Well, another long week at work with late nights and many excuses not to hit the roads. After my walk to Peel last weekend I did not feel too guilty failing to make it out, but needed a walk this weekend to at least keep the miles coming. I was however talked in to playing golf on Sat morning (thanks Mark G) at least we had a good game (as we played in a team event which masked my inadequacies!); but that blew any prospects of a long walk on Saturday.
The saviour however was a repeat of our walking/dining night which meant I did a quick 6 mile blast round the Southern 100 course last night with Neil Skillen who was No 18 last year on his first ever attempt (which was amazing); followed by a couple of glasses of wine and a great meal (thanks Mary).
Although not the best week of training, just ensuring that you keep going out there definitely helps. Neil also noticed that the 10k training I have done over the winter has helped with the speed especially as he has had an enforced layoff through back injury. He ended up getting a blister last night (purely as a result of newish shoes and a speedy pace i guess). I tried to be sympathetic but a blister in 6 miles from someone who was barely blistered after the Parish deserved some banter....
Neil has not yet committed to doing the Parish especially as a result of the injury but I am sure he may still go for it and will be a real top 10 contender if he does, as anyone who finishes in 18hrs on their first go has got a lot of potential to improve times.
Anyway have more work to do today but might try and sneak out for an hour tonight - I really should....
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Back in Training (and blogging!)
Well it has been a difficult few weeks to keep up the training (and even more difficult to keep up the blogging!). I have been away a lot recently and although I have tried to get in a walk or 2 whenever I can it has proved pretty difficult.
Whilst away I have also realised that walking on a treadmill in the gym is very difficult. Even watching tv is nothing like going outside and hitting the streets. I think nothing of going out for an hour quick walk but more than 30mins on treadmill is really difficult. I have therefore taken to warming up with a 10 min walk then 20 - 30 min run then warm down walk - at least this gets the heart pumping and good for the fitness. Anyway now back on the rock I have no more excuses!
2 weeks ago I entered the 5th round of the 10k series. I managed to improve my fastest time a little bit to 1:02:22. This is the first time i have entered the race walking and have really enjoyed it, so looking forward to the last race in a couple of weeks time (as I think there are only 5 races this year?) and then the goal for next year - getting under 60mins.
I have just been away with the kids for half term which was great fun but again not so good for the training as there was nowhere to walk so attempted to stick to the treadmill routine (and eating and drinking routine too!). Anyway feeling guilty on my last day away I decided that, to mark the start of serious training, I would do the Douglas peel parish route on Saturday morning, meeting for lunch at the Creek. We got back on the late Friday night flight and setting my alarm for 6:30am the next morning suddenly didn't seem like a good idea!
I woke up to torrential rain and got ready slowly hoping it would ease off. It is a bit of a challenge walking 30miles without any support in that weather so as I crashed around trying to find all my gear I "inadvertently" woke gemma up and happened to mention that if she was passing the round table I might meet her there at around 11:30. Anyway ended up setting off at about 7:30 with bottle of squash and a yogurt bar and some cash for the shop in ballasalla. My plan that the rain would stop failed miserably....
I had decided to do the parish route, bar the trips to the churches which seems to knock about 2 miles off. It turned out to be quite a slog as the first 2 hours saw relentless rain. We are used to seeing lots of fellow walkers and runners out, but the only runner I met was in Santon. He was running the other way and as we passed each other the same thought was definitely going through our heads as we both said to each other as we passed - "what are we doing! and i still had over 20miles to go! That said we were both smiling.
By that stage I had already been slowed going up the sloping road in Santon. The road was closed but I thought it would be ok for pedestrians - I was wrong!! Having scrambled over hardcore and soil half way up I met 2 surprised workers who were digging away on the new natural gas pipeline. I apologised but said I would like to jump over the trench - having warned me it was at my own risk; and looking at me as if I was mad (I was wearing shorts (which I regretted going up the sloc) they smiled as I plowed on.
Despite the weather I was in pretty good spirits by Ballasalla. The lady in the shop looked a little surprised as I lumbered in muddy (from the trench incident) and dripping wet but a boost and a bottle of lucozade perked me up and I was through to the bottom of the sloc at over 5mph.
The climb started fine but it was really foggy and about half way up visibilty was down to about 30ft and it was getting very cold. Not many cars to avoid although some people were driving around without any lights on?!?!?! towards the top a guy on a bike came flying down and gave me a wave (I hope he made it down ok too as he didnt have any lights - but neither did i though).
