Triathlon

Ironman Update : Total Immersion with Vigour Events

I have regained 60lbs (having lost 170lbs); I have arthritic knees; I fall off my bike more regularly than Evel Knievel (look him up, millennials) and I cannot swim.

So my decision to sign up for an Ironman event in 2018 may seem a little reckless and a tad foolish. And it probably is. Ok, it definitely is.

However, I am a man of dreams and according to followers of the Law of Attraction, I just have to visualise myself crossing that Mallorca Ironman 2018 finishing line and it will happen.

Can’t Swim, Need to Swim

Of course, I may also want to do something about that whole unable to swim thing.

I say unable, but that isn’t strictly true. At the tender age of eight, my father instructed me. The instruction being not to drown as he pushed me into the water at Pollokshaws swimming pool. I didn’t, but as you might see from the video below, my technique since then hasn’t changed much. I basically flap my arms and try to stay afloat.

For years, I have vowed to learn how to swim and for years my fear of feeling embarrassed by my weight has stopped me. Even when I lost weight, I didn’t feel completely comfortable and any time I have tried to swim, my complete lack of talent has been clear for all to see. Even the brilliant Olympian Robbie Renwick failed to turn me into a swimmer when I trained with him for my Strathmore Water DoMore Blog.

So, if I was going to conquer my fears and feel confident about a 2.4 mile swim in the sea (what am I thinking?) I decided that I would need some expert coaching. Now, I don’t know any expert swimming coaches but I do know Robert Hamilton (sorry Robert, I couldn’t resist), of Vigour Events, and I also know that Robert teaches Total Immersion, the swimming technique that is seemingly quick to master and which makes swimming almost effortless and less exhausting.

Sign me up!

I had watched videos of Robert’s class in Hamilton and as the weeks passed, my doubts started to drain away. Robert and I engaged in a game of Facebook Messenger tennis. He would serve me an invite to a class and I would volley back an excuse not to go.

I didn’t have the time, it was too far way’ I had child care issues and I wasn’t competent enough to try Total Immersion. I used all of them and more. Eventually however, he broke down my barriers and for the past few weeks, I have been receiving and even enjoying his expert tutelage at Shawlands Secondary School.

With the changing room and pool almost to ourselves, my inhibitions didn’t surface as I approached the pool and climbed in for my first lesson.

The first thing Robert asked was to see how I normally swim and he must be a great poker player as at no point did his eyes or face reveal what he thought about my er, swimming “style”.

He simply advised that over the course of the next few weeks that he would instill upon me the basics of Total Immersion swimming and that the secret to success isn’t about the power or a high turnover stroke rate but in the positioning and alignment of my head, leading arm and body as I glide through the water.

At his request, I allowed him control of my body and relaxed as he coaxed my head into a neutral position under the water. It felt so relaxing and so right that my usual desire (and urgency) to break the surface and seek air was replaced by a calmness. Robert had managed, with a wee tweak of my head, to release the tension that courses through my body whenever I attempt to swim.

Floaty McFloatFace

Next he worked on my leading arm position. Again, I allowed him free reign and control of my limbs. He gently maneuvered them under the water until he found a resting point at which my arms automatically returned to when relaxed. Everything felt natural. I knew that I was in safe hands.

Over the course of two weeks and two hours, Robert continued to describe, display and direct me in the many small but vital components of the Total Immersion stroke and the result of our efforts is below.

I am far from finished and over the next few months my lessons and my practice sessions should help me progress even further. However, I have a wee confession. As I watch this clip over and over again, I am beaming with pride.

In just two hours, I had learned the basics of Total Immersion and the prospect of swimming 2.4 miles is a little less daunting.

Just a little.

If Total Immersion swimming sounds like something that you would like to try, then Robert has Swim Sessions on Monday nights at Hamilton College and in January and March he will again be at Hamilton College for his full day Total Immersion Workshops.

And if you want to support my efforts, please consider making a small donation to my Ironman Cancer Research page.

November 25, 2016 4 comments

Guest Blogs Running

Top 10 Running Books for Inspiration, Knowledge and Enjoyment

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s time to accept that I will not be running for some time. My knee isn’t yet ready or willing to pound the streets and instead I will spend some pounds reading about the sport I love and miss so much while I sit on the injury bench (or injury spin bike, in my case).

There are so many wonderful books about running available, so I asked my friend and running expert Colin Thomas for his recommendations and we have picked our Top 10 Running Books. How many have you read and which of these books will you add to your collection?

My top 10 running books for inspiration, knowledge and enjoyment.

Born to Run, Christopher McDougall. When I first read this book it was a real eye opener to what the human body is really capable of. The majority of the book is set in Mexico’s Copper Canyons, the true story of Caballo Blanco and the Taramuhara Indians running barefoot for 50 to 100 miles, sometimes for the pure pleasure of it is remarkable. This book kicked off the barefoot running craze which swept through the western world a few years ago and it’s easy to see why. The stories of strength, courage and commitment to running proving once again that we humans truly are Born to Run.

Running with the Kenyans, Adharanand Finn. A captivating true account of the Finn family leaving the comfort of their family home and setting up a new life in the magical little town of Iten, Kenya. Many of the world’s top distance runners come from Iten so much so that it is now known as “The Home of Champions.” This book follows the story of the author’s quest to find out the secrets of the fastest people on earth and if living and training amongst them would revolutionise his own running performance.

14 minutes, Alberto Salazaar. Most people will know Alberto as being the legendary distance runner most famous for his marathon performance known as “The Duel in the Sun” or possibly as the head coach of The Oregon Project. He famously coached Mo Farah and Galen Rupp to Olympic medal success in 2012 and 2016. But did you know that he had a tough up bringing as a boy in Cuba before his family fled to the US? Or more importantly, did you know that he essentially died when his heart stopped beating for 14 minutes while out on the training field? This is an insightful account of how life may give you more than one chance and if it does, be sure to take it with both hands!

Run, Swim, Throw, Cheat, Chris Cooper. Athletics in recent years has been dogged by allegations of cheating and drug abuse. When we see great world beating performances these days is it right to be skeptical or should we just accept what we see as being a clean athlete putting in hours of hard work and dedication? This book gives an understandable account of the science behind drugs in sport. If you have been interested in the Armstrong lies or you are suspicious about some athletes performances then you will love this book. Is the possibility of drug free sport realistic? What next with scientists now gene doping? It’s a scary thought but in reality we have got a very long way to go.

