Winter blues

It's 7.45am and it's dark! The sun struggles to rise and then after what feels like a few hours, it's dark again! If it weren't for my dog (Kibo), and my alarm, I would probably still be asleep at 9 or even 10am. Winter is hard and my mood does drop for sure. So what do you do? Get out, grin and bare it? Or hibernate?  I have decided to stick to shorter runs and gym sessions and when the mood takes me, maybe, I can get in some longer days out, preferably with others.
I have to say that I really admire people who can get out for hours and hours whatever the weather. Although I am less phased now, I am generally a fair weather girl. Lacking confidence in the mountains doesn't help and I just hope I can learn more and grow in confidence so that I am less phased by the possibility of getting lost.
I will end on a positive note though. Winter can be glorious. When the air is crisp cold, the sky is clear blue and the sun gives of a slight warmth. Going up into the fells is always worth it for the views on that day and so long as you wrap up nothing beats a winter day like that.

Solo run in the lakes

I should have written this a week ago at the height of my euphoria. I ventured out with Kibo into the lake district fells all on my own. Using my limited navigation skills I made my way round the Coledale Horseshoe (up Grizedale Pike) in pretty poor conditions. OK, I had a GPS but I did refer to the map and most amazingly I didn't panic. I felt myself ease into the run and just enjoy the challenge. Having mobile signal and some familiarity of the area helped but all the same it felt like a real achievement for me. I think I can do it again and really hope I get more and more confident and get to enjoy exploring new routes.

Icy, snowy and cold

Had a lovely run around Ennerdale lake with Kibo. Didn't anticipate going all the way round and doing 25km but it was just beautiful out and wanted to make the most of it. The snow and icy ground made it slow and tough in places and as I ran round I couldn't believe I did it twice, and quicker, a couple of mo this ago. Just goes to show what adrenaline, competition and good ground does. Now need to make sure I do some good Pilates/yoga to compensate. I am trying to make this regular practice as I definitely feel myself tightening up and as a physio need to practice what I preach and compensate for what my muscles are put through.

Night running

 I have on occasion woken up at 5am to fit in a run before work, or when I can't sleep. Yes crazy I know! There is something quite peaceful and accomplished about running in the dark. But, running through the night, on technical and wet ground when already weary does fill me with fear.
Joe and I decided to make our way up Skiddaw as the sun was going down and run down in the dark. It really was beautiful with the snow capped mountains and the colour of the sky with the disappearing sun. I managed to run a good way up the 700m climb and felt strong. However, for some reason I felt anxious and stressed and just wanted to get it over and done with. I struggled to get my breath walking up to little man (if that's what it's called), and made the decision not to go to the summit. I hate admitting defeat but I'd had enough. I don't know what came over me. It wasn't just the running at night I don't think but just the feeling of needing to get something done and not really embracing it and taking the time to enjoy it. I just wanted to be at home, having dinner and chilling out. So, I think more practice is required, for the psychological training of running at times that are out of my comfort zone as well as it just being dark. That's what training is all about though, learning more about your strengths and weaknesses and using both to motivate and push you to your goal. I look forward to getting out with others at night because I know that will be a real boost.  But for now I'm off to bed 😊

Time out

 Taking a week or so off to spend time with family and just relaxing, having a sofa day and being what I feel is lazy can be the best thing. I am not very good at allowing self to do nothing, other than everyday life things of course, but I am also aware of how many of us are perhaps addicted to training and exercise. How can that be a bad thing I hear you say? When you can't be happy without it and it becomes the only thing you think of and when even after a week of training that most people don't do in a few months, it is. I am having to work hard to appreciate recovery and rest as PART of my training and not view it as a negative thing but it isn't easy. Especially when I am terrible at comparing myself to other runners that so often have an obsessive approach. I am trying to learn to listen to my body more, put in the work but put in the rest too. I want my body to carry me a long way, not only on the days of the event but leading up to it so I am sure it deserves some respect? 

Back to back days

People often ask me "How do you train for something like the lakeland 100?" I have often had the same question, even with the experience of doing a 50 mile event. I am slowly coming to terms with the fact that it's done through getting out on tired legs and getting the back to back long days in. It's about time, not speed, and that's mentally challenging for me. I enjoy up to 4/5 hours then it gets tougher and that's when getting out with others is invaluable, for me anyway.
Another challenge I face is the cold! I can be really well layered up but nothing seems to stop the cold that set in my fingers. That was until I borrowed some wind proof glove things that allowed circulation to slowly return and ease the biting pain that leaves me near to tears and not pleasant to be around.

