tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76378584830874409352024-03-14T05:04:39.964+00:00Lapped By The Sun"Nobody should ever run a race where they are lapped by the sun."
- friend of Alex Swenson.
On 21st June 2009 I was lapped by the sun.... the most emotional moment of my running life so far......Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-77859386122037304922011-09-08T18:31:00.002+01:002011-09-08T19:05:45.580+01:00Mud Sweat And Nae TearsLong time no see!<br />A serious lack of progress in my general fitness, being a fat bugger and always finding that I couldn't run two steps has meant a blog that lurked at the bottom of JK's WHWR blogroll leading to complaints from race legend JR that he was sick going onto the blog to find I had written nothing. Still around 3 stones heavier than I was on race weekend 2009 and leading a now sedentary lifetyle, I had been out walking a lot more having become head walker to Millie my German Shepherd pup (now 9 months). The problem with pups is that, until they are fully formed (at about a year old), you have to be restrained in the amount of exercise they are given to avoid damage to their joints that causes distress later in life. So now I'm getting out 3 times a day for walks of 45 minutes and Millie is getting bigger and fitter and therefore more demanding. Then the decision is taken to have her neutered and following her op she hates me and the vet says mild lead exercise until her wound has healed. Bugger! So i'm going stir crazy until i realise I can walk just as fast and further without her although she hates me for going out without her!<br />Anyway, today is yet another anniversary of my birth. This is a good one though as I don't have to worry about appearing in JK's over 50 spreadsheet for a couple of years as I have moved up one! No, I'm not 60, there is an over-55 ranking.<br />So, a bit of forward planning required, as walking the dog in the rain means I need some good waterproof shoes. And as we move further afield and she passes the magic 12 month mark I can really think about getting fitter and starting to run again, realising that if I can't get running again over the winter, then I never will. So for my birthday I decided on being allowed to buy a pair of Goretex trail shoes that, even if I don't get running, I'll get mileage out of them walking on the same trails.<br />So I pulled on a brand new pair of Inov8 Roclite 312 GTX this morning and set off on a wee circuit that I use with Millie, being about 60% trail on the Clyde shore near my stately abode. Before doing so I logged into Facebook to check my wall and found a lot of messages from friends and family including this one from Ali B. "Happy birthday BDTP! Nae tears xxx" Now Ali has had a pretty traumatic time over the past year or so and when she was on a downer I'd send a message or comment with the admonition "Nae tears". So she was making reference to what became a standing joke between us and occasionally some other pals. However, as it arrived just before I set out I saw it as a double edged sword. Nae greetin' or nae muscle injuries (tears). <br />Off I went quick walk, then off at a jog, and suddenly realised that I was moving fairly freely and that, subject to a complete lack of physical exercise in the past two years, I might just manage to get round at a reasonable pace. Jog/walk was all I intended but I was surprised just how much running I was able to do and before I knew it I'd managed about 3 miles in around 35 minutes. OK I might just manage an audition for the next episode of Run Fatboy Run, but I'm quite happy with the effort and a bonus was just how good the Roclites felt, really well cushioned and supportive given my current weight. Pretty muddy on the paths and as normal I sweated like a sweaty thing(PC or what?). And nae tears; of either type. <br />so my first run was 3 miles at race pace if, that is, my race is on the West Highland Way between kinlochleven and the Lairig Mor. <br />But it's a start and more than I've done for a while. Maybe I needed the rest.....Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-49562113687582601812010-12-14T12:38:00.002+00:002010-12-14T12:50:18.005+00:00Real LFBI have a mate who is a London Fireman. As a former member (retired) of the emergency services we seem to have a kind of affinity, possibly based on running, of which neither of us is doing much, but probably based more on being the shit stirring kinda guy expressed on various forums and social networking sites that appear to be taking over from blogs these days. He has an excellent blog and his most recent post describes his difficulty in publicising a Facebook Group that follows the progress of the London Fire Brigade's current dispute with the Fire Authority in the metropolis. The Facebook group is called <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/home.php?sk=group_169546166418701&ap=1">Real LFB</a> and everyone who is concerned for my friend and his colleagues is urged to have a look and give some consideration to joining it!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-87355783763663810022010-10-01T17:12:00.005+01:002010-10-01T17:50:04.547+01:00A New Running ArenaI have lived in the western end of the old county of Dunbartonshire for 35 years, although two of my abodes,including the current Chez Hall, have been realigned into Argyll and Bute. One of the most interesting places I was introduced to early in my policing career was the St Peters Seminary (priesthood college) in Cardross where certain crimes had been taking place. No. Not what you may have thought! These involved criminal elements from the Glasgow and Vale of Leven areas pillaging this Gillespie Kidd and Coia designed architectural gem in pursuit of the valuable scrap metal that was removed from the roof and structures of this wonderful site. By scrap I mean that it was scrap once removed by acts of theft and vandalism from this stunningly designed building. The practical use of such a building is another matter, but I think it fair to say that the building was seldom described as"stunning" by the staff and students who had to live within it's confines.<br /> Fast forward several years and the pillaging continued and this led to it's being abandoned and left to descend into ruin. As an A-listed building, though it is protected and it is to the shame of the authorities that the Archdiocese has not been subject to an enforcement order to restore the building to it's former glory.<br />Today I was at a planning day, where a company called NVA led by an Angus Farquhar were making a presentation to the populace regarding a planned artistic project to restore the grounds to a publicly accessible trail and restore the grounds at least to something that will benefit the community. It's a large project that hopefully will harness education (HND training in landscaping and building) to at least make the building safe and gradually integrate the walks created into the structure. Some fine examples of similar works were on display and, as is my wont, I soon fell into conversation with Angus who, it turns out, is a 3.31 marathon runner(Lochaber 2010). He asked if I knew the site and, when I told him I used the paths on training runs albeit with some difficulty due to the neglect of the area,he told me that one of his long term plans was to have a Sunday morning running group to use the trails and embrace the natural surroundings as a year long arts project. Soon we had expanded his scope from the small area of the site to embrace Carman Moor, Stonymollan and even extending up the new Three Lochs Trail to Inveruglas. I feel an ultra race coming on! <br />So will I ever get running again, to be involved in this fine project. We turned to injury and he suggested Alan McInnes of Balance in Napiershall St, Glasgow. A two visit cure, he assures me!<br />References welcome! <br />In return I recommended his local club which would appear to be Garscube Harriers ;/. I dropped a couple of names of members I know so I have a feeling I haven't seen the last of Angus.Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-49553273061126461902010-09-05T12:33:00.002+01:002010-09-05T12:36:21.793+01:00Perth UltrafestCongratulations to all who took part in the 24hr, 50k and 100k races at Perth yesterday. Photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/davidhall1956/PerthUltrafest2010#">here</a>Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-27144585293186096112010-09-03T23:43:00.002+01:002010-09-03T23:48:53.942+01:00Tour de Scotland by Motor HomeJust to let everyone know that I am still alive and thinking of all my readers I thought I'd post some wee photies from my holiday trip round the North of Scotland.<br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/davidhall1956/TDScotland2010#"><br />http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/davidhall1956/TDScotland2010#</a><br />cut off the tds2010 suffix to get into my other photos from ultras and other events I've photographed in the past few (15) months since running stopped <br /><br />Tomorrow I am off to watch some hamsters run round a wheel for 24 hours. Perth Ultra Festival by any other name!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-78057633535889008882009-12-31T21:58:00.002+00:002009-12-31T22:28:59.507+00:00Hogmanay ThoughtsJust a couple of hours to the bells and time to look back on my year; well, two half years.<br />I failed miserably in my goals other than in the three races I actually ran. A Pb at Alloa was a good sign, despite little speed work in my training. I finished the Highland Fling albeit with a struggle between Inversnaid and Beinn Glas where I was told by the stewards and my wife just how bloody awful I looked, worse even than normal! I struggled to recover and missed a chunk of training due to recovery and being on holiday in May. However a successful completion of the West Highland Way race was achieved; albeit a struggle with blisters and back. Two things motivated me to finish. My crew and my nephew Darren. A wee boy with disability that bothers him a lot less than it could. With an outlook on life like his, how can I complain about a bit of discomfort. Over £1800 raised to help make Darren's life a little easier, the least I could do for his inspiration and example.<br />That, however, was that as far as running went. My body refused to operate in running mode and although I have made satisfactory progress (in my osteopath's eyes), I am currently suffering from tight adductors due to the exercises I was doing with him on Tuesday. <br />Worse, instead of losing weight as I'd hoped I've gained two stones since June. Mainly due to inactivity and over-indulgence in the wrong kind of calories.<br />So, once the New Year dinner is out of the way I will be starting all over again, with an tentative target of the Devil of the Highlands in August. My only goal is to be confident enough, this time next year, to be able to say I've got an entry for the WHW race in 2011.