Getting high on Super Saturday

Last week I was writing about ignoring the negative press and news.  Little was anyone to know we'd lose our Queen and, much as I respect and admire her, I am definitely not watching 10 days of preparation for her funeral.  She was a shining example to us all and she'll be missed.  RIP your majesty, you've served your country - thank you.
Despite the low and all the emotions that flowed though the Queen's passing, life and training goes on.  
On Tuesday I had 21km to run and mentally and physically I didn't feel up to it.  But I haven't been getting big runs in so forced myself out of bed and left my bad attitude at the door.  It was a slog and I couldn't find a gel before I went out so was digging into my reserves, physically and mentally.  It was a tough run around Strathclyde Park (that's the easy part) before heading up to Chatelherault.  I was told to "run the big hill" but I didn't have it in me so I wasn't surprised when my time was a few minutes slower than the week before.  But based on how I felt I was pleased with that average performance.  Later that day I had a massage and Rhondda kept telling me how tight my quads and calves were.  My right foot, a permanent injury, was starting to grumble so when I saw Pamela (sports therapist) on Friday she was concerned how tight my calf was - which causes the foot problem.  An hour of pain with her and my leg was taped up and good to go with a promise of seeing her again next week - can't wait!
The weather forecast for the weekend was brilliant so I changed my planned runs.  Beth and I were going to Kinlochleven and had hired a pod to stay in so we could get two good days in the mountains.  Saturday was probably the best or second best day I have had in the mountains this year.  Michael Martin had given me a route up the Carn Mor Dearg 1,220m (with light scrambling - come back to that later) then up Ben Nevis - the highest mountain in the UK 1,345m.  It's a very popular mountain but most people go up the tourist route, and for good reason as it turns out.
The CMD is a good climb but gets interesting when you traverse the ridge linking it to Ben Nevis.  This ridge took over 1.5 hours, in places is 4 feet wide with sheer drops on either side (light scrambling my arse!) And seen as I am scared of heights and edges, it made for an interesting time.  Then you have a very steep boulder climb up to Ben Nevis where you meet over 200 people on the summit having a party.  If you want your photo at the cairn you'll be queuing for over 45 mins so we took some pictures and headed down the tourist path.  Couldn't be simpler till I slipped, fell and broke another running pole!  But fortunately not injured.  The round trip was 7 hours in total with almost no running as the conditions weren't good underfoot to run - might have been a bit protective with our race next weekend but it was still a good workout.  We spent the rest of the day eating and eating to replace the carbs lost, and a couple of pints!  What a brilliant day and the pictures we took are amazing.  Certainly we were high on super Saturday! 
Sunday was a bit cooler with a breeze.  The Pap of Glencoe was advertised as an easier mountain to climb with a bit of light scrambling - where have I heard that before?  As we were stuck on a ledge having lost the path and my fear of heights really kicked in, I was beginning to think it was worth taking up golf!  We tentatively found our way back off the ledge and got to the summit.  It was worth it.  The view were the best I've seen from a summit but I was really shaken.  We met some other climbers on top and asked their advice about an alternative route down but tried that, got lost and climbed back on top before retracing our steps from the ascent.  I really was nervous as the ground was giving way under me on the descent but soon I was on firm ground and we made our way down.
We are so lucky.  Lucky to be alive and fit and living in a country where these amazing mountains are 2 hours from our house.  Rather than boring tarmac running we're having real adventures in the most scenic of locations.  Next to no running was done but 10 hours of climbing up and coming down steep ascents prepares your body for what lies ahead.  Next weeks race.
This week is about nutrition, hydration, quality sleep and sensible training to make sure my body works out enough not to think it's on holiday, but enough to keep it ticking over ready for the punishment that lies ahead.  Getting to the start line uninjured is the first goal and I've almost done it - my leg will be strapped for the race.  Fitness wise I'm 85% and in the end it will come down to my mental ability to get through the pain and push.  For Beth it's her fist race of such a magnitude (125km in 2 days) but she has the WHY; raising money for a charity dear to her heart, and that's like having a secret weapon.  My next post will be a race report and I'm excited as to what we will learn about ourselves while pushing the boundaries.  In the meantime, make the most of your life.  It's no dress rehearsal.

