TO FOLLOW ME ON THE MdS 03-09 APRIL CLICK ON THE LOGO BELOW AND SEARCH FOR THE RACE UPDATES
MY RACE NUMBER IS 836
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE LATEST UPDATES
19-25 Apr 10
Total distance ran: 18 miles
Weight: 83kg
The start of the website, but not a good start to the blog in terms of training. The reason is I have had a minor operation to rid me of kidney stones that have been hanging around since November 09. I now have about two weeks of rest as I have a stent inside me helping drain my kidney. I am not too worried about this break as I have been training well for the South Downs marathon, which is 7 weeks away. I have ran half the route already and considering the ascent involved was happy with my 1 hour 50 pace for a half marathon and I would be really happy with a sub 4 hour over that terrain. Though with this break I might need to break my swimming kit out......
So the spare time gives me a chance to do more research into equipment requirements I am already playing around with socks by trying the Injinji, Toe Toe and Bridgedale x Hale socks, I will also look at Hilly as I have used nothing but them for over 6 years (obviously I have washed them and have more than one pair!). I have also contacted UK Gear to ask about the PT03 desert shoe. I was amazed when next day Martin Blade from UK Gear contacted me to discuss the changes to the shoe. I will order a set in the next two weeks with a hope to seeing how the cope on the South Downs marathon.
I have ordered the rucksack I will use (Raidlight) and hope to have my shoes and socks sorted by June 10. I have put feelers out on the the sort of shirt to wear and by summer should have those ticked off the list too. Finally I have contacted a few organsations to see if they will let me use their enviromental chambers as part of my preperation.
26 Apr -02 May 10
Total Distance cycled: 14 miles (hilly)
Weight: 83kg
Well I opened the website 4 days ago and have raised £180 so far (thank you) and had an inquiry about corporate sponsorship. Also with the help of Matt my facebook event page is coming on. Also thanks to Steve at Go Beyond, Karen at Runfurther and Andy at Doing Big and Scary (I got the book thanks!), all your help is really appreciated. So not a bad start, in fact a great start!
I am still not meant to be doing anything too physical because of this stent thing inside me, but I just had to do something. So I went home and got my bike out and cycled my running route twice, brilliant. With this slight hold up on physical training it is important to stay positive and also look after the three basic elements that effect my mood and well being, they are FOOD/SLEEP/PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. Obviously the phys bit is out, so I need to look after the other two, particularly sleep, 8 hours a night is a luxery for most, but when things start to go wrong it is soooo important.
I now have my rucksack, frontpack, differnt socks to try , some skins running shorts to try and some UK Gear PT03 desert trainers, cant wait to get out and start using them. Most certainly something to look forward to..... I even brought a particularly small roll of toilet paper that I will take with me next year - I know it is a while off but when I see something like this (it was compact) I normally say I will get it nearer the time, then I never see them again, that and it was only 99p! I also had a result back on use of enviromental chambers before the event. All good stuff!
03-09 May 10
Total Distance Swam: 1 Km
Weight: 83kg
Firstly, thank you to Felcity, Hil and Ian for the sponsorship. I must also mention Jane at Macmillan, who is leaving next week, so thank you very much for all your help.
The week has laboured on a bit as I cannot do any PT, however I did go swimming but I then realised this may not have been too good. But the really good news is I have had my stent removed and can now go back to doing real PT. So next week I will start to ease myself back in to normal running, can't do too much too soon as that would cause injury, but I think a good ten miler by the end of the week is a good aim. After that I will get back to a normal programme with 4 weeks to the southdowns marathon. I know this sounds a short time but I am really up for this and can't wait so mentally I have got it.
The down time has given me chance to concentrate on building up the promotion and sponsorship for RunningRob. I have 500 business cards on the way, am looking into getting some advertising on my car, have been in the local paper (unfortunately they did not mention the website, but they will do several follow up articles) and next week will be interviewed on local radio (Moorlands 103.7FM). Also with the help of Jane and Bev at Macmillan the first tranch of letters have gone out to local firms for sponsorship. So fingers crossed!
Back to running cannot wait till morning for my first jog!
10-16 May 10
Total Mileage: 35 Miles
Weight: 83 Kg
Well what a week lots have happened! I came back in from my first run in 2 weeks and had a phone call from Moorlands FM, a local radio station. The interviewed me life in air about the MdS. Great publicity and hopefully more to come. I now have 500 business cards advertising the sponsorship and a wheel cover on the way. So far of the 15 letter sent out to local businesses I have only had one reply and that was a "no thanks" I have also sent out another four this week, so fingers crossed. I have also entered the High Peak 40 Challenge in September, a 40 mile ultra run around the peaks and valleys near Buxton. I am really looking forward to it.
Training wise I have eased back into it culminating in a 10 mile run at the end of the week. Surprisingly the rest has had a good effect and I have posted one of my best time per KM times while orienteering and knocked 8 minutes off my 10 mile time. Unbelievable! I go back to hospital next week, so until I have the all clear I am not going to push it too much, but think in two weeks I will be culminating the week in an 18 miler. Something to look forward too, trail running at the moment is lovely, all the bluebells out is brilliant and this morning I came across two deer that must have been about 10 metres away from me, so cool.Kit wise I still have not worked out which footwear to go for, I think I am happy with the socks but th shoes I was using where a tad to hard for my running style. That said the firm I got them from have absolutely brilliant, I do wish some of the larger firms would take a leaf out of their book. I visited the Tortoise and Hare Running Shop on Friday and spent some time there going through the shoe options. They were really great and gave me some awesome advice, I even delayed them closing the shop and they did not mind..... I am now going to try out a Montrail shoe. First impressions are good, so I will keep you posted.
This week I must say thank you to Gary for advertising my cause to his friends with a mega email and for sponsoring me, very kind. I must also thank Julie for her comments on the website. If any of you have any comments on the website or ideas of how raise money then please let me know, the email is: rob@runningrob.com
Until next week, keep running there is a whole World out there to explore!
17-23 May 2010
Weight: 83 Kg
Total Mileage: 36 miles
It’s been a busy week at work. So the mileage is a little lower than expected, but I have to say I am feeling stronger. Particularly when orienteering at my normal pace, I did not feel tired, great news. I have to say I am looking forward to next week, as I will most certainly up my mileage, but the pause has done me good. A great lesson to learn.
On the sponsorship front it has not been going well at all. I must say that the effort of sending out the letters and getting no reply does upset me. It is bad enough having people say I am mad for doing such events. But the letters no reply, and the disbelieve does make me feel isolated. I am hoping sponsorship will pick up as next weekend is pay day for lots of people, you never know some of that pay may go as sponsorship….. Here's hoping!
