Marathon des Sables 2009

And finally....last things and Tent 70

2009-04-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

I suppose you'll hear differing opinions on the Mds.... most people will agree that it's not the Toughest Footrace on the Planet anymore, and it's not. But it's by no means easy. And I'm sure there are people who have done the race previously, or people who are doing it in the future who will think that we got off lightly, didn't do the full race, a bit of a cop out? Er no. The longest day will be forever etched in my mind. With hindsight, I loved it. Loved the challenges it gave me and the fact that it really did push my physical and mental toughness to the limits. Whatever people's opinions, this race continues to take out people who are physically and mentally incredibly fit. But there are so many factors that can finish your race for you. The sickness and diorreah for starters. So many people were poorly and out of all of the stories I heard I think Dave (the Quizmaster) (tent 68) and Fatlad (Keith) will stand out for me. Amazing how they carried on despite being ill for most if not all of the race.

Just writing this has made me very emotional (yep, I am prone to wearing my heart on my sleeve!!).

Before I thank my own tent I just wanted to say thanks to Perks and her tent (Mike A, Mike B, Rich, Dave, Andy, Rose and Graham). Saw a lot of them and they were always very supportive.

The only thing left to do is to thank my own tent mates. We'd agreed on our tent quite some time before we went. We all knew each other, felt comfortable with each other and knew that egos would be left behind (I don't think any of us have an ego anyway!).

So to Craig, Vicky, Gilly, Jeff, Steph, Al and Mark.... the best tent mates I could have asked for. We had a lot of laughs and a few tears and I don't know about anyone else, but part of me would love to be back there right now.

Thanks guys!

So what's next?!!

Mds 2009 - Marathon day

2009-04-09T15:57:00.000-07:00

So today was to be our last day. I think because of the conditions, our location etc etc, we were not to have the last stage on the Saturday. We would have marathon day today, stay at the bivouac tonight (Friday) and then be driven back to Ouarzazate on Saturday morning.

I had managed to eat last night and nothing had happened since!! I had decided that I wanted to do marathon day as quickly as I physically could. Steph was feeling really rough and was going to take the day slowly. Part of me wanted to get it over with and part of me wanted to put in a better performance than I did on the long day, because I'd literally crawled along!

Everyone was feeling incredibly positive - we'd actually almost reached the end. We could see the finish line (every time I thought about it I wanted to cry!!!).

I started off today with one of my tent mates, Vicky. She's an incredibly fast walker and we'd already agreed that if one wanted to go off, or drop pace that we would just go our own way.

After a short distance on the flat (more bloody stones), we reached a rocky climb. It was fairly steep and slow going due to the steady stream of people in front. Not too bad but I had to stop at the top for a picture!! Vicky was in front of me and had waited. We made our way down the other side and continued.... there was a similar climb shortly afterwards and once we'd passed this I told Vicky not to wait for me.... she's much faster and I would hate to hold anyone back. I was actually quite looking forward to putting on the ipod and getting lost in my thoughts.

Once the rocks and stones had been left behind (thank God) it was more sand dunes. I actually really like sand dunes... give me these any day over the flat, rocky plains that seem to go on for miles and miles. Okay, I wasn't keen on the dunes at night, but actually don't mind them. After a great forum tip of how to walk in the sand (sideways rather than walking straight forward and digging your toes in)... I actually found walking up them quite easy.

I had decided not to stop too long at any of the checkpoints. I saw Rab at the first one (I think) and sat down briefly. I just filled my water bottles, had some M&Ms and then left.... I think I did a similar thing at checkpoint 2 where I saw Rose. Each time I stopped my feet started hurting like hell. The faster I walked, the more numb they became which suited me fine! I had socks rolled up resting on my collarbones under my pack straps because they were really sore. This really helped. Even though the pack was a lot lighter it still hurt!

The walking poles were again, a massive help. I couldn't have managed without them I don't think.

I actually really enjoyed today. The further I went, I knew the finish was obviously getting closer. I couldn't stop picturing myself crossing the finish line, but every time I did I desperately wanted to cry. And if I'd have started I wouldn't have stopped! Managed to keep it under control! Once through the last checkpoint, the paths were rocky and seemed to go on for a long time but I was making good progress (for me!). After being passed by a couple of Landrovers on a track, an 'oasis' came into view... well it was water in the desert anyway! There were quite a few children around asking for gifts or 'bon bons'. The road went down towards the water and then disappeared into it. Great.... wet feet, and bandaged ones at that. Still, I didn't really care because I knew I only had about 6km left!! The water was just over ankle deep. There were a lot of the AOI Landrovers coming the other way so I waited until they had gone through before I waded in. Didn't want them soaking me!

Once through the water, the climb was steady.... more paths, rubble etc. My feet were killing me but looking at the time and knowing roughly the pace I was travelling at I knew I couldn't have far to go. There were a few people ahead of me and I saw some local children walking alongside them.

When I got further along, one boy came up to me and said '2 kilometres to bivouac'.... I didn't know whether he was telling me the truth or not!! Didn't want to believe him just in case it was a lot further! Another boy then came and starting talking to me. He took my elbow (must have looked knackered!!!). I said I was okay and he pointed to the top of the hill and said 'bivouac'...

Just as I got to the top of the ridge I could see it.... a long way in the distance across a very flat plain (a stony one funnily enough)... was the finish. Oh my God I seriously can't describe how that made me feel. I was going to finish the Mds!!! Okay, a different Mds, a unique Mds but I'd bloody cracked it!!

I walked along the top of the ridge and there were two officials helping competitors down onto the sandy slope which took you down to the flat. Sailed down the sand as if on Cloud 9 and then started on the last mile or so to the finish. I was really struggling to stop myself crying. Such an amazing feeling. If somebody had said to me 5 or 6 years ago that I would be here, doing this, I would have laughed my backside off. And so would most of the people who know me.

As I got nearer to the end a guy walked past (who had obviously already finished) and said 'Congratulations'.... huge lump in the throat now and I knew it wasn't going to last much longer. And then I saw someone sitting on the ground not far from me. As I got closer to him I realised it was one of my tent mates Jeff. He stood up and walked towards me and that was it.... the floodgates opened and I just said 'I need a hug!'. Had a much needed hug, gave Jeff my camera and tried to compose myself (unsuccessfully) to get to the finish. Then I saw another one of my tent mates Mark.... uncontrollable blubbing now... God I must have looked a sight! Loads of people clapping and cheering anyone coming in. I saw Gilly from my tent too and heard other people shouting my name. And then I crossed the line. It might sound crap but I was and still am so proud of myself! I had a kiss on each cheek from Patrick Bauer and he rubbed the back of my neck because I was crying so much!! 'Tres emotionale!' he said - damn right mate!!!

I did what I set out to do which was to finish and get my medal (a very nice medal it is too!!!).

Had my picture taken by one of the French photographers (I think).... must have been a good picture, tears and a lot of snot (apologies!).

2 years in the planning, more years reading and thinking about it. A truly amazing experience, stunningly beautiful in parts, painful and brutal in others. Incredibly emotional and something I will never forget. It was an Mds with a difference, obviously unique due to the conditions we encountered and the fact that the whole thing had to be re-routed in a couple of days. But I wouldn't change a single thing. You couldn't repeat this one if you tried!

Mds 2009 Day 2 and beyond

2009-04-09T15:47:00.000-07:00

So we awoke on our first morning in camp.... great to here and really strange to see everybody going about their duties (not elaborating any more than that!!!). There are toilets dotted around the camp but you kind of take your life in your hands (especially as the week went on).... dodgy stomachs and relatively small holes in the ground don't mix well. Anyway...

Had breakfast and got our stuff together (slowly).... we waited for the berbers to come and dismantle the tents... they come in a rather large swarm and in a matter of seconds, each tent is removed. They're really polite, very smiley and incredibly efficient.

I don't have much recollection of day 2 other than that it was tough (harder than dune day) and there were a lot of incredibly monotonous plains to cross, which were very stony underfoot. They literally stretched as far as the eye could see.

My feet weren't happy....

Walked the whole day with Steph and we made pretty good time... covered the distance in just over 8 hours and arrived back in camp at around 5.15pm.

I decided to visit Doc Trotters as had a couple of blisters that were bothering me. They are certainly not the butchers they are made out to be. They know their stuff and also know how to tape a foot to perfection. Good enough for me!!!

We had our first emails tonight (which of course made me blub rather a lot)... was so nice to have so many messages from back home. Made me realise just how many people were rooting for me!! It was around this time that Rob the rep told us that tomorrow's long day would be 91km... the longest 'long' day in Mds history. And possibly the toughest. S--t!!! We were all left slightly speechless by this announcement!

Chicken korma for tea (my fave) and then an early night. Wasn't as cold thankfully. The thought of what lay ahead meant a pretty restless night!

Day 3 - the long one

Didn't feel great when I woke up this morning. My stomach was churning and I didn't know if it was nerves or the dodgy belly that was going around the camp like wildfire (we were told that a couple of Brits actually had dysentary (poor spelling sorry!!). Not nice. Anyway, couldn't eat all my breakfast and was feeling really apprehensive about the day in general. Not a happy frame of mind unfortunately!

We started at 9.30am after the usual morning speeches by PB. As soon as I started I knew things weren't going to go well. I felt really weak. Had no idea why but seriously didn't have any energy at all. I can't remember when but I did say to Steph to go ahead of me... and that I would keep track of her if I could. I had to stop a few times because my stomach was so dodgy.... can't say that it's a pleasant experience, in the heat, needing a poo (sorry!), flies all around you and trying to find somewhere reasonably discreet when you have horrible cramps. But I couldn't complain as a lot of people were in a much worse state than me!

The elites set off at about midday today and before we knew it they were passing us. Amazing people!! One of the girls was a Brit called Jen who I met at the Tring to Town. She actually finished 6th lady overall. Wow!!! Anyway, I was playing cat and mouse with Steph and managed to meet up with her from time to time (checkpoints etc). Also saw Perks and her and Steph went on ahead of me (stomach again!).... did catch them up at one point and we walked together for a while. I couldn't eat anything because it just went straight through me.

After checkpoint 3 daylight was starting to fade. I was with Steph and Rose and Steph said she would walk with me now.... very kind of her as I didn't fancy walking alone at night. We had sort of agree to stick together for the night stage anyway, but I was very grateful for the company.

Head torches at the ready, we prepared for the night ahead. It was getting cold at this point too but I didn't actually change out of my shorts... daft cow. Regretted it later!!! It was very difficult underfoot (lots of swearing surprisingly from me). We were both really knackered too but after what seemed like an eternity arrived at checkpoint 4. Rose was already there and Steph offered to boil some water and make a coffee. She also gave me a bag of crisps to see if I could keep them in (lovely!). We sat there shivering for a while, finished our drinks and then decided to get going again. It was bloody cold and the longer you sit, the less you feel like moving. A lot of people were bedding down for the night here. Carol came in with her friend Graham, and they decided to sleep. The tents were all full so anyone arriving now was sleeping outside on the floor!!

We hadn't long set off from this checkpoint when the crisps and coffee decided to make a quick exit. Obviously wasn't going to be able to keep any food in afterall. It must have been after midnight at this point. Rose and some other guys that we knew passed us, we couldn't keep up with them so watched them go off into the distance. I noticed that their torches suddenly seemed to be going higher and higher....

