Triathlon

I am a Runner

I haven’t always been able to say that. Three years ago I weighed 354lbs (over 25 stone). If you had suggested any exercise, I’d have run a mile (sadly, not literally).

But then, a friend changed my life. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. My family and friends had used many more over the years, imploring me to lose weight. I had made a few lame and short lived attempts in the past and like many dieters I gained more than I lost.

I never felt ready. I never felt able. I never felt that my weight prevented me from doing anything I wanted to do. I argued that I didn’t smoke and that I didn’t drink. I was fat, but I was relatively healthy (possibly more healthy than an unfit person of normal weight). The truth was that I was in denial.

But then, a friend took and shared that photograph. It was the photograph that stopped me in my tracks and the photograph that set me on a new course of action. It is a photograph that I keep on me at all times. To remind me of how I was, what I was and how far my journey has taken me.

I wanted to get more active and to feel healthier. I wanted to feel happy and I wanted to regain my confidence, libido and energy that obesity had stolen from me. I wanted to feel like a man again.

But then, I was over 350lbs. What could I do? So, I started by walking and as the pounds fell off I began searching for other ways to get active. Before my weight loss, running a bath was a problem. Once I got in, there wasn’t much room for the water. The idea of running to lose weight was absurd and the thought of running for pleasure was beyond me.

I did, however decide to try running in September 2011 when my friends asked me to grow a moustache for Movember. Being facially folically challenged and 100lbs lighter, I instead committed to running the Mo Running 5K and set about starting a Couch to 5K programme. Alternating walking and running between lamp posts. Within weeks, I was running more than I was walking. More importantly I was surprisingly enjoying every bit of it and looking forward to my next run and to my first competitive race at Mo Running. I wasn’t the fastest but I did overtake a few runners and even managed a sprint (well, ok maybe a dash) across the finishing line recording a personal best of under 27 minutes which might not seem great but it made me puff my chest with pride and not just exhaustion.

In December I was again competing in another “facial hair” inspired race, the annual “Santa Dash”. Along with several thousand other Santas we raced through the city streets and although my Santa suit and beard was not the most ergonomic or comfortable of outfits I was still able to leap over stray dogs, side swerve errant mothers with push chairs and tackle a relatively large incline (all my previous runs had been on the flat). I was far removed from fitting the role of the jolly fat man, but I knew I had further to go, before I’d be happy.

But then, the taunts and jeers of white van men and boy racers stopped me in my tracks. I felt humiliated, I felt hopeless and I felt hatred. Mostly I hated myself. I was so close to giving up and accepting that I couldn’t change. Despite being a shadow of my former self, I was still obese and it weighed heavily on my mind.

I couldn’t go on. Once again, I was a failure.

But then, my anger and frustration led to grit and determination. I wouldn’t stop. I wouldn’t give in to the taunts and my own self doubt. I could and I would run. I started with 5Ks and then progressed to 10Ks before entering my first Great Scottish Half Marathon then more and longer races. I have completed Tough Mudder, Spartan Beast and my first Marathon in Copenhagen. I now run to work, I run at weekends and I scour the country looking to add new bibs and new medals to my collection. I have continued to lose weight and I am now almost half the size I was.

I am also now looking forward to launching Great Run Local Glasgow, in partnership with Great Run and with the support of friends and the team at Run 4 It. Designed to provide a short and timed weekly run for new runners, it’s a chance for me to give something back. I am not a philosopher or even a particularly great runner, but I am passionate about running and all forms of physical activity and I will do what I can do support and inspire others.

I am now a runner. Will you join me?

July 22, 2014 0 comment

Europe Running Travel Triathlon

Stairway to Heaven- Running In Sorrento

written by Stephen Morrison

Next stop on my Italian tour was the beautiful and picturesque coastal town of Sorrento.

I had previously envisaged some early morning barefoot beach runs. However, I really should have conducted some prior research. For Sorrento is mostly pitched on a cliff top and beaches were in short supply.

