Monday, April 30, 2007
Valleys 'N' Views Event Report
Yesterday was the 'Valleys & Views' walk organised by the Waendel Walking Club. I'd done this one for the past two years, and it's quite an easy one; good paths, gentler rolling hills etc, so decided to go for it! No piccies I'm afraid... I got my camera out and it was deader than a dead thing. I suspect flat batteries but it was very nice of it to let me know they were on the way out... not...
Anyway, it was a rolling start, with walkers starting anywhere from 7:30am until 9am. There were 3 distances; 6 miles, 17 miles and my route 26 miles... I got to the start point at the Village Hall in the village of Wilbaston, and had a cuppa before setting off at 8:09am. The weather had been glorious Saturday, but typically enough it was grey, cloudy and bloody freezing!
The route is in a quite lovely part of the Welland valley, and very colourful with the yellow rapeseed fields providing quite a stunning backdrop. The beginning of the walk took me up and over a series of hills, through various fields, before dropping down to the first checkpoint in Ashley for a cold drink and lump of cake.
there was then a bit of road walking before turning onto a bridleway, I must say, there are a lot of good bridleways in this area. Saw quite a lot of mountain bikers taking advantage. A couple of faster walkers overtook me, and I had to have an unscheduled pee stop! My Achilles was making itself felt, but not actually hurting, but I wondered if I was being a bit silly.
The next check point (and more cake!) was at the point where our bridleway exited onto the road, then our route climbed through Cranoe and onto the Midshires Way. One of the chaps who'd overtaken me was just ahead, and as we crossed over a rough road to rejoin the track, another chap passed me and assured me the route went straight ahead until Tugby.
Only I studied my route description and wasn't sure. The first year I did it we went straight ahead, but last year we turned left off the track, and the route description seemed to me to point this way. The two chaps had strode off into the distance by this point, but another group of four came up and saw me dithering. "It's straight on" the leader said, a guy wearing a burgundy Waendel Walking Club top covered in cloth badges depicting various walks/ events. I voiced my doubts, and he said "You see that chap who went ahead... that's Roger. He helps organise this so he would have picked up on it if we needed to turn off".
It would have just been easier to have gone along with it... but it didn't feel right, so I explained why I thought we should turn left. The guys looked thoughtful, then looked at the route I was indicating, down the edge of a field. "People have been down there today" one noted. So they all followed me down the field and thankfully it became apparent that I was right, so they all thanked/ congratulated me before striding off into the distance!
I caught up with the guy with the badges- he did introduce himself but I can't remember his name! He said he had been out the night before and had a skinful, and so was finding it a little hard going. I left him chatting at the checkpoint in Tugby and left along with another chap who had driven up from down South to complete the walk.
The sun had started to come out, and it was getting quite warm. The route went along more fields and tracks- it was very good underfoot, it may be a good one to run next year! Me and the other chap got a little lost near Hallaton and ended up taking a slight short cut. The check point was lovely... cheese and pickle sarnies, and coffee... and loos...
There were others here who were doing the long route, the guy from down south left, and the guy with the badges came in. I left him drinking tea and fully expected him to pass me later on as he was a fast walker, but he didn't. I also saw Roger, who was entreating people not to tell anybody he went the wrong way! As I left the checkpoint, I passed a guy who seemed to be suffering with his feet, and slowly ascended to Blaston. I could feel my Achilles quite a bit, although it still wasn't painful... I was cursing myself a bit though and kept imagining it snapping suddenly!
There was a water point by the church in Drayton- the smallesr consecrated church in Leicestershire apparently. Some of the folk from the Tugby checkpoint were there with spare cake, which was very welcome! After this, the route went down a track, where I overtook a group of three walkers. We entered Middleton, and turned onto the Jurassic Way back towards Wilbaston. This has been revamped since last year, and is now a wide gravel track. I overtook another group of three, one of which kept bending over as though in pain.
I felt in suprisingly good shape though, apart from the Achilles sensation. I was wearing my old running shoes, and only ended up with a tiny heel blister! The last bit of the route was more fileds and tracks back to Wilbaston- I finished in 7 hours 47 minutes, not sure of last year's time but I'm sure it was quite a lot slower. The guy from down south had finished just ahead of me; I had a very welcome cuppa before driving home.
I had tea at mum's as it's little sis's 20th birthday today. My heel was quite sore and 'creaky', which was really frustrating. I put a bag of frozen peas on it before mum needed to cook them. When I got home, I iced it again, took a long hot bath, did my exercises and massaged it with Deep Heat. (dunno what they put in that but Lucky finds it strangely addictive).
It feels surprisingly good today! Back to normal, no grinding! Even my legs aren't aching that much! I really feel as though I could go out again and walk, which is encouraging, as of course in the MdS I will have to! I'm not, though- today needs to be a rest day to let my heel heal (sorry!!)
Plan of action... once I have got rid of this Achilles problem, I will keep on pushing myself to complete these walks faster, then gradually increase the weight of my pack. Next year I will introduce running/ walking, and try to build more emphasis on running. The MOB (Marathon of Britain) looks to be a possible warm up for the MdS- as well as being a hell of a challenge in it's own right. Plus it ends in Nottingham- and I work in Nottingham.
So far, my thoughts are; 2007... build up running mileage, build up speed on challenge walks. Complete the Bullock Smithy Hike in September (56 miles over 24 hours)
2008; build up pack weight, run or run/ walk challenge events. Complete the LDWA 100 (100 miles over 48 hours!!) Plus, of course, the MOB...
Oooh noo, 2009 feels closer already!!
Anyway, it was a rolling start, with walkers starting anywhere from 7:30am until 9am. There were 3 distances; 6 miles, 17 miles and my route 26 miles... I got to the start point at the Village Hall in the village of Wilbaston, and had a cuppa before setting off at 8:09am. The weather had been glorious Saturday, but typically enough it was grey, cloudy and bloody freezing!
