I've been giving some thought to the whole festive season and the joy it brings along with a few challenges as well. Breaking up for Christmas is almost like reaching a finish line. You've worked hard to get there and once you've closed the door at work, you can relax and probably over indulge! Other than Christmas day itself, when you eat your body weight in rich food, there will be plenty of social gatherings where you'll have a few mince pies and more wine than normal. Come on, it's Christmas so why not? Let your hair down, if you have any left but beware. If you pile the pounds on it's like strapping on a heavy rucksack to your chest and heading out for a run - you'll notice the difference immediately.
My festive period is all planned. I'm looking forward to a change of routine. Early morning training will only happen if I wake up and can't get back to sleep. Otherwise I will choose the time that suits me. I want to spend time with the family in between their many social engagements, catch up with friends and also catch up on sleep. There are books I want to read and time doing absolutely nothing.
But with every finish line, there's usually a start line on the horizon so you need to keep going or it will be a much harder start when you get back.
The annual ATHelite fancy dress run took place yesterday at Chatelherault and although the pace was dreadfully slow as we stopped for photos, we had a good laugh and still managed to be active. Better that thank lying on the couch!
I'll be heading out to the garage shortly to complete my last training session of the week, a turbo session with my new power pedals. I'm fascinated by the data my Garmin is collecting. This should give me a good idea as to how my fitness and strength training is progressing.
So make the most of your time off. Have a blast but keep active. Walk rather than take the car as you can burn off a few more carbs and get your step count up. Have a wonderful Christmas and reflect on everything you have that's good in your life. We are so lucky. Merry Christmas.
Sunday, 22 December 2019
Tuesday, 17 December 2019
Making a splash!
Normally I blog on a Sunday but I thought I'd leave it till today because two things happened today which I wanted to include.
The training has been building up gradually as I recover from Tahoe and my surgery. I get a strange sensation around the surgery scar but am assured that this is the new normal so I just need to get used to it. I'm proceeding with caution and under expert instruction from my coach.
During the week I had power pedals fitted to my turbo bike which is going to offer more information for analysis which I am happy with. Turbo training is boring but a great way to get fit when the weather is shit and recently it has been awful. I've now had 3 sessions which give a power reading and I'm already becoming obsessed with the numbers - this is a good thing.
I attended my first "speed session" with the running group and it's amazing how it motivates you to run faster. But I kept a close eye on my pace and "listened" to my body which was marginally uncomfortable at the fasted pace, but I coped.
On Saturday I returned to Chatelherault for a trail run and was wanting to see how my foot would respond. Better than my lungs is the answer. I'm still suffering from the cold so am not 100% and I was also recovering from the staff night out so I'd describe the run as "sluggish". But my foot was better but not perfect afterwards.
On Monday I started my core training. I could tell it's been a long time and I maxed out at 2 sets of 5 press ups - strength of a kitten! In the evening after a very long day at work I headed out at 7pm for a 52 minute run which I really didn't feel like but it had to be done, and it was.
Today I was on the turbo at 5.35am as I had to be in the pool at 7am for my first swim in almost 5 months. I knew I'd die and I wasn't wrong. I had no arms following yesterdays core session and it was tough - but I knew it would be. I'll be back on Friday and hope it will be slightly easier!
But tonight I went to see my sports therapist. I needed my foot checked out. This could be make or break my season especially as I've suffered with it over the last 3 years. Pamela worked on my foot and calf for an hour and it wasn't pleasant. She's taped up my calf and that support should sort it over the next week. I'm booked in again for the beginning of the year to make sure I'm not aggravating it as this injury needs to be continually managed, especially as I build up the miles.
So the journey continues. I've done 16 training sessions in the last 17 days and am starting to feel good. I've only got to get my 9.3 km running up to 50 km in the next 15 weeks. Kielder Ultra I can't wait.
The training has been building up gradually as I recover from Tahoe and my surgery. I get a strange sensation around the surgery scar but am assured that this is the new normal so I just need to get used to it. I'm proceeding with caution and under expert instruction from my coach.
During the week I had power pedals fitted to my turbo bike which is going to offer more information for analysis which I am happy with. Turbo training is boring but a great way to get fit when the weather is shit and recently it has been awful. I've now had 3 sessions which give a power reading and I'm already becoming obsessed with the numbers - this is a good thing.
I attended my first "speed session" with the running group and it's amazing how it motivates you to run faster. But I kept a close eye on my pace and "listened" to my body which was marginally uncomfortable at the fasted pace, but I coped.
