tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29924417552487665742024-03-13T04:25:52.936-07:00Ultra Running MatelotTraveler, Sailor, Father who likes to run Ultras and AdventuresOwain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-90284503602913816972024-02-01T10:18:00.000-08:002024-02-01T10:18:24.684-08:00A Year Without Racing <p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; font-weight: bold;">A Year Without Racing!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 28px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span><br /></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So 2023 didn’t go exactly how I thought it would when it came to races. However, the running still went on it was just not competitive in any form. I still trained hard just in case a race came up that I could enter, but it never happened for various reasons , I deployed at the end of February to the Baltic states, visiting lots of beautiful countries. First of all going up to the Arctic Circle, where I wasn’t sure if I could keep the streak going. The weather wasn’t always favourable for running, but I managed to cope just about on the treadmill even when the ship was rolling about heavily. That is always an interesting experience! We then came alongside in Norway in the city called Bergen , which I have never visited before. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B-A1mry6xW6cIYttjDSPyjUyU3Zcy8OXDFqleqG48VFDBK9egt4kbK2aTnmchAG3hGRaSWMCX_GvXUu-BUdVq-ejCv6W3KP5o-yNuMjzNJtsM_jZe1NuQEN5G6jCymCzT-7ezBBemRMDRtaVAlOYScQ_Upfh9j-L3RhhZ5M1eeFJ3AjBHGIT4kA6RNE/s1700/61FD42F9-6E96-43E9-AFE3-850EA96B631E.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1700" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1B-A1mry6xW6cIYttjDSPyjUyU3Zcy8OXDFqleqG48VFDBK9egt4kbK2aTnmchAG3hGRaSWMCX_GvXUu-BUdVq-ejCv6W3KP5o-yNuMjzNJtsM_jZe1NuQEN5G6jCymCzT-7ezBBemRMDRtaVAlOYScQ_Upfh9j-L3RhhZ5M1eeFJ3AjBHGIT4kA6RNE/s320/61FD42F9-6E96-43E9-AFE3-850EA96B631E.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up the Mountains of Bergen<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I spent many time in Norway various other towns and cities, but this is the first I’ve been there. It was a beautiful place and good fun to run, but there were no races on during that time after brief couple of weeks at home during Easter where I prioritised family over races.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNMG9EEekmxFm9kXtrqLKkUhKJ5iR5J1UBhwiMve6mU2f4CtrhhqOF72LIkFf5oG9CCl9MyG3Oc_Z1N6qbRsjWGs_FTWT1P74z1qbAv2AaJF7ALNQ6lVQhPME5RPxxZpw1XLodPYd2NPlWgkvbRxu0wbpmoeie505PdOAkt19BEw1PrtNnO9VFTsL8-0/s909/6C5B9B2D-31CC-4E13-A661-622A14B0871B.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="909" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNMG9EEekmxFm9kXtrqLKkUhKJ5iR5J1UBhwiMve6mU2f4CtrhhqOF72LIkFf5oG9CCl9MyG3Oc_Z1N6qbRsjWGs_FTWT1P74z1qbAv2AaJF7ALNQ6lVQhPME5RPxxZpw1XLodPYd2NPlWgkvbRxu0wbpmoeie505PdOAkt19BEw1PrtNnO9VFTsL8-0/s320/6C5B9B2D-31CC-4E13-A661-622A14B0871B.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running around the upper deck within the Arctic Circle</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">We then headed back into the Baltic a bit deeper. We first visited Sweden, a place I’ve never visited before. Lots of great running was had here. I even managed to do a Parkrun with a friend based out here in Stockholm. We then followed this by visiting Helsinki in Finland. Where we came alongside in another beautiful country. Wasting no time I was out running again on dry land. There were no races on during the time I was alongside, my daily running continued, allowing me to explore this lovely city. The next stop was Tallinn in Estonia. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBCzc_8rfK05ImpF4ziEoC6u-cLwNz5iAEkoiVvzHUThtXil4rbl5pT213eIAfSlw1mT14Rd0lsEQx5XHV2Hez-c4e78oXN2Fu74hZMdLkD2UbElYTI1UPppNqX6QUis2hJbnass48_YbBoT8qHk7I3jDHhHZQWW__L4t70n6hpKeoYq-e3wKxRrXc1M/s1915/F8C2E39B-2794-4969-A895-F4BE9D130E4D.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1015" data-original-width="1915" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBCzc_8rfK05ImpF4ziEoC6u-cLwNz5iAEkoiVvzHUThtXil4rbl5pT213eIAfSlw1mT14Rd0lsEQx5XHV2Hez-c4e78oXN2Fu74hZMdLkD2UbElYTI1UPppNqX6QUis2hJbnass48_YbBoT8qHk7I3jDHhHZQWW__L4t70n6hpKeoYq-e3wKxRrXc1M/s320/F8C2E39B-2794-4969-A895-F4BE9D130E4D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running through the old city of Tallinn, Estonia</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">This is the last Baltic country I’ve never visited before not alone running so I managed to tick off all the Baltic states now. Again, there was no races alongside in Tallinn, I just kept up my running every day and exploring new places along the way. My runs continued every day over the next few months, visiting more countries, such as the Netherlands Germany, Scotland and Belfast before ending up back home after being away for about five months.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> It was time to spend some family time during my summer leave. So I prioritise that over racing because I hadn’t seen my family for half a year almost I owe them some quality time then I’ve got sent away on a course for five weeks in Portsmouth only coming home at weekends again. </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hH96ASVSBB8nFZEDnFarcEKkaKG8LMDmZiVjX5eBXdOxMM5KwSQ4awXTO7th3zi6C4LU30OensiV6Q9i1yHpOZVWAC5GlH9UXHKRth_XxtorgE0eNz16LIqwXWB_Ti_11cq5evSfgJPC71va0HX2JAvXjqO2dasUdIaK-YOmyJYNxPEhHsFlrbC-v-A/s1797/CB3963C4-29AE-4EC0-A4EC-D5C85C234F27.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1797" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hH96ASVSBB8nFZEDnFarcEKkaKG8LMDmZiVjX5eBXdOxMM5KwSQ4awXTO7th3zi6C4LU30OensiV6Q9i1yHpOZVWAC5GlH9UXHKRth_XxtorgE0eNz16LIqwXWB_Ti_11cq5evSfgJPC71va0HX2JAvXjqO2dasUdIaK-YOmyJYNxPEhHsFlrbC-v-A/s320/CB3963C4-29AE-4EC0-A4EC-D5C85C234F27.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my daily runs whilst at sea</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I wasn’t up for a racing at the weekends as it was precious time with the family for another month or so by the time I finish that course. W</span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">hen I was back home again properly it was well into October, I just haven’t found another race I want to race or I was interested in and before I knew it it was December. I just felt there was no point now in entering a race in the remainder of what was 2023. This will be the first year since I started running in 2009 that I hadn’t run at least one race. It’s kind of strange but also a bit liberating. I’m not sure whether that’s the word or not that I’m after but I don’t feel sad but I don’t feel happy. But it was also nice not having to deal with race nerves or getting kit together, buying food for an ultra that I need for the crew and myself, planning where the crew are going to meet me on a race. None of those pressures that I’ve had for years gone. I have however, missed out on seeing friends that I usually see at these races because some of them live all over the country. Only get to see them at some of these races but not seeing them this year, didn’t upset me but I did feel a little melancholy about it all. Obviously I’ve saved a lot of money by not entering races this year as well which I guess could be a positive. Once my job is settled out and I know what I’m doing. I can start planning a lot more for 2024. I’ve got two big races already booked in. I am looking forward to training and racing them! It’s gonna be a good year I think. But as for 2023, it’s done and dusted. For 2024 the run streak continues and races are booked. It is going to be epic! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ThBsC9qoaEik1Uf0-F6VNJUVzFFZabrWpBmOmKgkns3AAKaOaPia7j4Tbp07e9eSodlLZt7BLWd-VDlb9qcQYu4xK9G9mD64sN0KF2Fj80P0Vba4yPmUvnLilBlZn3fIfsp9JtVUSbawjgStr63nUn3Rn0t_VspCHRsSXIhNtI_7xif7BJfcasilAEo/s1886/7B0335EA-69FD-40C7-AC6D-047672C6C7E3.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1886" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ThBsC9qoaEik1Uf0-F6VNJUVzFFZabrWpBmOmKgkns3AAKaOaPia7j4Tbp07e9eSodlLZt7BLWd-VDlb9qcQYu4xK9G9mD64sN0KF2Fj80P0Vba4yPmUvnLilBlZn3fIfsp9JtVUSbawjgStr63nUn3Rn0t_VspCHRsSXIhNtI_7xif7BJfcasilAEo/s320/7B0335EA-69FD-40C7-AC6D-047672C6C7E3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiel, Germany<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> On of the races already booked is the Hope Trail festival in July and I’m a little bit excited about that. I’m doing the 36 hour event and it’s going to be amazing! It’s one of my favourite races, mostly for the community. I know loads who will be participating so it’s going to be great seeing them all! </span><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqrhA03obIdwnc06VmA1g2jQdgUMS16t9fM5SU0X8HsHKjkn0FsGzmjx8BD6KWcPdGPxymknqQN4LLryUhPCsxFbKBRGimHJslRkorjpVVowLI51M-gAJzG_6dB0w6GOMEBFonCup6VOJ7m3D8Sd8lQcvabUdTw0gg940Ccm3a1Ovyo-JTkowiFqfswI/s1614/89A5AFCA-DFF7-40D4-97C9-7D7843A5B3EA.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1614" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqrhA03obIdwnc06VmA1g2jQdgUMS16t9fM5SU0X8HsHKjkn0FsGzmjx8BD6KWcPdGPxymknqQN4LLryUhPCsxFbKBRGimHJslRkorjpVVowLI51M-gAJzG_6dB0w6GOMEBFonCup6VOJ7m3D8Sd8lQcvabUdTw0gg940Ccm3a1Ovyo-JTkowiFqfswI/s320/89A5AFCA-DFF7-40D4-97C9-7D7843A5B3EA.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belfast, N.Ireland</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"> So yes I have in some ways missed races in 2023 but I think having a year off has actually done me some good. It’s allowing me to reflect on what I have raced and what I have achieved over the years. Allowed me to take the pressure off for a year, allowed me to think about where I want to head with my running and I’m still keen to do ultras.</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">If you got through all that, then thanks for reading! </span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Until next time</span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Owain</span></p>Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-78135100877630331722023-06-24T22:50:00.000-07:002023-06-24T22:50:22.117-07:00One Thousand, Five Hundred Days of Running Everyday - What I have learnt<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">So, it’s been a while since I’ve put pen to paper as the saying goes and written a blog, but as it’s a big milestone coming up with the run streak I thought, let’s get back on the horse and write one. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I’ve been so pre-occupied with work, making content for social media and YouTube and of course running every day, I’ve just not had the effort level to write a blog. I was actually sat at my desk in the Ops Room with time to spare; it seemed a good opportunity to do so. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">The milestone I’ve just hit recently is the 1500<sup>th</sup> day of running every day. That is just over 4 years of running every day with out fail. For it to be an official run streak it has to be at least one mile a day, but I’ve not had to do a mile day in a long time now. I will always have that in my back pocket though should I need to a streak saver. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I’m currently away with work at sea, and I’ve had a few people ask “How would I keep my streak up at sea?” and “What am I going to do when I go back to sea?” They weren’t curious questions with good intentions. They were asked with expectation of failure. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbHPY2uYSMJue0DvJsxjExwM5f_1Cd7d_d8sp4XcJdHuCE6KoAmKSCPk2dhu975WrP8qkls3SBZokQhwRXVeO9Lc01V5X8ROva_1FPFDik-sPgGkGpylHiQ9omA0R-IqToEqN8g5D3HrU5z5jKbXUti6N56j8-gI6vl7-RJhuG9Pem01bPXFvYux2vGY/s960/IMG_0406%202.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbHPY2uYSMJue0DvJsxjExwM5f_1Cd7d_d8sp4XcJdHuCE6KoAmKSCPk2dhu975WrP8qkls3SBZokQhwRXVeO9Lc01V5X8ROva_1FPFDik-sPgGkGpylHiQ9omA0R-IqToEqN8g5D3HrU5z5jKbXUti6N56j8-gI6vl7-RJhuG9Pem01bPXFvYux2vGY/s320/IMG_0406%202.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day the streak started 19th May 2019 Plymouth Half</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">If anything, the last 1500 odd days of running everyday has taught me, that there are only excuses. I’ve built my discipline up, that even after the many races I’ve done including ultra marathons, I’ve got myself out and ran. Even when in my last role in work where I was in work at 0530 and finishing at 2230, I was still getting my run done at 0330/0400 those days. So why wouldn’t I be able to keep my streak up at sea.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Running everyday isn’t easy by any means, many fail for one excuse or another. It’s why it’s deemed as a challenge. As for something to be deemed a challenge, there must be a chance of failure. This is why I never set my self any goals for the run streak, that way I can never fail!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Since I started the run streak over 4 years ago, I have broken personal bests, achieved a podium and a couple top 10 finishing results in some ultra marathon events. I pass the stair test now every time after a marathon or ultra marathon. What’s the stair test? You know being able to go up and down stairs not looking like you’ve shit your pants. DOMS disappear pretty quickly, which is down to nailing my recovery very well. Which also has lead me to not being injured through running or running everyday. Some people say I’m just lucky, they maybe right but those are the same people I know have been injured a lot over the same period because they don’t do recovery properly. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGfr66X7JTahIsKR82t33Mh8xmoxBzhAZxVFlbi8L4VUAzpfcjSyxswD94dbAQnW5jVUdSWS-2Bug2KoA1Msmk91uZ_02R6kJh3BYwT1eSBo3T3qjMxf2zB3yPzPAsG3sQYmmcOHZ3K4PBnE4MBgFabe4zWeOfmDI5F2ILXxgCp_qVts_cdKA0qZ-na0/s960/IMG_0407%202.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="960" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGfr66X7JTahIsKR82t33Mh8xmoxBzhAZxVFlbi8L4VUAzpfcjSyxswD94dbAQnW5jVUdSWS-2Bug2KoA1Msmk91uZ_02R6kJh3BYwT1eSBo3T3qjMxf2zB3yPzPAsG3sQYmmcOHZ3K4PBnE4MBgFabe4zWeOfmDI5F2ILXxgCp_qVts_cdKA0qZ-na0/s320/IMG_0407%202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope24 - 24 hour running and I still kept run streaking</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">What have I learnt over the last 1500 odd days then?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><ol start="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">No excuses – It’s so easy for people to find an excuse not to some thing everyday. We were born to be mobile. It doesn’t have to be running.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Recovery – Being disciplined in your recovery is one of the key things. Recover properly and it would lessen the chance of injury. You will see people go for a recovery/easy run on strava because that’s what they’ve called it, but it’s the same pace as the hard/threshold etc run the day before. Sleep well and eating well as just as important to the recovery as doing your recovery activity properly. Not a single ice bath or foam roller was needed ;-)<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Discipline – It took me a little while, but I found I can be disciplined, listening to my body, sticking to recovery programme after a big race even if felt strong. If I have to do a recovery run or easy run then I’ll do it. Plus they are my fav kinds of runs as well. <o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Making it fun and keeping it fresh – Not a single run has been the same; something has always been different, even if it was a little change. Fun is always in my opinion the most important thing. If you’re not enjoying it, then you’re doing it wrong. Much like pretty much every thing in life.<o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Planning – A lot of people fail due to poor planning. Then it becomes and excuse. <o:p></o:p></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">That is just some things I’ve learnt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Don’t be scared to take selfies, action shots or anything. Logging your runs, however you want to keep you accountable is up to you. If it gets you out there, then you take that selfie. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I’m still a toddler in the run streak world; I’ve grown from the baby stage into the toddler stage. There are runners out there with 10,20,30,40 years plus out there. Although the legend Dr Ron Hill still owns the World Record of 52 years and 39 days, although he sadly past away a couple of years ago. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoCnk-OD790hOc_IGR7Lg1XbIfHpoaSf09ueX_MN6uwByVyV3_SEx-IspuROHQZQaZAXc4Lqob2m88xJI-imStaFZ1798bBqk3MVKyC6LaRzpzklqyjgU5nSpoHdz9zQZoPh5fO1pga2S19ToqegKc1MqQaqZpJ9TC3RLGD9kxLNSXKsK2QrYqppWatw/s1800/IMG_0408.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoCnk-OD790hOc_IGR7Lg1XbIfHpoaSf09ueX_MN6uwByVyV3_SEx-IspuROHQZQaZAXc4Lqob2m88xJI-imStaFZ1798bBqk3MVKyC6LaRzpzklqyjgU5nSpoHdz9zQZoPh5fO1pga2S19ToqegKc1MqQaqZpJ9TC3RLGD9kxLNSXKsK2QrYqppWatw/s320/IMG_0408.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd Place at the Madness of King George 36 hour non stop race </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">But what’s it like running every day at sea?<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Now, up until I went back to sea I ran every run out doors. It was amazing, then I joined my latest ship and due to weather conditions in the North Sea and the Arctic Circle most of my runs at sea were on the treadmill (insert puke face). I did manage to grab a hand full of runs around the upper deck but the treadmill kept my streak going. Them the next part of the trip, at the time of writing this I’ve been super lucky the weather, and ship’s programme has allowed me to run every day at sea around the upper deck. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Along the way I’ve run in some great countries in the streak and this recent deployment. But as always, planning has been important. Working my runs in and around my work which includes watchkeeping (shifts) be it 6 hours on 6 hours rotation or standard cruising watches etc. I’ve had to plan when I was going to run and get it done. For instance, currently I’m doing 12 hours on watch and 12 hours off watch. I come off watch at 1am, go to bed not long after, get up at 5am and go for my run, then get back in bed afterwards until lunch time. That’s when I get breakfast, and then go back on watch. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">During the run streak I’ve had all the comments about its bad for you etc. If there was a run streak comment bingo, I think I could tick it all off more than once. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVmfGI6YB-7jpF4c3p6BfqTm8p_4IXnbB50niIUBvwXeQT9hntGI7g6qQWG9kbN_Oerq6bLKUALPBR5XW-3j1LcVvaoVbs7pLB6ZAV3sTpJu4TfsX1KHpAez3yMSUw-SmRRLvW7w0Seaq4N2RkSrpqeYWzbQeUiswTn5MpSeNYZU1Ocq8q-vZhbtPoS8/s1500/9F9C9816-19BA-4654-8A8B-EF866161C6FB.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1500" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVmfGI6YB-7jpF4c3p6BfqTm8p_4IXnbB50niIUBvwXeQT9hntGI7g6qQWG9kbN_Oerq6bLKUALPBR5XW-3j1LcVvaoVbs7pLB6ZAV3sTpJu4TfsX1KHpAez3yMSUw-SmRRLvW7w0Seaq4N2RkSrpqeYWzbQeUiswTn5MpSeNYZU1Ocq8q-vZhbtPoS8/s320/9F9C9816-19BA-4654-8A8B-EF866161C6FB.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all the running at sea have been on the treadmill of doom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Run streaking, isn’t a cool thing. It is though something runners can incorporate into their training without the worry of injuring themselves from it. Runners get injured because they do something wrong in the majority of cases and that doesn’t matter whether they run every day or every other day. If someone came to me for advice on run streaking or looking to give it a go, I’d support them and not give them false information of how bad it is. I’ve seen it a lot, especially on social media.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">Do I recommend running everyday? Only if running is your thing, but its not for everyone, even if they are a runner. I get it, I do but what I highly recommend is being active everyday. We can fit something of benefit in every day. Active Recovery should not be dirty words, there are a lot of benefits from it and I see it all the time with those I know who carry out active recovery in some form. I see more injuries in runners who don’t do active recovery than I do in those who do something. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAsVsIQn1i0C43U7S5WZM4RWMXAUvIKaOqZFTHkBUwOClPxNuTXwGWxm18bytVvnwFqt9kUtNDMsosIVpRsKHjy0x082Y8ug6IBzpDaeojN-8gUciI_pyQmreUCsPToWmXhqRARkPB-2YKPojOQxU2XkfLwatmPVnP0y8041qRAMk08xg66osLEqZZVY/s1700/61FD42F9-6E96-43E9-AFE3-850EA96B631E.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1700" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAsVsIQn1i0C43U7S5WZM4RWMXAUvIKaOqZFTHkBUwOClPxNuTXwGWxm18bytVvnwFqt9kUtNDMsosIVpRsKHjy0x082Y8ug6IBzpDaeojN-8gUciI_pyQmreUCsPToWmXhqRARkPB-2YKPojOQxU2XkfLwatmPVnP0y8041qRAMk08xg66osLEqZZVY/s320/61FD42F9-6E96-43E9-AFE3-850EA96B631E.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running in the Mountains of Bergen, Norway </td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">It's quite funny but leading up to this big milestone, I’ve never been injured through running or running everyday itself but whilst in Kiel, Germany, I injured myself by doing other stuff LOL. Firstly, after quite a few drinks, I thought it was a bright idea to electric scooter back to the ship giving an Oppo a lift. We didn’t see a curb at 3am in the dark and crashed quite heavily. I had a swollen elbow; bashed head and I pulled my calf a little as I went head first into an ATM booth LOL. The following day walking back to the ship sober after some food out. I stopped to talk a pic (air balloons in the sky with loads of warships in the background, sad I know), and I wasn’t paying attention. I took the pic, turned around and caught my left foot on a raise manhole type cover. This led me to try and stop myself stacking it by ending my right leg. This then over extended my calf muscle the one already hurt from the scooter crash and proper pinged it. DOH! So since then, I’ve been doing the minimum 1 mile run slow and at the pace comfortable enough to run to keep the streak alive (insert facepalm here). But like I said the majority of injuries are caused by mistakes and that includes most of those runners who are injured. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfprkDE3_PJavsV-85QMo3Cive8q1mc8FiDhWkzEfXP3zDfEEOGO69rdTdxRpBOWxv75Z1Y426Kj0bhGjqwv5iUTgxr3LI-zALAUuw9HsbitzcvnZ4COvXjiWuCSONBGXahDGMEXYHKSoRQaHe4fD0ljCUKjNAOkJ4T7ecw7RQpPJnjnsHQUAShZkaS-c/s1886/7B0335EA-69FD-40C7-AC6D-047672C6C7E3.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="1886" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfprkDE3_PJavsV-85QMo3Cive8q1mc8FiDhWkzEfXP3zDfEEOGO69rdTdxRpBOWxv75Z1Y426Kj0bhGjqwv5iUTgxr3LI-zALAUuw9HsbitzcvnZ4COvXjiWuCSONBGXahDGMEXYHKSoRQaHe4fD0ljCUKjNAOkJ4T7ecw7RQpPJnjnsHQUAShZkaS-c/s320/7B0335EA-69FD-40C7-AC6D-047672C6C7E3.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken during one of shorter runs in Kiel, Germany</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0cm; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">So, here we are, still running every day, no injuries caused by running or running everyday. Running isn't bad for you, running everyday isn't bad for you. People make excuses not to be active everyday. Go out and do something!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt;">Anyway I think I’ve waffled on enough. Remember however you choose to run be it everyday or every other day. It should be fun, not a chore and recovery is the key! Don't forget you can find me on Instagram <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ultra_run_matelot" target="_blank">Click Here</a> or on TikTok <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/ultrarunningmatelot" target="_blank">Click Here</a> or on YouTube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/ultrarunningmatelot" target="_blank">Click Here</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Until next time. </span><br /><br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-34207083828052683452020-05-20T02:24:00.000-07:002020-05-20T02:24:35.649-07:00Kernow Vertical Kilometre by Freedom Racing 2020 - Bringing a Mountain Race to Cornwall<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems strange writing about a race I've done whilst in this situation where all races have been cancelled due to Corona Virus. However it was my last race just before all the restrictions kicked in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kernow Vertical Kilometre aka KvK an event that has been around for a few years now. It's based on the Mountain races where you run a total of 1000m of climb. Obviously in Cornwall there are no mountains to do such a race, so Freedom Racing developed a race where you would still run 1000m of climb, but you also get a 1000m of descent also. So this was definitely a double quad killer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I entered this race, close to the race date, as I had little events booked in pre May. I needed something to focus on in my training for the races I had booked in closer to the time. I couldn't enter other races local to me around in March as they feel into other plans I had around family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As it was down in Cornwall, I knew I could stay at my parents place as they lived near by, so I didn't have to worry about accommodation costs and the fact it wasn't too far away, it was ideal really for my purposes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we approached race day, the world had started to change with a Pandemic caused by a virus. As the current guidance at the time of the race allowed the race to go ahead, and not being a massive race. It was still going ahead, if it was a week later it may have been a different situation. Being fit and well, I still planned on racing. That's all I'm going to talk about when it comes to the current work situation. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Start/Finish</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race day soon came along and I got my self in a position that I was going to be as ready as I was going to be at that point of time in my training. KvK is a 15 mile race, two laps of 7.5 miles 500m of ascent in each lap. I was racing solo, but if you wanted you could race as a pair doing a lap each. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15 miles was in my training programme, so this was a great way to race and hit the mileage that I required. I was looking forward to it. It was a different kind of race to what I've done before as such. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coast Path Section pic by No Limits Photography</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">St Agnes is a small village in Cornwall usually packed with tourists, but there isn't much parking down there. So we decided to head down early to get a parking spot, walk our puppy on the beach prior to the later starting time of the race. Registration started at 12pm, and the race was starting at 2pm. There is a finish cut off time, but it is still pretty achievable for the majority of runners. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As registration opened, I got to see a lot of friend's I knew who live down there in Cornwall, which was nice. At first I thought I was the only runner from outside of Cornwall, but I saw two others from Plymouth which was nice. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First section of the figure of 8 lap done</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although this was my first Freedom Racing event, I've known Tom Sutton the RD for a while now, seeing him often at other events and so forth. It was nice to see him and all the others I knew. It was definitely a very friendly race, that even if you knew no one you could easily think you did.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will all the registration done, it was done to the start with both solo's and the first leg runners of the pairs. It started down the bottom of the slip way at the beach. This meant it was an up hill climb from the very start. The race took you up through the village from the start up a climb until you turned on to a footpath. You continued this climb along footpaths in fields through housing areas until you climbed up more footpaths to the top of Beacon, this was the first of 4 climbs to the Beacon Top. You quickly ran down and lopped through paths and small roads until climbing back up to the Top of the Beacon once more. It was blowing a really cold wind up the top. The course then ran down to the Coastal Path which flowed along and down into the village. That was the first loop of what is like a figure of 8 course. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coming down from the Top of Beacon pic by No Limits Photography</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you come through the village you rejoin the coastal path and head up and out the opposite way for the second part of the figure of 8. You climbed up until you start another descent down to a valley. You then hit a stonking bit when you have to climb up some tough set of coastal steps. Once you catch your breathe the views are stunning once more. You are already seeing those ahead of you on their way back to the village. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you complete this loop, you come back down into the village where the atmosphere is brilliant, supporters and marshals cheering and giving the cow bells loud ringing. You run through the village and repeat the lap again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wind had not died down at this point at the top of the Beacon, and I was getting colder as I was tiring. There were two good aid stations at 8 miles and 12 miles well stocked with goodies, not just your average water stops you'd find on a road race of similar distance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you came down from the second lap to the finish, the supporters are still going barmy and you race down to the finish line. A down hill finish was great to stretch out those tight quads after a quad busting 15 mile race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There you go, 15 miles, 2 x 7.5 mile laps, 500m of climb each lap totalling 1000m of climb. Your legs and lungs definitely know about it. A well organised race, very friendly and one I would definitely do again. I set out for a Sub 3 hour, but missed out by 5 mins or so. Anyway have a look at my short film I made of it here (<a href="https://youtu.be/u1Plgn8OJVQ">click link</a> ). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for reading, I'm not sure when the next race blog will be out, but I will be writing up my year of running everyday blog very soon. In the mean time download my podcasts here (<a href="https://anchor.fm/ifmyfeetcouldtalk">click link</a>) have a listen. They are available on all podcast sources. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #BeyondComfort #TheBeautifullyBrutal</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-41954904824316021622020-03-25T08:17:00.001-07:002020-03-25T08:31:53.504-07:00Film Review: "Wrath" A 230 Mile Record Run Attempt in Scottish Winter<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Cape Wrath Way trail is a well known trail, stretching from Fort William to the very tip of Cape Wrath its self finishing at the light house. The film was taken across some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. When Summit Fever Media contacted me to review another of their films, I obviously said yes. I have been privileged once already before (<a href="http://www.ultrarunningmatelot.co.uk/2019/05/film-review-underdog-chasing-dream-at.html" target="_blank">"Underdog" Click Link</a>) and watching many of their other films such as Last Woman Standing and their Spine race coverage every year, I was excited to see what they have produced this time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So the description from SFM Website:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">In December 2018, </span><span style="color: black;"><a class="_2qJYG blog-link-hashtag-color _2IYtJ" href="http://www.damianhall.