The route is in a quite lovely part of the Welland valley, and very colourful with the yellow rapeseed fields providing quite a stunning backdrop. The beginning of the walk took me up and over a series of hills, through various fields, before dropping down to the first checkpoint in Ashley for a cold drink and lump of cake.
there was then a bit of road walking before turning onto a bridleway, I must say, there are a lot of good bridleways in this area. Saw quite a lot of mountain bikers taking advantage. A couple of faster walkers overtook me, and I had to have an unscheduled pee stop! My Achilles was making itself felt, but not actually hurting, but I wondered if I was being a bit silly.
The next check point (and more cake!) was at the point where our bridleway exited onto the road, then our route climbed through Cranoe and onto the Midshires Way. One of the chaps who'd overtaken me was just ahead, and as we crossed over a rough road to rejoin the track, another chap passed me and assured me the route went straight ahead until Tugby.
Only I studied my route description and wasn't sure. The first year I did it we went straight ahead, but last year we turned left off the track, and the route description seemed to me to point this way. The two chaps had strode off into the distance by this point, but another group of four came up and saw me dithering. "It's straight on" the leader said, a guy wearing a burgundy Waendel Walking Club top covered in cloth badges depicting various walks/ events. I voiced my doubts, and he said "You see that chap who went ahead... that's Roger. He helps organise this so he would have picked up on it if we needed to turn off".
It would have just been easier to have gone along with it... but it didn't feel right, so I explained why I thought we should turn left. The guys looked thoughtful, then looked at the route I was indicating, down the edge of a field. "People have been down there today" one noted. So they all followed me down the field and thankfully it became apparent that I was right, so they all thanked/ congratulated me before striding off into the distance!
I caught up with the guy with the badges- he did introduce himself but I can't remember his name! He said he had been out the night before and had a skinful, and so was finding it a little hard going. I left him chatting at the checkpoint in Tugby and left along with another chap who had driven up from down South to complete the walk.
The sun had started to come out, and it was getting quite warm. The route went along more fields and tracks- it was very good underfoot, it may be a good one to run next year! Me and the other chap got a little lost near Hallaton and ended up taking a slight short cut. The check point was lovely... cheese and pickle sarnies, and coffee... and loos...
There were others here who were doing the long route, the guy from down south left, and the guy with the badges came in. I left him drinking tea and fully expected him to pass me later on as he was a fast walker, but he didn't. I also saw Roger, who was entreating people not to tell anybody he went the wrong way! As I left the checkpoint, I passed a guy who seemed to be suffering with his feet, and slowly ascended to Blaston. I could feel my Achilles quite a bit, although it still wasn't painful... I was cursing myself a bit though and kept imagining it snapping suddenly!
There was a water point by the church in Drayton- the smallesr consecrated church in Leicestershire apparently. Some of the folk from the Tugby checkpoint were there with spare cake, which was very welcome! After this, the route went down a track, where I overtook a group of three walkers. We entered Middleton, and turned onto the Jurassic Way back towards Wilbaston. This has been revamped since last year, and is now a wide gravel track. I overtook another group of three, one of which kept bending over as though in pain.
I felt in suprisingly good shape though, apart from the Achilles sensation. I was wearing my old running shoes, and only ended up with a tiny heel blister! The last bit of the route was more fileds and tracks back to Wilbaston- I finished in 7 hours 47 minutes, not sure of last year's time but I'm sure it was quite a lot slower. The guy from down south had finished just ahead of me; I had a very welcome cuppa before driving home.
I had tea at mum's as it's little sis's 20th birthday today. My heel was quite sore and 'creaky', which was really frustrating. I put a bag of frozen peas on it before mum needed to cook them. When I got home, I iced it again, took a long hot bath, did my exercises and massaged it with Deep Heat. (dunno what they put in that but Lucky finds it strangely addictive).
It feels surprisingly good today! Back to normal, no grinding! Even my legs aren't aching that much! I really feel as though I could go out again and walk, which is encouraging, as of course in the MdS I will have to! I'm not, though- today needs to be a rest day to let my heel heal (sorry!!)
Plan of action... once I have got rid of this Achilles problem, I will keep on pushing myself to complete these walks faster, then gradually increase the weight of my pack. Next year I will introduce running/ walking, and try to build more emphasis on running. The MOB (Marathon of Britain) looks to be a possible warm up for the MdS- as well as being a hell of a challenge in it's own right. Plus it ends in Nottingham- and I work in Nottingham.
So far, my thoughts are; 2007... build up running mileage, build up speed on challenge walks. Complete the Bullock Smithy Hike in September (56 miles over 24 hours)
2008; build up pack weight, run or run/ walk challenge events. Complete the LDWA 100 (100 miles over 48 hours!!) Plus, of course, the MOB...
Oooh noo, 2009 feels closer already!!
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, Challenge walks, LDWA, Marathon des Sables, Marathon of Britain, Valleys and Views
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It's the Weekend!
I have been very good all week. Well, since Thursday! I went to the gym Thursday night, and did my usual 20 minutes on the elliptical and the stepper, 5 minutes rowing, 5 minutes on the bike, plus strength training... then I did about 7 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill, before going back on the elliptical for 10 minutes.
I discovered the ellipticals have different programs, and could set the resistance on it to simulate hills. They are a wonderful piece of kit, totally non impact so ideal for injuries. trouble is, everybody else thinks they are a wonderful piece of kit too!
I went out for a gentle 3 1/2 mile stroll last night and have been faithfully doing my exercises.
I have a bit of a dilemma though... I have entered the Valleys and Views walk tomorrow; a 25 mile LDWA walk. I have done it the last 2 years, it's fairly gentle, and I will be walking... the physio said it's ok to walk... ok, I didn't actually tell her about this walk, but she was very clear that it's the pounding and jarring associated with running that causes the problem...
