Category: Ultramarathon

Well, I did it.

It hurt.

More than I thought it would.

We went up to Lewknor on Friday 15th July, 2016 – all excited and apprehensive for the challenge to come. Thanks to the trusty satnav, we avoided any real traffic and made decent time to the hotel. Checked in, then a little walk down the village and a nice meal and a couple of pints of San Miguel in the spit and sawdust pub.

Slept reasonably well, up and about at 5:30 – quick shower and down for a bacon sandwich and a pint of water just after six, then left the hotel at 7:15 to queue all the way down to the start. Traffic was pretty bad, and quite a few people were walking down the road – but we made it, and I checked in, saw the massive queue for the toilets and strolled past the start line to the bushes for a much needed weewee.

No time to fool around, got my race number pinned, and walked to the start, 5 minutes later and the Race to the Stones had started.

It was mentioned that 2500 people were on course, 957 of those were the fools signed up for the non-stop 100K. The start was crowded, and within 500m we all squeezed through a gate and seemingly onto the route proper.  I was feeling great, no twinges, and was checking the timing to make sure I wasn’t going too fast. With the crowds it was easy to keep a 10.5 min mile, and the world was grand – just an easy 11K to the first pit stop. After about 5 miles of running on a nice hard surface, we turned left and up through the woods – this was steep, and at the top of the hill was a gate, which meant that there was a considerable queue – not made any better by some of the runners insisting they didn’t have to queue and ran around us to the top. After a while we were out into the open and another little run to another gate, after that queue it was a nice tree lined run all the way to pit stop 1.

Pit1.

I had a plan for my stops, which would mean that I would be taking at least 2hrs of breaks, which seemed a little excessive to me whilst planning, but ended up being around an hour less than I actual took! Pit one was a quick toilet break, water filled, cap soaked, and a horrible bar picked up, slightly chewed, then binned. I had thought of having at least a gel an hour, so that went down also. As soon as possible I was off.

The track continued through a couple of fields, but was mostly hard surface, after a while we emerged through a farm, and we started on, what was to prove the norm, soft grass/farm track. After a while we were back in the woods, and a bit of a hill – the advice was walk the hills, run the flats and downs, so even at this stage a little bit of hiking was in order. Was still feeling great at this point, but thought of the next 50 miles meant I followed the herd and strolled for a while.

After the hill we crossed the road, and was met by some considerable cheering then through a small lane and onto the golf course. Flat and grassy for a while until we popped out at Nuffield.

Pit1a.

I met the support staff at Nuffield, and as I had only been running for about 9 miles and just over an hour and a half, I just had a bit of a drink, and was keen to get on. I felt a bit bad as they had been hanging about for me and I only stopped for 5 minutes, but I felt good and wanted to get some miles in.

We ran on along rutted, small paths – a mixture of grassy farm roads and narrow paths. It was single file here, and a number of people fell – both onto the track and off it! Even now I was starting to feel less comfortable as the terrain meant that I had to run with a different style to what I am comfortable with. At the end of this section we hit the main road, and I was surprised to see the team at an unscheduled pit stop.

Pit1b.

It was good to see them here, it was starting to get quite warm, so it was good to replenish fluids, and take in a little food. With a cheery wave, and a peach I set off again towards Streatley.

We had a decent surface here for a while, mostly tarmac or good hard road way, but after a couple of miles we met the river and the going went downhill – and not in a vertical way. The scheduled pit 2 was here, I topped my water and grabbed a sausage roll, but didn’t really stop too much I knew the gang were a few miles away. We were into fields now, not great – I had never trained on grass, and you would think that it would be great – it wasn’t, my knee was already starting to ache, and I could feel my feet moving more than they should in my shoes – but only a couple of miles more and we arrived into the tarmac in Goring then over the Bridge into Streatley. I walked the hill in Streatley all the way up to the golf club – this was the first time I met a his n her running team who I saw for the majority of the rest of the course. At the golf club I met the support staff.

Pit2a.

I was very hot at this point, and changed from my long sleeve into my T-shirt. I also changed my shoes, which in hindsight I am not sure was a good idea. I spent some time here more fluid, a little bit of food, peanuts and some crisps and tried a pork pie, which nearly made me sick. I was now 20 miles in, so a third of the journey and it was here that the pain started. My left knee, which I had had problems with some months ago, was starting to twinge. It was already at the sort of pain which, on a training run, I would be thinking of calling it a day – so I squirted some deep heat, took a paracetamol and after a decent stop was off again.

I was still on 10/11 min mile pace at this point, but just after my sat nav got confused and stayed at 22.73miles for a time, so I reset it and headed off towards checkpoint 3.

Just after the golf course was a long hill, where lots of people were walking – so I joined them, it was really quite warm at this point and as I headed towards marathon distance I was feeling a little worried that things were not going as well as I had hoped. Checkpoint 3 seemed a small one, I got some fluid, and a slice of orange, and nabbed a bag of skittles to munch on the continued climb. I felt sick.

After what felt like 10K of uphill, the fourth checkpoint was again on us, I was really hurting now. Running was okay, but both knees were very sore. Oddly I didn’t feel particularly tired just every step was painful. I got some fluid again here, and tried some stretching, to see if it would help my knees – it didn’t. I think I might of picked something up to eat here, but I cannot remember.

Left the checkpoint at 44K with eight to go until half way – I was really beginning to doubt whether I would make it. I knew that I had run 32 miles before, and it didn’t hurt, it was tiring – today it wasn’t so tiring, as the pace was slow, it just really hurt!

The track was pretty good now, but mostly uphill, you could see the half way point from miles away but it seemed to take ages and ages to get to it. Once there, it was very spread out, so I just grabbed a cup of water checked my sock as my feet were starting to hurt and set off again. At this point my running had stopped. I was still able to “jog”, but in an old man sort of way, every step jarred and was quite painful. I was very disappointed to be honest, I knew it was going to be hard – but I also knew I could run this far with no pain – it was not going to plan.

Pit3a.

Third official pit stop with the crew, was only a couple of miles from the office half way point. When I got there they had the seats out and were trying to jump start a car. I was really feeling it now. Changed socks here, and tried to get some food down. Had a bit of a sandwich and a little bit of salmon. And yet more fluids. Had a sit down also. I was feeling pretty ruined by this point. It would have been very nice to have stopped – 50K is a decent run, it’s even an “ultra”. But I am stupid, and I had to carry on. It was also at this point when I realised it would be impossible to meet my initial target time of 15hrs. I had finished the first half in 7:35, over an hour and a half longer than my 32 mile training run, but with about an hour of stopping at the checkpoints. I knew that there was no way I would do the second half in the same time, with the hills I was walking almost as much as I was running, and the pain was getting worse.

