View Full Version : The running thread!
Well just that really a thread for any runners on here that wish to share hints. tips and advice on running. I know I could do with advice........
Also if you just want to share your runs on here, because most non-runners can't stand hearing about it, where as other runners actually want to hear other peoples thoughts.
Or perhaps its just me that tries to bore everyone with how far I've run this week......:smt053
Or perhaps its just me that tries to bore everyone with how far I've run this week......:smt053
So, how far have you run this week?
I used to love to run, but dodgy knees and achilles tedonitis just proved too much of a pain in the end, literally ,one tip I could give though is always stretch before you run plus spend a bit of money on decent shoes and if possible find a specialist shop and take your old shoes in with you so they can check wear patterns etc.. so thats 3 tips then :D
I think that running is the only thing that my wife finds more boring than my bike!!!!
i used to do 5k a day 4-6 days a week, but got a bit bored so now do about 3k and the x-trainer/bike
saucony trainers are my favorate, tried a few others, try M&M sports for trainers/clothing ;)
http://www.mandmdirect.com/?LID=GO1
This week............
I have run 12 miles.
I have biked 23 miles.
Swam 4 milesish.
Cross country Ski'ed 8miles.
Done 240 sit ups.
240 back things.
180 pull ups.
180 dip things.
Will be going again tonight :cool: Its starting to make a difference now......I'm RUBBISH at running though I have a strange problem with my ankles and once they are warmed up they click continuesly. Therefore I usually run for a warm up.....It annoys the hell out of me as I would love to do triathalon events but the running would destroy my knees and ankles.
I uesd to do half marathons and ten milers in the 80,s, at that time i was doing probably 35-40 miles a week but everytime I hit 40 plus something would break down and id be off running for weeks sometime, used to like nike pegasus or the internationalist but always got bad knees :( so moved onto asics and they gave me shin splints and achilles tendonitis :( would like to take it again and might go New balance next time
I'm currently doing about 35-40 miles per week and have only ever used Asics Kayano's. I started running at the end of Dec last year and am on my 3rd pair, so I'm off out tonight to see if I can find a cheaper longer lasting alternative.
Always wear good shoes though - really makes a massive difference.
I need to get some proper running shoes, think I'll get some this weekend.
I also need to work out a new route to do, getting bored of the same thing. Problem is where I live borders some not great areas that I'm not sure I'd like to run through in the dark.
Always wear good shoes though - really makes a massive difference.
My trainers are rubbish and not in good condition at all. My problem is there is so much choice in trainers......and the cost involved :(
My trainers are rubbish and not in good condition at all. My problem is there is so much choice in trainers......and the cost involved :(
see the m&m link
proper running shoes are a must;)
I'm thinking of trying either:
Mizuno Wave Nirvana 3 Reduced to £60 from £95 (Sweatshop)
or
Adidas Supernova Control 10 Reduced to £65 from £80 (Sweatshop)
Then using these for my mid-week shorter runs and keeping the Kayano's for my long weekend runs and any races...............
I'm going to She Runs He Runs in Bluewater (same company as Sweatshop) as they do video gait analysis so I can try them on then watch how they control my feet.
Good socks are important too.
In final stages of marathon preparation. This will be my fifth. Currently in taper mode so backing off the mileage - this weekend I will do 17 - 18 I guess. Race is on 28 October - the US Marine Corps Marathon in Washington DC. I used to be addicted to running. Seriously. I used to run 65 - 70 miles a week, sometimes more. Have to try very hard not to slip back...
Anyone had any experience with "Up and Running"? Hoping to get round to going to the one in Horsham at the weekend.
Anyone had any experience with "Up and Running"? Hoping to get round to going to the one in Horsham at the weekend.
Yes. The one here in Shrewsbury is very good. Not that cheap but not expensive either. You can buy running stuff on line/mail order but it's always such a hassle if you have to send it back.
for increased stamina on the flat try and run up some hills.