On Saturday I returned to Chatelherault for a trail run and was wanting to see how my foot would respond. Better than my lungs is the answer. I'm still suffering from the cold so am not 100% and I was also recovering from the staff night out so I'd describe the run as "sluggish". But my foot was better but not perfect afterwards.
On Monday I started my core training. I could tell it's been a long time and I maxed out at 2 sets of 5 press ups - strength of a kitten! In the evening after a very long day at work I headed out at 7pm for a 52 minute run which I really didn't feel like but it had to be done, and it was.
Today I was on the turbo at 5.35am as I had to be in the pool at 7am for my first swim in almost 5 months. I knew I'd die and I wasn't wrong. I had no arms following yesterdays core session and it was tough - but I knew it would be. I'll be back on Friday and hope it will be slightly easier!
But tonight I went to see my sports therapist. I needed my foot checked out. This could be make or break my season especially as I've suffered with it over the last 3 years. Pamela worked on my foot and calf for an hour and it wasn't pleasant. She's taped up my calf and that support should sort it over the next week. I'm booked in again for the beginning of the year to make sure I'm not aggravating it as this injury needs to be continually managed, especially as I build up the miles.
So the journey continues. I've done 16 training sessions in the last 17 days and am starting to feel good. I've only got to get my 9.3 km running up to 50 km in the next 15 weeks. Kielder Ultra I can't wait.
Sunday, 8 December 2019
The long road back
I knew it was going to be tough. It always is. Coming back from a major race, almost 3 months ago, and still fatigued while recovering from surgery wasn't going to be easy. I've started off slowly with 20 minutes runs or turbo sessions. In the last 12 days I've completed 11 sessions and am looking forward to tomorrow's day off. But just to give me another challenge, I've come down with a cold and if phlegm produced energy I'd selling it to the National Grid.
But it's the psychological side that is "playing with my head". I'm under strict instructions from my coach to take it easy as the hernia was only 7.5 weeks ago and damage can still be done and going back for a repair would set me back a long way. The pace I am running at is slow and whilst I'd like to run faster, where I am in my fitness it would be foolish to try and push it. I actually feel embarrassed shuffling along the street when three months ago my pace would have been 1 minute per kilometre quicker. Having said that I don't think my lungs would cope with anything faster at the moment.
Yesterday I returned to Chatelherault for my first run with the club. They gave me a few minutes head start but soon the group overtook me as I shuffled along. Johnny stayed with me and was good to have some company. At the half way mark we all regrouped. Mark then stayed with me for the second half and I was very grateful as it was a tough second half. I was increasing my running from a flat run of 34 minutes to a hilly trail run of 45 mins. It was so good to catch up at the end over coffee and cakes and I'd been missed so much I was told to pick up the tab!
Later that day my right foot, the one I have issues with, really started to hurt. I wasn't aware of going over on it but I elevated it, put ice on it, took ibuprofen and paracetamol and eventually switched to wine! I wore a compression sock which gave some comfort but my coach and sports therapists both thought it was just the shock of going back on uneven trails. Unreal when you consider the extreme trails I encountered while running 205 miles and had no such pain - although by the end the hard skin on my feet was agony. I swapped my run for a turbo session today and I'm pleased to say my foot is feeling a lot better. Based on today's appalling weather I'm so pleased I was indoors. Hat's off to anyone battling in those weather conditions.
My weight has increased from below 137lbs to 153lbs so I'm looking healthier although I need to lose the fat and put on some more muscle. The gym is not on the schedule yet but I'm looking forward to getting started. I think it will be a few months before I begin to feel normal but you have to be patient on the long road back.
But it's the psychological side that is "playing with my head". I'm under strict instructions from my coach to take it easy as the hernia was only 7.5 weeks ago and damage can still be done and going back for a repair would set me back a long way. The pace I am running at is slow and whilst I'd like to run faster, where I am in my fitness it would be foolish to try and push it. I actually feel embarrassed shuffling along the street when three months ago my pace would have been 1 minute per kilometre quicker. Having said that I don't think my lungs would cope with anything faster at the moment.
Yesterday I returned to Chatelherault for my first run with the club. They gave me a few minutes head start but soon the group overtook me as I shuffled along. Johnny stayed with me and was good to have some company. At the half way mark we all regrouped. Mark then stayed with me for the second half and I was very grateful as it was a tough second half. I was increasing my running from a flat run of 34 minutes to a hilly trail run of 45 mins. It was so good to catch up at the end over coffee and cakes and I'd been missed so much I was told to pick up the tab!
