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There is a lady who lives in Ely who is getting in her practice hours whilst studying at The North London School of Sports Massage. She and I had a chat about me having a weekly session, and she seemed really keen as she is interested in how things might change for me in the weeks leading up to the ultra. As well as sports massage, she practices foot, facial and sports reflexology. Take a look at her Facebook Page: she is very good.

Becky’s sports massage and reflexology.

I met with Becky yesterday and we discussed the ultra, my slight increase in miles, and what this has done to my legs and lower back. Becky let me listen to a bit of Johnny Cash while she got to work on the quads and hamstrings (and a little work on the lower back). Becky has a science background, and a PhD in an anatomy-related subject (it sounded a bit technical to me). It is clear she knows her stuff, and I liked the way she explained things to me during the treatment session. Until Becky qualifies, she can’t charge, but I know she likes that high cocoa percentage chocolate; so I went bearing a gift! I am chuffed to bits that Becky is happy to see me once a week to just beyond the ultra. Do look her up: she is good!

I thought I would don my COACH shirt at last night’s Ely Runners session, and spend some time supporting the club juniors. I was labouring under the misapprehension that this might lead to an easy run, something my legs really needed after an increase in mileage and a sports massage. I think the head coach also knew I was not in for an easy run, as he had a bit of a twinkle in his eye as he suggested I head out with him, another coach and four speedy-looking juniors. I was shown a new route, which might be useful for the beginners’ courses I am involved in, and I was allocated a young lady (aged 12) to shadow as she ran the route (four loops and back). I was fine with the junior I ran with, and any other time (when I had not increased my mileage), I would have been OK with her sprint finish; but not last night! She went off like a rocket over the last 100m or so. It really was very impressive.

What have I learned from all of this in terms of the ultra? I must accept that I have to run on tired legs and embrace the discomfort; I must respect the juniors even more than I already do: they are amazing; I need to do more in terms of strength and conditioning.

A rest tomorrow and then Parkrun! Long run on Sunday (including the George Munday 10K)? More soon!

Things went wrong with my evening cycle plans last night! I failed to charge the front light battery, so I went for another training run: not too far and certainly not too fast.

The new Columbia Montrail shoes arrived during the day, so this was an opportunity to break them in whilst trying out the new Kalenji Trail Running 10L Backpack. I was advised to run with bottles rather than the bladder option, purely because of all the splashing coming from the backpack; I took this advice! Thank you, Kyle!

Running at a more sensible pace was not a problem at all this evening, as my legs hurt too much from the previous night’s farleck session (as well as from the efforts of the days preceding it), and I was a little bit hungry. I set off with some clothes and water in the backpack; just to continue getting used to running with the additional weight. I opted for a multi-terrain route, so covered road, track and grass, and it was an interesting experience in that I was not quite sure about the best angle for the head torch: pointing down and close ahead in order to see where my feet needed to land, or pointed up a bit to see what was ahead on the trail parts. I opted for the latter, as it was inky-black down and around Roswell Pits. I also found that I got really hot again and I had to lose the running jacket pretty early on into the run. In the end I covered 10K.

It was another session I didn’t want to do, but I forced myself, and I can’t honestly say I enjoyed it: I just need a day off from it all, which I think I will have on Friday of this week.

Another issue has made itself apparent to me: I have booked races coming up. I have the George Munday 10K on Sunday (and others in the coming weeks) and yet I am supposed to get long runs in on Sundays, and some longer back-to-back runs some weekends. My only option is to run the races but run again when I get home from them.

More soon!

Yesterday was a break for me, some relaxed and rewarding coaching with the beginners’ group. Back on it today though!

I have found myself having to switch off from the ultra thing whilst at work, as the subject keeps butting in when my thinking should be elsewhere. This afternoon I went to a really enjoyable work meeting in Thetford: but all the way though I kept wondering if I could get back to Ely in time for the club training session: Lisle Lane and The Vineyards Farlek session. I got there, with a few minutes to spare!

I have read around the subject of speed training sessions and ultras, and this kind of training is important for a variety of reason: I won’t go into them. What’s more important to me, is that this kind of training hurts, and that voice rocks up in your head and says ‘you could just do the two loops and go home’ needs to be challenged. My way of thinking now, is to allow those negative thoughts to be aired, but don’t let them have their way. I carried on with the small group I found myself in, and I was amazed at how fast club members Andy T and Barry tackle the fast sections! It was during the second half of the third loop that I decided to take on the open level challenge of a fourth loop. I in no way see myself as a member of the open level group: they are one strong and speedy bunch, but I think you can belong in that group mentally; I think any club member can be at the open level mentally. That last lonely loop was tough, and I could feel the pain in my quads and my slow sections got really slow, but I was pleased to have pushed myself a little further. At the end, I had a little chat with Serena about this blog: she has been really encouraging about it and sent me a nice message, which has urged me on. Serena is a fellow club member, who writes a really open blog about her experiences of OCD (among other things).  Click on the link below and take a look! Thank you, Serena for showing an interest and following me!

