I'm Done.
Hobbled into Dwellingup this morning, knee busted and mildly hypothermic. I somehow missed the last hut too. I dont want to do serious damage. I feel like a total failure. Only 210km in 3 days.
Friday 6 May 2011
Thursday 5 May 2011
7.50pm Thursday
Time is 1950. At White Wells campsite, distance travelled 169.8km. Plus about a 1km back track. Nowhere to hang my hammock, although I thought about hanging it in the fire tower. He he.
Will be in Dwellingup around 9am. Knee is a bit less painful with fixomull strapping.
Currently sitting on about 14-day pace. Fairly confident that with some nsaids and pain killers I can peg that back to 12-day pace.
Will be in Dwellingup around 9am. Knee is a bit less painful with fixomull strapping.
Currently sitting on about 14-day pace. Fairly confident that with some nsaids and pain killers I can peg that back to 12-day pace.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Thursday 8.15am
At Gringer campsite. 136km. Will do 70ish km to Dwellingup today. Timing it to be there when the shops open so I can get some painkillers, anti inflammatories, a brace or bandage for my knee, some batteries and a jumper. Once I have that I will try to push it back out to 80-90km. I should be ok. Not giving up for a little thing like a twisted knee :)
Wednesday 11.36pm
First reception today. Things aren't good. Have really done something to the lateral side of my right knee. To all the ultra marathon runners following me, I am afraid its now just a hike. I still believe I can hike it in 12 days even though today was a bad day - excruciating pain on even moderate descents.
Froze my butt off this morning and discovered I had lost my icebreaker top. Cant run and cant do another night like last night so new plan - hike until sunset, sleep 4 hours, then hike through the night to stay warm and keep going until sunset, 18 - 20 hours a day.
Currently its 11.30pm and I am on top of Mt Cooke. Spectacular view: Ha ha ha! Only 109kim in but surprisingly on track for 12 days given I still have 9.5 hours of day two hiking left.
Going to have to make a purchase - batteries. Hiking so many hours at night I didnt bring enough. Dont hate me! Ha ha! Nutrition is great!
Froze my butt off this morning and discovered I had lost my icebreaker top. Cant run and cant do another night like last night so new plan - hike until sunset, sleep 4 hours, then hike through the night to stay warm and keep going until sunset, 18 - 20 hours a day.
Currently its 11.30pm and I am on top of Mt Cooke. Spectacular view: Ha ha ha! Only 109kim in but surprisingly on track for 12 days given I still have 9.5 hours of day two hiking left.
Going to have to make a purchase - batteries. Hiking so many hours at night I didnt bring enough. Dont hate me! Ha ha! Nutrition is great!
Tuesday 10.39pm
At Dale Road with a new energy reserve. Powered up Mt Dale! Going to stop at Canning campsite. Will be 78.3km. Once past Mt Cooke tomorrow morning, its a nice flat day. Right now, I know I am going to do this. Had a few doubts today, but have found my groove :)
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Currently at Waaleigh campite. About halfway through the day's jaunt. Current distance travelled 38.9km. Twisted my right knee. Just enough for some pain and swelling. Doesn't mean I am stopping. Just means I am now using two blackboy stalks as hiking poles, and will now probably do the majority of the track in my bodyscience compression tights instead of shorts. Will be pretty late by the time I get anywhere so I will update you tomorrow. Now that the arduous section between Helena and Waaleigh campsites is behind me. I just have to get past mount dale before some relatively flat gournd for awhile.
Monday 2 May 2011
Just gotta laugh.......
It's 3am. I'm all ready to get picked up by my friend to take me to the Northern Terminus of the Bibbulmun Track in Kalamunda, and have just received a text saying her car battery has died.
I simply laughed.
I'm starting to get the impression someone doesn't want me to go - had to put it off a day due to me bringing home the work keys.
Have lost my bankcard.
And now my friend can't give me a lift at the 11th hour.
But I don't care, I'm going anyway. I shall not be deterred! Just means I'll be starting out at the less-than-ideal time of around 8am instead of at 5 like I've always planned. And no, I'm not putting it off another day. I'll be on the 5am train to the city, where I'll wait for the very first bus to Kalamunda.
Catch ya later.
I simply laughed.
I'm starting to get the impression someone doesn't want me to go - had to put it off a day due to me bringing home the work keys.
Have lost my bankcard.
And now my friend can't give me a lift at the 11th hour.
But I don't care, I'm going anyway. I shall not be deterred! Just means I'll be starting out at the less-than-ideal time of around 8am instead of at 5 like I've always planned. And no, I'm not putting it off another day. I'll be on the 5am train to the city, where I'll wait for the very first bus to Kalamunda.
Catch ya later.
Time for reflection.....
With the one-day setback to my start date due to stupidly bringing the work keys home and having to return them this morning, I've unexpectedly had a day of rest and reflection prior to setting out on the Bibbulmun Track at 5am tomorrow morning. And the chance to stretch during one last Body Balance class.
On the Cool Running forums, we were chatting about ultra marathons, why people do them, and what's afterwards? It was even suggested that men run ultra marathons due to childbirth envy. Whilst those of you who know me are aware that I would give anything to have that experience, that's not why I run.
At the end of the day, what's an 'ultra' marathon? Any distance greater than a marathon. There's no mystique to it. It's just numbers. If you want to run far, run far. If you have to walk part of it, walk. So far, all the ultra runners I've chatted to don't do it for fame, money, or even records. They do it because they love to challenge themselves, they do it because they love life, and they do it because for some reason they've always been a bit 'different' to the general population around them, and now, in the ultra community, they fit in.
It's not crazy to try and cover 1000km in 10 days, these guys and gals say. To them, it's just cool. Now that's my kind of people!
So why do I run? I run because I enjoy it, and I like to push my body and my mind.
I don't want to get to the end of my life and look back with a swag full of regrets or what ifs. Since my cousin suddenly died in his sleep at the age of 31 from an undiagnosed heart condition, and knowing that he lived it to the fullest as he saw it, my motto has been, "Don't Die Wondering".
I'm not afraid to fail. I'm afraid of not trying. I'm afraid of living a life of mediocrity.
I run because I love it. I run because inevitably, on a long run, I even hate it. I love the fact that my mind goes through so many thoughts, my emotions go up and down and all over the place. I love when this happens; I love detaching myself from those thoughts and emotions and working out if those thoughts and emotions are connected to the state of my body.
Sometimes I have these thoughts and emotions even when my body is feeling strong. It's an interesting moment when I realise this. Makes me ask the question why.
And then, of course, there are plenty of times when it IS linked to my body. Again, I analyse it - am I sore? Am I hurt? Am I injured, or approaching injury? And then taking steps to readjust - sometimes I have to consciously check my posture, my foo-tstrike, my fluid intake, food intake, the way the weather is affecting me. A thousand things. No two runs are ever really the same.