<br />I'll start by blogging more often. That may be limited in scope at first as I will be starting off with some very easy running and swimming, as well as having to spend some time in the gym. (Part of my running problems are due to lack of basic strength and conditioning in my legs. At the end of the day I have the endurance in my heart, lungs and muscles but my joints and skeleton need to be improved to ensure I can survive an ultra.)<br />Additionally, it seems that Facebook has taken over as the preferred means of communication amongst the ultra community, and it also helps that other friends are more aware of activities. But it lacks the motivational aspects that the blog has; blogging being a kind of training diary as well as a commentary on all aspects of life. <br /><br />So here's to a very Happy New Year to all of my friends and family. Thank you all for the tremendous support I received in June. I'll be having my New Year glass from a rather nice Goblet!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-25984920371161991622009-12-03T23:11:00.002+00:002009-12-03T23:16:18.677+00:00Tanks? Firemen?I post this link without comment..... other than where do people get their references?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00p68g4/Gary_Tank_Commander_Green_Gods/">http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00p68g4/Gary_Tank_Commander_Green_Gods/<br /></a><br />Quick before it is taken off the site!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-25808256770147458922009-11-12T13:08:00.002+00:002009-11-12T13:32:07.911+00:00ChoicesUntil yesterday I was trying to run at least twice a week and, whilst occasionally managing about three miles before things go wrong, generally I am in discomfort from the first step. <br /> Yesterday was my weekly visit to the osteopath and a description of my efforts only encouraged him to ban me from running for at least two weeks.Swimming, cross-training, walking and upper-body weight training are permissible, but avoid putting weight through my knee at all costs. My right backside muscles it seems are a lump of dead meat. And he set to putting life back in them. Hopefully without the need for the kiss of life!<br /> This morning, I am unable to move, but I am about to lace up some shoes and get out for a good long walk. Tomorrow, I'll head into the gym and pool with Andrew, my ticket to cheap workouts. Aqua-jogger and a bag of training gear in hand.<br /> So, to my choices; I see two options. The one of the brain and the one of my heart.<br /> 1. I have an entry (reserve list anyway) to the Devil of the Highlands 2010. I could make that my target for 2010 and forego the temptation to enter the West Highland Way Race, making that the two year project that it really should have been first time round. I can enter the Fling right up until the closing date due to their being no limit, so, if I get back training early enough, I can do it as the start of the build up to the Devil's. I will also hopefully, manage a lot more races, certainly more than 2009 in which I managed three (Alloa half (pb) the Fling and the WHW)<br />2. I enter the WHW race at the risk of being the world's biggest "Numptie" (© WHW Runner) and undo all the expensive treatments by doing exactly what I did last year. (And be ridiculed by anon the mouse contributors.) <br /><br />I'm going with 1. above. That will save me from the perils of form filling and I hereby volunteer for marshalling/admin/photograhic duties as directed by the race committee (anything for a goodie bag).<br /><br />That's one weight off my mind. Standby for the responses....Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-53827552134244411742009-10-27T23:04:00.003+00:002009-10-27T23:17:36.201+00:00Trauma Queen<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://traumaqueen.net/wp-content/themes/stardust-v10v2/images/header.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 945px; height: 267px;" src="http://traumaqueen.net/wp-content/themes/stardust-v10v2/images/header.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />I've mentioned this blog before, but reading it tonight found that the author has been rewarded for his skills and writing abilities. To read more go to his <a href="http://traumaqueen.net/?p=1190">blog</a><br /><br />Now, where would I like to go?Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-43946340319165225962009-10-26T18:24:00.003+00:002009-10-26T20:01:14.127+00:00Progress ReportAfter seven treatments from my osteopath, I finally plucked up the courage to suggest running a few miles. he is firmly of the opinion that the way ahead is still swimming, or at least aqua jogging, both of which has me in danger of drowning as I would be risking falling asleep in the pool through the sheer boredom of it all!<br />Anyway, the man from Del Monte he say YES!! Within reason and with a few days between sessions to ensure full recovery. <br />So I did what was really a warm-up in Balloch Park on Friday, sticking to grass and doing some stiff strides (stiff as in immobile not hard!) in the highland games field. No real problems so I continued with my exercises and stretches until today when I followed them with an hours slow run/walk on the golf course, trails and farm roads around Cardross. A struggle at times, not helped by looking for a path that doesn't exist but an hours exercise doing what I enjoy most. Mud on the shoes, a wee bit of sweat on the shirt and a wee runners high post run!<br />Tomorrow night is the club time trial. The first of the (formerly) monthly winter events is being re-started and, as I am secretary and haven't been training for a while, I have been nominated as starter/timekeeper.<br />I'll also be tackling our social secretary regarding trophies for the presentation night. it had been decided that JR and I, as chairman and secretary, would be responsible for selecting them. I duly picked up the brochures and asked his opinion.<br />Would you believe that the 12 time Goblet winner and first and only ten in a row finisher of the West Highland Way, icon, legend and father figure, doesn't have the bottle to pick them in case the girls don't like them!!<br />Name and shame I say.<br /><br />Back to the osteopath on Wednesday. i'll be reporting a tight butt as the only problem when running. Progress is good.<br />November fast approaching and I've started a moustache for "Movember" to highlight men's cancer health. OK it's still October but I'm after a wee start. Mind you if past bhistory is anything to go by, it'll be off in a few days. I can't stand the itch and Mairi can't stand the look.<br /><br />Why not join in to highlight this important agenda?<br /><br />EDIT: Just after posting this I joined Allybea, Keith, Dave W and maybe John K in registering for NaNoWriMo......... November is going to be a long month.<br />Several ideas in my head. Favourite at the moment is the tale of three ex-army rogues who set up a personal training company in Glasgow, and have be dug out of deep shit by a big flatfooted polis!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-27343404440819378802009-10-18T20:04:00.006+01:002009-10-19T12:29:44.834+01:00Glee Club Outing on the WHW<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtyUgK5LNJ3303zu-XKYvGwrw6rNsXNZnW_ND-VWc5uZ9hW5Tm4BNPSqFdggjam9GWXJVTfYBoRUDXb1OWTIegZ8FxQXIkUyNjChIsxxsLQDbZfx0a-kZmY67IvpfqHfhmK40pMpAD5M/s1600-h/DSC_0020.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtyUgK5LNJ3303zu-XKYvGwrw6rNsXNZnW_ND-VWc5uZ9hW5Tm4BNPSqFdggjam9GWXJVTfYBoRUDXb1OWTIegZ8FxQXIkUyNjChIsxxsLQDbZfx0a-kZmY67IvpfqHfhmK40pMpAD5M/s200/DSC_0020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394033628830283122" /></a><br />Saturday was the first Glee Club run of the winter.Organised by Mark "Drama Queen" Hamilton and Ellen McVey, this is an occasional training group that trains on the West Highland Way in preparation for the <a href="http://www.highlandflingrace.org/">Highland Fling</a> and the other two races on the route, the <a href="http://www.devilothehighlandsfootrace.co.uk/">Devil of the Highlands</a> and the <a href="http://www.westhighlandwayrace.org/">West Highland Way Race</a> itself. An amazing 25 runners started at 10am and at least another three arrived late and caught up with the pack. They ran to Beinn Glas farm and back from Tyndrum where I met up with them to spend the day walking, but mainly to take some photos. It was a cracking day, cold and sunny, setting off the autumnal colours to their very best. I had been out to try a run in Balloch Park on Friday, permission having been granted by my osteopath to try an easy run, and could have kicked myself for leaving the camera behind. The Loch was at it's best with an atmospheric mist lending a little extra. So I set off for Balloch to try and catch it again. But as I drove over the Carman Moor I saw the sun rising over the Crags behind Dumbarton casting a beautiful light on the reservoir on the top of Carman. Out came the camera but, as the sun had just made it over the top of the Crags, the flare in the camera lens spoiled a terrific pic. I've kept it though and annotated it with a promise to return on the first similar morning to try again.<br />Onto Balloch, but the Vale was looking it's very best. You couldn't see it for the mist! Again, I shall return. <br /><br />Onto Luss for a few views of the Ben and then Tarbet. However, mindful of the time I headed on to Tyndrum where a few weel kent faces were getting ready to run and a whole new set of "virgins" ready to join them. Arriving from the wrong car park came Debbie and Sharon, gabbing ten to the dozen and I gathered them all together for a group photo (above) before waving them off. I sneaked through the grounds of the Ben Dorain Hotel to see a few of them crossing the river and running up to the gate.<br />After my free coffee and my (paid for) bacon roll in the Real Food Cafe, I set off to the layby at the A82 crossing at Ewich where I walked up the Way to try and catch a few runners with a, hopefully, spectacular background. I've always wanted to send a photo to Runner's World for their "Great Run" photo feature. I had in mind the view from near the top of the forest looking north east following the direction of the river towards Loch Dochart. Damn that bacon roll! I had made good progress, but was caught by the pack before I reached the top and had to make do with pictures as they went past, then making my way down and taking more pics as the stragglers went past me. The only one I missed was DQ who had waited for Mrs Pacepusher at Auchtertyre. A technical hitch (the camera was finding it hard to focus due to a walker passing at the same time - my excuse - I told Mark he was running too fast:-) ) meant I missed this photo. Never mind it's his girlfriend I'm photo essaying! <br />Back to the car and down to Beinn Glas where I managed a few more photos before lunch was taken. Chicken broth and a roll - delicious! This was a chance to meet some of the newcomers and examine Georges KSO shoes as well as the F lites he was changing into. Never, never do I see myself trying either. There is more sole and cushioning in my slippers. Certainly no use to my flat feet. Outsize they may be, but they are all there is between my ankles and the ground and they have to take all my weight. Unlike a certain London fireman who probably doesn't pay VAT on his children sized shoes.