With a peach in hand I was off, after a time I stumbled into the 60K checkpoint, I had some coke, filled my drinks bottle and really wanted a lie down here. They even had mats. I was starting to day dream at this point, and this check point really is a bit of a blur. After a bit of a stop I was off on good tracks again passing the “White Horse” without even realising it.

There was a quite severe climb around here, and then joy of joys a big downhill – only I realised at this point I couldn’t actually run downhill! My knees were very sore now, and running down was agony – loads of people seemed to have no problem jogging away, but I found this part really hard, each progressive step was a bundle of hurt, and my running had become a shuffle.

After the hills we had a really nice long flat bit, which was a godsend – although only really shuffling (13 min miles perhaps?) it was nice to be able to make progress – but then all of a sudden I felt that stab of heat on the side of my foot, and I knew the skin was gone. I pulled over and sat, just managing to take my shoe off I saw from the blood on my sock that a blister had ruptured. Got a few plasters on it, and away again, thankful in the fact that the blister hurt so much that I almost forgot the pain in my knees…

Pit4a/7.

30K to go. Now I was in bits. Everything from my belly button down was hurting. I sat with the crew, they took my shoe off, taped my foot, changed my sock back to one I had already worn, strapped my knees and force fed me some drink and bits of food. I was so off schedule now, and with my brain with pain unable to really focus on anything I was cross that the time was going far quicker than I was. I still ridiculously thought that 11-11:30pm was doable, but at this point I picked up my headlight and torch for the next jaunt into the wilds.

Things really get a little bleary now, the track was okay, it wasn’t dark yet and I was still running, well hobbling. After a while we came to another massive downhill, which I should have been delighted with, but I wasn’t – it was torture… After this there was some road, and again the support team came into view, sat outside and indian/pub. I really wasn’t with it here – I braced against the wall and felt lightheaded and sick. After some minutes i set off again up a long hill which I ran a little and walked the majority.

There were quite a few people at this point, and I started walking up the hill with a nice chap, then a gentle run for a few miles. I have no idea what we talked about, it all seemed a little surreal.

He left me, but after the next official check point I had a second wind, and really could run. I passed him after a while and he even commented that I was looking good, things were on the up, but then, after perhaps a mile or so my knee gave way. I stumbled, and just had to walk. I continued for about 10 minutes then found that I could run again, just with very short steps – anything longer and the leg just collapsed. I met the gang again here at Ogbourne St George, and deep heated my self. Off again on a climb, where I walked with a lady who I had seen a few times on the run, she had hurt her achilles and was running almost as badly as I was. I shuffled off and up the hill.

It was getting dark about now, and we entered some fields which went on for a very long time – I was pretty much running all of this I think, but it wasn’t pleasant. The uneven surface had caused my feet to start breaking down, it was about 9:30pm now I think and in the distance I could see checkpoint 9, everything switched off for me at this point, it was just one foot after another, pain, pain,pain,pain – no respite. After another climb/walk at at about 10:45 I finally got to checkpoint 9.

Pit9

just 12K to go, 7.5 miles a simple jog around Redwick – nothing. I can’t really remember what happened here, I saw the team but don’t know if I ate, or drank or anything. It was now pitch black, and as I strolled off I knew it was the last hurrah – but 7 miles seemed like a lifetime away.

I followed someone out of the pit, using their light and ran for a while, but then we came to a hill again and I lost them. My headlamp was rubbish and I descended very carefully. After navigating a gate I ran along the road until a hill and fell into step behind someone and walked for ages. I was considering running again at this point, but I just couldn’t see enough and there was no way I was going to attempt a shuffle run on a surface I couldn’t see… After some time we got back to what seemed to be fields – I couldn’t keep my footing and I think I was starting to hallucinate, the guy in front disappeared and I used my torch to see if I could find the way. I was actually scared at this point. It was pitch black, I could just see some lights in the distance, but could barely make out the next step. I saw the 5K       marker and was barely walking now. After some time I saw some maniac coming towards me, as the shape came past I thought I saw my wife – jeepers I really was hallucinating!

Well I wasn’t – it was her, and luckily I shouted as she couldn’t see me as I was shining the torch in her eyes! She had come to rescue me, and had run the 5K in pitch black with torches in her eyes on a ridiculous surface. She took my hand and dragged me home.

I could barely walk at this point, the pain was intensive – it really is quite difficult to explain what it feels like. I suppose if you have had a bad blister, then that shooting pain was a similar pain in about 20 parts of my legs and feet every time I took a step – it’s mental. Nearing the end, and as everyone knows you have to get to the stones then come back on your self, I am sure some people just turn right without realising, it’s pretty soul destroying to have to go to the top and then back, but my guardian angel got me though it. Had a nice picture taken at the stones, don’t know how you get it though, and then the sign says 1K left – it isn’t, its less than that. Final little run and that the end.

The end was a little disappointing, it’s in a farmyard, so no where to collapse, I even missed the medal guy (although I did find him). Then it’s just relief, my gps had died a couple of miles from the finish, and it was 12:59pm I think when I finally crossed the line.

So that’s an ultra. It hurt far more than I expected, and although I was disappointed with the time I am so very happy that I actually did it – sixty two miles is a serious distance.

50K split: 7hrs 35 mins

2nd 50K: 9hrs 33mins

Total: 16hrs 58mins

Places: 492 out of the 957 who did non stop, 383 of 670 males, 154 of 267 over 40’s.

According to the log, approx 3hrs of stops.

Massive thank you to all the donations:  https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/sixtytwoandabit

Boy have I felt sad this week.

After Fridays disaster, I have felt an overwhelming sadness over the last couple of days, which is difficult to explain. The leg has been pretty damn sore, and I have read every single article on the web regarding hamstrings, and not one of them said it was a good idea to run 100K with a dodgy one.

I started icing, but am now on the old hot water bottle, and to be fair its feeling considerably better – but, there is obviously still something wrong. I can now stretch to an extent, although I have been careful not to over do it, and walking has an almost pleasant pain – something like a small stiffness. I have not really run at all, I jogged a few steps and it still pulls, but I am hopeful with another two days and a strap it will hold out a little.

Not really hopeful for the whole thing though, and in a different world I would just shy off and not even attempt it, but, it bought and paid for, so I may as well try, and see how long it lasts. At least I know if it goes like the last time, then I will have to stop as it was too painful to continue. It’s so frustrating that the damage was caused I would imagine simply by over training, but if only it had broken two weeks later – perhaps its better happening when it did, rather than on the course – at least I have had a full week of rest.

I started “proper” training around October, and had a couple of issues with my knees, I have run around 1000 miles since the start of this journey with about 4 marathons in that. I had run about 430 miles in total when training for the marathon, so as this is 2.5 times as long, then seems to stack up perfectly ;o)

So I have another two days before the start, and I just hope that my hamstring lasts – even if it does, that doesn’t mean the rest of me will!!