I will chance it anyway, and wear my old running shoes, that may sort out the blister problem too! I may ice my Achilles when I get back and take it easy the next few days... touch wood, it's been fine.
I had entered the White Peak half marathon on May 19th with my colleague, but I don't think I will be able to do it. Even if I can run again in a couple of weeks, the physio advised me to build up slowly, and it wouldn'tleave me much time to build back up to 13 miles. Shame, but I don't want to risk a permanent injury and jeapardise my MdS chances...
I discovered the ellipticals have different programs, and could set the resistance on it to simulate hills. They are a wonderful piece of kit, totally non impact so ideal for injuries. trouble is, everybody else thinks they are a wonderful piece of kit too!
I went out for a gentle 3 1/2 mile stroll last night and have been faithfully doing my exercises.
I have a bit of a dilemma though... I have entered the Valleys and Views walk tomorrow; a 25 mile LDWA walk. I have done it the last 2 years, it's fairly gentle, and I will be walking... the physio said it's ok to walk... ok, I didn't actually tell her about this walk, but she was very clear that it's the pounding and jarring associated with running that causes the problem...
I will chance it anyway, and wear my old running shoes, that may sort out the blister problem too! I may ice my Achilles when I get back and take it easy the next few days... touch wood, it's been fine.
I had entered the White Peak half marathon on May 19th with my colleague, but I don't think I will be able to do it. Even if I can run again in a couple of weeks, the physio advised me to build up slowly, and it wouldn'tleave me much time to build back up to 13 miles. Shame, but I don't want to risk a permanent injury and jeapardise my MdS chances...
Labels: achilles tendonitis, physiotherapy, walking, White Peak half marathon
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I Have Achilles Tendonitis
It's official. I have Achilles Tendonitis. I had kind of diagnosed myself with it so was a pretty good self diagnosis!
I saw the physio today. I wasn't sure what to expect and was a wee bit nervous. When I went into her office, the first thing she said was "Wear did you get your trousers?" I took off my shoes and socks (should have changed my socks!) and she said "Your feet are terrible!" and then "Oh I am so rude!"
My feet are awful- my toes are all odd sizes and I have totally flat feet- I was born with them like this!
She made her diagnosis and gave me a massage (and I remembered I hate my legs being touched!) and I had some ultrasound.
And then she said not to run!!! Ok it does make sense... she said if we nip it in the bud now, it will be much better than leaving it and dealing with a possibly chronic condition. I am allowed to cross train, though, so will go to the gym tonight and give the elliptical trainer, stepper, rower and bike a good work out. No running. Honest!
I saw the physio today. I wasn't sure what to expect and was a wee bit nervous. When I went into her office, the first thing she said was "Wear did you get your trousers?" I took off my shoes and socks (should have changed my socks!) and she said "Your feet are terrible!" and then "Oh I am so rude!"
My feet are awful- my toes are all odd sizes and I have totally flat feet- I was born with them like this!
She made her diagnosis and gave me a massage (and I remembered I hate my legs being touched!) and I had some ultrasound.
And then she said not to run!!! Ok it does make sense... she said if we nip it in the bud now, it will be much better than leaving it and dealing with a possibly chronic condition. I am allowed to cross train, though, so will go to the gym tonight and give the elliptical trainer, stepper, rower and bike a good work out. No running. Honest!
I asked her what happens when it 'grinds' when you move it. She said that the tendon is housed in a sheath, and when under stress it swells, so there is not much room for it to run smoothly through the sheath...
I mentioned that I had entered an Ultra event on 2009 so of course she asked what it was. When I told her, her cheery response was "What on earth possessed you to enter that?!?" Although she did once have a client who had done the MdS... she didn't elaborate further though, but I did gather his injuries happened after the event and not during!Labels: achilles pain, achilles tendonitis, gym
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Appointment Made
I have made an appointment to see a physio near work on Thursday, she has been recommended by a few colleagues. Although my Achilles hasn't actually been painful, it is still 'grinding' a little when I flex my ankle.
I went on the treadmill on Sunday and could feel it afterwards, although it wasn't uncomfortable. I have also been wearing my running shoes to work (any excuse!! But they do give extra support... honest...)
Right, weekly exercise totals;
Running
3.5 miles, fairly slow
4.5 miles, slow
6 miles on treadmill, top speed 7mph (over 2 sessions)
Other
40 minutes ellipticals
15 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
7 minutes inclination work on treadmill, walking
10 minutes rower
(all over 2 sessions)
Strength training
Walking
2 brisk 15 minutes walks
Note the continued absence of swimming... oops!
I'd love to push the running distance up now, but it depends on my sodding Achilles- really hope that this physio is going to help. I may mention the MdS to her she may be able to check for any other problems.
Actually, I think I may try my (roughly) 5 1/2 mile cross country route- running and walking. Hopefully won't be too boggy although it did nothing but rain yesterday!
I went on the treadmill on Sunday and could feel it afterwards, although it wasn't uncomfortable. I have also been wearing my running shoes to work (any excuse!! But they do give extra support... honest...)
Right, weekly exercise totals;
Running
3.5 miles, fairly slow
4.5 miles, slow
6 miles on treadmill, top speed 7mph (over 2 sessions)
Other
40 minutes ellipticals
15 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
7 minutes inclination work on treadmill, walking
10 minutes rower
(all over 2 sessions)
Strength training
Walking
2 brisk 15 minutes walks
Note the continued absence of swimming... oops!
I'd love to push the running distance up now, but it depends on my sodding Achilles- really hope that this physio is going to help. I may mention the MdS to her she may be able to check for any other problems.