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Damian Hall</a><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and </span><a class="_2qJYG blog-link-hashtag-color _2IYtJ" href="https://www.bethpascall.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Beth Pascall</a></span><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"> attempted to break the Cape Wrath Trail self supported 'fastest known time' [FKT) of 7 days, 9 hours and 31 minutes. The Cape Wrath Trail is notoriously wild, remote and inhospitable, the terrain it winds through is regarded as the last true wilderness in Britain. Their attempt takes place in the depths of winter when there is only 6 hours of daylight each day."</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-1VAgqfUnE/Xntwl60kabI/AAAAAAAACtk/xls9KKMklTcNkb5ALI3xAxi99qnftEYAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Cape%2BWrath%2BFKT%2Bscenic%2B-%2Blocal%2Bspectators%2Bcopyright%2BSFM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8-1VAgqfUnE/Xntwl60kabI/AAAAAAAACtk/xls9KKMklTcNkb5ALI3xAxi99qnftEYAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Cape%2BWrath%2BFKT%2Bscenic%2B-%2Blocal%2Bspectators%2Bcopyright%2BSFM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Local spectators pic by SFM</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">It starts with Damian and Beth introducing themselves and why they are doing the run. Letting viewers to get to know them a little prior to the pair setting off on their adventure across the Highlands. The nice thing about it, is they are very humble about the whole situation and you don't get that eliteness you sometimes get from athletes of their standard. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">As they make their way in darkness to the start point via a boat trip and get into their adventure, their light hearted humour made me smile. It also sets the tone nicely for the rest of the film. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beth Pascall and Damian Hall pic by SFM</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">As they both progress, the filming has a mixture of type of filming. They film themselves and narrate what they are doing and how it's going, as well as the film crew interviewing and film them from another prospective. The whole process gives you an eye opening viewing of not only the feat of endurance, but the Cape Wrath trail brutality and beauty. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">You do get drawn into it, although not to the extent that you're willing them on but where you actually wish you were going on the adventure with them. You see all the self supportiveness, as well as what it really takes to nail a FKT. Running and moving for a long period with very minimal sleep, and then the joy of finding a place to kip with a mattress along the way. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qr7qncPrVNs/Xntwm1moUYI/AAAAAAAACuA/8kpTLtm6Q-M-HrWk_bpATnWE3li9f0LFgCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoAFXFtdUgm9fFDK-VHNYlXhPk9P2m75H6JxdBIfd4GRaJl58v3WC8mF4uxElD6z89QHKxggXcnfz3npZcu6Y_KfL1-Irw6jR84WpfHN4nfvMBJOlZXYCW1m8KypTSyfZlSpQcx_8eWJGxiHfC_6hwZVGkkbEn3dZp4dvSIJ0lSj1icktXO7fLuti9NQKpO3CLl0Kr6lWNrsTTjbvIO3xqDDvPJ2xtuZ-pQICPNp9A6BlJFqMjBpa4RQdKyzHVfLjdOb12x4-QP-HlRkk10BkIekJvFvMccI0YryVKvXGsKXOgkG1JmbiIQjnMOi0E9AsQqwFUzDrd4lOOqQ9zJE1wW4x5BAmuUURWMxnXGbQtuvIHhDlIscBBwpNQHNdhrsCh2XM_sqUtuLElkkZ1qp6FdH0eZ6sF2RkvX91zkhCMQoggPieYV-9EzdvABx8gJWiHuMyQ0DoiNNeVN-1bb5nYFIDiiYoB_HKOV8EpTpTo9xe8J9tVC3q-vSFLxKRQKAaf3hfEAzcWyngRV5ZmYmafq6PCTIZzeh6G3CHvBMRxpavmSQUvN4Ng0Mylx7J_em9Cio2GE2kq4qd2q6XuQsUS-7PsR5jryhRYgwkOXt8wU/s1600/Drone%2BGlenfinnan%2BCape%2BWrath%2BFKT%2BSFM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qr7qncPrVNs/Xntwm1moUYI/AAAAAAAACuA/8kpTLtm6Q-M-HrWk_bpATnWE3li9f0LFgCEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoAFXFtdUgm9fFDK-VHNYlXhPk9P2m75H6JxdBIfd4GRaJl58v3WC8mF4uxElD6z89QHKxggXcnfz3npZcu6Y_KfL1-Irw6jR84WpfHN4nfvMBJOlZXYCW1m8KypTSyfZlSpQcx_8eWJGxiHfC_6hwZVGkkbEn3dZp4dvSIJ0lSj1icktXO7fLuti9NQKpO3CLl0Kr6lWNrsTTjbvIO3xqDDvPJ2xtuZ-pQICPNp9A6BlJFqMjBpa4RQdKyzHVfLjdOb12x4-QP-HlRkk10BkIekJvFvMccI0YryVKvXGsKXOgkG1JmbiIQjnMOi0E9AsQqwFUzDrd4lOOqQ9zJE1wW4x5BAmuUURWMxnXGbQtuvIHhDlIscBBwpNQHNdhrsCh2XM_sqUtuLElkkZ1qp6FdH0eZ6sF2RkvX91zkhCMQoggPieYV-9EzdvABx8gJWiHuMyQ0DoiNNeVN-1bb5nYFIDiiYoB_HKOV8EpTpTo9xe8J9tVC3q-vSFLxKRQKAaf3hfEAzcWyngRV5ZmYmafq6PCTIZzeh6G3CHvBMRxpavmSQUvN4Ng0Mylx7J_em9Cio2GE2kq4qd2q6XuQsUS-7PsR5jryhRYgwkOXt8wU/s320/Drone%2BGlenfinnan%2BCape%2BWrath%2BFKT%2BSFM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glenfinnan Cape Wrath pic by SFM</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">230 miles of winding trails, climbs, bogs, river crossings, Deers and darkness. The grit from the two runners show, but also the utter team work of both of them working together to achieve this FKT. You see the ups and downs of them both whilst the viewer gets to watch the stunning beauty of the Cape Wrath Trail in winter. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">The pair sleeping along the way for very short period of time, but the joy they find in staying in a hut that has a couple of mattresses also shows that simple things as this can make a big difference in the mind set of a runner or runners undertaking this FKTs. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">I truly loved the way these two fabulous runners gelled together, and the film just made me wish I could've joined them (although I'd probably would've slowed them down for the FKT lol) When a trail running film can give you such a warm fuzzy feeling, you know they have nailed it, in my opinion. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxU3qrDYJlQ/XntwnL4uYCI/AAAAAAAACuE/VxFyJUWcUzgJ0ovHYab_bSYADrVeyOM_ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoCcvo_pGEvjuxKVV6ZFTLnOAbVfCBERb4dKIv0OuYeRDiIHK7nNwLenHBpHIso0PSAk8NHFWQhQmXtBQc740CsmFuAZfpvvtM3bgl9kSYgwy3Talhmng7d2JINGiL3aNyKsiaGewxG5QzHXTH0sV4vGxsgjVVEmrGh7o1rKEciUo8KLi502lBUKROMNK4zhGhVu9K8UL8ttKJYstVh0zB13RrbmOcFPksWZWyCQ77yDhrjQng2Utq1JJf0Dp46tUMoXZ5XkmcKhZ_7_gM1pND2-tEd68yLqLVFm-DRxHSSuNeTsshaMZVJHm-cHgdf8TY653uDy3jb0Jg871Punrx7z1lnhvUDjm-_lpzijL5gvNyablm4yVtU_Uy8uO-mrQcDQMkBV0LJqR1aPL_9F2JKB6Dbqizf5gv37wiOGfr8lgyBZkugwbec6tc5jgr3C6b4q_z9f6kfLrrB12-KTFqH4LIE05wejOBnhS7yKp8Fp_XrKOQWt89eEHOrbcQn4FTse-S8oulbvunEEM3cw9N98eP1AvYfkF4jarKbQ8bxFsJ4oGsDJ2aW47b94uzt6U28UUBtBp53BGwkgndCN4YlQFNG8lpkDlAww-ent8wU/s1600/Lighthouse%2Bapproach%2BCape%2BWrath%2BFKT%2B-%2Bcopyright%2BSFM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxU3qrDYJlQ/XntwnL4uYCI/AAAAAAAACuE/VxFyJUWcUzgJ0ovHYab_bSYADrVeyOM_ACEwYBhgLKs0DAMBZVoCcvo_pGEvjuxKVV6ZFTLnOAbVfCBERb4dKIv0OuYeRDiIHK7nNwLenHBpHIso0PSAk8NHFWQhQmXtBQc740CsmFuAZfpvvtM3bgl9kSYgwy3Talhmng7d2JINGiL3aNyKsiaGewxG5QzHXTH0sV4vGxsgjVVEmrGh7o1rKEciUo8KLi502lBUKROMNK4zhGhVu9K8UL8ttKJYstVh0zB13RrbmOcFPksWZWyCQ77yDhrjQng2Utq1JJf0Dp46tUMoXZ5XkmcKhZ_7_gM1pND2-tEd68yLqLVFm-DRxHSSuNeTsshaMZVJHm-cHgdf8TY653uDy3jb0Jg871Punrx7z1lnhvUDjm-_lpzijL5gvNyablm4yVtU_Uy8uO-mrQcDQMkBV0LJqR1aPL_9F2JKB6Dbqizf5gv37wiOGfr8lgyBZkugwbec6tc5jgr3C6b4q_z9f6kfLrrB12-KTFqH4LIE05wejOBnhS7yKp8Fp_XrKOQWt89eEHOrbcQn4FTse-S8oulbvunEEM3cw9N98eP1AvYfkF4jarKbQ8bxFsJ4oGsDJ2aW47b94uzt6U28UUBtBp53BGwkgndCN4YlQFNG8lpkDlAww-ent8wU/s320/Lighthouse%2Bapproach%2BCape%2BWrath%2BFKT%2B-%2Bcopyright%2BSFM.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lighthouse approach pic by SFM</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">So when not go and watch it for yourself and enjoy every minute. I know I will be watching it again and again. <a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/capewrathfkt/378563601" target="_blank">See film here</a> <<<<<<<</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Until next time!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #BeyondComfort #TheBeautifullyBrutal</span><br />
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Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-44268909624967650582019-11-19T04:07:00.002-08:002019-11-19T04:07:44.106-08:00Questioning Myself Through Run Streaking<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I start to write up this blog, I've hit the 6 month mark (183 days) in the Run Streak that I'm currently embarked on. I thought it would be good to talk about what I think about it at this current point in time. The answers I've gained from questioning my body through running every day. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even when away in Bulgaria at a wedding I ran</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What is a Run Streak?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A run streak if you didn't know is where you run everyday at least a mile. It's not run a day, then next do a work out the following day or a swim and claim "Well I did something". Running Every Day (RED) is just that, running every day. Dr Ron Hill ran every day for over 53 years, even when he injured in an accident. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>So why did I start my run streak?</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QHT68W7UMk/XdONQYeJleI/AAAAAAAACrg/MKWQLMPSp1gvc5dft3crIRkhckIMxpIEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/43b337a7-306b-4040-b492-d297b7991228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5QHT68W7UMk/XdONQYeJleI/AAAAAAAACrg/MKWQLMPSp1gvc5dft3crIRkhckIMxpIEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/43b337a7-306b-4040-b492-d297b7991228.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day it started Plymouth Half Marathon with my mate Luke</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well I ran the Plymouth Half Marathon with a good friend called Luke on the 19th May, keeping him company. Like always the day after I always go for some form of recovery run. For me, it's always worked to flush out any lactic acid build up, and it's always prevents DOMS from kicking my arse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I thought to myself, let's see how long I could keep a streak going? I've previously in a past run every day of a 5 month deployment, so I know I could do it for a short period at least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thing's I had to consider is:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. <b>Work</b> - I travel a lot in my current role, so I would have to fit runs in and around travelling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. <b>Social</b> - I have a little social life, so I'd have to fit it around friend's. I missed out a lot last year being away for the majority of it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <b>Family</b> - The most important one of all, I said when I got back from deployment last year, running will always be around family not the other way round. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spoke to my wife about it and she was happy or maybe just content ( I will go with happy LOL) for me to give it a go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thus the run streak had started. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qVugkUi3yk/XdONRylwffI/AAAAAAAACr4/u_2OVDFYELEOVtHsYqOV7rmCy72ywpkQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1125" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5qVugkUi3yk/XdONRylwffI/AAAAAAAACr4/u_2OVDFYELEOVtHsYqOV7rmCy72ywpkQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope24 a 24 hour even in June</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>How did I find the first couple of weeks? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was pretty motivated and things were going well, I wanted to make sure I wasn't just going for a run for the sake of it, and that I ran quality miles. I found the first few weeks pretty easy to maintain the motivational level, I was feeling pretty good, I was getting runs in during works time which helped a lot. Therefore not having any major impact on family time either. I was also lucky to get some double runs in as I'd join my local club for some club runs be it off road or on road. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Did I find any parts hard?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes there were times when I couldn't be arsed to drag myself out for a run, if I was lucky I'd have some company to run with which helped with the motivation. If I was by myself then the hardest part was getting out, once I was out I ticked off those miles. Some days I had some tough runs, more mentally than physically, but getting out did me a world of good. Some times my legs took a while to wake up usually the first mile into a run but once they realised what was happening, they soon perked up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I said, the just getting the motivation to go out occasionally was the hardest parts. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3FAh9VxZaw/XdONSMgBf3I/AAAAAAAACr8/T0rJ9bMCsSUFFFYSYnBV0RTQMaV8iXMIACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1125" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v3FAh9VxZaw/XdONSMgBf3I/AAAAAAAACr8/T0rJ9bMCsSUFFFYSYnBV0RTQMaV8iXMIACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7855.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Madness of King George 36 hour non stop race I finished it with these to top blokes</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What have I learnt?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well I already knew the human body was capable of many things, some times we need to try thing's we can't do to find our limits. I have learnt despite getting older, I am still capable of putting in performances close to what I have done in the past and some of that has been down to this streak. I reckon if I continue to work hard, and train smart I may even beat some lifetime PBs. I learnt, that there really is no excuse for finding time to do something. We have 24 hours in a day, and even if I didn't run during works time, I still have time to work, eat, spend time with family and get a run in. I have had to get up really early some days because of travelling for work to get a run in but it was doable. I have learnt how well my body now recovers compared to how it use to. Stairs no longer provide an issue after a long race. I also learnt to have more faith in my abilities and it gave me back a lot of confidence in my running.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Can anyone do it?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course any one can, but like anything it's more a case of wanting to do it. It's not for everyone, but I've friend's who do it, and we're all individuals with different lives to lead but we all manage it. One friend of mine is currently into her 3rd year of running everyday. You just have to listen to your body, be sensible and most of all enjoy it. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst travelling to and from Jacksonville, USA I still found time to run</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Is it bad for me? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well Dr Ron Hill managed it for over 53 years, it improved his performances including winning Boston Marathon. He even ran after an accident which lead him to be in a cast. Like anything, it's all about listening to your body, so much of it is about recovery, you don't have to do nothing, you can do active recovery. So going out for a mile or two at a comfortable pace, depending on what your recovering from. So after my 36 hour race, I took a week for recovery, easy runs over the week, even when I felt already recovered I still continued to keep it easy. When I had niggles, I eased down on mileage and pace. It worked for me, doesn't mean it will work for everyone but when a non runner boss of mine turns round and says "It's bad for you" I was hoping Karl Pilkington's Bullshit Man would come along and point at him and say "Bullshit"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But aren't I supposed to have rest days? Like I said above I do but it's just lower mileage and easier pace. My body still recovers well and for me it's better than sitting on a couch resting. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My last big race of the year the Cornish Marathon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>And finally where do I go from here?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well I've got goals I would like to hit by the end of 2020, I've already ticked off some which I believe the run streak has helped me to hit early. I will continue to run every day until I decide enough is enough. I've no end goal for running every day, at the moment I am still enjoying it and still reaping the benefits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Some stats from the last 6 months:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Miles Ran: </b>1078.54<b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Races run: </b>Plymouth Half, Hope24, MoK36, Saint's Way Challenge, Cornish Marathon (plus local 10Ks and 5Ks in between)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Countries run in: </b>UK, Malta, Bulgaria, USA</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Podium Places: </b>2nd place at MoK36 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, if you have any questions drop us a line. If you're bored you can watch my latest film on the recent Cornish Marathon race here (<a href="https://youtu.be/EFZJ2-vO05I" target="_blank">click link)</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My 6 Month Run Streak run Day 183</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #BeyondComfort </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-89365455295627613692019-11-07T02:16:00.004-08:002019-11-07T02:16:33.376-08:00Product Review - Waterfly's Fanny Pack <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello all,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So recently I've been asked to do a review on a bit of kit by <a href="https://waterflyshop.com/" target="_blank">Waterfly</a> who specialise in packs for those who enjoy the out doors. I was sent one of their packs for reviewing. Now I've not worn a "fanny pack" or what we call it here in the UK a "Bumbag" for some amount of years, when I say some amount I mean since the 90's, so I was a bit dubious but on first impressions it didn't look like the type I used to wear back in the day. It definitely looked a little more outdoorsy. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7B3PYKAhwM/XcBW4ThfTHI/AAAAAAAACqE/XPHxqjYmVLsveudZ0PFhsbxQgHc-KuKZACEwYBhgL/s1600/waterfly_logo_dcc136f8-ff46-4e79-a3ed-a39d6fce08cc_600x.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="600" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7B3PYKAhwM/XcBW4ThfTHI/AAAAAAAACqE/XPHxqjYmVLsveudZ0PFhsbxQgHc-KuKZACEwYBhgL/s320/waterfly_logo_dcc136f8-ff46-4e79-a3ed-a39d6fce08cc_600x.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was able to take it for a test during my travels with work out to the USA, where I'd be travelling to a couple of air ports out to my destination and the same on the return journey. So it was the perfect opportunity to see if it was suitable for my needs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being able to carry the essentials with ease, is definitely something I look into. If I don't need to keep going into my carry on ruck sack, and have my stuff readily available the easier the travel it will be. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me in 1992 with a Bum Bag</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />So this version of the pack was pleasing on the eye to start with, the colours available are simplistic and the occasional patterned but nothing overly garish. I liked the colour of the one I had, there is plenty of pockets and storage for what I'd say the pack is used for. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For my travels I had my passport, phone, currency and travel details. The pack sits very comfortably around the waist, which has as you would expect an adjustable strap. You can get an extension so if you wish you wear it over the shoulder like a sling pack, then you can. I'm not exactly a slim build man, but I never felt uncomfortable with it on. The next pack up has a head phone access point as well for those wearers still using wired head or ear phones attached to their phones. I'm wireless so couldn't test this out and give you an opinion on this when it comes to the wire and wearing of the pack. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Front View</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />The pack as two small pockets on the front, and two larger zipped pockets. on the back of the pack there is another zipped storage area, which I used for my currency. The strap itself has a strong clip, and is easily adjusted. The quality of the pack and strap is very good, and I hardly felt it on my person as I wore it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It weighs only 150g so quite a light pack, with it's </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">main features being a large double zippered compartment, two extra from pockets and a hidden zippered pocket on the back. The main pockets fit most modern phones this included my iPhone X to give you and idea of size. The strap extended from 24 inches to 43 inches. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It isn't something I'd wear on the run personally although they mention on their website you could go "jogging" a term I hate, but definitely recommend it for trips out hiking when you're not requiring to take a lot of stuff or day trips out and about. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoBuu_nc3Y8/XcBW5WvKPaI/AAAAAAAACqM/uXZQIC0d2n0UhGo-cYzu2PmY1jpIMMD_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8928.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoBuu_nc3Y8/XcBW5WvKPaI/AAAAAAAACqM/uXZQIC0d2n0UhGo-cYzu2PmY1jpIMMD_wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8928.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hidden Rear pocket ideal for currency</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />At a price of $17.99 or in our money £14 ish depending on exchange rates at the time, I think it's not bank busting. It could make a perfect birthday or Xmas present for some one who likes to travel or even hike. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, I think it's a pretty good pack for the purpose it is designed for, their other packs are worth a look at as well and I recommend hoping over to their site and having a look </span><a href="https://waterflyshop.com/" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"> click here</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> take advantage of the 15% Discount using Waterflyoff15 code. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, until next time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #BeyondComfort </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-40498391276704197492019-09-27T09:59:00.001-07:002019-09-27T23:16:05.496-07:00The Saint's Way Challenge 2019 - Doing it Dreckly from Coast to Coast<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I was searching through the internet for a race to do after the <a href="http://www.ultrarunningmatelot.co.uk/2019/09/madness-of-king-george-3-36-hours-of.html" target="_blank">Madness of King George</a> race and I came across this event. It just so happened to pop up on my facebook. I think it was because of a friend being either interested or said they were going on the event page. So I looked it up and it sounded an interesting route. I've never heard of the Saint's Way, which is a 28 and half ish mile route from Padstow to Fowey in Cornwall, so a Coast to Coast in effect between two popular towns. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The event was being put on by Purple Gecko Events, a company I had only started noticing in the running world over the course of this year. They have been putting on some trail running series events in the Cornwall area, and I had seen some friends that have been participating in them. So I thought I'd give it a go, hopefully being recovered from MoKG which was towards the end of August. I wasn't sure how I'd be after that race when I thought of entering the Saint's Way Challenge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Knowing a few people that already recce'd the route and being unable to do so myself, I asked them their thoughts. I was informed it was around 65% tarmac, the rest hard trails with a few fields etc I decided to go with the road shoes. At this point the weather had been extremely good, so what trail sections there were, it would be mostly hard. It was also what others recommended that also had run it. So that was what I decided I was going to go with.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As it got closer to the event, the weather forecast changed and it appeared after a glorious week leading up to the start day, the weather was going to be rubbish and a weather warning for heavy rain came in. Looking closely though, as a friend Pete, who was also running, he noticed the days before there looked like a break in the weather for about 6 hours ish in the area. So we may be lucky, we could only hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although it was a couple miles longer than a marathon distance, I decided I would have my wife support crew me again. The reason behind this was, it would mean I wouldn't have to carry two litres of Tailwind with me in a hydration bladder, the mandatory kit says minimum of 400ml which basically is a bottle. So my wife would pre prep my bottles I'd swap over along the way and have no requirement to stop at the CPs and wait to fill up my bottles. The cut offs through the CPs were generous but I wanted to put in a reasonable time for me and if I could save time running through the CPs the better and unlike a road marathon there isn't a water stop every 3 miles or so, there was only 3 CPs along the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is it a bit extreme having a crew for basically a long marathon? Maybe so, however for me it's a good morale booster if needed, and as already said I don't need to faff about at the CPs. Each to their own, and I go with what works for me. During the race I saw I wasn't the only one out on the course with support along the way doing similar. Maybe if I was a pretty quick runner, I may not have used one, but I could be out there longer than expected or needed to change shoes and socks if they got soaked and didn't want to ruin my race. I wanted to enjoy it and not be miserable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We left Plymouth around 5.45am as it was about an hour drive to Padstow, registration opened at 6.30am and was due to close at 7.40am with the safety briefing at 7.45am. We arrived just after 7am and it was a good job that we did, as the queue to register, pick up trackers/maps and kit check etc, was getting longer. It was in a Methodist Church which wasn't very big, and it soon filled up with runners and supporters. The line for registration around 7.30am was out of the Church door and down the car park out side. The RD came out and informed everyone not worry about it, there was a issue with trackers causing a delay and the start was going to be delayed until everyone had gone through registration. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvOwBJgeN88/XY4W1qQfQJI/AAAAAAAACoM/H8REFS1esUcm0WZ8L6RR41DRVSraC--8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8218.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AvOwBJgeN88/XY4W1qQfQJI/AAAAAAAACoM/H8REFS1esUcm0WZ8L6RR41DRVSraC--8wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_8218.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The start of the Saint's Way Route in Padstow</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By the time the race briefing was on it was very packed inside, there were runners outside as well who couldn't hear the briefing. We soon went up to the start line at the church in Padstow and we started around half hour after we were due to go. It had started to rain, so I decided to stick my jacket on. I didn't want to get soaked at the start, however it soon stopped not long after we started and I was soon running along taking off my jacket, sticking it into my pack. Typical!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now for the first time since getting my Fenix 5 over a year ago, I decided to load the GPX file that was provided on to my watch. I've never used this function before so I was interested how it'd get on. We were provided with a map and as part of the mandatory kit we had to carry a compass (I'm quite happy to use a map and compass so this wasn't an issue for me). The race was down as Self Navigation, although like most national trails etc it is sign posted in some form along the way. With sign posts, watch and map/compass, I was sure I was not going to get lost as I've done in the past. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Heading out of Padstow</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like most races, there was a big gaggle of runners making their way through the first few miles out of Padstow, so it was mainly follow the leader at this point. My watch was already telling me which way to go and was matching every sign post we came across. I chatted to friends I knew that was racing and we made our way over fields and up through a big corn field. This was the first real slippy muddy part we came across and where I first thought maybe road shoes may not have been the best idea. Well I hadn't come across any tarmac yet apart from the very start so I knew there was more to come yet. i just had to deal with the little bit of slipperiness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we approached the first CP which was at 5 miles (it was originally set at 7 ish but was moved closer to the start date) I quickly switched my bottles from my wife, and I ran through the CP not stopping. The first section was uber humid, I like many others were sweating like the RAF when told they have to work on a weekend! I was on tarmac now and starting to make good time. The signs were still pretty good, and with my watch confirming everything I was in a happy place. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route took us through a Corn field</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was told the first 8 miles were mostly up hill, and they weren't wrong. Once we progressed on the route and made it through the first 8 miles, I continued to make good progress. I was chatting away with a guy from Tamar Trail Runners called Nick (If I remember correctly). Lovely chap and he had recce'd the course in sections, so I stuck with him for a while. I saw my wife at about 9 ish miles and changed my bottle again, Nick went on. The route took us through some fields and up past a wind turbine. The route went off to the right at an angle, well my watch said it did and I saw Nick ahead running in that direction too. Two guys who were a head of us, were running off slightly in a different direction. I decided to trust my watch and Nick and soon the two guys came and joined us along with another couple. One of the guys who went off slightly differently said "You could've shouted we were going the wrong way". I replied "Well if we turned out to be wrong I didn't want to be told thanks you f**ks for going the wrong way" lol It was one of those things, it all turned out ok in the end though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I eventually left Nick behind as I continued my way ahead, through to CP2. Wife swapped my bottles and quickly looked at the map I was carrying as there was no internet signal there, so she could see where next to meet me. I went on my way and headed up another hill out of CP2. I was soon over taken by another a couple of lads up the hill out of CP2 in Lanlivet. They were proper yomping, and it was when one changed steps to be in time with the other in front of him, I knew they were ex services. Definitely not Royal Navy as we don't yomp, we bimble. From here on though we yo yo'd. I'd over take them when I ran, they then over took me on the hills. Soon they left me as they made better progress, but as I made my way up the Hellman Tor they were at the top. I got to the trig point, took in the views, and we made our way down. I met my wife who swapped bottles and carried on. We went down some flooded, muddy lanes, where again my road shoes weren't very good and I had no other choice but to get my feet wet. I now had soggy wet muddy feet. I'm about 19/20 miles into the race, do I grin and bare it or change socks and shoes. The weather was warm and humid still so my feet would dry out. I left the two guys behind, emptied stones from one of my shoes and carried on. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moving forward, keeping smiling! pic by Purple Gecko Events</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I made my way along the route, an issue with GPX file arose, as the person who made the file went on a little tangent, it threw me off a little and I missed a sign. It wasn't too bad as I didn't go off piste too much and the two guys caught me up and assisted me in the right direction. I stuck with them then until CP3 where I ran through after seeing my wife just before for a bottle change. I was then on my own for the remainder of the race, more hills, trails and tarmac. I saw notification my mate Pete had posted on the event page, so I knew he had finished. I had a quick look and seen he had finished in 4hrs 25ish mins in 5th place! I told him I was bout 6 and half miles away at this point at about 22 miles in, this was so he knew how much longer I was going to be as we were giving him a lift home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wife met me at the 25 mile point, changed my bottle for the last time, and off I went to head to Fowey. There were still a couple of hills left to go, but the last mile was pure pleasure. Like pretty much most of the route, it was stunning to look at. As I made my way into the busy town, I followed the road round to the finish. I was over taken at the last moment by another runner who obviously upped her pace as I never knew anyone was near me, just before the finish line. I crossed the line in 6 hrs 26 mins. I was hoping to be around 6 maybe sub 6, and I felt I could've run better but it wasn't meant to be. Ah well....</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The stunning scenery coming into Fowey</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was really pleased how my day went, I really enjoyed it from start to finish, the route was as it was described to me, mostly tarmac and some trail through woods and fields. It was a stunning route and I would happily recommend it. Ok there was a little hiccup with registration, it was the first time they laid on this event, so there were always going to be teething errors, however over all I recommend the event especially to those looking to tipping their toes over the marathon distance. It's not bad value and overall well organised, those I spoke to about the CPs said they were alright. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once again, Tailwind did me well throughout the event, I had no need for anything else. My mate Pete, used my Tailwind as well and it also sorted him out too. My Uglow kit was comfortable throughout whether it was when it was warm and humid to when it cooled down slightly, it made little difference and I didn't feel uncomfortable once during the race. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a little lumpy, with about 4000ft of climb total</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd like to thank Tailwind and Uglow for their continued support and most of all my wife and son for not only support crewing me but their never ending support and understanding with my running. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now I look towards my next big event the Cornish Marathon in November with the Plymouth 10K supporting my buddy Liam from work coming up next in October. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the big season starts to wind down for me, I need to remain focused for next year, with some possible big races already being lined up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, until next time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-80153853792207381222019-09-02T08:49:00.002-07:002019-09-05T05:58:06.917-07:00Madness of King George 3 - 36 Hours of Pure Hell Would I Survive? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So the main event of the year for me was approaching and since Hope 24 a few months back in June, this has been my main focus. Having ran the 12 hour version 2 years a go in 2017, I was fully aware of the strict rules of this version but this will be the first time I will be running without stopping for 36 hours under these types of conditions in a race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Madness of King George is the crazy creation of David Andrewartha, a Cornish Runner who's passion for running and Cornish Heritage are very much shown through his events he organises around Cornwall. They range from tough and fun to just pure bonkers, however you never fail to come away feeling you've been given a great experience. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So since the Plymouth Half Marathon back in May, I've been running a run streak every day, and the day of</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> MOKG was day 97 of the streak. The longest run of that run streak leading up to MOKG was 30 miles followed by a 10 mile the following day back at Hope 24 in June, since then I think the furthest distance was around 12 miles. Why? Well life really being more important. I'm running everyday but I am very aware of the impact on family life, so making sure the running fits around them and not the other way round. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As MOKG approached within a week, I started to feel very unprepared, nervous, and even a little sick at the thought of running 1.06 mile laps for 36 hours non stop. I usually get nervous before a big race but this was definitely a little worse than usual. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Registration complete</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Originally there were 5 or 6 entered in the 36 hour event, 2 females and 4 males I believe, but eventually this whittled down to 3 of us for one reason or another. This did mean as long as I finished I could podium for the first ever time. Wow extra pressure! I planned to just finish anyways nothing more, nothing less. I had some sort of tactical plan in my head on how I was going to achieve the finish, and by the Friday, my race van was packed, and I made my way down to Cornwall. Typically I get a message from my Boss on the Friday as I was heading down. Just to let you know you're being trawled to possibly be sent out to the Gulf for two months. Despite being only shore side for just 5 months! Now I had to fill out a pain and grief form by end of Bank Holiday Monday by COP. The was the last thing I needed when I was about to race a very very very mentally demanding 36 hours. I just wanted to curl up and hide to be honest. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I had to try and put that towards the back of my mind and concentrate on the task in hand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After staying the night at my parents who live not far from the race, we woke early so we could get down to the start, register in good time, and get my son tucked back up into bed in the van so he can try and sleep again. The roads were quiet as to be expected at that time, so there were no worries of any holiday traffic to contend with, as there can be on the section of the A30 just as you arrive into Hayle. I got my mandatory kit out of the van in bag for life, why a bag for life? Well it saves me unpacking my pack to repack it again after it's checked, so all I have to do is pack my pack once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually we were all sorted, the 36 hour runners were registered, and the start line pictures were taken after we were given our mandatory race safety and rules briefing by Dave. My nerves were now leaving me as I stood on the line with the other two guys. It was going to be a lonely first 12 hours until we were joined by the 24 hour runners at 8pm. The sun was now fully up and already you could feel the heat turning up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So my goal at the start was this...... FINISH! Yep, that was it. Finish the 36 hours and there was a bonus of 3rd place, and hopefully get to 100 miles +. I just had to finish though, it was going to be a scorching day with no shelter. I've done plenty of 24 hour/12 hour event amongst the ultra's I've raced, but a 36 hour version is new to me not alone one with such strict rules. I had no idea how I was going to tackle the extra 12 hours. I knew I couldn't do it the same way I would do a 12 hour or 24 hour version, it's pretty much a different race all together both mentally and physically. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The siren went and that was it, we were off making our way out on our first lap. 1.06 miles all together with the turn around half way down with an aid station at both ends. We could only stop for 15 minutes max at these aid stations and that includes toilet stops/massage/food/drink. It was otherwise non stop for the whole race. The first few laps we stuck together, catching up along the way, and we already realised we were going to fast. We all discussed our goals and plans, and it was then as well we decided we were all going to help each other finish, no matter what. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was from here the bond began between us, as our own tactical plans started to take place, we soon separated going at our paces. Occasionally we would do a lap again with each other, and it was around 4 hours I started to lose a couple laps on the others, which I knew that would happen as they are both tidy runners. Dean had won the 24 hr race the year before, and Kieran smashed out 100K during 2017 12 hour version (plus he's very fast at shorter distances), so I knew at some point they would lap me, but like I said I just need to finish! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The start of the 36 hour version of MOKG</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hours slowly went by and I began my battle with my mind. My head was telling me, oh you could put in a really good marathon time here, oh you could do a really good 50K time here. I had to keep telling me self NO! You still have 30 odd hours to go yet you dick. That was it, I had to try and stop being a dick, well during the race anyways. The heat was becoming relentless, I was running 4 laps and walking 1 lap, keeping my speed down, whilst making sure I was hydrating plenty with both water and Tailwind Nutrition. I didn't want to fuck it up with making silly mistakes like not drinking enough. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Early doors into the race! pic by Dave Andrewartha</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made sure I put factor 50 emulsion anti sun (not that it does anything to protect me) and I kept moving. I had to remember, to keep moving, keep moving. It was soon the hottest part of the day and it was painful, but I was moving, I was running, I was making damage to the total. My wife had to get me a Calypso ice lollie as she could see I needed it. It has saved me on so many occasions. Soon enough all 3 of us were having them LOL. The 12 hour point was approaching and at 11 and half hours in, I decided it was time to get a refresh of the legs and stop for the first time (apart from the odd toilet stop which was like frigging sauna in the portaloos btw). I had done about 48 ish laps and ready to get a calf rub down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So my first massage was by a guy called Louie, he didn't hang around he went straight in deep, much deeper than I was wanting or expecting, I just thought it was going to be a gentle rub down, but instead he thumbed in deep lol. Ok it did the job, but was not after a torture session so early in the game. As I went back out the 24 ers were about to start, I was making my way down the return straight, and they were soon zipping past, all happy and full of energy. They made me feel sick lol. Oh how I was wishing I was them. They were all fantastic though, some knew me already, some did not but that never stopped them sending me positive vibes, giving me "well dones2 etc etc. However, it was the 36ers every lap would check on each other, making sure we were all ok. We had survived the first 12 hours and now making our way towards the 24 hours. Darkness started to fall, and our head torches came on. I changed my kit whilst on the course, so not to break the rules, and made sure I had a wash to freshen up. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having some fluids. Pic by Becky Harris</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was going to be a tough 8 hours until Sunrise. I knew my pace was going to slow anyway as expected during the night stage, so it wasn't going be quick. It was however going to be cooler in temperature, but it became humid. I wanted to make as much use of the cooler temp as I could. There were a pair of 24 hour runners Danny and Robert, flying around together keeping morale up by singing, first of all I was like "dear God!" but soon it became a pleasure every time they passed me. They had a speaker playing songs, and they were singing along with it. The 24 hour runners were amazing, I was in awe of them, the pace some of them had, was unbelievable, Gary and Barry were zipping around, the ladies too. Sarah Cox and Sarah Hambley amongst them smashing in the miles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I managed to get through the 100KM mark before the halfway point but I was fully aware I had a long way to go yet, but that was the battle wasn't it? I felt I could've gone faster, but I had to make sure you don't burn out too quickly. It was defo a Tortoise and Hare kind of race, and it would very soon I would have to start digging deeper. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the many motivational signs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was going to watch a film via Sky Go on my mobile, during the early early hours, but by then I was mentally crippled, and I couldn't be arsed. Shame I was looking forward to watching the film Tag again. It was during the early hours, I was texted by my wife saying Kieran was having a tough time, proper big time. He had been in the massage tent a few times by now, and needed some company. So I decided to keep him company for a few hours. So I got my phone out and we went on an App I have for my boy called Kids Quiz. I thought, this will be simple enough to keep our minds ticking over as we went round and round and round. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It definitely did the trick, and after a few hours of laps, I needed some blister treatment from my wife. It was 2am and my wife had been grabbing little naps here and there in between some laps. She was truly the hero here, she looked after all of the 36 hour runners making sure we finished. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking like I've escaped the mines during the night phase. Pic by Adam Terrell</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After about 70 miles into the race, my feet started to swell, so out of retirement came my trusty Hoka Flops, I last wore in 2015. These were the shoes I had to modify during my Epic New Forest to Land's End 251 mile run. I knew it would happen, knowing it would be hot and I'd be on my feet a long time. So I packed them in case, and thank god I did they definitely helped to finish. The Carbon X's I wore for 70 miles were fantastic, definitely the best road shoes I've worn in my 10 year running career, had my feet not swelled, they would've got me to the end I reckon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I continued moving, drinking a nice warm soup. I was still drinking water and Tailwind but I needed a little comfort food, I was starting to feel low, The laps started to drag, and soon Kieran got a second wind and started smashing in the laps again, the guy is a frigging machine. I was at this point told I was only 2 laps behind Deano, I had caught him up a little, and about 3 laps ahead of Keiran. He was flying around, both me Deano were like "what the hell has he just taken?" I was pretty sure he took back 2nd, and although I wasn't really thinking about position, a little bit of me did die and now I knew I just had to keep moving. Deano too upped the pace also to try counter Kieran a little. At one point I thought, my feet are a little tender, I need to get them off the ground for a min or two, so I laid on a park bench, set my phone timer for 10 mins. I put my feet up and laid back. I kept hearing runners going past, knowing they would check on me, I kept sticking my thumb up to prove I was ok and not actually dead. This little rest did the trick for a bit, it got me going and kept moving.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had enough by now! pic by Becky Harris</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 100 mile mark started to seem out of reach now too, I couldn't see how I could do it. Although I was that tired (I was actually starting to fall asleep on my feet) I couldn't do the basics of Maths. It was quite funny, because me and Deano trying to basic Maths of working out hours left etc just wasn't happening. I was hoping the Sunrise would give me a spurt but it didn't, my morale was getting lower and a lower, I knew I had more heat to content with. I had a porridge not long after Sunrise, and I kept moving. Soon the 12 hour runners would cross the start line, and once again we would see the fresh faced, super speedy runners smashing out the laps and all I wanted to do was curl up in the corner. I had got through 24 hours, and still had another 12 do. Oh god! 12 more hours of going round and round and round. It started to get warmer as well, there was no way I can do this I was thinking. I kept going though. Kieran had slowed down as well and was back to shuffling, as was Dean now. I soon approached lunch time, having had my calves given a nice refresh by the next Masseuse who had taking over called Jay and eaten some lovely chilli, I was feeling content in myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I changed my kit had a wash down (all on the course as we weren't allowed to leave the course), to help me feel fresher. I'm glad I did, because I felt clean. I brushed my teeth, and made my way round the course again. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting closer to the end. pic by Becky Harris</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was around 82 laps in, and I was getting a milky cup of tea, my wife came to me and said "I have a plan, you can achieve the 100 miles by the end" I was no, I can't. Up I got and I went for another slow lap. I was now averaging about 20 minute-25 minute walking laps, but when I arrived back at the start line, Dean was waiting for me, he too was struggling, he had 4 laps to get to 100 miles to do, he heard about my wife's plan for me and said we'd do the plan together. As long as I was out for each lap, by a certain time, and as long as it took no longer than 30 minutes, I could do it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I suddenly started to get another wind, was this possible, so off I went with Dean and we power walked the next few laps, we did 15 min-17 min miles averages. We got him to his 100 miles and he had the cow bell ring for his 100 mile lap. He made 94 miles and we still had another 7 laps for me, or so I thought. As we went past, we got told I was on lap 87 both me an Dean said to each 7 laps to go, then we finished the lap and got told I still had another 7 laps to go. I was in a little confused, so I thought well they must have meant prior the next lap would be 7 to go. As I finished that lap they said that was 87 done, which meant I had 7 laps to go again. I was tired, in pain and I just heard 7 laps to go til 94 3 times. I couldn't compute it. We got round to the start for a cup of tea, and that is when I decided I am just going to crack on, I crossed the line and confirmed that was lap 88 done. It was, so I just powered on, we made plenty of time so I could take some time, but I wanted to make sure I crossed the 90th lap mark first and finally get out of the 80's. Dean helped me get to 90th lap and that is when I decided to have another chilli, and a quick leg rub down. I headed out with Dean. Kieran was not in a good place, so I told Dean do crack on with Kieran and I will go on my own. I was so motivated now, I powered the next 3 laps, I wanted to get them done, so I knew safely that as long as I went out before 8pm on my last lap I would make the 100 mile mark. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the final laps with Tracy, one of the Event Crew keeping our morale up! pic by Becky Harris</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I powered the next 3 laps and gave myself 45 mins to do the last lap if I wanted. I had a Victoria Sponge, and a cuppa tea, leg rub and went out on my last lap with Dean, wife and son. I had 30 mins ish to the finish 36 hours. As long as I arrive after 36 hrs is up I won't have to go back out again, we took our time slowly plodding around. Kieran went round with his son. Me and Deano were going to cross the line together, him on 100 laps me on 100 miles (94 laps). We both had the cow bell ringing, for our 100th lap/100 mile lap. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It then became an nice bimble around, with my son, wife and Dean. We took our time doing the last lap, knowing not to cross the line before 36 hours 00 mins as we didn't want to go round again. The sun was starting to go down, and the temperature was slowly dropping once more. We made our way round, and I thanked the marshals out on the course. With out those wonderful people giving up their time, this event wouldn't have happened and I know for a fact I wouldn't have survived. Their morale and support kept us all going! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually, Dean and myself crossed the line, the cow bell ringing, I had made the 94th lap aka 100 miles and Deano had made the 100th Lap 106 miles. So chuffed for us both, as we stood and waited for Kieran to come round with his boy in arms he crossed the line and the three of us gathered together for a big group hug. We earned it, no matter what position we ended up, we got each other round. We survived! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite, the lack of sleep, the tender, swollen feet, my grumpiness, I bloody well did it!! Now I know there will be people out there saying " is that all he managed to run in that time", but those people didn't toe the line with me and the others. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We did it! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Considering the longest training run was 12 miles since I ran the 30 miles and 10 miles during Hope24 back in June, I think I did well. Gaining 2nd place was something I had never dreamed of, this event has given back some self confidence in my self, I've proven to myself I can be mentally strong again. No one will ever take it away I'm now a podium finisher in an Ultra event and a frigging tough one at that too! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even as I type this blog, I still think someone is going to tell me, it's a dream. However the official result came out, and too my surprise, I had actually run 95 laps, yes 1 more than I was told. So even better than I had thought!! Whoop!!! I just wanted to say, I was honoured to be on the same course as Deano and Kieran! Kieran was amazing, I was just lucky on the day. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This event will live long in my memory, much like the YOLO adventures I have ran, this will be as special as them. I have Dave and his wife Sally to thank for giving me the opportunity to run in their events. I can't recommend the Bys Vyken Events enough, if you want a race where lots of love, attention to detail, a challenge then head over to BVE and press the enter buttons. You won't be disappointed!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUAPSW4e04A/XW1zIDoyVYI/AAAAAAAACmo/xRCv8NufulYTQGr1t2gLkE49X7aoDcpdgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="1125" height="100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUAPSW4e04A/XW1zIDoyVYI/AAAAAAAACmo/xRCv8NufulYTQGr1t2gLkE49X7aoDcpdgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7902.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The 36 hour race results, no one can ever take this away from me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also have to thank Tailwind Nutrition UK for their on going support, I went through a lot of it this weekend, I have no doubt it played it's part in my success. Also a thank you to Uglow Sports, again the kit was amazing throughout the 36 hours, comfortable in the heat, and at night. I'm so thankful to be part of the Uglow family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The final thank you is to my Wife and son. My wife crewed me the whole 36 hours, with very minimal sleep. If it wasn't for her, her experience in crewing me over the years, I know I would've been down and out if it wasn't for my wife and her plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So wow that was a little long but it was a long race. Thank you all for your support and time reading. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3B9-zJQSiw/XW00hk74RHI/AAAAAAAACl8/UCjSto1dipErD10FDiE12zUxbNEGFXahgCEwYBhgL/s1600/83E689FA-0AAD-43B4-B378-656F9D8D4115.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S3B9-zJQSiw/XW00hk74RHI/AAAAAAAACl8/UCjSto1dipErD10FDiE12zUxbNEGFXahgCEwYBhgL/s320/83E689FA-0AAD-43B4-B378-656F9D8D4115.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bathing in my own success </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-40785733897064552352019-06-18T08:18:00.001-07:002019-09-02T00:18:55.764-07:00Hope24 2019 - When a Festival of Running becomes a Family of Running<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you go back to 2014 when Hope 24 was first started, it's aim was to raise money for charity as part of a group of Firefighter's fundraising efforts. It was a small affair, just over 150 runners and straight away this event fell into many runner's hearts. One of those runners was myself. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwm4Ibr-uRo/XQj5g8Ei7_I/AAAAAAAACjk/vab30wS3NiYnTAlPJjOzfv9o0G8BBHBbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/71E3B186-29EF-48EA-9686-75547FB3DC5D.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwm4Ibr-uRo/XQj5g8Ei7_I/AAAAAAAACjk/vab30wS3NiYnTAlPJjOzfv9o0G8BBHBbQCEwYBhgL/s320/71E3B186-29EF-48EA-9686-75547FB3DC5D.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My little family helped the event that first year by volunteering for hours on end marshalling out on the course. My son was around 3 and half years old. He was giving out high 5's and Mexican waving all the runners every lap. Given those 150 ish runners the morale they needed to keep going. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little did anyone know, this event would not only become an award winning event but a family! My son has been involved in some form every year since the 1st, and apart from last year when I was deployed, I had as well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this year, I was excited to be back, preparing for one my favourite weekends of the racing calendar. So my plan was to take a couple days off, prior to Saturday from work, go down, help out with the course set up. I love giving back to this event, mainly because the RD Danny Slay is pretty much a one man band when it comes to the set up. It's so nice it's gone from a couple of us helping out, to a good amount of people that come and help out. It makes a lot of difference and it's what makes the event even more special knowing it's built by runners. The fact it's a charity event is just the cherry on top of the cake. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the pre race laps in the rain</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was going to be a busy weekend for me for many reasons. On Friday night, I went to the Theatre as we had tickets for Les Miserables (it's amazing BTW). Having to drive up to Portsmouth Sunday evening for work meant I wasn't going to be able to run through the night like I usually do. So I had to have a break planned in during the race, so I made my race plan around the busy weekend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided, I was going to run 30 miles on the Saturday in no longer than 8 hours, take a good break get some sleep (attempt to) then get up early morning, and try again to run another 30 miles. Well that was the plan anyway!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the Thursday whilst helping out I recce'd the course to make sure it made sense and measured ok. So I did a lap, which then followed later another another lap. I wasn't expecting to do another lap. I had got out of my wet running clothes from the pissing down rain and was in jeans etc. Due to having to pick my son up from school, we had to get a jog on as we went round measuring out the mile signage. As it was still pissing down with rain, I suffered some serious chaffing doh!!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son completing another Hope 2.4km race</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friday morning, back down helping Danny with the registration stuff, doing the numbers etc giving him an extra hand. I also got out for another lap, to double check the course and check the lap mileage. We were pretty much all ready to go, I set up my gazebo for the race at the start/finish straight and then left to go to the Theatre. I had a great time to be honest and it probably allowed me to chill out and become less of a Runzilla (I said less, I still was a little) prior to the race start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon enough race day was here, we got down to the arena in good time, finished setting up my little run base, and got my boy ready for his 2.4km race he had, which started at 10am. It was great to see so many kids taking part in the two distances they could race. They all seem to have smiles going on. My son went off, and made his way around the course. When he finished, we asked him if he enjoyed himself to which he did. We said we'll go find out his chip time but he response was just brilliant. "It's ok I'm not bothered, I just went out to have fun. I don't care about my time". I love his outlook to running I really do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was race briefing time, I tried to shake off my pre race nerves, and relax. After Pete did the usual safety briefing, Danny did a few mentions, 1 was for remembering a Hope24 runner who sadly passed away aged 36. This automatically brought me to think of my own best mate who died of the same age a few years ago. We did a round of applause for him then the second mention was for a lady who was celebrating her 21st birthday by running solo around the course for 24 hours lol We sang happy birthday to her as you do. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having fun on the trails! Pic by AG Images</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone gathered on the starting line, and we were off. The course took us out of the arena briefly before turning back in and heading down towards the bridge by the cottage. From here, we then started our climb, firstly up through the wood behind the cottage for about 1 and 1/4 miles before getting some relief running down a gentle descent through the the equestrian fields full of sheep. Once we reached the bottom it was straight back up up the climb, it wasn't steep but it was long, you eventually finished the climb around 2.5 miles in once you were in the woods. From there is was downhill ish all the way back. Although it was undulating in some of the more flatter sections, it was definitely a negative split lap. The second half was fun, beautiful and very enjoyable for me. Each lap was fun as I made my way through 3 miles towards the 4th. Just before the 4th you reached marshal point which was amazing. The Dartmoor Search and Rescue guys and lasses were brill. They laid on a bit of an aid station with various sweets, coke and water and most of all Watermelon! The Saturday day time was a complete opposite contrast to the previous few days, it was sunny and very warm! I'd say borderline hot, so the Watermelon was a welcome treat each lap. From 4 miles it was the run home, down through the shooting grounds, over a bridge, up a small steep hill, over the undulating hill top to run down in to the arena to the finish line. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A lap with Nicola pic by Melvin edited by me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So as I said my plan was to run 30 miles on the Saturday in the very warm temp. I ran the first 3 laps pretty much by self, occasionally seeing some one I knew at various points to have a chat with and either they or myself would move on ahead. I was joined on my 4th lap by a friend called Nicola, it was lovely to have her company all the way round that lap, we'd chat whilst we went round and the lap soon was finished, it was then I was met by my wife who said my lap times had not been registering. 4 laps completed but not showing on the timings. I went straight to the timing tent, who checked my bib. Due to how I had it pinned on the back of my race vest, it wasn't working. We rearranged it, they checked that it worked which it did and I went off once more. They added my laps on and all was well again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'd grab a fresh bottle of tailwind, and off I went. I went through a 500ml bottle each lap, and this plan worked for me. I lost about half an hour grabbing stuff in between laps, and stopping to sort out my chip timing. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZhhXOtjCt0/XQj5hOZzZII/AAAAAAAACkA/51vdSGI2-jMemjrqBjOn_ZnSqPdnxtV6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/B37D29A2-B615-4436-85AC-C6E2B2784311.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZhhXOtjCt0/XQj5hOZzZII/AAAAAAAACkA/51vdSGI2-jMemjrqBjOn_ZnSqPdnxtV6QCEwYBhgL/s320/B37D29A2-B615-4436-85AC-C6E2B2784311.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My fuel and recovery nutrition for the weekend</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After I finished my 5th lap I checked to make sure it registered which it had. I had one more lap to do and I went out to finish it. 6 laps were completed and I was pretty pleased with the time of 6 hours 47 minutes for the 30 miles. I was just over an hour faster than I planned to be and considering it was a tough course, off road and very warm, I was pleased how it went for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cos I had more time, I went home for a shower, then we popped out for something to eat. I enjoyed my big steak! It was late by time we got back to the arena to get some sleep. I did eventually get some sleep though before waking as planned around 3.30am to get sorted to get out at 4am. I started the 7th lap just after 4am and although my legs weren't quite awake , they were moving. It was still dark so I had my head torch on but as I made my way round it soon became lighter and by the time I had started my 8th lap I could chuck my head torch in the gazebo as I went past. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All going well! Pic taken by Gill Case, edited by me</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again I saw a few people I knew during the 7th lap, there weren't as many out as there have been in previous years. Some even thought I'd be out all night as it's normally what I'd do. I hadn't this time, as it'd be too dangerous for me to drive up to Portsmouth later on (check me out being all sensible and that). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During the 8th lap, it rained heavy. I had taken my coat off and ditched it at the end of the 7th lap as I was too warm in it. I was soon soaked through, and it was at that point, I decided enough was enough. With the drive later on, on my mind and the fact I couldn't be bothered to keep trugging on through the soft mud along the river side, I called it a day at the end of lap 8. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Out on one of the laps</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a pleasing 30 miles on Saturday, the Sunday's 10 miles became a bit of a recovery run instead. I'm not too disappointed, I covered 40 miles in under 10 hours of running, I had done a good 30 miles for me and I was feeling strong, I could've done more if I could've been bothered. I still enjoyed the 40 miles I did and that was the main thing. I didn't want to ruin an enjoyable experience by carrying on in the rain and mud. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So thus was the end of my Hope 24 weekend, a weekend of running, watching my boy race, catching up with friends and having a good time. The event feels like a big family gathering, and it's a feeling a few events I have experienced has given. Once you've toed the start line of Hope 24 you feel you've been accepted into a family and that's how it should be, whether it's your 6th time or your 1st. Whether you done everyone or come back after a break, it's great!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2umGVDbWkM/XQj5ijdmArI/AAAAAAAACkM/_8yXSacfTOEiSxuRRsJho2R_OPv5Lg-ZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_6703.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v2umGVDbWkM/XQj5ijdmArI/AAAAAAAACkM/_8yXSacfTOEiSxuRRsJho2R_OPv5Lg-ZgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_6703.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Danny, Me and Pete. It was Hope24 that brought us together back in 2014</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe we are so lucky to have this event in Plymouth, it's worth the travel for those who have to, each year it gets better in my opinion. It deserves more recognition than it actually gets. Whether you're an inexperienced runner or a season veteran, it's an event that allows people to test their limits whatever their limits maybe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to Danny and everyone who puts in the hard work required to put on this event, if you're reading this and never done it, look it up and enter next year when entries are open. It's the cheapest 24 hour race I know of, most are double the amount, you get pretty much the same as the other but most of all you join a family and two great charities benefit from it. What more could you ask for?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to Uglow Sports and Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continuing support, I am forever grateful. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally thank you to my wife and my son for being the best support crew. I know I wouldn't be able to achieve a lot of the stuff with out them being there doing what support crews should do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, hopefully my film I'm putting together should be out in due course. In the mean time, read some of my other blogs or head over to my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5RvUGPgeKhfdL95xcyR5w?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>, watch the films and subscribe. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My son's and my medals </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-60542920851201075112019-05-14T08:56:00.000-07:002019-09-02T00:19:10.560-07:00Film Review - "Underdog" Chasing a Dream at UTMB <br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So this is a first for me, I've been asked to review a book and various kits before, but to review a film is not something I'm often asked to do. In fact I've never been asked to review a film before. When I was told it was a film called Underdog, which was about Damian Hall's attempt to break the top 10 at UTMB last year in 2018, I had no hesitation to say but to say yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Watch the trailer here</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwROF9XbhtOQiTshKjpo3eYlWgQhRrC9fQmJTEZHi1fSYs96tsKYpjH4j00afoitU0xj8w283of9pHO2rO5KQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having met, and spoke to Damian in person before, I found he's a genuine top bloke, and I've been following his adventures on Social Media for a while now. So I was pretty excited by this and looked forward to watching the film made by <a href="https://www.summitfevermedia.com/" target="_blank">Summit Fever Media</a>. Having seen plenty of their work in the past, I have high hopes based on the films I've seen at this point. I hope this would be as good as the previous films I've seen such as their Spine footage. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here is the synopsis taken from their website </span><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"</span></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 17px;"><b>Damian Hall takes on the most famous ultra marathon in the world - the 171 km +10,040 m ascent UTMB® - the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc. His aim is break into the elite ranks of the top 10 male podium finishers. The athletes he is up against are professional, full-time runners. Younger and faster, many live and train in the mountains. "</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">If you don't know what UTMB is, then watch the film and I'm sure you will soon get the idea. It is like many of these worldwide known races in Ultra Running, it's a bucket list event for many to just finish. They have a series of races of various distances, all highly contested, with UTMB being the main one! Having some friends who have raced it and completed it as well, it always gets me excited for the live tracking during race week. It's just an exciting race series to follow!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Anyway the film, was it any good? Here's my honest review. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">The film starts off building you up for the big day. Damian out in all weathers, training for his dream, his goal to break the top 10 at UTMB. Something not many British Athletes have done. He like many other Brits don't have the training play grounds of huge mountain trails, he has to make do with what Britain has to offer. Up early hours, sacrificing family time, special occasions as many elites do, to be able to put in the best performance they possibly can. Running through bogs, gale force winds and rain at the top of some of our highest points, early in the morning when everyone else is still in bed. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Already the film has you hooked in and as a runner, who although I'm nowhere near Damian's or even any other good runners standards I am fully aware of the sacrifice I have had to make for the events that I have run. You immediately feel part of his journey and the film has you from the start. Even though, most of us already know the outcome, I was still willing that nothing was to go wrong and he makes the start line. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">The film really shows off well, the journey to the start line and I was now excited for the race to start. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q0OgpC-r7I/XNrfT9pV0hI/AAAAAAAACiU/UclYuvWsoqw1SW1gEGdGIjtujtimCSr4ACLcBGAs/s1600/Underdog%2BIMG%2B4%2B_%2B%25C2%25A9Summit%2BFever%2BMedia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4Q0OgpC-r7I/XNrfT9pV0hI/AAAAAAAACiU/UclYuvWsoqw1SW1gEGdGIjtujtimCSr4ACLcBGAs/s320/Underdog%2BIMG%2B4%2B_%2B%25C2%25A9Summit%2BFever%2BMedia.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Weather was not going to stop the training - pic by Summit Fever Media</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Once we're in Chamonix, it's just beautiful cinematography. I wanted to be there, starting with him. It had drawn me in, and I just wanted to go put my trail shoes on and go find a mountain. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Damian is joined by his support crew Nicky Spinks (legend), and we're soon watching Damian flying off. You're now taking on a breath taking race, with stunning scenery made even more stunning by the great filming. Not once did I find it all over the place, or it didn't work. I felt I was there, egging Damian on. Damian's narrative of the race as it goes along is so captivating. He has a way of speaking that goes so well with the footage. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Soon enough I was on the edge of my seat egging Damian to do it, I kept saying in my head "you've got this". Seeing Nicky getting emotional at the end, also made me a little emotional. For a film to have that effect on me, showed me that it is a fantastic running documentary. I've watched many running films, I even attempt to make my own which are mainly for my own enjoyment, but this has to be up there with one of the finest I've watched. I genuinely believe it maybe up there with the Barclay Marathons official film. That film is often watched, and I'm sure once this is out there and known about, it will be well viewed over and over again for years to come. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCI-q4WjZWc/XNrfbGSHgOI/AAAAAAAACiY/ZT-yzlhzAoIrLbbZC0EnCBqe4X8bqKW5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Underdog%2BIMG%2B7%2B_%2B%25C2%25A9Summit%2BFever%2BMedia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rCI-q4WjZWc/XNrfbGSHgOI/AAAAAAAACiY/ZT-yzlhzAoIrLbbZC0EnCBqe4X8bqKW5wCLcBGAs/s320/Underdog%2BIMG%2B7%2B_%2B%25C2%25A9Summit%2BFever%2BMedia.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stunning pic by Summit Fever Media</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Overall, it is a really good running documentary and one I've already watched 3 times prior to writing this. Each time, I'm wanting to head out the door and get on the trails and for a film to do that, proves to me how well it is made. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">I think it epitomises the sacrifice, the effort, the drive required to not only finish this event, but to break into the Top 10. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">I personally didn't find anything I didn't like with the film, that could be because I'm not an avid film critic that goes searching, but I would be surprised, if those interested in trail running, or running itself don't enjoy it. At 21 minutes long you don't need to clear your diary either. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Go and watch your self the adventure that Damian leads you on, as he attempts to break the Top 10 at UTMB, the film <a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/underdog/344769836" target="_blank">Underdog</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;">Thank you Summit Fever Media for giving me the opportunity to watch and review the film. I'm now off to watch it again.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-12080379169076898902019-04-30T09:26:00.003-07:002019-09-02T00:19:31.520-07:00London Marathon 2019 - Is it Still as Special as 2010?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The London Marathon, if you spoke to the majority of people even if they don't run and you mentioned the London Marathon, they would know about it. Of course there are other marathons all around the world and some bloody fantastic ones here in the UK but if you asked 100 random people "Name a marathon race in the UK?" most would probably say London. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I get other runners have their various opinions on this race, I understand many of those opinions but for me the London Marathon is special and I will explain why along the way through this blog. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember as a child seeing it on TV, hearing that parents of friends of mine at school or where ever having completed it. So I have always been around the London Marathon for a long time. Never in a blue moon did I ever think back then I would run the London Marathon when I was older not alone have the opportunity to run it twice. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My focus, since my last race the Arc of Attrition was the upcoming London Marathon, I devised a plan and had been following it pretty well. Training over the Feb and beginning of March had been going pretty well. Until I made an error one Sunday. I had already gone for a longish run but had not ran as many miles I'd have liked. So I decided to jump on treadmill at home and beast myself to make up for it, instead of just putting it to one side and sticking to the rest of the plan. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Out on one of training runs near my house </span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This unfortunately lead me to injuring myself and giving me a calf strain in my right leg. I was so furious at myself for being such a dick! So I eased off over the next couple of weeks, but it didn't seem to be showing any signs of improvement. So off to my buddy Big Geoff the Physio at Flow Therapies here in Plymouth. The man has worked wonders in the past with my body. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thing's seemed to be improving, although it wasn't fully healed, the uncomfortablity (is that a word?) I was suffering during my long runs were nowhere as bad, and although my training took a hit, I was content with how it was going. Up until the injury my pace was getting quick and I was feeling stronger running wise. It took a big knock with the injury, and damage limitation took over. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yet, two weeks before the big event, during my last long run, I had to cut my run short. I managed 8 miles but at around 6 my calf started to become comfortable again, and it worried me. I decided to call it a day at 8 which I was a little annoyed about but with two weeks to go, it was the sensible thing to do. Now I had a big decision to make, do I still start and hope I finish. Yes it may not be quick or pretty but I will cross that line again, whilst also giving me mileage in the legs for the future events I have lined up or do I defer until 2020? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only other time I have run the London Marathon was back in 2010 and that was the start of my running adventures. It changed my life and in a good way, ever since I've applied each year again through the Ballot hoping to replicate my good fortunes of 2010. After 9 further I attempts I finally was successful again in the Ballot, and finally getting a place for the 2019 event. My wife ran in 2018 which I was unfortunately away for, so I was unable to be there as she crossed the finish line, like she was for me back in 2010. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to sleep on it and give my calf a few days rest. I have until pretty much right up til the day before to decide either way. As it stands I chose to make the start line, knowing it'll be an easier last couple of weeks anyway, with no further planned long runs. I had treatment still booked in at this point also and after a few days rest it felt good again, and treatment seemed to be doing it's trick. Only time will tell now, I will lay off any treadmills, so the temptation isn't there to push myself and I will just put in a few smaller, comfortable runs on the lead up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weekend prior to the Marathon weekend was my birthday weekend, so a good excuse for a rest. I did absolutely no running at all. I just wanted to spend quality time with family and my best mates family. Something I rarely do on my birthday as it's often away, last year for my 40th I spent it at sea in the Java Sea prior to coming alongside in Jakarta, Indonesia <a href="http://www.ultrarunningmatelot.co.uk/2018/04/across-java-and-beyond.html" target="_blank">(see blog here)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spent the remainder of the week leading up to the marathon, with easy runs and just chilling. My original game plan was already out the window thanks to the calf injury scuppering training, so now it doesn't really matter I wasn't going to beat any PBs or my original London Marathon time. I'm there to enjoy myself come rain or shine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So the time arrived, and we made our way up to London on the Friday, the journey was pretty painless on the way up. We arrived and sorted ourselves out ready for visiting the Expo first thing in the morning. The one thing I love about the Expo is seeing friends, it's like a local a running event feeling, where you see people you know and catch up. Well that's what it felt like for me anyway.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We arrived at the Expo early, when it wasn't too busy and picked up my race number using the new system. It went far more smoothly than the first time I ran London that's for sure. They scanned my QR and boom I had my number. We made our way around the show, and I caught up with various people, including good friends Dan Lawson and Mike Julien. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent a good forenoon visiting stands and looking at the new products out. It did however feel a lot smaller of an Expo to what I've seen in the past there. It may have been the way it was laid out, but it felt smaller or less there than usual. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X09V_D_QAE/XMhviqcxyxI/AAAAAAAAChY/rehxODnoMzU0_3KlA-ttd1GHmTj5NptOACEwYBhgL/s1600/23A41901-44F6-4F4D-993E-982262BBB25C.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--X09V_D_QAE/XMhviqcxyxI/AAAAAAAAChY/rehxODnoMzU0_3KlA-ttd1GHmTj5NptOACEwYBhgL/s320/23A41901-44F6-4F4D-993E-982262BBB25C.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good friend Dan Lawson</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rest of the day was about family time. So this meant lunch, trip to the cinema to watch Avengers: End Game (bloody loved it btw) and then getting some good sleep prior to the race (normally this doesn't happen but it did this time). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>The Day of the Race</u></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race morning came, I was already prepped and ready to go. I tried my best not to be a runzilla (you know the pain in the arse twat some runners can be because they're nervous and anxious etc about the up coming race). We checked out and had some breakie, something I don't normally do but I fancied some porridge. We made our way to the start line at Blackheath, the train from Charing Cross to Blackheath was rammed, and hot. Not the greatest way to start the day but, it wasn't going to ruin it. I siad my good byes to the family, and made my way in. After handing in my drop bag after security checks, well they weren't very thorough checks. If you had your own bag you couldn't take them in unless you put them in the clear bag provided. They didn't check the privately owned bags though, which seemed to defect the object of having security checks. Yes mate your rucksack won't have anything dodgy potentially in it, if you stick the rucksack in the clear bag. *facepalm* It's not a bomb proof clear bag!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway the niff naff and trivia was all done, and I awaited for my zone to open and start the race. I saw some more people I knew and has some good pre race chat to calm the nerves down. I'm not going to lie, I was very nervous. Probably more nervous than the first time I ran London. I could probably put this down to various reasons, but either way I was nervous. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5IXZZXWdc/XMhvkmteP2I/AAAAAAAACho/Z-4NxlGMiecSxPA9El0x9pF1S9Fvy-_CgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5050.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OK5IXZZXWdc/XMhvkmteP2I/AAAAAAAACho/Z-4NxlGMiecSxPA9El0x9pF1S9Fvy-_CgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5050.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Night before preps</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually around 45 mins my zone crossed the start line after what was a quite a cold hanging around period. In 2010, I started only 2 minutes after the gun went, there was no real wave type format then so this although cold, was far better due to reducing the congestion at the start but not for those in later zones (see further down in blog).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not having a determined goal time, I went out with the aim to have a nice comfortable first half, the crowds from the start were pretty much buzzing all the way. The support along the course was absolutely fantastic, and I was making sure I took it all in. I chatted to other runners, I high five'd supporters. I danced to the bands, I went and had a ball! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The miles ticked off one by one, as I weaved in and around the other runners, as I approached Cutty Sark, I was expecting to see my wife and boy waiting for me to cheer me on. I saw them not long after and seeing my boys face made my smile bigger, as I knew how proud he was. In 2010 he was there but wasn't born yet, the wife was pregnant with him. So it was amazing he's got to witness both his mum (last year) and now me finish this great Marathon Major. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg2Waw24jJ4/XMhvkTBPfLI/AAAAAAAAChg/7zrZhNe5XSw8GZ7sCKhvRJBxFVpVkKmRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3030.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg2Waw24jJ4/XMhvkTBPfLI/AAAAAAAAChg/7zrZhNe5XSw8GZ7sCKhvRJBxFVpVkKmRwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_3030.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Approaching Tower Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I continued on my way, making it to half way shortly after crossing the iconic Tower Bridge, I don't know why but at this point when you cross the bridge, it really does lift you. Is it because you know you are half way, or because the crowds are pretty epic? I don't know but it does spur you on. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The miles kept ticking off, and as I ran I kept sipping on my Tailwind ( I went through about 2 ltrs but the end) , and just making the most of the atmosphere. The miles soon fell away and I was then counting down the miles. 15,16, 17 miles soon went, and I started to look towards the final 10K that was soon approaching knowing I will be seeing two friendly faces that I knew. I also by now had 2 wee stops!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 20 miles, I saw two friends on the official London Fire Brigade water station. I stopped, gave them a hug and took some water. It was great to see friendly faces of Danny and Susan who organise Hope 24 (which I'm running in June). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Up until then I've been supplying my self with fluids, having Tailwind Nutrition in my race vest. Two reasons for this, 1 mainly because it provides me with everything I require nutrition wise and 2 because I wanted to reduce my use on using plastic bottles. I did over the course of the race only use two bottles, and this was to pour some over my head and just to have a little change in taste. I also took S-Caps along the way in addition to help prevent cramp coming on which hit me bad back in 2010. All in all I was pretty pleased with how this side of the race went. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkEYipCOYzY/XMhvkiFc2zI/AAAAAAAAChs/ZoD6j5WnxHwhSg4D38Uu6bjWH3EOqOJtQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="562" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fkEYipCOYzY/XMhvkiFc2zI/AAAAAAAAChs/ZoD6j5WnxHwhSg4D38Uu6bjWH3EOqOJtQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5496.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 23 miles pic taken by Susan :)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I ran down mile 22 towards mile 23, we head the other direction alongside the runners still on the other side heading to mile 14 and on wards. I made the effort to applaud them and cheer them as I ran past. I know what it's like to be at the back and it can be a little demoralising seeing the quicker runners heading the other way towards the finish. But you battle on because you want to finish. It was sad to see though the road cleaners literally sweeping up the tail runners. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They were still in front of the cut off, and with official pacers so the road cleaners shouldn't be there yet. It was also sad to hear that water stations had already closed for them as they made their way round. I'm sorry but if you advertise a cut off of a certain time you should allow those within the time to experience the same as every one else. Yes the crowds may disappear, but the event crews shouldn't go until the last runner is through. I can see why my wife last year had a horrible experience. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could go on but that's already done on my facebook page.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I carried on my merry way, ticking off the parkruns left to go. At mile 23 I came across another two friends, Chris and Maria shouted at me as much as they could until they had my attention and it worked, and so glad it did. In 2017 I gave them massive hugs when I saw them and this year they returned the favour. I bloody love these two!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egymKoi3Inc/XMhxuB3FLvI/AAAAAAAACh8/7pBqsTM-Kfc_R3opMkA4BgDu8ST9Cl4EACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0571.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-egymKoi3Inc/XMhxuB3FLvI/AAAAAAAACh8/7pBqsTM-Kfc_R3opMkA4BgDu8ST9Cl4EACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0571.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know I didn't run the racing line but wow! lol</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made my way along and came across the edible fluid pods that were being handed out. What a fantastic idea, and defo a step forward in my opinion to reduce plastic. My only criticism is the delivery as they were in cups, which sort of defeats the object. If they solve the delivery of these pods then it's a good way to go! I again by this point had my final wee stop, which was bound to happen as I took on plenty of fluids. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made my way down Embankment towards the home stretch and I was on cloud nine, you know it's the last couple of miles, left to go. You pass the 40K marker then the 25 miles and you turn the corner on what can feel like the longest home straight ever. However you turn right at Buckingham Palace then suddenly everyone's emotions are running. Many are running for great causes. It's a reason why this year's tag line was #ThanksaBillion because they predict around 1 Billion pounds will been generated for charity since the Marathon first begun! It's why this event is one of the greatest charity events, where people do such amazing things, some it's just running the marathon which is no mean feat, and some is running it whilst making it even harder wear some fantastic fancy dress. I saw a guy finish in full riot gear! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A friend who saw me around the 41K mark said I looked a mess, I felt fine, however I have never looked very pretty anyway when running, so I'm ok with that. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLEFBQYQdjE/XMhvldabqDI/AAAAAAAAChs/UiAfQKiO31sI4X_2TyujAkDdSxMlBA4uACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nLEFBQYQdjE/XMhvldabqDI/AAAAAAAAChs/UiAfQKiO31sI4X_2TyujAkDdSxMlBA4uACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_5497.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Finish! I was sent this by Carly a friend who was watching out for lots of us.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I crossed the line, and I absolutely enjoyed ever step of the way! No time pressure, no worries, it was a fantastic experience, which is very hard to beat. Yes there are other amazing marathons out there. But for me there is something very special about London, it may not be the best course, but the atmosphere is very difficult to beat. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to run it again, and it will leave on in my memories and who knows, may even inspired my son to run it when he's old enough. If he does I will be there with him like he has been for me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm glad I didn't defer in the end, yes I could've come back next year stronger and my time this occasion wasn't my fastest but then I may not have enjoyed it as much next time. I took the risk and it paid off, two weeks leading up was looking very dubious, but in the end it was all worth it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So YES, London is still special if not even more so now, I just wish it was the same for my wife and others who didn't get the same experience I had.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to all those who sent me messages of support, those who were there and gave me hugs along the way and of course my little family, without whom I'd probably not finish the events I run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK, and Uglow Sports for their continued support. It really does help having such great brands behind me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now it's time to look ahead, I've two smaller local races to look forward currently before Hope 24 in June. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other news I recently was informed my YouTube Channel was one the Top 20 Ultra Running YouTube Channels. Not expecting this, but I will take any good news that comes my way <a href="https://blog.feedspot.com/ultra_running_youtube_channels/" target="_blank">See Link</a> but thank you Feedspot for this! If you haven't already here's my channel for you to check out and if you can please subscribe <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5RvUGPgeKhfdL95xcyR5w?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">YouTube Channel</a>. You can watch the video <a href="https://youtu.be/ol80M_lgYbA" target="_blank">here</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for reading (I know it was pretty long and probably boring sorry!). </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ll_Py90sx0/XMhvjmX9uMI/AAAAAAAACho/5ROJCFhN59wqmU5mrN8YwzBsM01qtAAqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/B415C7F2-11D2-4E81-A06B-7738E39249CD.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ll_Py90sx0/XMhvjmX9uMI/AAAAAAAACho/5ROJCFhN59wqmU5mrN8YwzBsM01qtAAqgCEwYBhgL/s320/B415C7F2-11D2-4E81-A06B-7738E39249CD.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me in 2010 My wife in 2017 Me in 2019</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-31712543950906711952019-03-20T04:46:00.000-07:002019-09-02T00:19:46.822-07:0010 Things I Hear As A Fat Runner<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most people who know me, know I admit I'm no Mo Farrah in stature. It's always something I have to deal with, being a short arse as well, weight never looks great on me. It's just something I have to deal with. The weight comes and goes, plus I love my food. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway I thought I'd write the 10 things I hear often said to me when people who don't know me very well, hear I'm a runner and the type of events I run. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. No offence but you don't look like a runner (always a winner this one, starting with "no offence")</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. You? You run?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. There's no way you can run that far</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Have you just started?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Is it harder to run being a larger person?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Why aren't you skinny?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. You should try Slimming World or Weight Watchers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">8. I can't even drive that far</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. Don't you get bad knees</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. You have cake after a run? (Yep I have heard this a few times)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I once saw on an American Running Forum which I'm not a member of, mentioned me and that I was too thicc (fat) to be an Ultra Runner. No idea how I've made it across the pond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I never claim to be the fastest, the best or even any good at my sport. I run, that's just what I do. I used to be really really fat, now I'm just not as fat as I used to be. I've always said people are welcome to join me on runs, if they're faster than me, then they'll either have to loop back or run slower. If I'm faster than them I will run at their pace. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just because I'm not physically slim doesn't mean those like me are not runners, as long as both feet are in flight as you move, you are a runner regardless. So whether you are skinny, large, tall, short etc etc if you run, you are a runner. If someone is out there running, encourage them don't make them feel like shit, at least they're trying to make a better version of themselves.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I just love to run</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
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<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-11684362832604489812019-03-06T02:16:00.001-08:002019-09-02T00:20:04.242-07:00Kit Review - Zoncolan Running/Cycling Glasses<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not often I get the opportunity to do kit reviews, so when I received a private message from <a href="https://sunglassesrestorer.com/" target="_blank">sunglassesrestorer.com </a>via one of my social media outlets, I was a little dubious. Anyway, a few emails afterwards and here I am now writing a blog on this piece of kit which is available here <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/sunglasses-restorer-Cycling-Glasses-Zoncolan/dp/B07JMT3142/" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now I love wearing with sunglasses, and I've been fortunate in the past to be supported by a brand before. One of the pairs I liked had interchangeable lenses which allowed me to wear them in any weather in, in any form light level. So regardless of whether it was raining or blowing a gale, my eyes would have protection. I hate wind and rain getting into my eyes whilst out running and even occasionally cycling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So these glasses arrived, in a nice hard protection casing, along with a soft bag and if required a neck strap. Can't remember what you actually call the neck strap but you know what I mean. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mjNMY-dv_M/XH-bH-F9A4I/AAAAAAAACfA/S2Nqqmtp5HcM5oSb7oCUHs8om3Akd93XwCLcBGAs/s1600/BA659B3A-A792-489A-A001-6E04C7A763B7.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1600" height="254" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mjNMY-dv_M/XH-bH-F9A4I/AAAAAAAACfA/S2Nqqmtp5HcM5oSb7oCUHs8om3Akd93XwCLcBGAs/s320/BA659B3A-A792-489A-A001-6E04C7A763B7.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Zoncolan Glasses</span></b> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On first appearance they looked a bit chunky, and definitely not a pair you would want to wear every day on the street or beach trying to look cool. These are definitely a pair designed with the purpose of running or cycling in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before putting them to the test I tried them on for size as such. To be fair they were pretty comfortable. As I never looked them up really prior as I wanted to gauge everything with out any pre made assumptions, I didn't actually know anything about these pair of glasses. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They felt pretty light on my face, which is always a good start and also fitted very comfortable. So I decided, I would put them to the test during my up and coming race at the time, the Arc of Attrition (<a href="http://www.ultrarunningmatelot.co.uk/2019/02/arc-of-attrition-100-mile-2019-is-it-ok.html" target="_blank">see race blog here</a> ) . The weather was expecting to be rubbish, so with what are clear lenses, this would be ideal for the rain and wind that was to be expected. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wore them from the start of the race, and what I didn't realise was they were light reactive lenses. As the sun came out my glasses got darker. I only noticed properly when I looked at my reflection on a car window. This was a pleasant surprise, I honestly just thought they were clear lenses. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyu62zNbao/XH-bNigtoqI/AAAAAAAACfc/5bI17CZTjCUUCktdeJft7qPGyaxJiMAkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQyu62zNbao/XH-bNigtoqI/AAAAAAAACfc/5bI17CZTjCUUCktdeJft7qPGyaxJiMAkQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4665.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Tested during the recent Arc of Attrition pic by NoLimits Photography</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway as the race progressed for me, they remained on my face. It wasn't until my race was over in the dark and there wasn't any need for them I took them off. I actually forgot they were there, to be honest. The design of them being light made it feel they weren't on my face at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now something I found with other brands was that they often fog up, when I stop or slow and down whilst running. This never happened at all during the race, the lenses have little holes in them at the bottom which allowed the air flow around them better. Also even when I had my Buff up around me face because of the cold and the wind, they never fogged up like others have before when doing the same thing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the day darkened the lenses became clearer and soon running in the dark they were clear lenses, protecting my eyes from the elements. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giv0kEdNfvI/XH-bM4rVHNI/AAAAAAAACfU/kxgmx7QrtRsD1OIV8TQNDrI9Zgu8pHn8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4323%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giv0kEdNfvI/XH-bM4rVHNI/AAAAAAAACfU/kxgmx7QrtRsD1OIV8TQNDrI9Zgu8pHn8wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4323%2B2.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They felt really comfortable during the race - pic by Mudcrew appointed photographers</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the race, I've run in them a lot and in various weathers, although during the race they never fogged up, they did once during a training run. However that said within like a second they defogged without the need of me having to remove them from my face. Which is something I've had to do with other brands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now you'd think for light reactive sporting glasses you could be asking for a tidy penny to be spent for a pair but they're on Amazon for £27 which actually isn't that expensive and I can tell you they're really good for their value. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I know people often will say the product is good because it was sent to them free, but this isn't the case, I'm saying for the value and for what they are designed for they are surprisingly good. Yes as I said you wouldn't want to be seen wearing them for every day use but they're not designed for that. What they are designed for is for running or cycling and they do the job very well!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNAUc_Y29Bs/XH-bNHpsW2I/AAAAAAAACfg/AheLNSHip9YO0FUPPh3IbOfQvrT9LGamQCEwYBhgL/s1600/5FE65C52-E08F-4349-A920-82ECEF5A1D19.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1413" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNAUc_Y29Bs/XH-bNHpsW2I/AAAAAAAACfg/AheLNSHip9YO0FUPPh3IbOfQvrT9LGamQCEwYBhgL/s320/5FE65C52-E08F-4349-A920-82ECEF5A1D19.JPEG" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Used them a lot info February!</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The company that sells them also restores sunglasses as well, if you need lenses for your Oakley's they do them etc etc. You can find the product here on <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/sunglasses-restorer-Cycling-Glasses-Zoncolan/dp/B07JMT3142/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> or you can visit their website for more info here <a href="https://sunglassesrestorer.com/" target="_blank">https://sunglassesrestorer.com</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So there you go, overall I'm pretty pleased with this product, a friend has also ordered a pair herself now after suffering the effects from the weather on her eyes during the race. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've used them for runs since and still happy to wear them from now on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNbUMX4EWRs/XH-bNLCOBhI/AAAAAAAACfY/1iaKrb9kS00KFiAUKzODk4t-Gix2cG46gCEwYBhgL/s1600/4B2AFF85-62DE-4849-A7CC-C68FE8E3E146.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jNbUMX4EWRs/XH-bNLCOBhI/AAAAAAAACfY/1iaKrb9kS00KFiAUKzODk4t-Gix2cG46gCEwYBhgL/s320/4B2AFF85-62DE-4849-A7CC-C68FE8E3E146.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
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<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-37171635176981070242019-02-05T11:04:00.001-08:002019-09-02T00:20:21.006-07:00Arc of Attrition 100 Mile 2019 - Is it ok to DNF?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have to scroll back in time a little to actually this time last year, I should've been standing on the start line to the Arc of Attrition 2018. Instead I was about to sail for a short notice 5 month deployment which as some of you know ended up a 10 month deployment instead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was sailing down the Bay of Biscay, I was envious of those racing around the coastline. Knowing that should've been me. Alas it wasn't! I had to defer my place and hope I'd be around for 2019. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rolling forward I came home end of November 2018 and whilst trying to give back some valuable family time, I also had to plan in some quality training for the Arc. Yes I had been running whilst away, but I hadn't had the quality training this event requires. It may have been too little too late, but I was going to give it a good damn go! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Out on the CP for my first recce run</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having sat down with my wife, we worked out when best to get down to Cornwall and do some recce training runs. So I cracked on with my training in and around family time, before Xmas and then when January came off we went down to Cornwall for 3 weekends on the bounce. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The paths were looking good over the three weekends, testing out my kit went pretty well and I had my plan formulating. I did have a few niggles with my left calf, but I was managing it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During one of my recce runs, around the Kynance Cove area, I took the wrong path and ended up wasting time trying to get across, boggy lumpy marsh type land. I said to myself "right, don't take that one next time as it will be during the race, follow the path around closer to the coast line"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes on the South West Coastal Path, you could take the wrong path easily if not concentrating and you can waste a lot of time correcting yourself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With my recce runs out of the way, I was duty the weekend before and was able to give my left calf a rest the best I could. I had some fun times during the training, but did get some confidence issues. I'd been out of the long distance game for about a year thanks to work last year and my mental game wasn't up to scratch and it was something I would need to conquer soon or it might screw me over. Also knowing there would be people wanting me to fail as well, was also playing on my mind and I needed to make sure they'd not get too much in into my head during the race. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GmPsIwyGJo/XFhueAfCjmI/AAAAAAAACdo/BWqFANArtIwOLVWWlpV6VmgFCJbUq3P8QCLcBGAs/s1600/A0EF929A-5BF9-401A-AAAE-5A2E32801A02.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GmPsIwyGJo/XFhueAfCjmI/AAAAAAAACdo/BWqFANArtIwOLVWWlpV6VmgFCJbUq3P8QCLcBGAs/s320/A0EF929A-5BF9-401A-AAAE-5A2E32801A02.JPEG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How can you not love these trails?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Race weekend soon came round quickly, and I had to sort myself getting down to Redruth where my parents lived and where I was staying. My son was still in School back in Plymouth and didn't finish til 1pm on the Friday. So my support crew aka my wife wasn't able to crew me until she got down straight after picking him up from school and dropping at him at my parents on the way. This meant the first 3 hours ish I'd be with out a crew, I prepared for that kit wise and mentally wise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thursday afternoon I got the train down, I took with just some of my kit as well as the mandatory kit I was to race with. As we approached Redruth the weather had gone from rain to heavy snow. Suddenly this threw a lot of issues in the works, had I got the right shoes with me to start with? Had I enough warm clothes to race in? I had to to try and block that out my mind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It also got to the stage that I thought I may have to walk to registration just over two miles away as the roads might have been too bad for a car. Loads of people had issues on the roads traveling down, some didn't even get to the start sadly. That was my main goal, get to that start line. It didn't matter really after that, I just had to get to the start line. I really felt sorry for the organisers Mudcrew, although they always want the weather challenging, it usually storms not snow blizzards. It caused logistical nightmares!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made it to registration, luckily the sun came out and thawed the roads enough for my parents to drive me there. Suddenly, I started seeing friendly faces I've not seen in a while and my heart warmed up. With a hug from Jane Stephens one of the RD's for the race, followed by others I felt so happy. This was my happy place and I was back in it!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjKnhvHNLA4/XFhudsJbcPI/AAAAAAAACdk/jSDaEe6EevYPPuHy_J5aWE0ug-bpIaQmwCLcBGAs/s1600/42121FBC-8646-41C9-8480-3B1B1E69FF97.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjKnhvHNLA4/XFhudsJbcPI/AAAAAAAACdk/jSDaEe6EevYPPuHy_J5aWE0ug-bpIaQmwCLcBGAs/s320/42121FBC-8646-41C9-8480-3B1B1E69FF97.JPEG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Snowfall in Redruth WTF?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After registration I went back for some food and tried to get a good night sleep. I slept pretty well, and because I registered the night before I was in no rush in the morning. My running pack was packed, clothes ready to go on and my parents dropped me down to the start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was some snow still on the ground, it was cold and the wind made it feel colder. However I was surrounded by more friendly faces, and more hugs, handshakes and smiles were coming my way as I met and greeted friends who were either running, crewing or helping with the race. That's one thing I find with this discipline of the sport, the friendships made are amazing. I've turned up to 10K races before in the past and I may meet someone I know, but most of the time you are just a face in the crowd, you run, you finish, you go home. With these type of events, you see friends, you catch up, you make new friends, and then that friendship continues on regardless of how long it is until you see them again at another event if you don't see them in between. I love this type of relationship with other runners of this discipline. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zNAp4fgxJ8/XFhugd696sI/AAAAAAAACeE/fdrJRKbktpg87z72FpQjs1O5qXahq8NewCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_6248.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1zNAp4fgxJ8/XFhugd696sI/AAAAAAAACeE/fdrJRKbktpg87z72FpQjs1O5qXahq8NewCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_6248.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jane and Fergie two out of the 3 RD's. </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I digress, so I got my tracker fitted by Richard from Racedrone. It was good to catch up with him briefly also, after which all of us gathered for our race safety brief. I had a joke with Fergie one of the RD's about reversing the course and telling everyone just to see their faces, but alas he never did. After our race brief, we all got on to the 4 buses that was provided and we were off on our way to the start line in Coverack. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The start line was busy, music playing, everyone getting those last minute selfies prior to big the off. Fergie, introduced the top 5 male and female runners for the race. It was an exciting start line for sure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon start music was blaring, drums were banging and we were awaiting the horns to set us off. It wasn't long before those horns sounded, we were off down the and along the road. Smoke flares blowing in the wind as we ran past spectators and crews cheering us off. This was it, I took a big breathe in and said to myself "Let's get this done"</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-T9xbD_Pis/XFhuc8eRN4I/AAAAAAAACdc/2yu2cpD_pqoRZ8WCa7M-kIF3xXKBdR3PgCLcBGAs/s1600/66BACD44-1B1F-4DB0-9C83-882D0FC3C037.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-T9xbD_Pis/XFhuc8eRN4I/AAAAAAAACdc/2yu2cpD_pqoRZ8WCa7M-kIF3xXKBdR3PgCLcBGAs/s320/66BACD44-1B1F-4DB0-9C83-882D0FC3C037.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the Race HQ prior to starting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My support crew wasn't going to appear until further down the course, so I set in my mind to just do what I can, manage my fluid intake and keep pushing on. As long as she got there at some point in the first section I would be ok. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As soon as we started to leave the Coverack area, we hit our first diversion on the path. This took us up and away a little from the actual path via a steep climb, but wasn't a major diversion as such more a pain in the arse especially so early on in the race, as it was narrow and we soon were bunched up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually though, as the miles started to tick off, we all opened from each other with some breathing space but able to see each other ahead to follow. I was on plan, and things were going alright. I was in a happy place and making head way. The weather to start with was pretty good, but the path was not as good as it had been during my recce runs. It was sticky and slippy mud, and my first error was noticed. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Myself and fellow Muskie Sarah (she's bloody great!) pic taken by Carl Champion</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I chose to start the race in the Saucony Peregrines because the path had been pretty reasonable prior. I could only take one pair down with as I couldn't carry spares on me during the run and my others were being brought down. I was keeping my more aggressive lugged Koa's for when I reached Land's End knowing they would be fair better for that section afterwards.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So already in the sticky mud, my lugs on my shoes were full of mud, so I couldn't get the traction I needed. I wasn't how ever going to let this put me down. I cracked on, up and down the hills as best I could. The temp warmed up a little and some runners took off a layer, I however was comfortable enough and didn't remove my jacket. I knew it would get colder soon enough and it would save me precious time not having to put it back on again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I then had a company for a little while, in the form of a lovely Swedish runner called Lupita. We had some conversation, and I assisted her in directions through a cove. Soon enough though she was off ahead and eventually I was by myself. No one in front or behind for a while, I was alone. Something I trained for during my recce runs was lone running. I enjoy company and if I get some it's a bonus. However knowing I was more than likely going to be alone for majority of the race, I needed to be mentally prepared so despite having offers of training with others during recce's, I decided I needed to be use to being on my own. It worked for the duration of my race anyway. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually I made it to Lizard Point about 11 miles in my left calf was a little sore, nothing major, but I was a head of my plan schedule by about 15 minutes at this point. I needed a bottle filled, so the Marshalls filled a bottle up and put one of my sachets of Tailwind Nutrition I had in. It was going to be another couple of miles yet before I hopefully get to see my crew. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cracked on to Kynance Cove, trying to make good progress where I could. I saw a friend who happened to be one of the No Limits Photographers doing pictures for Raidlight the sponsor of the event along the way. I gave her a hug and thanked Harriet for being out (I know she had to be but that hug is what I needed to keep me in a good place). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7im4JDJ1e4/XFhuer5ZvRI/AAAAAAAACds/HyIv5gAjkWwRGrmBQmkByg-SvoCuwesFACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v7im4JDJ1e4/XFhuer5ZvRI/AAAAAAAACds/HyIv5gAjkWwRGrmBQmkByg-SvoCuwesFACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4317.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At Kynance Cove having just met my support crew. Pic taken by Mudcrew appointed Photographers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made it to Kynance Cove and as expected my support crew was there, with bottles ready to change, so I had fresh bottles to get me to the next meeting point at Mullion Cove. I was doing ok at this point. As I made my way after Kynance Cove I soon came to a point where I messed up during a recce run. I saw the path I took last time which was wrong, I knew it was wrong so I then went with what I thought should be correct. I said during the recce don't take that path during the race, as it took me over marshy boggy land and would slow me down. So I followed another path closer to the edge of the coastline and it started to lead me down and around. I saw what looked a foot path as I went round and thought is this the path, it wasn't quite right, but didn't want to stop and waste time or head back and waste time. It was when I looked up and noticed I was at the bottom of a sheer cliff side. "Fuck" I'm such a dick. I missed the correct path as I ran round and cocked it up again! I gathered my thoughts which were over the place, and had to decide whether to go back which would cost me time, or climb straight up in hope to find the path. Thing is I was slowly gaining on the runner in front I could see him on the other side of the cove, and not only had I wasted time, I had cocked up catching him up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to climb the side of the cliff back up, it was horrific, I found the correct path and I had lost about 45 minutes to the error. I knew the race was over, I'd be chasing time instead of time chasing me, but I knew I could scrape through the CP1 cut off and see how far I could get before being pulled. I had to control my thoughts, and get on with the job. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FROt75Ia9r4/XFhufbDLRHI/AAAAAAAACd4/1NhEvQqGr4kWMC1dObn7bQRihzcsEwFJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FROt75Ia9r4/XFhufbDLRHI/AAAAAAAACd4/1NhEvQqGr4kWMC1dObn7bQRihzcsEwFJACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pushing on earlier in the race. Pic taken by Mudcrew appointed photographers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I then pushed on as hard as I could. I got to Mullion Cove 18 miles in and my support crew was at the top waiting. I passed by one of the Mobile Marshal Crew at the top first, it was Daz a runner from my club. He checked I was ok, he was wrapped up trying to keep warm, the Arc Angels out and about were amazing. The weather had turned and wasn't pretty any more. I had a quick change of bottles, picked up my poles and made my way onwards. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My crew continuing to meet me along the way, changing bottles if needs be and some Cola if I wanted. The sun was going down, so as I knew my race was over, I quickly took a picture as it went down , so I had something positive to take away from the race. It was beautiful and it's what brings me to the path often. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made my way to Loe Bar (a beach section) and crossed the sand to the right side of the fence as directed in the Race Brief. I wasn't that far from CP1 now, it was dark my head torch on. I made my way up the diversion to the top of the hill and headed towards Porthleven. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was about a mile out, and saw time was getting close, so I picked up the pace. I hit the tarmac and it was getting closer to the cut off. I was determined to get there. I was flying now down the road into Portleven. I reached the Arc Valets waiting on the corner, they shouted I had 5 minutes to get to the CP. I carried on with my fast pace, I was blowing hard. I had one of the Arc Valets running with me. Soon I had a few Arc Angels around me, encouraging me on. I went past my support crew, who grabbed my poles of me as I ran. I went passed the previous old CP1 (I would've made the cut off had it not moved from here) and was disappointed for a moment as I ran passed it LOL. I was told we had to run up a hill to the CP1, so I turned up the hill and gave what I could. It was hard! I looked at my watch, I was told it was only 100m to go (it wasn't it was more like 400m) and I had 30 secs left. I couldn't do it, so I slowed to a walk. I saw other runners on the way back out from CP1 continuing on to the course and wished them well and good luck. For me I knew it was over, I was a minute over the time and that was it. I had run 26 miles and gave everything but it wasn't good enough. I felt good, I could've done more and wanted to do more but knew that was that. I walked in the CP1 and saw Jane one of the RD's and got a hug.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jph7oBgfLnQ/XFhufspM_ZI/AAAAAAAACd8/uLqPuuqYtjEZt_TwL54kxek1nOuc_npTgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1200" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jph7oBgfLnQ/XFhufspM_ZI/AAAAAAAACd8/uLqPuuqYtjEZt_TwL54kxek1nOuc_npTgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4322.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just got to a top of another climb and shocker someone there to take a pic whilst your blow out of your arse. Pic taken by Mudcrew appointed photographers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I gave back my tracker and drank a cup of tea and had some soup. Although my race was over, I was ok about it. This is my 3rd DNF in 7 years, first was at my first ever Ultra, 2nd was the 2017 RAT Plague which I attempted after finishing my North Wales to South Wales attempt the day before. So it's not a new thing, and I've learnt from each of them. This one was ok, I was pulled from the race for being rubbish not because I gave up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Me and the wife left the CP and I caught up with two friends having some food whilst they were in the middle of crewing another friend. It was lovely to catch up with them, and the kind words Sarah and Anthony gave me afterwards was nice and I knew then I was in a good place. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Myself and Lupita. Pic taken by Mudcrew appointed photographer</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that was it, Arc of Attrition 100 mile over. I ran a marathon of it, cocked it up and now I have to just get on and focus on future events. Will I return? I hope so. I enjoyed myself out there and that is what I wanted from it. I reached two of my goals - the start line and CP1 so I have easily something to improve on for sure. Is it ok to DNF? I think so, when an event has a high DNF rate like the Arc has, there is nothing to feel bad about DNF'ing. There were many reasons runners fell short of the finish, the adventure to the start line made them worthy of being there, everything else is a bonus. I was so pleased to see some of my friends reach that finish line, one made me shed a little tear. Mark Evans who had attempted 4 times prior finally crossed that Arc finish line. All of us were so happy to hear that news. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The course record was broken by Kim Collinson who ran it in 20hrs 43 mins and 46 secs, beating 4 time winner Steve Wyatt. The Female record was also broken by Laura Swanton. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To all the runners whether you finished or not, you all amaze me and thank you for being on the start line with me. Thank you to Jane, Fergie and Andy all the Angels, Valets and Marshals. Mudcrew events are something special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So now my next event is the London Marathon, if I end up cliff climbing on that I really have cocked things up!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to my support crew Cathy aka the wife for doing what you do for me out on these courses. Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition and Uglow Sports for the continued support. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree </span><br />
