Journey's end or the start of the next journey?

Exactly one week after the last finisher crossed the line in the 2012 Scotland Coast to Coast Challenge, I feel like I can finally look back on the experience in an objective way - neither tarnished by any difficulties nor exulted in the post achievement satisfaction.

I started writing this with the intention of posting 1 week on, but fell asleep part way through after a weekend at Scout camp......no stamina ;-)

I finished the Coast to Coast in 14hrs, 55mins, 59seconds.  Almost 1hour longer than I wanted to.

And am I satisfied?  No - I'm hungry to do more and do it better, already making changes to the very detailed plans  I laid down for this event in time for next year.  What the hell is wrong with me?  Why can't I be satisfied with what I did and celebrate it?

Before the start, Nairn Links  Day 1

Setting off from home in Glasgow at 7am, Vicky and I drove up to Inverness and then to Nairn to register and collect our campervan from Michael at Outthere Campervans for the weekend.

For those that remember the Spitting Image song 'I've never met a nice South African..' I am so pleased to say that Michael was an absolute star!  Not only was he full of encouragement but he retweeted our progress and helped with fundraising despite we only just met him!  He was also out on the course, offering encouragement throughout!

After dropping the bike in Cawdor Castle for the day 1 transition and doing some last minute ferrying around for some friends who arrived by train, we retire to our campsite to run through final preparations and a good night's sleep.

Awaking at 5am (for an 8am race start), we head over to the beach at Nairn (10miles away) and park up with a view of the starting line.

The Racer category (doing all 105miles in one day) set off at 6.30am and we manage to grab a few minutes chat with them.

Once they are off, it's time for me to get ready, have breakfast and get dressed.

7.30am and I'm ready....nerves are starting to twitch and the realisation I am about to start the biggest endurance challenge I have ever done hits home.  Moreso because by now there is over £2500 of sponsorship for Erksine riding on my successful completion!

8am and we're off for an 8mile trail run to Cawdor.  Not a particularly difficult section, narrow in parts and I find myself penned in for about 4 miles but its a good steady pace so no complaints.

Arriving at Cawdor, Day 1

At transition, I quickly find my bike and put on my helmet and gloves - move swiftly to the exit and get on for the 48mile road cycle ahead.

In doing so, I gain at least 50 places as others take their time and don't seem to be that organised.  First morale boost and massive confidence gain for my strategy - it seemed to be paying off!

Within 10miles though I was having to use all the tricks to keep my mind focussed.  Generally I was doing fine and had lots of energy, feeling good and strong except for my left knee.  Still sore from Glen Tilt 2 weeks earlier it's now starting to hurt as I push hard into the strong wind coming from west to east up the Great Glen.

I get another boost when I see a sign that says just 18miles to Fort Augustus and pick up the pace and keep the fuelling going.

The last big climb before Fort Augustus - had to push!

That is until approx 10miles later when the road straightens and for the next 5 miles all that appears is....incline!

Course Profile

With approx 300m to the summit, I relent and get off and push the bike.  The wind is blowing hard, my knee is stiffening and my resolve is beginning to crumble.

For the first time today I start to worry that I will not finish.  I know I'll finish today, but I'm worried about tomorrow.

And then I remember my 'mind training' and search for the word I use to distract myself and avoid lingering on negative thoughts.  It's a word given to me by Vicky and has no connotation, meaning or purpose other than to make me smile.
'Jubblies!'  I break out into a smile, reach the summit and start to get back in the saddle for the several mile descent.  Back on  track.

The descent is a sharp 14% gradient with some tight turns and still into a headwind so no time to relax, but it is definately easier than the previous 40 odd miles!


As I fly down the hill, I pass a chap from Switzerland called Hanu.  We exchange a few pleasantries and then I push down hard on the pedals and take off.  I arrive into transition and run the mile to the kayak start.  A few moments later Hanu joins me and we agree to share a double kayak.

Within an hour, I am finished!  Vicky has some ibuprofen ready for me and some frozen peas for my knee.  We mill around a bit, grab a coffee then into the campervan for a shower and some food.  By this time I've already wolfed down a meal bar and 2 recovery shakes and am still looking for more calories.  Half a cooked chicken, some couscous, salad and smoked salmon later I think I'm done.

We head off to find somewhere quiet to spend the night and head back along the route to a quiet layby at the bottom of the initial descent next to a loch.  As we lay in bed reading, we can hear the barking of deer and the bellow of a red deer stag outside.  Eerie but beautiful at the same time ;-)

5.30am and we're up again and drive back into Fort Augustus.  We grab breakfast and I check over my kit once again for Day 2.

A 16mile MTB section, 17mile road cycle section, 14mile mountain trail run and 1mile kayak ahead of me but I'm feeling quite strong.  I strap up my knee and apply liberal amounts of vaseline today!

Getting better at spotting
photographers!

It's raining but at least the wind has eased!  I roll out of transition just before 8am with an estimated 8hrs of movement ahead of me.

The MTB section is what you'd expect - forestry commission style paths up hills and down them - all gravel and in the wet conditions a little tricky.  A sharp section where there is a mud single track descent catches a few people out and the previous day's headwind causes a few to 'blow-up' on the small hills and push.  It's going to be a long day for some......

My previous rides in Glentress, Innerleithen and Glen Tilt now prove their worth as I am more aware of the obstacles and my technical skills, whilst not at a high standard, are sufficient to enable me to safely complete this section without incident and get onto the road section for the last 17miles into Fort William.

