Having ran 10 miles yesterday, today was my last 15 mile run before my race in two weeks time. I was joined by a pal John which was great. He's training for his first ironman and hadn't run 15 miles before and certainly not on the trail at Chatelherault which is tough. He was happy to go at my pace and it certainly was a tougher session than the day before. My average heart rate was 11 bpm faster even although my pace was slower so I think I was tired.
But tonight I am out at a family birthday celebration and tomorrow is a day off. I start my tapering on Monday which means I will reduce my training to allow my body to recover between now and the 26th. This is an important stage because in 2 weeks time I will be putting myself through hell - 12 - 13 hours of exertion followed by a Ceilidh and beer! Somehow I don't think I'll be doing the Dashing White Sergeant!!
The longest I have ran for in my training is 5 hours 20 minutes so this will be a big step up. But I've been there before and know at the end it will be down to my mental strength. I'm actually looking forward to visiting some unusual places in my head which you only get to through pushing yourself to the limit. I have a number of friends running the London Marathon tomorrow and I wish them a great day. Nothing better than having done the training to go and enjoy the event. Have fun guys.
Saturday, 12 April 2014
Friday, 11 April 2014
Dawn chorus
This morning started with an amber warning on my HRV. I think being so busy at work, with family life and the fact I had a few beers to relax last night were probably the reasons. So sticking with this system I cut back my planned run to 10 miles around Chatelherault and I paid close attention to my heart rate on the way round.
It was a beautiful early morning and the birds were in full song. For the first time ever I heard a wood pecker doing his thing, it was amazing. The sun shone and the forrest was just stunning so it made my run special. It allowed my thoughts to wander and get some quality time with myself. Not a bad thing to do when you're so busy. My heart rate was perfect which means I must have got the pace right. I could have run another lap as I was feeling great but time was getting on and I had a busy day ahead.
My calf strain disappeared as I was wearing compression calf guards. I'd not been wearing them recently - I won't make that mistake again because they really work.
Tomorrow I am aiming for a15 mile run but it's a late night with dad's taxi duties so I hope that won't affect my HRV tomorrow. Feeling great and with two weeks to go I'm looking forward to the 'Fling.
It was a beautiful early morning and the birds were in full song. For the first time ever I heard a wood pecker doing his thing, it was amazing. The sun shone and the forrest was just stunning so it made my run special. It allowed my thoughts to wander and get some quality time with myself. Not a bad thing to do when you're so busy. My heart rate was perfect which means I must have got the pace right. I could have run another lap as I was feeling great but time was getting on and I had a busy day ahead.
My calf strain disappeared as I was wearing compression calf guards. I'd not been wearing them recently - I won't make that mistake again because they really work.
Tomorrow I am aiming for a15 mile run but it's a late night with dad's taxi duties so I hope that won't affect my HRV tomorrow. Feeling great and with two weeks to go I'm looking forward to the 'Fling.
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Quick dip
Had an early night last night as I was determined to go swimming in the morning subject to a green HRV reading which I got. However I wandered around "like a fart in a trance" trying to get ready and before I knew it I was late. I was also going to a new pool so wasn't quite sure what the set up was.
I stood looking at the "icebergs" floating in the slow lane, and the two ladies doing breast stroke not very quickly in the middle lane. There was a guy tearing up and down the fast lane so I had a decision to make. Oh bugger it I'll go in the fast lane and get out his way when he wants past. However this dictated the type of workout I was going to have. I had planned a medium paced 1 hour swim but that wasn't going to happen in this lane. So I went fast for as long as I could and bar smacking fists with him once, I kept out of his way. So the session only lasted 20 minutes but I felt I'd worked hard although I know I could have worked harder. It was my first swim in a couple of weeks so I was happy with the session. The added bonus, other than a good workout, was my calf muscle has eased off but the proof of that particular pudding will be when I run 15 miles on the trails tomorrow. Cross training definitely has it's benefits especially when carrying a strain or injury.
I stood looking at the "icebergs" floating in the slow lane, and the two ladies doing breast stroke not very quickly in the middle lane. There was a guy tearing up and down the fast lane so I had a decision to make. Oh bugger it I'll go in the fast lane and get out his way when he wants past. However this dictated the type of workout I was going to have. I had planned a medium paced 1 hour swim but that wasn't going to happen in this lane. So I went fast for as long as I could and bar smacking fists with him once, I kept out of his way. So the session only lasted 20 minutes but I felt I'd worked hard although I know I could have worked harder. It was my first swim in a couple of weeks so I was happy with the session. The added bonus, other than a good workout, was my calf muscle has eased off but the proof of that particular pudding will be when I run 15 miles on the trails tomorrow. Cross training definitely has it's benefits especially when carrying a strain or injury.
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Red light - spells danger!
Great song from back in the '80s from Billy Ocean. But it's not that type of red light! For various reasons this morning was the first HRV reading I had taken since heading off to Barcelona on Friday. It came out with a low score and a red light, despite my resting heart rate being at 59! So no training today.
