "path" disappeared in the snow and as we got close to the summit the conditions got a bit too risky so we turned back.  Walking through a felled forest was hellish and had we not had poles it would have been treacherous.  But my heart rate in both days was low and this type of training is good for your core strength.  Being in these conditions brings you so close to nature, actually again up to our knees in snow with every step as we approached the summit.  Turning back was sensible as we didn't have crampons but it's really "food for the soul" to be out in the wilds of Glencoe. 
The following day we ran 28k on a flat route as part of the preparation for the Manchester Marathon.  The pace was meant to be slow but with me trying to keep my HR at 150, is was at a snails pace.  Perhaps the sign that for me, Manchester won't be on but the medication might change that although any thought of a fast time is unrealistic.
The next day I was shattered then got food poisoning so Fri/Sat was a wipe out.  Today I did some yoga, weights and a short 6.5k run but I'm not fully over the food poisoning yet. 
Not the best of times but health first.  This adventure of mine has been going on for 15 years now and there is much more to come.  Thanks for your encouragement and support.

"Don't panic Mr Mannering!"

 "Don't panic Mr Mannering".  That quote takes me back to my childhood and Dad's Army on the one of 3 available channels at the time.  So for my younger readers, google the quote for more background information.
But why would I be panicking?  I'm not but I am drawing on all my experience of training over the years to stay calm!  Managed properly, this will come good.
In short the Manchester Marathon is 6 weeks away and my training is behind for the reasons previously reported on.  You don't get to my age without some wear and tear and whilst I might think I'm tough, sometimes you have to listen to your body.  Most people turn up at races and complain about being behind but I'm not feeling in shape for a fast marathon.  But a lot can happen in 6 weeks so I will keep the focus on my training and staying healthy and try not to fall over - again.
As you know I've never considered myself an athlete, just an ordinary guy pushing myself to the limit while enjoying amazing adventures.  But the winter months aren't the best conditions to train in and snow is forecast next week.  I think I've spent too much time on tarmac and am bored but on Saturday Beth & I had a wonderful trail run that made us both smile.  It was a blue sky and running through the trees energised us.  That, and time up the mountains is what we enjoy the best.  It gives you head space, fresh air and an amazing perspective on life.  It's such a privlege to be to run in those surroundings.
Ultra running is also about the people you meet.  There is no typical ultra runner but a few characteristics they have is they are friendly, helpful, don't have a big ego and always have fascinating stories about their adventures around the world.  Good people to be around.  I come alive in that environment and can't wait till June when I have my first ultra - the 58km Full Tilt Ultra.
But until then there are more miles to be run on tarmac.  Today I went back to Strathaven to run with my coach Craig and some old friends Rosie & Stewart and some new friends.  I'd forgotten how tough the hills around Strathaven were but it was a good 16km to build on the trail run the day before of 16km.  My fitness is lacking but I'll get back there so "Don't panic Mr Mannering".  Manchester here we come.