Lotteries continue.......

Just finished another three week cycle of building miles. Topped out between 57-60 miles for the past few weeks which is the most I've consistently run. Definitely feeling it though. Got a bit excited on week 2 and pushed the pace a bit too much, my right calf is feeling a bit off. I think I'll be alright though. Christmas week is a step back to lower weekly miles. I'm going to try my hardest to not let the holidays and travel divert my plans. As I've mentioned before my two run commutes definitely make hitting the higher miles much easier. I guess I'd be very happy with two 40 plus mile weeks all things considered.

The other day I entered the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc lottery. UTMB is the biggest ultra in Europe, it's right up there with Western States 100, and actually, likely more popular. It as well is difficult to get in to. I tried in 2014 but wasn't selected and up until now I've not met the requirements to get in. They require a certain amount of "points" that you get from specific races to get in. Then, it's up to luck!

The race is a doozy. It's 105 miles circumnavigate Mont Blanc starting and finishing in Chamonix with around 30,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Click on the map below and I believe you can zoom a bit. 

   

UTMB course, image from UTMB website

I've yet to search for a crew for West Highland Way. I think I'll throw it out there on the Facebook in January and see what I get. It still frustrates me that it's required to have a crew. And to top that off the wife has yet to confirm if she can get work off for when I'm gone. Supposedly she has some meeting. Anyway....

In other news I was awarded the Jeet Kune Do Black Belt of the Year at the academy. It was definitely unexpected! I try to help out as best I can and attend other people's gradings to provide encouragement and help out if needed. I love that place and wish I could be there more. I get frustrated when I have to miss classes for school functions or the wife is out of town for work. It was nice to be recognized though. I may not have perfect attendance or be the best but that doesn't matter, we're all there for different reasons and I think it's safe to say no one is there to learn how to hurt people. 

This was definitely a huge motivator to practice more at home. Running draws a lot from me and outside of that will power to do extra things wanes. This was a nice kick in the ass to set more habits and it’s working!  Besides when I train the kids usually do too. It’s good and bad, as the focus becomes on their curriculum vs mine but either way it’s still a win. Now if I could get my consistency back for strength training! 

  

Summer race plans are forming

Running has been going well. Steadily increasing my mileage each week. Currently up to 60 mpw and hoping to hold that into the new year. It will be tough though when I’m off work watching kids. I’ll lose my run commutes which is usually 8 miles a day. I won’t have Jeet Kune Do or Muay Thai though so sleep will hopefully be improved. It can be done though. 10 miles is possible 6 days at 4am! I need to accept the fact that I may end up cutting back though for a couple weeks. 

Canal graffiti in Worcester 

My previous post I showed a screenshot of my West Highland Way (WHW) lottery result. I’m in! This race had always been an afterthought due to it requiring two crew members and a car to provide support for the entire race. It looks like the crew is also your “aid stations,” I don’t believe the race organizers provide anything through the run other than time keeping. Usually every checkpoint or aid station provides food and water. I obviously need to start doing some more research and also find some people willing to follow me throughout the race. 

Also with this “big race” I’ll likely drop out of the Lakeland 50 in July. It could be done, but too much racing isn’t conducive with family. 

The WHW race begins at 1am on the Saturday closest to the summer solstice. Yes. 1 AM! This year that happens to be on June 20th, why don’t we just say Friday night June 19th! Anyway, I’ll dribble more information as I begin the planning process. 

This puddle was a perfect mirror until a truck drove through it. Annoyed!

I also mentioned the Western States lottery which was yesterday. I think I got damn lucky getting to run that race when I did. The number of entries to the lotto are exploding. I had less of a chance this year, with more names in the hat, than the first time I tried and got in. Seeing that, I almost feel like I’m ready to move on and chase a different race like Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), which carries the same if not more weight of importance than States. That’s not saying I won’t be in that lottery in the future though! 