Pre, The Story of America’s Greatest Running Legend, Steve Prefontaine, Tom Jordan. So you have probably seen or heard the famous quote To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift. Well Steve Prefontine certainly gave his best. Pre was a hard running front runner who was almost unbeatable in distances over a mile for 5 years. At the tender age of just 24 he tragically lost his life in an accident and his legacy lives on.

Some people create with words or with music or with a brush or paints. I like to make something beautiful when I run”.

Running Beyond Limits, Dr Andrew Murray. If somebody told you that they were going to run from the North of Scotland to the Sahara desert in Morocco you would think they should be sanctioned! Well that’s what Dr Andrew Murray did for charity (run I mean, not get sanctioned!) and I’m guessing, he might even have enjoyed it. Being a GP, Sports Medicine Doctor, international ultra runner and winner of many endurance races, you would have to assume that Andrew is not insane himself, but at the very least, extremely determined, hugely motivated and largely inspirational (he is Stephen’s hero). This book is an almost diary like account of that journey. In his role as a Physical Activity Champion for the Scottish government, he actively encourages a healthy lifestyle including exercise and hopefully this book can inspire others to get off the couch and find out if their own bodies can start Running Beyond Limits.

Lore of Running, Tim Noakes MD. Sometimes known as the runners bible, Lore of Running is over 700 pages of scientific research, graphs and stats with a plethora of information from Acute Muscle tears to Zinc deficiency with the everything else in between. Perhaps not a captivating story like some of the other books on this list but if there’s something that you want to find out about running, this book is a pretty good place to start.

The Ghost Runner, Bill Jones. This is the true story of John Tarrant, the man they couldn’t stop. He was banned from competitive running for life after accepting a £17 expenses payment as a teenage boxer. However this wasn’t going to stop John. Gatecrashing races, he would turn up on the start line wearing a disguise, throw it off when the gun went and started his run with everybody else. Before long he was a record breaker and one of the greatest long distance runners the world has ever seen.

Feet in the Clouds: A Tale for Fell-Running and Obsession, Richard Askwith. (Stephen’s pick). With road running off limits for a while, this amazing book will have you pinning for the forests and fells of the Lake District. I for one was entranced by the wonderful tales and descriptions of stunning but often brutally demanding races. I dare you to read this book and not consider jumping on the first train or bus to the Lake District.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running , Haruki Murakami. (Stephen’s pick again). I was given this book as a gift and instantly fell in love with the prose and the passion of Murakami’s writing. In a Top 10 Running Books list full of amazing talent, Murakami is a plodder but exceptionally disciplined and his advice can be applied to life as much as running:

pain is inevitable, suffering is not”.

If you are looking for a bit of running inspiration to kick start your 2017 training plan, be sure to pick up one of these Top 10 Running Books. If bought through one of the links, Stephen earns commission for his Cancer Research Ironman Challenge, so stock up for Christmas and help raise valuable funds.

And, if suitably inspired, why not join Colin and his mixed ability group for a couple of weeks running in Kenya. Either will be sure to get the juices flowing! You can find out more about this arranged, group trip to Kenya at http://www.performancerunningspecialist.net/kenya-training-holiday.html

You can also read all more about Colin’s services at www.performancerunningspecialist.com

November 13, 2016 0 comment

Feet For Life Health Running

Feet for Life – Bow down to the Podiatrist

written by Stephen Morrison

I had seen a physiotherapist and an osteopath; I had consulted my personal trainers (yep, I have two) and I had even spoken to fellow runners, but after 10 months and endless numbers of leg raises and squats and even some sessions with the Core Momentum Trainer (that deserves a post of its own) and a stint in barefoot shoes I was still no closer to putting on a pair of running shoes in earnest.

So, when the College of Podiatry suggested that I should see a podiatrist, my only thought was that it might make for another nice Feet For Life post.

I would never have guessed that six days later, I would be out running 5km.

I was referred to Podiatrist Mandy Abbott (now forever known as Magic Mandy) at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and right up until I entered the clinic, I wasn’t completely sure what help a podiatrist would be, although she certainly helped me with my obligatory selfie!

Feet for after Life

Sure, I do possess typical runner’s feet and I could benefit with having some hard skin removed, but just how would a podiatrist help me to run again or even walk without pain again?

Well, I soon learned that in addition to being a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University, Mandy Abbott also specialises in biomechanics and she offered to review my gait and examine my feet, ankles and knees.

This wasn’t like the standard treadmill gait analysis found in your average running shop. Mandy checked my range of motion in my ankles before asking me to walk up and down the clinic. After what felt like about 300 laps, she told me to stop.

She had seen enough.

I had excess hard skin along the outsides of my feet and especially in the heel. The latter wasn’t a surprise, as I know that I am a heavy heel striker (when my foot lands, it lands heel first), but the explanation for the outer foot was more of a shock.

During my walk up and down the clinic I displayed signs that I have Genu Varum or bow legs as they are more commonly known. I walk on the outside of my feet (supination) and my my lower legs are inverted. This is yet another sign/symptom of osteoarthritis and I am close to finally accepting that I cannot continue living in denial. At some point my knees will require further investigation.

However, at the very least , I now have a more than viable explanation for my knee pain. Something that I have been searching for. With this knowledge, I can move on.

So what does it all mean and why is it causing pain?

medialknee

Whenever I walk or run it is most likely that my tibia and femur are making contact which is increasing my knee degeneration and causing the associated pain. I am also possibly stretching the lateral ligaments and this might explain my reluctance to attempt any movements that involve bending or twisting my knee.

Training sessions with Scott Devenney (using the HUB and the CMT) prove that I can perform lunges and that I can apply load to me knee. I will continue to train and I will keep strengthening my body and lowering my body fat. This will all help me move better and without unplaced fear. I will not lunge into anything too quickly, but I will lunge.

As as well as an explanation for my mobility issues, Mandy also recommended and provided me with an orthosis for my shoes. It has a lateral wedge that will enable me to walk with less pronation with the force of each landing being absorbed more centrally thus increasing knee joint stability. It will also help with my knee alignment and increase the space between my tibia and femur which should help ease my symptoms and reduce the pain.

The thin edge of the wedge

This a temporary orthosis that Mandy fabricated in a matter of minutes and should it continue to work, I will look into getting a more long term orthosis produced. I don’t particularly want to wear an orthosis for the rest of my life, but it is much more preferable than walking in pain and not being able to run again

Mandy provided me with something else too. Hope. Hope that I will run again and hope that my dream of being an Ironman isn’t over before it even starts.