Vicky meet's me as I am timed out and move into the transition area.  Couple of quick photo's, a loo stop and passing her my kit, I then swallow a few more painkillers and get timed back on and head out along Glen Nevis to being the 14mile mountain trail run to Glencoe.

Fort William transition - about to head out
for 14mile mountain trail run.

Time off - rolling into Fort William transition

This is the section I am most looking forward to.....except my knee is now so stiff it is hard to bend and I'm not moving anywhere near as quick as I feel able to or want to.

We approach the first big incline and I take out my poles from my rucksack.  A lot of people are struggling to climb the path through the pine forest and with my poles I make ground on those who passed me earlier.

I don't stop when I'm tired, I stop when
I'm done!

Emerging from the forest, we come onto the West Highland Way and on some of the flatter sections I am able to maintain a steady jog, carrying my poles for uphill and downhill sections.

On the uphills, I am making really good speed considering and overtake many.....who subsequently overtake me on downhill sections because I cant bend my knee!

A few hours later and I reach the top of the final ascent and am faced with the steep descent.  This bit hurt the most and where I lost an estimated 30mins minimum on my time.

Just 3 miles separate me from the finish now - 2 of which are along the road and 1 is a kayak.  I pass another competitor being helped by his team mate.  He has hurt his thigh and is struggling to keep moving.  I give him one of my poles as now we are on the flat (and the fact I've just taken my last 4 ibuprofen) I dont need them.

I arrive into the kayak launch, kit up and see the wind has picked up again.  The effort for this last 1 mile surpassed all that for the previous 104 miles.  It was hard going, cramp in my thighs, getting wet from the waves and intangible forward progress.  So near and yet so far......

But 30mins later I climb out of the kayak and run the 100m to the finish.  Vicky has been tweeting my progress throughout from texts I was sending her and I'm greeted by the MC who uses my twitter name @Sportster75 and comments on my chosen charity, Erskine.  I couldn't have asked for a better finish.....

The wind and rain are starting again now so I quickly hurry to the campervan and get some food in me and a recovery shake (or 3).  I'm awash with elation and surprised how well I still feel, although my knee is aching somewhat now!

Once fed and showered, Vicky and I head back into the Isles of Glencoe hotel and grab a celebratory beer.  I've already had a few drams of my malt whisky that I had been saving since Xmas 2011 and after a couple of drinks, I'm quite light headed.  Guess it was to be expected after 10months of total abstinence!

The rest of the evening was spent sharing stories with other competitors and congratulating them, as well as cheering on those still finishing right up to 8.30pm!

On Monday, we headed to hand back the campervan and already we were planning next year.  What tyres I would use day 1 and day 2, where could I save some time in transition, booking the campervan again because it made such a difference etc etc etc.

I finished 242 out of over 900 competitors (some were teams of 2) so in the top 3rd.  But I was almost 5 hrs slower than the winner!  That means there is room for improvement so for next year I am aiming to come in the top 150 which means a sub 13hr time.

So that's the story of the event, but it's only 48hrs in time and doesn't cover all those people that made it possible for me.  I'm bound to miss some out here, but I need to do my best to make sure they are mentioned and every reader understands this was a team effort, not just me.

Michael Surmon at Outthere Campervans (@outherecampers) for his support, encouragement and kind provision of the campervan.

Bill McDonagh of Kyle Management Consultants and also the Group Scout Leader for 5th Clyde (Broomhouse) Scouts in which I am a scout leader.  Bill made a significant financial donation and covered my nights so I could train/compete in the run up!

Craig Borthwick (@venturemedical) who has been a good friend and training partner as well as motivator over the course of this year and with whom I did the Mighty Deerstalker and Monikie Duathlon previously mentioned.

Dani Wilson, Tracey Stutt, Dawn Cockburn and Lorraine Sutherland - my team at Lloyds Banking Group who have helped me raise funds and who have kept encouraging me throughout (and putting up with me!!).

Colleagues within Card Operations at Lloyds Banking Group who between them raised almost £1500 for me.

All my Facebook and Twitter friends who posted encouragement and support before, during and afterwards.  It does make a huge difference and keeps the head up when the going got tough!

Adam Renshaw and Emma Pearson - for showing me how I can improve my nutrition to get in the best shape possible!  It went so well, we even started our own business helping others... www.personalwellnessxperience.co.uk for more info ;-)

My Mum and Dad, who kindly came and took our girls to school and ran around all weekend for them whilst Vicky and I were away!  Thanks folks!

My wife Vicky.  For 10months she has watched me plan everything, and then do it again to make sure.  She put up with me getting out of bed at 5am to go and train and then come home and go straight back out.  Even on holiday she was there with a shake for me when I was finished and worked the family plans around my training.  She's been my biggest supporter and borne the hardest jobs in keeping the home and children whilst I focussed on training.  Thanks love, you were the best support crew I could ever wish for, right from when I decided to do this!

And finally, every single armed forces veteran, young or old, for doing what they do every day and all so we can be safe.  Whatever you think of what I have done, trust me, the hardship, challenge and effort is nothing compared to what Veterans go through every day.

My lasting desire from completing this event is that at least one person becomes more aware of Erskine and our Veterans.  Just one person who tells others of 'a fat lad who lost a bit of weight and went from jogging to doing 105miles to raise money for Erskine' is a success and ensures they get the help and respect they deserve!

