Final Thoughts
By the time I reached the finish line I was too tired really to think and it is only now that I am home do I have time to gather my thoughts.
Running this race was a life changing event. There will always be pre-marathon and post-marathon times. Looking back I remember standing on the start line feeling nothing but fear. The whiteness stretched as far as the eye could see and all I could focus on was the vanishing-point of flags which slowly dissolved into the horizon. I remember the first few miles, the crunch of the ice underfoot, the fear slowly draining and the running taking over. We ran past a guy wearing a German flag, like Superman’s cape, and I seem to remember thinking: wow, I am out pacing super German.
I remember blistering through the half marathon finish, stuffing down some chocolate and gels and thinking: this is so pretty, to beautiful and I feel perfectly serene. I remember thinking, as the pack thinned and all I had for company was Trevor and the mountains, was that I had never felt so content, so happy or so at peace. For a few miles I was at one with my running, myself and the day – or as my yoga teacher says: be at peace with yourself…so you can be at peace with others…
And then it went downhill…
There were miles of pain and suffering. Shimmering mirages on the endless frozen sea that eventually turned into a food stop and where I downed hot sweet tea and wiped away frozen tears. There was sadness that my legs didn’t work, an endless resentment of the snow and ice and an overwhelming feeling of tiredness. Of course, now I am at home, with a beer in my hand, it is easy to realise that my mind went a long time before my body, but alone in that immense sea of ice, surrounded by nothingness it became very very easy to become unhinged and loose focus. My body may be conditioned to run a marathon but my mind is still a fair few runs from being ready.
At then the finish…
There were no crowds, no screaming family, just some lost looking Russian couple in tatty fur-lined boots, to see me across the line. As anti-climaxes go it was up there with the best of them. I wanted a brass band, girls with pom-poms and a press corp…instead I got a hand shake from Trevor and shouted at my some burley Russian bloke who wanted me to get into the hovercraft.
But perhaps this is most fitting…
This year has been about accepting change and that life cannot remain constant. It has been about paying my respects, in a somewhat bizarre and unintelligent way, to my father. It has been about sitting goals and planning and it has mostly been about my own personal growth. It now seems somewhat fitting that hardly anyone was there to see the end of this remarkable year and I probably wouldn’t have had it any another way. Trevor was even so kind as to let me finish a second ahead of him as we both know that if it hadn’t been for him I would still out there somewhere and also that he simply isn’t the kind of guy to take praise of hog the lime light. In this respect, again, he has been the perfect guide this year.
Siberia has changed me in a profound way. It has given me many things, not least the idea that anything is possible with good planning and a degree of intelligence. It has also taught me that real friends simply wont leave you to cry at 14 miles..
Sunday, March 4th, 2012, Philip and Trevor will be running across the frozen ice surface of the world’s largest, oldest and deepest lake, Lake Baikal in Siberia. It's generally considered one of the 10 toughest marathons in the world. Philip and Trevor are running in support of Iain Rennie Hospice at Home, a charity offering specialist and supportive care and advice for patients with cancer and other life threatening illnesses in their homes.
Thursday, 8 March 2012
Sunday, 4 March 2012
The Day After....
The Day After
What a few days, with the travel to Listvianka, the small matter of running a marathon and then travel home, although we haven't got home yet, sat in a restaurant in Moscow airport, where we will be for the next 9 hrs....
The following is a short account of how the last few days have gone.
We arrived in Listvianka on Thursday morning, we had a lazy day had a wander around the town, didn't take long, wandered out onto the ice of the Lake, it is a strange feeling knowing that in 2 days time we will be running across this, and also knowing that it is the deepest, and largest freshwater lake in the world.
On Friday we thought that we had better go for a short run on the lake, to get use to running on the surface and also used to the Yak Trax on our trainers.
In the evening we had a race meeting, where we were told that this year we will be running the opposite way across the lake, this decision had been made due to some issues with the ice cracking... As in the words of the race director "Lake Baikal is living and breathing" so these things happen.. Also the start was moved forwards which meant an issue with breakfast at the hotel, but they brought breakfast forward so it'll worked out.
It was a shame that we were now running away from the Hotel, physiologically this was harder as running towards the hotel would have been easier, as you were then running "home".
But on the flip side it meant that we could stay warmer and inside right up until the race started.
Out we all trooped to give our offering of Milk to the "Ice Gods" it obviously worked as we had near perfect conditions, beautiful blue sky and more importantly no wind...
We set of at a steady pace, practicing what we had been doing all through training of running 9 mins then walk 1min, after a couple of miles you were soon in your own space, with only a field of 130 people (80 for the marathon & 50 for the half).
We progressed nice and comfortably reaching the halfway point in 2hrs 15 mins, a really good steady pace, Philip was doing well and feeling comfortable,although I knew that tough times would be ahead.
They hit a bit sooner than I thought, Philip had a little wobble at 14.5 miles, I think the bleakness of the ice and snow was getting to him, so after that we had to manage the running and rest times better. Philip dug deep and carried on, the pace slowed but that was always going to happen.
Philip even started drinking the tea at the feed stations, completely laced with sugar, he would never drink it like that anywhere else...
We got on with it, counting down the miles, at this stage Philip was struggling but he carried on, I think the last 2 miles for Philip were everlasting, although now you could see the green tent at the finish line.
We ploughed on and finished in a time of 5.03.52
An amazing effort on Philip's part
We were then whisked onto a waiting hovercraft to be taken back to the hotel, a bit quicker than running, although typically Russian style this was still complicated as we got to the halfway point and they stopped, not sure if we were meant to have a break or wait for another hovercraft or what, but the end it got us back to the hotel, although being cramped on a hovercraft straight after the race does not help tired aching legs..
Back at the hotel we showered and changed and went to the presentation of awards and medals.
There had even been a new ice marathon world record set that day, so they were very happy, also happier as it was set by a Russian..
After this downstairs to the pub for a gala dinner, with beer and Vodka,
Philip called it a night at 11pm, I managed to hang around longer, probably not a good idea, too much Vodka, does not make for a good start to the journey home.
We would like to thank all our sponsors who without their help this would not have been so successful.
Also we would like to thank everyone who has sponsored us, I will put a final figure on here once I know.
On a final note I would like to commend Philip on his dedication to training over the last year, and also to sticking to his training plan, so that he would be able to do a marathon.
I think I need to thank Philip for also finding this marathon, because yes, it was a crazy idea, BUT what an experience and one that I wouldn't change.......
Trevor
What a few days, with the travel to Listvianka, the small matter of running a marathon and then travel home, although we haven't got home yet, sat in a restaurant in Moscow airport, where we will be for the next 9 hrs....
The following is a short account of how the last few days have gone.
We arrived in Listvianka on Thursday morning, we had a lazy day had a wander around the town, didn't take long, wandered out onto the ice of the Lake, it is a strange feeling knowing that in 2 days time we will be running across this, and also knowing that it is the deepest, and largest freshwater lake in the world.
On Friday we thought that we had better go for a short run on the lake, to get use to running on the surface and also used to the Yak Trax on our trainers.
In the evening we had a race meeting, where we were told that this year we will be running the opposite way across the lake, this decision had been made due to some issues with the ice cracking... As in the words of the race director "Lake Baikal is living and breathing" so these things happen.. Also the start was moved forwards which meant an issue with breakfast at the hotel, but they brought breakfast forward so it'll worked out.
It was a shame that we were now running away from the Hotel, physiologically this was harder as running towards the hotel would have been easier, as you were then running "home".
But on the flip side it meant that we could stay warmer and inside right up until the race started.
Out we all trooped to give our offering of Milk to the "Ice Gods" it obviously worked as we had near perfect conditions, beautiful blue sky and more importantly no wind...
We set of at a steady pace, practicing what we had been doing all through training of running 9 mins then walk 1min, after a couple of miles you were soon in your own space, with only a field of 130 people (80 for the marathon & 50 for the half).
We progressed nice and comfortably reaching the halfway point in 2hrs 15 mins, a really good steady pace, Philip was doing well and feeling comfortable,although I knew that tough times would be ahead.
They hit a bit sooner than I thought, Philip had a little wobble at 14.5 miles, I think the bleakness of the ice and snow was getting to him, so after that we had to manage the running and rest times better. Philip dug deep and carried on, the pace slowed but that was always going to happen.
Philip even started drinking the tea at the feed stations, completely laced with sugar, he would never drink it like that anywhere else...
We got on with it, counting down the miles, at this stage Philip was struggling but he carried on, I think the last 2 miles for Philip were everlasting, although now you could see the green tent at the finish line.
