Unintentional Ultra Runner

Never forget where you began….       When I started this journey, running 6 miles with 2kg of weight a couple of times a week made me seriously doubt if I could actually do this event. The weight was unbearable. The mileage, intense. The kit list, never ending. The training regime relentless! 5 months later, perseverance, bloody-mindedness and a focused mindset, here we are doing approximately 4 half Marathons a week is “almost comfortable”. I say almost because, there’s been times that I’ve seriously hurt. With only 4 months training time left, distance and being on feet obviously needs to increase but hey, putting comparisons together, it’s an improvement right? I’m still confident that 90% of the Jungle is going to be adrenaline fuelled combined with mental strength. Although physical fitness is going to be right up there when it comes to getting the job done it’s a test of inner strength.   Kit Update: Sleeping bags (yep, you...

Work Hard, Train Hard & Enjoy Rest Day!     Kit update: Finally gotten round to ordering a fair amount of the compulsory kit. Survival knife (although not sure it’s man enough to take on a Jaguar if I meet one!), compass, fire flint, meals for 5 days (there’s a lot), expandable wipes, spork & long life glowsticks. Still need to acquire the medical items & sleeping bag/s but hey, we’re on it.   Whilst I appreciate I’m still a few months away from going, there’s so much kit to get, leaving it to the last minute would only add to unnecessary redirection of focus so, sooner I get it all the better.   Monday 14/01 was a 5 consecutive day back to back session so a relaxed run of 8 miles. Tbh although I felt OK and probably could’ve added more, I’m trying to listen to my body more these days. Taking in the odd easy one is apparently the recommended way if we’re to avoid injury, burn out and general fatigue.   Teaching tomorrow &...

Motivation, Motivated & being Motivating… Met a couple of lovely ladies whilst out running last weekend (Jodi & Emma) who were kicking off some London Marathon training. You may recall me mentioning it in the last blog update. Imagine how surprised (and genuinely flattered) I was to be contacted by Jodi after she’d read the blog to ask if I’d be willing to be their inspirational speaker at her school annual awards event later in the year!! How cool is that? Blown away, genuinely honoured and actually really looking forward to it. Just another reason added to the growing list of things that makes this whole journey more than worth the year of pain, trials & tribulations. I’ve spent the last week reading a book loaned to me (thanks Lisa!!) called “Relentless Forward Progress” by Bryon Powell. Actually I read it and now back to reading it again. Having read several of these type books over the years, this has to be the one I’ve connected with the ...

2018 was the beginning, 2019 will see the conclusion… time to get more serious! Recently, whilst out doing my thing, I’ve had time to properly monitor what’s going on with me physically and there’s so many unanswered questions. So, me being me, decided to localise them and then find out why stuff’s happening. No point in keeping my findings to myself so I’ll post them. You never know, it may help others. So here’s the first: Running Fact #1 I’ve noticed over the years that when I do a longer distance my core gets really cold. Even in the summer, not only is it noticeable whilst running but it’s really cold to the touch. I’ve always taken it as a sign that I’m not fuelled properly OR that I’m close to hurling but here’s the answer why… Apparently your cardiovascular system is dynamic, meaning it can change based on the needs of the body. When you exercise, the working muscles call for an increase in blood flow. Obviously oxygen is essential to energy production and obv...