Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Shiney New Shoes!!
I know I'm sad, but I thought I'd take a photo of my shiny new Brooks Addictions... I almost don't want to use them and get 'em all muddy... almost...
I went to the gym Monday as it was Bank Holiday- the gym thoughtfully opens normally on Bank Holidays- it was the first time I'd been back after the Kent 50, so although I did the usual 30 minutes on the treadmill, I didn't go above 6.7 mph. I was aching quite a bit but this was probably due to the fact that I had spent the morning sweeping floors! (Don't ask!!)
I conceded to the aches and pains by only doing 15 minutes on 'Brian' instead of the usual 20, followed by the usual strength training and 20 minutes on the ellipticals. Funnily enough, both Brian and the ellipticals tell me I've done so many miles or kilometres, but I don't include them in my weekly totals...
The new shoes have been well and truly christened now, so I feel a 10 miler coming on right now... last week was about 27 miles, so hoping to do around 35 this week then taper next week ready for the Bullock Smithy... never quite sure I am doing these things right, but we'll see!
I went to the gym Monday as it was Bank Holiday- the gym thoughtfully opens normally on Bank Holidays- it was the first time I'd been back after the Kent 50, so although I did the usual 30 minutes on the treadmill, I didn't go above 6.7 mph. I was aching quite a bit but this was probably due to the fact that I had spent the morning sweeping floors! (Don't ask!!)I conceded to the aches and pains by only doing 15 minutes on 'Brian' instead of the usual 20, followed by the usual strength training and 20 minutes on the ellipticals. Funnily enough, both Brian and the ellipticals tell me I've done so many miles or kilometres, but I don't include them in my weekly totals...
The new shoes have been well and truly christened now, so I feel a 10 miler coming on right now... last week was about 27 miles, so hoping to do around 35 this week then taper next week ready for the Bullock Smithy... never quite sure I am doing these things right, but we'll see!
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, gym, running shoes
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Weekend Update...
Gosh, that week flew by- can't believe it was only a week ago that me and mum were packing up the van to come home!!
The good news is that my toes are a lot better, although at least one of them is on the way off... I have done some running and walking this week- a brisk 5 mile walk Monday, slow 8 1/2 mile run Tuesday, and a steady (meaning slow!!) cross country run Thursday. Unfortunately the path has completely reovergrown, so I had to force my way through countless stinging nettles, and couldn't be bothered to locate a dock leaf, so have a lovely red rash on both ankles...
One of the fields I run through usually only has a few sheep in it, so I had a moment of consternation when I saw cows as well... luckily though, they just completely ignored me! The sheep were another matter though... usually they run away, but today they decided to follow me, and I noticed that quite a lot of them had small but vicious looking horns...
My running shoes are knackered, and I think that was the cause of a slight heel/ leg pain on Tuesday's run. I have some more ordered but they don't come cheap!
I have had the official registration forms for the MdS and order to pay the first installment by 10th September... suddenly it is getting very real and very very scary...
On a lighter note, here is a lovely picture of me, Carol and Rach storming along on the Kent 50... note the lovely bright orange baseball cap...
The good news is that my toes are a lot better, although at least one of them is on the way off... I have done some running and walking this week- a brisk 5 mile walk Monday, slow 8 1/2 mile run Tuesday, and a steady (meaning slow!!) cross country run Thursday. Unfortunately the path has completely reovergrown, so I had to force my way through countless stinging nettles, and couldn't be bothered to locate a dock leaf, so have a lovely red rash on both ankles...
One of the fields I run through usually only has a few sheep in it, so I had a moment of consternation when I saw cows as well... luckily though, they just completely ignored me! The sheep were another matter though... usually they run away, but today they decided to follow me, and I noticed that quite a lot of them had small but vicious looking horns...
My running shoes are knackered, and I think that was the cause of a slight heel/ leg pain on Tuesday's run. I have some more ordered but they don't come cheap!
I have had the official registration forms for the MdS and order to pay the first installment by 10th September... suddenly it is getting very real and very very scary...
