It’s done. If you have followed my journey over the last 6 months you’ll have seen the ups and downs of my 6 days a week training and my preparation for the biggest one day challenge. 72 miles from Fort William to Inverness in under 22 hours. I entered the race to test my foot for a bigger challenge in 2019 - my foot injury is debatably permanent but with regular treatment I get by. After entering the race I looked at the profile and got a bit of a fright. 9,000 feet of climbing and the majority of it in the second half. This made me realise the 22 hour cut off could be a challenge.
In my training I did a lot of hill walking where I power walked up the hills and ran down the hills, hard and fast. At first this shredded my quads but they soon got over it. This was all part of the master plan set up by my amazing coach Genevieve Freeman. When we discussed a target time for GGU I had got my head around maybe 20 hours and she thought 18-19 hours with the emphasis on 18 hours - when the spreadsheet of times came through from her it was nearer to 17 but that didn’t allow for food and water stops.
My training has been mainly running with a little swimming. My longest run was 38km which took 3hrs 45 mins so one thing to get my head around was how do you go from a run of that distance and time to 115 km over some severe terrain? Even the Arrochar Alps trip of 4 hours didn’t really measure up to it. But with back to back long runs at the weekend with faster shorter runs during the week, it became a possibility.
The race started at 1pm on Saturday morning at Carpach, Fort William. The plan was to set a pace of 7 min per km for the first 32 km. One of the affects of tapering is just how good you feel at the start line. As I headed off into the darkness with only a quarter moon and a head torch for light I felt great. I was going along at 5.45 min per km and felt like I was floating on air. I tried to slow down a few times but it didn’t feel natural so I kept going. 5km in I met Oriel from Barcelona and we agreed that we were running at the same pace so we’d stick together. Then I found out he was a sub 3 hour marathon runner so by check point 2 I told him to go on. I spent the rest of the race on my own, well back from the fast guys and ahead of the middle pack.
I was well ahead of target time wise and had the support of Michael Martin who was taking photos of any athlete in my vicinity (they are very strict on supporters and I didn’t want disqualified!).
The first big climb was out of Fort Augustus which slowed everyone down. But when I got to the top the view was absolutely stunning. I just wanted to sit down and soak in the most amazing view - but I had a target to achieve so I headed on. The temperature was rising and I was keeping myself hydrated but my food bags at the check point were “cooking” the contents. The cheese became inedible and my Jaffa cakes melted. My jelly baby’s smelt of nuts which they were next to and my custard was warm. For the later stages I had bottles of flat coke and I downed each one on the spot. I’d certainly change my food next time I do an event like this - my preparation could have been better here but every event is a learning opportunity. I got away with 3 gels as if I’d taken the 4th one I think my race would have finished - it would have sent my stomach over the edge. Getting the balance right is always a challenge.
I didn’t reckie the course and it almost cost me the race. I should have run the second half of the course which was brutal. I’d read about the climb out of Invermoriston but didn’t appreciate just how challenging it was. And once you managed the climb you were totally exposed to the elements. The sun was baking hot (25 degrees) and no wind. I was frazzled and the track seemed to go on forever. I was still well ahead of schedule and when I got to the next waterpoint Genevieve and Colin turned up just as I was about to leave. It’s amazing how your spirits can be instantly lifted and your energy levels follow. They stayed with me for a while encouraging me and I really appreciated it knowing they’d be further on in the course.
The heat had taken it’s toll and my time was slowing down but this had been a calculated gamble. I had decided that if I’d started off slowly then I would have slowed down anyway so it would be better to get time in the bank, but I knew it was going to hurt towards the end - I wasn’t wrong.
By CP6 nobody had come past me since CP2 but I was starting to walk more as I was making sure I stayed upright, didn’t pass out and finished the run however 4 youngsters passed my in the last 15km. I knew from past experience that running in extreme heat you had to stay in control of yourself and not pass out. I was starting to get cramp on my right hamstring and that could have been the end of my race due to the challenging down hill terrain so I altered my speed to keep it away. Fortunately one Marshall had some salt and that seemed to do the trick but I knew I wouldn’t get a second chance and the hammy would just go boom! I was starting to fall to bits. Then my Garmin decide to tell me it had a low battery but that message blocked my screen so I couldn’t see how far I had to go. That was a major problem as I was waiting to reach the final down hill section which never seemed to come. And when it did, it never seemed to end. I wasn’t a happy camper. I would never have quit but it didn’t help me push on as I was in survival mode and just wanted this over and done with. I didn’t want to think too much about the finish line as I had to concentrate on each step, literally as it would be easy to fall as I had the other week.