Live your best life

Is it just me or are you starting to avoid watching the news or reading the newspapers, hard copy or online (before I'm called a dinosaur!) Good news doesn't sell newspapers or get "clicks" as well as bad news does and there is plenty of that around.  It's terrible to think we've  become accustomed to what is happening in Ukraine.  Every day people die or are in a shelter living in squalor keeping out of harms way.  But we've got used to it.  We're all feeling the impact of higher fuel prices and the ever increasing energy bills.  Everyone seems to be going on strike for more money and I understand why but just don't know where it will come from.  Perhaps the new Prime Minister will have a magic wand to discover a pot of money that will keep everyone happy.   The NHS is on it's knees and staff are leaving because they can't take any more - 2 years ago we were calling them heroes but somehow they never got the reward they deserved for their heroic efforts - a bit like Ukraine.  We've forgotten it was like a warzone in the hospitals.
Why am I starting my blog with such depressing thoughts I hear you ask?  Good question, it's just what's floating round in my head at the moment as I try and work out the answer.  Believe it or not, it does actually have a connection with my running.
As Beth and I prepare for the England 125 X and 50 X in less than 2 weeks time, We've been up in the mountains getting our bodies used to long days, hard climbs and harder descents.  On Friday our warm up was 15 km, twice round Chatelherault, our favourite local run.  It's nothing like the mountains but with 313m of ascent it's a decent workout at the end of a weeks training which sets us up for Saturday.
On Saturday we checked the weather forecast to try and avoid the rain - don't know why we bothered.  We went to Loch Tulla and climbed Beinn Achaladair and Beinn a'Chreachain.  In total we covered 23km, climbed 1,600m in 5.5hours - not fast but you can only go as fast as the conditions allow.  The wind was so strong we were blown of our feet on the summits.  The rain was as sharp as needles when it hit our skin.  But the real danger was that we spent a long time on the summits and along the ridges in cloud base.  There were few distinguishable features on the summits so it was what I'd imagine it would be like walking on the moon.  One minute you had a beautiful view and by the time I had taken my phone out, it was gone.
Beth was getting a blister and I was concerned that it was taking us longer than planned.  Your mind plays games when you can't see where you are going and you are having to lean into the wind, staying away from the path near the edges because you could easily have got blown over.  It also was difficult to take on food as you'd have to stop, take your gloves off and there was little shelter to be had.  With the lack of food your mood can go down and all you want to do is sit down and wait for a helicopter to pick you up.
But that's what's so wonderful about being in the mountains.  You are exposed to the elements and you have to battle through.  You can't go on strike up there and expect someone to come and get you.  It's down to you to overcome the problem and do so quickly before it gets worse.  You're on your own.
Fortunately I had the help of technology.  My phone and watch (belt and braces approach) had the OS map of the route and we followed that red line as though our life depended on it - well it did to an extent!  There were two other walkers ahead who we tried to keep in sight but the clouds cut them off and they were gone only to reappear 5 minutes later.  But beware, they might not have known where they were going and we'd end up lost with them.  So constant checking where we were was required and eventually we came off the mountain, out of the stinging rain and wind onto the track at the bottom only to face the next challenge.  A long road out when you're tired and hungry and the bridge you are aiming for, never seems to get closer.  Again you just want to hail an Uber but not in the middle of the highlands.  It's all down to you.  Run or walk?  Running get's you back quicker so that's what we did.  We got hot and took of our waterproof jackets.  Of course you know what happened less than 2 minutes later?  The rain came on, heavy.  Who cares.  Skin is waterproof we said and we trudged on.
By the time we'd got back to the car we were delighted with our adventure.  It had everything in it and we learned how to deal with adverse conditions and not resorting to curling up in a ball and getting into our survival bag.  Some food and drink and we were brand knew.
This is living our best life and removes us from the negative news or the worry about our energy costs.  Perhaps that's something everyone should try.  Instead of staying in your house with the heating on listening to the depressing news, get outside into the fresh air and see what mother nature has to offer.  It's certainly uplifted our spirits, so much so we went up Tinto Hill on Sunday for another dose of "wellbeing".  GPs should prescribe it rather than antidepressants!
Whoever today is announced as Prime Minister they won't have all the answers and we will all have to contribute / suffer in some way but count ourselves lucky we're not lying in a hospital bed praying to get better or sheltering from the war in Ukraine.  Running in the mountains is always an adventure and reminds us to live your best life - it's no dress rehearsal.

