No time tonight but noticed lots of you reading over the last few days - 120 yesterday.
Your thoughts may have turned to the weather apart from the local sites my friend Mark put me on to this site today http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/Douglas
Looks pretty detailed but the weather doesn't look great - hopefully it will improve :)
Went out for a gentle walk with the dog. Came back with sore knee and tired too, so put it down to mental issues surrounding tapering and the doubts we all suffer!!! Put it all out of my head now and decided to have a glass of wine to aid the carbo loading situation! Only one though...
Jon
Parish memory: too early for a bacon bap at steve M's house at the Blackboards last year and nearly missing Cath who was staying there to give me supplies... I am sure you will all receive supplies there again - thanks Steve
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
4 More Sleeps
I have received quite a few emails since posting my new "wildwalker" address on the blog. It looks like quite a few of you have had trouble posting comments as the blogger is a bit of a pain to set up. Thanks to all those wishing me well - much appreciated and best of luck to everyone too. Whilst I believe you make your own luck - I think we all need a bit over such a long event. I have to confess that having read Richard's blog re the weather I am getting a bit worried as rain and gale force winds not the best combination although hopefully this will blow us all up the west coast!
A public thanks to Michael Bonney who sent me his great excel spreadsheet - I eagerly plugged in last years times with I think a more accurate mileage breakdown. It was interesting to see the gradual tail off in my speed; unfortunately I worked out I would need to set off at about 10mph to be up with the leaders - i need to borrow a bike !!
I have found tapering unusually easy this year as I have almost ground to a complete halt - what with the office move and 2 nights out this week I am left with tomorrow as my only stroll this week. The carbo loading is going well though!! and I have put more training in than last year - the blog has helped to incentivise me over the last few months so I am staying up beat and have convinced myself I am ready for Sat morning.
Last minute preparation: quick shop at up and running to stock up on the Zero high sports drink tablets for the electrolyte drink intake to mix with the water stops. Job for tomorrow; light walk and load songs on ipod. Out Thursday night and then pack Friday night and last blog before D Day. I have asked daughter Cath to do mobile blog upload on the day so will have to see if that works for the culmination of the story...
Jon
Last few Parish memories; standing on finish line with Andrew Titley and Neil Skillen as per my blog picture(Neil amazingly finished in just over 18hrs on his first ever go - and he still blames me for telling him not to start off too quick as he was only a few minutes behind at the end!! - the plan worked!!!)
A public thanks to Michael Bonney who sent me his great excel spreadsheet - I eagerly plugged in last years times with I think a more accurate mileage breakdown. It was interesting to see the gradual tail off in my speed; unfortunately I worked out I would need to set off at about 10mph to be up with the leaders - i need to borrow a bike !!
I have found tapering unusually easy this year as I have almost ground to a complete halt - what with the office move and 2 nights out this week I am left with tomorrow as my only stroll this week. The carbo loading is going well though!! and I have put more training in than last year - the blog has helped to incentivise me over the last few months so I am staying up beat and have convinced myself I am ready for Sat morning.
Last minute preparation: quick shop at up and running to stock up on the Zero high sports drink tablets for the electrolyte drink intake to mix with the water stops. Job for tomorrow; light walk and load songs on ipod. Out Thursday night and then pack Friday night and last blog before D Day. I have asked daughter Cath to do mobile blog upload on the day so will have to see if that works for the culmination of the story...
Jon
Last few Parish memories; standing on finish line with Andrew Titley and Neil Skillen as per my blog picture(Neil amazingly finished in just over 18hrs on his first ever go - and he still blames me for telling him not to start off too quick as he was only a few minutes behind at the end!! - the plan worked!!!)
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The Final Countdown
Well just back from trip away and not done much since the wet weather session on Friday. Did a few miles just to stretch the legs out but not had time to do a proper workout. Just thinking through final preparations for food and drink for the support team as clothing all now planned.