I say that cos around here there is not a really flat run to go on, one of the hills (not a slope) is 2 miles long!! there are a few shorete ones , 1 and 1.5 respectivly that are steep.
its lung busting but if you were to do a flat run you would notice the diference in lung capacity and leg fatigue!!
also builds up the leg mussles
thedonal
04-10-07, 04:59 PM
I find it rhelps if I really focus on the timing of my breathing- I start with 4 steps per in or out breath, then when this gets hard, 4 in then 3 out, then 3/3 etc. This also lets me know how knackered I am so I can spur myself on- if I can still do 3 in, 2 out, then I can keep going and I'm not that knackered (I do need a bit of, how you say, encouragement and this really helps)
Keep running when a hill levels out- it'll really help your recovery rate.
I've also found that a lot of running is in the mind- I get bogged down with landmarks if I keep the same route- ie automatically feel knackered when I get to certain stages, so I try and vary it. Also, if the body does the same thing each time, it finds the most efficient way of coping with it- so you reach a state but don't necessarily improve. Take your time to warm up, too- run slow to start and then get the pace up. Otherwise you won't last long...!
Hope this helps. I've had a couple'a weeks off running- I'm only up to 3 miles- doing it in around 30mins. I'd like to be running for 45 mins by the end of the run. I started at about 1.5 miles- did this 4 o 5 days a week for a fortnight, then started adding an extra road a week. Often, the last half mile is the most painful for me as I passed the far end of my road- the temptation to turn back is PHENOMENAL! However, had 2 weeks off, changed my route, same distance, hills later in the run and still shaved 30 secs off last Monday- this really reinforced the psychological aspect of it to me. Maybe eventually I'll develope real willpower!
Google Map has a handy distance measuring feature in My Maps that can help plan your route.
grh1904
04-10-07, 07:32 PM
I have done lots of running before but stopped in June this year for 2 reasons:-
I was going on holiday
I also started my insulin injections to control my diabetes.
I wanted to give myself a chance to get to grips with the insulin before I went out to do my usual 6-8 miler.
I would welcome a running thread/page on the site, especially as when I start again in the next week or two I MUST take with me medical warning tags and some form of glucose tablets, just incase.
http://www.realbuzz.com/flmroutes/ - This is excellent for planning a route I used to run by this, helps to vary the route without going to far and putting on too much extra mileage.
Now though I have a Garmin, which is an exceptional tool and a few extra metres aren't too much of an issue, as I have steadily built up from not being able to run a single mile without stopping in Dec/Jan, to my Sunday morning run being 17 miles without stopping.
If you had told me back then that I would've run a couple of half-marathons and be able to run 17 miles without stopping, I would've told you to stop taking the P**s.
So the very best advice a novice like me can give is:
Set yourself reasonable yet attainable target and don't pile on the mileage, even if you get to the end of you set distance and think to yourself "I feel great, I'll just go round the block again" DON'T.
Most of all if a lazy little git like me can do it anyone can.
I MUST take with me medical warning tags and some form of glucose tablets, just incase.
I wear one of these on my long runs and although it took a while to get used to, it allows me to take water, my phone, some money, iPOD and has plenty of room left. I would imagine that it would suit your needs perfectly.
Also, I used to use the route planner above and leave the route I was going to do open so my wife knew where I was and also a rough time so if I wasn't back with 5-10 mins of when I said I would be then she would know there was a problem (or I'd gone for a pint!!!).
Now that I take the mobile on long runs that isn't an issue really.
mr.anderson
05-10-07, 01:20 PM
A running thread! Fantastic idea!
I have to admit that I am a fairly useless (but enthusiastic) runner, still trying to get rythm and technique right.
I am more of a cyclist by skill but I love doing triathlons (slowly) which obviously involves running.
I currenly have Nike Pegasus shoes, but find them a bit too steeply angled forward, if you know what I mean. Contemplating visiting Tri and Run as they do a running style analysis and recommend shoes from there.
Anyone else in the South East that does triathlons? I know the season is largely over, but I really want to do five or six next year. Human Race (http://www.humanrace.co.uk)do great events. Dorney Lake (for the Eton Supersprint is amazing)
I'm going to use the winter to build strength in the gym. My legs are cycling strong, but lack running strength. Any suggestions for exercises?
I'm currently doing about 35-40 miles per week and have only ever used Asics Kayano's. I started running at the end of Dec last year and am on my 3rd pair, so I'm off out tonight to see if I can find a cheaper longer lasting alternative.
