I'm back - well almost!

At the end of the year I wrote about "resetting" your goals and enjoying life.  I said I'd be back in April and here I am.  Beth & I were away for 9 weeks travelling to Singapore, Bali, Australia and New Zealand.  We have been blown away by the landscapes and the people we have met along the way.  I tried to keep up my running training, but in Australia had to concede defeat as I felt terrible and even after a km I was struggling.  Hills in particular had me short of breath including while walking.  I kept up my strength training meanwhile Beth kept focused and was running 10km a day - she's got a good season ahead of her after that hard work.
I visited the cardiologist and have decided before going through an ablation operation, which doesn't have a high success rate, I'll stay on the medication and go right back to square one with my training.  I need more aerobic training but I have to build up to that very slowly.  My two efforts at running 6 & 5km have led to injury so I'll start with walking and build from there.  I'll be strength training four times a week and continuing my daily yoga. Normally I'd have races in the diary but my goal in 2025 is to get back running without feeling out of breath.  
Many of you will have had similar challenges with your fitness and I've found it difficult to accept.  I've been comparing my fitness to that of 5 years ago which doesn't help my frame of mind, but have given myself a shake.  "Rear view mirror" driving leads to accidents and it's only going forward that matters.  What I have done in the past is like a library - there for reference when required.  It's been 12 years since I completed Marathon des Sables and 6 years since the Tahoe 200.  I'm proud of these achievements and many others but I now have a bigger, more important, but not so glamorous challenge.  
You have noticed I have changed the photo in my blog.  I have always wanted to Skydive but was too fearful.  The thought of going out the plane kept me from attempting it.  However in New Zealand I got the opportunity and thought, f@@k it I'm doing this.  Once you rationalise the safety statistics you realise the risk is exceptionally low.  Well, what a rush!  Dropping at 200km per hour from 9,000 ft was utterly amazing.  So much so that I did it a few weeks later from 12,000 ft.  It served to remind me that we can limit ourselves with what we think.  I also walked over the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (did I mention I'm scared of heights?) and went "sledging" on the rapids.  All these activities made me feel 20 years younger!
As for retirement, I can highly recommend it.  The stress has been lifted from my shoulders and I'm taking to it like a duck to water.  I've been working on my book and am going to Portugal for a week to concentrate on writing.
I'll keep you informed of my fitness progress but please be patient as it will be like driving behind a motorhome on the North Coast 500 in Scotland - slow but you'll get there in the end.

Time for a reset

Hello and I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.  Time with friends and family and hopefully some training during the holidays?  It can be a time to press the "reset" button about what you want to achieve in 2025.  Take the time to reflect on what you enjoy doing, what makes you feel good and what you'd like to look back on at this time next year and say, "yep I did it". Also, realise what you don't like and drop it - time is precious so use it wisely.
Take nothing for granted, especially your health, as your situation can change very quickly as I have found out in the last year.
2024 for me hasn't been good health wise.  I have not reached the start line of any race I have entered this year, which is a first for me.  I've covered it in my blog before but my cardiologist has been trying to adjust my medication to allow me to train at a good level, but not what I used to do for my long ultra races as that would be too risky.  The good news is that I don't require the ablation operation for the meantime.  The medication is controlling my atrial fibrillation which I am pleased about.  However I've lost my running fitness and getting it back will take some time.  My runs at the moment are all under 9k and slow.  I don't feel great but my heart rate is under control which is a start.  This will just take time, I hope!
What will be interesting is to see the effect of my retirement - yes I've retired!!!!  I've spent the last 45 years advising people on retirement and it's now my turn.  Already I can feel a "weight has been lifted off my shoulders".  The stress of running a regulated business does have an impact on your health - long term stress is a killer.
So now every day is a Saturday.  I have lots of plans and travel to pack in.  In January Beth & I are heading on a trip of a lifetime.  In the summer we'll be off in our campervan, which has a trailer for my motorbike, and will be exploring the Scottish Highlands and Islands.  I will be fulfilling my ambition of writing books with a target of the first one being published by this time next year.
In 2024, although I haven't been running, I have been working with a personal trainer in the gym.  I'm in great shape strength wise and this will benefit my running.  I also went for swimming lessons to learn how to swim properly.  
As you can see, I have a plan for 2025 and beyond and hope you do to.  If the last year has taught me anything it's that how long we are on this planet isn't guaranteed so if there is something you want to do, don't put it off.  Live in the present and be grateful for every day.  We take so much for granted such as being fit and well.  Think about the last time you were ill.  Lying in bed wishing you could go out for a walk, run swim or just to be able to breathe properly.  Yet we walk around when we are well and think nothing of it.
I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2025.  Use the downtime to reflect on 2024 and reset for 2025.  If you don't have goals, ambitions, targets, call it what you want, to aim for then how do you know when you are heading in the desired direction?  My next blog will be in April when I'll be asking you how your reset is going.  There's a target for you to aim for, what progress can you make between now and April?  Go for it.

