Today's 8 miler went well. Little discomfort from the hernia, just felt a bit tired. Really enjoying the cold, unfortunately it's going away. 

Some photos:

Burn 'Em Up!

Just got back from eight cold dark miles. Took my new Petzl Nao headlamp out. Awesome piece of kit! Highlight of the run was what I'd assume was a stolen Transit van on fire! Got home and called the cops. I must've just missed the arsonists! Would've loved to have gotten more photos but I wasn't wanting to hang around! 

Here's the news link! 

http://m.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/11692810.Van_fire_in_Kidderminster_extinguished/?ref=fbshr

Hernia and race plans

After a frustrating doctor visit I'm in a better mood. Shit happens. Deal with it.

I've been frustrated since any training I do now will only go away once I've had surgery so I haven't ran in nearly a week. Well I guess if I can run I should just to hang on and keep building my base. 

I got in touch with a friend who had the same thing happen. He trained and raced through his hernia, with excellent results, up until his surgery. This looked to be about a 4-5 month span! Post surgery he was training, although lightly, within 4 weeks. Back to normal after 3 months and he said he was pretty conservative just to be safe. 

Looking ahead, I've got other race options. I'm already in Lakeland 100 in late July (maybe too soon?). The Cotswold Way, which I skipped this past fall, is an option too. Both will keep me in good standing for qualifying for other things in the future. I've yet to look at other marathon options but I'm sure they're out there. A sub 3 or better yet 2:45 would be nice to see. 

No idea about GUCR. It all depends on when this surgery happens. How I recover. And who knows what else. Honestly I've yet to think positively about it because I'm assuming it's not happening. Give me a few days to think it over and I'm sure I'll post about it.

So as of now I'm going to get back running as this thing will allow. Calisthenics are on hold. I may experiment a bit because I'm sure there are some I can do. On we go. 

Dr. today said I have a hernia. Supposedly I can run but need to stop the calisthenics. Yeah, it's not officially been looked at by a specialist but I'm super down. I was so excited for GUCR. I don't even want to run today. It seems pretty much everything that's left of who I used to be will now go away. Maybe it's time to become the day-drinker I once was. Maybe I'll concentrate full force on a ketongenic diet for fun. Maybe I'll become like everyone else. Maybe I'll realize that's what I should have done years ago. I wonder how far I'll fall down. Best Christmas present ever.  

After a couple solid weeks running the holidays interfere. Just too much going on, inflexibility, and my streak of 17 days ends. I've been off the past two and I'm sure will struggle with tonight. Had a solid 46 mile week last week and was hoping to hold onto the 40 plus weekly mileage but it's Sunday night and I'm sitting at 23 miles. Lame. I'm exhausted as well from sleepless nights of feeding my new son. All I ask for is a fucking hour per day to run! Is that such a tall request!? 

And like always as I get excited things topple down. Some sickness infiltrated my house and I was unknowingly sick. I was insanely exhausted. I kept pushing through until one day I finally opted to nap versus run. I slept for two hours! And I'm not a napper! 

It's finally on the way out and I'm feeling better even doing all of the night feeds of my new son. I'm up about every 3 - 4 hours at night and it isn't bothering me too much. 

I found another "training race" leading up to GUCR. The Wychavon Way Ultra. Point to point. Local. 40 miles. Cost is only £21! I signed up immediately. I believe it's about five weeks out from GUCR so ideal timing for a long run. Having aid stations make these long runs do much easier to do. 

And my legs are back. That didn't take long. 

I'm feeling pretty good despite major episodes of sleep deprivation. I'm trying to not stress too much about missing days right now. Considering the circumstances they'll most likely be a must. Not because I don't have time, but because I'm not sleeping consistently. I've already picked up some illness, noticed a crazy bump of flesh protruding near my ear the other day. It ended up being a lymph node. Sure enough a day later the scratchy throat arrives! I need to stay healthy.

It's been fun toying with training deprived of sleep and it's opened my eyes to the possibilities of training; ie running at 3am IS possible. Training around a crazy schedule also makes me realize even more how much free time there really is when you focus on what's important to you, disconnect the iPad and use the time productively. 

One of the hardest things it seems while being exhausted is staying calm and positive. The more I see this side effect of my family life right now it's a huge training opportunity. Realize that yes I feel like shit. I'm tired. Grumpy. Rarely am I this tired so focusing on staying in a positive frame of mind during these times of exhaustion is a win win for everyone. It's not easy, willpower is a fascinating phenomenon, but practicing can only build it up. 

In order to maximise my time last week at work I got out for 5 miles on my lunch break. I can't believe I hadn't taken advantage of this before!  Probably because I can normally bang out 17 miles before 7am and it was unecessary, but now I would feel confident tacking on another few at lunch. Great opportunity to run in a new area. I think this will become routine. Kind of a hassle bringing my running stuff to work but well worth it. Good opportunity for day time photos too! 

2015 race plans, training with kids!

I'm in the Grand Union Canal Race! 

Pretty excited about this one. Kind of the same feeling I had for Superior which is good. The best thing is that despite 145 miles it's pretty much flat so the terrain is in my favor unlike a mountain race. So it 

looks like this will be my "A" race. 

Training for now will be difficult. A lot going on in my family life with a new baby and all. I've been running consistently now for maybe ten days but scheduling has been tough. Night time runs, which I hate, have been a must. Just trying to work back into it and get my legs going for now. I'm planning on MAFF for 4-6 weeks and see where I'm at. Then "officially" start training and looking at increasing mileage, still at MAFF pace, and adding in two days of focused marathon training a week. In the build up to GUCR I'd like to race a couple marathons going for a PR. I think fast marathon training with a some races, higher mileage, and also a 50 miler (maybe Malvern Hills Ultra) leading up to GUCR should set me up pretty good despite the 145 mile distance. 

This all sounds good as long as I can find the time, stay injury free, and stay motivated! 

I'm signed up with GUCR as an "unsupported" runner (no crew), thus the race organiser supplying me with food and also shuttling drop bags throughout the race. However it sounds like a possibility that a few family members who helped crew at Superior may try to fly over to help! That's pretty sweet as not only would it be great to see them but make the race that much more fun! I think having family and friends at Superior made it way more fun. The other races I've done it's just been me, and yeah they were fun, but it just wasn't the same. 

