Rich's Running Ramblings

New Balance 1080

2011-06-17T14:03:00.000+01:00

I was recently received a pair of NB1080 trainers, which are the first pair of NB's I have had since I ran in a pair of 851's in the 2001 London Marathon, so with the chance to see how they had progressed exactly 10 years on I set out testing!

Initially the shoes appeared very large and looked heavy, but on this occasion looks proved to be deceptive (actually had to check my backpack when I took them to work, to run home, to make sure I still had them with me) and I was soon slipping them on for my first run (Testing mileage of 145 miles in 1 month - well, work has been hectic - as I build up for the Shotley 55 mile challenge in September!

The fit was perfect and initially, like all new trainers the cushioning was plush and ride very springy, but unlike others after a good month of running there was no reduced performance! The cushioning still felt new and although the heel is well supported the ride is still responsive and the shoe grips well in all but even the wettest road conditions (thanks to the rains finally arriving).

Although a road shoe it still gripped reasonably well on harder trails and tracks, but would not be good for proper off-roading - will be good to get an NB trail shoe and see how that compares!

In all a very good shoe for all but the severest of pronators, and one I would heartily recommend and one that has me believing that New Balance have not changed massively in the last 10 years, but stuck with the tradition of producing great running shoes across the running spectrum for runners of all abilities!

Buff in The Saddle

2011-05-04T13:27:00.000+01:00

The title doesn’t relate to a strange habit I have got into (or maybe it does, depending on your lifestyle), but it refers to the new bit of clothing I have received from Buffwear UK - The Buff Pro Bib cycle shorts.

I started riding again in August last year, ahead of the London Duathlon and Sevenoaks Triathlon , and after several months off over the winter period decided that with the reoccurring lower leg injury that cross-training was the best option and cycling fitted best – so now I am hooked, to the point of rather riding than running and have even joined a local cycle team - Interbike Schils - based in Marks Tey. Now to compliment my riding (which I am told is very good for my age - should I be insulted????) I need the kit, and have tried DHB shorts and baggies and found that nothing was that great until Sarah at Buffwear sent me a pair of the Buff Pro Bib cycle shorts – and were they worth the wait!!

The shorts are slightly shorter than standard cycle shorts, but the feel and comfort is excellent, to the degree that it is easy to forget they are on, which is exactly what you want from running/cycling clothing, rather than worry about chafing, pinching and feeling uncomfortable. The material is made from very elasticated material, which clings to your body, moving with rather than against you, ideal for a fast cadence, but still adding support to the leg muscles, without being restrictive! The bib straps over the shoulders are tight, again without restricting movement, and the cycle pad inside the shorts is of ample size (no comments please), without looking like a baby’s diaper!

All in all, I was very satisfied with the shorts and they are now a key item of my cycling kit, along with my Buff socks, Zebra UV Headband and Buff BOW 08, so I can truly say that I love cycling in the Buff!!

Hopefully i will start getting a few races under my belt over the coming months, although i still have the Shotely Challenge (55 mile ultra) to run in September, so i can't spend too much time on the bike, but, as i start a new job on Tuesday next week, it will hopefully keep me fit until i can sort out training plans (must get a Turbo Trainer - can anyone help???)

Until next time - stay safe - stay seen - stay Buff!!

Will I ever race again!!

2011-04-18T15:35:00.002+01:00

Another couple of very hectic weeks have passed and running again has bit the bullet. Since my last post I have been offered a new job, based in Docklands in London, starting on May 6th, with Nuplex Resins Ltd – all very exciting and an extremely good career move and more responsibility, however I will miss my current employer, Wilkin & Sons AKA Tiptree Jam, makers of the best preserves and marmalades in the world - available at all good supermarkets and deli’s (if it’s not there, ask them to get in touch and stock it!!).

http://www.redmoped.co.uk/

Anyway, all this upheaval in the last few weeks, has meant that energy at the weekend has been limited and with only limited mid-week training time running has borne the brunt of it, meaning that another race will be cancelled (Halstead Marathon), but then with nothing planned until September (Shotley Challenge) I will have time to get back into the swing of things and sort out training that suits me and my new lifestyle. Conveniently my new employer has showers at work, so lunchtime runs will be a must and with the Crowne Plaza Hotel nearby, with its 25m pool I can get some swimming in – just need a turbo-trainer for the bike and I can train for triathlons still (talking of cycling - great new pair of Buff Pro bib cycling shorts received - review coming).

Also I can now set my sights on going back to do the Marathon Des Sables (don’t tell the wife!!!), probably in 2014, due to the waitlist in the UK being 3 years, and also look at doing the 6633 ultra (definitely don’t tell the wife!!!), either in 2013 or 2015, so bigger thing on the horizon. As for an Ironman place - still nothing and to be honest probably a good thing now, although I may look at doing and Ironman 70.3 instead if I can get a place, as these sell out very quickly, and training will be easier to fit in.

So that’s it for the time being – I watched the London Marathon with envy and admiration (I’ll be there next year, regardless) - Well done all who finished, especially Zoe Orrin-Mumford, as part of her 1000 Miles in a Year for Breast Cancer Also a big mention for the unstoppable Mr Alex Flynn, who ran in the Brighton Marathon the week earlier (with a heavy cold) as part of the 10 Million Metres Challenge i started with him in 2009. Alex has now completed 1,150,000 metres, with a massive run across Europe in June to come, as well as the Challenge Henley Ironman in September and then many miles more over the next 3 years, go visit his website - http://www.alexflynn.co.uk/ - and donate some money please - Simples!!

Laters
Rich

Striding Out

2011-04-04T12:56:00.000+01:00

A few quiet weeks after the disappointment of having to pull out of the London Marathon, so training has been low key, although I have managed to put in a couple of 4 milers in the lighter evenings and 2 runs to work and home (15 miles each), but, with the left leg still causing a few problems, it’s obvious that I made the right decision – so the bike has been getting a good outing and I am getting a some good mileage in the legs, in anticipation of some triathlons and duathlons (and hopefully an Ironman, if I can get a place). Running will hopefully increase as things progress and with the Halsted Marathon still 4 weeks away, I have yet to make a decision on whether to run or not – I will, however need to increase the Sunday morning runs, if I want to finish in a reasonable time.

Looking further ahead, I would love to do the South Downs Marathon in June, and will hopefully be joining Alex Flynn on the first stage of his run across Europe, although I will need to be a lot fitter than I am now. Further on I am still eyeing the Grimsthorpe 105 Ultra and Shotley Challenge 55 mile ultra, in August & September respectively, before ending the year doing the Beachy Head marathon in October – but as I have found, so far this year, best laid plans ……………. etc. etc.

But, as promised, here is my review of the new Polaroid Strider Sunglasses. When I received these I was surprised at how light and supple they were, almost to the degree of feeling too flimsy, but it was quickly apparent that these were a lot sturdier than appeared. These glasses have been used whilst both running and cycling and I have found that they suit both admirably. The rubber nose grips are a good size (without being over generous), meaning that the glasses sit very comfortably, and the arms grip well, without squeezing, and being cushioned on the inside feel very stable.

Perfectly polarized lenses, that didn’t fog up, on either bike or run, filtered out a lot of sunlight, yet didn’t seem too dark on the odd cloudy runs I had, meaning could keep them on. All supplied in a very snazzy Silver and black check design and coming in a sturdy carry-case, ideal for sticking in your pack, should you not need them later.

All in all a very good product that can be used for more than just running and riding and sports, and looking just as cool being worn out and about in the park etc (cool if worn by someone better looking than me that is).

Given the choice on the current market I would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a good, light, yet strong pair of sunglasses – top marks from me!!!

Hopefully in my next update I will have a clearer picture of my expectations in the Halstead Marathon and the year ahead and hopefully news of an Ironman place too.

Enjoy your running!!

Out and definitely Down

2011-03-21T12:32:00.000Z

Another weekend has passed and with it the Fleet ½ Marathon, the 3rd race this year I have missed, and not the last, due to a re-occurring left calf strain that won’t go away, which means I have missed a fair bit of training and therefore have had to make the very hard decision to pull out of the London Marathon (deferring my entry for another year). Although the calf issue is only a minor one and I could have probably done the marathon in 5ish hours the annoying niggle seems only happy when I am cycling, and with other races ahead (Halstead Marathon could also be a victim of this) it was common-sense to say “forget it” and save myself for another day. To say that I was disappointed is an understatement!!!!

However this also made me realize how much this is all costing me, as race entry fees are still rising, which, with the increasing costs of petrol or train fares, hotel bills and restaurant bills to consider for both me and my wife (in the case of London Marathon) it make racing extremely expensive, and that’s only basic road races! Once you start getting into Ultras (most are £40 entry) as well as Triathlons/Duathlons and even further then you can quite easily spend over £500 just doing a handful of races each year.

With new trainers being required once you get past doing 350 miles in a pair and kit wearing out (luckily I have great Compression gear from CompresSport – which is lasting well), the cost of racing rises quicker than a politian’s expenses sheet and surely this must all start to impact on race organizers soon, as turn out starts to dwindle.

However I am lucky in that I am doing the Shotley Challenge in September – 55 miles of countryside, woods, fields and estuary bank in “Constable Country”. It comes with 10 Check-points, all stocking cakes, tea, coffee, biscuits, rice pudding and hot food (at half-way) and all for only £11 – why, because it is organized by the Long Distance Walking Association!! OK there are no shiny medals or t-shirts at the finish (badge and certificate available), and it doesn’t have the razz-a-ma-tazz of big road races, but having done it 2½ years ago, and enjoying the whole thing (even after 50 miles), being able to be alone in the middle of the night in moon-lit stunning countryside makes being a runner a hobby worth doing.

As with all sports there are always highs and lows and yes! I am currently experiencing an extreme low (hence the grumble) and looking forward things hopefully will get easier (robbing a bank isn’t the solution I have been told), but with the greatest show on earth coming to London next year surely race organizers and sports councils could take note of how the LDWA can do their events so cheaply and so well and learn from them!!

Oh well lets be positive - spring is here so the old push-bike will get plenty of use so I can keep fit that way, and with petrol prices still rising there won’t be as many cars on the road – Happy days!!!

Next post will have a review of the Polaroid Stride P7123C Sunglasses, which i have been given to test by Polaroid, and with limited running ahead will see how they perform on the bike - watch this space!

Out but not Down

2011-03-07T12:24:00.000Z

Its been a frustrating few weeks, after seeming to be doing so well on the training front (only 6 weeks until London). With plans to do plenty of extra training during the school half-term break I managed to end up with an aching ankle after the long Sunday run, so I thought I would do shorter runs and swim and cross-train just to keep things moving. However a very long day in London on the Monday and then a few appointments later in the week put paid to anything happening until I fought my way round an 18 miler last Sunday (thankfully with no ankle pain).

So with all this in mind I decided that I would be better off abandoning the Dunmow Duathlon, in favour of a split-day training run on the Friday (19 miles) and a nice slow run on the Sunday. Friday mornings run (11.5 miles) was a bit of an ordeal, more due to a lack of food from the night before (I usually run to work and then have breakfast, that way I can start earlier and not wake the family up crashing about cooking porridge), once there a decent day of re-fuelling meant that I was fine for the run home (7.5 miles) and once showered made full use of my Compressport Full Legs to make sure I would be fine for Sunday. I did look at entering the Essex 20 miler, but with no entries on the day settled for a nice countryside amble, and feeling happier with the ankle and the fact that with only 6 weeks to go that I was making progress towards getting round the marathon in a reasonable time (aims for a PB are long gone now)!

Looking further ahead I am planning to sign up for South Downs Marathon in June for my 3rd time at this great race – very challenging and stunning scenery, as well as a well-organised race and top goodie bag. I want to do the Braintree Duathlon in May, now that I have pulled out of the Grand Union Canal Race, however time with family is very important, but with the race only 10 miles from my house, I’m sure I can get way for a few hours.

Big ones for this year now are the Grimsthorpe Ultra (either 70 or 105 miles) and Shotley Peninsula Challenge (55 Miles), in August and September respectively, although with other matters to consider training time may be an issue, but I will cross that bridge when I get there. Also i may be getting an entry into the Outlaw Ironman - but more on that when i know!!

Next up is the Fleet ½ Marathon on Sunday 20th, and report the next day, so until then enjoy the spring mornings!

50 by 50

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000Z

Another few weeks training have come and gone and fitness is returning to where I need it to be to take on the next few months (Duathlon, ½ marathon and Marathon all by middle of April), and now that a large distraction, which would have seen me doing the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, has been removed I have been able to throw more effort into my training and concentrate on the task in hand. I am still using a 3-day-a-week training programme, with a short (5 mile) effort session mid-week, a run to work and home “split day” on a Friday (anywhere between 13 and 18 miles in total), with pack and the standard 15 mile+ LSD run on a Sunday, which will see me right for the London Marathon. Once the Marathon is over I will then be adding an extra weekly run and pushing the Friday run up to 30 miles in preparation for the Grand Union Canal Race in late May, including running to, running in and running home from the Halstead Marathon in May.

Other plans for the year have changed slightly, now that the Loch Ness Marathon is off, and i have signed up for the Beachy Head Marathon in late October, to run with and support Zoe Orrin Mumford as she attempts to do 1000 miles in a year for Breast Cancer!!

I am also looking at doing the Rutland Marathon a month later, which will make 4 marathons for the year, starting me back on the way to hitting 50 by my 50th birthday (10 done so far and 6½ years until D-Day). This means I will need to average 6 marathons a year, which isn’t a great deal, but I am also now looking at doing the Marathon Des Sables again in 2013/2014 and hopefully the 6633 Ultra as well, finances pending of course. I last did the MdS in 2009 and still watch highlights of last year and hear of other doing this year’s race (and have a documentary interview to do with a local BBC reporter doing the race this year), with immense envy, but with entry fees now over £3500 it’s a lot to “stump up”, and justify, without getting some serious sponsorship (all offers accepted), so dates may change accordingly (saving £10 per month should see me there by my 70th).

Other races (all raising money for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity) planned are Grimsthorpe Ultra in August (70 miles), Shotley Challenge in September (55 miles) and hopefully another Duathlon as well as some local Triathlons along the way too!

It’s going to get busy!!!

Until next time (After the Dunmow Duathlon) - Stay safe - stay seen!!!

Rear in Gear

2011-01-24T10:28:00.000Z

Finally an update, after almost 3 weeks of little or nothing on the running front!! After trying to do some runs between Christmas and the new year it all dropped off with the return to work and on-set of an inconvenient heavy cold hat had me off work for 2 days and off running until last Monday (17th). I did return in typical fashion by running to work and the home again in the evening, making the whole day a 15 miler and did I suffer afterwards! My legs felt great (combination of using the Compressport socks and R2's for recovery), but core was a mess and sitting up straight on Tuesday was a workout in its self - new plan formulated to sort that bit out!!
After a few days to recover I repeated the Monday run on Friday and finally finished the week off with a 13 miler on Sunday - so 43 miles for the first week back, but with only 12 weeks to go until the London Marathon I need to get my "rear in gear"!!

I have a ½ marathon due on Feb 6th, and then nothing until March 5th (a Duathlon - so better get the bike out too), then another ½ followed by London - so quite a busy period over the next few months!

Hopefully this will get me ready for the Grand Union Canal Race in May, which I have been mentally running, during training and already planning food and kit and will soon start testing foods for the run, on my longer runs. Somewhere along the way I need to plan a night run, either at the local running track or point to point with another runner, preferable in early May - distance isn't an issue, but its time on my feet after a day’s work and creating a bit of sleep deprivation, and still keep going (my wife is going to love that!!!)

Finally I am now looking for a new shoe sponsor, after Adam Smith left Fitness Footwear, and they stopped supplying me with shoes to review for them. I am still looking to promote Compressport and Buff as much as possible, and stand out in the crowd with my new Rainbow Trust Children's Charity Buff, and once I can get out on my bike will be making full use of the Compressport Quads !!

Still onwards and upwards on the mileage front!!!

Richard

Then, Now, Tomorrow

2010-12-23T13:19:00.001Z

End of the year (almost) so its time to say Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year to one and all and lets hope that 2011 is bigger and better than 2010 - not that 2010 was a bad year anyway!

2010 had its fair share of ups and downs on the running front, in more ways that one. After starting the year with the Country to Capital 45 mile Ultra I suffered a leg injury in the Thames Trot, that continued to cause issues for the next few races, and after many months of training I went to the Grand Union Canal Race in not the best frame of mind - needing a break - which I duly got, whether I liked it or not!!!

2010 saw me break into Triathlon (one to be precise), but started a spark and is something I hope to build on for 2011 (amongst other things). There are other familiar races planned, a re-visit to the GUCR and London Marathon, for the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity, and hopefully other new events including the Baxter's Loch Ness Marathon (for reasons which will become apparent).

I have to thank my sponsors for their support over 2010, namely Buff (I'm on their sponsored page), Compressport, Polaroid and Fitness Footwear, all who have supplied me with running bits, and all who have kept me going, through rain and shine (and plenty of snow too). Without them this last year would have been a whole lot tougher!

Last, but certainly not least of all, my best wishes go to Alex Flynn after a momentous year for him (see http://www.alexflynn.co.uk/ for all the details), running in not only the Grand Union Canal Race (reaching 119 miles), also doing the Europe 135 Ultra, Marathon Des Sables, London Triathlon (despite having a deep-set fear of water), Country to Capital and other races along the way, and pushing his body and commitment to raising £1M for Cure Parkinson's Trust to the max - deepest respect to the guy and I know 2011 is expected to be even bigger and better for him and the 10 Million Metre Campaign - Keep Moving Mate!!!

Update in a few weeks on a number of things in the pipeline, and how training is going, despite the um… festive traditions and here's to a good year of racing for all!!

CHEERS!!

Rich

Best Running Reads???

2010-12-08T12:46:00.003Z

Just a brief word, in response to a request i received after my last blog!

I was contacted earlier this week by Larry Dignan, who works for Onlinecollegecourses.com, who have just published a list of what they describe as "40 Exhilarating Reads for Runners", which can be found here, and he asked me, due to the nature of our shared interest, if i could post this list and ask for your comments and what your favourite running books are??

As you will see from the list there is a good selection of running guides, novels, Biographies and different running cultures around the world. One of my favourites is listed (Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen), although the list was sadly missing the excellent "Just a Little Run Around the World: 5 Years, 3 Packs of Wolves and 53 Pairs of Shoes", by Rosie Swale-Pope!

Have a look at the list and drop me some feedback, and i will pass all your comments (keep it clean!!!) back to Larry

I thank you for reading this and please don't forget to sponsor me as i run for Rainbow Trust Children's Charity next year - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Rich-Merry!!!

Let it snow!!!

2010-12-06T15:37:00.000Z

Not a great deal of news for this update. Last week saw first snow of this winter in the UK, so a run to work and home last Friday was a must, and the pleasure of running along empty country lanes at 6am with the temperature at -5c (cold for UK) was immense (sad person that I am). Plenty of wild animal tacks around, some being very large too, along side my elephantine footprints!!!. The run was made more enjoyable with having a Buffwear Polar Buff on and the ever present R2's from Compressport - thanks to both companies for their support.

Additionally, following a call out of the blue from Atheer at Wildfire Word of Mouth, who had been reading my blog (i KNEW someone was) Adidas sent me a pair of Swoop 2's to try out and report back on, and I have to say that the grip and feel of the shoes in the snow was immense (I wonder if I can get car tyres with the same tread???). The "radioactive" colouring may not suit everyone, but the ride and comfort certainly will, and I can see myself putting in many miles across the trails over the winter period.

