tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19879583796109081092024-03-13T02:23:16.543+01:00WestHighlandWayRaceA blog of my training for my next West Highland Way race.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-39254128074816925522011-10-30T11:14:00.001+01:002011-10-30T11:14:39.062+01:00Activity starting: 28/10/2011 08:23<P>Cross training and the cycle to work.</P> <P>Week consisted of swimming 3 km 2 in sea and 1 in pool. Cycle total was only 80km running 24km so will need to ramp up the running again.</P> <P> </P> <P contentEditable=false><I>Created with <A href="http://www.sporttracks-plugins.com/SportTracksPlugins3/de/MyPlugins/Activity%20Documentation%20Plugin" target=_blank>Activity Documentation Plugin</A> for <A href="http://www.zonefivesoftware.com/SportTracks" target=_blank>SportTracks</A><BR>(see <A href="http://www.sporttracks-plugins.com/" target=_blank>http://www.sporttracks-plugins.com</A>)</I></P>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-52792180929269831972011-02-01T19:16:00.004+01:002011-02-01T19:29:37.169+01:00Approx 20 Weeks to go Race number 4After last year's "successful" disaster of 31 hours, and nearly 4 months of recovery I hesitated to put my name forward for race number 4. So I have set some goals to reach through the training plan and providing I can stay on track then I will be on the start line.<br />Already off to a bad start when I twisted my ankle and inflamed the tendons 2 weeks ago after a 25Km run but feeling rested now and will hopefully be back on track by the end of the week. Ibroprofen really is a fantastic drug.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-17187775564871236632010-06-17T10:32:00.002+02:002010-06-17T10:38:53.269+02:00The RaceHere we go again, 3rd time and the least amount of training I have done to date. Its been difficult this year balancing family and work with running as I have been traveling so much.<br />This year I am running to raise awareness of <a href="http://www.meningitis.org">Meningitis </a> due to the tradegy in Febuaey when my Nephew Leo died. <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/leo-james-good">Leo Good</a><br />We will see how far I get, and will try and keep a live update as I go through the checkpoints.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-51599997283554705472010-04-11T14:19:00.005+02:002010-04-11T14:39:20.810+02:0011 Weeks to go, 2 Weeks to FlingPanic setting in now, a chest infection kept me out for 2 weeks started back on Thursday with a 90 min hill run, felt awful. Then traveling and parenting meant no running Fri-Sat so this morning the plan was to get up early and go do a 6 hour trail run with 2000m ascent. After finaly dragging my ass out the bed at 8:30 and getting coffee and breakfast into me the chances of a 6 hour run were dwindling. Instead I opted for a fast 20km hill run straight up the side of one of our local hills 10km up. I was about 7 mins slower than previous pb so all in all I shouldn't be too disapointed. BUT I have not done any runs further than 40km this year or 5 hours where as the past 2 years I have done several 5hour plus runs. In less than 2 weeks I will be starting the Fling an 85km trail race that has a time limit so I cant even take it easy and hope for the best. I have always said that 90% of this race is in the head so I think I will have to prove it this year, though I wish I had done the last 10% training. As there is always a silver lining the trees are pollonating today and the air was a thick yellow soup so I hate to think what my lungs are like a 5 hour run may have resulted in several pine trees taking root in my alveoli.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-72626367173321989702010-03-25T07:59:00.004+01:002010-03-25T08:07:30.160+01:0013 Weeks to Go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S6sKXz9XBgI/AAAAAAAAAaE/FK5cMSnrI2U/s1600/Week13.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 61px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S6sKXz9XBgI/AAAAAAAAAaE/FK5cMSnrI2U/s400/Week13.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452463178062956034" /></a><br /><br />A 40km run on the Sunday with nearly 1800m ascent, climbed in the pool at the end to cool down the legs which was harder than the run itself. As it was my birthday the kids had made a cake which was just what I needed to help wash down the beer.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S6sLZZsd0gI/AAAAAAAAAaM/LB72W9S2IA0/s1600/IMG_0530.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S6sLZZsd0gI/AAAAAAAAAaM/LB72W9S2IA0/s400/IMG_0530.