I have already talked quite a lot about the food and drink to eat on the day so won't repeat it all again but soup rice pudding and other easily digestible food is I think important to have available especially in the second half. The ability to eat solids gets harder as he event progresses so I am planning to try to eat some solid food early on with the odd banana thrown in.
Another thing I have been planning is my planned timing round the course. Although there is of course no guarantee you can do this on the day; I think it is a good idea to have a few target times at some of the churches - your support crew can perhaps keep these especially past Peel.
This is not only to make sure you have a realistic target whether it is for Rushen, Peel, beyond or all the way. If you want to go as far as you can it is important not too set off too quick - it is really easy to get carried away... That said my own view is that it is still important to set yourself a reasonable relaxed pace that you are comfortable with. At the end of the day if you can get round in 20 hours or so then it is still 4 hours less on your feet... Imagine how your legs ache just standing up for 4 hours! So if you work out a sensible pace before you start then you will probably walk a bit quicker but you might want to reign yourself in a bit if you are trying to get all the way round.
If you haven't been for a walk with the gear you plan to wear on the day (including the bib) I suggest you do - it is worthwhile to take a trip out in the next few days just to make sure you are comfortable and have no niggles....
The final countdown is upon us!
Jon
Ps another parish memory; a kind lady outside her house with a table full of oranges drink and other goodies just when I needed it somewhere up North (too hot and tired to remember where! )
I have already talked quite a lot about the food and drink to eat on the day so won't repeat it all again but soup rice pudding and other easily digestible food is I think important to have available especially in the second half. The ability to eat solids gets harder as he event progresses so I am planning to try to eat some solid food early on with the odd banana thrown in.
Another thing I have been planning is my planned timing round the course. Although there is of course no guarantee you can do this on the day; I think it is a good idea to have a few target times at some of the churches - your support crew can perhaps keep these especially past Peel.
This is not only to make sure you have a realistic target whether it is for Rushen, Peel, beyond or all the way. If you want to go as far as you can it is important not too set off too quick - it is really easy to get carried away... That said my own view is that it is still important to set yourself a reasonable relaxed pace that you are comfortable with. At the end of the day if you can get round in 20 hours or so then it is still 4 hours less on your feet... Imagine how your legs ache just standing up for 4 hours! So if you work out a sensible pace before you start then you will probably walk a bit quicker but you might want to reign yourself in a bit if you are trying to get all the way round.
If you haven't been for a walk with the gear you plan to wear on the day (including the bib) I suggest you do - it is worthwhile to take a trip out in the next few days just to make sure you are comfortable and have no niggles....
The final countdown is upon us!
Jon
Ps another parish memory; a kind lady outside her house with a table full of oranges drink and other goodies just when I needed it somewhere up North (too hot and tired to remember where! )
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Wet Weather Test
Well beginning to feel a lot better which is a big relief. Apparently it was a virus, my hotline to my parish walk physician (aka THE Doctor) confirmed something is going round and that should be well cleared before the countdown clock stops - neurofen and diarolyte .... This soon made me feel a lot better and having taken another day off watching Elton John (which was fab) I felt I had to go out tonight.
Anyway back to the title - the most appalling day; I guess a few inches of water laid down after endless rain which brings good news and bad news
Lets start with the good: I always try to stay positive so the fact that it poured down all day gives a great opportunity to test out the wet weather gear. I therefore wrapped up with my birthday hat and gloves (see march posting) and also donned the under armour full length pants and my parish bib. I tried to avoid mirrors and the kids on the way out and with hat pulled down low i went out into the rain. I soon ditched the gloves as found them quite annoying to walk with - so will just leave them in the car in case it is really cold on the sloc or at night. I have only walked in the long pants a few times but they were fine and I reckon they will soon dry out if the weather dries which is handy so they will be packed in the car (or worn if really bad weather first thing). The ron hill hat was great, very light, kept the rain out of eyes and is ok for the day if raining or if hot. Make sure you have a light coloured baseball type hat in the support vehicle. They are also essential if it is hot and sunny as you will really suffer if you don't cover your head - also some regular cold water in the hat really helped keep me cool last year. the bib is still fine although i now remember that the Velcro catches a bit on the arms so be careful how you do it up at the beginning - it can be annoying to have to fiddle around with stuff once you get going so may as well sort it out before you start.