Talking of trail running - I am returning to the Colchester Harriers fold and will be running in my first X-country race in 5 years on Sunday week at Halstead, and will be heading out in the Swoop 2's, as spikes wont be suitable for the whole race - will be a true test of my fitness and stamina (5.5 mile course), and will be good to get back to training and running with others ahead of next years big races. One of the Harriers runners (Sean Ketteridge) is also running the Grand Union Canal Race, so hopefully I can meet up with him and get some training done (if he can slow down enough). I intend to race the GUCR un-supported next year, so need to spend long days out running alone, providing I can find the time to get the mileage in.

In my last ramble I said that triathlons were off next year, but I have been offered a possible place at the Harwich Olympic distance Triathlon in July, so (with my planning hat on) I have looked at a swimming training schedule and will use the recovery time after the GUCR to swim and cycle, rather than run and train that way - active recovery!!!

Enough ramblings for now!!

Don’t forget I can be sponsored for both the 2011 London Marathon and the GUCR at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Rich-Merry, monies to go to the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity and Cure Parkinson's Trust!!

Stay warm, stay safe, stay seen!!!

Compressport Impress again!!

2010-11-22T11:08:00.000Z

A headline that has been adapted, due to the arrival of 2 new products from Compressport. The Full Socks and Full Leg compression clothing from Compressport, isn't just up with the best, it has to be one of the best!

The first time I used these was on Monday last week after a few weeks lay off from running and I did a 7 mile run to work and then the same home again that evening. The energy I still had in my legs was staggering, due to the support, and even though I was flagging towards the end, my legs felt like they could carry on for hours!!

The feeling once they are on is instant graduated pressure, rather than complete "squeeze it all together" pressure of other products. The Full Leg offers the combined benefits of the R2 and Quad products from Compressport by reducing the build up of lactic acid in the muscles and helping blood flow, and thus getting more oxygen to the muscles, helping them to not only work hard, but recover quicker (also ideal to wear after exercise to help aid recovery). They are ideal for those hard evening runs, worn under running legging and with the very cold mornings adds extra warmth, without over heating to the whole leg.

The Full socks are without question the best I have ever used. Again the pressure supports the calf, and reduces muscle vibration, which in turn reduces the energy used and keeps the calves feeling fresh and full of go!! Funky little 3D.Dots on the soles are there to keep the feet cool, by allowing air in and the arch support is compressed enough to help the blood flow to keep the calves working, without feeling restrictive.

These items are now a permanent fixture in my kit bag, and when Compressport extend their range into clothing for the upper body next year, you can guarantee that those products will be just as good and push the other compression companies into second place.

Cant wait for my next training session later today!!

On The Road Again

2010-11-11T12:17:00.000Z

Well its been a while since I updated my blog as the 2 months since the 7Oaks triathlon have been mixed and quite difficult. Work has been busy, busy, busy culminating in a visit from the Queen (all good, but energy sapping), and hours at work have changed, causing a change of routine and restrictions on running. Add to that a bit of illness and I have decided not to do the Salomon Turbo X on November 21st, and concentrate on base-building for the next 6 weeks before I start training for the London Marathon (Running for Rainbow Trust Childrens Charity)

My goals for next year have also changed, mainly due to the work hours changing for both my wife and myself, which means that family time is premium and therefore swimming has taken a hit, so no triathlons next year (nuts!!). However I intend to cycle to work once a week, adding a X-training element to my training, and allowing me to do Duathlons next year (first one is Dunmow on March 6th), but it looks like a 3 day running week, so I will be using the Furman Institute of Running and Scientific Training (FIRST) marathon training program. This training program has produced good results with runners doing three key workouts in any order throughout the week (Interval session, Tempo run and LSD run), leaving at least one day between the key workouts and either cross-train or complete easy runs on other days of the week - sounds perfect!!

After the London Marathon training will be ramped up, as I have just gained a place in the Grand Union Canal Race in May 2011. This is the race that I had problems in this year (blood-diversion caused issues at 70 miles forcing me to retire), but my approach to training and to the race will be different this time and food intake will be better, as last time I felt I wasn’t burning enough off and didn’t replace as I should have - stupid!! Training plans have been drawn up, to accommodate the extra training (days off work, early starts etc) after the marathon, and in fact the marathon itself will almost be a training run, with 33,000 team-mates!!

Other races next year are currently planned as follows, but subject to change as sees fit!

Gt Bentley ½ Marathon - Feb
Dunmow Duathlon - March
Halstead Marathon - May (GUCR Training run)
Grimsthorpe 70 Mile Ultra - Aug
Shotley 55 Mile Challenge - Sept

I am hoping to add a new post next week, as I am expecting some new CompresSport goodies, and will be getting out and reviewing them for all to benefit. If they are as good as previous items (R2's & Quad's) then I'm in for a treat!!

Until then
Be safe - be seen

Rainbow Trust - Virgin London Marathon

2010-10-05T18:00:00.004+01:00

Recently i had it confirmed that i had been accepted into next years Virgin London Marathon, after 5 years of being rejected via the ballot system.

As is usual for this event and the publicity surrounding such a large occasion, fundraising for charity becomes a must, and although i am currently in the middle of raising money for Cure Parkinson's Trust, i consider the London Marathon to be something very special in the running calender and therefore want to us this as a chance to involve another charity!

As my wife was hoping to get in and failed via the ballot, she wanted it to be a children's charity, and once the magazine arrived we immediately set our minds on the Rainbow Trust Children's Charity!

But why choose them?? Having a daughter of our own is a precious thing, and the thought of her being seriously ill, possibly terminally ill, is something we dare not think about, however others aren't so fortunate, and we want to do what we can to make life a bit easier for them in their time of need (please don't think i am being condescending with that statement)

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. Rainbow Trust's Family Support Workers join the family in their own home and are there to provide practical support.

Rainbow relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and through the generosity of their supporters they are able to help around 1,000 families a year.

Please help me to help them by donating what you can via one of the below "giving sites"

http://www.justgiving.com/rich-merry
or
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Rich-Merry

Thank you for your support
Rich

Run 10k - a Wander in the Park

2010-10-04T13:57:00.000+01:00

3rd October 2010

Last Sunday i went for a rather nice amble through Hylands Park on the outskirts of Chelmsford, although when i say nice my wife would not be one to agree.

This was the Cancer Research "Race for Life" 10k, one of their races that include men, rather than the 5k, which are women only. Mandy had already done the 5k earlier in the year and this was her attempt to go longer, however after a week of feeling rough and low on energy she wasn't expecting to fly around the course. So at 11am Mandy and myself lined up for the race, towards the back of the 1500 strong field, mostly clad in light blue t-shirts, although there was a smattering of Bobby Moore Trust red ones to boot!

As this was her first 10k race i decided that i want to keep her company and do the course with her, and we set off at her pace, with me encouraging her to stay clam and "tick over", rather than go out fast!

The route itself wound snake-like round the estate twice, and was all off-road, which caused her immense problems. Only having run on roads and paths and not having any trail shoes, she was slipping and sliding everywhere, as the ground was sodden and had been churned up by the runners in front. I was fine in my Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity shoes, but it was a real struggle her her.

This combined with the undulating terrain, lack of energy, strong cross winds and missed training made it a real slog, but she didn't complain (too much), and gritted her teeth and duly finished with a final flourish, crossing the line together and feeling very happy that she had finished.

Once warm, with a medal around her neck she has vowed to do more, once she gets some decent footwear, and next time has promised to out-sprint me at the finish, which could cause a domestic problem if i over-take her.

My next race is the Turbo X, on November 21st, which she has gracefully declined to take part in (i cant use her exact words, without this site being suspended!!!), so plenty of relaxed training for a few weeks, the after that race i have the Virgin London Marathon in April, having been accepted (after 5 years of rejections) - so this time i am aiming for a PB.

Til next time - stay safe!!

Sevenoaks Triathlon - Kent - 19th Sept

2010-09-20T09:04:00.000+01:00

Was I ready?? - Sort of!!

Did I finish?? - You bet!!!

After the events of last Sunday I wasn’t certain if I would make the start of this race, but after a light swim and cycle mid-week and a 2m run on Saturday I felt I was ready, even though the calves were still a bit sore and so at 4:30am (again) i dragged myself out of bed, stuck my bike on the back of the car and I was off again for a 7:35 start in the Sevenoaks Leisure centre.

Once i had arrived and parked i made my way to registration, where i collected a huge goodie bag (more about that later), was marked up with my race number and fixed numbers to all the parts of my body and kit that I had to and then racked my bike in the appropriate slot.

This was a sprint Tri (actually my first ever Tri) consisting of 400m pool swim, 25k bike ride and 8k run, and although nervous as hell, I was now ready for this.

Swim - I have never been a very good swimmer and have never learnt to freestyle properly, so i opted for the Breaststroke, which, in recent months of training has improved, so at 7:35am, with 16 lengths of the pool ahead, surrounded by other swimmers (this will be fun I thought (!?!?)). I set off in my lane with 3 others, and after thrashing up and down for 9 mins, was able to drag myself out of the pool and head off to the first transition to bike. When i say 9mins, that was the clock on the wall time, officially it was 10:19, but that included the run to the transition, so 50 metres away across a stony car-park!

Transition 1 - On with the helmet, followed by socks, bike shoes and sunglasses. I healthy swig of Lucozade sport and i was off to the mount zone and away (2min 29secs - happy with that!!)

Bike leg - From the below chart you can see that it wasn't the flattest of courses, and with climbs almost straight away i decided to take the first few miles easy, to get my orientation and save something for 14-15km in, and boy was i glad i did.

The hair-raising, cheek-clenching descent from 4-5km saw me covering my brakes, and still hitting 30mph, and with a severe wobble halfway down had me wondering if my life insurance was up-to-date!! The rest of the course was less dramatic on a downwards theme, and at 14km more of a snails view of life as i slowly climbed Stone Hill (and we are talking 5mph here).

This was followed by a a very technical section of hair-pin bends and short, sharp climbs and drops, and finally a the short climb into the town and back to transition!!! Total time for the ride - 55min 16sec, which considering i was aiming for 1 hour, was very pleasing.

Transition 2 - Off with the bike shoes, and gloves, on with my running shoes, grab a banana and off into the run (1min 24sec)

Run Leg - Feeling totally drained, despite spinning my legs for the last 100m of the ride, i headed off into the the beautiful Knoal Park, for 5 miles of severe undulations, stunning scenery (including deer charging across only yards in front of me), and a final killer climb, sapping every last bit of energy, and making me realise that i need to concentrate more on doing "bricks" in training and not relying so much on my standard running training! - These 5 miles took me 42:50, compared to a PB of 31:15 (but that was flat!!!).

Tired, but elated i crashed over the finish line, to receive a massive goodie bag, filled with a great Buff (aren't they all great though???), For Goodness Shakes, Triathlon Plus magazine, Gatorade, Powerbars and more,and received my all important finishers medal!!

So my overall final time was 1hr 52min 20sec

Swim - 10:19
T1 - 02:29
Bike - 55:16
T2 - 01:24
Run - 42:50

Final position 188 from 388

My overall impression of the race - I can see why it was voted 220 Magazine Race of the year 2009, as the whole thing was slick and very well organised. The marshalls were superb, as was the goodie bag, and the course very challenging. This race and experience has prompted me to join a club (Born 2 Tri) again and get more advice and support and more structure to my training, so that next year I can do more Triathlons and hopefully stay fitter and injury free, with the hopes that i may even do an Ironman!!

Kit List

Fitness Footwear - Saucony Pro Grid Hurricane

Orca - Core Tri Pant & Core Tri Tank

Polaroid - Mercury Sunglasses

Next up - Race for Life 10k at Chelmsford with my beloved, doing her first 10k (and panicking about whether she will be picked in the London Marathon Ballot - sorry dear!!!)

DNF in the city park!!

2010-09-15T08:13:00.001+01:00

London Duathlon Ultra - 12th Sept - Richmond Park.

Was I ready?? - Yes I was!!

Did I finish?? - No I didn’t!!

The day started smoothly enough (at 4:30am) and after a 90 min drive to the competitors car-park I made my way through the misty surrounds of the park to register and collect my race numbers. Once through and with numbers affixed to the relevant parts of my bike I wandered over to the transition area to rack my bike and lay out bike shoes, helmet and Buff cycle gloves for the race. Looking around at others it was obvious I wasn’t the only nervous one there, but I had trained consistently both on the bike and running (mixed in with Triathlon swimming) and was feeling fine and ready!

The morning temperature started to rise quite quickly so it was going to be a nice dry day, probably too dry!! I then spotted that Tim Williams and Sarah Hill Sibby of CompresSport were setting up the stand and as it was Tim who had got me a place and supplies me with the fantastic R2 and Quad Compression gear, I was there like a shot!!

We were soon joined by Alex Flynn, who had come to watch, despite still recovering from the Europe 135, which he had finished the previous week and support (ended up selling the CompresSport gear eventually as well), and was soon off to the start area, ready for action.

The race consisted of running 2x10km loops of the inner road or the park, then cycling 7x11.5km loops of the outer road and back for another 10k run on the inner loop. The first loop went fine, nice pace, nothing fancy and taking water at the 3 CP on the way, and generally enjoying the surrounds of the park, with its deer wandering around however…………

At the end of the first lap we had a small excursion off road, through the edge of the transition area and back onto the road! This was not the most even of ground and my left foot found a trough in the soil and I came down heavily on that knee. I then spent the next lap nursing the throbbing knee, especially on the hills, stretching in places, before finally completing the whole 20k in 1:38. In to transition (carefully) and looking forward to taking the weight off on the bike. Quickly changing and getting onto the road and settling down I found myself up to speed quickly and felt very comfortable on the road, passing other in front and getting ready for the climb at 2km in.

This climb, albeit not a long stretch was short and sharp and finished me off!!

As I changed down gear and stood up in the pedals to gain power into the climb I felt a searing pain shoot across my left calf and had to come off the road (almost off the bike too) and stop. After walking a few yards I tried to restart, but could put no downward pressure on that side - my race was over!!

Despondently I then had to trudge the 2km back to the start area, not being able to put much weight on the left leg and glaring with envy at the other cyclist speeding past - I was gutted!! I had trained for this since the start of June and was not only out of this race but the 7Oaks Triathlon could also be off too, if I couldn't recover.

I made my way back to the CompresSport tent, was met with worried looks and sympathy, and after an hour or so, decided to limp back to the car and home!!!

I have vowed to return next year and finish what I started, watching out for pothole and hopefully I will collect that medal in due course. One positive is that the experience of the Duathlon was incredible, seeing the combination of many runners and cyclists of all types enjoying the day and racing together - it has certainly left me wanting more!!

Kit List
CompresSport - R2 & Quads
Fitness Footwear - Saucony Pro Grid Hurricane
Orca - Core Tri Pant
Buff - BOW10 T-Shirt
Polaroid - Mercury Sunglasses

Hi-Tec and Hi-Performance.

2010-09-07T12:21:00.001+01:00

In the last few weeks I have been trying out the new Hi-Tec V-Lite Infinity adventure shoe in shocking green and silver (Stunning looks). A shoe that was promoted by Hi-tec in their running on water video (review by myself in July) and now a permanent fixture in my trail runs too.

My initial thoughts were quite reserved, as the shoes arrived ½ size smaller than I usually take but I was surprised at the great fit and feel of the shoe, and that they still seemed loose rather than tight. They feel incredibly light and with a very good Vibram Outsole they took to the trails, fields and road with little effort and maximum grip (yet to be tested in the muddiest conditions).

But it’s the seamless mesh (that Hi-tec call SUZE), which is a single piece mesh providing protection, support and breathability, as well as reduced stitching that really worked for me! This added to the comfort and still kept the shoe light, which combined with the Hi-Tec "ion" treatment for quick drying and water resistance meant the water uptake was minimal and what was taken on board was quickly expelled.

If I was to be picky about anything it would have to be the laces, understandably thin to stop them from absorbing water, but because they are thin it is hard to do a tight enough knot to stop them from coming un-done on a long run - best answer is a lace lock, which should come as standard - other than that these Hi-Tec Trainers are spot on and will work wonders hopefully as the winter progresses.

For more about the shoe visit http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/ - a great company who are supporting me for the 10 million metre challenge, and keeping me on my feet!!!

Tri and Run With CompresSport

2010-07-29T11:18:00.000+01:00

Today i have received some great news from Tim Williams of CompresSport who has told me that Greg Bryce at TriandRun, based in Chigwell in Essex are going to lend Alex and Myself a pair of bikes for the London Duathlon on September 12th at Richmond Park.

This will give us both a fighting chance of a good time as we take on the Ultra distance of 20km run/80km bike/10km run, all which must be completed inside 6hrs 15 min. This will be my first Duathlon, a week ahead of my first Triathlon (Sevenoaks on the 19th) and one i have been training for on a mountain bike, which weighs a tonne and adds immense resistance with heavy knobbled tyres, still it builds up the leg strength at least. The Racing bikes will allow us to cut down times and feel more confident of doing well in the race.

Swimming for the Tri has been going reasonably well, although i have to swim breaststroke, due to a shoulder "clicking" problem, mind you i can now do 400m (required distance in the event I'm doing) in 8:30, and should be quicker by race day - so not too shabby. Tomorrow will be a good session with 7m bike/600m swim/8m bike - before work and then 10m ride home in the evening - hard and tiring, but rest day on Saturday!

Running has started again and is gradually building up, so that I'm doing more than ½ marathon runs closer to the time. Last week i did a split day - run to work in the morning - shower (or be forced to work outside) and then run home in the evening - 8 miles each way. A good session as the legs are stiffer in the afternoon and have to work harder, but the return run always seems faster than the a.m. one.

The next month is going to be a tough one to get training done properly, with work taking a lot of time up at the weekends (a number of stock-takes), including the whole of the bank holiday, so i will be slipping in very early morning runs/rides to get the training done. This has also meant i wont be accompanying Alex to Bavaria for the Europe 135 to act as crew, although i am still playing a part, by getting replacement crew and sourcing hotels etc for the race.

Finally i have to say a huge thanks to Tim Williams again - last week i received a great T-shirt and Hoodie from him, ideal for training and recovery and have to say that Tim has been one of the forerunners in getting our campaign more profile and getting us help and sponsorship (such as TriandRun) and supplying us with some of the best compression guards on the market, and i am confident that CompresSport will certainly build their client base quite quickly and become a major player in the sports market - Thanks Tim!!

One more finally - hopefully i will be getting a new back-pack in the next week or so (paid for this one this time), after my Raidlight 10l finally succumbed to overuse (3 years of regular runs, bike rides and races have taken their toll) so a review will be forthcoming.

Stay tuned and stay safe!!

Shoe that fits like a glove

2010-07-19T10:26:00.000+01:00

And the shoe in question is the Vibram Five Fingers, a weird and wonderful looking shoe that is as close to barefoot running as possible, without running just in socks.

The shoe i have been using is the Men's Vibram Five Fingers Classic, one of many from the series of Vibram barefoot running shoes, and once i had carefully prised them onto my feet, locating each digit in their respective home, i found the feeling and fit very comfortable and natural (despite the roars of laughter from my wife and daughter). The only thing is that you have to learn to run again with these on, you cannot head off straight away for a 10 mile run, with your usual stride pattern. The change in gait and footfall, back to the natural way of running, is totally different from being in a cushioned, shall we say "normal" road running shoe, and once the fear of stepping on something nasty and sharp has abated it feels surprisingly free to run like this.

The shoe itself is a combination of Vibram's great gripping rubber soles that add a good level of protection and stretch fabric upper, easy drying so that it can be machine washed should you find that muddy puddle. The grip from the sole of these shoes felt very sure, on both treadmill (where i started and would recommend others to start there too) and road running, (I have yet to venture across rugged trails), and the manufacturer list Bouldering as one of its best uses, and judging by the sole of the shoe the grip look sure enough to tackle that kind of adventure.