Who said road running was clean

The next two lotteries I’m shooting for are UTMB (100 miles Chamonix, France), close to Christmas I believe, and Tor des Geants (200+ miles Italy) which is January or February. It is possible to do the West Highland Way and one of these two as they are both in late August or September. Ideally I’d do UTMB, the Tor is extremely intimidating especially not living in the mountains. 

Change of subject. Shoes. So I’ve recently been testing out a pair of Hoka Clifton 6 road shoes, they’re my new “commuter shoe.” Very different from the Altra Torin I’ve sworn by for the last few years (shown on my feet in the above photo). They’re maximally cushioned with much less sensitivity to them and are rockered. They kind of feel like you’ve got a ball under your foot that rolls your foot from heel to toe. The upper is snug but not uncomfortable. The rocker doesn’t effect me as I don’t heel strike but walking in them it’s really nice. So far I’m really enjoying them despite the big differences. I like the smooshy soft feel but am trying to get used to the snug fit, they come in widths so I’m curious how the wider 2E version feels. Altra has an enormous toe box which I really like. So far I’m impressed with the Clifton and understand why they’re so popular. 

Diglis footbridge over the River Severn. Part of my daily run commute. 

That’s the latest update. Back at it......

My “A” race is a go: 

Didn’t get chosen for Western States which was just fine. More later when I have time. 

I did it. I entered the Western States lottery at the last minute. I can’t afford to go if I get chosen so it’s likely if I’m chosen I’ll back out and lose some of my entry. But if I don’t get chosen I’ll have more tickets in the hat in the future when I’d prefer to run again. 

However I made a mistake. One that could work in my favor. My credit card expires this month. The lottery is next month. So I’d guess if I’m chosen my card will not work and the entry will be thrown out. I lose all my tickets for future lotteries (which if chosen happens anyway), but I may possibly not lose the portion of my entry if I withdraw. If I’m not chosen I continue on in the future with more tickets in the hat. 

I guess the reality is I’ve possibly moved on from this race having already done it. It’s a massive expense with other experiences at other races I should really be looking at. It will always linger though. 

So lottery season continues. I’m anxiously awaiting the West Highland Way lottery results which I hope is early December. Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc is the next lottery with results in January I believe. Then the doozy. Tor des Geants is in February. 

My mileage is slowly increasing as this base period I’m doing is going well. Podcasts and audiobooks keep the easy unexciting paces shrouded in the early morning darkness tolerable which in turn is making me aerobically stronger. It’s hard to run really easy. It’s boring. But patience is key. 

Been using the Maffetone Method because it’s easy. 180 - my age gives me the top end of my aerobic heart rate zone. I add 5 beats because of my recent running history which is a lot. I keep my heart rate below that number no matter what, it can be mind numbingly slow depending on one’s fitness level. It takes months for the aerobic system to adapt so patience and consistency is key. Over time the pace will lower but also the body adapts to more miles making it stronger and less injury prone for if/when it’s time to add intensity. 

Shooting for a 60 mile week then an easy rest week and things are going well. 

A handful of photos I’ve taken recently. Didn’t have time to touch them up although a couple may have been doctored via Instagram. Tons of flooding lately as you’ll see. Mostly from Worcester. It’s really messed up my run commutes as all access across the River Severn is blocked by water except the main bridge. 

A few rare nice autumn colors though too. Getting ready for Perpetual November. Lots of rain, cold, and wind lately. It makes it tough to motivate but I’m making it happen. It’s hard with no solid support behind you. No positive encouragement. Alone. However it makes me feel really good so I make sure I get out.

Today is the last day to enter the Western States 100 lottery. I know I can’t do it, just too expensive, however I figure I may as well try. Yes, if I get in I’ll have to back out and lose some of my entry fee, but if I don’t I’ll save my lottery tickets for the future. Fortunately they do refund a fair chunk of your entry, unlike the past, so at least I don’t lose a bunch of money! Why do I chase it still? Maybe I want a finish line photo with my daughter on the Auburn track, maybe the Sierra left a deep impression on me, it’s the last place I actually lived, I don’t know. Been there done that maybe I need to move on. 

