Hardmoors 55 2026- My 10th!!

 Hardmoors 55 - 21st March 2026

Here we go again!

My first attempt at this race was back in 2015, wow has it really been that long!! I've just been helping a few other friends who are doing it for the first time and giving them advice I never got and learnt the very hard way.  It made laugh but its great to be help to pass on that knowledge and help others.  It prompted me to look back in my blog to when it all started.  I found my post for the HM 55 from 2015 and it was a bit surreal but funny because I was giving my friends advice on kit etc and I could see from the photo's they have similar kit to what I had then.  Very different to now with all that experience and learning.

Don't keep thinking about training or running or getting your nutrition right lets just start.  I am now 12.5kg down and hitting one of my targets of 85Kg which is significant. My aim for the HM110 was 83kg but I still have 8 weeks till then so potentially I could hit 82kg with a big push now cutting my calories and maintaining the burn.

Last weekend the Hardmoors 55 did not go to plan, which was gutting really since I've never DNF'd this course until now. The positives are that it wasn't lack of training or legs being weak or heavy or too overweight to move any quicker.  It was a foot injury that I didn't even know I got.  I ran into the Osmotherly checkpoint knowing I was in good time so my plan was to get fuelled and set off ready to put a shift in for the last 22 miles.  I'm not sure if I'd already damaged it by this point and potentially I had, but it was the sort of pain I could put to one side and carry on hoping it would wear off which it so often did.  Out of Osmotherly and up to Square Corner feeling ok but I knew then something wasn't right.  I also needed to make a mental note to self that I needed to do more HIT work to improve my VO2 Max and my cardio.  Not that it is bad but my plan is to be able to cope with the hills better and to not let them drain me so much.

The day was glorious, which for some is ideal but for me it was going to be hell!  Normally the weather is cold and wet which is perfect for me as I over heat and sweat like cloth be rung out after being drenched.  I completely get drained and dehydrated no matter how hard I try and keep on top of this with fluids and salts and getting my food in.  Anyway, I tried to enjoy the scenery like everyone else, just knowing the impending suffering that loomed ahead aaarrrggghhh!

Roseberry Topping was a spectacle as always, but slightly even more so on a day like that.  Incredible coming in and out of the clouds, again this was a new one for me as its normally blizzards lol!

The night before was like normal a bit of a panic, rushing around finding mandatory kit list items, then trying to fit in the pack.  This time was even more fun as I was messaging with a few other guys who were doing it for the first time so I was trying to pass on any tips to make it slightly more comfortable an experience for them.  I came across my blogg from 2015 and shared my experiences with them which was weird for me looking back at the pictures and reading the passage. I've come so far in those 10 years and learnt so much almost to the point you forget or become blaze` about it all.  Great to look back though loved it.

The race ended miserably, as always in this situation you are relying on the kindness of others as you cannot do anything.  If I could've carried on to the end and jumped in my car home I would've trust me.  Hanging around waiting for the last runners to come through when you're cold and wet probably and in pain, is definitely no fun.  Yet there I was sat in a van hanging about.  There was no alternative, I know my body quite well, and I knew carrying would have resulted in a much more serious injury.  Yes I probably could have pushed myself through the pain to get there but my thinking was, I've finished this race many times so I have nothing to prove there, it is not my main race, yes I won't get my HM miles towards my 2000 which was one of my motivations but I will recovery quicker so I can train better for the 110.  I'm not weak, I live to fight another day!

 The 55 done, had an amazing week in Wales, maintained training and weight balanced!  I'll take that, but ready to go again.  I'm now trying to build my overall body strength and keep the mileage.  Yet again I'm back to my same issue of weight.  I'm trying to focus on 'Body Fat %' so my efforts are going to be towards increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat.  Ideally I want to get my weight down to 82kg and presently I'm 84.5kg so just a little bit of focus and effort will get me there.

So in Wales on a family holiday, what better to do but use my time there to build strength and endurance.  In a very close proximity of our site, which was as good as a valley, we had a superb hill with a trail traversing across it towards Abersoch.  The hill was steep enough to make you work and get your heart rate up but nothing to silly, I could even run a good part of it. So I did!  I made it my goal to do it every morning and evening whilst we were there so I could maintain my fitness training without going overboard on holiday.  This turned in to a morning run/walk up the hill and to the outskirts of Abersoch, join the road and head back to the site which was 3.5 miles, then in the evening I just went up the hill and back totallying 1 mile but I got the hill done!!

Whats my plan now?

I'm starting to get my plan together for the Hardmoors 160, timings and locations almost are done but now I'm starting my mental strength planning! Love this stuff, makes me feel alive and striving forward trying to achieve something that very few other people have ever done.  I'm trying push myself to the edge and find out if I've got enough!

 Great few weeks with the Hardmoors 55 ticked off and training going well.  The 160 is only round the corner now with 9 weeks to go.  So its full steam ahead, back to the training and focusing on getting more fat off the body weight to reduce by another 3kg. During the 55 my legs felt amazing as I was pushing on and trying to get as near to the 134 hour mark as possible.  I rocked up at 13 and half hours which is definitely respectable as it was 1 and a half hours quicker than last year so I now know where I'm at which was the idea.

The plan now is to keep up good mileage and build a bit more strength physically and mentally.  I need to start planning my mental strategy for the race providing insights to what tactics I'm going to use to get the job done!  I'm going to attack it, and finish this beast.

I've started adding some pack training and weighted vest work to build more stamina in my legs and core.  I also want to increase upper body strength and mid body strength.  I've got back to my Dalby Forest training runs and feel like they are really benefiting with the long hills, I'm really loving these runs they make me feel like I'm really getting somewhere.

In my post today I talked about the 'Power of Now', this is related to not putting this off, not letting things roll on to the next day, not letting up.  Get it done NOW!!!  

 What a week!

Up and down as ever.  From feeling great to suffering from blood sugar crash.  Since Thursdays disaster run of approximately 2.5 miles then a blood sugar crash which ultimately left my legs feeling weak and heavy, slightly dizzy and just generally terrible and made me choose to go back rather than carry on.  This made me feel liked I'd failed, I'd looked forward to this so was a bit gutted.  So... spent the day trying to gee myself up again doing stretches and some weights so it didn't feel like too much of a right off.  The plan was to go big on Sunday with a 20 miler so prep was the key, making sure I had the food right before I went and then making sure I took easy access sweets and a few bits of more substantial stuff in the pack.  

I've just started on the Huel Daily Greens drink, which if I'm honest, doesn't taste that great but I'm pushing through and trying to be consistent. Have I noticed any difference yet, nope! but lets hope I'm getting healthier and my body is becoming more efficient!