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452464304884142594" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-9889674771789513602010-03-25T07:56:00.003+01:002010-03-25T07:59:43.989+01:0014 Weeks to GoBeen neglecting the blog site again, Finaly starting to ramp up to the bigger runs hope I have not left it too late this year as previously I was doing 60km+ by end of Febuary but this always led to injuries so idea this time is to ramp later.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S6sJn72TYAI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/lG4--3htiZw/s1600/Week14.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 74px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S6sJn72TYAI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/lG4--3htiZw/s400/Week14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452462355547119618" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-8919332660242745322010-02-03T19:21:00.004+01:002010-02-03T19:27:41.103+01:0020 Weeks to go<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S2m_nB0ORCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/pGcUI_tb3Fc/s1600-h/Week20.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 61px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S2m_nB0ORCI/AAAAAAAAAZM/pGcUI_tb3Fc/s400/Week20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434085102622491682" /></a><br /><br />Skiing all day Sunday meant I had to do the long run on the Saturday and parenting dictated that it was late afternoon so not as far as I wanted but opted for a hill run on steep forest track up to Tourettes from Roquefort kept it slow but was still suffering. Did some fast 1km sections in the weekly runs plus a fast Friday run.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-72967660211251204032010-01-25T23:36:00.003+01:002010-01-25T23:43:17.397+01:0021 Weeks to goA better week plus a full day skiing on Saturday. Did a flat long run on the Sunday and went through the half marathon distance at 1hr39mins and felt good not sure I have another 9 mins in me but another 3 weeks of training to go.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S14d_RaQOWI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Ghmm2x7t7Oc/s1600-h/Week21.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 65px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S14d_RaQOWI/AAAAAAAAAY8/Ghmm2x7t7Oc/s400/Week21.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430811173497878882" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-6429594557496565162010-01-19T18:56:00.003+01:002010-01-19T19:04:08.381+01:0022 Weeks to goBetter week last week we forced ourselves to run in the snow that was beginning to thaw, and has mostly now cleared from the paths. Times are slow mixture of ice/snow and lack of speed. Need to do sprint training. Sunday run the watch died as I had not charged it most of the week so finished the run at 22/23 Km. Also skied both Sat and Sun.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S1XzaVuEYAI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ubjlhiia61o/s1600-h/Activity_Week22.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 67px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/S1XzaVuEYAI/AAAAAAAAAY0/ubjlhiia61o/s400/Activity_Week22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428512559697518594" border="0" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-22901368751686477012010-01-11T19:35:00.002+01:002010-01-11T19:42:38.975+01:0023 Weeks to goToo much snow and ice and a large sprinkling of lazy made for 3 runs last week. 2 * 13km then the prom classic 10km race yesterday, embarresed to say it was 44 mins but in my defence I didnt get time to warm up (lazy problem again) and over the past 3 weeks I ate most of the christmas cake myself! Aiming for a fast Semi in mid Febuary.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-33093959569624926442010-01-03T14:43:00.002+01:002010-01-03T14:49:15.439+01:0024 Weeks to goPain in my left foot, turned out to be an ingrown toenail and the beggar is deep. Will have to dig it out. Its from the big toenail I lost last May after the Mercontour assault coarse.<br />Anyway I did not do much this week, other than eat drink, ski and walk the dogs the runs I did do were all slow. Looking to ramp up over the next 5 weeks to a fast semi in Cannes.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-8795741402999985762009-12-22T15:47:00.004+01:002009-12-22T15:58:47.130+01:006 months to goJust after the marathon I was ill for 3-4 weeks (possible piggy flu but more likely man flu) I have been struggeling to find my legs and get back into it. Got out a few times in the past couple of weeks but there is no speed so a fast time in the January prom classic 10k is out the question aim for as close to 40mins as comfartable.