<br />I took Nora, who decided Beinn Glas was far enough, back to Tyndrum for more (free) coffee and a (paid for) flapjack before finding a very cold and shivering Debbie wrapped in my mate Brian's jacket. She had fallen on the return journey and had done a fair bit of damage to her knees. Last I heard she had her feet up watching her collection of DVDs and her much put upon husband Marco was head cook and bottle washer. <br />Quite a lot of strenuous walking in Ewich forest has left my hip and knee a bit stiff<br />but it was nice to be out. Photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/davidhall1956/GleeClub?authkey=Gv1sRgCMDggK2pnqKPIw#">here</a><br /><br />By the time I got home I was starting to receive texts from Tooting where <a href="http://mrsmacsroadtomadness.blogspot.com/">Lee</a> and <a href="http://subversive-running.blogspot.com/">Dave</a> were supporting <a href="http://ians24.blogspot.com/">Ian</a> in the <a href="http://uk.srichinmoyraces.org/races">Sri Chimnoy 24 hour race</a>. That's 24 hours round a running track!<br />Sadly, Ian completed 100kms before dropping out, but two members of the West Highland way "family" excelled. Paul Hart was second in the men's race completing 140.983 miles and Aileen Scott won the women's race. (As I type this, Aileen's distance isn't on the interweb thingy but she had passed 113 miles with an hour to go. I'll edit this when I find out the distance.)Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-12421804311619342652009-10-09T12:16:00.002+01:002009-10-09T13:21:03.539+01:00A Post About Not RunningI'm sitting on my butt, reading Facebook and thinking about doing the exercises that my Osteopath has given me, when <a href="http://runningpotter.blogspot.com/">Rachel</a> pops up in "chat" for a blether. She complains about my lack of blogging and, in another context describes me as "inspirational"!!!<br />I inspire? <br />Oh, well.<br />Even Mairi has complained I haven't been blogging. And that from the lady who complains about me sitting with my head in my laptop all the time. (She's sitting opposite me now so if this post ends suddenly......<br />I'd better fulfil my role then. This blog was set up as the bit on the top says to record my views on running, coaching and life in general. I've pretty much given up coaching, haven't done any jog leading since the WHW race due to my being unable to put on foot in front of the other in the required manner, and life in general is pretty bloody grim, not being able to run. I've only managed a few "runs" since the race and each led to a further period of not running due to new niggles, pains and incapacity. So this is a post about not running!<br />I thought tapering was a pain in the posterior, but not being able to run at all is a damn sight worse. Most of the time I'm fine. As before the first run after my blisters healed I have no pain at all, other than the slight discomfort in my sacro-illiac joint that has been present for about 10 years. I want to run and regularly get my trainers on and set off only to realise my leg muscles can't actually function at speeds above say, four miles an hour. Walking poles? A zimmer is what I need! <br />Several aborted attempts at a run did end in pain. I've been aqua-jogging. Borrrrrrrrrr - ing.<br />But I do it because I know it works. I'm getting good at it too. I actually sweat in a pool! Then one Thursday I go to the pool in the morning. Feel great and - <br />"I know!! I can go for a run tonight!" Down to the club I go and set off with the pack. Honest, I intended staying with the (absent on holiday) JR's group. All ladies - who stop for a blether with a former member. In the pub car park. 25 yards from the start of the run. I keep going. And find my self loping along at the front of the main pack with Big Ed who is just back from a looonnggg stint underwater with the underwater air-force. And who wants a short easy run before the Great Scottish run on Sunday; that he's trained for an hour at a time on the underwater gym's treadmill. (Could we power the sub on Neal's and Ed's running?)<br />When the rest of the pack carry on to the Arden Roundabout and beyond, the big guy and I turn off at Cameron House where we try and spot some of the Scotland players who are resident whilst preparing(?) for the Macedonia and Holland games. Big Ed needs a Paula so I slow to a walk while he waters the trees and when I start again......... I have a knee pain and have to jog/walk back to the club.<br />That was my last effort and a couple of weeks ago decided that I needed to blow the household budget and seek the skills of an osteopath. I've now had three sessions and surprisingly, given the horrendous stories of these guys treating their customers as cash cows,he reckons I'm making good progress and we are already looking to reduce the times between consultations. His thoughts are that I have at least three major muscle groups in my back that have pretty much seized up and,together, have affected my skeletal system so much that my pelvis has tilted, restricting the range of movement in my legs and was well on the way to serious breakdown. Every time I tried to run I was exacerbating the problem. No go-ahead to run again yet so I've resisted the opportunity to give it a wee try-oot. It's hard though.<br />I've being going to the club whenever I can, to post entry forms and fliers that have come in and last night for a committee meeting. They've given up asking when I'm getting back to training and replaced that with "Jeez, you're putting the weight on". And it shows. My troosers are tight, my shirts are bulging over my belly and my local sweetie shop is thinking of floating on the stock exchange due to the sudden increase in profits.<br />Mind you I'm now the proud owner of a new Nikon D5000 DSLR camera! And it worked well on <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/davidhall1956/2009MilburnHorseshoeHandicapRace?authkey=Gv1sRgCJX4lYCAs9D6MA#">Sunday</a> at the club Horseshoe handicap race. Thanks Aviva!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-24632505554736234062009-09-10T14:16:00.005+01:002009-09-10T14:58:34.438+01:00Insurance Premiums - Why are they so high?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.warehouseexpress.com/webcontent/product_images/thumbnails/168/10000663.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 75px; height: 75px;" src="http://www.warehouseexpress.com/webcontent/product_images/thumbnails/168/10000663.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Regular readers of this blog will be familiar with my photographic efforts and that I had a wee accident during the Devil's when my Nikon D50 DSLR camera was inadvertently dropped and damaged. <br />I took it into a Glasgow camera repair company who, a week later, gave me an estimate of £262.00 including Vat for the repair of the camera and lens,both of which were damaged but repairable.<br />I decided that it was time to finally make a claim on my home contents insurance that fortunately included accidental loss or damage outwith the home. All I was expecting was a go ahead on the repair and for them to send me the cost of repair, less my excess.<br />I contacted Aviva gave them all the details and they passed my claim to another firm IVAL who would be contacting me in a few days. So I waited, and waited and eventually I contacted them. And gave the girl on the phone all the details - again. She took all the details and put me through to their technical services department who didn't answer. I hung up and called back to the first girl who booked an appointment call for the following day. This call was prompt to the minute and I spoke to another girl and gave her all the details.... again! She told me the camera would be uplifted from me by a courier company the following day and off I went to Glasgow to pick it up. I explained to the guy at the repair firm that the insurance company wanted the camera and he seemed amused at this. I wondered why.<br />Again, the courier company arrived in time and took my carefully packaged camera off to Eastbourne to the IVAL technical services department. I sent the receipt for the camera and a cheque for the excess off to IVAL by recorded delivery and sat back to await my camera's return in 28 days. I was like a man who had lost his right arm, not having my camera. I presumed that the camera would be repaired by a repair firm either owned by the insurance company or at least who had a deal that would have made it more economical for the insurance company than having it done in Glasgow. How wrong was I?<br /><br />This morning I received a call from IVAL. After a few security checks to ensure I was the person THEY had phoned, (what is that all about?)the lovely young lady proceeded to tell me that having examined the camera (that could be repaired for £262 remember), they had concluded that they would require to have it replaced. By a new Nikon D5000 and a 18 - 105mm lens. They will order it today and I would have it in araound two weeks. Would that be acceptable?<br />Is JR a geriatric? <br />Too bloody true it is acceptable!<br /><br />But what the F--- gives here? They are ordering it from Warehouse Express and sending it by next day delivery from their place (again, why not get warehouse express to send it direct)at a cost according to WE's website of..... wait for it £754 less any discount they get if they have a contract with them. <br /> My original camera cost me 582 quid nearly four years ago. <br /><br />Now I don't have a problem with a new camera with twice the pixels of the original(12.3 mp), a moveable screen, live view (D50 doesn't,) a shutter speed twice that of he D50),continuous shooting at 4 frames per second, a lens with more range and all the accessories I'll get with a new camera. Absolutely no problem at all. No, siree! Not against getting the old camera repaired for 262 quid.<br />But why do we pay such huge premiums for insurance? I just can't figure it out!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-42431266570395065402009-09-09T11:31:00.004+01:002009-09-09T14:09:32.587+01:00Part 3 - Interlude and more from TimA few comments on the previous two posts have raised questions about hydration that I've had to research a bit and rack my brain for exactly how Tim explained how the theory actually works.<br />There is one word that appears on my notes: "Homeostasis" that explains it all.Homeostasis is "The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes". I'll try and explain.<br />We all know that insulin is the means by which the body reduces sugar levels in the body. However, the real job of insulin is to transport nutrients through the body and deliver them to the liver and other organs. However, as it is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">only</span> hormone capable of reducing sugar levels, it has to be used as such when we eat excessively. This means that it is unable to do it's proper job and the body reacts by creating resistance to insulin and that affects our overall health and well being as the insulin can't do it's real job. <br />Now the body has many systems that act and counteract to maintain equilibrium. But where they are forced to compensate for each other they are unable to do their own job.