And my favourite part - when the analysis is done, you've weighed everything up, and you just say stuff it! And keep going despite pain, fatigue, uncomfortability, the weather - whatever the circumstance. Sometimes on a run, I don't reach this point. But on a long run, it's very rare for me not too. Sometimes, it only happens once. Sometimes it happens many, many times. And it's in these moments where it's just me. No one or nothing else. Just me. Sure, the power of support and encouragement can never be underestimated. But the most basic decision we ever really have to make - to keep going, or to give up - is entirely our own.
Why do ultra runners do what they do? To test themselves. To come face to face with themselves somewhere along their journey. I believe endurance athletes intrinsically know themselves better than just about anyone. They know their bodies, their minds, their spirits intimately. They know their strengths and weaknesses well. They know what it means to put themselves to the test. They have tasted the very bitter taste of failure, and the very sweet taste of success, all mixed in with the saltiness of sweat.
As for what do they do once they have 'got there', I don't believe they ever truly do. After all - there are an infinite number of kilometres to traverse, all with a different view to gaze out at. There's no limit to the human spirit and what it can experience.
In the next 10-12 days I will face an almost-infinite number of these self-doubts, an incredible amount of fatigue and pain, and not to mention, the ever-present possibility of coming face to face with an unwelcome Joe Blake lingering in the back of my mind.....
What next after that? Maybe the Kep Track, if my body recovers in time. Maybe it'll be an adventure race later in the year. Maybe a PB attempt on my marathon time. Who knows. Endless possibilities. There's always something to keep you motivated, always another adventure to stir the spirit, to keep the soul of the wanderer at peace.
Just this morning I contacted Guinness World Records and registered my intent to attempt to break one of their records. In about 7 months' time. I was going to wait until I had finished the Bibbulmun to register, but why wait? I don't know what time I'm going be able to achieve, but unless I get injured or bitten by a snake, I KNOW I will finish it.
So yeah. Always something else. Whether your thing is to go for 'firsts', records, PBs, or to simply complete something you've never tested yourself in before, there are ALWAYS new goals to be set. There are setbacks. That's just another test - one of character. There are always new like-minded people to meet. People to inspire and be inspired by. Lives to touch. People to laugh with, grimace with, even cry with. Even a silent look of shared understanding. And they say ultra running is an individual thing. So infinitely true, yet so incredibly not.
Whether you run 100m, 10km, a marathon, 100km or some greater distance, whether you do it solo or in a group, pause for a moment and be thankful that you have the ability to run. Take stock of your surroundings, take a deep breath, and realise that you're alive.
That very moment, where I feel completely and utterly alive, is my favourite part of running. Sometimes it's in the still of the morning, when the air is crisp and clear, the sun peeking over the horizon, the birds starting their early morning chorus, the majority of the world still asleep, and it's just me and the path ahead. But sometimes it's in the searing heat, when I'm exhausted, cramping, blistered, hungry, in pain. Those moments can be of equal clarity, and even beauty. Yep. It's those moments when I truly know I'm alive that I love most about running.
Tomorrow morning, about 3am, I'll post my final post on here prior to heading off to the Track. After that, my friend Sharon will update it as I text her my whereabouts. Fortunately, I should have a day or two after I get back to just sit down and write! Currently just sitting on the lounge, watching The Guardian. Once it's finished, I'll check my pack one more time. Tonight I'll watch the Biggest Loser finale, then head straight to bed.
Bring on tomorrow. Bring on the challenge. Bring on the pain. And most of all, bring on all the moments that let me know I'm alive.
On the Cool Running forums, we were chatting about ultra marathons, why people do them, and what's afterwards? It was even suggested that men run ultra marathons due to childbirth envy. Whilst those of you who know me are aware that I would give anything to have that experience, that's not why I run.
At the end of the day, what's an 'ultra' marathon? Any distance greater than a marathon. There's no mystique to it. It's just numbers. If you want to run far, run far. If you have to walk part of it, walk. So far, all the ultra runners I've chatted to don't do it for fame, money, or even records. They do it because they love to challenge themselves, they do it because they love life, and they do it because for some reason they've always been a bit 'different' to the general population around them, and now, in the ultra community, they fit in.
It's not crazy to try and cover 1000km in 10 days, these guys and gals say. To them, it's just cool. Now that's my kind of people!
So why do I run? I run because I enjoy it, and I like to push my body and my mind.
I don't want to get to the end of my life and look back with a swag full of regrets or what ifs. Since my cousin suddenly died in his sleep at the age of 31 from an undiagnosed heart condition, and knowing that he lived it to the fullest as he saw it, my motto has been, "Don't Die Wondering".
I'm not afraid to fail. I'm afraid of not trying. I'm afraid of living a life of mediocrity.
I run because I love it. I run because inevitably, on a long run, I even hate it. I love the fact that my mind goes through so many thoughts, my emotions go up and down and all over the place. I love when this happens; I love detaching myself from those thoughts and emotions and working out if those thoughts and emotions are connected to the state of my body.
Sometimes I have these thoughts and emotions even when my body is feeling strong. It's an interesting moment when I realise this. Makes me ask the question why.
And then, of course, there are plenty of times when it IS linked to my body. Again, I analyse it - am I sore? Am I hurt? Am I injured, or approaching injury? And then taking steps to readjust - sometimes I have to consciously check my posture, my foo-tstrike, my fluid intake, food intake, the way the weather is affecting me. A thousand things. No two runs are ever really the same.
And my favourite part - when the analysis is done, you've weighed everything up, and you just say stuff it! And keep going despite pain, fatigue, uncomfortability, the weather - whatever the circumstance. Sometimes on a run, I don't reach this point. But on a long run, it's very rare for me not too. Sometimes, it only happens once. Sometimes it happens many, many times. And it's in these moments where it's just me. No one or nothing else. Just me. Sure, the power of support and encouragement can never be underestimated. But the most basic decision we ever really have to make - to keep going, or to give up - is entirely our own.
Why do ultra runners do what they do? To test themselves. To come face to face with themselves somewhere along their journey. I believe endurance athletes intrinsically know themselves better than just about anyone. They know their bodies, their minds, their spirits intimately. They know their strengths and weaknesses well. They know what it means to put themselves to the test. They have tasted the very bitter taste of failure, and the very sweet taste of success, all mixed in with the saltiness of sweat.
As for what do they do once they have 'got there', I don't believe they ever truly do. After all - there are an infinite number of kilometres to traverse, all with a different view to gaze out at. There's no limit to the human spirit and what it can experience.
In the next 10-12 days I will face an almost-infinite number of these self-doubts, an incredible amount of fatigue and pain, and not to mention, the ever-present possibility of coming face to face with an unwelcome Joe Blake lingering in the back of my mind.....
What next after that? Maybe the Kep Track, if my body recovers in time. Maybe it'll be an adventure race later in the year. Maybe a PB attempt on my marathon time. Who knows. Endless possibilities. There's always something to keep you motivated, always another adventure to stir the spirit, to keep the soul of the wanderer at peace.
Just this morning I contacted Guinness World Records and registered my intent to attempt to break one of their records. In about 7 months' time. I was going to wait until I had finished the Bibbulmun to register, but why wait? I don't know what time I'm going be able to achieve, but unless I get injured or bitten by a snake, I KNOW I will finish it.