On a personal level, this is a perfect shoe for both indoor and outdoor use whether it be going to the gym, yoga, summer adventuring in the Rockies or just a quiet 5 miler round the block, but may not be suited to everyone. Before i started using these shoes i did look at a number of reports regarding injuries when using these (mostly about too much reliance on cushioned shoes), and i would strongly advise that if you choose to use these (and i would recommend them strongly) then slowly adapting to the changed style, by even as little as only a few minutes a day, will help you adjust and enjoy spending time on your feet.

FitnessFootwear.com seems to be one of the few official Vibram Five Fingers UK stores and has a huge range of styles and colours to suit all. I would like to thank them for their continued support, and look forward to dragging Adam Smith through the mud with me at the Turbo X, at Borden in November

Safe Running All

Running on Water

2010-07-08T14:23:00.000+01:00

I've been watching a mad video on Youtube about Running on Water. The Video was created by Hi-Tec, and runs under the guise of Liquid Mountaineering, a new sport which is attempting to achieve what man has tried to do for centuries: walk on water. Or to be more precise: running on water. the concept being that with the right water repellent equipment you can run across bodies of water, just like a stone skimming the surface.

The shoes in question are the new Hi Tec V-Lite Infinity, being launched shortly in the UK, and being Hi-Tec's return into the serious footwear market, by producing the ultimate lightweight adventure performance shoe, creating a running shoe that could cope with everything while being comfortable and grippy enough for all conditions. But most importantly that it could remain incredibly lightweight without soaking up water on the fells.

Having seen the shoe advertised on the Hi-Tec Sports site and having run in Hi-Tec shoes years ago, I cant wait to get my hands on a pair and see how they have improved to become serious contenders in the trail running market, with some stunning looking shoes, that will make wet feet in winter a lot harder to find.

Role on the rainy season

2/3rds of a Tri

2010-06-28T11:21:00.000+01:00

Another few weeks of training under my belt now, in preparation for both the London Duathlon and 7Oaks Triathlon, although is only been cycling and swimming (the forced break from running until beginning of July is still in effect).

Swimming - never been a good swimmer, so this was always going to be the part I struggled with and after several weeks of trying to learn freestyle, and failing badly I have decided to stick to breaststroke, as the Triathlon will be in a pool, rather than open water. Time trials for swimming 400m have been coming down steadily (currently at 9:30), which looking at last years results, is competitive with the others. This time will hopefully drop some more, and I have been aided in the last few sessions by a pair of Orca Core Tri Pants, which have added to my buoyancy and brought the times down. I now have a structured training schedule, which will add some endurance swimming and make the shoulders stronger and get me ready for the race.

Cycling - Having spent several months cycling to work once a week I have now started on the long rides on a Sunday - nothing like quiet country roads on a Sunday morning, until you hit the hills!! Downs great - Ups not so!. Leg strength has improved a great deal, not just because of the mileage, but with a little help from a pair for CompresSport Quad Guards, which have a gradually compression and great for recovery afterwards, thanks to Time Williams, who will be at the Duathlon, with his own stand.

There have been a few tumbles, mainly due to traffic suddenly stopping, and not giving me time to release the cleats in my shoes from the pedals (7.1 for the tumble, from the Polish judge) and scrapes here and there, but all parcel of training, and at least the toenails are returning to a proper colour after the Grand Union Canal Race. I now need to look at either adapting my mountain bike for constant road use, by changing the tyres for road ones, or trying to find a proper road bike, either via sponsorship (lend my your bike and I will post a review here) or by borrowing one (any offers).

Cycling kit, is now coming together, as well as the Orca Tri Pants, which I will use for the Duathlon too, I have both a very cool Buff cycle-top, and some superb Polaroid P7003a Sunglasses, as well as the Quad Guards, so now am almost set to go.

Summer Holidays are looming for the kids, and with Mandy working during the hols, as well as a trip to Bavaria at the end of August, I will be off for a couple fo weeks, so training may hit a slump then, but have already planned a 45 mile cycle on the Bank Holiday Monday, before I go, after a 5 mile foot race on the Sunday at Mersea Island with Mandy.

Talking of running, that will start this week, probably, although with the Duathlon only having a 20k run, I wont need to do a great deal of running over the next few months, so can concentrate on the other 2 disciplines instead (review on the Vibram 5 fingers to follow soon)

That’s me for now - more in a few weeks, 'til then "Happiness is the Open Road"

Footwear - Barefoot

2010-06-14T15:19:00.001+01:00

One of the benefits of starting all over again means i will start slowly and have a chance to try some new footwear. With the current craze of barefoot running shoes, i have been given the chance to try out the
vibram five fingers and will be posting a review on these, once tested.

The concept behind these and the Invo8 Evoskin, is to try to get runners running more naturally, as we were intended. It may not be for everyone and certainly the look will put some off, but for me its something to try and see if it suits me and helps with my posture and energy levels, as it will force me to take shorter strides, land lighter and be more aware of how i run.

Adam Smith, from Fitness Footwear, has posted his own review of the New Invo8-evoskin, a direct competitor to Vibram in this market and you can read that report here.

Watch this space for the review in the next few weeks.

CrossFit!!! (Cross What???)

2010-06-14T15:16:00.001+01:00

I am currently recovering from my attempt at the Grand Union Canal Race, on Saturday 29th May, from which i was withdrawn at 70 miles due to eyesight problems.... I couldn't see!!!!. Basically (as diagnosed by my GP, and later by an ophthalmologist, who checked me for Glaucoma) it had happened due to a "blood Diversion", where the brain decides which parts of the body need more blood, during intense exercise, and mine decided that as it was 11pm my eyes weren't needed, whereas my quads were.

Following Alex closely down the canal towpath, not being able to see more than a reflective strip on his packpack, was (in a word) terrifying, although i kept my feelings to myself, until we got to the check point. My obvious confusion, as a medic pointed me to a chair to sit on, made them realise there was a problem, and after several checks pulled me out of the race (yes i would have gone on, because i wanted to try to finish, and also not let Alex down).

They were right and i have no issues with that, and have since thanked them for saving me from possible permanent problems, although at this moment in time, i still do not know what the long term implications are. It may have been a "one-off" occurrence, however have been advised that once i start running again (currently on a months sabbatical from running) to monitor the situation and gradually build up. I have set targets (London Duathlon and Sevenoaks Triathlon, both in September), and am looking to do a marathon in November - but time will tell.

However this time has given me a perfect chance to try something new, CrossFit, as suggested by Adam Smith at Fitness Footwear (crossfit shoes)

CrossFit is a core strength and conditioning program, designed to elicit as broad an adaptational response as possible. CrossFit is not a specialized fitness program but a deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in each of ten recognized fitness domains. They are Cardiovascular and Respiratory endurance, Stamina, Strength, Flexibility, Power, Speed, Coordination, Agility, Balance, and Accuracy.
The CrossFit program was developed to enhance an individual’s competency at all physical tasks. Athletes train to perform successfully at multiple, diverse, and randomized physical challenges. This fitness is demanded of military and police personnel, firefighters, and many sports requiring total or complete physical prowess. CrossFit has proven effective in these arenas.

Aside from the breadth or totality of fitness the CrossFit program seeks, the program is distinctive, if not unique, in its focus on maximizing neuroendocrine response, developing power, cross-training with multiple training modalities, constant training and practice with functional movements, and the development of successful diet strategies.

For more about this craze go to http://crossfitlondonuk.com and for the best footwear around the gym check out the Fitness Footwear range of crossfit trainers

Impressed by CompresSport

2010-05-13T09:20:00.003+01:00

Its not often that i rave about a product, usually i will be positive and say what i think, being honest, but fair, but raving is something i stopped doing years ago......

But that changed yesterday with the arrival of a pair of CompresSport R2 Calf guards, courtesy of UK company director Tim Williams. CompresSport Calf and Quad supports are designed to compress the area around the calf, reducing the accumulation of toxins especially on long runs. this allows better movement of oxygenated blood around the body, thus bringing a better muscle recovery during exercise. The compression also reduces muscle movement during running, which makes the muscle work harder with reduced risk of injury.
However one of the better effects is that once used on a run, washed (by hand) and then put back on slightly damp, they work wonders in helping recovery, ready for the next run......

That's the technical aspects, but on a basic running level, how did they perform??? In a word - Superbly!

I had run the Frinton ½ on Sunday last week, quite hard (4 mins outside PB, in rotten weather) and so still had heavy legs yesterday when i ventured outside in the R2 guards. However within a few minutes the compression effects started to work and i could feel the heaviness in my legs lifting and feeling fresher and almost adding a bounce to my stride with each step. I found i could push harder that i usually would, with out feeling any strain, and the 12 miler went extremely well.

I have used other similar products, but these are far superior to they others in terms of comfort and quality, and will definitely be taking these on the Grand Union Canal Race in 2 weeks time. Can t wait to see what other clothing CompresSport create in the future, but if it is all as good as these then Skins and 2XU will have some serious competition, and i for one will be visiting their eStore for some more.

The guards can be bought via the following link, http://estore.compressport.uk.com/epages/288898.sf, so make your running easier and get compressed.

Til next time - Safe Running!!!

Frinton ½ Marathon

2010-05-10T11:05:00.000+01:00

A short but to the point post today,after yesterdays Frinton ½ Marathon (incorporating a 5 & 2 Mile fun run). It's almost mid May and by now we would be expecting something warm, so when i booked up for this race i suggested to my wife and daughter that they do the 2 miler and we hit the beach afterwards for ice cream and relaxing. WRONG!!!!!

Yesterday was about 8c, strong winds from the north and intermittent showers - in short February weather. Still that didn't stop us and at 10:30 i set off with the ½ runners, followed shortly by the 5 & 2 milers. Mandy & Freya completed their 2 mile course in about 35 mins, which for a 5 year old is good going, and she runs like a natural apparently (don't know who she gets that from but its not me!!).

My race was more eventful, with a mixture of hills (all on-road) and beach wall, and very hilly (1220 ft of climbs in all), but i hit a good rhythm passing the mid point in 44 mins and feeling ok, considering that most of my recent training has been at a far slower pace. After that point we dropped onto the seawall, running past beach hut and shivering holiday makers, and then hit the hills, so my pace dropped. My initial pace had me on for a time close to my PB, but the weather, rain and hills put paid to that and i hit the finish tape, none worse for wear in 1:33. Happy with that and even happier that my girl had her first medal and both her and Mandy enjoyed the race.

Off for a hot chocolate and warm scone and relax.

Next up - Grand Union Canal Race in 3 weeks, and as per my previous report - the nerves are settling in and planning is in full swing.

One last point - we now have a regular Blog on Polaroid's web-site where we will be updating progress regularly and offering advice accordingly - http://www.polaroidsunglasses.co.uk/blog, and we have also been contacted by someone in the US who is looking to promote us over there and who had a great deal of advice to share with us on Saturday last week - so check that out too at Tycoons Venture.

And one final - Final item. I have now been called an Elite athlete (first and last time - and have been called many other things, but never elite), as a group of us have set up a Team Buff page on Facebook, to promote Buff events and create our own, stay tuned..........

Update

2010-05-05T11:42:00.001+01:00

Time for an update and re-write of my Blog page (after cleverly deleting all the sponsors links - to be restored ASAP).

Its been a hectic few weeks, following on from the Crawley ½ Marathon on April 10th. Training has been sporadic, mainly due to a week off after the race followed by a shoulder injury that has restricted (to say the least) any serious running. That said i have a ½ marathon in Frinton on Sunday and still feel that i can push to get close to a PB (currently 1:29), despite a lack of running.

Looking forward towards the end of the month and the Grand Union Canal Race (http://www.gucr.co.uk/) and i feel that with a few more weeks incorporating long runs, but nothing fancy i will still be ready to give it 100% on the day. The race starts at 6am on Saturday 29th May, with a 19 hour cut-off at 70 miles and a 45 hour finish cut off. This week i have been getting information through from Dick Kearn (Race Director) which has started the nerves tingling, especially with statements like "The principal cause for concern is that runners may, through fatigue or dehydration, become disoriented and fall in the canal, get lost, or collapse in a remote location" Fall into the canal - didn't even think of that - UNTIL NOW!!!!!!

Anyway - Kit is slowly being compiled, with itemised drop bags for day and night running, as well as snacks etc. Alex is awaiting a last minute entry, which would be great as i need someone to nag during the run, and it would also be great to have him on the run.

Sponsors
Its been a big couple of weeks here too. Last week we received a couple of pairs of Sunglasses from Polaroid, for us to auction and put the proceeds to the Charity, and they have also started pushing our profile via their blog (http://www.polaroidsunglasses.co.uk/blog/2010/04/10-million-metres-raising-1million-for-parkinsons/) and have asked us to be guest bloggers with race info, training advice and general progress of the challenge - which we will do with great gusto.

And yet another fantastic sponsor has arrived on the scene. After a speculative e-mail in March, i received a message from Dave Suddes at Lowe Alpine, who replied with the wording "time to time some really stand out from the crowd and I have to say that this is one". and the great offer of £600 of clothing and gear from their web-site to use in our events, and would we be interested. - Silly question!!. The clothing arrived yesterday and is superb. I will pout a proper review on here once i have given it a run out (literally), but initial thoughts are very positive and i am looking forward to trying it out.

Plans are now afoot for other races to add to the 10 Million Metre challenge (check Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/10MillionMetres), including a run in Germany in September, once we get 4 crew and 2 4x4 vehicles, which Alex is investigating, so watch this space.........

With other smaller races planned over the forthcoming months, including the London and Henley Triathlons, Caesars Camp 50 in October and have just found out today that i have a free entry into the Salomon Turbo X race in Bordon in November (mud, wet, dirty, rivers, swamps and killer hills - sounds great fun) we are pushing that total higher each month.

Finally (if you are still awake), Alex was interviewed on BBC radio Berkshire yesterday. A very good interview that will open the eyes of anyone who thinks Parkinson's Disease only affects the elderly, and shows how Alex has, and is, coping with this terrible degenerative illness and that like an Icelandic volcano, he has no intention of stopping - Check out the following link at 2 hours 10 mins and 30 sec:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p007khn4/Sarah_Walker_04_05_2010/

Til next time - Stay moving!!

Fitness Depot

2010-04-22T10:24:00.002+01:00

Ray Gill is a muscle & nutrition enthusiast who has spent years in independent research finding the most effective strategies for physical excellence. Ray will help you build muscle & lose fat with an effective workout plan and diet. He is also championing our cause at http://myfitnessdepot.com/outdoors/running-outdoors/10000000-metres-for-parkinsons/

His site is a wealth of information and advice, from Distance Running training advice to boosting Metabolism, all with helpful downloads and booklets. He also has links to running and triathlon gear, dietary advice and videos regarding all kinds of training.

Go take a look
Rich

10 Million Metres on Facebook

2010-04-20T10:41:00.001+01:00

New Facebook page created to spread the word about Parkinson's Disease and the 10 Million Metres that Alex and I are racing over the next 4 years to raise £1 Million Pounds for Cure Parkinsons Trust.

Facebook Link - Please visit and all sponsorship will be greatly appreciated.
Rich

Merrill Chameleon Cargo Outdoor Sandal

2010-04-14T10:18:00.002+01:00

This is the Merrell Sport version of their Chameleon Cargo sandal, the main difference between this and the standard mens sandals being that the leather upper is replaced by a synthetic leather upper, but is more comfortable and a better option for someone like me who will wear them to death over the summer period.

My reason for choosing these was mainly for the latter stages of the Grand Union Canal Race in late May, with them being the option of fresher feet in the closing stages, although they won’t be used for a massive amount of distance. Because of this I have been not only walking but running in them and can report they are fantastic (and I’m not just saying that to please the sponsors). The sandal is a good fit from the start, with its adjustable lacing systems, comfortable heel strap (which didn’t rub on the run and cause blisters – a feature often found with sandals) and all supported by Merrel's Vibram soles. The Orthlite footbed gave a snug, but not restrained fit and it air cushioned Midsole cushioned my weight nicely.

Colour-wise (Kangaroo and Boa – brown and tan basically) these are designed with the outdoor adventure types in mind, and well suited they are. Ideal for scrambling around hard trails, due to very good grip, and well protected with a moulded toe cap to help you feel at easy on the rocks.

My feet were kept cool, despite many miles of running and walking (17 in all) but the only downside is that they don’t dry too quickly due to the cushioned footbed, but that’s a minor issue and not one that worries me.

All in all the Chameleon Cargo does everything a sandal should do and a lot more and takes outdoor sandals to the next level – I am hopefully off to Greece, Kuwait and the Sahara in the next 12 months – don’t know if they will be suitable for running 150 miles, but they will be ideal for exploring, before during and after (as well as lying by the pool or on the beach).

My immense thanks to Adam Smith at Fitness Footwear for giving me the chance to try and review their footwear once again.

Crawley Marathon

2010-04-13T10:33:00.001+01:00

Boy was I not fit for this race, and in hind-sight should have probably not run it, but being stubborn and knowing what Alex has been though in the MdS this last week I wasn’t going to let a lower back pain stop me from trying.

The race was organised by the 100km Association, at the K2 leisure centre in Crawley, and was held on the athletics track - so 105 laps of track and no IPod allowed to help pass the time of day, so it was a case of strong mental attitude to switch off and just run. I had my Garmin to pace myself and set off at 7:45 min mile pace, which would have given me a finishing time of 3:20ish - inside my PB of 3:32:09 (oh how that time is easily remembered). The weather was being kind to me for the first time this year (racing-wise) and I soon settled into the rhythm for running for a lap, calling my counters name and switching off for another 400m.

Lap after lap was ticked off and I passed the time doing mental sums trying to work out distances and pace etc, without resorting to my watch.. I had a drop bag which I left by the side of the track, filled with chocolate covered espresso beans, Sports Beans, Dried fruit from Whitworths and cereal bars, and the organisers provided drinks and jelly babies as well, so I was expecting to come off heavier than I started.

I had set myself smaller targets to work to, rather than thing of the whole distance, and concentrated on batches of 10 laps, 25 laps and half way, and then count downwards. The heat though started to play its part and I had made the mistake to not drinking early enough and then starting to fade. The first half of the race went well, passing ½ marathon point in 1:39, so bang on target, but as I hit 75 laps (19 miles) I hit the wall and had to resort to a run/walk technique. Thankfully this is where running on a marked track helped. I was running 300m, the walking 100m, so would run from the 200m start until round the first bend and then walk to the next start again. This worked perfectly until 3 laps from the end when the organisers made us change direction and run clockwise round the track. Thankfully by that time with only 1200m left I didn’t care and happily ran the rest.

Biggest annoyance was the I had been forced to run 3 extra laps as my recorder had missed me a couple of times and not put me down. My watch time was 3:54:16 for the marathon, and the extra 3 laps added a further 8 minutes to the race, but happy to finish on the back of a tiring week and with no real pain in my legs, back and shoulders after the trip home.

Very nice memento of the race, making a change to the usual medals, and worth the money. Well organised, friendly counters and marshals, and a chance to hold the Olympic flame too (albeit the torch for the 1948 London Olympics).

Next up - a few weeks of heavy training, Frinton Half Marathon with Mandy & Freya doing the fun run and then Grand Union Canal Race………….

Kit

Polaroid Sunglasses
Buff - Begins design
Buff BOW10 T-shirt
Salomon Shorts
X-Socks - Run Energiser
Asics Gel Cumulus Trainers - Courtesy of Fitness Footwear

Happiness is the Open Road

2010-03-29T09:44:00.002+01:00

The above is true in more ways than one, apart from the obvious running connection it is also the title of Marillion's last studio double album, released in 2008. I have followed the band since 1980 and been a fan of all they have done from Market Square Heroes with Fish as lead vocalist to Asylum Satellite with Steve Hogarth as lead singer. But why the mention ohttp://www.marillion.com/home.htmn here - its because they have come out to support Alex and I in our running of 10 Million Metres.