Always wear good shoes though - really makes a massive difference.
get yourself some combat high boots, then the running will have its full effect on you + you'l be able to run over rough moor lands without sprainning you ankle
I did 18 miles today, I know it was that cos I hopped on the bike after to measure it. Finished in 2.28.35, so around 8.15/mile. Not too shabby. Next week's 'long' run is 14 miles, then 10, then the race:cool:
Ashford 10k yesterday for me - not that nice really too hilly, but managed a PB of 47:51 which is more than 10 mins faster than my last 10k attempt, so once I stopped shaking I was well pleased with. Recovery time was fast too!
I realise this is slow for most people but for me I was at the absolute limit of my ability.
I realise this is slow for most people but for me I was at the absolute limit of my ability.
Remember that 'most people' don't get off their **** in the first place;)
10K = 6.25miles/47.85=7.66 so about 7.40/mile = impressive!
EDIT - why should a-r-s-e be censored?
I did 18 miles today, I know it was that cos I hopped on the bike after to measure it. Finished in 2.28.35, so around 8.15/mile. Not too shabby. Next week's 'long' run is 14 miles, then 10, then the race:cool:
However fast or slow you do it (as long as it's a run :) ) just making the distance is impressive enough, well done. I don't have the desire/motivation to run for so long, much as I'd like to be able to say I'm capable of it. I've always cycled myself but have recently taken running up again. I only do 4ishmiles every other day, though.
Ed - If you don't eat on a long run what do you do to sustain yourself, I have read (somewhere) that the body can only hold enough energy for 18 miles, hence that is wy people say that the wall is at 18 Miles???
I have used carb gels in HM's, but as my Sunday morning mileage increases, by the end of the month I should be doing 19's and am wondering what I should be doing. I have read about people taking slices of malt loaf with them???
Ed - If you don't eat on a long run what do you do to sustain yourself, I have read (somewhere) that the body can only hold enough energy for 18 miles, hence that is wy people say that the wall is at 18 Miles???
I have used carb gels in HM's, but as my Sunday morning mileage increases, by the end of the month I should be doing 19's and am wondering what I should be doing. I have read about people taking slices of malt loaf with them???
Yes - basically, and I don't fully understand the science, you run out of fuel. Your body can only store so much - for most people, the body's glycogen stores are depleted by the equivalent of around mile 18 - 20. After that the body has to start burning fat, and most people have a near limitless supply, but it's not an easy transition to make. And then you hit 'the wall'. Personally I've never had that unpleasant experience. I always plan my route so that I pass a shop or two, bring some money and buy a carbo drink. I don't eat on the run, it makes me feel bloated and sick. So something that's easily absorbed is perfect - Gatorade or Powerade would be the obvious choice but they don't sell it at the shop at Montford Bridge so strawberry ribena has to do instead.
You could always buy some 'snack-ass shorts' with a pocket to carry the malt loaf:D
95% of my running is done on a tredmill, i used to do 5km 5-6 times a week, my best time was 27mins (stupid short legs)
anywho, not done it for a while, so this thead made me try it again 34 mins
oh, well
I just ran 1.5 miles with no walking for the first time ever so I'm feeling very pleased with myself. Also tried out my new (proper)trainers and socks:cool:
I just ran 1.5 miles with no walking for the first time ever so I'm feeling very pleased with myself. Also tried out my new (proper)trainers and socks:cool:
Congratulations!! Well done that woman!! There'll be no stopping you now!!
I just ran 1.5 miles with no walking for the first time ever so I'm feeling very pleased with myself. Also tried out my new (proper)trainers and socks:cool:
Well done :)
I just ran 1.5 miles with no walking for the first time ever so I'm feeling very pleased with myself. Also tried out my new (proper)trainers and socks:cool:
Nice one - How did it feel?
So what do you think of proper trainers and socks then?
Nice one - How did it feel?
So what do you think of proper trainers and socks then?
Not too bad, I was obviously a bit more out of breath than if I had done some walking too. Feeling sooo pleased with myself. :D I know it's not far but it's a world away from what I could do only a matter of weeks ago.
Was difficult to tell how much better the trainers/socks are, I think a longer distance will make more of a difference, was v nice to have the extra impact absorption though. These (http://www.asics.co.uk/Sports/Product/TN795_GEL-CUMULUS9.htm)are the trainers I got.
Nice shoes, are they for a neutral gait?