The reason being that before long we were greeted with what I can only describe as a bloody mountain. We seemed to be surrounded by grey rock on all sides.... there were patches of sand between rocks where we could see footprints so we assumed we were going the right way. Light sticks were not standing out from what we could see!! We both started climbing and somehow got separated. Steph went one way and I went another. WIthin literally 2 minutes I couldn't see her and started calling her. No reply! I was pretty scared as couldn't see any lights above or below me. The patches of sand had disappeared and was now all rock. I had my walking poles which I was grateful for because on more than one occasion I felt like I was going to fall. Really scary and I did wonder at the time whether this was the right way. Surely they wouldn't make us climb this in the dark??? But then I noticed pink spots of paint that had been sprayed on the odd rock here and there... markers. At least I knew it was the right way.

The trouble was about half way up the spots disappeared. I saw someone approaching from lower down and he then darted up the side of the mountain (I have to call it a mountain because there are no other words to describe it!!!). I called out to him to ask if that was the right way... he didn't answer.

Bugger. I felt like crying because I really didn't know what to do. I couldn't go back down because I would probably end up falling, I didn't have a clue where Steph was and was worrying about her... but the guy stopped at the top and waited. I clambered up the rocks to the side of me and thanked him when I got to the top... it was then that I could see the light sticks again. Thank God for that. I called Steph again but no joy. I knew she would be okay as she's done a lot of long walks and decided to go on and see her at the next checkpoint.

The path was very rocky and again, hard on the feet which were killing me! I passed a landrover with someone snoring very loudly inside. I'm not sure whether they had anything to do with the race or not??!!! I kept checking behind me and when I reached the next glowstick I waited for a while to see if any of the lights coming towards me were Steph. It was bloody cold though standing still and I knew I couldn't wait for long. A lady called Catherine asked me if I was okay, and I just explained about Steph. She said I could always ask the guy in the landrover if I was worried. Waited for a bit longer and then carried on. Caught up with Catherine and we walked together. That was when we got into the dunes. And they were big buggers. It was really windy and the sand was stinging my legs (hence wishing I had changed my shorts to leggings earlier). It was really hard work getting to the top of the dune and when we did we couldn't see another glow stick, due to the sandstorm blowing all around us. I was beginning to think we would have to sit tight and wait but, after another girl joined us, we managed to pick out a faint light in the distance and headed in that direction.

I had the distinct feeling that were were going around in circles. It was partly probably tiredness and also because in the dark, and with sand blowing all over you, everything looks the same. I was not enjoying this one bit. Apologised to Catherine for not being very chatty but she was exactly the same.

We had stopped briefly to figure out which way to go and I heard someone say 'Is that you Rach?'.... yay!!! Steph had found me. I was so bloody relieved to see her. We had a hug and then carried on. She admitted that she felt like sitting down and crying back on that mountain. She had found a group that she walked with, told them that she'd lost me and one of the guys suggested that she throw her flare.... bloody mad man!!!! This section seriously seemed to go on forever. We were cold, tired and hurting and just wanted to sit down for a while. My stomach was giving me grief and we found ourselves in amongst a lot of very soft ground and bushes all around us.... lots of weaving in and out.

We eventually arrived at checkpoint 5 and decided we had to stop for a while. We were both exhausted and I honestly don't think I could have walked much further. We were practically falling asleep standing up.

I think we arrived here at about 4.15am... not entirely sure! All the tents were full so we just sat in front of one of them. I got my sleeping bag out and wrapped it around me. Steph was shivering so I said she should do the same. I think it was about 4.45am that some of the guys in the tent behind us started to move. We found a space and just crashed.... not comfortable at all but just so good to be laying down and to have stopped!!!

I kept stiring because I didn't want to sleep too long as we still had about 26.5km to go. I sat up at about 6.15am and spotted one of our tent mates, Mark!! I couldn't believe he was there as he's a hell of a lot quicker than me! I thought I must be hallucinating but he said that him and another guy Rab had been there since 10.15pm the night before and had a full night's sleep. Bastards!!!! Steph woke up and we realised we had to press on. So with just over an hour's rest under our belts (woo hoo!!!) we moved on. It was probably about 7am by the time we got going. My feet were in agony and putting the pack on was torture. Shoulders were hurting and my collarbones were sore.... still, can't complain. I did pay for the pleasure!!!

I can honestly say that I have never felt so exhausted in my entire life. Having a baby was a breeze compared to this!

The rest of this stage was pretty much a blur for me. Steph started to feel crap, she was so tired she thought she was going to pass out. You start to feel really strange when you're that exhausted. If I spoke (which wasn't often), my voice didn't sound like it belonged to me. Slurring words and not really making much sense. It's a struggle just to put one foot in front of the other.

If I had shut my eyes I would have just dropped. The ground was rocky and hard going. We didn't wait around long at checkpoint 6. Just thought that sitting down would be prolonging the agony. There were a few other people around at this point. It was like the Night of the Living Dead.... just shuffling along, not saying much at all.

The last 12km were hell.... long flat stony plains to cross. Even once the bivouac was in sight it seemed to take an eternity to reach it. We knew we were getting closer because the odd Landrover would drive past and the occupants would be clapping and shouting 'Bravo'!!! It helped, slightly!

I have never been so glad to finish anything in my entire life. I couldn't wait to get the pack of my back and get my trainers off.... my feet were a mess.

Our tent mate Craig was at the finish to greet us. Such a bloody relief!!! But despite feeling utterly knackered, I still had a great sense of achievement. I'd cracked the longest day.... and the LONGEST longest day at that. Mountains and everything! 28 hours in total. Got in about 1.30pm...

All of our tent were now back safe and sound (some amazing performances too!!). I went to Doc Trotters as I needed my feet sorting for the marathon tomorrow. They did a stirling job and bound them up a treat. Then I went to the email tent to let people know I had made it!!!

So just a marathon left....

Tomorrow I am going for it...!!

Mds 2009 Day 1

2009-04-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

So there we were in a hotel, instead of the bivouac. We went to have breakfast and to see if we could find out what was going on. It was still raining! Noone seemed to know what was happening but we were told that Rob the rep would be around later on to keep us up to date. The first day was certainly cancelled though. We were all disappointed but having seen the conditions first hand, it was fairly obvious that there was no other way around it.

We took a walk into town.... found a market and after considering the conditions that we might face, a few of us decided to buy some plastic sheeting which we could carry with us and put underneath the rugs in the tents to keep us dry (or wrap ourselves in to keep sleeping bags from getting soaked... forward thinking!). The market traders must have thought all their Christmases had come at once. There were plenty of AOI representatives/staff buying plastic too! We bought enough between us to kit out two tents and decided that it was worth the extra weight!

We carried on wandering for a while and then found a cafe, with tables and chairs under cover to hide from the rain, and drank mint tea and coffees for a couple of hours. It was quite funny because every so often a group of Mds'ers would run past, complete with gaiters and full kit, obviously itching to get out and start. We were happy just sitting! We actually started to see cracks of blue sky which was encouraging!

We went back to the hotel to see if there was any news.... we had lunch (the hotel was fantastic as they were obviously out of season and in the middle of decorating, but managed to feed us three times a day, and nothing seemed too much trouble).... we actually made the waiters laugh because every time more food came out, everyone descended like a swarm of locusts (especially for the puddings!). The sky was clear by this point and we could actually feel heat for the first time since we arrived. We got changed and sat by the pool... totally out of racing mode and getting far too relaxed really. Decided to go in the pool because it was so hot. Bloody freezing water!!! After about half an hour I had to get out because I was losing feeling in my toes!

Another couple of hours went by and Rob the rep appeared with news. Day 1 cancelled. We were being picked up at 8.30am to be taken to a nearby hotel for admin. Admin for us would be between 10am and 12pm. We had to be ready in full kit, with cases packed (as they would be taken away from us) and just left with our backpacks and what was needed for the race. Scary stuff. It was all suddenly become horribly real!! On Monday morning we would be picked up at 7am and taken to the start which would be approximately an hour's drive away. We would start the race and at the end of day 1 arrive at the bivouac for the first time.

Once we'd heard the news, we went back to our rooms to start going through kit etc... I had my pack weighed. 11kg. Ouch. Far too heavy. Gilly decided I had to be ruthless and go through my kit and bin things! Nooooooo!!!! I don't travel lightly, I know that, but it meant throwing out luxuries that I really wanted to take. Pillow had to go (and not a great big fluffy one, but a travel one!!). Lots of bits and pieces chucked and eventually pack weighed 10kg. Not bad (still felt ridiculously heavy!). The flare weighs approximately 500g so that would be added on tomorrow plus other bits and pieces. Christ this was all becoming very scary.

We had to be self sufficient in the morning so muesli was left out and we were ready for bed. We had our breakfast and packed all the last bits and pieces. This was where all our nice things were packed away and we were to live in the same clothes for the next few days. We took all our stuff down and waited for the coaches. We drove the short distance to the Kasbar Hotel (very nice) and joined the queue for admin. I was actually relieved that we were getting rid of our cases finally as it felt like we'd carted them around for far too long. The queuing didn't actually last too long. We were probably there for about an hour. Then we got to the front and had to hand in paperwork that we'd filled in previously.

We went inside the building and our cases were taken away - yay!! Then we received our race numbers and water card which we obviously had to carry with us at all times around our necks. Moved on to the next table where we received a chip which was attached to our packs. This was for timing purposes (and enables the times to be recorded accurately obviously).... the onward to receive the flare (which is huge) and salt tablets. We were given 120 and told to take 20 a day. Bloody hell!! Not sure I would manage that but I was definitely planning on using some of them.
Then the last stop was to hand in the ECG and medical certificate. Not many questions were asked. How heavy did we think the pack was? Had we done anything like this before? Are we fit... er yeah... okay then off you go!! Very funny. I suppose it was all a bit rushed because of the circumstances in general but luckily no problems. On leaving we went through to collect fuel that we'd previously ordered and our first supply of water.

Now we were officially ready...!

We were told that Patrick Bauer would be making his speech at about 3pm and that we probably wouldn't be leaving the hotel until around 5pm. Great. More hanging around. Lunch was provided though which was very nice and then we were treated to yet another downpour. It was only brief though and once it had passed the sun came out again. We saw Mohammed Ahansal and his brother Lahcen (last year's winner) preparing and sorting out their race numbers. Also saw the winning lady from last year (can't remember her name right now... oops). So many people ask to have their photograph taken with the Ahansal brothers it's quite funny. I'm surprised they get anything done. They always seem very obliging though.

Eventually PB came out to do his stuff. He speaks in French and then another French guy translates into English. Sort of. Quite hard to understand but the general gist was that they had considered cancelling the entire event but assumed that the competitors would want to carry on, even if it meant sacrifices along the way. They said that we would have to be patient as the roadbooks were basically null and void now. The routes were being decided as he spoke and we would be informed each morning of distance and route!! Aaahhh!!!!

He thanked everyone for their patience and understanding at what would be a very different Mds. And that was that.

A slight free for all ensued when we went to get coaches back to the hotel. Eventually got on one and headed back to have dinner in full kit. Very strange!

Once we had finished, went back to do last minute checking etc. It was at this point that I decided the straps on my Aarn were not very padded (better late than never).... so Steph contributed 2 sanitary towels and with a bit of duck tape, I had padded straps. Genius. Caused much hilarity I can tell you!

Off to bed with much anticipation as to what lay ahead.

Had another muesli for breakfast (couldn't eat it all) and got ready for the buses at 7am. Once on board we travelled about 2 mins down the road and then sat outside another hotel for about an hour. Then we were off. The journey took around an hour and all of a sudden the Merzouga dunes were in sight. Christ they look big even in the distance. They are a beautiful orange colour and really do look awesome when they first come into view.

Once off the buses we were all slightly in awe of what we were in the middle of. The start line with '24th Marathon des Sables' across it... the helicopter, the hoardes of competitors all ready and raring to go.... I've seen it so many times, and here I was, actually in the middle of it all.