Training tired

 I'm often asked "how can you run so far or how can you run down steep mountains?" I'm also asked what "possesses" me to put myself through the pain to achieve these goals.  The first question is usually asked by non runners who can't imagine how we can keep going.  Today was a good example as again Beth & I power walked up and ran down Tinto Hill twice, roughly 1,000m of ascent.  We'd noticed a "big lad" sitting on the path about a quarter of the way up and he looked bust.  When we were on our second ascent of the hill, he was walking down and shouted out "fair play to you mate" as he obviously couldn't believe we were doing this for the second time.  But "fair play" to him and everyone else that takes on the challenge as strenuous as that and it was wonderful to see young children walking up the hill.  
When I was at the bottom I saw a dad and daughter racing down the hill and I congratulated them both when they finished.  "I've only ran the last 100 yards and I'm out of breath" he said to which I replied, "that's how it starts.  I hope you both keep it up"  These people on the hill today were lapping everyone lying on their couch.  I hope seeing us do something they thought was mad or not possible might just push their comfort zone even further next time as were all capable of so much more.
The point I'm making is that it's all relative.  Today we were marveling at the fitness of athletes taking part this weekend in the famous UTMB race and the speeds they achieve. In addition Jo Murphy a Scottish Ultra runner just became the 100km world champion running 100km in 7hrs 38 mins.  That's an average of 4min 35 sec per KM.  To put that in perspective, I'd struggle to keep that pace up for 5km on a flat route never mind 100km.  "Fair play to you Jo"!  It just shows there are always people faster or stronger than us and we can be inspired by them.  
It's been a great weekend and we've been in the mountains enjoying stunning scenery.  You'll know that Ben More has been an unlucky hill for me having climbed it 4 times, making the summit three times but never managing to go over the back to the next summit, Stob Binnein.  But yesterday we did.  I'm so glad I didn't risk going over the back in the poor visibility and high winds because even in good weather I had to search to find a safe path to follow.  It was worth the wait as Stob Binnein is a nice climb and the views were fantastic.  Running down hill was tricky so I didn't get the workout I was looking for but Ben More is a steep climb and in total we climbed 1,294m.  
This morning we headed out to Tinto despite our legs feeling tired and heavy.  But this is what is required if you are going to run 125km in two days, 4,300m of ascent (Beth) and 50km in one day with 1,906m of ascent (me).  This combined with our weight training and yoga means we both feel knackered but that's all part of the plan.  To keep my muscles in good order, on Friday I had a wonderful massage by Rhondda.  Wonderfully painful as she worked her magic on my muscles.  The good news is I am getting stronger and it shows.
That leaves the last question of what possesses us to put ourselves through this pain.  We both have friends who have been affected by cancer and over the years I have raised money for Maggie's.  Beth is raising money for the Beatson in Glasgow and being emotionally committed to these organisations who have helped our friends, drives us through the pain and allows us to get up in the morning when all our bodies want to do is stay in bed and hide.  If you'd like to support Beth and donate to an amazing charity please go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/elsbeththomas .
Training tired isn't easy but it's essential when you are getting ready for a race.  Think of it as a sign you're getting close to the start line of an adventure which is always an exciting time.  We're lucky to be able to do what we do and will never take it for granted.