I wrote a speculative email to them a few weeks back, asking if they could offer us support in some way and on Thursday last week, I got a call from their press officer, Lucy Jordache, saying that the band have decided to have Cure Parkinsons Trust as their nominated charity for their 2 weekend conventions, in Holland and Canada, in March 2011 - Totally Gob-smacked - and we cant thank them enough. We are getting together a press release for them to use on their web-site when the tickets for the convention go on sale, so our publicity should soar.
And if that wasn’t enough……………

A very large parcel has arrived from Sarah at Buffwear, with t-shirts, shorts, socks, buffs, etc, all in the new "zebra" style and colours, and all added straight away to my running kit for this weeks training (the tights will come in very useful if the weathermen's prediction of snow is to be believed). Buff have supported us from the start of our Million Metres Challenge and continue to do so with great gusto, offers of races, contacts and constant help.

And if that wasn’t enough……………

I have just received an email from Nicki Reid at Ardblair Sports saying that Sleep Monsters have just added our Polaroid press release to their website - http://www.sleepmonsters.co.uk/news.php?article_id=3714, which will get to the running community even more. Nicki has also been paramount in getting our challenge advertised around the UK, working very hard with X-Bionic and Polaroid to try to maximise publicity and getting newsletters out and working with us to get the best for us.

We owe a huge amount of thanks to both Sarah and Nicki for all that they have done and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future - Thanks Ladies.

More later this week, regarding Fitness Footwear and Lowe Alpine - stay tuned.

Back to training

2010-03-15T12:06:00.000Z

2 weeks off running and last Saturday I had the pleasure of heading out onto the Ridgeway with Alex, so a casual 10 miler. No re-occurrence of the thigh strain and felt fresh throughout (although there was an obvious drop in fitness level, despite swimming, weights and cycling during the break). I can now get back into a training schedule, with the Crawley Marathon in my sights on 10th April.

This will be a challenge in more ways that just the distance, as this is a track marathon run at the K2 Leisure Centre in Crawley and is entirely on an athletics track, but it will be a good mental challenge and it will be nice to run on flat ground for once rather than the twist and turns of rutted farm tracks and mud sodden towpaths. I am hoping to do the run in a new pair of Mizuno Wave Rider trainers from Fitness Footwear (suitably broken in of course), for which I will post a review, and compare how much different they are from the version I used in the 2004 London Marathon.

Talking of races - Alex and I have been looking at other races to add to our calendar, which "may" include, 50 Mile Challenge in mid July, Venice Marathon in October this year, Grizzly race in March 2011, hopefully the London Marathon in 2011 (I should have a guaranteed entry this time after 5 rejections) and 6633 ultra in March 2012 , as well as organising our own races to take place in late 2011, consisting of a 50k and 100k races, as well as looking at other ideas - more to follow……..

Apart form the above its been a quiet few weeks sports-wise, although life is still as busy as usual. Alex is holding a kit seminar in Swindon Sports Hall on Thursday (18th March) and we are hoping that James Cracknell will be there, as well as a TV crew (James is also doing the MdS this year - a walk in the park after his Antarctica event last year!!!!). We have an agent now looking at other sponsors (medical and automotive names suggested already) but still early days and will wait to hear what he comes up with. Alex has been asked to abseil down the Deliotte building in May, for charity - hope he doesn't suffer from vertigo, but all this is on his web-site at http://www.alexflynn.co.uk/.
I have also received a couple of items from Sealskinz, which I have yet to try out, but once used I will report back with my findings and comments and hopefully nice dry feet too.

Keep healthy

R

Moonlight Madness

2010-03-01T15:27:00.001Z

Last Saturday saw my latest race, or rather challenge in this case - Moonlight Challenge, organised by Mike Inkster at Challenge Hub in Kent. Every year Mike organises a 50 mile challenge and this Moonlight one. Both are held over the same course at Marshside, near Canterbury in Kent and are multi-lap events. They are billed as Challenges rather than races, with the aim being that you do what you can in the allotted time and take satisfaction from completing the desired distance….. My target for this event was 3 laps (20 miles), after the events of the Thames Trot and my thigh strain - and I entered with the thought that after 3 laps I would see how I felt and decide from there on the rest of the event.

Saturday arrived after a very wet couple of days and we were able to enjoy the warmth of the Gate Inn at Marshside, before the event and watch Ireland beat England at the rugby, however without a pint in my hand it lost some of it occasion. After a briefing from Mike, regarding the state of the course and impending water hazards we set off along the lanes and farm tracks that made up the course. My aim was to try to complete each lap (6.75 miles ) in about 1 hour, and duly finished the first in 55 mins, un-flustered, feeling ok and finding the footing ok in my North Face Hedgehogs. This was to be their last outing after clocking up over 400 miles in training and racing since I got the from Fitness Footwear last year and they have served my well, the grip is still tremendous, despite miles on road and tarmac, the uppers still water-tight, but the spring and cushioning has started to slip and so they must be laid to rest (must try the new model from The North Face and see what the differences are).

Quickly stopping at the end for the second lap I was starting to feel the tension in my thigh increasing from the lack of off-road training in the last few weeks, and although I was comfortable on the flat road sections it was obvious that more than 3 laps would cause the problem to re-occur on the rutted trails and I was happy to call it a day after 3. 2 years ago I did the same event and pulled out at 3 laps, but with a knee strain created by a misplaced footfall, and was hoping for more this time, but it wasn’t to be….c'est la vie!!!!

After some hot food and a quick promotional photo for one of the challenge sponsors (9-Bar) link I headed home and an earlier than expected night. Sunday and I could hardly move my left thigh and quad, due to the tightness from the event, so was very thankful that I had pulled up earlier than the total distance, and was happy to add a further 32,380 meters to the challenge total - bringing us to 321,184.

However I have now decided to have a total rest from running over the next 2 weeks and change plans for the next few months, as follows;

March 21st - Wiggle 12 hour - Cancelled
April 10th - Crawley Marathon - Track race, so totally flat, although mind-numbingly boring - good for Grand Union
May 9th - Halstead Marathon - original plan for Sedburgh SkyRace collapsed as race was postponed 1 year - however Alex and I may be doing a 100km race instead that weekend, as the closing date for the Spartathlon is the 31st May and the Grand union (qualifying race) starts on 29th May, so we may need the 100km as a fall-back entry race. So with this in mind I need the break and recovery period to make sure I am fit for these flat races.
Hopefully once I get some pictures of the Moonlight Challenge I will post them on here, and give my sponsors something to be proud of.
Update again soon - now where's that sauna?????

New Balance

2010-02-23T10:07:00.000Z

Short but sweet this week, ahead of Saturdays Moonlight Challenge.

Recovery is going well and despite one or two other issues the last week has gone well running-wise, with 40+ miles training over various distances and paces and a good split day last Friday, when I ran to work and home again in the evening.

This week will be relatively light with only a 4 miler on Tuesday and then nothing to the weekend, except keeping hydrated and warm. The weather for Saturday looks to be cold and wet, so Hedgehogs will get what will probably be their last outing and hopefully the Gore-tex uppers will do their job.

Finally on another note - I have to say a big thank you to New Balance for their help with a damaged jacket, which they couldn’t repair, but replaced with a Motion Jacket and complementary pair of Winter Laminate running tights, which will come in useful this weekend end.

A big thanks to them and 'til next Monday - Safe running.

Fruitful Labours

2010-02-10T12:21:00.003Z

Mid week and a couple of gentle runs have caused no problems with my thigh, although both have been very easy. Before Saturdays run I had pleasure of meeting Lee Chamberlain - a Guinness world record holder on the treadmill, and thoroughly nice guy. He had already run the route of the race from the finish to where we were and was also running back again - 100 miles in under 24 hours - unbelievable effort - Check out his web-site and send him your support.

I took the chance on Monday to pick his brains over training, nutrition and running in general and as a result am now changing a few areas, namely pacing and re-hydration to hopefully improve my running and stamina. As mentioned in the previous post, one thing I must work on is leg strength and have already added squats and extensions to my gym work, albeit light exercises as I don’t want thighs like Mr Universe.

As for the title of this post, i have today received a goody selection from Sandy Letman at Whitworths the UK’s leading supplier of home baking, cooking and healthy snacking products, consisting of:

Nibl Snacks - Fruit and Nut Berry Burst, and Jaffa Berry Choc
Juicy Mini Apricots
Fruits Multipacks
Sunny Raisins
Jumbo Mixed Raisins

All in handy snack bags, ideal for taking on runs.

All very kind and offered to me before the Marathon Des Sables (an offer stupidly forgot to take up at the time). With me burning over 13,000 Kcals in January alone energy levels need to be kept up, and these are a better way of maintaining that than using high calorie, high cholesterol snacks such as chocolate, crisps, biscuits etc, and taste even better.

I have always loved dried fruits, easy to carry with you on a run, ideal to snack on at my desk and add to breakfast cereals, salads, etc so, avoiding prunes, they will keep me heading in the right direction (prunes in another direction, but let's not go there).

I have the pleasure of adding their logo and listing them as one of my sponsors and hope that next time you go shopping you think of them when you fancy something healthy to snack on.

Next blog in a few weeks time when I will be able to confirm if I will be running in the Moonlight Challenge, although intentions are there, recovery may hamper.

Healthy living all

Thames Trot (and 3 fatal letters - DNF)

2010-02-08T10:19:00.000Z

Saturday 6th February - 8.30am - Oxford.

130 runners line up ready for a 50 mile slog alongside (for most of the way) the River Thames, following a track that goes under the name of Thames Towpath. However this "towpath", is nothing like the paths you see by most other canals etc this was 40+ miles of mud, dirt trails and glassy banks, interspersed by the odd bit of road and tarmac (ideal for off-road trainers).

The one thing that was obviously missing from this race was Alex Flynn - running partner and someone to nag at for not keeping up the pace (his orders). Due to a combination of heavy cold, long office hours and a flight to JFK on Sunday morning for 2 weeks of business conferences, he needed family time and did the sensible thing and gave this race a miss. My original plan was to drive to Henley the night before and stop at Alex's, before going on to the race in the morning, however our cat was badly mauled in a fight on Thursday night, so after a trip to the vets i decided it was better to make sure he was ok, before going, so set off at 5am on Saturday morning.

I had loaded up my waistpack with Sports Beans / Chocolate covered Espresso Beans / cereal Bar / camera and filled both bottles (one water, one Nuun), spare socks, double tied shoes laces and took my place.

Once i started, after a briefing by Steve Adams, the early morning nerves vanished and i was quickly into my pace, albeit not too quick (8 min miles), and headed off along the path away from Oxford and toward CP1. The going was tough almost straight away, as the route was extremely boggy underfoot, with the kind of mud that sticks in great clumps. The scenery and company was great, chatting with Quentin for most of the way to the first CP, although something didn't feel right!!

CP1 was at Culham after 10 Miles, which we reached in 1hr 35min, and served the famous Go Beyond fruit cake - one of the best i have tasted (sorry Mum!!), and a huge incentive to get to the next CP, stopping for only a minute to refuel, we quickly moved off , my pace quickened slightly and i was off on my own, but again my leg (left) felt weak and i found myself struggling with the turns......... Finally at 17 miles, as we turned onto a footbridge across the River Thames, my left foot slide outwards at an angle and a sharp "ping" in the top of the thigh spelt the end of my race. The next 1½ miles could only be taken at a slow walk and i could feel my body temperature dropping quickly, as i could keep no pace going, so continuing to the end would be a disaster, and i have to think long term.

I made CP2, at Benson after 19 Miles in 3hrs 15, and called it a day - something a runner never wants to do, and even though another 27 runners also withdrawing on the day, its still no consolation.
However it did teach me a valuable lesson.......................

It has only been 3 weeks since the 45 mile Country to Capital Race, and in reflection, i had taken too much for granted, as my training had been low key, due to recovery and then a minor taper, and i had neglected to keep my leg strength up with other exercises, assuming that the running would suffice. The injury was a combination of heavy feet, slippery surfaces and reduced leg strength, that i should have worked on. A mistake i intend to rectify over the coming months, so I am now putting together a series of leg and core exercises to add to my gym routine and build the strength that i will need to cope with all these races i am undertaking over the next 6 months

My next race is in 3 weeks time, but thankfully the next race on 27th Feb is only a short (well compared to this one) race, the Moonlight Challenge, a 32 mile run starting at 6pm, which i will be undertaking as revenge for not finishing in 2008, after a knee strain after mis-judging a pothole. So this time "its personal". That will then be followed by a another 3 weeks off, before the Wiggle 12 hour race on 21st March. However i need to fully recover from this injury and re-assess what i do (i.e. miss the next race) as long term i have to be fully fit for the Grand Union Race at the end of May.

Finally - My Kit consisted of mainly the same as last time (why change a good set-up)

The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR - Courtesy of Fitness Footwear
Mizuno Performance Tights
1000 Mile All Terrain Socks
X-Bionic Accumulator L/S Top - Courtesy of Ardblair Sports
Ronhill Jacket
Camuflaje Polar Buff - Courtesy of Buffwear UK

Country to Capital 45

2010-01-18T09:51:00.004Z

A very hard race, not only due to the distance (45 miles) but also down to the lack of training and underfoot conditions. Both the latter were a result of the recent snow and laying ice which had completely destroyed my training plans, leaving me only a treadmill to run on safely, which in turn led to a serious amount of under-training - still at least I felt fresh for the run.
The race started at Wendover in Buckinghamshire and after 20 miles of trails and roads joined the Grand Union Canal footpath at Denham Lock at Uxbridge and followed this path to the finish at Little Venice in London. An 8.30am start meant I had to catch a train at 4:50 that morning, travel to London and meet up with Alex, before the onward trip to the start. Once there, as the rain started to fall, we registered and with a light pack, carrying only a top, cap, socks and Sports Beans, we set off with approximately 120 others.

The weather was poor to say the least, raining constantly for 5 hours and very chilly so the addition of a pair of gloves and a Polar Buff were the order of the day, and with an extra layer under my jacket I felt warm enough without over heating. Bladder was full (camelbak in the back-pack I mean) and so we set off at a stead pace (10 min miles) and settled down to enjoy the run. An enjoyment that started to wane after about 3 miles as rain soaked gloves (must get some waterproof ones) started to become very cold and feeling in my hands started to go. Still my feet were dry due to the Hedgehogs Gore-Tex uppers and everything else felt fine.

A slight detour then at Ballinger, as a group of 15 missed the bridleway path meant an extra spell on the roads, but we were all at CP1 (8 miles in 1hr 40min) in Chesham only a mile later, and with the famous Go Beyond fruit cake available, as well as water and Jelly babies, we quickly refuelled and continued Southwards. The route was still mainly trails and bridleways but as we passed Chorleywood West, Alex started to suffer from pain in the outside of his right knee, which grew progressively worse as we ran. Just to make things worse we hit a large flood road ½ mile form CP2 and my feet got soaked as the water went in over the top of the shoes.

Adopting a run walk strategy meant we could carry on at a good pace but after CP2 at Horn Hill, after I emptied my shoes, we slowed to walking pace for the rest of the race. Alex could only manage 10 yards of running before having to stop and stretch out. So with me on point dictating the pace we marched onwards, covering about 4½ each hour, which reduced the strain on his knee. After 5 hours on the go we hit the Grand Union Canal, our home for the next 6 hours, and with more snacks and cake at CP3 in Cowley Peachy we could do nothing more than march, talk and set the world to rights.

The canal split in 2 directions so we turned northwards, at a welcoming sign of "Paddington 13½ mile", only a ½ marathon to do and we would be home, however now, as we let CP4 at Greenford 3 miles later, I was suffering as well. A large blister had formed under my left foot and the walking and change of gait wasn’t suited for the Hedgehogs and shin muscles were expanding at a painful rate of knots, still we had only a short distance to go and weren't going to stop.

Headtorches now on we stopped briefly at CP5 (Alperton) knowing that there were only 6 miles left and headed for home, at a pace dropping to almost 3 mile per hour. Every climb on bridges and locks had me gritting my teeth in pain, but the relief of finally reaching the finish, amidst warm applause from the organisers and others was joy in itself and with a warm cup of tea inside, a sudden dash to the toilet (well shuffle) Alex and I made for the station and wound our ways home.

We finished in 10 hours and 51 mins, 86th & 87th, and with 30 others pulling out/not starting could be pleased with our efforts. Also we now have another 69,200 metres under our belts and can progress knowing that we need to improve fitness but that our endurance is good, despite injuries.

My Kit consisted of
The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR
Mizuno Performance Tights
1000 Mile All Terrain Socks
X-Bionic Accumulator L/S Top
Ronhill Lite Jacket + Gloves
Buffwear Camuflaje Polar Buff
Polaroid 7007 Glasses

Next race is only in 3 weeks time, again organised by Go Beyond Ultra http://www.gobeyondultra.co.uk/, which is the Thames Trot, starting from Oxford and finishing in Alex's home town, Henley-on-Thames, so I have a few days rest, and then back on the road again, with gentle training rather than high intensity, although the shins ands left knee will need to recover suitably first.

Til then - Safe running all.

So much to do and Thanks

2010-01-05T09:13:00.000Z

Happy New Year to all my friends, colleagues and sponsors. I feel that this year will be a busy one, especially on the running front.
2009 was very eventful with Family Holiday to Florida in January, followed swiftly by a very wet Marathon Des Sables in March/April, a month of illness in May/June, moving house in July and making plans in August for the 1 Million Metres challenge, getting a great range of sponsors on board in September and kicking off the challenge with our first race in October.

Sadly this was also a year of big shocks - both regarding Alex - the lowest point of the Marathon Des Sables was hearing that he had been forced out of the race at the start of the long stage with Pericarditis - something that he thankfully recovered from very quickly - swiftly followed by another shock, when he announced that he had been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease - but this didn't stop him from completing the 85 mile Ridgeway race in August, and with me nagging in his ear we ran the Henley Half in October - the guy will not stop until he achieves what he wants, and it is my pleasure and honour to be working and running with him as we not only complete the Million Metre Challenge, but push onwards and upwards.

As we planned races for 2010, the total distance increased and now new plans are being formed for longer runs in 2011 (London to Rome), as well as 2012 (LA to NY??) - These are still in the infancy of planning, but with the right support and backing the 2011 looks to be a certainty. Hopefully this will generate a lot of publicity for both Cure Parkinsons Trust Charity, as well as our sponsors, with national TV and newspapers, from not only the UK, but also France, Switzerland and Italy hopefully being interested.

On the note of sponsors i must offer my greatest thanks to Adam Smith at Fitness Footwear, Patrick Lambertz at X-Bionic, Nicki Reid at Ardblair Sports and Sarah Gowans at Buffwear, as well as their support teams for all the help, and equipment that we have had so far, and here's to our future working together, and us all achieving our goals.

And talking of goals - our next race is the Country to Capital race on 16th January - a 45 miler from Wendover in Bucks to Paddington in London, via the Grand Union Canal (for the last ½), which in light of the current weather conditions which is expected to last for another few weeks, it will be cold, wet and arduous - but as they say "If it was easy - everyone would do it". Next report will be after the race.

Finally - We are in the process of designing a new web-site and making changes to the challenge name to reflect the increase in distance and new races, which will be announced soon.
Safe running everyone.

Snow, Modena and Christmas

2009-12-21T09:04:00.000Z

Well Christmas is upon us and my training since the Doyen of the Downs has been abysmal to say the least. The week after the run and all i managed was a slow 5k, and the last week was an effort to say the least, having done only 14 miles in total by Friday. With the snow, that usually grinds the country to a halt arriving on Friday the planned trip to see Alex had to be postponed so no run on Saturday morning with him and with more snow overnight on Saturday covering the ice on the roads, my 16 miler on Sunday morning was cancelled too. Looks like my runs over the next few days will be spent on a treadmill, so an early start on Tuesday should see a 10 miler possible before work, once the car has been scrapped free of ice.