Back where I'm meant to be

Since my last post my progress has been, intermittent.  Not galloping back as I'd hoped but at least still moving forward.  I ended up in A&E as a check up at the doctor had my heart rate at 34!!!  I felt a lot better than the nurse who took the measurement.  Looked like she needed a seat whereas I felt fine.  5 hours in A&E after more tests, and ECG and blood tests and I was sent home.  I felt absolutely fine but had to contact my cardiologist as it was recommended I change my medication.
More on that later but it didn't exactly fill me with confidence going out running and more importantly the weather was sh1te!  I did a few 5-6 km runs but nothing that was straining the "old ticker".  On Friday I had a day off and the sun was shining so Beth, Poppy (the dog) & I headed up Ben Ledi.  It's not far from Glasgow, doesn't take long and as there is a path, with a bit of care you can run down.  What a beautiful climb and although it was extremely windy on top, we had a fantastic time.  This is our happy place and we both couldn't wipe the smile from our faces on the summit.  Poppy was so excited and on led the way as we ran down the mountain.  1hr 45 mins of fun and fabulous views.
The following day I was out in Glencoe with my pal Michael Martin.  We climbed; Stob Coire Sgreamhach 1,072m, Bidean nan Bian 1,150m and Stob Coire nan Lochan 1,115m.  Michael set an easy pace for me and my heart behaved although it was a long trek of about 4.5 hours.  This is me back to where I am meant to be.  Michael took some amazing photos and two drone videos which are spectacular - they are on my FB page.  But an adventure with Michael wouldn't be the same without a silly trip, a summersault, 2 cut hands and knees!  The blood running down my leg looked worse than it was but a wee reminder that it's easy to get hurt on the mountains.  From now on I'll carry with me the supplies required to tend to such a wound although I had plenty of offers from other climbers - heart felt thanks, the kindness of strangers.
Yesterday I ran 10km but didn't feel great.  Not the place I want to be with the Glasgow half marathon on 6 October.  I know I won't be in the condition required for a good time like last year, but I aim to enjoy running with the crowds and celebrating afterwards with friends, pasta and beer!
Today I spoke to my cardiologist and we have a plan starting with, stopping my medication!  We'll monitor how my heart behaves over the next month on no medication.  My heart really does seem to be behaving so perhaps it's my head that needs a good talking to.
The best medicine will be in the mountains with Beth, Poppy and friends.  I'll be retiring at the end of this year and will be able to pick and choose my trips into the mountains based around the weather and not restricted to weekends.  I really am back where I'm meant to be.

Back on the "horse"

Hello my friends.  Please excuse the lack of a blog since the 9th June which was entitled tapering.  I was just at the final stages of my preparation for my "A race", the 96 mile West Highland Way when the "solids hit the fan".  The medical director of the race started asking for information about my Atrial Fibrillation which then led to him withdrawing me from the race.  To say I was gutted is putting it mildly.  I won't bore you with all the details but they didn't want to take the "risk".  Part of me can understand that but another part says, the people in the race might be a bigger risk because they don't know they have a heart condition.  At least I am managing mine under supervision of a cardiologist.
I had been going through tests as I wanted a specialist sports cardiologist to advise me in relation to how hard I could train/race.  But that wasn't happening till after the race.  I travelled to Bath to see Professor Dan Augustine a sports cardiologist who works with Olympic athletes who have the same condition. This resulted in new medication and in his opinion, I could have ran the race.  His knowledge of athlete's and how you can continue with AF was reassuring.  But it did affect me psychologically and, here come the excuses, with the crap weather I just didn't feel like running and pushing myself.  I had another 50 mile tough race in the Lake District on the horizon but with my lack of running I pulled out of that one too.  I wasn't in the condition I would have needed to be in for such a difficult race so am comfortable with the decision.  I'd lost my why and without that, I couldn't be bothered running.
However I increased my personal trainer sessions to twice a week as I am determined to get stronger to avoid injury.  Bartek, my PT, is 21 stone of solid muscle and the sessions are very tough, no slacking allowed.  I also pay a third visit on my own to the gym and this is on top of my daily yoga.  But the running has slipped.  When I do go out my heart rate is higher than is should be because I'm not getting consistent running in.
But today I gave myself a "kick up the backside" and headed out for 7km.  When my heart rate got too high, I walked and had to do this 3 times.  But it's a start - I'm back on the horse.  On 6th October I have entered the Glasgow Half Marathon to give me something to train for/focus on.  I've got work to do to be in reasonable shape but it's exactly what I need.  A change of mindset was required and the sunshine this morning motivated me to get out of my "puddle".  I'm back and will let you know how I get on.