<br />So it is with certain hormones that work to keep our body's system in check that are forced to deal with overhydration. They can't do their own job and we damage our kidney's due to MUSCLE BREAKDOWN/RHABDOMYOLYSIS. Remember, those of you who were at the February briefing in Edinburgh for the West Highland Way race?<br />As has been explained by Noakes, we have evolved to operate quite efficiently when de-hydrated. As long as we deal with thirst, which is an indicator that certain hormones are about to be required, we can operate more efficiently than when overhydrated. Therefore the advice is to DRINK TO THIRST. <br /><br />One other important point on this is that I'll reinforce is the use of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's). These inhibit the hormones that control, hydration adding to the dangers of MUSCLE BREAKDOWN/RHABDOMYOLYSIS. <br /> <br />Remember the Highland Fling race where many of us suffered in the heat and humidity? I, for one, was scraping salt off my scalp and drinking, as I thought, sufficiently to replace the fluid lost. However we usually have more sodium in our body at the start of the summer and as this was the first hot days running many of us had endured, there was a lot of sweating done and sodium lost. So what did I/we do? Drank more to replace the fluid. Actually, what we were doing was diluting the remaining sodium. And that is what we are being warned against! Anyone vommited clear fluid whilst racing? Wondered what gastro-intestinal complications caused it? Probably none. What easier way for the body to deal with excess fluid!<br /><br />So, to tea and biscuits in the interval. During this time, someone suggested to Yannis that we could do with hearing more from Tim so he was dispatched to the lecture room to muster some slides to continue his talk. Whilst he was doing so, I wandered back into the lecture theatre. Spotting him alone I asked him about the results of my blood check following the West Highland Way race. Much of my analysis was pretty normal, but my level of Creatine Kinase was highly elevated, with a count of 29,490 as opposed to a normal reading of less than 210. His explanation fro this was simple - "You drank too much". As he had explained that earlier I didn't need to ask any more! But I did think that there may have been a bit more to it!<br />How about recovery? I explained I had hardly ran since the race and struggled every time. <br />He said "If I were to cut you open right now, I'd find your heart and muscles in great condition. Your problem is that your brain, having had a traumatic time, doesn't want you to do it all again. It is sending out warnings to you that ensure you don't put yourself in danger again. You will have to progressively re-train your brain to run." Or words to that effect! <br />I'll have to learn how to run all over again. This time I'll bear in mind what I learned at this seminar. No doubt I'll also bore for Britain, so if you've read this, stop me! <br /><br />I was also able, over tea and biscuits, to talk to an Norrie Hay an old acquaintance who is the coach of some of Scotlands good middle distance runners. We commented on the information on the weight discrepancy of E.African and US elite runners. Norrie has a good runner who is, by our standards, very light, but he reckons he will have to lose a few kilos to improve. I mentioned the latest revelations in US 5k running who recently ran sub 13 minutes, Dathan Ritzenhein and Matthew Tegenkamp. I wondered about their weight and lo, and behold IAAF stats show Ritzenhein's weight is 53kilos! Norrie told me that when Alan Webb changed coaches to Alberto Salazar, he was ordered to lose muscle mass, of which he was fairly well laden due to weight training. No weights until he got down to what his new coach considered a competitive weight. Interesting! <br /><br /><br />Tim Noakes continued..... <br />Back into the lecture and Noakes showed some videos and slides to further illustrate his earlier talk. One of these was Paula Radcliffe's disastrous Olympic marathon in Athens. Remember the bit about animals, and their paralysis of hyperthermia? Animals can't operate in conditions where their core temperature reaches 43 degrees Celcius. They collapse. Humans however are capable of passing this core temperature due to evolution. But the brain will safe guard the body and cause it to stop running before death occurs and that, in Noakes opinion, is what happened to Paula. She had her race plan that had led her to world records and marathon victories but did not have the have the mental capability to run the race according to the conditions she met in the Athens race. The brain simply shut her down.<br /><br />He also illustrated the power of the brain and that faith and belief in what the athlete is capable of is paramount in achieving their goals. Some more illustrations.<br />John Landy, an Australian athlete, and Roger Bannister were both chasing the sub-four minute mile and Landy was quoted in February 1954 as saying the 4 minute barrier was "a brick wall, I shall not achieve it." <br />On 6th May 1954 Bannister told himself that weather conditions that day would preclude any attempt at the barrier. His coach Franz Stampfl disagreed. He told Bannister that he thought he was in fact capable of 3minutes 56! If he was capable of that then he should be capable of 3.59 in the day's weather conditions. Bannister had long before learnt to trust his coach and the belief instilled in himself by Stampfl led to history being achieved. having shown Landy that it wasn't a brick wall, Landy believing himself at least Bannister's equal that produced a (then) world record of 3.58!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.zar.co.za/images/bio/thugwane/josiah2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 462px; height: 600px;" src="http://www.zar.co.za/images/bio/thugwane/josiah2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Finally Noakes showed this image of South African Josia Thugwane 1996 Olympic Champion and second place Lee Bong-Ju. Thugwane is looking as if he could run it again, Lee less so! They had been seperated by just three seconds!(By the way third place was only a further 5 seconds away!) Noakes said in summing up "Three seconds! Lee could have run faster and won it. How do I know? He's still alive!"<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tolosa Kotu Terfe</span><br /><br />As I stated in part 1 this presentation didn't really do it for me. Tolosa's heavily accented English was difficult to follow and I'm grateful to Yannis for operating sufficient slides to get the gist of the lecture. But there is certainly no doubting his credentials. He has been involved in the careers of many of the Ethiopian elite athletes, and is well placed to say just what makes them such sublime athletes.<br />The main factor is attitude. No that's not a typographical error. ATTITUDE not altitude!<br />Living and training at altitude is, of course, crucial in their physiological make-up, but the attitude ingrained in them by their culture and media, as well as the incentives, monetary and cultural, ensure they are best suited to succeed.<br />They firmly believe that their ability to run is God given. They have great faith in that ability and that, together with their need to thank God by using it, gives them their supremacy.<br />Selection of athletes in Ethiopia is done through regional competitions that feed the successful athletes to high altitude training camps, where the younger athletes have to do work to pay for their keep earning a token payment in addition. When they reach elite status they are separated from the other athletes in much of their training in order that their training can be tailored to the individual rather than the group. In the case of the Dibaba sisters they had to be separated in order that they did not race each other into the ground at training rather than in races! <br />Training for Track and field season takes the form of a three month base of intermediate and moderate paced sessions followed by an intense three month period of hard training and a main competition period of one month. Obviously they race during the training phases, but mainly as a buildup to the main competition phase. All training is on a non-scientific basis. No supplements, sports science testing (other than foreigners trying to find out why they are so good!). Measurement of training effect and fitness is taken by stopwatch and asking how the athlete feels.<br />Contrast that with the western attitude where everything is governed by sports science. <br />And we have seen, from the sports drink industry, that they do not always have the athletes best interest at heart.<br /><br />He summed up the Ethiopian success as being due to <br />High Altitude<br />Natural Food<br />Childhood hard work (aerobic) <br />Hard training<br />and <br />Rewards.<br /><br />Rewards. How can we reward our runners? Cars? Got 'em. Money? Not skint, but only our very elite make great money, so I might as well not even try. Fame? How many athletes can Joe Bloggs name? Paula, Kelly, emmm......<br />To an Ethiopian or Kenyan even the modest rewards from winning a small 10k in Britain, Europe or further afield is worth much more than it would be to you and I. That is why we find that even the smallest races here are being won by the east Africans. They don't need much to live. A group will share the costs of a house, their dietary needs are simple and certainly won't be wasteful and when they return to their home country, the pounds, dollars and euros convert rather nicely, thank you!<br /><br />So that's it. My recollections of an excellent seminar. No doubt others who were present will be able to fill in any gaps, or interpret things, perhaps a little differently. I hope it is useful and that I haven't lost you midway!<br />One lasting impression that was left on me by Yannis and Tim was that they are willing to admit they were wrong. Scientific knowledge is always advancing. Five years ago they concluded the East Africans had genetic advantages over us mere mortals. now they admit, subject to further findings, that they were wrong. That is refreshing. In much of our society we are hindered by the refusal to amdit that our standard practices are flawed. We need to lose the pride and admit that smarter people than we are have advanced thinking. We need to follow.<br /><br />I hope it's not another five years before we have another seminar!<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Note: I'll go back over these posts and compile some references and sources to enable you to take your understanding a bit further. <br /></span>Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-2204923436004452282009-09-07T10:22:00.005+01:002009-09-07T12:15:33.821+01:00Glasgow Running Seminar Part 2 .... water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwbLbvFyvMBzOvhiYpnS-bvUedq520ZeAhZSn7s4TUy-hfYeXBYRTlSA-aBcJUqqZw4CybNp-d-S9H0EKhhpv-Pe10p3LwXszi5pcWD5nlsiBhA7nF_w3hmVA4OToW9wmpKmHQsQu5-0/s1600-h/The+Lore+of+Running.