What To Wear This Christmas

Don't be a Scrooge this Christmas. Here's how to swim, cycle and run with festive cheer.

IN THE POOL - "I'm dreaming of a 'wet' Christmas"

Speedo Silicone Swimming Cap - BUY HERE

Zoggs Predator Flex Reactor Goggles - BUY HERE

Speedo Fastskin LZR Racer Elite 2 Jammers - BUY HERE

ON THE BIKE - "'Cycling' home for Christmas"

Spiuk Aizea Time Trial Road Helmet - BUY HERE

Gore Mistral Windstopper Gloves - BUY HERE

Gore Oxygen Thermo Long Sleeve Jersey - BUY HERE

Gore Bike Wear Power 3.0 Shorts - BUY HERE

DeFeet Aireator Sako Pro Solitude Socks - BUY HERE

Suplest Street Racing Carbon Road Shoe - BUY HERE

ON THE RUN - "'Running' around the Christmas tree"

CTR Summit Sahara Cap - BUY HERE

Asics Volt Crew Long Sleeve Top - BUY HERE

Karrimor Trail Shorts - BUY HERE

Newton Distance S III - BUY HERE

And finally, no self respecting Ultra Runner is seen without a beard these days. Kill two reindeer with Santa white (Mr beard himself).

False Beard - BUY HERE

Images: Wiggle, Amazon, SportsShoes, RunnersNeed, SportsDirect, MyRaceKit.com, CycleSurgery, Speedo

Men's Health - Survival Of The Fittest

As an employee, I was invited to join the Men's Health team at their self titled 'Survival Of The Fittest' event on Saturday. The final adventure race in a five city series, this time in and around Wembley Park, London. 

Wembley Stadium - SOTF London

A 10k assault course, consisting of scrambling, clambering, stair-climbing, wading, sliding, crawling and a whole host of other 'ing' movements. There would be plenty of mud and water to give it that 'survivor' edge. Not my usual race but when your boss asks you along, how can you possibly say no?

I had reservations having heard all the 'Tough Spartan Muddering' of late, and the masses of entrants this obstacle malarky was drawing. The image of 'corporate guy' coming through the finish line head-to-toe in mud, a torn t-shirt and a grazed knee, high-fiving every man, woman and child. As I walked down to registration passing compression tights, hand mitts and a group of girls singing Destiny's Child, this only bolstered my preconceptions.

In the VIP tent with the media-set I de-robed, tagged-up and took in a couple of jaffa cakes before heading to the start-line. The casualness was certainly preferential to my usual 'should I use the toilet and have I taken onboard enough nutrition and...' routine. Hoping to get to the hay bales first (never said that before), I positioned myself at the front (never done that before) of a couple hundred fellow entrants. Off we went, getting to the hay bales first I successfully overcame them with an untested but brilliantly executed 'leap-plant-spin' motion. From there on, you know what, I had a bloody whale of a time.

Clambering through tyres, sliding down chutes and carrying traffic cones up and down steps, I found myself at the front of my wave in unchartered territory. Running alongside a young lad in what I thought was an old Picnic marathon t-shirt, I was readying myself for a 'race buddy chat' when I realised I was wrong and saved myself the embarrassment. A few flights of stairs later and a decent stretch of actual running, I lost him and found myself leading. Hurrah!

The course was just plain fun and there was a really great atmosphere and camaraderie amongst the runners. After tackling each obstacle, I had a complete lack of awareness of what would come next, followed by a wry smile when it came into view. A few kilometres around the stadium then we were out into an industrial area where the mud and water greeted us. Before we met the water (christ it was cold) there were several hill climbs and further obstacles in an ever growing mud bath before macho 'run and leap for your life' wall mounting - I managed it, but I hurt my ribs. They still hurt, ouch. And my knees.

An arrow directed the route off the pathways and down into a river, which became quite the order of the day, crossing in one direction and then later back in to cross once more. Such was the traffic at one point I opted to front crawl around those infront, what a keeno! But it worked. Some squelchy running followed before taking a ladder down to a shallow (shin-deep) brook and a long bounding Baywatch-esque sprint through a pitch black tunnel, totally rat-free. Back on dry ground, through the industrial estate, it was back to Wembley Park for the last leg of obstacles. Human traffic was now growing, and comfortably in the lead (I could easily spot the day-glo t-shirt of my competition) it was terribly frustrating to meet lengthy queues at the final stages. 

