Well, my distance has, if not my knee entirely. It's almost 3 months since the knee operation. I'm still having discomfort in the back of knee. The surgeon told me that I could expect up to 6 months of that, whilst it heals. The fact that they meniscus was 'drilled' as well as the tear cut out, makes it a more lengthy recovery.
Last week didn't go that well initially. I did a 6 mile route, half of which I ran at a steady pace, then I ran 1x800m speed interval, followed by 5x400m intervals, before a 1/2 mil jog home. I'm trying to do some speedwork to regain my fitness a little faster. As well as doing a strength and atability gym session on Thursday I also ran my usual 3 mile tempo run. I had been busy during the day, and ignored my hydration, which I don't think helped. I felt thirst before I started, so I was never going to be doing well. I also forgot my watch, so I couldn't time it. This was probably a good thing, as I would only have depressed myself. It was still 30C at 6pm, and very humid, so the tempo run was a struggle for a lot of reasons.
On Sunday I did an 8 mile walk in the Peak District; not much to shout about there, but getting a few hills in my legs probably helped.
Yesterday, I ran 10 miles, the furthest I have managed since the knee operation. I deliberately left my watch at home, so I could enjoy the run. I decided to take it easy and concentrate on finishing as fresh as possible. I really settled into the run at about 5 miles, and it felt very easy throughout. There was 1000ft of ascent in the route, all of which I took in my stride and had no issues at all. Maybe the hill climbing in the Lake District last week has given my fitness a kick-start. I wanted to get 10 miles done, to give me some confidence in tackling this weekends Harden Hard'un. I did this event in 2007 and 2008. It is a tough 27 mile course, mostly over open moorland with a considerable amount of ascent. It's probably more than a little ambitious for someone in my state of recovery at the moment, but sometimes you just have to push the limits a little I think (I hope). I don't think I'll be posting any sub 6 hour time this year. In fact I suspect I'm going to be closer to 7 hours, but I'll just take a finish as a good result at the moment.
Other news, I've entered the Rab Mountain Marathon at the end of September. This is to practice for the OMM a month later, though to be fair, the chances of getting through the ballot for the OMM are probably not that good. So, the Rab may be the main event anyway.
I've added lots of news events onto my ultra events website www.beyondmarathon.com so be sure to check them out.
Have a good week.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Monday, 29 June 2009
Lake District OMM practice
I tried my hand at an orienteering event this week, organised by the local group. I have never done this before, and I need to practice my fine navigation skills. I told them I was new, so they put me on the moderate course. I didn't know what to expect, but I had no problem navigating sometimes with compass assistance, but mostly off map and terrain features. I got around the course is fairly good time. I didn't really go flat out at all, and deliberately used my compass for practice even when I didn't need to. The course was only 3.3km with 105m of ascent. It took me around 26 minutes, and I got to use the Sport Ident, electronic controls, for the first time. I had better get used to them, since all orienteering and mountain marathons use them. I consider myself a novice navigator really, but even I found the course very straightforward, and doubtless need a bigger challenge than a small orienteering course. As it turned out I logged the fastest time, but that really isn't much to be proud of when you are racing teenagers and pensioners is it! So, I will have to seek more challenging orienteering!
This weekend just gone, I went to the Lake District armed with the day 1 and day 2maps from the Original Mountain Marathon from last year. The event itself was cancelled on day 1 due to severe weather. I was half hoping that I would get some bad weather to, so I could test out my navigation skills in harsh conditions. As it was, the weather was perfect. If anything, it was too hot. However, I had to be prepared for any eventuality, so I had an 11kg pack, including tent, waterproof clothes, warmer clothes, cooking equipment and 3l of water.
You can download the full maps for last years OMM here
I downloaded the Medium Score day 1 and day 2. This is basically 6 hours time limit on day 1 and 5 hours limit on day 2. On the map are various controls. You decide which ones and how many you want to visit within the time limit, choosing any route between them (within the rules). If you finish late, 2 points are deducted for every minute you are late. So, it is important to know how much ground you can cover in the time allowed.