Inspired by Maggie's

It's been a great week of training and I'm feeling good on the back of it.  The runs have been getting longer with some speed work introduced.  The highlight of my week was heading to our local hill, Tinto, for power walk up and run down it 3 times.  That's a total ascent of 1,543m so higher than Ben Nevis (1,345m) and as usual, the weather was awful.  I started early at 6.05am so I could finish in time to go watch my son in a football match.  There was only one other person on the hill and while the temperature was warm, it was pissing down with rain and blowing a hooley - so much so I had to take off my cap and glasses.  I need my glasses to see but unless they had windscreen wipers fitted I still couldn't see for the rain.
On the first descent I notice a group of at least 30 people making their way up the hill and then realised this was a Maggie's group - the charity I raise funds for.  They were climbing 3 hills in the day and Tinto was their 1st.  The fund raisers came in all shapes, sizes and age but they look determined to complete their mission.  Some were climbing Tinto for the first time and on my second descent I stopped to talk to Mark who was bringing up the rear with Heather from Maggie's and a few other volunteers.  He was doing really well considering it turned out this was his first time on Tinto.  He was 25 mins from the summit and I wished him well knowing he'd definitely be making it to the top.  I told him there was a party at the top, at least 20 people there and soon he'd be joining them and his effort would have been worthwhile.  I so admire those fund raisers, especially the ones that are way out their comfort zone climbing hills like Tinto.  They may be bringing up the rear but they deserve all the praise as they are out longer and are probably burning more calories than the rest.  Well done Mark and everyone else that put up with the weather.  I'm sure Heather will let me know how you all got on.
I think I mentioned last week how you never know that your efforts are inspiring others.  Doing 3 reps of Tinto is mind numbing and meeting the Maggie's people gave me a lift which I needed in order to stay on target in completing the task in under 3hrs 20 mins.  I did it in 3 hours 17 mins and I can honestly say that the Maggie's team got me there so thank you all.
I also know I'm making progress because not long ago running down Tinto twice had me almost unable to walk for 5 days.  This morning I ran a slow, easy 42 minutes followed by 1 hour in the gym with a big leg workout.  My legs felt good before and great afterwards so something is working!  Seeing evidence that the hard work is paying off is always a good feeling.  I'm also eating like a horse as my body is demanding more healthy food to replace the calories burned.
My mind is starting to think through the logistics of the 125 X in the Peak District.  Like all the competitors, Beth and I will be camping but we need to think through our food as it's essential we have sufficient calories to fuel our running and have food to eat during the run.  More so for her as she is doing 75km on day 1 where as day 2 is only 50km - an easier day for me on fresh legs but I'll still need food/fuel.  When I did the 125 X in Inverness my favourite food was baby potatoes coated in butter and sea salt.  Wash that down with a pork pie and that's a lot of calories.  It's also savory food to balance against the sweet gels that are necessary or the flat coke which is rocket fuel.
Having something to aim for such as a race, particularly one that requires you to dig very deep or into territory that you haven't been into before, motivates you to train hard.  Even when you are tired and hurting but that's what you need to do.  Long days back to back makes you train on tired legs and this is the secret to managing long races.  I'm started to get excited about the race but there's a lot of hard work to be done between now and then.  Bring it on and once again, thanks Maggie's, you gave me inspiration when I needed it.

31 days and counting

In 31 days I’ll be running day 2 of the 125 X Ultra England in the Peak District.  I’m only doing 50km, the fun run, on day 2 having supported my partner Beth who takes on the biggest race of her life, so far, with a 75km warm up on day 1.  As covered earlier this year as I prepared for the Scottish 125 X, how do you step up the training for an event of that distance?  Especially if your training has been set back with illness or injury.  Speak to any athlete and the most common worry is “ have I done enough training”?  Let’s not waste any nervous energy worrying about that.  It’s normal to feel nervous or have doubts before a big race.
You don’t enter long distance events without having a lot of “miles (or KMs) in your legs”.  You’ll have worked in the gym to strengthen your body, hopefully will have trained on the stair master if it’s a hilly course (which this one certainly is) or been in the mountains.  You’ll have practiced yoga to strengthen your core, stretch your tired muscles, provide greater movement and improve your breathing.  It’s not like you just rock up and pull on your trainers.  All of this preparation will also get your mindset ready for the pain you will definitely go through, and lots of it.  I welcome the pain when it arrives because it means I’m getting closer to the end.  Any other thought would be negative and my race would end soon after as you can destroy your race with negative thoughts.  To distract my mind I take in the scenery whilst thinking about others less fortunate that couldn’t take part in such an event.  It’s only when you’re injured that you appreciate what it’s like to be fit and healthy which we can take for granted.  But in 31 days I will be running 50km and my longest run so far is 17km plus I haven’t had as much time in the mountains as I would have liked.  Tinto is a poor substitute for 4-8 hours in the mountains but if due to time or weather that’s all that is available, then so be it.
But what a difference 31 days will make to me.  My running training is starting to ramp up as I’m injury free, I’ll continue with my strength work in the gym and also my yoga.  I’ve got four hard weeks ahead and I can’t wait to see the transformation because I’m building on years of this type of training.
I’ve always said having a WHY makes a difference and if you’re raising money for a charity this certainly helps.  When you’re feeling tired and sore you just need to think about all the people who have supported you in raising money for an amazing cause.  However, this year my WHY is not for the charity that is close to my heart.  It’s for me.  Missing out on Ultra Race Romania hurt almost as much as not completing it last year.  It wasn’t for the want of trying but when your stomach shuts down and can’t take on fluids or food then “the game’s a boggy” as we say in Glasgow.  I need to get another race under my belt this year otherwise only having completed one is a “poor season”.  I need to be winning again so that 50km race for me is significant and I am going to be putting in the best preparation possible in the time left.  I already have the finish line picture in my head and that will be on repeat for the next 31 days.
It’s possible because you think it is and the opposite is also true.  Mohammed Ali once said “if your goals don’t scare you then you haven’t set them high enough”.  I’m looking forward to pushing beyond my comfort zone and thank you for following me.  Knowing you will hold me accountable makes me push harder.