We ploughed on and finished in a time of 5.03.52
An amazing effort on Philip's part
We were then whisked onto a waiting hovercraft to be taken back to the hotel, a bit quicker than running, although typically Russian style this was still complicated as we got to the halfway point and they stopped, not sure if we were meant to have a break or wait for another hovercraft or what, but the end it got us back to the hotel, although being cramped on a hovercraft straight after the race does not help tired aching legs..
Back at the hotel we showered and changed and went to the presentation of awards and medals.
There had even been a new ice marathon world record set that day, so they were very happy, also happier as it was set by a Russian..
After this downstairs to the pub for a gala dinner, with beer and Vodka,
Philip called it a night at 11pm, I managed to hang around longer, probably not a good idea, too much Vodka, does not make for a good start to the journey home.
We would like to thank all our sponsors who without their help this would not have been so successful.
Also we would like to thank everyone who has sponsored us, I will put a final figure on here once I know.
On a final note I would like to commend Philip on his dedication to training over the last year, and also to sticking to his training plan, so that he would be able to do a marathon.
I think I need to thank Philip for also finding this marathon, because yes, it was a crazy idea, BUT what an experience and one that I wouldn't change.......
Trevor
We are sitting in Moscow airport on our way home.
Yesterday I completed my first marathon and it is still hard to put this into context. Today I am sore, tired and not enjoying the long day of travel. No doubt when I get home there will be time to reflect on the race and the sense of achievement, that will surely come, but for now I just feel tired and sore.
After a year of training, planning and attention to detail I am now sitting at the airport with no immediate need to rush off somewhere and train. Of course I will be back in the gym on Tuesday but for now there is a time to reflect and for my body to heal.
I have managed to achieve a life-long goal and have learnt some useful skills on the way. I have met some amazing people, been to a remote and strongly beautiful part of the world to run 26.2 miles across a changeless landscape and now, all things being considered, want to be at home.
If I take one thing away from the race it is the training needed. There is something deeply satisfying about completing a goal but there is also the unique bond of kinship I felt yesterday amongst people who had completed the race. As the vodka flowed there was the unspoken understanding that the only way we all completed the race was by dedication to our training. No one needed to say it, because it is a universal truth, but marathon training is hard. It is perhaps the most demanding thing I have ever done. But through the training I have learnt so much more about discipline, goal setting, attention to detail and self-belief that I really do have to think that this remarkable journal has deeply enriched my life.
I expect that when I get home tomorrow, and have unpacked my running kit, and made a cup of coffee, a flood of emotion will pour out but for now I just feel pleasantly numb.
Yesterday I completed my first marathon and it is still hard to put this into context. Today I am sore, tired and not enjoying the long day of travel. No doubt when I get home there will be time to reflect on the race and the sense of achievement, that will surely come, but for now I just feel tired and sore.
After a year of training, planning and attention to detail I am now sitting at the airport with no immediate need to rush off somewhere and train. Of course I will be back in the gym on Tuesday but for now there is a time to reflect and for my body to heal.
I have managed to achieve a life-long goal and have learnt some useful skills on the way. I have met some amazing people, been to a remote and strongly beautiful part of the world to run 26.2 miles across a changeless landscape and now, all things being considered, want to be at home.
If I take one thing away from the race it is the training needed. There is something deeply satisfying about completing a goal but there is also the unique bond of kinship I felt yesterday amongst people who had completed the race. As the vodka flowed there was the unspoken understanding that the only way we all completed the race was by dedication to our training. No one needed to say it, because it is a universal truth, but marathon training is hard. It is perhaps the most demanding thing I have ever done. But through the training I have learnt so much more about discipline, goal setting, attention to detail and self-belief that I really do have to think that this remarkable journal has deeply enriched my life.
I expect that when I get home tomorrow, and have unpacked my running kit, and made a cup of coffee, a flood of emotion will pour out but for now I just feel pleasantly numb.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
My first run on the ice
Cold or not…
We are just back from our first and last practise run on the ice and I am in shock.
The sheer enormity of this race has suddenly hit me and I am feeling incredibly nervous.
The general gist of the situation is:
1. Any race that takes more than five minutes to get dressed for is wrong. Today I went out in running shorts, thermal leggings, running leggings, thermal under shirt, thermal compression top, long sleeve t-shirt, running jacket, silk gloves with thermal gloves over the top and a balaclava and full goggles. I looked like a blimp and far from a runner...
2. Yaktraks are fantastic but tend to ruin hotel floors. This perhaps explains why the doorman of the hotel has a permanently worried look at the moment and why I ended up skidding across the lobby this morning.
3. At minus cold (or whatever it is today) the air freezes and glitters like diamonds. This is in no way to be considered romantic and is in fact terrifying. For the first few minutes, presumably whilst your goggles are equalising temperature, this can lead to a sudden loss of perspective which leads to a walking into things, like doors.
4. Running on snow and ice is harder than you could imagine. The couple of miles we did today felt like a lot more as each step needs to be considered as you try to pick your way along crevices and over moraines.
5. Lake Baikal is an immense sea of ice that stretches from here to infinity. Tomorrow we will be bussed to the other side, slapped on the arse, given a shot of vodka and then encouraged to run for about 6 hours across its frozen wastes. There is no way that I can process this as when you stand on the ice visibility is so far as to be meaningless
6. The first few minutes of the run feel like your innards are being slowly vitrified and any visible skin soon becomes numb. This is terrifying but after a few minutes of deep breathing and movement the body adjusts and things return to normal. It is these first few minutes that concern me the most. As soon as you stop running coldness sets in and almost knocks the wind out of you. Carl Jung may have once famously said, ‘cold or not…God is present...’ but after a few miles today I had my own doubts
7. We need to fuel up for a six hour run tomorrow. The food in the hotel is ok but there isn’t the exact mix of nutrition that we would choose ourselves. We will head out tomorrow on a breakfast of pancakes and frozen berries and then keep going by sucking on frozen electrolyte gels.
8. I am drawing down into myself. I can feel the quietness slowly filling my mind and every thought and feeling slowly making way for ones about the race. I am becoming hyper focused which I am not sure is a good thing. Out on the lake today it felt like I was a character from a Murakami novel (perhaps, Hard Boiled Wonderland….) and I had wondered into a place for dreams. Maybe tomorrow, at thirteen miles, we will see a sign etched into the ice which reads: this place for solitude….or perhaps I will have to etch it myself.
9. Smilla may well have once said, 'The only thing that makes me truly happy is mathematics. Snow, ice, and numbers....' but I suspect that she also forgot to mention the joys of compression tops, the thought of as much beer as you can drink after the race and the fact that this is a one off experience...she may well have had a feeling for snow but I have a feeling for the lack of it
We are just back from our first and last practise run on the ice and I am in shock.
The sheer enormity of this race has suddenly hit me and I am feeling incredibly nervous.
The general gist of the situation is:
1. Any race that takes more than five minutes to get dressed for is wrong. Today I went out in running shorts, thermal leggings, running leggings, thermal under shirt, thermal compression top, long sleeve t-shirt, running jacket, silk gloves with thermal gloves over the top and a balaclava and full goggles. I looked like a blimp and far from a runner...
2. Yaktraks are fantastic but tend to ruin hotel floors. This perhaps explains why the doorman of the hotel has a permanently worried look at the moment and why I ended up skidding across the lobby this morning.
3. At minus cold (or whatever it is today) the air freezes and glitters like diamonds. This is in no way to be considered romantic and is in fact terrifying. For the first few minutes, presumably whilst your goggles are equalising temperature, this can lead to a sudden loss of perspective which leads to a walking into things, like doors.
4. Running on snow and ice is harder than you could imagine. The couple of miles we did today felt like a lot more as each step needs to be considered as you try to pick your way along crevices and over moraines.
5. Lake Baikal is an immense sea of ice that stretches from here to infinity. Tomorrow we will be bussed to the other side, slapped on the arse, given a shot of vodka and then encouraged to run for about 6 hours across its frozen wastes. There is no way that I can process this as when you stand on the ice visibility is so far as to be meaningless
6. The first few minutes of the run feel like your innards are being slowly vitrified and any visible skin soon becomes numb. This is terrifying but after a few minutes of deep breathing and movement the body adjusts and things return to normal. It is these first few minutes that concern me the most. As soon as you stop running coldness sets in and almost knocks the wind out of you. Carl Jung may have once famously said, ‘cold or not…God is present...’ but after a few miles today I had my own doubts
7. We need to fuel up for a six hour run tomorrow. The food in the hotel is ok but there isn’t the exact mix of nutrition that we would choose ourselves. We will head out tomorrow on a breakfast of pancakes and frozen berries and then keep going by sucking on frozen electrolyte gels.