Hopefully, atrocious weather permitting, i can get back in the rhythm of things and get ready for the Country to Capital run on Jan 16th, as well as get a proper core and weights programme going too.

Over that last few weeks Alex and i have been pondering future runs and plans. We have already drawn up ideas to run John O'Groats to Lands End in 2011, and possibly LA to NY in 2012, although the latter has been hit by an issue with a chance in an already planned run, which is now a year earlier - so we will have to review that.

Once i found this out i quickly hatched another idea, that sounds more suitable to do in early 2011, with JOGLE at the end of the year - London to Modena - unusual end venue, but this is where X-Bionic's factory is based in Italy, and the hope is that we can persuade them to give us a massive support package, that will help us do the run and help fund accommodation and support crew for the 850 mile run. The route can take us passed the X-Technology department in Schwyz in Switzerland too, and we have to cross the Alps somewhere, which after 2 weeks of running 45 mile days should certainly tax our determination and energy reserves. This idea needs to be discussed with X-Bionic in the New Year and see what they can do to help.

Not a great deal happening anywhere else at the moment on the sponsorship front. The press release in America has been hit with renewal problems, which we hope will be resolved soon. The newsletter from Ardblair has yet to have a response, although with Christmas approaching fast other things occupy peoples minds, so hopefully the new year will prove fruitful.

Planning to meet up with Alex between Christmas and New Year to check all is going to plan and formulating plans for the months ahead.

Hoping everyone has a great Christmas and Happy New Year - Here's to 2010.

Doyen of the Downs

2009-12-07T10:33:00.001Z

This race must break trade description laws, as the amount of Downs were far exceeded by the amount of ups.

The photos from last years race showed a crisp, sunny and frosty race - this year however was the exact opposite......... heavy rain, 30mph wind and very soggy underfoot. The race was a circular route starting at the foot of Arundel Castle (although it was so gloomy and dull it was hard to see). ½ after the start and having run though the town we were onto towpaths along the side of the River Arun until we hit the roads in pouring rain after 2 miles. a further mile down the road and it was trail - well when i say trail - mud and lots of it, that went on and on.

This was to be the format for the rest of the race, and being further down the field than i would have liked the ground in places was a slop of sticky glutinous mud and dirty pools. The footwear (The North Face Hedgehogs) worked superbly as others slipped and slid around - although the hill at 19 miles that went up for 100 metres in ¼ mile across a ploughed field made life very difficult for even my trainers.
After another decent into the the town of Storrington we faced the 1 mile climb up to the top of Kithurst Hill - 213mtres climb, although most of this was hardened trail and the sun had come out (shame about the very strong winds in you face on the rapid descent). With hamstrings and quads refusing to move properly and energy at an all time low thankfully the last 4 miles were flat as we followed the river back to the finish, which looked close but with the meanders took even longer than i wanted.

It was nice to be greeted my the race director at the end and with an engraved shot glass (as well as t-shirt) the memento was nice, however the facilities at the end were poorly planned. No drinks or food available for us at all. It would have been nice to have tea/coffee and some cakes, especially after all those miles. The check points had limited items, namely water and banana' but for an entry fee of £36 i expected at least a hot drink to be available.

I had been struggling with stomach pains from about 8 miles which at time almost forced me to pull out, but this was an important run for me too do, and the physical and mental strength i gain from it will be dragged up at future events. I must put in more training after this weeks rest ahead of the next race on 16th January - Country to Capital 45 miles and loose a bit of weight too i think.

Stats
99th from 170 finishers (300 had registered) in 5:35:11
Winners time 3:36 - 15 mins ahead of 2nd place who was a further 10 mins ahead of 3rd
39th place in 5hrs dead, which indicates how tough it was.
Last placed runner (cut off time was 7hrs) at 6:56 but results don't show DNF

Next year??? - I think not, but one lesson i have learnt is that the hills in Essex will not be any help in the SkyRace in May.

My Kit consisted of

The North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR

X-Bionic Spykers

X-Bionic Running Shorts

X-Bionic Accumulator L/S Top

Ron Hill Jacket

Buffwear - Zac Logo

Hedgehogs with Attitude

2009-12-07T08:45:00.005Z

I have to say that i can only find one thing that i would complain about with the North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR, and that's only a personal preference - more later, but first the shoes.....

The Hedgehogs are made ostensibly for what the North Face call "Fast-paced outdoor activities" - at first this worried me that they were aiming the shoes at hikers and ramblers (in a hurry), but not at runners, however after my first outing i have to say that these will suit whatever your speed. The shoes are light enough for trail running, whilst being stable and rigid enough for climbing and scrambling across rocks. The sole is peppered with a very rugged and spiky Vibram outsole (hence the nick-name), which seems to grip in even the boggiest of trails and with the bonus of a waterproof Gore-tex upper and padded tongue makes the ride easier and more pleasant than other off-road shoes i have used.

I ran in a 30 mile trail race this weekend in them (Doyen of the Downs) and due to a combination of the recent weather we have had and heavy rain the night before they were thoroughly tested, handling very well in the churned ploughed fields as they did on the compact trails (not that there were many of those) and roads. The sole being as hard wearing and rugged as it is doesn't seem to have a much cushioning as some heavier runners would like and is definitely more of an off-road shoe than a road/off-road shoe, but handles very well on all surfaces. The Gore-tex uppers are brilliant and the only time that water actually got into the shoe was after my foot had been totally immersed over the ankle in a nice deep dirty puddle. Still finished the race without sore feet or any new blisters from the race and better still dry feet (well... foot).

My only complaint (albeit my own preference) is that i would have liked lace-locks with the shoes as the laces supplied are very thin and not easy to tie tightly to prevent the shoes coming off in very sticky conditions, and needed re-tying several times on the run, but baring that i am very happy with what The North Face have created and looking forward to getting them even muddier (if possible) in the winter weather.

Muddy Marvellous
Rich

In a Glass of their own

2009-12-01T10:34:00.004Z

Ahead of this weeks Doyen of the Downs race, on Sunday 6th December i have had the chance to use a new pair of sunglasses, generously supplied by Ardblair Sports, of which i can already sing the praises of.

Polaroid Eyewear are world leaders in optics and lens technology and the inventor of polarizing lens technology and their sports range of eyewear demonstrates this perfectly. Both Alex and i have been given 2 pairs of the 7007 range, with 3 interchangeable lenses (Clear, Amber and dark), Now the winter may not be the sunniest time of year (especially in the UK), but the choice of lenses is ideal for someone like me who wears contact lenses. Friday last week i had my first run out in the glasses with amber lenses in late afternoon and i was amazed by how light and comfortable the glasses were. No fogging whilst running, even with a Buff over my nose in heavy traffic, forcing air upwards, no bouncing either and more importantly a clear field of vision, with the amber lenses lightening the gloomy afternoon.

These have made a very pleasant change from the heavier denser framed sports glasses on the market, and will now be a a regular item in my kit bag and more importantly on my nose.

Marks out of 10 - it can only be 10.

Half a Double Act

2009-11-09T15:50:00.000Z

This lunchtime I discovered our fate regarding the Grand Union Canal Race. Entry forms were emailed out last Monday, with instructions to return them by Thursday 5th, the 260 names would then go into a hat and 115 drawn out. Our biggest worry would be that we miss out and have to find another event to use as qualification for Spartathlon, which we would need to do before the end of May. Not easy considering the lack of races and Alex's trip to Morocco for the MdS.
However the draw threw up the worst result possible - Draw - only I have managed to gain entry, good for me, (although 145 mile run, without Alex for support and for me to nag at, does not initially fill me with a huge amount of enthusiasm) bad for Alex, as he now needs to find that 100km race and do that under 10½ hours, or another one of over 200km (single stage, non-stop). With the MdS at the end of March it only really leaves him May and to-date the races seem scarce. I will be contacting Ian Corless in Paris to see what he can find for him, so all we can do is cross our fingers.

On a positive note, the press release from Ardblair Sports went out - Read it Here - to about 40 different magazine, both retail and trade and Nikki at Ardblair is hoping for a good response and more publicity. On a similar front we now have someone in the US doing some advertising for us. Lee Hart of Brand Amp Wire runs the Buff Facebook and twitter sites is planning press release in the US, which may also bring in some interest and with Denis Wischniewski, of German Trail Magazine also doing an article it looks like we are covering half the globe.

Will see what results all this gets and post them on here.

Need to get some more training in tomorrow morning, before work and more on here in a week.
Auf Wiedersehen (As denis would say)

Brentwood 10k (not ½ as planned)

2009-10-26T09:18:00.011Z

This wasn't a race that I was planning to do, but being a bit slow on my application I missed out on the ½ Marathon so settled for the 10k. Thankfully it was the right decision as I struggled big time with just the 10k. Last weeks cold was still here and energy levels, although feeling high at the start, with me even toeing the start line at the front of the field, disappeared within the first mile and I found myself struggling for any form or fitness, and, with hindsight after suffering last night, should had dropped out. However this was "only 10k" I told myself I could do this and be aright (this boy's a fool).

Anyway....... Dressed in Buffwear top, shorts and headgear I headed off on the undulating course which was 6 loops of a 1 mile course, in brilliant sunshine and breezy conditions. Each loop started with a 25m climb over 50m which sapped the legs on a wet field, but lead to a straight and then a sharp downhill section through woods to a final climb of about 25m over ¼ mile. This meant that there was a total climb of 275m in the race offset by the same in descents, but when you head is swimming and you can only breathe through your ears it might as well have been in Snowdonia.

After the third lap I was going backwards and taking over 8 mins to do a lap and looking forward to the end of the race, which i duly completed in 48:06. I was later surprised to find I was in 13th place, with the winner posting a time of 40:19, which indicates how hard the race was and makes me think that if I had been fully fit I would have been vying for one of the prizes (next year I will be back).

The rest of this week will be a mixture of small (easy) 4 mile runs with a couple of early starts (8 miler Wednesday) and a nice long 20 miler next Sunday, but only if I can shake this cold off. There is only 6 weeks now until the Doyen of the Downs (30 miles) and this is one of the races I must be fit for and ready to take on, if I am to succeed with the Challenge. I don't want to be making up for large lost distances in the last month especially as until Nov 5th we wont know if we will be able to do the GUCR (Although Ian Corless has a list of 100km qualifying races that could help if we miss out).

Right time for a Lemsip, Chocolate biscuit, oh and work (I guess) - Til next time - Healthy running all.

Sponsors, German Trails and Canal worries

2009-10-20T09:42:00.002+01:00

Another eventful week on the running front, apart from a good weeks training after the Henley ½ Marathon, of which we received a little press (minus our Just-Giving web-site addresses, despite promises of featuring it). We also had a very good interview with Sarah Walker on BBC Berkshire - 40 minutes of chat, mainly with Alex, but covering all aspects of the illness and racing plans for the next 12 months. Sadly we were unable to air our choices of music (Voodoo Child - Jimi Hendrix and Proud - Heather Small), but what we ended up with was fine.

We also received an email from Karen King at 1000mile, who have generously given us both 4 pairs of 1000mile socks to help with our training over the next year, and which will get a good workout. I used 1000mile all-terrain socks on the MdS and found them perfect and only suffered minor blisters, due to my own stupidity rather than the design of the socks.

I also received a message from Patrick Lambertz of X-Bionic who, through the X-Bionic network has been in touch with journalist Denis Wischniewski, of Das Trail Magazin in Germany, who himself took part in this years MdS and who is interested in doing a feature on us. We have now sent over a copy of our official press release and will hopefully be able to fly out to Germany for an interview and photos in due course (we are due to be featured in the next issue of Runners World Magazine, due out end of October too)

However after all the positives there had to be a negative. Due to the current bout of postal strikes in the UK the organisers of the Grand Union Canal Race have decided to change their entry approach from being "first come-first serve" to a lottery system of names in a hat and first 120 pulled out are in. This could be disastrous for us if one or both of us fail to get in. No GUCR means no Spartathlon as the GUCR is a qualifying race. The only other way to get in would be to find a 100km race in early 2010 and do that in under 10hrs 30min, or find another 200km race in Feb or May and complete that (cant find any suitable yet). All we can do is hope that we are successful in our ballot and if not go from there. I have drawn up a list of alternatives should we fail, but I don't want to consider them until after the Ballot in Nov 5th.

Finally, for now, this weekend coming sees the Go Beyond Ultra 10km race (Ultra??) at Brentwood in Essex and I will be running in ¾ length running tights, top and head-gear that BuffWear have supplied, and its going to be wet. Hopefully I will get some decent pics to send them after the race.

More next week- until then - run with your heart as well as your feet.

Henley Half Marathon

2009-10-12T10:33:00.003+01:00

The first race in my 1 Million Metre challenge with Alex Flynn, went rather well. Weather for that day was ideal for running, slightly overcast, with a threat of rain, that arrived in the last 5 miles of the race.

Both Alex and I were in X-Bionic gear, which despite the rather chilly start and damp, yet warm finish, played its part well and seemed to keep my body tempertaure nice and even thoughout the race. X-Socks on my feet also kept them dry and thankfully odour free.

The pace of the race was dictated not only by a 2 mile long hill, of increasing gradient, but also by Alex due to a niggling knee problem, but with me constantly talking and pushing him, onwards we completed in just over our target time of 2 hours. The race was, as before, well organised, with plenty of support, and hopefully photos will be comng soon showing me resplendant in my new birght buff and X-Bionic gear.

Next up for me is a quick (ish) 10k at Brentwood, as the half was sold out. Thankfully i have enough metres planned to allow for the odd change in plans, but i plan to use this race as a speed session, rather than just adding to the distance. After that in 8 weeks is the Doyen of the Downs, which starting at 8am in the beautiful town of Arundel, in the first weekend of December, will be decidedly colder, and will probably need longer leg wear, as well as compression socks (already supplied by X-Bionic).

Alex will need to be prepared for hours of nagging to get him round (as instructed by him), but its a race i am looking forward to.

R

Additional entry - Have discovered today (13th Oct) that i have been rejected by the London Marathon Ballot for next year. Double blow because apart from the fact that it is a great event to run, it has also reduced my meterage total. This will now be replaced with the Halstead Marathon in May (slightly smaller field by about 34,000 but still the same distance)

Flynn & Merry after the race

Another great Sponsor

2009-10-05T09:31:00.003+01:00

I have received a call from BuffWear in the UK, who have offered to help us out with t-shirts, shorts and Buffs, of varying colours and types. Again a very generous offer, and I usually wear Buffs on my runs and bike rides and always take them in my kit bag. Am looking forward to running with the Polar Buff in the depths of winter, as some caps aren't warm enough and some beanies are too warm, so this should be a great compromise.
They have also offered to add us to their website with a link to a Justgiving page and also a link to the Buff news at their HQ in Spain, as well as covering us in Twitter and Facebook, so need to get our contract signed and then get a few pics of Alex and myself kitted up and put them on here as well as pass them on to Buff.
Next up is the Henley ½ at the end of this week and the start of the Challenge. Monday October 12th We have an interview with BBC Berkshire and a chance to sit down and sort out our tactics.
Not too bad a week just gone on the running front, half-hearted taper and missed Sundays run, but this week will be easy, with a couple of longer runs in the morning, without pushing too hard. Still hope to hear over the next few days about London Marathon entry. Alex and Mandy have both been unsuccessful, and I don't want to make it 5 in a row, having been turned down 4 times already by the Ballot system. Still to apply for Brentwood and the 2 Ultra's in January/Feb, but plenty of time for those and will apply for Brentwood this week.

Finally i have joined Dailymile, a new website that allows you to log your runs and compare and chat with runners all over the world, alomst like a specialist facebook site for runners. Nice way to meet other like minded people with a common interest.
Laters

Anglia News

2009-09-30T09:46:00.001+01:00

Weekly update time
Still more progress being made on the sponsorship front. We are expecting a handful of North Face clothing as part of our sponsosrship, from Fitness Footwear, as well as a pair of North Face Hedgehog GTX XCR running shoes for trialing and testing.

I had the pleasure of being interviewed yesterday by Martin Stew of Anglia News, who took a fair bit of footage of me running and at work, as well as a good interview (i hope). Still no date for transmission on the TV, but hopefully within the next week.

Alex and i have been trying to sort our a Marketing Company who will help us "gratis" and may have found one (to be confirmed next time), and we are also now looking ot see if Cure Parkinsons Trust has a contact who can supply us with corporate sponsors clothing for TV appearances to advertise or sponsors.

Plans are being drawn up for 2011 as well to run Lands End to John O'Groats (or the other way), but its early days and just in the planning stage.

All for now - 1 Million Metres starts with one small step (of 25,000) on October 11th so keep following.
R

Pocket Power

2009-09-22T13:58:00.000+01:00

Have just taken delivery today of an enormous amount of Sports Beans, thanks to a generous offer from the company. I personally love these sweets, as the make a very enjoyable change to the standard Jelly Babies and skittles and the flavours are tangy, without being too sour.

Well worth their weight in gold, easily carried and very resilient

They can be bought on line, direct from Sports Beans on the following link http://www.jellybelly-uk.com/shop-coming-soon/ once the on-line facility is up and running (sorry for the pun)

Thanks to them for their support and keeping me running for longer

New Clothing Sponsorship

2009-09-17T12:19:00.000+01:00

A good bit of news on the sponsorship front, as this week Alex and I were offered clothing by X-Bionic, to aid us in our races and training, and in return we have agreed to post reviews on both our sites as well as theirs.

We are hoping to get together with their press officer to plan a proper release that will benefit all parties and give us both pubility and raise the Charity's profile.

As well as this we have also been told that we will be featured in the December Issue of Runners World Magazine as well, under "Real Runners" (obviously refering to Alex there not me!!!).

Hopefully we can tie down a deal was well wth X-Bionic and get everything on the road (sorry about the pun).

The kit we will be testing is:
Fennec Running Top
Running Shorts
Run Energizer Socks
Speed Metal Socks

Watch this space for reviews and more news.

One week ends, and another begins.

2009-09-14T09:18:00.001+01:00

Last week was quite an eventful one, although not much running was done (3½ hours in total) although I had a good Sunday run doing a ½ marathon distance run in 1:40. Didn't feel like I was pushing at all, which is good for the Brentwood ½ in late October as I want to race that full out.

Challenge-wise I have put out a number if requests to companies for help with either money or clothing. So far only 2 have come back both with No's, but I will keep plugging away. I have a meeting with Alex next Sunday, so we can sit down and plan our approach better and be more uniformed in our tactics and story, rather than just dropping in sound-bites here and there.

Advertising was a different matter. My interview with BBC Essex went well and now BBC Berkshire want to do a joint interview with Alex and myself on 12th October, the day after the Henley ½, which will be good. Have already discussed with him about getting a set of publicity photos done for media and local press and I will again chase Anglia News this week for an interview.

Finally and very importantly was an offer from Fitness Footwear. I can almost confirm that they are my official sponsors for the Challenge and just need to get the final bits of advertising kit together. I have been offered a nice selection of North Face kit from them, suitable endorsing the company logo and another offer of trainers to try and test and review from them. I hope to get most of this over the next few weeks and will make it all official then.

This weeks training is about 45 miles, although a few early starts will be needed due to weekend commitments, but its all part of the game.

BBC Essex Radio Interview

2009-09-08T20:36:00.000+01:00

Finally a BBC interview and the first of many i hope, as Alex has arranged another one with BBC Berkshire in October. Very pleased with the interview, although having checked later that day no money had been donated.

Still plenty of time and more publicity on the way with Anglia TV, if they ever decide to arrange a date.

Link is http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0047zgd/Mid_morning_on_BBC_Essex_08_09_2009

Next planned update on 14th September unless something else crops up

Au Revoir

Mission Update

2009-09-03T14:45:00.004+01:00

Following on from the shoe review, this week could prove to be interesting regarding the press involvement with the Challenge.