We had to queue for water. When it's given to you, your number is written on the bottle. If any of your bottles are found on the course (or dumped anywhere), you incur time penalties.

We made our way to the start and listened to Patrick Bauer for a few minutes.... very hard to understand what's going on (even with the translation), the helicopter flies very low overhead too and then suddenly we were off.

I walked right from the start. That was my intention and I wasn't going to change it now. An amazing feeling and an amazing sight seeing the runners in front, going off into the distance. We had about a 3km stretch of relative flat before we reached the dunes.

I seriously couldn't believe I was actually doing this after all this time! Amazing.

The dunes soon appeared and my God they are impressive. Absolutely stunning. I took pictures along the way and each time I took one, it just looked like a postcard. Bright blue skies and beautiful orange sand. All very surreal. I really enjoyed this section, partly because of how gorgeous the surroundings were, and also just because I had seen it so many times and was now actually part of it all.

I stopped to take my jacket off and once I got going again Steph came past me... we'd lost each other at the start. So off we went and we were to complete this stage together.

After the dunes there were rocky hills and paths which were quite hard underfoot but from what I can remember, I felt pretty good on this stage. There were only 2 checkpoints and we didn't stop for any length of time, just to fill water and have something quick to eat.

The section ended with another section of dunes. The sun was going down at this point and again, they looked absolutely stunning. Took a couple more photos and eventually saw camp coming into view. Day 1 almost done....

When we came towards the finish line our tent mates came to meet us which was fantastic. They took our packs and walked us to our tent. It was so nice to finally be in camp (a dry one at that). We made ourselves comfy, sorted out our clothes and food and settled down for the evening. I had chilli con carne for tea and it was okay.... I was starving by then so probably would have eaten anything anyway. An early night... we had 37km tomorrow (31 was covered today). We would be doing a circular route as would be staying at this bivouac again tomorrow night.

It was freezing cold and very windy on our first night....

Tomorrow was another day!

To be continued.....

Mds 2009 .... the beginning!

2009-04-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

Well, that was something else!!!

First of all, before I start waffling for an eternity, I just wanted to say thank you so much for your support. I was incredibly chuffed to have several pages of messages from people on here.... some of whom I've never spoken to, supporting me and willing me to finish. I had quite a few tears I can tell you!! Knowing that people genuinely support you and want you to do well really is a massive boost.

This was an experience that I can never repeat... and I won't for various reasons. As you all know, this Mds was slightly different to the usual! And that is one reason I wouldn't return. It was unique. Highly unlikely to be another one like it. I know that people who have done it in the past (and people who have never done it) will probably say 'but you didn't do the full Mds', 'you must feel cheated' etc etc. Well no. I don't. It was the most mind blowing experience I've ever had and was, by no means, easy. Brutal is one one that springs to mind (and one which I heard many times after the long day)....

I am going to write up a full account on my mds blog which I will post the address for when it's complete. But thought I would run you through the build up (which was very long...!!!!).

I stayed at the Gatwick Travelodge on the Wednesday with various other people that I'd met previously (including some of my tent mates)... we had a meal that night and were very excited and nervous about what lay ahead..... little were we to know!

When we arrived at the airport on Thursday morning, it wasn't hard to find where check in was for this flight..... a whole line of people with very similar looking backpacks, many looking like rabbits trapped in headlights (including me probably!!). We were all in very high spirits though and it was good to see a fair few familiar faces.

We flew to Ouarzazate and faced the first of many ridiculously long and painfully slow queues. Passport control. Being the only plane that had landed you would think they would be quick and efficient but no... me and Steph were actually somewhere in the middle of the crowd but due to the guy on our desk sitting back and picking his nails, going for a walk from time to time and generally arsing about, we somehow ended up at the back... I was actually the last person to be checked! Typical! Anyway we were shipped by coach to the Berbere Palace Hotel. More queuing whilst we were allocated rooms. It was about 5.30/6pm by this time. Rooms were very nice and spacious and the hotel generally very good. We went to the bar (obviously) for a few drinks and then went for dinner.... the food was fantastic. Couldn't fault it as there was so much choice. Later that evening, one of the guys we were with said 'It's going to rain tomorrow'.... another guy replied 'yes, but that's here in OZZ, we're driving 6 hours into the desert... it never rains in the desert'. Famous last words.....

Friday morning we got up at 6.15am. We were being collected at 9am. However the phone rang shortly afterwards to say that we were actually being collected at 8am... aahhhh!!! Panicked slightly and then got all our stuff together, had breakfast and waited for the buses.
Once on board, it did actually start to spit with rain. Oh well. We were given lots of paperwork and the famous roadbooks which we started studying frantically.... all looked very daunting but the first day looked relatively easy so all okay with that. Dune day was day 2....

The coaches set off and the heavens opened. The rain was so hard you couldn't actually see very much out of the windows at all..... it was streaming off of the roof of the coach... rivers were running down the roads and parts of the desert were beginning to flood. It was bizarre knowing where we were and what was happening. However, we were all pretty confident it would stop. I mean we were going to the bloody Sahara desert....

Many pee stops later and we arrived. We were told we had to wait for army trucks to transport us off road the rest of the way. Still chucking it down with rain. It was just after 3pm at this point.

We waited on board for about an hour and then the army trucks returned for us (they had to do a few trips)....

Got off the coach into thick mud. Army trucks are incredibly difficult to get into by the way as they are incredibly high up! Passed all the cases up and then given shoves by other people to help us aboard. We were told that when we arrived at the bivouac just to go for any tent (they are usually numbered by nationality - Brits tents were 65-95 or something) but we could have any due to the conditions.

Very bumpy ride (back breaking actually) and after 20 mins we arrived. The bivouac was an absolute quagmire!! Terrible! Huge puddles in the middle of it.... we met up with the lads we were sharing with who were on another truck. They had bagged a reasonable tent. About a quarter of it was water logged so we put our stuff on the dryest parts of the carpets and proceeded to try and make it as waterproof as possible.

Shortly afterwards one of the AOI officials came to say that we could, if we wanted to, transfer our stuff to the white press tents which were dryer.... a couple of my tent mates went to have a look while I stayed with Alan to keep an eye on our stuff.... we had backpacks and our suitcases so dragging them around in the mud wasn't an option!

Soon afterwards another official came to say that the bivouac was going to be evacuated and that we would be taken to a hotel.... we were to get some food and wait for the army trucks to return. I had flip flops on at this time.... so we had to walk across the bivouac to the food and press tents with our cases and backpacks in the thick mud. Every step I took my flip flops stuck. Was quite funny.... it was dark at this point too which made it more interesting as you couldn't actually see where you were treading even with a head torch. Got the cases into a tent and went for food. The food tent was thick mud, but worth the wait because the food was fantastic. You couldn't fault the organisers as they did a brilliant job under the circumstances and made sure we were all okay.

Seemed like a long time before the army trucks came back but eventually we were rescued!!! There were however, we found out later, 7 guys who were left at the bivouac... didn't envy them that at all!! Poor buggers!

We arrived in a place called Erfoud... more queuing but finally were given a hotel room (shared with Gilly and Steph) and we cleaned ourselves up (a bit) and went for a drink.... crazy day all round... we had no idea what would be happening tomorrow....

An announcement would be made tomorrow (Saturday) about what was to happen but Day 1 was likely to be cancelled.... Rob (the rep) would be around tomorrow to let us know...

To be continued.....!!!!!

Up to date

2009-03-21T09:37:00.001-07:00

So I'm sat here now with only 4 days to go before I fly to Morocco. I actually can't believe this is happening, can't imagine being there, and feel like I'm in a dream like state at the moment! Between Brecon and now I have been training steadily. A bit of gym training, running, walking etc... dune training again and the glued gaiters held up incredibly well!! A bit of cracking where the foot flexes but easily sorted. I feel pretty confident about the footwear now.

I am surrounded by kit, food and medical things. Today was the first attempt at actually fitting it all in. Oh dear. First attempt failed miserably. If I didn't have to eat I'd be fine. Loads of room! 2nd attempt was slightly more successful but the pack was bursting at the seams. 3rd attempt and feeling slightly happier (only slightly). Fitted everything in but it is seriously full to the brim. Knowing I have to fit a rather large flare into it as well doesn't help. May have to try and repack the food (again).

I have the ECG (normal) and medical form all signed, dated and stamped. Have my tickets, flight details, hundreds of painkillers, antibiotics etc etc.... sanity possibly not.

The truth is that I actually can't wait to go. I would never have dreamed that I would be capable of doing something like this. Not physically, I think anyone could train for something like this, but mentally... wouldn't have had the confidence to even think about something like this. But now, I just want to be there, standing on the start line, listening to PB dishing out advice, birthday greetings and AC/DC... all the things I've heard and I'm actually going to witness it first hand.

So I probably won't update this now until I return....

Here's hoping the story's a good one!

Brecon bound....

2009-03-21T09:15:00.001-07:00

Have been really bad at updating this.... anyway this is what's been happening.

On 20th February a group of nine of us set off for Brecon (again!). We were staying at a Travelodge in Pontypool and were doing one route on the Friday afternoon and another on the Saturday. Friday was approximately 15 and a half miles, Saturday about 18. The weather thankfully was beautiful and once we'd all arrived, we got changed and set off.

On the Friday we all stayed together and walked. Had a good laugh and tackled some rather interesting terrain! Paths, muddy fields, hills and very steep banking covered in brambles and small trees - the only way up was using hands and knees! All good fun though and definitely good training for the dunes we are to face in the sahara.

At one point we were walking through an estate (it was starting to get dark at this point) and being given menacing looks by the local youth. The social clubs was called 'Pants Social Club'. Highly amusing!!

All in all, despite a couple of wrong turns, it was a really good day. Once we got back and showered it was off for food and a few drinks.

The next day was also beautiful, clear and sunny. We all did our own thing today, some ran, some walked. I was walking with Carol and Steph and we made a pretty good team. We did go wrong a couple of times (I blame the maps!) but all in all, very enjoyable.

We went out that evening for a meal and a few more drinks. A great weekend with a great bunch of people.

Dune training

2009-02-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

So with less than 6 weeks to go now I feel like I am almost ready (as ready as I'll ever be). I went to the beach today.... actually really enjoyed it and very glad I went. I did about 14 and a half miles on the shingle and sand which was okay. Quite tough to walk on in parts because one minute my feet felt pretty solid and in the next step they sank completely. A great place to train though so I'll definitely be going back. Once I'd finished that part of the day I went into the dunes. Now this I really enjoyed! I didn't have gaiters attached but was wearing ToeToe socks with Sealskinz over the top and my trainers. No sand on the feet which was a bonus! Not quite sure how it must have looked to the people enjoying the dunes with their kids, buckets and spades at the ready, with slightly deranged looking woman sliding down one side and attempting to run up the opposite side. But good fun and it's given me an insight as to how hard it is to walk up a steep slope in the sand!

I will hopefully go back a couple of times between now and the end of March. Definitely beneficial. Once the gaiters are attached I need to roadtest them anyway.

Less than 8 weeks to go....

2009-02-02T14:08:00.000-08:00

It really is...!!! Reality starting to hit hard!!! I have all my kit now and am starting to test food options. It's really hard to know what I'll feel like eating when I've been trudging all day in the blistering heat. Something that appeals now, really might make me want to run in the opposite direction out there. Today I tried fish and potato in parsley sauce... an Expedition meal. It was actually quite nice but an effort to finish the whole meal. They are quite big! I'll try another one tomorrow and once i have about 5 that I like, I'll stick with it. Noodles are an option too because they're easy to eat and prepare.