Roll on Saturday….

So only another two weeks to go, I am actually writing this up with just a week to go, and have a bit of a crisis. Went out a few days ago and felt a tweak in my hamstring – nothing too major, but a tweak none-the-less. Had a gentle massage, and left it for a couple of days – until today. Just went out for a standard 10 miler, and after almost one mile got the dreaded intense pain the the back of my thigh. It started similar to what I had before, but this time within two second it was painful enough for me to realise I had to stop. Tried a gentle jog but no good, so I had to walk back – luckily I was only a mile away, but it has made me cross and sad.

Hopefully, with a week to go, it will only be a “grade 1” problem, which should get better within five days, but it also means no more training for five days, which in itself is not great. I put some ice on it, and although it still aches a little I can walk pretty well. Fingers crossed, I hope to get out for a gentle run perhaps Tuesday – but we will have to see. I am worried that if I don’t test it, the only test it will get is 15 hrs on next Sat – I am very worried now.

Anyway, the previous week was okay on the running – an eight a six and a ten, then just less than a marathon on Sunday. Long run was okay, was happy to finish, but felt pretty good on the way around.

Am too sad to write anything more really, just hope it’s going to be okay, after many months of training I am pig sick that its happened now. It’s just time to wait and see…

Runs: ~50 miles

Beers: on the downward slope

Back to it this week, and popped out for an extra run this week, on the Tuesday with a deliberate attempt at some hills. Only eight miles, over the back of Bowdens lane and around Parc Seymour – felt pretty much like it was all uphill. Quite a slog.

Wednesday saw an eight mile Redwick loop, at a slight tempo – kept it under 9 min miles for the duration, and then back to a normal 11 miler to take stock of the referendum!

Folks were up on the weekend, so out for supper on Friday, and a day out in St Fagens and Cowbridge on the Sat, meant a slight walk was all that was managed on Sat. Sunday however was another “big one”.

Initially planned to get around 36 miles in, but in the end was happy with 32. Set off at 07:00 (till not sure why Strava is putting an extra hour on my start times, as Movescount has is correct) and took the pretend coastal path out from Magor and over then under the Severn Bridge to Caldicot. Really nice morning for it, if a little hot, but the weather man had said it was raining at around 13:00, so I didn’t want to get wet.

Its quite an odd feeling doing a training run of over 30 miles, you know that you won’t or can’t run fast for the whole thing, and you also know you are going to be running for six plus hours, which when you sit and think is a really long time, but when you run it doesn’t really seem to be so long. My big concern on these runs is to ensure I have enough liquid, the first section is always “easy” and the water lasts fine, even up to the 15 or so miles I did this time, but after that it hits me harder.

Decided to stick a few hills in the return journey for the first section, and got back to the house at around 2hrs 30, got a pasty down my neck and a fair bit of water. Only in the house for about 10 mins or so, but the time just goes so fast. Filled both my bottles and took and extra one down my back, just in case. A bit of a stretch and off again – quite depressing ;o)

After stopping I find that the tops of my legs are very uncomfortable, luckily it smooths out after a mile or so, but it still a bit unpleasant. I figured that depending on water I would either get to a marathon distance or thirty miles on this section, so with that thought in mind it was plod plod plod on the reverse of the normal Llanevaud route.

At the beginning it seemed I had plenty of water, and the running was okay, slower than  the first section, but okay – the worst thing at this point for me is boredom. I like running and thinking, and prefer it to the podcasts I used to use, as they really grated after a while, but once you have been running over three hours, you (or I) tend to think more about pain and darkness than good stuff – so I spent an hour thinking about what goodies I would buy for the real run!!

Walked up the Llanevaud hill as usual and had a snack bar, and most of the water – also discovered that I hadn’t been really sweating on the right side, but my bottle had a tiny hole in it – will have to write to them. “Mostly” downhill on the way back to the distribution center, and I had a choice of an extra four miles or back to the house for a fill up – fill up won..

Had to run around the block to get to 26.2 miles, and including the stop I think I was at about 4:45 for the marathon, so around the time running I did when I did it for real. Another 10 minutes spent re-fueling, although I didn’t really want to eat anything at this point, stretch, change of shoes and then out yet again!

Last hour to go, and it was a painful start, but actually I wasn’t felling too bad – a loop of approx six miles was all that was left, and although the speed was slowing, it was okay. Was very thankful to finish though, and at 32 miles it was inconceivable that I could run the entire thing again. But I thought I could have perhaps got to 40 today, then just almost a marathon extra and we’ll be done – very scary…

Cold bath and a lie down all afternoon – felt it quite a bit today, not just legs, but arms, shoulders and back. And sore feet “to boot”..

Miles: 58

Beers: Dozen or so

Down to sunny Pembs this week as it was my  father in laws 80th party.

Left lateish on Friday evening as the traffic was awful until about 8, had a couple of Stella bottles then bed a little later than usual for an 8:00 start on the Sat. Ran a similar route to the last time I was in Pembs, which was out to the Rhos and back – although not raining this time, I was once again surprised at the hills ;o)

We had a late drive back on the Sunday, as we went out for Father Day lunch, so no run on Sun. Only did a five and a ten in the week, so a slightly less 30 mile week give or take.

Miles: 30

Beers: a few…

Well, I thought this week I would run 30 miles. So I did.

I must admit I may have had a little hangover on Saturday morning, but as the weather was supposed to be rubbish on Sunday, I thought “This will be good training”, and headed off around 8 to do the big loop.

Had a few pringles and a cold sausage before I left and filled one 500ml with water and one with half a Hi5 Zero tablet. Orange sweatband in place, off I trotted into the overcast morning.

Took a similar run to last week, out along the “coastal” road to Caldicot, under the second Severn crossing, then continued along the path to Sudbury and the Black Rock picnic site. After here though it got a little rough.

The track took me though fields with waist high flowers and nettles, it was soaking wet, so within a couple of strides I was a little damp to say the least. This was tough going, I was pretty much walking at this point. After the wet field was a couple of other very uneven fields, then more high grass and then back onto the road at Mathern. I was pretty knackered by this point, and only about 9 miles in!!!

After crossing a couple of other fields, I finally got to the industrial estate, then up the long drag to the Chepstow roundabout and down the hill to the garden center at Pwllmeyric. I met the support team here, at 2hrs 45min for the half marathon, the slowest ever. After a change of socks and shoes, loads of water, two pieces of toast and a couple of ‘brufen it was time for the second half. Although I wasn’t hurting physically, I felt shot – and still had 17 miles to go…

I really wanted to give up here, but on I plodded across to Crick and through Caerwent – the longest uphill I have every seen (well it felt like it), I was thirsty already, and only started with just over a litre, I had drunk half of it by here, and was plodding at about 11.5 min miles, when someone caught me up and ran with me for a couple of miles – it was hard work.