On a lighter note, here is a lovely picture of me, Carol and Rach storming along on the Kent 50... note the lovely bright orange baseball cap...
Labels: running, running shoes
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Back From Wells
Back from sunny Wells-Next-The-Sea, and I'm rather disappointed... I had gone with the intention of doing a little dune/ beach running, but could hardly walk!! My toes seemed to get worse and worse Wednesday and Thursday, especially the big toes- it felt like a dull ache with a sharper pain around the nails. To make matters worse, everytime Jake (the mad dog) became excited about something (which was literally everytime me or mum stood up) he danced around and stood on them, so I spent a large portion of the break swearing!!
Mum was also in pain- she had taken Jake out a few days before, and he started playing with a spaniel friend; the game got a bit wild and they ended up crashing into her leg, leaving it swollen and bruised.
We did get out and about though, as the dogs needed walking... Wednesday it poured and poured when we arrived, huge puddles forming around the caravans. We did chance a walk in the rain, but didn't go too far.
Thursday it was a lot drier, so we walked down into Wells, and back- probably around 3 miles including wandering around the town.
Walking Down to Wells- I Wasn't Holding The Camera Straight!
We stopped for a cappucino outside the Globe Inn- it's a tough life!! Wells is a quiet little place compared to some resorts- it has only one or two amusement arcades situated discreetly and quietly out of the way; it's a place of tea shops and quaint gift/ craft shops, not discos, sirens and noise. The site the van is on, Pinewoods, is the main caravan and camping site in the area, but there is no clubhouse or karaoke evenings, just a little shop and cafe. It's ideal for older folks and bird watchers...
We went for a walk later on, through the woods to let the dogs off for a run; my toes felt so tender, but I tried soaking my feet in a bucket of cold water every night, which I think helped. I couldn't imagine being able to carry on in the MdS like this!
I showed my mum the DVD of Ben Fogle completing the MdS, kindly lent to me by Carol; she didn't seem too fazed watching people receiving IV's, struggling to walk with mutilated feet and grown men crying, but towards the end, she said "Now, you mustn't be too down if you don't manage to do it..."
The Pinewoods
Friday was glorious, really warm and sunny, so we went for quite a long walk (for us, as we were both suffering) through the lanes near the site, and down into the woods. I couldn't physically wear my running shoes, so used a pair of trainers I have that are so old they are practically like slippers. I felt that I was walking on my heels, which must have put more pressure on my calf muscles, as they have been aching ever since.
It was quite good to talk with mum, as we tried to persuade Gemma, the fat Yorkie, that she really did want to run, and Jake that he really didn't want to eat horse sh*t. We walked through the woods for a while;
Me, Jake and Gemma!
Before heading on to the beach. I had to be content by walking slowly along the edge of the dunes, and gently up and down them...
I shuffled down into Wells in the afternoon on my own- should probably have rested really but hey- then we took the dogs out on another little walk later.
Saturday we went out on another walk along the lanes in a vain attempt to tire Jake out for the journey home... I guess I must have walked a fair bit over the four days, although very slowly and on my heels...
The toes are still very tender, but feel quite a bit better (had a good old blister pop last night...) I may try to pull on the running shoes very soon and try a wee stroll; it is driving me nuts doing nothing!! I have the Bullock Smithy in three weeks time...
Mum was also in pain- she had taken Jake out a few days before, and he started playing with a spaniel friend; the game got a bit wild and they ended up crashing into her leg, leaving it swollen and bruised.
We did get out and about though, as the dogs needed walking... Wednesday it poured and poured when we arrived, huge puddles forming around the caravans. We did chance a walk in the rain, but didn't go too far.
Thursday it was a lot drier, so we walked down into Wells, and back- probably around 3 miles including wandering around the town.
Walking Down to Wells- I Wasn't Holding The Camera Straight!We stopped for a cappucino outside the Globe Inn- it's a tough life!! Wells is a quiet little place compared to some resorts- it has only one or two amusement arcades situated discreetly and quietly out of the way; it's a place of tea shops and quaint gift/ craft shops, not discos, sirens and noise. The site the van is on, Pinewoods, is the main caravan and camping site in the area, but there is no clubhouse or karaoke evenings, just a little shop and cafe. It's ideal for older folks and bird watchers...
