Chris Heaton Exiled to Siberia

2 in 2 in Milton Keynes

2012-02-12T13:44:00.002Z

Friday and Saturday found me in Milton Keynes running days 2 and 3 of the Enigma Quadzilla - that's four marathons in four days to you and me.

David Bayley (Foxy) could not have sorted the weather better - snow on Friday, minus 8 or so and ice on Saturday. And it couldn't really have gone much better with quite a speedy 4:07 on Friday followed by a 4:16 on Saturday. Each day is 7 and a bit laps of Caldecotte lake - which sounds dreadful but really isn't. It's quite an interesting lap with lots of wildlife (fantastic flights of geese very low over head on Friday) and of course you're always lapping people or being lapped and only ever 40 minutes or so away from drink and food.

So many friends old and new as well - the Enigma events are always fun and enjoy a really supportive, happy atmosphere. A reflection of the organiser of course.

Under three weeks to go now - I'm happy with my fitness almost whatever happens now, although I shall keep ticking over in both gym and on the road. My biggest worry is actually getting there. The journey is so long that there's not a lot of scope for delay - and of course there aren't loads of flights going to Irkutsk. As long as I can get to Moscow on time and clear immigration quickly enough I should be all right. I have been compiling a list of alternative flights just in case but they are few, and mightily expensive.

Thanks again for all your interest and support. I'm very appreciative as are the team at Target Ovarian Cancer who emailed me last week to say how much they value everything we've managed to do to date.

Here's a photo from yesterday - 1 lap to go!

Transition Week

2012-02-05T19:01:00.001Z

Not the best of weeks. A couple of decent runs with a 14 miler on Friday, but generally found everything difficult and everything hurt a bit.
I often find that when I scale back a bit prior to an event. I seem to notice every niggle and the bits that always give me trouble - right foot mainly - are just that bit worse. I also find it difficult to either not go to the gym, or to go and not do as much as usual.
Anyhow with a bit of self massage and manipulation my foot seems to be back to normal - which is pretty bad by most standards, but strapped into my running shoes I don't really notice it. And concentrating a bit more on stretching and moderate core work seems to have loosened everything off a bit.
Then the snow came down and I thought I'd get a real chance to test my shoes out. But it got so warm so quickly that there's no ice at all - just snow and underneath it either normal wet road surface or muddy tracks.
So a lovely looking run today in the snow - and a test of my neoprene socks/boots which went well. They don't stop your feet getting wet, but they keep them nice and warm which is my sole (ha!) objective. And if you watch the video you will be standing with me on a point so high that there will be nobody above us going east until you get to the Ural mountains!
And so to next week - last serious training effort with a marathon on both Friday and Saturday down in Milton Kenes. Each one 7 laps of Caldecotte lake. Really looking forward to seeing lots of old friends down there - many of them doing the full Quadzilla! No filmage there though - one lap okay, 7 - pretty boring and can't be bothered to carry my camera for a whole marathon just to film bits of one lap.
Thank you again to everyone who sponsored me last week - much appreciated and helps keep me going in the final phases of training when motivation, peculiarly, flags a little.

Winter strikes at last - a bit ...

2012-01-29T23:26:00.001Z

As promised a hard graft training week. Gym every day with some serious leg work - 110kg single leg presses, 50 repetitions thereof. And a run everyday - 14 miles on Wednesday, then a 4 hour training run along the Trans Pennine Trail today being the longer efforts.
The second in the Chris Runs series of videos is being prepared and will be appended to this posting shortly. Unfortunately I didn't edit each video before stitching them together, and then it was too late - so video is a little long and lacking special transition effects. Sorry about that!
I tried the camera in a different position - still on the back of my hand, but with the lense through 90 degrees so that I could talk into the top of the microphone. You still need volume turned up but it's definitely better.
First highlight of this week - in the gym, Richard Towers (aka "the Inferno") comes in and tells me I look to be in great shape. I didn't argue! www.richardtowersboxing.com
Second highlight of the week - a splendid evening with my old 10in10 friend Jim Meta and his lovely wife Anji. Jim, the old fool(!), is having another go at the 10in10 this year.
So - what does next week bring? Well with two weeks to go to 2 marathons in 2 days the heavy gym training is over - so ease off on the legs but still do some all round body work. And runs every day if possible but shorter with perhaps a 13 to 15 miler on one of the weekend days.
I'll also have to try to whip up a bit more sponsorship - some very generous donations this last week thank you. But from now on if you're enjoying my blog - and even if you're not - it will be illegal to do so without having made a donation!! See widget thingy on the right to get through to my just giving page. Every little bit helps - every donation be it a fiver or five hundred is so much appreciated and makes a huge difference. Thank you thank you.