Serena’s blog!

In the past 24 hours I have learnt a lot! Messaging fellow club member and ultra enthusiast, Kyle has taught me a lot about kit, and it has hit me in the wallet too! I have learnt some stuff about diet, and basically I am doing it all wrong (more about that another time). Also, I have established that I can be more flexible with my plan, and I can chuck a weekly cycle in there: this is excellent news, as I do love a cycle mid-week to break things up.

More soon!

Last night Lionel and I exchanged messages about the Frostbite League Race At Nene Park, Peterborough. It was established that Lionel would drive, and when I pointed out to him that I needed to get a longer run in (ideally 15 miles) he suggested I run to his house (8 miles), run the Frostbite Race, and then run home from his. I didn’t realise he was joking: I ran to his house. He was pretty amused by this!

A few words about Lionel: he was the first person who I spoke with when I walked up the steps at the Paradise Centre to try a session with Ely Runners; the welcome helped! I also owe Lionel, as he helped me no end with my first marathon (Milton Keynes), and he ran the half and helped to pace me to the halfway mark (in the end, I had to get him to slow down and I went on to get a sub-4).

The run to Lionel’s house involved a running jacket (the one VLM gives you when they reject you); and a pack with water and a change of clothes as well as some food. It’s a good slog along a very busy road to get to Sutton.

By the time I got there, I had got a bit of a sweat on. The VLM jacket is waterproof and not well ventilated, and I was not wearing a wicking layer underneath (just my club vest). Before we got in the car I drank squash, ate a banana and started to feel VERY cold. When we go to Nene Park, people seemed cold, but only a bit, I felt cold to the core, and I realised it was due to sweat remaining under my jacket combined with a cold wind in an exposed park. My legs were also stiffening up due to the efforts of the run to Sutton and probably hitting it a bit harder than usual at the Parkrun yesterday.

There was a lot of people at Nene Park and, once the club juniors had raced, it was time to go. The hill inside the woods was one of those bits in a race where you think your heart might burst, but I was determined to get up it and not walk. It was an undulating trail course and thoroughly pleasant. I got round the 5 miles in 37:29, and at a pace of 4:39KM, slower than the same race last year by just over a minute! Could this be due to the 8 mile run and the cold?

I accepted a lift home rather than running back from Lionel’s house!

Lessons learned: wear a wicking base layer; rethink the jacket I am using; accept that my shorter race times might suffer for a while!

More soon! Thank you for today, Lionel!

Now that I have abandoned the ‘run six days a week’ plan, I feel a bit more relaxed, and taking yesterday off was a wise move: this morning I could feel none of the niggles that plagued me last night. It is amazing what just one day off can do!

My current plan (and it is a way better one) said that I should take today as a rest day; well I rested yesterday, so, green light for a Parkrun! Andrew, a Parkrun enthusiast (this is something of an understatement) had suggested the relatively new Coldham’s Common in Cambridge. It seems that slogging your guts out once a week over a shorter distance is perfectly legitimate ultra training just so long as one gets the longer, and back to back long runs in.

Not feeling 100%, I informed Andrew that my aim was to keep at his heels or at least keep him in sight. I knew that whatever happened, he would go off fast: he always does! A few observations of Coldham’s Common Parkrun: there is a little van selling coffee and a variety of flapjacks; it’s an open field, so you can see everyone; today it felt cold and exposed; the volunteer team is very friendly!

The horn was sounded, and off we went; or should I say ‘off Andrew went’? I looked at the pace on my watch and we briefly discussed the fact that we were pegging it, and we slowly settled into a more realistic pace! Coldham’s common is not hilly at all, but you do have to watch where you put your feet, it’s all on uneven grass: considering this, I feel that we did well! Whether or not I was actually quick, it felt relaxed and well-paced.

I am tweaking my ultra plan! There is NO WAY I will take rest days when there are Parkruns to explore!

On another note, I have been thinking about my trail shoes; they feel a little ‘low profile’ for very long distances. I am not sure how my feet will cope over such a long distance as The Peddars Way. I have the amazing Salomon Fellraiser Trails; and the very light Inov8 8 X Talon 225s. But I was advised to try these as a supportive trail shoe with a bit more cushioning….. so I ordered them!

More tomorrow!

It would seem that my initial advice of running every day except Mondays does not sit well with the views of two experienced club members (more about them later)! People who sign up for ultras usually have full time jobs and a family life: today was a day when having a full time job and a family life got in the way. That and hunger! Anyone who knows me knows that I have ‘hangry’ issues; often several times a day! Throw into the mix a slight increase in distance training, and my hunger issues only become more acute.

I have had a busy day at work, and on and off I have wondered how I might fit in my run today. By the time I got home from work, I was tired, hungry and I had calf and hamstring niggles in my right leg. I simply couldn’t decide if it was wise to eat and then run two hours after my return home from work, and take it easy given my niggles; or to eat and bail on the run rather than risk something in my leg going ‘ping’.