I think lottery results for the West Highland Way Race are emailed out December so I’m anxiously awaiting. That likely would become my “A” race. It was really encouraging that I had a positive response from people to help out and crew. People that I hardly even know! I know my wife really has no interest so I wouldn’t even consider asking her. 

Running has been going well but it’s putting martial arts on the back burner. Life has become a very routine thing ending in exhaustion around 830pm. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. 

This morning I actually slept right through my alarm which is a rarity. I still can pick up some miles at work and early Sunday morning. I’ve been trying to not count on Sundays for running as most people do. It’s traditionally the “long run” day as marathons are on Sunday. I’d likely get a speech about how selfish I am going out for a few hours. I figure if I can get what I want in all week I don’t have to worry about that then. That’s alright, I look forward to, I embrace the 4am alarm, and am proud of it when it’s got a 3 on it! I enjoy a simple activity. Putting one foot in front of the other. 

Lottery Season has Begun

Lottery season has begun. A classic race I’ve always wanted to do since moving here I may try to have a shot at. The West Highland Way Race. 95 miles following the West Highland Way from Milngavie (Glasgow) to Fort William, Scotland. 

It’s unique as it requires each runner to have a two person crew with a car. The crew I believe is required to follow you the entire race and provide all support. One person must be able to run, if needed, I think the final 40 miles with you. This is the main reason I’ve passed on it. I like to be able to do it myself, it’s just logistically easy considering my situation here with no running friends and a family.

One funny thing is there’s a West Highland Way Challenge Race as well! A fully supported, easily accessible to solo runners, race that follows the exact same course. Why? Well if you read the “Challenge Race” website it sounds like two race directors from the “Race” website had a falling out so one started a more inclusive race called the “Challenge Race.” Even though it’s the same course etc. it seems the “Race” is still seen as more important which makes sense being the original. 

Something to look forward to I guess. If chosen I’ve got a month I believe to confirm and pay or let it lapse and lose my spot, no money lost. So I see that time period as a chance to round up two people to crew. 

Here’s the race links if interested:

“Challenge Race”

http://whwracechallenge.co.uk/

“Race”

https://westhighlandwayrace.org/

And one for the West Highland Way:

https://www.westhighlandway.org/the-route/

Times like these all I think about throughout the day is my 4am alarm, putting my shoes on, and running. Sometimes never looking back, never stopping, never returning. Just run. 

Miles and new gear

This morning’s run finished off another three week cycle of increasing distance. Now for an easier week cutting back on miles before another three weeks of increase. The timing was good, the kids are off school, so I’m off work, so I’m relegated to morning running only. Higher mile weeks are much easier with my run commutes.

Door at Worcester Cathedral 

I set a goal of 2000 miles this year. Last year was the same but disappointingly with a week to go I came down with a fever and the “8 week cough” shut down my goal, I believe within 20 miles of accomplishing it! Then, I got “the cough” again, for yes, another 8 weeks! Fingers crossed and hands washed I hope to avoid that illness this year. So currently I’m 9 miles behind on hitting 2000. If I run 41 mile weeks the rest of the year I’ll get it. Theoretically I should be fine since I’m in the 50 mile plus per week range now. 

Last of the blackberries, no more snack breaks

Ran for the first time today in an Arc’Teryx Norvan jacket. I scored it off eBay for a decent price barely used, I believe it’s the first edition. It’s not the super pimp one with Gore Shakedry fabric, but it seems to be far more burly at minimal weight cost to the Montane Minimus I’d been using. I always felt like a bit “more” jacket could be nice in the shit-ass weather here. 

