2/3rds of a Tri

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

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???)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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