Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Soaked...
It started off as such a lovely day today I decided to go up to Bradgate Park tonight as I though it would be a lovely evening. It wasn't. My hopes were cruelly dashed as it started to rain shortly after I set off and just got heavier.
Bradgate Park is a deer park and site of the childhood home of the ill fated young queen, Lady Jane Grey. The ruins of the house are still there, and peacocks wander amongst the fallen stones.
It is a decent sized area, and there are quite a few steepish rocky climbs to be found. I have a circuit I thought was maybe 6 miles, so took the Garmin up there to check, and took my 5.3 kg pack. There weren't many people up there due to the rain, but I did pass two groups of runners, who, like me, also saw the potential for hill work. I walked mostly but ran the downhills and a few of the uphills.
Towards the end of the walk it was pouring, windy, I was absolutely soaked and kept stumbling into bogs as I couldn't see through my glasses. I didn't know whether to curse the rain or be grateful for the chance to work through a bit of discomfort. I was quite pleased that the Garmin held up, and showed me that the route was actually a whisker under 6.5 miles.
The party went very well Saturday, and I did get some dancing in and didn't drink all that much. Mum's house was full of relatives next day, but I managed a walk across country in the evening. I didn't take a pack, but walked quite fast as it was getting dark rapidly. I'd guestimate it to be about 8 miles, so total mileage for last week was around 30 miles, which is ok.
I had planned a good week for this week but typically enough life gets in the way, and I have two evening meals out with a possible takeaway!! God, it's tough trying to fit in work, training and a social life!! Mind you, it's the Bank Holiday weekend, and I think I feel a 26 miler coming on for the weekend...
Bradgate Park is a deer park and site of the childhood home of the ill fated young queen, Lady Jane Grey. The ruins of the house are still there, and peacocks wander amongst the fallen stones.
It is a decent sized area, and there are quite a few steepish rocky climbs to be found. I have a circuit I thought was maybe 6 miles, so took the Garmin up there to check, and took my 5.3 kg pack. There weren't many people up there due to the rain, but I did pass two groups of runners, who, like me, also saw the potential for hill work. I walked mostly but ran the downhills and a few of the uphills.
Towards the end of the walk it was pouring, windy, I was absolutely soaked and kept stumbling into bogs as I couldn't see through my glasses. I didn't know whether to curse the rain or be grateful for the chance to work through a bit of discomfort. I was quite pleased that the Garmin held up, and showed me that the route was actually a whisker under 6.5 miles.
The party went very well Saturday, and I did get some dancing in and didn't drink all that much. Mum's house was full of relatives next day, but I managed a walk across country in the evening. I didn't take a pack, but walked quite fast as it was getting dark rapidly. I'd guestimate it to be about 8 miles, so total mileage for last week was around 30 miles, which is ok.
I had planned a good week for this week but typically enough life gets in the way, and I have two evening meals out with a possible takeaway!! God, it's tough trying to fit in work, training and a social life!! Mind you, it's the Bank Holiday weekend, and I think I feel a 26 miler coming on for the weekend...
Labels: Bradgate Park, Garmin Forerunner
Friday, April 25, 2008
Yippee... The Weekend...
... But it's a busy one. Katie, my sis, has her birthday party tomorrow night (21- she doesn't know how lucky she is!) and lots of family are coming up, in fact I am putting them up in my house and sharing Katie's bed with her.
Feeling a lot better now; I woke up with a headache still on Tuesday so took the day off to make sure it was fully gone. Mum pulled a bit of a blinder as she called me and suggested I go for a little walk to get some fresh air. When I agreed that this would be a good idea, she said "If you're walking by our house, and you want some company, you could always pick up Jake..."
So I took her mad cocker spaniel puppy for a walk across the fields. He is about 6 months old now; a golden working cocker, he looks quite a bit different from the show cockers she's had before, almost a cross between a cocker and springer spaniel. We covered about 3 miles, and then had to take their other dog, Gemma out afterwards. Gemma is a minature Yorkie so didn't want to go far- just far enough to make a point of not being left out.
I went to Body Toning Wednesday although it was tough motivating myself. I had my dumbells in my pack so it weighed about 5.5 kg, and ran a cross country route afterwards as it was a nice evening- about 7 miles total. Thursday was gym night, and I jogged for 20 minutes on an increasing incline on the treadmill, longest I have done so far. I also ran faster for 10 minutes on the flat, did the round of weights and used the elliptical for 20 minutes and didn't feel any discomfort in my knee.
I decided to run 7 1/2 miles tonight, and then walked a mile extra. I didn't have a pack, and felt really light! I will probably do something Sunday but am not worried about mileage- it's a good idea to have an easier week now and then, plus I'm possibly still recovering from the lurgy.
Next week I'll have a good training week and the week after will be a taper for the Ridgeway 40.