I have to admit yesterday afternoon I was shattered. A weekend of fun with the strain of flights etc had taken its toll. Had I taken a HRV reading yesterday I may have had an amber or red light but I didn't. What I do know for sure is that my left calf muscle is complaining and I do not want to aggravate that. The first objective of any race is to get to the start line injury free. Get that wrong and you are a DNS (did not start). That way I can convince the chimp in my head to shut up as I know mentally I can cope with the distance.
So tomorrow I will swim, subject to an amber or green light, and take the pressure off my calf. On Friday and Saturday I will do back to back 15 mile trail runs and take Sunday off as I have a social event on the Saturday night that I must be at. I don't think the road running has helped my calf so I'll try and stick to the trails as much as I can.
If you speak to any triathletes or endurance athletes you'll find that as the training tapers before the event, and I'm not at tapering just yet, little niggles start to appear. This has happened to me before every major event. The chimp goes into over drive telling you how you haven't done enough training or how that injury will put you out of the race. To date the chimp has always been wrong but you need to believe that will be the case. So let's get me to the start line of yet another adventure. The scenery on the West Highland Way is breath taking and I aim to enjoy my self while putting my body and mind though hell. But that is what makes me stronger and more determined in everything I do. So Mr Chimp, back in your cage and shut up!
I have to admit yesterday afternoon I was shattered. A weekend of fun with the strain of flights etc had taken its toll. Had I taken a HRV reading yesterday I may have had an amber or red light but I didn't. What I do know for sure is that my left calf muscle is complaining and I do not want to aggravate that. The first objective of any race is to get to the start line injury free. Get that wrong and you are a DNS (did not start). That way I can convince the chimp in my head to shut up as I know mentally I can cope with the distance.
So tomorrow I will swim, subject to an amber or green light, and take the pressure off my calf. On Friday and Saturday I will do back to back 15 mile trail runs and take Sunday off as I have a social event on the Saturday night that I must be at. I don't think the road running has helped my calf so I'll try and stick to the trails as much as I can.
If you speak to any triathletes or endurance athletes you'll find that as the training tapers before the event, and I'm not at tapering just yet, little niggles start to appear. This has happened to me before every major event. The chimp goes into over drive telling you how you haven't done enough training or how that injury will put you out of the race. To date the chimp has always been wrong but you need to believe that will be the case. So let's get me to the start line of yet another adventure. The scenery on the West Highland Way is breath taking and I aim to enjoy my self while putting my body and mind though hell. But that is what makes me stronger and more determined in everything I do. So Mr Chimp, back in your cage and shut up!
Tuesday, 8 April 2014
The grass is greener?
Having just returned from Barcelona I was reflecting on what it must be like training out there at this time of year. We experienced 18-20 degrees and everyone was smiling as they ran. It looked ideal especially when comparing it to the wet, cold winter we've all endured in our training this year. At least we didn't get the snow!
So as I set out this morning for a 10 mile run I reflected that the temperature was 10 degrees cooler and I needed a wind cheater, hat and gloves but at least the sun was out. The terrain was completely different. Instead of running down wide tree lined streets with wonderful architecture to distract you I was running in blue skies through glorious countryside with all the fragrances of the countryside in abundance. I was beginning to feel warm after an hour so slipped my gloves off. 5 minutes later the rain starts, the temperature drops, my gloves go back on and my glasses come off as I can't see anything! By the time I got home I was drenched but feeling good for getting out there.
So is the grass greener - well literally it's not and it's the rain that makes out countryside so beautiful. But as we are less than 3 weeks from the Highland Fling I'd be really pleased if we got some spring/summer weather as the thought of running 53 miles in the rain isn't very appealing although it will be done if required. Holidays are great but I'd bet you in the summer heat the locals in Barcelona would like to savour our 4 seasons in an hour type weather with lower temperatures!
So as I set out this morning for a 10 mile run I reflected that the temperature was 10 degrees cooler and I needed a wind cheater, hat and gloves but at least the sun was out. The terrain was completely different. Instead of running down wide tree lined streets with wonderful architecture to distract you I was running in blue skies through glorious countryside with all the fragrances of the countryside in abundance. I was beginning to feel warm after an hour so slipped my gloves off. 5 minutes later the rain starts, the temperature drops, my gloves go back on and my glasses come off as I can't see anything! By the time I got home I was drenched but feeling good for getting out there.
So is the grass greener - well literally it's not and it's the rain that makes out countryside so beautiful. But as we are less than 3 weeks from the Highland Fling I'd be really pleased if we got some spring/summer weather as the thought of running 53 miles in the rain isn't very appealing although it will be done if required. Holidays are great but I'd bet you in the summer heat the locals in Barcelona would like to savour our 4 seasons in an hour type weather with lower temperatures!