So yeah. Always something else. Whether your thing is to go for 'firsts', records, PBs, or to simply complete something you've never tested yourself in before, there are ALWAYS new goals to be set. There are setbacks. That's just another test - one of character. There are always new like-minded people to meet. People to inspire and be inspired by. Lives to touch. People to laugh with, grimace with, even cry with. Even a silent look of shared understanding. And they say ultra running is an individual thing. So infinitely true, yet so incredibly not.
Whether you run 100m, 10km, a marathon, 100km or some greater distance, whether you do it solo or in a group, pause for a moment and be thankful that you have the ability to run. Take stock of your surroundings, take a deep breath, and realise that you're alive.
That very moment, where I feel completely and utterly alive, is my favourite part of running. Sometimes it's in the still of the morning, when the air is crisp and clear, the sun peeking over the horizon, the birds starting their early morning chorus, the majority of the world still asleep, and it's just me and the path ahead. But sometimes it's in the searing heat, when I'm exhausted, cramping, blistered, hungry, in pain. Those moments can be of equal clarity, and even beauty. Yep. It's those moments when I truly know I'm alive that I love most about running.
Tomorrow morning, about 3am, I'll post my final post on here prior to heading off to the Track. After that, my friend Sharon will update it as I text her my whereabouts. Fortunately, I should have a day or two after I get back to just sit down and write! Currently just sitting on the lounge, watching The Guardian. Once it's finished, I'll check my pack one more time. Tonight I'll watch the Biggest Loser finale, then head straight to bed.
Bring on tomorrow. Bring on the challenge. Bring on the pain. And most of all, bring on all the moments that let me know I'm alive.
Sunday 1 May 2011
First setback already!
After a long, busy day at work, I was excited when 5 o'clock came round - I was now on 'holidays'! My pack was already prepared - I packed it last night. So it was simply a matter of coming home, watching the Biggest Loser, than heading off to bed for a 3am wake up call.
Or so I thought.
I got home this afternoon, threw the contents of my pockets on the bed - and there, staring up at me, mockingly, was the keys to the shop. I'd left them in my pocket from when I opened up this morning, instead of hanging them back up.
Damn! There's setback one, before my adventure even starts! I have to be there at 8.30am tomorrow to hand the keys back. So start date is now the 3rd of May! :oS
However, it gives me a day's rest before setting out, which probably is a blessing in disguise. I also get to watch The Biggest Loser Finale before heading off to bed tomorrow night. hehe
Luckily I don't have any accommodation or bus tickets etc prebooked - as I don't plan on staying anywhere except in my hammock, and may not even be getting the bus back from Albany. I have 16 days off work, so there's plenty of time.
So anyway, apologies to anyone logging on expecting to see me on the track tomorrow. I'll be there, with bells on - just a day later!
Or so I thought.
I got home this afternoon, threw the contents of my pockets on the bed - and there, staring up at me, mockingly, was the keys to the shop. I'd left them in my pocket from when I opened up this morning, instead of hanging them back up.
Damn! There's setback one, before my adventure even starts! I have to be there at 8.30am tomorrow to hand the keys back. So start date is now the 3rd of May! :oS
However, it gives me a day's rest before setting out, which probably is a blessing in disguise. I also get to watch The Biggest Loser Finale before heading off to bed tomorrow night. hehe
Luckily I don't have any accommodation or bus tickets etc prebooked - as I don't plan on staying anywhere except in my hammock, and may not even be getting the bus back from Albany. I have 16 days off work, so there's plenty of time.
So anyway, apologies to anyone logging on expecting to see me on the track tomorrow. I'll be there, with bells on - just a day later!
Thursday 28 April 2011
Just 3 days away!!!
Hi! As the title says, it's just 3 days (ok, 3 days, 3 hours) until I embark on my adventure! Sorry it's been two weeks since my last post. Internet troubles plus training - of sorts - has kept me from you all. However, I have a decent post for you today, and one or two more before I set out. Also, I want to give a great shout-out to Sharon, a friend who will update my blog as I text her from the track. So stay tuned - it could get exciting! Another mention to James, who will update the board at work for my clients, colleagues and customers to also follow my progress.
Anyway, this post is actually a copy-and-paste from a Cool Running forum I've just posted on. For the non-Cool Running (CR) readers, the crux of the background story is that Cliff (aka Sandeater), just a week ago attempted to complete the track in 10 days for a very worthy cause, and unfortunately was forced to call a premature halt to his attempt with diagnosed ruptured achilles. In 5 days Cliff traversed 500km from Albany (the southern half of the track). To follow his amazing journey, and learn about his charity, log onto the Cool Running website. (http://www.coolrunning.com.au/)
So anyway, with that prelude, here's the post I left, after being sent an email by Bernadette; not only WA's, but Australia's and one of the WORLD'S premier long-distance runners. Just quickly though; Bernadette, thanks for the email - it had been too long since I'd been on the Cool Running site, and had completely missed Cliff's amazing journey as it unfolded.
Anyway, blog readers, here's my most recent post:
Wow. I really should have been paying a lot more attention to CR than the 100% neglect I've been showing it! Cliff, I didn't know your attempt was so close to mine! We really could have done some planning together. As it is, if you don't mind helping a fellow CR with the most up-to-date first-hand knowledge I could possibly hope to get, I would be eternally grateful. My number (for the duration of my attempt and in the last few days leading up to it) is 0409 388 989.
I am setting out from the Northern Terminus in Kalamunda at 5am on Monday the 2nd of May, 2011. There is a specific reason I'm traveling north to south - which I will share at a somewhat later date.......
So anyway, I'd better update you all on what I've been up to in the last couple of months.
In a word, training. All sorts of different training!
For instance, the last two weeks my training has been some serious carb loading (yep, carb loading for two weeks!), and I've managed to put on 8kg in those two weeks! I really felt I had to do that, as I lose weight at such a rapid rate that two weeks on the track would leave me underweight and unhealthy no matter how hard I tried to keep my intake up.
So now I've got a little extra 'pudding' to draw from, and a further incentive to make it to the end!
Prior to that, it had mostly been about 'putting kilometres into my legs'. For instance, on my birthday I loaded my inflatable kayak onto my back, walked to the city (from Joondalup, along Wanneroo Rd), paddled up the river for a while and back again, and then did another walk afterwards - after two celebratory birthday pints with a friend.
I've done quite a few runs from Joondalup to Rockingham, and one from Quinns Rocks.
I've done many runs and walks to Fremantle, and have run around Lake Joondalup countless times.
I'd do things like do a half marathon run, then go straight to the gym for a cycle class, then a gym workout, then a quick shower before a full day at work then back at the gym afterwards.
And spent a fair bit of time training on the most northern section of the track (developed a bit of a ritual of stopping at the Mundaring Weir Hotel for a pint each time out). He he
A couple of weeks ago, I took a break from running and did 21 gym classes in 3 days, not slacking off in a single one. Man, were my muscles sore! And did I go through a lot of sweaty shirts in 3 days!!!
