My Training - January

 230km  420km  24km  5 hours

It was straight out of the blocks for 2015 with no let up in my training regime. As is customary in western society, it was also straight out of the blocks for many 'new year, new you' types. In the gym, in the pool, on the streets it all got a little cosy. Of course I was not riled at all by the lack of lockers or the choice that some made to learn to swim in the fast lane. Not at all. Anyway, February is here so that'll be that for another 11 months. 

The run commute

With one eye on the following month's festivities I still clocked up some decent mileage - I mean what is one to do - on the roads, mostly commuting home of an evening and training with el nuevo running club. Training on a Tuesday involving threshold sessions is a real god send for me, not something I would put myself through alone. Whilst 2015 is ultimately about joining the 100 mile thigh club, I am also intent on running fast at shorter distances. On a Thursday, a 10 mile run leaves the clubhouse with the more pace-gifted guys pushing me to keep up after the 10k run just to get there. I worry that they've not yet ramped-up for marathon season, but keep-up I must.

Tuesday night VPHTHAC crew

Tower Bridge at the 10 mile turn-a-round

Daria has made her way back up into the living room - must be all the ironing I'm doing - and I've logged some decent static distance this month. To think I only bought her 3 months before last year's Ironman, I should annihilate my bike leg time this year. Especially with a new set of 'are you seriously choosing to spend your money like that' carbon wheels. I still must get out on the tarmac, there's no substitute for that. 

T'was the month of multi discipline (and uber proactive) training, where on occasion I have been running to the pool and running on home from there. On the horizon are run-bike-run sessions as I pass three accessible gyms on the commute home. This will inevitably lead to run-bike-run-swim-run sessions. Ultimately leading to 'Craig we need to talk' sessions with the poor girlfriend! The logistics of this have not been easy but I'm learning fast. Leaving the pool in a sodden t-shirt when it's 2 degrees outside sure does shiver thy timbers. A feeling of 'oh jeez I'm going to feint' has also introduced itself on these second leg runs. The answer is simple, wrap a Snickers in a vest.

Running and swimming and running

Aside from the aforementioned (constantly mentioned) lane traffic and hijinx, I had a lovely swimming month. I adore London Fields lido and feel so fortunate to have an Olympic size (heated) outdoor pool on my running doorstep. In January I frequented it for the first time since the floodlights have been installed, swimming in a pool of steam late into the evening is just the perfect antidote to any shizer workday. To think this was only reopened in 2006 after 18 years of closure. God love the bourgeois Hackney movement.

Late night swimming

In the gymnasium I continued to pump away (as a bishop said to a nun) and take in the behavioural spectacle of Muscle Marys. Whilst I'm working out to become stronger for triathlon, I won't lie that I'm also there for conditioning, sorry vanity. Those that are there 100% for vanity are an interesting bunch indeed. Push eight reps, stand back, glance at mirror, tense muscle group worked, high-5 the gym instructor. Different strokes...

I discovered Fetch Everyone this month, to add to my social network of Strava, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Primarily for the recording of my RUYD data, but also as I work for the company that owns it. How did I luck out? My user name is RunNorrisRun. 

For now it's bye bye to cycling and to a lesser extent swimming, for what will be a month of epic running mileage. After a month of filing tax returns of an evening between training and work, if not easier, it will certainly be less mundane an effort.

Run Until I Drop - Preview

To run throughout February an increasing number of miles each day. That is the challenge. On February 1st - 1 mile, February 2nd - 2 miles...through to February 28th - 28 miles. 

The event, created by 'proper' ultrarunners James Adams and Paul Ali, has a few hundred participants from all corners of the world (including me and possibly you?) through the medium of social media. Search 'RUYD' in Facebook, Twitter or Fetch Everyone for details.

Should you finish you will have covered 406 miles in 28 days. Divided into biblical weeks (Sunday to Saturday) the mileage builds up as follows:

Week 1 (February 1st-7th) = 28 miles.

This represents a very comfortable weeks' training for me. Given the mileage is spread over 7 days, I'll be chomping at the bit to run further but keen to finish the week with fresh legs. This will most definitely be the only week in February where I'll manage to get some swimming and light cycling in. I might also suggest an earlier celebration of romance with the girlfriend whilst I have my energy.

Week 2 (February 8th-14th) = 77 miles.

Oh how quickly the mileage doth rise. I'd never run such a distance in one week for training. Come the end of week 2 I'll be running back-to-back half marathon distance, though with a slower pace I should still feel relatively ok. Running home from work will allow me to fit this in each day with little disruption to my life. Note to self: Acquaint yourself with the foam-roller!