I did one leg of the Town to Tring/Tring to Town on Saturday with Perks and Steph. Perks was officially entered (Steph and I were not!). I think this is probably a good one to do to replicate the boredom you might feel in the desert. I didn't find it boring because the company was good, but canal towpath does start to look pretty similar when you're walking 40 miles of it. I had a few hip issues from about 12 miles which wasn't good, but mind over matter, just keep plodding on. Once it got dark it was bloody cold. We were the last (but we're getting pretty used to that!!!), and we were making good walking time (averaging about 4 miles an hour for pretty much the whole thing). We walked with another lady (Tricia) who is on the waitlist for 2010. It was her first ultra and she did incredibly well..... she started to suffer with the cold towards the end but we kept going and made it back in around 10 hours 40 minutes.

I wouldn't do this one again, but it was all good experience. Oddly enough, I ached more from doing this than anything else I've done in the past....

The Brecon Beacons are calling in a couple of weeks which I'm looking forward to. Now I just need the snow outside to disappear so I can get back on my feet...

It's been a while....

2008-12-30T12:29:00.000-08:00

So what have I been doing since the Beacons? I did one run in the week after the Beacons and then caught the winter lurgy that was floating around. Felt rubbish for over a week and what with one thing or another, didn't do much training..... Boxing Day (Friday) I managed six and a half miles and on Sunday I did just over 10 miles run/walk (mainly walk I have to say) but the legs felt good and my feet are in pretty good nick!

I'm going to do half of the Tring to Town/Town to Tring event with Perks (keeping her company as haven't actually got a place....). That's 40 miles and is on the 17th January I think...

In February we are sorting out a jaunt in the Brecon Beacons, two days covering a distance of about 18 miles on the first day and hopefully about 30 on the second day. Now I'm going to concentrate on building up mileage and doing more back to back days, long distance.

I have really mixed feelings at the moment. I'm absolutely terrified about the Mds but in my heart of hearts truly believe I can do it and I'll be fine (provided nothing happens that I have no control over). BUT despite the mixed feelings I really can't wait to go now. This has been on my mind for a hell of a long time now and suddenly it's becoming very real.

I also managed to get myself in an article in Running Fitness Magazine (Feb issue).... very proud of the fact that someone actually nominated me as 'inspirational'. Don't see that myself but really chuffed that somebody else did (thanks Judith).

The Beacons Ultra : 6th December 2008

2008-12-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

It's been a while and this is worth an update!

It was off to Wales for the first running of the Beacons Ultra organised by Likeys (top people!!!). I met up with Gilly who drove up there and Jo. When we arrived in Brecon we visited Likeys and I was not disappointed. Martin and Sue are two of the nicest people I've ever met. Ever helpful and very welcoming. I managed to get a fair proportion of the kit I need and was very chuffed with my buys. We saw some other Mds forum chaps and girls there which was fantastic. It's great to finally put faces to names. After spending up, we headed to the bunkhouse which was to be our home for the next couple of nights.

Carol (Perks) did us proud by making copious amounts of chilli and rice. Everyone chipped in either financially or practically by supplying bits of food. We had a really good meal and all sat, chatted and got to know each other. Gilly, myself, Perks and Steph were sharing a room. Bunk beds - yay!!! I went to Brecon with every intention of only completing one lap of the ultra (23.5 miles) because I was doubting my capabilities and didn't think I trained enough. After talking to Steph, who decided she wanted to try and push herself, I decided I would try for both laps. I asked if she minded if I tagged along.... she didn't thank goodness!!

We got up at 6am on Saturday and prepared as best we could. Backpacks packed, ten layers of clothing on as it was bloody freezing, and nervous twitching. We went over to the rugby club at about 7.45am. I was picked out for a spot check which scared me slightly as, although I knew I had everything, I couldn't quite put my finger on where I'd put it.

We stood at the start, frozen, and waited for the off. Matt from Likeys went through a few bits and pieces and then we were on our way. I set off with Carol and Steph. We had decided to run the first leg (along the canal ie. the flat bit!!) and then see how things went. We stayed at the back which was probably best as there were some seriously fast guys there!

The canal leg passed without any problems and we soon found our way on a very gradual but very long climb through the forest trail. It went on forever. We temporarily lost Perks, but she soon caught us up and we settled into a good rhythm. The scenery was absolutely stunning and because it was a beautiful, clear, sunny day, it made it all the more gorgeous. I could live here!!

Eventually we hit the tarmac (not literally) and after a short distance found ourselves at the checkpoint. We didn't stop for long, just to top up and then made our way up to the Gap. Another climb. There were some pretty dodgy bits (the names of which escape me now), but we managed pretty well in my opinion. The paths were strewn with boulders and rocks so toe stubbing became a fairly regular pasttime!! Once we'd reached the top of the gap and another checkpoint we started to make our descent..... down a very rocky and very icy path. It was very slow going but definitely kept us on our toes (tho not always as Steph found out!!).

There were fields to cross, and very narrow boulder strewn paths, but eventually we finished our first lap. It took 6 and a half hours so we could start the second lap with time to spare (the cut off was 3pm). We knew the second lap was going to take a long time due to the conditions changing (more ice) and the dark. Carol left us at this point as she was sticking with one lap so as not to aggravate injury.

Once we were past the canal and on our way up the forest road (again!), it started to get dark. Head torches came out as did warmer hats and gloves. It was getting very cold!! I found this bit psychologically quite tough and I started to feel a bit sick. We got to the checkpoint and met up with Mark, Mike and Dave. Mark was also feeling a bit ropey at this point and after snacks and drinks, we all set off up the Gap together. I had a dodgy moment and had to stop for a minute or two. After peanuts and a cereal bar I started to feel a bit better. The chaps helped us through the horrible icy bit (tho poor Steph and her bottom became rather attached to the slippery floor!!!). Once through the worst of it we lost sight of the boys who steamed on ahead. At this point one of the marshalls (Jeremy I think) caught us up and walked to the next checkpoint with us. We were very tired but also knew we were going to do it!!

Every time we got on to a road and thought we could speed up a bit, we'd hit more ice and slow right down again. The marshalls at the checkpoints were fantastic and very encouraging. When we arrived at the last checkpoint, we discovered that lovely Gilly (who had been there at the end of our first lap at 2.30pm), was still there.... she must have been frozen. She was going to walk the rest of the way back with us (another 4 miles!!!). We caught back up with Mark, Dave and Mike and trudged on knowing we were nearly there.....

With about 2 miles to go we caught sight of a headtorch bobbing towards us. It was Carol, fuelled by Veuve Cliquot, who came to support us the last couple of miles. It was so lovely and a real boost. Mike and Dave went on ahead and finished. Me, Steph and Mark finished in a very proud last place in 15 hours and 34 minutes. We actually received Lantern Rouge award the next day.... google it - we're very proud!!! We had a welcoming committee who were standing at the end of the road and clapping us home. Fabulous. 48 miles done and dusted.....

All in all, this event was probably the best I've taken part in. Well organised, small and personal, friendly and good fun.

I will definitely be going back next year, and it's given me bags of confidence for the Mds.

Finally, it was so great to meet so many lovely people. Can't wait for March and tent life to begin!

Money money money

2008-11-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

I originally took up running because I thought it would be cheap (free actually). Blimey how wrong was I?!!!

Anyway, last week I did 6 mile run, 10 mile walk (which made me ache like hell as I haven't walked since August). Not doing huge distances at the moment as don't want to cause problems before the Beacons event (which is only just over 2 weeks away!!!). Did just over 4 miles on Monday and went to the gym yesterday. Starting to work on my back, arms and shoulders now in preparation for lugging the backpack around.

As for the financial side of things : I am constructing a list to take up to the Beacons with me. Hopefully will be able to get all of my kit when I'm there. Can't wait. That will make it seem all very scary. I need to start testing out the food too. I'm wondering what Andy will make of being served freeze dried dinners out of the packet. Yum.

Will go out again on Friday. I haven't decided whether to run or walk but whatever I do it will be 10 miles +.

2008-11-10T03:30:00.001-08:00

Didn't take long to recover from Dublin and I'm still buzzing from the experience! Iwent out last week and did 4.4 miles on Tuesday and then 6 miles on Friday. I was going to attempt the backpack on Sunday (yesterday) but one of the girls is poorly and off school today so that's been put back. Also have a sore neck/shoulder which won't shift and am slightly concerned about making that worse.

Hoping to go out tomorrow (children/neck permitting).

Fingers crossed.

Dublin

2008-10-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

So here's my report for the Dublin Marathon.

We arrived in Dublin on Saturday afternoon (it was raining!), and once we'd got to our hotel, we threw our stuff in the room and went to the expo to get my running number etc. I had a bit of a dodgy throat but nothing to worry about at the time. On Sunday it was a beautiful day - cold, and bright and bloody windy. Not good!! In the afternoon we met up with fellow running/bloggy type people Trev, Julie, Judith and Keith. We had a few drinks and chatted about this and that. As the day wore on I started to feel a bit dodgy. My throat was bothering me and I felt like the problem was creeping towards my chest. I wasn't happy and very pessimistic about Monday. We met up with Sharon in the evening (who was also running) and her brother Rob for a meal. Had a nice evening but was still fretting about the task ahead and whether I should be doing it with a dodgy chest.

We had an early night followed by an early rise the next morning. I got up at 6.30am and could hardly speak. My chest felt a bit tight - aaahhhh!!! I knew it would probably clear once I'd been up for a while so I got ready and went down to have breakfast with Andy.

As usual for me before a long run, I took a variety of pills (Immodium and Ibruprofen) and decided I would start the race and see how I felt. At the end of the day, if I felt rough I would just stop (though that doesn't sit comfortably with me at all).

It was freezing cold outside but calmer than the day before. Andy walked me to the baggage area and then we said our goodbyes and I made my way to the start (which was about a 20 minute walk).

The race started at 9am and it only took a couple of minutes to cross the line. I decided that I would try and stick with 10 min miles for as long as I could and then after that, just play it by ear. I actually felt pretty good and soon settled into a decent pace. I kept my jacket on for quite a while which is unusual for me, but I didn't want to make the dodgy throat/chest worse!

Because I undertrained for this event I was expecting to walk on and off but because I felt okay, decided that I wouldn't stop at all until I'd see Andy and the others who were going to watch at certain points. I had a revolting gel at about 6/7 miles which definitely helped (despite making me feel like vomiting). I was still at a comfortable pace and enjoying Phoenix Park which is beautiful. I was soon past the 11 mile mark and wondering where Andy was when my phone rang. He said 'We're at the 11 mile mark, where are you?' 'Just gone past!' was the reply!! Couldn't believe I'd missed them and they obviously thought I was going to be a lot slower (bloody cheek!!!). He said they'd make their way to 19 miles which was fine. I was still feeling pretty good but walked at this point to have another gel (which did make me heave). I only ever walked briefly to have a drink or something to eat which I was quite proud of as it's unusual for me! Andy rang again when I reached about 15 miles to see how long I'd be. At this point I started to feel crap. My hip was really hurting (which is what buggered me up last year) and I was having negative thoughts!! I had some more painkillers and just plodded on and started to pick up again. Felt good again and actually made it to 19 miles a lot quicker than I expected to. I think it was about 3 hours 20 mins into it. They were quite shocked too!

It was at this point that I started to think I might actually crack the 5 hour barrier if I carried like this. I couldn't actually believe this because I haven't put the training in - and a 5 hour marathon to me was something totally out of reach in my mind. I had another gel to get me through the last few miles and felt fine up to about 22/23 miles. The wheels were starting to fall off but I knew I could do it and refused to let the bastard beat me. My little toe was really hurting and I knew it was blistered but decided against stopping to sort it out (so glad I made that decision, which I will explain later).