After the first day of snow capped Moutain tops I chose to recce part of the 100 route from Blencathra to  Dockray. 7.7 miles in the rain, but down in the valleys so not too cold. It was good to run after the previous day involved a lot of climbing and trying not to fall over on the slippery, steep terrain.
After debating whether to have a rest day I couldn't resist but getting out with the skies clear and it looking like it was going to be a glorious day. And it was! It felt like summer had returned, well nearly, and despite being tired had a good day mainly hiking some of the Bob Graham route from black sail to honister. Needless to say I struggled with the final steep, grassy, slippy descent. Not wanting to admit it was because I was tired from 3 days out I blamed my shoes and have decided a new pair are needed 😜 Any suggestions?

Recce day for the UTLD

The nerves of doing the first 26miles of the Lakeland 100 soon settled as I set off with a bunch of fellow runners. We navigated our way from Coniston to Seathwaite hardly noticing the first 6/7miles as we talked the time away. It always puts me at ease when I can run with others and confirms why I love this sport, being out with others but also getting in tune with myself somehow. The next leg to Boot was wet and boggy and some of the navigation a little tricky but I know I'll appreciate the terrain on the day to slow me down at the start of a long journey. As we were told this was the hardest quarter of the event I was waiting in anticipation of what was still to come but running into Wasdale was just lovely. Nice steady running broken up with little bits of ascent. Yes, I look forward to hills to break up the running and then look forward to running after a climb. That's what makes fell running so great, the variety. I think looking forward to the next section whether it be a climb, trudge through the bog, lovely gentle run along some easy trail or having to concentrate on some tricky technical descending is what helps me with such long days. That's not to say I didn't have moments where I was really questioning what on earth made me think I could do 100 miles. Especially coming off black sail pass after a great climb. I was feeling frustrated with slippy, rocky uneven and steep ground where I just couldn't let my legs go. But I soon got over that and with one mile to go running through lovely forest into buttermere I soon forgot the hard bits and am planning next long day out 😊

First Lady ennerdale 50km

'I'm just going to use it as a training run.' That was until I got swept up in the event and my competitive side took over. Leading the whole way I couldn't not give it my all to try and win. And I really did give it my all, second Lady being only a few minutes behind. The course was tough, and not in the way you might think with a lot of technical and steep ground, but with I all being runnable and steady climbs. After the first 25k, ad only nibbling on bits of food as I could, my legs were feeling it. Instead of just taking the next round easy and finishing I felt the pressure of having lead the first round. With 12k to go my competitor caught me and I felt a wave of disappointment thinking I'd lost first place. I had to fight off the feeling of just wanting to give up and keep going, running my race. In the end this paid off, I got ahead on the climb and maintained it at the technical stretch, which is usually my biggest weakness and came in first. It was such a relief and shear joy, even more so as it was a battle.  I feel I learnt quite a bit about myself from this event, things I need to work on both physically and mentally. I hate admitting I'm competitive, but I really am. But I also know that if I let it get to me it could ruin my chances of finishing 100 miles. I need to run my race, as my amazingly supportive husband was telling me during the event. Like so many things in life, this is my journey where we learn from others and experience, offer and take support, but just remember why we do it. Because being out in the beautiful countryside is just awesome! Happy running! 

 

Bit of this and that

Returned from the States a couple of weeks ago and have been settling into new life in the beautiful Lake District. And it really is beautiful. I've already met some lovely people and been taken out on the fells with my gorgeous dog Kibo. The ground has felt soft, wet and the running quite hard. So, I've only done a couple of short runs and some good gym sessions, but being in a new place and having next to no navigation skills I am a little restricted. Therefore my aim is to get myself onto a nav course, practice some shorter routes and get out with others when I can. Someone also recommended strava to get other people's routes. And, although I do like seeing other people's hard efforts, I am terrible at comparing myself and always feeling I should do more. There are times, like now, I need to take stock and remember why I run or go to the gym etc?! How many of us are driven by guilt perhaps hiding behind our goals? And how many are the part of the population that maybe over exercise? It's a hard balance to achieve.  Coming back to why I run and train, yes there are times I am driven by guilt, but I love being out and seeing what I can achieve. Like many others out there I do want to be able to sit back, relax and reward myself more for what I already have achieved.  I had a lovely walk up to ulluck pike with my man and my dog, the sun was shining and I felt utterly blessed to be where I was. So get out do a little or a lot and just enjoy 