At the bottom of the never ending hill my team were waiting to cajole me on and pointed me in the direction of the last few km. This lifted my spirits and I picked my pace up and by now I was beginning to picture running into Inverness Athletics Stadium. When I got there my amazing support team were screaming their heads off so 1 lap with a stylish sprint down the final straight and it was over. 14 hours and 40 minutes - I couldn’t believe it. I had completely blown even the most optimistic target. I was 21st in the race and the fastest in the plus 50 category. That’s a first for me. I felt really emotional as I reflected on the journey over the last 6 months. But once again it proves to me that we’re all capable of so much more - we just need to believe in ourselves.
Thank you for following my journey. I’m now going to take some recovery time as my body aches and I’m not looking forward to tomorrow which will be worse. But considering what it's been through I think it has come out remarkably well and at no stage did I have a problem with my foot. Unbelievable. Thank you for following my adventure and I’ll be back soon with details of what’s next. I’ll leave you with my favourite Nelson Mandela quote - “It always seems impossible until it’s done” - so true.
Sunday, 8 July 2018
Sunday, 1 July 2018
I get by with a little help from my friends
I can't believe I'm almost there. My total focus for 2018 has been the Great Glen Ultra which is on 7th July, starting at 1am. I will have 22 hours to complete 71 miles and the last 6 months have been working towards this goal. It been tough at times but I've managed my body with help from Pamela Loch who on Thursday will be taping my leg to see me through the race. Sam Williams will also be giving me pre-race massage to make sure all my muscles are in good shape and ready for the pounding they will be taking 48 hours later.
The hot weather has meant where possible I've trained early in the morning but even then, it's been warmer than normal. It gives me a good chance to practise my hydration which will be vital on the day - especially if this heat wave continues. That is also beginning to influence my race strategy. Starting at 1am it will be dark so I need to take care in not tripping over a stone or worse, falling into the canal! But making up early miles in the coolest temperatures seems like a good idea but I need to balance that against it being a very long day. Way longer than I've been on my feet for since Grand 2 Grand.
Today I am going over the logistics of travelling to Inverness, dropping my car off and then heading back down to Fort William for food and rest before the start. My equipment is chosen and tested but I need to decide what to carry while running and what to have in my drop bags. Pork pies, custard, baby bells, mixed nuts and raisins. Carb drinks and flat coke. There are some mandatory items such a space blanket and the weather and temperature will determine what, if any, additional clothes I require. There is no support allowed in the race however my coach Genevieve and her husband Colin are going to the three checkpoints where there is access to cheer me on. Even knowing that they will be at those checkpoints will get me through the dark moments.
Another ultra runner Michael Martin, who also happens to be a fantastic photographer, has volunteered to photograph the whole event from registration to the finish line (and hopefully not the medical tent). Having a record of the event will be special and allow me to show what's involved in such an amazing event; the highs, the lows and the really lows.
Training my body for this challenge has been tough but during that time I've been training my mind. My longest run has been just short of a marathon, but back to back training days simulate the tiredness I'll be feeling, but the most important factor is controlling my mind. It's like any target, you just need to dial the number into your subconscious. I remember 2 years ago that running 2km was tough due to injury and every increase in distance seemed a challenge. But as Nelson Mandela once said, it always seems impossible until it's done. GGU will be over soon enough but I intend to enjoy it. It's a stepping stone to the next adventure but I've got to treat it with respect (it's a tough enough challenge on its own) as I don't want to fall off that stone and not get to my 2019 challenge!
But the reason I've got to the start line is the support from my friends and most importantly my family. The ones who put up with the missed social events (GGU clashes with a 21st party, G2G clashed with a 60th!) and the constant pile of sweaty lycra. So thank you to each and every one of you who have encouraged and supported me along the way. It sure makes it easier.
The hot weather has meant where possible I've trained early in the morning but even then, it's been warmer than normal. It gives me a good chance to practise my hydration which will be vital on the day - especially if this heat wave continues. That is also beginning to influence my race strategy. Starting at 1am it will be dark so I need to take care in not tripping over a stone or worse, falling into the canal! But making up early miles in the coolest temperatures seems like a good idea but I need to balance that against it being a very long day. Way longer than I've been on my feet for since Grand 2 Grand.
Today I am going over the logistics of travelling to Inverness, dropping my car off and then heading back down to Fort William for food and rest before the start. My equipment is chosen and tested but I need to decide what to carry while running and what to have in my drop bags. Pork pies, custard, baby bells, mixed nuts and raisins. Carb drinks and flat coke. There are some mandatory items such a space blanket and the weather and temperature will determine what, if any, additional clothes I require. There is no support allowed in the race however my coach Genevieve and her husband Colin are going to the three checkpoints where there is access to cheer me on. Even knowing that they will be at those checkpoints will get me through the dark moments.