Actually, I think I may try my (roughly) 5 1/2 mile cross country route- running and walking. Hopefully won't be too boggy although it did nothing but rain yesterday!
Labels: gym, Marathon des Sables, running, walking
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Damn and Blast!
Blast!! I decided to do a short, slow run last night, and had quite a bit of discomfort from my heel. I ended up doing an extremely slow 4 1/2 miles.
Oddly enough, it feels absolutely fine today... not a trace of any discomfort however I move it!
Could it be the new shoes?? I'm not really sure what to do now; whether to run again in the old shoes and see how it feels, or just persevere with the new ones.
It's bloody typical; I feel that I am right at the start of my MdS training and I have a bloody injury!
On a bit of a lighter (literally!) note, I kept a diary of treks I've done in the past- Peru in 2003 and the Tour de Mont Blanc in 2004. I intend to create a web site about these when I get the chance! Anyway, I kept a diary, which I haverecently been rereading. It's quite funny! When I did these treks, I weighed around 12 1/2 stones, and the diary entries were filled with panic about not losing weight and not doing more exercise.... I used to worry like mad before I went!
I am off to Morocco in a few weeks, trekking in the Atlas Mountains with Explore Worldwide, and I'm not worried! Cos I'm now 9 stone 10lbs and a heck of a lot fitter!
Oddly enough, it feels absolutely fine today... not a trace of any discomfort however I move it!
Could it be the new shoes?? I'm not really sure what to do now; whether to run again in the old shoes and see how it feels, or just persevere with the new ones.
It's bloody typical; I feel that I am right at the start of my MdS training and I have a bloody injury!
On a bit of a lighter (literally!) note, I kept a diary of treks I've done in the past- Peru in 2003 and the Tour de Mont Blanc in 2004. I intend to create a web site about these when I get the chance! Anyway, I kept a diary, which I haverecently been rereading. It's quite funny! When I did these treks, I weighed around 12 1/2 stones, and the diary entries were filled with panic about not losing weight and not doing more exercise.... I used to worry like mad before I went!
I am off to Morocco in a few weeks, trekking in the Atlas Mountains with Explore Worldwide, and I'm not worried! Cos I'm now 9 stone 10lbs and a heck of a lot fitter!
Labels: achilles pain, Explore, Morocco, trekking
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thank God For Weekends
I am so tired, I am ready for a lie in tomorrow, I have my Saturday morning routine... I will get out of bed, pull clothes on over my nightclothes, visit the newsagents (handy when you live above the shops) and crawl back into bed, with newspaper, cup of coffee.....and chocolate. Bliss!
I went to the gym last night; I started to run on the treadmill and had the usual not-pain sensation in the heel which died down. The new shoes are fine, and I felt good- I did more than I intended, 30 minutes running covering 3 miles. Got up to 7mph and kept thinking to myself "You are an awesome running machine!" (yeah right!)
I haven't suffered today so looking good hopefully. I may go and do a slow 4 1/2 miles in a bit- I am building up mileage outside slooowly.
The improvement works to the flats still has not finished; good considering we all had letters stating that scaffolding was going to be erected for a fortnight from 3rd Jan! It has all but been taken down now; there is still work to be done, but at least it's not quite like living on a building site.
I went to the gym last night; I started to run on the treadmill and had the usual not-pain sensation in the heel which died down. The new shoes are fine, and I felt good- I did more than I intended, 30 minutes running covering 3 miles. Got up to 7mph and kept thinking to myself "You are an awesome running machine!" (yeah right!)
I haven't suffered today so looking good hopefully. I may go and do a slow 4 1/2 miles in a bit- I am building up mileage outside slooowly.
The improvement works to the flats still has not finished; good considering we all had letters stating that scaffolding was going to be erected for a fortnight from 3rd Jan! It has all but been taken down now; there is still work to be done, but at least it's not quite like living on a building site.
Labels: chocolate, gym, running, running shoes
Thursday, April 19, 2007
New Shoes!
My new running shoes have arrived! I decided to get shoes for severe over pronaters as my foot arches are so flat, any wet footprints I leave with bare feet are just shapeless blobs. I'm hoping they will provide additional support for both my Achilles tendons too, as I have been told I have a 'slightly bowed' Achilles.
Speaking of which, I did a gentle, slow 3 1/2 mile run Tuesday, and a 5 mile walk with a friend round Watermead Country Park last night. I have had a feeling in the heel, which I can't describe as pain, but it is definately getting better, not worse.
In fact, it is behaving exactly the same as the right heel did last year, and it eventually completely recovered, so I'm hoping that will be the case here.
I am going to the gym tonight to try the new shoes out- they are quite smart- silver and cerise!
Speaking of which, I did a gentle, slow 3 1/2 mile run Tuesday, and a 5 mile walk with a friend round Watermead Country Park last night. I have had a feeling in the heel, which I can't describe as pain, but it is definately getting better, not worse.
In fact, it is behaving exactly the same as the right heel did last year, and it eventually completely recovered, so I'm hoping that will be the case here.
I am going to the gym tonight to try the new shoes out- they are quite smart- silver and cerise!
Labels: running shoes, Watermead Country Park
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Hopeful Signs
Looking very hopeful, as- touch wood- my Achilles seems to be fine after my treadmill run Sunday. I was very careful last night and just used my ministepper for about 30 minutes, which didn't affect it at all. I think I will try a run tonight. Just a gentle one, maybe 4 1/2 miles, will see how it goes.
It's been lovely this week, really warm, only thing is, it gets dark much later, so I have to either run later or risk people seeing me!
I was talking to a mate on the phone the other day, and it suddenly occured to me that I hadn't told her about my MdS entry. She is a naturally cautious type who is rather risk averse, so I broached the subject by telling her I have booked to do something in 2009 that she might think is slightly crazy...
She immediately said "Don't tell me- you're climbing Mount Everest!"