Up the hill past the tip I had to stop for a walk, and try to drink as much as possible but keep enough for later, I was at 18 miles – dash. Bit of a downhill here, so I knew I was going to walk the steep bit towards Llandevaud – and that was my next drink, it was really hard going now – frustrating as a couple of weeks back I flew around a marathon distance and felt great, so I blame it on the preparation from he night before..

At just over 20 miles I walked the hill, as expected, and drank the last of my second 500ml bottle. I had a small bottle in reserve, but after decanting it I realised there wasn’t even 500ml in it, and I still had 9 miles to go. If I’d had any moisture in me I would have cried.

Run down to Bishton is okay, walked the steep little hill just before Underwood, and then had to walk again at the turning back toward Magor, finishing off the last drops of my live giving water. As I got to the distribution center I could go right and two miles to home, or left and the four+ miles to manage the 30, mind over matter, I went left.

A miles down the road, and about half a mile from Redwick my wife came past – THANK THE GODS! I was delighted, I had dreamed about her turning up with a bath full of water, but as I panted into her face I realised  she had none. Arrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh. However, she did have money so I arranged to see her in the Rose in ten minutes.

Fifteen minutes later, I finally got to the Rose – O.M.G was I delighted. I necked a pint of blackcurrant squash, and a bottle of water and demolished a bag of crisps. I had had enough. After a ten minute pause I plodded off again, at a 12 min / mile pace, for the last 2.5 miles. Turned off at the track, and saw Dave, who was out for a walk, but kindly jogged slowly with me along the last mile of the run, once onto the road and at 30.4 miles I switched the watch off, and walked home.

It was very tough, and to think I would have to run the entire thing again is beyond words. I know I wasn’t prepared, after having no dinner, too many pints and no real breakfast – but it was so hard to keep any sort of pace up – soul destroying. The only hope for the real thing, is that at least every 10K or so I will be able to re-hydrate and eat a bit.

Did a nine and an eight in the week.

Miles: 47

Beers: 11 (six too many on Friday ;o)

After the walk last week, I took it easy for a couple of days, and went out for a tempo run of just 10K mid-week. Pretty pleased, just under 8 min miles average, once of my fastest I think – I don’t like running fast!

Been doing a new run in the weeks to mix it up a bit man, this one has some grads in it, so it’s quite a good change.

Big run on Sunday, and pushed it a little, two “loops”, first of 15, then a 10 minute break back at the house to re-fuel, then an 11 mile loop on the other side. Did find the going painful at about 19/20 miles, but I walked  bit, and got some water down, and things got better. The Velathon was on, so lots of people were struggling to get where they wanted, I managed to do 26.3 miles, and for just running, it was my quickest marathon ever (although this is only my second) at about 4:20. However with the breaks the clock time was 4:33, so actually although I really pushed for the last three miles it was pointless as I had stopped too long in-between. Damn.

Miles: 41

Beers: 10

Mileage is still on the up, but had a hard long run this week….

Into a standard regime of two ten mile runs in the week, long walk at the weekend, and at least 20 miles on the day I am not walking. Looking at the running plans, it does seem to suggest adding another shorter run in the week – but we’ll see..

So, its been two weeks since I wrote anything – time really does fly by, the first week I found the ten miles in the week pretty good, no real niggles, but the pace is dropping. Not really a bad thing, but I may just get into a rut of getting slower and slower. The ten miles include an extra loop of Redwick, which is beginning to get real boring, and a speed of around 9:40.

Had the intention of running a marathon on the Saturday, Sian went into Cardiff to watch the rugby, so I was to run around a bit and finish at the station to pick up the car. So first section was just over 14 miles, then should have been a “simple” 12 miles to make the full distance. Unfortunately I cracked, and by the time I was supposed to get around Redwick one last time, I was already out of water, and my legs were suffering. So instead I just plodded down to the car, and thankfully found a bottle of water in it which probably saved my life! So 24.5 miles, I just couldn’t motivate myself to do the last mile and a half..

Next day we took the train to Bath, and walked the cycle route back to Bristol, around 16.5 miles. I was suffering a bit, the balls of my feet started aching again after a bout 10 miles, so I had to try and walk on the edge of the track, but it was hard going. The route is also pretty brain numbing, it would be easy to cycle along, but walking where you can only see a ribbon of tarmac ahead is not the best. Anyway that week was around 61 miles, so no wonder I was pooped.

Next week was a couple of 10’ers again, then we did a 10 mile hike from Abergavenny to Gilwern, which was quite nice – cycle route out, found a pub for a swifty, then back along the canal. Not too shabby.

On Sunday it was out for the big one again, it got very hot in the later stages, I even got my bottle refilled in Redwick, and ran out two miles later – so I decided to again cut the run short of marathon distance. Also found that the Joe Rogan pod casts I have been listening to really did me in on the long run, so I will be running without earphones for a while – as a bit of a break.. Really didn’t feel too great that afternoon, and suffered into the next week.

It is now time to start to think about fueling, both with what I can carry and also with what to drink. I think on the longer runs I am now loosing salts and stuff, so need to ensure I look at what things might be good for a long day.

Miles: 61, 52

Beers: trying to have less, but around 12 a week

April distance: 267K (not sure if that includes walks, don’t think so)

About 10 or 11 weeks to go! Things are looking pretty okay at the moment, I have started increasing the mileage per week now, and so far, so good – no re-occurrence of the knee issues and it feels pretty cool.

Went out for an eight miler on Weds and then went out again on the Thurs, just 5.5 this time, went Thurs as the weatherman said it would rain on Friday morning – it didn’t. Had a beer too many on Friday, so as a penance I went out for the long one on Sat.

Decided it should be over the 20, but also decided to keep close to the house just incase something blew up. So Round the brewery and a circuit of Redwick got me to about 10 miles or so and back to the house for a stretch and a bite to eat and some coke. Then back out to Redwick and loops for another 12 miles, I was slightly tempted to go for a whole marathon distance, considering it was the London Marathon on the Sunday, but my sensible head told me not to push it too far, so settled on the 22. Went pretty good, although I ran out of water at the end of the second section, and my times dropped off a cliff from 8:40’s to over 12. But I worked out that a constant 14 with breaks would take 15 hrs or so, so plenty of flex in the schedule!

Did feel a bit ropy towards the end, a little light-headed, I assume this was due to not really fueling properly, so I need to ensure I get more grub in me for the next one, but physically it was all good. I have adopted the approach on sitting in a cold bath after the long runs, and I am not sure if it is coincident, but it does seem to of helped quite as lot (it does make me hoot and gasp a little, much to the amusement of the family).

I am also suffering with a blister, which came from the little walk to Cwnbran last week, which is very annoying and doesn’t seem to be clearing. Although it has not really blistered, its still uncomfortable.