Later that day my right foot, the one I have issues with, really started to hurt. I wasn't aware of going over on it but I elevated it, put ice on it, took ibuprofen and paracetamol and eventually switched to wine! I wore a compression sock which gave some comfort but my coach and sports therapists both thought it was just the shock of going back on uneven trails. Unreal when you consider the extreme trails I encountered while running 205 miles and had no such pain - although by the end the hard skin on my feet was agony. I swapped my run for a turbo session today and I'm pleased to say my foot is feeling a lot better. Based on today's appalling weather I'm so pleased I was indoors. Hat's off to anyone battling in those weather conditions.
My weight has increased from below 137lbs to 153lbs so I'm looking healthier although I need to lose the fat and put on some more muscle. The gym is not on the schedule yet but I'm looking forward to getting started. I think it will be a few months before I begin to feel normal but you have to be patient on the long road back.
Monday, 2 December 2019
Covered by Ultra Race Romania blog
I've been lucky in my adventures of running in some awesome places around the world such as the Sahara Desert, the Grand Canyon and Lake Tahoe to name but a few overseas adventures. The ones in the UK are also amazing with the Highland Fling, the Tweed Valley and the Keilder Ultra but it's the people that make it.
I now have a load of friends from all over the world who keep in regular contact as we discuss the next adventure. For me my next overseas adventure is the Ultra Race Romania and I am so chuffed they decided to feature me on their blog.
Here's the link https://ultraraceromania.ro/blog-2/derek-stewart/
What an amazing adventure this will be and a great introduction to anyone wanting to attempt a stage race knowing that the organisation will be top class and the scenery stunning. You'll be helping a local autism charity at the same time so really giving back to the community. Let me know if you're interested.
I now have a load of friends from all over the world who keep in regular contact as we discuss the next adventure. For me my next overseas adventure is the Ultra Race Romania and I am so chuffed they decided to feature me on their blog.
Here's the link https://ultraraceromania.ro/blog-2/derek-stewart/
What an amazing adventure this will be and a great introduction to anyone wanting to attempt a stage race knowing that the organisation will be top class and the scenery stunning. You'll be helping a local autism charity at the same time so really giving back to the community. Let me know if you're interested.
Saturday, 30 November 2019
Back on the saddle
You may have had a double blog to read as last weeks didn't post for some reason - operator error probably. It's worth a read as there's some amazing news about my fund raising.
On Wednesday this week it was 6 weeks from the date of my operation and the first time I was allowed to start training - or at least try out some light training. It's also 9 weeks since the Tahoe 200 and my legs were in for a shock!
I'd met with my coach and she had put together a training plan that would get me back to proper training over the next few weeks. But it starts with small, gentle steps as I am testing my body to see how it's repaired following the surgery (it wasn't keyhole). On Wednesday I ventured out for a 20 minute jog. It felt strange at first but you couldn't wipe the grin off my face - I'm back.
On Thursday I repeated the run and my legs could feel the "effort" from yesterday although there really was no effort. The pace was unacceptably slow in normal circumstances, but it's exactly what I was told to do. Looking at my heart rate, if I'd wanted to go faster I'd have struggled and also put too much strain on my wound.
However when I woke on Friday to repeat the 20 minute jog, my legs were like planks of wood. It was only after 6 minutes that they began to return to normality. The rest of the day was uncomfortable but the DOMS always are.
It's been a busy week; I've been in London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow so I was tired when I headed home. When I woke up this morning I had "man flu", typical. I spent the morning feeling sorry for myself and then watched the Sir Andy Murray documentary - Resurfaced. It covered his last couple of years and the lengths he has gone to to get back on court. The amount of pain he's been through, the physio treatment, the gym work and the belief (and doubts) that he showed - definitely worth watching. It made me give myself a kick up the arse as I was due to do a 30 minute turbo session and as I hadn't been on a bike for 18 months, and it was cold in the garage, I was looking for any excuse not to do it. But Andy's struggle inspired me and I threw my leg over the bike, gingerly, and got through the session.
Races like Tahoe take their toll. When I was standing on the start line I was in superb condition but I knew that 85 hours later I'd be a wreck and after a period of recovery I'd be starting the cycle all over again. But with 2020's goals set, races in the diary, it's now down to following the plan and trying to stay injury free and not getting "man flu". I'm back and look forward to seeing you on the trails - I've missed the banter.
On Wednesday this week it was 6 weeks from the date of my operation and the first time I was allowed to start training - or at least try out some light training. It's also 9 weeks since the Tahoe 200 and my legs were in for a shock!