<br /><br />Here is 2 weeks ago:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SzDdvWoofzI/AAAAAAAAAXs/QvahMclGjTo/s1600-h/Week1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 42px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SzDdvWoofzI/AAAAAAAAAXs/QvahMclGjTo/s320/Week1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418074157326303026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here is todays run its around the forest track hilly and uneven.(Yes I know it looks awfull I have my work cut out)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SzDdvjWYu-I/AAAAAAAAAX0/V9xxzaUqU8o/s1600-h/today.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 149px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SzDdvjWYu-I/AAAAAAAAAX0/V9xxzaUqU8o/s320/today.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418074160739433442" border="0" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-21323762438585027682009-12-01T13:45:00.002+01:002009-12-01T14:15:36.649+01:00Here we go again!Just had the conformation of being accepted onto the 2010 WHW race. 3rd time in a row so the target again will be sub 24 hours need to put in some more long training runs than last time and work harder on my refuel strategy.<br />Did the Nice-Cannes marathon 3 weeks ago in 3:32 so I should be in reasonable shape for starting training at 30k long runs at the weekend but Im also keen on a sub 1:30 half marathon in February in Cannes so will need to find a balance of speed and distance untill feb then ramp up distance to the 60km+ runs.<p>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-1654006784498337752009-09-22T23:21:00.003+02:002009-09-22T23:43:21.995+02:00Finaly found some pics<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCjUQ9OKI/AAAAAAAAAWs/ckuwzb0p6gU/s1600-h/WHW_07.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCjUQ9OKI/AAAAAAAAAWs/ckuwzb0p6gU/s400/WHW_07.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384408004000823458" /></a><br /> The Green Team at the start informaly known as "Free the Snugs"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCkfcY2wI/AAAAAAAAAW8/HM89WnNDJMU/s1600-h/WHW_01.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCkfcY2wI/AAAAAAAAAW8/HM89WnNDJMU/s400/WHW_01.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384408024181431042" /></a><br /><br />The non running photographer thought taping the nipples was a step too far<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCjyfxa1I/AAAAAAAAAW0/8JferzexkR8/s1600-h/WHW+001s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCjyfxa1I/AAAAAAAAAW0/8JferzexkR8/s400/WHW+001s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384408012116028242" /></a><br /><br />You get some pretty weird spectators in this race not that the runners are that normal.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCkoC9PwI/AAAAAAAAAXE/cNaxTJbvVAw/s1600-h/WHW+003s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlCkoC9PwI/AAAAAAAAAXE/cNaxTJbvVAw/s400/WHW+003s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384408026490683138" /></a><br /><br />Dario presenting the goblet at the end of race as I couldnt make the presentation this year. He will be sadly missed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlClOqsLQI/AAAAAAAAAXM/QPf1CqVxvXs/s1600-h/WHW+004s.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SrlClOqsLQI/AAAAAAAAAXM/QPf1CqVxvXs/s400/WHW+004s.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384408036857883906" /></a><br /><br />A mysterious finisher looking amazingly like my support runner with what appears to be my Goblet. I was giving blood for the medical trial while this was taken.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-71915115728403620132009-07-06T22:12:00.003+02:002009-07-06T22:19:49.945+02:00Must Try Harder27 hours and 2 mins, only 25 mins faster than last year?<br />I think next year I dont pack a deck chair in the car its too comfy!<br />I also need to carry deep heat as I got very bad cramp in the right leg before the half way point.<br />Most importantly I need to get fitter and stronger.<br /><br />A big thank you to all my support crew who yet again performed flawlessly.<br />With any luck Martin will mail me some pics / video soon.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-8188971838940940332009-03-22T23:44:00.002+01:002009-03-22T23:46:01.038+01:0013 Weeks to GoAgain not a great week started out with a slow 36km and finished tail end by missing Fri and Sat.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/Sca_lSlEQBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/0uNCMTRUPCE/s1600-h/thisweek.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 44px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/Sca_lSlEQBI/AAAAAAAAAVA/0uNCMTRUPCE/s400/thisweek.