I left my car at Seathwaite, and planned my route. I decided to would try and get 6 of the controls, with a possible option for more if time allowed. Below is the map. My start point indicated by the red triangle, towards the bottom right.
Here's a photo taken at the beginning, about 9:45am.
I would be navigating from a Harvey 1:40k map, and compass, not GPS. I did however, have my GPS along to log my route (as you can see above), to check for mistakes when I got home. The route begin with a very steep climb, with some all fours scrambling, out of Seathwaite up towards A mountain called Grey knots. A plateau underneath the summit was the location of the first control.
My navigation was a bit sketchy here, just getting used to the map, but all was well in the end and the location was found. From there it was up and down to Honister pass, where the 2008 OMM competitors all sheltered from the storm last year. I refilled my water bottles at the Youth Hostel there, though in the real event I would be refilling by bottles from streams.
Next was a climb up Dale Head which is another good climb. Just before the summit I had to head East and locate a Tarn (a small lake) for the next control. The visibility was excellent so I found the Tarn very easily (as pointed out by me below).
I then made my way North towards High Spy for the 3rd Control. Now by this time around 2 and a half hours had gone by, so I decided there was no chance I could go for any controls further form the finish. I opted to stick to the original plan, and head up to Dale Head summit.
Then along the ridge to Hindscarth, and then Robinson, (I stopped the clock whilst I 'bagged' the summits - though I've been to all of these before anyway!), picking up another control just before the summit there.
After that there was a toe crushing descent into Buttermere, picking up another control half way down, just near where this was taken.
I made a bad, but easier navigation, decision to handrail down and around a wall. This meant I went in a semi circle, a longer route, but the navigation was a no-brainer. The ground was very tough; steep, with rocks under high ferns making for the ever present danger of a sprained ankle. I should have just opted for dropping straight off the even steeper South face of Robinson, which was a much shorter route.
Here is Buttermere, the Lake where I camped that evening.
As it was, I got to the final (compulsory) control with just 5 minutes to spare, though to be fair I had taken a lot of photo's etc. I had only managed an average of 1.5mph, 4000ft of ascent, 4200ft of descent, and covered just under 10 miles in the 6 hour limit. I would have got 110 points, but bear in mind I had perfect conditions, which I won’t have in October! Shortly after I finsihed it began to rain, so I did get some use out of my waterproof clothes, if only for half an hour.
I camped in a little patch of trees on the far side of Buttermere Lake that night.
The following morning I got out my day 2 map, and planned a route. Just for some variation here's a Google Earth view. The route was about 8.5 miles long, and had 3500ft of ascent.
The route began once again with a stiff climb towards (but not up entirely) Fleetwith Pike, again some all fours scrambling, since I opted not to use either of the footpaths, and go for a more direct route straight up alongside the small stream and waterfall.
These were taken about half way up, looking back towards Buttermere.
The first control took about an hour to get to (close to the Summit of Brandreth), and was quite challenging, as a Tarn featured on the map just wasn't there to be found! Still I was in the right place, I reasoned (and was proven right by checking GPS later).
From there it was a long way to the second control I selected. I had a crisis of route choice half way to Green Gable, but decided against a 30 point control just in case it meant I could not get a later control. I summitted Green Gable, pictured below.
Then descended on the rubble-like path to Styhead Tarn
It was another fairly steep descent. Here is a shot I took looking back up, the crease in the centre of the picture, being the descent.
I picked up one final control just before Sprinkling Tarn, and decided I didn't have time to for an more as I had just an hour left to get back to Seathwaite. The descent was picky at times, and a little slow, but I got back with about 20 minutes to spare, and averaged 1.7mph. I logged 90 points for the day 2 effort.
A good weekend training. My knee did hurt and times, so we'll have to see how it feels this week. I assume it is still healing from the operation. The discomfort has never really gone away. I hope it will soon.
I may do an LDWA event this weekend, as well as the Harden Hard'un next weekend.
Have a good week!