Listen everyone has to start somewhere and this time last year I wouldn't have been able to have run a whole mile without a couple of stops. You should be proud of your achievement, no matter how small you think it is. Let your confidence grow from this, next time you won't be able to let yourself walk because you know you don't have to.
What is your aim, just general fitness?
Just be careful as the nights a drawing in and if you are out running in the dark just try to keep your wits about you.
Well done.:)
Nice shoes, are they for a neutral gait?
Listen everyone has to start somewhere and this time last year I wouldn't have been able to have run a whole mile without a couple of stops. You should be proud of your achievement, no matter how small you think it is. Let your confidence grow from this, next time you won't be able to let yourself walk because you know you don't have to.
What is your aim, just general fitness?
Just be careful as the nights a drawing in and if you are out running in the dark just try to keep your wits about you.
Well done.:)
Yup, the bloke in the shop said I could wear neutral trainers (after making me walk around the shop barefoot and looking at my feet, ankles and old trainers).
Just general fitness. Going snowboarding in January and want to be fit for that. Haven't got any goals, not really sure what to aim for.
Where I've been running is all well lit so should be fine.
Sorry I sound like a right old man don't I.
You are doing well though, might be worth thinking about trying to give yourself a reachable goal to work towards it will help get you out of the house when you don't much feel like it.
If you can do 1.5 miles now, then a 10k is a really realistic target for you to work towards, there are loads of them www.runnersworld.co.uk/events (http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events) having a goal will help you maintain a focus. It helped me, I found it difficult just to plod on with no goal.
I only started to get some exercise as I was a lazy git and 10 months later I have run close to a 1000 miles and am training for a marathon. Not in a million years did I think that possible.
Sorry I sound like a right old man don't I.
You are doing well though, might be worth thinking about trying to give yourself a reachable goal to work towards it will help get you out of the house when you don't much feel like it.
If you can do 1.5 miles now, then a 10k is a really realistic target for you to work towards, there are loads of them www.runnersworld.co.uk/events (http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events) having a goal will help you maintain a focus. It helped me, I found it difficult just to plod on with no goal.
I only started to get some exercise as I was a lazy git and 10 months later I have run close to a 1000 miles and am training for a marathon. Not in a million years did I think that possible.
I think you are probably right about having a goal. I'm just not sure what is achievable in what sort of time scale.
I have a goal each day that I go out, like reducing the walking or upping the distance or being a bit faster/less slow.
Run at a pace that you are comfortable with and don't increase your distance too much at any point.
10k is definitely achievable for you if you can do 1.5 without stopping now, timescale maybe March. Find something that you fancy doing then make that your goal, read the reviews as you would like a nice friendly run as your first one and if possible a flat one.
The races I have done have been friendly and very welcoming to novices like me and generally there is a huge mix from pro's (32 minute 10k's) to the other end of the scale old people crossing things off their 'Things to do before we die list' (1:53 10k). I'm generally in the middle somewhere with people running past me who look like they can barely stand up, but my achievment is still great.
The sense of achievement you get when you do something that you have only ever heard people talking about is immense and no doubt why I have since carried on.
Best bit of advice though is don't listen to a fellow novice like me, ED is probably better to listen too as he has done quite a bit of running. I can only speak from my 10 months worth of experience.
Just been out for my first run in my new trainers and to my delight they are bouncy, well at least until they've done a few miles with my fat ar5e bearing down on them.
I've been a lardass today. Run due tomoz, 4 miles - am in taper mode.
Was wondering if any of you guys say hi to or otherwise acknowledge other runners whilst out running.
Usually too knackered to speak , normally hold a hand up and grimace and kinda grunt a bit, wow not attractive then ? ;)
I wondered if there was some kind of protocol, like bikers nodding at each other.
Depends on the numbers you pass. Out in the country, then yes a nod & grimace. Running round the Downs along with everybody else in the world, then no.
Bit like when do you stop & start nodding when approaching & leaving a bike meet ?
Yeah I normally just raise a hand and smile/grimace. Most joggers are so bored they welcome any form of interaction........I know I do.
I reckon Cardiff must be especially unfriendly. I struggle to even make eye contact with other runners.
Some runners in Shrewsbury nod. Mainly because I know quite a few of them! But others simply ignore everyone. Their loss!