"No", I said, "something completely different!"
So she said "You're going to Egypt and building another pyramid single-handedly!"
"Nope" I said, "but you're getting warmer with the sand thing- very warm in fact!"
There was a silence whilst I could hear her trying to think of the wildest and most stupidest thing she could possibly come up with, before she replied;
"Don't tell me- ha ha- you're going to run across the Sahara Desert!"
It's been lovely this week, really warm, only thing is, it gets dark much later, so I have to either run later or risk people seeing me!
I was talking to a mate on the phone the other day, and it suddenly occured to me that I hadn't told her about my MdS entry. She is a naturally cautious type who is rather risk averse, so I broached the subject by telling her I have booked to do something in 2009 that she might think is slightly crazy...
She immediately said "Don't tell me- you're climbing Mount Everest!"
"No", I said, "something completely different!"
So she said "You're going to Egypt and building another pyramid single-handedly!"
"Nope" I said, "but you're getting warmer with the sand thing- very warm in fact!"
There was a silence whilst I could hear her trying to think of the wildest and most stupidest thing she could possibly come up with, before she replied;
"Don't tell me- ha ha- you're going to run across the Sahara Desert!"
Labels: Marathon des Sables, running
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Piccy!
Nearly forgot!! I have found a pic of me in the Belvoir Half Marathon! If you scroll down through the thumbnails, I'm picture number 0589, in the purple top...
Labels: Belvoir half marathon
Good Signs
Went to the gym today, and did the usual 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer to warm up, then decided to try running and see how the achilles felt. So I hopped on the treadmill, and as I warmed up, I could feel it but it wasn't actually hurting. Over time it didn't get worse, but actually subsided, so I did more than I intended; 25 minutes running, but didn't go faster than 6.3mph.
After that I did the usual round of the weights, 20 minutes on the stepper, then used the bike and rower, with absolutely no problems. I can't feel my achilles at all now, so hopefully it is going to just do what the right one did last year, and the symptoms will disappear.
I have ordered a new pair of shoes, as I must have had my current ones for over a year! (oops) I have ordered a pair of Brookes Lady Addiction shoes from sportsshoes.com. I also aim to build up running distances sloooowly to prepare for the White Peak Half Marathon on May 19th.
I was considering running a 10K in Nottingham Wednesday evening, but think it will put too much pressure on my ankle so am giving that one a miss.
All righty then, as promised... weekly exercise totals...
Running
2.3 miles on treadmill, 25 minutes, top speed 6.3mph
Walking
Approx 6 miles, cross country including sand, slow
Approx 2 1/2 miles brisk, 15 minutes fast walking uphill on sand
Other
20 minutes elliptical trainer
10 minutes bike
5 minutes rower
Approx 50 minutes strength training
Not terribly impressive... but looking good hopefully for the old achilles...
After that I did the usual round of the weights, 20 minutes on the stepper, then used the bike and rower, with absolutely no problems. I can't feel my achilles at all now, so hopefully it is going to just do what the right one did last year, and the symptoms will disappear.
I have ordered a new pair of shoes, as I must have had my current ones for over a year! (oops) I have ordered a pair of Brookes Lady Addiction shoes from sportsshoes.com. I also aim to build up running distances sloooowly to prepare for the White Peak Half Marathon on May 19th.
I was considering running a 10K in Nottingham Wednesday evening, but think it will put too much pressure on my ankle so am giving that one a miss.
All righty then, as promised... weekly exercise totals...
Running
2.3 miles on treadmill, 25 minutes, top speed 6.3mph
Walking
Approx 6 miles, cross country including sand, slow
Approx 2 1/2 miles brisk, 15 minutes fast walking uphill on sand
Other
20 minutes elliptical trainer
10 minutes bike
5 minutes rower
Approx 50 minutes strength training
Not terribly impressive... but looking good hopefully for the old achilles...
Labels: achilles pain, gym, running, walking, White Peak half marathon
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Co-ordinated!
I've just realised something... the colours of my blog are quite 'deserty', maybe it's more than a coincidence that I picked this layout...
I haven't been running today. Instead, the only exercise I've done is walk to mum's house to water the plants (about half a mile) and trough vast quantities of food...
At least the Easter Eggs are gone now. And tomorrow is another day! Plus an extra day's rest may have done my ankle good (that's my excuse...)
I am most definately going to go to the gym in the morning and am also going to make an absolute point of posting my weekly exercise totals each week. Not that this weeks will be tremendously exciting!
I haven't been running today. Instead, the only exercise I've done is walk to mum's house to water the plants (about half a mile) and trough vast quantities of food...
At least the Easter Eggs are gone now. And tomorrow is another day! Plus an extra day's rest may have done my ankle good (that's my excuse...)
I am most definately going to go to the gym in the morning and am also going to make an absolute point of posting my weekly exercise totals each week. Not that this weeks will be tremendously exciting!
Not Quite The Sahara...
Got back last night after a couple of days in Wells-Next-The-Sea (why isn’t it called Wells-Next-TO-The Sea?? Bad English if you ask me…)
It was a nice relaxing break, I didn’t dare do too much though cos of my Achilles… although it seems to be getting better (touch wood!) I can feel it slightly when I’m walking but it can no longer feel it all the time.
We did do a walk Thursday, along a track alongside the pine woods, down to the Victoria pub at Holkham for a cuppa, back up the track to the small stagnant pond called Salts Hole (famous for being left over from when the land was reclaimed from the sea) before walking back along the beach and the pine woods.
It was a very gentle paced walk, mainly due to my stepfather’s bird watching tendencies (the feathered kind… there seems to come a point in people’s lives, as they age, when they start to develop slight bird watching tendencies. As this progresses, they might start to buy books on bird watching, visit related internet sites, buy the magazines etc until, before you know it, suddenly they are fully fledged ‘twitchers’ - yes, it could happen to your parents!!)