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316147057520820242" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-40584076801958291712009-03-13T23:18:00.004+01:002009-03-13T23:33:42.218+01:0014 Weeks to GoI know I have not been keeping up with the blog site. Between skiing running work and family I appear to have enough to do and with the current 'crisis' i.e. short term management thinking, finding contracting work is getting tough.<br /><br />I have been doing some training and with the new toy Garmin 405 I have pictures to prove it. A little slow but was good to go again the next day. Not sure the calories are correct as I am sure its approx 1 cal for 1m ascent for approx 80kg male.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/Sbre4JFefAI/AAAAAAAAAU4/VPWXpndahCo/s1600-h/PeakCormetteStats.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 228px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/Sbre4JFefAI/AAAAAAAAAU4/VPWXpndahCo/s400/PeakCormetteStats.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312803766529850370" /></a>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-24536262981123153292008-09-21T16:08:00.001+02:002008-09-21T16:10:46.529+02:0039 Weeks to GoRun Less Run Faster<br />Sounds odd but as the title of the book I thought it would turn out like one of those "loose weight in 1 week" types.<br />Anyway I have cut down my running and supplimented it with swimming and climbing. Now I do 3 hard days a week. 1 hour at just over race pace 1 hour sprints and a long run. This mornings long run was just over 22km with a big hill in the middle and it took me 1hr 41mins. I equate that to a sub 1hr 36min half marathon and I finished feeling great so went for a swim in the sea.<br /><br />Admittingly the swimming is no easy day as it is 1200m in open water 2 times a week and the climbing is in the evenings of two of the running days. I should be cycling according to the book but I find that I need to do 2+ hours to get any sort of work out and finding that time mid week is not simple, so I confess to adding another running day most weeks 1 hour very easy pace but with hills.<br /><br />Nice marathon on the 9th November will be the test hoping for sub 3hr 30min though going by todays performance 3hr 20min should be possible.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-49989792401382714972008-08-20T10:54:00.002+02:002008-08-20T10:58:09.526+02:0044 Weeks To GoSo thanks to all who sponsored me, 2875 GBP. <br /><br />I have entered in next years race, sub 24hr's is the goal.<br />My first goal will be the Nice marathon in 12 weeks so holiday over and back to the training.<br /><br /> Brettbgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-68946532925107036012008-06-26T00:42:00.003+02:002008-06-28T20:12:57.536+02:00Video ClipsThanks to Martin for the video clips, I'm sure I ran at some point but not on video it seems.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dya9LhRl5uJwJ5Tmjw9EyUfADeFPMfkMCufHwpYbJ-BjEChBvw6tFGK2OgpMNKTSjMW59Yp8nQA_z3iHdlgKg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwI7kCBqshJ2tBmYWULuZNAKdL8evCilb5AeqeuTAzoI-9TFjqIJA62prbuvTkoQ_WeXOItPvqf4x-nE6C_CA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-71895650411479994562008-06-24T17:21:00.008+02:002008-06-27T09:22:05.509+02:00Sweat SuccessBy Friday afternoon my wife had to wrestle the phone of me as I was convinced it was pointless to start the race. Undefined pain in my right foot to the point I was limping and missing 4 weeks of training due to injury of the left foot in the Fling was not giving me the mental attitude prescribed by my Sports Psychologist. I was persuaded that it would be better to start and drop out than not to start. So with 133 other mentaly unsound individuals I registered at midnight and collected my pre-bought merchandise. I had told some of my crew to not bother coming as I was not confident of getting far: this turned out to be a blessing in disguise (although sadly not for Chris who stayed at home!)<br /><br />When we started at 1am I felt sick, 32 weeks I had been training for this and I was already feeling tired and sore going over the start line. At the fling I had felt so strong and was having delusions of grandeur. Going through Mugdock country park I glanced behind me and saw the mist on the ground with a trail of headtorches behind and a nearly full moon with Mars off to the side. The view was spectacular and I was glad I had started.<br /><br />The plan had been to go as slow as possible over the first sections of the course but the pain in my right foot was stopping me from clear thinking. 2Km before Drymen I decided I couldn't take the pain any further and was going to drop out. It was just at the first hill on a road and I started to walk. Within seconds the pain vanished from my foot, my first thought was that I must have done serious damage for the pain to go, then I thought that maybe it had been a trapped nerve and it had freed up. The last km into Drymen was pain free and I even dared to think that the fat lady had not sung.