We went for a walk later on, through the woods to let the dogs off for a run; my toes felt so tender, but I tried soaking my feet in a bucket of cold water every night, which I think helped. I couldn't imagine being able to carry on in the MdS like this!
I showed my mum the DVD of Ben Fogle completing the MdS, kindly lent to me by Carol; she didn't seem too fazed watching people receiving IV's, struggling to walk with mutilated feet and grown men crying, but towards the end, she said "Now, you mustn't be too down if you don't manage to do it..."
The PinewoodsFriday was glorious, really warm and sunny, so we went for quite a long walk (for us, as we were both suffering) through the lanes near the site, and down into the woods. I couldn't physically wear my running shoes, so used a pair of trainers I have that are so old they are practically like slippers. I felt that I was walking on my heels, which must have put more pressure on my calf muscles, as they have been aching ever since.
It was quite good to talk with mum, as we tried to persuade Gemma, the fat Yorkie, that she really did want to run, and Jake that he really didn't want to eat horse sh*t. We walked through the woods for a while;
Me, Jake and Gemma!Before heading on to the beach. I had to be content by walking slowly along the edge of the dunes, and gently up and down them...
I shuffled down into Wells in the afternoon on my own- should probably have rested really but hey- then we took the dogs out on another little walk later.
Saturday we went out on another walk along the lanes in a vain attempt to tire Jake out for the journey home... I guess I must have walked a fair bit over the four days, although very slowly and on my heels...
The toes are still very tender, but feel quite a bit better (had a good old blister pop last night...) I may try to pull on the running shoes very soon and try a wee stroll; it is driving me nuts doing nothing!! I have the Bullock Smithy in three weeks time...
Labels: Swollen Feet, Toe Pain, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Off To The Sea Side...
I'm off to the caravan at Wells-Next-The-Sea today, with mum, for a bit of mother and daughter time, until Saturday...
I walked to Syston and back, yesterday, across fields- surprisingly, I don't ache too much, but although the feet weren't too bad whilst I was actually walking, they were rather sore afterwards. It's mainly the toes, or to be more precise, the big toes and the two middles toes on each foot. All a learning experience!
Feet permitting, I plan to have a little stomp around the dunes etc, and we will be walking the dogs anyway... whilst I am there, I will be taking a bit of time out to have a good think about where my training needs to go from here. We have a good 6 months training time left, so I really need to have a think about what I need to build on and work towards...
We are taking a lap top, but don't think we will be able to get online, so hope everybody has a good week!
I walked to Syston and back, yesterday, across fields- surprisingly, I don't ache too much, but although the feet weren't too bad whilst I was actually walking, they were rather sore afterwards. It's mainly the toes, or to be more precise, the big toes and the two middles toes on each foot. All a learning experience!
Feet permitting, I plan to have a little stomp around the dunes etc, and we will be walking the dogs anyway... whilst I am there, I will be taking a bit of time out to have a good think about where my training needs to go from here. We have a good 6 months training time left, so I really need to have a think about what I need to build on and work towards...
We are taking a lap top, but don't think we will be able to get online, so hope everybody has a good week!
Labels: training, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Kent 50 Mile Challenge
This was a toughie- I think I underestimated quite how tough it was going to be! 50 miles in 15 hours was always going to be tight, and to make it even worse, the eight laps were each 6.55 miles long, which actually made the event 52.5 miles!
I drove down to the Travelodge kindly booked by Carol (negotiating the Dartford Crossing and Toll for the first time ever, plus a hold up on the M25 due to an accident) and met Carol, Rach and Rose, all doing the MdS in 2009.
We had a good natter, discussed kit, and looked at the kit Carol has already aquired (she is so organised!!) I made drinks and managed to knock one over, then we went to the start to recce and register to save us time in the morning (a good thing as it turned out!)
