To run, or to walk???

First off, here is last weeks training:

Monday: walk 2 x 3 miles
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: run 5.2 miles, 
Thursday: run 6.3 miles
Friday: rest
Saturday: run 12 miles
Sunday: run 14 miles, walk 2 miles

I'm in Scarborough for a few weeks at the moment, for my course.

It's beautiful! My accommodation is about 3 miles from the hospital. Last week I got a bus ticket and traveled there and back by bus every day. Then over the weekend, I thought, well, maybe walking is also good preparation for an ultra marathon? If I walk to work and back every day that's 6 miles a day = 30 miles in a week. Have done a bit of reading around about if doing walking sessions is any help for the training. Haven't really found anything that advises it by itself, apart from perhaps using very long walks (6 hours plus), the advice focuses more as using walking as a part of your long runs.  

But hey, it kind of makes sense to me - I want to get as many miles and time on my feet under my belt as I can, and here is an opportunity in my daily routine to do that without increasing my running days!

I also remembered something. I know, woah. The second marathon I did was the London Marathon in 2010. In the weeks leading up to the race I had a ghastly time trying to finish the lab work for my PhD, I was living in Southampton but was working at the labs in Reading doing some experiments that took hours and hours and hours, so I would leave my house just after 6am and get back about 10pm. My training schedule went up in smoke and I was desperate, I really wanted to train properly for the London Marathon which was my dream to complete! Due to the efficiency of the bus service from my house to the train station, I ended up walking there and back every day each week, about 4 miles a day. Not much, but better than nothing. And I ran only at weekends. I was nervous on race day, I thought I had missed too much training to do any good, but I ran a PB, which is still my PB today. I know, it could have been any number of things which contributed to that, but I do think that the walking helped in some way.

So anyway, I've gone on too long. This week I have set myself the challenge of walking to and from work each day, to add to my miles. 

I really hope tomorrow morning it is not raining or icy. And on Wednesday. And Thursday. And Friday. Is that too much to ask of Yorkshire in January? 

The Great Glen Way Part 3

Day 3....

Day 2 was wet when it ended. Clothes all wet and no change as carrying everything for 2 days. The hotel room is cold, as we are the only guests in the hotel, and the only heater is electric and can't put stuff on it to dry. What to do?! Take the pictures off the wall above the heater and hang the clothes on the hooks!

So, Day 3 starts with dry clothes. And a full Scottish Breakfast. Good start.

Back to the canal for Day 3. Only 11 miles today and all flat. Hurrah!  Not feeling too tied after yesterday and pleased with that. Some of the training I should have done last week was two longish runs back to back at the weekend, and this is pretty much that, and feels OK. The idea of doing back to back long runs in preparation for an ultra marathon is that 1) you stimulate the demands of running almost the entire race distance, but by doing it over 2 days you reduce the stress on the body by having a chance for recovery in the night in between, therefore reducing risk of injury 2) running on the second day when tired is good mental practice for the latter stages of the race (which will be tough, I imagine).

The 11 miles were fairly uneventful but enjoyable, and the end was near which always brings a feeling of anticipation. The weather was absolute crap. Sorry, but it was. Didn't see very much, but did peak a glimpse of Ben Nevis though the mist. Intimidating mountain even when you can't see it.

We ran down 'Neptune's Staircase' or rather down the towpath next to it, not the actual locks. Obviously. Neptune's Staircase is a series of 8 locks, and is the longest staircase lock in Britain, and lifts and lowers boats 20 m up and down the Caledonian Canal, was designed by Thomas Telford, and built between 1803 - 1822. History lesson of the run, done.

After that it wasn't much further to the end of the canal, and the sea at the other side of Scotland!

The last lock into the sea!

The sea!

The final part was only about 3 miles to Fort William, but as you could see Fort William for the whole 3 miles (see picture above - Fort William is the white splodge), it went on forever, and the rain got heavier, and each mile got longer, and.... you get the picture. But finally we reached our goal!

 

Hurrah! Celebratory drink (hot chocolate, it's New Years Eve, must save ourselves for the hard stuff later).

