T is for tension

Have decided to do 11 more blogs while I think seriously about whether I am ever going to ready to do the the Norseman. This has been brought on by the realisation yesterday:

1. I have not got any accommodation or travel or anything that could be titled 'logistics' for the event sorted
2. I am still staying at work until 7pm AND not going swimming (see below)
3. Even my cycling is lessening...
4. I am no longer confident in my ability to keep up with Perranporth Posse - and have consequently avoided going out with them since the New Year
5. I have swum a total of 20 lengths in 2009
6. I can see the whole 'event' being a source of tension between Julie and I in the lead up, the day and for months, maybe even years after...

Had a very enjoyable cycle with Tom this morning - set off with Simon M but he and group of 3 went off towards Zennor as I headed for Lanner. Tom and I did Lanner to Godrevy, where wee stopped for lovely coffee and cake at Godrevy cafe and meet with Tom's wife and baby girl, before heading back.

Felt better afterwards than I had before.

Dealing with my inadequacies: the impetus for cycling up hill

Went for most enjoyable bike ride this morning with Si and Danny (nephew). I had asked Si to map out a route that I hopped would be challenging but suitable for Danny, aged 11 - and he did just that; taking us off road along the Gannel, round Pentire Headland, behind Fistral and down to the Harbour.


I confess I walked bits of it - bottling any steep and/or stepped downhill. I feel off 3 times: unable to keep by balance and/or positioning on one piece of
narrow track in particular.

Danny did excellently, especially on downhill - it is amazing we are related. Si was awesome.

On today's ride I have figured out why I have developed a 'habit' of attacking uphill segments on any ride I go on - it is to to show I can do something...

Promised myself (and Si and Danny) I would endeavour to improve bike handling skills with the aim of cycling more of the route next time - I would like to progress to cycling steps but first downhill segments at point of Pentire Headland and just past Lewinnick. Also, would love to be able to 'jump' - key skill for more difficult off road cycling it would seem - but at present can not get front wheel off the floor...

I can see a few more months of attacking up hill segments in front of me!

A tired 10

'Arduous' was the word I would use to describe what should have been a easy 10 mile run yesterday morning. I can honestly say I can not remember feeling as uninspired and flat on a run ever.

Yes, there have a number of occasions where I start of sluggish but more often than not after say 4 miles I feel 'good' but not yesterday...

(Note: picture is not of me...)

3 Peaks Race here I come

Entered the 3 Peaks Race on Monday when entries opened and as far as I know I am in.

I was a bit concerned the organisers may not process/ allow my entry as I have not done a Fell Race previously but I was hopeful that my history of marathons (14), including 3 off road would be sufficient/ persuasive so I mentioned everything in on line entry. Now I need to get training and learn how to use a compass etc otherwise I am going to look very stupid.

(Given my comments in earlier blogs that I have struggled to find some not small places, Illogan and Four Lanes for example, I would concede that Julie is quite right to question my directional awareness.)

Anyway, the rationale remains to do a series of hard endurance events in April as preparation for Norseman. I decided early in week to abandon meeting up with Anthony for Sunday morning run in favour of 19 mile coastal run to build up stamina and practice off road. Next stage will to get kitted out for 3 Peaks Run and practice in the kit.

19 miles ish = good ish

Did my 19 mile run this morning; which I felt quite pleased about in itself.

Run was mainly 'good':

1. Felt physically strong - apart from 'wounded knee' (see below)


2. Took gel on board before I 'bonked' this time


3. Had 4 pieces of toast with jam and marmite for breakfast which seemed to provide more sustenance than cereal I had last time out


4. Weather for early part of run was less than pleasant wind and 2 hail storms (sore ears but makes the run more 'fun')


5. Shoes are very comfortable - Walsh's are great

Left knee was only negative. Sore from about 14/15 miles out. Not a great deal of pain - more annoying but still sore when walking downhill when I popped out for a short walk with Julie just now.

The only times I have had a sore knee when running before is on South Devon Coastal Marathon last year and year before (the only two times I have done, and will be doing, that run...). I can not remember whether it was the same knee or even if it is the same knee that I twisted when I tried Mountain Boarding (not my most successful sporting endeavour!).

