Product Review - Waterfly's Fanny Pack

Hello all,

So recently I've been asked to do a review on a bit of kit by Waterfly 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. 

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. 

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. 

Me in 1992 with a Bum Bag

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. 


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. 

The Front View

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. 

It weighs only 150g so quite a light pack, with it's 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. 


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. 

Hidden Rear pocket ideal for currency

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. 

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  click here take advantage of the 15% Discount using Waterflyoff15 code. 

Thanks for reading, until next time.


𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏

#GoTailwind #UglowSports #BeyondComfort 

London Marathon 2019 - Is it Still as Special as 2010?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Out on one of training runs near my house  

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. 

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. 

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? 

One of the training runs along the Camel Trail. Very lucky with the weather!

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. 

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. 

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 (see blog here)

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. 

Registration

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.

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. 

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. 

Good friend Dan Lawson

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). 

The Day of the Race

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!

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. 

Night before preps

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).

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! 

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. 

Approaching Tower Bridge

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. 

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!

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). 

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. 

At 23 miles pic taken by Susan :)

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. 

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. 

I could go on but that's already done on my facebook page.

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!

I know I didn't run the racing line but wow! lol

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. 

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! 

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. 

The Finish! I was sent this by Carly a friend who was watching out for lots of us.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK, and Uglow Sports for their continued support. It really does help having such great brands behind me. 

So now it's time to look ahead, I've two smaller local races to look forward currently before Hope 24 in June. 

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 See Link 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 YouTube Channel. You can watch the video here 


Thank you for reading (I know it was pretty long and probably boring sorry!). 

Me in 2010        My wife in 2017        Me in 2019

𝑶𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒏
#GoTailwind #UglowSports #StitchFree 

The Rock - No Monkeying Around Here

Ladies and Gentleman welcome to ....................... The Rock! 

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. 

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. 

Bam el Mandeb choke point (pic taken off google)

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. 

Treadmill running a needs to a must

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! 

Nothing really else matters after that, it really doesn't. 

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. 

Getting some step reps in!

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. 

The Rock during the day was still covered by the mist

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. 

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. 

A view on the way, if it wasn't for the lights you'd see nothing

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. 

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. 

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. 

At the top with great views in the background......Not!

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. 

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. 

On the way down I eventually was able to see my ship

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. 

Until next time my friends

#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer

Good Bye Japan, Thank You for the Running and the Memories

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. 

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. 

                          We had company of a Japanese ship in front of us.                           

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

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. 

Out Out in Tokyo

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. 

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. 

Hot and Sweaty!

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. 

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. 

Great to have company

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.

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. 

The Imperial Palace is a beautiful thing to visit even just for a run

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! 

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. 

Until I get home, I will just keep running and continue with planning my next big adventure run! 

Thank you for the continuing support, it is appreciated. If you haven't already here are a few links for you. 

Subscribe to my Youtube Channel
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Follow me on Facebook

As always thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support of me, it's great being part of the Tailwind Trailblazer Team



#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer

Tailwind does Japan

Running in Yokosuka is Probably the Best Medicine I Needed.

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. 

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. 

The second biggest Buddha in the world after a nice plod along the Kamarkura Trails

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. 

At the top of Mt Ogusu

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

I made it to the top in the heat

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. 

Standard Selfie

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. 

Well needed Candy flavoured Lolly for the return journey

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. 

Great views on the water front

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. 

Taking it all in for a bit before heading back

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 Saucony Kinvara 9's 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. 

Saucony Kinvara 9's

In other news if you would like to subscribe to my youtube channel that would be great My Youtube channel <<<<< 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 

Here's some other links of mine here is my Instagram and my Twitter. For those on FB here is my page Facebook. 

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. 10 Lessons I Learned from Triathlon Training Camp Les Stables , Sarah has some other brilliant articles on there, which you should read also. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. 

So what's next for me? Well more running around Japan, so until next time....



#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer

Green Tea is very popular here in Japan