Virtual racing

So this is what it's come to.  Virtual racing.  Not something I'd ever heard of before but it's a gift from this current pandemic.  We're all locked up, limited to 1 hours exercise a day, assuming you're sticking to the rules and all races are cancelled.  And then, into my inbox comes an invitation to compete, yes compete, in a sprint triathlon - a virtual one.  WHF!
I notice that my fellow club members are all signing up so I think, what the hell, why not?  I may be a slow ultra runner but why not take on some short distance sprints and a bike race - I've only been on my bike 3 times in the last two years, and they were all in the last two weeks!
This weeks blog is about motivation.  For if I didn't have this "virtual race" in my diary, I can assure you I wouldn't have burst my arse getting ready for it with less than a weeks notice.  But that's the thing about races, even virtual ones, they are a target and once set you have to turn up ....and be ready.
On Friday I started with a 5km run.  Speed isn't something I've been training for, more endurance i.e. keeping going for 85 hours like my last Ultra.  I was really pleased with my time of 22:31 until I was informed that I'd ran it before the competition started so it was null and void. F@@k.
On Saturday I headed out for my 1.5km run and gave it everything; 5min 56sec pace 3:57 pace - delighted.  I followed that by my 20km bike - it was outdoor and a 20 mph wind so was reasonably ok at 28.5 km per hour.
The decision I had to make was did I give the 5km run another bash on Sunday having given it my best on Friday?  Bugger it.  So glad I did.  After all I had a target.  I couldn't have let it go and not completed the race.  So I went out and pushed myself to the limit.  It was tough.  Very tough but I had to convince my legs that they could go faster and my lungs they could breath better while telling my brain to MTFU.  I smashed it in 21:45.  Fastest 5km I've ever done, and all thanks to a virtual race.
The virtual race motivated me to push beyond the barriers I had set myself because I'm an ultra runner.  But I'm more than that.  I'm a 58 year old guy pushing the boundaries, pushing the limits.  I love every minute of realising I am capable of so much more.  And setting a target always raises my game.  What motivates you?  What gets you to push the bar higher?  Once you know what that is, repeat it.  Enjoy.

Where's Bruce Willis when you need him?

I'm starting to get used to lockdown, in a strange sort of way.  Falling out of bed, grabbing some breakfast and then wandering into my makeshift office feels....very time efficient.  This only occurred to me when we had to visit the office to send an important message to our clients who don't use email.  The office felt very strange with nobody in and a number of screens missing from desks which have been taken home by staff - working off a laptop screen when you are used to two large screens is a pain.  The journey took 25 mins each way and of course used fuel.  I filled my tank up 3 weeks ago and have hardly used any fuel so at least that's a saving and look at the impact of us all not driving is having on the environment!
Restricting my outdoor training to an hour is definitely having a negative impact on my fitness but it's just for a period of time.  This has shown up in my increased heart rate when doing my "heart rate recovery run" or granny shuffle as I call it.  Running slow and trying to keep my hear rate in the 130s has been impossible - it's been in the 150s!  Some of this is down to the hilly terrain around my home.  Some due to the reduced training but I feel a lot of it is down to the stress I've been under, like many people, in running a business in these difficult times - and we're in a good place! 
However, as I was getting frustrated at running at a granny pace with a high heart rate two days in a row, on the third day of doing the same my heart rate dropped from an average 151 to 121bpm - that's more like it.  My last two runs have been at a quicker pace and my heart rate has been within the acceptable range.
I really do hope that this bank holiday weekend doesn't see the numpties out sunbathing in the parks and having parties as this will ruin it for everyone who is enjoying taking daily exercise.  Bring in Bruce Willis and let him clear the mess up, he's got a 100% success rate over the years.  Seriously though, my house is on a popular walking route and it's so good to see so many people out walking, whether they have a dog or not.  Hopefully this challenging time will encourage others to reflect on what's important and when we come out the other side, they won't go back to their unhealthy lifestyle but instead remember what they enjoyed doing differently during lockdown and make a positive change in their lives.
I'm really looking forward to a club zoon quizz tonight, what a great idea and something we haven't done before, and I also signed up for a worldwide virtual 10km on 25th April.  Even signing up for the virtual race motivated me when I went out for my run today.  I hope you are all staying safe and sticking to the guidelines.  My nephew and his family came by yesterday and we had a chat while keeping a good distance apart outside in the sun.  They were there with their one year old baby and it was so nice to have a conversation with someone that wasn't online.  This won't last forever but we need to be mentally prepared that it's probably going to last longer than we initially thought.  Stay strong and we'll look back on this when we're in the pub or out for a meal and appreciate the simple things in life more.  Mother nature and the environment certainly seem to be enjoying the rest!

