Sunday I have Hardmoors Rosedale half marathon to drag myself round.  I am quite pleased with how my gentle build up in training has been going, with focus been on base level fitness and short runs just to keep away from any re-occurring injuries or niggles.  I managed to keep up some momentum last week getting out form my normal 3.5 miler as my consistent go to run, this means basically if I have a bit of space in my day and I know I need to get out for a run then this is the one I do.  This with a couple of visits to the gym gave me some good preparation for nice 2.5-3 miler with Sarah on Thursday up in the Howardian hills.  She says 'nice little 2.5-3 miles' and something along the lines of 'there's only one really slope' ha ha oh yeah really!  So off we went nice steady pace, although I was told I was going a bit quick, but the first half mile was up hill and I was starting to feel it already so was now starting worry if I was going to last this run out.  Up some more hills and through some woods it was great, and great to do a different route too.  I was loving this run apart from nearly dying, it was great!  Then we approached a corner followed by a road that looked almost vertical, I was just thinking oh my lord I am actually going to die up this.  Sarah on the other hand hadn't changed pace, hadn't moaned, not even a mention of this brute of an incline in front of us, all I could do was get on with it!  So just passed half way up my lungs pumping away like a pair of bellows, my heart beating so hard I was choking on it and sweat leaking out of me like a wet sponge being squeezed lol!  I was nearly at the top before I needed to increase my pace otherwise I wasn't going to get there, Sarah was going at same pace with zero expression on her face except pure determination.  I reached the top, almost convulsing and hands on my knee's sucking up as much air as the planet would allow.  Then Sarah, after what felt like a two second break, said come on lets go.  Are you having a laugh lol!  Nice run back with a sprint finish to kill me off.  So what she thought was 2.5 miles actually turned out to be 4 miles ha ha!  Great fun, and a well earned beer I can tell you.

So all this work at the moment is to prepare me for the Hardmoors 60 in September and eventually the Hardmoors 160 next may which is going to be a massive challenge so I need to stay fit and strong and gradually build up the momentum.  With all this in mind and Rosedale this Sunday, I headed back out on the Wolds with Pete yesterday for a very steady 10.5 miles.  It took 2hrs 15mins which actually I was quite pleased with, I felt good especially with all the inclines and sections that sometimes I really struggle on that wasn't the case yesterday.  My legs feel it a bit today but that's good as I know I have done relevant training now over the last few weeks and that stamina is building nicely.  More strength and flexibility work needed now though, it never ends!

So what have I learnt over the last couple of weeks, push your limits every training session or every run because this will help you achieve your goal.  It will be hard as it won't be comfortable as your stretching your comfort zone to achieve these great things. 

Small targets, big goals!!!

So after my horrendous run last Tuesday that felt ridiculously tough I managed to head out again the day after!  I was determined that I could do better and it wasn't going to be as horrible an experience as the previous day.  This then turned into another run the day after putting me in a very positive mindset for the upcoming trail half-marathon at Rosedale on the Yorkshire Moors.  I have definitely turned a corner now my drive is back, my life in general is on the up due to a certain person so all is good.  So the next question is, how to maintain desire and motivation?

A great little slogan I like to use, not just in my training, but on the tennis court too and generally in life it can be applied is' small targets, big goals!'   This allows you to set lots of mini targets, bench marks that all lead towards you achieving your main goal.  So for me in this journey I have started, my goal is to find out what the greatest distance I can cover in one go is so all my mini targets are small events like half marathons building up the distance therefore developing the training in a progressive manner and staged so as to not be overwhelmed by the huge distance of the end goal. So my current end goal is the Hardmoors 160 so my progressions are Rosedale Half, Hardmoors 60, White Rose 100, possibly New Years Day 30, possibly Northumberland 35, Hardmoors 55 then I'm there.  What this allows me to do is set smaller training periods to build different things such as to start with its regain and build base level fitness, then it will be to do some speed work, then more core training and flexibility, strength work all of these at the same time as increasing mileage in training.  So bite size manageable chunks!  Small targets-Big goals!!!

I like this it says a lot to me, as it should you.  You have to keep believing in yourself, it is the key!  Remember 'Believe to achieve'!!  No great words said or motivating phrase, you just have to believe in yourself, don't question it, don't doubt it, just put everything you have into it and only believe in the desired outcome.  Deep thoughts there but how true!   Happy Thursday friends :)

How to start again!