Until next time......because I now have the bug and there will be more!  Please leave a comment on this post to let me know if you've enjoyed it or not and your thoughts.  Thanks ;-)

T minus 5! The Final Preparations.....

5 days to go before Coast to Coast challenge.

11 months training, planning, preparing and dieting comes down to just 5 days before I compete.

Last 3 weeks have been a little less organised than I'd like, with life having its on way of putting additional challenges in the way as if 105 miles wasn't enough!

Lots of running completed with cycling before/after and some general core conditioning.

Most challenging moment was doing the Glen Tilt mountain bike trail on 27th August.  35 miles of howling winds, torrential rain, flash floods and river crossings (with bike) that were chest deep!  

Kit bag is now slowly being filled, bike has been serviced and cleaned, all kit tested and barring some last minute additions, tweaks and final check - I'm ready.

I cycled 23 miles today to visit a sports therapist for a massage and some physio as my left knee has been sore since Glen Tilt.  Apparently I have a medial ligament strain and my general muscle condition was 'extremely knotted'.......perhaps my preparation hadn't been as thorough as I had thought!!

But I'm ready, fired up and gonna do this!  Target time (it's published now so I've gotta do it!) was originally to finish.  But now I want to do it under 14hours.  12 would make me happy, 10 would make me deliriously happy!

A last bit of reflection on the journey to this point and what are the top things I have learnt?

• The body is capable of doing more than you think.  The mind will give up before the body so train your mind as much as you train your body!
• No matter how much planning you do, expect the unexpected and be prepared to adapt and overcome.
• Support can come from many sources, don't dismiss anyone who shows interest or wants to help as they quite often can be the real heroes!
• To train for events like this when you have family is incredibly selfish and requires their total, unwavering and unequivocal support.  If you don't have it you either lose your family or don't train enough to compete.
• A diet of Starbucks Venti Skinny Wet Latte's and an evening meal ain't enough!
• Enjoy the journey.............

I'm done.  There are so many people I owe so much to for being where I am right now.  Too many to list right now but post event I will blog a list of those special individuals who have gone 110miles to help me do 105!

As I write, I am still recieving donations via www.justgiving.com/martin-kelly1 and have smashed my target for this year.  

Has it been worth it?  Hell yes!  No matter what next weekend brings even to be at this point is electrifying!

And will it end there?  Hell No!  Already got an ultra marathon in my sights for next year so this blog will continue............................

Inspiration is closer than you think...

With just 4 weeks to go now until the 'big event', the last 4 weeks have seen some pretty intense training.

Rising with the Sun to start training!

Dean Karnzes book 'UltraMarathonMan' was devoured fairly quickly as was Lance Armstrong's 'Its Not About The Bike' and Robin Harvie's 'Why We Run', as I searched for inspiration, confidence and something to grab hold of and fuel my self belief.

My last blog just 4 weeks ago was after I had completed two MTB trail rides in the Scottish Borders.

Today, I've finished a 41mile cycle and am now preparing for a 15km trail run tomorrow morning.

In the last 4 weeks I've enjoyed a camping holiday with the family (combining my training too including a barefoot run on the beach), a walk on Hadrian's Wall with my Dad and various Duathlon/Triathlon sessions in the gym.

'Sea Mist' rolling in - not even 7am!

Trail running ;-)

With such gorgeous scenery, it would have been criminal to train indoors and so getting up early, cycling / running or hill walking with the family was very much on the agenda.





It has been a fantastic 4 weeks with some really good progress made.......but not without it's calamities!

Day 1 of our holiday and as we are driving to the North West Highlands with the family bikes and luggage strapped to the roof of the car we pull into a rest area and attempt to park under some covered parking for shade.

Yes - that's right, the covered area was lower than the bikes on the roof and fortunately only a few scratches and dents were left to show of my stupidity!

Calamity number 2 was on our second night when the wind blew so strong that the front of our tent blew in.  A hasty repair and tighten of pegs / lines managed to see us through.......until night 3!

Gusting winds picked up again and this time the poles were snapped and the only option was to move all belongings and the kids into one bedroom and tie what was left of the tent to the car to stop it blowing away.  As the wind settled, some quick internet research identified a cheap replacement tent some 70 miles away....so we all got up early and headed off to get it.

After the shock and tiredness wore off, it actually became a laughing point for us all and added a little 'excitement' for us all.

The last challenge was entirely of my own making.  Setting off at 3pm to cycle 10k to the start of a trail that runs up to a waterfall, I make good time and secure my bike outside the local pub.

I put my rucksack on my back and set off running up the trail.  After about a mile I decide to check for the key to my bike lock. Can't find it.  Bag emptied all over the trail - still cant find it! Oh well, it's just a mile back and decent trail, I should find it easily.

Passing several walkers, none have the key.  I get back to the bike and scour the area around my bike.  No sign.  I check in the pub if someone has handed in.  No!  Dammit - this means one thing, boltcutters!  I run over to a store on the adjacent pier and they ring around and find me some boltcutters.  I get back to the bike and put the cutter to work and just as the first cut is complete......an elderly couple come past and say 'Have you lost your key? Does it look like this one?'

They'd found it on the trail and when I ran back past them, didnt think it would be mine - despite the triathlon suit in the same colours as the bike and a helmet attached to my rucksack!  Ah well!  That'll teach me in future!
The following day I did the same cycle and run only this time with my key being kept a little safer!