8. I am drawing down into myself. I can feel the quietness slowly filling my mind and every thought and feeling slowly making way for ones about the race. I am becoming hyper focused which I am not sure is a good thing. Out on the lake today it felt like I was a character from a Murakami novel (perhaps, Hard Boiled Wonderland….) and I had wondered into a place for dreams. Maybe tomorrow, at thirteen miles, we will see a sign etched into the ice which reads: this place for solitude….or perhaps I will have to etch it myself.
9. Smilla may well have once said, 'The only thing that makes me truly happy is mathematics. Snow, ice, and numbers....' but I suspect that she also forgot to mention the joys of compression tops, the thought of as much beer as you can drink after the race and the fact that this is a one off experience...she may well have had a feeling for snow but I have a feeling for the lack of it
Second Pic..
This is where, if things go well, we will end up tomorrow, late afternon...the finish line
Listvianka
Here we are in Listvianka, hotel is on the edge of the frozen lake, right opposite the finishing line, at least some things are in the right location.
The room looks out over the lake, it looks immense, just ice stretching as far as you can see.. It looks a lonely place to be.
The flights from UK to Irkutsk were tiresome, we left the UK at 8.40 in the morning, on a relaxed flight, pretty empty so plenty of room, we had bulk head seats so even better.. That was the best bit, we had 4 hrs to kill in Moscow airport, that was ok, now the next flight was meant to leave at 9.15' delayed 1 hr, they then put us on a bus to take us to the plane
and then kept us on it for 15 minutes while they finished getting the plane ready! WHY?
It's now 10.30 pm, the flight was packed, hot and cramped, think Ryanair space, but warmer and overnight, was not good. Slept for about 15 mins.
So glad to be off that flight. Then an hour bus journey to the hotel, which was frozen up on the inside so you could not see out.
The hotel is nice, no one speaks English ( but why should they speak English), some strange practices they have security here which don't seem to like us, we went out for a walk, came back to the hotel and went into the bar to get a hot drink, we had our jackets with us...Obviously not the done thing. You live and learn.
This is the most remote place I have been to, we walked around the town in 30 mins, no shopping here..
This is one of the biggest challenge that I have done, looking forward to tomorrows run, with excitement and anticipation. It will be a long day, as we leave the hotel at 9.30 to get to the other side of the lake where the start is. We start at 11.00am, we have to finish within 6 hrs, this creates problems about fuelling the body.
A decent breakfast followed by gels etc will bet the order of the day.
If you are reading this in the UK , when you wake up on Saturday morning we should have finished all being well:)
This picture is taken near the finish, roughly 26 mile behind us is the
start, what a frightening prospect..
I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored us for this race we are very grateful for every penny received.
The room looks out over the lake, it looks immense, just ice stretching as far as you can see.. It looks a lonely place to be.
The flights from UK to Irkutsk were tiresome, we left the UK at 8.40 in the morning, on a relaxed flight, pretty empty so plenty of room, we had bulk head seats so even better.. That was the best bit, we had 4 hrs to kill in Moscow airport, that was ok, now the next flight was meant to leave at 9.15' delayed 1 hr, they then put us on a bus to take us to the plane
and then kept us on it for 15 minutes while they finished getting the plane ready! WHY?
It's now 10.30 pm, the flight was packed, hot and cramped, think Ryanair space, but warmer and overnight, was not good. Slept for about 15 mins.
So glad to be off that flight. Then an hour bus journey to the hotel, which was frozen up on the inside so you could not see out.
The hotel is nice, no one speaks English ( but why should they speak English), some strange practices they have security here which don't seem to like us, we went out for a walk, came back to the hotel and went into the bar to get a hot drink, we had our jackets with us...Obviously not the done thing. You live and learn.
This is the most remote place I have been to, we walked around the town in 30 mins, no shopping here..
This is one of the biggest challenge that I have done, looking forward to tomorrows run, with excitement and anticipation. It will be a long day, as we leave the hotel at 9.30 to get to the other side of the lake where the start is. We start at 11.00am, we have to finish within 6 hrs, this creates problems about fuelling the body.
A decent breakfast followed by gels etc will bet the order of the day.
If you are reading this in the UK , when you wake up on Saturday morning we should have finished all being well:)
This picture is taken near the finish, roughly 26 mile behind us is the
start, what a frightening prospect..
I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has sponsored us for this race we are very grateful for every penny received.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Somewhere over russia
Somewhere over Russia
We have now been travelling for so long that time has lost meaning.
For the last six or seven hours we have been the sole foreigners on a plan heading east across Russia. It is cramped, stuffy and endless. Siberia is so far from civilisation that it is rapidly redefining the term ‘far and exotic…’
We are tired, hot and I have a stiff neck from trying to sleep on the shoulder of the burley Russian next to me. Trevor has enjoyed some airplane food whilst I have had a protein bar. It is, quite possibly, the most bizarre way to prepare for a marathon.
I seem to have cap napped between flights and delays and fell into a deep sleep soon after take-off. Trevor seems not to have slept and is beginning to look haggard…
The thought of running 26 and a bit miles now seems daunting.
We have now been travelling for so long that time has lost meaning.
For the last six or seven hours we have been the sole foreigners on a plan heading east across Russia. It is cramped, stuffy and endless. Siberia is so far from civilisation that it is rapidly redefining the term ‘far and exotic…’
We are tired, hot and I have a stiff neck from trying to sleep on the shoulder of the burley Russian next to me. Trevor has enjoyed some airplane food whilst I have had a protein bar. It is, quite possibly, the most bizarre way to prepare for a marathon.
I seem to have cap napped between flights and delays and fell into a deep sleep soon after take-off. Trevor seems not to have slept and is beginning to look haggard…
The thought of running 26 and a bit miles now seems daunting.
Lunch in Moscow
We are now in Moscow and have just had lunch.
The flight over was relaxed and calming, as only BA can be, and immigration was friendly enough so now we are doing some serious hat watching at the airport. I am determined to trade the contents of my pockets for a new hat or two on this trip which Trevor seems slightly horrified about.
On a personal note I am raising a glass of mineral water to the memory of my father who would have celebrated his birthday last week. It seems like eons ago when I took up a pair of running shoes when he was first ill and I can not believe that it has lead me to a café in Moscow with Trevor.
I am sure Trevor cannot believe it either but here we are, one red-eye flight away from Siberia and a cheeky marathon along the ice.
I cant wait now to get there, to get my running shoes on and to get out running. I have not been for a decent run for what seems like a long time now so I have plenty to think about. However, I plan to let myself be absorbed by the experience, soak up the beauty and enjoy every moment of the race.
I just hope that this running lark does not become habit forming.
The flight over was relaxed and calming, as only BA can be, and immigration was friendly enough so now we are doing some serious hat watching at the airport. I am determined to trade the contents of my pockets for a new hat or two on this trip which Trevor seems slightly horrified about.
On a personal note I am raising a glass of mineral water to the memory of my father who would have celebrated his birthday last week. It seems like eons ago when I took up a pair of running shoes when he was first ill and I can not believe that it has lead me to a café in Moscow with Trevor.
I am sure Trevor cannot believe it either but here we are, one red-eye flight away from Siberia and a cheeky marathon along the ice.
I cant wait now to get there, to get my running shoes on and to get out running. I have not been for a decent run for what seems like a long time now so I have plenty to think about. However, I plan to let myself be absorbed by the experience, soak up the beauty and enjoy every moment of the race.
I just hope that this running lark does not become habit forming.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
On Way to Moscow
So here we go…
We are now waiting to board the flight to Moscow. Weeks of training and hard work are now about to be tested in one of the most hostile environments known to man. We are wired, excited and nervous.
The next few days will define a period of time for us and it is a sobering thought to think that there is one proper run left to do. Everything has been leading up to this point and now it is time to get out on the ice and run.
In six hours we shall be in Moscow and then real nerves will kick in.
\
We are now waiting to board the flight to Moscow. Weeks of training and hard work are now about to be tested in one of the most hostile environments known to man. We are wired, excited and nervous.
The next few days will define a period of time for us and it is a sobering thought to think that there is one proper run left to do. Everything has been leading up to this point and now it is time to get out on the ice and run.
In six hours we shall be in Moscow and then real nerves will kick in.
\
Trevor's Update
Last day at work before leaving for Siberia, from going very slowly this week time has flown pass. We have a long day of travelling tomorrow, arriving Thursday morning to a whole new landscape, which I believe will be snow as far as the eye can see.