So walk went well despite the rain albeit my left knee remains a little niggly but there is always something that annoys you so just put them out of your mind - it will be replaced by some other pain on the day!!! My socks were a thicker training pair so I found that they got soaked pretty quick and retained the water so I am definitely still on the Nike Dry fits regardless of the weather.
The Bad News: Not parish related but moving office today, not too far - only down the road but definitely not the best day to be traipsing up and down the Athol St and then into the office walking all over our new carpets.... The weather could not have been worse but we are nearly in which is exciting and the office is just next to the Courthouse so ideally placed for post parish celebration!
I have had a few people contact me directly by email as apparently the comments section is a bit difficult to log into. I am impressed that people have been bothered to track me down so I have opened a "wildwalker" email address with a link at the top of the page - please feel free to drop me a line with any last minute issues - preparation really is the key and everyone forgets to do something. Believe it or not I have been banging on about socks for a while but I still haven't replaced the pair which developed a hole so I really need to sort that out....
Well I am away this weekend so maybe just a short walk later on fathers day - the countdown is now in single figures.....
More Parish Memories: The friendly householders who came out with a hose pipe and a sprinkler to spray you as you go by. I especially remember someone going out of peel who I gave a big thumbs up to, to give me a good spray as I plodded by...
Later
.
Anyway back to the title - the most appalling day; I guess a few inches of water laid down after endless rain which brings good news and bad news
Lets start with the good: I always try to stay positive so the fact that it poured down all day gives a great opportunity to test out the wet weather gear. I therefore wrapped up with my birthday hat and gloves (see march posting) and also donned the under armour full length pants and my parish bib. I tried to avoid mirrors and the kids on the way out and with hat pulled down low i went out into the rain. I soon ditched the gloves as found them quite annoying to walk with - so will just leave them in the car in case it is really cold on the sloc or at night. I have only walked in the long pants a few times but they were fine and I reckon they will soon dry out if the weather dries which is handy so they will be packed in the car (or worn if really bad weather first thing). The ron hill hat was great, very light, kept the rain out of eyes and is ok for the day if raining or if hot. Make sure you have a light coloured baseball type hat in the support vehicle. They are also essential if it is hot and sunny as you will really suffer if you don't cover your head - also some regular cold water in the hat really helped keep me cool last year. the bib is still fine although i now remember that the Velcro catches a bit on the arms so be careful how you do it up at the beginning - it can be annoying to have to fiddle around with stuff once you get going so may as well sort it out before you start.
So walk went well despite the rain albeit my left knee remains a little niggly but there is always something that annoys you so just put them out of your mind - it will be replaced by some other pain on the day!!! My socks were a thicker training pair so I found that they got soaked pretty quick and retained the water so I am definitely still on the Nike Dry fits regardless of the weather.
The Bad News: Not parish related but moving office today, not too far - only down the road but definitely not the best day to be traipsing up and down the Athol St and then into the office walking all over our new carpets.... The weather could not have been worse but we are nearly in which is exciting and the office is just next to the Courthouse so ideally placed for post parish celebration!
I have had a few people contact me directly by email as apparently the comments section is a bit difficult to log into. I am impressed that people have been bothered to track me down so I have opened a "wildwalker" email address with a link at the top of the page - please feel free to drop me a line with any last minute issues - preparation really is the key and everyone forgets to do something. Believe it or not I have been banging on about socks for a while but I still haven't replaced the pair which developed a hole so I really need to sort that out....