So here is the video - enjoy running with me.

Finally - please cascade this blog onto anyone else you know. I do understand that "Chris Heaton Runs" is not exactly Julia Bradbury Walks. But at least I don't inflict any shots of me upon you. And even Julia hasn't walked across Lake Baikal ....

Kit Testing

2012-01-22T17:29:00.001Z

I've tested everything out today including camera, shoes, gloves, socks, balaclava etc.
I have also gained myself a YouTube channel - where I think I have successfully edited various bits of video together from my round Wortley test run this morning.
So how did it go? Well the shoes (only short test as I have no ice!) were fine - I could get them on over my triple sock layer, and I couldn't feel the ice spikes through the sole. So they are good to go.
I tried a two layer neoprene glove solution - hands certainly got very warm and yet I could still use them. I'll take ski gloves as well and do a final test out there - problem with ski gloves is it's like having sausage fingers - you can't do anything with them.
Balaclava certainly kept me hot - but also discovered that breathing is more difficult through the face fabric. This will slow me a bit out there - but I think other things will slow me more.
And finally the camera - well now I've got my own POV camera and YouTube channel .... No suggestions are either required or welcome thank you!!
Wearing it on my hand is certainly the answer - too heavy and too much movement whilst running for on my head. Also too difficult to turn off and on to preserve battery life. First filming not too bad - will need to rotate the lense a bit next time to compensate for angle of my hand. Also can't always hear my expert commentary if the wind is too strong - so may need to hold it closer if I want to talk into it.
I never really noticed it on the back of my hand - and have just ordered an extra velcro strap to use as a tether to my wrist so if it falls off, or if I need to take it off, then I won't loose it.
So everything but the running is in fine shape - need to do more long runs!

Here's the video:

And here's some kit photos:

Ice Spikes

Camera

Waterproof socks and snow goggles

Underwear Testing

2012-01-15T20:05:00.001Z

A gorgeous still sunny clear and most importantly cold day dawned over Windermere yesterday. So once more round the 26.2 mile lakeside course, this time in the company of the 2012 Brathay 10 marathons in 10 days cohort on their sighting lap.
For me a long distance training run and a chance to trial what will be my Siberian underwear. It's marketed as "base" layer these days - but of course it is underwear. Did you ever think of your "y" fronts as a base layer?? At least not in that sense of the word "base"!
Before any truly horrendous images spring to mind let me set your minds and imaginations at rest - I did not run round Windermere in my "y"fronts!
Although the thought voiced that I should really be running naked to acclimatise myself to the cold resulted in running companions Stuart dropping out, and Jeff speeding off into the distance at world record pace.
I am delighted with my choice of underwear and will certainly grace Siberia with it. Warm, comfortable, no chaffing - perfect.
And the run - fuelled with 3 cups of coffee and a cup of tea on course I was surprised to last until about mile 20 before the wheels fell off - and then not too drastically. Very happy with a year opening 4:15 but frankly I'm going to have to put in a few more long hard graft training runs.
To cope with the extreme cold, awkward terrain and respiration difficulties, the running has to be a given.
So 4 weeks to my next event (2 marathons in 2 days) and in the meantime some long hard training runs.

An Introduction to Siberia

2012-01-08T15:36:00.000Z

Well - here we go again! I rashly made a promise to an old University friend of mine that I would do a run for her newly founded charity. She set up Target Ovarian Cancer following the deaths of her Mother and Sister within months of each other.
And then one day I found this little beauty - full marathon across a frozen lake in Siberia in winter!
The Lake is Lake Baikal - the oldest and deepest lake in the world. It is so large it contains 22% of all the world's fresh water. It's situated about 200 miles north of the Mongolian border near Irkutsk - 9 time zones away and 11 hours of flying to get there.
Its a comforting -26 in Irkutsk at the moment and will be around -20 at the start. It can then go either way - on a good day being sunny and clear and warming to around -5, but on a bad day ......!!

I've got most of my cold weather kit and ice spikes for my shoes.
I got an email form my old friend Howard Stableford the other day who has camped out on Baikal. He says the cracking of the ice sounds like a freight train coming towards you and going straight underneath you; and that great mounds of ice up to 10m tall are pushed up from the surface - so it isn't all flat by any means. Although I gather they finalise the route on the day having taken satellite images so they know where there are any obstacles or indeed hot spots where the ice melts due to geothermic activity.
And of course we sprinkle vodka on the lake before the start to appease the gods of the lake - so no danger then as long as we have done that!
I'm trialling a helmet/head cam so will put up some test footage from that before I go. I then hope to video quite a lot of the run itself so you can get a feel for what it's like.
Just a bit more training to go before March. I'm running the Windermere course on Saturday with friends old and new from Brathay, then I've got 2 in 2 days courtesy of the great Foxy who has kindly let me enter 2 out of his Quadzilla in February.
I'll let you know how these go and update on preparations for Baikal. Thanks as always for reading!