Feeling a lot better now; I woke up with a headache still on Tuesday so took the day off to make sure it was fully gone. Mum pulled a bit of a blinder as she called me and suggested I go for a little walk to get some fresh air. When I agreed that this would be a good idea, she said "If you're walking by our house, and you want some company, you could always pick up Jake..."
So I took her mad cocker spaniel puppy for a walk across the fields. He is about 6 months old now; a golden working cocker, he looks quite a bit different from the show cockers she's had before, almost a cross between a cocker and springer spaniel. We covered about 3 miles, and then had to take their other dog, Gemma out afterwards. Gemma is a minature Yorkie so didn't want to go far- just far enough to make a point of not being left out.
I went to Body Toning Wednesday although it was tough motivating myself. I had my dumbells in my pack so it weighed about 5.5 kg, and ran a cross country route afterwards as it was a nice evening- about 7 miles total. Thursday was gym night, and I jogged for 20 minutes on an increasing incline on the treadmill, longest I have done so far. I also ran faster for 10 minutes on the flat, did the round of weights and used the elliptical for 20 minutes and didn't feel any discomfort in my knee.
I decided to run 7 1/2 miles tonight, and then walked a mile extra. I didn't have a pack, and felt really light! I will probably do something Sunday but am not worried about mileage- it's a good idea to have an easier week now and then, plus I'm possibly still recovering from the lurgy.
Next week I'll have a good training week and the week after will be a taper for the Ridgeway 40.
Labels: gym, Ridgeway 40
Monday, April 21, 2008
Endurance Adventures... The Site...
For some time I've threatened to create a site for all my runs/ treks/ adventures and what not, and it's finally here...
It is very self indulgent and is actually supposed to have a nice coloured background that appears to have gone awol, but hopefully it may inspire somebody and give some useful advice...
Today has been a total write off. I woke upthis morning with a pounding head, and threw up, so work was out of the question. Finally, I couldn't stand it any more, so pulled on some clothes and staggered down to the Post Office (living above shops does sometimes have its uses) for some emergency Nurofen. After a couple of those beauties and a sleep, I felt quite a lot better. I still feel slightly woozy so think an early night will be on the cards instead of the run I'd planned.
I did go out and walk 5 miles last night which makes for a total of 40 miles for last week, but won't get so much done this week as it's Katie's party Saturday, maybe a bit of an easier week will do me good.
Ah well, I am off to bed with my new book! Mark Hines' Marathon des Sables- 7 Days in the Sahara.
It is very self indulgent and is actually supposed to have a nice coloured background that appears to have gone awol, but hopefully it may inspire somebody and give some useful advice...
Today has been a total write off. I woke upthis morning with a pounding head, and threw up, so work was out of the question. Finally, I couldn't stand it any more, so pulled on some clothes and staggered down to the Post Office (living above shops does sometimes have its uses) for some emergency Nurofen. After a couple of those beauties and a sleep, I felt quite a lot better. I still feel slightly woozy so think an early night will be on the cards instead of the run I'd planned.
I did go out and walk 5 miles last night which makes for a total of 40 miles for last week, but won't get so much done this week as it's Katie's party Saturday, maybe a bit of an easier week will do me good.
Ah well, I am off to bed with my new book! Mark Hines' Marathon des Sables- 7 Days in the Sahara.
Labels: illness
Saturday, April 19, 2008
13 Miler
I reeeally didn't want to go out today... I kept procrastinating, finding other jobs that needed doing, and the thought of a long walk or run just did not appeal at all... sometimes it is just so hard to motivate yourself to get out of the door...
In the end I bribed myself with a snickers and Ben and Jerrys ice cream and picked a route from my copy of John Merril's Long Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire. The only criticism I have with John's books is that he wrote them some time ago and some of the routes have changed slightly since, which can lead to me getting a little lost, or nearly getting arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist at Radcliffe Power Station...
I decided on a 13 miler starting and finishing at Cotgrave, a village fairly near Nottingham. It is absolutely freezing at the moment, and really grey, I just want Spring to come!! I pulled my gloves on and started on the road out of the village, with my pack weighing around 5 kg. My body was still sulking at being dragged out, so decided to make it a steady walk, no running.
The first 6 miles were along the Nottingham to Grantham canal, and were really pleasant. There is a really good path running alongside the canal, which was empty for most of the way. It is 33 miles from Nottingham to Grantham- I did it, once, years ago as a challenge walk, and it's amazing how walking along the flat for this distance hurts the muscles. I thought to myself that it may be good practice for walking along those Saharan salt flats!
I stayed on the canal past Cropwell Bishop and left it at Kinoulton, I was a bit bored of the scenery by then and ready for a change. The snickers was history... The next stage was through fields and skirting a wood, it was a bit of a climb and quite muddy. There was a short stretch along the A46 after this, which is an extremely busy road, I stayed on the verge but it was a bit unnerving, having the wind from speeding lorries whistling round my ears.