Well I am away this weekend so maybe just a short walk later on fathers day - the countdown is now in single figures.....
More Parish Memories: The friendly householders who came out with a hose pipe and a sprinkler to spray you as you go by. I especially remember someone going out of peel who I gave a big thumbs up to, to give me a good spray as I plodded by...
Later
.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Summer Cold
Not much to report in the last couple of days. Picked up a slight summer bug with sore throat and generally feeling a little below par. Nothing desperate I hope, but taken a couple of days off. Plan to go for a short waltonight just to stretch the legs out. Hopefully back to 100%in the next day or 2.
As not much to happening over the last couple of days I wondered what was left outstanding from the increased blogging aka rambling writing, over the last few months. I realise I did not really confess to the outcome of the weight loss program over period. I have not really been dieting as with the increased training you still need to eat well and I enjoy my food and have a good appetite! I have however cut down on processed stuff and don't eat White bread(even our great "White and healthy"!) or fast food etc. I have also cut down on wine and beer which helps too.at the time I had probably put on about 7 lbs since finishing the parish last year but have currently got down to about 4 lbs under last years weight. I am hoping to loose a couple more pounds before we start (in 10 sleeps) therefore should be around 7 lbs lighter than last year and about a stone lost overall.
I am hoping this will give me a bit more of an advantage over last years competitor. I have approached this year's event with the view that I am racing myself from last year. This has certainly helped give me a good focus and encorouged me to work on fitness & technique as well. The combination of definitely improving in all 3 areas over the past 6 months or so has hopefully enabled me to stand on the line in 11 days time quitely confident that barring mishap i should be able to beat last years me - if that makes sense. If I am going to achieve my 3 goals (finish, beat last years time,complete in under 17) I will need some luck as well but I should go in with the right frame of mind which is a good half of the battle.
I was also talking yesterday to Geoff Gelling part of the strong Barclays showing this year. I have spoken to him before about the tactics and tips etc and it is great to see their team has put so much in to this. Geoff seems very focused on finishing this year and I am sure he will get there and have that great smile on his face walking down the prom on Sunday morning - nothing compares to the first time....
Part of the reason for mentioning Geoff is that I am rather hoping he reads this as I was looking through a news report yesterday which had Jock's tips mentioned and Jock was saying he wears double skin socks. I had given Geoff chapter and verse yesterday on how i wear the breathable socks and like the nike dry fit as nike spend a lot of time and money on sock technology - i thought they must be be worth a try and they work for me having now tried a few brands (i seem to wear socks out v quick).I also explained sweating/dampness promotes blisters, so breathable and tight reduces the friction that causes them. Having fired him up to buy, wash and "break in" new socks today I see jock goes with the double skin approach - so Geoff go with what you have and donate the sock money to the Barclays Charity!
Anyway need to get off to work soon so will sign off and blog again in a couple of days to continue the countdown.....getting excited now not long to go.....
Jon
As not much to happening over the last couple of days I wondered what was left outstanding from the increased blogging aka rambling writing, over the last few months. I realise I did not really confess to the outcome of the weight loss program over period. I have not really been dieting as with the increased training you still need to eat well and I enjoy my food and have a good appetite! I have however cut down on processed stuff and don't eat White bread(even our great "White and healthy"!) or fast food etc. I have also cut down on wine and beer which helps too.at the time I had probably put on about 7 lbs since finishing the parish last year but have currently got down to about 4 lbs under last years weight. I am hoping to loose a couple more pounds before we start (in 10 sleeps) therefore should be around 7 lbs lighter than last year and about a stone lost overall.
I am hoping this will give me a bit more of an advantage over last years competitor. I have approached this year's event with the view that I am racing myself from last year. This has certainly helped give me a good focus and encorouged me to work on fitness & technique as well. The combination of definitely improving in all 3 areas over the past 6 months or so has hopefully enabled me to stand on the line in 11 days time quitely confident that barring mishap i should be able to beat last years me - if that makes sense. If I am going to achieve my 3 goals (finish, beat last years time,complete in under 17) I will need some luck as well but I should go in with the right frame of mind which is a good half of the battle.