Monday, 7 April 2014
The count down is on
Last week I allowed my legs to have a good rest. Some yoga and a sports massage left me feeling refreshed. I was going away with the family for a long weekend in Barcelona so on Friday I went for. 15 mile trail run. My HRV reading was low and amber so I took it easy.
Good food, wine, company, excellent weather and football (Barca FC) made it a weekend to remember. On Sunday morning I woke to find thousands of runners lining up outside my hotel for an 11km race! But this was strictly a family break so no training of any sort but the temperature and the conditions looked idea. I didn't see anyone with leggings and a waterproof jacket. The sun glasses were to cut out the glare not to stop rain smacking you in the eyes and the baseball cap was to protect against the sun and not to keep the heat in. How I'd love to train in those conditions.
So we arrived home to grey sky's, temperatures 12 degrees lower and rain. I'm not training today as traveling takes more out of you than you realise. I'll start again tomorrow and the countdown is now on. Everything I do between now and 26th April will be carefully calculated so I reach the start line injury free (1st priority) and fit. So 19 days to go and as I make my final preparations I'm thinking of my friends in the Sahara Desert - I can't believe it's a year since I was in the Marathon des Sables!
Good food, wine, company, excellent weather and football (Barca FC) made it a weekend to remember. On Sunday morning I woke to find thousands of runners lining up outside my hotel for an 11km race! But this was strictly a family break so no training of any sort but the temperature and the conditions looked idea. I didn't see anyone with leggings and a waterproof jacket. The sun glasses were to cut out the glare not to stop rain smacking you in the eyes and the baseball cap was to protect against the sun and not to keep the heat in. How I'd love to train in those conditions.
So we arrived home to grey sky's, temperatures 12 degrees lower and rain. I'm not training today as traveling takes more out of you than you realise. I'll start again tomorrow and the countdown is now on. Everything I do between now and 26th April will be carefully calculated so I reach the start line injury free (1st priority) and fit. So 19 days to go and as I make my final preparations I'm thinking of my friends in the Sahara Desert - I can't believe it's a year since I was in the Marathon des Sables!
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Keeping bad company
On Saturday I went out for my planned 30 mile run with a couple of my experienced ultra running pals. I have only ran more than 30 miles twice before so I knew it was going to be both physically and mentally tough. Tougher still it was going to be mainly on tarmac.
As soon as we headed off I realised the pace was too quick for me to keep my heart rate in the low 150's. But I can't expect my training partners to run for me when they both have races coming up so it was a question of hanging on in there. With the exception of any hills this worked for the first 15 miles then it really started to get tough.
I fuelled as much as I could to make sure I wouldn't hit the wall but around 20 miles it was starting to become obvious I was struggling to keep up - the early pace was catching up with me. So without any word of criticism or signs of frustration, when they got more than 250 metres in front they would turn round, run back and when they got level with me they turn and run with me. This lasted for about 10 metres before they began to peal away again and there was nothing I could do. I was hurting, every step was sore and my hips were protesting. I was doing the ironman shuffle and trying not to think about the biting wind and how cold it was if I began walking.
But mentally I knew that this was exactly what I needed. I needed to dig deep, feel crap, feel sorry for myself and wishing that my running partners weren't so bloody good! I felt I was holding them back which annoyed me but they are experienced enough to know that they were getting in a good training session and some extra distance constantly coming back for me!
I suppose if I keep such "bad company" then I need to be prepared for the outcome. They will push my to higher limits and make me better. A perfect training run with 4 weeks to go. I took today off to allow my body to recover although I did get a green HRV reading this morning. Rest is an important part of training and one that the youngsters aren't so good at!
As soon as we headed off I realised the pace was too quick for me to keep my heart rate in the low 150's. But I can't expect my training partners to run for me when they both have races coming up so it was a question of hanging on in there. With the exception of any hills this worked for the first 15 miles then it really started to get tough.
I fuelled as much as I could to make sure I wouldn't hit the wall but around 20 miles it was starting to become obvious I was struggling to keep up - the early pace was catching up with me. So without any word of criticism or signs of frustration, when they got more than 250 metres in front they would turn round, run back and when they got level with me they turn and run with me. This lasted for about 10 metres before they began to peal away again and there was nothing I could do. I was hurting, every step was sore and my hips were protesting. I was doing the ironman shuffle and trying not to think about the biting wind and how cold it was if I began walking.
But mentally I knew that this was exactly what I needed. I needed to dig deep, feel crap, feel sorry for myself and wishing that my running partners weren't so bloody good! I felt I was holding them back which annoyed me but they are experienced enough to know that they were getting in a good training session and some extra distance constantly coming back for me!
I suppose if I keep such "bad company" then I need to be prepared for the outcome. They will push my to higher limits and make me better. A perfect training run with 4 weeks to go. I took today off to allow my body to recover although I did get a green HRV reading this morning. Rest is an important part of training and one that the youngsters aren't so good at!
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