 Back to feeling good again on Saturday so feeling a little excited again about my long run.  The plan was a route that takes me about 20 miles give or take which was enough for this.  I set the alarm for 4am and got up ready to go.  Making sure I had my porridge as normally then a piece of toast with peanut butter as my extra fuel! I needed this to work!  Got my kit ready and out the door for 4.45am with about 3.5-4 hours of running ahead of me.  I started off a bit nervous which made feel a bit off but I soon settled down by taking it steady and not pushing too hard.  I was just going to have to tough it out and work with it as my body needs to get used to the struggle.

Once I hit the 10 mile mark I was feeling more comfortable, sounds odd I know but you get settled and more of a rhythm. Legs were feeling good so no reason to be complaining as I'm not running at break neck speed or anything so its all about convincing the brain that there is absolutely no reason to stop or slow down.  Once I hit the last stage which is about 3.5 miles I was actually pushing on and feeling quite good.  Strangely I still had my head torch on my head even though the sun was up and daylight was upon us, but basically I didn't was to stop or change anything so it was staying put!

After I'd return to the house and did some stretching my plan was to get a bath which is my usually routine as makes me feel good and relaxed after, but first and foremost I need a cup of tea ha ha!  My planned breakfast, which I'd been deciding on for about 4 hours was going to be steak, bacon, 3 eggs maybe 4 lol, black pudding and a slice of sourdough bread (breakfast of champions)!!

No harm in eating well if training well!!

 The difference is incredible! One week ago I felt drained, exhausted and run down with heavy legs and motivation waning.

We had the weekend booked away in Filey for a family break.  This was just what I needed, a rest!  I had originally thought of using the weekend away to get some good training runs in along the coastal path but the decision was easy.  Rest was best, recharge and prepare to go again for the final stint before the HM55.  I was still fairly strict with what I was eating and drinking, kids had pizza on Friday night but I stuck to rice leftovers and a bit of meat.  On the Saturday we planned to have Fish and Chips so I again measured my days food to allow for this so I could just enjoy it as I'd been thinking about it all week.  My weight is still dropping, but had a little plateau last week resuming weight loss though now but just slightly slower which is fine.

How am I feeling at the moment?  Monday, I decided to just get out on the road and do my comfort run which was the route from my house being 6.85 miles.  The idea being, using this a confidence booster and a restart entry run.  Started off a little bit sluggish so I just took it steady dropping back as and when needed and just weighted for the feeling to push on.  It came after approximately 3 miles which was very welcome, nothing crazy but it gave me a chance to increase the pace and feel like I hadn't gone backwards at all.  Tuesday at work was long and steady but nothing too demanding, followed by a padel match in the evening.  I felt good until a little twist which I instantly felt in my groin and inner thigh.  I knew it wasn't serious so carried on.  Wednesday morning came and my glute and groin were very sore, I was struggling and felt a little down because of it but I persevered and stayed positive.  I decided I was still ok for the run I'd planned so stretched and took some paracetamol and went.  I was a bit tentative to begin with but as it eased I began to feel good so pushed on.  

This was it I was back in the game!  After doing some more stretches and light weights I took the dog for a walk carry a 10kg weighted pack.  Again I was feeling really good and the sense of I'm getting in the zone for first event was upon me.  This is it, we are on!

Its time to begin my Over the Line work!  This is mindset and mental toughness training.

 Interesting week so far.  I feel mentally focused and on point, even researching all sorts of foods, training and races.  Physically I feel a bit drained and heavy legged.  I feel zoned in on what I'm trying to achieve but I'm running through treacle constantly or dragging a heavy tyre like sled pulling.  So, how do I get back at it? Keep the focus, keep eating well and re-creating the menu and rest a bit or change it up.  What I find when I'm engrossed in the training like at the moment is how deep mentally I get involved lol!  I'm now exploring 'Mindset', mental strength conditioning.  I already feel this is one of my strengths but how do I tap into it even more to give me what I need to achieve my goal.  Process.....this is the key!  Setting out small individual targets and challenges that are going to build towards the bigger goal.  Look for the key elements I need to succeed, then develop or focus on them separately before fitting them together.

Progress report on weight loss - currently I've plateaued at a good low weight for me and approximately half a stone or 3Kg off my target weight.  This is fine I am happy with where I currently am as my body adjusts.  I will have another push starting next Monday to hit another benchmark.  My mindset on this is very clear, I've done the initial hard work I now have to refocus my efforts on going the extra mile.  I need the calories and energy to be able to keep pushing my training to the next level but I also need to keep dropping the excess weight.  What do I do to get this working, I still need a calorie deficit but I need to be able to train harder.  So,  I've kept up the increased protein level, introducing Whey protein, I have also ordered some Creatine which will help muscle growth after training, help recovery through the increased growth which should allow the muscles to cope with a greater training load.  

Remember - Growth Mindset, don't get stuck doing only what you know.  Look to learn more, new things and add something more to help get the best you.  I feel like I'm really out of my comfort zone with nutrition, supplements and different styles of training.  My desire to succeed allows me to want to learn anything that's going to help me.

The greatest ingredient is still - HARDWORK!!!

 Just as I thought I was getting somewhere, boom! oh no....

So yet again I was all up for a long run on Thursday and it didn't go quite as planned, not through any physical issues but more through tiredness and exhaustion.  So my intention was, after our weekend away in the van to head out on Monday morning and smash 18 miles. Yet again I was getting excited about getting out for a long run as this is what I always crave and why I do the other stuff.  The weekend adventure in the van just to the coast was our first trip out in it.  More on that in a bit, but I think the bed makeup didn't suit my back because on Sunday morning I could barely walk or stand up straight.  I felt like I had 6 months ago, I was mega scared that it I'd reversed all the hard work I'd done. We'd set off on our walk from Boggle Hole heading towards Robin Hoods Bay initially then on a bit more which turned out to be as far as Bay Ness along the Cinder Track and then back on the Cleveland Way.  It took what felt like forever before my back eased and hip flexors stretched out, it had been awful, the pain brought back the months of agony I'd already been through.  I thought that was going to be it and it would be fine Monday morning again.  Oh no how wrong could I be, back to square is it? I hope not.  Plans for long run put on hold again till Thursday.  Straight back to my stretches and off I went on a dog walk to see how bad.  Just like before I could barely move down the street but again it eased and felt better.  I decided after the food shop I was going to head out for what was on my schedule which was an 8 mile run.  More stretching and thorough warm up first though!