Living in lockdown

It's coming up for two weeks now since Boris told us to lockdown and it seems I'm in a different world, but one of the lucky ones.  There are four of us at home with one away.  Three of us are working from home and we're lucky to have the space, although our broadband is under strain and it drops at the worst possible times but I'm sure we are all facing that challenge.  I was never one for going to the pub but as soon as you can't do something, oh how I'd like to walk in and order a pint!
Social media has been a distraction and with some good humour which has made me chuckle.  I can see some people depending on it and other apps like Zoom which until two weeks ago I hadn't heard of.  Yesterday I had my first post run coffee meet up through zoom (I actually ran after it) and it was great fun catching up with my pals that I'd normally be running with on a Saturday morning.  Who'd have thought a month ago we'd be doing this and who knows what I'll be writing about in 10 days - two weeks when we reach the peak of the virus?  Rumours are they might ban daily exercise due to idiots not listening to the government guidance on social distancing - as always it's the selfish idiots that spoil it for everyone else and if they do fall ill it will be the NHS who will put their lives on the line to save them. Rant over.
It's been a steady training week and the highlight was going out on my bike - yes I took the stabelisers off!  It must be 2 years since I've been out on my bike and the roads were almost empty.  What a joy but I was quickly reminded you only need a couple of cars on the road to have near misses!  I'd forgotten the feeling of climbing a big hill and running out of gears and having to grit my teeth and get on with it.  It gave my feet a rest and did them the world of good.
Some good steady running to and I'm getting used to the walkers scattering with a look of fear on their face as they think I've got the plague.  Honestly I normally sound like that when I run, I'm not ill.
The lack of cars is strange.  Still queuing for 20 minutes to get into Sainsburys is now normal although I try and go to the small shops such as the butcher, baker and fishmonger.  A much more pleasant experience.  As our kids are away from home it's really nice to have 2 of them home and sharing making dinner, eating it together and clearing up has been an unexpected bonus - especially with the dishwasher out of commission!
We can't sell our house at the moment and the new house we're building is "moth balled" until the lockdown is over so we can only imagine how long it will be before we are living there.  By that time hopefully we will be over the worst of Covid-19 and life will probably be different following the experience we've being through, but that might be a good thing.
Please stay safe, this is only for a limited period of time.  Make the most of this time especially if you've been furloughed.  Take up guitar or learn a language.  It's unlikely you'll get this chance again.  There are plenty of online yoga classes or exercise classed to help work of the excess wine you've been drinking.  I think getting my bottle bin to the top of the drive might be classed as a weights session - think my neighbour must be using it as well!!!  Till next week for some more ramblings, and by then I may really be rambling, take care.

It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world

How things can change in a few weeks.  The writing was on the wall when it started in China in December but there must be something in way the human brain works that refuses to believe the inevitable.  Maybe it’s our lack of trust of politicians who we believe always have an agenda in the background and, who in their right mind would have their job anyway?

I’m not about to get political in my blog, there’s enough column inches dedicated to speculating rubbish, I’m merely setting the scheme for the “apocalyptic movie” we seem to be a cast member in.  Whoever thought loo rolls, rice, tinned tomatoes and pasta were going to become commodities?  It's mad out there.  If you want wine it will be from the top shelf and only the exclusive stuff you’d have at Xmas because everything else is sold out.  Sugar is sold out because people are turning to making their own wine – because the pubs and restaurants are closed.  Or maybe it’s to get them through lock down and the restrictions with the family at home!  Life has changed and there’s much more to come in the way of deaths so prepare for the shock and fear which the press will stir up despite the fact we know what’s coming.  Do whatever you can to stay safe.

