Skins & Blisters

Well as much as the long training runs are a way of conditioning my body for the Ultra's, they are also a time to test kit and find comfort in running. There is nothing worse than setting out on a long run and feeling discomfort or worse pain.

Getting the kit right and staving off any potential pains is the key to long distance events. It is imperative to nip that little rub early before it develops into a blister that is going to hinder you in the future.

Well, my problem is always between my 4th and 5th toe where I always cut due to the point my smallest toenail rubs the side of the 4th toe. This first came to light in one of my first long training runs when I looked down to see this!!

Well on Sunday during a gentle 13 miles on the South Devon coast I tried to find a solution. I purchased a gel-filled toe protector from Boots and cut it in two and slipped one half over each of the toes. The result was 13 miles of pain free running and absolutely no rubbing! Success!!!

Also for the run I used my new A400 Skins for the first time. Did they work? Well I have to say at about the 11 mile mark I felt the smallest discomfort in my left knee, but nothing like the discomfort it has given me previously. They also eliminated any pains around the calves which I have been getting.

So, slowly I am getting there with the kit requirements and comfort, just need to bank the miles now.

For those with an interest, after a recommendation, I have started reading Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons. It is filled with good tips for running your first Ultra.

Six Weeks Away

Well it is six weeks tomorrow till my first ever Ultra race event, the London Ultra 50K.

To prepare I will be enjoying, if that is possible, a gentle 15 miles in the Devon countryside tomorrow morning.

Skins Ahoy!

Well I am now the proud owner of a pair of Skins A400 compression tights. I will put them to the test at the weekend and report back my thoughts.

Also looking to overcome a persistent foot problem caused by my small toenail cutting the fourth toe, some will trial some toesocks which my friend swears by!

Start as I mean to go on!

I started my running on the 1st of January 2011 and 2012 started with a nice 11.5 miles of night running.

The challenge over the next few weeks is going to be getting the runs in with work commitments and travelling.

But as long as I have trainers and kit I will find the time and route.

The end of the year!

Firstly I hope you all have a lovely night!

Tonight marks the end of a long year, one that has seen me start my running nearly exactly a year ago, and achieve my own milestones of running both half and full marathon distances, neither in official events. In addition I competed in my first official 10k and ran in my own PB. Not sure of it was down to the beetroot juice, but one thing is for sure, the after effects of the juice lasted longer than those of the run.

Tomorrow morning I will start 2012 where I started 2011, putting in the miles. Just not in the same beautiful scenery, but Plymouth isn't too bad.

2012 is a year of event and personal challenges to myself. Some will be for charity, some for personal satisfaction. The first event is in only seven weeks, on February 19th, the London Ultra 50k. Just over 31 miles of London streets, parks and hills. This will as my longest distance training run for what at the moment is the main event in May.

Will I do anymore after May, watch this space! I have more events planned some shorter, some dual discipline and some more sedentary.

Whatever, I plan to look back in a years time and say it was a good year and I achieved something special. Something no one can take away from me and I hope will act as an inspiration to a few.

Many thanks and see you all in 2012.