Color change

It pissed down on me for 5 miles or so. The jacket fit extremely well, as expected, and the hood, despite not having cinch cords, tracked very well with a visor underneath. It still makes the annoying scratchy fabric noise hard shells make. The zipper leaked a bit which I’d expected from reading reviews. Breathability? I don’t know. I hate that word when it comes to hard shells. I don’t think it really can be judged as effort and climate vary so much from person to place. I’m happy with it, however still want to try Gore Shakedry or the North Face Futurelight. These fabrics are wicked expensive so I’ll likely never get one, sure miss working in that industry and having access to them at affordable prices. 

Foggy run commute, River Severn, Worcester 

Another eBay score was a pair of Patagonia Strider Pro 7” trail shorts. I’ve got a few pairs of the 5” version and love them (I prefer the older models as they changed the liner fit in the newest version). I’ve got an eBay search saved for these and a pair of the 7” popped up last week. I prefer shorter shorts but figured for £12 brand new I’d give them a try, they’re usually £60! The outer short and pocket set up is the same as the 5” just obviously shorter inseam. I didn’t know but the liner isn’t a brief, like the 5”, but it’s more of a boxer brief style. I was hesitant at first but it’s just tight enough that it seems to get the job done. I’ve been curious about trying spandex type compression shorts to prevent leg chafing so this will be a good test I guess to start with. So far so good. The longer outer short took some getting used to as it brushes against your legs but no complaints. On with the testing!

Bus stop vandalism 

Photos are mostly from my run commutes to work and back. Nothing really special or exciting and most have been posted to my work social media accounts. 

Injury update: we’re holding strong. Still have plantar fasciitis but it’s only noticeable in the morning. I’m still trying to be diligent with strength and stretching so it’s slowly going away. My left knee has been bothering me, likely a mobility issue so trying to keep at stretching my hips. 

Into Perpetual November we go......

The season is settling in and it’s affecting my head as it does. I think of the past when I anticipated winter. How everyone around me anticipated winter. The smiles. The excitement. The stories of what was and what was to be. The community I used to be a part of. All that is gone now. 

Now it’s just me. I talk to myself about future plans hoping to keep my head up. Any race or training ideas I come up with all I consider is 1. I search flights for 1. I consider crewless aid stations and no pacers for races. I hope and wonder if I’ll bump into a random acquaintance during a race. 

Social media just brings me down as you see what it’s like to be a part of “the community.” Whether it’s within the mountains, trail running, or skiing. I miss the buzz of excitement that gets passed from person to person. 

Sometimes I think it’s my fault for not changing with the times. Is it because of my attempt to avoid social media? Should I be more social and open like the rest of the world via technology? It just seems like too much time staring at a screen typing, wasted time staring at a screen typing when I could be more productive; doing dishes, reading, stretching, playing LEGO with the kids, etc.....

After a stressful morning the moment I step out of the car and hit “start” on my watch I’m happy. Sometimes I’ll have a podcast on, sometimes the hardcore NYC punk of H2O. So thankful for my run commutes, they’re mostly consistent and I can look forward to them. As much as I love early 4am running; the alone, quiet, and peacefulness, they wear on me.  During my commute I see the same people most mornings: the old man who greets me with a comment, a huge smile and a nod, and the guy with the crazy huge happy white dog. They’re the most consistent, rain or shine. 

Afternoons are different and sometimes tough to motivate for, but I tell myself there’s no reason not to run. They’ve become a random meander attempting to avoid muddy trails and people as I shoot for five miles on my way back to the car. Some days if it’s slow at work and I get out early I’ll get up to 8 miles in. The afternoon commute can be stressful because I am on a strict time constraint but I manage, sometimes finishing off my run doing laps around a rugby field near the car. 

Today the kids are off school so I’m off work and likely off from running. Hoping to fit in a strength session today which is usually fairly easy as long as I tolerate the interruptions. Already at 40 miles for the week with a goal of close to 50, so doing well. On we go one day at a time. 

Had an easy last week of about 30 miles, slept well all week for the most part and didn’t do any early runs, only to and from work. Back to ramping up my miles this week though. 

Perpetual November is arriving. Rain and around 50 this morning. Didn’t wear my rain jacket or gloves so arrived home after 8 miles wearing a soaked wind jacket and hands near crab claw status. I still need to find a decent waterproof glove. 