Week 3 (February 15th-21st) = 126 miles.

Hmm...yeah. Mileage aside, I'll need to fit in upwards of 17 hours of running. My social life (aka hanging out with my girlfriend) will be put on hold that's for certain. To tackle the third week, I'll be running twice a day to spread out the effort. Technically, this mileage is equivalent to 'that last long pre-marathon run', seven days in a row.

Week 4 (February 22nd-28th) = 175 miles.

My minimum goal is to still be here in week 4. The mileage and time requirements at this stage will get a tad ridiculous. I reckon 30 hours will be needed to cover this distance, given the state my legs will be in. It will also be important to remain (or rather to return to being) 'sensible', not wishing to risk future races in sustaining an injury. 

Whilst one really does hope to complete this event, running what is more-or-less a marathon a day is still foreign to me and possibly beyond my current abilities. Regardless, it will be a great test and tracking the progress and hearing the stories of fellow participants should prove fun. 

I'll be blogging my progress each and every day (as I lay in bed) so do check in to see how I'm fairing and be sure to leave a comment if you too are participating.

Image: pixgood.com

Turbo Time

As a runner first, triathlete second, the majority of my 'cycling' is done statically in the warmth of my own home rather than along the country lanes of olde England. Whilst life as an accountant has proved a fine tuition in coping with mundanity, without the changing scenery and stimuli of an outdoor ride even I require some distraction. When there's nuffin' good on the box, one way to keep the boredom at bay (and feel inspired), I find, is to watch ultramarathon documentaries. Just as the world of ultra running has grown in recent years (it's still niche though, right?) so too has its standard of videography and breadth of coverage. Here are a few that I've been watching lately...in the aero position:

Running On The Sun - The Badwater Ultramarathon

Badwater was the first ultramarathon I came across to inspire my little ultra running mind. I find the event utterly fascinating. Here we see the ’99 race - sponsored by Hi-Tec (remember them) – with a plethora of personalities. It was a time, not so far back, but long enough ago where running modernities such as GPS, HRM and instant internet answers to "which - insert equipment type - should I get" were not readily available. Hats off to all the runners that took on ultras without peace-of-mind-parachutes. Hats back on again for those 50ºC Badwater temperatures.

Barkley 100

Just an incredible thing. Only a select few have ever finished all five loops of the 100 mile ‘course’. A relatively unknown event with an equally unknown entry system, raw ultra-running at its finest.

The documentary itself is first-class. Even if you’re not too crazy about silly running (then why are you here?) it’s a good investment of your time. The film introduces many of the entrants and the running lifestyles they lead. As veteran finisher Ed Furtaw puts it, the race is "purposely adjusted and created to be at the limit of possibility".

Depressions: A few moments from 30 miles in the canyon.

A brilliantly shot short film high up in the Grand Canyon as Rob Krar (Ultra Runner of the year 2013) runs and talks poignantly about his battle with depression and love for ultra running. His little yellow outfit is superb too.

Check out the scenery and join me in my appreciation/jealousy of American trail.

Yiannis Kouros - Forever Running

If you’ve never heard of Mr Kouros then you simply must watch this. He is the master. In layman’s terms, such is the dominance of his records, he’s the equivalent of receiving an iPhone for Christmas in 1988.

The documentary offers great insight into his life and just how odd…sorry, focused...folk are who achieve such feats. I tend to disagree with those who believe in ‘anything is possible’. It’s not. The seed for greatness, for all the training in the world is something sadly, you’re born with. Here we learn that at school Yiannis was long-jump champion showing signs of dominance at an early age. Should you require another example, then might I tell of how a certain Jason Statham (action hero extroadinaire) once represented England at this.

One similarity we do have between us – aside from being fine runners – is a love for DIY, I was surprised to find out. Though my girlfriend would demand I finish tiling that kitchen floor (skip to 8:10) before tying my shoelaces for a run.

Badwater Ultramarathon Documentary

Another Badwater documentary I know, but this one follows the story of a lone entrant (Akos) from training to finish line. It also spans a two hour turbo session, allowing one to concentrate more on pedaling than typing. What is also interesting here is the role of the crew (support team) and importance there of. The camaraderie is superb and the additional crew member (Karsten) Akos picks up at registration is just a delightful human being.

Ironman Wales 2014

Yes, that’s right, this is not an ultramarathon – well spotted. But it seems fitting to watch some Ironman action when atop the bike, given it’s the very reason I’m in the saddle. This was the event I raced last September, as shown on Channel 4. Unsurprisingly I do not feature, though £10 to anyone who can spot me. I’m wearing a green cap, if that helps?