Already on Monday i have had a feature in the local Gazette, Although they have got the title wrong, as i said to them it was a distance equal to 24 marathons, not running the marathons themselves.
http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/search/4571509.Richard_s_pledge_to_run_24_marathons_in_a_year/

Also Anglia News are still interested in doing a feature, after an earlier cancellation, due to another story taking priority. Once all this has been arranged i will post a link to the video footage and embarrass myself accordingly.

Running this week has been good and although i am still only getting back into it after my calf strain i should post about 40 miles this week, and start increasing Sundays runs so that i am back on target for the "Doyen" in December, without over training.

Night Vision Relay is due in 3 weeks and last year my brother managed to do almost 40 miles on the day, although with me running this year we reckon it will be about a marathon each.

Next post i will confirm what, where and when regarding the press - until then safe running

Shoe Review - Asics Gel 3010

2009-08-28T10:41:00.008+01:00

Once again, I have been swayed back to Asics, after my time of running with the Saucony Triumph 6, by the asics Gel 3010, the latest addition to Asics stability range.

Being a mild forefoot overpronator I found that the shoe worked superbly for me, being both very stabile, yet flexible and well cushioned enough to make the ride feel great, even on hard roads. The weight of the shoe, whilst being quiet high (360g) feels a lot lighter on the feet, and my first run of 12 miles in them went well, and they didn't need breaking in at all.

The Gel heel, as with all asics trainers, combined with the double density Sockliner, gives that great cushioning effect, without feeling spongy, and a nice cool breathable upper meant that even on the hottest days (not that we have had many) made the run even more enjoyable.

Once again Asics have once me back, and this shoe is a must for anyone who wants a firm ride, without feeling that their feet are in a strait jacket. Well worth the money and with all asics gel trainers get my vote as being the best on the market.

These, and many others can be bought on-line at Fitness Footwear, my first choice for running shoes.

Press Interest

2009-08-27T15:07:00.002+01:00

Having sent out a message last week to our local press and radio stations i have now got 3 interested in interviews. Essex Chronicle, Evening Standard and Anglia News (local TV). Sadly the interview planned for the TV was cancelled due to another story taking precedence, but will be rescheduled for another date.

The press have both taken relevant information and have now booked up for a photo shoot for the 5th September, just need to get Alex here and then confirm that date. If i could get the TV crew here as well that date we can get a good story and push the challenge even more.

No sign of any corporate help yet, despite asking, although now i can use the press interest as leverage and offer a bit of advertising for their money.

On another note, it looks like i will be accepted to study with Lincoln University, on distance learning, for a Foundation Degree in Food Manufacturing, leading to Bsc, although that is a long way off as the course is over about 4 years.

More about the Press when i know it.
Ciao

New Home

2009-08-11T15:27:00.002+01:00

At last i have moved home after weeks of not knowing what, where and when (Conveyancing solicitors - what can i say!!). Anyway all moved in and most of the boxes now emptied. I managed 35 last week and there's only 9 left for Mandy to do, but i can't say how long those may take!.

Anyway, I've also sorted out a few running routes already, and as we are in the countryside its nice to get away from the traffic and feel free. The bike comes out finally this weekend as i need to work out how long it will take me to cycle to work and sort out a few safer routes than the busy roads. Who knows i may even enter a few duathlons in the course of things and hopefully a few of the Rat Races as well, if i can persuade a few to join me.

Calf is holding up well, although a bit sore after a hard training session, but its not stopping me from training or running.

Hoping to get some sponsorship soon for the 1 million metres soon as the first race is only 2 months away, although a good immediate response from Cure Parkinson's Trust has us already on the way (http://www.cureparkinsons.org.uk/document_1.aspx?doc=0:37784&id=0:37282&id=0:37164&id=0:36727).

All for now, hopefully next report will be a book review as i am currently reading Kate Percy's Go Faster Food book, and there are some very nice recipes that i will be recommending, so watch this space.

Rich

Change to Title and why

2009-07-29T08:15:00.001+01:00

Just a quick update, as i have quite a few new followers on this site and i want to plug a mates site and just giving page.

Alex Flynn, friend of mine since Henley 2007, has been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease and i have the pleasure of running with him at both the Henley Half Marathon and the Doyen of the Downs race in December. He is running in the Ridgeway 85 miler in 5 weeks and together we will hopefully be doing the Spartathon or the UTMB in 2010.

Yesterday he talked me into doing the Grand Union Canal run in May next year (145 miles - thanks mate!!!), and hopefully we will do other events as well.

He is looking to raise £1,000,000 for Parkinsons, and I am now looking at slight modifications to my events next year as i aim to race 1,000,000 metres in a year, starting with the Henley Half on October 11th this year. I need to organise a new blog page, with links to his sites and also with a totaliser for the year.

His web-sites are http://www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn, and www.alexflynn.co.uk

Will update progress soon.

Proper plans for the future

2009-07-22T14:18:00.005+01:00

I have finally set out my running plans for the next 12(ish) months today, although the final race will be uncertain until December this year.

Plans so far are:
Sept 26th - Night Vision Relay - Colchester - 12hr track run for St Helena Hospice -
http://www.sthelenahospice.org.uk/event-detail.cfm?id=40
Oct 11th - Henley Half Marathon - http://www.henleyhalfmarathon.org.uk/
Oct 25th - Go beyond ½ Marathon - http://www.gobeyondultra.co.uk/
Dec 6th - Doyen of the Downs - http://www.extremerunning.org/

Jan 24th - Gloucester 50km - TBC - http://www.blogger.com/www.100kmassociation.co.uk
or
Jan 31st - Kent Midnight Challenge - http://www.50milechallenge.co.uk/moonlight.htm

Apr 2010 - London Marathon - Pending ballot acceptance and wife’s acceptance into race (will do both Day/Night and London if she is as I will run at her pace – not belittling her in any way, but she has only done a 5k to date, and she is expecting to take about 5hrs)

Jun 2010 - South Downs Marathon - http://www.blogger.com/www.209events.com

July 2010 - Downland Challenge - http://www.haywardsheathharriers.co.uk/nonMembers/fixtures.asp

Aug/Sept - 2010 - UTMB - http://www.ultratrailmb.com/
or (if unsuccessful in ballot entry)
Spartathon - http://www.spartathlon.gr/main.php
or (if unsuccessful in that ballot entry)
Aug 2010 - Ridgeway 85 - http://www.tra-uk.org/ridgeway_challenge.php
Sept 2010 - Eagle Isle Ultra - http://www.eagleisleultra.com/

A fair list of races, which if I am lucky (!!) and do the ones I want will total 350 miles (560km), so I had better get training, and will be using shoes from Fitness Footwear of course (See attached banner).

Calf strain starting to improve, although still not ready to push it, so currently cross training, which is frustrating, but keeps me fit.

Planning for the Future

2009-07-16T12:11:00.002+01:00

Plans for next years running are taking shape, with 5 ultra's planned so far, and hopefully a chance to run in the 50km trials and get into a national team for the Anglo Celtic Cup next year (have a choice of 3 England - Place of Birth, Scotland/Ireland - ancestry). The Anglo Celtic cup is a 100km race, so training for all this will take a bit of time and also more commitment.

Having trained for 18 months to do the Marathon Des Sables this year (http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php) and enjoy the running and getting up at 4am sometimes to run, i should be able to do something similar for the champs next year.

Long term, i am still looking for another multi-stage race, somewhere (i.e. Gobi or Trans Aq'), but with no corporate sponsorship on board costs for these races are getting harder to raise.

Have ordered a copy of Go Faster Food, by Kate Percy, so expect a review of that soon

All for now

Shoe Review - Saucony Pro Grid Triumph 6

2009-07-15T10:41:00.006+01:00

After a few weeks of testing these shoes i can happily report that my love for Asics running shoes is being challenged, by the new Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6, although it only took the first run to be swayed.

The shoe, which boasts cushioning in both the heel and forefoot is very responsive and lightweight and truly delivers in all areas. Whilst the fit is perfect from the first time you run in them, the toe box is roomy, as well as a good fit on the heel.

The cushioning is perfect. Substantial enough, without feeling that you are running with a mattress on your feet, and the responsiveness gives the feeling that you could almost be running barefoot. The shoe weight (324g) is heavier than racing shoes, but lends itself to both fast short workouts as well as being sturdy enough for LSD runs on a Sunday morning. More suited to the road, however not a stranger to the harder trails and gives a very good ride whatever the terrain.

In summary - Saucony Triumph is a perfect shoe for the neutral runner, good fitting and well worth the asking price - Asics beware!!.

Saucony trainers

These, and many others can be bought on-line at Fitness Footwear, my first choice for running shoes.

Back to the real world

2009-06-23T11:20:00.005+01:00

Its about time that i updated whats been happening since my last post, over two months ago.

Running has only recently re-started, due to a combination of recovery and nasty illness (not picked up in Morocco). This has reduced me to only a handful of miles per week since late May, but hopefully i can now start to push out more each wee.

I have already applied for another race, albeit only ½ marathon distance, the Henley ½ in October, with Alex Flynn, who has also been recovering from the MdS, and plans for next year are being drawn up.

These include:
London Marathon or failing entry (should be a guaranteed place) Day/Night double Marathon in Stratford - April, with Ambition events (might run both if my wife is also accepted into the London Marathon as I would run with her at her pace).
South Downs and Faversham marathons in June & July
Ridgeway 85 in August
Eagle Isle Ultra in September (40km each day for 3 days)

Best laid plans rarely go without a hitch, but that's the aim.

On other fronts, i have today passed my BBA degree exam (Business and Administration), after 2 years of study, so very pleased with that, and....

Fitness Footwear (www.fitnessfootwear.com) have asked me to test and review some more shoes for them, and have also expressed an interest in making me their athlete of the month (obviously everyone else said no).

Will post my reviews on both the Asics GT3010 and Saucony ProGrid Triumph 6 hopefully in the next few weeks once i have given them a good work out, until then....

Keep on Waddling (as the Penguin says)

Home at Last

2009-04-06T18:37:00.001+01:00

All

A bit of a post script to the weeks events, now that i am home.

Although the distance of the race was reduced due to the intervention of mother nature, albeit by only 25 miles, the race itself lived up to my expectations. The long stage of 91 km, was not only a record for the MdS, but also the longest stage ever in a multi-day event, and it was long.

The nights were very cold and the humidity in the day was increased due to the rain, all making it very hard on the not so "dry river beds".

I feel that the event tested my resolve both physically as well as mentally, and that the friends i made there will stay with me, for a very long time. It was never meant to be easy and although, as i said above, the event was shortened a bit i don't feel cheated in anyway, far from it. The Marathon Des Sables is classed as the "Toughest Footrace on Earth", and I believe that it lived up to that, for both the usual reasons and also the unusual.

Thanks for all the messages of support, from all over country as well as Australia and New Zealand, and i hope that i have earned every penny for GOSHCC.

My feet hurt and my shoulders ache, but there is a sense of satisfaction in that pain.

As for the future, i have a few ideas, but for the moment i want to bask in my success and take a few months off.

Thanks again

Rich "Desertram" Merry

Fw: 695--FIN

2009-04-06T18:11:00.001+01:00

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Richard MERRY <noreply@darbaroud.com>
To: mandymerry10@btinternet.com
Sent: Friday, 3 April, 2009 9:58:20 PM
Subject: 695--FIN

Finally the Marathon Des Sables is over and i have a medal round my neck and very sore feet (trip to docs after this e-mail).
Today was the hotest yet and with areas of hard rocky ground and salt flats radiating the heat it was almost as hard as the long stage.
Still finding it hard to drink water, like yesterday, but i just need to take it easy. race organisers have a classical concert planned for this evening and beer to accompany it.
Glad its over, but what an experience (never to be repetaed).
Thanks for all the messgaes again, you have all kept me going.

Mandy & Freya
Cant wiat until monday, and will ring you as soon as i get back to the hotel.
I love you both very, very much, and promise i wont do anything stupid like this again (or for a while).
Love you loads
"Always and Forever"
Hubby & Daddy

-----------------------------
N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE
-----------------------------
Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE

Fw: 695--Back for More

2009-04-03T20:53:00.001+01:00

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Richard MERRY <noreply@darbaroud.com>
To: mandymerry10@btinternet.com
Sent: Wednesday, 1 April, 2009 9:33:05 AM
Subject: 695--Back for More

Hi all

Day 2 of the race now and today was 36km of a mixture of soft sand, dunes, and more hard volcanic rock. Mix that with 6km of flat, dry valley and the sun coming down, this was almost as hard as yesterday.
All of us had a bad nights sleep in very cold and windy conditions in the 2 sided tents and woke up hungry and ready to go. Managed to strap up my feet as the blood blister on the right heel was treated and injected with iodine (ouch!!!!!!!!). Run went well, teaming up with Alan from opur tent and doing most of the distance together..

Shoulders are ready taking the strain now and with no phsyio its a case of strapping my back up ahead of tomorrows 80km (50mile) run.
Rich

Mandy & Freya
Hope you are ok and not missing me too much. Bearing uip ok and spirits up due to others in tent 79. Feet are killing me, but legs ok and i will finish this as promised.
Missing you both very much, still have your pics on my pack.
Love you both
"Always and Forever"
Hubby & Daddy
X

-----------------------------
N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE
-----------------------------
Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE

Fw: 695--Ow!, Ow!, OWWWW!!

2009-04-03T20:51:00.001+01:00

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Richard MERRY <noreply@darbaroud.com>
To: mandymerry10@btinternet.com
Sent: Thursday, 2 April, 2009 9:22:47 PM
Subject: 695--Ow!, Ow!, OWWWW!!

If it moves it hurst and that goes for my eyelids too. In an atempt to make up for lost time the race organisers decided to make the 80km stage into 91km (57 Miles).
Salt flats, dunes , serious rock climbing and gales, whipping the sand up. It took me about 21 hours, with 6 Cp stops, and my stomach started rejecting all fluids too.
Still the next stage (marathon) will soon be over and i can say i have completed the MDS.
Thanks for all the messages, they have really pciked me up, and i will return to sunny Britain on Monday.
Rich

Mandy/Freya
Short chat this morning left me in tears and i cannot wait to hold you both again.
You both mean the world to me and i love you both.
"Always & Forever"
Hubby & Daddy

-----------------------------
N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE
-----------------------------
Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE

Fw: 695--Finally we run - day 1 (or day2)

2009-04-03T20:49:00.001+01:00

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Richard MERRY <noreply@darbaroud.com>
To: mandymerry10@btinternet.com
Sent: Monday, 30 March, 2009 10:41:32 PM
Subject: 695--Finally we run - day 1 (or day2)

We finally got going today. 33km of a mixture of the biggest dunes i have ever seen (12km), 6 miles of broken volcanic rock and then more dunes.
Finished finally in 6hrs, a distance like this would usually take 2 hours. Camped now and just had a lovely boil in bag meal ?.
bedding down soon and just a quick trip to docs for blister treatment.
Rich

Mandy & Freya
Everything going ok, finding the wait hard, the course very hard and missing you impossibly hard. JKeep each other happy and have a cuddle from me. Will see you in one week and write again tomorrow evening.
Love you both
"Always and Forever"
Hubby & daddy

-----------------------------
N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE
-----------------------------
Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS
ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE

Fw: Final goodbyes

2009-03-25T20:17:00.002Z

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Richard Merry <RM@tiptree.com>
To: Mandy Merry <mandymerry10@btinternet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 25 March, 2009 10:26:25 AM
Subject: Final goodbyes

Hi All

My final e-mail from the UK, as Thursday I fly out to Morocco, for the MDS. Timings for the event are as follows;

26 March - Gatwick to Ouarzazate; transfer to Hotel
27 March - Transfer to Desert
28 March - Registration and administration day
29 March - 4 April - The event - Self sufficiency 4 April is the final stage
5 April - Hotel
6 April - Ouarzazate to Gatwick arrive in UK about 12:30.
As before, all the race can be followed at http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php, although you may need to check other pages to get updated progress and contact me by return (No 695), and Mandy will be circulating emails to all, including 3 radio stations, Heart, Dream 100 and BBC Essex, for hopeful daily updates.

Finally to say - Thanks for everyone's support and constant interest, and I will make sure that I earn every penny for GOSHCC, and come back in one piece (possibly minus a few toenails, and a few stones less, but what the heck)

Thanks again
Richard
www.desertram.co.uk

Final Thoughts

2009-03-25T15:08:00.003Z

Final thoughts for the week, before jetting out on Thursday. Extracts from the book i have been writing, which i hope will be published in one form or another for future runners to use as reference, and so my family can see what i have been doing at 5am whilst they slept in their beds.

Monday 23rd March
Nerves have started to really kick in and, as I have only a short run planned for Tuesday, I need to do something else, so a light gym session, followed by the sauna to relax, will suffice. I had a quick chat with John this morning about kit, etc and what to pack in which case and I think I will repack my cases to make sure I have only the kit I need for the first day in the hand luggage and the “must had survival gear” as well as all paperwork. Food for me now is going to be higher calorie and good carbs so Jacket potatoes for tea with veggies, a coupe of good sandwiches at lunch and trail mix to snack on during the day. Managed to secure another radio interview with Heart FM, although like the Dream 100 interview due on Wednesday, I wont hear it on the radio, as it will be aired on Sunday, whilst I am running, sweating my bits off, but if it raises money for GOSHCC then its worth doing.

Tuesday 24th March
A quick 2 mile run and sauna at lunchtime, this time with sweatshirt, t-shirt and shorts, which caused a huge amount of sweating and water intake, and strange looks. Heart interview at 11 went well, and was easy to do, being pre-recorded and I am getting used to these now, which makes it easier. Getting plenty of well wishes from work and friends too now and with everything packed and re-packed I can wait to get going.

Wednesday 25th March
Nothing more than a session in the sauna, again with clothes on, although the boredom of sitting there and the desire to get going tomorrow caused lunch to be cut short. Everything at work is up to date. All e-mail addresses have been set up so that Mandy can forward my messages to all and sundry each night. The aim there is to drop her an e-mail, with an update of what happened during the day and then she will forward it on to the group I have set up, which includes all the radio stations as well as family, work etc.
Good English weather today, to see me off, windy, raining and blustery, not nice, but I will be glad of some rain and cool breezes in a week’s time. Once Freya was is in bed tonight I will sort out all my gear for one last time, having decided to change my evening top to a Helly Hansen one instead of the thin Dublin Marathon one. This will serve as a sleeping top as well as one for the night stage of the race (I will be past caring about the smell by that time and light weight is paramount).
Email from John yesterday saying he had been sent to Scotland on a works errand, not what he needs 2 days before the off, thankfully not something I have to worry about and will be glad to go home tonight. Having strange emotion swings with all the wishes, but that is probably the nerves setting in further. The rest of the journey will have to be recorded in a note book and re-typed when I get back, as well as uploading photo’s, of which I intend to take a lot.

A big Step backwards

2009-03-16T09:13:00.001Z

This will be my last Blog report before I disappear to Morocco, and not the best way to end.

The last few weeks have not been good as I picked up a calf strain when out with Mark Syred from BBC Essex, doing another interview. This strain also pulled on the inside of my hamstring making any running extremely painful, so I stopped.

Resting it now is the only option, although I will go out for a short trot later this week, just to make sure it is healing, but nothing too much. The MDS is now less than two weeks away and I want to be at the start line, knowing I can run and be ok.

On another note Anglia News has finally shown an interest and although they cancelled last minute this morning I am hoping they will be back for a feature before I go and raise some more money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Only a short report this time and nerves are getting more frayed as we get closer to the big off, but everything is packed and ready for the off (after re-packing for the umpteenth time, but it all fits (ish).

Will try to do daily reports from the run, once it starts and keep the Blog updated, but it will depend on whether Mandy has problems with the home PC.