I said scheduling has been tough. Watching two kids, one a baby, and trying to keep the house in order is crazy busy. I have no consistent period of time off. The iPad and Internet are on hold. I have no time to waste. I just need to sneak in my calisthenics more effectively to be sure I get them done. Hopefully the new addition starts sleeping through soon and I can get my mornings back. That and nights are usually a sure thing. 

Not sure where I'm at on this thing, usually all over the place, but it's off season for me! 

Lots has happened recently. Skipped Cotswold Century as my wife was way too pregnant to justify it, we had the baby, my parents were over to visit, and sleep deprivation has been top notch! So it's been super busy.

Previous to the time off I'd been enjoying running in the Brooks PureFlow 3 which was a new shoe for me. It just fit better than the Cadence 3 so I went with it. 

Am near to registering for the Grand Union Canal Race lottery, I'm really excited about this race, the demeanor of the race director is hilarious. Sure hope I get in. 

Anyway, starting to get the itch to train now after about a month off. Received some running toys from the kick ass crew at Alpenglow Sports in Tahoe City, CA as well. 

Getting back to any sense of normalcy and routine will take a bit I think. I had a kick ass routine going before the new baby arrived. I'm back at my calisthenics which has been a challenge to stick with. I'm exhausted by the time my 3 year old is in bed and she demands so much attention now with the baby around its hard to fit it in throughout the day. Before the baby arrived I had be meditating every day for 98 days straight. That milestone disappointingly was lost. Oh well, I'll just need to start over soon. I'd also been working on my JKD 5 nights a week for 30 minutes after my daughter went to sleep, this should be fairly easy to get back into. The hardest thing will be running. It's selfish, it takes time away from the house, but I'm ready to train again. Even if I'm stuck on the treadmill in the garage I'll be happy as it's a start. Feeding the baby the middle of the night has been taking its toll on me. I'm exhausted all the time, so getting out early like I normally do isn't really feasible as I need the sleep. I think this is the week to start though, it's go time. 

Keeping flexible

So I'm all healed, running well, and lacking motivation! My longest run since Lakeland has been 10 miles although my pace has been consistently below 7 minute mile pace, even dipping below 6 minute mile pace a few times. Not really 100 mile training that's for sure. Cotswold Century is in 10 days and I was unsure of how to recover, start training again, then taper over an eight week period. Well considering the wife is VERY pregnant I've accepted the fact that if Cotswold doesn't happen it's ok. 

Yes, any chance of getting into UTMB is gone but with so many other races I have options. Besides if I really do want to race in Chamonix I do qualify for two other shorter races. Options are good, right? The crazy ass huge option is to enter the lottery for the Tor des Geants in Italy (September). A vastly more difficult race than UTMB. Twice as far, 200 miles, I think three times the vertical, 75,000 feet. The race is won in 70 hours. Other races that I'm looking into are GUCR, the Grand Union Canal Race (May 23), 145 miles Birmingham to London along the canal. I've enquired about entry and this race seems like a great option considering where I train. A "classic" UK ultra that seems to be overlooked by many since it's "only along a canal". It has a very small field and they only allow maybe 40 unsupported runners, they prefer runners with crews following them the entire race. I'm sure it make their logistics far easier, understandable. 

I've done some sweet races here but have yet to do a European race. I feel I need to take advantage of living so close but with family and cost I seem to keep staying close to home. 

Change of topic, now after a few years of consistent running I feel I've got a solid base mileage but am hugely lacking speed. Running the Worcester Marathon on a whim for a "training run" and easily running 3 hours shows this. I'm considering focusing on a spring marathon at 2:45. I figure if I can get the leg speed from a decent marathon training plan all I need to do is add in some longer runs focusing on ultra distances and things could improve drastically. Obviously this is in an ideal world. Things like injuries, motivation, family, NEW BABY BOY, race course specifics (elevation, terrain, etc.) all would need to be considered and factored in. This plan does line up nicely with any plans for GUCR.

This Saturday I'll be running my first 5km in probably 20 years! And my first road 5km as well! Two of my co-workers and I are taking part in the Worcester City Run/Bike/Run Duathlon. We are in the team category where each of us run one of the legs. I'm the anchor doing the 5km! Kind of excited to see how I do but wish I would've done more speedwork. I'll be super happy if I break 17:00, that's about 5:28 per mile pace. I did an 8 miler last week and averaged around 6 minute miles so I'd like to think it's possible. 

Otherwise in general I'm just out running to run. I've been having trouble adjusting to the darker mornings but everytime I get out I feel good. It's nice to feel good! 

Berlin Wall, 100 miles.

More and more this is very intriguing, 100 miles following the Berlin Wall. I'd assume it's flat which caters to my training grounds. http://www.100meilen.de/en. Considering the uncertainty of UTMB I've been looking for alternatives. Yeah it's not a big mountain race but as I've found out at Lakeland it's tough to race in the mountains without training in the mountains, this seems like an excellent option. 

Planning ahead for once

So I went and did it. Entries for 2015 Lakeland 100 opened today. I registered for the 100. I believe it filled in 30 minutes. I figured I'll need a big race to keep up any sort of qualifying for other races (like Western States 100) and LL100 is the main race here in the UK. So if I don't get into UTMB for 2015 I've got something big, fun, and familiar planned. Considered the LL50 as a lead up to UTMB but then I'd lose the opportunity to qualify for other events, plus UTMB isn't guaranteed. If by chance I get into UTMB I'll most likely do both, the altitude and mountains will be extremely hard to train for here so just finishing will be the main focus. 

I ran all of last week with minimal pain in my foot, even had a hard 8 miler Saturday which I felt great for. Cotswold is coming up in four weeks, still unsure of the foot for that distance but if it doesn't happen not much I can do about it. Glad I'm in LL100 so if UTMB doesn't happen I've have a back up, even if it isn't a new race that was a great event. 

Happy again!

Ok. So I'm running again! All I ever do on here is bitch about injuries, then get excited when I solve them!