Whilst many races now have some video record (three cheers for GoPro!) most remain quite amateur and I guess ‘you had to be there’ for them to be in any way engrossing.  If you were there, then I find them to be of great use in obtaining another runner’s perspective and plotting improvements for next year’s race (and who doesn’t enjoying playing ‘spot me’ with a friend). What I gleaned from watching this video was that entering the sea near the back and to the left was a bad idea. 

So, does anyone have any recommendations for me to add to my turbo training list?

How To Become A Runner

January is the month of good intentions. Maybe you’ve tried before or are resolute on a fresh start, turning those intentions into actions can be tough. Whether it’s weight loss, fitness gains or marathon achievement you seek, follow these steps to become a runner.
 

1. Don't put running up on a pedestal

You are the same species as Yiannis Kouros (who?) and Mo Farah. Do not doubt yourself. Ok, world records and Olympic medals are beyond you now (sorry) but you can and will run a decent click. There is little separating you from those non-panting runners galloping down your road. Go catch them! 

2. Be inspired

Whether it's this guy, a particular race or simply some person you know, inspiration is fuel. Follow footsteps and create some of your own too.

3. Go shopping

Let's be realistic, those old football shorts from your school days aren't exactly inspiring you to go out running. You'll find running gear is quite trendy now (says grandpa). Buy items that you would be happy to be seen in, you can worry about the technicalities later. Only trainers need be sourced scientifically. Establish whether you underpronate, overpronate or are neutral and purchase accordingly.

4. Know that it will feel uncomfortable to start

The heavy breathing, the stitch, the beads of sweat are all normal. Two minutes ago you were standing still and now you are running, of course your body is registering it. Slow it down, take in some long deep breaths and you'll be ok. Embrace the struggle, it shall soon pass.

5. Make it part of your schedule

Allocate time for running. Fail to and chances are you'll find yourself on a Sunday looking back at yet another week of missed mileage. Don't over commit, rather diarise a weekday for an evening run and a Saturday morning 'once around the park' before breakfast. Not only will this provide structure but guilt-free rest and recreation elsewhere in the week.

6. Join a club or group together

At the very least, 'buddy-up'. There are two huge benefits to running with company. Firstly, it will push you to perform. Regardless of whether you are the slowest or fastest in the pack, you will ask more of yourself in order to keep up or keep ahead. Secondly, when you've made plans to meet fellow runners at 'silly o'clock', hitting snooze just ain't going to fly. Up you get. There are people relying on you.

Additionally I guess, it's also nice to have a chinwag. Running along in a cloud of conversation, you'll find yourself clocking up mile 2 without noticing. Run with a gossip, and you may find out that Sandy and Clive are pregnant...and it's not Clive's!

7. Set yourself a target

Where would we be without targets? (Who said a lot happier!) Well with running, they are kind of par for the course. As a beginner certainly, speed and distance gains are an inevitability early on if you keep with it, but your target need not be simply that. Maybe you wish to run a certain distance without stopping to walk or to achieve the stamina it takes to run home from work. 

Make it explicit, achieve it, then set another.

8. Sign up to a race

One of the many beauty's of running, is its relative lack of subjectivity. Ultimately, you get out what you put in. You are in competition only with yourself. Train harder and you'll race faster. Signing up to a race is a firm commitment and the best way to mark your progress. Racing is bloody brilliant - just the right mix of trepidation and thrill. Taking part in an event will restore your faith in humanity, trust me. The running community is incredible, you'll want to be a part of it from thereon.

Once you've entered, tell everyone about it - what you're doing and when you're doing it. Not only will you delight in the encouragement but you'll have created an expectation to perform. Should you back out then you'll have folk to answer to.

9. Don't www.read too much

Those pants you're wearing right now, you just breezed in to M&S and bought them without searching 'what are the best pants to wear for day-to-day use' and they fit fine, don't they? Apply this to running. The internet (brilliant as it is) is a vast place of needless advice and over-complicated analysis. 

*Anything you read on a blog though is golden.

10. Be the inspiration

I've never met a runner who regretted the day they took up running. Running is such a positive force, it's a wonder we aren't all doing it. Share your stories and achievements with others and offer advice and assurance to receptive ears. Pass the baton so to speak.

I myself was inspired by my girlfriend, having seen her run her first marathon (god knows what inspired her!). Later I would gain further inspiration from the ultra-marathoners of the world on hearing of their gargantuan efforts. Whilst I've no doubt bored to tears hundreds of colleagues, friends and supermarket checkout assistants, one would hope to have inspired a couple too.

Now off you go...