Scottish people are officially the nicest people in the world. We had booked bus tickets back to Inverness because there were only a few buses in the day, and it was New Years Eve so we thought they would be busy. We got the cheaper ones, like on the trains where you get a cheaper fare if you travel on a specific train, so we had to go on the 2pm bus. But it was only 11 am when we finished, and it was freezing and pouring, and we'd already been to Morrisons cafe which was the only warm place open. So we thought to try to blag our way onto the 12 o'clock bus instead, if there was room. I was like, it will never be allowed! But no! The bus driver laughed and let us on. Oh, and stopped at a bus stop he wasn't supposed to so we could pick up the car. Can you imagine that happening in London! Ha!

So, let me summarize. Even though it was cold and the weather wasn't great, it was still a beautiful run, and lots of fun. I would definitely recommend this footpath. It's really clearly marked, it's challenging but easily split into manageable sections with nice places to stay along the way. Scenery is stunning, you simply must see it! 

And the best part is that it isn't over yet! There is still one section between Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus which we didn't manage to finish. 

To be continued.......

The Great Glen Way Part 2

So Day 2, disaster struck. Struck Andrew's knee.  So we had a break on day 2 instead and went to the Loch Ness museum and FINALLY saw Nessie...

Shocking...

After this item was ticked off the agenda, Plan B was actioned. Basically we got to stay in the nice hostel (Morag's Lodge, if you're ever passing, is definitely a lodge to stay in) we were supposed to run to today, but by driving there instead of running. Well, I feel kind of guilty about that, but fortunately the feeling passed over a few games of pool in the pub, roast beef and red wine and a nights rest. That is the medicine for healing a knee.

It worked! Rose at the crack of dawn to begin day 2 again, and were off before the first rays of light had even begun to creep over the mountains. Something about running before it gets light. It's an ordeal to get out of bed, of course, but once you are I kind of get the shivers running into a new day in that weird blue-grey light. 

This was the route today, Fort Augustus at the west end of Loch Ness to Gairlochy 

Tough day of 25 miles! But every mile was delightful!

Lots of canal to start with, nice and flat. Running along the Caledonian Canal in the dark is certainly something. Especially when black sheep with horns jump out of the trees right in front of you! Was a tiny challenge after a few miles when after all of the heavy rains the canal was overflowing over a ford into the river below, so climbed along a fence across the water. Kind of wimpy, but the river was very close and looked mighty angry. Grand to reach the other side!

Then at the end of the canal and the start of Loch Oich, another obstacle. The path was closed due to storm damage! At least there is an alternative path along the other side of the loch. Alas, this one is longer and goes UP the mountain rather than along the side of the loch. Oich!

Quite a tough section up through more pine forests. Fallen trees along the path even here and many many trees have blown down. It would be terrifying to be up there in the storms. 

Tired at top of hill. Ate a fudge bar. Better.

Down a steep hill to Invergarry. It has a nice bridge and highland cows, and two new bungalows built right next to each other, which I thought was a bit weird with all this space surely you would want to be further away from each other. They must really like their neighbors. That's all I remember about Invergarry, because immediately after it there was a massive hill that went on for miles and miles. And miles. It's probably still going on somewhere. Thankfully there was Haribo Star Mix to power through. Blue gummy bears!? Never tasted so good!

Finally after what seemed like an actual day we reached Laggan Lochs, which on consultation of the map appeared to be only half way. I'm going to stop looking at the map. It's mean.

Half time was called and ham mayo and salad sandwiches eaten. Nom nom! Now entering the dangerous part....

Yikes. Let the second half commence. This was all along Loch Lochy. There are so many lochs in Scotland they must have run out of names by the time they got to this one. Although, I guess it is very like a loch, very much so, so the name is indeed fitting. It even has a beach (perfect for a picnic).

Loch Lochy is beautiful. I entered a positive phase for this part of the run, impossible not to be charmed by the scenery, even in the mist. In fact, the mist makes it even better, every so often a glimpse of the mountains above the mist is seen, like the glens are keeping their secrets, but letting you see a tiny bit. 

So, 25 miles completed upon reaching Gairlochy. Tough but brilliant days running.

Now to celebrate with FOOD at the Aonach Mor Hotel!!!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year one and all! Many thanks for all of your support during 2013 :-) Mixed emotions to say goodbye to this year, it is one that has given me personally many fantastic experiences and memories, lovely people met, goals reached, money raised. But it's also been a difficult one for my family and big changes which have been difficult too....

So here's to 2014, may it be a good one all round for everyone!

Of course, training over Christmas and New Year went according to plan. Only kidding. 