For a whole week, the entire family lived and breathed entirely outdoors and loved it!

It's not the Maldives, Gulf Coast or Seychelles.....its the West Coast of Scotland!

Week 2 of the holiday is spent in Cumbria and Northumberland...walking Hadrian's Wall with my 64yo Father.  A great time covering 8 to 10 miles each day and then a training run or cycle afterwards.

If there is any greater inspiration for me to demonstrate strength against adversity or the courage to keep going when the easiest thing is to give up then I have yet to find it beyond my Dad.

19 years ago he suffered a diving accident whilst in the South of France.  He ended up being alone, in a country where he didn't speak much of the language and paralysed from the waist down.

Upon arriving back in the UK, he underwent hyperbaric chamber treatment but was still immobilised and told he would not walk again.

Each day when I went to the hospital to see him, I'd find him doing all he could to drag himself down the corridor - refusing assistance and battling to regain his former strength.

He'd fall down seven times....and pick himself up eight times!

And here we were, walking in some reasonably difficult terrain and talking about nothing in particular, just enjoying the view and the journey, as well as the history of the Wall itself.   I was walking with a man who was told he wouldn't walk again and had since suffered a heart attack and undergone a hip replacement.

So after searching for a hero, someone who I could look to and could try and emulate their Herculean feats of endurance, strength and courage......delving through text, internet and book......I had finally found all that I hoped to recreate in the very person from whose gene pool I partly originate from.

If I can demonstrate half of my Dad's strength, single minded focus on achieving his goal and determination to keep going no matter how hard then the 105miles of the Scotland Coast to Coast will be a breeze!

My last blog before the event will be a short one in 3 weeks time.  If you want to keep track of progress, follow me during the event or event show your support for our Veterans by making a donation to my fundraising page, the details are below:

Twitter: @sportster75
Facebook: Martin.Kelly.3192
Just Giving: www.justgiving.com/martin-kelly1

Almost there......

10 months ago I had an idea that I'd push myself as far as I could and I'd enter an ultra distance race in 2012.


I'm 8 weeks away from fulfilling that goal.........


The big question now, even before I've finished this one, is what next?


Over the last month, training has been getting pretty intense with runs, much more cycling and combination run/cycle sessions.


Having bought a book called Scotland Mountain Biking, The Wild Trails by Phil McKane, I wanted to test myself.

Glen Finglas

So on successive days I managed a 30k Red Grade followed by an 18k Red Grade with a run/gym session on the same day.


Overtraining?  In fact the biggest risk I face is getting injured by being a little too 'adrenaline junkie' on the downhill sections - as evidenced when I got careless on Innerleithen XC trail and ended up 3m from the track with my bike on top of me!  

Bike wheel visible just left of the tree on right hand side of pic!

The view from where I fell!

Fortunately only a cut knee, bruised testicle and bent brake lever.....as well as severely dented pride......was the damage!


Some of the logistical elements of the challenge are now coming together.  Kit is being gathered, tested and weight.  The route is being examined - what kit will I use on what section? Where will I transition from run to bike and what can I leave at transition for either pick or up drop?

 
But by far the biggest challenge I still have to face is the mental preparation.  I've learnt enough about myself now to know that I'll go off too quick and as a result, get tired sooner than planned and end up battling with myself and my negative thoughts and not enjoy it.

A lot of the training now is maintaining fitness and preparing for the pace I need to go at, which is slower than I've been training at thus far.  It's by far the most difficult thing I've encountered!

I am heeding this warning!

The next 3 weeks are quite exciting though as we are away camping again in the North West Highlands as a family - bike and trainers will be making the journey too!  The following week I am then walking Hadrian's Wall with my Dad - more nights under canvas!  Again, bike and trainers will be going with me!

Top of Minch Moor

Glentress - gorgeous day!

To keep me focused on my biggest challenge...my mind.....I've started to collect positive statements and put them on a board to embed them into my psyche over the coming weeks.  Here's a few of the top ones
so far!

• I don't stop when I'm tired, I stop when I'm done!
• Don't look at how far I've got to go, look at how far I've come!
• If I think I can't, I won't! If I believe I can, I've got a chance!
• No matter how hard it gets, how cold and wet I am, how tired I feel- it will pass.
• I am making things happen.  I've turned a dream into reality, bloody well enjoy it or the last 10months will have been for nothing!
• I won't let myself finish where I began.  I have something more important than courage, I have belief and patience.  I will become what I know I am!

105miles! But why?

'Because it's there!' would be the trite answer to the question of why people do the things they do, including events like marathons and ultra distance adventure races.

But as far as I can conclude, the reasons for putting ourselves into situations and activities we didn't think possible are as different as we are from one another.

Motivation can come from many sources, like raising funds for charity or to improve health.  Motivation is needed but it's not at the heart of WHY we choose to do what we do.

It's been a relatively quiet few weeks since I was out in the hills.  Training is going steady (although I feel I should be doing more) and if I am honest, a little anti-climatic after the Edinburgh Marathon.

So I decided to take some time to really understand the 'why' of what I am attempting this year and not just the motivations.  Everyone else might be talking about '50 Shades of Grey' but I want to explore the 'black & white' of myself - no shades of grey in my psyche!

Physically I've never been fitter or stronger.  But I'm having bouts of self doubt and worry that I'll be able to finish the 105miles for Scotland Coast to Coast which is causing havoc with my training as I'm pushing too hard and know full well I'm going to end up injured at some point if I carry on.