Just another day in paradise

2010-05-17T17:48:00.004+01:00

And the day dawned - frankly who gives a damn?
As good a day as any NOT to run a marathon!

"Begin at the beginning and go on until you come to the end; then stop" Lewis Carroll

I've thought long and hard about what to write today - and decided not to write much.
The 10 in 10 in 2010 Brathay Challenge has been the experience of a life time. It's taken me to places both physically and mentally that I've never been to before, raised challenges which I knew I would face but didn't know whether I'd rise to meet them.

I've watched others face the same and different challenges, some meeting them successfully others less so or taking longer.

I've learned so much about the difference between positive thinking and realistic thinking and how it affects performance and results - all gurus and psychologists need to go to the places we've been to in the last 10 days before they spout about this.

But most of all for 10 days I, an ordinary 51 year old bloke, have led a quite extraordinary life and I have had the absolute immense privilege to do so in the company of 11 other extraordinary legendary people. Simply the best ultra endurance ahtletes in the world - "fact" as Foxy would say. I thank you all so much. The final day will stay with me for ever.

I also want to thank all of you who followed me on the course and on this blog. I have been overwhelmed by how many of you have been there for me. Great fun, great comments, hugely motivational and I hope you all enjoyed the ride.

Some facts - I finished with an average time of 4.29, my best run was my last by over 8 minutes with a 4.08, I finished 7th out of the 12 who started day 1, I was best in my age category, I have raised over £6000 for Brathay, I am member 30 out of 32 in the world who have completed the 10 in 10 challenge.
All of this vastly exceeds my expectations which were an average of between 5 and 5 1/2 hours and to keep a 6 off the card.

If anyone at all wants a more in depth run through please call me and we'll meet up - don't want to bore you all to death on here but of course there is so much to say and talk about!!

Over and out. Love to you all - Chris

Home Run

2010-05-16T17:10:00.002+01:00

And the day dawned dull, rainy and overcast.
As good a day as any to run a marathon.

I've made it - YES YES YES!!!!

Not much left in the tank today - so finished with a 4.08 - yes that is 4.08!!!!
Fastest of the 10 by over 8 minutes.
I reckon if I carried on running one a day until Christmas I'd beat the world record!

Adam broke the record again with a 2.56, Anna is the new women's world record holder and everyone completed. A very very emotional day from start to finish, followed by prize giving etc etc.

Thanks also to Stewart Taylor who not only followed my blog throughout all the training phase, but who unexpectedly turned up on the course today and set my pace for me for a couple of miles.

I will do a final blog tomorrow evening when I get home - but for now so many many thanks to all my followers and for all the messages and all the money you have donated to what is a great cause as anyone who has been here will tell you.

And now for a small beer - or two!

Phil's magic tea

2010-05-15T16:54:00.003+01:00

And the day dawned sunny
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
So here we are at day 9. Registration for the Windermere marathon opened this morning so a lot of runners around. Lots of hushed whispers - "he's a ten in tenner" etc - really amazing and a much bigger number of supporters both at the start and all round the course.
Fantastic to not only see Gina but also Ross and Anne Oldham and (seeking redemption for Wednesday!!) Rod Vann. You all really kept me going today on another every step hurt type of day.
The biggest boost was a stop at Phil Love's mobile cafeteria just going out of Bowness - I'd almost given in to walk/run to get home, but stopped for a cup of Phil's magic tea which gave me wings for the run in and another sub 4.30 with 4.25 on the line.
So just a lap of honour left and 5 of us will become new members of the most exclusive endurance running club in the world - there will be 32 of us. I don't care if it takes 10 hours now - I'll still have exceeded my expectations and targets by miles. So I must now go for my last evening massage and I've already completed the hardest part of the week - my last ice bath, shared with Anna.
Hope to be able to do a quick blog tomorrow before a final one on Monday evening. Thanks again for all your many inspirational messages.

Better late than never....