I'd met with my coach and she had put together a training plan that would get me back to proper training over the next few weeks. But it starts with small, gentle steps as I am testing my body to see how it's repaired following the surgery (it wasn't keyhole). On Wednesday I ventured out for a 20 minute jog. It felt strange at first but you couldn't wipe the grin off my face - I'm back.
On Thursday I repeated the run and my legs could feel the "effort" from yesterday although there really was no effort. The pace was unacceptably slow in normal circumstances, but it's exactly what I was told to do. Looking at my heart rate, if I'd wanted to go faster I'd have struggled and also put too much strain on my wound.
However when I woke on Friday to repeat the 20 minute jog, my legs were like planks of wood. It was only after 6 minutes that they began to return to normality. The rest of the day was uncomfortable but the DOMS always are.
It's been a busy week; I've been in London, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow so I was tired when I headed home. When I woke up this morning I had "man flu", typical. I spent the morning feeling sorry for myself and then watched the Sir Andy Murray documentary - Resurfaced. It covered his last couple of years and the lengths he has gone to to get back on court. The amount of pain he's been through, the physio treatment, the gym work and the belief (and doubts) that he showed - definitely worth watching. It made me give myself a kick up the arse as I was due to do a 30 minute turbo session and as I hadn't been on a bike for 18 months, and it was cold in the garage, I was looking for any excuse not to do it. But Andy's struggle inspired me and I threw my leg over the bike, gingerly, and got through the session.
Races like Tahoe take their toll. When I was standing on the start line I was in superb condition but I knew that 85 hours later I'd be a wreck and after a period of recovery I'd be starting the cycle all over again. But with 2020's goals set, races in the diary, it's now down to following the plan and trying to stay injury free and not getting "man flu". I'm back and look forward to seeing you on the trails - I've missed the banter.
It's good to talk - (it also helps if you actually post it!
"It's good to talk" used to be a strap line for BT many years ago and this week I was reminded of it when I attended a conference. The hosts of the conference, RSMR, follow my running adventures and over the years have sponsored me when raising funds for Maggie's, but what happened at the conference blew me away.
After a hard day of travel and listening to over 20 fund managers I was knackered and looking forward to a beer before a delicious dinner and being entertained by Ed Balls! My wife text me to say "don't have too much to drink before dinner"! Bloody cheek I thought as I don't normally overdo it, but I had a few before dinner.
The host was addressing the audience when he asked the question "has anyone in the audience ever ran 205 miles?" I put my beer down - oh no. I was asked up on stage in front of the audience, with Ed Balls right in front of me, and asked to say a few words about Maggie's. It turns out the organiser had been in touch with Fiona to get the details and she was asked not to let on. I do my best, glad I only had a few beers, and the audience raised £1,800 on the night with RSMR promising to match the money raised taking the total to £3,600. WOW - I was humbled by this amazing gesture. One attendee spoke to me afterwards and he had just lost his Father to cancer and he was going to visit Maggie's as he could see how helpful the support would be at this difficult time - I know he'll benefit from this visit.
I informed Maggie's when I got home and then received even more fantastic news. The Caramel Wafer Match Funding Challenge (Tunnock's) will match this donation therefore a total of £7,200 will be added to the already circa £10,000 raised earlier for the Tahoe 200. It just goes to show it's good to talk. I'll continue to fly the flag for Maggie's and continue to talk to people about the amazing support Maggie's provides so please, if you know of anyone affected by cancer then please tell them to visit a Maggie's Centre. They'll be offered a cup of tea and if they feel like it, they can talk to people who understand what they are going through and know how to help them.
It's also been an exciting week as I approach the 6 week recuperation period following my operation. My coach has sent me through my training plan and on Wednesday I start with a 20 min jog. I can't wait but I'll need to remain patient and if there are any signs the hernia making a reappearance then I'll have to back off. So fingers crossed.
My training schedule also includes a run at Chatleherault a week on Saturday and it will be great to be back with my pals chatting away as we go round although I think I'll be "bringing up the rear" for a few weeks and talking to myself! I can always catch up with them over a coffee afterwards. It will be good to be back. Have a great week folks.
After a hard day of travel and listening to over 20 fund managers I was knackered and looking forward to a beer before a delicious dinner and being entertained by Ed Balls! My wife text me to say "don't have too much to drink before dinner"! Bloody cheek I thought as I don't normally overdo it, but I had a few before dinner.