Another ultra runner Michael Martin, who also happens to be a fantastic photographer, has volunteered to photograph the whole event from registration to the finish line (and hopefully not the medical tent). Having a record of the event will be special and allow me to show what's involved in such an amazing event; the highs, the lows and the really lows.
Training my body for this challenge has been tough but during that time I've been training my mind. My longest run has been just short of a marathon, but back to back training days simulate the tiredness I'll be feeling, but the most important factor is controlling my mind. It's like any target, you just need to dial the number into your subconscious. I remember 2 years ago that running 2km was tough due to injury and every increase in distance seemed a challenge. But as Nelson Mandela once said, it always seems impossible until it's done. GGU will be over soon enough but I intend to enjoy it. It's a stepping stone to the next adventure but I've got to treat it with respect (it's a tough enough challenge on its own) as I don't want to fall off that stone and not get to my 2019 challenge!
But the reason I've got to the start line is the support from my friends and most importantly my family. The ones who put up with the missed social events (GGU clashes with a 21st party, G2G clashed with a 60th!) and the constant pile of sweaty lycra. So thank you to each and every one of you who have encouraged and supported me along the way. It sure makes it easier.
Sunday, 24 June 2018
Stiff little fingers
For those of you old enough, stiff little fingers was a punk group in the 80's. I was more a soul man myself so they wouldn't be my idea of a fun time but I'll get back to that shortly.
This was my last big week of training and as usual I was juggling my work/life balance around it. All the stats on my Garmin are good and my coach and I were saying how I hadn't had such a good consistent run, without injury, of training so I was really happy running into this weekend.
However I did have a night out with my best friend on Wednesday. 2 pints and a pizza was on the agenda, that was the agenda that went out the window! Thursday was a tough day as I postponed my morning run and binned my core session. I headed out for my run in the evening but the hills rep at the end were abandoned as my heart rate was through the roof. Friday wasn't much better although the morning session went ahead - I was in bed for 9.30pm!
Saturday was a 3hr 10min run and up till the last minute I had no takers - then my coach stepped up and said she'd join me for the last 2 hours. It was a fantastic run and I was trying out my new trail shoes that would work on tarmac and they passed the test. I also checked out my new shorts and again they passed. The total kms was 32 but with 6km to go we came across the first runners we'd seen that day. I stepped off the trail to left them past and my foot caught an old fence post which had been cut down to 4 inches. Then everything went into slow motion. My left knee hit he ground first. My left hand reached out and I saw all 4 fingers bend backwards. My face was going to be next but I managed to get my right arm down and the elbow took the hit - face saved. Genevieve and the runners crowded round. Come on guys I said, if you were real runners you'd have stopped my Garmin!
My hand was throbbing and I had a couple of bloody knees and a bloody elbow. 6km to go - let's do it. The adrenaline kicked in and it was a fast finish. Back home and got cleaned up. Taped up the two fingers which were fatter than before and put a bandage on to support my hand which was also swelling. Then off to lunch and a few beers with the family which was a long standing arrangement. It didn't help the now stiff little fingers!
Today was a 2 hours, 21km run with Stuart. The temperature had risen significantly and it was a hot sweaty run on tired legs. But it was done and now the road to the Great Glen Ultra on 7th July looks a lot easier - I've even got my race number 78! Can't wait.
However I think the stiff little fingers may need an x-ray based on the bruising. It just goes to show that you're only one step/trip away from a DNS or a DNF and in ultra races where you are going for say 20 hours I'll need to be extra careful. But I've now got two days off exercise and my body is looking forward to it although it may be spent in A&E!
This was my last big week of training and as usual I was juggling my work/life balance around it. All the stats on my Garmin are good and my coach and I were saying how I hadn't had such a good consistent run, without injury, of training so I was really happy running into this weekend.
However I did have a night out with my best friend on Wednesday. 2 pints and a pizza was on the agenda, that was the agenda that went out the window! Thursday was a tough day as I postponed my morning run and binned my core session. I headed out for my run in the evening but the hills rep at the end were abandoned as my heart rate was through the roof. Friday wasn't much better although the morning session went ahead - I was in bed for 9.30pm!