2010-05-14T20:03:00.004+01:00

And the day dawned raining and cold.
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
Sorry for the late post - I'm fine but the usual routine has been changed today by two factors. Firstly the queue at the physios has grown longer as we need ever more treatment so I volunteered to change my appointment to before dinner.
And secondly Gina has just arrived!
Another really tough day for me - almost from the off my quads felt like they were going to explode. And thereafter every step hurt. But somehow still came in on 4.29. Now at the stage where 2 disasters won't be a disaster if you know what I mean.
One particularly nice thing happened today - they are resurfacing the road outside Bowness and the guy stopped the traffic lights both ways so that I could run through - which spurred me to go a little too fast I suspect.
Running up ice cream hill (Miller Howe) at around 22 miles was a killer today but psychologically important - if I can run up that then generally I'll do okay.
Adam dipped under 3 hours again today, Anna got back under 4 hours and most important of all we all made it back. I believe Jim was having sausages on the course courtesy of Naomi's mum and sister - makes a change from him nicking chips from pensioners in Bowness!
I'm also reliably informed that following the appearance of Naomi's bottom on tv, she and Jim have been mooning each other on the way round today. But alas Jim mooned a police car by mistake although he avoided being arrested. That would have been a first!
Blog will probably be later tomorrow as well, and I will try to at least post my time later on Sunday - but will do a final post on Monday night when I get back home.
Your support and messages are so important - I can't thank you all enough.

Tough day in the sun

2010-05-13T16:41:00.002+01:00

And the day dawned sunny.
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
Today's support was Sue - fabulous to see you at the start, various points round the course and at the finish. I don't know what it is about Newby Bridge - but again I was through it before my support noticed!
Very tough day today - right knee in a bit of a mess but only need to scrabble round the next three so here's hoping.
Everyone found it tough, some sickness on the course and quite a lot of physio intervention.
I just tried to keep going although it all felt as you'd imagine it might after 7 consecutive marathons.
And the time ..... I don't know yet because our readout machine wasn't working and I don't wear a watch. I think somewhere in the 4.20 to 4.25 range. So very very pleased but it was really tough. A dig very deep to the bottom of your soul day. Roll on tomorrow!

Where the hell did he go??

2010-05-12T16:47:00.005+01:00

And the day dawned sunny but quite cold followed by the odd shower.
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
The day started on a sad note with the withdrawal of Phil through injury. Phil is a great guy who showed that by turning out to support us.
On a happier note - Happy Birthday to Michelle.
Once again support was the highlight of my day. Many thanks to Uncle Charles and Heather for turning up at many stops en route and also at the finish.
And to all my fellow runners from Sheffield for coming up in two car loads. A bit of a shame that you missed me at Newby Bridge, but appreciated the Chariots of Fire at mile 16 drink stop. You sort of half caught me at Bowness and Mr Connors even encouraged holiday makers to cheer for me.
The wine must have been very nice at Bowness because you also missed me at the finish!
And there was me putting on a show for you with a 4.16. Fastest by far and it's all down to the physio team keeping my 2 injuries at bay. I feel them in the first half, but today ran through them without feeling a deterioration. But I'm so well aware that I've been lucky so far.
Adam had an easy day today - 3.03! Anna continues to run under 4 hours and all going well. Aly seemed better this morning than yesterday which is incredible but I don't know how she finished.
Seriously to everyone who came to support me I hope you really enjoyed your day, seeing the ice bath, the lodge etc and the whole set up. Thanks.

Another one bites the dust

2010-05-11T17:17:00.002+01:00

And the day dawned sunny but became cold with a heavy hail storm - nice!
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
The day started with a nice surprise - the smiling face of Mr David Grey at the start! David stopped at every drink station for me and several of the other runners as well. And was there at Brathay at the end. A wonderful supporting effort - hope you enjoyed the day as well and a huge thanks.
A couple of tough runs today for Aly and Phil - around 7 hours I think due to injury. I'm sure they will be at the start tomorrow though and we're all hoping so. Michelle seems to be extraordinarily consistent even with injury issues.
Inspite of the 500 horses in David's Jaguar he still couldn't catch Adam - under 3 hours again! Amazingly consistent performances from Foxy, Dave W, Steve and Ray who's getting faster every day. Also Anna and Naomi still going well. Naomi has wonderful family support on route every day who support us as well. They also fuel her with Greggs pasties!
For me it felt harder today - purely energy wise (or lack thereof) so was delighted to roll home in 4.27 just ahead of Jim.

Blessed be the physios ...

2010-05-10T17:23:00.003+01:00

And the day dawned overcast, cold, and still.
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
I approached the start line with left achilles and right knee strapped up, very nervous I wouldn't make it.
The first 4 1/2 miles were agony - right leg unstable and very tight.
Changed my style and managed to get into a rhythm at around 6 miles thinking that I'd go for it until it all fell apart and then walk in.
It didn't so I rolled in at 4.25 - best yet and probably won't be surpassed as it took a lot out of me.
Adam astonishingly broke the record again with 2.57 and everyone else did about as usual.
Off out for tea tonight and then physio and bed.