The Van!  Or should I say the BW Van (not VW), this was going to be our future adventures away together.  We'd opted for a basic shell of a van so we could renovate it as we go, learning what we wanted and needed.  Off we went on Saturday afternoon after packing everything we needed and more, Sarah packing for an artic adventure with blankets, duvets and yes hot water bottles. I packed my shorts lol!  We headed off to 'Falling Foss' a carpark that was known as a campervan overnight parking spot.  We arrived and got set up and took the dog for a walk down the stream to the falls and back.  Wow this was awesome, we'd finally done it. The adventure has now begun and we are now writing our own future. The places we'll go, the times we'll have, the memories we'll make together are just beginning.

Ok so back the job in hand.  The training!  What areas do I need to improve?  I'm looking at working on my upper body strength including core and arms. Overall body strength is key to the endurance factor.  I'm also looking into better nutrition during training and during the event.  More research required.  I feel my weight has stabilised or plateaued at the moment but I feel I've only just got myself to a weight that I should be at anyway so the next phase is to get under this and start edging towards to my race weight but no rush as I need the calories with the training I'm doing.  Keeping it steady and not gaining any is the key now.  I've just ordered a new book on Hill running which shall be interesting and I hope very helpful.

Relentless Forward Progress!!

STRONG MIND STRONG BODY

 After Sundays entertainment I decided I needed to get back out on the road so I don't lose the advantage of hard work.  So Monday morning came, nice early alarm but I still wasn't feeling confident of getting a decent run in without interruption so my plan was, take the kids to school and do the food shop and then see where I'm at.  This is all worked out fine and I headed out the door feeling good and up for it.  I can always tell when I've had a long period without drinking alcohol because my legs just feel indestructible.  My intention was to not get carried away and to maintain a consistent pace and include 5x1k interval efforts. It felt great now with my weight getting nearer and nearer to my goal, a bounce reappearing in my step that I briefly once had a long time ago.  

My training, what am I going to do to achieve running a 160 miles?

I've spent the last few months basically starting again, which is never a negative, its a realistic approach to achieving great things.  My injuries have held me back and hampered my training over the past two years really.  I am now really getting myself into a strong position to be able to do this thing.  I know it might seem I'm obsessed with my weight but it such a big catalyst to being able to go harder and further. My theory this time is to get the weight off as quickly as possible whilst still training but have that as the main focus, once its down to within a few KG like it is now then I can start adding the load and intensity.  If I weigh less, its easier on my body all round, its not like I'm popping out to do a 10k its a long long way!  I now feel my base level is in a good solid place so I can start not just increase the running load but I can work on my overall fitness too.  I need my whole body strength improving to cope with the event.

So what am I going to do to make me the greater than the 1%?

I'm going to need endurance skills that you don't just get from a bit of running or popping in the gym.  No ,no, I'm going to be going out in weather that looks horrendous, I'm going to carry big heavy packs, I'm going to train my legs and then try go for a run.  Weighted vest stair training is a really good one you can learn to love. What I'm basically doing is looking how to make it as uncomfortable as possible to make it as realistic as possible! I will start some hill work, trudging up and down the moors with weighted packs.

How do we achieve great things?

Discipline, hardwork, and relentless forward progress!

 Not sure where to start with this one lol!  I think this weekend gone I've discovered what happens when you increase protein into your diet.  Oh yeah! You know what's coming ha ha!  Sunday was meant to be a 16 miler, that was on my programme for Thursday but I switched it due to be being at the vets with Bertie the dogs for his 'not so fun day out'.  I planned it so I was to get up at 4.30am and be out the door for 5am with knowledge of my route getting me a finish before 8am when the kids will be up and breakfast service required.  I was actually looking forward to this run, weight is down, fitness is up, spirits are high and I was ready.  I knew something wasn't right but I just wasn't sure, I went to the toilet before I left as usual so as to avoid any trips into fields or trees and get myself sorted for a good trek out.  Nothing happened even though I knew I actually needed to go but I thought I'd just better get going and take some paper with me in case.  Typically half a mile down the road I thought I was going to have a bit of a mishap. I ran off route to find a nice quiet hidden location in which to get myself sorted.  Oh no, it still wasn't happening  but was now feeling a bit painful and awkward.  Sorry for the detail but best shared lol! So my dilemma was do I risk it and carry on or just head back to safety.  I actually decided I had to head back it was no use carrying on, I'd used up my supply of paper thinking I'd been clever for actually putting some in my bag but daft not to put the whole roll in!  I went home and started researching the solution to my worsening problem.  

Several hours later and many unproductive visits to the loo with some different attempts to get my guts sorted, things started happening.  The problem now was, I was in quite a bit of pain and any thoughts of going for a run at any point that day had gone down the lav. I actually started feeling a bit washed and weak so nothing was really happening for the rest of the day and it was just time to move forward and plan the week ahead.  What a day! I've never been through that before and never wish to again.  Today was similar but no where near as bad and I managed to get for an 8 miler even with struggling towards the end with the opposite problem which was also terrifying whilst out running and nowhere to hide eeeekkkk!!!!

The path we choose determines the outcome.  If you want the results and success then it has to be the tough path.  It just has to be!  If you want to become resilient and mentally strong then you need to have been pushed, tested and even broken.  There is no one who can do it for you, you are on your own.  Again, it has be this way to build your inner strength, we can have people help us, guide us, support us but they can't do the 'hard yards' they won't be there at 4.30am saying get up we need to run, they won't be there with their hand on the fridge saying 'no more food you've had enough calories today', they won't be there!!!  You can do it, but its choosing isn't it, its choosing to have a few uncomfortable months to achieve something very few others can do.

Remember your mind is trying to trick you!!! It wants you to fail and give up, it wants an easy life.  Don't listen to it, its lying!!!! 

It's YOU versus YOU!!! Beat the negativity, win the battle :)

 Wow!

10kg lighter and back training well.  What a turn around!!! So So pleased with where I've got myself through sheer relentless discipline, hard work and believing that it will make a difference.  My weight is such a big thing as you may have guessed by now.  Its the psychological impact it has on my drive, resilience and attitude to the training.  I need to see those results and then, I buy in and I'm full on 110%!!

The last few weeks I've really felt the difference, yes my weights come down and my training is feeling really good but fatigue keeps hitting me with the reduction in calories.  There are two ways to deal with this, give in and start eating more to cope with the training and work load or accept it as part of the process and my journey.  Don't get me wrong I understand the need for calories and get the right food in so I'm still careful with what I'm having.

What I'm loving though is that great feeling when I'm running. It's definitely not easy but I'm moving better, it doesn't hurt, and my range of movement is so much greater so I feel I can stride out and put in a good effort. The Yoga is paying off, my ability to move greater as my range of motion is improving.  I'm now back to looking forward to my long runs, and enjoying the suffering again because I know I can cope with it better.  

Getting up in the morning used to be hell, its improved dramatically!! My back is as good as new again as long as I keep up with my exercises and stretches.  My heel get sore now and again but that's a good little reminder not to get complacent and to remember the need to do the basics.  