My other half ( BEV) decided a couple of weeks ago that she needed to get fit so we've started jogging, the route we are doing is 2 miles, at first she was needing to stop and walk at least twice but now we only stop once for about 100 yards in the middle, i am so impressed with her cos she is the worlds worst jogger but she is not goin to give up. She wears asics shoes which she finds really comfortable and supportive, i only wish i had a pair, mine are nike which are nowhere near as good. perhaps one day we'll be fit enough to run with Ed but it won't be for a while yet.
Daryl.
There is only 17 days till my race and the taper is doing my head in. Just hoping it cools down over there - the Chicago marathon last Sunday was abandoned when they ran out of water. It was 33C!
Filipe M.
11-10-07, 10:06 AM
There is only 17 days till my race and the taper is doing my head in. Just hoping it cools down over there - the Chicago marathon last Sunday was abandoned when they ran out of water. It was 33C!
You could use with some training around here, 20C and rising. ;)
You could use with some training around here, 20C and rising. ;)
Spot on. I'm chatting to Texans who have been training in 30C+ and it's a bit unnerving.
Filipe M.
11-10-07, 10:21 AM
Spot on. I'm chatting to Texans who have been training in 30C+ and it's a bit unnerving.
I don't call that training, I call that burning in hell... :smt095
I played golf in Florida a couple of years ago and that was 96 degs plus and I was just walking and riding a buggy mostly and that was pretty bad , hope it cools off for ya Ed
Blimey - I struggled last night doing 7 miles in whatever temperature Dartford was (cold) last night.
I heard something on the radio regarding running shoes...someone had written a report stating that after his research, he had come to the conclusion that expensive running shoes are no better than the cheaper stuff...
I heard something on the radio regarding running shoes...someone had written a report stating that after his research, he had come to the conclusion that expensive running shoes are no better than the cheaper stuff...
not quite, they said a £30 pair is just as good as a £80 pair
the £9.99 smart price ones are probaly poo.
but you can get a decant pair for £30
Could be true, however my cheap ones were rubbish and my expensive ones are great and give me the extra bit of confidence I need.
Might not be true for everyone though.
not quite, they said a £30 pair is just as good as a £80 pair
the £9.99 smart price ones are probaly poo.
but you can get a decant pair for £30
Just what I said...
Nothing will persuade me out of my £85 Asics GT2120s:D
Nothing will persuade me out of my £85 Asics GT2120s:D
have you tried
www.mandmdirect.com
they tend to save you £30-£40 i got a pair of asics 1100 for £28 a while back
but normally go for saucony, spending about £30 but they have been reduced from £80
I have to say that I didn't think you would get me out of my £115 Kayano's but I bought a pair of Adidas Supernova Control 10's (£65) on Monday night and have worn them twice since, put my Kayano's back on last night and spent 8 miles wishing I had the adidas on.........
Might just be because they are new though.......
My quad feels a bit tight this morning I may have pulled something! That doesn't bode well for me 17 miler on Sunday!
My quad feels a bit tight this morning I may have pulled something! That doesn't bode well for me 17 miler on Sunday!
Oh no!!! Too bad... ice ice ice....
Oh no!!! Too bad... vanilla ice ice ice.baby...
:clown:
I don't think the flavour ice really matters, H!! And is Kev a baby? Yes, JFDI and run;)
I'm good at missing the point.
[quote=Ed;1312017]Yes, JFDI and run;)[quote]
eh?
[quote=Ed;1312017]Yes, JFDI and run;)[quote]
eh?
Just F*cking Do It and Run. In other words, stop being a wuss!
Oh - I get it now........
Getting rather aggressive in taper mode aren't we?
I reckon Cardiff must be especially unfriendly. I struggle to even make eye contact with other runners.
That's cos the other runners in Cardiff are trying to escape from the police at the time ;)
Oh - I get it now........
Getting rather aggressive in taper mode aren't we?
Yes:smt013 Tearing out what little hair I have left:smt093
Yes:smt013 Tearing out what little hair I have left :smt093
Ed - You are quite clearly a very hardcore runner, not like me I would like a rest from my schedule, but know that if i have one day out of the schedule that would be it for me.
I am struggling at the moment with motivation, but somehow find the resolve to drag my sorry ar5e out.
How long you got to go? What mileage were you doing a week before you started tapering?