Not quite the Sahara...
Mum with Alex at Salts Hole
I went out for a short walk Thursday night along the path to Wells and back up to the beach. I found a useful steep sandy slope next to the steps leading down to the beach, so walked up and down this as fast as I could for about 15 minutes (definitely something to do in the evening when there’s nobody else around!)
Evening shot of the Albatross, Wells
I think I will try a slow, gentle jog tonight, maybe 2 miles, and see how I go… if I feel pain, I will stop. The gym sounds a good idea for tomorrow morning, not too much running but will get some cross training done hopefully.
It was a nice relaxing break, I didn’t dare do too much though cos of my Achilles… although it seems to be getting better (touch wood!) I can feel it slightly when I’m walking but it can no longer feel it all the time.
We did do a walk Thursday, along a track alongside the pine woods, down to the Victoria pub at Holkham for a cuppa, back up the track to the small stagnant pond called Salts Hole (famous for being left over from when the land was reclaimed from the sea) before walking back along the beach and the pine woods.
It was a very gentle paced walk, mainly due to my stepfather’s bird watching tendencies (the feathered kind… there seems to come a point in people’s lives, as they age, when they start to develop slight bird watching tendencies. As this progresses, they might start to buy books on bird watching, visit related internet sites, buy the magazines etc until, before you know it, suddenly they are fully fledged ‘twitchers’ - yes, it could happen to your parents!!)
My mum also has 'twitching' tendencies, but hasn't quite got the hang of it... my sis tells me that mum was convinced she'd spotted a completely new species of robin until it was pointed out that she was watching a mars bar wrapper.
The sands round here are blessed with sand dunes, and, although I didn’t dare run, I did walk up and along the lines of dunes to try to get a feel of walking uphill through sand. I couldn’t replicate the heat, of course, but it’s better than nothing. Obviously we are not going to be tripping over sunbathers, kids or loose dogs in the Sahara dunes…
Not quite the Sahara...
Mum with Alex at Salts HoleI went out for a short walk Thursday night along the path to Wells and back up to the beach. I found a useful steep sandy slope next to the steps leading down to the beach, so walked up and down this as fast as I could for about 15 minutes (definitely something to do in the evening when there’s nobody else around!)
Evening shot of the Albatross, WellsI think I will try a slow, gentle jog tonight, maybe 2 miles, and see how I go… if I feel pain, I will stop. The gym sounds a good idea for tomorrow morning, not too much running but will get some cross training done hopefully.
Labels: Marathon des Sables, sand, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Off To The Seaside...
I am off to Wells-Next-The-Sea in a bit to stay with the folks in the caravan.
My bloody achilles has been very sore, but I have put my running shoes on to give more support and it's made a big difference already. Good excuse to wear trainers to work.
My GP gave me antibiotics today for my chesty cough that just keeps coming back, so if I can just get my heel right...
I may get the chance to run (or jog... or even walk) up a few dunes!
My bloody achilles has been very sore, but I have put my running shoes on to give more support and it's made a big difference already. Good excuse to wear trainers to work.
My GP gave me antibiotics today for my chesty cough that just keeps coming back, so if I can just get my heel right...
I may get the chance to run (or jog... or even walk) up a few dunes!
Labels: achilles pain, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
***** Achilles Heel Pain!
I don't beleive it!?! My left knee was hurting during the Belvoir Half, and I thought it was going to give me problems...
Well, the knee has been fine, but since yesterday my left Achilles has been really sore! When I move my ankle I can feel it grinding beneath my hand. I don't beleive this, I have had problems with the right heel, but not the left...
It's going to have to get used to much greater distances than that! All I can do I suppose is rest it this week, try cross training and build up my distances gradually when I can run again. I have put an ice pack around it tonight, which seems to have helped a bit. I am going to stay with mum, sis and step dad in the caravan in Wells-Next-The-Sea from tomorrow til Friday, but had been kind of hoping to run up and down the dunes a little... (and no doubt look a total prat)
I'll have to see. There must be nothing more frustrating for a runner than an injury.
I saw a friend yesterday, and she was expressing concerns about the MdS as she has been reading the official website. I acknowledged that it is a very serious undertaking, which will need a heck of a lot of preparation, and then I rather dramatically said "it's not just what's in here that will see me to the finish line"- indicating my limbs- "it's what's in here"- pointing to my head.
"Oh dear" she replied- "You've shot it then!"
Well, the knee has been fine, but since yesterday my left Achilles has been really sore! When I move my ankle I can feel it grinding beneath my hand. I don't beleive this, I have had problems with the right heel, but not the left...
It's going to have to get used to much greater distances than that! All I can do I suppose is rest it this week, try cross training and build up my distances gradually when I can run again. I have put an ice pack around it tonight, which seems to have helped a bit. I am going to stay with mum, sis and step dad in the caravan in Wells-Next-The-Sea from tomorrow til Friday, but had been kind of hoping to run up and down the dunes a little... (and no doubt look a total prat)
I'll have to see. There must be nothing more frustrating for a runner than an injury.
I saw a friend yesterday, and she was expressing concerns about the MdS as she has been reading the official website. I acknowledged that it is a very serious undertaking, which will need a heck of a lot of preparation, and then I rather dramatically said "it's not just what's in here that will see me to the finish line"- indicating my limbs- "it's what's in here"- pointing to my head.
"Oh dear" she replied- "You've shot it then!"
Labels: achilles pain, Marathon des Sables
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Belvoir Half Marathon
This was my first ever half marathon, so I was a nervous, especially as it will be a test of whether I am capable of managing the longer distances...