I truly feel I am getting there, back in to the best shape I've ever been in but there's still some way to go yet.  I'm looking at races I want to enter again that are further or tougher and can only be achieved if I become the best version of me.  Last time I was like this was just after lockdown, I know because I did my best attempt on the 160 that year and felt great and then went on to finish the Lakeland 100.  If, the million dollar question, if, I can get my weight lower and get a bit stronger and keep improving my pace I'll be ok to enter the Hardmoors 200 again.  It is all mindset though, I can't emphasise this enough, yes I have to train hard and do the work others won't do but really its what's going on in your head.  For me personally, as a not so natural runner, I have to believe I can do it.  I accept it's hard only a faint chance I might actually complete it but that's enough to tease me in to the training and becoming able to even have a go.  Then, I have to want it more than all the other things that are associated with comfortable living.  This means, what I eat, am I drinking alcohol, sleeping in (not that I do anyway) and how committed am I to the training, what am I giving up and missing out on to do the necessary things for this event. I get it, most people wouldn't be interested, they might seem keen but not enough to put themselves through months of suffering and staying committed to the goal.  That's the tough bit, and you haven't even started the race at this point!!

I'm finally getting back to giving myself a chance, now its up to me to push on and be in the best physical and mental state I can.  I'm not finishing this race, wherever that might be whether 70 miles, 100 miles or 150 miles without knowing I gave it everything, that I pushed myself beyond, and I tested my resilience to the max.  If I give in now to the small things then I'll be susceptible to giving in before the job is done, and that is unacceptable. The race doesn't start until you want to quit, then its game on!!!

I'm not quite there yet, but I'm in touching distance of achieving my goal! 

I can,

I will!

Doing the hard yards!

 Doing the hard yards!

So this isn't just about getting the miles in on mornings when its lashing down, freezing cold and icy or just simply when I'm tired from the day to day regime of life itself, oh no, its about stretching constantly to keep on top of recent injuries and to help prevent new ones.  For me this is a biggie, I seem to have acquired quite bad flexibility over the years and now having to work hard at overcoming this.  So apart from ritual-like stretching I have yoga booked in my diary every week on a Friday.  I am completely and utterly useless at this but it gives me an hour of stretching and working areas that I would probably ignore.  I spend most of the session chuckling to myself as I'm flexing a leg here or bending my body there or just simply balancing on one leg like the leaning tower of Pisa ha ha!!!  What else, oh yeah food and drink consumption, ugh!!  So to achieve any kind of success in weight loss my first step is 'Dry January' or as its turns in to, 'Dry January, February, March and April' lol.  One month wasn't enough unfortunately so I have to keep going and now this is something I go through every year.  So, no booze, rule number 1.  Next I have cut out crisps and chocolate, not that I think I have too much of this stuff but to get the weight off that I need then I have to cut it out altogether ugh!! Once I've done that another biggie is bread which I probably find even harder than beer, I'm on track to achieve my goals but I still have to count calories and be careful.  I'm focusing on getting a good level of protein, reduced salt intake and no sweet stuff. UUUGGGHHH!!!

These are the hard yards!

As Alex Ferguson once said "You can't have success without sacrifice!"

The 160 has been a target for a few years now and I've been close to achieving it once before but I've not really been in a good place physically for the past 18 months so I'm really trying hard to 'control the controllables' as my wife would say.  So for me this means, weight, training, self-care and sleep.  So, as you may gather by now one of my main hold ups is my weight, but really this is a 'controllable', I can do something about it, its in my own hands (head) to whether I do it or not so like I've said recently its mindset.  I have to focus on it, fight one day at a time and achieve small targets. Again, with regards to actually training, I have to get into good habits, routines and stick to the plan, build and grow! Self-care, for me this about looking after myself so little things like eating well, getting the protein I need to help recover, stretching, massages, foam roller, a bit of swimming (I'm not a fan but it helps!) and a bit of time in the jacuzzi for my back. Sorting my feet and looking after them as they can be come an issue if I let them, and if you've seen them then you know what I'm talking about ha ha! I've even got in the ice bath a few times to help with recover after runs.  Now that I'm not drinking my sleep has improved as it always does, but I'm trying to not always go out running as early as I can all the time, even though I like this I'm trying to allow a little bit of rest to help recovery.  I'm currently feeling good, but the problem is once I'm like this I'm not as tired when I go to bed and I can't help getting up early doh!

I know its a few months away but I'm actually already getting excited for this race as I know I'm doing the right things and getting myself in to a good place for it.  I keep thinking about the areas on the route that I know will be key so I'm thinking of getting out on the course and covering some miles over these sections.  Getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, thats what Goggins says, so I need to become comfortable with certain sections that I know will push me to my limits.  I'm certainly not going to go and run 100 miles and then get to the sections just so I can experience the suffering but if you go run them with confidence and set little markers as goals to hit then it becomes easier on the day.

So just remember...

The long road back!

 Off we go again!!!

Hardmoors 160 entered, 3 months of graft in the bag, half a stone off, and a long long way to go!!  The thing is, as my wife now knows only too well, its almost like the bigger challenge the more I love it.  The challenge isn't just the 160 miles of running around the North Yorkshire Moors for 3 days non-stop barely eating or drinking without sleep or stopping, no no I think its the preparation phase I relish the most.  Its the changes I've got to make that most people wouldn't even dream of doing especially now I'm nearing a magical age of 50 (not just yet!!).  I have to increase training volume, decrease consumption of food and alcohol, stay away from the snacks and treats, get less sleep, get up and train basically in the middle of the night to some people.  I love this challenge because its mindset, strength of mind, will, desire to do what it takes and prove to myself I'm in control of my own body not giving in to habits, cravings, bad treats and lack of self control.  This is just me, its fine whatever anyone else likes or wants to do but this is me, I'll do my way like Frank once said!

This all began back in October once my problems with my back started improving, after nearly 18 months of not being able to stand up straight and long periods of that in considerable pain.  As a family we headed to Centre Parcs for our annual trip to the cabin in the forest and waterslides.  This I had decided was where it was going to begin!  I'd started attending yoga once a week again but had only been a couple of times by this point but I was already starting to feel the benefit and it gave me a lift, a sense that I will still be able to do things I'm striving for and to not quite throw in the towel just yet.  So I was going to use Centre Parcs as a retreat and an opportunity to reset and provide myself with the starting point to go on from.  I was wanting to fit in a few short runs, my stretching routine (yoga) and a little bit of strength work to compliment the other two things.  I made it a priority to do the stretch routine in the mornings, and then  again after we'd been in the pool and again in the evening.  This worked well and I came away with a mini win, a sense I'd stuck to my guns and achieved something, even if it was only a small win it was progress.  My hips were still bad and causing problems but I knew they were improving and would just take time.  Back I went to the yoga sessions and short steady runs looking to increase distance once things improved further.  