The next part was lovely- a bridleway through Cotgrave woods, which I never knew existed. A final walk through Clipston-on-the-Wolds and field brought me back to Cotgrave. I will definately do that one again- easy to follow, and no cows! Would be a good route to run, especially in drier weather.
I popped into Aldi on the way back and bought 2 base layer t-shirts, a running top and long sleeved running top, plus sports ear phones that will actually stay in my ears all for under £25! Ok, they may not be the best quality but will do to train in!
So- total miles this week, including today and the 4 miles I walked last night... 35. May do more tomorrow, will see.
I was looking forward to doing the Valley n Views again this year on Sunday 27th April... it's a good route and I was planning to run part of it, but Katie turns 21 on the 30th April and is having a party on Saturday the 26th... it will be a late night, plus all the family will be here on the Sunday so looks like it's a no go... I have had my place in the Ridgeway Walk confirmed though.
I have been hunting through the old route descriptions I've kept from various challenge walks over the years, and plan to do some of the routes again this year.
It's that time of the month, curse of all womanhood, where I just want to disapear into a mound of chocolate, ice cream etc so am feeling slightly sick...
In the end I bribed myself with a snickers and Ben and Jerrys ice cream and picked a route from my copy of John Merril's Long Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire. The only criticism I have with John's books is that he wrote them some time ago and some of the routes have changed slightly since, which can lead to me getting a little lost, or nearly getting arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist at Radcliffe Power Station...
I decided on a 13 miler starting and finishing at Cotgrave, a village fairly near Nottingham. It is absolutely freezing at the moment, and really grey, I just want Spring to come!! I pulled my gloves on and started on the road out of the village, with my pack weighing around 5 kg. My body was still sulking at being dragged out, so decided to make it a steady walk, no running.
The first 6 miles were along the Nottingham to Grantham canal, and were really pleasant. There is a really good path running alongside the canal, which was empty for most of the way. It is 33 miles from Nottingham to Grantham- I did it, once, years ago as a challenge walk, and it's amazing how walking along the flat for this distance hurts the muscles. I thought to myself that it may be good practice for walking along those Saharan salt flats!
I stayed on the canal past Cropwell Bishop and left it at Kinoulton, I was a bit bored of the scenery by then and ready for a change. The snickers was history... The next stage was through fields and skirting a wood, it was a bit of a climb and quite muddy. There was a short stretch along the A46 after this, which is an extremely busy road, I stayed on the verge but it was a bit unnerving, having the wind from speeding lorries whistling round my ears.
The next part was lovely- a bridleway through Cotgrave woods, which I never knew existed. A final walk through Clipston-on-the-Wolds and field brought me back to Cotgrave. I will definately do that one again- easy to follow, and no cows! Would be a good route to run, especially in drier weather.
I popped into Aldi on the way back and bought 2 base layer t-shirts, a running top and long sleeved running top, plus sports ear phones that will actually stay in my ears all for under £25! Ok, they may not be the best quality but will do to train in!
So- total miles this week, including today and the 4 miles I walked last night... 35. May do more tomorrow, will see.
I was looking forward to doing the Valley n Views again this year on Sunday 27th April... it's a good route and I was planning to run part of it, but Katie turns 21 on the 30th April and is having a party on Saturday the 26th... it will be a late night, plus all the family will be here on the Sunday so looks like it's a no go... I have had my place in the Ridgeway Walk confirmed though.
I have been hunting through the old route descriptions I've kept from various challenge walks over the years, and plan to do some of the routes again this year.
It's that time of the month, curse of all womanhood, where I just want to disapear into a mound of chocolate, ice cream etc so am feeling slightly sick...
Friday, April 18, 2008
The Feet...
I have been giving some serious support to my feet, or proper care thereof... after all, if I am going to expect them to carry me 150 miles across scorching Saharan sands/ salt flats/ hills then I guess I am going to have to give them some TLC...
... my feet are terrible. I think I might have mentioned they have been deformed from birth, I still have the full set on each foot but they are odd sizes and sort of 'squashed in', with a huge gap between the big toe and second toe which I am convinced is going to turn into a lovely bunion one day... the big toes are already starting to lean over where they shouldn't be.
I am going to wear the little plastic 'toe separaters' I bought throughout the day, and may even try using a pumice stone on my plates (got a lovely one free in Marrakesh) and maybe even treating them to a nice bit of moisturiser.
Well, training wise this week I have so far done; a fast (for me!) 7 miles Monday night, 7 mile cross country walk/ run with 5.3 kg pack Wednesday, 3 miles speed work on the treadmill at the gym last night, plus 1 1/2 miles run/ walk on inclination. I also went on the stepper for 10 minutes and the elliptical for 15, and didn't get too much sensation in my right knee so will continue to built this up.