Aggressive calf massage seems to be the solution to my foot problem. I've been slowly increasing my mileage and running by feel this week. The pain has slowly been getting better everyday. I just need to keep on top of it. I took this morning off and really gave myself a nice stretch session. I've been really focusing on my hip flexibility too which seems to make my whole body feel better in general. 

Nice to be getting out again. It's unbelievable how much better I feel mentally when I'm able to run. 

Lakeland 100

Me being lazy and also I really don't recall much, here's a breakdown of the Lakeland 100.  Also I took very few of the following photos (none of the actual race), thank you to those who did and made them available online! If you have an issue with me using your photo please let me know and it will be removed. Also here's a link to the promoter's video of the event, pretty cool.

Back of the finishers t-shirt

I left the house at 7am and walked about a mile and a half to the Kidderminster train station. As I waited on the platform I felt like I was in a Patagonia catalog. I stuck out, casually dressed, obviously out of place with my one duffle, wrinkly collared shirt halfway open, shorts and flip flops, on a cool Friday morning. A few easy train changes, then a 30 minute delay causing me to miss the earlier train to Windermere (my final train destination), thus missing the bus to Coniston. Really no big deal since there was a later service for both. The train journey was scenic and relaxed, as they always are, and other than the delay fairly un-noteworthy.

Oxenholme Station

I felt at home at the Oxenholme train station, the "gateway" to the Lake District, where I had to wait to catch a later train due to the delay. It was full of tourists, backpackers, climbers; outdoorsy looking folks. It was like a National Park in the states, I fit in and didn't stick out like I normally do here. I felt comfortable and relaxed all alone despite the reason why I was traveling.

When I finally arrived in Windermere I got my bearings and figured the bus schedule out. The 505 Rambler was what I needed and I had 45 minutes to catch the next one. It's a tourist bus that takes its time supposedly meandering it's way around the Lakes. £8 got me an all day ticket which was cheaper than a one way ticket to Coniston. Rumors float around about the hour long bus ride taking longer than normal due to road works. I've got time but I'm getting anxious. The sun is abnormally hot, I'm hydrated, but need to eat, I just want to be ready to go with no worries. The race starts in five hours. 

Out of curiosity I ask a taxi driver how long and the cost of a lift to Coniston. He replies in an unfamiliar accent, "about 30 minutes and maybe £35". Sold! Despite holding a bus ticket in my hand, I guess I'll call it convenience tax. 

The driver, Joe, well actually Josef, ends up being Hungarian and very well traveled. We talk the entire ride about low budget travel, peoples' views of other countries, where to go, what to see, how many people miss out on so much culture when they go on holiday to all inclusive resorts. Very fun ride, despite the price I was happy to fund Joe's future trip for four months to South America with a side trip to California. He works, saves, then travels with his wife. Pure awesome. I was thoroughly jealous of him! Reminded me of who I used to be.

Tent City view at John Ruskin School

I arrive in Coniston at the John Ruskin School and get in line immediately to check in. They check I have all the required gear having me remove everything I've so carefully packed, give me my race packet (map, road book, number), and then weigh me, writing the weight in kg on my race number. They do this just in case the doctors think I look real bad during the race and want to get an idea how much water I've lost. I take the previously carefully packed pile of gear, falling all over the floor, to an open space where I can repack it. 

tent city

I then wander over in the hot sun to figure out where to set my tent up. I'm directed to a quasi shady spot and set up my tent and then rummage through my gear getting organized for the race. If I recall I think I've got a few hours here until the start. I end up repacking my race vest a couple times since being ripped apart for the gear check. I then wander town trying to find some food with which I have little luck. It doesn't help I blew all my cash on the taxi and can't find an ATM! Nothing seems appetizing in the heat, British food isn't all that appetizing to begin with! I settle for a couple hard boiled eggs, some candy bars, and a Coke, lunch of champions right? Back at the tent I stick to the shade and not only eat what I just bought but also all the extras I brought intended for my drop bag! Oh well. The warm watermelon sure was good! Then it's back and forth to refill my water, pee, water, pee, water, pee, and attempt to sleep until race time. This evening start thing is no good!

I get into my running clothes and head up to the race briefing, handing over my drop bag on the way. It's super hot inside with all the people and I can barely understand what the RD is saying. Supposedly it was very motivational. I learn very little but once outside the temps seem cool since I'm dripping with sweat! It's about 530, I amble back to my tent, gear up, and amble back to the start trying to stick to the shade. I talk with a Scottish guy at length about the race and UTMB awaiting the start. We're herded to the line and "dib" our timing sensors to let them know we're at the start. We all had a stick-like sensor tied to our wrist that we plugged into another unit at each checkpoint that tracked us, pretty cool idea! These also instigated the Twitter updates.

Anyway, from here it all gets pretty cloudy. Some guy sang some opera song at the start. I think this was an inside joke from a previous Lakeland and the guy I think was someone famous. Then like that it was 6pm and we were off into the uncommonly scorching heat!

I lined up near the front and through town worked my way up within the top 10. Once we were out of town we followed a hot, exposed, and rocky dirt road. I settled in with a previous top three finisher from Ireland. We stopped a few times to dunk our heads in creeks and to refill water as the heat was horrid. I guess giardia wasn't an issue here because we drank from pretty much anything! A well known Scottish guy caught up with us and we all talked and ran along. We hit the first checkpoint, Seathwaite (7 miles), and we're in and out within a minute. I knew I was going too fast for the conditions and the initial descents were wearing my quads out. I was in for a rough rough ride! I knew and didn't act, big mistake.

Paul from Ireland

We all ran together until I decided to slow down a bit keeping the other guys in view in order to prevent getting lost. Well sure enough within a flash I had the option of hopping a stepped fence (I believe this is called a stile) or following a rugged road downhill. I chose downhill. I chose wrong. As I'm heading back up hill another guy comes at me, we check the map and gps and rather than run back up we traverse and bushwhack our way through a few ravines and tons of bracken fern. After the thrash, and back on track, I'm not sure if it was faster or not! More descending and soon I arrive at the second checkpoint, Boot (14 miles). Some shitty dry British cookies and an attempt to rehydrate I'm back on my feet.

somewhere on Friday

I'm still feeling the rush of being near the front, the urge to push it, but also I'm feeling the dehydration, the descents, my failure to eat and drink early and often. My urine looks like Coke, bad news. A bigger realization hits that I've fallen apart way too early and I need to get back on track. Once again, I failed to act on the growing problems, which now had grown. 