Live to fight another day

2010-05-09T18:10:00.003+01:00

And the day dawned overcast but still
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
Very difficult day. Left achilles problem at half way but the physios iced me and patched me up on course. Then must have been favouring it and my right knee started with a problem. So real slog to bring it home and very depleted from the effort. Imagine my sheer astonishment to clock another 4.47. The delights of not wearing a watch on course.
Adam led again with 3.04, Anna continued her incredible form with a sub 3.50. And everyone else performed well again.
Well must dash (ha ha) to tea now and hope I can get patched up afterwards. I will be out on that course again tomorrow.
Thanks for all the messages and comments. Much appreciated.

Seconds Out - Round Two

2010-05-08T17:35:00.002+01:00

And the day dawned cold and windy - but very quickly became hot and sunny.
As good a day as any to run a marathon.
Yesterday's chip time actually 4.36, today came in at 4.48 - another sub 5 which amazed me as I didn't think I'd run any sub 5's.
Very stiff and tight right leg to start with, but got going quite freely if a little fast until about 17 when the wheels came of for both me and Jim - the other old git. So hobbled, walked and staggered the last 9. Feel okay now and massage after tea should do the trick. No injuries as such - just a bit of cramp and tightness but I'll get rid of that if not before then in the first few miles tomorrow.
Adam led the day again with 3.13, and Anna broke the women's course record with a 3.49. Phil got through with no more tendonitis problems and everyone else did very similar to yesterday. Ray managed to get lost yesterday - and he's done the 10 in 10 before!! Ray comes from Ireland.

And we're off...

2010-05-07T17:26:00.002+01:00

And the day dawned a bit blustery but no real rain and some sun. As good a day as any to run a marathon.

First one down. Around 4.40 to 4.45 so exactly where I thought number one would be. But more difficult than I thought so I think number 2 may well take longer.
I think we all got through just about unscathed. Phil had a few problems with tendonitis so I was surprised to catch him up, but the physios have patched him up.
Adam did an astonishing 2.58 - the record is on. Joss Naylor was encouraging him to go for sub 3.00hr average!!
Won't write long and if I miss on future nights it's because the connection is terrible.
So off to dinner now and then a massage.
Number 1 done - a bit tired but no injuries.

Ready to Rumble

2010-05-03T12:09:00.002+01:00

All prepared, all kit ready, medicaments, ointments etc etc. Plus cake, coke (a cola that is!) and Tunnocks.

Will be setting off on Thursday morning and by this time next week will be doing number 4. And in 2 weeks I won't be doing anything at all!!

Thanks to everyone for helping me, sponsoring me, and in advance for those who are coming up to see me.

I'll keep updating this blog and I'm told there will be video coverage everyday posted on http://www.cumbrialive.tv/

Tapering

2010-04-25T19:08:00.002+01:00

Forced myself out on my long training route for the last 2 times on Friday and Saturday. It really became very difficult latterly to actually get out there and do it, but'tis now done !
Tapering beckons, Jean my physio reckons my legs are in good condition, so just got to sort out my head now ..... hang on, I've only got 11 days left!
I am certainly getting a bit apprehensive - it's all very much at the forefront of my mind and I've just got to keep believing I can do it. Not made easier by almost everyone I meet saying it must be impossible and expressing concern rather than encouragement. It's actually very interesting because by and large you can almost guess the reaction by age - younger people think it's a fantastic and exciting thing to be going for, older ones (and I'm talking my age and a bit younger) see all the difficulties and risks and can't understand it. Makes you think how you react to both your "children" and people at work.
One last blog next week on practical preparations and then the next one will be after marathon numero uno!!