Saturday was a 3hr 10min run and up till the last minute I had no takers - then my coach stepped up and said she'd join me for the last 2 hours. It was a fantastic run and I was trying out my new trail shoes that would work on tarmac and they passed the test. I also checked out my new shorts and again they passed. The total kms was 32 but with 6km to go we came across the first runners we'd seen that day. I stepped off the trail to left them past and my foot caught an old fence post which had been cut down to 4 inches. Then everything went into slow motion. My left knee hit he ground first. My left hand reached out and I saw all 4 fingers bend backwards. My face was going to be next but I managed to get my right arm down and the elbow took the hit - face saved. Genevieve and the runners crowded round. Come on guys I said, if you were real runners you'd have stopped my Garmin!
My hand was throbbing and I had a couple of bloody knees and a bloody elbow. 6km to go - let's do it. The adrenaline kicked in and it was a fast finish. Back home and got cleaned up. Taped up the two fingers which were fatter than before and put a bandage on to support my hand which was also swelling. Then off to lunch and a few beers with the family which was a long standing arrangement. It didn't help the now stiff little fingers!
Today was a 2 hours, 21km run with Stuart. The temperature had risen significantly and it was a hot sweaty run on tired legs. But it was done and now the road to the Great Glen Ultra on 7th July looks a lot easier - I've even got my race number 78! Can't wait.
However I think the stiff little fingers may need an x-ray based on the bruising. It just goes to show that you're only one step/trip away from a DNS or a DNF and in ultra races where you are going for say 20 hours I'll need to be extra careful. But I've now got two days off exercise and my body is looking forward to it although it may be spent in A&E!
Sunday, 17 June 2018
Testing, testing
In 3 weeks time I will be travelling down the A9 with the cruise control on as I expect I'll have popped a few paracetamol and drinking Red Bull to get me through the journey home. I'll have completed (hopefully!) the Great Glen Ultra, my "A race" for 2018 and possibly only race as I spend the rest of the year catching up with life after training. As I sit here recovering from a weekends hard training I wonder what it will be like - 71 miles is a long way and plenty of time to go to some dark places. Although it won't seem like it at the time, it will be over all to quickly. A journey that started 9 months ago will have come to an end but then it will be the start of another adventure, to be decided.
It's the height of the race season and a lot of my friends are involved in races from 10km to to ironman to extreme ironman - yes that's right, tougher than an ironman and she will be running with me on the Great Glen Ultra! I keep some bad company where what I do is considered normal. Their adventures have all involved a lot of dedication and hours of training and once finished they will be focusing on a new target I'm sure.
This week meant a lot of juggling as I try to train, work and live. At one stage it involved a 6.15am taxi to the office so I could squeeze in a run before an 8am tele meeting and not have to worry about going out for a night with my team. Fortunately I wasn't training the next day! In a weeks time I have a 4am run so that I can make a flight at 6.45am.
On Saturday I was taken on a mystery tour by Michael Martin and my coach Genevieve. I'd never gone this route before and I don't think I could find my way back round without getting lost, but it was great. An unexpected bonus was that although the majority of the run was off road there was a few miles on tarmac. I was wearing my trail shoes but my calves didn't enjoy the tarmac with those shoes - they are too aggressive for tarmac. Better to find out now as there are some roads on the Great Glen Ultra and this could make the difference between finishing and getting injured. Testing your equipment is essential because when you are out on the run it's too late. I know that you can run the GGU in road shoes but having kicked a few stone on trail runs, I don't want to take that risk - that could finish your race. The 29km was a good way of setting up for Sunday's run.
Back to back runs are important when training for an ultra. You need to learn to run on tired legs. It may have been Father's Day but there was no breakfast in bed for me. I headed out with my regular running pal Stuart and the target was 1 hour 50 mins. At the beginning of the run we got attacked by a chihuahua - it may be small but those teeth got close to my ankle before I squirted it with my water bottle. This is a regular occurance and much as I love dogs it's on it's last warning. My legs were tired and my heart rate increased from yesterday's fatigue however it settled down and we had a good run. Again following the run I rested and stuffed my face with food. My body is craving food as I try to replace the calories burned.
Other than writing my blog, watching the footie and shopping online for new trail shoes I'll be sitting with my feet up resting like a proper athlete! I've got another two days running before I get a rest despite this being the "taper period" before the race. Next week will be the last big weekend of running. Tick tock, where did the time go?
It's the height of the race season and a lot of my friends are involved in races from 10km to to ironman to extreme ironman - yes that's right, tougher than an ironman and she will be running with me on the Great Glen Ultra! I keep some bad company where what I do is considered normal. Their adventures have all involved a lot of dedication and hours of training and once finished they will be focusing on a new target I'm sure.