This weekend just gone, I went to the Lake District armed with the day 1 and day 2maps from the Original Mountain Marathon from last year. The event itself was cancelled on day 1 due to severe weather. I was half hoping that I would get some bad weather to, so I could test out my navigation skills in harsh conditions. As it was, the weather was perfect. If anything, it was too hot. However, I had to be prepared for any eventuality, so I had an 11kg pack, including tent, waterproof clothes, warmer clothes, cooking equipment and 3l of water.
You can download the full maps for last years OMM here
I downloaded the Medium Score day 1 and day 2. This is basically 6 hours time limit on day 1 and 5 hours limit on day 2. On the map are various controls. You decide which ones and how many you want to visit within the time limit, choosing any route between them (within the rules). If you finish late, 2 points are deducted for every minute you are late. So, it is important to know how much ground you can cover in the time allowed.
I left my car at Seathwaite, and planned my route. I decided to would try and get 6 of the controls, with a possible option for more if time allowed. Below is the map. My start point indicated by the red triangle, towards the bottom right.
Here's a photo taken at the beginning, about 9:45am.
I would be navigating from a Harvey 1:40k map, and compass, not GPS. I did however, have my GPS along to log my route (as you can see above), to check for mistakes when I got home. The route begin with a very steep climb, with some all fours scrambling, out of Seathwaite up towards A mountain called Grey knots. A plateau underneath the summit was the location of the first control.
My navigation was a bit sketchy here, just getting used to the map, but all was well in the end and the location was found. From there it was up and down to Honister pass, where the 2008 OMM competitors all sheltered from the storm last year. I refilled my water bottles at the Youth Hostel there, though in the real event I would be refilling by bottles from streams.
Next was a climb up Dale Head which is another good climb. Just before the summit I had to head East and locate a Tarn (a small lake) for the next control. The visibility was excellent so I found the Tarn very easily (as pointed out by me below).
I then made my way North towards High Spy for the 3rd Control. Now by this time around 2 and a half hours had gone by, so I decided there was no chance I could go for any controls further form the finish. I opted to stick to the original plan, and head up to Dale Head summit.
Then along the ridge to Hindscarth, and then Robinson, (I stopped the clock whilst I 'bagged' the summits - though I've been to all of these before anyway!), picking up another control just before the summit there.
After that there was a toe crushing descent into Buttermere, picking up another control half way down, just near where this was taken.
I made a bad, but easier navigation, decision to handrail down and around a wall. This meant I went in a semi circle, a longer route, but the navigation was a no-brainer. The ground was very tough; steep, with rocks under high ferns making for the ever present danger of a sprained ankle. I should have just opted for dropping straight off the even steeper South face of Robinson, which was a much shorter route.
Here is Buttermere, the Lake where I camped that evening.
As it was, I got to the final (compulsory) control with just 5 minutes to spare, though to be fair I had taken a lot of photo's etc. I had only managed an average of 1.5mph, 4000ft of ascent, 4200ft of descent, and covered just under 10 miles in the 6 hour limit. I would have got 110 points, but bear in mind I had perfect conditions, which I won’t have in October! Shortly after I finsihed it began to rain, so I did get some use out of my waterproof clothes, if only for half an hour.
I camped in a little patch of trees on the far side of Buttermere Lake that night.
The following morning I got out my day 2 map, and planned a route. Just for some variation here's a Google Earth view. The route was about 8.5 miles long, and had 3500ft of ascent.
The route began once again with a stiff climb towards (but not up entirely) Fleetwith Pike, again some all fours scrambling, since I opted not to use either of the footpaths, and go for a more direct route straight up alongside the small stream and waterfall.
These were taken about half way up, looking back towards Buttermere.
The first control took about an hour to get to (close to the Summit of Brandreth), and was quite challenging, as a Tarn featured on the map just wasn't there to be found! Still I was in the right place, I reasoned (and was proven right by checking GPS later).
From there it was a long way to the second control I selected. I had a crisis of route choice half way to Green Gable, but decided against a 30 point control just in case it meant I could not get a later control. I summitted Green Gable, pictured below.
Then descended on the rubble-like path to Styhead Tarn
It was another fairly steep descent. Here is a shot I took looking back up, the crease in the centre of the picture, being the descent.