I have now run 280 miles in my second pair of GT1000-4’s so Strava reminded me to get another pair – so I have, although I won’t use them for another couple of weeks I don’t think.

On Sunday we went for a walk, across the Severn Bridge and a little down the Severn Way, then back to Aust. About 12 miles, and 3 beers later we were done, I was surprised that my legs were okay for this, considering the distance run on the Sat…

Miles: 48 (including walk)

Beers: 14

Back in work this week, and back to the “normal” regime. I have been trying not to push things too far, but I may have this week. Couple of 6ish miles during the week, then we went for a little hike with Kate on Saturday, just about 5 miles or so, so I wanted to push a little on the Sunday and trying the 3 x 6 approach again. So I run a 6 mile circuit, come home for 5 mins, have some liquid, and some food, stretch and repeat. So ended up doing just over 19 miles, but the last few miles were rather painful.

I just cannot help myself, I thought things were all magnificent, but went from 13 to 19 in a week, which is just a little too much. The good news is that it appears that most of the pain is actually in the leg muscles, rather than specifically the intense knee pain I got last time, so we’ll see how it continues.

Have an appointment with the Physio on Friday, hopefully the last one, and have just booked a hotel, so that we can walk the Worcester to Birmingham canal on the 14th May- all 30 miles of it. Should be fun!

Miles: 37

Woohoo, knee seems to be getting better…

After a couple of weeks out, I managed to get some reasonable miles in this week – got in a 4, 5 and 6 in the week without too much in the way of problems and risked a 12 miler on Sunday.

The 12 mile went well, at least as good as it was before the pain – felt good on the run and could have gone further, but need to be careful with it.

Have been having a massage at home twice a week, and continuing my inner leg workout and hopefully this may see me through to the end now, just need to keep it reasonable on the mileage.

Not that long left to go, only about 3.5 months, and my schedule had me running about 16 miles this Sunday, so perhaps 4 mile down – now that ain’t half bad!! The schedule really ramps up from this week on though, with Sat and Sunday runs, so will start slow, but it will mean at least a half marathon every Sunday from now until the big one!

Will also be looking to get some long distance walks in on some Saturdays to break up the constant running, and hopefully start getting on the trails now that Spring is here – just need to find some good ones which aren’t too muddy….

Easter next week, so away for a couple of days, but will be taking my running kit to ensure I don’t slack too much.

Miles: 27

Beers: 15

Well, things are looking a little more positive this week. Its been two weeks of rest, so started pushing the mileage this week.. Have been doing my strengthening of the inner muscles, and Sian has been great continuing the massage..

Did a couple of small runs in the week, just to check how things were feeling, a three, a five and another three, and it was all good. Went back to see the physio guy on Friday, and 20 mins and £40 later I was told that there was an improvement. Seems like a pretty good job if you can get it, there were two before me, and someone after and that was before 10:00am, 40 quid a time, nice work.

Went to the races on Saturday, so no long walk, just a lot of standing around, so through I would push it with a 7.5 on Sunday. Was pretty successful, things were starting to tweak by the end, but that might just be rustyness, the pain was actually in a different place to the “real” pains from before, so that was good. Iced a little and a massage, and no real pains today.

Need to be careful pushing the mileage now, so out for a couple this week, and perhaps risk a 9 mile or so on the weekend… Not really that long to go before its on, so there is a balance between getting the practice and killing my body again.

Miles: 20

Beers: 20

So, a bit of an update…

Week of the 15th, I went out for the “normal” four times, a four a five a six and a seven – was getting pains in the knee on most of them, and on the Sunday, which was 7.2 miles I had to walk home (about 1.5 miles) – rubbish!

So I called a place in Cheptsow and booked an appointment for someone to check out whats wrong with my knee.. I left it until the Weds, and went out for a little run of about 5 miles and got the pains again – but now I knew where they were and what they felt like. On the 26th I went to see the man.

Turned up a little early because I did’nt know what the traffic was like, and waited for ages until he was ready. Once in, he asked a little about my “history”, and before you could say boo, it was shoes and shorts off now! Hmm… So he got me on the bed, face up with thankfully clean and unholy pants on, and tried my legs. They were a little tight lets say. After about 5 mins he said – ah, this looks easy – you have: Chondromalacia patellae.

As he showed me, this basically means that your knee doesn’t track up and down, in a straight line, but gets pulled to the side (to the left in my case) the main cause for me was that my outer quads were far too powerful for my inner ones – something probably brought about by cycling he said, and also my ITB was very tight. Interesting as he pushed his fingers under my kneecap to show the tightness I got rather a lot of pain – this was an immediate sign of the problem. After 10 mins or so of massage, he did it again, and whatyaknow, it was significantly better.

There we are then, I need to loosen up my ITB and strengthen my internal quads – magic. 25 mins and 50 quid later I was off to squeeze a ball between my legs.

Its been a week since then, and I went out last Weds just to see, and was in a bit of pain, just doing the 3 miles. But today, I went for a 3 miler also with a ITB band attached, and it felt great. Don’t want to count the chickens, but fingers crossed.

Went down to Pembs on the 27th, where I was supposed to be doing the “man-up” half in St Davids, but I had to shy off that – which was a shame as it looked “interesting”. I think GD did it though – good man.

Miles: 6 (this week)

Beers: 10

So after the week off, I wanted to take it easy this week, to ease myself back in. Decided to start using the second pair of trainers, as the first ones have done about 300+ miles now, and I naively thought that might make my knee better…

It seems it didn’t. Went out on Tues/Weds/Friday for two 3’s and a 5 and everything seemed fine. We also went for a wet and windy and muddy “hike” on Sat around Tintern to the Devils Pulpit and over to Brockweir – a pretty good walk, but slightly slippery. In total about 6.5 miles, but had a little beer stop off at about 4.5 – which was nice, a little pub with an open fire.

Just back from my “long run” for the week, and I had to walk the last half mile or so because my stupid knee was hurting again. I could have kept running but I really don’t want to break it as much as last time – so only managed about 6 miles, hopeless.

Things are looking decidedly not rosy at the moment, so I will have to do some research on how to get things better if possible. Oddly before Christmas it was my right knee which was exactly the same, and that seems fine now – I can only hope some magic will happen and we’ll be right.

Miles: 17

Beers: 15

Took a break this week, cos this sodding knee is still playing up. Decided, with a little help from Sian to not do anything this week, to help it mend.  It was pretty damn sore after Saturday, and I couldn’t really walk properly until Weds – so did go for a gentle stroll for the last few days of the week.

Was very weird not running over the w/e, but did go down to Swansea on the Sunday for Becs birthday, and went and sat in a freezing stadium to watch the Ospreys (20-20 vs. Glasgow) – which involved a bit of walking..