Isn't it amazing that sometimes your desire to train or train hard is determined by mood.  How you're feeling either on the day or at that time.  Training can be done because of your current mood either because your flying high or because your down in dumps. Currently for me, I'm up there in the clouds flying pretty high at the moment so my desire to train is back and strong.

So I feel inspired again, I am excited about my next major challenge which is a bit away yet but I need to have the target to build up to.  Like I said in one of the last few posts I'm looking to do a few shorter runs to build up some stamina and strength again then onto the Hardmoors 60 in September.  What is your major challenge I hear you ask??????  Well after not much thought as it was easy really I'm going to have a crack at the Hardmoors 160 next May.  Wahoo yes 160 miles in one go, I can't believe that this is how far I have come in my Journey.  To do a 100 mile race in November as a training run lol for the 160.  Who does that!!! Ha Ha love it!

I have a good 10 months of training which is great, my main focus will be to stay injury free and build base level fitness first with short runs.  I will incorporate strength training, flexibility training and pool work.  I'm actually excited about all this just by writing it down lol!  I scare myself sometimes ha ha!

So that's the plan.  What have I been doing at the moment, well pretty little in honesty but my pretty little is very different to others, I'm no machine, I know where I am in the grand scale of things I'm no elite athlete I am just an ordinary bloke trying to stay fit and healthy.  I think my body just needed a rest so I have done a few light sessions in the gym and a few short runs as in 3.5 miles just to tick over.  As I am a tennis coach I am on my feet and staying fit every day plus I have been playing tennis quite a bit over the last 2 months so its not all been sitting on my bum doing nothing when I say I've done very little.  I managed to get out for a run yesterday which is my first in about 2 or 3 weeks and about my 3rd or 4th in a couple of months, which is pretty minimal which tells me I needed a rest.  My run yesterday was enlightening, yes I mean that, this so because even though I'd built up to running 50 miles then 70 then the 110 and on to the MdS, my run yesterday was rubbish.  Great, but rubbish!!!  I felt awful, slow like a slug, like I was running through treacle with a fridge on my back.  I was slow, yes yes slower than normal then shall I say. Normally I guess this is what puts some people off because they think that's how it will always be, but I now know better.  I know that this is the test, this is now your challenge, the battle has begun, its 'the will' battle.  Through experience I know that each time from now it will be easier as long as I keep going at it and be consistent.  I know that this is the test, that defines your mental strength, 'give in now and achieve nothing' or 'fight back, train, and go on to achieve your dreams'.  Quite heavy for an early morning blog post but like I say I'm inspired.  So do I give up because it was so rubbish and horrible yesterday making me feel like I haven't done any of the things I have OR do I fight back and train, get strong, and re-build!  Yes you guessed right, I've just found my first challenge on the journey to Hardmoors 160.  How to start again!!!!!

It hasn't been quite how I intended, my training has been minimal, not through lack of motivation but through lack of confidence in my body.  I have just taken some time out to allow the little niggles and injuries to clear up which I think I am now about there.  I am definitely mentally ready to get back out there now, I miss the trails and the challenges.  I need to sign up to something that I can get my teeth into as the challenge of distance, great as it is, requires a lot of time and dedication.  So I am looking for some shorter distances to get myself back to it.  I want to work on some things firstly need to get my weight down again and secondly my speed over the shorter distances.  I am also wanting to improve my strength in my legs and endurance capabilities.  Best get back in the gym once this pesky cold has gone!

So its time to put the effort in and start getting some results!

So I'm back, its been a while since I have wrote anything here as wanted a little break from it all.  I have done very little training due to a niggle in my knee.  I'm at a point now though where I'm busting to get back to it but my body seems to have been through the mill a little.  I'm ready to get back out there but don't want to risk my knee but I think a few little light runs maybe in order.  Its tough after such a milestone and awesome event to feel any desire to start again but I must I love it.

Its time to make it happen!  Discipline and self-motivation, 'play hard or go home!'

The job was done but not over!  We still had the Charity day to complete which involved us being given a new t-shirt the night before to wear which was a lovely cotton yellow which inspired a few moans and groans but was at least nice to put on a clean shirt.  The bag seemed to be full still which was a little alarming but the weight was considerably different.  I was now able to include my sleeping bag on the inside along with any other bits I had hanging off the sides.  I gave the roll matt away to the berbers as they cleared up camp for the last time in the morning. All that was left was a little bit of food and the remaining kit I wished to keep.