The race started at the village hall in the tiny village of Hose, set in Leicestershire's Vale of Belvoir (pronounced beaver!) so is quite local for me. There were loads of runners, luckily there was plenty of parking on the huge playing field. The toilet facilities weren't so good though; the first thing which struck me was the length of the queue for the ladies! Apparently some portaloos had been ordered but were late, luckily I managed to get into the loo with ten minutes to spare!
After some confusion over which way the event actually started and us slower bods trying to get to the back of the field and finding ourselves at the front, we were away; down the field and out on the road to Harby (sight of the Belvoir Challenge!!)
I wasn't sure how to pace myself, after all it's very different from doing a 10k. A lot of folks seemed to be passing me and I started to worry about coming last! The route was marked every half mile, and I found myself constantly scouring the view ahead, looking for the next one, only to see it and then discover it's actually someone's flourescent running top!
It was sunny and quite warm as we passed through Harby and set off towards Langar. There's an airfield near Langar and several small aircraft buzzed overhead. I found myself behind two ladies who were going at my pace, and managed to overtake a couple of people. We reached the first water point just after 4 miles and I walked through whilst gulping down water. The two ladies ahead picked up their pace and I lost them. I had my running pack with the last of my free samples from High5; this was a surprise as I expected it to be like water, but it was quite thick and gel like, but not unpleasant.
The half way point came and went, along with a welcome breeze. We turned towards Long Clawson and passed through another couple of water points. At this point is started to feel like a bloody long way, and a few folk had started to walk uphill. At around 9 miles my left knee started to ache, and by 10 miles the old pain had come back. I'm assuming that following my chesty cough, I shouldn't really pushed myself to do 12 miles last Sunday.
The miles between 9 and 12 seemed to be a series of gradual climbs, and by this time it seemed hard work. It would have been so easy to slow and walk, but I kept pushing myself. I caught up with the two ladies I'd been following earlier andpassed them when they slowed to a walk. I passed another group of runners, and although I felt my pace had slowed, they didn't come past me.
The last water point was just before the 12 mile point, where the road turns back to Hose. Fummily enough, the last mile seemed much easier and I managed to pick up my pace. As I neaered the village I could see the light shining off the cars in the playing field, and a lot of early finishers passed us in their cars, shouting encouragement which was nice.
I managed a sprint(ish) finish, and was quite surprised to finish in 2 hours 11 minutes and 51 seconds! (results can be found here). I am pleased with that, as it's just below my usual 10 minute miles so quite consistent. Plus I wasn't last as there were quite a few behind me in the end!
The down point though is that my left knee is quite painful today, so I am going to have to rest it. I am also aching, but not too badly. I did get my chocolate too, in fact I feel a bit sick...
One thing I can't understand though... as usual there was a t-shirt for all finishers. But the organisers only seem to order these in extra large... now I'm not being awful here, but your average serious runner isn't likely to be all that big... so come on, organisers let's have some smalls or at least mediums!
The race started at the village hall in the tiny village of Hose, set in Leicestershire's Vale of Belvoir (pronounced beaver!) so is quite local for me. There were loads of runners, luckily there was plenty of parking on the huge playing field. The toilet facilities weren't so good though; the first thing which struck me was the length of the queue for the ladies! Apparently some portaloos had been ordered but were late, luckily I managed to get into the loo with ten minutes to spare!
After some confusion over which way the event actually started and us slower bods trying to get to the back of the field and finding ourselves at the front, we were away; down the field and out on the road to Harby (sight of the Belvoir Challenge!!)
I wasn't sure how to pace myself, after all it's very different from doing a 10k. A lot of folks seemed to be passing me and I started to worry about coming last! The route was marked every half mile, and I found myself constantly scouring the view ahead, looking for the next one, only to see it and then discover it's actually someone's flourescent running top!
It was sunny and quite warm as we passed through Harby and set off towards Langar. There's an airfield near Langar and several small aircraft buzzed overhead. I found myself behind two ladies who were going at my pace, and managed to overtake a couple of people. We reached the first water point just after 4 miles and I walked through whilst gulping down water. The two ladies ahead picked up their pace and I lost them. I had my running pack with the last of my free samples from High5; this was a surprise as I expected it to be like water, but it was quite thick and gel like, but not unpleasant.
The half way point came and went, along with a welcome breeze. We turned towards Long Clawson and passed through another couple of water points. At this point is started to feel like a bloody long way, and a few folk had started to walk uphill. At around 9 miles my left knee started to ache, and by 10 miles the old pain had come back. I'm assuming that following my chesty cough, I shouldn't really pushed myself to do 12 miles last Sunday.
The miles between 9 and 12 seemed to be a series of gradual climbs, and by this time it seemed hard work. It would have been so easy to slow and walk, but I kept pushing myself. I caught up with the two ladies I'd been following earlier andpassed them when they slowed to a walk. I passed another group of runners, and although I felt my pace had slowed, they didn't come past me.
The last water point was just before the 12 mile point, where the road turns back to Hose. Fummily enough, the last mile seemed much easier and I managed to pick up my pace. As I neaered the village I could see the light shining off the cars in the playing field, and a lot of early finishers passed us in their cars, shouting encouragement which was nice.
I managed a sprint(ish) finish, and was quite surprised to finish in 2 hours 11 minutes and 51 seconds! (results can be found here). I am pleased with that, as it's just below my usual 10 minute miles so quite consistent. Plus I wasn't last as there were quite a few behind me in the end!
The down point though is that my left knee is quite painful today, so I am going to have to rest it. I am also aching, but not too badly. I did get my chocolate too, in fact I feel a bit sick...
One thing I can't understand though... as usual there was a t-shirt for all finishers. But the organisers only seem to order these in extra large... now I'm not being awful here, but your average serious runner isn't likely to be all that big... so come on, organisers let's have some smalls or at least mediums!
Labels: Belvoir half marathon, road race, running
Friday, April 06, 2007
Half Marathon Ready??