Putting our feet up

For the last week I've been putting my feet up a bit and taking it easy. If only with the same view! So yeah I was in Vegas for a couple of days, which is a crazy crazy place, and we walked everywhere. But so to speak I have had it chilled, if that's possible in the heat of Texas. And although I get restless and I kind of hate to admit it, but I have enjoyed taking it easy for a bit. Spending time with family and the husband, without any interruptions has been a nice change. You forget how much time training takes and I am one to put pressure on self to always be on the go. I had time to stroll around the shops with no real purpose, bake and cook and even get a pedicure (poor person doing my feet!) But now I am rearing to go and get back to training. I just hope I can remember that having some time out is actually ok and really quite nice when convincing myself of important rest days.

Humphrey's Peak

What a great route! I managed to run most of the way to the saddle, 500ish meters I think?! When I say run, I did my best jumping between routes and rocks. It really was a beautiful route and I was just glad to be feeling more on it today. 

Plateau point

We spent the day yesterday walking around the South Rim Grand Canyon village heavily debating and investigating a rim to rim to rim adventure. That's about 23miles, 1800m ascent to the north rim, carrying camping gear to sleep in the freezing cold to then make the return journey back. Or spend near $200 to bus it back. I got excited at the prospect of the challenge and finishing our Grand Canyon adventure exhausted but, on already fairly tired legs, our sensible heads kicked in and we settled for an out and back instead. And we pushed it! We had an easy run down and out the Plateau point for a stunning view then I ran my longest ascent ever! 968m! I don't know where the determination or strength came from?! My lungs were burning the last half mile, but once I took a moment to fill them I felt strong enough to keep pushing on. I am normally one for steady gradual running, none of this anaerobic stuff, but it felt like each little extra bit I did was a great achievement until I shuffled out at the top. I just hope I can feel as determined back home where it can often feel so hard and draining. Lakeland hills here I come! 

Down and out of the Grand Canyon

What an unbelievable day!  One of the things that I love about fell/trail running is the like minded people you meet, wherever you are in the world. The day we arrived at our camp site we noticed a couple who had running gear on and so approached them, as you do, asking what their plans were with the sneaky suspicion they may be here with similar goals? The next morning we walked over to Kaibab Trail head to make our way down into the Canyon and then out in a day.  The trail was rough, dusty and hard going down with no water stops on the way. This was the reason we decided to head this way as the other trail (Bright Angel), that we ascended out via has regular water stops, so a definite recommendation for anyone wanting to do it. However, the descent is steeper so, if like me you are quite nervous going down, do it for the practice as I tried to see it, or go the other way 😊 We set off a little later than expected and I got concerned when a ranger asked us our plans and cautioned us into going down and out in a day due to the heat and challenge of the climb and to re-evaluate at tip off point. 45 mins in and we had reached tip off point and felt great! Hot and dusty, but no burning quads or sore toes! What was going on?! In one hour 20 minutes we had made it to the bottom and had the reward of a dip in The Colorado river. It really was lovely, but have to say I didn't feel the vastness of the canyon from being down in it compared to overlooking it.  Topped up on water and cooled off we started the 1300m climb out. I had prepared myself mentally for a long, slow climb with little running involved. I don't know if it was the surroundings, the steadiness of the climb or what but I managed to run all the way to Indian gardens, 5ish miles and 400ish m of ascent in total time (from the start) of 2.34mins! I quote the time just because I was shocked. Joe and I both felt great and think were relishing the fact that we were both on form and moving quickly and comfortably along the windy steady uphill trail amongst other hikers and mules. It was hot though and after 4 hours and 10mins of moving at what we felt was a good pace, it was nice to stop at the top and stretch off overlooking what we had accomplished and the beauty in front of us. Rest and recuperate tomorrow I think.   

The Grand Canyon

You're walking along and suddenly wow! There it is...the amazing deep gorge that is the Grand Canyon! Unbelievable! No running today, just setting up camp and psyching ourselves up for a 20 mile round trip tomorrow, down and back up 1300m+! Yikes! Just one big hill rep.  Have got to endure a night in a very small tent with minimal cushioning. 