On Monday the 2^nd of my races was cancelled, the 1st race was cancelled the week before, and on Tuesday we went into the office and finalised the lock down preparations so we could all work from home.  It’s fare to say I felt down and as I’d been working all hours to get to this stage, I skipped two training sessions.  That on its own is not important but going into lock down demotivated and not wanting to exercise could become a real issue and I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels that way.  After all why bother putting yourself through all this effort/sweat and pain with no goal in sight.  So, I had a good look in the mirror and remembered “Rule 5” (Man the f@@k up!) and gave myself a good slap.

I’m not a “key worker” saving lives or delivering food to the elderly, I’d love too but I still have a business to run and want to come out of this having looked after my staff and clients.  The clients are depending on us as we manage their finances and you may have noticed that world stock markets are significantly lower than where the were 6 months ago.  We’re working flat out to a lot of tight deadlines with the end of the tax year approaching and the internet, which we’re depending on, is like “treacle”.   Before you think I’m looking for sympathy I’m not.  We’re in a fortunate position to have a business that will get through this crisis because of good long-term financial management and by looking after staff and client.  However, with all this pressure and being locked down at home with most of the family, how do you remain healthy and sane?

My August race is still on so I have that focus although have my doubts the world will allow travel by then.  
My motivation is three fold:

1-      I don’t want to lose the fitness I have build over the last 6 hard months

2-      My training sessions, gym or run, become even more precious than before – a break from news about Coronavirus which is 24/7 at the moment or my home office

3-      I’m looking to 2021 and what an amazing year it will be approaching it with this fitness

If you’re feeling demotivated because your races are cancelled well at least you’re not injured and can’t exercise or have Covid-19 and are in isolation.  Make use of this time to build your strength, flexibility or speed.  If you can’t then learn a foreign language or learn to play a musical instrument.  You won’t get this time back so make the most of it.

All my recent training has been solo but today I had the pleasure of company for 4 km.  As I was leaving the house ultra running legend Rosie Bell came running past my house so keeping to 2m behind her I joined her.  We had a great chat and it made me realise how much I missed other people’s company on runs.  After 4 km I had to let her go because I couldn’t keep up if I was going to finish my 2^nd day of 20 km.  And being the legend she is, she sent me a message afterwards to say thanks for pushing her on, it helped motivate her!  She must have thought I had Covid-19 and wanted to stay well ahead!  I’m missing my running pals but know this is a short period in time.  Running has taken on a different purpose – a physical and mental break from lock down.  

In 1963 the film It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world came out which was about groups of people searching for stolen cash – greed drove their behavior.  A bit like people hoarding tins of food and others doing without as a result.  If anything good comes out of this pandemic, I hope it will be a better world as our values will have changed or at least we will value people more.  Stay safe, keep healthy and get your daily exercise!