At 24 miles, I knew even if I walked the rest (which I wasn't prepared to do), I would get in under 5 hours so was feeling very proud of myself and very close to tears too. I had my name on my vest, which surprisingly not many people did, so got lots of shouts from the crowd. That really helped especially in the last couple of miles. Because you are back in the city centre then, there are loads of people all willing you to get to the end. I knew Andy was right near the finish (in a pub!!) just before a bend in the road that leads to the all important line.....

I was officially knackered and didn't have an awful lot left at this point, I would start walking and then have someone yell 'Come on Rachael' at me which started me off again. I saw Andy and then turned the corner to see the clock....

Last year it took me 5 hours 37 minutes and 17 seconds
This year it too me 4 hours 52 minutes and 40 seconds

How pleased am I?

I love the Dublin marathon. It's much smaller than London which is the only other marathon I've completed but in my opinion it's so much nicer.

I will be back and who knows, may be next year I can get 4 hrs 30?

Oh, I almost forgot..... my toe was absolutely killing me once I'd stopped and after meeting up in the pub (of course), we went back to the hotel. I took my trainers off and my socks and saw the problem. My little toe on my right foot was almost twice the normal length and width and was basically made up of a very large blood blister. It was agony!! I had to peel off the tape I had put around it before I set off that morning which was really painful. I put a couple of holes in it to drain it and then Andy went to reception to ask for a sewing kit so I could thread some cotton through it. It drained very nicely but is still really painful. God knows what it will be like during the Mds. I'm still considering amputation.....

5 days to go...

2008-10-21T04:53:00.001-07:00

I went for a 6 mile run yesterday. Steady, ploddy and okay. Still not sure how I'll manage 26 and I know there will be walking involved! Furiously making lists now for all the kit I need to get on my return. This will be the first birthday and Christmas ever where I have not indulged myself in lovely things..... this time will be practical - sleeping bag, swiss army knife, freeze dried food etc! Lovely!

I will probably do 4 miles on Friday and that'll be it. Can't wait to go now and get it over with!!

2 weeks to go...

2008-10-13T03:30:00.001-07:00

Went out and did 13.14 miles on Wednesday. Felt good and managed to stick at the same pace throughout. Caught a bug from the kids and on Friday felt really rough. It's Monday now and although I feel okay I don't really have much of an appetite. Didn't run today for that reason as I don't have a lot of energy. Hopefully will go out tomorrow. Really can't wait now!!!

I'm a reject!!!!

2008-10-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Didn't get in the London Marathon ballot - actually not too fussed as its only 3 weeks after I return from the Mds (hopefully in one piece). The London Marathon on top of that probably would be a tad ambitious.

I did 10.45 miles on Friday which was actually quite enjoyable. Trouble is when I returned home my bottom lip was a bit blue (eek!) and I felt quite ropey for the rest of the day. Felt a bit sick and not very hungry. I don't know whether I just didn't eat/drink enough. I haven't used gels for ages and maybe that was the problem (because I haven't actually run that sort of distance for so long). I'll be throwing a Nuun in the water tomorrow and see if that helps.

Once Dublin is over I will try and build upper body strength as well as get in the miles. I don't think my back could cope at the moment with carrying 12kg+ of weight every day. So much to do and frighteningly little time to do it in!

I'm going for 13 miles tomorrow. Fingers crossed it'll go well!

more miles

2008-09-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

I was quite pleased with last week's efforts considering I've been slacking!! I did 9.4 miles yesterday (Monday) and want to do more tomorrow (Wed). I'm going to up the mileage over the next two weeks and then give myself 2 weeks before Dublin to slow down a bit. Can't do much more now.

Just trying to sort out the Beacons Ultra, getting to Cardiff, then to Brecon courtesy of some kind soul with a car. Really looking forward to this one although it's scarily close and I need to buy stuff for that too. Be good to meet everybody properly (and have a drink with them on Sunday).

5 weeks to go....

2008-09-22T04:44:00.000-07:00

So Dublin is looming and as usual I'm not really prepared. I'm crap at following training plans and feel really guilty about it. Life just ruins training plans! Anyway, I'm trying to make amends. I did 4.4 miles on Sunday morning. I needed to blow the cobwebs away because I'd been drinking all day (and night) on saturday. Felt good tho. My usual steady 10 min miles (yep, I'm that quick). I went out again this morning (Monday) and did 9.4 miles. The .4 bit is very important! Anyway, I feel good and I know I'll be okay for Dublin, I just won't get a decent time, but then I'm used to that.

Still really not sure what to do about my footwear. It's not something I want to get wrong too many times because it costs a fortune. Brooks Adrenalines were recommended to me and they do actually do those in a trail shoe (probably said this already but my memory's crap).

Am going to force myself to do marathon circuits tomorrow and then I'll run again on Wednesday morning. The reality is that there's only really 6 months to go now and I think the denial should end! I need to start thinking about fundraising too.

I'm in, I'm in!!!!!

2008-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

So Thursday was the day I've been waiting for since March 2007. I got a phone call from Sarah at BOM asking me if I wanted my place on the Mds!! Er.... Yeah!!! I pretty much knew I had a place because I was so high up on the waitlist. But, hearing it after all this time is something I can't really describe. I can't imagine actually being there, but this means that the next 7 months of my life are going to be pretty hectic. I'm going to give this every ounce of energy I have. My dad's put his faith (and cash) in me and I won't let him down, as well as wanting to raise money for my two charities. I keep watching various Mds dvds that I have - looking at them, thinking that'll be me... I'll be suffering like all the other people that have been before me. My feet will be rotten, I'll ache like I've never ached before and I'll probably feel like giving up every 2 or 3 hours. Who cares?!!! The experience will be unlike anything I've ever done (or am ever likely to do) so whatever it throws at me I'll deal with.

Plus it means I get to meet all the people I've been getting to know over the last few months. Such a great bunch and I'm sure we'll have a blast. At least we have the opportunity to meet up in December thanks to Likeys and the Beacons Ultra. I have a feeling that event will become pretty big over the coming years!

Anyway, I ran 6.5 miles on Friday morning and this morning (Sunday). A drop in the ocean, but it all helps. Marathon circuits at some point this week as I need to improve my stamina if I'm going to last the distance!!

Looking forward to Tuesday, but more of that later.

A nice plod

2008-08-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

Actually went out for a run. Managed to do 6.5 miles which I'm quite chuffed with as I haven't been for so long. Much as I love having the kids at home it'll be good when they go back to school because at least training can resume as normal (or not normal depending which way you look at it).

My feet are okay (still don't look great!!). Once the skin has stopped peeling I will endeavour to get my heels nice and smooth. It'll take some doing I think!

So a week off now and then marathon training. Only about 8 weeks until Dublin!!!

Shedding skin

2008-08-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

My feet are a lot better but I'm still losing skin (to be honest, I keep peeling it off). My heels are quiet raw (ouch!) and a couple of toes too.

I am putting cream/vaseline on them with socks when I can (lovely) to try and get rid of the rough bits.

On Monday I ran on the treadmill. It was bliss to actually run (something I don't think I've actually done since Easter!). I did 3 miles and, much as I hate the treadmill, I was quite pleased with myself. I really need to get back on the roads though.

Once the girls go back to school I need to get stuck into my marathon training programme and I want to get to the gym and strengthen muscles in my legs and core. I won't be doing any more massive walks until the feet are 100% and I've got new trainers!

And I was right.....!

2008-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

It was bloody torture! Not all of it, but most!

Saturday I met Carol, Steph and Rose at the Travelodge we were staying in (thanks Carol) and after general chat and looking at all the kit Carol has got so far (OMG!!!), we set off to register and hit the pub. It was good to actually meet three fellow mds-ers (tho I've met Steph briefly before). Good to talk about the Mds without feeling like you're boring the pants of everybody!!

The Kent 50 (actually just over 52 miles) is organised by a guy called Mike who has completed the Mds twice himself (and the Gobi and various other things). Quite a few of the people taking part and some of the chaps manning the checkpoints have also done it. Such a friendly bunch of people too. We had something to eat at the pub which Mike very kindly said was on him....

We got up at about 4.45am and had breakfast (again, courtesy of Carol - this lady (sorry Carol :laughing:) does not travel lightly. She came with a small fridge in tow!!!!

We were a tiny bit late to the start but Carol managed to get us there just after 6am (killing a poor defenceless pigeon on the way :laughing:).

We all set off together but Rose was soon off into the distance. We did see her a couple of times throughout at the pub. Well done Rose - hope you felt okay after I saw you...!

For the first couple of laps I felt reasonably okay. I had taped my feet pretty well (I thought). Heels were padded and taped and most of my toes. However my feet felt sore and I knew I was going to end up with blisters. We were on a pretty tight schedule to complete it before the cut off (15 hours) so our pitstops were pretty short which I think suited us fine. At the first opportunity I sorted out my feet, more tape, popped a blister etc etc, new socks but they were very uncomfortable. Once I got going each time I could handle it (probably because I'm so bloody used to it!!) but it's not pleasant to walk like that! Carol started to have knee problems too and every so often that gave her grief... hope it's okay today Carol! Steph seems to plough on with no problems - always chirpy too. I really admire you Steph!!

We started lap 6 (out of 8) and had slowed up a bit. About half way through (I think we had just passed mile 3) my heel popped. It bloody hurt and I couldn't put it down on the floor. Steph and Carol were a bit ahead of me because I was hobbling. I looked up to see them waiting but waved them on. I really didn't want to hold them up because if they were to finish they couldn't have walked at my pace now - bloody ridiculously slow!! They soon disappeared into the distance and I just wanted to get to the end of the lap. One of the guys at the 5 mile checkpoint (also saw him just after mile 1 I think) was lovely. The girls had told him I was having problems and he was so sweet. He gave me a drink and told me to take it easy. I carried on going and then heard a runner behind me. I moved over and he asked if I was okay. He'd been taking part with his daughter who had to pull out at 40 miles with calf problems. He said he'd walk the rest of the lap with me which I was very chuffed about! I probably would have been a hell of a lot longer had he not chatted to me all the way. Thanks Tony!

So the Kent 50 turned into the Kent 40 for me. My feet are well and truly buggered and I'm seriously wondering how the hell I'm going to get through the Mds if I can't find the right solution to the f*cking blister problems. The fact is that I won't get through more than 2 days if they're like this. My feet were okay before I started but I had lost a lot of skin on my heels from the Trailwalker (3 weeks previously) and I suppose I was asking for trouble. I've seen some New Balance trail shoes that on paper sound like they have everything I need. It means forking out more cash for yet another pair of trainers but I'm willing to do that if I eventually find the right combination!

I'm not disappointed because I know I can cover the distance and I know mentally I could keep myself going - just not with a big hole in my heel!!

I saw Rose who had finished at this point - fantastic job by her. I let Carol and Steph know that I had got back and was calling it a day (which I'm sure they knew!!!).

A pleasure to walk with them and have a natter about the Mds and other things too.

This wasn't my first ultra distance but I know I still have a hell of a lot to learn. I watched the Jack Osborne dvd last night (kindly lent to me by Steph) and it really made me think...

I am sitting here now with about 10 bits of cotton threaded through various blisters to drain them. I'm not doing any more ultras for the time being as will be training for Dublin now. I'm going to get my feet back to tip top condition, get the New Balance shoes and go from there.

I have a sneaking suspicion tho that I will get blisters whatever I do. If I can just thin them out a bit it would help!!

I had my camera with me the whole time and didn't take one bloody photo!! I can't believe it! Steph took a few I think so look forward to seeing those.

Still, another 'ultra' distance done and a bit more experience under my belt. Just need a whole lot more....!