I will just skip over the aspects of my training schedule I might have missed in favor of mulled wine and mince pies on the sofa safe and dry out of the cold torrential rain, and move swiftly on to.....Andrew and me did most of The Great Glen Way over New Year! It's 80 miles, from Inverness in the east to Fort William in the West. We arrived in Inverness on Thursday and on the way decided that it would be good to finish the year with one last challenge. We thought that 20 miles x 4 days would be OK to do. And there were just 4 free days in between parties, it was a sign!

Preparations.... On the Friday we tripped into town to get a map, running tights for Andrew (finally, you are wearing tights, ha ha ha!), water bottles etc. Friday evening was spent consulting the newly purchased map and planning each day's run and calling B&Bs....

Now all that was left was to cross fingers for the weather, maybe somehow we will avoid the storms and rains that have been battering the country.

Day 1.... Woke up early on Saturday and the rain was only light, perfect! Andrew's parents were really kind and got up early to to drive us to Drumnadrochit which is 20 miles along the trail from Inverness. Plan was for Day 1 to run backwards from Drumnadrochit to Inverness, due to some logistical hitches with finding accommodation in Drumnadrochit.  And then get a lift to Drumnadrochit again on Day 2. 

Day 1 route:

First couple of miles were along the road we just drove along and Andrew's Mum and Dad waved cheerily at us as they drove back to a nice warm house. Sigh. Still, scenery is stunning, am so excited to be out in the highlands that I don't even care it's cold! The route then goes up into the forest above Loch Ness. 

Beautiful! Had a little break here, half-way up the hill, looking for Nessie, not because was tired. Sadly, even after extendinging the break, there was still no sign. Must carry on then. Ugh. REALLY big hills here! I suppose that's where 'the Highlands' comes from now I think about it. Oh.

Well Day 1 was very hilly! The toughest day according to the Great Glen Way guide. First few miles were a big climb through pine forests to the top, fab views though, totally worth the effort. Christmas cake tastes even better at the top of a hill.

Snow at the top of the hills! The route then left the loch side and went behind the other side of the hills through more pine forests, they look magical! The floors and fallen trees covered in bright green moss like a carpet for fairies and imps, and tree stumps for their houses, and frosty fronds of pine branches to swing their fairy wings on. OK - getting carried away here, but it's true! Everything feels like a different world up here, clear and still. It's difficult to remember why everything that stresses me out back down at the bottom of the hills, which looks so small from up here could ever be important.

The last part of the day was down into Inverness, along the Caladonian Canal and along the River Ness up to the Castle, which was the official start of the run, but confusingly at the end of the first day!

Then home for hot tea and butteries! 

Nice hair do.

Merry Christmas!

Week 1 done! BOOM!

Mon 16th Dec: 6.06 miles, middle 4 at 10 mile pace; 49:27 min; 8:09 min/ mile average pace; 515 kcal
Tues 17th Dec: 5.10 miles easy jog; 43:51 min; 8.34 min/ mile average; 433 kcal
Wed 18th Dec: rest
Thurs 19th Dec: 30 min bike, core work
Fri 20th Dec: 6.98 miles, middle 3 at marathon pace; 63:44 min; 9:08 min/ mile average pace 593 kcal
Sat 21st Dec: 10.00 miles, steady running; 91:54 min; 9.12 min/ mile average pace; 850 kcal
Sun 22nd Dec: 10.02 miles steady running; 90.26 min; 9.00 min/ mile average pace; 851 kcal

All good so far. Worst part was starting core work again, but this looks to be even more important when running longer distances, so better get back on it. Unfortunately I had a cold at the same time - sneezing hurt.

So next week is CHRISTMAS! Merry Christmas one and all!

This is the plan for next week, but obviously it is the season to be jolly....may not go entirely according to plan....

Mon 23rd Dec: 5 miles easy jog
Tues 24th Dec: 7 miles , middle 4 at 10 mile pace
Wed 25th Dec: Christmas Day 
Thurs 26th Dec: 7 miles, middle 3 at marathon pace
Fri 27th Dec: rest
Sat 28th Dec: 90 mins steady
Sun 29th Dec: 90 mins steady

Week 1: the beginning!

Today is the official beginning of my ultra-marathon training...WOOP!

The day dawned bright and warm and clear. No just kidding - it's Chorley in December. It was dark for most of the day, freezing and raining. Mmmmmmmm! 