The Montrail trainers are going very well indeed, the true test will be the Southdowns marathon next month, but so far they are great. The next thing I am looking at is hydration and what drinks to take, I will keep you posted.
24 -30 May 2010
Weight: 82.5 Kg
Total Mileage: 44 miles
First thanks to Farid for the sponsorship and second thanks to Hilly for getting back to me (more on that soon) and thank you to Neil who runs the Druids Challenge for the discounted entry (his link is on the links page). Finally thanks to Jocelyn to finding me on my run and the precise time I got lost and giving me a map!
Well its been a strange week. On one run I was attacked by bird of prey, there I was running allong the road and I got a right wack on the back of my head, I looked around and there is this bird diving towards me, it did this several times and strangely I produced my mile time then! Towards the end of the week my shins started to hurt so I iced them and started laying off the miles. Then to add to this on Friday was quite ill, so my big run planned for Saturday was moved to Sunday and I was only able to get about 15 miles done at a very slow time. Mind you it is not bad considering I was running on near empty. So on the bright side I almost got to the 17 miles I had planned, but I now need to curatil my ambitious running schedule in order for my shins to mend and I may have to revert to my old trainers in the process. But its still positive, miles have been increased and Hilly have come back to me to offer me some products, along with the discounted Druids Challenge entry from Neil. So great news overall.
Next week I will try and keep the same mileage up, but will take a days break between running to recuperate, this should hopefully allow my sore shins to subside more. When I look back over the last few weeks and realise it has only been 3 weeks since I had a stent removed and despite my little sickly spate on Friday that has set be back I think I have done great. That said there is still a long way to go and the Southdowns marathon may now have to be viewed as a training run with a free t-shirt at the end....
31 May - 06 Jun 2010
Weight: 82 Kg
Total Mileage 31 miles
First thank you to Abie for the sponsorship and thanks to Ben at the Macclesfield Express for running my story. This week was always going to be a tapering week. I needed to get some long runs in though to make it count, to that end I did an 11 mile run along the Ridgeway on Wednesday and then a mamouth 20 miler on Friday evening. Well the 20 miler was emotional to say the least, my pace was down and the head was not in the right frame of mind. But I did it all the same, I do think I will not be breaking any records on the South Downs Marathon next week, but it's all about build up!
When I look back and consider about 6 weeks ago I was in hospital, I think then I have not done badly at all. I am awaiting delivery of a wheel cover for my vehicle to advertise RunningRob, thanks to Signs of Life in Swindon for the discount. Next week I will have another radio interview on Moorlands FM, which is great news hopefully I will get someone from Leek to sponsor me. Weight has started to become a key concern now, as I seem to be loosing it faster than I wanted, indeed at one point the week I dropped to 80.5 Kg, but I put that down to my sickness last week.
This week is going to consist of two 3-4 mile runs to work the legs through and hopfully a leg massage. I need to concentrate on sleep and eating the right foods now as well. I will need quite a bit of help to get through the marathon next Saturday.... Hopefully all will go well.
07 - 13 Jun 2010
Weight: 82 Kg
Total Mileage 32 miles
Well the week of the Southdowns Marathon and only two 3 mile runs in the week prior. I have to admit on the day of the marathon I was quite nervous, deep down I think that was because I felt under prepared - so lesson learnt! This week I have again been live on Moorlands FM and had an article in the Macclesfield Express, so all I need now is sponsorship!
The run started fast with the first 6 miles covered in 45 minutes, I then really slowed myself down and settled into my pace and achieved 13 miles in 1 hour 54 minutes. I felt starong and was waiting for something to knock me off my pace but other than natural slowing it did not really happen. My quads really not strong enough to cope with the down hills, so something to work on along with some core stability. However at the 22 mile point I was feeling a warm, particularly on my head, I felt a bit sick as well along with a headache. The truth be told I was probably getting a bit of heat stoke as I decided against wearing my hat!!! Where was it I was training to run???!!!??? Big mistake, lesson learnt!
The finish. Note: the timer makes me look better than I actually am. (Photo courtesy of Lorna Brown)
I am now driving around with a rather nice wheelcover on my car advertising RunningRob thanks to Signs of Life. I must also thank the really brilliant Love your Logo for doing the t-shirts for me, in particular Sarah. See above for one of the t-shirts being modelled by a model with not a very bright career in modelling ahead of him....
My final thanks goes to Jocelyn, Lorna, Richard, Becky, Ben and Amelia for meeting me at the end of the Southdowns Marathon, taking photos, feeding me and giving me some well needed shade. I said before, although distance running is solitary it really does need the help of many people. When your training for something of this magnitude. The MdS is still a long way off, but in terms of preparation and dedication it really will take a lot of hard work, dedication and of course help!
14-20 Jun 2010
Weight: 82 Kg
Total Mileage: 6 Miles (recovery week)
Firstly thank you to Claire and Roger for their sponsorship. This week I have been in touch with Graham and Thomas at Hilly Clothing , they have been brilliant and have agreed to send me some kit to use, hopefully I will get a hat after last weeks issues on the Southdowns!!! Again thank you to Sarah at Love your Logo, this time for a great looking polo shirt. That is really great news and all positive.
This week the running has been diliberately low. I know I should be straight out considering what I am training for, but I don't want to injure myself and then have a set back. I go to the USA next week with work, so a good chance to train in heat. I have a 12-14 miler planned with a running club in Kansas. My plan is to tick over for the next two weeks then when I get back hit the ultra marathon training programme I have used before... More time, more effort.
As I am away next week, I may miss next weeks blog. But I will see what I can do. I know this Sunday was Fathers day. It makes me remember why I am doing this, I expect the next few weeks will be a little emotional seen as we are coming to the first aniversary of my fathers death. I am sure he would just say I need to settle down if he saw what I was doing now!! That and probably need to get a more sensible car!! Until next week.
21-27 Jun 2010Weight:82.5 Kg
Total Mileage: 26 Miles
Hello from the USA!!! I am here with work and as expected the mileage was going to be low and the weight would be up. The heat here takes some getting use to. I know the UK has had a bit of a heatwave, well here it has been 42 degrees Celsuis and the evening is a cooler 29! I really need to get in the gym but with the weather being as it is I would have found it awful being inside.