The more I debated this in my mind the more I felt I must not fail at this early stage. I felt I MUST run at some stage! I then messaged two Ely Runners colleagues: David and Charlotte. A few words about each of these amazing runners. Charlotte: without a doubt one of my mentors; she listens to my queries, shows patience and never judges! I consult Charlotte all of the time. David: a hugely experienced runner with around a million marathons/ long distance runs under his belt. Charlotte and David both told me to relax, and to not run!

As a result of the expert advice I received today, I ate tacos and drank beer!

Tomorrow I will try out Coldham’s Common parkrun, and aim for a long run in Sunday!

The learning points from today…

1. I do not need to run 6 days a week!

2. I need to eat! More!

3. Relax, and fret less!

4. Time to review my diet!

More soon!

I have decided that the correct mindset is to consider each club run, race or cross-training session as work towards the ultra. This evening was a club run: some standard loops around Ely. As is always the case, club runs offer three options: open level, club level and development level. The open level usually involves a longer distance run, and/or hitting sections at speed/ Fartlek sections. I have NEVER opted to run the open level option – until tonight.

I had the usual chat with my superb running buddy, Andrew Scarlett. A few words about Andrew: he loves a good chinwag whilst running! I don’t know how he does it at times, as he is able to talk even when we are hammering it: highly impressive! What really stands out with Andrew is that he is incredibly encouraging and supportive, and when you might be doubting yourself a bit, he often says the right thing, at the right time. I have never known such a busy chap in his running, family life and hobbies! Any way, Andrew and I had the usual chat, the one where we share how we will be approaching the training session; and I was not up for negotiation given the sore legs from last night, and the fact that I wanted to run consistent 9 minute miles as well as four loops (just over 8 miles).

Off we went! It was not until later in the run that we really settled into anything that looked like 9 minute miles or a bit slower. But Andrew kept me company and even carried on for a fourth lap. Near the beginning of lap 4 we were joined by Barry, another club member, who has recently ran two marathons, both close together: during one of them he represented England, and wore the England vest! All of this helps to pass the time when running longer session than one might usually!

I have no idea what to run tomorrow. I have a vague plan!

“Don’t worry about the warm up, that’s what the first mile is for!” – Lionel Smith.

This is all new to me: running and blogging; but more-so blogging. I decided to start a blog once I had made the crazy decision to sign up for an Ultra Marathon. The blog is as much as a learning curve for me as running is and has been: please bear with me! I will start from the beginning, and work towards the present!

I only started running around three years ago. It was all prompted by a few health concerns and some honest conversations with myself about lifestyle choices. I started with the popular C25K app, as did many, but this was not enough for me, and after a fair period of running alone, and off the back of advice from experienced runner friends, I joined a running club: Ely Runners!

For many reasons, Ely Runners changed my life! I met like-minded people, who love to run, and I am sure they do not appreciate how important many of them have become to me. It was with Ely Runners that I started a rapid journey; from those early club runs, to entering 5 and 10K events; progressing to half marathons; onto my first marathon (then two more including VLM) to becoming a Run England Coach in Running Fitness. There are simply too many details and experiences to list here, and too many people to thank (many of these people will feature in my future blogs), but what motivated me to start a record of my journey was the crazy idea of entering the Peddars Way Ultra Marathon: 48 miles from the Suffolk border to the North Norfolk Coast (in January 2019). Why did I enter? I’m not sure: I will explore that as I go along.

I have been considering an Ultra Marathon for around three months now, and have been very carefully asking questions of Ely Runners colleagues such as Charlotte and Kyle (more about them soon), in order to test the waters and see if it’s for me. When entries for the Peddars Way Ultra went live, I found a couple of Ely Runners enthusiastically encouraging me to enter! They got me when my defences were down: and here I am, all signed up and wondering what the hell I have let myself in for! I really am very nervous!

The past two days have involved bombarding a couple of club members with questions! I must be getting on their nerves! I have also read loads and listened to ‘FATMAN TO GREEN MAN, FROM UNFIT TO ULTRAMARATHON’ by Ira Rainey (amazing). Although I train regularly, I regard today as the first session of my ultra training.

31/10/18. I ran a half marathon distance multi-terrain route around my home City of Ely (in the dark). I wore the kind of kit I will wear at Peddars, along with a pack with water bladder and some other gear to get used to carry a bit of weight. Off I set with head torch and trail shoes! 13.1 miles is not a major issue for me; but, running more slowly than I’m used to is! It’s quite a struggle! Also, learning to eat and drink whilst running is proving to be a major challenge for me! So, tonight was a short run in the scheme of things, with time to reflect on the enormity of my decision, and the fact that I have much to learn in terms of slowing right down, as well as getting myself used to eating a little and taking on board fluids whilst running. I strongly suspect I am at the bottom of what will become a very steep learning curve! More soon!