Flagstaff-sunset trail

A lie in and slow start to the day. You'd think that I'd be rearing to go, buzzing with energy and excitement of exploring a new place. I was excited, but buzzing with energy? No! As we set off at a very slow plod from Flagstaff sunset trail head I felt heavy, tired and not really enthused. It was going to be a long and hard 8-10 miles. I quickly decided that I wanted to take it easy and walk/pace the steady climb and jog the downs when I felt like it. Once I made that decision I felt better, more relaxed and happy to continue. It's all good time spent on your feet, and the altitude takes some getting used to. Today was one of those days where I had to talk myself round and realise that it's ok to take it easy, even rest days are training days (let's see how I feel when I'm stuck on a plane back to uk lol). Anyway, my point is that I think I need to continue to work on training hard but also learning to rest well too, as I'm sure many of you are, especially in the running world. It's easy to get sucked into the 'must do more and more miles'. As a physio I should practice what I preach and encourage...good recovery.
I finished strong after the 50 having done 26 miles as my longest day a couple of weeks before, and probably doing between 4 and 13 miles as a max 2-3 times a week at most, mixed in with some biking and walking. I think I've always had a fairly good fitness base and I struggle to do nothing, but I could have done way more. I don't think I really 'wanted' to, but felt I 'should'. And I know that training for anything has its good and bad points, I just want it to make me more happy that sad. I don't know what I'm saying now. Yes train hard, but don't become overly obsessed and remember why you're doing it.
So, I guess my point to myself and others who feel like they must do a certain amount, or more is the only way, maybe we need to give ourselves a bit of a break at times?! It's still great to just get out and enjoy our incredible world. And the days it's hard and we do have to suck it up...good mental training when your more than likely going to feel pretty rotten during the 100 challenge.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Sedona

Sedona, What a place! What a place to start my training. Well, kind of. I did run the Lakeland 50 a month or so ago, the build up of that must count towards it, so long as I keep it up. People would often ask me, how do you train for something like that (the 50)? And the same will be asked I'm sure of the 100. The answer is, I'm not really sure but look forward to figuring it out along the way, and hopefully with the positive outcome of finishing and getting that all important medal (maybe we'll have that debate later?)
Anyway, as my husband says 'good acclimation training.' The heat certainly was a challenge, but I found that I coped well. We kept the time out short with a good mix of walking, stopping for photos and just enjoyed being out! And that's what it's all about. Being out, enjoying the scenery and appreciating being fit and able to. I take it for granted I'm sure. It has to be said that I am one for pushing self, feeling guilty if I don't think I've done enough (whatever that may be), and I guess a bit obsessive. So maybe training for 100 miles is not such a good idea? Or maybe I can use it to try and change that? Ensure I eat well, rest well and enjoy training with others rather than head down and go with no real purpose or goal other that 'because'. Our bodies are amazing and I want to learn to respect mine more, especially if I am going to want it to keep me going for a looooooooong way!

Oak Creek Canyon West Fork was amazing! Like nothing I've ever seen. It was so different from the days before going up to cathedral rock and chimney rock where the it was very exposed and dry, lots of cacti out to get us. Oak creek canyon was almost tropical, running through a gorge looking up to walls of rock and trees. When we got to the end of the trail (about 2 miles) we had a wade through the river and did some 'bundu bashing' (pushing through trees and bushes), to see if we could make our way further but I wasn't too keen on the scratches and getting covered in cobwebs, so we turned back and finished our day going up to Thomas point. It was a fun day, by no means easy...and that was less than ten miles out. All good though. I will try get pictures up but I'm a little slow with this blogging business so bare with me!

Starting the journey to 100

It wasn't the original plan...running a hundred miles. I was going to attempt the Lakeland 50 #lakeland100, and take a break, maybe do other things. But, after the euphoria of finishing 50 miles, coming fifth female in a time of 10.2 hours, in the beautiful Lake District, I just couldn't stop there. Even after seeing the pain the 100 mile runners were experiencing I thought, why not? Let's see what my mind and body can really cope with. I'll get over the idea after a week or so I thought, or not. September the 1st came and at 9am I was sat in Manchester airport in Costa with my finger on the button ready to enter the Lakeland 100 2017. And, being one of the lucky ones that got in (entries filled in about 6minutes) it was decided, my training would start on holiday, in Sedona Arizona USA. 
I hope that through this blog I can give some idea into the madness of even considering to run 100 miles; the trials and errors that come with training; things tried and tested; and hopefully inspire, encourage and maybe educate or assist other runners, or up and coming runners.