Now my highlight to the week was going to be a weekend in Kansas City and a few weeks ago I email a running coach for something called the Runner Edge which ran by the Eladio the coach at Gary Gribbles Running Sports . All I can say is wow!!! What an absolutely brilliant organisation, Eladio should be very proud. Runners Edge has been running since 1997 and has grown in popularity, quite rightly so! I was made very welcome indeed, I was mentioned at the start of the morning to the entire group and Eladio explained why I was training. All the group (I did not count ,but certainly over 100) were so friendly and was was a little take aback by the experience, in a nice way. The idea is simple a 10 mile route is marked out every mile and you run to your chosen marker and then run back. Every two miles there is water and Gatorade supplied and unlike the UK it is left unattended and no one pinches it!! People are pLaced in groups according to their running pace and then set off in order. Simple and very effective.
I have been on a real high since the run and I have never encountered such genuine spirited friendliness in a group of like minded people. Eladio, the group leaders, pacemakers and runners should be very very proud of what they are doing - making running and fitness accessable to all and most importantly making it fun! I really do hope I can go back one day and do it again, but in the meantime I will remember this experience and always try to replicate it in the UK when I have chance. Lessons learnt - whether you are training for an ultra or running your first mile you will always be a runner. Love it!
If anyone of the Runners Edge is reading this and wants to sponsor me just click here, or go to the sponsorship page above and then click on my justgiving page link. I am sure it will accept dollars, if not email me and I will sort it out. Thank you.
28 Jun - 04 Jul 10
Wieght: 83 Kg
Total Mileage: 18 Miles
Well the final week in the USA and my final week of being 37 years old! Mileage as expected is low this week. I must thank all the teachers at Bolinbrook school for there kind donation, as well as Pauline, Dot and John. In addition SIS have got back too me and offered me a great discount on their products. So thank you's all round. Thank you.
The running this week has taken a back step this week as it will next week because of exams, sad but a fact of life.
The other major mile post this week was the 03 Jul, not only my brothers birthday but the year anniversary of my fathers death. I hope that my running and sponsorship picks up soon for the sake of Dad.
05 - 11Jul 10
Wieght: 82.5 Kg
Total Mileage: 35 Miles
Firstly I need to thank Malcolm at BikeCo for providing me with an excellent set of Wiley XL shades at a sizeable discount. It was very kind and they are great shades. That another thing ticked off my list. So I have sorted rucksack, footwear, socks and shorts. I am looking at shirts now, there are sooo many choices. I may have also secured the use of a heat chamber to use early next year that is close to home. All good stuff.
Monday this week was my birthday and as well as the money that will go to my second payment to enter the event (due on 18 Sep!!) I was given entry to the Rory Coleman Desert Camp in September, by my girlfriend. This should give be a great opportunity to speak to people who have done the MdS and to speak to next years fellow competitors.
Distance this week is on the up and I seem to be at the standard now where a 10 mile run does not affect me, time to up my game, busy week at work next week so I will have to plan things a bit better.
Still need more sponsorship to come in......
12 - 18 Jul 10
Wieght 82.5 Kg
Total Mileage: 48 Miles
Well the headlines this week is my mileage is up, but man am I feeling it.... Work has been keeping me busy so quite an achievement really. The real winners was a 4 hour run on Wednesday, but more about that later. I must thank Thomas from Hilly and Mike from 2:09 Events this week for there quick response in getting some kit to me after an incident on Wednesday. I have been really trying to keep to an ultra marathon programme this week, but ended up about 10 miles or so short, but it is all progress.
I noticed this week when out on the trails the wonderful smells that are coming from the fields, such as lavander. Seems really nice to just run and notice the country, makes me feel very lucky. On Wednesday I parked south of Ashbury in a carpark on the Ridegway. I did about 21 miles and was particularly looking forward to a can of pop I had left in a bag in the car. I came back and my car had been broken into, my bag had gone, along with my warm kit, trainers, spare tshirt, ipod etc... So I then spent the next 2 hours sorting it out with the police, and car insurance people. A real, real pain, I had my wheel cover on the back of my vehicle saying I was running for charity, but still these peopl did not show any compassion and trashed my car, allong with another one that was parked there.
Other than that the running this week has been a bit tough and tiring, really need to ramp it up though, next week at work is going to be busy so I will have to do the best I can. Think I may have sourced the type of shirt I want to wear on the MdS, so I am making progress there. Also looks like a break in Athens in a few weeks, may have an oppotunity for me to run the original marathon route.... All good stuff!!
19 - 25 Jul 10
Wieght: 82 Kg
Total Mileage: 23 Miles
I knew this week would be an appalling low mileage week owing to work, but the runs I did do really counted. One with a Saturday run club and the other on the same day was introducing my 23 year old niece to running, she did a 10K event in Staffordshire. At which she did very well, she was raising money for Cancer Research and there is still time to sponsor her by clicking here. Sunday was a trip to Buxton to run part of the 40 mile route I am doing in Sept. From what I have seen of the route it looks lovely, no wonder my father always called Derbyshire "Gods Country". I really hope it is a clear day when the run is on so I can see the views, that said there is always something nice about running in the hills with mist on them.... or is that just me?
Now when in Buxton I brought this months edition of Running Fitness Magazine and there I was on page 84!!! I hope this gets me some more sponsorship!! Thanks to the editor David Castle!!! Also this week Macclesfield Harriers have put me on there website. The day it was put on I got a call from a previous 2008 competitor, we talked for over an hour about kit and training, all well recieved and valubale information - Thanks Richard and John and Macc Harriers!!
Such a good week! I have not even finished with the other progress that has been made. Sandbaggers UK had some rare rail rider shirts in stock so I ordered one with some other kit and thanks to David Scott for all his help, it has been brilliant. In particular the event Eagle Isle Ultra he is lining me up to do next year - THANK YOU! - looking forward to it!
The kit states are looking good, in addition to the rail rider eco mesh shirt I am now the proud owner of and anti-venom pump (?), lets hope I don't get to use it....
Rather worringly the second £1000 payment for the MdS is due soon. Hopefully some corporate sponsorship will come through soon.....
26 Jul - 01 Aug 10
Wieght: 82 Kg
Total Mileage: 35 Miles
Well have been trying to capitalise on the feature in Running Fitness and have gained about £60 in sponsorship. Thank you to those that have donated it is very kind. Running this week has been low. My Ultra Training Programme is going out of the window, but next week is effectively my last week in work for a couple of weeks, so I need to capitalise on that and focus on the positive. I am struggling with the fund raising and training issue, eventually something will give. Hopefully by then someone will be able to help me out on the fund raising.
