200 Days

May the 28th 2010 is 200 days away. I have 200 days to change this ol' body of mine into being capable of completing one of the hardest challenges undertaken.

Last weeks training went well. Having re-joined North Lakes Spa I have started doing some weights and also go on the cross trainer. I managed to do something every day last week barring Friday (rest day). The usual Sat morning run had to be done in the afternoon due to having my "lifestyle assessment" at the gym. I was actually expecting some form of fitness test so had got myself all worked up for it and even took an energy gel prior. The hardest thing I had to do was to climb up on the "massage style" bed. It was interesting though and I did learn a couple of things. I need to drink more fluid. 2-3 litres of water a day. There also needs to be more protein in my diet to help muscles recover and rebuild. This is in addition to the usual, "eat more fruit". My resting heart rate was 47 and my % body fat was 18. I learned that my body was about 2kg too light due to not having enough fluid in it. So I have been drinking loads since and do feel better.

After the assessment, i decided to give myself a fitness test. Straight up Blecathra from Scales. I managed top get to the top in under 40 mins and felt great. Climbing legs have def got stronger.

I am still sticking to Tue/Thur/Sat as the main run days but will mix in other forms of exercise. The training plan I have shows doing all the big mileage on Sat & Sundays but I will struggle with Sundays during Rugby season as I help out with PRUFC U8's (my sons team). As the days drawout again in spring I think I will start to fit in a decent run on a Friday morning.

I am gong to enter Dunnerdale fell race this Sat. I havent entered a fell race in a while so I am looking forward to the challange and to compare myself against others. I expect to finish in the top 25%. Anything less and I will be disapointed.