The start (and finish) was at The Gate Inn at Marshside, and was organised by Mike, who is an MdS (and Gobi) veteran; he handed us a bottle of water and a lion bar each and gave some hints on the MdS. It appears that quite a few of the check point volunteers and competitors have done it- it seemed surreal to find so many MdS vets in a small pub in a tiny village in Kent! We ordered a meal which Mike very kindly said was on him, and set an alarm for 4:45am!!
I don't quite know how, but we were a bit late getting to the start- I didn't notice the time, and think we just left late, plus the start was further than the 15 minutes away suggested in the information pack. We had a bit of a fright when a pigeon suddenly decided to end it all by disembowelling itself on Carol's windscreen! As we reached the village the challenge had already started, and we could see the competitors coming towards us, so we parked up, donned race numbers, used the loo and set off after them.
Rose had decided to run/ walk, so quickly went ahead, and me, Rach and Carol stuck together; due to the strict time limit, we had to maintain a quick pace if we were to have any hope of finishing. The course was 6.55 miles long, and consisted of grassy tracks, tarmac paths and roads, each lap starting and finishing at the pub. It was very flat, I don't know whether this was a contributory factor but both myself and Carol agreed that we felt worse much earlier on then we expected to feel. We had been concerned about the weather, as it had rained all day Saturday, and was drizzling a little when we set off; we were very luck though, the clouds cleared and it was sunny all day.
There were various manned checkpoints/ waterpoints; as the route was a figure of eight, we passed one chap twice on each lap- he was really supportive, giving us a round of applause each time he saw us and having a quick chat.
Carol had worked out the times we should be finishing each lap, and potential rest stops, but in reality we didn't really get the chance to stop for long. We took a few minutes at the end of lap two to fix our feet, but the rest of the time we only stopped for a quick loo break, and to fill up our drinks bottles with water or electrolyte.
I must admit, after lap three the scenery became rather mundane and monotonous, although it was scenic in parts; one stretch was full of butterflies. We were lapped by various runners, including one who called out, as he passed us, 'Have you seen my wife?' Carol queried what she looked like, and he made a gesture with his hand, saying 'About yea high... strawberry blonde...'
Rach and Carol
I had developed a blister before the end of lap two, which was annoying, and although I dressed it it didn't seem to get any easier. I developed one on the other foot, which I didn't dress to try to save some time, which was perhaps a mistake. Even more annoying was the fact that my feet swelled, and my shoes felt too small; I could feel my toes being squashed. Rach had only completed the Trailwalker, a 60 mile event, a few weeks before, so her feet hadn't properly healed from that. She must have been really suffering on Sunday, but kept up the pace. Carol had recurring hip and knee problems which were giving her some trouble. Bizarrely, our hands also swelled much more than I have ever experienced before, but it made undertaking tasks requiring dexterity quite difficult!
About halfway round lap 6, one of Rach's blisters popped and she was in agony. She told us to go on, so we did, but I felt really bad about leaving her. She text us later to say that she had finished after that lap, covering an impressive 40 miles on badly blistered feet!
The Gate- Start & Finish Of Each Lap!
Me and Carol ploughed on, and realised just how the time was slipping away; we ran back to the pub at the end of lap seven, as there was a cut off time for the last lap. We had both taken some pankillers, but they no longer seemed to be touching the pain! At one point, I felt a sudden excruciating pain as a blister popped and had to hobble for a few minutes until it settled down. I wasn't the only one though- we passed a runner who was walking very painfully, and said he couldn't run anymore. About ten minutes later, Carol said she heard a shriek from behind us, and thought 'That's a blister gone!' We reached the pub well inside of the cut off, and saw Rose, who had completed the full distance- she had done really well. Mike advised us, though, that he didn't think we would complete the last lap before 9pm, and advised us to cut the lap short- meaning we would have completed 49.8 miles.
We were undecided, as part of us badly wanted to complete the full lap, but as we neared the suggested cut off point, our bodies made the decision for us- if we had had more time, we could have done the full lap, but to finish before 9pm would have meant we would have had to really push ourselves after a day of already pushing to the limits. We did walk an additional 0.2 miles, measured by my Garmin, to make it a full 50 miles, and when we reached the pub again, Mike greeted us and gave us 50 mile medals. Rose was waiting, and we were given hot drinks and generally looked after by the organisers.