Even after only a week of wearing the orthosis and making a conscious effort to walk that little bit more straight, the frequency and the intensity of the pain has decreased. It hasn’t gone completely, but it is no longer ever present and I don’t feel that it is restricting me as much as it has in the past.

I ran!!!!!

So much so, that when my girlfriend Teresa suggested that we go for a short run this week I agreed. Without hesitation. It wasn’t fast but it was pain free and even after 5km I felt that I could have kept going. However, taking small steps has always been my approach and 5km was far enough for my first run.

I’ll rest my knee and I will look forward to my Cancer Research Tough 10 event on November 6th for which I am an Ambassador. It will be my first (and possibly only) event of this year and although I will not be fast I will run and after 10 months out, I hope you all appreciate just how much this means to me. I’ve lost and given up a few things in the past year and I had begun to believe that I would never run again.

I will run!!!

It’s too soon to say that I’m back and I doubt that I’ll ever again fully consider myself as a runner, but I can and I will run. And I will be an Ironman.

And if that wasn’t good enough, Mandy provided me with an excuse to buy new running shoes. With my supination and bow legs, my current shoes are undoubtedly worn away on the outer edges and it is in my best interests to replace them (I’ll ignore the fact that I do already own several as yet unworn pairs). My first pair arrive on Wednesday.

When I partnered with the College of Podiatry to promote the Feet for Life campaign I never envisioned that it would be a podiatrist that would hold the key to my knee pain and to me running again. I simply wanted to show that our feet deserve more attention and more care. Now, I also want to show that Podiatry is about much more than treating athlete’s foot or removing corns…..although that will probably be the content of the next Feet for Life blog.

October 23, 2016 4 comments

Guest Blogs Running

How to Breathe When Running – Steven Bonthrone

written by Stephen Morrison

At the end of this month I will be attending an “It’s All About the Breath” seminar with my Triathlon “coach” Mark Russell. Breathing is something that I take for granted (don’t we all?), but deep down (in my lungs perhaps) I know that I can do it better.

So when running coach and Faster Master Trainer, Steve Bonthrone suggested a post on How to Breathe When Running, I didn’t waste a breath and immediately said yes.

IMG 0002 2 3

Steve Bonthrone is a Personal Trainer and Running Coach in Perth, Scotland. Steve first got into fitness in the late 90’s after a back problem prompted him to get fit and he did this by training for and running the London Marathon. Completing the marathon changed his life and inspired him to quit his job as a pizza chef and trained to become a Personal Trainer so that he could inspire others to go after their dreams just as he had done. He still runs marathons to this day and also coaches runners in his 0-5k and Run Faster groups. His motto is “Anything is possible if you can dream it, believe in it and willing to work hard to achieve it”.

A question that is often asked is “how should I breathe when I run?” Sounds crazy eh? In and out has been the tried and tested method used by humans for centuries so if it isn’t broken then why fix it? Joking aside, breathing is a big issue for many people when trying to run so if you’re reading this and find breathing difficult when you run, keep reading and I’ll hopefully help you solve the problem.

How do you breathe when you are running?

If breathing is an issue for you when you run then there’s a very good chance that you’re running too fast or to put it another way, the intensity is likely to be too high for you. If you’re trying to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth when you run and the intensity of your run is high then breathing that way is going to be a bit of a challenge that will likely result in you having to stop. This can be very demotivating, especially if you’ve been inspired to run by watching friends run or hear of how others are buzzing after a run yet you feel like you’re struggling and a natural reaction could be to quit as running doesn’t seem to be for you.

What if there was a better way to do it? What if there was an easy way for you to be able to run and begin to love it just as you’ve seen lots of others do it?

There is…..slow down! You may be thinking that you run slow enough as it is and if you were to run any slower, you’d almost be walking. If that’s what it takes then that’s ok but I want you to know that you won’t always be there and you’ll progress much quicker.

I should say at this point that the majority of the population make the same mistake when they start running so you’re not alone. There are many reasons for this. First, much of what we read in articles and from other runners is about pace and distance but seldom about how the pace should feel. Secondly, most of us are used to going to fitness classes that are high intensity so the natural reaction when trying running as a form of exercise can be to replicate that intensity we’re used to however, that doesn’t always work very well.

It’s natural to think that when we go running that we should go from A to B in the quickest time but what if that strategy is actually holding us back rather than taking us forwards? Like many other things, when starting out, we should be looking to master the basics before trying to do what everyone else seems to be doing.

What should you be doing then?

Let’s be selfish here and let’s focus on you and how your pace feels when you run. The first step would be to feel comfortable when you run and your breathing should be relaxed enough to be able to hold down a conversation or if you’re running alone, be able to sing a line of a song between breaths. It’s up to you if you want to sing that line out loud or just in your head! The aim should be to build the distance and be able to run a distance always feeling you can keep on going. The feeling of being able to keep going at any time will also give you a lot more confidence in your run where maybe there was a feeling of a struggle before.

It’s important to remember that slowing down doesn’t mean that you are taking a backwards step. If anything, you are taking a sideways step in order to take a greater leap forwards. Slowing down a little bit means that the demands on your lungs won’t be as high and you’ll be able to run for longer before you feel tired. Would it help to know that Triathletes Alastair and Jonny Brownlee spend about 90% of their training at conversation pace? Even if said conversation would put many of us to sleep:

“We keep our motivation up by chatting all the time,” says Alistair. “Even when we’re running or cycling. We talk about football, ideas, what’s going on in the world. I’m very conservative, really. I believe in lower taxes and fewer rules. Sometimes we talk about that.”

What to do now?

On your next run, try paying more attention to feeling comfortable when you run, feel like it’s easy, that you can run for an indefinite period and see how that feels for you. It might take a bit of patience to get used to it and if you do it consistently, you will progress quickly and it won’t be long before you’re running further at a quicker pace than what you were doing previously where you felt it hard work.

Happy Running and Run Happy!

October 21, 2016 0 comment

Triathlon

Ironman 2018. Identify Your Dreams and Work Backwards

written by Stephen Morrison

“Identify your dreams and work backwards, using milestones to track and celebrate your progress. Progress doesn’t have to be becoming the best, but simply by becoming better. Better today, than you were yesterday and better tomorrow, than you are today.”

This is an excerpt from my Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine Lay View and it will guide me on my journey from Fatman to Ironman

These words were original spoken by Frank Dick OBE. As the President of the European Athletics Coaches Association and one the world’s top sport coaches, he knows a thing or two about training great athletes.