I was also talking yesterday to Geoff Gelling part of the strong Barclays showing this year. I have spoken to him before about the tactics and tips etc and it is great to see their team has put so much in to this. Geoff seems very focused on finishing this year and I am sure he will get there and have that great smile on his face walking down the prom on Sunday morning - nothing compares to the first time....
Part of the reason for mentioning Geoff is that I am rather hoping he reads this as I was looking through a news report yesterday which had Jock's tips mentioned and Jock was saying he wears double skin socks. I had given Geoff chapter and verse yesterday on how i wear the breathable socks and like the nike dry fit as nike spend a lot of time and money on sock technology - i thought they must be be worth a try and they work for me having now tried a few brands (i seem to wear socks out v quick).I also explained sweating/dampness promotes blisters, so breathable and tight reduces the friction that causes them. Having fired him up to buy, wash and "break in" new socks today I see jock goes with the double skin approach - so Geoff go with what you have and donate the sock money to the Barclays Charity!
Anyway need to get off to work soon so will sign off and blog again in a couple of days to continue the countdown.....getting excited now not long to go.....
Jon
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The Island is Walking
The Island is Walking - Well that was it felt like this morning. I wasn't expecting to see anyone out as the dog woke me this morning as he had a "friend" over and they decided that they wanted to wake up at 5ish and I never made it back to sleep! (Even more surprising as had been at a 70s night fancy dress party raising money for Guide Dogs for the Blind that Gemma was helping organise and the Mateus Rose and Liebfrau was flowing!!!).
Anyway went for a decent walk at 7am but still saw lots of people out. I went for a different lap as picking the car up from Onchan so had a lovely walk via the prom with the sun shining brightly. I was back by 9am so had the rest of the day ahead but lots of walkers and indeed runners and cyclists out - it is great to see. Running the kids around in the morning saw me pass lots of groups practising the Parish route Laxey to Douglas.
Then it suddenly became winter by lunchtime, at least in Douglas - freezing wind and rain and thoughts of perhaps another walk in the afternoon evaporated like the sun.... so spent the afternoon with the family and tapering starting now in front of the TV!
The other bit of running around this morning was to drop my improver's trophy off which has had pride of place for this last year :( When I won it Jane Crowe a former winner came over and said I had got her trophy and told me to look after it! I now know how she feels so I will have to pass the message on to the next winner whoever you are... I am now in good company though as former winners included Michael George and Mark Hempsall and Gill Cunningham.
It will have a new name on in a couple of weeks time but time to hand it back. I don't think I have a picture of this yet so Chess took one when we were packing it in the car - it weighs a ton - good Pooil Vaaish Quarry slate! and thanks to MSM for the trophy.
Anyway went for a decent walk at 7am but still saw lots of people out. I went for a different lap as picking the car up from Onchan so had a lovely walk via the prom with the sun shining brightly. I was back by 9am so had the rest of the day ahead but lots of walkers and indeed runners and cyclists out - it is great to see. Running the kids around in the morning saw me pass lots of groups practising the Parish route Laxey to Douglas.
Then it suddenly became winter by lunchtime, at least in Douglas - freezing wind and rain and thoughts of perhaps another walk in the afternoon evaporated like the sun.... so spent the afternoon with the family and tapering starting now in front of the TV!
The other bit of running around this morning was to drop my improver's trophy off which has had pride of place for this last year :( When I won it Jane Crowe a former winner came over and said I had got her trophy and told me to look after it! I now know how she feels so I will have to pass the message on to the next winner whoever you are... I am now in good company though as former winners included Michael George and Mark Hempsall and Gill Cunningham.