Training has been very gentle, although 2 hrs of Zumba on Friday night to help raise money in a “Mankinee” probably is not on many training schedules..
This will not be repeated….. A big thanks to the ladies of Zumba on Friday night who help with this..
We are both getting excited and nervous about Saturdays run, why is that the nearer you get to a race that you start feeling every ache??????
Will try to update from Siberia with pictures etc
A big thanks to everyone who has help and donated to our charity
Trevor
Training has been very gentle, although 2 hrs of Zumba on Friday night to help raise money in a “Mankinee” probably is not on many training schedules..
This will not be repeated….. A big thanks to the ladies of Zumba on Friday night who help with this..
We are both getting excited and nervous about Saturdays run, why is that the nearer you get to a race that you start feeling every ache??????
Will try to update from Siberia with pictures etc
A big thanks to everyone who has help and donated to our charity
Trevor
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Man Flu and Clare Anderson
It is a week to go and I am lying on the sofa with what appears to be terminal man ‘flu.
I feel thoroughly miserable. My nose is running, I am shivering and shaking like a shitting dog, and I have a headache. This is not how I should be a week before we run. I should be feeling supremely confidant and relaxed not like a dead-man walking.
Last night I barely slept. I alternated between feeling hot and cold and ended up cuddling the dog for warmth at one stage. It didn’t help that every time I did fall asleep I had terrible nightmares after watching the film Insidious earlier in the day (and can someone please explain the ending to me…)
I have dosed myself up with vitamins, juiced the contents of the fridge (anyone for fennel, apple, garlic, ginger juice…?) and am now awaiting the arrival of the Grim reaper.
The only positive to the day is that I have the beautiful music of Clare Anderson on the radio. It seems that where rest and vitamins can not reach, Clare can, and I am at least a lot stressed since I turned on the radio as loud as it will go.
I dont envisage getting off the sofa today but plan on making a full recovery around about 4pm tomorrow afternoon….if you know what I mean…
I feel thoroughly miserable. My nose is running, I am shivering and shaking like a shitting dog, and I have a headache. This is not how I should be a week before we run. I should be feeling supremely confidant and relaxed not like a dead-man walking.
Last night I barely slept. I alternated between feeling hot and cold and ended up cuddling the dog for warmth at one stage. It didn’t help that every time I did fall asleep I had terrible nightmares after watching the film Insidious earlier in the day (and can someone please explain the ending to me…)
I have dosed myself up with vitamins, juiced the contents of the fridge (anyone for fennel, apple, garlic, ginger juice…?) and am now awaiting the arrival of the Grim reaper.
The only positive to the day is that I have the beautiful music of Clare Anderson on the radio. It seems that where rest and vitamins can not reach, Clare can, and I am at least a lot stressed since I turned on the radio as loud as it will go.
I dont envisage getting off the sofa today but plan on making a full recovery around about 4pm tomorrow afternoon….if you know what I mean…
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Trevor's Update
22nd Feb 2012
Getting very close now, less than a week to leaving for Siberia, I so wish it was this weekend, tapering is the hardest part of training, all the hard work has been done, you are physically and mentally ready and then you have 2 weeks of very light training, waiting for the event.
I know it's important to taper so that we arrive fresh but it's still frustrating, you keep thinking have I got everything correct, right kit, will I be warm enough, will I like the food there etc, everything becomes a bigger problem than it really is.
This week so far has been an hour of cross training on Monday, 3 miles Tuesday, 5 miles this morning, tomorrow an hour of Kettlebell training, rest on Friday and Saturday, then 8 miles on Sunday.
An easy week!!!!!!!
I have agreed to take part in 2 Zumba classes at The Fitness Company on Friday this week, as have agreed that the ladies and chose my costume for the event, not sure if that was the right thing to do, pictures will be the online soon.
Philip is still doing really well, and is focused on the job ahead..
Trevor
Getting very close now, less than a week to leaving for Siberia, I so wish it was this weekend, tapering is the hardest part of training, all the hard work has been done, you are physically and mentally ready and then you have 2 weeks of very light training, waiting for the event.
I know it's important to taper so that we arrive fresh but it's still frustrating, you keep thinking have I got everything correct, right kit, will I be warm enough, will I like the food there etc, everything becomes a bigger problem than it really is.
This week so far has been an hour of cross training on Monday, 3 miles Tuesday, 5 miles this morning, tomorrow an hour of Kettlebell training, rest on Friday and Saturday, then 8 miles on Sunday.
An easy week!!!!!!!
I have agreed to take part in 2 Zumba classes at The Fitness Company on Friday this week, as have agreed that the ladies and chose my costume for the event, not sure if that was the right thing to do, pictures will be the online soon.
Philip is still doing really well, and is focused on the job ahead..
Trevor
Trevor's Update
Another week nearly completed, 10 miles completed on Thursday, again pleasant weather, we have been so lucky with the weather through the training.
Another 10 on Sunday, then we are down to single figure runs.
2 weeks tomorrow we will be lining up to start the Baikal Marathon, it will be an amazing experience, one that I will not be repeating..
Had an email from the organisers yesterday, they commented that they were hoping that the ice will be stable, slightly worrying, had to reply and ask what happens if not, don't think I can swim 26.2 miles....
They replied stating that there was nothing to worry about and the ice is thick enough,what a result otherwise would have been a problem.
Philip is starting to get nervous now, although honestly I feel the same, it's a massive challenge and not one that we have done before or run in those condition and also on top of all that we are thousand of miles away, unsure about the food, etc.
Not many variables to worry about..
Trevor
Don't forget to donate, click the DONATE button at top of the page..
Another 10 on Sunday, then we are down to single figure runs.
2 weeks tomorrow we will be lining up to start the Baikal Marathon, it will be an amazing experience, one that I will not be repeating..
Had an email from the organisers yesterday, they commented that they were hoping that the ice will be stable, slightly worrying, had to reply and ask what happens if not, don't think I can swim 26.2 miles....
They replied stating that there was nothing to worry about and the ice is thick enough,what a result otherwise would have been a problem.
Philip is starting to get nervous now, although honestly I feel the same, it's a massive challenge and not one that we have done before or run in those condition and also on top of all that we are thousand of miles away, unsure about the food, etc.
Not many variables to worry about..
Trevor
Don't forget to donate, click the DONATE button at top of the page..
Monday, 13 February 2012
Some Pictures of Training so far....
13th Feb 2012: Philip on the Scales....
The End of the Row
Trevor's Zumba Class
I hate Monday
Today was a hard, hard run.
I was tired, it was icy and my car decided to break-down as I pulled up outside Trevor’s (which is serendipity for being somewhat less than supportive yesterday of Trevor’s own problems…).
I didn’t sleep well last night as my wife is away and the absence of her snoring, which normally lulls me asleep, was replaced with a silence that was, quite honestly, unnerving. Even the dog seems lost and has started taking herself to bed at 6pm…
I also didn’t sleep well as I am getting a few jitters about the run and I know that time is short. Each and every run now becomes critical and it would be truthful to say that I am really feeling the pressure. Diet has to be right. I have to follow the program with care and diligence and I have to drag my sorry self out of bed at 5am on a Monday morning to go running. Trevor, like the trooper that he is, doesn’t let this really bother him, and makes it seem like it is a perfectly sane thing to be doing on a Monday morning. I shall be talking with his wife, about this later today…
The hardest part now, especially with my wife away, is killing time. The last year has been consumed with training runs, kettle-bell sessions, sprints, slow runs, selecting equipment and dreaming of Russia. With a few weeks to go I have to cut back on the activity so that I hit the ice fresh. For someone like me, who needs continual activity, this is hard.
I think that the next few weeks will be incredibly hard and it will take a lot of fortitude to get through them. It is not like I can go for a run when I have some spare time or head into town for a drinking binge is it?
Russia awaits and come what may, the excellent work that Trevor has laid down over this last year, has put me in a good place, and I know that come race day we will go out there and do all our friends and supporters proud.
I was tired, it was icy and my car decided to break-down as I pulled up outside Trevor’s (which is serendipity for being somewhat less than supportive yesterday of Trevor’s own problems…).