I vaguely remember my fight through the night. The final checkpoint in the evening before donning my headlamp was Wasdale Head (19.4 miles) and had a bunch of people dressed like hippies. After that was the climb up to Black Sail Pass. People were starting to hurt early, the heat had taken it's toll. The climb was no big deal but the following descent was heinous in the dark. Technical rock gardens, some solid, mostly loose, and "baby head size" as we'd say mountain biking. A total nightmare for making progress. This seemed to be the resounding theme throughout the race; rocks, cobbles, baby heads. God damn nightmare. Add to that the braidings of trail everywhere I got off route a few times. Frustrated, I pushed on as more and more headlamps crept up behind me, with no sight of anyone ahead. Finally a dirt road portion along a lake. The smooth was so forgiving! But to my dismay my quads were trashed so any want to run fast was shut down. 

A little longer break at Buttermere (26.3 miles), the 4th checkpoint. Tomato soup, the saltiness is delicious. I drink three cups. The temps were nice now and we followed a gradual grass lined single track climb. Under other circumstances probably a great run! It's darker than dark out tonight, much like Superior, the stars are amazing. The best I've seen since leaving the US. 

I hobble down the descent into Braithwaite (32.8 miles), checkpoint 5, in the center of town. Pasta down the hatch, I eat the few apples I find, I hang around wasting time with the temptation to drop out looming high. Here I bump into a guy I met through work. He's ran this race before and was back again for another shot at a better time, he also got lucky and is doing UTMB this year which is 6 weeks after Lakeland. The next segment winds along roadways and through towns until we cut off and up a dirt road which degrades into bracken lined single track, well I think that's what it was! You couldn't see anything! We hit the first unmanned checkpoint (there were two of these in areas where cutting the course could happen). The single track soon turns into a rough road descent. Good for making up lost time, well, if your quads let you run. I'm painfully reduced to a walk as the guy I know runs off in the dark. The cool part about this section was that you go up an open valley and back down the other side giving a view of a line of headlamps climbing up where we'd just been. Anyway, back to the pain cave. 

I walk into the Blencathra checkpoint  (41.3 miles), with full intentions of dropping out. I'd guess it's around 4am and I'm greeted by some guy dressed up as a fairy in a full pink Lycra suit. I can't tell this dude I'm dropping out. I eat two hotdogs, yep, hotdogs. Have some coffee. Chat with the checkpoint volunteers about where I'm from, during which I anger a Canadian. The British always tell me Canadians hate being called Americans, so I always mention this. This time there was a Canuck in the room! He didn't say much when I tried to speak with him, kind of got the cold shoulder. Anyway..... I exit and I can put my headlamp away as it's slowly becoming light out. I'll drop out at the next checkpoint, good workout, got my money's worth.

From what I remember this next segment had a fair amount of nice runnable terrain, disused railway, rough dirt road. Runnable when your your body allows you to run. I shuffled my way along a beautifully treed corridor following a river along an old rail line. Shuffled. Then after a wet boggy thrash onto a super nice rolling dirt road that went on for about three miles. Beautiful running. However every step burned like fire. In the distance I could see a stand of pine trees out beyond the rolling moorland of grass. This is about where the next checkpoint is. So close, then I'm done. I'm dropping out. I see the big tent set up at the end of the road for checkpoint number 7, Dockray (49 miles). I make it look like I've been running and start to fuel up. Squash soup. Coffee. Coke. I don't have the courage to quit. I'll get my drop bag at the next checkpoint at mile 59 and be done there. Maybe I can get an early train and sleep in my own bed tonight. Nah, sleeping bag sounds good, I miss camping. I'll go to the pub, get a nice dinner, have a few too many beers. Yeah, I like that. I never get to do that anymore.

I believe somewhere along Ullswater

Through the settlement of Dockray and onto some sweet bracken lined, rolling single track following the length of Ullswater (a lake). I tag along with two people who are clocking a good run/walk pace and the time passes quickly. We hit a long segment of road, pass a castle, then onto Dalemain, checkpoint 8 (59.1 miles), and the start of the 50 mile race. I grab my drop bag and begin to wash my feet, change socks, switch shoes. I notice one blister on my right second toe; drain, cover, good to go. I eat a bunch of food and get on my way. The 50 mile race starts in an hour or so I think. It should be fun to watch the leaders as this is the British Championships, they'll be haulin' ass!

Howtown Checkpoint at Bobbin Mill

Tim and I entering the Howtown Checkpoint

Wasn't I going to drop out? Guess I forgot to. I pass over some fields and through some gates catching up to a guy named Tim. We run the entire next section together. He's from Bath and has ran and finished Hardrock in Colorado twice! His wife is also from the USA! We end up having great conversation which passes the pain. Following the other shore of Ullswater until checkpoint 9 at Howtown (66.2miles) we are greeted with watermelon! He'll yeah! No fifty mile runners yet so we make haste before they swarm the checkpoint!

other people climbing Fusedale Beck,  Howtown CP at the lake below

Up Fusedale Beck we go. I believe a beck is like a creek. The sun is out. It's hot. And we are on an exposed climb. Tim and I are still together and the 50 milers have yet to catch us. I stop to take a piss and Tim pulls away from me. I begin running with a guy from Northern Ireland. He was just in the US for a last minute trip to help pace a buddy at Western States 100 in Tahoe! He bought his plane ticket two days before WS100 and didn't have much time to tour around but said he had a blast and loved the area. You're preaching to the choir! On top of the pass it was open moorland the 50 milers caught up finally and they were as expected hauling ass. Must be nice to feel so good! I think they all were required to cheer us 100 mile people on which honestly was very much appreciated. The next descent, as with so much of this race, was beautiful, probably even better with fresh legs. Overlooking Haweswater (a lake) we dropped down and then followed single track lined heavily with bracken fern. It was tough for passing people. Soon I was at the next checkpoint, Mardale Head (75.6 miles). Refueling frenzy commences and I actually fell asleep in a chair while eating! Not for long, maybe a minute or two, but I was a mess!