Anyway, generally positive.

(P.S. Must find out how Anthony is doing in his training for London Marathon.)

Mascarpone

Today's search for mascarpone perhaps sums up quite a lot about my personality. Julie asked me to get some mascarpone as an ingredient for meal tonight. I could not find any in M&S yesterday and decided to continue my focused quest in the Cheese Shop in Truro on cycle back from work today.

There was no mascarpone - but I ended up buying some Cornish Yarg and a bottle of wine.

(The Cornish Yarg was very nice)

'Mellow surf'

Persuaded by Si's text that surf would be 'mellow' today I went across to Newquay this morning with (some) conviction that I would try and improve. Looking down from road to Tolcarne beach surf did not look that big so I felt good.

After changing into wetsuits and walking towards the waters edge we saw one of the three surfers in at Tolcarne ride across a wave and I thought 'either that person is very small of the waves are bigger than they look'. Suffice to say the person was of average height and the wave was bigger than him (ok, 6-8ft face is not 'big' for a 'big wave surfer' or even a competent surfer but I am neither of the aforementioned).

Anyway, consoled by Si's comment that 'that was properly just a large set' I did put leash on and enter water.

15 minutes later I had made no significant progress in getting out back but had managed to drift towards rocks at Lusty Glaze edge of Tolcarne -discretion being the better of valour I gave up and let next wave take me back to shore (rocks). Si had come ashore so I gave him the thumbs up to signify I was ok (and indicate that I had meant to drift etc).

Left board on beach and re-entered water (far away from the rocks). Si beat me out back on his board - impressive effort - but I did manage to get out and enjoy swimming in some big clear waves. One managed wave to push me down further than I had dived and Si commented the same - adding that on the downward motion he had looked up and saw an expanse of water between and sky. Exhilarating...

Bad dreams: foreboding from the sandman

Woke up with acute pain in muscles left shoulder area at 3am - that ache is a sign of inner tension. for me. The dreams I had when I went back to sleep were an indication that sub-conscious was telling me 'you are not prepared (for Norseman).'


One of them involved me being passed/ dropped a dog from about 8ft by Simon M. As I was not ready I did not catch the dog. I awoke in a state of distress not knowing if the dog, which fell onto its back, was paralysed.

(The dog looked like a dog I used to own (and love) called Stephen - a staffordshire bull terrier.)

Have resolved to

1. Start seriously researching travel and accommodation for Norseman and getting these aspects sorted by 31/1


2. Upping my training regime (to incorporate swimming...)

Best laid plans...

Not that my 'plans' are the best laid but having logged onto the Three Peaks Race website to see if there were any details as to what time registration opens on 12/1, I have noted that the organisers require recent fell running experience or at least recent (quick) marathon times - they may not be too impressed with my recent times and that I have no fell runs under my belt!

I have started working on a fall back plan - which will be marathon/ half-marathon in Yorkshire in April/ May. Julie's preference would be Leeds (10/5) but the date does not work for me to see Wigan play Wakefield in Rugby League, which I could do if I get into Three Peaks Race or do the Sheffield Half-marathon.

I will see how up my brother in law is for a half marathon and what his preference would be...

Still, cycled 34 miles today - with a rest at my parents after 17 - need to be increasing the mileage to c 50 - 60 according to Simon M. Will go for longer ride next weekend.

(Still have not been swimming)

Off to the theatre now

Keeping my shrek ears warm

Went for a short run yesterday (Tuesday) so that:

1. I could get some exercise in on a day where I did leave work in time to go swimming; and,
   
2. To suss out just how cold it would be on my cycle in to work.

It was my ears that felt the cold the most, maybe this is because, as royzy would point out, they are a bit like shrek's...

Anyway, I decided to experiment with wearing my Finisterre Fleece on my cycle to and from work today. I found I could put my helmet on over the hood on my fleece. I was kept really warm, so warm I was actually tempted to email Finisterre when I got to work this morning to congratulate and thank them on the thermal insulation properties of their fleeces. Did not do this but did thank Julie who bought me the fleece three Christmas's ago.

Cycle back was nice and toasty too.