I had my second boost bar at the top and felt ok but getting stiff and legs were beginning to get sore. My early morning scheme worked like a dream as on the way to the round table my car appeared out of the gloom (with lights on) with gemma smiling at the wheel. I had a banana but could not face anymore chocolate but foolishly did not take anything sweet. I had my heart set on the guilt free lunch at the Creek so thought I would hang on - mistake....
Gem offered me a lift but I managed to resist (probably because we were too early for the Creek!) and plowed on. Gem had decided to drive to Peel and run back until she met me coming in.
I started running low on reserves at about Dalby (although it had finally stopped raining by then:) ) and could not seem to get back to 5mph. Gem met me about 3miles out and immediately picked up my speed because she turned back and started walking at 5.2 (Garmin speed still my focus!!) I therefore trailed in her slipstream!! She was very pleased especially when we went passed the dog walkers at the Raggat who gave me a knowing smile as gemma powered passed arms pumping, with me sodden and muddy with arms wafting and struggling in her wake. I wanted to plead the realities but grimaced and trudged past....
6 hrs had passed but I eventually plodded into the Creek and fish and chips and a pint of guest bitter later I was smiling again.
This was a good kick start to the training - I also learnt a few things - wear long skins or equivalent if cold. leg ache definitely increased with cold legs. Need to carry a bit more food esp savoury if I do it again and need to do a lot more training if hope to get under 17hrs...
No pictures this time as too wet to get the phone out but training regime kick started and ready for more!
Whilst away I have also realised that walking on a treadmill in the gym is very difficult. Even watching tv is nothing like going outside and hitting the streets. I think nothing of going out for an hour quick walk but more than 30mins on treadmill is really difficult. I have therefore taken to warming up with a 10 min walk then 20 - 30 min run then warm down walk - at least this gets the heart pumping and good for the fitness. Anyway now back on the rock I have no more excuses!
2 weeks ago I entered the 5th round of the 10k series. I managed to improve my fastest time a little bit to 1:02:22. This is the first time i have entered the race walking and have really enjoyed it, so looking forward to the last race in a couple of weeks time (as I think there are only 5 races this year?) and then the goal for next year - getting under 60mins.
I have just been away with the kids for half term which was great fun but again not so good for the training as there was nowhere to walk so attempted to stick to the treadmill routine (and eating and drinking routine too!). Anyway feeling guilty on my last day away I decided that, to mark the start of serious training, I would do the Douglas peel parish route on Saturday morning, meeting for lunch at the Creek. We got back on the late Friday night flight and setting my alarm for 6:30am the next morning suddenly didn't seem like a good idea!
I woke up to torrential rain and got ready slowly hoping it would ease off. It is a bit of a challenge walking 30miles without any support in that weather so as I crashed around trying to find all my gear I "inadvertently" woke gemma up and happened to mention that if she was passing the round table I might meet her there at around 11:30. Anyway ended up setting off at about 7:30 with bottle of squash and a yogurt bar and some cash for the shop in ballasalla. My plan that the rain would stop failed miserably....
I had decided to do the parish route, bar the trips to the churches which seems to knock about 2 miles off. It turned out to be quite a slog as the first 2 hours saw relentless rain. We are used to seeing lots of fellow walkers and runners out, but the only runner I met was in Santon. He was running the other way and as we passed each other the same thought was definitely going through our heads as we both said to each other as we passed - "what are we doing! and i still had over 20miles to go! That said we were both smiling.
By that stage I had already been slowed going up the sloping road in Santon. The road was closed but I thought it would be ok for pedestrians - I was wrong!! Having scrambled over hardcore and soil half way up I met 2 surprised workers who were digging away on the new natural gas pipeline. I apologised but said I would like to jump over the trench - having warned me it was at my own risk; and looking at me as if I was mad (I was wearing shorts (which I regretted going up the sloc) they smiled as I plowed on.
Despite the weather I was in pretty good spirits by Ballasalla. The lady in the shop looked a little surprised as I lumbered in muddy (from the trench incident) and dripping wet but a boost and a bottle of lucozade perked me up and I was through to the bottom of the sloc at over 5mph.
The climb started fine but it was really foggy and about half way up visibilty was down to about 30ft and it was getting very cold. Not many cars to avoid although some people were driving around without any lights on?!?!?! towards the top a guy on a bike came flying down and gave me a wave (I hope he made it down ok too as he didnt have any lights - but neither did i though).