Paul and Tim enjoying the morning sun in preparation for this final leg of our adventure.  It was all smiles and laughter this morning as we knew we had done and finished it was just a matter of completing the 7.7km back to the coaches.

It was a completely different atmosphere this time as nobody was really racing off to try and finish as quick as possible.  It was a more social plod with your tent mates and friends chatting and laughing about the weeks adventure and hotel that we'd soon be in having showers and beers and food!

Legs were weary, shoulders sore, skin sun burnt, kit falling to bits and general desire to actually just be finished.  Apart from that we were all just happy to be at the end, just a few dunes to cross but this was easier knowing that it was only to be a few km.  We had discussed a plan for the finish, this plan involved a tip off that Paul had received from a previous competitor. Don't get on the coach keep walking and there'll be a taxi rank.  Commandeer a taxi between the four or five of us and head back to the hotel this way.  This was genius, even though I was slightly apprehensive as could end up any where and being robbed, but I had to put these thoughts out of my head.  Eventually we set off ahead of the coaches.  Straight out on the route and stop at the first petrol station for snacks and drinks.  Boom this was the first advantage of our decision, the second was to be able to lounge out in the back of the car with space and windows that open!  This taxi ride turned out to be whole new adventure just in itself, but we ended up at the hotel in about 4.5 hours and soon got ourselves into the shower.  The idea was to get sorted and meet at the bar for beers, except I thought the boys said they'd knock on the door and we'd all go together ooops lots of wasted drinking time! Whilst this was happening John had a serious problem to contend with, he'd left his phone in the taxi!  This was a nightmare and so glad it wasn't me.  He just dropped his bags and ran back to try and catch the driver but in the end he needed the assistance of the receptionist and eventually, unbelievable, he got it back after tracking the driver down via another taxi and guessing where he would be!

We were sat slobbed out knocking back the beers and having a few laughs retelling the stories of the week and hearing new ones.  Then they all started coming in looking half dead and broken.  Their coach journey had got delayed and had taken them near on 9 hours.  Lynton's face was a picture as he hadn't come with us in the taxi as I couldn't find him to grab.  He came and just started shouting and moaning it was priceless!  We continued enjoying beer and food for the next day before it was time to get our flights and head home.  Apart from a slight delay for our flight it was great to be heading home.  Everyone was waiting for me at the airport and Olivia came running up to me like I'd just won the Olympics or something ha ha!  It kind of felt like that actually but I'd obviously achieved quite that high a level.

After we got back and I'd had a few days to let it all sink in I couldn't quite believe I'd actually done it, it was almost like a dream or should I say a nightmare lol!  One of the greatest experiences I've ever had and one of the greatest achievements I've ever managed.  Would I recommend it to others, definitely, it was amazing but the preparation is critical to their success and mental survival.  I loved it, its maybe not for everyone but it was for me!

Would I go back? Yes, but not just yet I have too many other adventures I want to do first.  One day though maybe!

Ok nearly there now, just marathon day to go and I can collect my medal!  What a nights sleep I woke feeling energetic and refreshed.  Its amazing what a good nights sleep can do for you.  After the normal, I say normal but there's nothing normal about it at all, morning routines of toilet, food, prepping the kit for the day and maybe having a little stretch we all headed once more to the oh so familiar start line.  There was a bit of buzz about today because the top 200 runners were setting off a few hours after the rest of us so they would at some point come flying past.  With 'Highway to hell' blasting out of the speakers we set off.

Today the plan was to just get it done as quick as possible, no hanging about, no taking my time and pacing it, just get it done asap!  The poles had served me well all week and today wasn't any exception.  I was pushing on at a reasonable pace using the poles to ease the work load on the legs.  I was able to do a slow jog on the flats and pushed hard in the dunes which were by now very hard work after the weeks effort so far.  The day seemed to drag on but I had an extra zip in my stride knowing that this was it, when we cross the finish line I will receive my medal and that's all that mattered and the quicker I could make that happen the better.  Like the previous 4 stages my strategy was to work as hard as possible in the morning before the full heat of the day set in and then finish as soon as I could.  I was aiming to finish before 5pm that was the goal therefore allowing 8 and half hours which sounds loads to do a mere 26 miles but I now new the terrain and this was certainly not going to be easy.