This week meant a lot of juggling as I try to train, work and live. At one stage it involved a 6.15am taxi to the office so I could squeeze in a run before an 8am tele meeting and not have to worry about going out for a night with my team. Fortunately I wasn't training the next day! In a weeks time I have a 4am run so that I can make a flight at 6.45am.
On Saturday I was taken on a mystery tour by Michael Martin and my coach Genevieve. I'd never gone this route before and I don't think I could find my way back round without getting lost, but it was great. An unexpected bonus was that although the majority of the run was off road there was a few miles on tarmac. I was wearing my trail shoes but my calves didn't enjoy the tarmac with those shoes - they are too aggressive for tarmac. Better to find out now as there are some roads on the Great Glen Ultra and this could make the difference between finishing and getting injured. Testing your equipment is essential because when you are out on the run it's too late. I know that you can run the GGU in road shoes but having kicked a few stone on trail runs, I don't want to take that risk - that could finish your race. The 29km was a good way of setting up for Sunday's run.
Back to back runs are important when training for an ultra. You need to learn to run on tired legs. It may have been Father's Day but there was no breakfast in bed for me. I headed out with my regular running pal Stuart and the target was 1 hour 50 mins. At the beginning of the run we got attacked by a chihuahua - it may be small but those teeth got close to my ankle before I squirted it with my water bottle. This is a regular occurance and much as I love dogs it's on it's last warning. My legs were tired and my heart rate increased from yesterday's fatigue however it settled down and we had a good run. Again following the run I rested and stuffed my face with food. My body is craving food as I try to replace the calories burned.
Other than writing my blog, watching the footie and shopping online for new trail shoes I'll be sitting with my feet up resting like a proper athlete! I've got another two days running before I get a rest despite this being the "taper period" before the race. Next week will be the last big weekend of running. Tick tock, where did the time go?
Sunday, 10 June 2018
The lost boys
I know I know. There is a bit of recurring theme here but I'll explain it all in due course.
I can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying in as I head to my "A race" in 26 days time. There's a lot of planning still to do so that when I turn up I know exactly what is going to happen - I don't want to waste any energy worrying about things that can be taken care of in advance.
It's been a good week's training, missing only one swim session - I'd taken my goggles/nose clip to Marrakesh but they somehow got lost in the suitcase on the way back. 4 days later I found them so I'll be back swimming this week.
I had a special treat on Friday which was to listen to my friend Roddy Riddle address 160 podiatrists in Glasgow about how he "controls/rules his T1 diabetes". I ran with Roddy in the MdS and apart from being a top athlete he is such an inspiration for anyone with T1. I even got a mention in his presentation. The picture is of me lying on my back in the tent with my feet in the air, both almost completely covered in bandages as I have 7 blisters at the end of day 2. He refers to me as the hypochondriac! He's given this talk all over the world - thanks Roddy, don't let the truth get in the way of a good story! Don't tell him but he is amazing. While I am focusing on the Great Glen run cut off of 22 hours and would be delighted to get closer to 20 hours, he ran it a few years ago in 13 hours and came 3rd! T1 doesn't stand a chance in his body.
Saturday was 1.5 hours at Chatelherault which I hadn't visited in some time. Sadly the council have "sanitised" the paths will fine stones and even tarmaced the big stairs which takes away the trail element. I may have to find a new training ground.
Today I was meant to be in the hills for 5 hours. A friend suggested The Shiehallion, an iconic Munro which according to the guide was a 4-6 hour climb. Having got lost the other week I studied the maps and downloaded an OS map of the area. Sadly it didn't show the approach road but I had google maps, or at least I had it until there was no signal. So Stuart and I ended up in the wrong glen, again! Eventually we found our way which when we were coming home seemed so simple to navigate except like a couple of numpties we got it wrong - we were eventually helped by someone with an atlas!
I was really looking forward to this climb and had read about the false summits and also the bolder field near the summit. We set off running up the track till it got too steep and we then reverted to power walking. The summit is covered in cloud but I was hoping it would burn off. I was surprised how busy the hill was and how early we reached the boulder field. My dodgy foot didn't appreciate the hopping from one rock to another and it took us over 20 minutes to get through it as there is no path at that stage. Despite the low cloud, my summit curse, we knew we'd reached the top because these must have been 20 people up there having their lunch - not my idea of climbing in Scotland. We had some food and water and quickly headed back down. Every step in the boulder field was a possible ankle break for me.
Once out of it we let the brakes off and speedy Stuart left me for dust. At one stage I looked up to see how to navigate my way past some walkers and tripped. They have no idea how close I was to wiping them out but fortunately I regained my footing and continued down the mountainside. When we got to the bottom I checked my watch - a total of 2 hours! I wasn't in the frame of mind to repeat it so took the positives out of the run i.e. Practising on similar terrain and building my quads before heading off for fish and chips and a 99.