The day soon came round for the Hardwolds 80.  I knew I wasn't in great shape phyically or weight wise but I was going to get out there and do what I could because its the only way I know and its my way of doing things.  I had to know where I was at good or bad but its the brutal reality of long distance running.  It turns out I was in a bad way, pulling out after only 20 ish miles my hip flexors were bad and my back, but the positives were I'd put 20 miles in the bank and not made myself any more injured, I listened to my body.  Running on the ice was just not good for me I was strong enough to hold my posture and balance which was what started causing the problems in my back.  This was fine, I knew it was going to be on a wing and prayer but now I knew.  Its time to get down to work!

Christmas is only just around the corner at this point at my weight wasn't change but my mentality had.  I wanted to do this and have another go but it wasn't going to really start until January when the diet begins and I'm not drinking.  Inadvertently a payment went to my running coach Ronnie Staton and rather than ask for a refund I said lets get started now rather than in Jan.  It was the end of November heading into December, so I made the decision, I was going to start putting the effort in earlier than normal to get a head for the January regimne.  It made for a tough Christmas period as I was very reluctant to participate in certain aspects such as chocolates etc but I still had a good time and had most things, I just held back a little and tried to restrain myself.  Training was picking up we'd decided on a back to basics month so low mileage but gaining consistency overall.  This with the yoga started working a treat, I really felt the benefits and improvement was happening, it was game on!  I knew i was in a good place and started really looking forward to getting some weight off, this was going to be the next major hurdle.  

Strong mind-Strong body!!!

One foot in front of the other.....

No truer word spoken!! So, my re-build, most definitely back at it.  Its a slow process as still substantially over-weight for what I am trying to achieve.  The positives are exciting though.  Since my visits to the physio my back is almost fully recovered, I'm not feeling any ill effects from my training and I feel soooooo mmmuuuccchhhh better each day.  My heel recovery seems to be a bit slower but the improvements are massive, I don't really suffer much now with it but I can still feel it a bit so I need to persevere with my rehabilitation strengthening exercises.  

What I'm loving is the fact that I can now get out and train, its not amazing stuff but at least I feel I'm now moving forward and progressing.  Yes I've had a setback but now I've just got to dig in and get back to where I want to be.  Just by being able to get back in the gym, not alone the running has improved my mental side of things.  My mindset is now fully focused and putting in the extra work required.  I'm just beginning my resilience training which should help pick me up a bit.

As Christmas is looming this means the Arc of Attrition is only around the corner, therefore my Christmas list is extensive or should I say very specific more to the point.  Due to the mandatory kit list there are a few items I need obtain plus a few upgrades needed.  Its actually quite exciting, I've opted for a bigger pack as I will be on my own with no crew on this adventure so I'll be carrying everything I need with only a few checkpoints and one drop bag for assistance.

Even now after 8 years from where I started my main motivations are to show my daughter what the human spirit can achieve when dig deep and look for something more.  I'm very much a believer in positive mindset and attitude, giving yourself the best chance possible and believing in yourself.  For most of us we have to learn these things, some people are naturally like this but does that come from there up bringing or life experiences!! We can definitely learning methods to help give us positivity but I think some people just laugh it or mock it but the simple things really do work.  Yeah sure it can feel forced at times but its about what you fall back on rely, such a positive comments, even little things when people ask how you are or how your day is going, rather than just say 'yeah not bad thanks', you could say 'yeah really good cheers' or 'brilliant thank you'.  What this does is builds a resilience wall as I like to think of it, and each brick I add keeps me where I need to be.  I don't even think about it now, so when it is harder or I need a bit of resilience i know how to cope with it.

My daughter is my motivator, my wife is my rock.  I will succeed in my pursuit of achieving not only the Hardmoors 160 but overall I will complete a 200 mile race.  May be not this year but I'm getting neaer everyday as my mindset is getting tougher and my body more resilient.  

I can, I will!!!

I CAN I WILL!!!

So not out of it yet..........

Yes you guessed it, I'm back in training and  remotivated with a vengeance.  I accept I'm not in a great place physically but it's almost like I enjoy that part of the challenge to, it makes me feel in control of my own body if that makes sense.  I'm not completely healed which is fine because I know this takes time, and in an ideal world I'd give myself longer before pushing on again, but I can't help myself. It feels good ha ha!!!!  My back is mending and I'm getting stronger each day.  I'm so much further on, I actually forgot what it was like to stand up straight, I feel 2 inches taller its fantastic. To not not feel pain every single day, getting out of bed, getting dressed, putting trainers on, getting in and out of the car etc etc its great!!

How have I re-started?

Well, I've listened I think that was the first step ha ha! I've taken in the advice given and what I've read up on.  Yes I know wow well done you lol!  The first step I've taken is to actually do the stretches and strength building exercises Jude (the physio) gave me, not only that I've done extra and pushed it once I felt the benefits.  Just the reduction in pain has been such a relief and a motivator.  I've now started doing some gym work as I just feel so weak and a bit shit physically. Once I started though, boom, its brilliant my legs are responding and I'm building my strength up.  I've missed the physical work, its not just the muscles and your physique its your mind.  It makes me feel happy, knackered yes but in a good way.

Last week as if by magic I got an email saying I'd got a place in The Grand Union Canal Race which is 145 miles from London to Birmingham, wow!  Scared and excited, and yes of course I accepted and off we go.  Now we have two major races lined up for next year and I'm getting my chance to do one of the most iconic Ultra Races in our country which has been on my list since the start.  Majorly excited and can't wait.  

My worry is that I now over do it in my overly eager ways to recover quick and push as hard as I can to become the best version of me possible.

How did I start I keep asking myself, was it through the love of running, no, it was through a burning desire and need to be better and show my daughter that you can be anything you want to be and achieve great things way beyond our initial limits or what we think are our limits.  What my life has shown me up to this point so far is that we can achieve far greater things and keep breaking down our own walls and barriers to become better versions of ourselves if we really want it. 

Its not over yet, my story is only just beginning!!! My journey has taken a few turns even dog leg corners lol but always moving forward!!

What do they say 'Impossible is nothing' which I agree with to a certain degree, but only with the love and support of my amazing wife.  Who always tells me exactly how it is, no BS!!!  

I CAN I WILL

ONWARDS!!!!

Starting again, or just a blip in the journey. Or is this the real test????