The end of the line

As so often happens, the title of my blog and the contents come into my head when I'm going through a tough session and I'm trying to distract my mind from the pain or the monotony.  While the world is going crazy with the Covid-19 pandemic, it seems inappropriate to write about training but while this is possibly the most serious crisis within my lifetime, we need to keep life as normal as possible and not panic - try telling that to Sainsbury's that sell out toilet roll within minutes of putting it on the shelves!  It will play out over time and I hope you are all safe and follow the advice given.  Now back to training.
My foot's been playing up again so I had my calf tapped and it made a difference.  Two days off mid-week and I was ready for three hard days of training.  Friday was the warm up with a gym leg  session and a 45 minute run on feel.  On Saturday Michael & I took the 6:58 am train from Blantyre to Dalmuir, a place I'd never been before.  The weather was grey but dry as we started out.  Dalmuir was an hour by train and is at the end of the line, in more ways than one!  We followed the canal path back to Glasgow before picking up the Kelvin Way which was the same route as last week.  Our pace was perfect until we met another runner on route and both allowed ourselves to get carried away with the pace - which we knew we'd regret and did.  Running 40 km is never easy but keeping the pace is important.  I made a conscious effort to eat at regular intervals but Michael was struggling and dipped out with 11 km to go.  Those finishing K's were lonely, into a headwind with a gradual incline and near the end the rain started.  Despite driving 20 minutes home with the heater on my fingers were numb so I headed straight to the bath to recover followed by some pasta and rest because Sunday was going to be tough.
To build up for long distances such as the Keilder Ultra in less than 3 weeks time, you need to do back to back long runs to get used to running on tired legs.  Today was a 21 km run and the first hour went well despite the high wind and the rain.  I deliberately chose a hilly route as yesterday's run didn't have much climbing in it but Keilder does.  I made sure I had a good breakfast to so there was plenty fuel in the tank and took a couple of gels to keep me going.  It's also part of training making sure you can stomach taking fuel on board when running.  The second hour was really tough but I just got into the mindset of "perpetual forward motion" - a mantra I used in the Tahoe 200.  It wasn't fast and it wasn't pretty but it was done.  It might not sound like fun but it's one step closer to my goal.  I felt behind on my training for the Keilder Ultra a few weeks ago but after two weeks of big back to back miles I'm beginning to feel like I'm getting there.
The race may be cancelled due to Covid-19 as a lot of races have but if that happens then my journey will continue because the race is only the "icing on the cake".   Covid-19 can go f@@k itself.  We're going to get through this but in the meantime, keep your goals alive.  Stay safe.

The hard miles (KMs)

Winter is the time to prepare yourself for the season ahead.  I set my goals following my epic adventure in Tahoe so I new what I was in for.  My coach Genevieve designed a plan that would push me, but not to the extent it would injure me although one or two of my injuries like to revisit.  I certainly need to strengthen my back for carrying my food during the week long race in Romania and with it being 22 weeks away, there is still work to be done.

My immediate focus is on the Keilder Ultra which is 26 days away. For various reasons I haven’t managed as many long runs as I’d have liked, the main one being this horrendous weather.  The wettest February since records began – I feel like I’ve got webbed feet and throw in the gale force winds, nice time to be building a house and trying to put a roof on!  But the miles (or KMs) still need to be done.

It’s been an eventful week starting with my calf and planter getting taped on Monday – a weekly occurrence to make sure I can run and walk – back tomorrow for an hour of joy (only kidding!).  But this then means I can’t swim as I want the tape to remain on for as long as possible.  Hill efforts on Wednesday were tough but Friday really was a shit storm – literally!  16 mins into a 1 hour tempo run and an emergency stop in the bushes at 6am was required.  Sad to say there was sufficient evidence on my running tights etc but I still had 44 mins to go, so I finished the session.  The stats were good but I still had a gym and swim session to do.  For public safety reasons I didn’t enter the building and drove to my office where I could get a shower and clean up – followed by wiping down any surface I’d touched – I think you get my drift.  Crap start to the day.

Saturday was a 2 hr 46 min run at Chatelherault and I decided to go early so I would have company for the second lap.  Fortunately I had company on the 1^st part as Johnny and Mark were looking for a slower pace.  I’m glad they were there because I fell, again, and cut my knee, hip and elbow.  They made sure I finished the lap.  The rest of my pals were there ready to go but I wasn’t going to be keeping up with them so headed out on a solo lap to finish.  Bored, tired, cold, hurting and wishing I was wrapped up in bed are not good thoughts to have going through your head.  I also had a head cold so was sniffling away feeling sorry for myself and time was going by very slowly.  Then I thought to myself, these are the perfect conditions to be training in because this is what it can be like in a race.  I’ve said it before but you’ve got to be comfortable being uncomfortable, so this was a bonus.

