Unintentional Ultra Runner

Just an ordinary bloke doing an extraordinary thing...    I couldn’t understand why, after a long run I found my appetite was completely destroyed. It’d take several hours for me to even feel slihjtly hungry and when you’re not completing runs until late in the evening, quite literally forcing food down was becoming a real issue and one I don’t want in the Amazon.   So, all hail good old Google for an explanation and wasn’t disappointed. Seems there a legitimate reason why its happening.   According to those good ol’ scientist folk, apparently the reason is over training (errr there’s a surprise).  Seems that, when you over exert for long periods of time there’s a chemical that can spike. Peptide YY is the hormone that suppresses hunger. During extensive workouts it can increase significantly thus causing some people to lose their appetite completely.   What’s encouraging is that it’s not unusual (phew). Some have the burning urge to scof...

Listen to your body...     Monday: Had it down to do the usual trail route but ya know what, I figured it’d make a change to take in a huge figure of eight (I’m so rock ‘n’ roll lol ) Although it’s ok to mix things up it wasn’t exactly enjoyable.  Absolutely no trail on the route and being road ‘n’ pavement it was proper dull tbh. Sure the distance was a respectable 13 miles but jeez, it seemed to go on for ever! There was a noticeable negative tho’. My left knee wasn’t happy for sure. Adding that to the slight pain in my hip (which I’m not so sure is as a result of my back) the following couple of training days at the dojo weren’t good. I suspect the whole sorry saga of nagging pains stems from the trip/ slip I had in the dark last week. Yep that’s the one, where I ended up in the proverbial / literal puddle of pee.   All said and done, I can’t believe that 4 months has already passed since I started training and piecing together the imm...

And on it goes... I've spent a little time this week reassessing why I'm doing this challenge, partially because so many people have asked me this week and partially to reaffrim to myeslf. I think the bottom line is that I need something to strive for in life and doing something that very few people have done fits perfectly with my nature. Obvioulsy the charity I'm doing this in aide of will benefit too and if you can help kids with life threatening illnesses and their families plus put a smile on their faces is a win win for everyone. Sure, it's a year of my life but deof going to be an experience.   Anyway, all said and done, I think I got a little complacent last week not detailing the week’s plan beforehand however, it was intended to do what I did a last week and aim for the 40 miles in total.    I think the 2 x day rest last weekend was a good thing so....   Monday : aimed for the 15 miles. New head tor...

It’s all about your heart...   Monday : Was determined not to let lasts weeks head demons get to me again.  Had loads of encouraging messages and comments (all appreciated, supportive and very thoughtful so massive thank you). Had the pack ready on Sunday evening and although an 11m was on the cards I wasn’t sure what I’d actually do so, included snacks and started experimenting with motivational “treats” No cockin’ about. Kit on, pack on, bit of the ol’ Foo Fighters to rock out to and off! Put distance and time to the back of my mind and ran, not like the wind I hasten to add but stuck to a realistic pace that was sustainable. The things about ultras, the focus isn’t about getting an awesome time but more about getting to the finish line. Start slow, settle into a routine, clear yer head and crack on. Three miles in and Paula Williams passes me and shouted at me to stop leaning so much!!  Stopped for a natter and then back on it. Got to the half ...

It Really is Mind Over Matter..   Monday: Set out to complete the 11m I’d promised to do. A little slow going at first but a couple of miles in, it was ok and plodded on. Mile 5 I’d managed to inhale a fricken fly. No probs, extra protein yeah? Unfortunately the bloody thing got wedged at the back of my throat and couldn’t shift it and in my freakishly weird coughing fit to get it back up (which failed), ended up vomming .... nice! but hey, I think both of us felt a bit better. Got to the half way point and decided I’d tack another mile on so took the path toward the woods. Caught the glimpse of a path I’d never taken and thats when the curiosity took over. Rather than hit the extra mile distance and turn back, that bloody stubborn / curious part of me wanted to see where the path went. Another couple of miles later figured out where I was but it seemed like eternity to get back on the route home. At the end of the day I was pretty happy with the final di...

  Say what you'll do and Do what you say....       Mapping out the week with accountability intentions seems to have worked out just fine..   The plan was: Monday: will be a short one of 4 miles but running at pace Tuesday: teaching / training at the dojo Wednesday: teaching / training at the dojo Thursday: aiming for an 18 miler   Friday: another short one of 11 miles along the cliff tops Saturday: 12 mile hike planned over the back of Butser Hill   Sunday: rest day   Monday - I had every intention of doing 4 miles at pace and calling it a day BUT one mile in I had a reminiscent moment which reminded me about the dreaded shingle reps close to where I positioned. Not particularly conducive of Ultra distance training but a bloody good leg strengthener and excellent mental and physical stamina training. The most I’d ever achieved was 10 x sets but that was a couple of years ago and wi...