Fixed my back whike stretching on the gym ball. There was this loud crack and hey presto, I was jumping about like a "gert salmon" . It still aches a little but is a lot better as it is no longer affecting my running. I am still going to the massage joint on Tues next week though to get looked at. Thats remedial massage not some backstreet dodgy one, (not that there are any round Penrith).
Training this week has mainly consisted of my usual runs into and around town, up and down the New Streets and back home. I have supplemented these with sessions in the gym on the bike. I have discovered a "reet gud" interval setting on the bike which gives my legs a burn after an hour.
Work has been weird since closing down last Friday. I have been asked about a job in Barrow but am a bit reluctant due to the travelling affecting both my family life and my training. I guess bread on the table is whats most important though.
If the weather holds up I intend to get out very early on Sat morning and get some big mileage in probably on the BGR route. Hopefully the glass back will hold up
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Friday, 15 January 2010
133 Days - Bad Day & Bad Back
Today hasnt been a good day.
My business has gone into liquidation and to cap it off I have hurt my back today. The recession has finally nailed the coffin shut on my business and 12 jobs. Its been very hard the last 18 months and has been a major pressure in my life. Running has helped me get away from that pressure. I do feel a huge weight off my shoulders right now.
As part of the shut down I had to collect a digger from a site near Bury and have pulled my back quite bad when trying to move the trailer by hand. I hurt my back when playing rugby many years ago, and it feels like the same injury. There is a lateral shift in my lower spine which means that there is a visible twist when looking in a mirror. I can't remember if it is something that "pops" back in quickly or takes ages to put right.
Dont think I will be able to run tomorrow even thought the thaw is setting in so will probably go to gym and sit on exercise bike.
With only 133 days to go I really dont need a break from training but I am sure that it will be ok.
Oh and the goldfish died last night (5 yrs old) ...................
My business has gone into liquidation and to cap it off I have hurt my back today. The recession has finally nailed the coffin shut on my business and 12 jobs. Its been very hard the last 18 months and has been a major pressure in my life. Running has helped me get away from that pressure. I do feel a huge weight off my shoulders right now.
As part of the shut down I had to collect a digger from a site near Bury and have pulled my back quite bad when trying to move the trailer by hand. I hurt my back when playing rugby many years ago, and it feels like the same injury. There is a lateral shift in my lower spine which means that there is a visible twist when looking in a mirror. I can't remember if it is something that "pops" back in quickly or takes ages to put right.
Dont think I will be able to run tomorrow even thought the thaw is setting in so will probably go to gym and sit on exercise bike.
With only 133 days to go I really dont need a break from training but I am sure that it will be ok.
Oh and the goldfish died last night (5 yrs old) ...................
Friday, 8 January 2010
Miles Behind. Literally........- 20 weeks to go
I am just not getting enough miles/climb in. There are a number of reasons including work, weather & wife.
(sorry Rach but it should really say family commitments but the words starting with "w" fit well together.
I have managed to get a few smaller runs in this week - 7 to 8 milers but no real climbing. In my training programme I had planned to do 2 legs together this weekend but the weather and work comittments have put pay to that. Planning to get out for 3-4 hours on Sat morning then out for a quick 1 hr run on Sunday sometime.
Am sure this cold snap can't go on forever so will catch up then.
Still off the drink despite immense pressure at work. I know it will be worth it.
(sorry Rach but it should really say family commitments but the words starting with "w" fit well together.
I have managed to get a few smaller runs in this week - 7 to 8 milers but no real climbing. In my training programme I had planned to do 2 legs together this weekend but the weather and work comittments have put pay to that. Planning to get out for 3-4 hours on Sat morning then out for a quick 1 hr run on Sunday sometime.
Am sure this cold snap can't go on forever so will catch up then.
Still off the drink despite immense pressure at work. I know it will be worth it.
Friday, 1 January 2010
147 Days to go- Happy New Year
Enjoyed Nine Standards today- 6th out of about 70 so quiet chuffed. Worked hard to keep up with Stu Stod but struggled in deep snow at top. Enjoyed down hill although a little sketchy.
Had an epic on Wed, getting lost in blizzard conditions on back of Blencathra- Basic complacency meant that we got lost for 50 mins. Lessons have been learned.
Looks like snow is going to hang around so will have to be careful.