More torture in store

2008-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted since the Trailwalker as have had nothing to report. I've recovered (just about). Lost two more toe nails and copious amounts of skin from my heels. I'm looking forward to the Kent 50 now but I'm nervous. I know I can cover the distance and also have the bonus of knowing that I won't be walking through the night. I don't mind the early start (register at 5am!!) as I'd rather that the the night walk.... psychologically very hard and something I will have to really give myself a good talking to about come next March.

I'm meeting fellow Mds nutters and forum friends Carol and Steph at a nearby Travelodge (sorted out by Carol) on Saturday night. Should be a laugh. Will also get to meet Rose from the forum too. I can't wait. We're all in the same boat (tho I still think I'm slighty behind in the fitness and experience stakes!!!) so should have a laugh if nothing else. One of my Trailwalker teammates is also doing it (Trev) so it'll be good to see him too. I'm hoping the weather's decent because we can leave our stuff at the start/finish of each lap so can top up with whatever we like every 6.55 miles. I keep telling myself that it's only 8 laps (!!!) which doesn't sound too bad. I might have a different opinion after 10 hours or so.

Andy and the girls are hopefully going to come up in the afternoon (weather permitting) to watch a bit and of course cart me home afterwards. I wish I could stay with Carol and Steph and have a good drink personally but needs must!

Once the Kent 50 is done and dusted I don't have any other ultra distance events lined up. I've got a training plan for Dublin thanks to Andy W (cheers matey) and when I've completed that, I'm going to start training with a pack. It all seems a bit surreal at the moment (and probably will do until I'm standing at Gatwick airport....). I can't imagine actually going/being there at all.

I'll be back on Sunday to let you know how it went.

Oxfam Trailwalker 2008

2008-07-22T02:19:00.000-07:00

Well - that was something else!! Anyone considering something like this, please read on!

Met up with Trev, Julie and Gary at the B&B we had booked for Friday night (no camping malarky for us!!!) (lightweights or heads screwed on.... time will tell!).

We set off to register and to meet Sean and Claire. On arriving, we saw Pabs which was lovely. Shortly after Lou. Always smiley of course! Annie and Laura hadn't arrived at this point. We filled in all our forms and queued up for the kit check. I must say that from this moment and throughout the whole event, the Ghurkas were absolutely first class. Fantastic guys and incredibly dedicated. These are the chaps who can complete the Trailwalker in 10 hours. Yup - 10 HOURS!!

Once we'd kit checked we went down to the camp site and helped Sean and Claire put up their tent. It was at this point that it started raining (and it was bloody freezing). Still, tent looked quite cosy (!). Got our race numbers and timing chips and then went and had lovely steaming hot food (spag bol) made and served by the Ghurkas.

Once we'd eaten we decided to go back and try and get some shut eye for the task ahead!
After a fab cooked breakfast, we returned to the campsite ready to go with Trev's car loaded to the rafters and Claire and Sean's also pretty rammed (mostly with food!!). Nick Sirs appeared to wish us well. He took photos and then proceeded to record us for posterity. Well, as I'm sure he may already have mentioned he wanted to film me - well he only filmed my back. Sorry Nick - hate my voice on film and was full of jitters thinking about the following 24ish hours!!
They had a loan piper at the start (very moving) to get us going.

We started at 10am (it was raining!). Then we were off. Within 10 minutes the sun was shining and it was actually quite hot. We had agreed with our lovely support crew that we would see them at checkpoint 3. They could then have a bit of time in a pub (typical!) and we could cover a bit of ground while we still felt fresh. First few kilometers flew by and we didn't stop for too long.

We met Claire Julie and Andy at checkpoint 3. The kettle was on and we had a lovely cup of tea and biscuits etc. More Vaseline was put on feet, general maintenance and we were off again. We said we would meet them again at checkpoint 5.

We were having a real laugh and making really good time. Because the legs were pretty tired, when we saw a downhill stretch that wasn't full of stones we actually jogged down them. It's bliss for the legs when you've been trudging away for hours and we got some very strange looks too! We got to the checkpoint and had more refreshment. Decided not to hang around too much, change of socks etc....

From this point we decided we wanted to see our support crew at each checkpoint. I can't remember what time it was at this point, but we knew darkness would be with us by the next checkpoint. We left torches etc behind and made it our aim to get there before dark. We saw Annie, Laura, Pabs and Lou (team JBJ) en route. On the way I heard from Phil K. Bless him and Mrs K - they said they would come and meet us at checkpoint 6. They had seen the JBJs earlier on in the day. It was lovely to see them - treated them to a bit of blister popping etc. My heel was at this point really sore and so was my hip (walking strangely to stop the heel hurting). Kept popping pills and felt slightly sick but still in fairly good spirits. So we donned our head torches and hi-vis vests (yeah baby!).

Now things started to change. It was probably about half ten at this point and cold. Walking in the dark is NOT easy!! Sean also had blisters on his heels and I think Trev was suffering slighty (Gary's made of steel by all accounts!). Sean and I walked on tip toes when we left this checkpoint and I have to say I felt crap. Still felt sick.

By the time we got to checkpoint 7 (which was the hot meal checkpoint) I wanted to cry. I'd held it back for quite a while (walking with 3 manly guys does put you off slightly - not that they would have minded!). Anyway, we got our food and went to join our team. Claire offered me her blanket because I was shivering and that's it - the tears started!! I felt low and I think we were all feeling the same. Our support crew were bloody freezing too but lovely as ever.

Onwards and upwards, we carried on. Fairly uneventful (and very quiet) for a while. Between checkpoints 8 and 9 was the longest stretch. We knew it would take about 3 hours (mostly in the dark). It was bloody hard and we were very quiet. Sean was brilliant because he kept us up to date with what we should be seeing, which way we should be going and how far we had left. It all helps. We saw our lovely support at checkpoint 9 and it was at this point we knew the next time we saw them would be the end (no cars could stop at checkpoint 10). It was approximately 11 and a bit kilometers to the finish now. It was at this point that we had (yet another) very steep hill. Torture!! One thing about the South Downs it seems is that you are either going up hill (for what seems like eternity) or coming down one (which was more painful!). Bearing in mind the Trailwalker covers an ascent the same as climbing Ben Nevis (twice!).

The end was in sight and at checkpoint 10 we just grabbed a drink and left. The first aid guy told me I was looking very pale and did I want to sit down - HAVING A LAUGH OBVIOUSLY. If I sat down I wouldn't bloody get up again! We pressed on and after was seemed like 4 hours (probably just over 1) we saw Brighton race course. We'd cracked it. We crossed the line in 22 hours and 22 minutes on the clock. We got in at 8.30am. I think I can speak for the guys when I say we were so chuffed with that time. The second half had been bloody hard and we all struggled in some way or another. I sobbed quite a bit when we finished and I think even my lovely manly chaps were a tad emotional too....! We had our pics taken and then I went to get my feet bandaged. Ouch ouch ouch (and more tears)

I want to thank Trev, Sean and Gary for being fantastic team mates. They kept me going when quite frankly I felt like shit. I wouldn't have quit, but they gave me the boost to try and walk that little bit quicker when I could. Thanks you lot - couldn't have done it without you. Also a massive thank you to Julie, Andy and Claire. What brilliant support - you stuck with us for the entire race, despite being knackered (about 2 hours sleep between them) but still managed to smile and get us everything we needed.

Also massive congratulations to the JBJs. Great to see your finishing photo. Next year? Good to see Lou and Pabs at the finish.

I will leave you with some pics (including some corking ones of my feet). I can't actually put weight on my heels and my legs are so stiff I can't bend them. But I loved it. Would I do it again. Of course I would!

2 days....

2008-07-16T09:09:00.001-07:00

Only 2 days!! That's it - that's all I've got left before clocking up 62 miles (hopefully) in about 24 hours. Still bloody nervous and I'm annoyed because I've got a bit of sore skin on my heel (from a blister that was lurking underneath hard skin). I had to get rid of the skin because otherwise it would just give me grief, but now I'm worried it'll hurt for the whole time I'm walking. And that's a long time to hurt!

I'm off to Bluewater tomorrow to invest in a shiny new headtorch (very glamorous this life). I need one for next year anyway and it will no doubt help with the Trailwalk. I could come to serious harm if I can't see where I'm going in the middle of the night across the South Downs!

Trailwalker preparations

2008-07-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

So only 4 days to go until the Trailwalker. I have to say I'm getting pretty nervous now. The distance scares the living crap out of me! Still, it'll be a good indication of whether I have a hope in hell of completing the MdS!

Been sorting my stuff out this morning. Between us we are taking quite a bit! I went out yesterday to buy supplies such as biscuits, sweets, peanuts, more biscuits, hot chocolate, cup a soups, cookies (biscuits!), flapjacks, Haribos.... and the list goes on. Not intending on eating all of this obviously but it'll help along the way. I'm taking a couscous dish, pasta and potatoes too (all good carbs!). We need to take food for our support crew too as they are obviously traipsing around after us for a good 24 hours.

It takes a fair bit of organisation (which is why I'm starting now). I love making lists (have to make them) and want to make sure I'm completely prepared by Friday. I have to get all the kids' stuff ready too as they're staying at mum and dads so it's something else to think about. No walking this week. I'm preserving every bit of energy I have!

I'm just hoping and praying that my trainers will be okay, my feet will remain intact and that we will all make it to the end, still talking and able to laugh...

Perhaps laughing might come after the memories have faded!

24 miles!!!

2008-07-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

I did it! I'm very pleased because today wasn't exactly the best day for walking. It didn't stop raining once!! I wore the new trainers and, although my feet really ache (not surprisingly) and are very white and wrinkly from getting so wet, they don't actually feel too bad. I was definitely aware that I had a lot more room in the toe area!

My heels are pretty sore (really need to sort the hard skin out - yuck) and my little toe, as ever, is sore but I really think that's more to do with the fact they were soaked for approximately 5 hours.

Really glad I did it anyway. Although school holidays are going to bugger up training to an extent, after the summer break, I'm definitely going to try and do a marathon distance walk a week. Psychologically it helps!

Off to cover my feet in Vaseline.

New shoes (again)

2008-07-08T13:28:00.001-07:00

As I took a trip to Bluewater today to meet a friend (who I haven't seen for 4 years - was great to catch up).... I thought it would be rude not to pop into SheRunsHeRuns to have a nose. And there was a sale on! I was going to buy the usuals (Mizuno Nirvana) and asked one of the guys who worked there what he thought. Explained about the ever decreasing toe nail situation and the fact that my feet are quite squashed when walking in them. He said that Mizunos are actually quite a narrow shoe (great!). He suggested trying either Nike or New Balance and gave me a couple to try. The NB shoes actually come in different width fittings. Tried a pair on and although they were comfy, the Nikes were much better. I actually feel like I can move my toes!

My Mizunos are for over pronators and solved all my shin splint problems, dodgy knees etc etc. However, the Nikes are neutral shoes. The guy in the shop said this shouldn't be a problem because obviously the impact while walking is a hell of a lot less than when running. He said a neutral shoe should do the job. I'm hoping he's right. As for the Invo8s that I got a while back, he said they are a really narrow shoe. Now I know why I lost both big toe nails and the small ones are non-existent. I think a sale on Ebay may be in order.

Anyway, the Nikes were £45 in the sale (bargain!). I've mapped a route for tomorrow of 24 miles. Tempted to wear them and just see how I go because I know if I wear my old trainers my feet will be buggered by the time I get home. Decisions, decisions.....

Plus it's supposed to be chucking it down with rain all day tomorrow (joy) so not sure what to do yet. Definitely taking a rain coat tho!!