Ciao for Now

Fw: Marathon Des Sables Updates

2009-03-15T18:25:00.002Z

Hi All

With the Marathon Des Sables on a few weeks away, I thought it best to let you know about a few bits.

The organisers, as in previous years, will provide a communications tent (i.e. an old laptop on a table). This gives competitors a chance to send and receive messages during the week. My intention is to send a message to Mandy every night, that she can forward on to you select few(ish) and the message will also update my own Blog (http://richardmerry.blogspot.com) at the same time.

This will serve three purposes; Firstly - to re-assure Mandy & Freya that all is well (the reality may be changed to protect the young). Secondly - to let everyone know what is going on and how the day went, and thirdly - to stop Mandy cashing in my life policy. There will probably be no communication on the 4th day (Wednesday 1st April - there is a joke about fools there somewhere) as it is the 55 mile stage and I will probably not be back before nightfall (or possibly before sun-rise the following morning)

I can't guarantee that my spelling will be great (nothing new) and that it won't get too mushy, but as my sponsors it gives you a chance to see that I am earning your money.

Replying to me (and it would be extremely appreciated) is via a different route. The organisers web-site has a message page, where you enter the runners race number (695 in my case) and it will then allow you to send a message that way. The link to this is http://www.darbaroud.com, and look for the section entitled "write to competitors". The site also has a results page and daily updates by the race director, regarding temps and distances. You cannot reply directly to the e-mail from Mandy or the address from morocco, as it will not be delivered. The above details will probably come up in French, but the English version is available.

If you don't want to know any of this then let me know and I will ~~ignore your request~~ take you off the mailing list.

Hope this all makes sense (!!!)

Richard

Grantham Canal Run – 29.3 Miles – Tale of two halves

2009-03-02T14:54:00.001Z

This was meant to be a back-to-back race, with 29.3 miles on the Saturday, from Cotgrave to Grantham and then back again on the Sunday. The route was the canal path, which, apart from the odd lock was flat and easy under foot. The race was organised and started by Rory Coleman, an MDS vet and ultra runner of note, and very nice guy too. Starting from the sports centre in Cotgrave, and after a minor loss of way, we got to the canal path after 1½ miles. The initial pathway was gravel on hard trails, with no give and this would cause problems later combined with low bridges. Checkpoints were at about 5, 10, 15 and 21 miles and supplied water and sweets, and a chance to stop.

Most runners were training for the MDs and there was a plethora of Raidlight back-packs and M1100MDS trainers, although expecting it to be very wet underfoot I ran in my Asics Gel Cumulus trainers, and glad I did. As after about 16 miles the trail turned to grass and mud and the trainers started sinking in and letting in the water and mud. This would have been bad news for the MDS trainers and I wanted to train in those in the next few weeks with a full pack.

On this race I was carrying very little, only about 4kgs, and only in the 10 litre pack as well.

However disaster struck after 14 miles on a very low bridge, who you had to go under on your haunches and I felt my right calf stretch and within a few hundred yards I was reduced to a trot and by the next checkpoint at 15 miles my target time of 4hrs 30 was gone. I could only run/walk to the finish and took 3 hours to complete the rest of the distance. Still happy to have done the race distance and finished 28th from 70, but concerned about the damage I may have done and that there was a run back the next day. Once I had finished it was off to my room and grabbed a bag of ice for the calf. A quick shower and some food and then an hour on the bed with ice on my leg.

I couldn’t stay too long as Rory had organised a Doctor for Medical certificate signing and ECG taking, thankfully I was recovered in time to pass both, and then stay for a seminar on the MDS by Andy Mcmenemy, who had completed the 2007 MDs and 2008 Namibia desert race as well, and who passed on some very good tips on foot care and other ideas too.

After that I shuffled off to the room, hoping for a good nights sleep (no chance), and being ok for the Sunday run.

Sunday came and I went home. No running at all. The calf had stiffened in the night and was pulling on the upper Achilles tendon and I was not prepared to risk all for the sake of not having a DNS against my name on the race. I wasn’t the only one as others had seen sense and were resting niggles in anticipation of the bigger days to come.

The damage wasn’t long lasting and I was out running, albeit for 3 miles, on Monday and although stiff in the thighs and energy not up to peak, the calf felt better, if not perfect.

So next is the Marathon Des Sables. I have another 3 weeks of training, and tapering and 100 miles total left on my training plan. Time is still on my side to stretch the calf and take it easy on the longer runs.

I have another meeting with Mark Syred of BBC Essex on Sunday, I still need to get my gaiters attached to the shoes and, although I have all my kit, I need to get my backpack packed properly so that everything fits in (too much food!)

Race Numbers are here!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-10T08:05:00.002Z

My race number has been confirmed as 695, for this years event and all can contact me during the race as long as the race number is quoted. The organisers at darbaroud (www.darbaroud.com) say that you need the number and names etc to send messages, but in the past i have found runners with justa number.

I hope to get a few messages during the race, and have sent a list of details to family, Freinds and sponsors, on how to follwo the race and my progress.

Back to the joys of sunny Britain

2009-02-10T08:00:00.002Z

As you can probably guess from the title, i have been away and enjoying the sunshine in Florida. Not a training holiday or one paid for by supporters, but a family break at Disney in Orlando. Weather, however, was at times very British (cold, damp and grey) but with daytime hitting 28C on one occasion, it was a welcome break.

No training at all during the break, although miles were walked everyday and often with a 4-year-old on my shoulders (my daughter that is, not someone elses'), and now i am back to the reality of the MDS being only 43 days away.

Training this week will be hard to get back into, and even though i have a target of 55 miles for the week, i am expecting to fall short, mainly due to very stiff hamstrings from the return flight on Sunday. BUT, the target is set and my aim is to get there, so we will have to wait and see.

Thames Towpath 54 miles - Race Report

2009-01-19T11:01:00.007Z

I originally applied for this event in April 2008, as I was keen to add it to my scheduled races in the lead up to the MDS.

But this was not going to be easy. Just getting there was a nightmare. The first train of the day, from Colchester to Reading left at 4.45am, and with a change for the London Tube and then other main line change I was due to get to Reading at 7.24am, 6 min before the registration desk closed. I had already warned the organisers that there may be an issue, regarding my possible late arrival and I had to cross fingers etc to hope that there would be no delays.

The race itself followed the Thames Towpath from Reading to Shepperton in London, so would be fairly flat (apart from the lock gates and bridges), although I wasn't expecting it to be on paths all the way. This race also had a mandatory kit list, with 'essentials' similar to the MDs, and was therefore touted as a good trial for the MDS itself. However the thought of carrying a 9kg pack for the whole race was a bit off putting, not that I was worried about the weight, or finishing the run, but more about the extra strain that it would put on my body ahead of the MDS and I didn't want to risk the chance of injury. So I took a lighter pack weight, which was still 4kg and took a basic change of clothing as well as a compass, map bag, space blanket and head torch and hopefully enough food to get me through, including an expedition Foods Chocolate Mousse (which I didn't use in the end).

Water would be available at 4 checkpoints so I needed to managed my intake between points, and therefore took an extra water bottle as well as having a camelbak bladder in my back-pack and as the weather was forecasting light rain I also took a lightweight jacket and hat.
Saturday came and, apart from a minor panic when they changed the platform that the train at Paddington was leaving from , which made me charge across to the other side of the station that was the only incident. I was up on time, although had only slept a few hours, as is my normal pattern of sleep the night before a race, and everything else fell into place and I arrived to join the back of the queue and registered safely. I had decided to take my camera with me on this run, to test it out before the MDS, so started with a few snaps of the Thames and our point of departure, although none of this could be seen due to heavy cloud and a sudden very heavy downpour that drenched everyone. Thankfully the rain only lasted 10 minutes and that was the last we would see of it for the day.

After a quiet race briefing (which was heard by only the front few runners - why won't race directors realise that mega-phones are there for a reason), we made our way to the start and were off. The field, of about 150, soon thinned out and the sun was up and already I was starting to over heat. I had my light rain jacket, a thin reflective top and an Under Armour Long sleeve shirt on, so within 2 miles I had to stop and remove the jacket. Then I could try to fall back into my rhythm and get a constant pace going. However the footing was very poor and the towpath disappeared to give way to sloppy mud. We stuck with this for few miles before returning to a proper footpath, giving time to admire the very expensive houses we passed in the area.

The first checkpoint (and I use that word loosely) was in Henley-on-Thames where I was born 41 years ago, so it was a return to home. It had taken 1 hour 36 min to get to the first checkpoint at 10 miles, which is slow for me but this wasn't a race that I was trying to win, just finish.

The second checkpoint at Marlow was under a main road flyover (who said Ultra running wasn't glamorous) and was at eighteen miles, which in total had taken me 2hrs 56 mins to do, but after a few more miles the scenery led to a gorgeous stretch of Thames

and so off to the next checkpoint. By this time I was starting to feel uncomfortable. My right thigh was throbbing and once I got to the 3rd Checkpoint at Bray, near Maidenhead, it was time for a good break and some nurofen tablets. A restock on fluids and a few bites to eat and in 10 mins I was feeling a lot better. I had started with a run 15 mins and walk 5 min strategy, but it now dropped to run walk as felt comfortable. This seemed to work most and would be my strategy for the MDS.

We now approached Windsor and Eton and the Queen was in today and the tourists in the town were treated to a procession of mud covered, sweaty and tired looking runners from across the world (French, S African, German and even as far as Scotland) traipsing through the town. It was here that I met up with Mark David, another MDS runner for this year and between us we covered the last 20 miles helping and talking to each other, and in the last 10 miles picking start and stop points for jogs. His policy was the same as my own, having spent a weekend with Rory Coleman on one of his seminars and learning the best way to do the MDS.

Checkpoint four (at Runnymede) saw us hitting the final leg and with the temperatures dropping I had to stick my jacket back on and warm up a little. We headed for home and in the fading light had to resort to head-torches for the final hour. Apart from getting lost in the last mile (due to a poor map description, we finally made it to Shepperton, coming in at 17:47pm and taking a total of 9hrs 41 mins (8hrs 59 min running and the rest stopping at the checkpoints). 20 mins inside my target time, and very pleased to finish.
3 hours later I arrived home having made my way back into London and then out, smelling not too sweetly, but I did get a seat on the train to myself, and within 10 mins of getting in I was in a bath and in bed by 10pm. Only sleeping for 3 hours when cramp set in and I had to get up. Cereal and a cup of tea at 3am never tasted so nice.

Would I do it again?, without doubt and would recommend it to anyone who wanted to do an Ultra, I wouldn't change anything about my kit or food I took and learnt one good thing from it and that was I was running right and sensibly, setting my targets correctly and timing things at the right pace.

Next up, a trip to Great Ormond Street Hospital on the 21st Jan and then 2 weeks in Florida on a much needed family break. Won't be doing much running (if at all) but will probably be carrying Freya on my shoulders and walking a lot so the exercise will still be coming.

Once back I have the Grantham Canal run to plan for, which is a 30 mile run from Nottingham to Grantham on a Saturday and the back again on the Sunday.

Stansted Stagger 26 miles (Dec 08) – Race Report

2009-01-08T13:11:00.000Z

The last LDWA event I plan to do before the MDS, and one with a local group. After missing out on the Gatliff run, this was the first real test since the start of November, and following on from weeks of low level training and then the interruption of Christmas I didn’t know how it would turn out.Thankfully very well! The weather had been very cold and frosty, which was a good thing at the start of the race, as the ground was hard enough to stop the mud sticking to my trainers. The route was again laid out as a description on paper, and walkers had already left an hour before I started, along with 20 runners. Once into my stride and after an unplanned detour (lost in first mile) I found the going very easy. Out of the village of Stansted Mountfitchet, and into the fields and nearby lanes. This run had only one checkpoint so I decided to take my 10 litre back-pack and carry a few extra goodies, than I normally would on a marathon, spare jacket and socks, spare hat, gel, mint cake and a cliff bar, was well as a full camelbak bladder.
Once out in the countryside I found myself alone quite quickly, having left a lot of other runners behind, and despite not taking a MP3 player, so I could concentrate on the directions, was enjoying the run. As I went I passed other runners who had started before me, and reached the 13 mile checkpoint in 1hr 51 min, and was the first to arrive. Stopping for a drink and snacks provided at the checkpoint, I changed hat and long sleeve top and headed off, just as the next runner arrived.

The route now became a bit obscure in its description and at a number of turns I took a gamble, which thankfully were the right decision, and with the ground now giving in the winter sunshine the mud stared piling up on my feet, slowing me down and adding to the effort. I was eventually passed by another runner, but managed to trail him all the way to the finish, and although we were passed by another runner in the last mile I was happy to finish in 3rd place in a time of 4hr 9min. A lot of the second half of the run was very much a run/walk stage mainly due to my lost fitness, but I finished with no injuries or pain, and the time was very pleasing as the winner (in 3hrs 42), was the reigning UK Montrail Ultra champion, so no shame there.

Next up is the Thames Towpath, which despite being longer at 50 miles won’t have the off-road hindrance that the Stagger had. Not that that will make it any easier.

Finally back running again

2008-12-22T11:02:00.001Z

Not a great deal to report, from the last three weeks. I have only just got over the knee strain and last week was my first full week running for some time. Managed a total of xx miles, some of it with a 7kg pack on, which felt ok and I have calculated a final pack weight of 12kg, so will need to up the weight on a weekly basis now. My next race is the Stansted Stagger, a 26 mile LDWA organised event, this coming Sunday (28th), and once I get back to full time work after the Christmas break I will be able to book up a final race before the MDS.

I have already ear-marked the Grantham Canal 2 day ultra at the end of February, which is a 30 mile run one –way on the Saturday and then the return run the next day (http://www.rorycoleman.co.uk/Grantham%20Canal%20Run.asp?nid=23&pid=20) for more details. I should also be able to get my ECG and medical signed off at the same time too.

I have had my jabs for the race now so shouldn’t (yeh right!!) pick up any nasty tropical diseases, so all I need to do is keep training and in 13 weeks enjoy the hot sunshine.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year to all

Salomon XT-Wings – From Fitness Footwear

2008-12-01T09:16:00.005Z

These are marketed as effortless running shoes that are suitable for any terrain, and from the first step in these they felt comfortable, well fitted and almost worn-in already.

I found they gripped and glided over whatever the surface I ran on including a mixture of roads and trails, and felt equally comfortable to road running as to trails.. The Triple Density Eva mid-sole gave such a good ride and great lacing system that only requires one pull to adjust and then leave, made these a perfect pair for shoes.

The loud “grass and black”, the restrained (?) bright red or the more subtle black and grey, give you the option of really standing out or blending in with the crowd, but with the speed agility and grip that these shoes give, most other runners will be left looking at your dust trail.

One last point; they do fit snugly, so I would recommend a ½ size bigger than normal, but they still feel great.

On a rating of 1 to 10, I would have to give these 10, as I cannot fault them at all.

Gatliff Marathon - None Starter

2008-12-01T09:10:00.000Z

This was an event I was looking forward to, and had made arrangements with John Greenbank, another 2009 MdS runner I had been in contact with via the Best of Morocco web-site, to meet up and run together and have a chat. However the race was a non-starter for me due to an injury sustained in my left knee.

A week ago I was out on a good long Sunday morning run, however the weather had turned against me and was making life difficult. Now most weather conditions I am happy to run in. Not particularly keen on strong wind, but everything else is fine. On this Sunday it was a combination of strong winds, snow and sleet, and it was the sleet coming in on a horizontal plane that was causing the problem. I had my beanie hat almost covering my eyes and a buff pulled up to the top of my nose, so only had a slit to see out of and, as can be guessed, I missed the edge of a kerb and twisted my knee.

Stupid I know, but it was the only way I could see comfortably. I had hoped that a lot of rest would see me right and although it did feel better towards the end of the week there was no way I would last for 31 miles in the mud etc, so decided on the Saturday afternoon not to run. Sent my apologies to John, who, politely, cursed me as I had persuaded him to run in the race too (he’ll thank me for it in the long run?!?), and planned to run a 5 miler on Sunday instead.

That proved too much again, as after 2 miles the knee started to buckle and it was a steady walk home rather than carrying on – right decision not to do the marathon, but hopefully if the knee has improved then next Sunday I will try to find another race to do and still keep training as well.

To be Tried and tested

2008-11-10T11:50:00.001Z

One of the highlights of the past week was receiving an e-mail from Adam Smith of Fitness Footwear (www.fitnessfootwear.com) who offered me a free pair of Salomon XT-wing trainers in exchange for a web-site plug and shoe review. Now I’m not too proud to accept a freebie, as everything helps and I have been planning to get some more off-road shoes (especially having swamped my last pair in the Steppingly run). Hopefully I should get these this week and will give them a thorough testing with the aim to use them in the Gatliff Marathon at the end of the month (provided they wear in well).

Will keep you posted – watch this space.

8th Steppingly Step – Wet and boggy – great!!!

2008-11-10T11:49:00.003Z

Another LDWA event, but found this a lot harder that the 55 miler back in September, Mainly because the route was very hilly and due to the traverses across local fields, which were boggy and very sticky after the recent rain we have had. This meant that footwear soon became clogged up and heavy. Thankfully I had learnt from the last LWDA event and bought a pair of Sealskin socks, which saved my feet from being completely ruined and kept all the water out (a well worth buy at £20).

The event (not a race as such, as it is officially a walker’s event) was well supported with about 40 runners and we all took off from a local village hall along a few roads until we hit the first of many, many fields. From there we entered the Steppingly Steps, 350ft of near vertical climbing, before reaching to top, which had breathtaking views for those with any breath left (not me).

There I teamed up with two runners for Orpington, who I ran with for most of the way, exchanging banter and general chatting, to help the miles go by. Also, as this was an LDWA event, it helped to have others there to decipher the directions, which were considerably ambiguous in places and which would have led me to doing more mileage and back-tracking than was planned.

The scenery was extremely nice, going from valleys to the top of Ampthill park , with more wonderful views, however to get to these points meant lots of climbing and according to my Garmin, there was over 3600ft of climbing on the whole route.

Once past this stage the weather started to deteriorate, winds started picking up and the skies darkened, but we headed back into the valleys and the bogs and churned up footpaths of the woods. Most of it looked like a herd of wildebeest had been there first, so picking a route through wasn’t easy. Thankfully because of the socks I could take the wet way through, although nearly lost a shoe a couple of times.

Once out of the wood we only had about 6 miles left, but the woods had stretched my hamstrings to their maximum and they were extremely sore, so I cut the pace back and lost contact with the other two. After the final checkpoint at 22 miles my energy picked up a little and I gently trotted the rest of the way home, to finish in 4:24. Six minutes inside what I had planned for, and finishing in freezing cold conditions I was happy to get some warm food inside me.

In reflection, the only down side on the day was breakfast, as I had tried one of the breakfast I was planning to take to the MDS. This tasted like and looked like wallpaper paste (alright, I haven’t tried to eat wallpaper paste, but you get the idea), so I now have to source something else, but rather now than 3 days into the desert.

Next up is the Gatliff Marathon, which at 50km defies the Trades description law, but this is one I will probably do with a 5kg backpack and maybe hiking poles, to get used to them in my hands. But that’s not until 30th November so a bit of time for recovery this week and back to the mill.

Safe running all
Rich

Lull before the Storm

2008-10-20T11:55:00.001+01:00

Not a great deal to report this time, the calf strain picked up at the Lea Valley Marathon has healed after a weeks rest (well just under to be precise) and last weeks mileage totalled 46 & a bit, carrying a 4.5kg pack for a couple of the runs, with no problems.

Tiredness is the only problem at the moment, due to my wife’s long working hours and the early starts, but life goes on.