As I couldn’t actually run, I bought a book about running instead – I am not inside the 24 week plan to get me to 62 miles – its not looking good I am afraid.

Miles = 0 (about 10 miles walking)

Need to take a step back – and even that hurts.

Only did a 6 and a 10 this week, and really knackered my left knee on the 10 miler. Stupid, but I just had to keep going and when I got back to Magor I could hardly walk back to the house.

I have now finally realised that I need to do something about this – the problem I believe came from the 20 miler, and not then resting enough afterwards. That is so rubbish, as I have sort of wasted two weeks now with no progress other than a *really* sore knee.

So I am not doing anything this week, maybe Sat if I can manage, but really going to take it careful now, I have put a schedule in, and will have to follow it, hoping that it will build up enough to get me where i need to be by July. Slightly worried that my knees may just be rubbish, so really need to try to build it up this time.

Its two days later and my knee is still pretty damn sore. Can’t go downstairs, but can walk, may risk going to the shop for the paper though…

So new regime started, lets see if it helps.

Miles: 16

Beers: 12

ow – again – damn.

Some running undertaken this week, but the 20 miler from last week made my knee bad, so tried to have a few days off, but it was still not right before I stupidly went out anyway….

This week I managed about 30 miles,  so no t bad – when I started this I had a bad right knee and  assumed that the left would be fine – this seems to be not the case.

I walked and ran on it it, this week, and with six months now until the event, my bloody knee’s may be a cause for concern. So, I will really need to train my legs/hips/knees somewhat, its frustrating as cardio wise I feel I could run all day but my body wont let me..

We went for a “hike” around the Yat this weekend, great walk, but badly sign posted from the initial section by the river, we followed the map, but just before the bridge the directions said take the path, but there wasn’t one, so we went “off piste” to try to find the way through.  In the end we just trusted the OS map and went up the side of the hill, with no real path, but kept up against the fence  and we were lucky, but we got where we wanted.

Anyway, after this we followed the yellow signs and it was great, easy(ish) to follow and no one around – magic. One interesting bit is the “free standing stone”, which is apparently the biggest free stone in the country – its pretty big. After this we walked to the “middle point” expecting a pub (in Staunton) but it was shut for some reason – so with no provisions we walked to Christchurch and found a pub. Google said it was best one in the village, which would be a worry if true, but it was popular, and had some faggots and some booze. Once sated it was only 3 miles of good walking to get back.

Next day – after 11 miles on the “hike” I ran 12 miles, bad knee got worse. Good run though, although at about 9 miles it was reasonably sore.

I am doing nothing for a couple of  days now – hopefully sort the knee issue, we’ll see

Miles: 32

Beers: 12

Been a while since the last update and it was “that time of year”, and I couldn’t really be bothered to just write – ran some miles had a beer every week.

Been improving on the mileage trying to run around 6 on a normal day, and getting longer sessions on the weekend, but now we are in January I need to find a plan and try to stick to it. Current idea is to start doing some longer walks on the weekend, then a decent few hours jogging also.

Got some stuff for Christmas, so I have new pants (not tried), new socks, a headlight, a hat, some earphones and a Salomon vest. The vest seems a little “snug” but I think it is supposed to be, and I *hope* to be slightly less massive in July, so it should be okay. The earphones are the best thing so far, they are sony ones which have things to go right around your ears, as buds always fall out for me, I have been listening to the Joe Regan Experience pod casts which really help with the time on the road. The casts are about 3 hrs each, so plenty of time to get round even the longest run I have done, and as you can download them before hand, I always have one to hand. So far have listened to Steve-o, Joe Perry, Louis Theroix and Dr Steven someone.

This week I have got the mileage over 40 miles, with 3, 6-7 milers and on Sun ran 20 miles – the big one was split into 3 sections, a 6 then back to the house for 5 mins of stretching and drinking and eating, then 6 again with the same pause, then an unexpected 7.5 to finish to make it over 20 miles. I cannot pretend it wasn’t hard, but I think it is certainly easier with the breaks. I did run too fast though, and although my knees felt fine when I finished, later and today my left one is pretty painful – must ice next time.

Started my new job today, so we’ll see what the coming months have in store.

last few weeks have been:

31, 14, 25, 42 miles.

Ow!

Christmas run in is beginning to take its toll. Been out enjoying life rather a lot again this week what with Christmas parties and the like, but managed to get out for two 6 milers during the week, up to Redwick and back, which are now reasonably easy – but take time.

Decided this weekend that I would up the miles again, forgetting that I didn’t run a big one last week, so wasn’t really used to it. Didn’t have much on the Friday, but Sian was out on the Friday and I didn’t sleep brilliantly, but went out at 9:30 for a proposed 17.

Mile one was a bit panty, as it always in at the beginning, but my left knee which had been twinging a bit in the week was fine, and off I podded. Kept up a 8:45 for the first couple of miles, but by the time I got to the bypass to Newport I was already slowing. Almost caught up with someone ho joined at the Tesco turnoff, but she was flying so she disappeared into the distance and I had enough sense not to speed up. Took two bottles with me today, and a tiny packet of Haribos and a gel.

After about 7 miles I was feeling pretty good, but getting bored, and the road was surprisingly busy towards Goldcliff which was a pain. By the time I was getting back to the Redwick road, about 12/13 miles in I was starting to suffer. I have been getting a pain in my “toe bone” along the top of my foot, but also my ankles and feet were aching today.

By the time I got the Redwick I had put one bottle in the back of my coat, and slowly eaten by Haribos, and was feeling tired. Pains were beginning all over – the thing with running a long way, is that I start to get achy shoulders along with the legs. I didn’t have the gel, as my brain told me its cheating, so I would imagine I was also in need of some extra energy.

With the final two miles to go I was almost shuffling along, knees/feet/ankles/arms/shoulders/legs all hurting now and I was out of water. I would have loved to have stopped/stretched and drank a big glass of water at this point – but I plodded on, also knowing that I wouldn’t quite make 17 if I went straight home.

Back into Magor was a great relief, and took a small (but vital, for the mileage) detour around the estate and just managed to struggle the last bit to get home. I was knackered, and in pain. Sian had left to get the boys from Swansea Uni when I left and they got back before me, it had been about 2hrs 50 minutes non-stop. That’s too much.

My initial goal had been to run 20 miles “non stop” before Christmas when I started the training, but I don’t think this is a good idea now – so next time I will try  10 miler, back to the house – 5 min break to stretch/re-hydrate/take some energy then do another 7 – 10 miles, and see how that goes. As I am not properly looking after myself this is killing me.

Pretty happy with the outcome non-the-less, but very worried that I will have to run the same distance almost 3 times again to complete the whole thing – that is daunting.

Miles: 29

Beers:20+

So we were scheduled to go away for our Christmas night out this eek – being away on the Sat and Sunday meant that realistically I was not going to do a “big one” this week – so I didn’t.