 

Tapering

Today, tapering officially started.  I did my last long run on Saturday.  The weather forecast was mixed so rather than go to the mountains where snow, low temperatures and high winds were forecast (typical Scottish summer) I headed off with Stu to run the first section of the West Highland Way just to refamiliarise myself with it.  It was as I remembered.  Very runnable but boring.  As I'll be starting the race at 1am I won't see the views but at least I know what the terrain is like.  It's really important as if I start off to quickly on the flat ground, I'll be in trouble.  I need to keep reminding myself that my target is finishing the race, the cut off is 35 hours but I'm aiming for 30.  I'm looking forward to sunrise on both days but it will be spectacular on Conich Hill looking down to Loch Lomond.  Visualising that and other stunning views along the way will keep me going.
We ran an out and back totalling 35 km but I struggled on the way back - thanks Stu for leading the way back.  I've had a very busy week with 2 trips to London with 4am starts and late finishes which was a good reminder that I need to reduce my training and increase my rest between now Saturday 22nd.  This is the "tapering" period which I have gone through many times before, but it's always a bit strange.
Every twinge or sniffle makes you think you are coming down with something.  But your body and mind are getting used to a reduced training load.  My training load has been reduced to ensure my knee doesn't flair up but I have put in some long runs.  The key for me now is keeping the runs consistent but not over 10km this week and 5 km the following week.  Plenty of rest and no travelling or late nights.
During the 30 hours my mind will wander.  It will have positive thoughts and negative thoughts.  This afternoon, after my gym session, I watched the Roland Garros final which was like a see saw.  The players emotions were up and down as was there tennis.  One minute they were happy the next they weren't and it made me think about what I will be going through in the race.
There will come a point where my legs are very painful but I know once you reach that stage, unless you are truly injured, the pain just plateau's.  I've also been thinking about the second night because running in the dark plays tricks with your mind.  My focus is going to be on the second sunrise because that will be special as the finish shouldn't be too far away. 
Next weekend I am sitting down with my support team, Beth & Stu, to go over the logistics.  It will be a tough shift for them too but we need to make sure we have all the supplies required for me as well as them.  They are also required to be my support runners for the later stages of the race for safety reasons.
Tapering is important and whist it can feel unnatural, it's essential to get me to the start line ready to go.

