There are many people that have inspired me over the last few years, mainly due to their courage or achievements.
As I approach my next major life challenge, many of these figures will be at the front of my mind as I push for that every ounce of motivation to succeed.
For those that are unaware or have not come across some of these people, or who seek some inspiration take a look at the following people and prepare to be amazed.
Marshall Ulrich - After losing his wife to cancer at a young age, Marshall took to running. Completed the transcontinental run of more than 3000 miles by running just short of 60 miles every day for 52 days!!
Team Hoyt - Team Hoyt is an inspirational story of a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick, who compete together in marathons and triathlons across the country.
Nick Vujicic - Words cannot describe my utmost respect for Nick, listen to him speak and I challenge you not to be inspired!
Aron Ralston - Well known story now after film of his situation, 127 hours, was produced.
These are just a few, but ones that have overcome amazing personal courage, hardship and tragedy.
Thursday, 5 April 2012
Thursday, 15 March 2012
A night never to forget.
The events of the 6th of November 2007 will always live strong in my mind. For me, it was the single-most event in my Fire Service career that has shaped my future.
It was the one cause for me to start running, but this start was to come nearly 4 years after the event. The day in question signalled one of the saddest day in UK Fire Service history, when, finally, three bodies were recovered from their resting place in a warehouse fire in Warwickshire. The fatal fire claimed the lives of four fire fighters.
Four years later I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What caused the trigger? That I will never know, but too live the incident again, and live it vividly was not a nice experience.
To combat the low periods I took to the roads to run, to think, to try and lift myself. I was effectively 'Running Away' from my problems. Or so I thought!
A successful bout of EMDR eradicated the vivid flashbacks, but the running carried on!! I am now a stronger person, fitter and positive in my outlook.
On reflection, it is one period of my career I wish had never happened, for so many reasons. But it the biggest impact on how I now view life, problems and challenges.
It was the one cause for me to start running, but this start was to come nearly 4 years after the event. The day in question signalled one of the saddest day in UK Fire Service history, when, finally, three bodies were recovered from their resting place in a warehouse fire in Warwickshire. The fatal fire claimed the lives of four fire fighters.
Four years later I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What caused the trigger? That I will never know, but too live the incident again, and live it vividly was not a nice experience.
To combat the low periods I took to the roads to run, to think, to try and lift myself. I was effectively 'Running Away' from my problems. Or so I thought!
A successful bout of EMDR eradicated the vivid flashbacks, but the running carried on!! I am now a stronger person, fitter and positive in my outlook.
On reflection, it is one period of my career I wish had never happened, for so many reasons. But it the biggest impact on how I now view life, problems and challenges.
Friday, 2 March 2012
My First, But Not Last, Ultra
On Sunday the 19th of February I embarked on my first ever Ultra Marathon. The Tribesports London Ultra, organised by Rory Coleman and Jen Salter at Ultrarace.
Not even having ever run a 'proper' marathon before, only in training on my own, I approached this run with a sense of trepidation.
On arriving at the start at Mottingham, what struck me straight away was I was joining a new family. A group of people all brought together by the soul purpose of going that extra mile (or more). A family that welcomes new members with a friendly smile, within minutes of arriving I am already talking to several other competitors about what I am doing and my new found love of pushing my body to the extreme.
I had arranged to run with a colleague from the Fire Service I had only met through Facebook, but our paths had crossed through our role at other incidents. I bumped into Pete Drummond and his colleague Andy Millar shortly after the brief registration process and we gathered for the customary 'before' race photograph.
Come about 09:15 and after a short race brief, we assembled, and readied for the off. Around 200 runners of differing ages and abilities. A cheer and we were off, the start of what was going to be the longest 31 and a bit miles I had ever run.
The course followed a winding course through the streets and parks of London following the little maps, the other runners and our instincts, not to mention the handily placed stickers and spray painted arrows.
As the pack started to expand out we gathered into a nice pace, if not a little fast for a person of my ability. We covered the first 18 miles in a time of 3 hours (10 minute miles) a pace we would later get punished for!
All along the route we chatted to other competitors and all the time felt good to be part of something special. Each checkpoint, spaced at around 6 mile intervals gave us the opportunity to refuel, stretch and focus on the next six mile journey.
The pain and tiredness started to kick in around 22 miles, just 2.5 miles short of the 4th and final checkpoint. However, digging deep and knowing the final stint would be upon us the pain became discomfort and more an irritation. The final checkpoint achieved alongside the river, more refuelling and electrolytes on board, it was time for the final stretch following the tow path north under the M4 and up to Perivale.
The pace had now become a bit more sedentary as the end got closer. The same few runners seemed to be with us for the last 2 or 3 miles and the final road crossed and we are into Perivale Park and the running track is now a sight of relief.