I say mostly pitched as my hotel was in fact located in the Marina with a short stretch of beach, which really would only have been suitable for sprint training. So each morning I made the most of my location to begin my run up a punishing and seemingly unending set of steps to the top. I’d like to say that I sprinted up them like a mountain goat, but in truth, the last dozen steps were taken at barely faster than walking speed and in temperatures of 28C, I thought my heart was going to explode.

Which, it almost did on a few other occasions. The streets of Sorrento are very narrow. Like lots of Italy, the vehicles of choice have two wheels. As an active travel advocate, it pains me to say that it wasn’t the self-propelled variety. And Sorrento doesn’t only lack from a shortage of beachfront. The town’s planners, way back, obviously weren’t too pedestrian friendly. For every so often, the sidewalk I was on would abruptly stop and I would be forced to join the motorised traffic, on the road. I can only guess from the car horns and shouting (my Italian isn’t great, but pretty sure they weren’t encouraging me) that I wasn’t too welcome.

If I were to avoid becoming another road traffic accident statistic and meeting my maker, I had only two options open to me.

The choices were to either resign myself to NOT running in Sorrento or to continue risking the ire of my girlfriend by getting up at an unfeasibly early hour and getting out before the rest of Sorrento was awake (well, apart from maybe the fishermen).

Well, I’m a runner (haven’t always felt able to say that) and if she loves me…I guessed, she’d understand. Plus the views from my run route were pretty spectacular.

But even that wasn’t sufficient as another omission from traffic in Sorrento were the concepts of “give way” or “slow”. When combined, narrow streets, blind corners and lunatic early morning drivers made each run a little too exhilarating.

On too many occasions, I’d be approaching a corner, only for a motorcycle or moped to burst into view and more worryingly into my path resulting in the need for some evasive action, on my part.

There weren’t going to be any PB’s set here as I learned to approach every bend and corner with caution. However, the mixture of heat, exertion and panic did manage to secure me the coveted “Sweater of the Week” award from my pals Elle and Jen.

What lengths do you go to manage a run and have you had any scary experiences?

July 9, 2014 1 comment

Europe Running Travel Triathlon

Vidi, Vici, Curro

written by Stephen Morrison

“That’s an awful lot of running gear” my girlfriend remarked as I packed for our trip to Italy. “I am going to do an awful lot of running” I responded just before ducking to avoid the shoe (not a soft running shoe) heading in my direction.

While my better half spends her time researching hotels and planning activities, my preparation for a vacation normally revolves around researching running shops and planning running routes. For me, going to a new country is an opportunity to run in a new country and to buy a running top in a new country. And with several Great Run events planned for this year, I couldn’t afford to not run for two weeks.

Some people like to go on bus tours, but I reckon that there’s no better way to experience a city than to run in it.

“And I have yet to find a better city to run in, than Rome, while I learned that there is no better time to run in Rome, than at dawn.”

At dawn the streets are relatively clear of crazy drivers, the tourists are still tucked up in their hotel beds, and given that the sun is only just rising, the temperature isn’t yet in the upper 30’s (I learned the hard way).

And there is nothing quite like running past the ancient ruins of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum as the sun rises.

Apart from maybe running amongst the ancient relics of the Vatican as the sun rises. Standing in almost solitude in St Peter’s Square prior to the arrival of the masses is an experience I’ll forever savour.

But it isn’t just the streets lined with beautiful architecture and stunning viewpoints. Rome is built on seven hills which give ample opportunity to do some hill sprints. Running up and down the Spanish Steps was my personal favourite, although I did garner some strange looks from all the beautiful people adorning the steps in their Italian couture.

Not the Spanish Steps.

Whether it’s running along the banks of the Tiber or running through the tree lined Villa Borghese with the locals, Rome is a beautiful city to run in. And when in Rome, I couldn’t resist getting my own special carved marble moniker

What is your favourite city to run in and what is so special about it?

July 5, 2014 1 comment

Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Swimming Triathlon Try-Athlete

Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick

written by Stephen Morrison

I can’t really swim and if asked I don’t really want to, but when invited to swim with a Commonwealth Champion, it was time to get my Speedos on (ok, there’s never a time to get Speedos on).

