Grand Adventure

Quite a lot has happened since the last post and although Brentwood didnt happen due to a combination of a business trip to Turkey (10 hours of flights and only 6 daytime hours n the country) and a chest infection the week before the race all other events are a GO!!!!

Start of October saw my entry for a 5th London Marathon confirmed, although Mandy wasnt sucessful more to her relief than dissappointmen i means that i have another great race to do next year.

At the start of November i entered the ballot for the Grand Union Canal Race (www.gucr.co.uk), and on the 9th had my place confirmed for the race that starts on 25th May next year. This is a 145 mile single stage race from Birmingham to London, and one i treid  few yers ago, but made the mistake of training at a different pace to my actual race pace - not something i will do this time.

Training plans are in place, and incorporate the London Marathon and Country to Capital race in January and i have already contacted a couple of companies to see if they will sponsor me as i raise money for both Cure Parkinson's Trust and the National Autistic Society - both charities that are close to me and friends of mine!

This blog will now be a weekly event as training has increased and as i get closer to the big event i should be hitting 70 miles per week (and i have to find time to work as well)

Update next week and hopefully news of a major sponsor!!
Keep moving
Rich

Re-Launch

Official relaunch of my blog is NOW, and has been suitably renamed to "42k and Beyond".

The last year has been a difficult one on the running front with a number of niggling injuries and knock-backs as well as a change of job making training time hard to find, with a number of trips overseas always at times when mileage needed increasing. However training for the London Marathon this year gave me the chance to try a number of plans and I am now able to run 4 times a week without issue - 2 lunchtimes, one long Sunday run and a midweek "get of the train early" run - getting off 1-3 stops earlier and running home (4.5, 8.5, 13miles as time allows).

Running around the Royal Docks in London, where i now work, has been very nice, especially with the ExCel Centre being a major arena for the Olympics and Paralympics. Being so close to the action and caught up in the daily commute of the games helpers and spectators has been superb and feedback from people I know overseas has been amazing - Britain can shine sometimes!!!!

Anyway back to the running, as training has now been sorted I am planning more races! Next up in October is the Brentwood Trail Marathon, 12 x 3.5k laps of a country park - nice in the sun, but slippery when wet and October will probably be very wet (must break in some trail running shoes)

This will be followed in January by the Country to Capital 45 mile Ultra (http://gobeyondultra.co.uk) a multi-terrain ultra starting in Wendover with 25 miles of tracks, trails, ditches and roads before 20 miles along the footpath of the Grand Union Canal to Little Venice in London - I last did this in 2010, but did the race at someone else's slower pace but will run alone this time (miss the company but should be quicker).

Hopefully I will then do the London Marathon, with my lovely wife Mandy if we both get through the ballot, next April - her first Marathon and you will hear her scream if she gets in!!

Finally, for now, I hope to be doing the Grand Union Canal Race (http://www.gucr.co.uk/) next May, if I get through that ballot. I attempted this race in 2010, but made the mistake of running with someone at their pace rather than the pace and strategy I had used in training and suffered due to a lack of food resulting in a blood diversion issue (details are in the below race report)!

So that's it! Plans are afoot and races are there to be run and all will be 26.2 and Beyond!

Stay tuned for updates on kit and training as I go!

Thanks and tell your friends
Rich

New Balance 1080

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

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!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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???

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!!!

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!!

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

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

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

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

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!!

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.

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!!!