It will have a new name on in a couple of weeks time but time to hand it back. I don't think I have a picture of this yet so Chess took one when we were packing it in the car - it weighs a ton - good Pooil Vaaish Quarry slate! and thanks to MSM for the trophy.
Back to work tomorrow and TT distractions over (the team has now left too). Just planning 2 or 3 shorter walks this week and will take the dog with me now too.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day off
Well took the day off today and it has been great so far. Got up early and walked to St Johns before the roads closed. I was amazed at how many people were out on their pitches already before the senior. Walking past the Crosby was a little embarrassing as I was trying to get up the hill at full speed whilst being teased by a couple of bikers who were enjoying the early sunshine with an even earlier pint! I was momentarily jealous as a pint of cold lager did have its attractions but that would not have set me up for the rest of the day.
I was also relieved about my compression sock choice I mentioned a couple of weeks ago as I fortunately i had the white pair rolled down - knee length White socks would have definitely raised the level of the banter as I went by. It was probably not the best route to walk but I had actually booked in for another massage at St Johns so there was no option but to go for the tt course. Other than a few strange looks from all the spectators the walk was fairly uneventful and well worth the trip out as the massage the other night really helped to loosen up the legs muscles and I think increase the speed slightly.
Today's massage was camomile based which is apparently good for healing and reducing inflammation so ideal to soothe aching legs ESP. Hamstrings and thighs which have been bothering me a little bit over the past week or so - but nothing serious....
I have just noticed that page views and followers gadgets do not seem to be working at least from my iPad so will have to check out whether this is a problem. At the moment still about 80 reads a day which spurs me on to write as much as poss especially with really only 2 weeks to go - gulp!!!
In fact I bumped into a fellow parish trainer called Sam in the back of beyond between east and west Baldwin on Thursday who flagged me down to ask if I was one of the parish bloggers!! Sam if you are reading this impressed you recognised me and hope the training walks keep going well - forget the shin pain - with a bit of a warm up and an easy first mile or 2 I am sure you will be fine on the day.
Anyway hoping to catch a bit of the racing in a minute and cheer on the Relentless team and he of the sideburns (was that your comment as "anonymous" Sumo?).
Only a couple more full on sessions and then thinking about winding back then with a few shorter walks and maybe a swim....
15 sleeps to go!
Jon
Ps another Parish Memory: so many friendly children handing out sweets ESP.the ones providing jelly beans!
I was also relieved about my compression sock choice I mentioned a couple of weeks ago as I fortunately i had the white pair rolled down - knee length White socks would have definitely raised the level of the banter as I went by. It was probably not the best route to walk but I had actually booked in for another massage at St Johns so there was no option but to go for the tt course. Other than a few strange looks from all the spectators the walk was fairly uneventful and well worth the trip out as the massage the other night really helped to loosen up the legs muscles and I think increase the speed slightly.
Today's massage was camomile based which is apparently good for healing and reducing inflammation so ideal to soothe aching legs ESP. Hamstrings and thighs which have been bothering me a little bit over the past week or so - but nothing serious....
I have just noticed that page views and followers gadgets do not seem to be working at least from my iPad so will have to check out whether this is a problem. At the moment still about 80 reads a day which spurs me on to write as much as poss especially with really only 2 weeks to go - gulp!!!
In fact I bumped into a fellow parish trainer called Sam in the back of beyond between east and west Baldwin on Thursday who flagged me down to ask if I was one of the parish bloggers!! Sam if you are reading this impressed you recognised me and hope the training walks keep going well - forget the shin pain - with a bit of a warm up and an easy first mile or 2 I am sure you will be fine on the day.
Anyway hoping to catch a bit of the racing in a minute and cheer on the Relentless team and he of the sideburns (was that your comment as "anonymous" Sumo?).
Only a couple more full on sessions and then thinking about winding back then with a few shorter walks and maybe a swim....
15 sleeps to go!
Jon
Ps another Parish Memory: so many friendly children handing out sweets ESP.the ones providing jelly beans!
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