I had my second boost bar at the top and felt ok but getting stiff and legs were beginning to get sore. My early morning scheme worked like a dream as on the way to the round table my car appeared out of the gloom (with lights on) with gemma smiling at the wheel. I had a banana but could not face anymore chocolate but foolishly did not take anything sweet. I had my heart set on the guilt free lunch at the Creek so thought I would hang on - mistake....
Gem offered me a lift but I managed to resist (probably because we were too early for the Creek!) and plowed on. Gem had decided to drive to Peel and run back until she met me coming in.
I started running low on reserves at about Dalby (although it had finally stopped raining by then:) ) and could not seem to get back to 5mph. Gem met me about 3miles out and immediately picked up my speed because she turned back and started walking at 5.2 (Garmin speed still my focus!!) I therefore trailed in her slipstream!! She was very pleased especially when we went passed the dog walkers at the Raggat who gave me a knowing smile as gemma powered passed arms pumping, with me sodden and muddy with arms wafting and struggling in her wake. I wanted to plead the realities but grimaced and trudged past....
6 hrs had passed but I eventually plodded into the Creek and fish and chips and a pint of guest bitter later I was smiling again.
This was a good kick start to the training - I also learnt a few things - wear long skins or equivalent if cold. leg ache definitely increased with cold legs. Need to carry a bit more food esp savoury if I do it again and need to do a lot more training if hope to get under 17hrs...
No pictures this time as too wet to get the phone out but training regime kick started and ready for more!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Misty Mann
Well I did say after my last post that it might be a tricky weekend to do much training over the then following weekend (23-24)... Well I managed to get the game of golf in I mentioned. First one of the year and I was rubbish!!! Too much focus on the walking over the last year is my excuse but it is running a bit thin!!! Anyway carrying the clubs and walking quickly round the course made me feel a bit better!!!! The other excuse was that it was really foggy mist just clearing half way round - the phone photos don't really do it justice but it was a pretty spectacular...
(cant post images on iPad for some reason - pic to follow....)
Managed to get out on Sunday for a good walk round Baldwin again despite a late night at the wish upon a dream function (which was a great night - thanks Steve M for the invite).
one walk on Tuesday night was all I could manage as I was very busy with work last week and off to Paris last weekend with work (separate photo post to follow as managed to get one walk whilst away)
(cant post images on iPad for some reason - pic to follow....)
Managed to get out on Sunday for a good walk round Baldwin again despite a late night at the wish upon a dream function (which was a great night - thanks Steve M for the invite).
one walk on Tuesday night was all I could manage as I was very busy with work last week and off to Paris last weekend with work (separate photo post to follow as managed to get one walk whilst away)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
An alternative Saturday Night
It has taken me a while to right this one up as I have been very busy this week (and as a consequence the weekday training has gone out of the window).
The story starts with trying to fit some training in whilst maintaining a work/social/life balance. Gemma came up with a great plan to invite some friends round for a bite to eat but then require them to come for a walk before they could eat! Despite the wet weather we manage to persuade everyone to walk. Although I think they all thought we were mad we all felt great after the walk and no guilt eating the desert.
Managed a quick 9 mile hilly walk on Sunday which was good but that is it. I have started the New Year health food kick and believe it or not we are all eating from a great app called Good Food Healthy Eating which has lots of tasty but healthy recipes - even all the kids like it so must be a great sign.
Weekend i need to have a major workout but first golf of year planned and the wish upon a dream do on Saturday night is going to make that tricky too.... Let's see what happens...
The story starts with trying to fit some training in whilst maintaining a work/social/life balance. Gemma came up with a great plan to invite some friends round for a bite to eat but then require them to come for a walk before they could eat! Despite the wet weather we manage to persuade everyone to walk. Although I think they all thought we were mad we all felt great after the walk and no guilt eating the desert.
Managed a quick 9 mile hilly walk on Sunday which was good but that is it. I have started the New Year health food kick and believe it or not we are all eating from a great app called Good Food Healthy Eating which has lots of tasty but healthy recipes - even all the kids like it so must be a great sign.
Weekend i need to have a major workout but first golf of year planned and the wish upon a dream do on Saturday night is going to make that tricky too.... Let's see what happens...
Friday, January 14, 2011
A Prom Night
Managed to drag myself out just for a quick blast up and down the prom. Took kids and dog but tried to run between them and speed walk too to get a bit of extra exercise. Good to see a lot of walkers out there already; bumped into Mark W power walking with his dog (and he made Tuesday too) so expect to see his entry pop up on Murray's Parish blog soon.