Race is on Sundat 28 Oct but I travel out on Thurs 25. Before taper - not that much really as I find it hard to get the time for midweek runs. I spose about 35ish, sometimes up to 40.
Did my 17 miler yesterday - 2:41 and I wasn't attempting to push myself either as it was supposed to be a slow run. Rather than running slow I ran comfortable as I wasn't really up for it. My new shoes are great....
Did my 17 miler yesterday - 2:41 and I wasn't attempting to push myself either as it was supposed to be a slow run. Rather than running slow I ran comfortable as I wasn't really up for it. My new shoes are great....
:thumright:
Sarah - So how is your running going then? How's the new shoes?
Sarah - So how is your running going then? How's the new shoes?
I haven't really run far enough to test my new shoes yet (only done a 3 miler but they were comfy). My next target is to be able to do 3 miles without walking, gonna see how I get on with walking for a bit every mile first though I think.
I've been really bad at bothering/remembering to warm up/down before/after running. Doesn't seem to be a problem with the v short distances I'm doing at the mo but I'm guessing that when I start running a bit further it'll be more important.
I haven't really run far enough to test my new shoes yet (only done a 3 miler but they were comfy). My next target is to be able to do 3 miles without walking, gonna see how I get on with walking for a bit every mile first though I think.
I've been really bad at bothering/remembering to warm up/down before/after running. Doesn't seem to be a problem with the v short distances I'm doing at the mo but I'm guessing that when I start running a bit further it'll be more important.
I never bother either....
I never bother either....
Nah I only do a half-arsed attempt at stretching.
I feel better now. I thought I was being really rubbish. Sometimes I do some stretches afterwards but normally I get distracted by something and forget.
I do exactly the same half-arsed ones after a run that I do before........
I can't face going to work this morning as I was in there pretty well all weekend, so I'm off for my delayed run now.
Have a good morning peeps!
3 miles, 2 bits of walking and 4 smiles.
Any jungle runners out there?
One of our chaps has just done the junglemarathon.com and below I've copied his short bloggy thing (I can't find an internet link - it's our intranet)...Enjoy...it's a bit of a long dit but it's very good in the later stages...
CRAZY WIGGY’S UPDATE – 6 – 7 OCTOBER 2007
Finally arrived at the first base camp 2pm (7pm gmt )on the 6th, after flying several thousand miles on three planes and traveling over night down the Tapajos river by boat, starting where the river meets the Amazon river. Which is really weird as you can clearly see the two rivers flowing separately, one green blue, the other brown as if a line has been drawn down the middle. The boat itself looks like an old paddle steamer, minus the paddles and has three decks. Doing anything on board was really complicated as there is hammocks every where! At night it was much colder than expected, I had to where my thick hoodie which I’d packed for when I got back to the UK.
Night time is interesting in the base camp with the constant noise of insects and howler monkeys going off at four in the morning.
7th October, Stage one today, absolutely incredible; to say that it was really hilly is an understatement. Quite taxing on the mind too, as you have to be constantly switched on, looking out for the marker tapes, where your putting your feet, your hands - making sure you don ´t put them on any little beasties or spiky plants and watching your head against branches, snakes and spiders, etc...
I finished in 25th out of 46 after starting at the back as I had a separate pair of shoes for the first water crossing and wasting a lot of time changing into my socks and trainers. Good to have dry feet for all of about a km after that there were numerous swamps and marshes and stream crossings. Everyone was completely soaked within seconds of entering the jungle proper with nearly 100% humidity, but that was good as it kept you cool. The race was amazing, I still can’t believe I’m here in the middle of the rain forest, seeing loads of weird looking spiders, lizards, frogs, bugs and pigs. Really helped to keep me going, I was just enjoying looking forward to seeing what awaited me around the next bend. I finished the race today back on the shore of the Tapajos river with its white sandy beach and vultures circling over head - awesome!
Stage one is about 10miles, usually I could run that in less than 1 and half hours, It took me 5 and half today, due to the extremity of the terrain.
Can’t wait till tomorrow!
John
p.s. I’m the only one here representing her Majesty’s Forces
Hi,
I finally finished the race and have now found an internet café; there were a lot of problems with the email in the jungle. So I’ll recap on all the stages now from stage 2 onwards.