Instead I went out everyday, except for Tues to at least  get some weekly miles in. So 6 on Monday, then a 7, then a 4 a 10 and just a 3 on Saturday. I had intended to do a run once we were back from Cowbridge, but it was wet, and I’m tired so I didn’t bother. Hoping that next week will be better, and will get another 15 in the bag next weekend.

Also had a pretty bad week on the pop – so all in all a bit of an odd week, lots of miles, but it doesnt feel like it.

Miles: 30

Beers: 20+

Another week gone, doesn’t time fly… Due to circumstances only went out twice in the week this week, took a couple of days off on Monday and Tues to make sure I wasn’t over-doing things, dd 6 miles on Weds, 5 on Thurs and a “rest” day on Friday because I couldn’t be bothered to go out again. This meant that I was out and about early Saturday morning for a change – which was nice..

It was a little frosty on Sat, and a little chilly on my hands, but pounded down the distributor road to get a decent circuit in, down a different route than the normal long runs to mix it up a bit! Kept to a reasonable pace, not pushing too much, and keeping it around the 9 minute a mile mark to start with, after about 2 miles I heard some pounding of the pavement coming from behind, so moved over and a lady stormed past me, as I cannot resist I did put a little spurt on, but she must have been running about an 8 minute mile, so it was stupid to try to close the gap, and I watched her disappear into the distance, by the time I got to Spitty she was gone.

Ran along the road towards Nash, but turned up the first turning and after about an hour the heavens opened and down came some reasonably cold and very wet rain. I thought I might miss it, as it was sunny to the east, and I was heading that way, but obviously I cannot outrun a shower storm.

Got almost to Redwick and the rain stopped, but 4 miles later as I was arriving into Undy it rained again – just as I was dry. Oh well.. Took the slightly longer way back to Magor from Redwick to make sure I just did the 15 miles this weekend – and really felt quite good. Only took the small water bottle, and didn’t finish it, and had a handful of peanuts and really felt surprisingly good during the day – no real aches or pains. Celebrated with a few bottles of beer and Chinese!

Phil came up on Thurs, so had a few beers, but that was all this week – which means that the beer/run ratio was again pretty good this week.

(Update: realised on Sunday night that November only has 30 days, so went out on a cold, wet and windy Monday morning to run 6 miles and get over 200K for the month on Strava…)

Miles: 26.2

Beers: 6.5 Stella, 8 Peroni bottles.

Another week, another few plods on the road. Started the week well, only had five beers and half a can by Friday, and we were intending to go to Pembs, so no Friday night Lion. Went out on the Tues, Thurs and Friday this week – running a six a six and a four. Nearly got run over by some wally in a panda on the Thursday, and noticed that running up the “distributor road” is now becoming a little scary. The road is getting increasingly busy, and at about 7, when its still dark in the mornings, the trucks rattle past going a fair old speed about three foot from you – I think I may have to attempt to avoid the highway for now…

Jogs are going well, would like to think I am enjoying them, but that would be taking things too far, but its okay – the problem with training is that you have to keep up the distance – so each run is getting closer to an hour to complete, at the moment that’s okay – but once I start re-commuting from January I will need a different plan for training.

Accidentally drank my folks fridge bare on Friday night, and went out with A.P on Sat for a few, so what began as an okay week – ended as a normal one…

Drove back on Sunday, and stuck in traffic for about an hour, so didn’t get to go out for the long one until about 12:30 – way too late for me, and I was pretty tired – but managed to run a 14.5 – normal St Brides, then to Caldicot where I navigated the building site around the station, but then had to run out to Tesco’s to add the extra couple of miles to make it 14 – that’s a hang. After running for two hours to be nearly home, the last thing you want is to have to extend the run just to get those extra miles in. Next time I will plan a route that is door to door over the distance.

Was pretty knackered when I got back, knee’s aching (but not the stabbing pain) hips aching, shoulders aching, feet a bit sore – all in all a bit of a wreck, and I would have to run that another three times at least!…

Miles: 31

Beers: 5 Stella, Half Fosters, ~10 bottles, 3 Grolosh, 3 Carling.

Well, it’s been a bit of a week for the world, although every week the mentalists in the world kill a load of innocent people, this week it hits closer to home with the terrible Paris bombings. Facebook went a but nuts with all the new profile pictures, and we are now at threat level “it’s going to happen” in the UK..

As far as running goes, a pretty good week. Got out three times in the week for around 5 miles each time, and then stepped up for a longer one on Sunday. Had intended to do a longish run, of approx 10 miles or so, but felt good on the way round so decided to add a little at the end to make it up to a half marathon. Really windy day, and its been raining loads, but luckily this morning the ran pretty much stopped and just had the wind to content with.

Went down St Brides and across five lanes, then took the right up through the woods, to give me a little practice on the uneven surface (and add a bit of an up), the down to Severn Tunnel and back along the track – this track was where the full force was felt – it was blumming windy. Last time I took this route I had significant pains in my knee just before the track, but this time it all went well, I think it must be the shoes, and the slightly slower place which is helping, but whatever it was I felt pretty strong all the way around. Just have to do that run another four times after each other to make the race – hmmm..

I think 13 miles is about he limit of the little running bottle, was getting pretty thirsty at the end – so will have to look at bringing another one maybe, or getting something bigger for the further runs. Got home and ate a Pie which was nice, then we took a run into Newport where they have just opened a new shopping Mall, which is a street which is inside. Its not 100% completed yet, but seemed okay – but was really busy…

Still feeling reasonable this afternoo, so am very pleased with the way its gone so far,will need to look at a slight increase of distance over the next fou/five weeks until Christmas, so don’t think I will get to the 20 miles target by then, but we’ll see – just dont want to overdo it!.

Signed up for the St Davids Half at the end of Feb this week also, GD is signed up, and maybe Peaky – so its a good excuse to get together…

Miles: 29

Beers: 12 Stella (nice to see the miles/beer ratio is getting better)

So I ran a marathon this week – although it did take 5 days, and I walked for 3 miles of it..

Had a couple of five milers and this w/e risked a 9 miler – went really well. Not sure if my leg is maning up, or my body is getting used to the shoes, or the fact that I am attempting to run with a straighter back, and smaller strides but something means that I managed the whole 9 miles today with pretty much no knee pain – ace.

Keeping to a slightly slower pace until I found myself being passed by a girl – when I had to speed up to attempt to keep up – well that lasted about a mile or so and saw my lap average go up a bit, but then tiredness and sensibility kicked in and I plodded on, slowly stalking her…

So out to Redwick, back to Undy and down under the motorway and up, up, up and down to the shop. Luckily the rain had just stopped, and all in all it was very nice.