It is amazing what a difference it makes running with a pack. I really felt it in the backs of my legs, and it felt quite a struggle to run. Then I was struck with the depressing realisation that in the MdS I will be probably be carrying over twice this weight, at least on the first few days... I guess it's just a matter of gradually building up pack weight until it becomes the norm to run with a pack.
No idea yet what I will do the rest of the weekend, but it will no doubt equate to 35 miles or more over the week. Just had chips and she gave me absolute loads, so it seemed rude not to eat as many as I can, but feel really fat and bloated now...
... my feet are terrible. I think I might have mentioned they have been deformed from birth, I still have the full set on each foot but they are odd sizes and sort of 'squashed in', with a huge gap between the big toe and second toe which I am convinced is going to turn into a lovely bunion one day... the big toes are already starting to lean over where they shouldn't be.
I am going to wear the little plastic 'toe separaters' I bought throughout the day, and may even try using a pumice stone on my plates (got a lovely one free in Marrakesh) and maybe even treating them to a nice bit of moisturiser.
Well, training wise this week I have so far done; a fast (for me!) 7 miles Monday night, 7 mile cross country walk/ run with 5.3 kg pack Wednesday, 3 miles speed work on the treadmill at the gym last night, plus 1 1/2 miles run/ walk on inclination. I also went on the stepper for 10 minutes and the elliptical for 15, and didn't get too much sensation in my right knee so will continue to built this up.
It is amazing what a difference it makes running with a pack. I really felt it in the backs of my legs, and it felt quite a struggle to run. Then I was struck with the depressing realisation that in the MdS I will be probably be carrying over twice this weight, at least on the first few days... I guess it's just a matter of gradually building up pack weight until it becomes the norm to run with a pack.
No idea yet what I will do the rest of the weekend, but it will no doubt equate to 35 miles or more over the week. Just had chips and she gave me absolute loads, so it seemed rude not to eat as many as I can, but feel really fat and bloated now...
Saturday, April 12, 2008
It's The Weekend... Again...
Wow. Where did that week go?!? Is it just me or are the years actually getting a little shorter each year??
Been quite a busy week, unfortunately had a family funeral on Tuesday, had arranged to meet up with a few friends (work and ex- work) Thursday night, had a takeaway night last night with my mate (mmm... pizza... ) plus my Dad and stepmum are here from Spain at the moment so want to spend a bit of time with them.
So it's been quite hard to try to fit in some training! I have been doing some thinking, after reading advice from this year's MdS finishers. The general consensus seems to be that a lot of folks end up walking a great deal of the MdS, which causes problems if they have mainly trained by running- increased aches, blisters etc. So I think I will put as great an emphasis on walking as well as running. I am also not too worried about increasing speed, but rather time on feet and endurance. Let's face it, I am not exactly going to be in the top 100 finishers. I am going to have to walk a lot, if not most, of it. My aim is to finish the event, hopefully not be last, and have an amazing adventure!
Monday I managed a slowish 10 miles carrying a 3.2kg pack. I have just worked out that the most effective way of weighing a pack is to set my scales to kilos, weigh myself and then weigh myself again wearing the pack. Durr Einstein I'm not!!
Tuesday was the funeral, Wednesday I walked to Body Toning class and back, around 5 miles, with pack. Thursday I missed my gym session, but did park quite a distance away and walk to meet my mates. In fact, I decided to try something a bit new; I wore my ankle weights all day Thursday and Friday. I don't know how much benefit they give, but got to be worth a try! I had a course Friday in Nottingham City, so again parked some distance away and marched there with my weights on. Kept 'em on all day too, so god knows what folks thought! Over the two days I guess I covered at least 3 miles, but I'm not counting it in my weekly total.
I packed my rucksack up to 5.3kg and covered 13 miles today, mostly walking with a little running. I did one of my usual routes, with a little add-on, and just about dodged the worst of the showers. It was great seeing loads of lambs in the fields, being called to safety by their mums when I got too close.
When I got to Rotherby though, it was apparent that they have filled most of the fields with cows. Now, I never used to mind cows, in fact I used to sit and sketch them in my college days. But something's changed, I reckon it's the reports of folks being trampled to death by cattle, but now I find it quite intimidating walking through a field of cows when they start following you... this particular field contained young bullocks... well I say young, but they were still blooming big... and they started jostling, mock charging, etc so I was so pleased when I got out there. I know I'm a wimp, but I may have to avoid this route for a few months, until they have met their sad but inevitable end anyway...
My add on, a different footpath that was supposed to bring me further up along the road, turned out to be up a long, ploughed field, with no provision at all to walk along the side, so negotiating this was a little hairy. There is a road running through a large open meadow between Rotherby and Brooksby, and to my dismay it contained a herd of large bulls, but luckily they more or less ignored me.