Stage 2 9th Oct
Got very wet and muddy today at numerous creek and swamp crossings (I found out that this was to become the norm) Sank up to my waist in one of the swamps right in front of the camera man.
Lot more lizards, massive butterflies, wasps and hummingbirds, sometimes difficult to tell which was which as they came buzzing past my ears. Also saw a jungle rat, it was right in front of me on the track and just casually climbed up the tree next to me, it was huge! As big as a terrier and looked like a cross between a pig and a rat.
I went through an area, about 3k before the end of the race, which stank of big cat urine, found out later that about half an hour before I got there there were two black jaguars there which growled at two of the Brazilian competitors scaring the hell out of them!
Finished in 17th today wasn’t too bad a course, most people hated it and we lost a few runners today.
10th Oct
Spent last night in a camp in the middle of the jungle - the stream that ran by the camp was heaven, like a plunge pool, just what I needed after the race.
At around midnight there was a thunder storm - sheet lightning - awesome! Nearly everyone got soaked as there was no room to properly set out the fly sheets.
Stage 3
After all the rain last night it was quite cool in the jungle. The jungle seemed so different from getting a good soaking.
Came up close and personal with three swarms of bees, first lot I knew that they were there because of the bloke behind me started screaming and had to leg it out of there.
Second lot, found out they were there after being stung three times on my face at the same time, my nose, under my left eye and left lower jaw - my eye and nose were streaming! The stings weren’t too bad, just a little worse than being bitten by a fire ant, which is like having a cigarette being stubbed out on your skin - I got quite used to this.
I found today a bit harder than the previous two stages, not because of the distance, but because of the two large blisters on my heels from stage one. They both burst near the end in the last stage of the ridiculously steep hills.
Came in 13th today with a sprint finish. The camp is next to a village and after hearing a competitor's footsteps behind me and seeing the crowd cheering, I couldn’t resist, had to sprint across a football pitch, it was awesome!
Stage 4 11th Oct
Brilliant day, started with a 380m river crossing swim with all my kit, wasted at least ten minutes though after the crossing to dry my feet and put on dry socks and trainers.
Decided to run this one, brilliant - actually easier than yomping - I had to yomp on the hills and ran everything else.
I came in 10th place, really pleased. Especially as I beat Shaun, the Australian competitor, couldn’t live it down that a "Pomme" beat him. I was the first Brit across the line by a long way today and even beat a few of the pros
Ran through another big cat patch, didn’t see them but definitely smelt them - same sort of jungle as last time too - mostly palms with leaves growing low to the ground.
Also has a glimpse of monkeys crashing through the tree tops just before the finish line.
The howler monkeys came very close to camp last night they were very noisy - sounded a bit like a ghost train. There was also a tarantula in camp, but the Brazilian runners killed this.
I had my feet properly checked out today - a bit worse than I thought, had left the dressing on over my blisters but they were getting more painful, so I removed the dressing to discover that the blisters had torn open and had filled with sand, no wonder they hurt! I’ve also killed off two toenails – can’t wait for the 87k stage tomorrow!
Stage 5 12th - 13th Oct
Didn’t have the best of starts, no sleep - I couldn’t sleep thinking about the race and then a thunder storm with torrential rain at midnight. I got absolutely soaked! The rain didn’t stop till 4am which is when I had to get up to get ready for the race.
Another wet start with a 100m river crossing. Had some really extreme hills to start with. These was the hardest race yet - I felt absolutely knackered at check point 2, I could barely walk my feet were in such a state. However, we then had another thunder storm, rain that heavy it was like standing under a shower for 4 hours. This really lifted my spirits the jungle was a completely different place - it was amazing having thunder and lightning going off around me and every now and then hearing a large tree fall somewhere in the jungle.
Really had to dig deep for this stage, my feet were a complete mess. In the night, I saw a few more animals - mostly massive frogs and giant spiders, at first I was carefully stepping around these, but later on I was just so knackered I just kept on walking straight over them.
I decided to get the race over with a quick as possible hardly waiting at check points. I’ve never been so tired, exhausted and in so much pain. After starting the race at 0530 in the morning, I eventually finished just over 21 hours later at around 0240 coming in in 9th place. Having a massive lead on most of the other competitors - one guy didn’t finish until gone 10 that night!