Day off exercise tomorrow as I have a work engagement in the evening.

Swimming starts on Friday...

Crow

Passed a huge crow on footpath just before descent to Trevallas Coombe on my run this morning; this has inspired me to look at some Ted Hughes poetry.

Before I go and find a book I am sure I bought a few years ago, this is one I found on the Internet earlier entitled 'Crow Blacker Than Ever'.

When God, disgusted with man,
Turned towards heaven,
And man, disgusted with God,
Turned towards Eve,
Things looked like falling apart.

But Crow Crow
Crow nailed them together,
Nailing heaven and earth together-

So man cried, but with God's voice.
And God bled, but with man's blood.

Then heaven and earth creaked at the joint
Which became gangrenous and stank-

A horror beyond redemption.
The agony did not diminish.

Man could not be man nor God God.

The agony

Grew.

Crow

Grinned

Crying: "This is my Creation,"

Flying the black flag of himself.

(Note: I have got no idea what this poem is about - it may be clearer when I have some context?!)

'Washed out' in my Walsh's

Ran from Perranporth to Chapel Porth along the coast path this morning.

Total distance c 15 miles. That said, I am not sure (need brother in laws GPS running thing he got for Christmas?) as I am still amazed that sig at Perranporth says 4 miles to St Agnes - it definitely seems a lot more to me..

Felt ok for most of the run and along stretch past Engine Houses at Wheal Coates was actually planning a series of 19 mile runs in the lead up to marathons (Cornish and 3 peaks) I have planned for April.

However, with 2.5 miles to I 'bonked'; which is a technical term (see article from Runners World) for a when you just completely run out of energy. Suddenly, I started to slouch, my shoulder starting hurting, right toes felt as though they were rubbing, as did shorts and all enthusiasm vanished. Fortunately, I had some (out of date?) energy gel in my fleece and once this had been 'downed' I was able to 'sprint' home.

On reflection lose of energy was more gradual - starting at foot of hill out of St Agnes, where I became preoccupied with mud/ dog crap on shoes and kept glancing at hedgerows for a twig to scrape it off. Lesson to be learned/ remembered:

1. take energy on board more regularly on long runs (note: I have stopped taking isotonic drink with me on shorter runs but may take next long run)


2. have a more 'hearty' breakfast


3. buy new shorts


4. must look for runs that involve even less road if I am not to wear down tread on my Walsh's (*)

* = Shoes were fantastic.

Nineteen milers now pencilled in for 22/3, 8/3 and 22/2. Will contact Anthony about a run with him weekend after next.

(Have cleaned dog poo off my shoes... Even cleaned my bikes today (they were just dirty anyway - not related to dog poo on shoes).

The Return of Lance Armstrong

Not a reference to me/ my cycling - although I did enjoy my cycle to Godrevy and back with Si this morning immensely - it is just that I have just noticed a piece in the Guardian's 'essential guide to the year ahead' on Lance Armstrong's return to the Tour de France and this also cropped up in conversation with a neighbour as we were starting out on our ride today.

I must say my initial reaction when the news first broke (September 2008?) was 'why' (as in why risk a supreme reputation) - having in mind the likes of Muhammad Ali who perhaps came back when they should not have.

However, having considered it a bit more I say 'why not', the man is a 'icon' and a inspiration to us all. He is apparently riding again for cancer awareness/ to raise funds. As the small piece in the Guardian concludes 'if he pulled it off (a win), this would be one of the great sporting stories'. I would say to even finish would be incredible after a 4 year lay off. Good luck Lance.

(Note to myself: Most dig out Lance's book and sent to brother in law as I said I would.)

papa smurf

This is what Richard looked like when he came out of the sea.

He went swimming on a cold day like this!!!

Caution: do not go swimming on a cold day at your local beach!! Richard was freezing after doing this and so that is why you shouldn't do it!!

Here is the story:

Richard was running down the beach at precisely 60% speed. A few hours later, some of his friends came down when he got back. They went to the beach with him, and Richard went swimming and they watched him. Then he came out of the sea, soaking and very blue. That's the story. So ,have you learned from this? You should have.

by Kynan