It's never as bad as you imagine

It's been a tough week as I start to recover from my chest infection, but I felt well enough to go out for my longest run this year at the weekend.  I prefer training with a partner, especially the long runs as having someone to chat to takes your mind of the pain and the boredom.  I certainly get tired of my own internal chat especially if I am out for a long time.  But on ultra marathons, you can spend a lot of time on your own, in your own head, and you need to be able to cope with it as it can destroy you especially if going through the night like I will be on the West Highland Way.  Anyway I had no choice as Stu had caught my infection and messaged me at 4.45am to say he wouldn't be going!
I have ran the Highland Fling twice (80 km) and everyone says, and I agree, the worst section is up the east side of Loch Lomond from Rowardennan to Beinglas Farm (22 km).  Exposed tree roots, rocks, large rocks you have to scramble over and big steps up and down make it a slow section requiring your full attention.  Some of the path is narrow with a drop of 5 metres to the rocks on the shore line if you miss your step.  You reach this section 44 km in during the race so your legs will be warmed up, but I was starting from fresh.  Because of logistics, unless you have someone picking you up at Beinglas and driving you back to your car, it's an out and back so it's 2 X hell - 44km!
I set off early to miss the scores of people walking the WHW.  I took the pace slowly as I am still trying to keep my heart rate down and not wanting to fall!  In my mind I'd agreed that I was out "all day" which should equate to about 7-8 hours.  The purpose of planting this thought in my mind was not to think about getting to Beinglas and turning back - just think about the time.
The way out was uneventful and I stopped at Beinglas for some coffee to give me a boost as I ate my food.  The coffee was shared with a midge who had decided to go for a swim in it.  Many of the campers were wearing midge nets, wise move, so I didn't hang around long before I headed back.  My quads, calves and knees felt the way back and I was careful to use my gels to keep me from "bonking".  The flat coke I carried certainly came in handy.  The big steps, up and down, took some navigating as I tried to reduce the strain on my legs.  But I completed it in 7hrs 2 minutes and thought overall, it was a good mental exercise.  While thinking about my race I was dreading this section but not any more.  It's like a hill you see in the distance that you are dreading but before you know it you are at the top and it's never as bad as you imagine.
That's a really important "thought pattern" to keep hold off as if I allow my mind to think about the enormity of the WHW, it will only make it more difficult.  It's check point to checkpoint and forget how many hours you have been going for.  It's about how bad I want it and the pain I'm prepared to go through to succeed.
I did a recovery run the following day but since then have been exhausted.  Today, 4 days later, was the first time I felt normal which is just as well as I had my PT session.  Bartek is such a Pro - he has been rehabbing my knee for months now through active recovery.  It's not 100% but in the last 5 months I have come from literally being broken and looking like an 80 year old getting off the floor to now regularly doing squats.  The more I've visited the PT, the less I've needed to visit my physio and that's an excellent result.
So if you've got a challenge coming up that you are concerned about, just remember it's never as bad as you imagine.  All that worry does you no good so why bother.  Just "programme your mind" to understand that everything is possible with the right mindset.
This week will be a light week for training and I have one last long day which will be the weekend after next before I can start tapering.  I don't want to wish time away but I am very excited about being on the start line at 1am on Saturday 22 June with circa 250 other like minded people.

Tick tock

Tick tock.  42 days to go and there is nothing I can do to slow it down.  Time waits for no ultra runner as the saying goes...I think?
It hasn't helped that I came down with a chest infection which meant no running all week and just one light weighs session.  I've been coughing my guts up and was off work on Monday & Tuesday which is unheard off.  I should have taken Wednesday off but we're too busy.  By Saturday I had to do something so Stu and I headed to the Devil's Staircase to do an out and back to Kinlochleven.  We left at 5.30am as the weather forecast was good and we knew the mountain would be very busy and parking is limited.  We weren't wrong!
The Devil's Staircase sounds worse than it is under normal conditions.  It rises out of Glencoe and after 25 mins we were at the summit.  It's not too steep and you have a long undulating run before the big descent to Kinlochleven.  After 1hr 20 mins we were in Kinlochleven getting ready to head back and it is a tiring, steep climb out until you reach the pump station.  On the way up we met a lovely girl from Belgium and gave her some tips on the best way to climb Ben Nevis which she was going to do the following day.  We shared stories and she told us how lucky she'd been with the weather and how she loved Scotland.
Then we bumped into Becky who was walking from John o'Groats to Lands End - WOW!  That puts my 96 miles into context.  As I've said before, it's the people that make running so interesting, especially in the mountains.
But I'm all too aware that what seemed easy in a 21 km trail run, will be different when I'm 80 miles in.
My chest was ok and my knee held up.  The sun shone, the company was good and to top it all off we met Michael Martin who was running/climbing the Buchaille Etive Mor - some serious climbing and not for the faint hearted, like me!
I spent a lot of the night coughing so elected for an easy day today.  Started with yoga then time in the gym hammering my legs followed by a 6km run.  My heart rate was elevated and I coughed throughout the run so tomorrow is definitely a rest day.
I've said before my goal is to get to the start line uninjured and a fit as I can be.  I can't catch up on the missed training and if I take on too much, I'll end up injured so it is what it is.
What I will be spending more time on is the logistics as it would be heart breaking to fail due to poor logistics.  During the week I will be running consistently and at the weekend I'll be keeping up the consistent running, with longer runs on the race route at the weekends.  Tick tock!