The host was addressing the audience when he asked the question "has anyone in the audience ever ran 205 miles?" I put my beer down - oh no. I was asked up on stage in front of the audience, with Ed Balls right in front of me, and asked to say a few words about Maggie's. It turns out the organiser had been in touch with Fiona to get the details and she was asked not to let on. I do my best, glad I only had a few beers, and the audience raised £1,800 on the night with RSMR promising to match the money raised taking the total to £3,600. WOW - I was humbled by this amazing gesture. One attendee spoke to me afterwards and he had just lost his Father to cancer and he was going to visit Maggie's as he could see how helpful the support would be at this difficult time - I know he'll benefit from this visit.
I informed Maggie's when I got home and then received even more fantastic news. The Caramel Wafer Match Funding Challenge (Tunnock's) will match this donation therefore a total of £7,200 will be added to the already circa £10,000 raised earlier for the Tahoe 200. It just goes to show it's good to talk. I'll continue to fly the flag for Maggie's and continue to talk to people about the amazing support Maggie's provides so please, if you know of anyone affected by cancer then please tell them to visit a Maggie's Centre. They'll be offered a cup of tea and if they feel like it, they can talk to people who understand what they are going through and know how to help them.
It's also been an exciting week as I approach the 6 week recuperation period following my operation. My coach has sent me through my training plan and on Wednesday I start with a 20 min jog. I can't wait but I'll need to remain patient and if there are any signs the hernia making a reappearance then I'll have to back off. So fingers crossed.
My training schedule also includes a run at Chatleherault a week on Saturday and it will be great to be back with my pals chatting away as we go round although I think I'll be "bringing up the rear" for a few weeks and talking to myself! I can always catch up with them over a coffee afterwards. It will be good to be back. Have a great week folks.
Sunday, 10 November 2019
Running reflections
I love the autumn. The changing of the colours and the dry cold days make ideal conditions for running as I watch the runners out on the streets pass me by as I'm out walking. This is my preparation for coming back to training in 17 days time and today was my fourth walk this week - still a bit stiff so I've got to take it easy. Not exactly riveting to read about but this blog is as much a journal for me to refer back to in years to come.
In 2016 I had a foot injury and remember the tentative steps I had to take to get back on my feet with slow 20 minute runs. Later that year I completed the Frankfurt Ironman and got a massive PB so that was what I was thinking about when I was walking the same route today in the glorious sunshine while trying not to slip on the ice.
Yesterday a journalist contacted me and wanted to speak to me as they had heard I'd run ultra ultras. She sent me through a list of questions and in order to answer them I had to go back over the last 12 years. It's amazing the small details about races that I'd forgotten but it was a great trip down memory lane. It made me realise how I've changed as an athlete. It all started in 2007 when I completed the Glasgow 10 km in just under 1 hour but couldn't imaging running it again as I viewed the starters of the half marathon.
Many people in January will make new year resolutions and I'm sure some will start the couch to
5 km challenge which I think is an amazing way to get people into running. Add to that the park runs and it can be the start of a love for running that will improve peoples physical and mental health. Being sidelined with injury makes me realise just how much running is part of my every day life and I can't wait to get back out running with my pals. So if you're fit and healthy, appreciate how lucky you are and enjoy every run whether it be in the sun or snow. Never take it for granted, lift your head and take in the beautiful country we live in. Happy running.
In 2016 I had a foot injury and remember the tentative steps I had to take to get back on my feet with slow 20 minute runs. Later that year I completed the Frankfurt Ironman and got a massive PB so that was what I was thinking about when I was walking the same route today in the glorious sunshine while trying not to slip on the ice.
Yesterday a journalist contacted me and wanted to speak to me as they had heard I'd run ultra ultras. She sent me through a list of questions and in order to answer them I had to go back over the last 12 years. It's amazing the small details about races that I'd forgotten but it was a great trip down memory lane. It made me realise how I've changed as an athlete. It all started in 2007 when I completed the Glasgow 10 km in just under 1 hour but couldn't imaging running it again as I viewed the starters of the half marathon.
Many people in January will make new year resolutions and I'm sure some will start the couch to
5 km challenge which I think is an amazing way to get people into running. Add to that the park runs and it can be the start of a love for running that will improve peoples physical and mental health. Being sidelined with injury makes me realise just how much running is part of my every day life and I can't wait to get back out running with my pals. So if you're fit and healthy, appreciate how lucky you are and enjoy every run whether it be in the sun or snow. Never take it for granted, lift your head and take in the beautiful country we live in. Happy running.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