Think I have some movement on the corporate sponsorship, not the full ammount but everything helps. I also have a positive on the heat chamber so all good stuff. Reading the article in Running Fitness on James Cracknell and how much effort he put in to the MdS worries me. He had a team to help him, oh well there is alot of help in the offering, so just need to capitalise on it!
Not too much else to report on, the running was limited, hopefully more next week.
02-08 Aug 10
Wieght: 82 Kg
Total Mileage: 25 Miles Running, 18 Miles Cycling, 1 Gym session.
As I said last week motivation is tough at the moment. But it is getting better,I forced myself out for a run on Sunday with my girlfriend. She turned off early and left me to the trails and yes I started to get my confidence back and really enjoyed the run. So it's starting to get back in place. Now next week will be busy as I am moving, but I view the carrying of boxes as a good work out. I am determined to get back to a running routine. I start my new job at the end of the month and where I live will be about 3 miles from work, so with a tiny bit of organisation I could run 6 miles a day without even trying. So I need to sort out a good running route with a chance to increase the mileage to 10 on the way back, how cool is that!
The week has also been difficult to do fitness sessions as I have spent three days of it in Holland. The travel to it was by coach and man was that painfully long..... what an aweful journey. So all things considered I did well to get those sessions in.
It looks like I have sorted out what I am wearing as shorts for the MdS and my top is on the way so another bonus! Next week I have an appointment to check out the heat chamber, another bonus. All I need to do is get a bit more sponsorship money in. I am worried about the 40 miler, as my ultra programme is now out the window, but I have chance to redeem myself over the next 3 weeks. But it will be Shenton training, which always hurts, but at least I will know that I can run the 40 miles.... more at the end of this month.... watch this space.
09-15 Aug 10
Wieght: 82 Kg
Total Mileage: 34 Miles
I knew the week would be difficult to run as I was moving to a new job. But I still managed to get some miles in, in addition to moving what appeared to be the Worlds supply of boxes. I must say leaving what I have been doing for the past 8 months was a shame, despite my reservations I have enjoyed the course and have made some good friends. I must particularly thank Russ and Alan who have guided me over the past 8 months.
I have also had a look around a Heat Chamber this week, it made me realise that I need to pay more attention to the enviromental conditions than I originally thought. I need to think more than - its going to be hot. Oh well a little more work to do.
So I now have two weeks holiday, witha brief interlude in Athens part way through. I should be able to get a minimum of 10 miles a day in plus some more. May be some spinning and the odd 40 miler will be thrown in.......
Right well if you are following my blog and have not donated - why not! Click the link and donate then get 10 of friends to do the same. Although I doing the MdS because I have always wanted to, I am also doing it to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of my father. So help me out!
16-22 Aug 10
Wieght: 82 Kg
Total Mileage: 50 Miles
I knew this week I was going to go to be in Greece for the end of the week so I pounded the miles in early with the intention of going to Athens to do a twenty miler with some of the equipment that I wanted to use in the Sahara. I managed to get the kit on time and was to Greece with my girlfriend. The plan was to run on the first day around one of the islands off the coast. I know this was not too sensible because I would not be acclimatised in that time. But I thought I would be alright. My pace was down to 6KM per hour, it was 37 degrees, and I knew after 40 minutes that I was in trouble. The result was that,despite being hydrated, I had a developed a bad headache that stayed with me for the rest of the day. Really bad news and knocked my confidence quite a lot. So I have to learn, I need to get some help with what I need to take in terms of minerals, sodium etc... and find out what electrolytes I need to take and how often. What I do know is the requirement needs to be specific to me as I sweat a lot.
I also found out that M+M peanuts work quite well in the heat, jelly babies do not work. I really need to think about snack that will work in the heat. I am thinking tooties fruitees, wine gums and nature valley bars.... hmm... tootie fruitees... oh best move on.... I used my Eco Mesh shirt but found out that the nylon belt on my rucksack rubbed against it caused some damage. I will have to look into that, but thanks to Dave at Sandbaggers for helping out. I also have to thank Thomas at Hilly for sending me some of the excellent Hilly X-Static socks. I need to think about the shoes size I am going to use as the heat did have an effect on the size of my feet.
It was a bit warm!
So not a bad week most certainly a week of discovery. The one I will say is Athens is a lovely place but the Graffetti is shocking espcially near the historical sites. Next week I am going to attempt a 40 miler.... I will keep you posted......
23-29 Aug 10
Wieght: 82 Kg
Mileage: 60 Miles!!!
Well a milestone has been reached I was deterimined to crack the 60 mile mark and I have. But to do it I did have to run 44 miles in one day, I ran the High Peak 40 route in advance of the run in three weeks time. Man it was tough, my time was appalling (12 hours - but I did stop for a while), I was going to finish at 20 miles, but I felt alright and carried on and on and on.... Things I learnt, I did not tape my feet up and was able to get no blisters, thanks to my Hilly sock combination. Pepperami gives me a bad stomach when I run. The course is very hilly especially the firts half, but the views are brilliant. At about 29 miles I was a bit low, but I went through Monsal Dale and I realised that is where my father lived when he was learning to farm. So the though that Dad had been where I was spurred me on.
David at Sandbaggers has been a star yet again. He has sent me another Eco mesh shirt and helped sort out some of my issues. What a star I cannot thank him enough and I look forward to meeting him next year.
Well thats about it for this week. I start a new job next week so will be busy settling in and trying to get in a routine. All the best and please get people to sponsor me. It is very important, unfortunately a friend of our family has got a form of cancer, he does not have long left in this World. It really does bring it home to me why I am doing this, the pain I suffer training is nothing by comparison. Macmillan Cancer Support help people come to terms with Cancer, it is so important we support them, so sponsor me now.
30 Aug -05 Sep 10
Wieght: 81.5 Kg
Mileage: 38 Miles + 2 Gym Sessions
Well new job started I seem to have got into a bit of a routine so I can run into work, I now just need to build on that. I am feeling stronger, but thats probabaly because I have eased off from last week. Now I must mention my bestest mate Geraint - WHAT A STAR! He not only got his children to make me a pot with Running Rob on it but has written to his friends to ask them to sponsor me already the money has started to increase, which is great news - please keep it coming in!!!!