I picked up one final control just before Sprinkling Tarn, and decided I didn't have time to for an more as I had just an hour left to get back to Seathwaite. The descent was picky at times, and a little slow, but I got back with about 20 minutes to spare, and averaged 1.7mph. I logged 90 points for the day 2 effort.
A good weekend training. My knee did hurt and times, so we'll have to see how it feels this week. I assume it is still healing from the operation. The discomfort has never really gone away. I hope it will soon.
I may do an LDWA event this weekend, as well as the Harden Hard'un next weekend.
Have a good week!
Monday, 15 June 2009
Run!
So, it's now 8 weeks since my knee operation. My appointment with the surgeon is next week, but I got sick of waiting so I started running last week.
I started off very tentatively with a 3 mile run, which was more painful that expected; pain, both back and front of my knee. I was also pretty shocked at just how tough I found it. All my cardio fitness has gone. It was like I was starting to run again from nothing. I had a tight chest and just general feeling of feeling of finding it hard.
A couple of days later I ran a 6 mile orienteering course in nearby Apedale Country Park. I've never done this before in my life, but I need to sharpen my navigation skills if I get into the Original Mountain Marathon this year. It was very much stop, start, so no extended running effort required. Maybe a half mile at the most between some checkpoints then a minute or so deciding which way I needed to run next, setting the compass and off again. So, it was more like an interval session, which wasn't a bad thing. I managed it ok, and my knee didn't hurt as much. Although a quad stretch causes a lot of pain from the scar tissue still.
I went to Yoga on Tuesday and did fairly well there, and also did my usually strength and stability work on Thursday. I am still putting more effort into the affected leg, trying to build it back up and equalise the muscle mass between the two legs.
On Saturday I decided I'd go for a 10k trail run. I picked a familiar and challenging route, and happily managed to maintain a 10 minute mile pace, despite my lack of fitness and the narrow twisting trail, that also features plenty of ascent. Even fully fit, I probably don't run that route much faster than 8.5 minute mile average anyway. So after that success, this week I am going to do a little speed-work. Nothing gets you fitter faster in my opinion. I'll run tonight, and on Wednesday, probably no more than 3 miles each time, and I'll do perhaps 8 miles on Saturday.
I'd like to take part in the Harden Hard'un again this year. It is a challenging 27 mile course over the Yorkshire moors. Though I realise I won't get anywhere near my time from last year, and may well end up walking a lot more than I wish, I want to do it anyway. Oh, did I mention it is no July 11th, less than 4 weeks away?
So, zero fitness to hill marathon (And yes it is a very hilly course!) in 4 weeks. I can do it right?
I've been busy updating my Beyond Marathon ultramarathon website, to make it look a little more professional. I've added some new features too. Go and check it out, and join the forum. I will be posting forum-member related news (any races you are entering, just done etc). It's nice to be mentioned somewhere sometimes!
Have a good week.
I started off very tentatively with a 3 mile run, which was more painful that expected; pain, both back and front of my knee. I was also pretty shocked at just how tough I found it. All my cardio fitness has gone. It was like I was starting to run again from nothing. I had a tight chest and just general feeling of feeling of finding it hard.
A couple of days later I ran a 6 mile orienteering course in nearby Apedale Country Park. I've never done this before in my life, but I need to sharpen my navigation skills if I get into the Original Mountain Marathon this year. It was very much stop, start, so no extended running effort required. Maybe a half mile at the most between some checkpoints then a minute or so deciding which way I needed to run next, setting the compass and off again. So, it was more like an interval session, which wasn't a bad thing. I managed it ok, and my knee didn't hurt as much. Although a quad stretch causes a lot of pain from the scar tissue still.
I went to Yoga on Tuesday and did fairly well there, and also did my usually strength and stability work on Thursday. I am still putting more effort into the affected leg, trying to build it back up and equalise the muscle mass between the two legs.
On Saturday I decided I'd go for a 10k trail run. I picked a familiar and challenging route, and happily managed to maintain a 10 minute mile pace, despite my lack of fitness and the narrow twisting trail, that also features plenty of ascent. Even fully fit, I probably don't run that route much faster than 8.5 minute mile average anyway. So after that success, this week I am going to do a little speed-work. Nothing gets you fitter faster in my opinion. I'll run tonight, and on Wednesday, probably no more than 3 miles each time, and I'll do perhaps 8 miles on Saturday.