I think in order to be able to successfully do this, I need to be strict and organised with myself and have a proper schedule to stick to. I did some research on ultra training, and lots of people say that you need to listen to your body and not stick religiously to a schedule, and adapt if it's not working. So, there is a compromise. I have the schedule I think I want to follow from now until April and I will post up here at the beginning of each week my schedule for that week, because once I tell people I'm going to do something, it makes me more likely to do it, to avoid appearing lazy :-) But then at the end of each week I will think about how I'm feeling before I decide on the training for the next week.

This is the first ultra I have done, so I want to record everything I do - all the training, including all the things that work, all the things that don't work, all the good times, and I am sure there will be some hard ones along the way too....

...so......this is the plan for Week 1!

Monday 16th Dec: 6 miles (middle 4 at 10 mile pace)
Tuesday 17th Dec: 5 miles easy jog
Wednesday 18th Dec: rest (for EXAM!)
Thursday 19th Dec: rest, with strength training
Friday 20th Dec: 7 miles (middle 3 at marathon pace)
Saturday 21st Dec: 90 minutes steady running
Sunday 22nd Dec: 90 minutes steady running

My first run this morning was quite unglamorous. Quite excited for the first mile which involved mostly running down a big hill, and was feeling that things felt easy. Reached bottom of hill and it flattened out and got harder, at the same time I was supposed to increase pace. Splashed through puddles along the canal for a while, and worried about all the miles of training ahead if I was finding mile 2 tough....

Miracles and things

Went for a short early morning run this morning along the canal. I was feeling quite stressed so was blasting out a few quick miles whilst listening loudly to Christmas songs “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and AUUUULD LANG SYNE". Oh yeh! I saw a man running up ahead. He looked a serious runner type in a yellow race t-shirt, shorts (in December, yes) and a bum bag (in runnery-type circles, bum bags take on a whole new meaning from the dubious fashion statement of the 80s. Or was it the 90s? Or the 70s? Anyway. Serious runners who run a long way carry them to carry all sorts of energy and blister/ pain related relief). I called out "hello" as I went past.

“ARE YOU IN A RUNNING CLUB?” was the reply.

So I stopped and told him that well yes, I was, but it was one in Leeds as that’s where I’m staying most of the time at the moment.

“Oh well, someone has to” he replied (how rude – definitely a Lancashire chap then). “The reason that I shout at girls as they run past me is that I run with Chorley Athletic and Tri Club, and we need more girls to run in the league”. Glad that’s cleared up then.

“How far are you going this morning?” he asked.

I said I was doing a small loop around the canal, and asked where he was off to.

“I’ll tell you a story that will make you keep running” said he.

“Go on” said I.

“I died last year” was the reply.

“Oh” I said (but in my head, I thought... “I could have sworn that I woke up this morning and have had breakfast and even tried doing some revision, I couldn't possibly still be dreaming. Maybe I should poke him to check he’s real. But he’s right next to the canal; that might make him fall in. But then if he’s not real, would it matter if he did fall in? In fact if he’s not real, I probably wouldn't even be able to poke him so it wouldn't matter anyway. What should I DO??????”)

Fortunately, the ghost spoke, and solved my quandary “Yes. I had a cardiac arrest. I was dead, but the doctors managed to bring me back. Everyone tells me that I should take it easy, I've had two heart attacks, but you know what my cardiologist said? That if I hadn't been fit from running, I would not have got back up again to be standing here to tell you that I was dead. So I’ll keep on running, thank you very much.”

“Wow” I said, “What a tale to tell! What a privilege to have met such an inspiring person completely unexpectedly on my Saturday run. Truly amazing!”

“I’m not amazing” he said “there are people who have been through far worse , than me”.

Well OK maybe, I thought, although actually, dying is probably pretty high up on the list of bad stuff that can happen to you. But really, what a guy!

We chatted for a few more minutes, during which time he recommended the ‘Through the Villages’ race which occurs in November each year, which he cheerfully quipped was “8.45 miles of pure hell and makes the Royal Marines cry”. Well then, that’s a glittering recommendation if ever I heard one.

Then I ran home. To be honest I still wasn't utterly sure I was awake and that that conversation had really happened, so I had a cold shower and switched on the old internet to check if there was such as thing as the ‘Through the Villages’ race. 

There is. 2^nd November next year. I’ll be there. 

I guess miracles do happen :-)