Mardale Head Checkpoint

Got to keep moving! Straight up a loose and rocky climb for quite a while. Ascending to Gatescarth Pass I kick in the ski walking and blow past pretty much everyone. There are a ton of people around now since the 50 milers are in the mix now, all 650 of them! Over the top and I'm feeling good until the descent starts. Quads. Hurt. Bad. I shuffle my way along and start talking to an Italian guy named Carmine. He lives here and like me is married to a Brit. He's raced all over Europe so I just listen and keep asking questions. It's really fun talking to all these people who have done so many races that Americans only dream of doing. We begin to go back and forth as the pain we carry comes and goes. It's unreal how mentally down you get when you can't run downhill. 

climb from Mardale Head to Gatescarth Pass

As my thoughts wander I realize this is the first time I've been a "middle packer"! And honestly it's pretty damn cool. No counting places and no pressure! I get to meet so many interesting people! The most I have met since moving here four plus years ago. For the longest time I have struggled with finding common interests with anyone here. Don't get me wrong, all of the people I've met here are great, but take the mountain-outdoors mindset and stick it in the city, well, they don't relate. Everyone I speak with understands, they relate, we speak of the sunrise and sunset, the stars sans headlamp, missing all the beauty because of the night, good beer after hard times, high fat diets, the difficulties of balancing family life and training. It's fucking awesome! It's so nice to have people who "get it" to vent to. They know the ups and downs of this stuff, they've been there and done that. 

And the elation subsides and a long painfully runnable descent ensues. I bounce back and forth with Carmine and few other people depending on who is shuffling or running. The heat seems to be subsiding, the sun disappearing behind darkening clouds and sky. I recall a few stiles to go through, a medium length but steep up and over, roads, farms, and back to civilization. Finally the next checkpoint at Kentmere (82.1 miles). It's a busy place with a mix of 50 milers and the bleak looking 100 milers. I mow through a ton of fresh berries that they are using to make smoothies. A few bowls of pasta down the hatch. I attempt to sit down, my quads are on fire with the squatting motion. I once again waste too much time at the checkpoint and finally shuffle off with a few other folks.

temperatures throughout Saturday, abnormally warm

It's hard to believe I'm going into the second night. I've grouped up with Carmine and a couple from Cornwall, Pat and Diane both I believe in their 40's. They suffered through the Lakeland 100 last year to have Pat finish fighting off extreme temperature variations where the race went from hot temps to cold rain, many people being pulled for hypothermia. Diane unfortunately dropped early due to stomach issues, ie puke-o-rama! So they were back determined to get her a finish. I thought it was awesome seeing them run such an event together. If I remember right Diane was approaching her 100th marathon this summer too, they run and race all the time. So cool. So on we went, if I recall this section had a lot of narrow, rolling, country roads. Good conversation getting to know each other, about all things running, and soon we are being showered with a cool drizzle. As we approached a wooded area nearing  Ambleside the trails braid and no one can tell which way to go, we herd up with some 50 milers and end up choosing the correct fork, drizzle turns to rain and our waterproof jackets come out. Soon we are navigating our way through town, darkness has fallen and people outdoors at the pubs cheer us on in the rain. Finally the next checkpoint Ambleside (89.4 miles). Time is ticking so we eat and try to get moving, we're not moving fast so just need to keep moving. Carmine has some pretty good swamp foot going on and it sounds like Pat does too. Both are having trouble putting pressure on their feet. 

We decide to stick together to avoid getting lost in the dark. Pat's previous knowledge of the course helps out greatly but in the dark things are hard to recall. My GPS comes in very handy. It's pitch black out and although fairly flat this next section lasts forever. The rocks are now wet as are any fences needed to climb, tiredness clouds our thinking, headlamps only add to the mental tunnel vision. It feels as if we a going nowhere but through endless fields of bracken fern on stone ridden pathways. Soon we see civilization, we quietly pass through a farm littered with "Please Be Quiet" Lakeland 100/50 signage. I remember very little of the section leading up to the Chapel Stile checkpoint (95 miles). It's funny looking at the map and day time photos of the checkpoint as all I remember is flat black surrounding a big white, lit up tent! We eat, drink, fuel, get on our way to the next. All I can think about is my sleeping bag.

Same as the last section. Black. Ferns. Wet slippery rock. A slow rain comes down. I'm starting to get cold so I cinch my hood up wishing I had easy access to my winter hat. I'm too exhausted to move fast to warm up. Zombie-like we move forward looking for the next unmanned checkpoint in the darkness. We all feel like we've been going forever, where the fuck is this thing! A total thrash begins, the single track is so overgrown that no trail really exists. Scrambling over huge wet talus surrounded by ferns the footing is heinous. Everyone is struggling to try to stay uninjured. Once through the boulders a boggy and wet section. Ankle deep muck hidden by long grass, attempts to stay dry are futile. We're wet anyway from the rain but everyone tries to keep to the high ground. Finally a road and the unmanned checkpoint. Well it took forever but at least something for a reference point. The next road section to Tilberwaithe checkpoint (101.5 miles) seems endless just like everything has since nightfall. We see the lights of the tent in the blackness. Finally. 3.5 miles to Coniston and I actually want to drop out as I have considered for pretty much every checkpoint since mile 19.