And finally, I've been very closely preparing my nutrition for my attempt.
As some of you may be aware, I am undertaking my attempt entirely solo. Entirely. I am setting out with one pack, which will contain absolutely everything I feel I need to take me literally from 'end-to-end'. My one change of plans (from what was stated in the news article) is this - I won't be traversing from Denmark to the re-start of the track in my inflatable kayak. On a recent training session, I deemed it unsuitable for the crossing(due to it leaking in a position I couldn't repair were it to do so again). So I have decided that upon reaching Denmark I will assess the weather and the time of day and decide whether to use the sandbar (if available, probably my first option, because I still don't have to rely on anyone else), the ferry service, or go the long way round via the road.
Anyway because of this solo attempt, this lack of logistical support and even simple food drops, I've had to think long and hard about nutrition, and decided awhile ago that the best course of action would be to carefully blend my own supplemental shakes, thus negating the need for fire, almost completely removing any waste materials, and probably most importantly, minimising the time spent 'preparing' meals.
If this works, I'll be a very happy man. No, it's definitely NOT recommended to live on supplements for extended periods of time, however, I feel for a short two weeks it's not only feasible but not overly detrimental to my body. (The 'detrimental-to-my-body' bit will of course be putting it through the number of kilometres I aim to achieve each day)!
So I have carefully, along with the aid of up-to-date nutritional text books, nutritionist and naturopath consults, come up with a supplemental blend which consists of:
Carbohydrates
Protein
Glucodin
Essential minerals and amino acids
Glucosamine, chondroitin, msm
Magnesium
Creatine etc
Ok, the two glaring omissions are fats, which I'll obtain through nuts (actually, wasabi-coated nuts, for added calories and, quite frankly, as my fun treat each day), and calcium.
I've left out calcium for one very simple reason - I couldn't mix it properly with the rest. I've been playing with the mix for a few months now, and after trialing it on training runs on the northern section of the track, I feel I have developed pretty much the perfect blend for me. A smooth mixture with a pleasant taste, which simply needs water. I keep it in a space bag - yep, one of those bags you put clothes in for easier storage. And I think two weeks without calcium isn't a crucial nutritional neglect.
I haven't blended the final track mix, which I'll do on Saturday night, but I fully expect the bag - almost my entire nutritional intake for the trip - to weigh just 5kg.
Cliff, reading back through your adventures, you certainly allayed one of my biggest fears - the availability of water. Of course, not only am I relying on water for it's own sake, but also for my meals; no way am I going to eat the stuff with a spoon! I was concerned, because when Nikki did the track in '09, she told me that she did, in fact, come across a dry tank, and had to back-track 20km to the last known water source.
So thank you for inadvertently taking care of that concern for me.
I hear you ultra runners asking a question (well, probably a lot of them). But one of those questions is something along the lines of, "Ok, so you've got magnesium, great, but what about sodium"?
And a very valid question.
Here's something not a lot of ultra runners have, I imagine. (Ok, I'm not a 'proven' ultra runner, having not yet competed in an official ultra event, but believe me, it's the heart I have and the way I train)! I have hyperhydrosis. I'm sure most of you know what that is, but if you don't, it means I sweat EXCESSIVELY! To the point of having medication, if I find myself in embarassing situations (like big social events, etc). This means I need to take electrolyte replacement VERY seriously. And just for the record, I haven't taken the pills in quite some time, and won't be taking them with me on the track. After all, I don't expect to shake hands with any royalty on the track, and then, more simply, no one ever drowned in sweat!
So anyway, the point I'm getting to is that I am running a two-bladder system in my pack. Two x two litre bladders. One will contain straight water, and the other will contain an electrolyte replacement. I haven't had to muck around with this at all. Straight-off-the-shelf product, Fuel 02 BodyScience Advanced Endurance Sports Drink. For all of you who haven't discovered this product, I sincerely suggest you check it out. I'll be carrying 1.5kg of the stuff, consuming 100g per day. (Recommended intake 25-75g a day, but I'm betting they weren't figuring on someone doing what I - or, Cliff, or any of you ultras, for that matter - sets out to do. Most people think endurance, they think marathon. Only you crazy nutters in ultra world consider that a relatively easy training run!
I'd like to point out, as a side note, I'm never going to win any sort of speed events. Even by ultra standards. I will never be the guy who finishes the half marathon, marathon, or ultra race first - or even come close to placing. But I am the guy who if you tell him to just keep going, I reckon I will. Cliff, I did a few quick calculations, and mate, you covered some serious distances in relatively short times on each of your days. I won't be anywhere NEAR that. I'm aiming for longevity. I'll be up at 4 or 5 in the morning, and won't stop until about 9 or 10 at night. Yes, I have a good head torch and plenty of batteries! He he. In fact, I bought this one in Borneo, of all places. Came home, and heard about this all-singing, all-dancing you-beaut head torch, and bought it, even though it cost a small fortune. Was merely a candle to the one I bought in Borneo! Couldn't tell you what brand it is - not sure I ever even knew in the first place. But I like it!
So I'm sure all you seasoned ultra athletes have been asking how some blow-in from nowhere, who know one's ever heard of (ok, I've met Dave once), be able to entertain the idea of completing the Bibbulmun Track, end-to-end, entirely solo, in record time. Because I know I'm no athlete. I have looked at doing what it takes - what it would take for ME - to seriously consider this.
I will walk/run longer every day than I reckon just about anyone has done on the track before - about 16 hours a day. I will minimise my weight in every way possible - 10 years in the military has proven to me I really don't need all that much to survive. I have thought EXTREMELY carefully about every single little thing that has gone into my pack! No tent. No sleeping bag. I will be sleeping each night in a very light - although enclosed - hammock. Two minutes to put up, the same to take down. Safe from ground critters and even mosquitos. Save on time. Save on space. Save on weight. Increased comfort. I have the added bonus of not needing to make camp every night - all I need is two trees, and I dare say they're pretty abundant on the Track!
I will be sleeping in BodyScience full-length compression tights and top to aid in muscle recovery each night. I will be running in Salomon shorts, shirt, and Speed Cross 2 (very light) shoes. For the southern sandy/wetter sections, I'll be wearing my very loved (read extremely well-worn!) Vibram Five Fingers. I trialed them on the northern section, and simply ended up in excruciating pain after just 70km (Kalamunda to Brookton Highway). I've run very long distances in them before, but not on that kind of terrain! In fact, the furthest I've run in them (different pair, my first pair) was 147km, when I did the 2009 Cancer Council Relay for Life. That was the day I met Dave, and found out that there's a whole lot of you crazies out there that do this long-distance stuff for fun! hehe
My plan of attack is simple:
Make my daily kilometres. Really, that's it.
I don't care about towns.
I don't even really care about huts - although they could very well serve as an incentive to push on just a few kilometres more.
I don't care about finding food drops, or being in towns during waking hours to buy food - because I don't have to.