I've been reading on the mds forums tonight about footwear issues, whether road shoes or trail shoes are best for the MdS. Basically the opinion is that you could ask 100 people what they would recommend and you would get 100 different answers. In other words, go with what's comfortable for you and don't change your mind once you're happy. That's good enough for me. Once I've found the right shoes, I will sort out how I'm going to get my gaiters glued/stitched on and I should be good to go. The rest will obviously be a breeze (of course).

I'm now considering the Bullock Smithy. It's the 6th/7th September (am supposed to be doing a 5k that weekend, but I guess this is more what I need and I promised myself to do an event a month). Just need to find a YH or somewhere very cheap nearby (it's near Stockport) and hope that I can walk with someone who's good at navigating!

Right, I should go and prepare my feet for the nightmare of tomorrow!

Short run

2008-07-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

I went for a short (and slow as usual) run yesterday. Did 4 miles. It was bloody hot too (something I suppose I should try and get used to!). I've got another toenail lifting now (and it really hurts) so am just waiting for it to pop, fall off, or do whatever it needs to do. I was going to do a Group Cycling class today but my legs really ache so thought I'd give it a miss.

I'll do a long walk on Friday (provided my daughter is okay as she came home sick today). I'll run Sunday morning and then back to normal (whatever that is) next week. The following week I'll probably just walk a bit each day as I don't want to do any long ones the week before the Trailwalker. It's getting scarily close now.

14 miles

2008-06-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Went for a walk this morning. What a beautiful day!! Started off with two friends and we did about 10 miles together. I carried on because I want to up the mileage before the Trailwalker. Did another 4 miles (14.38 in total). Feel good. My feet ache a lot but on the whole they're not too bad. I covered them in Vaseline before I left which seems to help (tho need to find an alternative for the desert as sand + vaseline is obviously not a good mix!). Only thing is my little toe on my left foot is sore underneath. The skin is quite hard and unfortunately too sore to get rid of (never seems to be any different!). No blisters tho!

Running tomorrow.

Still haven't moved up the waitlist but I emailed BOM last week and Sarah told me that it was 'highly unlikely' that I wouldn't get a place. Yay. The first payments are due in September and BOM have sent an email to all competitors for next year, asking that if any want to defer their place, they should let BOM know by the first week in August (I think that's right). By then I might move up the two places necessary to be an official competitor. Can't wait for that day!

Ouch

2008-06-25T02:45:00.000-07:00

Ouch - because the spinning has bruised me!! My legs feel okay (tho a bit tired), but I have to say that I feel a bit battered in the 'saddle' region (that's the nicest way I can think of putting it on here). Damn bike saddles. I can't understand why they don't pad them out a bit and make them slightly more comfortable!!

I went for a short run (jog). Did 4 miles and felt okay tho my legs are tired. A rest day tomorrow and then I'm either running or walking on Friday morning. Depends on what time I'm leaving to see Bon Jovi (woo hoo!!). Think I'm meeting Rach in Richmond to have something to eat before we hit Twickenham. Can't wait. Haven't actually met Rach before but we have plenty in common (obviously) and we're both called Rach. Can't be bad!!

Ellie is okay today so she's gone to school. Fingers crossed I don't get a phone call as I have thousands of birthday presents to buy (busy time of year at school as everyone has birthdays). The kids have a very good social life!!

Spinning

2008-06-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Good God. I've only been spinning (group cycling) once before, quite a long time ago. I remembered it being very hard.

And I wasn't wrong. It damn nearly killed me!! My legs really didn't know what had hit them. There was quite a lot of out of the saddle stuff which I will probably pay for tomorrow and the day after.

Having said that, I did enjoy it (sweated buckets!!). If I do it once a week I'm hoping the benefits will show fairly soon. I need to strengthen my legs as they seem pretty weak at the moment. I'm sure this will help!

Tomorrow I'm hoping to go for a run (depending on how the legs feel). Also depends on my youngest daughter as she's not feeling great (sore throat, flushed etc) and I'm not sure she'll be okay for school. We'll see.

I need food - I'm off!

10 miles

2008-06-23T12:47:00.001-07:00

Did a leisurely 10 mile walk this morning. Didn't really feel like it as stomach feels crap but glad I went anyway.

Need to up the mileage as I don't feel very prepared for the Trailwalker at the moment! I'm sure in a week or two I can get back up to marathon distances and then I'll feel better about it! My feet are in surprisingly good shape tho I do have a couple of hotspots on my third and fourth toe (right foot).

I'm going to a spinning class tomorrow which will almost certainly damage me in some way. Still, it's worth a go!

Am incredibly excited to the point of practically peeing myself at the moment. I was supposed to be going to see Bon Jovi on Friday but had a nightmare with the tickets (bloody company went bust), so my dreams were shattered (how dramatic am I?). Anyway, other Rach (who I was going with) rang today to say that the tickets she was sent are seated (not Golden Circle) and did I still want one? Said it wasn't possible because of kids etc etc.....

BUT hubby is going to be home early AND has said he will pick me up afterwards. SO I'M GOING. Can't bloody believe it and am so happy!!!!

Twickenham Stadium here I come. Two Rach's, one day and one damn fine looking bloke. Aaaahhhhh!!!!

(Sorry, I know this is supposed to be a running/walking blog but this IS important).

Just a quickie

2008-06-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

I had to take Ellie for a hospital appointment this morning, but was determined to go for a run when I got back. Almost talked myself out of it because I always feel slightly deflated when I've been there with her. Anyway, got my running gear on and went out with music blaring - it was actually Burning Heart by Survivor which helped! I managed to do 4.5 miles which wasn't too bad. I'm slightly scared at how hard running is now - I've been doing a lot of walking and need to get back into it.

I ordered Fixing Your Feet the other day (Vonhof). It came today and it has made me realise that my feet are basically what's going to carry me around the desert (no shit!) so they need taking care of. I am making a promise here and now that by the end of the summer (it will take a while), they will be like a baby's bottom. Need to get rid of the hot spots, which is basically a nicer word than callus. They are underneath my toes and are what really hurt when I get blisters underneath.

What Vonhof says in the book makes an awful lot of sense (and its pretty bloody obvious really)but I suppose, stupidly, feet can get neglected....

I may even treat myself to a date with a chiropodist (foot butcher in my opinion), and then a pedicure to top it off. I can't bear to go and have a pedicure until my toe nails have grown back tho. I don't want to make the poor soul who has to do it feel like throwing up.

Onwards and upwards!

Back to the park

2008-06-18T03:52:00.000-07:00

I'm getting back into this walking/running lark now.... (about time). I went to the park again, with a friend today. We started off running together after we'd had our second child(ren). Neither of us had ever done any running at that time (it was January 2004) and we literally used to run for a minute, then walk for 5, run for 1 minute etc etc! We improved quite quickly! She is one of the Moonwalkers so fit anyway, but she hasn't run for a while. Anyway, we did 2 circuits of the park (which is just over 2 miles), then we walked one, ran another circuit. My friend wanted to walk at this point so I carried on and ran another. Then I walked back to meet her and we walked around again. So I did 6 circuits (4 running and 2 walking). Feel good and better than I did on Friday when I went.

I won't be doing anything tomorrow, but Friday I will go running again. I might run around the roads and see if I can do 10 miles. Although I am obviously focusing on the Trailwalker (in the short term) and the MdS I was to train well for the Dublin Marathon. I don't know if I've put this down already, but I might run/walk Dublin with my pack on. Not sure yet as I want to see where I'm at in October!

These boots were made for walking....

2008-06-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

Monday 16th June: went out for a trawl around the sunny pavements of Bromley and West Wickham with a friend. We did 10 miles which I was pleased with AND my feet were reasonably okay. I smothered them in Vaseline before I went out because I'm trying work out what will stop me getting horrible blisters. They survived! I only have one small blister (a flat one tho) so I will be using Vaseline again! Bought some surgical spirit today so I'm going to start working on my feet, getting rid of the hard, dry skin (lovely), and getting them primed for long painful walks (Trailwalker in four weeks!!).

Off out again tomorrow. Not sure how far or whether it will consist of running or walking.....

A jaunt in the park

2008-06-13T03:37:00.000-07:00

I wanted to go running but have lost a bit of confidence lately, so thought I'd go to the park instead. It's just a fraction over a mile all the way around the outside and quite a decent place to run. A few dog walkers about so I don't feel totally isolated!

I did 6 circuits of the park. I think in total I walked almost 2 laps and ran the rest. Felt terrible to start with as my legs are still like jelly after the bike on Tuesday. My trouble is, because I feel so crap to start with, I just want to give up (not good when you think of next year). But once I get going I'm fine. I'm really conscious of building up slowly though because I don't want injuries. Shin splints WILL rear their ugly head if I start doing too much, too soon. Dublin is still about 18 weeks away (roughly) so I've got plenty of time. I've also decided that when I start going out with the pack, I will go to the park. Partly because I want to get used to it without the world and his wife looking at me thinking I'm a complete arse, and partly because its quiet there and I can just get on with my own thing!

I will go out again on Sunday and just see how I feel. No plans for a particular distance! Monday I'll be walking, hopefully about 10 miles.

Busy weekend ahead but it should be nice as we've actually got the chance to go out for a meal together (me and hubby). Very rare!!!

Gym

2008-06-10T11:48:00.001-07:00

I went to the gym today. Managed to do 28km on the bike. It was 28.3 to be precise and I suppose that must equal about 17ish miles so quite pleased with that. It took 1 hour and 5 mins (5 mins was the warm down). Legs were absolutely killing me. I put the bike on level 8 but I don't know how many levels it has, so no idea if that's a good thing!! Also did 2000 metres on the rowing machine.

Hoping to either go back to the gym tomorrow to go on the cross trainer, or I might run around the park, haven't decided yet.

We watched the MdS dvd kindly sent by Craig (MdS forum). The ITV4 programme I'd obviously seen before, but still great to watch. The Eurosport I hadn't seen and enjoyed it very much. Again, had tears in my eyes - can't quite believe I'm doing it!! Still no. 2 on the waitlist so I suppose there's a chance I might not be. Unlikely tho.

Thursday will be a rest day, and then Friday I'll go for another run.

Brace yourselves.....

2008-06-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've actually been running! I'm pleased I've been as the last time was in the snow during the Easter holidays (so quite a while ago now). Did 4 miles but I had to walk because my legs were officially knackered! For the first time in ages tho, my feet were fine!! I know it was only 4 miles, but its a start!

I'm going to the gym tomorrow to attack one of the bikes. Then I'll run again on Wednesday and Friday.

Off to watch my MdS dvd (thanks Craig!)....

Couch Potato

2008-06-05T05:57:00.000-07:00

I haven't written anything lately, because there's nothing to report! We were on holiday over half term in the Isle of Wight (which was lovely) and I can't say I did an awful lot of exercise while we were there. I had more skin taken from my back on Tuesday, so now I'm waiting for that to heal a bit before I start training again. Having a serious think about what I'm going to do. I'm going to start training (running) for the Dublin Marathon. I want to do well in that (better than previously) so if I start now I should have a fighting chance. In between running, I'll be walking longer distances and also going to the gym. Just have to work out a plan of what to do and when.

My back's driving me mad (as it did before). It feels sore and tight and I can lean back on it for too long. It was much better within a week last time (which was when I walked the Ridgeway), so I'm hoping that by the beginning of next week it'll be much better.

The dates are in for next year's MdS. It starts on March 27th (that's when we fly) and back on April 6th (I think). Slightly scary knowing the dates now. Makes it all the more real. Still number 2 on the waitlist and I don't think I'll relax completely until I'm an 'official' competitor. Having a good day today as far as confidence is concerned and am convinced I can do it. That could all change tomorrow!