It all boils down to the fact that I'm not really sure why I'm doing it.  Why would I subject myself to discomfort, chafing, exhaustion and hours and hours of solitary training?

• Do I need to prove myself to anyone?
• Do I need to prove anything to myself?
• Do I need another tech t-shirt or medal?
• Am I crazy for thinking someone like me could be considered a runner or capable of doing an event like this?

The answer is no to all of them.  When I decided to do these challenges this year, it did start out as something to prove to myself and yes, I enjoyed the thought of people thinking I was slightly nuts for doing it and the surprise on my family's face when I told them.

But as the journey through my training has progressed, my reasons have changed. 

At the core of it is the sense of freedom and release that comes when doing any endurance or long distance sessions.  The events themselves are just a 'focus' point - a time and place against which to work towards whereby some of the logistical needs are taken care of.

This little 'eureka' moment came to me one day while sat on a train passing through the Lake District in the UK.  All I wanted to do was get outside and run around in the hills.  Couldn't work out why this was until I remembered it had been a difficult day, my mind full of all the things I 'had to do' and I was feeling a little wound up.

But my mind was craving the freedom, the space or even the time to just decompress and recover and the best way it knew how.  Just like the body craves fluid when it's dehydrated, or food when it's hungry, the mind craves space when packed full.

Just running - moving from one point to another in whatever time you want is such a release from the constraints of our everyday lives.  It is for me.

I might have sore feet.  My nipples may be rubbed red raw from the chafing of my top.  I may get cold, wet, hungry and thirsty.  I  might even twist an ankle or pull a muscle.  But all of these things are temporary and can quickly be forgotten once destination reached and needs satiated.

What lasts for so much longer and makes us so much stronger is the mental wellbeing that our minds achieve.  The psychological boost that we get not just from endorphine release, but from giving our minds the opportunity to 'roam' without anything to be focused on because our bodies are taking care of business. 

So the next question I have to answer having reached this conclusion is........what am I going to do after the Coast to Coast challenge?

Current favourites are the traverse of Hadrians Wall (69miles) in 24hours, Bob Graham Round in the Lake District, Caledonian Challenge (52miles in 24hours - I walked it in 2003 but fancy running it now) or even the Paris, Athens or Boston marathons to give it an international flavour.  Whatever I decide, the education of this year will last me a lifetime and continue to take me forward.

Hills, Trees and Running into them!

5.30am and the alarm sounds for me to get out of bed and don my gear.

Its my first hill training run today, an adapted mountain biking route of circa 16km in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh.

The last 2 days have seen torrential rain so I expected to be wet and dressed accordingly with waterproofs, gloves, long tights and several layers.

Because it's so early, I dont feel much like eating so instead have a Herbalife 24 F1 shake en route.  When I get to the Ranger Station at Harlaw Reservoir, the start point, Im keen to get going.

The sky is grey, the air heavy with drizzle and the hill tops are obscured from view.



Bottom of Maiden's Cleugh - slippy descent

Once off the tarmac track, the water logged tracks soon soak my feet.  I stop after about 12mins to check the map and check my Nikeplus is working on my IPhone..........and I drop my phone in a puddle WITHOUT a waterproof case!  Fortunately its still working so I continue up to the top of Maidens Cleugh - watching a male barn owl hunt over the hillside in front of me.

At the top, I get a great view down the glen at Glencorse Reservoir and its downhill, on a mix of mud, gravel and water!

The amount of rainfall has made the track like a stream and every step kicks up more water.  All I can think of is the tales of 'crazy descents' described in the book 'Feet In The Clouds' by Richard Askwith - a story about Fell Running that I'm currently reading.


At the bottom I stop to remove my rain jacket, take on some isotonic (Herbalife Prolong 7:1 carb/protein) and check the map.  It's starting to dry out a little and my hopes are getting high for the sun to come out.......mainly because of the Scottish Midge eating me alive in the still, damp air!

Im at 4.5k now and have about 3k to go along a tarmac road alongside the reservoirs until I return back to trails.

Its a steady incline and I'm going steady,  My IPhone is working, but I have no music!  This turns out to be a godsend as I get to listen to my surroundings...lambs and sheep bleating, birds singing, fish splashing and the water running down the hillsides.  I'm really enjoying myself now and don't care if my phone is damaged or not - this is too much fun and its not even 7.30am!  Most people are still in bed and I have this wonderful place to myself!

The path is here somewhere....

As the tarmac comes to an end, I study the map quickly and find my trail between two hills - at least I know where it should be but the torrent of water has almost obscured it completely!  Seeing as my feet are already wet and my phone damaged - nothing to lose so off I go!

Its a steady run through the hills on a mix of gravel and grass track for about another 4km.  No-one around, just me and the sheep!

Its at this point I start to test myself mentally - getting ready for the coast to coast challenge in September and talking to myself about pace, fuelling, how I'm feeling, what I'd do differently etc. 

Physically I feel ready for the challenge.  These sessions are to maintain physical condition AND prepare myself mentally.

I'm just 5k or so from the end now and I get a 1km downhill section on tarmac before turning off to run through woodland at the side of Harlaw Reservoir.

The downhill sections are actually more hard work than the uphills, taking much more effort to retain control and causing much more pressure on knees and ankles.

Thankfully I'm 2stone lighter than when I started this blog and by the time of the Coast to Coast I should be a further stone lighter.