I am not nor never will be a great athlete, but my dream, as revealed in Man V Fat, is to be an Ironman, even if it does take me the full 16hrs and 10 minutes allowed (although I do hope to complete it a little faster) to complete it.

With the Kona Ironman 2016 World Championships happening as I type, it seems as good a time as any to lay down my plan for Ironman 2018.

Before anything else, I have to decide on an event. Ironman is a truly global event, but as I am fundraising for Cancer Research, I wanted to minimise costs, so I first looked for events in the UK.

Unfortunately, the UK options are Bolton and Wales and while I have nothing against either location, I am from Glasgow and the prospect of competing in the rain isn’t appealing. I may come across as a fair weather athlete, but my fellow Glaswegians (especially Travis) and anyone in Manchester and Cardiff will understand my desire to avoid the rain. So somewhere with some sun and warm water would be nice.

I am not expecting an invitation to Kona, anytime soon, and while a return to Noosa, Queensland in October 2018 would be wonderful, I have to look closer to home and Europe. In addition to warm water. I would like somewhere nice to celebrate and recover.

Everything points to the wonderful island of Mallorca in September 2018 as being my final destination.

The 26.2 mile run might even be pleasant…..ok, maybe not.

The run route is relatively flat (and lined with palm trees!!); the swim, in the Mediterranean is both seawater (i.e floaty) and relatively calm (and warm), while the cycle contains some amazing switchback roads and a wonderful backdrop.

Mallorca is a popular base for triathlon training and I might need to arrange a wee reconnaissance visit to the island and sample some cycling on these awesome roads.

What goes up, has to come down

With Ironman Mallorca normally held in late September, I have approximately two years to prepare. No, that doesn’t mean twenty months to procrastinate about my preparations and then four months of panicking about the lack of them, it means twenty-four months of discipline, determination and dedication.

The three “D’s” that help make so many East African runners so successful.

It isn’t their DNA, their diet or the altitude, it is their attitude that makes them winners and I have to adopt it.

The countdown to Mallorca starts now and I cannot lose focus. The past two weeks have seen my training stutter as I have been sitting an exam and caring for my mum. As I type this, I recognise the need to decide upon a plan and stick to it.

So having identified my dream, it is time to work backwards. I reckon that my milestones should be at least one Olympic Triathlon, a Sprint and possibly some Duathlons, Open Swimming and Cycling events

However, If I am honest, I don’t actually have any idea what it takes to prepare for a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run, especially as I am not the greatest swimmer or the most confident of cyclists. At the moment, I am not even a competent runner.

I’ve done some Internet searching and the general consensus is that two years should be enough time for me to prepare. However, I will seek support from the experts at Triathlon Scotland and from Ironmen (and women) such as Mark Russell and Team GB Athlete Anna Symms. Both have generously offered to guide me and help prepare a proper schedule. One that will prepare me for the greatest challenge of my life, but one which will also recognise that I have others roles and responsibilities that present their own challenges.

There will be no intense or special training for me, just a consistent approach to being better tomorrow, than I am today.

And regardless of my training and event schedule, there are some essential milestones that I need and want to achieve:

I want to lose at least five stones of fat. I am currently sitting at 250lbs and having been 180lbs in 2012, it is a good weight for me and hopefully I won’t look too ridiculous in a tri-suit.
I also want to build more muscle. Ironman is an endurance sport and I need to be both physically and mentally strong.
I need to learn to swim and swim well. Currently, the 2.4 mile swim is the most daunting aspect of the Ironman for me and it will possibly make me or break me.
I need to master the art of the transition and learn the rules of triathlon. I won’t be trying to beat the Brownlee Brothers, but I do not want to attract any unneeded time penalties.
I need to remember to book a place. Ironmen events are becoming even more and more popular and they sell out almost as quickly as they open.
I need to raise as much as possible for Cancer Research and everyone can contribute here at Stephen’s Ironman 2018 Challenge for Cancer Research.
Finally, I also want to raise more awareness of the links between obesity and cancer. Too many of us believe that we are fit and fat and fail to understand the real danger that carrying extra weight can bring. Hopefully my efforts will inspire more to follow their dreams.

So, Mallorca Ironman 2018 is the dream and there will be many milestones to achieve and many barriers to overcome. It will not be easy and it will not be something that I will take lightly. There is much to do and I hope that you will continue to follow my progress here and at Man V Fat.

And remember, anything is possible.

howmanymiles

October 9, 2016 5 comments

Running

Tough 10, TrailFest & Rainbow Laces Competition

written by Stephen Morrison

Autumn is creeping upon us and it is one of the best times of year to pack in the pavements and to take your running off road. Trail running is becoming more and more popular with more and more events being launched to meet the demand and to showcase the wonderful spirit of the trail running community.

It is getting darker and colder, so I have decided to offer a free Trail Running themed competition for you all to enter and hopefully brighten up your day.

Maybe it was my trailblazing Shite Runners blog or my efforts in the Hoka Highland Fling Relay, but I am delighted to announce that I have been selected to be an Ambassador for one such event.

That event is Tough 10 and it is the latest charity run from Cancer Research and also the event that I hope to mark my return to running in.

It will have been 10 months without running and I cannot think of a more apt race to make my return in. It has been a Tough 10 months.

Tough 10 is a series of, you guessed it, 10 challenging but fun 10K races across the UK which range from simply Tough for our southern softies in Essex (sorry to my Essex family, I couldn’t resist) to the Toughest in Edinburgh (where I will of course be running). Every event is located in an iconic region of the country and they are designed to appeal to the rough runner is all of us

The Tough Ten events are, you guessed it, tough.

Competition Prize 1

The Tough 10 events have no obstacles, other then the terrain and your mental and physical strength, the odd chance of mud and some of the most stunning running routes that you are likely to encounter this autumn. The Tough 10 series kicks off this weekend in the Peak District before heading off London’s Epping Forest on the 23rd October and ending the 10 race series in the sumptuous surround of Margam Country Park in South Wales.

Only one event has sold out (well done Essex) and you can find and register for your closest Tough 10 event here. Why not recruit a team of Tough runners and make this challenge your introduction to trail running. At only £20.00 per entry it is also great value.

To celebrate my impending return to running, I am offering even greater value. For the cost of a comment, three of you have the opportunity to win entries to a Tough 10 event near you (or far from you, if you fancy exploring)

Competition Prize 2

And that’s not all!