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 142px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwbLbvFyvMBzOvhiYpnS-bvUedq520ZeAhZSn7s4TUy-hfYeXBYRTlSA-aBcJUqqZw4CybNp-d-S9H0EKhhpv-Pe10p3LwXszi5pcWD5nlsiBhA7nF_w3hmVA4OToW9wmpKmHQsQu5-0/s200/The+Lore+of+Running.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378680802866964578" /></a><br />Tim Noakes was a fascinating presenter with that off-the-wall style that is so effective, continually joking and making asides, usually to himself!<br />His presentation started with a long illustrated guide to human evolution. I'll cut this short as I can, but that will be difficult!<br />Humans evolved into hot, sweaty, furless mammals for a very good reason..... hunting. And in this evolution, the environment was more important than genes. Man developed, arguably, in the High Veldt of South Africa or in East Africa.(The arguably coming from where your scientist lives, in Noake's case, SA.) When the environment left him nothing to eat he was forced to chase down animals. He did this by running after them until he caught and killed them by strangulation or with a rock. Thus, man had to learn to run long distances and to overcome hyperthermia, or overheating. Animals may be able to run faster than man but, eventually, they must slow down and stop as their core temperature reaches 43 degrees centigrade at which point they suffer from paralysis by hyperthermia. By following the animals at a steadier pace over many miles and hours man was able to catch even the fastest animals. <br />He managed this by adapting from a four legged beast to a biped, thus reducing the surface exposed to the sun to the head area whereas the animals had to expose their entire length. Man developed a sweat system where he cooled his body by sweating and other anatomical changes such as smaller pelvis,large Gluteus Maximus, shorter arms,longer legs, counter-rotating trunk and the ability to keep the head fixed in relation to that rotation... ensured he could run.<br />Due to the requirement to keep moving during the chase, man also developed the ability to delay drinking. Unlike the animals who had to drink lots at set times to avoid the predators who could catch them when they drank, man was able to drink frequently in small amounts delaying full correction of fluid deficiencies generated by exercise until the evening meal.<br /><br />I'll repeat that, because Noakes did. We drink our fill at meal times and less during exercise. We fully replenish any fluid imbalance only after eating!<br /><br />How is that? Humans can adapt so that they are better able to exercise in the heat due to the ability to conserve sodium.And if they were to drink excessively during exercise then Hyponatraemia could set in. <br />So how much water do we need?<br />Professor Noakes showed a video of Haile Gebrselassie running a marathon. He sipped, and I mean sipped, about four times during the race and had his bottle in his hand for a total of 58 seconds! And that was mostly carrying it while he thought about drinking. In other words he sipped only enough to take away his thirst. <br />So why is there a belief that we need to maintain hydration. The answer is fairly simple......... sales of sports drinks!<br />When sports drinks companies wanted to increase sales, they engaged sports scientists and nutritionists to encourage people to stay hydrated during exercise, with dire warnings of serious collapse or death if they failed to stay fully hydrated. However, deaths in marathons and Ironman Triathlons started to occur. When one occurred during an African ultra doctors at the race inserted a catheter in the unconscious patient and, surprise,surprise, found the patient was over hydrated! At this point they started to raise the alarm about the condition, but deaths continued as the sports drink and running magazines continued to warn against the dangers of dehydration. Noakes spoke to one magazine publisher who refused to publish his warnings as it would alienate advertisers - the sports drink industry.<br />He told of one runner whose husband was watching her race and waited at the 35k mark to watch her go by. She collapsed in front of him and their two infant children and her husband realised she was suffering from overhydration. Paramdics attended and said she was dehydrated and against the wishes of her husband connected up yes,IV fluid. She died. A journalist wrote in the Chicago Tribune of these dangerous practices and, within an hour, received two phone calls from "sports scientists" ordering him to retract as he was going to cause many deaths. A bit of investigation found that they were in the pay of the sports drinks manufactureres. How else, asked Noakes, could Californian scientists learn in one hour what had been written in a Chicago paper? <br /><br />He then moved onto fatigue or rather the concept of fatigue. Those of you who have read the book Brain Training For Runners will be familiar with the concept that the brain controls the runner's performance. Noakes took this concept and illustrated it with his Model for Fatigue.<br />The brainless runner can be best described as an athlete on a treadmill whose speed is set by his coach or a scientist. There is no input from the athlete. The coach can increase the speed and keep increasing it until the athlete collapses with fatigue.<br />The Runner With A Brain is a different animal! He can set the pace according to the signals he receives from his brain. These continuous signals cover both physiological and psychological input from all the systems in his body. He therefore can decide how to run according to the conditions. Heat was one of these conditions on which Noakes concentrated. He asked is weight a factor in the performance difference between E.African and white athletes.<br />He pointed out that the average weight of the African runners they surveyed is 53.9kg whilst that of the US runners was 63.7kg. Heat loss is greater according to the heavier weight of the athlete. Therefore, the white, heavier athlete is going to suffer more in the heat. And, as he knows this, his brain will ensure he sets off at a slower pace than the African in order to ensure he doesn't overheat. Beaten before he starts.<br />Further, an examination of split times of Gebresellaise's world records show that his fastest kilometer is always his last. How could that be when he is so tired? In contrast, the record breaking white runners splits were normally slower at the end, a steadier run in other words. Noakes said that the indicator of fatigue should be the inability to vary speed. In other words power input should vary all the time and the loss of that variation shows that fatigue has set in. He illustrated this by saying that tests of fresh runners show that their pace and stride length vary all through the run but when fatigue sets in, their pace and stride length become uniform. Hence the ability of the Africans to constantly vary the speed of their running during races, an ability that white athletes struggle to master.<br />Finally in this section before the break, he stated that instead of measuring VO2max in athletes to guage fitness they should be measuring muscle function as it is the brain's ability to recruit muscle fibres in exercise that governs how fit he is rather than heart and lung function.<br /><br />Noakes summed up by saying that man evolved as an endurance runner(and nothing explains sprinting evolution!) He is built to resist the effects of water loss!<br />The body will also excrete excess sodium through sweat and urine, but is able to withstand low levels of sodium although it requires calcium to fire the muscles. Hormones control the conservation of water and salt in the body. (These hormones are rendered less effective by overhydration and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAID). <br /><br />His message: THE BODY CAN RESIST THE EFFECTS OF WATER LOSS <br /><br /><br />At this point we adjourned for refreshments.<br /><br />In part 3 ...... my chat with Noakes and his explanation for my increased level of creatine kinase after the WHWR! <br />Also Noakes gets more time to lecture and an insight into Ethiopian training.Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-6136754487965934142009-09-06T13:42:00.009+01:002009-09-06T15:29:11.458+01:00Glasgow Running Seminar 2009 Part 1Glasgow Athletics Association, in conjunction with Glasgow University, organised the Glasgow Running Seminar 2009, and I was privileged to attend it yesterday<br />In 2009, the fifth anniversary of the first East African Running Conference held in May 2004 will be celebrated, and the focus is once again on East African Running.<br /><br />The presenters were to be:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMlIGpskXibyXk_MXSmpB8fWtkyuAJP7tw9_G-hj9A6rQTdWMoe_d9PC5jRqnYaemP0EoRJsLmpi7UEqalnqQoL4so8B2nWlJRodPPfenCG9b5Dhmf_N17qPHTZzobsikJ98ORVb9QVI/s1600-h/Tim+Noakes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 106px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMlIGpskXibyXk_MXSmpB8fWtkyuAJP7tw9_G-hj9A6rQTdWMoe_d9PC5jRqnYaemP0EoRJsLmpi7UEqalnqQoL4so8B2nWlJRodPPfenCG9b5Dhmf_N17qPHTZzobsikJ98ORVb9QVI/s200/Tim+Noakes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378356575802224290" /></a>*Professor Timothy D Noakes, MBChB, MD, DSc, FACSM: Founding Member: International Olympic Committee's Olympic Science Academy; Fellow: American College of Sports Medicine; 1992 Elected Fellow of the University of Cape Town for sustained excellence in original scientific work; 2001 Ministerial Commission into High Performance Sport in South Africa; Author; Lore of Running<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vd3bjw6S_W9lM0L6-hD8wY__aPkN7ZpWAmK39EsPNRETRStYVzB55dNkpVdLT3U4JarPzIST7WUNATPQroNIGFYJjvd8pJJvHWUR1o2zPGbWdFl3fTW7zAsBWGtIuW_6j5ACW_dByLY/s1600-h/y-pitsiladis.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vd3bjw6S_W9lM0L6-hD8wY__aPkN7ZpWAmK39EsPNRETRStYVzB55dNkpVdLT3U4JarPzIST7WUNATPQroNIGFYJjvd8pJJvHWUR1o2zPGbWdFl3fTW7zAsBWGtIuW_6j5ACW_dByLY/s200/y-pitsiladis.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378358781185589186" /></a>*Dr Yannis Pitsiladis, FACSM: Research Scientist based in Glasgow who acts as Scientific Adviser to Global Sport Communications.<br /><br />*Mr Tolosa Kotu Terfe: Former National Coach for Ethiopia. Has coached Meseret defar, Genzebe Dibaba. He "discovered" Kenenise Bekele and worked with Heille Gebresellaise for eight years. <br /><br />*Dr Bezabih Wolde Hataou: Former Secretery of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee and the Ethiopian Athletics Federation. Dr Hataou has worked with Elite Athletes advising on injury rehabilitation, nutrition, providing physiotherapy and sport massage services. <br /><br />Dr Hataou was a non-arrival but we were told that Tolosa Kotu Terfe would incorporate much of the content into his talk. Unfortunately the Ethiopian was a let down (IMO). He was intent on telling us more about himself in very rambling talk that was saved by Yannis Pitsilidis running his slides for him allowing us to take the "meat" of his talk down in notes.