I have been gently trying to encourage my kids to walk but I think they find it a little boring! Managed to get them out tonight - here is the proof - Cath and her friend Georgie were apparently also doing there revision on their ipods but I am not too sure how much they got through! Georgie tells me she follows the site - I guess I will find out if she sees the picture....
BTW Feel like the flu has completely cleared up so no more excuses!
I have been gently trying to encourage my kids to walk but I think they find it a little boring! Managed to get them out tonight - here is the proof - Cath and her friend Georgie were apparently also doing there revision on their ipods but I am not too sure how much they got through! Georgie tells me she follows the site - I guess I will find out if she sees the picture....
BTW Feel like the flu has completely cleared up so no more excuses!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Man Flu Gone - 2011 training starts!
Flu gone, so managed to keep to my plan in the last blog to go out for the first proper walk of the year. In fact managed to go out on Saturday and Sunday. Took the dog out round Sollag Rd/East/West Baldwin route on Saturday which is about 9 miles and pretty hilly - I think it is over 2k climb according to the Garmin so my hope is that this will help especially for the Sloc and Maughold.
Unfortunately Oscar (my dog) is getting pretty old (over 10 now) so after about 5miles he begins to slow down so it is good for slower training walks but it is difficult to go full pelt especially with him on a lead.
On Sunday Nick was playing football at Ramsey so I dropped him off and tried to do a quicker walk round a 6.5mile loop. My energy levels are not quite back to pre Christmas though, as I ran out of steam about half way round and decided to slow down a bit to make sure I could get out this week.
Unfortunately missed the Tuesday training tonight as I was still working, but my wife Gemma and her friend Lorraine went down for their first session and really enjoyed it - so I may have to start getting her to do some of this blogging!!
Just been reading Richard's recent blog about rehydration/water intake sounds like a good idea - think I will add this to my list of tips if he doesn't mind!
At the end of this eclectic blog here is a picture of our fantastic Island - for no particular reason other than it looks great and it is probably a view that you would get from the E2E.
Unfortunately Oscar (my dog) is getting pretty old (over 10 now) so after about 5miles he begins to slow down so it is good for slower training walks but it is difficult to go full pelt especially with him on a lead.
On Sunday Nick was playing football at Ramsey so I dropped him off and tried to do a quicker walk round a 6.5mile loop. My energy levels are not quite back to pre Christmas though, as I ran out of steam about half way round and decided to slow down a bit to make sure I could get out this week.
Unfortunately missed the Tuesday training tonight as I was still working, but my wife Gemma and her friend Lorraine went down for their first session and really enjoyed it - so I may have to start getting her to do some of this blogging!!
Just been reading Richard's recent blog about rehydration/water intake sounds like a good idea - think I will add this to my list of tips if he doesn't mind!
At the end of this eclectic blog here is a picture of our fantastic Island - for no particular reason other than it looks great and it is probably a view that you would get from the E2E.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Earthquakes and Man Flu & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Well, it has been a while since my last blog - lingering snow and then an unhealthy bout of the lhergy that everyone seems to have had has wiped me out over the New Year. Unfortunately I am still struggling to shake it off so training has come to a complete stop despite wanting to train (even without the threat of a New Years resolution!)and going slightly stir crazy!
BTW I cannot really blame the earthquake but I thought the heading might catch the eye and it did excite the kids as we all felt it and realised it must have been a small quake!
I hope to be back to fighting fit by the weekend so I can go on my first walk of the year on Sunday - I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks to Sue for her comment on the other page of this blog. I hope that others will join in and we can add to the tips page to produce a central list as the tips definitely helped me for both my Parish efforts.
I will blog again once I have done something other than drink lemsip (albeit I am now on honey lemon and whisky which is a good excuse!).
J
BTW I cannot really blame the earthquake but I thought the heading might catch the eye and it did excite the kids as we all felt it and realised it must have been a small quake!
I hope to be back to fighting fit by the weekend so I can go on my first walk of the year on Sunday - I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks to Sue for her comment on the other page of this blog. I hope that others will join in and we can add to the tips page to produce a central list as the tips definitely helped me for both my Parish efforts.
I will blog again once I have done something other than drink lemsip (albeit I am now on honey lemon and whisky which is a good excuse!).
J
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