The main event this week was the ULTRArace Desert Camp, ran by Rory Coleman and Jen Salter. Now it might sound odd to train for the desert in Wales, but it has the largest Sand Dunes in Europe, so it was ideal. Shame about the weather! The camp was wonderful, you are accomodated in Yurts and are self sufficient, so chance to try out those dehydrated meals. I learnt a lot from Jane teaching us about feet. Obviously a bit more that they are on the end of your legs! Apparently I have wet feet??? To try out, dare I say it ----- Trekking Poles..... unfortunately I am sold on them, so I feel my pack wieght has gone up a wee bit! We all got some great tips and best of all got to meet some of the people who will be on the same MdS. It will prove invaluable and it is always nice to have friendly face with you when you are entering the unknown (Abyss???). Sorry I stopped early on the big dipper, but really had learnt I need to be fitter by that stage. That and I got lapped. Cheers everyone and good luck!
06 - 12 Sep 10
Wieght: 81.5 Kg
Mileage: 41 miles and 1 Gym session
This week my second payment for the MdS was due in - £1000! Thank you to Duncan for the contribution which made it less painful! Other thanks this week go to Jane for the foot advice, Geraint for getting more people to sponsor me and Andy for the coaching session. Really really good stuff.
I have been worried this week, because my priorities have changed a owing to the new environment that I am in. Luckily Andy brought me back on track by reminding me that, "Hey I am doing this for fun!" - too right so I have easied off on the miles to focus elsewhere. The week has been quite busy in other respects, sorting out issues with my rucksack, getting some poles and trying them out , unfortunately they broke. But I do think they are of benefit, so will try another set.
Friday gym session was good, run in (2.5 miles), do a leg overload in the gym, then run back. Next week will be busy, trying to get the rest in prior to the High Peak 40 Challenge in Buxton next week and another Radio interview. I just need more time to push my letters out!
13-19 Sep 10
Wieght: 81 Kg
Mileage: 46 miles and 1 Gym session
Well the big thing on the horizon this week was the High Peak 40 Challenge , I decided to go easy over the week and ran on Monday with a gym session on Tuesday. I needed to get my food and sleep right as well. It might sound odd but I have given up bread and pasta only until I really need it, so on Thu and Fri it was broken out. The sleep was struggling as well, but I got it right in the end. So on Friday night when I returned home I had a quick meal and went to straight to bed, having only lightly taped my feet.
Next morning I was up at 5am and out of the house by 0600, at 0800 I was on the start line with about 200 other runners and walkers. The atmosphere at the start I always find slightly tense, but the little prep talk from the starter put us all at ease. The course soon strung out and by 3 miles it probably stretched at least a mile itself. The country side that it takes you through is really lovely, you just had to remember and take it in. I have found on these longer runs that you are competing with one person - yourself and when you pass someone, or they pass you, always have a chat and ask how they are getting on. The marshalls are all volunteers and do a great job. I had not really taken to breaking down the run down into small chunks and concentrated on getting to Mam Tor at about 17 miles. In addition I set off too fast and did the first 6 miles in under an hour. By half way I was a bit ill, but was there is just over 4 hours, so I cracked on. The next chunk I focused on was too large, the 32 mile point, where my girlfriend joined me. I really saw a chance of breaking 9 hours and had to go for it, so I pushed and managed a sprint at the end to come in at 8 hours and 51 mins. Well happy, considering that I did it 4 weeks ago in 12 hours! In addition the nice people at runfurther gave me a spot price of a pair trainers, which was very well recieved and certainly put a smile on my face! Great run, very well organised, brilliant atmosphere.
As I now write this it is 2 days after the run. I have no blisters, my legs are still stiff and my stomach is still upset. I will not be running much next week, but if I find a nutritionalist to guide me through the mine field of supplements all the better.
Do I have doubts if I could do another marathon the day after that like on the MdS - Yes. Am I worried at what I am attempting to do and how much of a mountain I have to climb - to right. But if you are not courageous enough to take risks, then you won't achieve anything in life.
At the end!
20-26 Sep 10
Wieght: 81Kg
Mileage: 8 miles and 1 Gym Session
OK so a bad training week, but I have not been to well, bad stomach, cold and the week culminated in me being in bed for a day with a migraine. My girlfriend is not only a very good lawyer, but would is an excellent nurse - as she has been looking after me and my many "man-flu" ailments. I also got involved in my local Macmillan coffee morning and recieved £85 in pledges that should be getting to my website shortly.
I also must mention Carolyn from Mountain King - the trekking pole making people. I had a problem with my poles before the 40 miler and Carolyn arranged for some to be sent to me while my other ones were being fixed. Then last week she rang me to explain that the poles had a one off fault and would be sent back to me shortly. I now have my poles back and must say the service from Mountain King has been exceptional, brilliant.
So not much else to report apart from me to be a sickly lad. However I must finish with some congratulations firstly to Mark and Lou for the birth of there first son, Mike and Kathy for their 5th wedding anniversary and congratulations Tony and Vicki on your engagement!!! Hmm must be something in the air?
27 Sep - 03 Oct 10
Wieght: 80Kg
Mileage: 30 Miles and 2 Gym Sessions
Well it looked liked a bad week for training, I was placed on call at work at very short notice, so the plans to get the mileage in suffered. But I was able to salvage a good run on Sunday and as a bonus found a good local route, which I could adapt for various distances.
I have been able to find a foot care specialist and have an appointment in a few weeks, in addition I should be able to speak to a nutritionalist next week. The next event is 3-4 weeks off I am confident about it, but a mountain marathon always throws things at you and I guess the main thing will be the terrain underfoot, Dartmoor will be diffcult to maintain a pace.
Right so next week what do I want to achieve, an increase in mileage, a plan to see someone about my diet, and to sort out the straps on my raidlight rucksack, as the buckles are digging in when I wear the waterbottles.
So a short week nothing much to report. Next week will be better!
04-10 Oct 10
Wieght: 80Kg
Mileage: 55 Miles and 2 Gym Sessions
A really good week for running. The mileage was good, the gym sessions where good and I felt good. Unfortunately the higher mileage means early mornings and early mornings means less sleep and therefore I am quite tired. The balance between running, sleep and getting the correct food is going to be difficult.
Next week will be tricky as it is a busy work week which means when I run I have make it count and probably run lonkger distances. The sad thing is I have not yet ran the half MdS distance in one week.... I needto work on that. I need to increase the distance - desperately.
11-17 Oct 10
Wieght: 81Kg
Mileage: 20 Miles
Hi All! It has been a bad week for running, have been in Yorkshire for most of the week with travel and work getting in the way of running. The plan was to do two long runs this weekend, but unfortunately I got a phone call on Friday to say my girlfriend had gone into hospital. So it was a no brainer, drop everything and get to her. By Sunday she seemed to me getting better and I was able to get a 5 miler in, and I really enjoyed it.