On October 15th, Glasgow sees the return of the terrific TrailFest Trail Running Festival. Trail running legends and the trail running community come together to celebrate all that is great about running in the great outdoors.

Glasgow welcomes back the Trail Fest

Speakers such us as Debbie and Marco Consani (the JOINT creators of Marcothon-before I start another debate) are joined by the almost human James Stewart, who ran an incredible 160 miles in 24 hours, and many other inspiring runners, including my fellow Tough Ten Ambassador Lucja Leonard. You can listen to their tales or hit the trails with special events and coaching sessions.

Tickets for this all day event cost £45, but one person can win a free entry, while two more can win one of the special and limited edition #RunDirty Buffs (as modelled by the one and only Ryan Scott).

RunDirty but run warm with the Glasgow TrailFest Buff

Competition Prize 3

If the Tough Ten and Glasgow Trail Fest prizes are not enough, then allow me to put a little colour into your life. The colours of the rainbow, to be precise.

Sept 19-25 sees the launch of Stonewall Scotland’s Rainbow Laces campaign. A week when we can all show that running and sport are for everyone. Unfortunately, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia still rear their ugly heads in sports as well as in society and it is great to see running groups like the Glasgow Frontrunners and events such as the Jedburgh Three Peaks Ultramarathon offering inviting and friendly running environments for all.

Rainbow Laces. Sport for All

And as part of Rainbow Laces you can buy, you guessed it again, rainbow coloured laces to show your support. These can be bought here for the small sum of £2.99 but one lucky winner will win two pairs.

And be sure to snap a picture of you and your laces and post them on social media with #RainbowLaces

To win all of these fantastic prizes, Just enter below and follow the instructions Every entry will be entered into a draw to win one of these fantastic prizes. Due to the dates of all of the events and the campaigns, you will have up until Friday 7th October to enter. This will allow you to enter almost all but one of the Tough Ten events.

To enter this fantastic free giveaway, just follow the instructions in this Rafflecopter

There are three ways to enter

Tweet the campaign and then enter your tweet url in the box before confirming you have tweeted in the bottom right hand “I Twitted” box
Follow myself (@howmanymiles_ ) and CRUK on twitter and enter your twitter handle (i’ll follow back) and hit the “I follow”button.
Post the answer below and again hit that button on the bottom right of rafflecopter

All will earn you entries and the tweet can be done daily. It IS a bit complicated, but it makes selecting winners fairer and easier if I get lots and lots of entries. Plus it hopefully generates lots and lots of tweets about the Tough 10 events and #RainbowLaces.

Good luck with the competition and don’t forget to get out on those trails. A whole new world awaits and it beats pounding the streets.

September 20, 2016 11 comments

Cycling Free Events Running Try-Athlete Yoga

Get Fit For Free in Glasgow (and Balloch).

written by Stephen Morrison

Get your diaries out and put big circles around Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th September.

For on these days, there is an abundance of FREE activities on for you to try, in and around Glasgow.

Whether you want to go for a walk with the family or a cycle with the family, there is something for you. If you want to hone up on your running skills or even test your fitness, there’s a way to get fit for free, this weekend.

There is an activity for you and activities for all.

Saturday 3rd’s Free Activities

Walk About

From September 3rd -11th, the Ramblers are organising 100’s of free walks across the UK as part of their Walk About festival.

20 of these walks will be in Balloch Park, this Saturday. There will also be games for the young and old and there will be talks from experienced Park Rangers and partners Cotswolds. There’s even free refreshments later in the evening being served to those with tired legs.

Walking was the activity that started my huge weight loss and it is an activity that almost anyone can undertake. With short 15 minute walks to all day hill treks, there is a walk for almost every ability at Walk About at Balloch Park.

British Military Fitness

If your idea of fun is getting down and dirty, then this Saturday, British Military Fitness might be the workout for you. As the UK’s biggest and best loved (their words) provider of outdoor bootcamps, you are rest assured to get no rest.

But fear not, British Millitary Fitness is actually another activity that is suitable for most and with free events on this Saturday at Kelvingrove Park for Westenders and at Rouken Glen Park for Southsiders, you might want to sign up as new recruit and take this opportunity to get fit for free.

Touch Rugby with the Centurions Touch Rugby Club

As a try-athlete, Rugby is one sport that I’ve yet to have a punt at. It’s not that my face is my fortune, but that me knees are already in bits without having some 16 stone bearded bear maul me in a ruck. So, why haven’t I though about getting in touch (that’s enough puns, I think) with the guys and gals at Centurion Touch Rugby Club?

Touch Rugby is an increasingly growing sport that is fun, fast and non-contact. It is a great way to get fit and again, is open to all abilities and all sexes. This and every Saturday, you can head down to Victoria Park for a free introduction and training session.

Sunday 4th’s Free Activities

Tour of Britain and Sky Ride

Th big events, for cyclist at least, this weekend are the Tour of Britain and Sky Ride Glasgow. The Tour of Britain is an opportunity to watch some of the finest riders in the world embark on this iconic race across Britain and it is also an opportunity to travel in their footsteps (or should that be in wheel circumferences?). Once the the elite cyclists have departed, the route is opened up to the general public and everyone has the chance to cycle the traffic free 5KM route around the city centre. It is ideal for families and also novice cyclists.

Go Sky Ride around Glasgow in a traffic free 5K

And fear not if it has been a while since you last peddled and you are worried that your bike is not roadworthy. Every registered participant gets a free bike check from Halfords and a free Sky Ride Bib. A lack a bike shouldn’t be a deterrent either as you can hire, using the code 721972, a free bike from Nextbike (see, everything is free in this blog) for one hour. This should be plenty of time to take part in the fun.

Lululemon Athletica, S D Movement and Barbells, Beards and Barbers

Unfortunately, I will not be running in this year’s Great Scottish Run due to my stubborn pride and my weak hide. My hip and my knee are on the mend, but neither a 10K or half marathon road race will do either of them any good.

However, I can still train and I can look for ways to help me return to running and make me a more efficient runner. If you’ve read my Chi Running blog, you’ll appreciate that I am open to new ideas and that I am a huge fan of Lululemon Athletica. Not only for their uber expensive but oh so wonderful shorts and t-shirts, but for their innovative and community driven approach to helping their customers improve all aspects of their fitness. Every weekend, you can find free yoga and cardio classes and they regularly put on special one off sessions.