<br /><br />The first speaker was Pitsilidis who hosted the event. He works in Glasgow Uni and his research has taken him on several visits to South and East Africa with PHd students. He also spoke at the previous Glasgow Seminar in 2004 where the (theoretical)genetic differences between the E. African elite runners and mere mortals with white skin was suggested as the reason for the huge gap in running standards.<br />His research has since taken him into contact with all the top runners who readily agreed to supply DNA for examination. The task - to find the performance gene. They have examined the general population in Kenya and Ethiopia as well as elite runners in 5k,10k, and marathon. They also examined the socio-economic circumstances of both the control and elite runners and their school travel habits! After all, it is said that the reason East Africans are so good is due to the aerobic base laid down by running to school.<br />To cut a long story short, they found that the DNA of all humans is 99.9% identical!<br />Scientists in Japan are in the process of examining the genome that will probably confirm the finding that there is NO genetic difference in these athletic types.(Examination of West African origin sprinters showed no genetic difference in them either!)<br /><br />Yannis then went on to examine the school travel habits of the general population.<br />The general population were taken from the students of colleges and universities they were visiting who were not athletes. They found that 24% ran to school, 60% walked and the remaining 16% traveled by other means (car, bus, cycle).<br />In the elite athlete sample, 60% ran, 29%walked and 11% used transport. It was also noted that nearly all Kenyans and Ethiopians who were elite athletes lived in small areas at altitude. Indeed 80% of Kenyans were from the Rift Valley of whom 40% were from the village of Nandi and 80% were from one tribe: the Kalanjeni. (sp?)<br />He showed an amazing video clip of a 10 yr old boy running with a VO2max measuring mask and electronic gauge. This boy ran at 16km/hr before exhaustion came as he attempted 20Kph! He had no training background!<br />Older students who did the same test, again ran at fast pace of up to 20kph with no training background. <br />How could this be?<br />The answer was fairly simple. When asked how he could do it, the runner simply thought that was how you ran! This was a theme - faith in his own ability- that recurred later in the seminar. East Africans run that way because it is a natural instinct, born of evolution.<br />Mike Boit was interviewed as part of the research. His belief is that they are great runners due to:<br />Solid base;<br />High Altitude camps;<br />Non scientific approach - natural instinct;<br />Aerobic training;<br />Interval training (known to them as bone-breakers);<br />Altitude training different from western approach; (E.African athletes live at varying heights from 2,400m to 3,000m, but when they leave home to run they start by climbing even higher. They do drop down to do speedwork but generally the rule is "Live high, train higher) as opposed to our athlete's rule of "live high train low")<br />Cross country training;<br />African diet;<br />Non scientific approach to training (no drugs, supplements or technology) only high tech apparatus is a stopwatch - no Garmins!!!<br />Superior fatigue resistance.<br /><br />As regards the diet,it is summarised as 86% vegetable, 14% animal and 77% carbohydrate. Much of the diet is maize (64%) eaten in the traditional form of Ugali.<br />Staple drink is tea.<br />Breakfast and dinner are eaten only after training (30 - 60 minutes after). (NB. In a later part of the seminar on hydration it is suggested that most of the fluid drunk each day should be taken with the main meal.)<br />It was noted (and again later in Tim Noake's presentation) that the E. Africans are so much lighter than their western counterparts. In 2006 it was noted that they were under eating by 9%. However their diet did include all the major micronutrients required to train effectively. They were NOT dehydrated. <br /><br />One other point that Yannis made was that, in 2004 it was considered relevant that the lower leg morphology of the E.African was important in considering the superiority of their runners. That is to say very skinny legs. However that has been discredited in spectacular fashion. Just look at Bekele's legs!<br /><br />Part two later.....<br />I apologise for an inaccuracies in this account. Blame my memory and handwriting!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-66711774392797063782009-08-26T18:42:00.002+01:002009-08-26T19:06:43.838+01:00I was back....no I'm BackThe optimistic post previous to this was as a result of demand that wasn't really backed by performance. However,things went fairly well as long as I stuck to the flat roads and trails or gym and swim sessions. But no substantial improvements other than the ability to guess JK's time on the Devil of the Highlands. My prize is in transit and I received an e-mail from Debs tonight saying she is in possession of said prize. <br />On Monday I went to try a serious session of resistance work. Serious in that I hadn't done much recently and took my son and heir to keep an eye on my session. <br />The session ended suddenly with a serious dizzy spell although I recovered enough to manage some swimming and aqua jogging and a sauna.<br />However an attempt to run some hills at the club was an abysmal failure and I didn't do anything today.<br />So. What's the problem? I'm gubbed, that's obvious but why?<br />An e mail arrived from Jennifer Cuthill giving me the results of blood and urine tests from the WHW race. Most being reasonable, but one was alarming. Not from a health point of view as the notes explained that a hugely elevated reading for muscle breakdown was not harmful in itself,even if accompanied by severe muscle pains as long as they resolve themselves within a few days and you continue to pass urine normally. That's fine, I was not experiencing any muscle problems and could pee for Scotland. However, my reading was 29,490 as opposed to a normal reading of under 210. That's an elevation of over 140 x normal.<br /><br /> Did anyone beat that?<br /><br />I may be wrong but I think I'm entitled to a longer rest!<br /><br />Meantime I've put on a stone in weight. And unless a certain Mr Steele is also putting weight on I reckon I'm now as fat as a WHW family member can be unless retired for a generation or two!!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-33427739750895116822009-08-19T18:30:00.002+01:002009-08-19T19:11:55.684+01:00I'm back! Under Orders to Say so.I managed a pain free run last night. About five easy miles with little undulation but enough to motivate Jim to demand a post with the title "I'm Back". Woke up this morning thinking that perhaps we celebrated too soon! I've been running slowly for the past the past couple of weeks and spending some time in the pool, aqua-jogging and swimming,in the gym gradually building up my quads and loosening my SI joints. Never thought I was getting anywhere until last night!<br /><br />I've been a real couch potato, armchair sports fan and one thing I inherited from my old man was my ability to spend hour after hour watching sport, even cricket!<br /><br />However my sporting highlight of the week, overshadowing even Ennis, Bolt et al., came in an e-mail from an old mate, Crawford Inglis. It took two parts. One, his delight in the achievement of his 9 year old son Callum completing a 26 mile sponsored cycle in aid of a cancer charity; Glasgow Universities annual Bikeathon that helps fund research at the Beatson and related establishments. <br />Crawford is a two times cancer survivor who is tireless in his efforts to fight this horrendous disease. My wife is living with Hodgkins Disease and his support when she was diagnosed was a tremendous help to me and my family.<br /><br />Yesterday, whilst driving and listening to the radio, I heard a mention of Lance Armstrong and a peloton riding through the Gleniffer Braes. "Windup" I thought until an e mail and this photo came into my in-box. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN-zOVCR5zUF4LtRp7gm1VxaIIfqRconS4APHsvfV2_b41yj8r8cM7FJZae77ptxtGu5NZMWJmQqEMvVZK3mxSAiDUpOIgMDCqI8FQ2DjlqgddTEeKF8W6EyFqnFkthlbK6CERoZjb70/s1600-h/Lance+Armstrong++and+CSI.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN-zOVCR5zUF4LtRp7gm1VxaIIfqRconS4APHsvfV2_b41yj8r8cM7FJZae77ptxtGu5NZMWJmQqEMvVZK3mxSAiDUpOIgMDCqI8FQ2DjlqgddTEeKF8W6EyFqnFkthlbK6CERoZjb70/s320/Lance+Armstrong++and+CSI.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371735293134935554" /></a><br /><br />Yep, the bold boy's hero was staying in Paisley, whilst here to watch U2, and asked for Crawford by name and requested his presence at the front of the peloton as company for the great one on his ride through the deepest, darkest suburbs of the town whose name must never be said out loud.....ssshhh.... Paisley! The highlight of Crawfords cycling life, I would think, and just reward for someone who bravely fought the disease - and continues the fight on behalf of those suffering and those yet to suffer.Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-62643466711365117022009-08-09T19:55:00.005+01:002009-08-09T21:24:29.042+01:00Devil of The Highlands 2009 - a spectators viewI rose early on Saturday morning to head up to watch and take photos at the Devil which started at Tyndrum at 6am. As JR had an entry, I was going to offer to support him, as his sainted wife Helen had probably had enough of him at the Fling and the WHW and in any case they had had the grandkids for the past week or so. Jim hadn't recovered sufficiently from the big one,though, and decided to withdraw. However, race organiser Garry Milne asked him to support a couple of runners and he agreed to do so. He offered to give me a lift up, but as I wanted a bit of independence to take my photos, I decided to take my own car. Little did I realise that his two charges were Mark Leggett and Helen Johnson (1st lady) both of whom ran sub 7 hours!<br /> In my last post I instructed all readers to SMILE a request that was met with a comment from the WHW RUNNER to the effect that he rarely had anything to smile about when running ultras! However, I managed to get one out of him at Bridge of Orchy so he'll have one to cherish! <br />After the race briefing, where I managed to speak with most of the familiar faces running, the field gathered at Brodies and set off on the dot of 6am. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6PQ5oAqajUQgRDr7YYG8CultDQuaevaIY_3zx6K8ks7O1pR6o8dJ3BEoNil3eG_YcjTDp-elAjWUWsq5pPJjgLWp0MA8qSQlIVJa5NTzQsofIgGSyWQQ30j0dlkdPTxO_BeB9SEMzEU/s1600-h/DSC_0006.