I'd like to take part in the Harden Hard'un again this year. It is a challenging 27 mile course over the Yorkshire moors. Though I realise I won't get anywhere near my time from last year, and may well end up walking a lot more than I wish, I want to do it anyway. Oh, did I mention it is no July 11th, less than 4 weeks away?
So, zero fitness to hill marathon (And yes it is a very hilly course!) in 4 weeks. I can do it right?
I've been busy updating my Beyond Marathon ultramarathon website, to make it look a little more professional. I've added some new features too. Go and check it out, and join the forum. I will be posting forum-member related news (any races you are entering, just done etc). It's nice to be mentioned somewhere sometimes!
Have a good week.
Monday, 1 June 2009
Peak Walk
It's now 6 weeks after my knee operation. My knee feels ok, but it is still painful, behind, when at full stretch as I climb stairs. Not sure if this is because it is still healing after the knee op, or if the operation hasn't fully fixed it?
I did an hour in the gym on Tuesday; on the bike and then doing exercises mostly focused on the weaker leg to try and get it built back up to match the right one. After that session I went straight into an hour and a half yoga class. Again I can do most things, but a few exercises are still too painful to attempt, or to hold for too long. I repeated the strength work at the gym the following day, and then didn't exercise again until Saturday. I decided that last weeks 10 mile walk meant that I could go a little further this week, a little ore towards what I would class a long distance walk. We'll find out tomorrow, at Physio, if the therapist agrees with my definition or I end up getting into trouble!
I planned a 16 mile walk in the Peak District. It was a glorious day, the hottest of the year so far, around 26C. I planned the route but didn't pay any attention to how much elevation there was.
I took it relatively easy; a nice steady walking pace, taking photos and not rushing.
Here is a shot not far from the where I parked my car, very close to Gradback Youth Hostel, just after a short climb out of the valley. The photo is looking back down towards the youth hostel. There was a marquee setup and a wedding on there as I returned later. What fantastic weather they had, they really lucked out!
Just over the next hill I got a view over to the hill I would shortly be climbing, shutlingsloe.
It's a steady climb up initially, then a final steep ascent/half scramble to the trig point from where I am pictured below. I decided to shave my hair off the previous night. A slight accident with the clippers meant I had to go a couple of grades shorter than I intended to!
There was then a gently, mostly paved, descent down and into Macclesfield forest. I took this picture looking across to Trentabank Reservoir, and an (overexposed) hill calls Teggs Nose.
It was Teggs Nose I then headed up to next, taking this photo at the top, looking back towards that same reservoir (from the opposite side of course), and back to Shutlingsloe in the far distance.
I then picked up the Gritstone Trail and headed back towards the car. This was an impossible to resist comedy photo opportunity.
I averaged 2.8mph, but me knee felt fine and I wasn't tired at all. I thought there felt to quite a lot of ascent, and when I checked at home, it was 3500ft! So that was a sufficient test for my leg I think.
So, one last physio appointment tomorrow, and then an appointment with the surgeon in 3 weeks time.
I've just launched my new website in case you haven't seen it yet. Go here
Have a good week.
I did an hour in the gym on Tuesday; on the bike and then doing exercises mostly focused on the weaker leg to try and get it built back up to match the right one. After that session I went straight into an hour and a half yoga class. Again I can do most things, but a few exercises are still too painful to attempt, or to hold for too long. I repeated the strength work at the gym the following day, and then didn't exercise again until Saturday. I decided that last weeks 10 mile walk meant that I could go a little further this week, a little ore towards what I would class a long distance walk. We'll find out tomorrow, at Physio, if the therapist agrees with my definition or I end up getting into trouble!
I planned a 16 mile walk in the Peak District. It was a glorious day, the hottest of the year so far, around 26C. I planned the route but didn't pay any attention to how much elevation there was.
I took it relatively easy; a nice steady walking pace, taking photos and not rushing.