Today was the long run and the weather looked sub-optimal around Strathaven.  I’d said to my “partner in crime” Michael if he was up for taking a 55 min train journey and then running back.  The logic was that the weather was better and the route flatter and more even for my foot so as we both needed the miles, we headed out.  Choosing clothes is always tricky and when we first started running there was a strong cold wind blowing and I was regretting not wearing my running tights – everyone that knows me knows how “bright” they are and I get complaints all the time but they are brilliant – X-bionic.  But I did have my mitts and that took the edge off the cold.  Turns out my running attire was perfect for the day and I was so glad I had chosen my waterproof top which kept the wind out – I struggle in the cold.

We ran 36 km which is the longest I have run since last year.  We made sure the pace was OK, not too fast as it was more about time on our feet.  We hydrated and took on fuel regularly and even stopped for a coke near the end which was a life saver – that stuff is rocket fuel.  But during the run my mind was saying, how come in September last year you were able to go for 20 hours between aid stations and you’re finding it hard to do 3.5 hours?  I knew this session was a key one in the training plan because you are “training tired”, trying to simulate what it’s like in a long race.  The only way to do this is back to back long runs.  These are the hard miles (KMs) and there are no short cuts so accept the discomfort and get on with it.  It may not look pretty, the speed may not be fast but if I set difficult challenges then I need to put in the work.  Without Michael I certainly would have found it much tougher and probably got lost along the way so thank you for sticking with that pace.

This week has provided so real mental and physical challenges and I am sure in your week it’s been no different whether it be training for an event, work or even just life.  But you have to take charge of the conversation in your head otherwise it can bring you down.  If you’re pushing the boundaries, then expect them to push back.  Don’t be surprised if that takes an extra effort to get past them and in the end, it will be worth it – that’s my experience anyway.  Have a great week.

Sensible head!

It was no surprise today when the BBC news confirmed that this was the wettest February since records started.  Even running around the streets involved getting your feet wet never mind when you were off road on the trials where you just had to plough straight through the water.  As long as you had the right socks on then your feet dried out and you didn't get blisters.  However if you had socks that retained the water - ouch!  But it's really not a big deal in comparison to the people whose houses have been flooded - I can't begin to imagine how bad that would be, that's real life.
On Monday I got my calf taped again and I'm back again tomorrow.  With the longer trail runs it's becoming more of an issue but I've been managing it for years so here's hoping.  On Friday I had a triple training session so I left the house at 4.45am and drove to Tollcross where I started a 1hr 20 min run, followed by a gym session then a 2k swim - fair to say I was tired for the rest of the day but that's all part of the plan.
Yesterday I had a 3hr 15 min run to do so I set off at 7am so I'd meet my pals at Chatelherault at 9am for a short amount of company.  The wind was strong but in the main it stayed dry.  I deliberately ran slow, very slow as this was my longest run in more that 6 months and it was more about time on my feet and I had a faster 1 hr 50min run today so I stuck to my plan.  Again my pals waited for me at the usual point in the run and Michael even dropped back towards the end of his run to give me a short amount of company and a little boost.  Going long is tough physically but I think the mental side is harder.  You have to get used to the conversations in your head over and over again but their comes a stage where the distance doesn't matter.  You're almost on autopilot and that's a nice place to be.  My foot was sore after the run and walking in bare feet had me limping.  I'm ok when wearing shoes with orthotics but even then I was hobbling around.
I awoke this morning to 55mph winds battering the house, rain, sleet and a sore foot.  I weighed up the advantages and disadvantages of heading out for the run and decided that with my foot hurting so much, it wasn't worth going out in these conditions.  So I elected for a tough indoor bike session which had my quads screaming at me and my heart rate in zone 5 - I'm sure it had nothing to do with yesterday's wine!  I know it would have been more beneficial to have stuck with the plan but sometimes you have to put your "sensible head" on and consider the bigger picture.  Running in winds that strong can be dangerous and I thought my foot would thank me for the rest.  Hopefully I'll get some pain relief when treated on Monday.  Here's looking forward to better weather.