 I'm at a point where I'm not sure whether to just call it a day with a few things that my body is ultimately telling me I can't do.  I've had niggles and aches before which most of the time I accept as par for the course in what I do.  But when things are lasting over 9 months they start breaking your resilience down, questioning yourself, your motivation and desire.  I realise I'm not in my twenties but I'm not quite ready for my flat cap and slippers yet! Much to my wife's disappointment I'm sure ha ha!!  The question is tough, how do I get out of this rut I'm in? Overweight, again! fitness dropping rapidly!!! Motivation at an all time low!!!

First thing is to stop questioning if I can still do it.  Yes of course I can still do these things.  Maybe I need to train slightly different, do some research on my issues and add a different element to my training, adapt what I do to my age and body's restrictions.  Ask myself what it is I like to do and how important it is to my mental health, what makes me tick, and where do I go from here. 

What do I still want to achieve?

I'm content with my tennis but I feel I should always be trying to play, and play at the best level I can until I can't!  The problem with that is, time, practising and my failing body.  I still have to get through the week at work and that isn't much fun when constantly in pain with minor injuries affecting your basic movements.  The problem is for me to play well I need to be playing consistently and practising which I find difficult now so maybe this has to change for me to continue and stay inspired, motivated and involved.

My running has gone way past my initial goals and dreams of what I wanted and strived for so again I am happy with what I have done. But........... I just feel I can achieve the 160 if I can get all the elements right that I've work out I need to do it.  It is a big ask and I forget what a huge undertaking it is in not just my life but my whole family's.  What I also forget is what a massive thing it is to try, because I've been doing this so long now and taught myself to not get overwhelmed by the big numbers involved I've now forgotten what an incredible thing it is and think I need to just take stock of what I have achieved and the individual milestones I've pushed myself to do.  Just to achieve finishing such races as the MdS, Hardmoors 110 and Lakeland 100 on their own are massive but to have done all these plus more and then achieving the Hardmoors 1000 mile award was the icing on the cake.

Now I need to fix my body.  When I first began this journey I needed to heal what was broken inside, now I need to heal what is breaking on the outside.  Where my life has come in the last 10 years is just something that I couldn't imagine once but now I have an incredible wife supporting me that I love so so much and we have an incredible life I'm very lucky.  My amazing daughter who was and still is my inspiration and motivation. Initially all I was trying to do was to show her that if you put your mind to it, work hard, be disciplined then you can achieve great things.  I now have to two amazing step kids to motivate as well as to show my daughter that set backs happen but that is not what defines us, its how we cope and deal with these things and keep going even if we have further blips in the journey or days where we have to start the process again, and again if necessary.  We get up and give it 100% even with blips we can achieve our goals.

So yes its just another test, its a resilience to negativity test!  It's just another challenge right?  Part of the journey!  Its back to mind mountain, not all hills are to run up some we have to mentally climb.

So I think I once said, its all about small wins, bite size success and building blocks.  Its not going to be pretty for a while which I accept and until I figure out how to mend my body I have a chance to prepare myself the best I can with the things I can.

The only walls and barriers there are, are the ones we put up to make it easier to quit and choose the easy road.  The hard road leads to great things!!!

I'm not ready to quit!!

 Boom!!!

 Hardmoors 160 DNF, Lakeland 100 finished, Hardmoors 55 finished and Hardmoors 60 DNF!!!!

Its been a long tough summer, with races stacked up and injuries holding me back.  I've had a few niggles and one fairly bad injury that have just seemed to last forever.  My knee just did'nt get better and at first I thought I'd done some lasting damage but thankful I've come through it.  Its first test was the Hardmoors 160 which it was going to be a make or break situation.  There was no way around it, the knee wasn't right but I knew it would be ok to a certain degree.  It was ok as long as I didn't bend it too much but a slow run was ok, less pressure on it and sustainable.  My plan was to just try get through the first 50 miles protecting it as much as possible and pushing too hard and then by that time it would hopefully be warmed up and other parts of my body might be hurting by then to distract me from it ha ha!  Without doing a full race report, the HM160 went actually very well, I was on form for so long and feeling reasonably comfortable for so much and following my eating and drinking plan perfectly.  It all fell apart just after Kildale so between 120 and 130 miles.  I'd stopped and helped a fellow runner who was in a bit of a mess and needed assistance.  She was unable to continue and was gradually getting worse and worse and my fear was she'd start suffering with hyperthermia.  She was unable to call for help so I rang the medic and he asked me to carry to the checkpoint.  This was approximately 1.5-2 miles away, so no chance on my own lol!  Another guy was passing us and stopped to help, so we both carried her to Kildale and the medic.  I wouldn't change what I did as I'd hope someone would help me if in a similar situation, but what I didn't realise was how much energy it sapped from me and was one of the things that I think tipped me over the edge for a few reasons.  Anyway, my knee was fine, the body as a whole ached yeah sure and my legs were saw but that wasn't why I DNF'd.  The mind was a mess going up the hill out of Kildale, I couldn't keep my eyes open I was fighting with myself to stay awake but I was beginning to lose that battle.  After a few short breaks, sitting down in random places, fellow runners passing me quite often now by this point, I decided to call Sarah.  Oooops!  I never call her, not on purpose but my phone is never really accessible and I try to save the battery as I know it runs down quickly if on.  I couldn't speak coherently, my texts were short and distressing to her.  I was basically saying I couldn't keep my eyes open and I needed her to do something to help.  She obviously panicked and headed out to find me.  Anyway to cut a long story short, she eventually caught me up, she'd run from Kildale and I'd been expecting her from the other direction but she didn't realise I was still moving.  So after her initial hostile reaction to meeting me and almost killing me, we got to the car and Jonesy my mate who was helping us.  My mind was done I'd broken my positivity and the momentum had gone. I'd talked myself out of it, again arrrrggghhhh!!!!! 

 Oh wow what a day!

Firstly before I say any more I need to say how much I love my wife Sarah! If she didn't give up her greatly earnt time then I wouldn't be able to do most of this stuff, plus she puts up with me training and facilitates it.  My running definitely makes me a better person or even a happier person so making the effort to do it even when its a chore or awkward timing wise I know I'll be better for it.  Sarah comes out in the middle of the night, sleeps in the car, exhausts herself and looks after me which I am eternally grateful. I am very lucky!

So on to my run, loved it! Even the early start, the anticipation, the preparation, the learning outcomes, the glorious weather, the team work, the amazing route, the pain, the pleasure, the lows and the highs!  Since the Hardmoors 55 race had to be postponed due to Coronavirus I decided I wasn't going to let this stop me.  I knew I needed a long run done pre-160 and this was it.  I needed this not only to see how I faired physically but mentally I needed the confidence and reassurance that I was going to be able to cope ok on the route.  I know the route fairly well but its been a couple of years so a little recap is always good plus I wanted to learn a bit more in the first section where I was going to have to work harder and where I was just going to have to give it my best effort and try not to lose too much time.  From previous races the section coming from Slapewath Pub going into Guisborough woods is going to be a crucial point for me, so a little preparation is important here.  So my plan will be to get to get to Sarah who'll be waiting in the pub carpark for me after seeing me at Saltburn.  I intend to get a good feed here and refuel with a little sleep.  Then I'm going to attack the next section that mentally held me back last time, but not this time!