The running shoes for next year have arrived, a meaty pair of New Balance M1100MDS trainers in MDS colours which are a size & half bigger than normal, to allow the foot to swell due to the heat. They look like a canal boat when on and training is going to prove fun, so a couple of thick pairs of socks will be needed to fill them out. Weight training will be needed due to the weight so not suitable for quick 5km races.

Sponsorship for GOSHCC has started to come in and is now about £550, so more pressure will be placed on people to get the money in.

That’s about all this time, it’s been quiet, but hopefully things will pick up and there will be more to report after next months Steppingly Challenge in Bedford, which is a marathon organised by the LDWA, on the 9th November.

Safe Running
Rich

My First DNF - Don't Ask

2008-10-06T13:52:00.000+01:00

What a disaster this turned into, and what long term damage has it done.

The race itself was a very flat run from St Margaret’s in Hertfordshire, along the Lea Valley into London, finishing near the site of the new Olympic stadium (apparently). Apparently, because I never got there. A nice course with little in the way of climbs (only on small bridges across the river) but with a section on loose gravel and trails that twisted and turned with great regularity. It was these turns that caused the problem.

I was charging along well inside PB pace, in fact a good 20 mins inside PB pace and feeling full of running at 11 miles in 1hr 18 min and not feeling tired, which after the previous 3 weeks I was expecting, however it was the footing that led to my downfall (almost literally), as I ran through the trails that formed a switch-back onto the route I felt a pull on the outside of my right calf, that started to ache almost straight away and gradually got worse as I progressed. The next 5 miles took me 45 minutes and by the time I got to 19 miles I could only run a few strides before hobbling a few more. This was the lowest point I thought until the stomach decided to join in and I started being sick (lasted for another day – but enough info on that). I had to think long term and decided that this was to be my first DNF of my career since 2001. I had to reason with myself that to continue could result in a tear that would seriously jeopardise the MDS and that was more inportant that this.

I knew I could have finished and having done the Shotley race 3 weeks ago knew the distance wasn’t a problem. Perhaps I went off too quick and was over confident, but i felt good for the first section and felt I could really benefit on this run from the training and work I had done in the past few months. Now all I can do is take this week off and try to resume training as soon as I feel able to, I will have to reduce the output when I return, but hopefully, as I have 5 months left I will be back soon enough not to have lost much of the training fitness I have done. A bit of water running this week will help and gym work will continue as before.
Only time will tell.

Local Media Interest

2008-09-15T10:29:00.005+01:00

Friday last (12th) saw my entrance into the media, with a BBC Essex interview, live in the studio, and a photo session with the East Anglian Daily Times (EADT).
The radio slot went well although I don’t seem to have got any more sponsorship out of it, and the picture in the paper looks good, so hopefully something might come of that. Tomorrow (16th) sees the Essex Chronicle visit, although if I am still stiff I won’t be running that much for them.

Shotley Peninsular 55 mile Challenge

2008-09-15T10:29:00.001+01:00

This was my first run above 26.2 miles and it went surprisingly well, although to look at me now (2 days later) it’s hard to believe.

This was a run (not a race) with a difference. The event was organised superbly by the Essex & Herts. Long Distance Walking Association (LDWA), which supplied 8 pages (A4) of instructions of the route, which started at Holbrook in Suffolk. The route was as crude a route as you could find in those parts, consisting of roads, trails, public footpaths, beach (including scrambling over a fall tree blocking the way, through ploughed fields and across bogs and marsh areas, all at a pace that allowed me to read directions as i went.

The first group that went were the walkers, who left at 7.30; there were about 100 of these, and only 18 runners. We were allowed to leave from about 10.30 onwards and I started to catch the walkers after about 2 hours. Due to the nature of the course and the distance involved I decided that I would start steadily and not thrash the run, in fear of crashing before I got half-way. There were 10 checkpoints around the route all of which had various snacks and drinks, although these were hard to swallow having dried out towards the end of the day, and I had taken a few bits with me just in case.

I passed the marathon distance with a cheer, as I was now in new territory, and feeling good, feet were getting a bit sore, and I decided to change my socks at the next checkpoint, and take a good break (spent 1hr 30min in all at these points, so 10 mins each, and very glad I did). Once changed and refuelled with soup and a hot tea I was on my way again, passing 30 miles, passing 35 and still able to keep a good 11 min mile pace going. Psychologically I was fine, the distance wasn’t scaring me and at no point did if think I wish this was over (apart from the car journey home), I aimed to call Mandy at about 9pm to let her know when I hoped to finish, and hoped by this time I would only have 8 miles to go. And leaving checkpoint 8 in fading light I set off into a wood, to get to next point at the right time. This where the head torch came into its own, totally pitch black in the woods and with owls, foxes and who knows what else, but with the darkness came the reduced speed to the point where I was completely lost and only found my way back when I saw another runner coming in the opposite direction. Tagging onto him we head to checkpoint 9, where I phoned Mandy and said I hoped to finish about 11pm.

That was wishful thinking. Energy was fine and I was enjoying the nigh time scenery of Felixstowe docks (no honestly), and enjoying being out alone doing this. I had less than 10 miles to go and the final checkpoint stop was very quick as I want to get to that 50 mile mark. Once this was passed the energy started to drop a little and trotting became the quickest I could move, but I was determined not to stop now, and meeting up with another runner jogged the last 2 miles to finish in 13hours and 1 minute, but before midnight, which was my main aim.

Hot meal, great mug of tea and said my goodbyes to the organisers and headed home with a great satisfaction. I had achieved something I had dreaded in the previous weeks, but now I feel that I can get through anything if I try. Marathons should (?) be easier to get through with this mentally strength I have found and I can continue to the MdS happy that I am getting fitter and stronger with the training I am doing.

Me again

2008-09-01T10:13:00.000+01:00

Time for another update, and I have decided to now do these updates fortnightly, as plans over then next 7 months are quite full and busy and a monthly update would be too long and boring (who said that!!).

Anyway, not too much to report intially, BBC Essex have been in contact regarding a radio interview on the 12th September, the day before the Shotley Peninsular 55mile event. They are talking about running a series of interviews with me, on a monthly basis, in the months preceding the MdS, in an aim to get more info on what has happened to me in the past month and what my next steps are. Hopefully this will give me more of a chance to gain more personal and corporate sponsorship for the race. I have also decide to do a press release to coincide with the first interview to flood the local market, and longer term plans are to ‘go national’ before Christmas on both TV and newspapers.

Anyway running-wise the last few weeks have been mixed, the first week since the last report went well, hitting 40 miles for the week with a 3.5kg pack on a times but then last week hit a low due to a stomach bug, so only 28 miles. No niggles or injury worries thankfully, and now that Mandy (my wife) has changed jobs I now have Sundays free to run and log some decent distances.

Hopefully you haven’t dozed off yet, but I’ll leave for now. Next report will be after the radio interview and Shotley run, so a lot to report on.

‘Til then
Sayonara

A planned 45 miler that went a bit astray

2008-08-18T13:52:00.000+01:00

This was a run that I planned myself and looked quite straight forward. The plan was a train to Felixstowe then run to Ipswich on to Hadleigh, then to Sudbury and finally home.

The distance between each town was almost 10 miles, which broke it down into manageable chunks, and there was a bus and train service from Sudbury to home in case I got into any difficulty.

The run started well and within 10 minutes I was into my stride and running comfortably. I had only a light pack on (3kg max) and had filled my camelbak and water bottle too, so was fine with what I had. The first 10 miles went fine, using back roads meant I kept away from the fumes and as it was a hot day the fumes would have been bad. Problems hit once I got to Ipswich. The signposting on one of the roads was misleading and I ended up turning of too early and losing my way, eventually doing a 4 mile loop before getting back on track. I had planned to stop after 10 miles at a petrol station, to get lunch but this had been delayed and with the additional weight in my pack as I filled up with water I started getting hungry and needed to stop. The first convenient stopping point was at about 17 miles and I took a long well earned rest, however the damage had been done and despite refuelling I couldn’t get back into my stride and had to accept that the run should stop rather than do damage continuing.

I managed to get to Hadleigh and finished there at 24 miles. Extremely disappointed but travelling back home on the bus was glad to have missed the rest of the way as the roads were very heavy with traffic and not a safe running route at all, so in hind sight a bit of a lucky escape.

Next planned activity is the Shotley Peninsular challenge on 13th September, so I will report back after that, although if BBC Essex gets back in touch soon I will be on the airwaves and discussing the whole thing with them.

More on that if and when it happens.

Safe Running All

The Forms Are Here

2008-08-07T15:07:00.002+01:00

Big lump in the throat today as the offical e-mail arrived with the forms for regstration for the MDS next year.

Bit of confusion over some of the translations and a bit of fuss on the MDS Forum site as techno-phobes couldn't print off the forms in full page size, but i managed, Three forms we need to complete along with supplying 3 passport photo's and the medical form for me to sweet talk my GP into signing.

Hopefully now this will make it all offical and i can start really pushing sponsors etc and getting kit finalised.

Faversham Marathon

2008-07-28T13:21:00.006+01:00

This was a new experience for me, as all the previous marathons had been on a point-to-point route, or single lap. This race was to consist of forty laps, and took place in Faversham, Kent, just off the coast and in a quiet town recreation sports park.

But it was a race that I approached with some trepidation. The thought of forty laps of a recreation ground, seeing the same scenery time after time and knowing what the terrain coming up was like filled me with a sense of uncertainty. Would I be able to mentally cope with the potential boredom of not really going anyway? Would the temptation of dropping out (never an option) if things were going very badly, be too great? And would I get lost?

I arrived early and registered and put my marked own drinks bottles, filled with PSP22 and Go Electrolyte drinks on the respective table, at least I knew what I was getting. I also had Go-gels and had a power-bar before the race, as well as breakfast before I left the house.

All these worries and doubts were laid rest early on in the race. There were about 29 runners in the marathon and another 13 runners taking part in a 6 hour race. The early morning temperatures were already at about 18 degrees, but would rise to about 25 by lunchtime; however the route was well covered by trees and only had a small patch of sun at the start/finish area, but this time I had prepared for the weather, making sure I had a small pack with salt tablets in just in-case.

The drinks station and lap counters were all positioned in the same area, and it was encouraging to know that there would always be someone cheering you on each time you passed that point.

The race itself was all on tarmac, fairly flat with a couple of speed humps in places but with a rather steep hill, albeit only 50 metres long at one end, doesn’t sound too bad, but after climbing it 40 times it was to be the least liked part of the course. Each lap was 1044.35 metres (to be exact) and the total amount of climbing was 3900 feet, which is only 100 feet per lap, but I was surprised how much it mounted up.

Route as issued by Race Director Sid Morrison

The race started in a rather relaxed fashion, and I was into my pace and stride pattern by the end of the first lap, and finished the first lap in the first group of four, a surprise to myself, more than anything. As the next lap progressed I found myself moving to the front of the group and by the end of the third lap had built a 50 metre lead. This was not planned but my pace was still averaging 7 minute miles and I felt comfortable with it, so didn’t slow. I lead the race for the next 13 laps (about 8 miles) but then started to be pulled back in by the rest of the runners, mainly because I was slowing more for drinks every other lap, which through out the momentum and lost a bit of ground (plus there was a toilet stop, but that’s more the you need to know).

The rest of the race passed without drama, and although I slowed once I hit about 19 miles, which resulted in me finishing in 3:36:46, 4 mins outside a PB, so still a very pleasing time. Overall race position was 11th, so finished in the top 30% of the field, and having seen the profiles of most of the runners I was immensely pleased with the result.

All in all a good days run, no bad after-effects, no injuries, only a small blister on one toe, managed my fluid intake well and have recovered well to back running three days later. All bodes well (shouldn’t tempt fate), for the 45 miler in 3 weeks time, but I still need to re-boot my glycogen levels, which I started doing 2am Monday morning when woken by a growling stomach.

Best trophy so far, a worthwhile memento of a hard but satisfying race.

Will update numbers once they are offically confirmed.

Have a good month
Richard

South Downs Marathon Report

2008-06-18T08:58:00.005+01:00

As tough as last year, terrain-wise, but fitter this year which showed with a time of 3:55:20, 12 minutes faster than last year and more importantly inside the 4 hour mark. My biggest problems were caused by poor weather forecasting, which had most runners preparing for chilly conditions and rain and instead we had 19 degrees and dry hot conditions. This lead me to suffer from cramping at 21 miles as i didn't take any salt tablets with me and there were no isotonic drinks on the route. Not a problem for the MDS as i will have properly prepared for the conditions and be suitably kitted out.

Apart from that it was a very enjoyable race in very nice scenery.

Training has begun again (3 days rest after the Marathon) with little side effects apart from low glycogen stores which are being replenished, as i type (bagel with almond butter), so the next target of the Faversham Marathon in 6 weeks looks on target.

Still nothing as regards to corporate sponsorship (tight !!!!!!!!!!!!!!) but hopefully something will appear or else the re-mortgage may need to be upped a little).

Official training for the MDS starts week commencing 7th July as back-pack training begins and sights are set on that rather than the intermediate races in the run up, and i have just planned a 45 mile route for a run-walk day in mid August, which will give an indication on progress.

Gait analysis being done this weekend as i think i may be starting to pronate, judging by the blister on the side of my ankle, so a change in running shoe might be called for.

Anyway, better get back to work, and will trot back on in a months time for the latest update.

Safe running Y'awl

MDS 2009 Dates

2008-05-20T13:03:00.003+01:00

Dates for next years race have been confirmed.

Sunday 29th March to Saturday 4th April.

Fly out on 26th March, travel to camp on 27th, Admin on 28th, start running 29th.
Finish running (walking, crawling etc) 4th, prize giving (yeh right!!) 5th, return to UK 6th.

Plan next adventure 7th (i'm thinking Himalayas 100mile stage race, but could be put off for life).

10 months to go!!!!!!!!

Yet another change of plans

2008-05-19T08:00:00.002+01:00

Like the British weather, my plans have changed again for the 4th time in a week. This weeks Baddow 10 was cancelled at the last minute (by me - due to wanting a good family day) so Fridays 8 miler turned into a 19M run and promptly caused a massive blister under my big toe - great. Usually ignore blisters but this one is a pain (sorry).

Apart from that, things are looking good for the South Downs Marathon, now only 3 & bit weeks away, and mileage will taper off after this weeks 22m run, in preparation for the race. Just to add a bit of spice to thing i have also signed up for the Faversham Marathon in mid July, which should be interesting as it is a 40 lap race race, which could be very soul destroying or a lot easier as the race is divided into pieces. Time will tell.

Poor news on the corporate sponsorship front. 100 letters sent - 40 replies - total of £50 for GOSHCC (thanks to Rowse Honey), nothing on the corporate side, so i can only hope that someone, somewhere will read this and feel sorry for me and send in that corporate sponsorship cheque to help (now what is David Beckham's address).

Will hopefully have better news next month and will have done the South Downs as well, so next months Blog should prove interesting.

TTFN

Monthly Up-date

2008-04-16T09:13:00.000+01:00

I have finally sent out my presentation files, to over 100 companies, in the hope that someone will provide enough corporate sponsorship to get me to and through the MDS. Hopefully i will start to get some feedback by the end of the month, and with the London Marathon just finishing running should be in the public eye at the moment.

Training has been going well, although the target of the Halstead Marathon on May 11th has changed, more due to babysitting duties, rather than a lack of training time (main sitters are away - so can't leave my daughter with anyone for 5 hours), so the new target is now the Baddow 10 mile on May 18th, and if training continues as planned i should be looking at a PB for 10 miles (currently standing at 1:07:14).

Still on target for the South Downs Marathon on June 14th, and will be planning a night away at a travelodge the night before, to cut down on travel on race day. I did this race last year and it is a good challenging yet very scenic course, so will take a small digital camera with me, to capture what i can.

Will sign off for now, but back same time next month
In Cha Allah -as they say on the MDS

Up-date time (again)

2008-03-25T13:40:00.001Z

Well it's the end of the Easter weekend and all of this years MDS runners are probably nervous as hell as they fly out this Thursday (lucky buggers).

Training since the last entry has ticked over as due to a few weeks break through colds and illness that Kent 30 mile challenge ended at the 20 mile mark, with a sprained knee and lack of energy. Plans for next year have taken shape and the presentation files are being collated in preparation for sending out to the 100 or so target sponsors (hopefully at least 10% will give me something).

Current training is aiming towards the South Downs Marathon in Mid-June, although the Halstead 26.2 race in May might be run if i feel that i have trained enough for that. The South Downs is probably the best off-road race that i could find and will give me a good chance to test the type for shoe i will need for next year. Kit issues will no doubt surface over the next few months and once monies start coming in i will invest wisely.

That's all for now, although i intend to update on a monthly basis (unless something exciting happens??????). Facebook link is also up so any viewers can link to all my web-site through one http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=671892127.

Ciao

Up-date time

2007-12-07T08:46:00.000Z

Thought i had better update the Blog, although not much has happened since the last post.

Failed to get into the London Marathon (again), but have lined up another marathon for the same time. This meant i could get ready for the Kent Midnight challenge, 30 miles of mixed terrain, so my first ultra-race is planned.

Spent a morning with Luke Cunliffe, discussing the MdS and what was needed to get me through, very pleased with the meeting as Luke has a wealth of information to give.

Next race is the Santa Run in Colchester on the 9th of Dec, so expect a few photos posted in various location.

Back Soon
Rich

Been & Gone

2007-10-15T16:53:00.000+01:00

Well that was fun. 13 miles of great scenery one large hill and an obvious loss of fitness.

I struggled badly from 8 miles onwards, finally finishing in 1hr 50min. The lack of training over the last few weeks really showed and spoilt my 40th birthday race (organisers gave me number 40 as a gesture). But it was all to be expected.

Back to training for the MDS, albeit gradually, with races planned. But lets see how the next few months go, and see if i get a place in the London Marathon next year.

Things ain't getting better

2007-08-31T13:21:00.000+01:00

I have finally hit rock bottom on the running front. The chest infection i had resulting in some heavy coughing, which in turn has pulled several muscles in my stomach and back, consequently i cannot run at all now. Hopefully i will finally be able to do some light training next week, and with the Henley ½ only 6 weeks away will have revise my target time. Initially this was to be about 1:24, but i will have to aim for 1:30ish instead.

Good job the Kent 30 mile was cancelled, as that would have been a no-go and a waste of a trip. Have ordered a pair of Inov8 Roclite 315's to train in as these may be the footwear of choice for the MdS, so i thought i would see what they were like. http://www.sportsshoes.com.

R

Another bad week

2007-08-17T13:14:00.000+01:00

Not another bad weeks training - i'm getting a bit pee'd off about this. It all comes down to a chest infection now and not being able to breathe when you are running is a bit of a handicap. Still i have another 8 weeks to go until my next reace (Henley ½), and having run 8 miles last week in under an hour hopefully i can get my PB down from 1:29, depending on the course.

Will have to take a week off to recover, and as i am taking the family to Cadburys world on Monday, will have to watch what i eat (Not).
R

Kent Challenge hits the dirt

2007-08-07T13:42:00.000+01:00

Not the best of news for those of us training for the MdS, but the Kent Challenge series has been cancelled for the 30 mile runs. As this was a run i was training for in the run up to the Henley ½, it has meant a complete re-write of the training schedule to cater just for the ½. Having said that, training has been difficult, with work related issues, combined with a personal illness so, in all, not too bad news in the long run (poor joke).

Henley ½ Marathon training

2007-07-23T15:46:00.000+01:00

Running resumed in the second week and I subjected myself to an ECG, just to check that I was ok; better to find out now than 2 weeks before the race, after paying out everything. I approached my employers’ board of directors for some money (£1,000 sponsorship obtained) and started training for both the Henley ½ in October & Kent 30 mile challenge, in September.I also started buying bits & bobs of equipment, but after finding out I wouldn’t get the funds until the end of the year, felt it would be best left until then.