Metal pulled from canal. People “fish” for goodies with a rope and hook.

Had some enjoyable runs in Worcester after work. Also got soaking wet from heavy rain a couple of them. One day it was slow so my boss let me go early. I managed an easy 8 miles back to the car exploring a bit more of the Birmingham Canal which was fun. 

Lock along the canal

Nothing exciting really, just gradually plugging in easy miles. Managing this plantar fasciitis which is gradually getting better. 

Starting to schedule more strength work focusing on muscular endurance so I make more of a consistent habit of it. Mostly easy leg work but adding weight to upper body stuff; pull ups, pushups, etc.. Adding weight and not going to failure trains your brain to recruit more muscle fibers, in return you add a ton of strength without adding mass. I’ll ease into the legs with this to avoid injury.

A brief post as I settle in mentally for the miserable season change!

The rain arrived this morning but with classes last night no early running for me. I had a fairly heavy day Monday. Ran 15 hilly miles and then 2 hours martial arts. I was hoping to sleep well but didn’t for whatever reason. Likely because the wife closed the windows so the bedroom was stagnant but who knows. I feel  pretty beat up from the past few days, add in ”life stress” and noise and all I think of is sitting in silence. No cats meowing, kids bickering, iPads making noise, just pure silence. High in the mountains would be nice, but I’d settle for a sauna too! Time to get the day started. 

Finished the week off with 45 miles. Taking today, Sunday, off. Been feeling alright but darkness has come and soon the colder temperatures and rain will arrive challenging progress.

Severn Way entering Worcester

The other day the Worcester bridge was clogged up due to protests so I parked a few miles outside of town and ran the Severn Way in to work. Nice little three mile run to, and then a couple extra miles  on my way back. Nice change of scenery but will likely be muddy in the winter.

I managed to get a new rain jacket off eBay. A super pimp Arc’teryx Norvan running specific hardshell. Very excited to test it out. Their products have always been top notch however anytime “waterproof breathable” is mentioned I become skeptical especially when being used for high output activity. Nothing ever breathes enough. Initial impression, the fit is awesome as expected, however the hood could use an elastic adjuster to cinch it up a bit. It’s really stripped down to save weight. It does seem though if using a hat underneath or visor the hood will “track” with your head turns which is good. The Montane Minimus I have is fantastic for hood tracking however the durability is low overall. I was really tempted to try a Montane Stretch Minimus to avoid the plastic bag noise you get running in a hard shell but the Norvan peaked my interest because it’s a bit heavier duty without adding weight. Thinking and dreaming of high mountain European races a stout jacket would be nice.

Rad spinning elbow photo!

Mid day I had my second Muay Thai grading. It went really well. Compared to JKD it’s a lot less nerve racking. It’s much more physically intense and less mentally exhausting. Of course there’s proper technique to all of it but a lot more hard fast hitting. You walk away soaked in sweat. I earned my orange armband and of course had a lot of fun. 

Lots and lots of Thai round kicks 

I wanted to improve my speed and reaction time and this seems to be perfect. JKD is much more varied in what you do day to day which is super fun. However Muay Thai is far more focused, I feel I get more practice on the basics. 

Back up to normal mileage just about. Have yet to run today and finish the week off but I’m at 39 miles and wanted at least 40 so I’m happy. The foot issue remains but I’m still hammering away at it. I understand that it can take time to go, I’ve accepted that and am doing the work. 

I paid for the Lakeland 50 so will hopefully race that in late July. I’d like to enter sine other 50km races as training races as well. It’s a good way to get miles in but we’ll see. 

The first week of both kids in school was exhausting but good. I can easily get an extra 5 mile run after work which is great. Theoretically I can run 18 mile days Monday through Friday if I want or need to. Saturday’s I could get in up to 21. That’s with working Monday through Saturday. It’s nice to see time opening up and become available that doesn’t interfere with family. I have big plans for training however some of these ideas will interfere with family which I don’t prefer however they’d have great benefits. 