I didn’t sleep well last night as my wife is away and the absence of her snoring, which normally lulls me asleep, was replaced with a silence that was, quite honestly, unnerving. Even the dog seems lost and has started taking herself to bed at 6pm…
I also didn’t sleep well as I am getting a few jitters about the run and I know that time is short. Each and every run now becomes critical and it would be truthful to say that I am really feeling the pressure. Diet has to be right. I have to follow the program with care and diligence and I have to drag my sorry self out of bed at 5am on a Monday morning to go running. Trevor, like the trooper that he is, doesn’t let this really bother him, and makes it seem like it is a perfectly sane thing to be doing on a Monday morning. I shall be talking with his wife, about this later today…
The hardest part now, especially with my wife away, is killing time. The last year has been consumed with training runs, kettle-bell sessions, sprints, slow runs, selecting equipment and dreaming of Russia. With a few weeks to go I have to cut back on the activity so that I hit the ice fresh. For someone like me, who needs continual activity, this is hard.
I think that the next few weeks will be incredibly hard and it will take a lot of fortitude to get through them. It is not like I can go for a run when I have some spare time or head into town for a drinking binge is it?
Russia awaits and come what may, the excellent work that Trevor has laid down over this last year, has put me in a good place, and I know that come race day we will go out there and do all our friends and supporters proud.
Trevor's Update
Really not long to go now, although as training gets into the taper mode everything is conspiring against us.
Due to go out on Sunday for 12 mile run, and my car breaks down,
changes my plans for the day and meant that running was the last thing on my mind.
Not in a good place yesterday.
Rescheduled yesterday's 12 mile run for 6 am this morning, mild weather considering what we have had lately, so it became a pleasant 12 mile run, although I don't think Philip thought that, it's very easy to get complacent at this stage of training but we must remember that
the taper phase of training is as important as the long runs, we must get to Siberia as fresh as possible..
So this week we have a 10 miler on Wednesday morning and on Sunday, it getting close to make sure all the equipment that we need is here, gels are ready, tactics are set in place and trainers are broken in, now is not the time to start playing around with new equipment.
It's getting very close, so I'm sure nerves will start to kick in soon..
Until next time.......
Dont forget if you haven't donated please go to our Just Giving Page at
http://www.justgiving.com/Philip-Blazdell
Trevor
Due to go out on Sunday for 12 mile run, and my car breaks down,
changes my plans for the day and meant that running was the last thing on my mind.
Not in a good place yesterday.
Rescheduled yesterday's 12 mile run for 6 am this morning, mild weather considering what we have had lately, so it became a pleasant 12 mile run, although I don't think Philip thought that, it's very easy to get complacent at this stage of training but we must remember that
the taper phase of training is as important as the long runs, we must get to Siberia as fresh as possible..
So this week we have a 10 miler on Wednesday morning and on Sunday, it getting close to make sure all the equipment that we need is here, gels are ready, tactics are set in place and trainers are broken in, now is not the time to start playing around with new equipment.
It's getting very close, so I'm sure nerves will start to kick in soon..
Until next time.......
Dont forget if you haven't donated please go to our Just Giving Page at
http://www.justgiving.com/Philip-Blazdell
Trevor
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Trevor's update
Getting close now, less than 4 weeks, will be so glad when this adventure is over now, feel that we are both ready now...
Philip continues to prove his dedication to this cause and to his fitness always turning up to training with a smile on his face, regardless of the time of day.
Ironically we missed our last long run due to snow, sounding like British Rail it was the wrong type,more in our case not enough of it. It would have been dangerous to run outside, the paths had turned to a slushy mess early Sunday morning and it would have been too easy to trip over.
We couldn't wear spikes or YakTrax as to little snow.
This is ridiculous as where we are going there will be plenty..
The good news is that we have our Visas now so there is no escape from the challenge.
We have 3 weeks of lite training and trying to keep fresh and relaxed before we complete this marathon.
If you haven't sponsored us yet please go to our Just Giving page at
http://www.justgiving.com/Philip-Blazdell
to donate now, this is a fantastic cause and every penny that we raise will make a difference.
Trevor
Philip continues to prove his dedication to this cause and to his fitness always turning up to training with a smile on his face, regardless of the time of day.
Ironically we missed our last long run due to snow, sounding like British Rail it was the wrong type,more in our case not enough of it. It would have been dangerous to run outside, the paths had turned to a slushy mess early Sunday morning and it would have been too easy to trip over.
We couldn't wear spikes or YakTrax as to little snow.
This is ridiculous as where we are going there will be plenty..
The good news is that we have our Visas now so there is no escape from the challenge.
We have 3 weeks of lite training and trying to keep fresh and relaxed before we complete this marathon.
If you haven't sponsored us yet please go to our Just Giving page at
http://www.justgiving.com/Philip-Blazdell
to donate now, this is a fantastic cause and every penny that we raise will make a difference.
Trevor
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
I am inspired
When I set out on this epic adventure to run this insane race I had in the back of my mind that it was as good a way as any to get over my mid-life crisis.
I underestimated the demands of the training or the sheer impact on my life that this race would have. Along the way I have made some amazing friends, not least Trevor, who continues to inspire me on a daily basis, participated in some lunacy such as a 16 hour ultrarow, and pushed myself way beyond anywhere I ever dreamed of.
However, last week three young-men from our gym, put all my efforts into context and presented Trevor and I with a donation of £115 that they had raised by running their own marathon.
Everyone’s journey to a marathon is a deeply personal one. The only constant is the challenge and whether this takes place on a frozen lake in Russia or on a tread-mill in Bicester there is no doubt that this is a massive achievement.
Over the last couple of months as our young friends have chipped away at their own miles I have felt a growing sense of admiration and respect for them. Without any fuss or the drama that surrounds my own runs they have simply got on with the miles and made sure that week on week they stuck to their goals. I don’t think that there is a single person in the gym who can not learn from this attitude.
I am fantastically proud of their achievements as well they should be.
They have also given me a well needed boost of enthusiasm for this race and I know that come what may I will be raising the first post-race glass of vodka in their honour.
I underestimated the demands of the training or the sheer impact on my life that this race would have. Along the way I have made some amazing friends, not least Trevor, who continues to inspire me on a daily basis, participated in some lunacy such as a 16 hour ultrarow, and pushed myself way beyond anywhere I ever dreamed of.
However, last week three young-men from our gym, put all my efforts into context and presented Trevor and I with a donation of £115 that they had raised by running their own marathon.
Everyone’s journey to a marathon is a deeply personal one. The only constant is the challenge and whether this takes place on a frozen lake in Russia or on a tread-mill in Bicester there is no doubt that this is a massive achievement.
Over the last couple of months as our young friends have chipped away at their own miles I have felt a growing sense of admiration and respect for them. Without any fuss or the drama that surrounds my own runs they have simply got on with the miles and made sure that week on week they stuck to their goals. I don’t think that there is a single person in the gym who can not learn from this attitude.
I am fantastically proud of their achievements as well they should be.
They have also given me a well needed boost of enthusiasm for this race and I know that come what may I will be raising the first post-race glass of vodka in their honour.
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Philip's Rest Day
Today is a cold day but it is a rest day so I can sit at home on the sofa and reflect on the last few week’s training.
We will soon begin to taper down the training and an idea that formed one morning between sets in the gym is almost coming to fruition.
Through my running I have found a degree of peace and serenity. I have also found that as long as you plan things and get good advice almost anything is possible. I still think that the race itself will be incredibly hard. The temperature in Siberia continues to fall and my nervousness continues to build. I woke up last night in a cold-sweat worried about the physical demands of running 26.2miles across a blisteringly cold lake.
I am beginning to worry about this a lot.
However, my biggest concern now is the lack of money we have raised. We are still a long way short of the target so I would ask you all to give dig deep and give what you can. Please, do something today to help change a few lives….
We will soon begin to taper down the training and an idea that formed one morning between sets in the gym is almost coming to fruition.
Through my running I have found a degree of peace and serenity. I have also found that as long as you plan things and get good advice almost anything is possible. I still think that the race itself will be incredibly hard. The temperature in Siberia continues to fall and my nervousness continues to build. I woke up last night in a cold-sweat worried about the physical demands of running 26.2miles across a blisteringly cold lake.
I am beginning to worry about this a lot.
However, my biggest concern now is the lack of money we have raised. We are still a long way short of the target so I would ask you all to give dig deep and give what you can. Please, do something today to help change a few lives….
Another week has nearly passed, will be a happy trainer when the 17 mile run on Sunday morning is completed because we are then on the taper down to the race.
7.25 miles yesterday, Philip without realising set the pace, which is a testament to his increased fitness, although at the end he got hammered, lesson learnt should always stay behind the trainer.
Quick pace 8.53 per mile.
We have 5 miles on Saturday as a gentle warmup before an early alarm call at 5am on Sunday, hopefully no snow, cold is fine.