The race was made more difficult due to the complete lack of oil burners marking the way, so I had to keep searching for the route ribbons and previous runners’ foot prints. This was really hard with only a head torch and being absolutely pitch black outside. In the last few hours it got even more difficult as being so tired and only being able to see with my head torch I had developed tunnel vision, I had lost all of my peripheral vision.
To make matters worse, check point 6 was missing so had to do over 26k in one go. And had 2 more river crossings before the end, one of these using a rope to pull my self to the other side.
Stage 6 14th Oct
Last stage at last! Quite a boring race really, as the whole race was on the beach. I wanted to get this over with as quick as possible as there was no protection from the sun. I ran as best I could for the whole race, every now end then running into the river and using my cap as a bucket to pour water over my head.
It was brilliant finishing in the town centre with all the crowds cheering, I finished in 10th place - fastest Brit, and came in overall in 8th place, I can’t believe it!
Finally got my ice cold beer too, gorgeous after being teetotal for 2 months.
To show how tough this race was, we lost 14 competitors, that’s over 30% drop out.
Most of the competitors had done the Maratho des Sables (MDS), a six day endurance race across the Sahara desert, at least once and many other adventure races such as the Yukon Challange and the Gobi desert. They said that this was the hardest race they had ever done and all agreed that MDS was like a walk in the park in comparison.
I’m now off to chill out with the others now.
Speak to you later
John
wyrdness
16-10-07, 10:00 AM
I needed some more running shoes, so bought some Asic GT-2120's from Sweatshop on Sunday. Paid £85 for them. Just looked on their web site and they're saying "£65, was £85". I'm not very happy right now.
I needed some more running shoes, so bought some Asic GT-2120's from Sweatshop on Sunday. Paid £85 for them. Just looked on their web site and they're saying "£65, was £85". I'm not very happy right now.
Bit Annoying. Asics tend to up issue their model numbers each year. I'm guessing the 2130 must be out now if the 2120 is being discounted. Still a good shoe though.
Up and running are doing a promotion this month where they will "charge the lowest prices in the UK for Asics shoes" in the shops and online. I got my £85 shoes for £66.50.
Sorry that's not much help now.
http://www.mandmdirect.com/ProductList.asp
M and M do have cheap prices, but they have a somewhat random collection of stock. I think they buy end of line stuff and punt it out cheap, like Lidl/Aldi. They are good for stuff like squash rackets, where if you're not too fussy about the exact model and not in a hurry, you can get "£180 reduced to £30 !!!!!" and stuff like that.
I've only bought shoes online from On the run (http://www.ontherunsports.co.uk/). They have a good range and seemed fairly priced. Don't take this as a recommendation, as I've nothing to compare it against, but they did alright by me.
gettin2dizzy
16-10-07, 01:36 PM
Anyone tried one of these?
http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/
They're meant to be great incentives, we could even start an Sv 'group' (says the guy who can't run a mile without stopping - and hasn't owned a pair of trainers for 5+ years)
You can compete even though you can be on differnet levels of running. It's all about improving/ setting challenges. (you don't need special trainers)
I've only bought shoes online from On the run (http://www.ontherunsports.co.uk/). They have a good range .
bah!
no saucony
Anyone tried one of these?
http://www.apple.com/ipod/nike/
They're meant to be great incentives, we could even start an Sv 'group' (says the guy who can't run a mile without stopping - and hasn't owned a pair of trainers for 5+ years)
You can compete even though you can be on differnet levels of running. It's all about improving/ setting challenges. (you don't need special trainers)
Oooh pretty graphs. I like graphs.
gettin2dizzy
16-10-07, 01:47 PM
I'm tempted by one. I need to start running, but it's such slow progress (I've had 3 mcdonalds in 3 days - gives you an idea of how healthy I currently am ;)) If anyone on here gets one, I'll buy one too and start a group :) (easy pickings for someone;))
gettin2dizzy
16-10-07, 01:53 PM
http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/#tutorials > challenges & goals > setting...
gettin2dizzy
16-10-07, 02:03 PM
mines lovely ...mmm :)
I hate to admit it, but they are ace. Especially the new nanos. I thought my sony was the dogs danglies previously too...
Evil evil evil. I won't be persuaded.
gettin2dizzy
16-10-07, 02:05 PM
hehehe. You'll just have to count your steps!:)
(I'm a recent iwhore)
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