My feet are really painful- I have several black toenails, and had blisters under each large toe nail, which were actually lifting the nails up! I am aching, but luckily it's just muscular. Although we didn't quite do the full course distance, we still covered long distances, and it was my first 50 miler, so I am pleased. It was also quite a useful event in a way, as it seemed to mete out problems I hadn't encountered before, such as swollen feet- I am definately now considering using shoes a size larger. It was well worth driving down for this one, as it was lovely meeting the girls and having people to plan, walk, natter and socialise with!
I have had the details and comfirmation for the Bullock Smithy Hike, which is only four weeks away, so I am hoping me poor feet will have healed by then...
I drove down to the Travelodge kindly booked by Carol (negotiating the Dartford Crossing and Toll for the first time ever, plus a hold up on the M25 due to an accident) and met Carol, Rach and Rose, all doing the MdS in 2009.
We had a good natter, discussed kit, and looked at the kit Carol has already aquired (she is so organised!!) I made drinks and managed to knock one over, then we went to the start to recce and register to save us time in the morning (a good thing as it turned out!)
The start (and finish) was at The Gate Inn at Marshside, and was organised by Mike, who is an MdS (and Gobi) veteran; he handed us a bottle of water and a lion bar each and gave some hints on the MdS. It appears that quite a few of the check point volunteers and competitors have done it- it seemed surreal to find so many MdS vets in a small pub in a tiny village in Kent! We ordered a meal which Mike very kindly said was on him, and set an alarm for 4:45am!!
I don't quite know how, but we were a bit late getting to the start- I didn't notice the time, and think we just left late, plus the start was further than the 15 minutes away suggested in the information pack. We had a bit of a fright when a pigeon suddenly decided to end it all by disembowelling itself on Carol's windscreen! As we reached the village the challenge had already started, and we could see the competitors coming towards us, so we parked up, donned race numbers, used the loo and set off after them.
Rose had decided to run/ walk, so quickly went ahead, and me, Rach and Carol stuck together; due to the strict time limit, we had to maintain a quick pace if we were to have any hope of finishing. The course was 6.55 miles long, and consisted of grassy tracks, tarmac paths and roads, each lap starting and finishing at the pub. It was very flat, I don't know whether this was a contributory factor but both myself and Carol agreed that we felt worse much earlier on then we expected to feel. We had been concerned about the weather, as it had rained all day Saturday, and was drizzling a little when we set off; we were very luck though, the clouds cleared and it was sunny all day.
There were various manned checkpoints/ waterpoints; as the route was a figure of eight, we passed one chap twice on each lap- he was really supportive, giving us a round of applause each time he saw us and having a quick chat.Carol had worked out the times we should be finishing each lap, and potential rest stops, but in reality we didn't really get the chance to stop for long. We took a few minutes at the end of lap two to fix our feet, but the rest of the time we only stopped for a quick loo break, and to fill up our drinks bottles with water or electrolyte.
I must admit, after lap three the scenery became rather mundane and monotonous, although it was scenic in parts; one stretch was full of butterflies. We were lapped by various runners, including one who called out, as he passed us, 'Have you seen my wife?' Carol queried what she looked like, and he made a gesture with his hand, saying 'About yea high... strawberry blonde...'
Rach and CarolI had developed a blister before the end of lap two, which was annoying, and although I dressed it it didn't seem to get any easier. I developed one on the other foot, which I didn't dress to try to save some time, which was perhaps a mistake. Even more annoying was the fact that my feet swelled, and my shoes felt too small; I could feel my toes being squashed. Rach had only completed the Trailwalker, a 60 mile event, a few weeks before, so her feet hadn't properly healed from that. She must have been really suffering on Sunday, but kept up the pace. Carol had recurring hip and knee problems which were giving her some trouble. Bizarrely, our hands also swelled much more than I have ever experienced before, but it made undertaking tasks requiring dexterity quite difficult!