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<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-28146146192300603032018-11-25T12:22:00.000-08:002018-11-25T12:59:05.885-08:00End of an Journey? Maybe For This Trip but Not the End of the Adventure<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We waved goodbye to Gibraltar, our final stop of the 10 month deployment and made our way out of the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Atlantic Ocean. It's mad to think back to when we first came down this was at the beginning of February. I came down with Pneumonia, the Bay of Biscay was rougher than St Paul's in Bristol. Was that really 10 months ago? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now as we made our way back up through the Bay of Biscay, there is a little swell enough to rock us to sleep at night but it's far from it's brutality it has often known to cause. We have some guests on board in the form of Parents and Children joining us for the trip home. Some have coped with the rocking others not so but I believe they still would've enjoyed the experience none the less being with their loved ones for so long. My son unfortunately was too young to come, but to be fair it means homecoming will be far more special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As this trip comes to an end, so will my training on board. I continued to treadmill although easy runs due to the rolling of the ship, it makes you feel like your running up and down small hills often and it would be too easy to come off, if care wasn't taken. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Thursday night before we came alongside was spent at the buoy in the Plymouth Sound. It's so close to home, the excitement is hard to maintain. You know the family are right there but still not close enough to touch. I'm not scared of showing my emotions to be fair, times have changed where man no longer should be scared of a tear or two. Homecoming is going to hit a lot of people hard I think. We've been lucky to have better technology on board to allow us to stay in touch more. When I first joined in 1997 there were few mobiles around, no emails and getting time to phone home at sea was hard due to the lack of phones on board that allowed you to do it. Now we have constant emails, wifi and phones (operationally dependent of course) which allows staying in touch so much easier and I believe this helps with maintaining the bond in the families. Ok the WiFi isn't the best we can just about send FB Messages or Whatsapp but it's more than we used to have and all currently that is needed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can safely say it's been good for me. I have had my moments of struggling being away, but with my running and being able to communicate with family and friends back home it's helped.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day of homecoming arrived, everyone is up early for various reasons and it was time to get us back alongside. Over 1500 family and friends were expected to be on the Jetty waiting for us. The city of Plymouth saluting us from the Citadel with their cannons as we sailed past. It's a big day for the ship. If you went back to last December when during Operation Sea Training we were told " by the way your now deploying early next year for 5 months to the Med" and then 1 month in the deployment you get told "by the way we're extending you til 10 months in the Far East" we have traveled a long way and for a long time with very little time before hand to be prepared both physically and mentally. Now it's over and we were finally back! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following day at home was just about chilling out, nothing major but I was surprised in a nice way to catch up with some of my friends in the evening that came out to see me. It's amazing the little changes around the area you notice that others take for granted that have happened. Road layouts, shops closing, the list goes on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunday was a day planned out by my son. He wanted a daddy and son day, no mummy as he says "Mummy has had me to her self for 10 months" So his plan was for me to run with him at our local Junior parkrun in Plymouth, lunch then cinema then tea then bowling. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The morning started with the Junior parkrun in Devonport, Plymouth. I've never run it before as it started up during my time away. It was one that had been talked about happening over the years and finally it's happened. It's a wonderful park and the course is a nice 2 lap course with a cheeky little hill to run twice for the kids. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We turned up and it was nice to see some of my running friends there with their children. My friends were either volunteering whilst their children ran or running with their children like I was. My boy said to me prior he wanted to beat his PB for the course, so that was our goal. Off we went when the run was started and made our way round, with my boy thanking all the Marshals as he went, giving them all high 5s along the way (this may have slowed him down) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He's grown up around parkrun since he was 3 years old when I first started myself. He continued to run, and often saying he felt destroyed hehe. He was working hard, and all I was doing was giving him encouragement. He led the pace not me, I've never pushed him like that. I have never been a fan of pushy parenting. I rather he enjoyed it, than being forced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He eventually finished and he smashed it. He took almost 2.5 mins off his previous PB. Did it help having me there? Possibly a bit of confidence for him, or he wanted to impress me with how much he's come on. Either way, he did it and he did it himself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After we had finished, the boy went home in the car as I ran home, I needed to get my run in before the rest of our day continued. I have always tried my best to fit my training in and around my family rather than fitting the family in and around my running. It was also a good excuse for me to test out some of my new kit that arrived in the post prior to me coming home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On first impressions the kit did very well, the top was comfortable, light, and felt good to run in. The shorts were fantastic, and loved the pockets on them. I liked the stitches design in all the garments. The jacket was what I was most impressed with. I wore it originally as I thought it was going to rain and because it was cold. However despite it not raining, I didn't end up over heating. I also didn't end up like a sweat bowl in it. One first use in no rain, it was pretty good. Looking forward to giving it a good run out when it rains, as this jacket will be my go to jacket for the AoA in Feb. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that concludes my blog in my series of blogs from my travels around the world. I've still yet to have a look at my footage from the rock race yet, that will be something I will do over the next week during my time off and hopefully will be able to put a film together of some sort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you everyone who supported me and kept up with my travels whilst I was away. Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support. I hope to continue being a trailblazer next year. Next year is going to be a good year I reckon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So until the next blog! </span></div>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/handwriting-fonts/"><img alt="handwriting-fonts" border="0" id="id_c4d2_4a10_38fd_e038" src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180610/2822f58589de1c00e0e53e23187df682.png" style="height: auto; width: 159px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer #UglowSports #StitchFree</span><br />
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<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-57874820348202091382018-11-18T02:04:00.002-08:002018-11-18T02:04:51.803-08:00The Rock - No Monkeying Around Here<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ladies and Gentleman welcome to ....................... The Rock! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After almost 10 months we have arrived in Gibraltar, the gateway for many UK Naval ships to the Med or like us the gateway back home. We finally left Duqm and after some more of the exercise we finally made our way down the Gulf of Aden, heading towards the Bam el Mandeb, the choke point into the Red Sea where the chances of being attacked is always a possibility. Even whilst we have been away deployed, Saudi Naval ships have been attacked and sunk here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've kept my training mainly to the gym, and although the temperatures have started to drop, the gym is still at the time I've been training anywhere between 30-34 degrees. To be honest, it's going alright on the treadmill so far. I've not had any niggles recently in my calves which only really seem to be caused when running on the ship's treadmills. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have started to bring in reps of steps in my sessions, and I'm hopefully going to be able to build up on this until I can get back to the coastal paths back home, where there is no shortage of steps. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm starting to build on my plan for the Arc of Attrition, making sure I keep my goals smart. My main goal and always has been is to make it to the start, I missed out this year, due to short notice deploying on this trip. Once I'm on that start line, with some of the best runners in the world and also my friends you will see me with a nervous but very big small on my face! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nothing really else matters after that, it really doesn't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our trip after the Bam took us up the Red Sea and through the Suez Canal before taking a left wheel and heading to our final port of call prior to home and after 4 weeks at sea it was Gibraltar. Now apart from Monkeys, Gib is also renown for the Rock. In good Naval tradition, the ship organised its usual Rock Race. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting some step reps in!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Rock Race is a 2.7ish mile race from pretty much sea level to 1300ft to the top via a road. Now most entrants are usually still in their clothes from a night of drinking in the town, and mostly in fancy dress. There are some serious racers who like to put in a fast time with the record being around 17 ish minutes and has stood since 1986. I've run this race many times in the past, some worse for wear and some not so. The last time I did it, I ran it 3 times in a row for fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This time, I just decided to run up and back down and enjoy it. Whilst doing so I filmed it and took in the sights and atmosphere as I go. However it was an early start once more so were clear of the first road section in good time for the traffic. It was dark, the wind was strong and it was miserably wet. There were two ships in, ourselves and another but surprisingly not many ran from both ships. Maybe the weather put them off, usually even if they were hanging from the night before most would still give it a go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was unlikely to be much of a film made from it, but I was going to see what I could do. After a safety brief we were off, although it was meant to be after three honks of the vehicle horn, that didn't happen so we just went when someone then said go. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As soon as you head out of the dockyard, you turn left and follow the road then right through the tunnel. You hit the first round about the Trafalgar Pub and turn right before hitting the next round about turning left and that's when it's all up hill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The incline isn't steady it's a calf burner for sure, my achilles were starting to hurt more than my calves though as the climb went on. I went off at a steady pace, as I wasn't in any rush and I was soon over taking people as they slowed to a walk as the climb went on. Eventually we hangered left and came off the main road and made our way up the tarmac path in the Rock grounds. Just as you get to the top of a climb, you sharp turn the other way and carry on zig zagging up. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even as I made my way up, it was still dark. In the past usually the sun has come up and the temperature rose, but not today. It remained dark all the way, at some points you could over see the dockyard looking into Spain and the lights shinning but that was it. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hs84R26JWCA/W_Ex3sIG4dI/AAAAAAAACbA/l86h6aJkxQArn6oEY5LvLYGGTxxgU1QpQCHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="id_70a0_1dd3_76ca_6b28" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hs84R26JWCA/W_Ex3sIG4dI/AAAAAAAACbA/l86h6aJkxQArn6oEY5LvLYGGTxxgU1QpQCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made it to the top eventually, and was sad there were no views to be had at the top. It was foggy, and you couldn't even see the finish line until you actually got there. I saw a silhouette of a monkey near the finish but they too were hiding from the weather. The skies opened at the top and it hammered it down. I didn't hang around at the top for very long, I made my way down giving my legs a good stretch as I ran down back to the ship. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So that was my last foreign run on this adventure, the next time I step on dry land will be back in Blighty as I continue my training towards the AoA and London Marathon. I will do a final blog once home to round the trip up but for now, I'm looking forward to coming home and seeing my family and running in the rubbish weather. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the way down I eventually was able to see my ship</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a very long 10 months and I can only thank my readers for your support these last 10 months. Also again a big thanks to Tailwind Nutrition UK and my fellow trailblazers for their continued support. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time my friends</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span><br />
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<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-13478776725865913092018-10-29T22:42:00.001-07:002018-10-29T22:43:03.574-07:00Is it Time to Leave the Middle East and Go Home Yet? <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are we there yet? The memories of the long car journeys with my parents when I was a child ring strong in my mind as I say that common question kids ask. Are we there yet? Well are we? No, no we are not! At the time I started writing this blog, we have about 24 days until we are finally back. Over 9 months have passed and we are currently doing what we have been sent to do originally in this part of the year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Playing war games with the Omani's. So we went back into Duqm once more prior to the exercise, sadly I didn't get to re act the run I managed from the hotel last time, my training has remained on board. Mainly because we can't run through the dockyard area on foot. Not really having the opportunity to do it from the hotel either as the by time I had the chance, it was too late in the day and darkness would've been upon me. How much I love running in the dark, by myself in the desert sands is not the most suitable situation I like to put myself in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was some perks to being alongside and that was decent enough wifi, to upload my latest film visit my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5RvUGPgeKhfdL95xcyR5w?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">youtube channel</a> and download emails etc etc. So it was then I found out I had some good news all round for two reasons. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. After 9 years of ballot rejections since the first time I entered the London Marathon to which I was successful to finish in 2010 I finally won another ballot place. Which means I didn't have to try and get rejected again through the club for the 5th time. So this year my wife completed the London Marathon for the first time and next year I will do the London Marathon for the 2nd time. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn't believe it!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. The second reason was I've become a Brand Ambassador for <a href="http://www.uglowsports.com/" target="_blank">UglowSports</a>. I'm really excited by this. I've only heard good things about this brand and having the opportunity to represent the brand is amazing. I loved my time representing other brands in the past, so to continue representing Tailwind Nutrition UK and now Uglow it's going to be a good 2019!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So as I progress through this war game exercise, my training continues in the ship's gym, making the most of the treadmill. Although once again, I've got another calf muscle niggle at this point. I've never had so many niggles in one area before and it's only happened whilst using the ship's treadmills. So again I will have to manage them the best I can once more! I never had these niggles prior to using these treadmills. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two of the Typhoons that came out to play</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway I digress, so I'm hoping to get at least 1 decent run once alongside, otherwise it will continue on the treadmill until we finally get to our final stop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't arrive alongside in Duqm until very late, due a long delays actually not caused by ourselves for a change it was eventually 11pm. So going for a run a shore was out of the question at this point. I then saved it for the following day knowing I had the afternoon off. Although the following day I was starting to umm and ahh to whether I should bother going to the hotel for a run, or just stay on board and use the treadmill. They were though decontaminating the vehicles after the exercises, so our gym was out of bounds. So I had made the right choice anyway by going to the hotel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got there about 1pm via the laid on transportation. The temperature was already in its high 30's, it touched around 37 degrees when I ran. There was no breeze off the sea, it was pure dry heat. I decided to run along the beach and coast this time. There was two parts to the ground, soft sand and hard packed ground, so running wasn't all soft under foot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I left the hotel grounds and headed out along the beach. The small waves were tumbling in as I ran along and the sea gulls (unsure of breed) were launching as I ran past them. The view was spectacular. To one side I had the sea and the other nothing but desert and rocks. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The heat was as draining as I expected, I slowed my pace right down so I could enjoy the run and finish it. I took in the views around me, taking in how lucky I am to have run in the places I've recently run. I'm still experiencing a lot of negativity around my running, whether its body shaming or the belittling of my achievements (by work colleagues), being able to go for a run is allowing me to cleanse my head of the negativity for the time being. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My run across the sand with views of local fisherman</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I turned around and made my way back, the heat was definitely making it tougher. It's surprising what difference this type of heat is compared to the humidity heat of the Far East. However I am looking forward to the rubbish weather training back home in the UK! The cold, wet, blustery weather that trains you perfectly for those warm spring marathons such as London........not. It is my home and it's because of that I'm looking forward to training in it. My calf never played up during this run either. It appears only to be caused by the treadmill currently. I will have to watch how it goes on the treadmill so not cause any major issue that will have an impact on my future races early next year.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPGe_0yTeaI/W9bmLc6kmsI/AAAAAAAACZ4/S8ASv2Ihh808Jh463lM2ALYKZgcgpg5pACHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="id_db3d_a23c_9d3d_1611" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPGe_0yTeaI/W9bmLc6kmsI/AAAAAAAACZ4/S8ASv2Ihh808Jh463lM2ALYKZgcgpg5pACHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Rocks and the Desert on the other side of me as I ran</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, my son ran his first Junior parkrun back home by himself (he's only ever run parkruns of any type with me or his mum). He ran it in 15mins, and whilst doing so he made the effort to go and thank all the marshals by high fiving them all as he went past. I've taught him well, he knows what it means to be thanked for volunteering as he done it himself so many times before. He has told me he is looking forward to running with me at both types of parkruns when I return. This made me smile very much and is now something definitely worth looking forward to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is nothing better than bonding with my son whilst we run together. He may only be 8 years old and not yet capable of running long distances (in our terms long as in his terms everything run is long haha!) but just being able to run with him is one of my favourite things to with my boy. Family time is one of the most important things, and I have to juggle the work, family, training balance well. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There may not be lots to do in Duqm but it's beautiful to run in</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So this brings another blog to an end and I wish to thank those who have taken the time to follow my adventures away. To those who have given me feedback thank you, I'm glad you've enjoyed it. It's not over yet, but thank you for the continuing support.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK for the continued support, I can thank the brand enough for the support given to me. If my readers haven't tried the product I highly recommend you do, exchange the gels for something so much better. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm looking forward to trying out my new kit from UglowSports when I get back home. I will let you all know how that goes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until the next time.......</span><br />
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/handwriting-fonts/"><img alt="handwriting-fonts" border="0" id="id_c4d2_4a10_38fd_e038" src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180610/2822f58589de1c00e0e53e23187df682.png" style="height: auto; width: 159px;" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span><br />
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Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-79185334454127481532018-10-08T02:38:00.000-07:002018-10-08T02:43:18.202-07:00The Pearl of Arabia, Will it Be Fun in the Sand?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was a sad time leaving my fav country of Singapore, however it was time to start our long and slow journey in a home ward direction. Thus ending my Asian/Pacific region part of the adventure. At the time of writing this I've less than 2 months left to go and I can honestly tell you, I am glad to be heading home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong I've loved running in every country we've visited and seeing the sights they provided, tasted the wonderful food and drinking the lovely drinks each one has provided. Being able to create new memories whilst re visiting old ones and been amazing. It is though time for me to go home as I am a little fed up of being away from family and friends now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I said it's not over yet, I've still got a while to go. So as our trip across the Indian Ocean became a little uneventful, I have kept myself busy with work and going on the treadmill. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our ship did allow for one of it's oldest Naval traditions, with a "Hand's to Bathe" this went back to the days of sail, <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">no doubt to the days when personal hygiene was a luxury. Fresh water was a precious commodity, so captains dropped anchor in a calm sea and ordered all </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">hands</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"> on board to jump ship and get clean.</span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> So for us, this is where the ship's company can go for a dip in the sea as the ship drifts along. I've done it a fair few times in the past, however I decided not this time, as I've done it in the Indian Ocean before and we were greeted by Tiger Sharks or Nobby's as we call them back then. So for me I went and had a gander at those experiencing it for the first time. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First sunset after our arrival into Duqm</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a period at sea, it was time to go alongside in Duqm, Oman. I love Oman having been to Muscat a few times as well as Shalah, this would be my first trip to Duqm. Originally a fishing port, it's building to be the next Muscat. However so far for us all it is a make shift village on the jetty out of cargo containers and a bit further out two hotels. So not expecting much to be honest, but I am looking forward to running in the sand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've done a few times before out here in the Middle East in the various countries, it's good this will be a new place to stretch my legs. It's going to be the first of a few stops here as we're being part of a major Exercise with Omanis that is quiet important to the UK. The Omanis are the nicest Arabs that I've come across in my opinion. Every time I've come here I've felt welcome, and to be honest I recommend those who fancy a trip to the Arab States to visit places like Muscat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we got told we couldn't transit the dockyard by foot, so we had to use the transport laid on. This included the 500m journey to the Container village. So we'd have to get a bus which drove at 2mph to the made up village. Such a joke, it's so we'd have to pay for the transport laid on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The village is alright, it had a pizza hut, some bars, kebab stall, souvnier stall, barbers, basketball court, some dart boards, toilets, a little dance floor. What more really do you need for a Matelot apart from beer and food? </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yep Pizza Hut not sure it's geniune however it's bloody good pizza!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So my plan to get a least a run in sand will have to be via getting transport to one of the two hotels that's being laid on, and run from there. It will happen!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just so happens a friend from back home out here working with a maintenance company for the ship happened to be staying in the one of the hotels. I arranged to meet her at some point in the morning at the hotel. I arrived just after half 10 in the morning and the temperature was already quite hot with no humidity. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We soon made our way up the road from the hotel heading towards the rock desert area in the distance. The roads were quiet, there is very little traffic that passes through the area currently so it's ideal for those who just like roads. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We got to the end of the road we were on and notice a trail going in a round toward the rock desert area we wanted to go play in. The heat was draining, and with my friend Flick suffering also a little from the night before, it wasn't going to be an "easy run". It was a pleasant one though for sure. When we got to the top, the views was amazing. From one side you could sea the coast, from the other nothing but sand! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flick taking in the views</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We decided not to go back the way we ran up. We decided to go a different way down, and that became a challenge itself. Fun but still a challenge we had to scramble down sharp drops, trying to slip under the loose footing. It became a point it was better to press on than it was to go back. Although not very runable, it didn't matter at all, we both had smiles on our faces. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we eventually got back to the trail, we headed back the way we came to the hotel. We had spent a good hour out in the heat, I definitely felt it. Although I was used to heat, I wasn't used to dry heat. It does make a big difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The hotel soon was at our foot steps and it brought an end to our run. This became my only run on dry land during this visit. It's not the easiest to do for logistics but it was do able. Hopefully get another in next time. Otherwise it has been the usual visit to the treadmill around this run sadly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was great to have company and the the fact it was a run with someone from home made it better. It lifted my moral of being away so long a little. At the time of writing this I have 45 days to go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for continuing support and to those who read my blogs. It really has kept me motivated. Also thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support, Lemon was my choice this time round, hydration was definitely key. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><img alt="" id="id_88ae_5acb_b6b0_5eba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H-lUBMBUuD4/W7pM3IeyHZI/AAAAAAAACY0/YbT1Uj5QbiwM6v97gPXhIP5AtlLh4rFTwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So until next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span></div>
Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-12219189443004521612018-09-16T22:24:00.001-07:002018-09-19T18:43:17.200-07:00Singapore, the Lion City Continues to Make Me Smile<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After we left Vietnam, we headed South to Brunei. It was an important visit for the ship as we were hosting His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. It was a big deal, as the UK has very important links with Brunei and it is one they want to keep secure. Sadly our stay wasn't for very long and the only time I had off the ship was to go and keep my self in date for shooting rifles. So I along with others spent the day down the ranges keeping us in date. It was stupidly hot and humid, but it meant I wouldn't have my post deployment leave disrupted by having to go to the ranges once back home. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ship's Company photograph whilst at anchor in Brunei pic by Ship's Phot (edited by me)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once all the Brunei stuff was completed we departed and made our transit to our final port of call in the Far East. Outside of Brunei territorial waters was our friends waiting to shadow our movements as we expected. We headed Westwards to Singapore, I am so excited by this for a few reasons. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shooting at the ranges in Brunei</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. The most important reason is, it means after we leave we are making our slow way back in the right direct of home. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. The Formula 1 Grand Prix! I'm not going to lie I am stupidly excited by this. Ever since I found out we were coming here again and it was at the same time as GP, I had my tickets booked. Months and Months of waiting for this. I've had friends that went to Silverstone to watch it and I have missed out. Being an F1 fan and a runner has given me the opportunity to run around some of the GP tracks. I doubt I will be able to on this Street Course, but to be able to go watch the Singapore Night Street race will be awesome. Along with the various music acts etc, it's going to be an amazing memory to take away with me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting up early for our transit around the Island of Singapore to get to our berth, it was going be a long day. This will be my 9th time of visiting this wonderful place during my Naval Career. I'm very fortunate in doing so. I hope to visit here on holiday one year so I can experience it with out the limitations of work added. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seriously I love this place! On top of the GP my fingers are crossed to make one of the three parkruns in Singapore. I did manage to last time, but I was staying in a hotel nearby, where this time I am on board the ship at the top of the Island. However since my last visit there is a new parkrun in the centre of the island, to which I am looking at participating in. It maybe the better option. The East Coast Park parkrun which I did last time was a beautiful parkrun along the coast, so it will be hard to beat for sure. You'll have to read on to find out. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made it to Bishan parkrun</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the first night at the F1 for the practice sessions I got up early to grab a taxi to the nearest parkrun. I left the ship about 6.30am, by the time I got the main gate and got in a taxi it was about 6.55am. I started to think I wouldn't make it to even the nearest one in time, but luckily I did with about 10 mins to spare. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I heard the RD Brief and the 80 odd of us, soon lined up. It was a nice small gathering of runners including two school running teams. The temperature was very warm and really humid, before I even started I was soaked with sweat. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In stride</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The RD started us and we were off at 7.30am, making our way around the park. It was a two lap course and a very beautiful city park it was. Loads going on around us, with other runners, walkers, exercise groups. It so nice to see a wonderful spare being used by so many at so early in the morning for exercise of various forms. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made my first lap around and my calf was a little sore but it was holding up. The taping I did was doing the trick. I was taking it reasonably easy any way due to the heats so my calf was manageable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like anywhere there is a parkrun, the marshals are brilliant, and the fact that there is now 3 here in Singapore is brilliant. This island is the same size as the Isle of Wight and is packed so much with so many things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finished the second lap to the cheers of the runners who were already finished. I took my token and scanned my barcode in with the token. Like any parkrun, where there is a parkrun there usually follows coffee, cake and chat. Some of us went to the nearest park cafe and socialised. A mix of locals and tourists gathered to chat and it was nice. A great way to end my parkrun journey in the Far East.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who doesn't like cake after a run?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My agenda then switched back to the F1, with Saturday being the Qualifying Sessions. OMG what a day that turned out to be. Not only was qualifying awesome but the whole atmosphere was great. Liam Gallagher and The Killers were the two main acts playing that day. I was buzzing from the whole thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was to be surpassed by the actual race day! I chilled out in the hotel that I was staying at in the morning, making the most of the infinity pool. Eventually we headed out for the big race. The place was buzzing, with various music acts on like Due Lipa and Martin Garrix on the main stage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We took our seats for the drivers parade, my opponent was drinking Tiger Beer, I had a pint of G & T and you could feel the anticipation for the race in the air. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just gone 8pm the starting lights were out and we were watching an awesome spectacular race. I was in my element. By far one of the best sporting events for the whole package I've witnessed. I am so lucky it fell on the same date we were due in to Singapore. What a way to finish this Asian/Pacific part of the trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Due to not sailing when expected, it allowed me to pound the streets of Sembawang (the area we are berthed at the north of the Island). It's so easy to run around here, traffic isn't very busy, the pavements are wide and not very crowded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Giving my legs a good stretched, still nursing a niggle in the calf but life goes on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now it's over we start to make our way back home, we still have 2 months to go, 8 months done but at least we're on our way home! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other news if you've not seen it yet here is the link to my latest video, from my Vietnamese stop >> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxepNUIlIL0&t=1s" target="_blank">Click here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well thanks for reading, thank you too Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continuing support. Until next time!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span>Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-49080974101070504472018-09-05T06:04:00.002-07:002018-09-05T06:04:52.798-07:00Can the Land of the Blue Dragon Be as Wonderful as I Can Remember?<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Good Morning Vietnam!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now say that out loud like Robin Williams did in the film! After what has been 18 years since my last visit to this country. I was looking forward to this stop. It had been touch and go with regards to whether we'd make it here in time due to the issues that were keeping us in Japan (see last blog) but eventually we sailed from Yokosuka leaving finally the Land of the Rising Sun and on our way to the Land of the Blue Dragon. Vietnam isn't called the the Land of the Blue Dragon because of it's shape but because it was one of 4 countries that were known as Asia's Dragons. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My first ever run in Vietnam!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before we arrived in Ho Chi Minh City formally known as Saigon we had some national tasking to do by order of the Government. This would mean we'd have our lovely little friend back shadowing us as we sailed around. It also meant spending some more time in Defence Watches during that period. The silver lining to this meant I was able to get into the gym when it was really quiet! I had the gym often to myself and I was able to put in some good sessions. I was pretty pleased how my runs went. Yes it meant the dreadmill once more, however I found an app that made it more interesting/enjoyable. Is that even possible?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's called RunSocial, and it allows me to run in various countries and various events such as the London Marathon. You can run either a section of the race or the entire section. As you run you are either over taken buy other users who are running faster at that point or you may even over take others. During the London Marathon you hear all the cheers and atmosphere as you pass the crowds. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New motivation on the treadmill!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It has given me a little bit of an incentive to use on the treadmill, I will admit I have slightly enjoyed using the app. Although all the runs have been going well, I may have over pushed it slightly and caused a slightly niggle in my right calf on the inside of the leg. A couple of rests days should now hopefully see it alright, before I go for a run in Vietnam. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I'm not on the upperdeck at sea, I'm on the treadmill FML</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we came alongside the port in Ho Chi Minh City, the same one I visited 18 years ago. Much has changed though. At night now it's a beautiful looking sky line, compared to 18 years ago when it wasn't so. It appears to have changed for the better in my opinion. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was planning on heading out early with others from the mess, I went for a run as soon as I could. Now after reading up on running around in Vietnam, most comments mention it's too difficult, so use a gym. Well I thought I'd find out for my self. I looked on google roughly where we were so I had an idea of my out and back route. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This trip has aged me going by this pic from the gym</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Off I went, off the ship, out through the port gate with many locals laughing saying "exercise, exercise" mainly because I was saying this as I didn't need their moped taxi rides (that is a must do experience lol). I turned right and remembered from the map the road followed the river. So I did exactly that followed the river. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I saw many locals fishing as I passed by, all looking at me as if I was some weirdo. To be fair I probably did look very weird to them. The heavens opened and soon it was raining, lightly at first. I continued on my route, not having to many issues. The road crossings were a bit hairy but to be honest, as long as you have your wits about you, it's not that hard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I eventually got to my turn around point and headed back. The loudest thunder crack I have ever heard (louder than Concorde breaking the sound barrier) followed a bright flash of light and it then rained heavier. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I ran along despite the rain, as it cooled down the temperature. I took in as much of the atmosphere as possible. I still had my niggle in the calf, so I took the run easy. Not wanting to aggravate it too much, which seem to do the trick. I strapped it up with rock tape once I got back. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The streets of Ho Chi Minh</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I finished back at the port, and I really enjoyed my run. It really wasn't as bad as they made out on the internet to be honest. Like I said as long as you have your wits about you and happy to take your time when it comes to the crossing, then all is good. Yes they are lunatics, red lights mean nothing to them but it's doable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">So I went out that night had a few too many drinks and had a good time. Visited an old haunt called "Apocalypse Now" which was like I remembered. Suffered the morning after as expected. The following day I went out to the market it area where there was the biggest market of "genuine" goods I've ever seen. You name it they have it, and the quality is getting far better than it used to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">On the third day I went off on a trip I did 18 years ago. I visited the Chu Chi Tunnels. it's tunnel system used by the Viet Cong during the war with the Americans. Our tour guide's Grandfather served with the South Vietnam army as a Lieutenant. He was a really good tour guide with a great sense of humour. It was a just as I remembered i.e bloody brill. Highly recommended for sure. It was so interesting and you understand why they were so good at Gorilla warfare compared to the Yanks. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SoR7kzbtotg/W4-hHHw-2fI/AAAAAAAACV8/R70vmox2Sz0tCn7ELhfRsvYr9KUvkllDwCHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="id_eefd_e858_933a_b0e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SoR7kzbtotg/W4-hHHw-2fI/AAAAAAAACV8/R70vmox2Sz0tCn7ELhfRsvYr9KUvkllDwCHMYCw/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These trails would be awesome to run on!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As I was walking around with the group, it go me thinking how great it would be to have a little trail race around the area of that Jungle. I reckon they would make a great 5k or 10K route there if not more. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also got to fire an M1 Garand rifle, the last time I did this trip I fired an AK47 and M16. This time I wanted something different and it was ace. What a rifle! I can see why it was a legend of a WW2 weapon that continued long after. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So that brings me to the end of this blog once more. I hope you enjoyed a brief insight to Vietnam. For a communist country apart from all the flags and military dotted about, you wouldn't have known, considering how much this place has changed. it has a lot of western brands and products now, so it's communism has moved on a lot compared to the communism of say North Korea. The people seem happy, it's very tourist attractive now and it appears to be receiving a lot of investment. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULHJaUQzKVs/W4-hHdulifI/AAAAAAAACWA/sEdgbcIlKmM9WvQUlp6KD4RaVyV0jYqKwCHMYCw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" id="id_a22f_f34c_e581_cf09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULHJaUQzKVs/W4-hHdulifI/AAAAAAAACWA/sEdgbcIlKmM9WvQUlp6KD4RaVyV0jYqKwCHMYCw/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The 18 years difference! (Yep I had hair once)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you all for reading and the continued support. I will be releasing a video of my run around Vietnam in the near future so please pop over to my youtube channel and subscribe. Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition for their continue support. Until Next time!</span><br /><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Didn't know Tony Stark lived in Vietnam???</span></td></tr>
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Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-6665141950569550672018-08-20T15:51:00.002-07:002018-08-20T15:51:19.531-07:00Just When You Think You Are Done With Japan....<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was completely wrong!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We sailed from Tokyo a day early to escape the on coming Typhoon again because they were worried about getting battered alongside but once more it came no where near where we were. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were due to go on operations once again to enforce the UNSCRs but the ship had other plans and we ended up anchoring off Sasebo to conduct repairs. Unfortunately this wasn't working, so we limped to Yokosuka and put ourselves back alongside in the place were were, throughout July in our Mid Deployment Stand Down Period. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That was that, back alongside in Japan, after what I thought would be the last time. First night in and I was shore patrol, ie bimbling about in uniform around the Honche (an area popular for drinking by the yanks) outside the gates. They have a strict curfew and we don't so the ship puts a patrol out to with the Yanks to make sure there is no trouble. It's a waste of time, but hey ho ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do and die. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Out in the fresh air on the coast where I belong</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway the first proper opportunity I had and I was out on a run. Again the weather was sunny, very hot (35 degrees) and very humid. There was a little head breeze as some points which made a refreshing change but still sweated profusely. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to do a route which I covered previously the last time I was here. Through the dockyard, out of one of the gates and through the town then around a little coastal stretch before heading back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sun was beating down, and it was definitely making me work hard, I eventually slowed myself down and tried to make it more comfortable a run. In the park I ran through there was a musical fountain, the spray in the air was refreshing so I had to go stand in in the spray briefly to try and cool for a moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I noticed the Japanese flag was at half mast and it was at that moment it dawned on me that I was our running on VJ Day. Victory in Japan signified the end of World War 2, the surrender of the Japanese meant it was over. So the fact I was running around the base where the Attack of Pearl Harbour was planned which brought them in to WW2. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's a bit surreal to be honest, thinking about it. Here I am enjoying something I do, running around the base and the town of Yokosuka, and it was where, the place that got them into the war and that led to some horrific fighting and torture of allied prisoners imaginable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway I digress, I finished my run back at the ship, and chilled a little prior to going back on board for a shower and to get changed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following days run was a run just in and around the base, nothing to difficult just a nice run out and around. I did find though going through the tunnels in the base, my Garmin struggled which surprised me as they're not exactly long and to be fair I never really noticed this in past. No biggy really as I am currently not too fussed about stats right now. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flying through one of the tunnels on the base</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weather was a bit blowly which was nice, although it wasn't too strong you still noticed the head wind, which is something I've not been used to recently. I felt pretty good during the run as well, again something that has been lacking recently. Don't get me wrong I've been enjoying every run I've had but I've not been 100% happy with my running itself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been pretty good, I got out again and smashed another run outside the base along the coast past the civilian port area. It was pretty busy with both people and vehicle traffic, and the route wasn't the most exciting either, it just felt another run done that was it. I did however enjoy it and had fun in the process. Sometimes even the most boring runs can still be enjoyable and fun. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weekend arrived and knowing I was going to be duty on the Sunday I wanted to make sure I had a really good run on the Saturday. So I decided to run once more up Mt Ogusu. This time however I wanted to run up it via a different trail. This meant I had to get to the other side of the Mountain. So I bussed it over to the other coast and ran from that coast up to the top and back. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I left the tarmac and hit the trail at the bottom, it was pleasant surprise. There was a river running along the bottom with the trail running along it. This was brill! I loved the running along the stepping stones and having the coolness of the shade. Why didn't I run this route last time?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon enough the watery trail ended and the ascent started with plenty of leg burning steps. My thoughts turned straight to the Arc of Attrition next year. This is what I need to be getting in my training. Plenty of steps! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Stunning view at the top of Mt Ogusu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The steps ended but soon followed by step climb of weathered trail. The path continued up and down rolling but mostly going up. There were plenty of walkers bimbling along the trail as well which nice. All friendly and saying hello as I passed them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually I made it to the top once more and this time, the observatory was open so I was able to go up to the top and see over the trees and take in the breathe taking views. Sadly it was too hazy to make out Mt Fuji in the distance but I wasn't disappointed with the view at all. Beautiful scenery makes the effort getting to the top all worth it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then it came to descend once more and it was fun going back down. Luckily I decided to wear trail shoes because there were some greasy sections. My Peregrines were good for the task and some how with out realising at the time, they matched my running attire LOL. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So much fun!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hit the bottom of the trail and ran back along the watery section and had fun whilst doing so. It was another hot day hitting 34 degrees during the run but it felt less humid and more of a dry heat this time. What a really enjoyable run that was!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was duty the following day and to keep my run streak going I did a mile on the treadmill, followed by 20 mins on the bike. Nothing exciting but it did the job. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over the last couple of weeks I seemed to have hurt my shoulder, like maybe I slept funny but instead the pain, occasional numbness, pins and needles it hadn't subsided. I've booked an appointment with the Doc on board to find out what damage I've caused. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hopefully not too much damage, it probably won't help that during my recent run around the base I thought it'd be cool to do a cart wheel. How wrong I was for two reasons! 1. It bloody hurt 2. I look like an elegant baby elephant trying to walk for the first time. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yep so graceful I know!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, this should be my last time in Japan (I know I said that last time) all things well, my next blog should be from the next country I am visiting. It also means on the way home too, with around 93 days (at the time of this publishing) left to go of this deployment.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-79299905730185082122018-08-08T03:35:00.002-07:002018-08-08T03:35:25.912-07:00Good Bye Japan, Thank You for the Running and the Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After what felt like a lifetime for some of us (not me I should add), we sailed from Yokosuka for the second time. The first time was due to be scared of a little Typhoon which didn't come near the port in the end, and this time it was because we had some business to do in Tokyo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's weird putting the word business with my job in Navy, but that is what exactly it was....business. From cocktail parties or as they're known now Capability Demonstrations, ship open to visitors (where we had over 6000 visitors between the two days) and Defence Industry Day, it was all go. The area we were berthed was where the new Olympic Village and park will be for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was busy with construction as we were there with new transport structure going in as well as all the various buildings that is required for the games. I have no doubt that Tokyo will nail it. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We had company of a Japanese ship in front of us. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However I still managed to get out and about to revisit some of the places I spent two weeks with my wife and son earlier in July. There is something about the Land of the Rising Sun, that I fell in love with. Was it the people? The country? The culture? I can't really put my finger on it but it doesn't matter to be honest. Yes I was constantly drenched in sweat due to the temperature and humidity but that didn't matter, I was sort of used to having 4 showers a day lol</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life isn't always about running for me, but it is about making memories. The 2nd night in, I went out with people from my mess and had a really good blow out. I don't make a habit of getting smashed but I do like the odd one here and there and as one of the lads was leaving us, it seemed a good reason to go get drunk. I paid for it the next morning for sure and I had to go for a bimble in the scorching sun to get some food to help with the recovery. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Out Out in Tokyo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kelly, a friend from work asked me if I fancied going for a run around the Imperial Palace, of course I said yes. I never turn down an offer of going for a run with someone (unless I really have to). So we got up early the morning of the run, caught the metro to the area (after an initial bus journey) where were going to run around. We could've run there but time constraints of work and the factor of the heat we didn't want to knacker ourselves out before we even go there, we decided not to. It was a pretty simple journey, as we had Pasmo cards (much like Oyster Cards in London) so we just tapped and went. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we arrived we went for our run. Sadly the inside of the palace and gardens was closed. They're not open on Monday's and Friday's so we didn't get to go inside but we went for a lap around the palace it's self. Not knowing how far around it was and taking into account of the heat/humidity we went at a nice slow comfortable pace, pausing to take pics of stuff we saw as we went round. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0sLSPDFMfY/W2gxfP0QuWI/AAAAAAAACS4/H838iunzteEd1_Ijbcs77pVWrnCnOPH5gCLcBGAs/s1600/9A46DB29-2D37-4BED-9ED3-194C47D55E85.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0sLSPDFMfY/W2gxfP0QuWI/AAAAAAAACS4/H838iunzteEd1_Ijbcs77pVWrnCnOPH5gCLcBGAs/s320/9A46DB29-2D37-4BED-9ED3-194C47D55E85.JPEG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hot and Sweaty!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was plenty of runners running around the palace like us, only they were going in the opposite direction. Not sure why this way, I've not seen anything suggesting otherwise and luckily there was another runner going the same direction we were so not too worried but the majority ran anti clockwise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The lap start off flat from where we started, but after 2 miles around there was a long incline and then it bobbled up and down. At one point there were a load of people with lots of tv equipment, etc. We went for a gander to see what they were up to but couldn't make out what they were doing, some of them were looking up a tree with a big Nerf gun in their hands. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Great to have company</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Any way we eventually made our way round and finished on a downwards incline to where we started. It was 32 degrees and stupidly humid so were both soaked. Temperatures were hitting later in the day anywhere between 35 and 45 degrees. We both brought a change of tops for the wearing on the Metro on the way back as it was going to be busy. Although the change of tops made little difference as they were soon enough soaked with sweat anyway LOL.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we were looking for getting a drink somewhere near us prior to heading back we walked past a shop type thing called the Run Pit. Wasn't sure what it was at the time, all I could see what looked like a reception desk,and some items for sale. What it turned out to be was a community hotspot for runners. There were changing rooms, showers, cafe, shop, the works. They had run leaders and groups. It's no wonder that the palace was so popular for runners. What a great idea, for city runners. So if you're ever in the area, check out the Run Pit. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyS0tXnG4XE/W2gxmHmJo8I/AAAAAAAACTE/Ca_zYQtATzoXHBdNN5SzR3PVZNdLVSrxQCLcBGAs/s1600/FE4F43FA-E3EC-40BB-9093-C39DDA4C029D.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OyS0tXnG4XE/W2gxmHmJo8I/AAAAAAAACTE/Ca_zYQtATzoXHBdNN5SzR3PVZNdLVSrxQCLcBGAs/s320/FE4F43FA-E3EC-40BB-9093-C39DDA4C029D.JPEG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Imperial Palace is a beautiful thing to visit even just for a run</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually we made our way back to ship, for a bit work before heading back out for some more sight seeing tourist stuff. Sadly though we had to sail the next day due to another possible Typhoon that might or might not hit Tokyo. Pretty much like last time, it didn't really do anything. Hey Ho! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Japan has been really good time for me, I really enjoyed myself there. The culture, the people, the weirdness of the whole place was really good. I'm so glad I was able to spend time here with my wife and boy, so they could experience something I get to experience with work. Now with over 3 months to go I am though getting ready to come home. The next part of the deployment is going to be hard. I will definitely be using my running to help me cope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until I get home, I will just keep running and continue with planning my next big adventure run! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As always thank you to <a href="http://www.tailwindnutrition.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tailwind Nutrition UK</a> for their continued support of me, it's great being part of the Tailwind Trailblazer Team</span><br />