The final 80 metres up the track was one of the proudest moments of my life, not only have I achieved something special, I have joined a new 'family', I have become an Ultra!!! 31 miles and a time of 6 hours 21 minutes 57 seconds.
My thanks go to my running buddy Pete Drummond. Rory and Jen for a well organised and lovely course. And more importantly to all the other Ultra's for welcoming me into their family, I am truly honoured to be a part of it.
Now, my next challenge as you all know is the London2Brighton 100Km Challenge in May. Twice the distance, but I am confident I can do it, there is only one wall and this event proved I can break it.
Not even having ever run a 'proper' marathon before, only in training on my own, I approached this run with a sense of trepidation.
 |
| Me in the middle |
I had arranged to run with a colleague from the Fire Service I had only met through Facebook, but our paths had crossed through our role at other incidents. I bumped into Pete Drummond and his colleague Andy Millar shortly after the brief registration process and we gathered for the customary 'before' race photograph.
Come about 09:15 and after a short race brief, we assembled, and readied for the off. Around 200 runners of differing ages and abilities. A cheer and we were off, the start of what was going to be the longest 31 and a bit miles I had ever run.
The course followed a winding course through the streets and parks of London following the little maps, the other runners and our instincts, not to mention the handily placed stickers and spray painted arrows.
As the pack started to expand out we gathered into a nice pace, if not a little fast for a person of my ability. We covered the first 18 miles in a time of 3 hours (10 minute miles) a pace we would later get punished for!
 |
| Me and Pete at end |
The pain and tiredness started to kick in around 22 miles, just 2.5 miles short of the 4th and final checkpoint. However, digging deep and knowing the final stint would be upon us the pain became discomfort and more an irritation. The final checkpoint achieved alongside the river, more refuelling and electrolytes on board, it was time for the final stretch following the tow path north under the M4 and up to Perivale.
The pace had now become a bit more sedentary as the end got closer. The same few runners seemed to be with us for the last 2 or 3 miles and the final road crossed and we are into Perivale Park and the running track is now a sight of relief.
My thanks go to my running buddy Pete Drummond. Rory and Jen for a well organised and lovely course. And more importantly to all the other Ultra's for welcoming me into their family, I am truly honoured to be a part of it.
Now, my next challenge as you all know is the London2Brighton 100Km Challenge in May. Twice the distance, but I am confident I can do it, there is only one wall and this event proved I can break it.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Brutal Dartmoor!
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| Early into run |
A circular route across some of the most exposed parts of the moor and a total ascent of around 1,800 feet. Being only my second run of the fortnight, I was expecting it to hurt, but add the complication of snow, sleight and sub-zero temperatures and it was one of the most brutal runs I have ever done.
The early parts of the run were very comfortable, light snow and cold but moving well and not too many taxing hills.
Passing through the village of Dousland and picking up the road from Yelverton to Princetown the terrain and environment shows why Dartmoor is a barren place. The temperature dropped and roads disappeared miles in the distance.
10 miles into the run and I arrive at the prison town of Princetown and just short of the highest altitude of 1,500ft, the weather takes another turn for the worst and snow gives way to driving sleight and wind.
I can see why they put the prison here, any inmate who contemplates a break out has no chance in the surroundings, especially this time of year!!!
Knowing I have 8 miles to go, I have to dig deep into my mental reserves, knowing though that it is nearly all down hill all the way. The roads wind down towards the Dartmoor Inn, and if I had a few quid I would have been tempted to dive in for shelter and a cup of tea! But no, relentless forward progress is the only way to go.
It is not the furthest distance I have run, but the terrain, surroundings and weather makes it one of the most brutal runs I have ever done. 17.35 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes makes me satisfied. And with only two weeks till the first Ultra Marathon in London. I am more positive that I can finish it, as long as I slow the pace. I know there won't be the same hills and terrain for this one!!!!
Friday, 13 January 2012
Intensity Grows - Insanity Stays!
Well as the challenge gets nearer as the training intensity increases. This weeks runs to date are;
- Sunday - 12.5 miles
- Tuesday - 10 miles
- Wednesday - 11.5 miles
- Thursday - 4.5 miles
Just short of 40 hard miles, and I have to say the runs have been some of the easiest, but the pain the next day is uncomfortable!
However, when the next run starts the body loosens quickly and the pain disappears. It's like going back to the weekly pounding on the rugby pitch, early season it takes days to overcome the muscle bruising but as the season goes on the recovery time speeds up.
There is, in my opinion, no quick or easy win to prepare your body for a 50Km run let alone 100Km. All I can do is keep building up the miles and conditioning the body and building on my fitness levels.
The key to these are all in the mind, and my mind is shot!! I have become so focused to my aims that the troubles that caused me to start running in the first place have no place in my mind any more. Ultra marathon running is a case of mind over matter, 10% fitness and 90% mental attitude!! Or as my friends have said 100% MENTAL!!!
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