In and out. Refuel and let's get done. The rain has subsided but it's cold, I still struggle to keep warm breathing back into my jacket and keeping my hood on tight. Straight up a steep, uneven, rock slab staircase we go. Now that was painful. It soon turns to a steep zig-zag of fern lined single track. Once up high we see headlamps in the distance that must be following a ridge line of some sort. Considering our position and the route this makes absolutely no sense, we start doubting our location and from here on we frequently cross check the map and gps. How bad would it be to get lost now! The route is flat, wet single track surrounded by tall grass. The final descent. I can see lights coming from Coniston reflecting in the sky but still very little of the terrain is visible. In the dark the wet, steep rocks are horrid to down climb for everyone so lots of waiting ensues to make sure people are getting down safe, a few sections appeared to be quite exposed. The lower we get the easier the terrain becomes. Morning light is beginning to show and headlamps are now off. I've been up for over 48 hours moving in one form or another. We finally go through the gate we started through and are on a road which you'd think would be a relief; smooth surface, it's light out. Nope. It's downhill, steep, and it hurts. Once we get more into town we all try to look in good shape and painfully run our way past spectators. It's surprising how many people are out which is pretty cool. The sun is out. All four of us cross the finish together and little excitement ensues. We congratulate each other and go our separate ways. 105 miles that ate me alive but I finished.

race signage

I amble I to the race headquarters, look around a bit, get my drop bag, my race medal and finishers shirt. I hang out a bit looking at results which are too slow to update, thus seeing nothing. I look around for people to talk to, I know no one. So I go to my tent and attempt to sleep. No luck despite how tired I am, it reminds me of when I was younger camping. Up all night drinking only to be awakened all hungover by the hot scorching sun. Just totally uncomfortable. Hot. Sweaty. I'm not even hungry. I get up and head to the showers and wait in line. Of course the drain is plugged, I step in ankle deep manky water, I don't care. 

Nothing else to do so I proceed to tear down my minimalist camp set up, pack and then try to figure out where I catch the bus to get back to Windermere train station. Easy which was nice. Right next to the bus stop is a cafe. May as well eat even though I'm not hungry. Coffee sounds good. The coffee is shit, as expected. Even though I've never been a big fan of the full English breakfast I am enticed by the name "Mega Breakfast". The shitty beans and sausage were delicious, despite my hate for them, and the quantity was just Iike home, way too much! While eating I fortunately bumped into Tim, the guy from Bath! He joins me for breakfast briefly before I have to catch my bus. I was glad I got to see him again as he's registered for the Cotswold Way Century in September which I am hoping to do! The race finishes in Bath so he is excited to run home! 

Mega Breakfast! 

On the bus and on my way home. It's about 11am now and my travels go smoothly. The wife opts to pick me up in Wolverhampton at the train station to expedite my travels, I had about 2 extra hours tacked on due to waiting for trains compared to my trip getting to Windermere. 

And like that the whole experience is over. Just like it never happened. Few people ask about how it went. No big party or celebration. I finished far, far, far from my intended goal, felt miserable the entire race but still had a phenomenal time. The reward? A t-shirt I'll likely never wear, crappy medal, a worn out map, and road book. But the experience, although foggy, etched in my mind. Despite the many times "never doing this again" went through my head the date registration opens for 2015 is on my calendar! Spectacular event. 

                                      

Out of commission.

I've just about got a post about Lakeland 100 done. It's so difficult to recall the race and then trying to find the time to do it, and do it right, has been seemingly impossible. I keep viewing time on my iPad as wasting time, which most of the time it is! 

I've ran maybe four times since the race but have been on my bike a lot. I was fine initially and had a couple solid runs, 8 miles at sub 7 minute mile pace, feeling really good. Then out of nowhere my right foot started causing me problems and I have yet to solve it. I can run maybe 2 miles and I'm reduced to a walk. It's the top of my foot and when it doesn't hurt I can't pinpoint any direct pain or cause. Heat and ibuprofen seem to help, ice makes it worse, massage/stretching does nothing, cycling also can mildly aggravate it. I can't get it to hurt walking all day. Frustrating. 

So depression sets in. Cycling doesn't even really help. Mentally I just feel like all the hardwork I've put in is slipping away. Any hope of running UTMB is going away, any hope of doing well or even starting the Cotswold Century too. And I feel like I'm going to let my co-workers down for the Worcester Duathlon. 

The ups and downs of the the things I love to do. 

A quick one

Been there done that. Lakeland 100. I didn't perform like I would've liked but as the day(s) went on I changed my goals and finally finished. I'll write a full report as I find time and remember but for now here's a damage report.

I'm actually doing far better than I did post Superior 100. My quads are still a tiny bit sore but pretty much any delayed muscle soreness is on it's way out. Initially yeah I was in bad shape but could manage stairs fairly well. I had a bit of a click in my left hip which is now gone. I can use my foam roller no problem on anything. I am a bit achey though and definitely still tired from the sleep deprivation. You'd think that not sleeping for over 48 hours you'd crash out but I didn't, I've slept like crap most nights. I'd guess due to the lingering aches and pains. The past two nights have been better.

During the race I had no nausea or vomiting despite eating anything and everything, I think I'm lucky with this one! Also, I only got one blister! I didn't even know I had it but discovered it at Dalemain while changing shoes (mile 60 I believe). A small one on my right second toe. A quick drain and a blister bandaid and I never noticed it again! Once again, lucky! No chafe problems, only reapplied BodyGlide once. 

Feeding went well throughout the race. In the past I've just tried to go with gels but considering I can't carry them for the entire race this wasn't an option. I ended up thriving on everything! I ate dry ass British cookies, pasta, squash soup (this was awesome), tomato soup, peanut butter sandwiches, cheese sandwiches, jelly babies, beef stew, coffee, coke, fresh fruit, rice pudding, among other things I can't remember. Oh, wait, even a friggin' hot dog! The soups, sandwiches, and especially the fruit was a life saver. Despite the heat there was nothing cold, no ice, so finding something refreshing was great which ended up being watermelon, blueberries, nectarines, and strawberries. A few of the early aid stations were fairly low on good things but fortunately it got better as the race went on. I think I'm sold on solid food for these races. Maybe I was always worried about puking. 

Initially I wasn't drinking enough water despite the heat, the same thing happened at Superior, but this time I feel it was my downfall in performance. I started with one bottle and a second smaller collapsible bottle in my pack as a back up. I should've started with two. It took a long long time to recover from the hole I had dug being dehydrated. 

Just a quick one for now. I got back from the Lake District and it was immediately back to business as usual so I'm still playing catch up. Got out for my first run since the race this morning. Felt a bit sluggish, legs were fine other than a little bit of quad pain, but it was just nice to be outside. 