Humpty Dumpty and the Volcano

2010-04-18T17:35:00.002+01:00

Really pleased with how I was running on Friday - then the next thing I knew I'd had a great fall. Down a gravel bank that sort of gave way underneath me. Bit like falling of a bike - serious gravel rash and bruising, ripped kit. But fortunately no witnesses!
As always you struggle to your feet, swear and harrumph a bit, start hobbling and hope it turns back into running again. But whatever you do don't inspect the damage. Anyhow got going again, covered the 3 miles home pretty well and then discovered left leg was very cut up around the knee and hip with quite a lot of bruising and swelling.
And of course Gina wasn't there to put me together again because she went to see Jonathan in Granada for 2 days and is now one of the britons stranded abroad! The next plane isn't scheduled until next Sunday so she's making her way across the whole length of Spain to get a ferry from Santander on Tuesday night - hopefully!!
Anyhow back to me!! Didn't run on Saturday - but managed a 24 miler fine today so panic over! And speaking of Humpty Dumpty it looks like eggs again for tea tonight! I might manage some cordon bleu baked beans as well ...
Finally I must mention one of my fellow 10 in 10ers - the awesome Steve Edwards. Last week at the Connemara marathon Steve became the youngest person ever to complete 500 marathons aged 48. But to me much much more incredible than that is that his average time is 3 hrs 18 mins. There are loads of people out there racking up the marathons - but none of them get within an hour of this. Since he started going for it seriously he has run a marathon on average every 17 days for the last 20 years - and run them incredibly fast as well! Chapeau Steve.

That Nutter Again!

2010-04-11T18:00:00.002+01:00

To one of my regular readers - that "nutter" has been out climbing those hills again with his rucksack on!!
Motivation hard to come by this week so did some different runs. 15 hard miles on Thursday pm; 18 insanely tough route on Friday pm which had me exhausted; 24 easier on Saturday am (which made 42 in under 24 hours); 18 hard today.
Not exactly unscathed, but only tiredness and a bit of muscle soreness - no injury type things. I won't get a lot fitter now - although I'm still underprepared I wish it was starting next week. Just got to maintain my form for a couple more weeks now.
Beginning to think about all the stuff I'll need to take with me for 10 days - can't think clothes washing will be high on the priority list so need to muster 10 lots of kit. Unless I use the technique mastered by Mr Merrett all those years ago in Durham and skillfully recycle again from the bottom of my suitcase!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-05T17:29:00.002+01:00

I don't know what you've been doing over Easter - me, I've been running. And running. And running.

Three long runs in succession to finish my latest set of 10 days. The second one was a real struggle - no problems with my legs, just couldn't get any energy through. So I ate much better that evening, had more for breakfast and ran my fastest time on day three. It's really illustrated how important re-fuelling is. The problem is you don't always feel like it.

Physio today showed not much damage - a bit tighter on my right leg, but because of my foot and then achilles injury that's always the case. Quite manageable though.

Only a month to go ...

Uneventful Week

2010-03-28T19:29:00.002+01:00

Nothing much to report on the running front - I just did some running! No dramas, couple of long runs on Friday and Saturday - got a bit tired and sore towards the end, but recovered reasonably for the next day and ran a good 10 miles this (Sunday) morning.
The cold/ice bath routine really seems to work - but it is agony!! Far worse than the running. Having heard me shouting at myself to endure, my daughter was insistent she saw my legs as I got out. Scarred her for life I think - she'd never seen purple legs before.
I've given up looking what the others are doing - they seem to be running doubles and triples all the time. My time lost to injury and the need to build back carefully precludes all that - I've got to concentrate on what I can do and control and so far I'm pleased in the circumstances.

Mixed Fortunes

2010-03-22T09:38:00.002Z

Went up to Brathay on Saturday to show Gina the locations, route etc and ran the last section of the course out and back. Probably did 13 miles or so which followed a 14 the night before. Then did a 26 on Sunday - which was okay but hard work towards the end.
But every painful step in training means one more painless step in the real thing - well that's what I'm telling myself!
Actually some of it was self inflicted - it's funny how even with so much experience you make silly mistakes. I forgot the old vaseline under my arms and on my back so what with wearing a rucsack and getting hot for the first time this year I've suffered a bit of chafage.
Also received loads of kit from Asics who are sponsoring the event on Friday. Unfortunately the one missing thing were the shoes they had promised back in January- they just don't seem to get the fact that you need time to run in 2 pairs of shoes and that now we are doing heavy mileage there aren't too many short runs to do this. So I decided I couldn't wait any longer and bought some any way.
Day off today and then back to the gym and the roads tomorrow!

Peak Practice

2010-03-14T19:09:00.002Z

Quite a good week - a couple of halves mid-week with other shorter runs. Still not entirely convinced everything's going to hold up in my lower right leg, but so far so good.
A week-end away in the southern peak districtwith friends on Saturday and Sunday - but no let up for me. Gina dropped me 20 miles out and I ran in on a hilly route. Then following a night of excess in the food and drink department I was up and off at 8.00am on the way back. Made about 15 miles before Gina caught and picked me up - pleased really as I felt good and ran faster than the previous day.
Still need to go further, but there is time and this gradual build up has to be the way.
Should be a good week next week, culminating in a trip to Windermere on Saturday for one last course recce before the real thing.

And then there were ....