In addition this week I have seen a foot care specialist and got teh bottle holders on my rucksack sorted out. All is not lost, I just need to remeber I am doing this for fun! No looking back I need to have a strong running log next week. With all this happening I am not going the taper for the Mountain Marathon at the end of the month, instead I am going to concentrate on the Ultra two weeks afterwards. Until next week. Oh and please, please sponsor me!
18-31 Oct 10
Wieght: 79 Kg
Mileage: (42+48= 90 Miles)
Life has been busy and I have been away from a computer for two weeks so time for a mega blog.
The first week I was on a course and used the time in the evenings and mornings to build up some running. By Thursday I had ran 40 miles, but by the afternoon was coming down with flu type symptoms, by the evening I was in bed. The next day I drove up to the Lakes for a week of running, reading and rest. Saturday morning and my run was cut short after ten minutes as I was having chest pains. All credit to the Lakes out of hours NHS service within one and half hours I was at Kendal Hospital. It turning out just to be a chest virus and I was told to rest for 3 days and take it easy.
So the first run of week two was a gentle 4 miler on the lower slopes of Great Langdale. The next day I pushed it with a run up Blisco Pike, then taking into consideration that weekend I was doing the Original Mountain Marathon (OMM) with my long suffering running partner Shane, it was best not to push it until then. Shane and I have always done the C Course of the OMM. This year the C course had changed slightly from a line event to a line event with a bit of a score event in between. The course this year was in Dartmoor and the terrain was a bit differnt to the Lakes or Scotland. Day one of the course saw us completing close to 32 Km, this was a bit of a shock as we where more use to 42-44 Km in two day, so to get a large chunk on day one was a surprise. That said, Shane really dug out and we completed day on in under 7 hours. I always aim for 4 grid squares in the hour over the terrain, which is normally not tracks and quite difficult, and we managed to do better than that - brilliant! Day two saw worst weather and with it chest deep river crossings. The distance was 25 Km, so 57 Km overall. We completed the entire course in 13 hours - our best performance to date. Thank Shane - same course next year???
Next challenge - regional orienteering event and the next week - Druids challenge!!
Running into Day 1 camp with Shane On the course -struggling
01-07 Nov 10
Wieght: 79 Kg
Mileage: 16 Miles
Ok the mileage is wowful, but this is for a reason. You see I was recovering from the OMM was running in an orienteering championships on the Sunday. I had been selected to run in a development team which is quite an honour. The plan worked, I ran my heart out and was able to come 7th on our competition. My best orienteering run ever and it came at exactly the right time. I managed a 7.5 minute per Km time, which sounds slow but remeber that is running and navigating over rough terrain. This was the first time I had ever recieved a prize that was not for a runner up. I got a beanie hat.... Funny though I always wanted one with the company logo - and that is not a joke by the way, I have always tried to get one.
This week I have also recieved the right size eco-mesh shirt, Ialso now trying the Aarn rucksack, I have tried all the others! So next week I have the Druids Challenge to do and I will go easy again concentrating on sleep and food. I expect I will hurt on Sunday, until next week please donate on my Just Giving Page.
08-14 Nov 10
Wieght: 78.5 Kg
Mileage: 90 (Druids Challenge 83 + 2 miles when lost)
Wow, what a week. The highlight was obviously Druids Challenge an 3 day Ultra run covering 83 miles along the Ridgeway. Day one was 30 miles, I had and emotional bit from 15-18 miles. Day two the emotional bit was from mile 15 onwards. Day Three I broke the run down into blocks and decided to run hard as I could, I knew I would finish, but wanted to see when I would burn out. Bad to do this I know, but I did the last day (26 miles) in 4 hours 41 minutes, not bad for me and with a pack!
I did rely heavily on the massage that was available every evening, I learnt loads. It was great to meet up with so many other MdS runners. It was able to focus me again and the presentation my Rory Coleman worked a treat.
Well Done to every on that took part - great effort! I did only get one blister and that was caused by the sandels I walked around in during the evening!!
I now sit here tired, happy and with a great sense of achievement. I am quite tired and all I need now is slee....
Day Three Start: 57 Miles done only a marathon to go! The finish.
15-21 Nov 10
Wieght: 79.5 Kg
Mileage: 4 Miles and 1 Swim Session
This week was most certainly a rest week. I have had my feet looked after by a wonderful foot care specialist and they are not to bad considering. Just a few toe nails going south! I need to work more on my nutrional research, but I do have a medical appointment booked in January to see if my sweating and kidney stones are connected. I have also decided that the Arrn rucksack is not for me.
I have utilised this week and emailed a few newspapers and magazines to increase my coverage and have sent a few corporate sponsorship letters to banks and suncream companies. So I will just have to wait and see. When I look how far I have come in 6 months to now I think it quite phenominal considering I was having operations in May!
22- 28 Nov 10
Wieght: 79.5 Kg
Mileage: 26 Miles
Hello! Well what a week. I need to explain the why the low mileage, well I have been doing a lot of orinteering and I normally run shorter courses. I feel quite strong now when running the shorter distance. I ran in a competition on Wednesday and wone the short course, the first time ever!!!! I actually did it by a good distance as well. Then this weekend it was up to Harrogate for another large orienteering competition. I did not too too well in comparison, but I enjoyed the run so thats what counts.
MdS wise I found a nutrionalist through a pediatrist!!!! Thank you Colin and Andrea! So things are moving, kit has been ordered and live is good!
29 Nov - 05 Dec 10
Wieght: 79.5 Kg
Mileage: 35 Miles
Mileage bad but a good week for progress. I have found two more runners on the MdS that are raising money for Macmillan. I ahev also started doing a food diary for Andrea. OMG I eat so much rubbish - need to do some work there!
I was in Wendover for most of this wek on a course so went fo a short run in the mornings and a slightly longer one at night. Headtorches all round I am affraid, but it was great running through Wendover woods, some good hills, although the nature scuttling around early in the morning and when you shine your torch into the woods to only get eye reflections back did freak me out somewhat. This week I have finally put a programme together for the next 22 weeks till the start. Really need to try and stick to it and more importantly get some sleep.
Finally this week I have been able to create a YouTube video, its all my own work I hope you enjoy it. Please pass it on to as many people as possible to make it and internet sensation and raise more money.