I crossed the main Melton Road and munched an oat bar, and luckily the rest of the walk went without incident. At one point, I thought I saw loads of cows in the next field and my heart sank, but I realised they were actually sheep. I like sheep. At least they have the decency to be small and to run away! One ewe had an odd green plastic hood attached to her head, I assume she must have some kind of condition, but it looked for all the world as though she was wearing a green bonnet!
We are going out for Sunday lunch tomorrow but I should be able to get a gym workout in first. Obsessed, moi? I could even do a little gentle 3 miler tomorrow evening to make it a complete 35 mile week...
Been quite a busy week, unfortunately had a family funeral on Tuesday, had arranged to meet up with a few friends (work and ex- work) Thursday night, had a takeaway night last night with my mate (mmm... pizza... ) plus my Dad and stepmum are here from Spain at the moment so want to spend a bit of time with them.
So it's been quite hard to try to fit in some training! I have been doing some thinking, after reading advice from this year's MdS finishers. The general consensus seems to be that a lot of folks end up walking a great deal of the MdS, which causes problems if they have mainly trained by running- increased aches, blisters etc. So I think I will put as great an emphasis on walking as well as running. I am also not too worried about increasing speed, but rather time on feet and endurance. Let's face it, I am not exactly going to be in the top 100 finishers. I am going to have to walk a lot, if not most, of it. My aim is to finish the event, hopefully not be last, and have an amazing adventure!
Monday I managed a slowish 10 miles carrying a 3.2kg pack. I have just worked out that the most effective way of weighing a pack is to set my scales to kilos, weigh myself and then weigh myself again wearing the pack. Durr Einstein I'm not!!
Tuesday was the funeral, Wednesday I walked to Body Toning class and back, around 5 miles, with pack. Thursday I missed my gym session, but did park quite a distance away and walk to meet my mates. In fact, I decided to try something a bit new; I wore my ankle weights all day Thursday and Friday. I don't know how much benefit they give, but got to be worth a try! I had a course Friday in Nottingham City, so again parked some distance away and marched there with my weights on. Kept 'em on all day too, so god knows what folks thought! Over the two days I guess I covered at least 3 miles, but I'm not counting it in my weekly total.
I packed my rucksack up to 5.3kg and covered 13 miles today, mostly walking with a little running. I did one of my usual routes, with a little add-on, and just about dodged the worst of the showers. It was great seeing loads of lambs in the fields, being called to safety by their mums when I got too close.
When I got to Rotherby though, it was apparent that they have filled most of the fields with cows. Now, I never used to mind cows, in fact I used to sit and sketch them in my college days. But something's changed, I reckon it's the reports of folks being trampled to death by cattle, but now I find it quite intimidating walking through a field of cows when they start following you... this particular field contained young bullocks... well I say young, but they were still blooming big... and they started jostling, mock charging, etc so I was so pleased when I got out there. I know I'm a wimp, but I may have to avoid this route for a few months, until they have met their sad but inevitable end anyway...
My add on, a different footpath that was supposed to bring me further up along the road, turned out to be up a long, ploughed field, with no provision at all to walk along the side, so negotiating this was a little hairy. There is a road running through a large open meadow between Rotherby and Brooksby, and to my dismay it contained a herd of large bulls, but luckily they more or less ignored me.
I crossed the main Melton Road and munched an oat bar, and luckily the rest of the walk went without incident. At one point, I thought I saw loads of cows in the next field and my heart sank, but I realised they were actually sheep. I like sheep. At least they have the decency to be small and to run away! One ewe had an odd green plastic hood attached to her head, I assume she must have some kind of condition, but it looked for all the world as though she was wearing a green bonnet!
We are going out for Sunday lunch tomorrow but I should be able to get a gym workout in first. Obsessed, moi? I could even do a little gentle 3 miler tomorrow evening to make it a complete 35 mile week...
Labels: Marathon des Sables, training
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Chillin' On Sunday Afternoon...
Just chilling on Sunday afternoon, and really pleased to see everyone has finished the MdS, and will be cooling their heels in Ouazazate now and maybe haggling for those last minute souvenirs.
They are heroes. All of them! Rich has posted a fantastic photo of himself wearing his medal, can't wait to read all the details in his blog and everybody elses when they gets back. I am hoping to be able to put a similar pic on my blog this time next year!!
Running totals for this week then... 7 1/2 miles Monday night, 5 miles with heavy dumbells in my pack Wednesday, 4 1/2 miles running and walking up an incline at the gym Thursday, a slow 9 1/2 miles last night and another 4 miles in the gym today... what's that... 30 1/2, slightly down this week but last week was quite tough. I still did the weights and used the stepper and ellipticals at the gym, but they are still affecting the right knee which is annoying! I have found them really useful and now can't seem to use them...