I care about achieving my objective.
That sounds very military, very one-dimensional, and quite frankly, very, very selfish.
But here's the thing. Like Cliff, and the majority of the record holders-and-attempters, I'm doing this for charity. Ok, I've really gone about things the wrong way in promoting it. I've pinned my hopes on the media to spread the word far and wide, and save for one lone newspaper article, from which I got two email responses, they have been mute. After all, it's WA - there's always another Bibbulmun Track record attempt around the corner. (Incidentally Cliff, when purchasing my new pack, I heard about your attempt - didn't even occur to me that it was actually YOU they were talking about! Clearly, I should have been logging on to CR a lot more often)!
So I've had very little response. But if you're at all curious, please, read my blog. It's:
http://enduranceforcharity.blogspot.com/
Please read it. Because when I registered my charity, it was people like you - actually, it was you people from the WA ultra scene - that I had in mind when I set this up as a sort of umbrella charity in order to support future feats of endurance for charity, and most certainly not just my own.
So as far as a fundraiser goes, this has been extremely disappointing. It's fizzed. Although, to the few faithful who have supported me, I am eternally grateful!!
Cliff, I am so over the moon for you that you received the support you did - and a very worthy cause indeed! It is EXACTLY what you set out to achieve that I had in mind when setting up this not-for-profit organisation. But I personally didn't 'market' or 'promote' myself very well. The radio stations looked at it, then declined to even interview me. I even had an inside contact at a major national morning breakfast show - not a peep.
Still, I look at it all somewhat philosophically. If I manage to achieve something here, people will notice. I won't be the untested guy trying to do something 'stupid' (according to a lot of people), but the guy who actually did something, regardless of how little recognised initially.
So the thing is this - yes, I'm attempting it because I don't have the money or the time or the training to climb Mount Everest or traverse the Appalachian Trail. But mostly, it's because it IS a world-class, Australian/WEST-Australian trail, and I want to push myself. I truly and utterly want to TEST myself.
But even more than that - Oh! So much more than that! - I want to set my own precedent. I want to show people that I mean what I say. For my sake? Nup. Not at all. I have enough self-worth and intrinsic value to not pin my happiness on the approval of others. But for the sake of OTHERS. Because people - and the media - (and therefore MORE people) notice success, and their spirits are buoyed, if for but an instant, and they are able to allow themselves to get behind something, to support something outside of their own comfortable existence.
When a reporter asked me with so much going on around the country, what made me different, what would make people give their money to my cause, what I was trying to do, over any of the other very worthy causes out there, all I could say to her was that with me, they got the opportunity to see human endeavour at its best. I don't have a lot of money to give. At the moment, I don't have a lot of time to give. But what I do have to give is my body, my mind, and my spirit. As people understand that, as they hopefully see the sacrifice I am about to make, that will stir their own sense of adventure that dwells within their soul.
I know Cliff understands. Given that he never set foot on the track prior to his attempt, I KNOW he understands. I tell people I've trained a fair bit on the very northern section of the track, but when I tell them I haven't set foot on the track south of the Brookton Highway, they are incredulous. But here's the thing. If I, or Cliff, or anyone, for that matter, had previously - quietly - completed the track in even a very respectable time, it wouldn't stir people's thoughts or emotions even a ripple if that person said they were attempting the record. But a newcomer - well, that's something different!
The great lands of Earth have all been discovered. Where does that leave those of us with an adventurous spirit? It leaves us with no other alternative than to test our bodies, our minds, our spirits with undertakings such as these.
I may have failed the good people I'm attempting to raise funds for on this particular venture. Maybe not. Incidentally, I'm not going to tell you Cool Runners who I'm running for - check out my blog to find that out. ;oP
Who knows? Maybe people will come around. After all, we are a generous nation!
But at the end of the day, I believe if I am able to achieve even some small success with this attempt, then it will open doors for future, more successful (support-wise), Endurance for Charity events.
It's at the tip of my tongue to share with you all the next big thing on my agenda. Possibly as soon as the end of this year. It's very exciting, and somewhat (in my mind, at least) monumental.
But hey, first thing's first - one record attempt at a time.
Prior to tonight, I had 3 fears regarding my attempt:
1. Not enough water in the tanks. Thanks to Cliff's recent, epic adventure, that fear has been allayed.
2. Snakes. Despite debate raging as to their presence, my own experience of even the most northern section of the track, along with Cliff's most recent experience, and Nikki's experience at the same time two years ago, doesn't allay this fear one little bit. Knowing me, if I go down, I reckon this will be the reason. Despite the Track Foundation stating they'd never had a reported bite. (Incidentally, on a recent training session on the track - the one with the Vibram Five Fingers - I met Michael, who in previous years completed an end-to-end. He proceeded to tell me how he literally faced off with the biggest tiger snake he'd ever seen in his life).
So yeah. Fear NOT allayed!
3. Injury. Cliff, I totally feel for you mate. I truly do. The achilles heel isn't the crux to a epically-historic legend for no reason; it truly has the ability to cripple a man. The one thing in ANY sport that ensures the outcome is NEVER a certainty, is the prospect of injury. No one can ever predict exactly what might occur in any given second - and that's the duality of life; both the tragedy and the beauty of it.
Am I a certainty to even complete the track, let alone in record time? Not even close! Have I done what I can to ensure I have the best possible chance? Well, I've given myself a fighting chance, I reckon. A few things have been a bit of a guestimate along the way, but when pushing the boundaries of one's self, I reckon that's about all you can ask for.
So, I'm going to re-post this in my blog. For all you Cool Runner's out there, skip this post, and read the preceeding ones.
For you faithful and part-time blog readers, I hope you enjoy this post. It's been an honour to write. Has given a rough indication of where I'm at, 3 days, 4 hours prior to my commencement.
Again, my details:
Blog details: http://enduranceforcharity.blogspot.com/ (here you can read about Endurance for Charity, the current cause being raised for, and the details needed to donate).
Phone number for text messages of support:
0409 388 989
And finally, a personal request. Cliff, please give me a call mate. I not only want to hear about your insights into the southern section of the track - the section that holds the most questions for me - but I want to personally congratulate you on a monumental achievement. As long as you and other people like the ultras of WA are around, the human spirit will continue to flourish richly. I firmly believe had it not been for your injury I would be attempting to achieve what is quite beyond my current abilities; as you would have broken the 10-day barrier - soundly.
Regardless of the outcome of my attempt, be it a success or otherwise, I'd love to catch up with you after I'm done to blow the froth off a couple of cold ones, and share experiences with each other. Perhaps invite a few other ultras too - there is so much I can learn from you all.
One very last note - On Saturday night I will post a complete list of absolutely everything I am taking on the track with me, including the over all weight of my pack. I'm sure a few of you are curious. And you'll be pleased to know that not only will I have a camera with me, but a video camera also. If I happen to make it, I just might be putting the call out to any budding film editors out there!