Here it is, just click on the logo:
06 -12 Dec 10
Wieght: 79.5 Kg
Mileage: 35 Miles
Plus 3 Gym Sessions
A quiet week for training, but the plan is to go easy until the week after next. Considering it is now a month since my last Ultra so I just need to tick over. The wieght sessions will become a feature when I am in work. The good news this week is work has agreed to donate some money to my entry fee, which is due on the 10 Jan! But another company has agreed to pay a considerable amount towards the next installment. This is very very kind and is brilliant, brilliant news I need to thank a very good friend for that. This means more time training and raising money.
I have also applied for some more grants through work so it will hopefully be good news next year. So new week, is silly season at work, by the next week I should have had 3 turkey meals and 3 parties.... Role on Easter!
13 - 19 Dec 10Wieght: 79.5 Kg
Mileage: 22 Miles
Plus 1 Gym Session
Oh well I knew it was going to be a bad week for training what with the party season at work and getting ready to go on leave. But on a positive note I got everything done and was able to get "some" training in. In addition it looks like work is going to to pay some money towards my final installment. So good news all round!
Also this week I started work with Andrea, a sports nutrionalist. As a result I went around to Sainsburies to pick up a few things and ended up spending £88!! Who would have thought nuts and lettuce would be so expensive... Oh well its all for a good cause. But I love Chocolate..... can't write anymore having cravings.......
20-26 Dec 10
Wieght: 79.5 Kg
Mileage: 100 Miles!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
I went up to the midlands to spend Christmas in Leek with my mother. The other benefit was the fact that it gave me a change in running routes I also wanted a whole week where I could get into a routine and pound the miles in then have three days off from Christmas Eve. Well that was the plan, unfortunately I developed a pain in my knee after about 88 miles on day four, so I rested it and ended up running on Christmas day. But I did manage to complete the 100 miles!!!
I am not too tired, but feel a bit fat after indulging myself on Christmas day. The day itself was a bit of a drama as the heating broke, but thanks to a bank account with all the extras it was fixed in no time at no extra cost. So Christmas over, my 100 mile milestone reached and in addition I have recieved my sleeping bag and signal mirror for the MdS. I also have had an article placed in Compass Sport Magazine, the orienteering publication. Great stuff.....
27 Dec 10 - 02 Jan 11
Wieght: 80.5 Kg!
Mileage: 15 Miles
Well I paid for last week, my right knee started to hurt, so I went to a physio and descovered that this was caused through my calfs being to tight which had an effect the muscles near my knee. So I have be doing stretches and it is getting better. Therefore a very light week for running and it being new year means I have been letting go on the food (sorry Andrea!) so the wieght has gone up, which probabaly is not good for my knee... doh.
On a good point I now have my sleeping bag on order - thanks to my family for that Christmas present and I also have a rather light and cool signalling mirror thanks to my girlfriend. Just need to get my food organised by the end of the month and I should be on track. I am now in the same year of the MdS.... and in 8 days I need to pay the remaining £700 of the £1700 final installment.
Happy New Year !!!
03 - 09 Jan 11
Wieght: 80.5 Kg
Mileage: 38 Miles
Two Gym Sessions
A busy week. It saw me in a heat chamber for the first time to measure my sweat rates and VO2 max, this was arranged as part of the on going investigation for my kidney stones which were cleared in Jun 10. It was to see if my sweat rate is too high and I can say all appears to be normal, I have a sweat rate in heat of 1.5 litres an hour and a VO2 max of 45.8, which is not too bad for a fat old bloke!
This week I also got some advice from the gym staff about strength and conditioning my legs and torso. I thought I was ok until the day after I did the exercises! I am now moving on more to strength training as I am happy(ish) with my endurance. Its all part of the master plan you see!
This week also saw me pay the final installment of my £3200 entry fee. Work has a few funds I have been able to tap into and in addition I had some very generous help from a good friend - THANK YOU!
I have now recieved the trainers I intend to run in for the event (a see too large to cope with the heat), so I need to get the gaiter fitted, by the end of the month I need to arrange some printing on my shirts and final arrange my food for the event... still lots to do but more importantly lots has been done.
Don't forget to sponsor me!
10-16 Jan 11
Wieght: 80.5 Kg
Mileage: 68 Miles
Two Gym Sessions
The highlight of this week has been the weekend I intended to run the route of the Thames Trot I did 30 miles on Saturday and was absolutely knackered. So I knew I had to use the evening to re-organise myself and prep for the next day. The Sunday was much better and I got 18 miles done. Yes, yes, I know I have missed of two miles but it was the way it happened. My girlfriend was a star dropping me off and picking me up - ultra running does require teamwork you know!
I seem to be sticking to my programme and eating better food, so good things there. I also now have a sleeping back that is 400g in wieght, I might take a silkd liner as this weekend has made me realise how important sleep is going to be. I also plan on spending more time in my sleeping back than I do running..... Or is the wishful thinking???
Some great sponsorship this week... you are all very kind a big thank you to you all. Please encourage other people to sponsor me.
17-23 Jan 11
Wieght: 81 Kg
Mileage: 37 Miles
Five Gym Sessions
What a week for things coming together! I was able to obtain some grants from work towards the cost of the MdS - which was very kind and welcomed. In addition the sponsorship is taking off, I am currently at about £1300 with at least £300 more on the way! Absolutely brilliant and very kind of all of you.
So what else is happening well, My mileage is low, but I am now concentrating on strength and conditioning. Work is busy, so the balance is tough and getting to bed early enough is tough, in addition I need to really start to stretch properly. This is so, so important.
My wieght is worrying me but my body fat is low, I can only assume my lean body wieght is going up. Hopefully this should all work out. However I may need a bit more coaching soon. Just my food for the trip to buy now and it lloks like I will be getting a free supply of P20 courtesy of Keyline brands. You may also have noticed that some of my webpages have been revamped. This is courtesy of Mark Gillet of Junglemoon - the photographer for the MdS - hopefully more of that in a later blog.....
18-30 Jan 11
Wieght: 80.5 Kg
Mileage: 30 Miles
Four Gym Sessions
OK so its been a tick over week for me. But progress is good, am running stronger now and the wieght is dropping. The true test will be next week on the Thames Trot but until then rest. I will try to get some miles in before and after that 50 miler. Have had by feet worked on again this week, they seems to be doing well. I have also been running in my bigger trainers - as in the desert my feet should swell. I may even run the Thames Trot in them. The bad news is the gaiters I brought last year are too small for these trainers... oh well.
I had a few gitters about the race last week so got in touch with Andy and Doing Big and Scary. After a few minbutes he had me on the right track and I eneded up with 20 reasons I will suceed in the MdS. Here they are:
1. I have hit all my training targets and finished them.
2. I have ran 100 miles in one week.
3. I had a plan and I stuck with it.
4. After all this time I am nearly there.
5. "Team Rob" has been incredible (these are all the people that have helped me - you included).