I have been working on a website about the treks/ etc I have done, plus the MdS of course (as that does kind of dominate my every thought at the moment!!) it should hopefully be on line soon.
Gotta give some serious thought as to where my training goes from here on!
Note to self;
They are heroes. All of them! Rich has posted a fantastic photo of himself wearing his medal, can't wait to read all the details in his blog and everybody elses when they gets back. I am hoping to be able to put a similar pic on my blog this time next year!!
Running totals for this week then... 7 1/2 miles Monday night, 5 miles with heavy dumbells in my pack Wednesday, 4 1/2 miles running and walking up an incline at the gym Thursday, a slow 9 1/2 miles last night and another 4 miles in the gym today... what's that... 30 1/2, slightly down this week but last week was quite tough. I still did the weights and used the stepper and ellipticals at the gym, but they are still affecting the right knee which is annoying! I have found them really useful and now can't seem to use them...
I have been working on a website about the treks/ etc I have done, plus the MdS of course (as that does kind of dominate my every thought at the moment!!) it should hopefully be on line soon.
Gotta give some serious thought as to where my training goes from here on!
Note to self;
- Drink more water
- Drink less caffeine
Labels: Marathon des Sables, training
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Feeling A Wee Bit Scared...
... I have been glued on and off to the Darbaroud site anxiously scanning for news after the MdS long day... and am relieved to see that everbody we know who is still in got through.
But it is really hitting home now. As somebody has said on the forum, we have shared these guys' journeys to the MdS, read details of their impressive training routines, learnt all the details of their preparation; I mean these guys couldn't have done anything more to prepare for it, and were all seriously fit and ready...
And the reports are coming in saying that it is far, far tougher than they ever realised. Some folk seem to be suffering horrendously. I mean, I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, but part of me is thinking- what makes me think that I, not a natural athlete and previously overweight, school games dodging slow runner, can seriously hope to complete an event of this nature??? There are so many good athletes out there won't have made it... what makes me think I can do it?!?
But then, looking at the positives, I suppose I now truly have a good idea of what I am up against, and we can all learn from each other, and I do have another year although it will fly by...
I think I am going to have to have a serious think about the direction my training needs to take now and aim to be as best prepared as possible! I guess such a lot of it must be mental toughness, and I am quite used to slogging on when I'm in pain and discomfort; so I think I will need to work on my mind as well, and stop contemplating failure!!
Next year, I am going to complete the Marathon des Sables!!!
But it is really hitting home now. As somebody has said on the forum, we have shared these guys' journeys to the MdS, read details of their impressive training routines, learnt all the details of their preparation; I mean these guys couldn't have done anything more to prepare for it, and were all seriously fit and ready...
And the reports are coming in saying that it is far, far tougher than they ever realised. Some folk seem to be suffering horrendously. I mean, I knew it wouldn't be a walk in the park, but part of me is thinking- what makes me think that I, not a natural athlete and previously overweight, school games dodging slow runner, can seriously hope to complete an event of this nature??? There are so many good athletes out there won't have made it... what makes me think I can do it?!?
But then, looking at the positives, I suppose I now truly have a good idea of what I am up against, and we can all learn from each other, and I do have another year although it will fly by...
I think I am going to have to have a serious think about the direction my training needs to take now and aim to be as best prepared as possible! I guess such a lot of it must be mental toughness, and I am quite used to slogging on when I'm in pain and discomfort; so I think I will need to work on my mind as well, and stop contemplating failure!!
Next year, I am going to complete the Marathon des Sables!!!
Labels: darbaroud, Marathon des Sables
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
The Caythorpe Canter
I am a bit late updating this!! It was a bit of a last minute decision whether to do this one or not, but turned up at the small village of Caythorpe on Saturday. I though I'd got the wrong day- when I've done this event before, everybody parked on the road, but it was strangely deserted. I drove through the village, and only saw a couple of folks walking their dogs or buying papers. A bit worried now, I turned round, tried a different road and saw the pavilion and marshalls directing folks to park in the playing field, which was a great relief!
Walkers started at 8:30am and runners at 9. My pack was fairly light, but I had intended towalk most of the way as my knee had been a bit dodgy. I saw Sue, who was walking with a (very fast) chap, she was going to try to match his speed in preparation for the '100' (LDWA flagship event involving walking 100 miles in 48 hours! Maybe one day...)
We set off, and Sue and her companion strode off at an impressive pace. I started off walking down the grassy track, and as it was flat, thought I'd try a little run... I am trying to build up my 'endurance pace' which is probably laughingly slow, but hopefully one I will be able to keep up for some time. I passed Sue and told her they'd be overtaking me when I walked again. There were quite a few others who were alternating running and walking, and we ended up leapfrogging each other quite a bit.