So back to easy base miles, strength work, and chasing this plantar fasciitis. I’ve fallen off the JKD habit which sucks but have been practicing Muay Thai at home. It’s less complicated and easier to jump in with a short practice session when I’m tired. Too much to juggle I guess, something always slips. 

The Tor des Geants has been going on all week so I’ve been obsessed with training for it, curious what other people do. I get down and lose confidence when I see people who live and train in the mountains or are able to fly to Italy or France for four weeks to train. Must be nice. I think back to when I could’ve done that but I guess when I lived that life I took full advantage of it, at least I hope, doing other things. Either way I realize I’m older now and life has other challenges and just finishing one of these events is unreal. 

A few photos from recent runs.

I’m making great progress with the plantar fasciitis. Went to JKD and Muay Thai last night as a test and I’m doing alright. I’m planning a run tomorrow to see how it responds. I’m excited. Hard work pays off for once.

I entered an unplanned lottery the other day. In 2014 I ran the Lakeland 100, one of the UK’s premier ultras. I had a miserable race despite finishing. I’d like to return and redeem myself but I figured why not see if I can get in the 50? I tried. I got in! So I have until tomorrow night to commit to it. It lines up well with any racing in late August or September and has a boat load of vert, nearly 10,000 feet over 50 miles, just what I’m looking for! 

Anyway, hopefully back to training tomorrow!

Buckle display

Something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. Build a display for my 100 miler buckles. There are some really cool ideas out there but I’ve got limited time. I took a board from a baby crib I was throwing out and sunk some nails in it and we’re done. It works for now I guess. Don’t really trust the cats or the kids though, they still could knock them all off! 

I’d rather have a nice rustic piece of brown wood or maybe a steam punk-industrial look. A door could be cool too but this is a start! Better than the drawer!

The laundry room contains this, my JKD black belt certificate, and my Shepard’s crook from winning the Snowdonia 50. Would like to get my actual black belt up too. It’s not really a belt to wear, definitely a display belt. I like to think I’m a modest person but I am pretty proud of these accomplishments. I guess on display in the laundry room is a modest place to be proud!? 

More messing with this new app, above should be a short video of my buckle display.  Crazy background noise courtesy of cats playing LEGO! 

New (ish) Shoes

A quick post to test out this new blogger app discussing briefly my newish shoes I mentioned in my previous post. 

First my beloved Altra Torin 4. High level of cushioning but not so high that you lose sensitivity with the ground or reduce the flexibility of the shoe. For me it’s the perfect amount. I like tons of softness underfoot but want a lot of flexibility and feel too. They changed the cushioning material and I say it’s a bit more responsive (“bouncy” in technical terms!) versus the really “smooshy” (another technical description!) of the previous version. 

The toe box is a little bit lower volume making the shoes look a bit less crazy with the foot shaped toe box. At work the look of these puts many people off. Of course they still have the zero drop (no big chunky heel) as with all of Altra’s shoes. Pretty much the closest think you can get to super soft cushioning in a natural motion, barefoot feel. 

Then there’s my “commuter shoe,” the Brooks Transcend 6. Very different from the Torin. Tons of soft cushioning, quite a bit more support, and a more traditional shoe fit and feel. I bought these because they were comfortable and I needed a shoe for standing around in at work but I could also run in. I am able to sneak in a couple easy runs from where I park my car to work. It’s normally a 1.5 mile walk but with a bit of time management I can get in a 3-6 mile run to and from work. 

I normally would not buy a support shoe. They’re too stiff and rigid which I feel is bad for most people. However Brooks has removed the traditional medial post in their support shoes and replaced it with a new concept called the guide rail. See the black “stripy material” on the inside and outside of the Transcend below? That’s the guide rail. Altra has it on their “support” shoes as well. Think of your feet as bowling balls rolling down the lane but the gutters have bumpers in them. If the foot rolls in or out the guide rails nudge it back to center. The whole concept is focusing on keeping the knee centered, not the ankle. The bonus? The shoe is much more flexible letting your foot work like it’s suppose to and not fight the stiff shoe. 