Here is a shot not far from the where I parked my car, very close to Gradback Youth Hostel, just after a short climb out of the valley. The photo is looking back down towards the youth hostel. There was a marquee setup and a wedding on there as I returned later. What fantastic weather they had, they really lucked out!
Just over the next hill I got a view over to the hill I would shortly be climbing, shutlingsloe.
It's a steady climb up initially, then a final steep ascent/half scramble to the trig point from where I am pictured below. I decided to shave my hair off the previous night. A slight accident with the clippers meant I had to go a couple of grades shorter than I intended to!
There was then a gently, mostly paved, descent down and into Macclesfield forest. I took this picture looking across to Trentabank Reservoir, and an (overexposed) hill calls Teggs Nose.
It was Teggs Nose I then headed up to next, taking this photo at the top, looking back towards that same reservoir (from the opposite side of course), and back to Shutlingsloe in the far distance.
I then picked up the Gritstone Trail and headed back towards the car. This was an impossible to resist comedy photo opportunity.
I averaged 2.8mph, but me knee felt fine and I wasn't tired at all. I thought there felt to quite a lot of ascent, and when I checked at home, it was 3500ft! So that was a sufficient test for my leg I think.
So, one last physio appointment tomorrow, and then an appointment with the surgeon in 3 weeks time.
I've just launched my new website in case you haven't seen it yet. Go here
Have a good week.
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
New Website: Beyond Marathon
http://www.beyondmarathon.com
OK, the logo has been applied, so I can release my website that I have been talking about for weeks!
It is for budding and veteran ultra athletes everywhere. I’ve looked around at various websites and though I’ve found ‘lists’ I’ve found nothing comprehensive (online) for single and multi stage events across the Globe.
So, I’ve created a site with the Worlds top ultra’s. There are currently just over 50 featured, and detailed. It’s a free resource for everyone to research events and find something right for them. Now, I’m not a web designer, this is my first time, so I welcome feedback – no matter how critical! I’ve tried to keep the navigation very clean and simple.
I’ve a hard time keeping my credit card in my pocket when learning about all of these races across the World, so just make sure yours is out of reach! You’ve been warned!
Incidentally, I’m not making anything out of the website, from anyone. No kickbacks, no nothing. It’s all for your benefit, and the benefit of the “established event” organisers. I say “established” because I’ve only listed events that have a history of being run, or an organisation behind them who have a history of proven events. This is simply to ensure that I’m not unwittingly freely advertising events that never materialise, and let the site content down. I’m looking for event reports for any of those listed (you’ll see what I mean). Ideally not more than a couple of pages long. More a ‘review’ than a blow by blow daily race report, if you understand me. Though I have included the odd long race report. I’d like feedback on what works there; short or long.
I want the site to be a global resource, and not just one for the UK. I have tried to give good representation to all continents at launch (though admittedly the UK as a country is extra well represented at the moment). I will undoubtedly add more events, as appropriate, and I have some other toys and plans for the site to come soon.
All of the feedback from Race Directors worldwide has been really positive (I have had to chase for their blessing of course), and I hope that many races will attract new competitors as a direct result of people discovering their races.
Have a look and let me know what you think.
http://www.beyondmarathon.com
OK, the logo has been applied, so I can release my website that I have been talking about for weeks!
It is for budding and veteran ultra athletes everywhere. I’ve looked around at various websites and though I’ve found ‘lists’ I’ve found nothing comprehensive (online) for single and multi stage events across the Globe.
So, I’ve created a site with the Worlds top ultra’s. There are currently just over 50 featured, and detailed. It’s a free resource for everyone to research events and find something right for them. Now, I’m not a web designer, this is my first time, so I welcome feedback – no matter how critical! I’ve tried to keep the navigation very clean and simple.
I’ve a hard time keeping my credit card in my pocket when learning about all of these races across the World, so just make sure yours is out of reach! You’ve been warned!