Well, I have my first half marathon on Sunday, the Belvoir half.. this will be my first half marathon. I managed a slow 12 mile run last weekend, and have been tapering this week (although went a bit mad in the gym last night as it was really quiet; only about three others in there!)
I have a slight left heel pain, not where the achilles is, but further down, so I'm hoping that it doesn't develop into anything more serious.
It's Good Friday today but no work. The builders are still here though, and predictably, as soon as I got my lunch and sat down at the computer, they suddenly appeared at the window, working on my flat! Nothing more offputting than having two blokes watching you eat lunch!
Been a bit naughty with hot cross buns too... my mum has bought me a Cadbury's Caramel Easter Egg with a massive bar of Cadbury's caramel in it, so after my run Sunday I plan to do it some serious damage!
I can't stop thinking about the Marathon des Sables (think I'll shorten it to the MdS). I have been reading accounts of folks experiences and I am very scared! Apparently 2006 was the toughest race yet due to excessive heat and humidity; 170 people dropped out of the race! 2007 weather was back to normal though, with far less drop outs... let's hope 2009 will be normal too!
I'm not underestimating this. It is going to be an enormous challenge. The defining point of my life so far... I feel that everything I do, every walk or run I undertake from this point onwards is leading up to March 2009 in the desert...
I have a slight left heel pain, not where the achilles is, but further down, so I'm hoping that it doesn't develop into anything more serious.
It's Good Friday today but no work. The builders are still here though, and predictably, as soon as I got my lunch and sat down at the computer, they suddenly appeared at the window, working on my flat! Nothing more offputting than having two blokes watching you eat lunch!
Been a bit naughty with hot cross buns too... my mum has bought me a Cadbury's Caramel Easter Egg with a massive bar of Cadbury's caramel in it, so after my run Sunday I plan to do it some serious damage!
I can't stop thinking about the Marathon des Sables (think I'll shorten it to the MdS). I have been reading accounts of folks experiences and I am very scared! Apparently 2006 was the toughest race yet due to excessive heat and humidity; 170 people dropped out of the race! 2007 weather was back to normal though, with far less drop outs... let's hope 2009 will be normal too!
I'm not underestimating this. It is going to be an enormous challenge. The defining point of my life so far... I feel that everything I do, every walk or run I undertake from this point onwards is leading up to March 2009 in the desert...
Labels: Belvoir half marathon, chocolate, Marathon des Sables
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Oh Nooooooo!!!
Oh nooo!! I have been reading this MdS blog, only to read about somebodies tent being pitched over a nest of camel spiders. Spiders!?!! What the f**k???
Nobody mentioned anything about f**k off great big spiders.... I don't do spiders..... in fact, I can cope with the thoughts of blistering heat, searing blisters and sandstorms, even the odd scorpion, but spiders.....
Then I found this...
Oh. My. God.
Nobody mentioned anything about f**k off great big spiders.... I don't do spiders..... in fact, I can cope with the thoughts of blistering heat, searing blisters and sandstorms, even the odd scorpion, but spiders.....
Then I found this...
Oh. My. God.
Labels: camel spiders, Marathon des Sables
Sunday, April 01, 2007
It's Spring!
It's a lovely day out there, first really nice weather we've had for a while... and I'm waiting til it gets dark so that I can go out for a run and nobody will see me...
I have been set back this week due to being rather poorly cold and chesty cough wise, but went out for a meal with a couple of friends Thursday (one is moving to Norfolk, about 2 hours drive away) and went out for a 6 mile run afterward (dedication or what!)
I went out for somebody's leaving do Friday and stayed at my friend's overnight, she has joined a gym in Nottingham and had arranged to go this morning. I dug out a token I got in my goody bag for the Rushcliffe 10K, which was for a free work out in a gym near where I work. So I claimed it! It wasn't as big as my gym, but made a change, and a change is as good as a rest!!
Got some exercise Friday night too, as my mate's shoes were hurting her feet, so two of us carried her back to the car, must have looked a right sight!
The Marathon des Sables. People think I am nuts for registering. My mum thinks I am going to die. I don't think it helped when she read the required kit list and discovered I will need an anti-venom pump in case of scorpion stings... I was just trying to persuade a colleague that it's not that bad really when I clicked on a forum link and read that one of this year's competitors had died in the night...
The results from the 2007 MdS are to be found here... encouragingly enough, quite a few girlies have made it! I have also found a forum devoted to the event, so will be a frequent visitor. I hope to hear more from the organisers in May... I keep telling myself, I have 2 years to prepare...
I have been set back this week due to being rather poorly cold and chesty cough wise, but went out for a meal with a couple of friends Thursday (one is moving to Norfolk, about 2 hours drive away) and went out for a 6 mile run afterward (dedication or what!)
I went out for somebody's leaving do Friday and stayed at my friend's overnight, she has joined a gym in Nottingham and had arranged to go this morning. I dug out a token I got in my goody bag for the Rushcliffe 10K, which was for a free work out in a gym near where I work. So I claimed it! It wasn't as big as my gym, but made a change, and a change is as good as a rest!!
Got some exercise Friday night too, as my mate's shoes were hurting her feet, so two of us carried her back to the car, must have looked a right sight!
The Marathon des Sables. People think I am nuts for registering. My mum thinks I am going to die. I don't think it helped when she read the required kit list and discovered I will need an anti-venom pump in case of scorpion stings... I was just trying to persuade a colleague that it's not that bad really when I clicked on a forum link and read that one of this year's competitors had died in the night...
The results from the 2007 MdS are to be found here... encouragingly enough, quite a few girlies have made it! I have also found a forum devoted to the event, so will be a frequent visitor. I hope to hear more from the organisers in May... I keep telling myself, I have 2 years to prepare...
Labels: Marathon des Sables, running