<br /><br />Going through Drymen my crew notified me that I was too fast at 2hr 15mins. Next was Conic Hill and I took it at a leisurely pace with a spectacular view at the top. Balmaha and the first Food intake came next-here was the lesson learnt from the fling (If I'm going to expend 15000 Kcalories I need to eat!). Then onto Rowerdennan and the midges. Very short stop due to the small carniverous beasties. How the marshals do it is beyond me!<br /><br />Inversnaid was bliss as our little biting friends appeared to not know about it. Martin was going to accompany me on to Bein Glas where the second support team would be starting.<br /><br />Bein Glas and the second support team arrived. As I was conviced of failure I had told them not to start but this now meant that they were fresh from a night's sleep allowing the 1st team to take a break. Onto DerryDaroch the halfway point and I was starting to feel good about myself and still running. The attractive marshall at Derrydaroch was causing a stir with 2 of my support team but they still managed to get me rehydrated and on the move.<br /><br />The steep hills after the road crossing which had caused me pain during the Fling were now ok as I was moving slower than the Fling pace. I even managed to run down them. Then over the main road and round to Auchentyre Farm where I noted I had lost 3Kg. Several cups of tea and a bowl of pasta and I was off again. Tyndrum meant new ground as I had never run between here and Kingshouse.<br /><br /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The Team at Tyndrum<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SGEyouvugqI/AAAAAAAAALU/zPM_hKO4y4A/s1600-h/WHW_22.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wxKZr7mG5V0/SGEyouvugqI/AAAAAAAAALU/zPM_hKO4y4A/s400/WHW_22.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5215505518796112546" border="0" /></a><br />Over the hill and under the railway and a beautifully runnable path - sadly I abused this by going too fast and reaching Bridge of Orchy (BoO) much faster than I should have done. Spent probably 20mins in BoO eating and rehydrating before moving on. The hill leaving BoO was at its worst on the down slope and I was unable to run.<br /><br />Tony now started his mammoth task of cajolling me to the finish from Victoria bridge - still 50km but I knew if it came to it I could walk the rest of the way in the alloted time if only I could keep going. I was now favouring a run walk strategy my legs favoured the walk while my head favoured the run.<br /><br />The section from Victoria Bridge was hard as you can see just how far you have to cover and it's a lot! Thankfully it past quickly - mainly due to me counting the deer that didn't exist.<br /><br />Kingshouse and again both support crews were there some more food and tea, while watching the Kingshouse chimney go up in flames. I did spot one deer at Kingshouse but Tony reckons it was a goat. Then on to the Devil's Staircase where thankfully the crews were waiting at the bottom as I had forgotten to vaseline myself after leaving the checkpoint.<br /><br />The slog up the Devil's Staircase is thankfully shorter than the name suggests and we were soon on the path down but the weather was not helpful. I was running less and walking more by this time.<br /><br />Kinlochleven (130km) was by far the most comfortable checkpoint but I was surprised to see I had now lost 5Kg so we stayed longer than intended while I gulped down several flasks of Tea. Some of my support team made their only mistake by attempting to eat fish suppers in front of starving debilitated runners - thankfully nobody was strong enough to start a fight and they quickly noticed the drool and zombied looks so they retreated to their cars to eat their hard earned meals.<br /><br />Leaving Kinlochleven was one of the hardest things I did that night. It would have been very easy to find an excuse to stay but thankfully my support crew were not going to listen and I was booted out and sent on my way. Up onto Lairig mor and the weather turned vicious with howling wind and horizontal sleet. Slowing slightly caused our core temperatures to drop and so we moved as fast as I could (which was sadly not fast enough to keep Tony warm but he stuck by me' if a little quieter than usual). At Lundavra, again the support crews were waiting in the same vicous conditions, standing dangerously close to a large fire trying to stay warm. Here was probably my shortest stop. While Tony pulled on an extra layer, I drank 2 more cups of tea and we moved on. I ran very little of this last section and certainly none of the main road to the Sports centre. At 04:27 on the Sunday morning I finished - 27hours 27mins after leaving Milingavie. All along that road I swore "never again". Amazingly the first thing I was offered after crossing the finish line was a drink of whiskey.