This Sunday, they are spoiling you for choice. The splendid Stella Bertram and trainer Paul are delivering a Barbells, Beards and Barbers session at Mohair in the Trongate. Beards are optional but you will learn just how useful and effective a barbell workout can be. Again, all abilities are welcome but spaces are limited. Sign up HERE

I am really interested in this one (especially as I also need a haircut and beard trim) , but unfortunately (or fortunately) I will be participating in Lululemon’s main event (sorry Stella and Paul).

Run Glasgow Run with SD Movement.

This is the first of four weekly pre-Great Scottish Run Events at Lululemon. Each week, one of Glasgow’s premier trainers will take you through a free (there’s that word again) but invaluable training session that will help you run faster, longer and with less injuries.

I hear they have a money back guarantee

Week 1 is with Scott Devenney of SD Movement and even if he wasn’t a personal friend (my disclaimer), I would have no hesitation in recommending this session. Scott’s services are highly sought after and he includes mountain ultra marathon runners and er me as clients. He might not get you up a mountain, but he will get you up and over the Kingston Bridge at around mile 2 of the Great Scottish Run, using an array of tools and techniques that make him one of Glasgow’s best movement coaches. You’ll have fun and get fit for free.

(As an aside, Lululemon are also having a wee party this weekend, where you can see the latest range of clothing. Hopefully this means a sale soon)

So whatever your plans are this weekend, why not spend an hour or two trying out a free activity? It might be the first step to a healthier and happier you.

August 30, 2016 0 comment

DoMore with Strathmore Triathlon Try-Athlete

Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes in Rio 2016

written by Stephen Morrison

Stephen will never be an athlete. He won’t be able to be as active as others and he’s likely to develop early onset arthritis

I am possibly paraphrasing my paediatric consultant a little, but these were the words that were implanted in my head as a child with Perthes Disease.

I spent some months in a wheelchair, several years in crutches and many more years using my shorter leg and weak hip to explain my lack of athletic ability and my lack of self belief. It also became an excuse to lead a sedentary life.

Now, as a try-athlete, I still don’t don’t possess any sporting prowess and with chronic knee pain, the consultant possibly wasn’t completely wrong (after 9 months, I still haven’t had my knee properly checked).

However, if I could go back in time to my younger self, my one word of advice would be to ignore that consultant’s prophecy.

Sport is for everyone and we can all be athletes

That’s why I’ll be cheering on every Paralympic athlete in Rio for the 2016 Paralympic Games, but especially the British and Scottish contingent. Not in order to use them in some lame fitspiration meme that condescendly asks if someone with no legs can run, why can’t you, but because they can genuinely help inspire the disabled to take up sports and because they are all genuinely great athletes.

Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes

Take Libby Clegg, my favourite Paralympian (I spent a wonderful day training with her for Libby’s Guide to Running) and one of Team GB’s major hopes for a medal. Her World Record time of 23.03 seconds is only 1.25 secs slower than Elaine Thompson’s Gold winning performance in the Olympic 200 metres final.

After training with me, Libby went on to set a World Record. Just saying,

Her eyesight has deteriorated further since I met her and she will have to run with a blindfold in Rio, but I am hopeful that her event will be one of those shown by Channel 4 and I will be cheering her on in her attempts to win gold.

I can’t mention Libby without showing some support for her little brother, Stephen who makes his Paralympic debut as a swimmer. He is joined by fellow Scots Andrew Mullen, Scott Quin and Abby Kane in a British squad that contains swimmings sensations Ellie Simmonds and Ollie Hynd who will be flying (or floating) the flag of Team GB.

http://www.elliesimmonds.com

But back to my selection of Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes and next we have an athlete who shares my birthday (albeit 23 years younger) and who makes me wish I could have moved so fast when I was in a wheelchair. She is one of our greatest hopes for a medal and it is of course Sammi Kinghorn.

Sam Kinghorn is on track for Gold

Sammi is an exceptional young woman and someone who is another try-athlete. After breaking her back, she travelled down to the Spinal Unit Games in Stoke Mandeville, where she tried a variety of sports before deciding on athletics. She has only been racing for about 4 years but her approach to sport and to life is truly inspirational.

But don’t take my words for it. Sammi is an Ambassador for Strathmore Water’s DoMore Campaign and for Harper MacLeod where you can read her wonderful blog.

Next up, we enter the world of Boccia. What’s that I hear you ask.

Boccia is a form of bowls that has been developed especially for athletes with severe impairments and it is one of the most inclusive and possibly most exciting events in this year’s Paralympics, if this video is anything to go by.

World Champion Stephen McGuire leads a Scottish contingent of eight who will represent Scotland and Team GB in Rio and like Libby and Sammi, he presents a genuine Paralympic hope and is another inspirational and hard working athlete. He is also an Ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK and like Lizzy, he belongs to a family of Paralympians with brother Peter, a London 2012 medalist. He is also a try-athlete who dreamt of being a Paralympian and set out to find a sport that suited him, before being introduced to Boccia.

Stephen McGuire hopes to boss at Boccia

Unfortunately, Boccia is unlikely to be shown on Channel 4’s Paralympic coverage, but I wish Stephen and the team success and maybe I can find a way to try the sport for myself. It looks extremely challenging tactically and I love that it provides those with the most severe impairments an opportunity to compete and to play sports.

In Scotland, Scottish Disability Sport are responsible for the sport and you can also find out more at BocciaGB

As a Try-Athlete and injured runner who is now determined to become a triathlete, I am ending this post with an athlete who continues to amaze. Faced with her own running injury , Alison Patrick started competing in triathlons in 2014 and promptly won the World title. In addition to being a Paralympic hope, she gives hope to me that I can successfully combine my love of running with sports that don’t place as much load on my joints.

From runner to triathlete to hopefully Paralympian champ

Para-Triathlon covers many classes, including those with missing limbs, but Alison competes against those who are visually impaired If you ever thought that navigating a triathlon course and making the transitions from swimming to cycling to running were difficult, imaging doing so while tethered to a guide. It must be one of the ultimate examples of teamwork in sport

Rio 2016 sees Para-Triathlon make its Paralympic debut and for displays of mental and physical strength and endurance, I think that this will be one event to watch (or record it, if it is on in the wee small hours).

It is my hope that the Cleggs, Kinghorn, McGuire and Patrick receive the same support and admiration as the Murrays, Farah and Brownlees. Not because I believe they face harder challenges or have overcome greater obstacles, but that #becauseofsport these athletes have found a way to push themselves to new heights. Every one of them speaks about a determination to be a Paralympian and their dedication and discipline (Sammi trains twice a day and slaps herself in the head -hopefully not literally-if she thinks about missing a session) are a shining example to budding athletes, both disabled and non-disabled.