About halfway round lap 6, one of Rach's blisters popped and she was in agony. She told us to go on, so we did, but I felt really bad about leaving her. She text us later to say that she had finished after that lap, covering an impressive 40 miles on badly blistered feet!
The Gate- Start & Finish Of Each Lap!Me and Carol ploughed on, and realised just how the time was slipping away; we ran back to the pub at the end of lap seven, as there was a cut off time for the last lap. We had both taken some pankillers, but they no longer seemed to be touching the pain! At one point, I felt a sudden excruciating pain as a blister popped and had to hobble for a few minutes until it settled down. I wasn't the only one though- we passed a runner who was walking very painfully, and said he couldn't run anymore. About ten minutes later, Carol said she heard a shriek from behind us, and thought 'That's a blister gone!' We reached the pub well inside of the cut off, and saw Rose, who had completed the full distance- she had done really well. Mike advised us, though, that he didn't think we would complete the last lap before 9pm, and advised us to cut the lap short- meaning we would have completed 49.8 miles.
We were undecided, as part of us badly wanted to complete the full lap, but as we neared the suggested cut off point, our bodies made the decision for us- if we had had more time, we could have done the full lap, but to finish before 9pm would have meant we would have had to really push ourselves after a day of already pushing to the limits. We did walk an additional 0.2 miles, measured by my Garmin, to make it a full 50 miles, and when we reached the pub again, Mike greeted us and gave us 50 mile medals. Rose was waiting, and we were given hot drinks and generally looked after by the organisers.
My feet are really painful- I have several black toenails, and had blisters under each large toe nail, which were actually lifting the nails up! I am aching, but luckily it's just muscular. Although we didn't quite do the full course distance, we still covered long distances, and it was my first 50 miler, so I am pleased. It was also quite a useful event in a way, as it seemed to mete out problems I hadn't encountered before, such as swollen feet- I am definately now considering using shoes a size larger. It was well worth driving down for this one, as it was lovely meeting the girls and having people to plan, walk, natter and socialise with!
I have had the details and comfirmation for the Bullock Smithy Hike, which is only four weeks away, so I am hoping me poor feet will have healed by then...
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, Kent 50
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Preparations!! And Clear Hearing...
I have had my ears done and can now hear again!! It wasn't too bad- it felt just like somebody was pumping lukewarm water into my ears, which, of course, they were... I didn't look at what came out but was assured that it was a goodly amount...
I am off soon to drive to the Travelodge in preparation for tomorrow's Kent 50 challenge. I have bought snickers, m & m's, skittles, crisps, flapjack and malt loaf, so won't be going hungry!!
Sadly it gives rain this weekend (what else is new- this is the UK...) so will have to take wet weather gear. The beauty is that we can stash most of the stuff at the start.
50 miles in 15 hours is a big ask, just hope I am up to the challenge!!
I am off soon to drive to the Travelodge in preparation for tomorrow's Kent 50 challenge. I have bought snickers, m & m's, skittles, crisps, flapjack and malt loaf, so won't be going hungry!!
Sadly it gives rain this weekend (what else is new- this is the UK...) so will have to take wet weather gear. The beauty is that we can stash most of the stuff at the start.
50 miles in 15 hours is a big ask, just hope I am up to the challenge!!
Labels: Kent 50
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Nothing Much Doing...
... I haven't done an awful lot this week... sort of tapering for the Kent 50; Saturday I actually did such a good job of procrastinating, that I only managed 7 miles with a light pack and I've been feeling guilty ever since! Especially as it's getting close to 'that' time of the month so have also been eating loads of chocolate... mind you, chocolate must contain carbs, right!?
I did redeem myself by going to the gym Sunday, but stuck to only 20 minutes on the treadmill- I know I should be tapering but I am never quite sure how much or little I should actually be doing!?!
I went out last night to a slow jog sans pack- about 8 miles, with the MP3. I am thinking of going to the gym tomorrow but only doing a very light cardio workout and concentrating more on weights. I've not been back to body toning, mainly because 1; it's not that challenging and there is other stuff I could be doing instead, and 2; I am skint- and still have the MdS to pay for plus equipment to buy... my gym membership includes all classes there, so I really ought to get off my butt and join some!