After crossing the reservoir via a foot bridge, its a sharp right turn through the woods and back to the car.  There are some parts where woodland trail runs parallel to gravel or tarmac track.  I decide to take the woodland trails whereever possible to improve my conditioning and skills on difficult terrain.

Its at this point I trip on a tree root, stumble forward and slide in mud and then smack my face into a tree trunk!  My first trail running injury and I'm not even descending or in the hills!

Cursing myself and laughing at the same time, I return up to the tarmac track and plod steadily on to the finish - my right eyebrow starting to throb a little.

It's about half 8 now and there are dog walkers, mountain bikers, fishermen and other runners out.  After about an hours solitude and knowing I'm close to my finish, I actually enjoy greeting each with a smile and a 'Good Morning'.

The best part was knowing that some of them will be thinking 'He's soaking wet, covered in mud, got a bloody eye and he's happy - must be on drugs or drunk!'

The truth is I was cold, soaking wet, with a damaged phone because of my clumsiness and with at least an hours drive back home where my two girls will no doubt have a plethora of activity planned for Father's Day.  But I was absolutely thrilled with what I had just done.  I was smiling from ear to ear because I had just run in the beautiful hills close to home for the fun of it.  No time mattered - what mattered was I had enjoyed it!  A lesson from Caballo Blanco and I think I'm really only just starting to understand it fully!

Till next time, keep running and keep smiling as you do it!

Preparing For An Ultra - Lessons my Children Teach Me!

After the Edinburgh Half Marathon, its just 3 months now until my Ultra Distance Adventure Race - Scotland Coast to Coast (105miles in 2 days).

My training is now moving to different levels, including more cycling and hill/fell running for longer distances.

On June 6th, my fellow Deerstalker from the event in March and I completed our first Duathlon.  Located up near Dundee in Scotland, it was considered a 'sprint' distance with a 5k run followed by 20k cycle.

Given the amount of rainfall, we could quite easily have made it a Triathlon and had to swim parts of the course!

Our race line-up arrived via email the day or 2 before and to our horror, it was just 31 competitors long with virtually every other person affiliated to either an athletics, cycle or triathlon club........perhaps we had gone a little bit more ambitious than our capabilities should allow!

A Colleague of Craig's (called SatNav following this event - revealed later) joined us and at the start, we agreed he would set off and Craig and I would keep a steady pace moving together.

Needless to say, by the time we had reached 2.5k, the fog had descended and Craig & I might as well have been on our own for we could not see anyone....

At 400m from the transition, SatNav passed us on his bike, smiling and looking relatively fresh.

 We got onto our bikes and commenced the 20k circuit.  At 7.5k we were feeling good and thought we didn't have far to go.......we forgot it was 20k and not 10k!

A fast downhill section helped, but then a long drawn out steady incline for 5k, with the steepest section at the end had us both 'blowing' hard.

Our morale and spirit was dented further as we had 2k to complete and passing us by were other competitors......who had finished, packed their bikes in their cars and were heading home!

We finally crossed the line, together, 1hr 26mins later and very wet!

At this point, the organisers were brilliant and gave us plenty of support and congratulations.  Then we realised someone was missing!  For a moment we were elated to find out we weren't last......then it became apparent another competitor may be injured or lost.  The missing person was identified as Craig's colleague.

SatNav & Craig

 Search party organised, patterns established we were about to set off in search when through a side entrance to the park cycles the missing person........whom is now referred to as SatNav! 
After much ribbing and hilarity, we packed up and prepared for the 100mile drive home - stopping off to grab a quick drink and agree our next adventure........the Sandy Slither 10k (Coastal/Beach 10k in Fife) on 4th July!


On Saturday 10th June, my Daughter's and I decided to go orienteering as part of their Scout map reading practice.  We spent a good 3 hours wandering around our local country park, following the maps and getting plenty of fresh air.  Both had been at their Zumba class that morning already and we had a family 5k fun run to do the following day.

Team Kelly!

Sunday 10th June and its the Glasgow East End 5k.  Advertised as a family fun run, its all about the participation and not the time completed.

Both girls wanted to set a target of finishing under 40mins so I agreed to pace them accordingly.

The first 1k was hard, navigating through walkers, dogs, pushchairs and the odd pot-hole.

34mins later they crossed the line, holding hands and with a huge sense of achievement.  They had run hard, at one point wanting to give up and not believing they could do it - but they did and did so really well!

Proud Dad Moment

 
Sat rummaging through their 'end of race goody bags', I asked them how they felt.

'Fine' was the reply.
'Really? You said 10minutes ago you were so exhausted you couldn't finish!'
'No, we're fine now'
'That's good.  Remember how you feel just 5mins after finishing so that when it gets tough next time, you can remember this and tell yourself you can do it and will be fine afterwards!'
'Yes Dad......oooooo can we have one of these sweets please?'

Putting aside the fantastic time they ran it in, my pride as their Father was built solely around their effort, determination and spirit to keep going when their mind told them to give up.

That memory is firmly etched in my mind as I now prepare for the hardest physical event I have undertaken since leaving the army many years ago.  If my kids can do it and show true grit and determination, then I have got to do it too otherwise how can I be a role model for them and their future development!

Thank you Lauren & Georgia.........love you loads xxx!  This one's for you!

Halfway there....Edinburgh Half Marathon

Today was the second of my three challenges for Erskine.  The Edinburgh Marathon Festival Half Marathon.