Anyway, this post is actually a copy-and-paste from a Cool Running forum I've just posted on. For the non-Cool Running (CR) readers, the crux of the background story is that Cliff (aka Sandeater), just a week ago attempted to complete the track in 10 days for a very worthy cause, and unfortunately was forced to call a premature halt to his attempt with diagnosed ruptured achilles. In 5 days Cliff traversed 500km from Albany (the southern half of the track). To follow his amazing journey, and learn about his charity, log onto the Cool Running website. (http://www.coolrunning.com.au/)
So anyway, with that prelude, here's the post I left, after being sent an email by Bernadette; not only WA's, but Australia's and one of the WORLD'S premier long-distance runners. Just quickly though; Bernadette, thanks for the email - it had been too long since I'd been on the Cool Running site, and had completely missed Cliff's amazing journey as it unfolded.
Anyway, blog readers, here's my most recent post:
Wow. I really should have been paying a lot more attention to CR than the 100% neglect I've been showing it! Cliff, I didn't know your attempt was so close to mine! We really could have done some planning together. As it is, if you don't mind helping a fellow CR with the most up-to-date first-hand knowledge I could possibly hope to get, I would be eternally grateful. My number (for the duration of my attempt and in the last few days leading up to it) is 0409 388 989.
I am setting out from the Northern Terminus in Kalamunda at 5am on Monday the 2nd of May, 2011. There is a specific reason I'm traveling north to south - which I will share at a somewhat later date.......
So anyway, I'd better update you all on what I've been up to in the last couple of months.
In a word, training. All sorts of different training!
For instance, the last two weeks my training has been some serious carb loading (yep, carb loading for two weeks!), and I've managed to put on 8kg in those two weeks! I really felt I had to do that, as I lose weight at such a rapid rate that two weeks on the track would leave me underweight and unhealthy no matter how hard I tried to keep my intake up.
So now I've got a little extra 'pudding' to draw from, and a further incentive to make it to the end!
Prior to that, it had mostly been about 'putting kilometres into my legs'. For instance, on my birthday I loaded my inflatable kayak onto my back, walked to the city (from Joondalup, along Wanneroo Rd), paddled up the river for a while and back again, and then did another walk afterwards - after two celebratory birthday pints with a friend.
I've done quite a few runs from Joondalup to Rockingham, and one from Quinns Rocks.
I've done many runs and walks to Fremantle, and have run around Lake Joondalup countless times.
I'd do things like do a half marathon run, then go straight to the gym for a cycle class, then a gym workout, then a quick shower before a full day at work then back at the gym afterwards.
And spent a fair bit of time training on the most northern section of the track (developed a bit of a ritual of stopping at the Mundaring Weir Hotel for a pint each time out). He he
A couple of weeks ago, I took a break from running and did 21 gym classes in 3 days, not slacking off in a single one. Man, were my muscles sore! And did I go through a lot of sweaty shirts in 3 days!!!
And finally, I've been very closely preparing my nutrition for my attempt.
As some of you may be aware, I am undertaking my attempt entirely solo. Entirely. I am setting out with one pack, which will contain absolutely everything I feel I need to take me literally from 'end-to-end'. My one change of plans (from what was stated in the news article) is this - I won't be traversing from Denmark to the re-start of the track in my inflatable kayak. On a recent training session, I deemed it unsuitable for the crossing(due to it leaking in a position I couldn't repair were it to do so again). So I have decided that upon reaching Denmark I will assess the weather and the time of day and decide whether to use the sandbar (if available, probably my first option, because I still don't have to rely on anyone else), the ferry service, or go the long way round via the road.
Anyway because of this solo attempt, this lack of logistical support and even simple food drops, I've had to think long and hard about nutrition, and decided awhile ago that the best course of action would be to carefully blend my own supplemental shakes, thus negating the need for fire, almost completely removing any waste materials, and probably most importantly, minimising the time spent 'preparing' meals.
If this works, I'll be a very happy man. No, it's definitely NOT recommended to live on supplements for extended periods of time, however, I feel for a short two weeks it's not only feasible but not overly detrimental to my body. (The 'detrimental-to-my-body' bit will of course be putting it through the number of kilometres I aim to achieve each day)!
So I have carefully, along with the aid of up-to-date nutritional text books, nutritionist and naturopath consults, come up with a supplemental blend which consists of:
Carbohydrates
Protein
Glucodin
Essential minerals and amino acids
Glucosamine, chondroitin, msm
Magnesium
Creatine etc
Ok, the two glaring omissions are fats, which I'll obtain through nuts (actually, wasabi-coated nuts, for added calories and, quite frankly, as my fun treat each day), and calcium.
I've left out calcium for one very simple reason - I couldn't mix it properly with the rest. I've been playing with the mix for a few months now, and after trialing it on training runs on the northern section of the track, I feel I have developed pretty much the perfect blend for me. A smooth mixture with a pleasant taste, which simply needs water. I keep it in a space bag - yep, one of those bags you put clothes in for easier storage. And I think two weeks without calcium isn't a crucial nutritional neglect.
I haven't blended the final track mix, which I'll do on Saturday night, but I fully expect the bag - almost my entire nutritional intake for the trip - to weigh just 5kg.
Cliff, reading back through your adventures, you certainly allayed one of my biggest fears - the availability of water. Of course, not only am I relying on water for it's own sake, but also for my meals; no way am I going to eat the stuff with a spoon! I was concerned, because when Nikki did the track in '09, she told me that she did, in fact, come across a dry tank, and had to back-track 20km to the last known water source.
So thank you for inadvertently taking care of that concern for me.
I hear you ultra runners asking a question (well, probably a lot of them). But one of those questions is something along the lines of, "Ok, so you've got magnesium, great, but what about sodium"?
And a very valid question.
Here's something not a lot of ultra runners have, I imagine. (Ok, I'm not a 'proven' ultra runner, having not yet competed in an official ultra event, but believe me, it's the heart I have and the way I train)! I have hyperhydrosis. I'm sure most of you know what that is, but if you don't, it means I sweat EXCESSIVELY! To the point of having medication, if I find myself in embarassing situations (like big social events, etc). This means I need to take electrolyte replacement VERY seriously. And just for the record, I haven't taken the pills in quite some time, and won't be taking them with me on the track. After all, I don't expect to shake hands with any royalty on the track, and then, more simply, no one ever drowned in sweat!
So anyway, the point I'm getting to is that I am running a two-bladder system in my pack. Two x two litre bladders. One will contain straight water, and the other will contain an electrolyte replacement. I haven't had to muck around with this at all. Straight-off-the-shelf product, Fuel 02 BodyScience Advanced Endurance Sports Drink. For all of you who haven't discovered this product, I sincerely suggest you check it out. I'll be carrying 1.5kg of the stuff, consuming 100g per day. (Recommended intake 25-75g a day, but I'm betting they weren't figuring on someone doing what I - or, Cliff, or any of you ultras, for that matter - sets out to do. Most people think endurance, they think marathon. Only you crazy nutters in ultra world consider that a relatively easy training run!