On the way home I bought a Schiehallion beer and came to the conclusion, the beer is better than the mountain!
This week will be a busy running week and I will start to get together my plans for the event. Based on me getting lost in the last 2 runs I think studying the course will be vital as part of it is in the dark and I need to organise my drop bags with the food that will keep me fuelled during the race.
Tick tock - it will be over before I know it but in the meantime, plenty of preparation to be done.
I can't believe how quickly the weeks are flying in as I head to my "A race" in 26 days time. There's a lot of planning still to do so that when I turn up I know exactly what is going to happen - I don't want to waste any energy worrying about things that can be taken care of in advance.
It's been a good week's training, missing only one swim session - I'd taken my goggles/nose clip to Marrakesh but they somehow got lost in the suitcase on the way back. 4 days later I found them so I'll be back swimming this week.
I had a special treat on Friday which was to listen to my friend Roddy Riddle address 160 podiatrists in Glasgow about how he "controls/rules his T1 diabetes". I ran with Roddy in the MdS and apart from being a top athlete he is such an inspiration for anyone with T1. I even got a mention in his presentation. The picture is of me lying on my back in the tent with my feet in the air, both almost completely covered in bandages as I have 7 blisters at the end of day 2. He refers to me as the hypochondriac! He's given this talk all over the world - thanks Roddy, don't let the truth get in the way of a good story! Don't tell him but he is amazing. While I am focusing on the Great Glen run cut off of 22 hours and would be delighted to get closer to 20 hours, he ran it a few years ago in 13 hours and came 3rd! T1 doesn't stand a chance in his body.
Saturday was 1.5 hours at Chatelherault which I hadn't visited in some time. Sadly the council have "sanitised" the paths will fine stones and even tarmaced the big stairs which takes away the trail element. I may have to find a new training ground.
Today I was meant to be in the hills for 5 hours. A friend suggested The Shiehallion, an iconic Munro which according to the guide was a 4-6 hour climb. Having got lost the other week I studied the maps and downloaded an OS map of the area. Sadly it didn't show the approach road but I had google maps, or at least I had it until there was no signal. So Stuart and I ended up in the wrong glen, again! Eventually we found our way which when we were coming home seemed so simple to navigate except like a couple of numpties we got it wrong - we were eventually helped by someone with an atlas!
I was really looking forward to this climb and had read about the false summits and also the bolder field near the summit. We set off running up the track till it got too steep and we then reverted to power walking. The summit is covered in cloud but I was hoping it would burn off. I was surprised how busy the hill was and how early we reached the boulder field. My dodgy foot didn't appreciate the hopping from one rock to another and it took us over 20 minutes to get through it as there is no path at that stage. Despite the low cloud, my summit curse, we knew we'd reached the top because these must have been 20 people up there having their lunch - not my idea of climbing in Scotland. We had some food and water and quickly headed back down. Every step in the boulder field was a possible ankle break for me.
Once out of it we let the brakes off and speedy Stuart left me for dust. At one stage I looked up to see how to navigate my way past some walkers and tripped. They have no idea how close I was to wiping them out but fortunately I regained my footing and continued down the mountainside. When we got to the bottom I checked my watch - a total of 2 hours! I wasn't in the frame of mind to repeat it so took the positives out of the run i.e. Practising on similar terrain and building my quads before heading off for fish and chips and a 99.
On the way home I bought a Schiehallion beer and came to the conclusion, the beer is better than the mountain!
This week will be a busy running week and I will start to get together my plans for the event. Based on me getting lost in the last 2 runs I think studying the course will be vital as part of it is in the dark and I need to organise my drop bags with the food that will keep me fuelled during the race.
Tick tock - it will be over before I know it but in the meantime, plenty of preparation to be done.
Sunday, 3 June 2018
Double shift
Last week was a light weeks training, apart from this weekend. The reason was that I was attending a wedding in Marrakesh,with my wife, of a good friend. Sometimes life takes over, which isn't a bad thing, and with my coach we had known about this for some time so planned accordingly. While it was scheduled as an easy week, Monday was spent travelling all day as we had a couple of flights. That was tiring but the following day I was up at 6.30am and out for a 1 hour run before it got too hot. It was hot enough but my focus was on trying not to go over on my ankle ofn the rubble that was meant to be the footpath or wiped out by the moped riders who had "livestock" on their back/saddle and were texting on their phone at the same time!