Saturday morning came and I was up at 4.30am to let Bertie the family dog out into the garden.  I was to get myself sorted and packed whilst having some breakfast and make Sarah her coffee, ready!! I woke her at 4.50am as was the plan so we could leave at 5.15 to allow me a 6am start.  As per normal I wasn't ready and we were behind schedule.  Once we arrived and I got myself sorted I headed off all keen and excited for my adventure that lay ahead.  I said my goodbyes and and Sarah waved me off still half asleep I think and off she drove.  That was it, I was on my own.  The sun was just up and it was nice and fresh, I felt good and got focused on the job in hand. The plan was to get a good overview of the route in the next couple of sections and workout how fast I need to go to get through it.  I wanted to see why I'd build it up in my head to be so hard, yet the reality was yes it was tough going but not nearly like I'd built it up in my head.  It was 2 miles of slogging it up hill to High Cliff Nab, now that I know that I can push myself that little bit harder as its not far and I know it will be over soon 30 mins worst case scenario remembering I'd have already done 105 miles by this point so fuel and salts will be important before this section. Power up here then its a section I have to push on with to get across to Roseberry Topping, ok I won't be racing up it but I can try and get across to it a little quicker than walking.  Then it will just be a matter of getting up and Roseberry without taking forever or falling and back up little Roseberry before heading to Gribdale and Captain Cooks Monument a few miles away.  Again very runnable once up little Roseberry so I have to make myself try harder here again so as to make up a little time.   Once I'd got over to Kildale I new I'd done the section that bothered me and that I wanted to learn more about.  I wanted a mental boost that allows me to look at it and not think this will be where I break, whereas now I'm thinking "it won't be there, that is not so bad and its not going to break me".  I went on to Blowarth Crossing and over the Wainstones but realised I was running out of water fast.  The sun was now beating down and yet again I was ill prepared for this and allowed it to bake one side of my head.  I was starting to worry about the water situation with being mindful about savering each drop.  I had a little plan or hope that I'd be able to refill my reserves at Lordstones camping park where I knew there was a toilet block, for residents, but I just preyed I'd get a top up.  Luckily as I staggered up to it I spyed an outdoor tap which by now was going to save my life.  I filled all the bottles and poured some over my sun baked head, wow it was hot.  Off I went towards scarth moor woods with Osmotherly in my sights.. This was another section I was weary of and keep building up in my head so again I wanted quash all the negativity around these areas.  The best way to deal with this is to just be prepared for them and have little stratergies.  It works, its still hard but you break them down from being monsters and making them more not necessarily happy places but nicer and achievable and undemonise them if that's a word lol!

 I made it through to Osmotherly in fairly decent shape and time was ok. Sarah was there after I eventually found her, hiding round a corner out of the way.  As ever she had everything there for me tending to my needs and Bertie the dog was with her and very excited to find me there.  It was a great  chance to just have a break and refocus, refuel and then head up the hill to Square corner.  Again this was a little section that I have built up in my head and making it horrific.  The reality is, its not that bad I've just got to get it done but allowing myself enough time to struggle up it rather than race against the clock as this is a cut-off check point and if I'm getting this far then I'm finishing.  I've been there before on the 110 and been timed out.  Its not a nice feeling and its not going to happen again!!!!  Once up the hill and another mini catch up with Sarah and Bertie I pushed to get the last 22/23 miles done.  In theory this is the easy bit as you've done the hard work and its just a matter of running down the miles.  It definitely felt good being able to run for long sections and feel like your getting somewhere, so the time and the miles were flying by.  Unfortunately I had still done 32 tough hilly miles beforehand so fatigue was creeping in what felt quick to me was actually not that fast lol!  What pleased me though was the desire to be running and the bodies willing to keep going.  It would be easy to feel broken at this point and to just plod out the remaining miles, but I wanted more, I wanted to push myself at this point because in the 160 I will sill have a 100 miles to go :)

I had been given strict instructions to call Sarah at 6pm and give an indication of what time I'll be finishing.  As always I'm very optimistic with this so Sarah has learnt to just add a bit more on to whatever I say so in this case an extra 30 to 45 mins.  I got myself finally to Sutton Bank and on to the White Horse car park where it was just starting to get dark which was going to change everything.  The fun was disappearing gradually as was the sun.  On to Cold Kirby and Rivaulx which now was just a going through the motions exercise and trying to keep pushing right to the end not letting up and walking it out.  This was not acceptable.  I ran down the hill into Helmsley feeling tired and exhausted but not totally spent, there was reserves and I knew I'd run with in myself therefore I'd have been ok to continue.  Sarah was there waiting as ever and off we went straight away as it was after 8pm now and we were both shattered.  Bath and food was calling me and bed for Sarah.  Job done, what's next!!!!

 I'm feeling very inspired at the moment and my running ambitions are probably getting a bit carried away but why not hey its not hurting anyone and its making me fitter and healthier than I've ever been.  I just can't get enough of that feeling of trying something that seems so impossible (for me) that its actually mega appealing.   Crazy I know! I love the idea of extreme training for an extreme event. The harder it is the more I want to do it and enjoy the process.  Whilst in lockdown I've really tried to basically do as much as I can do with everything else.  I've honestly pushed myself to the extreme I feel, and anymore would have resulted in injury without being able to get massages etc. There is something about testing myself and setting that ridiculously early alarm and forcing myself to get up and prepared for a long run.  In my head they're like my mini-adventures.  I might not ever be able to climb up Everest or trek to the North Pole but I can have my own mini-adventures that push me to exhaustion and achieve things that others wouldn't even dream of trying.  I read constantly books on people achieving this, and that, running the length of Great Britain, across America, The Yukon, Badwater and treks across the artic, and all I can think about is why not me? So all I'm trying to do is have a go and get as close to what they've achieved as I can.  Preparing for an event is great, deciding on what kind of training I'm going to try and see how hard I can push myself physically and mentally and how determined I am at getting my body in the best shape possible for the attempt.  I'm now at the lowest weight I have ever been, or at least since I was about 14 lol!  I've dropped down from once bordering 16 stone, to hovering at 14.5 stone to now being not just under 14 but under 13.5 and heading towards the target of under 13.  This isn't me trying to be skinny and look better in clothes as I've never been motivated like that, its about me getting fitter and better prepared for long distance Ultra events.  I seriously want to achieve greater things and I've always been held back a little by my weight.  I never let it stop me don't get me wrong, but its now at the point where its one of the things I can do something about. I'm not a naturally fast runner so I have to work with what I've got and my theory is that I have to deal with the things I can do something about and not worry about the rest.