I really liked the feel of the upper material and shape, and of course the super soft DNA Loft cushioning. I figured the higher 10mm heel to toe drop, versus my zero drop Torin, would be a good thing reducing the pull on my calves and a little bit of support from the guide rail would be welcome after a long day on my feet. 

Overall it was just comfortable, the number one factor in shoe selection, and of course I was curious how the guide rails felt. I do sell this shoe at work and being something I normally wouldn’t use I felt it a fun option to test out just to improve my knowledge as well. 

Summer's coming to a close

Well summer is nearly over, it's dark in the early hours of the morning and the kids go back to school within two weeks. Running has been going well. I've been consistent with the early mornings and keeping the tiredness at bay so far.

For the past 8 or so weeks I've been just trying to keep consistent building a super solid base. So super easy running. It's been enjoyable and I've been looking at new road routes to mix it up and prepare for winter. I prefer to train on the roads versus trails because I don't return home covered in mud. Showering is usually optional for me as I sometimes run three times a day!

Speaking of running three times a day, on Saturday I woke and did my usual early run, 8-10 miles. Then I managed to leave for work about 20 minutes early so extended my run commute to 5 miles. After work on Saturdays I usually just head to the car in order to get home to the family but I ended up getting out a bit early. Right near where I park there are some football fields with really nice looking grass. I have always wanted to run a few laps, this ended up being that day! So with time to spare and being within a 1/4 mile of the car I sat down pulled my shoes off, and ran a bunch of barefoot laps! It was a hot sunny day and it just had to be done. I ended up running another 4 miles barefoot. My feet got a nice stretch and felt really good. I knew however I'd might pay for it later as I've been managing plantar fasciitis (PF) in both feet for a few months now.

barefoot running

haven't done this since high school cross country

Unsure about the PF. I believe it came on from my weight routine which incorporated a lot of jumping. Running makes it better it seems and I'd hate to take time off. It seems that it was caused by tight calves, something I know I'm prone to. I've been aggressively stretching, strengthening, and massaging focusing on the root cause (calves) in the hopes of it going away but it's holding firm. I'm excited to run more and feeling good but I really need this to go away so when it's time to REALLY train I'm healthy. In my research it's an elusive injury with no clear cut resolution. I guess for now persist but I'm tempted to take a couple weeks off from running, tempted. Running makes me really happy and I hate removing that.

Annabelle insisted on joining me for a run!

Looking ahead to the future and training I've purchased a rad book, Training for the Uphill Athlete. It focuses on mountain races and can be applied to people who live in flat lands as well, like me. A big portion of the training focuses on meeting vertical foot goals, versus miles, building muscular endurance for big mountain races. I've been trying to figure out if and how I'd be able to make these plans work. I think I've got it figured out. I now have access to a NordicTrack Incline Trainer at the martial arts academy. These treadmills go up to 30 to 40% incline! I googled an incline calculator and spending a hour or more on this thing once a week will help me get the vertical I need to accomplish the recommended training for some of the monster races I aspire to do! I've also found the time to do it too, I may have to sacrifice a Muay Thai class once a week but the time is there. I'm really psyched for racing next summer and of course the process to get there.

River Severn

      
The new version of  my preferred current shoe of choice, the Altra Torin, was released and I jumped on a new pair right away. The 4th edition is fantastic. Not that the 3.5 was bad but after 800 miles it was time (most shoes last about 5-600 miles)! I fortunately scored a second pair on eBay for 50 pounds, 25 pounds cheaper than I normally can get them through work. So, 2 pairs of Torin 4's and I'm set for winter as far as training shoes go. I've been commuting in a pair of current Brooks Transcend, I think Transcend 6. I never wear support shoes as they are far too stiff and rigid which I feel is bad for most people however I was intrigued by the new guide rail system Brooks has put in the Transcend and Adrenaline. It provides support focusing on keeping the knee inline, not the ankle. Pronation is a natural motion and causes few problems, marketing to solve it was an idea not backed by science. Despite providing support to keep the knee inline it doesn't make the shoe overly rigid. I've been pretty happy with them but I just prefer the Altra fit and feel. I got to see the upcoming version of the Altra Provision, a supportive shoe with guide rails, it has had major changes and is significantly better. I'm excited to hopefully try a pair of when they arrive this winter.

That's about it for now, besides the kids keep bothering me so time to get going! 

4am Stourport high street

  
I’m hoping to blog more because I just found a Blogger app that’s compatible with IOS! This was the main reason I cut back, it was a pain in the ass to add photos from my phone and the original Blogger app for IOS went away and wasn’t being updated! We’ll see how it works! 

Base miles and Muay Thai

Extended runcommute along the Severn Way, Worcester

Today is the first day of summer break for the kids. I cut back on work for 6 weeks (only working Saturdays) until they start up again, I normally work Monday - Friday 10-2 while the kids are in school. Finding time to run will become more difficult as my run commutes to and from work are obviously put on hold. My commutes have become an easy and tremendously helpful addition to my weekly mileage. There's really rarely a reason not to run a few miles to and from my car. I'm doing a little more research looking at maps to make this time even more productive and efficient time-wise. I like it as it has no compromise on sleep unlike the cumulative early mornings.  

Leapgate rail line

I've bailed on the half marathon this fall, just not feeling it and am excited to just put in a lot of really easy running and build a huge base. So no races in site, just anticipating race lotteries that start in December. Western States 100, Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, and Tor des Geants. I've got the usual aches and pains but am running alright. Just enjoying being outside. I've even stopped with podcasts, books, and music some days while I run. The early mornings and silence are very welcoming. I'm still up at 4am to get out before the wife goes to the gym. I'm glad she is enjoying exercise so am happy to accommodate her. She's definitely made it a solid habit which isn't easy but to do.

Muay Thai grading

I'd been joining in with the Muay Thai boxing classes for a couple weeks and was coerced into doing the grading. We do a fair amount of Thai boxing in Jeet Kune Do so I knew the basics anyway. The classes are very intense which I enjoy. The main focus is technique for now but there is a possibility of fighting in the ring in the future! Not sure if I'm up for that as Thai boxing is really violent but you never know! Being a sport fighting style it's a bit different as we use the gloves for blocking but it's a lot of fun with a great group of people. The academy really has become a fantastic home away from home. They all love to jokingly making fun of my accent and nationality which is always a laugh. I'm there Monday through Friday between my classes and my daughter's tae kwon do, just wish my son would take more interest. I've had a couple weeks I was there 7 days! 

The Thai classes are immediately after JKD so since I have the time available I may as well join in. You m usually really tired but always worth it. The few photos are from the grading.

Muay Thai grading, clinch sparring

The clinch sparring was super intense. Essentially you're fighting for control of the upper body while trying to knee the other person. After the grading our head instructor told me he noticed I had put the time in to prepare. With such a short time between the grading and the few classes I had I definitely did going over the handful of drills we needed to do. I knew the strikes but needed to hone my footwork, positioning, and range. 

getting my yellow arm band  

So that's about it for now. Nothing really exciting, I did get a couple new pairs of shoes! Brooks Transcend 6 for run commuting and the new Altra Torin 4, my every day road shoe, the previous version I had 800 miles on! Also had my buddy from Minnesota bring over some new running shorts to try out. The company Rabbit isn't available in the UK so I had them shipped to his house before he flew over here for a work trip. So far the Rabbit FKT 5" short is good, but still need some more miles in them. I previously had the Patagonia Strider Pro 5" which were greet but the new version they changed the liner and they're just a bit too tight for me. Both models aren't cheap but I feel they're worth every penny.