Tuesday was the wedding which was amazing. Plenty of fizz and we called it a night at 12.30 having danced the night away - should have been wearing my Garmin and I could have claimed it was training. Wednesday continued the celebrations and Thursday we left the hotel at 7am and got home at 12.30am on Friday - knackered. I had a 40 minute recovery run on Friday in Z1 & Z2 which felt like a gentle massage but this was the "calm before the storm".
I had to run 38km on Saturday and had nobody interested in joining me. But I got a last minute offer from a real ultra nutter, Craig Hamilton and Donald MacLean. They had a 38km planned for me but what I didn't realise was that after 11km we headed off-road to a very tough 16km route with some very big climbs. I don't like, although know it's good for me, this track due to the big climbs but we walked some of the hills which is what you do in ultras. The terrain was perfect as it will be similar to the Great Glen Ultra. On the way back the heavens opened so I got to test my running gear in monsoon conditions - important to know there isn't any chaffing when running in wet shorts. In total it was 39km and I spent the rest of the day eating like a horse and resting. I'd lost over 4 lbs in weight and burned 2,700 calories. But this was a double shift and the real test was Sunday - running on tired legs.
Having almost run a marathon, when I woke up on Sunday I felt reasonably good but I had a wee niggle behind my right knee coming off the calf. I took precautions with extra mineral hydration before I went out and compression socks to help support my calf. My trusty running mate Stuart joined me and the start of the 29km run involves a hill - calf felt tight and legs were tired. In fact the first 41 minutes are uphill so it's a tough start. After that I settled into a good rhythm walking the occasional hill and hydrating and eating at the same time - good practise.
It didn't help that I took the wrong road which added another 3km onto our route but we just had to get on with it. We finished strong with the last 3km getting faster.
As soon as we stopped I could feel the stiffness setting in so hydration and protein drink were consumed followed by a bath and food. The rest of the day will be rest and recovery but I'm pleased with my stats over the weekend. Tomorrow is a rest day before it all starts again. It's amazing what your body can do when you train it, and your mind, properly. Double shifts do have benefits.
Tuesday was the wedding which was amazing. Plenty of fizz and we called it a night at 12.30 having danced the night away - should have been wearing my Garmin and I could have claimed it was training. Wednesday continued the celebrations and Thursday we left the hotel at 7am and got home at 12.30am on Friday - knackered. I had a 40 minute recovery run on Friday in Z1 & Z2 which felt like a gentle massage but this was the "calm before the storm".
I had to run 38km on Saturday and had nobody interested in joining me. But I got a last minute offer from a real ultra nutter, Craig Hamilton and Donald MacLean. They had a 38km planned for me but what I didn't realise was that after 11km we headed off-road to a very tough 16km route with some very big climbs. I don't like, although know it's good for me, this track due to the big climbs but we walked some of the hills which is what you do in ultras. The terrain was perfect as it will be similar to the Great Glen Ultra. On the way back the heavens opened so I got to test my running gear in monsoon conditions - important to know there isn't any chaffing when running in wet shorts. In total it was 39km and I spent the rest of the day eating like a horse and resting. I'd lost over 4 lbs in weight and burned 2,700 calories. But this was a double shift and the real test was Sunday - running on tired legs.
Having almost run a marathon, when I woke up on Sunday I felt reasonably good but I had a wee niggle behind my right knee coming off the calf. I took precautions with extra mineral hydration before I went out and compression socks to help support my calf. My trusty running mate Stuart joined me and the start of the 29km run involves a hill - calf felt tight and legs were tired. In fact the first 41 minutes are uphill so it's a tough start. After that I settled into a good rhythm walking the occasional hill and hydrating and eating at the same time - good practise.
It didn't help that I took the wrong road which added another 3km onto our route but we just had to get on with it. We finished strong with the last 3km getting faster.
As soon as we stopped I could feel the stiffness setting in so hydration and protein drink were consumed followed by a bath and food. The rest of the day will be rest and recovery but I'm pleased with my stats over the weekend. Tomorrow is a rest day before it all starts again. It's amazing what your body can do when you train it, and your mind, properly. Double shifts do have benefits.
Tuesday, 29 May 2018
7 Ps - lost in Glen Tilt
How can you get lost in a glen someone said. Well more of that later but believe me you can.
After the previous weeks hard running at the weekend I was given two days off and that recovery was exactly what I needed. My quads were tired and a massage from the wonderful Sam Williams got them sorted. But that wee rest meant I ran the next 5 days in a row with the big back to back runs at the weekend.