The UK has been enjoying a mini heatwave for the last week and I hoped it would ease for today and it looked promising as we drove from Glasgow to Edinburgh at 6am ready for an 8am start.

By 8.30 however, the sun had burnt off any mist or fog and it was turning into a glorious day.  Decision to run with a hydration sack and not rely on water stations vindicated ;-)

The last few weeks have been really busy, both at home and at work.  I was getting stressed that my preparation had taken a back seat and nerves were starting to set in.  The fact I didn't receive my race number until last Tuesday was positively freaking me out!  Not a good sign.

The positives were I was still putting in 3 good runs a week, 1 interval, 1 tempo and 1 long steady run - averaging 35 to 40km per week.  I'd also lost half stone in weight and was feeling physically strong.

An additional boost was that my fundraising had reached the halfway point with over £1000 raised so far!

A couple of weeks earlier, my wife had decided (on the Friday night before) to run the Glasgow Women's 10k on the Sunday.  No running training to speak of but plenty of aerobic exercise through Zumba, the kids and I followed her into Glasgow to support on what can only be described as a very cold and wintry Sunday.  She completed it, dressed as a 'rainbow' in 1hr 15mins - no mean feat considering it was a last minute decision!

'Cheerleaders'

So to have a mini heatwave today for my half marathon, less than 3 weeks since freezing ourselves in Glasgow was a little ironic.

My last week before the run itself saw me train on Monday and Thursday - 2 short interval/tempo sessions of 5k.  Saturday was a complete relaxtion: took the Harley out for a spin in the sunshine, sat in the sun in our back garden, cooked a pasta tea and drank plenty of water throughout.

I packed my bags, got the girls breakfast sorted and had an early night.

Up at 5am this morning, quickly had my Herbalife F1 shake and drank 500ml of water on way to Edinburgh.  In my hydration sack I had 750ml of Herbalife Prolong to sustain me throughout.......can tell you now that in 20 degree heat (for anyone overseas reading this, trust me, this is a heatwave in Scotland!) I needed at least 1.5l so its no surprise when I ran out at about 9miles.

Before heading to the start!

Starting right at the back....

I'd originally estimated my finish time as 2hrs 45mins when I entered in October 2011.  I was aiming for sub 2hours today having run two practice 13milers in last 8 weeks and both just under 2 hours.

My realistic goal  was to finish under 2hrs 15m.

But starting in the last pen with those whose sole intent was to have a 13mile walk/talk was going to make it difficult!

At 2miles I was starting to find my stride and the crowd was thinning a little - but not enough.

Why do people put unrealistic finish times in their entries and then just hold everyone else up?

At 4 miles it was starting to feel good.  Nice cool breeze coming in from the coast as we moved onto the coastal part of the route, crowd thinned, great views and not too warm.

A mile later I was struggling.  Legs stiff, mind wandering, heat building so I took on more fluids thinking I was starting to dehydrate.

At 6 miles I got a morale boost with some familiar cheerleaders (Lauren and Georgia) shouting at me - had to dash over for a Hi-5!

The next 7 miles were a challenge.  Between wanting to give up, running out of Prolong and then for the last 3miles getting cramp in both calves and then my left hamstring.  At every water stop I'd throw half over my head and drink the rest and take an energy gel (i'd carried spares just in case - fortunately)!

At 2miles left, I decided to push hard and see what it did to my time, but cramped up after 500m.  Slow down and keep pushing.  Then as the last 500m appeared I thought to myself 'bugger it, whats a bit of cramp? If you can do the next 500m there'll be some 1st aid to help at the end!' so I stretched my legs and pushed hard.

The feeling of overtaking people who are on their last legs pushed me on further and by the time I hit the finish straight, I was flying.  The crowds were cheering like mad and I tried to go faster.  Tried being the operative word because I don't think I generated any more speed!

 A quick bit of refuelling with another Herbalife F1 shake and we walk to the car where I have a little snooze before heading out to Erskine Home (about 60miles away) for the annual charity motorbike meet.

Rest day tomorrow, then back into training as have a sprint duathlon in 10days time, followed by a 5k fun run 4 days later with the kids and just 3 months before the big one, Scotland Coast to Coast, 105miles, 2 days!  Let's hope its a bit cooler then!

Big lesson from today.........7 months ago I entered this race and would have been happy to finish in 2hrs 45mins.  Today I'm disappointed because I hit my revised target and didn't go 15mins faster.  Why is that?  Did I enjoy myself today? On reflection yes I did and that, combined with over £1000 raised for Veterans has to be more important than a finish time ;-)

Quality versus Quantity?

Yes, the age old debate of quality versus quantity!
Applicable just to running?  Work?  Food? Life?  No, I'm beginning to reach the conclusion that where quality counts, no amount of quantity can overcome poor quality.

As I enter the last 4 weeks before the Edinburgh Half Marathon and for the first time have to seriously consider 'tapering' my training, I'm now being forced to concentrate on better sessions but fewer miles.

At first it was a bit of a culture shock and I felt I was slacking, but after 2 good shorter sessions but of high intensity, I'm feeling more comfortable. Quality, quality, quality!

Then there is the small matter of fundraising for Erskine.  I got a massive pyschological boost this week when C Company, 1st Scots did an impromptu whip round and raised £300 on my behalf as sponsorship.  The quantity was irrespective, the fact that serving soldiers were keen to support me was truly humbling.  These are the men and women for whom we owe so much and yet they are the ones who are also showing their support for those of us trying to help their comrades.  Whilst I am grateful for all support and sponsorship, this one sent a shiver down my spine!