I did take a couple of pics with my phone, but can't seem to email them onto my pc... sorry... you'll just have to try to imagine it, it was Lincolnshire so think flat, sweeping views and muddy tracks, and, er, that's about it!
We followed a few more tracks, before a road led us around a race track. I was still running apart from when it was really muddy, and managed to keep going til the first checkpoint at 6 miles in the village of Stubton. The 'proper' runners had started to come past at that point, and I stopped for a slice of lemon drizzle cakes and drinks.
There was also a 14 mile option, and routes split shortly afterwards. I started to run again, along more farm tracks across huge open fields. The wind had picked up, and we were unfortunately running into it which made things quite tough. More runners came past, and I was still jogging. We reached the village of Hougham at around 10 miles, and a really picturesque section over the river and by the church. The sun was out, in fact we were quite lucky with the weather as the forecast had been quite dire. I walked through the village as I was replying to a text message (bloomin' mobile phones!!) but as we reached the neighbouring village of Marston I was running again.
I kept it up along more flat, wide fields but hit the first real hill of the day and walked. The next checkpoint wasn't too far, and my legs were getting a little tired, although my knee seemed to be ok luckily. I stopped every so often to stretch it out and it seemed to do the trick. I could see for miles, and there was nobody in sight in any direction. I felt a little lonely as I walked into Barkston, but the coffee, jam sandwiches and chocolate at the checkpoint in the school more than made up for it! I had a bit of a linger and a chat to the checkpoint ladies who told me to load up on choccie bars for later; I don't need telling twice!!
Straight after the checkpoint was quite a long, steep hill, especially for this part of the country. I followed two ladies on horses up it and when we reached the top and turned on to a track I started jogging again and passed them. It started to rain quite heavily, and I thought that was it for the day but luckily it blew over.
We entered some fields, with another long ascent, which I walked. I could see a group of runner/ walkers quite a way ahead which was quite useful, as although there were signs and coloured ribbon, navigation at this point took quite a lot of concentration! I was still jogging on the flat, but I suspect that there were probably folk actually walking quicker! There was a bit of a road walk after, unfortunately sporting a vast array of various roadkill (pheasants mainly). I had a bit of a heart stopping moment when a hare shot across the road, as there was an ice cream van approaching which wasn't going to slow down, but it made it!
We were warned that the next section was slippery but it wasn't too bad. I was still jogging although my legs were suffering a fair bit. A chap overtook me who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon, and we reached Ancaster, with it's Roman heritage, and the last checkpoint. This was bliss- more coffee and cold rice pudding!!!
The very last section was quite undulating so I walked uphill along more tracks. I caught up with 'Big Dave', who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon too. He told me that another group of runners/ walkers had got lost so were still behind us. About half a mile from the end, it started to rain- that horrible, icy rain that hurts- so I managed to jog back in but I wasn't half glad to stop! My time- an amazing for me 6 hours and 10 minutes!!!
There was crumble and custard on offer plus a gorgeous selection of cakes! Sue and her companion finished in 6 hours 40 minutes which is a great time for walking. The group that got lost came in and announced that they had done 29 miles!
I was aching a bit the next day, but not too badly, and there was no knee pain- in fact, I managed to walk to Syston and back, and even run a little. What pleased me even more was when I found my certificate from when I did the Canter in 2004 and it took me 9 hours 34 minutes for the same route!
Total weekly mileage for last week was 43 1/2 miles, not too bad!!
Well, I have been following this year's MdS on the Darbaroud site here- and it is the long day today so really thinking of everybody out there. It is really hitting home how serious this event is. All the guys from the forum have put in so much training and effort, and to read that they are finding it hard going makes me realise just how much work I will have to put in over the next year. Quite a sobering thought...
Walkers started at 8:30am and runners at 9. My pack was fairly light, but I had intended towalk most of the way as my knee had been a bit dodgy. I saw Sue, who was walking with a (very fast) chap, she was going to try to match his speed in preparation for the '100' (LDWA flagship event involving walking 100 miles in 48 hours! Maybe one day...)
We set off, and Sue and her companion strode off at an impressive pace. I started off walking down the grassy track, and as it was flat, thought I'd try a little run... I am trying to build up my 'endurance pace' which is probably laughingly slow, but hopefully one I will be able to keep up for some time. I passed Sue and told her they'd be overtaking me when I walked again. There were quite a few others who were alternating running and walking, and we ended up leapfrogging each other quite a bit.
I did take a couple of pics with my phone, but can't seem to email them onto my pc... sorry... you'll just have to try to imagine it, it was Lincolnshire so think flat, sweeping views and muddy tracks, and, er, that's about it!