And some race thoughts......

So I'll start with the navigation factor of this race. I'd much prefer to follow a premarked course but with Lakeland 100 you're required to carry a map, compass, and a road book describing the route. The last race I did messing with a map and compass hindered progress significantly so I decided to get a GPS unit to hopefully help. I'd prefer a watch with navigation but as of now they are just too damn expensive, especially in the UK. So, I picked up a Garmin eTrex 10. It looks like it's the same as my current GPS, the Garmin eTrex Summit, but it will accept GPX downloads. It also looks like it will be a bigger version of a GPS watch with the ability to change batteries if needed. It's pretty basic but supposedly has a battery life of 25 hours and has accepted the entire Lakeland 100 course. I think I've figured it out (it's so simple it seems too simple!) and now just need the confidence in it! More expensive models have a map on the screen but I figure I've got to carry a map anyway, we're not off trail, there will maybe be other people around, and I wasn't prepared to spend twice as much! 

Kind of worried about this part of the race more than anything but with no expectations now it will be part of the fun! I'm not worried about getting lost, it's just frustrating doubting directions.

It's really annoying not being able to be supported throughout the race other than the aid stations. Food will be the biggest sacrifice. In the past I've had three gels a hour until I got sick of them. Do the math over 20 plus hours and there is no way I'm carrying all those gels! I'm still deciding what to do. I've got a pretty strong stomach so I'm thinking of carrying enough gels for one a hour and then eat at the aid stations what I can. Most of them are under 7 miles apart with only 3 or so longer stints, 10 miles being the longest. So planning ahead for these and have extra gels or other food will be super important. I think I'll have a spare ziplock bag to grab food from the aid stations to carry with. I'm going to have to be on top of my feeding.

I'm still trying to find the best way to carry all my crap and have access to it! I have room but I'd prefer to grab stuff on the go versus take my pack off. I'm considering one water bottle up front so I have the other bottle pocket available for the map, gps, and some extra food. I do have a couple small collapsible bottles, I may bring one with in my pack in case I feel the need for more water (it looks 

Ike it may be hot). It also sounds like people drink straight from streams there so getting more water may not have to be from aid stations. 

As of right now I don't know how the race will go. The wife wants me to leave Friday however I'd prefer to leave Thursday night. Friday really isn't that big of a deal but I'm realizing the last thing I want to do is travel via train and bus for 5 plus hours then get oriented, set my tent up, register, get everything situated for the race, then at 6pm go run 105 miles. Add on top of that the stressful past few weeks of the little one being sick, then having an allergic reaction to the medication I'm not well rested. Running-wise I should be plenty rested but overall no. 

My toe problem persists, and as always it never gets worse, sometimes better! Who knows what will happen with this!

One huge factor about this race is that I'll be there alone. At Superior I had family and friends like crazy watching. It was awesome and tons of fun! I know watching a race that hoes on so long can be boring but I think everyone had fun chasing me around! I kind of wish I was with them! Here I'll have no one. It's just me. Kind of a real bummer honestly but I wouldn't have expected anyone from the US to come over to watch, or help, as the spectating points are few and outside help isn't allowed. Oh well, I'll be surrounded by my tribe of people, even if I don't know them I'll already have a lot in common with them. I'm a conversation piece in general being from the US! 

That seems to be all I've got right now. I need to get my things all packed and ready to go. Maybe today I'll get after that. I'll hopefully get one more post up Thursday before I head out! 

One week to go

Well here we go. The final week before Lakeland 100. I'm in full taper mode, running very little, riding my bike more. Slowly accumulating gear and finalizing plans etc. More thoughts on this later.

I'm actually pretty relaxed about the whole thing and not worried. I think I've come to the conclusion that I'll do what I can. My strongest trait is the most important, staying calm and positive. I've been meditating more, visualizing more. Physically the few weeks running up to the race nothing I do (or did) will help so I focused my training on what will help, getting my head straight.

rainy canal run

Anyway, a brief thunderstorm this morning on an easy 5 miler. I felt good mentally. Physically a bit sluggish, which was expected, despite easily running 6:50 miles.

Bad thoughts go away!

Ugh. The view of the climb at mile 82 (credit to someone on Facebook). I'm already down mentally about a lot of things pertaining to LL100 then I see this! 

The negatives: No UTMB points. Training has been on and off. Minor injuries that could grow into bigger injuries. I've got another 100 8 weeks later that is worth UTMB points.

The positives: It's the frigging Lake District! It's a classic must do UK race! It will be super cool despite how I finish! 

I just need to accept that I'll do what I can do and not get down about it. This seems easier than it sounds. It's ok to be a "completer" and not a "competer". 

The mind: friend or foe

I keep having difficulties looking at these two up coming races as "just to finish". That concept I'm having trouble with. It is a race and my mentality in a race is to, well, race! I've got to get that out of my head! 

Training has been ok. I feel decent, injuries come and go, some persist (toe). Yesterday I was planning and psyched to run 50 miles, I even had an easy week leading up to it. It's that time in the training cycle for Lakeland 100 but I couldn't find a race to do so figured I'd just go run. This became more difficult than I thought. 

I had a nice 13 mile hilly loop all laid out. The plan was to run four loops and resupply food and water at home. I woke early and headed out, feeling decent, moving along at a consistent pace. I did two loops and went in to resupply and say hi to the wife and little one. I was feeling fine and running well and then got sucked into the house, demotivated to run. It was over that fast. 26 miles in about 3:30 was a solid run I guess but as so many people say "don't sit down at aid stations" I essentially had done that. 

I had a fun day in the sun with my wife and daughter but was depressed all afternoon and evening for not finishing what I started. I still need to do the workout but only have two weekends before I need to taper. Who knows if it will happen but it all comes back to the "just finish" thoughts. Other than getting you to try out your equipment, feeding plan, and experience some discomfort, I think this one long run solidifies the thought that yes you can finish.

I have the ability to finish Lakeland. But the race mentality keeps sneaking in. I currently do not believe mentally I have done the proper training to race Lakeland. I need to focus on purging the racer thoughts from my head and just go run the event or try to convince my mind that I have the mileage to race. Some people run 35 mile weeks and finish very high in these races claiming it's all mental. I believe this, just need to find the mental training. 