<br /><br />First and foremost I would like to thank my Support Crew, Karen, Al, Martin and Tony who selflessly gave up their time to help me. Without any of them I would not have made it. I would also like to thank the missing man Chris who I told not to come as I didn't want him driving from London to watch me drop out after 10km. I would also like to thank both my parents for looking after the kids and Karen's parents for looking after me before and after the race.<br /><br />And finally to all my sponsors - thank you very much. Admittedly I did not raise the 10,000 GBP target but I will continue raising until the 21st August. Which is about the time when the registration opens for next year ..... 52 Weeksbgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-33411006852295587812008-06-15T19:06:00.012+02:002008-06-24T00:05:14.661+02:00Live UpdateRegistered :12:00,goodie bag collected<br />Start 1am :On my way!<br />Drymen 20.3Km :Left @ 3.15am<br />Balmaha 32Km :Left at 5.02am after some rice pudding<br />Rowardennan 43Km :Left at 6.45am<br />Inversnaid 55Km :Left at 8.35 with Martin<br />Bein Glas 65Km :Left at 10.35<br />Derrydarroch 71Km :Left at 11.55<br />A82 Crossing 79Km :Left at 13.05<br />Auchentyre Farm 81Km :Left at 13.55<br />Tyndrum 86Km :Left at 14.35<br />Bridge of Orchy 96Km :left at 4.35<br />Victoria Bridge 100.4Km :left at 5.15<br />Blackrock Cottage 113.3Km :left at 7.20<br />Kingshouse 116Km :Left at 8.07<br />Altnafeadh 120Km :Bottom of Devil's Staircase left 8.50<br />Kinlochleven 130Km :Left 11.30, raining & windy<br />Lundavra 141Km :Left at 2.08am - weather appalling but very very close!<br />Fort William The Finish 153Km :Finished at 4.27am!bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-45672884984552315042008-06-15T18:26:00.003+02:002008-06-15T20:10:24.007+02:001 Week to GoAs I have been writing my blog post week training then the next blog will be the race. I will only run once or twice this week and both will be easy runs. Max 1 hour. The race starts on Saturday 1am so I fly back Thursday and will try to put my feet up on the Friday and not get myself into a total panic. Karen will remove my passport to stop me fleeing the country.<br />5 weeks ago I thought it was game over after my foot was diagnosed with bone issues but now I think my foot will make it my only concern is the lost training 4 weeks just when I should have been putting down the hardest training. Speaking to people who have a lot more experience has helped and the thought is all is not lost <br />Race strategy will be:<br />1) Get to start Line<br />2) Go as slowly as possible at the start without letting the back sweeper pass me<br />3) Eat at least 2 meals before Bridge of Orchy rough calculation says I will burn at least 15000 KCalories. Thats a lot of mars bars!<br />4) Keep Going<br />5) Stop at the finish line<br />I would love to do this in 24 hours which I'm sure is possible but the main goal is to finish.<br /><br />My support team will try and do a live update publishing my times as I get into each checkpoint for which I will create a template.<br />Hard to believe that I have been training for this for the past 32 weeks its gone very quickly.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-24699516792604762392008-06-15T18:23:00.002+02:002008-06-15T18:26:10.895+02:002 Weeks to GoMonday 45 mins<br />Tuesday 1hour<br />Wednesday 40 mins Hard<br />Thursday Rest<br />Friday 40 mins<br />Saturday Rest<br />Sunday 50 mins Slow<br /><br />Feels wrong tapering after what feels like 2 weeks running.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1987958379610908109.post-85474199306172080322008-06-09T18:18:00.002+02:002008-06-09T18:26:19.618+02:003 Weeks to GoMonday 50 mins<br />Tuesday Rest<br />Wednesday 50 mins<br />Thursday 1 hour<br />Friday 1hr 20mins<br />Saturday 3hrs 15mins 30km very Hilly<br />Sunday Rest<br /><br />The idea was to find out where my fitness level was without stressing my foot or overdoing it. So 30km in hills at an easy pace but with 26 deg C it felt tough but Im sure I could have done another lap. I think 8 weeks ago I would have found this much easier. So its now a 2 week taper to the race.<br />3 years living in the sun and I have still not learnt to apply sun cream, stupidly took of my shirt for the last 2 hours and my back looks like an embarassed lobster.bgreenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09584106796274565028noreply@blogger.com0