We followed a few more tracks, before a road led us around a race track. I was still running apart from when it was really muddy, and managed to keep going til the first checkpoint at 6 miles in the village of Stubton. The 'proper' runners had started to come past at that point, and I stopped for a slice of lemon drizzle cakes and drinks.
There was also a 14 mile option, and routes split shortly afterwards. I started to run again, along more farm tracks across huge open fields. The wind had picked up, and we were unfortunately running into it which made things quite tough. More runners came past, and I was still jogging. We reached the village of Hougham at around 10 miles, and a really picturesque section over the river and by the church. The sun was out, in fact we were quite lucky with the weather as the forecast had been quite dire. I walked through the village as I was replying to a text message (bloomin' mobile phones!!) but as we reached the neighbouring village of Marston I was running again.
I kept it up along more flat, wide fields but hit the first real hill of the day and walked. The next checkpoint wasn't too far, and my legs were getting a little tired, although my knee seemed to be ok luckily. I stopped every so often to stretch it out and it seemed to do the trick. I could see for miles, and there was nobody in sight in any direction. I felt a little lonely as I walked into Barkston, but the coffee, jam sandwiches and chocolate at the checkpoint in the school more than made up for it! I had a bit of a linger and a chat to the checkpoint ladies who told me to load up on choccie bars for later; I don't need telling twice!!
Straight after the checkpoint was quite a long, steep hill, especially for this part of the country. I followed two ladies on horses up it and when we reached the top and turned on to a track I started jogging again and passed them. It started to rain quite heavily, and I thought that was it for the day but luckily it blew over.
We entered some fields, with another long ascent, which I walked. I could see a group of runner/ walkers quite a way ahead which was quite useful, as although there were signs and coloured ribbon, navigation at this point took quite a lot of concentration! I was still jogging on the flat, but I suspect that there were probably folk actually walking quicker! There was a bit of a road walk after, unfortunately sporting a vast array of various roadkill (pheasants mainly). I had a bit of a heart stopping moment when a hare shot across the road, as there was an ice cream van approaching which wasn't going to slow down, but it made it!
We were warned that the next section was slippery but it wasn't too bad. I was still jogging although my legs were suffering a fair bit. A chap overtook me who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon, and we reached Ancaster, with it's Roman heritage, and the last checkpoint. This was bliss- more coffee and cold rice pudding!!!
The very last section was quite undulating so I walked uphill along more tracks. I caught up with 'Big Dave', who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon too. He told me that another group of runners/ walkers had got lost so were still behind us. About half a mile from the end, it started to rain- that horrible, icy rain that hurts- so I managed to jog back in but I wasn't half glad to stop! My time- an amazing for me 6 hours and 10 minutes!!!
There was crumble and custard on offer plus a gorgeous selection of cakes! Sue and her companion finished in 6 hours 40 minutes which is a great time for walking. The group that got lost came in and announced that they had done 29 miles!
I was aching a bit the next day, but not too badly, and there was no knee pain- in fact, I managed to walk to Syston and back, and even run a little. What pleased me even more was when I found my certificate from when I did the Canter in 2004 and it took me 9 hours 34 minutes for the same route!
Total weekly mileage for last week was 43 1/2 miles, not too bad!!
Well, I have been following this year's MdS on the Darbaroud site here- and it is the long day today so really thinking of everybody out there. It is really hitting home how serious this event is. All the guys from the forum have put in so much training and effort, and to read that they are finding it hard going makes me realise just how much work I will have to put in over the next year. Quite a sobering thought...
Labels: Caythorpe Canter, Marathon des Sables
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
The Nottingham Eye
I have neglected my blog this week, things have been rather hectic on the home front, and I have been glued to the Darbaroud website looking for news of the lucky lads and lassies battling the Sahara...
Well, I had an adventure of sorts; in Nottingham at the moment we have the Nottingham Eye... a temporary big wheel right slap bang in the middle of Nottingham. It is 200 feet up, with 40 'gondola' capsules, and pretty impressive...
My mum was determined she wanted to go on it, so we decided that last Friday we would definately do it. It had been raining all day, but we were treated to sunny blue skies which was quite lucky. As we approached the wheel, we were taken slightly aback by the sheer size of the thing, and I dragged mum on quick before she had too many second thoughts. The capsules were enclosed, with metal gates either side for entry and exit. I must say, I didn't really get the sense of motion- not like the good old fair ground wheels wher you felt every creak and movement.
The view was excellent though, and a one off chance of seeing Nottingham from above. Mum wasn't too keen and kept swapping sides to avoid travelling backwards, luckily we had a 'gondola' to ourselves! I honestly didn't see the signs advising against standing (and would have probably still ignored them!) so was merrily clicking away at the view.
I think we went round four times in all (although mum maintains it was five) before going for a cappucino to repair her shattered nerves. But she did agree that it was worth the £5 for the experience!
Labels: Nottingham Eye