The last 2 weeks has also seen me focus hard on getting better nutrition into my body.  So much so, I've lost 7lbs in weight, 4% body fat and 1" on my waist!  Getting high quality carbs, protein and vitamins into my 'engine' is paying off as well!

And to cap it all off, quality of life..........well, I dont think I've been this happy in a long time.  I'm spending more time with my kids, my relationship with Vicky just keeps getting stronger and yet we are all so busy doing things that make us feel good we hardly sit still for 5minutes!  And none of us are 'shattered' in fact its the contrary, we're full of energy!

Last Sunday, Vicky was studying so the kids and I had a full day together.  We hardly spent a penny but had 5 or 6 hours of good quality fun at the play park, skate park, cycling, picnic and reading. 

So the next time someone says 'More, faster, quicker, harder' asnd you're not in an intimate situation ;-), question the value this will give you towards your goals for the effort its going to cost you!

True happiness and wellness comes when you no longer crave what you want because you have all you need! Martin Kelly, May 2012

No fuel, no go, no way!

1 week, 2 days since my last post.  Can't believe it is such a short space of time because so much has happened.......

I've managed to drop 4lbs in weight during this time.  As you may recall, last post focused on me getting my preparations back in line as results were slacking.  Key areas were mental prep (the 'why' in 'why am I doing this'!) and my fuelling - i.e. eating properly.

Terrible habit of skipping meals and surviving on caffeine until tea time.

Well no more - last week I started making sure my fuel intake was a measured 3.5:1 Carb/Protein at breakfast and lunch with a balanced evening meal.  Even dropped caffeine too!

Results:

• 10k PB (1min off) -17th April.
• 5k Interval session -18th April.
• 8k hill run -19th April.
• Half Marathon PB (4mins off) - 21st April.
• 10k PB (another 1 min off) - 24th April.

Obviously these improvements won't continue at this rate, but I'm kicking myself for not making the change sooner as I could have made my training so much more effective to this point!

The other big contributory factor is that our first Scout meeting took place last Friday night and I got to spend two and a half hours of fun, quality time with my Daughters.  For the first time in such a long while, my life felt balanced between work, family and me.

It's true what is said about physical performance being linked to both nutritional state and mental state - the 3 are inextricably linked.  Neglect one and the others will suffer - achieve balance and the combination of all 3 working in harmony is potent!

I'm off to visit Erskine Hospital tomorrow to discuss fundraising and generate some PR.  

Also got my first corporate sponsor - Personal Wellness Xperience (PWX) who are helping me with nutrition and supplements.  Contact them on PWXHerbalife@gmail.com if you'd like to know more ;-)

Best 'Before' Date - no preservatives or additives!

From what I have read and heard, everyone who trains for anything at some stage finds themselves feeling 'stale'.


I don't mean getting a little hard around the edges and a bit dry like a loaf of bread.  It's that feeling that you are past your 'best' and on the downward slope.


Knowing yourself and your body well enables you to identify the 'plateauing' of performance early and taking steps to keep the upward momentum.


However, for the likes of myself, it was a bit of a surprise when I looked back over recent training outputs and didn't see continued improving results. This cannot be the best I can be!  There is more I can do I know it! Please let there be something I can do to change things round!


So, some serious internalising this week to dig deep and find a pathway upwards.  Conclusions:

1. It's not my training plan or equipment.
2. My mental preparation has taken a back seat - the feel good factor has dropped!
3. My nutritional preparation is awful!

Time for action!


I've been so focused on myself for last few weeks I had lost sight of what motivates me and pushes me on - helping others to make a difference and to help them become the best they can be.  Trying to be a role model for others gives a much stronger sense of responsibility that drives me to remain consistent and to push myself hard.

www.erskine.org.uk

As a result, I've got a visit to Erskine Hospital (veterans charity I am fundraising for) planned for 25th April to discuss fundraising and my role as General Council member.

I've also signed up to be our local Cub Scout Leader as they had no volunteers!  This way I get to work with young boys and girls to shape their values and beliefs to be good citizens!  Mental preparations back on track!!!




So what about nutrition?  I don't eat breakfast, I don't eat lunch, drink too much coffee and only consider my body fuel the week before a big event. 


Yeah, that strategy will do me for the 105mile adventure race in September this year!


I spent 5 hours this morning at a seminar and training session on nutrition and wellness.  I went with the intention of seeing what I could learn and then bring back to my training.


4 hours after getting home, I'm on the phone and signing up to be a Personal Wellness Coach!  How did that happen?  Well, its the fact that this fits so much into my mental preparation AS WELL AS giving me a much needed boost and discipline for my physical preparation - what have I got to lose?  Nothing!


Training this week - 36km covered in 4 runs, including a 10k hill run, 7k tempo session and today after my nutrition session, a 12k cycle/6k run duathlon!


I've learnt this week that:

• It's too late to keep upward progress if you aren't listening to your body and adapting training!
• Don't let your mental preparation slip - its as important as your physical preparation!
• You can prepare mentally and physically, but if you don't fuel your mind and body the right way and at the right time, there is no point in doing anything!

Am looking forward to sharing the progress over coming month as I get these changes embedded into my routine.  Who knows, I might even inflict one of those 'before' and 'after' photos!  Don't all stop reading this blog now............

If you want to know more, leave a message below and I'll be in touch!