The Rio 2106 Paralympic Games start on September 7th and run until September 18th with 50 events and around 4350 athletes from over 160 countries (and two representing the Refugee Olympic Team) competing. Events will be live on Channel 4 and you can show your support on Twitter with the hashtag #Supercharge for both the UK’s and Scotland’s Paralympic hopes.

The lack of funding has been well publicised, so if you are feeling inspired, why not help to support our Paralympians with a donation to Supercharge ?

August 28, 2016 2 comments

Kit and Tech Reviews Triathlon Try-Athlete

Garmin Forerunner 735XT Multisport Watch Review

written by Stephen Morrison

This summer, I headed off to Australia with a spring in my step and a new Garmin Forerunner 735XT on my wrist. It had been a winter of discontent , disappointment and disconnection, but I had decided that by autumn, I would branch out into new sports and activities and leave my troubles and negative thoughts behind.

Armed with the Garmin Forerunner 735XT, I was equipped to track several new activities in addition to the staples of outdoor and indoor running, cycling and swimming which are more than adequately tracked by almost every other Garmin Forerunner watch.

These included Rowing, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) boarding and Hiking. All activities that I hoped to undertake while on my Australian travels.

There is also the option of adding other activity profiles, such as Strength and Cardio, but these basically operate like a stopwatch with heart rate based calorie burn, which don’t, in my opinion, add much value, although you can download HIIT training apps, which could be fun (please note that perceptions of what constitutes fun may vary).

The watch itself is smaller than the Forerunner 620 and similar in shape and size to the Forerunner 235. This makes for a comfortable fit and more likely to be “borrowed” by my training partner and partner in life, Teresa. It is quite light and given my knack for falling off of bikes, I have concerns about how durable the plastic casing and screen are. My first 620 (it was stolen during a burglary) suffered a few scrapes and some might prefer a more rugged watch, such as the new Suunto Spartan Ultra, but I do like how light it is and the fact that I can customise it and wear it as an everyday watch (more on that later) at work.

It also lacks the touch screen ability of the Forerunner 620, but I have a confession. While I loved my 620, I prefer using buttons. More reliable, especially in wet conditions (I do live in Glasgow) and a slightly faster and more accurate response than the touch screen , although that might be down to my fat fingers.

Outdoor Swimming with the Garmin 735XT

While in Oz, I went swimming in oceans, lakes, creeks and even under a waterfall and can attest to it being waterproof (and shockproof seemingly). The optical heart rate monitor doesn’t work in water, but Garmin do provide a chest strap for swimmers and another for triathletes with the Tri Bundle. I never tested these as I had left them at home, but when I start my swimming lessons (pool and sea), I will use this to measure my performance and progress.

Garmin probably didn’t have swimming in waterfalls in mind when designing the 735XT

Currently, I am more of a try-athlete than a triathlete, so the Forerunner 735XT is probably a tad advanced for my needs, but the Ironman within me is eager to test it in triathlons and I did manage to test while hiking through a few rainforests and on a kayak in the Whitsunday Islands

Kayaking with the Forerunner 735XT

I went “get in the sea” with this pic, as I was about to get in the sea

The activity profile on the Forerunner 735XT is actually for rowing and I am not sure just how universal stroke speed and distance are, but on reviewing my performance back on land and comparing it against average kayaking metrics, the numbers seemed about right. For someone not very good at kayaking, that is.

Seemingly this is at the low end of average.

And here is my main issue with the all singing (only activity it doesn’t measure) and all dancing Forerunner 735XT.

Post kayak or row, I love looking at the stats, charts and maps on both the Forerunner 735XT and the Garmin Connect App on my mobile phone and reflecting on my performance. While running, I can lift my arm and see how I am performing in real time, and make adjustments, but just try that while kayaking (and even swimming). You are dependent on two arms and monitoring your performance is impossible, using only the watch (feel free to correct me) without interrupting your flow.

However, the GPS does certainly work well enough, even at sea. It is very quick at acquiring satellites and much faster than my old Forerunner 620. I especially like the Garmin Connect maps.

My Garmin Map of Shute Harbour using my Forerunner 735XT

Hiking with the Forerunner 735XT

In Hiking mode, it also adds elevation and as we climbed Mt Ngungun in the Glasshouse Mountains (read my post about it) and Mt Cannibal (given the Australian tradition of naming every place literally such as “To The Beach Road”, I was relieved to find it was clear of cannibals ), my boys were elated to hear at regular intervals how high we were climbing. One caveat worth noting is that the Forerunner 735XT relies on GPS. For some reason, known only to Garmin, it doesn’t have a barometric altimeter that you can find in the likes of the Vivoactive HR .

Elevation (both in altitude and heart rate)

In addition to measuring our elevation, it also measures distance, pace, calories burned and of course heart rate, which seemed to elevate in pace with our ascent of Dunk Island. The dips were undoubtedly selfie and scenery stops. Not rests. Honest.

And that brings us neatly to the wrist based optical heart rate monitor (hrm). For me, chest straps found on sports watches are a pain. Literally. They are often too tight and I have often found it difficult to keep them in place. The addition of an optical hrm attracted me to both the Forerunner 235 and 735XT and there is something addictive about checking your heart rate while walking to work, climbing stairs, watching television and even while sitting on the loo. Possibly too much information, but I was only doing so for research purposes. Honest.

But the optical monitors are not without their detractors. Fitbit are currently battling a class action lawsuit for the inaccuracy of their optical heart rate monitor watches and I do have some reservations about the Garmin Elevate system. It is a proprietary technology and over the courses of several updates, Garmin claim that it has become more accurate and for the majority of time, it does seem to be. I have a very low resting heart rate and recover relatively quickly from exertion (it must be all the yoga and meditating) and the Forerunner 735XT seems to be unable to react accurately to sudden changes in heart rate, although it does eventually respond and for my purposes , the readings are accurate enough. While wearing it 24/7, I really like how it uses my heart rate to determine my daily basal metabolic rate. I.E. how many calories I burn each day (otherwise referred to as how much food I can eat in a day).

You become addicted to checking if your heart is still beating

I also quite like the customisable watch faces via Garmin IQ (their App centre) and the smart notifications that show me weather forecasts, social media updates, and even text messages and incoming calls (handy at work). However, these are also available on the Forerunners 235 and 635, and on their own, they are not a reason to upgrade to the Forerunner 735XT. However, the watch does come into its own with some key and rather exciting features.