I think we are both wishing the race was sooner rather than still 4 weeks, training now seems to be going on for a long time. I think Philip is aching to get back to weights.
I'm getting a little worried about the weather in Siberia, had an email from the organisers and they said that it is colder than normal, the temp today there was -34 during the day, -44 at night. I can't get my head round that, I'm sure things will start dropping off in that
temp.
On a footnote, I would like to commend Philip on his dedication to his training plan,especially when he has had to get up at 5am to go running.
It will be worth it in the end.
Although if he does what he said in his previous blog and starts singing on sunday morning then he might not make Siberia....
Happy Running
7.25 miles yesterday, Philip without realising set the pace, which is a testament to his increased fitness, although at the end he got hammered, lesson learnt should always stay behind the trainer.
Quick pace 8.53 per mile.
We have 5 miles on Saturday as a gentle warmup before an early alarm call at 5am on Sunday, hopefully no snow, cold is fine.
I think we are both wishing the race was sooner rather than still 4 weeks, training now seems to be going on for a long time. I think Philip is aching to get back to weights.
I'm getting a little worried about the weather in Siberia, had an email from the organisers and they said that it is colder than normal, the temp today there was -34 during the day, -44 at night. I can't get my head round that, I'm sure things will start dropping off in that
temp.
On a footnote, I would like to commend Philip on his dedication to his training plan,especially when he has had to get up at 5am to go running.
It will be worth it in the end.
Although if he does what he said in his previous blog and starts singing on sunday morning then he might not make Siberia....
Happy Running
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Another Day..
Another day, another 7.25 miles under my belt…
Actually, my belt is an issue now, as it no longer fits me. The trousers I bought in the US recently don’t fit me, my favourite jacket is too big and even my hat seems massive. Trevor, of course, is still not happy about my weight and will probably demand the removal of a limb this weekend…I shall remind him this in a few month's time when he is commenting on my lack of progress in the free-weights area.
I either weigh too much, run too fast, run too slow, talk too much or try to push him under cars (actually, guilty as charged on that one..but it only happed three times). My jacket is not absorbent enough, I can’t tie my shoe laces and I always turn up too early for runs. Clearly, the man is besotted with me and enjoys every second of my company.
Seriously, although the training has been a struggle for me of late and I am getting to the point when I would rather stick needles in my eye than run, Trevor has been magnificent. Without his clear plan and almost visionary grasp of where I need to be to not die a horrible and painfully cold death out on the ice I would be getting worried now. Of course I am nervous…but then again, every time I pull on the lycra I am nervous….does it make my look like a gay super hero?
Sunday will be the last long run before the race and I plan to make it as fun as possible. So, Trevor, 630am Sunday morning I am going to sing, run blindly into things, ask silly questions (such as are we there yet?) and generally wind you up. It will be, however, as always, a great run and one that I am sure I will thoroughly enjoy.
Actually, my belt is an issue now, as it no longer fits me. The trousers I bought in the US recently don’t fit me, my favourite jacket is too big and even my hat seems massive. Trevor, of course, is still not happy about my weight and will probably demand the removal of a limb this weekend…I shall remind him this in a few month's time when he is commenting on my lack of progress in the free-weights area.
I either weigh too much, run too fast, run too slow, talk too much or try to push him under cars (actually, guilty as charged on that one..but it only happed three times). My jacket is not absorbent enough, I can’t tie my shoe laces and I always turn up too early for runs. Clearly, the man is besotted with me and enjoys every second of my company.
Seriously, although the training has been a struggle for me of late and I am getting to the point when I would rather stick needles in my eye than run, Trevor has been magnificent. Without his clear plan and almost visionary grasp of where I need to be to not die a horrible and painfully cold death out on the ice I would be getting worried now. Of course I am nervous…but then again, every time I pull on the lycra I am nervous….does it make my look like a gay super hero?
Sunday will be the last long run before the race and I plan to make it as fun as possible. So, Trevor, 630am Sunday morning I am going to sing, run blindly into things, ask silly questions (such as are we there yet?) and generally wind you up. It will be, however, as always, a great run and one that I am sure I will thoroughly enjoy.
Monday, 30 January 2012
Philip's Update
The last few days have been pretty hard
As the training miles slowly decrease I am beginning to feel a little bit tired. Yesterday’s run was one of the hardest we have done and I really struggled to keep up. The previous day’s 12 miles was, comparably, easy, so I chalked yesterday’s run up to fatigue and a late night. Today’s cross-training was something to be endured rather than enjoyed and I seem to be needing a good night’s sleep before the run on Wednesday.
However, on a positive note I am now lighter than I have been since I was 16 and am close to the weight we predicted for the race all those months ago. My diet has improved so much recently that I am really feeling the positive benefit and this has impacted on my running. I still enjoy the odd beer and crave a cheeseburger now and again but I am definitely feeling better.
In a way it almost seems sad that the training is coming to an end as this has been such a massive part of my life for the last year. It seems hard to think that in a month this will all be done and dusted and I can get back to lifting weights.
Aside from being a year older and hopefully wiser I have learnt a lot about myself running and working so closely with Trevor. It has been a remarkable year and I am now itching to get out on the ice and really prove myself over this gruelling yet compelling distance.
As the training miles slowly decrease I am beginning to feel a little bit tired. Yesterday’s run was one of the hardest we have done and I really struggled to keep up. The previous day’s 12 miles was, comparably, easy, so I chalked yesterday’s run up to fatigue and a late night. Today’s cross-training was something to be endured rather than enjoyed and I seem to be needing a good night’s sleep before the run on Wednesday.
However, on a positive note I am now lighter than I have been since I was 16 and am close to the weight we predicted for the race all those months ago. My diet has improved so much recently that I am really feeling the positive benefit and this has impacted on my running. I still enjoy the odd beer and crave a cheeseburger now and again but I am definitely feeling better.
In a way it almost seems sad that the training is coming to an end as this has been such a massive part of my life for the last year. It seems hard to think that in a month this will all be done and dusted and I can get back to lifting weights.
Aside from being a year older and hopefully wiser I have learnt a lot about myself running and working so closely with Trevor. It has been a remarkable year and I am now itching to get out on the ice and really prove myself over this gruelling yet compelling distance.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Philip's Update
Today was another 8 miles in the bank.
I have come to realise that it is not the long, 17 and 20 mile, runs that hurt but the getting up at the crack of dawn a few days later and running another 8. Trust me, as much as I love my running and the preparation 5am on a Monday morning is a time best spent in bed, not limbering up whilst my porridge cooks.
However, the run itself, was mostly pleasant and I was soon back in the car, listening to some Lucinda Williams and feeling at one with the world. Ideally, I need 13 miles or so to really relax but eight miles is a good start.
It is hard to believe that we are only 5 week away from Siberia. Almost a year of my life has gone by and now, most of the hard work, has been done. Of course, I still need to work every day on my fitness and diet but mentally I am prepared to run the race. The last two twenty mile runs have given me that little bit of confidence which was lacking. Trevor has been outstanding, kicking me when I needed it, offering words of encouragement when I needed them and generally being incredibly supportive and motivating. Without his encouragement none of this would have been possible.
I have come to realise that it is not the long, 17 and 20 mile, runs that hurt but the getting up at the crack of dawn a few days later and running another 8. Trust me, as much as I love my running and the preparation 5am on a Monday morning is a time best spent in bed, not limbering up whilst my porridge cooks.
However, the run itself, was mostly pleasant and I was soon back in the car, listening to some Lucinda Williams and feeling at one with the world. Ideally, I need 13 miles or so to really relax but eight miles is a good start.
It is hard to believe that we are only 5 week away from Siberia. Almost a year of my life has gone by and now, most of the hard work, has been done. Of course, I still need to work every day on my fitness and diet but mentally I am prepared to run the race. The last two twenty mile runs have given me that little bit of confidence which was lacking. Trevor has been outstanding, kicking me when I needed it, offering words of encouragement when I needed them and generally being incredibly supportive and motivating. Without his encouragement none of this would have been possible.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Another 20 miles
20 miles in the bag Boom!
Early start today, needed to get out and get the run in before class, so up at 5, smallbreakfast of porridge then off to meet Philip at 5.50.
The garmin watch did not want to load this morning, obviously the watch thought it was too early to work as well. We were met with windy but mild weather, can not believe how lucky we have been, although some cold weather running or snow would have been useful for where we are going.
Several laps of Bicester had been planned, these were tweaked so that as much as possible was with the wind, but cannt have it that way always otherwise we would have ended up in Buckingham.