Between myself and the finish line was one last task, to surmount a tower of climbs all requiring a foot-up and bum-push from fellow competitors. Here my gentlemanly ways would prove to be my downfall. If the guy in front has helped someone up the wall, then you too must help him right? Well, I stuck to the golden rule of ethical decision making, and alas, was pipped at the post. 

So kids what have we learnt today?

I had a great time and officially 'survived'. It was the most fun. Would I run it again? Yeah, if I get invited again next year! But seriously the risk of injury at these events is a little too high for me, and I'd kick myself if I were to scupper my race plans as a result.

But if I were in Wave 1, with no traffic...hmmm.

Chicked 4 times

Men's Health SOTF London 2014 / 01:07:32 / 127th overall / 2nd in Category

Oh f*** it, cue music...

Birthday Lust List

Another birthday, another "can you let me know what you want" reminder. Oh the romance and surprise that leaves us at childhood. Aside from the Gucci wallet/snazzy watch years, presents aren't a big deal until we hit that middle age power tool craze. Well for me as an able DIYer (I've fit carpets, installed kitchens, tiled bathrooms I'll have you know) I already have the cordless drill, jigsaw and belt sander. It's a bloody good job I'm into running and triathlon then - the sport where purchasing never ends.

Here's my birthday lust list for my impending anniversary:

1. Carbon Wheelset

When I first got into triathlon and heard that folk spent more on wheels than some men do on engagement rings, I scoffed and viewed it as ludicrous. Well, views change and though I have a monetary ceiling to my madness I'm going to upgrade. 

Choosing a particular wheelset is proving difficult with Wiggle alone offering 394 items under 'Performance Wheels'. Alternatively, I guess i could just learn to pedal faster!

The Dream - Zipp 808 Firecrest

An option - Campagnolo Bullet Ultra 80

Another option - Shimano Dura Ace C50

2. Head Torch

This one must be on everybody's birthday list right? Never did I think I'd be wanting for such a thing, I'll be honest. But then never did I think I'd be running a 100 mile race. So one requires t'other. Looks like Petzl runs the show here.

Don't be a dummy in the dark - Petzl Tikka R+

3. Hi Vis Jacket

From seeing in the dark to being seen in the dark, this one is important for my life expectancy I feel. Most of my running is done in darkness, so a little hi vis should protect me when running blind across the streets of Soho through Bethnal Green. Another mandatory piece of kit too for the 100 mile.

Run in the rain - Gore Mythos 2.0

4. Race Vest

Gone are the days when I could simply pop my keys in a back pocket and head out the door. Up until now I've managed quite well with a Camelbak hydration pack (and my girlfriend's crew support) but as I enter silly-distance racing I need more storage for nutrition and all-weather essentials. 

Not a flotation device - Salomon Advanced Skin Lab Hydro 5L

5. Cooler Get Up

Whilst I'll certainly look like a nerd when racing, I wish to retain some street cred in training. Below are some items I'll be working up a sweat in post-birthday.

I prefer running in compression shorts rather than baggies, so the beauty of this combo allows me to run happy knowing that my groin is not being analysed by half of Oxford Street. Terribly overpriced - which kind of makes me want them more - but Kilian wears them, so...

Salomon S-Lab Exo Twinskin Shorts

I'm eager to get 'fast(er)' and I'm upping my speed work. I've recently joined a running club and hope to get on the track at Mile End Stadium for some training sessions.

Nike Zoom Rival D 8 Running Spikes

Practically, everything Nike from Mr Porter.

Printed Dry-Fit Running T-Shirt

Grey Dry-Fit Running T-Shirt

Monochrome Windrunner Jacket

Dry-Fit 2-In-1 Printed Shorts

Swoosh Print Socks

Blue Elite Dry-Fit Socks

Fluo Elite Dry-Fit Socks

Oh and one last pressie; I'm going to get an Ironman tattoo...eh nah!

Picture credits: www.wiggle.co.uk, www.sportsshoes.com, www.mrporter.com, www.salomon.com, www.petzl.com, Pinterest

My Training - October

 220km  60km  12km  6 hours

After Ironman in September, the bike was stored away and training was more run focused ahead of the Beachy Head Marathon on the last Saturday of October. It wasn't the most intense month, what with tapering for the race and then easing back into training but certainly more than any October previous. I was also back running the following Monday post marathon, swiftly recovered and feeling fine.