Looks like I am going ot re-join my local running club- Eden Runners. Am bored with being unattached. Have thought long and hard about which club to join as Eden aren't a big fell club but my loyalties to my home town are strong. Maybe they/we can become strong on the fell if a few more local runners were actually representing their home club. Will see.
Had an epic on Wed, getting lost in blizzard conditions on back of Blencathra- Basic complacency meant that we got lost for 50 mins. Lessons have been learned.
Looks like snow is going to hang around so will have to be careful.
Looks like I am going ot re-join my local running club- Eden Runners. Am bored with being unattached. Have thought long and hard about which club to join as Eden aren't a big fell club but my loyalties to my home town are strong. Maybe they/we can become strong on the fell if a few more local runners were actually representing their home club. Will see.
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
163 days
Time seems to be passing really quick. I had good intentions to kick start my training in November but it didnt really materialise. Probably down to the weather, probably down to being this side of Xmas.
I see the Xmas break as a real turning point. Things will kick start for sure. Its not that I havent been training, I thinks its more the fact that I cant/dont get out on fells in the week I guess.
The past 2 Saturdays I have done leg 1 and then leg 2, both at 22 hr pace and with a heavyish pack on. Legs felt strong. The mid week training has consisted of work on the New Streets of Penrith. Sundays I have in the gym doing weights on my legs and limited upper body. I have also discovered that the cross trainer is quite a good workout when its on a high setting and you dont use your arms.
Since my induction into the gym I have been drinking more water and eating more fruit. Still havent drunk any alcohol since Halloween.
Looking forward to the Christmas break when I will hook up with others and get some work on Legs 3 and 4. Think Santa will be bringing me new trainers..................
I see the Xmas break as a real turning point. Things will kick start for sure. Its not that I havent been training, I thinks its more the fact that I cant/dont get out on fells in the week I guess.
The past 2 Saturdays I have done leg 1 and then leg 2, both at 22 hr pace and with a heavyish pack on. Legs felt strong. The mid week training has consisted of work on the New Streets of Penrith. Sundays I have in the gym doing weights on my legs and limited upper body. I have also discovered that the cross trainer is quite a good workout when its on a high setting and you dont use your arms.
Since my induction into the gym I have been drinking more water and eating more fruit. Still havent drunk any alcohol since Halloween.
Looking forward to the Christmas break when I will hook up with others and get some work on Legs 3 and 4. Think Santa will be bringing me new trainers..................
Sunday, 22 November 2009
187 Days - Keep on Moving
14th Nov, Dunnerdale - 44th out of 275 i.e. top 16%.
Really chuffed with this result. Felt strong on the climbs and managed to hold my own and as usual passed a few on descents. I was just a little disapointed that I didnt back myself at the start as I was caught up behind slower runners for first mile or so.
21st Nov, Brampton to Carlisle - 89th out of 473. ie. top 19%
Again pleased with this result. The course was cut short due to the recent flooding but I managed average 6:20 per mile for the 9.25 mile shorter course so I would have got in roughly 62mins which is 7 mins quicker than last year. Training must be paying off.
Not doing anymore races until the New Year so can concentrate on fell mileage/climbing and recceing the Bob course. I know a couple of other Bobbers, so will be trying to catch up with them to recce together. I think this will also sharpen my motivation a little as have struggled with the very wet, windy weather lately.
As Soul II Soul, once sang "Keep on Moving"
Really chuffed with this result. Felt strong on the climbs and managed to hold my own and as usual passed a few on descents. I was just a little disapointed that I didnt back myself at the start as I was caught up behind slower runners for first mile or so.
21st Nov, Brampton to Carlisle - 89th out of 473. ie. top 19%
Again pleased with this result. The course was cut short due to the recent flooding but I managed average 6:20 per mile for the 9.25 mile shorter course so I would have got in roughly 62mins which is 7 mins quicker than last year. Training must be paying off.
Not doing anymore races until the New Year so can concentrate on fell mileage/climbing and recceing the Bob course. I know a couple of other Bobbers, so will be trying to catch up with them to recce together. I think this will also sharpen my motivation a little as have struggled with the very wet, windy weather lately.
As Soul II Soul, once sang "Keep on Moving"
Sunday, 8 November 2009
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.
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.
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