In the end we were just short of 20 miles, the watch said 19.7 miles, close enough, 3hrs 20 mins, average pace 10.09, perfect pace for long training runs.
It's a nice feeling knowing that another 20 mile run is done..
Philip did amazingly well again, constantly impressing me with his dedication, although I think secretly we both wish the race was only a couple of weeks away now.
Only 5 weeks to go......
Trevor
Early start today, needed to get out and get the run in before class, so up at 5, smallbreakfast of porridge then off to meet Philip at 5.50.
The garmin watch did not want to load this morning, obviously the watch thought it was too early to work as well. We were met with windy but mild weather, can not believe how lucky we have been, although some cold weather running or snow would have been useful for where we are going.
Several laps of Bicester had been planned, these were tweaked so that as much as possible was with the wind, but cannt have it that way always otherwise we would have ended up in Buckingham.
In the end we were just short of 20 miles, the watch said 19.7 miles, close enough, 3hrs 20 mins, average pace 10.09, perfect pace for long training runs.
It's a nice feeling knowing that another 20 mile run is done..
Philip did amazingly well again, constantly impressing me with his dedication, although I think secretly we both wish the race was only a couple of weeks away now.
Only 5 weeks to go......
Trevor
Thursday, 19 January 2012
update
Here we are 2/3 of the week done, feeling tired this week, a gentle cross training session on Monday, 3 miles on Tuesday, 7.25 miles on Wednesday, 1hr of Kettlebell training today, I think I need more sleep. (note to self "stop moaning").
Tomorrow a little run first thing, then a massage, I think my legs need it.
Then to Saturdays gentle run, a mere 20 miles, starting at the nice early time of 6 am.
The only good thing that I can think of is that it will be done in time for me to teach Kettlebell class ( now that could be interesting )
2 more weeks of long run training left then we can taper.... Baikal Ice Marathon is coming round very quick..
Will let you know how we get on, on Saturday
Trevor
Tomorrow a little run first thing, then a massage, I think my legs need it.
Then to Saturdays gentle run, a mere 20 miles, starting at the nice early time of 6 am.
The only good thing that I can think of is that it will be done in time for me to teach Kettlebell class ( now that could be interesting )
2 more weeks of long run training left then we can taper.... Baikal Ice Marathon is coming round very quick..
Will let you know how we get on, on Saturday
Trevor
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Tuesday's Run
Just been out for a three mile run.
I remember when I used to love three miles. It was enough to tire me out and leave me with a huge feeling of accomplishment. Now, rather sadly, it just annoys me. It is too short to really relax and enjoy it but too long to do real speed work over. It is almost a nothing run…though, as I can hear steam coming out of Trevor’s ears from the other side of town as I write this, it is good to iron out the kinks and get the body ready for some longer runs.
On Sunday we ran a half marathon. It was a beautiful, wintery day and perfect for running. I felt tired after having travelled back from aboard the previous night, but it was still wonderful to be out. As ever, mainly as I am not a runner, it took a few miles to relax and get into the run but I was soon lost in my own little world oblivious to the miles passing. This, although spiritually rewarding and terribly therapeutic, did lead to my annoy Trevor to the point when he shouted at me as I almost tripped him up several times or ran him in front of cars.
Later, back at home, in a long hot bath and feeling somewhat smug, because I had knocked four and a bit minutes off my PB for The Half…I thought that without Trevor and his input life would have been very different. He might not appreciate the continual references to my dentist when we run past the surgery, my singing, my inability to run in a straight line or my unwillingness to listen but I appreciate him all the more for this.
I don’t think either of us will miss the 6am starts and long wintery runs when we are all done and dusted with the marathon but I shall certainly miss that feeling of being out and about, running about the countryside with such a good friend come April.
I remember when I used to love three miles. It was enough to tire me out and leave me with a huge feeling of accomplishment. Now, rather sadly, it just annoys me. It is too short to really relax and enjoy it but too long to do real speed work over. It is almost a nothing run…though, as I can hear steam coming out of Trevor’s ears from the other side of town as I write this, it is good to iron out the kinks and get the body ready for some longer runs.
On Sunday we ran a half marathon. It was a beautiful, wintery day and perfect for running. I felt tired after having travelled back from aboard the previous night, but it was still wonderful to be out. As ever, mainly as I am not a runner, it took a few miles to relax and get into the run but I was soon lost in my own little world oblivious to the miles passing. This, although spiritually rewarding and terribly therapeutic, did lead to my annoy Trevor to the point when he shouted at me as I almost tripped him up several times or ran him in front of cars.
Later, back at home, in a long hot bath and feeling somewhat smug, because I had knocked four and a bit minutes off my PB for The Half…I thought that without Trevor and his input life would have been very different. He might not appreciate the continual references to my dentist when we run past the surgery, my singing, my inability to run in a straight line or my unwillingness to listen but I appreciate him all the more for this.
I don’t think either of us will miss the 6am starts and long wintery runs when we are all done and dusted with the marathon but I shall certainly miss that feeling of being out and about, running about the countryside with such a good friend come April.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Trevor's Update
Another week of training has passed, getting back to normal now after the Christmas break. It takes time!
This week we have achieved the following:-
Monday 5 miles
Tuesday 5 miles
Wednesday 5 miles
Thursday 1 hr of Kettlebell training
Friday 8 miles
Saturday Rest Day
Sunday 13.2 miles
This was an amazing run considering we are in training for Baikal Ice Marathonin 7 weeks time, we stuck to our strategy of running 9 minutes and walking 1 minute, doing this works and we managed to knock 4 minutes of Philip's half marathon personal best.
This is an amazing achievement for Philip and it shows how well his training is going.
I would also like to thank Multipower for their support in providing supplements to both Philip and I so that our bodies are fuelled and we recover properly as well.
This is a great help to both of us.
Looking forward to next weeks training schedule which starts Monday morning at 6am with an hour of gentle cross training.
Trevor
This week we have achieved the following:-
Monday 5 miles
Tuesday 5 miles
Wednesday 5 miles
Thursday 1 hr of Kettlebell training
Friday 8 miles
Saturday Rest Day
Sunday 13.2 miles
This was an amazing run considering we are in training for Baikal Ice Marathonin 7 weeks time, we stuck to our strategy of running 9 minutes and walking 1 minute, doing this works and we managed to knock 4 minutes of Philip's half marathon personal best.
This is an amazing achievement for Philip and it shows how well his training is going.
I would also like to thank Multipower for their support in providing supplements to both Philip and I so that our bodies are fuelled and we recover properly as well.
This is a great help to both of us.
Looking forward to next weeks training schedule which starts Monday morning at 6am with an hour of gentle cross training.
Trevor
Saturday, 7 January 2012
How to Train for a Marathon – a Beginners guide.
How to Train for a Marathon – a Beginners guide.
Ok, so it’s new year and you decide you want to loose a few pounds ,get fit and train for a marathon. The New Year hangover has gone, you have a new pair of running shoes and are all set to go….all you need is some advice from someone who has been there before…
1. Forget it. Find something less demanding to do, like dodging the traffic on the M40, sword swallowing or building models of American Presidents from matchsticks. Almost anything you can possibly thing of is easier than marathron training.
2. Begin to ignore all of your friends. When the training kicks in you won’t have time for anything aside from running, eating, washing sweaty gym kit and planning the next run so you might as well start now.
3. Learn the talk. Start every conversation with the miles you ran that day, the time you did it and, if possible, how heroic you looked in your lycra. Look disdainfully at non-runners and turn every conversation around to personal bests, carb-loading and the taste of gels.
4. Throw away every cookery book you own. You will be permanently hungry and meal times will be a struggle to throw enough calories down your throat to power the next day’s run. You will eat on quinoa, pasta and chicken breasts.
5. Throw away almost all your clothes in the wardrobe as almost nothing will soon fit you and also because 80% of the time you will be in running gear anyway. Under no circumstances should you purchase clothes half way through the training or the local charity shop will soon become your best friend.
6. Give up work. It’s hard to hold down a full time job when you are running 40 miles a week, plus weights, plus cross-training plus kettle bell workouts. If you don’t give up work become practised in telling anyone that keeping healthy makes you a much more effective worker even though you only come in the office because you stashed a pack of gels in your bottom draw.
7. Choose a training partner you passionately hate. After countless hours out running, early mornings, cold, wet afternoons no matter who you train with will become the devil incarnate so best cut this step out and start to hate your training partner from day one.
If you follow these simple rules I can more or less guarantee that you will soon be out there, running 20 miles, feeling like the world was created for your own, personal enjoyment and feeling fitter, healthier and happier than you ever though possible.