Now that the Moonwalk is over (and I'm SOOOO glad its over!), I'm thinking that I might actually just raise money for Epilepsy Action. A few reasons really, but the main one is obviously because of my daughter, Ellie. I'm fully aware of the fact that things could be so much worse and she could be physically and/or mentally disabled or God forbid, terminally ill, but I can't always feel grateful about it because she's had to deal with so much. I can honestly say that not a day goes past when I don't look at her and feel like screaming my head off because life's so bloody unfair. She's been taking her new medication for almost two weeks (tomorrow) and it's made no difference whatsoever. Am I surprised? Not really. It's being increased tomorrow and so I'll spend the next two weeks watching her every move, wondering whether this is it. Again, I'm not holding my breath. So there you go. There's my reasoning for wanting any money I raise to go to Epilepsy Action. I've read stories about kids (and adults) who suffer terribly with Epilepsy, and the hell that parents go through trying to cope with it.

I haven't made a definite decision (and I may still raise money for a breast cancer charity), but as things stand at the moment, it may just be the one charity.

Moonwalk

2008-05-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

Second instalment.....

The Moonwalk. What can I say. I did 40 miles the week before and loved it. Then I did 26.2 miles the wee after and have never hated anything so much in my life!!! I'm thrilled we did it because we raised a lot of money for a great charity (and walked with a friend who went through surgery and treatment for breast cancer last year). In short, it was very cold (especially when just wearing a bra and a plastic poncho!), there was a lot of stopping and starting due to the fact that the roads are kept open, and my feet were killing me!

There were several times I felt close to tears and I think we all felt pretty low (there were 9 of us walking and we all stayed together). When we'd passed 23 miles I felt the tears welling up and I really had had enough at this point. Knackered and cold (felt like a frozen turd quite frankly), it was all becoming a bit much! The sun actually started to shine (about 6.30am) which was bliss after a freezing night! When we got into Hyde Park and were approaching the 25 mile mark, people starting to say 'come on girls, you're nearly there'. Well, I just wanted to blub very loudly. We took off the attractive ponchos and decided to walk together, bras pointing the way, for the last bit. Saw the 26 mile mark and that was it. Nic (the lady who's had breast cancer) started to cry and the floodgates opened. We got over the line at about 7.25am (so had been walking for 7 hours 40 mins) and we all cried like babies. I've never been so relieved to finish anything in my life! We got out medals and then crashed out for a bit. One of the girls' husbands had arranged for a stretch Hummer to bring us home. Fantastic!!! We had champagne in the Hummer and sat like zombies in the back of it. Went back to Nic's house for breakfast (cooked by her lovely husband). She then presented each of us with a beautiful necklace to say thank you helping her through everything (and walking with her etc). All blubbed again and then I couldn't stop. Spoke to my husband on the phone and cried. He turned up with my two girls and I cried. Then I just cried because I was so damn tired!

Very emotional, I'd never do it again, but I'm glad we did it and stuck together throughout. That's what it's all about after all.

Ridgeway 40 : 12 hours 30 minutes
Moonwalk : 7 hours 40 minutes

Bring on the next one..... Trailwalker here I come!!

Ridgeway 40 and other things

2008-05-22T13:45:00.001-07:00

Well its about time I updated this. Computer has been ill so haven't had access for ages. So here goes. I was doing the Ridgeway with two of my three teammates for the Trailwalker in July (it was a practice walk!!). Trev picked me up on the Friday night (9th May), and collected Gary along the way too. We arrived at the youth hostel (which I have to say I was quite impressed with). There were lots of walker type people around (plenty of beards to be seen etc). We did feel slightly out of place I have to say! Met up with other friends who are doing the Trailwalker too (Lou, Annie and Laura). We went to the pub (obviously) to talk about the following day and to sink a few drinks in preparation. We had to be back by 11pm as the doors of the YH would be shutting!

Got up at 5.45am to prepare for the day ahead. I had a rucksack which, to me, felt bloody heavy. Only weight 3kg so obviously I have a long way to go before MdS standards are reached! Saw Steph outside the youth hostel which was fab. SO good to meet a fellow MdSer!!! We had a few piccies taken to mark the occasion! We got the coach at about 6.45am (tho they were a bit delayed). There was much p*ss taking from the lads when I told them I had a survival mirror with me. Well, needs must, and you just can't take these things for granted. Besides, I wasn't the one with a map holder.....

We set off on our journey at about 8.10am. It was slightly overcast and a bit chilly but then it was early! I won't go into massive detail about the day but here's the basics:

I loved walking with the guys. We had a laugh along the way and a lot of quiet moments too. Trev twisted his ankle about 5 miles in and I think he struggled for a while. When we got to 14.5 miles there was a pub (which was the checkpoint). We stopped off and sorted out feet and ankles and took painkillers at this point. My big toes were killing as I had blisters under the nails from a walk the week before.

I think when we got to the half way point, we were all feeling a bit low. Still had a bloody long way to go and it was HOT. We were sweating buckets and jokes and larks were far behind us!! Mile 23 and I felt like were were getting somewhere. Light at the end of the tunnel? Not quite, but it was starting to feel achieveable. Mile 28 and the checkpoint from heaven landed. Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot choc) and CAKES were widely available. We sat and rested and had a couple of cups of tea, a few flapjacks - lovely!!! I've never been so glad to have a hot drink!! I think a few more painkillers were taken at this point. Despite the fact that we knew we had at least another 4 hours of walking to do, we seemed to get a second wind here! The pace picked up and, dare I say it, we started to enjoy it!! The rest of the checkpoints were basically a quick drink and keep going! The last 3 miles were a blast and we were on fire!!! Speeding along (well, as much as you can after 37 miles).

We got back to the youth hostel at 8.40pm. We were so pleased with this because we estimated 9.30 or even 10 o'clock.

Despite my feet killing me from about the first mile, I actually did really enjoy this. I now feel like we have a really great team for the Trailwalker (tho Sean was missing) and I'm confident we can do it. Plus the Trailwalker is the nearest I'm going to get to the long stage of the MdS. Hoping it will be hot too!

A great day all in all and an 'ultra' distance under my belt.

Ouch!

2008-05-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm now panicking about feet. I did a 10 mile walk today and wore the Inov8s to test them out before Saturday. Well, I don't think I'll be wearing them! Because the toe box is so solid, I now have really sore big toes (the nails). I've got about an inch of room at the end of them but I think, when walking, my toes bang the top of the toe box, so now have really bruised toes. I taped the toes that normally blister and although I didn't get blisters, they are really sore. Mind you, the skin still hasn't come back properly! However, the little toe on my right foot is absolutely killing me. I got a sort of blister under the skin (which is quite hard anyway). I put a pin in it to release the fluid which has helped but it still hurts like hell. Its making me limp.

I really don't know what to do! I think I'll have to wear my running trainers for the Ridgeway. I know I'll get blisters, and I know my feet will be a mess, but I'll have to deal with that at the time. I'm going to tape my feet like mad and hope it stops them getting too blistered. I'm definitely ordering the foot book (recommended on the forum). I think its by a guy called Vonhoff so I'm going to have a look on Amazon. At least I can do this now, and hopefully figure out the best shoes/socks etc, so I don't suffer too badly next year. If my feet blistered after a 10 mile walk today, what hope have they got after a day in the desert!

I need to run more, and walk less I think - I don't get blisters from running! I'm not doing any other training this week because I need to repair my feet as much as possible before Saturday. It's supposed to be hot too!

I'm off to soak my poor feet....

Moles and other things....

2008-05-03T07:40:00.000-07:00

Not the furry variety. Had a mole cut out yesterday (on my back) and am not supposed to be doing anything because of it. I'm still doing the Ridgeway next week but will take it steady and hopefully get one of my lovely chaps to carry my bag if it's too heavy. The stitches are coming out in just under two weeks (just before the Moonwalk). I feel very lazy as I haven't really done a lot since the week before last. Oh well, can't be helped.

Not a lot else to say - I will be back next week to report on the Ridgeway. Hope I manage the whole 40 miles!

Been shopping!

2008-04-30T04:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been walking at all this week (very bad). My excuse is I've been letting my toes repair themselves. I've been reading a lot of advice on the http://www.mds.co.uk/ forum about feet, and, after the horrible blisters I got from my last 20 miler, I have been taking it! The skin is really dry and cracked where the blisters were, so I've been applying tonnes of Flexitol Heel Balm which is really helping. Also been attacking my feet with a file (lovely) but it is helping. Toes are nearly better. All the Moonwalk ladies are doing a 20 miler on Saturday (we're having our picture taken for the local paper too) so hopefully that will go well and I won't get any more. This will be the first long walk in the Inov8s too. I've been wearing them tho, and so far they feel really comfortable.

Anyway, back to the shopping reference. I am officially turning into a complete walking geek. I got a backpack (as need one to train with and for the Ridgeway which is only just over a week away). It's a 30 litre (so the same size as the one I'll be carrying next year) so good to get used to I suppose. Also got a Camelbak to go inside as I really don't want to be carrying water bottles once I get this on my back. A survival mirror (obviously for make-up traumas, dodgy eyebrow incidents and needing to check for bits in teeth), emergency blanket (silver foil!), spork (just because I wanted one), first aid kit, whistle (apparently the loudest one in the world), torch and compass (woo hoo!) and maps for the Ridgeway and Trailwalker.

Am thinking of asking mum if I can borrow her trekking poles for the Ridgeway just so I can check them out and learn how to use them properly.

So that's it for now. Hopefully I will actually post some exercise on here at the end of the week.

Rach

Inov8s

2008-04-23T05:36:00.000-07:00

I got a pair of Roclite 282's today. Really hoping these are going to help, tho at the moment I'm not convinced. I know they'll ease up a bit but my feet feel very 'confined' in them! Plenty of room in the toe area which is great but I'll have to wait to walk in them to see if they do the trick. I'm convinced they'll give me blisters! Got a pair of merino wool socks too to see if that helps. Next time I go out, I'll tape my toes up, wear the socks and the shoes and see what happens. On Inov8's website, they say that these are ideal for long distance running and walking, trail walking, mountains, dry tracks, rocky ground etc etc - the girl in the shop said 'No, they're not really walking shoes, just running'. Oh joy. I'm more inclined to go with Inov8's description!

Sore feet....

2008-04-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Having not done a single thing for two weeks (children's Easter holidays) this morning I set off for a 20 mile walk with two friends. All on pavements (unfortunately) and a few hills it took just over 5 hours. Wasn't too bad to start with but I forgot to tape up my toes (due to trying to get the kids ready for school, and doing the usual shouting and hollering right up until the minute we left). Got about half way and I knew I had blisters on the bottom of two of my toes (one on each foot). It wasn't too bad but just emphasised the fact that I need to sort out my footwear. I can run miles in those trainers and not have any problems or rubbed bits. However, when I walk its a different matters altogether. I could feel the fluid moving about under my toe and with about a mile to go, one of the blisters popped. It felt revolting and it REALLY hurt. Oh well. Hobbled back and collapsed in a heap when I got home. Horrible bloody blisters. Popped the other one, treated it and plastered it up.

I'm off to see if I can get some Invo8s tomorrow and hope they'll suit me better for walking. I'm glad I've got a year to go, because at least I've got plenty of time to try out different things and get it right. Going to try different socks too.

Anyway, despite having horrible mangled feet and aching like a b*stard, I'm glad I went!

Only 3 weeks until the Ridgeway walk so need to get my feet into better shape before then.

Need a glass of something cold now....

And so it begins....

2008-04-19T10:21:00.000-07:00

So this is it! The start of my blog. I will update as often as possible. After a two week break in training (due to kids being on holiday), I will be back at it on Tuesday. I can't wait!