I'd like to point out, as a side note, I'm never going to win any sort of speed events. Even by ultra standards. I will never be the guy who finishes the half marathon, marathon, or ultra race first - or even come close to placing. But I am the guy who if you tell him to just keep going, I reckon I will. Cliff, I did a few quick calculations, and mate, you covered some serious distances in relatively short times on each of your days. I won't be anywhere NEAR that. I'm aiming for longevity. I'll be up at 4 or 5 in the morning, and won't stop until about 9 or 10 at night. Yes, I have a good head torch and plenty of batteries! He he. In fact, I bought this one in Borneo, of all places. Came home, and heard about this all-singing, all-dancing you-beaut head torch, and bought it, even though it cost a small fortune. Was merely a candle to the one I bought in Borneo! Couldn't tell you what brand it is - not sure I ever even knew in the first place. But I like it!
So I'm sure all you seasoned ultra athletes have been asking how some blow-in from nowhere, who know one's ever heard of (ok, I've met Dave once), be able to entertain the idea of completing the Bibbulmun Track, end-to-end, entirely solo, in record time. Because I know I'm no athlete. I have looked at doing what it takes - what it would take for ME - to seriously consider this.
I will walk/run longer every day than I reckon just about anyone has done on the track before - about 16 hours a day. I will minimise my weight in every way possible - 10 years in the military has proven to me I really don't need all that much to survive. I have thought EXTREMELY carefully about every single little thing that has gone into my pack! No tent. No sleeping bag. I will be sleeping each night in a very light - although enclosed - hammock. Two minutes to put up, the same to take down. Safe from ground critters and even mosquitos. Save on time. Save on space. Save on weight. Increased comfort. I have the added bonus of not needing to make camp every night - all I need is two trees, and I dare say they're pretty abundant on the Track!
I will be sleeping in BodyScience full-length compression tights and top to aid in muscle recovery each night. I will be running in Salomon shorts, shirt, and Speed Cross 2 (very light) shoes. For the southern sandy/wetter sections, I'll be wearing my very loved (read extremely well-worn!) Vibram Five Fingers. I trialed them on the northern section, and simply ended up in excruciating pain after just 70km (Kalamunda to Brookton Highway). I've run very long distances in them before, but not on that kind of terrain! In fact, the furthest I've run in them (different pair, my first pair) was 147km, when I did the 2009 Cancer Council Relay for Life. That was the day I met Dave, and found out that there's a whole lot of you crazies out there that do this long-distance stuff for fun! hehe
My plan of attack is simple:
Make my daily kilometres. Really, that's it.
I don't care about towns.
I don't even really care about huts - although they could very well serve as an incentive to push on just a few kilometres more.
I don't care about finding food drops, or being in towns during waking hours to buy food - because I don't have to.
I care about achieving my objective.
That sounds very military, very one-dimensional, and quite frankly, very, very selfish.
But here's the thing. Like Cliff, and the majority of the record holders-and-attempters, I'm doing this for charity. Ok, I've really gone about things the wrong way in promoting it. I've pinned my hopes on the media to spread the word far and wide, and save for one lone newspaper article, from which I got two email responses, they have been mute. After all, it's WA - there's always another Bibbulmun Track record attempt around the corner. (Incidentally Cliff, when purchasing my new pack, I heard about your attempt - didn't even occur to me that it was actually YOU they were talking about! Clearly, I should have been logging on to CR a lot more often)!
So I've had very little response. But if you're at all curious, please, read my blog. It's:
http://enduranceforcharity.blogspot.com/
Please read it. Because when I registered my charity, it was people like you - actually, it was you people from the WA ultra scene - that I had in mind when I set this up as a sort of umbrella charity in order to support future feats of endurance for charity, and most certainly not just my own.
So as far as a fundraiser goes, this has been extremely disappointing. It's fizzed. Although, to the few faithful who have supported me, I am eternally grateful!!
Cliff, I am so over the moon for you that you received the support you did - and a very worthy cause indeed! It is EXACTLY what you set out to achieve that I had in mind when setting up this not-for-profit organisation. But I personally didn't 'market' or 'promote' myself very well. The radio stations looked at it, then declined to even interview me. I even had an inside contact at a major national morning breakfast show - not a peep.
Still, I look at it all somewhat philosophically. If I manage to achieve something here, people will notice. I won't be the untested guy trying to do something 'stupid' (according to a lot of people), but the guy who actually did something, regardless of how little recognised initially.
So the thing is this - yes, I'm attempting it because I don't have the money or the time or the training to climb Mount Everest or traverse the Appalachian Trail. But mostly, it's because it IS a world-class, Australian/WEST-Australian trail, and I want to push myself. I truly and utterly want to TEST myself.
But even more than that - Oh! So much more than that! - I want to set my own precedent. I want to show people that I mean what I say. For my sake? Nup. Not at all. I have enough self-worth and intrinsic value to not pin my happiness on the approval of others. But for the sake of OTHERS. Because people - and the media - (and therefore MORE people) notice success, and their spirits are buoyed, if for but an instant, and they are able to allow themselves to get behind something, to support something outside of their own comfortable existence.
When a reporter asked me with so much going on around the country, what made me different, what would make people give their money to my cause, what I was trying to do, over any of the other very worthy causes out there, all I could say to her was that with me, they got the opportunity to see human endeavour at its best. I don't have a lot of money to give. At the moment, I don't have a lot of time to give. But what I do have to give is my body, my mind, and my spirit. As people understand that, as they hopefully see the sacrifice I am about to make, that will stir their own sense of adventure that dwells within their soul.
I know Cliff understands. Given that he never set foot on the track prior to his attempt, I KNOW he understands. I tell people I've trained a fair bit on the very northern section of the track, but when I tell them I haven't set foot on the track south of the Brookton Highway, they are incredulous. But here's the thing. If I, or Cliff, or anyone, for that matter, had previously - quietly - completed the track in even a very respectable time, it wouldn't stir people's thoughts or emotions even a ripple if that person said they were attempting the record. But a newcomer - well, that's something different!
The great lands of Earth have all been discovered. Where does that leave those of us with an adventurous spirit? It leaves us with no other alternative than to test our bodies, our minds, our spirits with undertakings such as these.
I may have failed the good people I'm attempting to raise funds for on this particular venture. Maybe not. Incidentally, I'm not going to tell you Cool Runners who I'm running for - check out my blog to find that out. ;oP
Who knows? Maybe people will come around. After all, we are a generous nation!
But at the end of the day, I believe if I am able to achieve even some small success with this attempt, then it will open doors for future, more successful (support-wise), Endurance for Charity events.
It's at the tip of my tongue to share with you all the next big thing on my agenda. Possibly as soon as the end of this year. It's very exciting, and somewhat (in my mind, at least) monumental.
But hey, first thing's first - one record attempt at a time.