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/handwriting-fonts/"><img alt="handwriting-fonts" border="0" id="id_c4d2_4a10_38fd_e038" src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180610/2822f58589de1c00e0e53e23187df682.png" style="height: auto; width: 159px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tailwind does Japan</span></td></tr>
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<br />Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-37428765394270546252018-07-27T00:04:00.002-07:002018-07-27T00:04:38.708-07:00Running in Yokosuka is Probably the Best Medicine I Needed.<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My little family have flown back home to Blighty and I made my way back to the ship in Yokosuka, as it was the other half of the ship's company's turn to take some well deserved RnR. As I was on the train back to the ship, my emotions of happiness from the time I was with my little family soon quickly disappeared. The closer I got to the ship, the more down I started to feel about the whole thing. I'm only half way through this trip and all I want to do is go home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, it happened I'm back on my ship and now I have to pull up my big man pants and get back on with it. So after I settled back in to some sort of normal routine on board, I put my running shoes back on and achieved some runs in and around the base, it's pretty flat and simple loop. The base here is massive and is roughly about 5 miles around. The views and nice across the water out in to Tokyo Bay. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second biggest Buddha in the world after a nice plod along the Kamarkura Trails</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weather has been a solid hot (is that even a thing? solid hot?) since I've been back, with temps anywhere between 30-40 odd degrees. This has made the runs very hard work indeed. However the runs are helping me with my thoughts of missing my family. Running has been keeping me sane now for a fair few years, it just clears my thoughts of any negativity I may having at that time. My mental health needs my running for sure. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the top of Mt Ogusu</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To be honest, I've not really been feeling myself within my running recently, I think it's because being away I've not really had a goal to aim for. No races, or anything this year is really sort of upset me. Not because I'm missing the competition side of things but it's more the having a goal, achieving a goal and mainly racing with my friends. I miss them all, the banter, the support, the conversations we have whilst getting through those long races and runs. I also miss the challenge, I like to push myself and that's not really happening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying my running in these wonderful places, so far I'm enjoying all that Japan has to offer. I just wish, there were races on during the times I am here or in the area I am in, and my friends were here to enjoy it with me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's enough being miserable lol. I eventually adventured out of the base and into Yokosuka itself for a run. I planned a route to the nearest place to get some decent views. I found Mt Ogusu was not overly too far. It wasn't a massive climb but in the heat it will still be enough of a work out. It was an hour and half ish from the ship to the top, so was going to be a nice 3 hr round ish trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route was mainly road with some trail towards the end. It was a climb pretty straight from the start and I made my way along the pavements until eventually, I reached the trail section. It was a mix of dirt, steps and plenty of big bugs. I've never seen such big butterflies in my life until now! The noise from the bugs in the trees was making things had to concentrate. They make noise up to around 120db and it's constant, so I had to as some points put my earphones in to try and concentrate on everything else. I arrived at the main start of the climb to the top and was greeted with a lovely set of steps.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made it to the top in the heat</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The steps were a killer I can tell you. They were uneven, and very much like the SWCP man made steps, that just seem to go on for ever. Eventually I got to the top and was able to catch my breath again. There is an observation tower attached to a little cafe type shop at the top, however both was closed. Luckily like everywhere else in Japan there was a vending machine outside so I was able to get some nice cold drink. I took in the drink as I looked out where I could on the views. There were lots of trees about so sadly couldn't see much, and as the observation tower was locked I couldn't go up that either. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Standard Selfie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once I finished I made my way down the way I came, taking in the trails first before back on to the tarmac. I stopped off at a 7/11 shop to get an ice lolly, the only ice lolly as such was a candy flavoured blue one. It was nice but I had to eat it as quick as I could as it was melting faster than I could eat it. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well needed Candy flavoured Lolly for the return journey</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made my way back to the dockyard and the ship and that brought me to the end of that run. It felt tough in the heat but luckily I kept hydrated, I took two bottles filled with Tailwind's Green Tea, and also the drinks from the vending machine at the top of Mt Ogusu. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Great views on the water front</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As well as running around the dockyard and up the mountain. I adventured on to the streets taking in some of local sights along the waterfront. When turning left out of the dockyard and through a park type area you come to a Japanese Battleship. The run itself again was in near 40 degrees heat, which here in Japan they had recently declared a national disaster due to 65 people dying from the hot conditions. The route was easy and flat but the heat was a killer, with it being at lunch time as well meaning it was around the hottest point of the day. I got to the turning back around point, enjoyed the views took in some water and eventually made my way back to the ship. I had to stop at the 7/11 again this time to top my water bottle up as I had gone through it, and ended up necking a total of 1.5 litres of water by the end. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking it all in for a bit before heading back</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was something I definitely needed these last couple of weeks, just to clear my mind and re fill it with positive thoughts. I also able to give my new shoes <a href="https://www.saucony.com/en/kinvara-9/30774M.html" target="_blank">Saucony Kinvara 9's</a> a run out at the same time. they were a bargain. They cost me $89 (£67.92) and I got a 25% (£16.98) on top of that off (£50.94 in total for brand model) so even more cheaper! They cost over double (£115) back home what I paid for them here. They're a great road shoe, still comfortable, still very light. I've had every Kinvara model to date, and each time I think they improve on before. The colour was a bit timid for me, but I'm not complaining because the price was practically a steal LOL. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Saucony Kinvara 9's</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In other news if you would like to subscribe to my youtube channel that would be great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj5RvUGPgeKhfdL95xcyR5w?view_as=subscriber" target="_blank">My Youtube channel</a> <<<<< Please click on that link and subscribe. It would be nice to know others have enjoyed my videos, but it's a hobby for me and I'm enjoying making them even if no body watches them lol </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's some other links of mine here is my <a href="http://www.instagram.com/ultra_run_matelot" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and my <a href="http://www.twitter.com/madmoosey" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. For those on FB here is my page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/ultrarunningmatelot" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also here's a link to a friend's blog on her time in a Tri Camp, it's quite funny and defo worth a read. <a href="http://www.dreamingoffootpaths.co.uk/2018/07/10-lessons-i-learned-from-triathlon.html" target="_blank">10 Lessons I Learned from Triathlon Training Camp Les Stables</a> , Sarah has some other brilliant articles on there, which you should read also. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what's next for me? Well more running around Japan, so until next time....</span><br />
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/handwriting-fonts/"><img alt="handwriting-fonts" border="0" id="id_c4d2_4a10_38fd_e038" src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/180610/2822f58589de1c00e0e53e23187df682.png" style="height: auto; width: 159px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Green Tea is very popular here in Japan</span></td></tr>
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Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-83842929917184196812018-07-12T22:09:00.000-07:002018-07-13T04:14:14.467-07:00It's all about Nippon 日本<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we left Busan in South Korea, it was only a few days until we arrived at our much need next destination. We were heading to Yokosuka (pronounced YOK KOS KA) for our mid deployment maintenance period. The ship hasn't had a proper maintenance period since we first game out of extended readiness last year. This was to due many factors, but mostly due to the super busy programme the ship had since the first day of sailing back in June 17 but that's another story.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leaving Busan in the fog</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This period alongside in Yokosuka also meant the half way point of our 10 month deployment and also my period of RnR coming up. I had the option of flying home by RAF flight or fly my little family out. When looking at and despite being the more expensive option I flew my little family out as it meant I had more time with them, less hassle than flying with our RAF brothers, who always find it very difficult to support any other service except their own, and it would be them saying good bye to me instead of me saying good bye to them again. It turned out to be the better of the two options I can tell you!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Entering Yokosuka</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So they arrived safely at Narita airport late morning and on time too! I met them both at the airport, where we would then head to our apartment we had booked for 11 of the 12 nights I had with them (the last night was in a hotel for our wedding anniversary). This was located in an area of Tokyo called Asakusa. I didn't know too much about the area nor could I recall having visited it last time round, so had no information on it at all in my head. It was a bit of a trek with all the luggage from the airport but eventually we got there and what an area it turned out to be. Full of life with the tallest tower in the world aka Skytree over shadowing us. It was colourful as well as busy.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">E<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lectric City</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We spent the rest of the day briefly bimbling around Asakusa to get our bearings and chilling out in the evening. The following day headed to Akihabara aka Electric City which was a 45 minute walk from where we were. As the weather was awesomely hot and humid, that's exactly what we did. We walked there and spent the rest of the day there looking around the various shops etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next two days was all about the Disney. There are two parks here in Tokyo, first one we went to was Disneyland Tokyo, again fantastic day, with one thing that comes to mind. It appears if you want to experience Disney you need to go FULL Disney. There were so many people dressed head to toe in matching Disney shit, it was unbelievable. It was like Mickey Mouse had bent over and had Disney Diarrhoea and plastered them. The second day of Disney was in DisneySea, which was more ride orientated based on a Maritime Theme with an evening finally show which was amazing. We definitely had a great couple days and it was a treat worth giving my son for being brilliant whilst I've been away.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6gYvU4E_aM/W0gtYcbm_jI/AAAAAAAACP8/OSW8qJgYSCQEhw_k-K1Pfdi-3Fxf0dKrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1409" data-original-width="1600" height="281" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6gYvU4E_aM/W0gtYcbm_jI/AAAAAAAACP8/OSW8qJgYSCQEhw_k-K1Pfdi-3Fxf0dKrwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First day at Disneyland (boy was very excited)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So our plan for the following day was to have a chilled out day, but to go out early for a run. Once the run was finished it was to be a relaxing day, doing very little as such after the previous two days as they were quite manic. We decided to go run around the Sensoji Temple area. The Temple is a popular tourist attraction, it's probably one of the biggest I had seen up until then, with shrines in the same area and a market type place also right near it. The Temple is beautiful and as expected well maintained. It doesn't cost anything to go visit so that helps the reason why it's so popular I have no doubt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We got up early due to the current temperatures over here in their 30's and very humid. We got ourselves ready and headed out the door, then headed off on our merry way down the footpaths towards the Temple area. We remembered the way to go and ran through the Temple area and down through the market area. Eventually we decided where half way was and ran back pretty much the same, so not to get lost. The roads were pretty quiet, however there were a few people around the Temple, looking around when we went through.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM6rIxCR2Lk/W0gtMo31nGI/AAAAAAAACPs/5exhpK9x0IM-S42K3Wn333GUAPtd_rqtQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Tokyo%2Brun%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="960" height="253" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hM6rIxCR2Lk/W0gtMo31nGI/AAAAAAAACPs/5exhpK9x0IM-S42K3Wn333GUAPtd_rqtQCEwYBhgL/s320/Tokyo%2Brun%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Running through the Sensoji Temple area</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The route was simple but I enjoyed it so much, to have my little family keeping me company. was great. No time or distance set, just a nice out and back route. After our run, we chilled for most of our day then headed out for something to eat in Electric City at night to see all the lights lit up.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Very sweaty, warm but lovely family run</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next few days was all about sight seeing, from going up the SkyTree tower (the tallest tower in the world and 2nd tallest structure in the world), the Edo Castle in Tokyo centre, going to the Baseball which had an amazing atmosphere, to getting the Bullet Train to Nagoya to watch a Sumo Tournament. Again a fantastic experience at the Sumo, I ain't going to lie. If you ever get the chance go to the Baseball and the Sumo (Sumo tournaments only happen 5 times a year so you will have to time it). We did so much but we hardly scratched the surface of Tokyo. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Skytree Tower</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sumo Tournament</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SXaI0S3xBmE/W0gt1m2ejiI/AAAAAAAACQ4/yTulu9X7N2wd_vAvKFihAMFAxSC_ilW9gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="766" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SXaI0S3xBmE/W0gt1m2ejiI/AAAAAAAACQ4/yTulu9X7N2wd_vAvKFihAMFAxSC_ilW9gCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1669.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Baseball Giants vs Baystars!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We did get another run in between all the other touristy stuff. This time it was a run along the Sumida River, again nothing to difficult but and enjoyable route with the little family taking in the sights and sounds of Asakusa. We took a left from our apartment, run south to the river, ran along the river then up to the main road and back to the apartment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This time though I got to try out my new shorts I purchased. My current shorts have served me well since I first took up running in 2009. They have so many miles put in them, from my first marathon in London 2010, my first Ultra in 2012, my New Forest to Land's End 7 day ultra, my run across Wales and all the training and races in between. I won't be throwing them away though, they have to many memories in them. The new shorts however felt really good, very comfortable indeed. The pocket at the back was large enough for my iPhone X, something I have always struggled to find when looking for a replacement shorts was a pair with a large enough pocket for a phone. It also comes with 4 over lapping pockets which is ideal for snacks, rain jacket fits in to a little sack. Anything really, gels, salt caps etc etc. On first impressions the Patagonia trail shorts are pretty good purchase, but not cheap. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl0TWxrC_SM/W0gtdnT1KhI/AAAAAAAACQM/OI3BiXlCElE17Dhyz9PIjX-b7LyhiQZfACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vl0TWxrC_SM/W0gtdnT1KhI/AAAAAAAACQM/OI3BiXlCElE17Dhyz9PIjX-b7LyhiQZfACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Running in the new shorts</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Best kind of runs</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually though I had to send my little family off on their way back to Blighty. It was hard for me to say goodbye the first time, it wasn't any easier this time either. The next time I will see them will be when I'm eventually home. However until then I still have more time here in Yokosuka, as the other half of the ship's company need their RnR, so I will have more time to explore this area and get more runs in. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sad times saying goodbye again</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I must thank you all for reading, the support given to me whilst away is always appreciated. Also the support from Tailwind Nutrition UK as well, as always it keeps me going especially in this uber warm climate. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time safe running everyone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can now view the video for the runs here >>> <a href="https://youtu.be/rMXzu8SFQVg" target="_blank">Far Eastern Adventure part 5</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2992441755248766574.post-47285490745986903922018-06-24T22:35:00.002-07:002018-06-24T22:35:22.371-07:00From the Land of the Rising Sun to the Land of the Calm <br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We left the beautiful Island of Okinawa to head back out on operations once more, thus putting me back into the not so exciting routines at sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next port of call is Busan, South Korea towards the end of the month which I'm looking forward to. When I last visited there, it was known as Pusan but that was 18 years ago. I have no doubt the city which features in the latest Black Panther film has changed a lot since the last time I visited. It's a busy stop coming up but I'm looking forward to revisiting the place for a couple reasons as you will find out later on.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Leaving Okinawa</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whilst, we are at sea it was time for my annual fitness test. Nothing too difficult for me especially at my age of 40, although I do have sign a death waiver. This is so I can't sue the MOD if I die during a fitness test because I chose to do the bleep test over the Rockport walk. I passed as always which wasn't hard as I only have to get to level 7.8 on the bleep test for my age. I'm not going to go into the RN fitness test standards because that's a whole different level of discussion.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sunset coming into Busan waters</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The weather wasn't great, it was like a cold wet miserable day in Plymouth, more than the warmer climates of the East China Sea. I did what I had to do even though it was raining and that was all that was needed. I've nothing to prove to anyone, or myself. I did record it on my Garmin though just to record the location of where I conducted my fitness test, more than anything and it's funny to see the actual results. How much I would love to be as good as it suggested there was no way I ran 4.30 min mile nor did I do 2.7 miles in 10 mins odd. What caused this? Well the ship moving as I ran effects the GPS, I could've set it to treadmill mode but then it wouldn't have logged the area I ran it in. That's all I wanted it for, I know if I uploaded it to Strava, there be some sad person claiming I cheated as they take what Strava says as gospel. "If it's not on Strava it didn't happen" Bollocks. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Flight deck out in the East China sea the location for my Annual Fitness Test</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Further a field back home, my boy ran the 2.4km Junior race as part of the Hope24 event festival. He's ran it twice before, but it was either with me or his mum. This year he wanted to do it by himself "because Mummy is too slow" and he did. He did brill, as we had some reservations on him doing it by himself, as sometimes he requires a little motivation to get him round from one of us. However he didn't require us and he smashed it out of the park. Very proud of my boy, we're not pushy parents at all. Far from it, if he wants to run it's great, we'd never force him. That's how I believe a lot of children lose their motivation for sports. Again I could go on with this as I have seen many pushy parents in Judo a sport I participated and taught for around 30 years prior to retiring from it, but I won't that's another discussion. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Obviously I am sad I never got to see my boy do this in person, but that's one of the down sides to my job. I have, since he's been born, missed a lot of things with him. Especially birthdays I've been home for about 1 of them and I will be away for his 8th birthday this year, and as it stands possibly away for his 9th. During this period it was Father's Day also, sadly another I am not home to spend with him. Luckily the post arrived in time prior to sailing with my Father's Day card and gift, so I haven't totally missed out but sadly it's the downside to a job at sea. Much like my own father who was in the Merchant Navy for 36 years. He was often away for birthdays and Christmas' a like. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hope24 is an amazing event, it was it's 5th birthday this year and I'm sad I wasn't able to participate in any form. From what I have seen on various SM outlets, it appears it was another successful one again, with my friends enjoying themselves and some even achieving more than they expected. Well done to all of you! Hopefully I will be back next year. I've missed seeing all my friends especially those who I formed friendships through the event itself. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That said we eventually arrived in Busan, South Korea. I wasn't hanging around as I was off on an organised to trip to Seoul first, a 2 hour train trip from Busan. This was because the following day I am visiting the De Militarised Zone aka the DMZ. The border between North and South Korea. It's one of those once in a life time opportunities really, I've never been before and the likelihood it would happen again if very unlikely. The fact I could say "I've been to the DMZ" is pretty ace to be honest. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So the DMZ was so surreal but so amazing, definitely one of the best experiences I've had around the world and I've been to wonders such as the Pyramids and the Great Wall of China etc. We could only take pictures at certain times, and as the phone signals were being blocked by the North, so I could only manage to track my North/South bimble on my watch. It is definitely and experience I recommend to any one. If you get the opportunity to do so, then take it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The following day after I got back from the DMZ, I went to the Korean War Remembrance Service with pretty much everyone else from the ship. The Korean War is often the forgotten war and it's easily to forget that is actually has never ended yet. It's just a military cease fire, nothing more. It was a really lovely cemetery and the service was good. Sometimes it's easy to take things for granted, this war only started 5 years after the end of WW2.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So anyway back to the running. After what was a busy few days, I finally got out for a run first thing early morning the next day after the Remembrance Service. I didn't get to go out in Seoul, mainly because I had little time there and I wanted to explore and get drunk in Seoul to be honest, to which I did. So my run in Busan, came at 0530 before I was going to be stuck on board duty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went out of the main gate and took myself up the stonking hill. The temperature was warm and it was humid at that time. Haze over the sea was yet to be burnt off, but the views nevertheless were still stunning once I go to the top. I took in the views and eventually carried on a bit down the other side before turning back round to run back to the ship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It couldn't be a long one as I had to get back to take over from the guy who was duty the day before. Knowing how hot and humid it was going to be I knew I had to stay hyrdated, so I went with Green Tea Tailwind once more, making sure I had ample of fluids.The climb up the hill was tough and the descent was pleasant it was long but not knee busting steep. All in all a good run.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was nice to get out on my own again, allowing me to ponder things. The area was pretty quiet at that time, birds were singing and it was nice. Busan is a good place to visit, with lots to do. Whilst there I found out that there is a trail from Busan to Seoul that measure 330 miles ish. Thus has given me an idea for maybe a future adventure, however not sure how the wife may feel about it yet. We shall see, I've plenty of ideas for my next big adventure but it depends on where I go after I leave this ship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Running in Pusan is now the 8th different place I've ran in this trip so far, although it may not be as great as some of the others, it was by not disappointing at all. I recommend visiting this part of world, it certainly different, the South Koreans love their drink so be prepared to party hard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So by time this gets published I will be seeing my little family in 4 days time when they fly out to join me at my next stop for 2 weeks. It's going to be fantastic and I'm really excited. I know my son is going to have an amazing time. I'm glad I chose not to fly home, as there was so much hassle flying home thanks to the RAF, it almost doesn't seem worth it plus I'd have less time at home. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#LiveitLoveitRunit taking in the views of Busan during a break in my run.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well that concludes another blog for the time being and brings you all up to date, feel free if you haven't already to read the other blogs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you to the continue support from everyone, and especially my sponsor Tailwind Nutrition UK. It's great to be a Trailblazer out here on my adventures. Until next time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer</span>Owain Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00708782489540657155noreply@blogger.com0