The Kent 50- This is (obviously) a 50 mile event, consisting of 8 cross country laps of just over 6 1/2 miles each. There is a time limit of 15 hours, which is actually quite tight; I did have reservations about an event involving doing laps round a field, but the bonus is that we can leave packs at the start point, and access our stuff at the end of each lap. This will be my first 50 miler, and a milestone (lierally!) if I can complete it... I have also sent off my entry form for the Bullock Smithy Hike in September.
I am meeting Carol and Rach- fellow forum buddies and 2009 MdSers, which will be great- we are staying in a Travelodge the night before, so can discuss tactics.
I am also having my ears syringed tomorrow... which I am not looking forward to... actually the hearing seems to have returned today for the first time, but suppose I'd still better go through with it...
I did redeem myself by going to the gym Sunday, but stuck to only 20 minutes on the treadmill- I know I should be tapering but I am never quite sure how much or little I should actually be doing!?!
I went out last night to a slow jog sans pack- about 8 miles, with the MP3. I am thinking of going to the gym tomorrow but only doing a very light cardio workout and concentrating more on weights. I've not been back to body toning, mainly because 1; it's not that challenging and there is other stuff I could be doing instead, and 2; I am skint- and still have the MdS to pay for plus equipment to buy... my gym membership includes all classes there, so I really ought to get off my butt and join some!
The Kent 50- This is (obviously) a 50 mile event, consisting of 8 cross country laps of just over 6 1/2 miles each. There is a time limit of 15 hours, which is actually quite tight; I did have reservations about an event involving doing laps round a field, but the bonus is that we can leave packs at the start point, and access our stuff at the end of each lap. This will be my first 50 miler, and a milestone (lierally!) if I can complete it... I have also sent off my entry form for the Bullock Smithy Hike in September.
I am meeting Carol and Rach- fellow forum buddies and 2009 MdSers, which will be great- we are staying in a Travelodge the night before, so can discuss tactics.
I am also having my ears syringed tomorrow... which I am not looking forward to... actually the hearing seems to have returned today for the first time, but suppose I'd still better go through with it...
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, Ear Wax, Kent 50
Saturday, August 02, 2008
A Wet Weekend...
Well. I was thinking of doing a nice 16 mile walk/ run in the countryside, but it's absloutely hissing down, and it's somehow lost it's appeal... what I may do instead is procrastinate all day and then go out later, walk/ jog my 7 mile route and then run round the villages to make up 15/ 16 miles. I'm so glad it wasn't like this last Saturday!
My ear continues to drive me mad... I still can't hear and have lovely whistling noises in it- I can even hear my own heartbeat wooshing around in there (I assume it's mine, anyway...)
What have I done this week... Monday I did a recovery walk- about 4 1/2 miles. Tuesday was takeaway night with a friend (god it was tough!!) Wednesday night a did a 6 mile run. Thirsday was back to normal at the gym, with 20 minutes on 'Brian' (that sounds odd!) and some hill work on the treadmill as well as the usual stuff. It was so hot and humid Thursday, although the fans were going at the gym there seemed to be absolutely no air at all... mind you, that's a good thing for me- something I have to get used to!
Next week will be a taper for the Kent 50- just hope the weather picks up a bit by then!
My ear continues to drive me mad... I still can't hear and have lovely whistling noises in it- I can even hear my own heartbeat wooshing around in there (I assume it's mine, anyway...)
What have I done this week... Monday I did a recovery walk- about 4 1/2 miles. Tuesday was takeaway night with a friend (god it was tough!!) Wednesday night a did a 6 mile run. Thirsday was back to normal at the gym, with 20 minutes on 'Brian' (that sounds odd!) and some hill work on the treadmill as well as the usual stuff. It was so hot and humid Thursday, although the fans were going at the gym there seemed to be absolutely no air at all... mind you, that's a good thing for me- something I have to get used to!
Next week will be a taper for the Kent 50- just hope the weather picks up a bit by then!
Labels: Kent 50