Prior to tonight, I had 3 fears regarding my attempt:
1. Not enough water in the tanks. Thanks to Cliff's recent, epic adventure, that fear has been allayed.
2. Snakes. Despite debate raging as to their presence, my own experience of even the most northern section of the track, along with Cliff's most recent experience, and Nikki's experience at the same time two years ago, doesn't allay this fear one little bit. Knowing me, if I go down, I reckon this will be the reason. Despite the Track Foundation stating they'd never had a reported bite. (Incidentally, on a recent training session on the track - the one with the Vibram Five Fingers - I met Michael, who in previous years completed an end-to-end. He proceeded to tell me how he literally faced off with the biggest tiger snake he'd ever seen in his life).
So yeah. Fear NOT allayed!
3. Injury. Cliff, I totally feel for you mate. I truly do. The achilles heel isn't the crux to a epically-historic legend for no reason; it truly has the ability to cripple a man. The one thing in ANY sport that ensures the outcome is NEVER a certainty, is the prospect of injury. No one can ever predict exactly what might occur in any given second - and that's the duality of life; both the tragedy and the beauty of it.
Am I a certainty to even complete the track, let alone in record time? Not even close! Have I done what I can to ensure I have the best possible chance? Well, I've given myself a fighting chance, I reckon. A few things have been a bit of a guestimate along the way, but when pushing the boundaries of one's self, I reckon that's about all you can ask for.
So, I'm going to re-post this in my blog. For all you Cool Runner's out there, skip this post, and read the preceeding ones.
For you faithful and part-time blog readers, I hope you enjoy this post. It's been an honour to write. Has given a rough indication of where I'm at, 3 days, 4 hours prior to my commencement.
Again, my details:
Blog details: http://enduranceforcharity.blogspot.com/ (here you can read about Endurance for Charity, the current cause being raised for, and the details needed to donate).
Phone number for text messages of support:
0409 388 989
And finally, a personal request. Cliff, please give me a call mate. I not only want to hear about your insights into the southern section of the track - the section that holds the most questions for me - but I want to personally congratulate you on a monumental achievement. As long as you and other people like the ultras of WA are around, the human spirit will continue to flourish richly. I firmly believe had it not been for your injury I would be attempting to achieve what is quite beyond my current abilities; as you would have broken the 10-day barrier - soundly.
Regardless of the outcome of my attempt, be it a success or otherwise, I'd love to catch up with you after I'm done to blow the froth off a couple of cold ones, and share experiences with each other. Perhaps invite a few other ultras too - there is so much I can learn from you all.
One very last note - On Saturday night I will post a complete list of absolutely everything I am taking on the track with me, including the over all weight of my pack. I'm sure a few of you are curious. And you'll be pleased to know that not only will I have a camera with me, but a video camera also. If I happen to make it, I just might be putting the call out to any budding film editors out there!
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Crazy days!
Sorry folks, been awhile since I've posted. Been offline for almost a couple of weeks now - very busy training, and several things have come up, work-wise etc.
Now, let just fill you in on my recent training regime.
I decided to have a break from running this week. This close to the track attempt (just two and a half weeks), I thought fatiguing my muscles in a different way might be a great idea.
So, on these three days off, I decided to do as many classes at the gym as I could. This has been my last three days:
The only class I haven't done is the Wednesday 6.00am MaxNRG class. After finishing at 8.30pm doing the same class the night before, I was so fatigued I decided it would be prudent to enjoy a couple of hours extra sleep.
I gotta tell ya - sleeping in compression gear makes all the difference to the muscles the following day!
So yeah, when I head back to the gym in half an hour to do the final 3 classes, it will be a total of 21 classes in 3 days.
EVERY muscle aches!
But in a good way - so bring on those last 3 classes! Ok, another couple of classes on Friday before and after work, but I've got tomorrow to recover, with a 12 hour shift at work..... ;oP
The biggest bonus that has come from all this, is that I've not only now tried out every different type of class offered at my gym, worked out out under quite a few different instructors, but I have met a lot of wonderful new people at the gym. People caught wind of what I am doing - both the 3-day class marathon, and the Bibbulmun Track attempt. Everyone has been so supportive - although the instructors have taken great delight in flogging me in each class!! I've had many people coming up to me and introducing themselves. As the classes are about 98% women, I've met a wonderful number of fit, vibrant ladies. Some mother-figures concerned for me, some good-natured smart-alec women enjoying a laugh with me, and let's not forget last night's Zumba class - I discovered that right behind me in the class was one of the 16 year old girls from work and her friends. Yay. Can't wait to hear about THAT at work tomorrow! Oh, and the state netball finals spectators who decided to watch our class instead - with me as the ONLY guy! hehe
Anyway, I need to get ready to head back to the gym; another Combat class, another Pump class, and finish it off with Balance. Gotta tell ya - I am most definitely looking forward to the 10 minutes at the end of Balance where we just relax! I just hope I don't fall asleep!
It has been a phenomenal 3 days. Truly has. Pushing my body to near exhaustion. Giving everything I've got in every class. Just enjoying the ride, frankly......
Now, let just fill you in on my recent training regime.
I decided to have a break from running this week. This close to the track attempt (just two and a half weeks), I thought fatiguing my muscles in a different way might be a great idea.
So, on these three days off, I decided to do as many classes at the gym as I could. This has been my last three days:
Monday 11th Wednesday 13th
8.30am - Body Pump 6.00am - MaxNRG
9.30am - Body Combat 8.30am - Body Combat
10.30am – Body Balance 9.30am - Fit n Firm
11.30am – Step Moves 10.30am – Body Pump
11.30am – Pilates
5.00pm - Circuit
6.00pm - Body Jam 5.30pm - Body Combat
7.30pm - Pilates 6.30pm - Body Pump
7.30pm - Body Balance
Tuesday 12th
6.00am - Body Balance
8.30am - MaxNRG
9.30am - Body Step
10.30am – Fit n Firm
11.30am – Zumba
6.00pm - Zumba
7.30pm - MaxNRG
The only class I haven't done is the Wednesday 6.00am MaxNRG class. After finishing at 8.30pm doing the same class the night before, I was so fatigued I decided it would be prudent to enjoy a couple of hours extra sleep.
I gotta tell ya - sleeping in compression gear makes all the difference to the muscles the following day!
So yeah, when I head back to the gym in half an hour to do the final 3 classes, it will be a total of 21 classes in 3 days.
EVERY muscle aches!
But in a good way - so bring on those last 3 classes! Ok, another couple of classes on Friday before and after work, but I've got tomorrow to recover, with a 12 hour shift at work..... ;oP
The biggest bonus that has come from all this, is that I've not only now tried out every different type of class offered at my gym, worked out out under quite a few different instructors, but I have met a lot of wonderful new people at the gym. People caught wind of what I am doing - both the 3-day class marathon, and the Bibbulmun Track attempt. Everyone has been so supportive - although the instructors have taken great delight in flogging me in each class!! I've had many people coming up to me and introducing themselves. As the classes are about 98% women, I've met a wonderful number of fit, vibrant ladies. Some mother-figures concerned for me, some good-natured smart-alec women enjoying a laugh with me, and let's not forget last night's Zumba class - I discovered that right behind me in the class was one of the 16 year old girls from work and her friends. