In Scotland at the moment for the week visiting family. I like it up here, the people are extremely friendly and funny, and we always seem to get decent weather! 

Not sure what training will bring. Have yet to run since Sunday. Kind of checked out of running it feels. My son still wakes early so morning running is out of the question, nighttime I’m usually too tired, and during the days we seem to be busy or it feels selfish to take off! Skipping a trip to Arran. Supposedly the ferries are unpredictable and the foot accessible terrain I’ve kind of done. And as always adventures like that are more fun with others. 

I almost am viewing this next ultra in a relaxed manner. If I get a 20 miler, a strength routine, and a hill session leading up to it every week I should be fine. I’ll fill in where I can and I’ll likely have done a better job leading up to it than most early races I’ve done! 

I have been practicing martial arts every morning though. Sunny garden, coffee, and kali sticks! Great routine! Usually sneak in some push-ups as well. I guess that’s a decent trade off for now. 

I guess you could say I’m training again, no longer just an exerciser. Strongly considering the North Downs Way 100 in August, or as a backup the Autumn 100. Both near London. I’ve done the Autumn 100 before and it’s location and central aid station set up is convenient. I’ve ran the North Downs Way 50, my first ultra, which is the first half of the 100. Leaning towards the NDW since I haven’t done it in total. My drive is back and I’m focusing on training so I’m guessing it will happen. Family obligations are clear as is the weekend from work so just need to get paid and commit. 

Excited to do a non-mountain race. 11,000 feet of vert is nothing compared to 33,000! The training is quite a bit less focused so I have more options. Scrapping a Worcestershire Way FKT I think, the nettle is erupting so the trail will likely be much less fun overgrown. 

Canal run

My daily martial arts routine has taken a back burner. I think because of lack of consistent sleep. My son is still not only waking at night scared of outside noises but he wakes super early. It’s adding up and it’s really lame. Of course I’ve also picked up a cold thanks to the kids. At least the weather has turned sunny.

Strength routine has been less with more of a return. About two months ago I committed to doing a set of 50 pull ups once a week. I kept at it and although I haven’t tested my max reps yet, my workout the other day way great. I started doing sets of three with a relaxed break in between, usually 3-5 minutes. Monday I easily cruised sets of five with 2 minutes rest! 

Still keeping at it. It’s what I do outside of family and work. I could watch sports, but I’d rather partake. I could be up to date on the popular sitcoms, but I’ve never found them entertaining. I’m only good for conversation if you want to talk aerobic thresholds, ground reaction forces while running, and implementing the lanka step in Indonesian Silat. 😂