Training in Berlin, ahead of the new job

Commuting home in dank, dark London

Running a decent time at Beachy Head wasn't the main cause for celebration in the month, rather my success in securing a new job...wait for it...at Hearst Magazines, who's publications include Runner's World and Men's Health. What are the chances. Now I can practically talk running and fitness 24/7. 

What this means for my training is that I now have no excuses not to train hard. Aside from the 50+ hours I was doing week in week out - good riddance - my commute is a lot less and I've a gym opposite the office allowing for pre, during and post-work workouts. I can easily fit in swim/run sessions and/or bike/run sessions with logistical ease, arriving home to my loving girlfriend a stinky, sweaty mess.

The pool at Marshall Street Leisure Centre

Now in the off-season I'm making a concerted effort to dedicate time to weight training in order to build up a stronger body for next year. I hope this will help my swimming primarily, but being a bit puny - like losing arm wrestling to girls, puny - it should benefit every discipline of racing. October saw me take my lunch breaks in the gym and it's all getting ritualised as part of my day. 

Aside from a Men's Health event I'm taking part in in November, my racing is over for the year but I'm looking to train just as hard regardless and for the first time hit January 1st feeling super, not sluggish. 

Next month, I'm hoping to join Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets Athletic Club now that I have a chance of making the 7pm midweek meets! Training with far more advanced athletes is what I need now to push me further. I should probably dust off Daria (my bike) and get back on the turbo trainer too.

Picture credits: HearstMagazines.co.uk; VisitLondon.com; Better.org.uk

Icons available here

What To Pack For A Marathon

Running is quite a simple practice. Push off on one foot and reach a speed of locomotion that one can maintain for a set period, and there you have it - you are running. It is this simplicity that governs there is little need for equipment. An activity where even footwear is optional.

Steve Jones - Simple

The photo above shows a victorious Steve Jones breaking the marathon world record in Chicago in 1984 with a time of 2:08:05. Notice what he is wearing; a vest, shorts and (out of picture) socks and trainers. That is all, and things haven't really changed since. 

Ok, for us non-elites we do need a little extra to get us through 26.2 miles and to support us pre and post-race, but not to the point of excess.

Too much - Put down the banana

Assuming one is preparing for a 'standard' marathon in terms of climate, elevation and terrain, I prescribe the following exhaustive (male centric) packing list:

Pre race/admin:

- Essential

• Registration documents
• Identification
• Bag drop
• Race number
• Safety pins
• Electrolytes/Water
• Vaseline

- Optional

• Banana/Energy bar - Those last minute carbs

- Just No

• Painkillers - Dangerous! And if you need them, should you be running?
• That funny coloured tape - Runners survived before it came along

The race:

- Essential

• Trainers - Worn in
• Socks
• Underwear - Genitalia friendly
• Shorts
• Vest/T-shirt
• Bottle/Gel belt - I find holding a gel in each hand removes tension

- Optional

• Base layer - Eradicates chaffing (I swear by them)
• Watch/GPS - Essential for pace checking
• Sunglasses - Not only for the obvious, but aids focus
• Visor/Cap - Keep your sweat at bay
• Gloves - Lightweight option if cold. Also great for wiping sweat (and snot)
• Compression socks

- Just No

• Music/Headphones - Running is the escape
• 26 gels - If they're circumnavigating your waist then you have too many
• Jacket - Unless teeming down with rain. You will warm up, I promise

Post race:

- Essential

• Warm clothing
• Towel
• Toiletries
• Tissues
• Bin liners
• Nutrition
• Fluids

Post race there really isn't any 'optional' or 'just no' items, you've just run a marathon. Well done!

Actually, one item for that 'just no' header - don't do that 'I'm never running a marathon again' thing. You know you will.

The Barkley Marathons

The Barkley for me is the ultimate race. It takes mental and physical endurance to another dimension. 100 miles; a 60 hour cut-off; ascent/descent just shy of 60,000ft - the equivalent of climbing up and down Mount Everest...twice. Only fourteen entrants have finished the race since 1986. 

As tough as it is to finish, so too to enter. There is no website, no e-mail, no postal address. You must simply 'ask'. But who? How wonderful is that in a day and age where every frigging thing is so accessible and known.

This beautiful documentary is well worth 20 minutes of your day to admire and be inspired by the individuals who take on The Barkley.

It makes my 'achievements' pale into insignificance. Maybe one day I'll get to fail too.