There’s a reason why I like runing. There are, in fact, several reasons why I like running, but one is that it is a simple case of putting one foot in front of the other and then repeating. Yes, some of my running friends and my Garmin might go on about about cadence and vertical oscillation, but we really were born to run.

Swimming is a sport that I know is great for getting fit and strong (see pictures of Robbie Renwick) and I know it is an excellent activity for the obese and overweight. As Robbie (more about him later) explained, when asked about injuries, it is a relatively low impact sport (he’s obviously never seen me dive-bombing). However, for many obese people swimming pools are uncharted waters. When you despise how you look, the walk of shame from changing rooms to pool can strip you of your dignity, regardless of whether anyone is even looking at you.

And then there is the synchronised swimming. No, not some artistic moves but simply using my arms and legs while trying to remember to breathe (while my head is OUT of the water).

So, when I was invited by Strathmore Water to join Commonwealth Gold Medallist and British 200m Freestyle record holding Robbie Renwick and to find out more about their Do More campaign, I put aside my worries about drowning in a sea of embarrassment and took one for Team14.

I was joined by six other wonderful bloggers (including my Team14 pal Paula McGuire) and the shared apprehension seemed to ease our collective fears. Fears that we incidently didn’t need to have.

Robbie, despite only being weeks away from a wee event in Glasgow and Sunday being his day off, was a fantastic coach. Over the course of an hour he took us through various swimming drills. We focused on streamlining (don’t think I’ll ever resemble a streamline), techniques and endurance training.

Thankfully the most we had to swim was about 400 metres and the chance for me to fully embarrass myself was limited.

Or so I thought!!

Robbie was keen to help us improve every aspect of our swimming and like David Carry, who I had listened to at a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow conference earlier in the week, he spoke at length about how making small changes and improvements to aspects of our swimming can shave seconds off times. Seconds that can mean the difference between podiums and doldrums.

One way of finishing faster is turning faster. Very seldom (IE never) do you see swimmers replicating my approach of reaching the end, stopping, turning around and starting again. Instead, they perform tumble turns. And Robbie wanted us to perform them. It is testament to his professionalism that he kept a straight face as I tumbled and turned. On my first attempt I ended up turning 90 degrees and in the lane next to mine.

However, it was in my second attempt that I invented a new style of turning.

Somehow, as I turned and pushed my legs, with all my might, I ended up with my feet out the water and ON the edge of the pool. As I lay there with only my upper body submerged, I was literally choking with laughter

Grin When You Are Swimming

Robbie, to his credit, took my incompetence in good spirit and was obviously really impressed by the progress that I made during the training session. Despite having some excellent swimmers in our group, it was quite clear that my unique style had left a lasting impression on him and his praise was totally unexpected.

After the relay race (we’ll not dwell too much on that, other than to say that the losing team had to then swim two further gruelling lengths using the fly technique that left me gasping for breath) we headed upstairs for a Q and A

I asked him about setting milestones and goals and I asked if he worked backwards. He confirmed that Rio 16 is his goal with Glasgow 2014 and the World Championships (update: he is a World Champion) his milestones. Throughout the questioning it became clear that Robbie was dedicated, determined and disciplined. Yes, he enjoys cakes (who doesn’t) but he also swims for over 30 hours every week and has strength coaches, sports psychologists and physiotherapists in his corner. Competing in Glasgow is a great honour, but he will not let that pressure affect him. He has been training for four years, in preparation for defending his Commonwealth crown. On any given day Robbie gets up at 5 am, swims 7000 metres, goes to the gym for 2.5 hours before heading back to the pool.

At the Q and A afterwards, the question I wanted to dive in with was: “Robbie, just what is your problem?”

Instead, we spoke about something we both are passionate about. Getting people to Do More. Robbie Renwick is one of three inspiring athletes who belong to Team Strathmore. Together, they are encouraging more people to get into the sporting spirit and to take small steps. To try new sports and activities. Although sharing my concerns about the accessibility of swimming to young children, he did feel that pools like Tollcross International Swimming Centre were encouraging more and more to swim.