That brings me to getting lost in a glen! A pal had sent me a potentially 5 hour hill walk which looked good for the Saturday. Unfortunately I didn't spend time studying the map until we were almost there. Stuart & I ended up a dirt track at a farm with no clue where we were in relation to the map which we couldn't view properly as we had no signal. I had an idea this might happen and taken a picture of the map but that was useless. Fortunately we bumped into a guy who was heading off to the "orienteering championships". He looked at my picture and led us to a parking spot and pointed us in the right direction - or so we thought! Hope he got on ok in his event, if he ever reached it!
The scenery was beautiful and we aimed for the biggest hill around. We'd been told there was a track right to the top which I'm sure is true but not if you're in the wrong bloody glen! I'm sure I could hear the banjo's playing as we approached a house in the middle of nowhere and asked directions. There was no way we could make it over to the right glen in the time we had so we decided to make the best of it and do an out and back instead. The terrain was perfect practise for my ultra so I decided just to enjoy it. The heat was extremely warm and water supplies were getting low but we had this wonderful flowing river beside us. We took a break at half way and refilled our bottles from the river. On the way back we had 8 km to go and I decided we should cool down so we stood up to our thighs in the river - sheer bliss. The only thing missing was a cold beer. After that chill out my feet felt brand new and the rest of the run was easy - 28km done.
The following day I had a 2 hour pacy run which I new I'd be doing on my own. I wasn't looking forward to it but plugged the earphones in and headed out. As often happens, the sessions you aren't looking forward to are usually the best and I smashed the pace over 22.5km in 1hr 57.
According to my amazing coach Genevieve it's all going to plan. I'm getting fitter and stronger - the stats confirm it. We went over the plan for the next 6 weeks so that I have a good idea of what lies ahead and can plan my diary around it. Next weekend is going to be the peak of my distance running with 38km on Saturday followed by 26km on Sunday. It's also at a reasonable pace so it won't be a "walk in the park". This week is an easier week as I rest and get ready for the weekend with a reduced training schedule.
Getting lost in some ways was liberating as it seemed like an adventure but it won't happen again as I remember my 7 Ps (piss poor preparation precipitates piss poor performance). Hopefully on Sunday night I'll have the energy to write my blog!
After the previous weeks hard running at the weekend I was given two days off and that recovery was exactly what I needed. My quads were tired and a massage from the wonderful Sam Williams got them sorted. But that wee rest meant I ran the next 5 days in a row with the big back to back runs at the weekend.
That brings me to getting lost in a glen! A pal had sent me a potentially 5 hour hill walk which looked good for the Saturday. Unfortunately I didn't spend time studying the map until we were almost there. Stuart & I ended up a dirt track at a farm with no clue where we were in relation to the map which we couldn't view properly as we had no signal. I had an idea this might happen and taken a picture of the map but that was useless. Fortunately we bumped into a guy who was heading off to the "orienteering championships". He looked at my picture and led us to a parking spot and pointed us in the right direction - or so we thought! Hope he got on ok in his event, if he ever reached it!
The scenery was beautiful and we aimed for the biggest hill around. We'd been told there was a track right to the top which I'm sure is true but not if you're in the wrong bloody glen! I'm sure I could hear the banjo's playing as we approached a house in the middle of nowhere and asked directions. There was no way we could make it over to the right glen in the time we had so we decided to make the best of it and do an out and back instead. The terrain was perfect practise for my ultra so I decided just to enjoy it. The heat was extremely warm and water supplies were getting low but we had this wonderful flowing river beside us. We took a break at half way and refilled our bottles from the river. On the way back we had 8 km to go and I decided we should cool down so we stood up to our thighs in the river - sheer bliss. The only thing missing was a cold beer. After that chill out my feet felt brand new and the rest of the run was easy - 28km done.
The following day I had a 2 hour pacy run which I new I'd be doing on my own. I wasn't looking forward to it but plugged the earphones in and headed out. As often happens, the sessions you aren't looking forward to are usually the best and I smashed the pace over 22.5km in 1hr 57.
According to my amazing coach Genevieve it's all going to plan. I'm getting fitter and stronger - the stats confirm it. We went over the plan for the next 6 weeks so that I have a good idea of what lies ahead and can plan my diary around it. Next weekend is going to be the peak of my distance running with 38km on Saturday followed by 26km on Sunday. It's also at a reasonable pace so it won't be a "walk in the park". This week is an easier week as I rest and get ready for the weekend with a reduced training schedule.
Getting lost in some ways was liberating as it seemed like an adventure but it won't happen again as I remember my 7 Ps (piss poor preparation precipitates piss poor performance). Hopefully on Sunday night I'll have the energy to write my blog!
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