The day was tough and I was pleased to get to the last check point which felt different to all the rest.  Ah yes that's because it was the last one lol!  I was greeted with a cheer and a congratulations, followed by 'well done you've done it.  Just last 5km to the end.  Enjoy!'  So once I'd sorted my water bottles and had something to eat I was quickly on my way I wanted to get finished I could taste it!  We came to what I can only describe as a mine, a run down ruined mine.  It was a bit eerie I thought, the ground had changed colour slightly too which was a bit weird making my eyes strain slightly as they had to adjust to focus.  As I scrambled my way along this track through the disused mine I had many thoughts and emotions running through my head, I was nearly there, all the work and training was coming to an end.  I wasn't crying but my eyes had weld up slightly as I thought about all things that motivated me and got me where I was.  We turned a corner and there it was like the wizard of Oz and the yellow brick road.  I could see the Emerald City it was magnificient.

Of course I knew this was going to be at least 2km away though, but my steps became stronger and faster and the race was on for the finish line!  I was really pushing hard switching from running to walking and hurrying myself along.

I passed a few people, not on purpose more along the lines of I just wanted to finish rather than gain a few extra places on the leader board.  I had a chat with a few mainly French so the conversations were limited as my French is fairly limited ha ha!  Then all I could hear behind me was some singing and what sounded like a eukulele.  At first it was ok and fun but since I'd been running away from these guys all afternoon it was like torture to me ears.  I pressed on hoping to finish well ahead of them but unfortunately they court me and we all finished more or less together.

This was the moment I'd been waiting for, my thoughts were 'just don't fall over near the line as that will be your lasting picture of the race forever!'.  I was approached my Patrick the race director, handed my medal and given a hug and a well done.  I stood to have my photograph taken but the bloody eukulele man was hogging the limelight aarrrgghhh!!!!  I took my sweet tea and collected my water ration and headed back to the tent.  I received a good cheer along the way and met the boys who were already back sat with Lynton.  They clapped me in which made me slightly emotional again.  I'd done it, I'd achieved my dream, my goal and I'd broken 'The Worlds Toughest Footrace', get in!

Once the euphoria had calmed down a little and I was sprawled out on the rug sorting kit and stuff out I was ready to eat and they meant everything I had left lol!  I'd carried the Union Jack flag the whole distance in my pack so it was time to unveil it.  We tied to the tent post in celebration of us finishing and being proud to be British.  Great photo with my mate Lynton, very proud moment that I will always look back on with fond memories.

Looking at this now I can see how tired and exhausted I looked.  I didn't care at the time as I'd completed it.  My feet had survived, slightly battered and bruised and blistered but nothing too serious.  They had served me well and got me through.

We were all very giddy and full of it.  Why not, after that week!  It was such a great feeling and to be able to share that with others made it even more so.  We still the little matter of the charity day to do but it was to be only 7.7km and didn't affect the race times.  We kicked back and chilled out for the rest of the afternoon watching everyone else come in and clap them back to their tents.

I got cleaned up and refuelled and then just rested, I don't think I quite realised that was it, I'd finished, I'd achieved my goal that I'd worked towards for so long.  We were asked to head over to the finish line in the evening as there was some live music and presentations, and yes another Patrick speech. After hobbling about a bit I started feeling ok again to move, in fact I looked in pretty good shape compared to some people.  They were in a right mess, bandaged from head to toe almost lol! I headed over with John, it was just starting to get dark but we could see something on the ground scuttling about near the French lads tent.  I went over to investigate because I thought if its a little nasty they would want it sneaking in.  Turns out it was a little Scorpion.

So John, being 'The Terminator' started trying to get rid of it.  The more he antagonised it by trying to stamp on it the more it reacted and started going for him.  In the mean time I was just backing off slowly, keeping my distance just letting John go about his work!

Once he'd exterminated the little fella we headed over to see what all the fuss was about.  Tim was still at the Medics sorting his ankle out so we just had a wonder round.  There was a little stage built and a guy playing guitar with a female singer.  She was trying so hard to engage the audience and make it a fun occasion but everyone so just preoccupied with what they'd just achieved so weren't taking much notice of her.  We cheered the last runners in, everyone gathered and made it a special thing with photographers everyone and a fairly large welcoming committee.  I felt very sorry for these runners as not only had they probably just had the longest day ever and had to finish in the dark again but they then had everyone fussing about at the end when all they wanted to do probably was collapse in their tents.  We then moved over towards the stage where there was a few speeches and then the presentation.  Whilst this was happening a huge lorry turned up which was actually the free bar where I proceeded to get a beer and chill out on some stools Paul and I pinched.  It was a nice evening but I was done and ready for bed so headed back.  The problem was I now had visions of scorpions being in the tent eeeeekkk!