6. I have had lots of help.
7. People help when I ask.
8. I have support and people are routing for me.
9. Lots of good thoughts coming through from above
10. I have stayed confident when training.
11. A 50 mile run does not worry me. I can do it in chunks if needed.
12. I have the skills and tencity to stick with it.
13. I have foot care dilligence.
14. I have been blister free.
15. All my kit and food has been tried and tested by me.
16. I have removed all the unexpected bits, which means I will be heading into known and familiar territory.
17. I have used the skills and know hope of an expert foot care specialist.
18. I have used the skills and know how of a expert nutrionalist.
19. I have used the skills and know how of an expert ultra running coach.
20. However bad it gets, with my past experience of hot places, this will not be the same.
07-13 Feb 11
Wieght: 82 Kg
Mileage: 8 Miles
One Gym Session, Two Massages.
Rest Week
Well I had to treat myself and have a rest week. It was hard not to run, but I decided this would be my recovery week. Happy now to do the final onslaught for the next six weeks. So I must thank Suzy from Keyline Brands for the free P20 suncream, which I ahve now distributed to the people who will be in the same tent as me during the MdS. The weekend saw me going to The TCR show in London, the break was welcome and it was great to meet other MdS competitors.
14-20 Feb 11
Wieght: 81.5 Kg
Mileage: 50 Miles
Two Gym Sessions
Back into it this week. The highlight this week was Sundays run, I know need to get some hill reps in so I went to Box Hill in Surrey and ran up and down it for three hours..... The next day I discovered muscles I had not worked before... Good job I found out now. I was also working with my walking poles, I find the rhythm for getting up hill really helps.
I have now finally have got all of my food together, there will be a few tweeks but it at the moment it wieghs 6 Kg.... at least that wieght will go down the longer I run. I also did an interview for Running Free Magazine the week that will be in on the 1st March and what more it is free from most sports shops! So grab a copy put it in your friends in trays and get them to sponsor me... Please
21-27 Feb 11
Wieght: 81.5 Kg
Mileage: 63 Miles
Three Gym Sessions
I now think I have all my kit, the trainers have gaiters attached, I have the signalling mirror, just need the iodine and to pack. I hate packing.... Really, really hate it! But needs must or I am going to the desert with carrier bags!
Running wise this week I had a lack lustre week but on the weekend it was brill. I orienteered on the Saturday morning, about 6 fast miles, and then put my rucksack on and rean close to marathon distance over a hilly southdowns. Next day I felt fine!!! so it must be working. Fianl big blast next week, will be happy with close to 80 miles next week. Then some Gym work the following week, so I can send my insoles off to be repaired.
28 Feb -06 Mar 11
Wieght: 80 Kg
Mileage: 78 Miles
One Gym Session
Some things in live concern me, one of them is when my girlfriend plans a route for me to run. The paln was to orienteer at the Devils Dyke on Saturday then I would run back to Horsham! Having seen the Dyke I decided just to start running and just under 5 hours later I was back in Horsham.
This was planned to be my final higher mileage week, and I wanted to get close to 80 miles and that I did in just 5 days running. I have to admit running early in the morning and then in the evening seems to work well for me, but I must say by Friday night I was shattered and on Saturday I was ready for bed by just before 9 pm. This is starting to take its tole on me!
Things I have learnt - Sleep is very important, I need to reduce the stress in the build up prior and I need to look after my diet. Creme Eggs are good but not every day!
I had some sponsorship this week - thank you all! But best of all Boris the Happy Box off facebook sponsored me (check him out - he is cool - honest). Have had a small write up in trail running magazine and an article in Reading Chronical. Hopefully more to come and more sponsorship too!!!
Targets for next week -review my packing and make it lighter, more sleep and unfortunately less running as I need to get my insoles repaired.
07-13 Mar 11
Wieght: 80.5 Kg
Mileage: 30 Miles
Two Gym Sessions
OK, OK so a bad week for running, but there is a reason. Primarily I was getting worried this week. You see the longer I spend training the more I delay doing certain things that I just need to do, from personal corrspondance to packing my kit for the MdS. This concern was effecting my sleep, and calm - so drastic measures and I decided to work on those concerns. With the help of my girlfriend the majority of my kit got packed and all my food was sorted. So my kit is all together and wieghs a little under 10 kg. I will see in the next few weeks if I can slim this down as 5.2 kg is food and drink powders alone.
So next week needs to be better. More sleep, tick over running with full wieght and finishing off my packing....
14-20 Mar 11
Wieght: 80.5 Kg
Mileage: 60 Miles
Two Gym Sessions
A good week. Started working in a heat chamber and running with full wieght (fully packed) rucksack. Felt strong all the way through. My highlight was certainly the weekend. On Saturday I ran 32 miles with full wieght from Horsham to Amberely along the southdowns. Really did feel strong and 17 miles felt really good. The rucksack did dig in a little towards the end. But mentally I have now ran further that I will need to with this wieght on my back... great stuff.
This week I must thank the people that are helping me in the heat chamber. They are brilliant, very kind and incredibly helpful. I really doubt I would be able to consider doing such a challenge without their help. I also have to thank my girlfriend, as you can as it gets closer to the MdS thinks are getting tougher, getting the right amount of rest, food and support. She has prepped my food for the week, picked me up at the end of runs and generally turned any negative thoughts I have had. With out her help and the help of friends I would never have got this far.
Please, please sponsor me.....
21-27 Mar 11
Wieght: 81 Kg
Mileage: 38 Miles
This week is my final preperation and it was a real, real boost to be training in a heat chamber. All those that have helped me this week in the chamber have been brilliant and I can't thank you enough. This week I have learnt that in heat I need to run slower and maintain about 140 bpm. I also learnt that if I am dehydrated by a small amount then I start getting headaches. So much, much learnt.
I was also on BBC Radio Berkshire this week on the Bill Buckley show. Last week I was also on the Luisse Shaw Show on BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting). Next week I may be on Radio 5 Live.
This is my last blog before the run!!! OMG, getting slightly worried now, but I have done all my prep and I feel happy that I have got everything right as best I can. It seems madness that I will leaving my comforts behind for a week and putting myself to the test.
Please, please Sponsor me and make it worthwhile...
TO FOLLOW ME ON THE MdS 03-09 APRIL CLICK ON THE LOGO BELOW AND SEARCH FOR THE RACE UPDATES
MY RACE NUMBER IS 836