It's no dress rehearsal

It's no dress rehearsal.  Of course I am referring to life.  I've always known this but was reminded about it this week when I attended a funeral of a friend who died way too young at age 62.  Funerals offer you the opportunity to reflect on not only the person who has gone, but also your own life.  Rob was a fascinating character and hearing his boys relate stories about their childhood, the adventures they got up to and their father's influence on them was heart warming.  But it also brought home the message life is no dress rehearsal so make the most of each day.  Tell your loved ones that you love them and look out for your friends.  You never know what people are going through and Facebook and Instagram do not portray the real person.  Only the person or the life they want the world to see is on display.  RIP Rob.  You left behind you legacy and your kids will all do you proud.
Training never seems important when something like this happens. But life still goes on.  The planet still spins.  I've been building the running and have had no reoccurrence of the ankle or hamstring injury.  In addition I've been doing regular weight sessions and plenty of yoga.  My body shape is changing especially my legs which is encouraging but last week they suffered DOMS as walking up and running down Tinto twice took its toll.  All week I've been working them with the massage gun, stretching and yoga.  My mileage is up to 12km now and with a 50km trail race in 5 weeks time, I need to up the mileage but avoid injury.
Today I did Tinto x 2 again with Beth.  It makes such a difference having someone with you as you both push each other to get the best results.  Once again it was totally clagged in so there was no view.  The wind was howling so much than on my second descent my hat went flying off but fortunately I managed to get it before it disappeared.  Power walk up and run down. 1hr and 3 mins for the first up and down and 1 hr for the second so I was pleased with that.  No doubt my legs will be tired tomorrow as I tackle a 12km run in the morning.  On my schedule for next week are a few runs where I pick up the pace on the 2nd half of the run to introduce some speed in my legs - you can't just have one speed you run at.
I've enjoyed the superb performances in the Commonwealth Games and whether para or able bodied athletes, they have all worked hard at their training plans to get the best performance possible.  They are so inspirational but then, so are you.  Take it from me people will see you swimming, running, cycling or in the gym and think "wow, that's amazing.  I wish I could do that." Based on the comments we got on Tinto when people saw us doing the 2nd ascent you could see that they had never considered it possible.  Maybe in weeks, months or years to come they will step up their activity, get out of their comfort zone because they saw someone who inspired them.  As I listened to stories of Rob's adventures I realised the impact that someone can have on so many people without either intending to or realising it.  It's like the ripple effect after a pebble has been dropped in a pond.  It's no dress rehearsal so live your best life and look after your family and friends.

Keep the eyes on the prize

That's week 1 of training complete as I start building again.  As anyone who has suffered an injury or illness, coming back is never easy so starting slow and building up is the best advice.  This week I have ran two 6 kms, 1 x 7km, 1 x 8 km and this morning walked up Tinto twice.  I've done two gym sessions and five yoga sessions.  I'm tired but feeling good.  My fitness has a long way to come back but it will get there.  It needs to as I have a 50km trail race in 6 weeks time with plenty of ascending!
Having a race in the calendar always gives you a focus and motivation to push that bit harder.  I was struggling on my second ascent of Tinto today but realised I needed to keep going.  Beth had dropped me on the climb and I was not feeling great but I pushed through it.  On race day that will also happen so you need to replicate those conditions in training so you can be confident you can push through the barrier.
I mentioned I'd be doing yoga from my pre-hab and I have enjoyed getting back on the mat.  Even within a week I can see improvements but I did start from a low point!  I'm working on my breathing which has never been my strongest aspect but it is also improving and I hope the reduces my chances of injury.
URR starts in less than two weeks and I will be following the race with great interest sending my best wishes to the lucky athletes as they experience the adventure of a lifetime.  I may not be with them physically, that will have to wait another year, but I will be with them in spirit.  I'll let the race organiser Andrei sing 500 miles at the start line every day this time.  He's a much better singer anyway.  But joking aside, not making the race this year has been a disappointment as I had some unfinished business but everything happens for a reason and I believe that to be that I need to strengthen my weaknesses over the next 12 months.  My eyes are firmly on the prize and nothing is going to get in the way.  The countdown clock is already ticking for URR 2023. Sing along, da-da, da-da.......