And guess what? He’s inspired me. I’ve harboured (last water related pun) a desire to become a triathlete but felt anchored (sorry) by my lack of swimming skills. Using the training tips he imparted upon us, I am going to wade back into the pool and I will practice. Then I will participate in the Great Swim. A one mile swim of Loch Lomond.

Can’t Swim, Will Swim.

Huge thanks to Robbie Renwick and Strathmore for a fantastic experience and to Jeff, the photographer, for not filming any of my really embarrassing moments.

June 26, 2014 6 comments

Commonwealth Games #Team14 Cycling Triathlon Try-Athlete

Get On Your Bike For Team14

written by Stephen Morrison

It’s Bike Week and as a member of Team14 and as an Active Travel Champion and spokesman (I do like a pun) for both Sustrans and Paths For All, I thought I’d take a break from running (albeit for only 24 hours) and wheel out my bike and my thoughts..

My decision to get back in the saddle was partly inspired by a recent trip to Copenhagen, where I ran a marathon (there are possibly Amazon tribes who still haven’t heard this). Not only do the Danes love running (1 in 3 run), but everywhere you look, people are going to work, school and even to evening parties on bikes.

It’s not surprising then that Copenhagen is probably the happiest and best place to live in the world.

So while some people are complaining about lane and road closures in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games, I am excited that this will be an Active Games. I make no secret that walking and then running to and from work were instrumental in transforming my life. I also discovered, to my surprise, that I didn’t melt in the rain. If we can continue improving our routes to the Games venues, we can encourage more to get to them by foot and bike. The challenge then will be to continue this progress and build on the great work by organisations such as the Bike Station who today, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, launched their Nextbike Hire Scheme. For the next three years residents and visitors to Glasgow can hire bikes, a la Boris style, to get about our wonderful city.

Bike Station were also present at the Pollok Park Cycle Fair on Saturday, 14th June, and in addition to getting my bike security stamped by the Police, I took the opportunity to sample some other forms of cycling. They say two heads are better than one and surely four legs peddling is even better, but sitting behind, with no control felt just a little uneasy, even though I was in capable hands. Rather than cycling in tandem, I felt like a spare part, simply responding (usually belatedly) to instructions from my main steer.

I needed to feel in control. So, launching myself and my bike off a ramp and onto a huge airbag made perfect sense. Even the warning sign and the attendant’s admission that yes, I could get hurt, only made me want to do it more. As I’ve grown fitter and stronger, I’ve also seemingly become invincible. I had the Men’s 10K the following day, but what could go wrong? After a few minutes warming up I was adjudged to be confident and competent enough on the special stunt bikes to tackle the ramp. I readied myself and powered my way towards new heights of awesomeness.

I’d like to report that I flew into the air, with birds scrambling out of my way, but in reality, I was reliable informed, I simply flopped over the side, with the now evident bruising (and earlier swelling) on my knees paying testimony to my ungainly landing. Unlike young Gregor Robb, from Hamilton, who seemed to hang in the air for an eternity before landing perfectly. My evaluation of my lack of elevation was simply that I was too big and heavy. Gravity does not lie. However, I was not to be beaten and buoyed by my new stunt rider status, I decided to test my cycling skills further. For in Pollok Park, where I spent much of my childhood, there is a new reason for me to head into the woods.

The Glasgow Mountain Bike Centre has arguably been eclipsed by the Commonwealth Games site at Cathkin Braes, but for a newbie like me, it was an ideal location to get started. With Alpine Bikes on hand with a truly amazing full suspension bike and some tips, I convinced myself that I would be able to safely navigate the Blue Circuit which is:

“a first step into steep terrain, varied surfaces and a chance to get your wheels off the ground.The Blue route requires skill and concentration to get the best out of yourself and your bike.”

And yes, my wheels DID leave the ground. I narrowly avoided several trees and my heart was racing, not only from the the exertion of climbing the inclines, but from the exhilaration of the descents. It was brilliant fun and I can now understand why several of my friends regularly go mountain biking.

Bike Week lasts from 14th-22nd June with activities across the country, from organised group bike rides to bike surgeries, where you can give your bike some much needed tlc.

June 16, 2014 3 comments