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.
Sunday, 8 December 2019
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.
Sunday, 3 November 2019
Ultra Race Romania - 10 - 16 August 2020
The decision is made. My "A race" for 2020 has been chosen and it's a cracker. A brand new race designed and organised by my G2G friend Andrei Grigor. He's an experienced ultra runner and knows what's required to make a memorable, challenging and safe race for athletes. This race involves 250km in six stages which is self supporting (you carry your own gear & food), similar to MdS and G2G.
But this is more than a staged race. It's a real adventure taking place in the Bazau area of Romania which crosses the south-eastern curvature of the Carpathian Mountains - we're going to see Dracula's castle! There will be some top class runners in the field including Mohamad Ahansal, 5 times winner of Marathon des Sables so I'm looking forward to being in their company, probably only at the start line! And to top off such an exciting race there is an important fund raising for a local Autism charity which I think is a great idea. Here's a link to an article written about the race http://bit.ly/329zvMO.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to take part in a staged race then you should seriously consider this one. You are "off the grid" for a week with little or no contact with the outside world. You feel at one with nature and mix with like minded people. By the end you have a group of friends for life which is how I met Andrei - I hope he brings his guitar and entertains us in the evening as he did at G2G!
Having decided my "A race" I have planned two other races to build up to this event. In April I'll run the Keilder 50km Ultra which I did well in this year. It's a fabulous ultra with the vast majority on trails. In May I'm going to run three trail marathons in three days around Loch Ness - another new race.
There won't be any other races in the year but I'll be busy getting over my hernia operation, regaining and building my strength as carrying a rucksack with food to last a week is exceptionally tough. I also want to race the Romanian Ultra, not just complete it. I won't be bothering Mohamad Ahansal but am looking to get the best time possible. I'm already planning the training with my coach with this goal in mind and it will be different from this year as it's a staged race. If you want to join me in Romania or have questions about entering a staged race then just let me know.
But this is more than a staged race. It's a real adventure taking place in the Bazau area of Romania which crosses the south-eastern curvature of the Carpathian Mountains - we're going to see Dracula's castle! There will be some top class runners in the field including Mohamad Ahansal, 5 times winner of Marathon des Sables so I'm looking forward to being in their company, probably only at the start line! And to top off such an exciting race there is an important fund raising for a local Autism charity which I think is a great idea. Here's a link to an article written about the race http://bit.ly/329zvMO.
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to take part in a staged race then you should seriously consider this one. You are "off the grid" for a week with little or no contact with the outside world. You feel at one with nature and mix with like minded people. By the end you have a group of friends for life which is how I met Andrei - I hope he brings his guitar and entertains us in the evening as he did at G2G!
Having decided my "A race" I have planned two other races to build up to this event. In April I'll run the Keilder 50km Ultra which I did well in this year. It's a fabulous ultra with the vast majority on trails. In May I'm going to run three trail marathons in three days around Loch Ness - another new race.
There won't be any other races in the year but I'll be busy getting over my hernia operation, regaining and building my strength as carrying a rucksack with food to last a week is exceptionally tough. I also want to race the Romanian Ultra, not just complete it. I won't be bothering Mohamad Ahansal but am looking to get the best time possible. I'm already planning the training with my coach with this goal in mind and it will be different from this year as it's a staged race. If you want to join me in Romania or have questions about entering a staged race then just let me know.
Sunday, 20 October 2019
Double recovery
Recovery is an essential part of any athletes programme. Whether it be recovering from a race or an injury / illness. So when two coincide you could call it good timing especially when it's the end of the season when you'd normally be easing back to give your body time to recover.
But as you know, this is a double recovery; the Tahoe 200 will take a couple of months for my feet to repair and the fatigue to disappear; my hernia operation last week.
My feet are still peeling but they are not sensitive to touch anymore. I'm certainly sleeping a lot more and this will have been helped as I recover after the surgery which meant I had a general anaesthetic. I'll have a 4 inch "battle scar" and am glad to say I'm off the pain killers but have to be careful with the smallest of movement - I can't engage my stomach muscles. I'll see the surgeon on Thursday for his assessment but I am not able to drive for 10 days - 2 weeks which means I'm totally dependent on my family to chauffeur me around and make and serve my food! I can't lift anything and my walking is more like a shuffle as the wound is tight. Add to that I need to wear loose clothes so I'm constantly dressed in a track suit - that will go down well in the office next week!
I'm spending hours sitting watching telly looking out the window at the autumn colours wishing I was at Chatelherault running through the ankle deep golden coloured leaves - but not this year.
I thought my recovery before light training could start was 2 weeks but in fact it's 6 weeks so it will be December before I can start. While it's frustrating it's probably doing me a lot of good and I'll benefit from it next year.
If you are out there enjoying the autumnal weather, enjoy every minute of it, even if it chucking it down with rain. It's only when you have an enforced rest that you really appreciate what going for a run would be like. But in the meantime I'll continue my double recovery and consider it part of my preparation for 2020 which is going to be an amazing year. Can't wait.
But as you know, this is a double recovery; the Tahoe 200 will take a couple of months for my feet to repair and the fatigue to disappear; my hernia operation last week.
My feet are still peeling but they are not sensitive to touch anymore. I'm certainly sleeping a lot more and this will have been helped as I recover after the surgery which meant I had a general anaesthetic. I'll have a 4 inch "battle scar" and am glad to say I'm off the pain killers but have to be careful with the smallest of movement - I can't engage my stomach muscles. I'll see the surgeon on Thursday for his assessment but I am not able to drive for 10 days - 2 weeks which means I'm totally dependent on my family to chauffeur me around and make and serve my food! I can't lift anything and my walking is more like a shuffle as the wound is tight. Add to that I need to wear loose clothes so I'm constantly dressed in a track suit - that will go down well in the office next week!
I'm spending hours sitting watching telly looking out the window at the autumn colours wishing I was at Chatelherault running through the ankle deep golden coloured leaves - but not this year.
I thought my recovery before light training could start was 2 weeks but in fact it's 6 weeks so it will be December before I can start. While it's frustrating it's probably doing me a lot of good and I'll benefit from it next year.
If you are out there enjoying the autumnal weather, enjoy every minute of it, even if it chucking it down with rain. It's only when you have an enforced rest that you really appreciate what going for a run would be like. But in the meantime I'll continue my double recovery and consider it part of my preparation for 2020 which is going to be an amazing year. Can't wait.
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