Miles: 26

Beers: 11 Stella, 3 Peroni

Another week, but not one in work – ace. After the court, we went a little South, the a little North, then home, then out then relax then today.

Had a pretty heavy week on the food and drink this week, but did manage to get out for a couple of little runs during the week, and back out for an 8 today. Unfortunately, after last Sunday’s good run with no pain, the knee is sore again today. Started tweaking about 5 miles in, the progressively worse until the end – it is really becoming a bit of a ball ache now.

Run was good other than that, not very tired, jut bad right knee – bloody thing. I really will have to start doing some exercise – reading the web it does appear it may be related to the IT band thing, so I think some exercise and stretching may help me..

Had my first massage this week, but it was all a little pampery, rather than working on the muscles. There were a few moments where I though something may happen, but as it was a Spa massage, it was all a little gentle. maybe I need to find a good one around here and get something a little more forceful? Had a load of new kit for my birthday, so I have Born to Run to read, and new socks and under-armor to test out – and finally my very own Welsh rugby shirt, ready for the six nations!!

Miles: ~19

Beers: 9 San Miguel, 3 Kingfisher, 1 1664, 15 Stella

So I was sacked this week. Well perhaps not sacked, more told that my role will be no longer required in January, that no one is replacing me, but I need to arrange a “hand over” – presumably to the person not replacing me? Anyway the good news is that I already have a new job (well I am on a bit of a promise) which will start the Monday after my department gets rid of me.

So to the run then, well had a couple of days off after last Sunday to recover, and was back out Weds, Thurs, Friday and then again today. A couple of 5 milers a 3 and the long run of just over 8 today. Feel pretty good, knee isn’t hurting at the moment, although it was tweaking at the end of today’s run, and the 8 miles went well.. Only need to be able to do that 8 times and we’ll be done.

Getting the pace down to (or up to) about 9:30 min/mile now. So less stress on the knees and a decent pace for the medium term as the miles increase. I will probably be looking at maybe an 11 or 12 minute pace for the real thing??

Went to a party last night, had a couple of guys called “Brotherhood” I think – they were pretty good, and we are off for afternoon tea, then a tasting menu tonight.

Got a week off now, so may be running in some exotic locations this week! ;o)

Beers: 16 stella, 6 grolsh. 2 peroni, 3 fosters

Miles: ~22 miles

My birthday is not for a couple of weeks, but spending birthday money already! Woo hoo!!.

First up was a new GPS jobba, I have been using Strava for ages on my phone, and it seems to track a little widly. So seeings as I have to ensure I run at the “right” speed now, to see if I can run further, it made perfect sense to get something accurate – so I did. I got an Ambit 3 Sport, after reading about a million reviews. I almost got the Garmin 910, but that’s a little old now, and many reviews said it took ages to find a gps lock – that would have just made me cross. It’s great it does loads of stuff I will never use, but the track is perfect, it does show though, that mostly my LG phone was actually pretty accurate most of the time…

Next thing was new shoes, my old ASICS have probably had about 700 miles on them now, so popped down to Run and Become in Cardiff on Saturday to get some new ones. They are supposed to watch you run and tell you what to get, our serving wench seemed a little new, and quiet, but noticed my “mild over-pronation” and gave me a few to try. I picked the GT1000-4, which I found later were considerable more in the shop than I could have bought them for on-line, but then I was paying for the advice I suppose.

Went to give them a test out today, a 7 mile run, out to Redwick and back, with my new pace-man, my wife. I figured that having someone else would keep my speed down and also my knee in check – that didn’t really work out. Felt really good up until about 4 miles, then I left her and went down the track, almost immediately my knee started hurting again, I stopped and stretched – then it was fine a a minute, then sore again. It is really getting on my tits. So managed to get around the remaining 3 miles and it wasn’t as bad as before, but it does hurt too much. I will really need to see someone, or strengthen my legs to get it working – it’s so frustrating as I was “fit” enough to run round again, but my knee wouldn’t have let me. Annoyed.

Miles: 20ish

Beers: 10 stella.

Well 10 miles plus is obviously too much for my rubbish knees at the moment. After last week, the knee got worse and I was really suffering of Sunday. Monday I was struggling up stairs, but by Tues it was getting better. Nearly went out on Weds, but did do a 3 miler on Thurs afternoon, and it was fine. Took the opportunity to run on Friday, Sat and then a slightly bigger one on Sunday – 6 miles.

Been reading up a bit, and I need to work on my “core”. Which seems to be large and flabby but weak – lots of places tell you to do it, but few tell you how.

Anyway, run today was okay, some pain at the end, but tried to keep it at a reasonable speed, and did try to use by thigh to help my knee – not very successfully. Have also found that switching off the “high accuracy” on my phone creates a slightly better gps track – not great, but better, so after counting the quids in the year jar, I have plenty in there to slash out on a gps watch – now I just need to decide which one, an Ambit or a Garmin?

Went to have a look at Greenfield House this week, great school with it, but the house itself is probably a little small, and would need about 50K spent on it. As the house is reasonbly expensive, it currently doesn’t look worth while – but we’ll have a look at their accounts and see.

Just waiting for Tesco’s to come, then off the the Monmouth food festival – which means we have to spend money to get in – that annoys me! ;o)

Miles: 17ish

Beers: 10 stella, 3 fosters, 1 peroni

Well, week two, and I have broken my knee…

Tried to be good this week and failed a little, although didn’t go out on Friday, I watched the rugby on Thurs instead and had a few watching Wales scrape a win against Fiji. Went out for two runs through the week, to try and give my left knee time to recover after the long one last week. So two 3 milers (my gps is so rubbish on the phone at the moment, I can’t rely on any timings). Then walked up highest hill on Friday afternoon, did some garden clean up on Saturday morning, walking around Monmouth Sat afternoon, and ran another “big one” on Sunday.

Today’s big one was the same as last week, only the other way around – which is considerably easier. I tried to run for 3 miles then walk for a bit, then run again – but my right knee this time had significant “shooting” pains from about 6 miles in, it was very uncomfortable. Then by the time I got to Severn Tunnel Jnt, I actually had to stop running as it hurt too much. Not too bad a problem as I had the idea to walk parts of the route anyway, but each time I started again it hurt more.

By the time I had got off the track, I think my brain had given up, the knee wasn’t giving way, but just hurt – I managed the last couple of miles, then found by the time I got to the shop even walking hurt!. Not sure what is up, but it certainly needs some rest, and maybe I should be thinking of a support.

So back now, cooling down before the shower, and sitting here the  knee doesn’t hurt, so we will have to see how it goes, but its not promising. I think I will have to take this training more seriously, and perhaps see a real physiotherapist to see what I can do to mitigate this problem. I could barely walk after 11 miles or so, and I know there is a long way to go before the event, but I need to sort it properly…

Miles: 17 ish

Beers: 9 pints, two cans, 3 bottles