Incidentally, I’m not making anything out of the website, from anyone. No kickbacks, no nothing. It’s all for your benefit, and the benefit of the “established event” organisers. I say “established” because I’ve only listed events that have a history of being run, or an organisation behind them who have a history of proven events. This is simply to ensure that I’m not unwittingly freely advertising events that never materialise, and let the site content down. I’m looking for event reports for any of those listed (you’ll see what I mean). Ideally not more than a couple of pages long. More a ‘review’ than a blow by blow daily race report, if you understand me. Though I have included the odd long race report. I’d like feedback on what works there; short or long.
I want the site to be a global resource, and not just one for the UK. I have tried to give good representation to all continents at launch (though admittedly the UK as a country is extra well represented at the moment). I will undoubtedly add more events, as appropriate, and I have some other toys and plans for the site to come soon.
All of the feedback from Race Directors worldwide has been really positive (I have had to chase for their blessing of course), and I hope that many races will attract new competitors as a direct result of people discovering their races.
Have a look and let me know what you think.
http://www.beyondmarathon.com
5 weeks after the knee operation.
Last week has been more eventful. I had an NHS physio appointment on Tuesday to check my progress. I was given a few more exercise to do, told I could use light resistance machines and the exercise bike; the one where you sit like a go-kart, I forget what it's called.
I went along to the gym on Tuesday night and did half an hour on the machines and bike, and also an hour and a half of yoga. I was a little rusty and not as flexible again, but I'm sure that will come back. The front of my knee was still too sore to do all of the yoga poses, but I did relatively well.
The physio nurse also said that I could do "a long walk" if I wanted to. I decided not to ask her what she considered a "long" walk in case her ideas, and mine, didn't match. I half suspect she meant a few miles, whereas a long walk in my mind is over 20 miles. So on Saturday I decided to do a compromise in my own head and do a 10 mile walk. It had around 1000dr of ascent, and I also managed to establish that my maximum walking pace is 4.2mph. I managed to hold onto that average by the skin of my teeth all the way around. It was an unnaturally fast walk, that burned my feet up so much I actually got about 4 or 5 hotspots or small blisters. It was a lovely day, the warmest of the year so far. I took a few photos along the way.
After the walk, my knee felt ok, maybe a little sore both back and front. I wasn't the least bit tired which was good news, so I hope I recover my fitness quickly. I was told I shouldn't run until my appointment with the surgeon on 22nd June, but I will certainly be doing some longer walks if nothing more energetic. I also plan to use the gym 3 times this week too. On the subject of feet I've had a refund from UKGear this week for the PT-03 desert shoes which failed in the Atacama when the soles peeled away. They have also said they will write to me and tell me the results from the lab tests and what changes are being made to the production, to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Website: well it's pretty much ready to go. I've just waiting for a higher resolution logo to put on the homepage and I'll open it up. I wouldn't say it's finished, because I have lots of plans for the site; new features etc, but it's certainly in a good state as it is, and I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback; good and bad! I've had to chase down permissions to use some content/extracts from various ultramarathon event websites. Every race so far has given their blessing, as many have seen a pre-live version etc. This includes all the biggest ultras (in terms of number of competitors), such as Two Oceans. Of course it is a free source of promotion for the events, and few people turn down free advertising. However, Badwater said that they'd rather people use their own website, and didn't want me to use their website extracts/photos on my site. I guess when you are running a massively oversubscribed yearly event for a restricted field of 80 or 90 people, and it is on an invite-only basis, you don't need any free promotion! So, Badwater's information is all public access details and no pictures. It makes that page look a litle dull, but I'm sure you can imagine what running 135 miles on road in 50C is like though right? Everything else is looking good though.
There a possibility I may get the graphics a little later, and if so I'll post the link up. Watch this space!
Have a good week.
I went along to the gym on Tuesday night and did half an hour on the machines and bike, and also an hour and a half of yoga. I was a little rusty and not as flexible again, but I'm sure that will come back. The front of my knee was still too sore to do all of the yoga poses, but I did relatively well.
The physio nurse also said that I could do "a long walk" if I wanted to. I decided not to ask her what she considered a "long" walk in case her ideas, and mine, didn't match. I half suspect she meant a few miles, whereas a long walk in my mind is over 20 miles. So on Saturday I decided to do a compromise in my own head and do a 10 mile walk. It had around 1000dr of ascent, and I also managed to establish that my maximum walking pace is 4.2mph. I managed to hold onto that average by the skin of my teeth all the way around. It was an unnaturally fast walk, that burned my feet up so much I actually got about 4 or 5 hotspots or small blisters. It was a lovely day, the warmest of the year so far. I took a few photos along the way.