Along side these long runs I've been boshing out over the past 6-7 weeks which has been great but taken its toll on my body somewhat, I've been doing small workouts at home using bits of kit I've either bought or made.  This would be along the lines of doing a bit of a warm up so running on the spot incorporating star jumps and jumping split steps.  This would then progress to a routine of skipping say 100 jumps, 10 press-ups, 10 air squats followed by 10 burpees and sometimes adding a couple of laps of the garden or kettlebell swings or dumb bells or bar bell.   This has worked well in improving my overall fitness and calorie burning but also my mindset of running while tired or drained.  I've also used the stairs quite a lot as I think this really helps with cardio training and continuous effort for climbing those long drawn out inclines.  A new part to my training has arisen from getting Bertie the dog.  We head out for our walks with me car a ruck sack weighing 19kg.  The funny story to this is that for at least 3 months I thought it weighed more like 15kg, then one day I weighed myself wearing it and it turns out it is 19kg!!! Great for the legs and core muscles I've decided.

What's next? What's my plans for training and races oooo I'll let you know next time :)

 Push, push, push!  Its easy to just get into the mindset of unrelenting training and constant pushing.  Once I get into a routine, for example running 7 miles every day, I find it difficult to either stop or change it.  What I've found in having the training plan from Ronnie is that I get the variety needed, but I still get carried away and currently due to covid I'm definitely over training or at least in danger of over training if I don't reign it in. The Myzone heart rate training app is great and really helped me through this period but it's dangerous too as I get addicted and carried away.  It means I have to keep going every day so as not to miss out on the bloody points.  What I notice in the training, if say a run, the effort level stays the same or at least I mean I'm still trying as hard as possible but it becomes more and more difficult to get the desired heart rate.  So for the same run its a lot lower and therefore the points total is less so actually a little disappointing.  Throw in an odd rest day and boom, its straight back up there.  So is this the body saving energy knowing that this is now the daily routine therefore it needs to preserve reserves, and when its less regular it allows more fuel/energy to be used and allows it to deplete knowing its not every day???

So based on the theory above I've mixed it up a bit.  In February I really tried to put a big effort in, not only trying to lose a bit of weight which I did, and I tried to put in as many miles as possible with some big efforts every Sunday.  Pushing myself hard over the month actually led to a couple of niggly injuries that I knew weren't major but needed managing.  Knee's and hip were the main areas that needed constant stretching and focus.  What pleased me the most was being able to work through these longer distances such as 28,30 and 35 miles while slightly impeded by these injuries.  Not always advisable but I looked after them and I was able to rest in between runs as I'm not working at the moment.  This week I'm doing a few different things whilst allowing a bit of recovery, such as when I'm walking the dog I'm carrying a 15kg back pack so I'm still putting in a shift.  I did short sprints and hill repeats yesterday over a 4 mile distance, and back out with the dog this morning.  I intend to do a short workout this afternoon before long run tomorrow of 22 miles and 30 on Saturday or Sunday. 

I actually like this periods because I become a little more inventive with my training which gives me an extra edge.  What I've gained from the last few months apart from a greater fitness and weight loss, is stronger resilience and confidence from being able to just get out my back door and run.  

So my message today is, like the Nike logo says, "Just do it!" ..........

No excuse :)

Love this as it reminds me of something very important.  Once you get to the point of wanting to quit, that's when the journey really begins!!!

 On and on, it never ends! Ha ha that's how the training feels sometimes but its getting through those days or runs which help you to become not only physically stronger but mentally more resilient.  February was a big month for me in my training, not necessarily what my program said but it had to be then.  Its about making it work for you, if I didn't strike whilst the iron was hot I'd potentially miss my chance of doing something new or at least different, in this case that was mileage.  I don't think I have ever ran as many miles as this especially over a period of a month.  The consistency factor is what was important here, I maintained a focus on being steady and not necessarily pushing myself too hard as long as I got the miles in or time on my feet.  I have had a few niggly injuries to contend with, my left knee is almost better and my right hip flexor is almost better.  So with these in mind I just wanted to get the miles in without making anything worse or making any more injuries.   Yes I probably would have recovered quicker if I'd just rested but my confidence now is much greater, I have no issues with just going out the door and running 30 miles which actually sounds completely bonkers lol! I've now managed to do it for 6 weeks in a row and kept up the mileage mid-week.  I wouldn't advise this for everyone, and I'm no sure if I could do it when I'm back working either.

I think with all this time off work its given me the opportunity to get more training in than ever before which I won't ever be able to replicate again I don't think.  For that I feel very lucky as its been my saviour through these tough times mentally and physically.  Its enabled be me to be more focused on my training and diet.  Basically there's no excuse! I've now managed to lose over 5kg so I'm actually only a few kg's of my target weight for the race.  I'm now getting quite excited about the event and really believe I can do it this time.

What's on the horizon?  In the next few weeks I'll be looking to complete the virtual Hardmoors 55.  I'm going to use the actual route and go from Slapeworth Pub carpark so I can use the experience as a recce for the 160.  This is where it is going to be crucial in my race as it was the place I began to breakdown last time.  Its maybe just a mental think but I'm focused on giving myself a confidence boost for this section so I can mentally overcome the challenge.  I know its where I lose time so I want to learn a bit more about that section so I know where I have to push harder and when its ok to just plod uphill. I truly believe if I can just get passed Roseberry Topping with a bit of time in the bank still then get over to Osmotherly Square Corner in time then I can do it.  Yes its hard work all the way round but I've learnt is there are sections that if I make it a concentrated effort then I can come out of that section successful. This is how I approach it, in sections, I know the weak spots and where I just need to dig in and put in an effort and I know the sections where I can cruise a little.  Love it!!! Unfortunately this is the easy bit, training.  Yes I know I hear you, its not that easy getting out the door, getting the time, feeling tired all the time, aching all the time, managing injuries, I know I know!! But it is, since I don't go out and run 160 miles in training its difficult to replicate how it feels, but if your training hard and feeling tired, aching, and mentally drained then you're preparing yourself the best you can! I do think I should do a 100 mile training run beforehand, I would do an event in February or early March if there was one. Its mindset!  Preparing your mind for being uncomfortable constantly for 50 hours basically. So in your training its important to take this in to account, so for me its not just about pace its about being uncomfortable and still getting the job done.  David Goggins book is very good on this he talks about it quite a lot. He believes in making his training uncomfortable so he's ready to smash it!