Ok, so it’s new year and you decide you want to loose a few pounds ,get fit and train for a marathon. The New Year hangover has gone, you have a new pair of running shoes and are all set to go….all you need is some advice from someone who has been there before…
1. Forget it. Find something less demanding to do, like dodging the traffic on the M40, sword swallowing or building models of American Presidents from matchsticks. Almost anything you can possibly thing of is easier than marathron training.
2. Begin to ignore all of your friends. When the training kicks in you won’t have time for anything aside from running, eating, washing sweaty gym kit and planning the next run so you might as well start now.
3. Learn the talk. Start every conversation with the miles you ran that day, the time you did it and, if possible, how heroic you looked in your lycra. Look disdainfully at non-runners and turn every conversation around to personal bests, carb-loading and the taste of gels.
4. Throw away every cookery book you own. You will be permanently hungry and meal times will be a struggle to throw enough calories down your throat to power the next day’s run. You will eat on quinoa, pasta and chicken breasts.
5. Throw away almost all your clothes in the wardrobe as almost nothing will soon fit you and also because 80% of the time you will be in running gear anyway. Under no circumstances should you purchase clothes half way through the training or the local charity shop will soon become your best friend.
6. Give up work. It’s hard to hold down a full time job when you are running 40 miles a week, plus weights, plus cross-training plus kettle bell workouts. If you don’t give up work become practised in telling anyone that keeping healthy makes you a much more effective worker even though you only come in the office because you stashed a pack of gels in your bottom draw.
7. Choose a training partner you passionately hate. After countless hours out running, early mornings, cold, wet afternoons no matter who you train with will become the devil incarnate so best cut this step out and start to hate your training partner from day one.
If you follow these simple rules I can more or less guarantee that you will soon be out there, running 20 miles, feeling like the world was created for your own, personal enjoyment and feeling fitter, healthier and happier than you ever though possible.
Trevor's Update
Philip's longest run - ever...
20 miles done, hats of to Philip as it was probably his best run to date.
We were greeted with good weather, no wind and to start with blue sky, are we sure it's January! I keep telling Philip we will get bad weather to train in but at the moment it will when we get to Siberia..
Then it will be a shock.
Back to today's run, we continued with our training plan of run 9 minutes then walk 1 minute and this seems to be working. We ran a 7 mile lap around Bicester ( I had thought we might do 3 laps, but changed my mind) so after a quick stop at The Fitness Company to pick up some water and more gels then we set off out past Wye Vale Garden centre,
down past the stables and out to the Merton Road, here we took a left into Ambrosden, cut across to Blackthorn, across the main road and into Launton, then back into Bicester to finish off.
That's it 20 miles done. As I said earlier Philip' s longest run.
Now we move on to tomorrows workout which is a gentle 1 hr of cross training and then it starts again on Monday.
Speak soon Trevor
20 miles done, hats of to Philip as it was probably his best run to date.
We were greeted with good weather, no wind and to start with blue sky, are we sure it's January! I keep telling Philip we will get bad weather to train in but at the moment it will when we get to Siberia..
Then it will be a shock.
Back to today's run, we continued with our training plan of run 9 minutes then walk 1 minute and this seems to be working. We ran a 7 mile lap around Bicester ( I had thought we might do 3 laps, but changed my mind) so after a quick stop at The Fitness Company to pick up some water and more gels then we set off out past Wye Vale Garden centre,
down past the stables and out to the Merton Road, here we took a left into Ambrosden, cut across to Blackthorn, across the main road and into Launton, then back into Bicester to finish off.
That's it 20 miles done. As I said earlier Philip' s longest run.
Now we move on to tomorrows workout which is a gentle 1 hr of cross training and then it starts again on Monday.
Speak soon Trevor
Trevor's Update
Welcome to my world!!!
I'm getting to the point where holidays are a waste of time, I always come back from holiday with a cold or get a cold whilst away. WHAT'S THE POINT.
Does mother nature not know that I have a very difficult marathon coming up.....
It is now 8 weeks to go, which is scary, which also in 5 weeks time the majority of the training will be done and tapering will have set in..
Where has the time gone?
Christmas was meant to have been cold weather training, with running in the Yak Trax grips to get practice, bloody global warming, there was a bit on snow and ice when we arrived and on the last day, not what was needed.
Which means that it will be certainly entering the unknown when when we travel to Lake Baikal.
I have been forced to take a couple of days off this week, due to my cold, but have managed an 8 mile run yesterday, 4 miles today and have got 20 miles tomorrow which will be Philip's furthest distance.
This marathon is coming round very quick, although an amazing challenge at the moment, it feels like a big black cloud on the horizon...(or should that be a big white cloud)
On a positive note Philip is doing amazingly well, sticking to his training program, so if it's effort and dedication then we will be fine.
Trevor
I'm getting to the point where holidays are a waste of time, I always come back from holiday with a cold or get a cold whilst away. WHAT'S THE POINT.
Does mother nature not know that I have a very difficult marathon coming up.....
It is now 8 weeks to go, which is scary, which also in 5 weeks time the majority of the training will be done and tapering will have set in..
Where has the time gone?
Christmas was meant to have been cold weather training, with running in the Yak Trax grips to get practice, bloody global warming, there was a bit on snow and ice when we arrived and on the last day, not what was needed.
Which means that it will be certainly entering the unknown when when we travel to Lake Baikal.
I have been forced to take a couple of days off this week, due to my cold, but have managed an 8 mile run yesterday, 4 miles today and have got 20 miles tomorrow which will be Philip's furthest distance.
This marathon is coming round very quick, although an amazing challenge at the moment, it feels like a big black cloud on the horizon...(or should that be a big white cloud)
On a positive note Philip is doing amazingly well, sticking to his training program, so if it's effort and dedication then we will be fine.
Trevor
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Happy New Year
Despite the festive season training continues.
With Trevor away I have been down in Kent trying to keep motivated.
I have followed the schedule laid down for me and am beginning to feel somewhat confident, not least as I put a solid 18 miles under my belt this weekend. Today’s eight miles was simply divine – rain like stair rods, a biting wind and floods. It was fantastic to test myself against the elements and put in a decent time for the distance.
However, training has been bittersweet. Almost every run has taken my past places that remind me of my dad and whilst everyone was raising a glass of cheer I felt a palatable sadness. Today as I ran past the church where we held his funeral I simply couldn’t not resist shouting some good natured abuse of the ‘I am bloody cold, soaking wet, tired and miserable…are you up there laughing at me?’ type.
I have run pas the pub we used to drink, the police station where he used to work and countless other places that have a significance. Each run has been harder than the last as the memories pile up. Sometimes even pulling
on my shoes was difficult enough.
However, today, as I ran down through the village and out into the country, on rolling hills , I had to allow myself a wry grin. I remembered that just over a year ago I had run to the bottom of the village and then limped back home exhausted. Today I sped through there singing rude songs and really didn’t feel even slightly tired for another hour. This to me is a real achievement.
I am now very much looking forward to closing this adventure. I want to grit my teeth, finish the training and run the race. Next Christmas I plan to be staggering back from the pub, drunk as a lord, not running through flooded streets with a fistful of Gu and a head full of sadness.
With Trevor away I have been down in Kent trying to keep motivated.
I have followed the schedule laid down for me and am beginning to feel somewhat confident, not least as I put a solid 18 miles under my belt this weekend. Today’s eight miles was simply divine – rain like stair rods, a biting wind and floods. It was fantastic to test myself against the elements and put in a decent time for the distance.
However, training has been bittersweet. Almost every run has taken my past places that remind me of my dad and whilst everyone was raising a glass of cheer I felt a palatable sadness. Today as I ran past the church where we held his funeral I simply couldn’t not resist shouting some good natured abuse of the ‘I am bloody cold, soaking wet, tired and miserable…are you up there laughing at me?’ type.
I have run pas the pub we used to drink, the police station where he used to work and countless other places that have a significance. Each run has been harder than the last as the memories pile up. Sometimes even pulling
on my shoes was difficult enough.
However, today, as I ran down through the village and out into the country, on rolling hills , I had to allow myself a wry grin. I remembered that just over a year ago I had run to the bottom of the village and then limped back home exhausted. Today I sped through there singing rude songs and really didn’t feel even slightly tired for another hour. This to me is a real achievement.
I am now very much looking forward to closing this adventure. I want to grit my teeth, finish the training and run the race. Next Christmas I plan to be staggering back from the pub, drunk as a lord, not running through flooded streets with a fistful of Gu and a head full of sadness.
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