2010-03-07T17:53:00.002Z

Sad news this week that one of us has had to pull out with injury. There but for the grace etc.
Had a long chat with Steve Edwards. Steve will shortly be running his 500th marathon, has done the 10 in 10 3 times (every time) and hopes to be the first person ever to run 500 sub 3.30 marathons to coincide with the Olympics in London.
He was most encouraging saying that enormously high mileage is not the ideal and that a gradual build up and taper should see me as well prepared as I can be given my injury disruption. The key is to run long on your main runs so a marathon distance run every week from now on is the target. Which I did this week - very steady, but no complications.
Jean's massage continues to repair and maintain me for which I'm very grateful.
Sponsorship is going well - I've just got to succeed now as I can't afford to re-pay it all anymore - the peril and pressure of Just Giving!

Mini 10 in 10

2010-03-01T08:59:00.002Z

Ten runs in the last ten days! Hurray - first time since injury and all pain free. Finished off with back to back 18 milers.
Two more months to go and can only get fitter, but having the usual doubts as to whether or not I'll have done enough. I know I can do more than one -but ten?? Keep on having to convince myself that it's possible for me.
It doesn't help when people are concerned for you rather than encouraging! I had to reassure a couple of older relatives that whilst I might not complete it, whilst I might get physically injured, last farewells are unnecessary!
At this stage as the running builds over the next couple of months, I'm turning towards mental preparation, visualisation, setting myself a few golden rules and things to think when the going gets tough.
I'll also be turning to the logistics shortly - 10 runs, 10 lots of kit, uncertain weather, food etc. More anon ...

Light at the end of the tunnel?

2010-02-21T19:16:00.003Z

Much better week achilles wise for no apparent reason, except perhaps this wonderful machine I've discovered at the gym and wasn't strong enough to use until late last week.
Back on the roads, 6 days out of 7, over half way today.
So will continue gradual rebuilding, baby steps, slow long distance, repeat days and get in the best shape I can. Will then just have to trust that I can run and recover during the event.
All my gym work whilst injured has left me very fit all round, but a bit heavy - need to drop half stone, but that should happen as I increase my mileage.
I'm quite enjoying the usual pain of pushing on through tired legs - much better than the pain of being injured! That's a bit weird I guess - on the psychiatrist's couch you go Mr Heaton ....!

Fighting On

2010-02-14T17:07:00.002Z

Have built back up to 20 plus miles off road, but still troubled with achilles.
Catch 22 really because if I rest altogether I might have a wonderful achilles but no fitness come May. It is quite simply a chronic thing that takes 3 months to recover - no short cuts possible and that's according to every physio consulted including the event physio who is a leading professional sports physio.
Have wondered whether to pull out, but decided I might as well turn up and see how I am on the day now. I certainly won't be overtrained!!
So if you can all direct and focus your power of thought at my right achilles .......!

Twitching curtains

2010-01-31T14:37:00.002Z

3 two hour runs and one 3 hour run this week. Still aches like hell, but far better than it was. I will make the start line, I will make the start line...!
Fantastic physio - and all I have to do is nip round next door. I'm sure some of the other neighbours will wonder what's going on - probably better to stop going round in my dressing gown.

I have a cunning plan ......

2010-01-26T17:51:00.002Z

Running still sore on the old achilles, but I have been given the all clear plus a range of exercises by the event physio as long as I don't make it worse.
I've got back up to 2 hours and will extend that to 3 this weekend - but will do it offroad where I can go for longer without aggravating it. So the cunning plan is to build relatively quickly to 6 hours offroad, then repeat at this first for 2 days then 3. I have a great 6 hour route that I used for Icecland ultra preparation.
I will be all the while gradually re-introducing longer and longer road runs as my leg gets stronger. And the cunning plan is to have flipped back to road for longer runs with offroad shorter runs by the time the 10 in 10 comes round.
No doubt someone will see the fatal flaw - but I don't want to know!!!
A massive thanks to everyone who has sponsored me to date - it really is much appreciated and helps me to keep going particularly through this difficult patch.

Back on the Road Again

2010-01-19T13:07:00.002Z

Enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Brathay meeting some fellow runners, getting access to our physio and nutritional back-up and being told we're elite athletes!! So much so a university is wanting to run a study on our physiology throughout the 10 in 10 - blood testing, swabs etc.
The physios and nutrition guys all work with the olympic team, premier league clubs, f1 teams - phenomenal what they do for them.
Tentatively back on the road this week - achilles still a bit sore, but with care can run without causing further damage.
Rather humbled (and terrified) by stories from last year including guys coming down to breakfast on crutches, then casting them aside on the start line to do another marathon! My approach seems rather corinthian compared to some but I'm sticking with it. Onwards we go...