Looking Ahead

So it looks as if the plan for the Cotswold Way Century is a go. I just need to register. I got the all clear by the wife. This may not seem like a big deal but the wife will be a few weeks from having our second child! I think she understands how important it is to me to at least try to get in to UTMB since this opportunity may never come around again. I think that's pretty cool of her since she isn't a runner and pretty much has no idea of what I'm doing! Ha ha ha! 

I was looking at my training from last year running up to Superior and was comparing it to this year's lead up to Lakeland 100. I'm definitely down a bit on miles but I think this shortness will be made up in consistentcy. Pre-Superior 100 I didn't have the consistent months of running like I do now so hopefully I'll be ok. 

I've kind of started viewing my running in the long term, like everything I'm doing now will pay off in the future and I'm not overly concerned with how I finish these two hundreds this summer but more focusing just on finishing. I mentioned the no UTMB points for LL100 kind of turned me off on the race which may be one factor. Also I think the daunting task of having a 3 year old AND a new born this winter has had an affect (effect?) too. I'm most likely not going to be able to train as much this winter and who knows what will come in 2015 as far as available time to run. That's a HUGE question pertaining to a UTMB entry! 

I figure if I can just hold on to my fitness not worrying too much about big miles I think I can come out in a year or two alright and maybe even ahead. By ahead I see it as the consistency and adding more years of running when the opportunity to race again conveniently comes around as the kids are older I should be faster than I am now. The nature of these distances seems to bode well for masters athletes where fast twitch muscles aren't as important as shorter distances. 

Hopefully by then I'll be living back in the USA and then have the opportunity to get into some of the classic ultras I first read about in high school; Western States, Leadville, etc. and maybe even Arrowhead 135. That would be pretty cool.

Morning running

Nothing much going on in my running world. Kind of at a standstill. Went to the doctor yesterday to have a check on my toe and she was positive it isn't a stress fracture which is good. Many times I don't trust what they say though since most aren't avid runners. Kind of gave a vague answer about tendons and ligaments blah blah blah. So I'll keep running on it and try to do more extensive massage and stretching to hopefully work any tightness out. It's the same as it's always been, sore, but doesn't get worse. 

In other injury news the pain on my iliac crest of my pelvis seems to be getting better. I may have mentioned I believe it's my tensor facia latae, TFL. Stretching and ice have been helping it feel better running.

sunrise over the Severn Valley, St. Leonard's Church to the right (1677!)

Despite these two nuisances I've been handling some pretty good miles. I hit 60 last week which is the biggest week I've had in a long time. I wasn't overly tired either, last year when I got up to 70 mile weeks I was wrecked so the accumulation of miles over time is helping. Mid week I picked up the pace one day, managing a 630 per mile pace for 10 miles. It felt very comfortable too. Sometimes I think I need to do more of those. I know they are good for me I'm just being cautious to avoid injury I guess. Stress the body and it comes back stronger, it also motivates, and keeps the mind out of a rut.

River Severn, I wasn't planning on the ducks! 

Been seeing some new wildlife out lately. I chased a badger down the canal path yesterday for a while. Also recently saw a few Asian water deer I believe. They are tiny, the size of a big dog. One day I spooked one and it jumped into and then out of the canal! It had a tiny set of antlers on it, kind of creepy looking. I've never been hugely into birds so can't identify a lot of the new ones I've been seeing. Mainly ducks and waterfowl. Quite a few baby ducks in the canal and also saw a Canadian goose with 6 goslings. Of course all of these occurrences I didn't have my camera! 

Severn singletrack

430am is the new 530am. I've fully adjusted to early hours which is super nice. I've got plenty of time to get a good run in and on my days off, like today, I get a nice quiet morning. It's totally light out too which is nice. Not that I don't like the dark it just makes it easier I think. The funniest thing is on the weekends seeing the drunks stumble home. Some of the clubs don't close until 6am! This past weekend one guy I saw fell down three times on his journey walking home. It's hilarious. Dead silent out, no cars, and it's light out. A lone guy fights his way home! Should've got a video of the guy it was great.  I also saw some girl 3 miles from anywhere in stiletto heels alongside the road heading home.

lock in Stourport

Looking ahead to July I was getting kind of mentally down about Lakeland. My running had been mediocre and not what I'd prefer so these past couple weeks have been good. I'm still disappointed in LL not being a UTMB qualifier. I am so close to being able to get in the lottery again, but the big question then is if I did get in could I do the training with a new baby on the way in October and is it feasible to take off for a few days to France in late August leaving my wife here with the kids? 

seeds looked like snow

I did find one race that is pretty convenient and it's worth 4 points, just what I need. The Cotswold Way Century. It's 103 miles I think with 12,000 feet of vertical so "easier" in comparison to Superior and LL100. The course follows the Cotswold Way starting in Chipping Campden and finishing in Bath. The convenience factor is that it's about a hour drive to the start or a hour by train with a short taxi ride AND it starts at noon on a Saturday! Which means no hotel! I could travel to the start the morning of, race for around 20 hours, then catch a train home (about a 3 hour ride) from the finish in Bath, UK. So I may run it by the wife over the next few days.

A few recent photos

Ok, here you go! Up until today we had some nice weather. I got out for 10.5 miles this morning. 10.5 soaking wet miles! Rain. Wet vegetation sagging over the trail. Water shooting out my squishy shoes. At least it wasn't cold. I felt pretty good in general other than this odd hip pain I've been complaining about. Stretching and ice are in order. It's come and gone in the past so I'll just push on through for now! Hoping for another 10.5 tomorrow and then two longer runs this weekend. 

The recent mornings have been pretty good for sunrise photos. I haven't been posting because I need to fire up my computer to get the photos off my SD card. Anyway here a few of the better ones. Once again, I'd love to play with these in Lightroom but just don't have the time. All of the locations I've photographed before.

Oldington Bridge Jct

too dark, under exposed

Rifle Range preserve

Severn Way

River Severn

River Severn

Severn Valley Railway bridge