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6PQ5oAqajUQgRDr7YYG8CultDQuaevaIY_3zx6K8ks7O1pR6o8dJ3BEoNil3eG_YcjTDp-elAjWUWsq5pPJjgLWp0MA8qSQlIVJa5NTzQsofIgGSyWQQ30j0dlkdPTxO_BeB9SEMzEU/s320/DSC_0006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368056875187691266" /></a><br />I had no intention of entering and running the race, and indeed struggled to get any pace on the short run I had at Glencoe, but I really did envy them as the first section is amongst my favourites. After a pit stop I drove after the runners and managed a few long distance shots as they climbed the hill towards the rail crossing. Thomas, Neal and Caroline were amongst many who had stopped on the big layby north of Tyndrum to shout their encouragement across the glen. Driving on to Bridge of Orchy I parked south of the hotel so as not to further congest the checkpoint and after speaking to JR headed off on the trail above the railway for my next set of pics. One of Richie shows why he is such a terrific runner. He levitates!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCd-Z6BleOPh4j1IZkfH8RShVXzOdBUpay27Q6zHWaHht5Ng0gEUbOVeoDy1ZUQMWktxeo7aKmRu9R-LpSeKrk4RmNY4KJCAcyhOTo2LLm-9BQakPcWmp_JpwfWaUauiBl-IINUPww7A/s1600-h/DSC_0024.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCd-Z6BleOPh4j1IZkfH8RShVXzOdBUpay27Q6zHWaHht5Ng0gEUbOVeoDy1ZUQMWktxeo7aKmRu9R-LpSeKrk4RmNY4KJCAcyhOTo2LLm-9BQakPcWmp_JpwfWaUauiBl-IINUPww7A/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368057873821107506" /></a><br /> Debbie and John were both having good runs and Ian can take smiling lessons from Debs any time!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbONW9Ob5PYTkaawTIhz1R92fdA1US3OVyNB9t_hYXkeC4SdKnwXEG28QxhrzDefOpD-nsMjHkp1eaEfGAXp97_cCX_8e1mrrYafIurEpJloq8COW_IPH2l603BjLgpQbJOw-FzZlDL0/s1600-h/DSC_0039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbONW9Ob5PYTkaawTIhz1R92fdA1US3OVyNB9t_hYXkeC4SdKnwXEG28QxhrzDefOpD-nsMjHkp1eaEfGAXp97_cCX_8e1mrrYafIurEpJloq8COW_IPH2l603BjLgpQbJOw-FzZlDL0/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368059373264912370" /></a><br />As I left to go to Glencoe disaster struck. Placing my camera on the roof of the car whilst I took my jacket off, I promptly drove off without retrieving it. I heard it slide off and on examining it found the casing scraped and cracked. Worst, it would only work intermittently, sometimes not operating, sometimes not auto focusing, and, when flash was used, only getting a white screen. Fortunately, it worked a bit better when in sports action mode, so I used manual focus and managed to take reasonable photos the rest of the day.<br />On reaching Glencoe ski centre I ran to the top of the ridge onto Rannoch Moor managing to run quite freely on some sections but on rougher patches my knees sent the usual signal to the brain and I only managed about 35 minutes running - and I didn't get far. Did meet the leaders though and the only question I was asking was "Who will be third?" as the first two already had a lead of over 7 minutes as they passed me, although Paul Hart had a slight and inconsequential lead over Craig Stewart when they passed. I changed and drove down to Kingshouse where I met the Kynaston/Consani/Lohendorf/Scott supporters and managed to get a few photos although some were deleted due to lack of focus. John Foley was on his knees looking for an earring Aileen had dropped - he later found it in some clothing - and I promised him I would confirm he was looking! He reckoned Aileen wouldn't believe him! <br />Debbie looking really strong at this point and seemed to be having the time of her life running this race, and John was looking strong too although he would have a rough patch soon.<br />I reached Kinlochleven just after the leader (Craig) had gone through and saw Paul Hart about a couple of hundred yards behind. Grabbed a bite to eat before deciding that it was getting too busy in the streets and to head over to Fort William to await the leaders rather than going to Lundavra where I reckoned one less car would be one less bit of hassle for those with a need to be there. So I went to the finish and took photos for about an hour after the first finisher Craig Stewart.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZK87n4LwoVHlW-FT0QFWHxMt2tm63gnbTOJdH19ZNpslr8K2-ttko5uNM0EulmneE91DvFCLkMHM8ltB2q01LP52qJ729Ejzc8Qg6x9uzEPFj-5yiMOyKv-Y0CaAo3TtD_AU1_we9J_M/s1600-h/DSC_0073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZK87n4LwoVHlW-FT0QFWHxMt2tm63gnbTOJdH19ZNpslr8K2-ttko5uNM0EulmneE91DvFCLkMHM8ltB2q01LP52qJ729Ejzc8Qg6x9uzEPFj-5yiMOyKv-Y0CaAo3TtD_AU1_we9J_M/s320/DSC_0073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368060198651786130" /></a><br /> I had a blether with a few supporters including Vicky, BH of second place Paul Hart. I've enjoyed reading her blogs over the past year as she recovered from injury and set about re- arranging her PB list. She ran at the Helensburgh 1/2 marathon this morning setting a cracking time at what I think was her first attempt at the distance.<br />Then JR appeared withgn the news that Helen was well ahead <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdhAbsfM5hyyyhW71MICydwhYkXo4zG8xKvpSq7F0o_HZZgoSkkl77i0xiQWClbk7vPiY8FKK8pshLoEr225pFtPyCt5vqGaoP0lN6z9uyGlvibXfPR7FXTNCiksla_wmYA-jq5hTeAE/s1600-h/DSC_0086.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHdhAbsfM5hyyyhW71MICydwhYkXo4zG8xKvpSq7F0o_HZZgoSkkl77i0xiQWClbk7vPiY8FKK8pshLoEr225pFtPyCt5vqGaoP0lN6z9uyGlvibXfPR7FXTNCiksla_wmYA-jq5hTeAE/s320/DSC_0086.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368061881044303858" /></a><br />of Debs in second place<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtVi4s1BDzE1KetamR_J2sNLm0ixJ39YT9gWwv3SgsH0DSFmct_xsPgm3ujOrmSA6OQEPmqXyxzArqQ8-H8JQqyfm7Fa7ggJyb7JxRpAXgCtPCOoLPy1_P-Y4ULVSWAWvr3uXzKWrEjI/s1600-h/DSC_0091.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtVi4s1BDzE1KetamR_J2sNLm0ixJ39YT9gWwv3SgsH0DSFmct_xsPgm3ujOrmSA6OQEPmqXyxzArqQ8-H8JQqyfm7Fa7ggJyb7JxRpAXgCtPCOoLPy1_P-Y4ULVSWAWvr3uXzKWrEjI/s320/DSC_0091.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368062345453561458" /></a><br /> with Aileen fading a bit to third, and that was how they finished.<br /> Quite a few runners made the journey north just to watch the finish, including Marc Casey of Dumbarton, Davie and Sharon, Stevie, Adrian and others.Brilliant support for the race and the runners that I'm sure they appreciated. <br /><br />Photos <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/davidhall1956/DevilOfTheHighlands2009#">here</a> <br /><br />Due to technical problems (my incompetence) the last photo (Aileen)<br />appears first.Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-90735375006108322272009-08-05T23:27:00.004+01:002009-08-06T00:08:12.894+01:00Re-unionsThree re-unions to talk about. One was a very brief one with my training shoes as I set off this afternoon to see if a longer run tonight would be on the cards. Initially successful as my first steps did not involve searing pain through my knees or lower back, singing hamstrings or deep seated pain in my bum, I was soon reduced to a slow shuffle as the very short run wore on. I had stretched, exercised, cycled, aqua-jogged stair climbed and swam to little avail, but I just felt that I could get me along to jogscotland to run with one of the beginner groups. So that's what I did. About 20 minutes was all I managed although I did speed up a bit on a grassy section, but, what the heck, every journey begins but with a single step. I'll try again tomorrow. Hopefully things will gradually improve.<br />The other re-union was in the west end of the big city, Byres Rd to be precise. I was going with two of my former colleagues to meet up with an old colleague who had left the Strathclyde force 19 years ago to join British Transport Police, retired as a Chief Inspector and was currently on holiday from his new home in Perth, West Australia, where his wife is a paramedic. Colin is from Benbecula and, although a much reformed character, used to drink as a native born. We shifted some amount of booze back in the day, as did Billy and Jim who were with me. Surprisingly, call it age, not a drop was drunk as we met in one coffee shop, lunched on Pasta and finished up in another coffee shop. As soon as we settled into the first round of beans the volume went up several notches and the Queens English became a thing of the past as a few well chosen adjectives and verbs ensured an x certificate. When we went into the restaurant I asked the Maitre d'- ok the burd at the counter, for a table as far from decent people as possible as things would get more and more raucous. "Sorry" was her reply, "we don't use that section at lunchtime." That was a worry as there was a table of nine and ten-year-olds on a birthday outing very close. Not a problem. They made such a racket that we old fellas decided to cut and run after lunch and one round of cokes. No coffee. Couldn't wait to get away from the place where today's generation drowned out our loudest indiscretions.<br />We moved to another coffee shop where we continued "All Our Yesterdays". Unbelievably, four of Strathclyde's former finest had no alcohol whatsoever. No wonder the drinks business is going down the tubes. All you whisky connisseurs better lay down a good cellar. Diageos shares are about to plummet.<br /><br />I also had a wee family re-union as the Hall clan of Irvine descended on Cardross in order that Darren and I could go to the pub next door to thank the staff and customers for their contribution to my fundraising on his behalf. The pub has an occasional Jazz Sunday, and on the last occasion they raised over £300. It was on the Sunday of the race so I didn't get back in time to say thanks that day.<br />Current total is over £1700 and there may be more to come as a few pledges have yet to be redeemed.<br /><br />Finally, good luck to all on Saturday's "DEVIL OF THE HIGHLANDS". I hope to be up there taking a few photos. JR is providing back-up to a couple of runners but I'll take my own car so I'm not tied to him and I can get about that bit quicker. Remember to SMILE folks!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-58073960393278145992009-07-17T12:23:00.003+01:002009-07-17T12:43:49.025+01:00Kicking My HeelsIt's been three, nearly four weeks since the WHW race and my quads and ITB just don't want to come out to play. I've tried several times but can't raise much more than a shuffle. Linda gave me a good massage on Wednesday, but still not right so I'll continue to give it time. Annoying, though, that I'm desperate to run and can't!<br />So, I've spent my time reading the WHW forum and blogs that have paid terrific tributes to Dario following his sad and unexpected death on Sunday. And good to see the humour in them, a reflection of the kind of guy he was and how much loved. His goblet presentation ceremony helped attract me to the race after I witnessed JR receiving his 12th goblet last year. There was something magical about this race and it all revolved round Dario. I wanted some! If I'd known then what I know now........<br /><br />Last night I held the watch and recording sheet for the Milburn Harriers "Ted Baker" Pappert Well Hill Race over 5.25 miles and 900 feet. A great atmosphere as we met at race sponsor Big Pete's house in Bonhill where the race starts and finishes. A good race followed by some nice scoff and blether. JR was MC at the prizegiving where David Somerville (guest) and his partner Karen Lees collected the handicap prizes. Jim Watters (guest) was fastest gent and Catherine Wardlaw the fastest lady. Stevie Cowper was the fastest member and retained the trophy. Need to do something about a fastest lady prize though!