Hugely Frustrated

2010-01-10T17:26:00.003Z

My achilles is still troublesome. I can't run on it yet so endurance fitness is ebbing away. The only consolation is that the weather would have prevented a lot of long distance training - certainly round here.
I've decided to take a week off running until I go to Brathay on Friday. In the meantime I'm hitting the gym to try to keep general fitness high.
So a bit of a setback - but trying to remain positive as there's still a lot of time left.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T11:26:00.002Z

Poor start to 2010 - strained right achilles largely due to slithering around on ice and snow. Quite frustrating in that I really want to run, but when I do it makes it sore again. So forcing myself to have a few days off and will get down to the gym tomorrow to start rebuilding. At least no bones broken as three in our group have done.
I'm going up to Brathay mid January to meet my fellow runners and the Brathay support team. We will be getting advice on nutrition, training etc which is all starting to get a bit scary! I'm sure they will tell me my dietary solution to consuming enough calories is not scientifically proven: I've been perfecting it over the Christmas period and honed it down to Christmas cake and pork pie ...
Finally - a big thanks to everyone who has made a donation to Brathay on my behalf. Every penny is much appreciated and will force me if necessary to overcome this little set back. With every best wish for 2010.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2009-12-20T18:24:00.002Z

Just got the Sunday Christmas run done in time, only this year I doubled it running from Hathersage to Sheffield and back. Very tough at the top of Ringinglow - beginning to snow, freezing headwind and like trying to run uphill on an ice rink. PLeased with time though - 2.45 and the second significant run in 3 days.
Then spent a good hour trying to extract my brother-in-law's automatic Mercedes from the ever deepening snow in the village. A final kamikaze drive up the drive from the hall secured success!

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me..!

2009-12-16T20:17:00.002Z

51 today! Celebrated with a trip to the gym followed by a 10 miler. Then home to attack the barrage of cards and presents. An exceptional haul of 4 cards this year!
Will be doing 26 on Friday - forecast snow permitting.

The hills are alive with the sound of .... Stewart, it's your big chance

2009-12-12T18:49:00.002Z

Highlight of the week - Christmas party karaoke night in Manchester with Charterfields. Thanks Lisa, Alison et al for arranging it all and inviting me - tremendous evening!
Needless to say didn't get up in time this am for the Saturday morning run .... BUT did knock out a 21 miler this afternoon in penance.
Trying to overcome various niggles (mainly feet) with slow lower stress long distances. Also trying to fit in round various parties etc so I run virtually every day and get to the gym two or three times as well.

New Feet for Christmas Please ...

2009-12-07T13:46:00.002Z

It's like having a pair of seal's flippers flapping around uncontrollably on the end of your legs.
And then when they get tired they're hardly working at all. Perhaps those podiatrists who told me I'd never be able to run "with feet like those" were onto something.
I never thought that I would answer "my feet" to the question "if there was any part of your body you could change, what would it be?" That's what old age does to you...!

Swimathon

2009-11-30T16:01:00.002Z

Just been to the Lakes this weekend - we'll be swimming some of the course if it stays as wet as this. Not much to add on the running front - Christmas do's and work making training a bit difficult during the coming weeks. Just trying to keep ticking over with 1 decent long run each week.
Will have to step it up quite a lot in the New Year...

Dusters

2009-11-22T15:20:00.002Z

Quiet week gradually coming back from the swine. Finished with a nice lap of the reservoirs this morning - well it's a lot of water and a circuit round it so not too bad for the real thing!
Highlights of the week - training legs in the gym with the new Mr Universe; learning the tricks of the door to door duster salesman. Success rate approximately 2 in 10 I'm told ...

Oink Oink

2009-11-15T14:01:00.001Z

A touch of the Swine this weekend - wiped out on Saturday, a lot better Sunday.
The bad news - no training : the good news - no training!

Lessons Learned

2009-11-08T16:08:00.002Z

1) 40 miles is a long way to run in a weekend. I don't at this stage know how I'll do 52 in two days let alone 262 in 10 days. Best not to think about it too hard!
2) My feet will give me more problems than my legs
3) But most important useful piece of information I learned this weekend was how to get dirty footprints off the nice suede rooflining of an Aston Martin!! I can't thank you enough for sharing this with us...

2009-11-04T12:19:00.003Z

Well - here we go!

10 marathons in 10 days in May 2010 is the target - the Brathay Challenge!

I'll keep updating you from time to time on training progress etc. Then hope to have enough energy and spare brain to update every day during the Challenge!