After the walk, my knee felt ok, maybe a little sore both back and front. I wasn't the least bit tired which was good news, so I hope I recover my fitness quickly. I was told I shouldn't run until my appointment with the surgeon on 22nd June, but I will certainly be doing some longer walks if nothing more energetic. I also plan to use the gym 3 times this week too. On the subject of feet I've had a refund from UKGear this week for the PT-03 desert shoes which failed in the Atacama when the soles peeled away. They have also said they will write to me and tell me the results from the lab tests and what changes are being made to the production, to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Website: well it's pretty much ready to go. I've just waiting for a higher resolution logo to put on the homepage and I'll open it up. I wouldn't say it's finished, because I have lots of plans for the site; new features etc, but it's certainly in a good state as it is, and I look forward to hearing everyone’s feedback; good and bad! I've had to chase down permissions to use some content/extracts from various ultramarathon event websites. Every race so far has given their blessing, as many have seen a pre-live version etc. This includes all the biggest ultras (in terms of number of competitors), such as Two Oceans. Of course it is a free source of promotion for the events, and few people turn down free advertising. However, Badwater said that they'd rather people use their own website, and didn't want me to use their website extracts/photos on my site. I guess when you are running a massively oversubscribed yearly event for a restricted field of 80 or 90 people, and it is on an invite-only basis, you don't need any free promotion! So, Badwater's information is all public access details and no pictures. It makes that page look a litle dull, but I'm sure you can imagine what running 135 miles on road in 50C is like though right? Everything else is looking good though.
There a possibility I may get the graphics a little later, and if so I'll post the link up. Watch this space!
Have a good week.
Monday, 18 May 2009
Not enough hours
It's a month since my knee op, and If it wasn't for being so busy with the new website, I would be stir crazy through lack of exercise. My knee is still really sore on the front, and that might last months. The back of the knee is still a little painful too; I hope becuase it is still healing and not because the original issue is still manifesting itself somehow. I am exercising it, mainly when I walk up the stairs. I'll stop and do some extra reps, and I've been doing lots of one legged squats etc to build it all back up. Slowly but surely. I think I might try to run in 2 weeks time. I will doubtless have lost all my fitness, since I have done literally nothing fitness wise. It's strange not doing anything, after it has govened my life for so long. I am looking forward to getting back into it.
On the website front, I have now gathered about 80% of the content I want on the site for when in launches. Most of the rest I will have got together by the weekend. I am up until 1am most nights working on it. I haven't been outside the house for an period of time in weeks! All weekend I spend on it. A company has approach me to do the design, but it's all chargable of course, and since I won't be making any money out of the site (it's just an info source) it would be money I wouldn't see again. Still, I'm sure their effort would outshine mine!. I'm no web designer of course. Regardless, you'll be seeing the fruits of my labours anyway, because any professional website design would be further down the line, and I want to get something to show you as soon as possible. Even if it's not as pretty as it could be, the content is key I think. Maybe something by the weekend, but I'm not sure. We'll have to see how many more hours I can shoehorn into the day.
Have a good week!
On the website front, I have now gathered about 80% of the content I want on the site for when in launches. Most of the rest I will have got together by the weekend. I am up until 1am most nights working on it. I haven't been outside the house for an period of time in weeks! All weekend I spend on it. A company has approach me to do the design, but it's all chargable of course, and since I won't be making any money out of the site (it's just an info source) it would be money I wouldn't see again. Still, I'm sure their effort would outshine mine!. I'm no web designer of course. Regardless, you'll be seeing the fruits of my labours anyway, because any professional website design would be further down the line, and I want to get something to show you as soon as possible. Even if it's not as pretty as it could be, the content is key I think. Maybe something by the weekend, but I'm not sure. We'll have to see how many more hours I can shoehorn into the day.
Have a good week!
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