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-42530995961738493672009-07-07T21:17:00.002+01:002009-07-07T21:24:28.743+01:00Fundraising Update - Running For DarrenWith a few people still to be seen for their donations,due to holidays etc., the final total in my WHW Race fundraising effort, to raise some money for my great nephew Darren, looks like reaching £1600. The generosity shown has been humbling and breathtaking. Thanks to all readers who contributed!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-41946646898804410462009-07-06T17:33:00.002+01:002009-07-06T17:41:31.048+01:00I'm Not Lying Down!Despite the pain in running yesterday, I decided to continue my recovery today. A session of self massage (ON MY QUADS!), and heat from a hot water bottle yesterday would hopefully allow some work in the gym. Into Dumbarton with Andrew where I bummed a freebie and spent 20 min. on a treadmill, 20 min. on a bike and 20 minutes on the aqua jogger. Followed by a sauna and a good walk without any great discomfort. I'll try a gentle run tomorrow morning than attempt to run at the club tomorrow. Failing which I'll go back to the gym to break sweat and gradually return my limbs to working order.Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-23674377005035110052009-07-05T20:31:00.002+01:002009-07-05T20:45:33.982+01:00Now I Know Why.......... Jim tells me to slow down. It's to train me to cope with the speed I reached on this afternoon's run. I could have walked faster, seriously!<br />My feet are all but healed, just some lingering bruising on my heel pad that causes me some discomfort first thing in the morning, and I'm walking pretty freely and feeling quite good. So why not run? I set off just as Roddick squared at 2 sets all and was nearly home in time to see the fourth game of the fifth set! From the first step out of the gate I was in agony as my ITB and quads combined to make me shuffle like I did on the Lairig Mor. I was embarrassed running past the pub next door, as the lone smoker outside obviously looked healthier than me, and the strange looks I got from passing cars made me cringe!<br />I managed to hobble down onto the foreshore and along as far as the footbridge before calling it quits and heading home. A last effort on the small hill on Peel St. was my last attempt to raise a gallop, but was too painful to continue. It was as if the past fortnight's enforced rest had never happened. I was still in the same form as I finished the WHW Race in - crippled. So I need to do some rehab. Heat, massage and stretching this afternoon, and I'll try some aqua jogging tomorrow.Maybe by the end of the week I'll be able to run with JR.... if he'll wait for me!Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7637858483087440935.post-59807178461058714642009-07-04T22:22:00.001+01:002009-07-04T22:24:39.307+01:00Thoughts On A Few Race Related Subjects.Time for a bit of analysis of my race and preparations prior to starting training again as my feet start to resemble normality.<br />This bit is probably a bit boring and will take FURTHER two weeks holiday to read, but if your name is Sandra…. This is it! <br /><br />Training<br />The age old question is of course “Did I do enough?” Probably not but I finished so it worked. Now I need to analyse what I did, how I did it and why I did it. <br />I had two basic needs to fulfil. Get used to trail running, and increase the distance I was able to run. I also had to consider my poor, aging body. Maybe not as poor as some, definitely not as aged as some but nonetheless previous experience warned me that the result previously of over extending myself was extremely painful and on one occasion left me in hospital. My ethos was then to ensure I recovered sufficiently from training runs before moving on. That said I attended most club sessions in particular the 12 mile Tuesday runs being very enjoyable and probably the most rewarding fitness wise. I didn’t always enjoy the Thursday interval sessions but did most of them. Getting onto trails was pretty much a new experience and one that I loved. Some good trails locally and the WHW and Arrochar trails were well used, either alone or with groups. <br />Long runs were gradually increased, although prior to the Fling I managed only a 34 miler and after the Fling I was so tired and recovered so slowly that I only went past that distance in the WHW race. So every step past Tydrum was a step beyond anything I had ever done. It was tough, but no tougher than I should have expected given the excellent advice that I was given throughout my training. I have been told that a good run in the race is a two year project, and even three, thereby rubbishing the theory that you shouldn’t start training for it until the New Year. Specific training for the race, yes, but I am realising that this race is an all year round obsession and that every step I took since this time last year was taken in preparation for the race. That said, this year already looks like it was preparation for next years! Yes I think I’m in!<br /><br />Back up – When I ran the Fling, Mairi and Andrew were my backup, and after finishing and making my mind up to run the WHW race they made it clear that they were happy to carry on – or at least that is what I read into their reaction! When I confirmed to my extended family that we would be Running For Darren, my sister’s family were unanimous in offering their help. Little did I know that Mairi’s stubbornness to see the race through would mean she more or less refused to take the role halfway, as I had meant, and only at Braveheart did she get some sleep, although she allowed Grant to drive her after she parked at the Leisure centre to go to Lundavra. Ally and Andrew were both pretty much adamant that they would run part of the way, and as other options did not materialise they became my support runners. Lack of experience (in the case of all of us!) meant that in hindsight we could have improved things, but hindsight is an exact science and you live and learn. All of the mistakes were mine, I could have asked no more from my team!<br /> <br /><br />Drinks - I can’t complain about my drinks strategy other than to say that my boot is still packed with un-used bottles of fluids. Fling experience meant that I would drink more and that Coke diluted 50-50 with water was going to be a staple. I also had plenty of water (and we bought more enroute!), Gatorade and Redbull or the Morrison’s own brand, both bought just because they were on offer in my local supermarket. Funnily enough, Gatorade, drunk copiously during my support of JR last year caused me to pee just as copiously and I vowed to avoid it. However, my Fling experience of failure to pee, made me put it back in the car as I wanted the comfort blanket of piddling to assure me I wasn’t having problems! <br /><br />Food – definitely a work in progress. After a while I just can’t chew, so need easily swallowed stuff to keep me going. I used plenty of Honey Stingers, chew bars, supplemented by occasional fruit, PB and J sandwiches, beans, Muller rice, chocolate bars and crisps. Heaven was half a roll and Heinz ravioli at KLL – hot too! <br />One thing I meant to take - and forgot! – was rice crispies. I like them before a morning training run and I think I’d also add some porridge that could provide good carbs with the minimum of effort. <br /><br />Blog – A bit of a controversy here! On Saturday night, drink having been taken, a few of the Millie members ( Sandra!) took me to task for the way I refer to JR on my blog. They felt I am unreasonably harsh and make fun of him. Hopefully, we sorted that out at the time. I would be devastated to find that anyone had been hurt by any comment I made, JR in particular. Yes, I write down my thoughts, but never say anything I wouldn’t or haven’t said to him in person. He added his tuppence worth to the discussion and assured me he never took offence at anything I said and confirmed to the others that when we had differences of opinion, it was face to face and usually on a Thursday in the café, post training. He further added that no matter how much I may have disagreed, the fact that I finished was proof positive that I had listened!<br /><br />Writing this blog is my training diary, a plea for advice that is often fruitful, as I receive many comments and e mails offering advice and encouragement. It lets me set out my thoughts and bares my soul to my readers. As a motivational tool it kept me going in the darkest days when doubts came into my mind and allowed me to express my joy in those moments when I simply had to tell someone what was going on, and I was on my own in the wee small hours. It may be boring, corny, boastful, or just plain garbage, but it’s mine and serves me well.<br /><br />Feet – Finally, the big problem I have to overcome is the damage I have incurred to my plates. Since I was born with very flat feet, that have amazed podiatrists and occasionally rendered them speechless, I will always have an uphill battle to run without problems. As I said before I have ended up in hospital with swollen feet and limbs that were suspected of having venous thrombosis and probably the result of my running gait due to the lack of arches. Over-pronator? MOI? The word has my pic next to it in the dictionary. But thanks to orthotic insoles the problem has been largely alleviated. I asked Blair at Achilles Heel if she thought the orthotic she made me would stand up to the rigours of running the WHW race. Her answer was that the insoles would survive it, but would I? <br />The orthotics were unfortunately the start of my problems. It may have been the socks or shoes causing the orthotics to slide about a bit, or just the terrain, but I found the edge of my foot just outside and below the ankle were getting sore from Drymen onward. If I had changed shoes then, there may have been less of a problem, but I didn’t. so the problem got worse. My feet also started swelling at about the same time and again I could have and should have changed things. <br />Then there were the blisters. JR’s advice was to moisturise and I followed that advice. <br />But the problems I had were dreadful and I will reassess this for next year. I’ll stick with it until the autumn and see if I have any problems in training. I can always go to the surgical spirit method as a trial before making my mind up.<br />I am however reminded of the Marathon De Sables competitor who said it was a matter of luck and you could do the race for years and have no problem and then you get a blister on the first stage and that does your race.<br /><br />Next year – Although I have till August to decide whether I’ll run next year, I feel I have unfinished business and the chances are I’ll be on the entry list when it’s published. My niece wants to do support for me and I think I’ll have to fight off the boys who seem to have enjoyed themselves supporting. That said, there may be more support runners available from the club next time!<br /><br />Tomorrow will be 2 weeks since the end of my race and I haven’t run an inch. I will try to run tomorrow………Daviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08861644884461804956noreply@blogger.com2