Just call me Universal Biker

The Forerunner 735XT is the only Garmin watch order viagra
that supports the Garmin Varia range and having picked up the Vision In-Sight display headset, I can confirm that they pair together quickly. As I train for triathlons and get out on my bikes more, I will fully test the Vision and report back.

The Forerunner 735XT also improves upon the 235 by adding a function that would please my Chi Running coach (see my review of Chi Running).

A Metronome.

I am guilty of a long stride (even with my short legs) and a low cadence and the Metronome tool is set to pulse at the recommended 180 steps per minute, although this can be tailored to each runner. This helps you run at a more efficient pace.

For the sports scientists among you, the Forerunner 735XT is equipped with all manner of performance indicators. From the standard training tools, race predictor, VO2 max (premium Forerunners) and recovery adviser to more advanced Lactate Threshold (requires the chest strap) and Functional Threshold Power readings. I will be honest, these mean little to me at the moment, but I intend on finding out.

You might think that all of these functions and the constant use of GPS, heart rate and bluetooth might be battery intensive and in comparison to the seemingly never ending battery of the Garmin Vivofit, it is. While away for four weeks, and using the heart rate and GPS, I have charged it three times with a very quick charge time. I should point out that Garmin state that it will last 14hrs in full race mode, so any budding Ironmen might want to consider their expected finishing times and an alternative watch, such as the Fenix 3.

However, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a stunning sports watch that combines many of the best features of Garmin’s Forerunner and Fenix ranges and it equally works well as a physical activity tracker (like other models, it reminds you to move) and smart watch.

All of this doesn’t come cheap (Garmin Forerunner 735XT Tri Bundle costs £435 at Wiggle , but you can pick up the Run Bundle for £335 at Millets) and for the average runner or cyclist, I might recommend the less expensive options of the Forerunner 235 or Vivoactive HR, but then, who wants to be average and who would much rather be an Ironman (or at least a half Ironman)?

The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a watch for Triathletes and Try-Athletes. It is the watch for me.

Disclaimer. Garmin provided a Forerunner 735XT for this review, but I loved it so much, I bought one for myself.

August 24, 2016 2 comments

Cycling Running Swimming Triathlon

My First Triathlon with Fusion Triathlon Club

written by Stephen Morrison

It took a few moments for the laughing to calm down. The cause of the merriment? My answer to the question of what my aim was, when I announced I was going to lose weight. That I was going to compete in an Ironman competition and become a triathlete. I was at that point 354 pounds and had tried losing weight before, so as much as it hurt, I understood their laughter.

However, I was deadly serious.

Since I’ve started on this path and my previous path to fitness, I’ve made goal setting one of my main tools. I’ve mentioned before that I crave challenges and if something both excites and terrifies me, then there’s a good chance I’m going to sign up for it. Be it Tough Mudder, Spartan Beast or even the Copenhagen Marathon (did I ever mention that I ran a marathon….once?).

So, what is more exciting and terrifying, especially for a morbidly obese desk jockey than the thought of becoming a triathlete…an Ironman, no less. And the crazy thing is, even now that I have regained some weight, I believe that it isn’t a dream, a fancy or an outlandish pursuit. I will be an Ironman and I’m ALREADY a triathlete (and try-athlete)…..of sorts.

For a few years ago, I came across something that got me excited and partly terrified me. The Fusion Mini Triathlon at my local sports centre. How could I pass it up? Quite easily could have been the answer, as I didn’t have a bike and er, couldn’t really swim. Not triathlon stylee, at any rate. But was I going to let a couple of minor issues prevent me from realising a dream? Hell no. I would complete my first triathlon.

I learned that all swimming styles were permitted and a borrowed a bike, albeit a 12 year old, purple MTB that, unlike a fine Scottish whisky, hadn’t aged well.

So on race day I entered the arena and made my way, first to registration and then to rack my bike. I was surrounded by gleaming, shiny, finely tuned and sleek machines while the bikes weren’t too shabby either. At first, I felt a little out of place. Just like I used to, when I was obese. But everyone at Fusion was really friendly and made me feel at ease. So much so, that I felt comfortable removing my t-shirt for the swim (no matter, how much I progress, I’m still a little ashamed of my gut).

And I dived right in and was soon coursing through the swimming leg like a….well, like a not so fat non-swimmer. But I can swim breast-stroke all day (thankfully I didn’t have to) and was soon overtaking a few

and before I knew it, it was time for transition one and time for my first competitive cycle. I say competitive, but the only real competition was which out of the bike and I would break down first.

For, as I had said, the bike wasn’t new and it weighed about the same as a small family car. Plus, it had another problem. One working gear. No, it wasn’t one of these fancy training bikes, it’s gears simply didn’t work and no matter how hard I pumped my wee legs, Fred Flintstone style, everyone and I mean everyone overtook me. But, I’m not a quitter (well, not now at least) and I ploughed on (actually, I think a plough also passed me).

Eventually, it was time for my second transition. From bike to run and I was prepared and ready.

For, I had spent at least 30 mins watching youtube videos and I had been practising my dismount.

But, I’ll be honest, I did surprise myself and probably everyone else by doing a perfect transition. So much so, that it drew a few favourable comments. I say perfect, but I broke the pedal as I jumped off.

Sheer delight at finishing my first triathlon

My spirit raised, I raced into my strongest discipline. All that really means is that I’m never usually in danger of killing myself when I run. I was a little tired after the swim and cycle, but I pushed on and started to overtake a few, not many, but enough to give me hope of not finishing dead last. As I approached the finish line, I did my now mandatory sprint and raised my arms in triumph as I finished my first ever triathlon. It might only have been a wee one, and I might have ended up in the wrong third of rankings, but now I wasn’t only a runner but I was a triathlete.

Not only that, but I had outlived the bike, which was subsequently taken to the dump (I doubt that even Glasgow Bike Station would have wanted it).

I’ve since bought a couple of “proper” bikes, via my work’s cycle scheme and Vitality – you may have seen my #Everyday Athlete video.

I will also finally take swimming lessons and check out Vigour Events, who specialise in outdoor swimming. I will regain my fitness and I will see if Garmin’s Forerunner , Varia and Edge gadgets (all the gear, no idea) make me faster and more safe, as I use active travel as a means of training.

For, in 2018, I will compete in my first Ironman 70.3, while next year I might try (sorry, I couldn’t resist) and find a couple of local triathlons and/or duathlons.

From fat to fit and from try-athlete to triathlete

July 27, 2016 1 comment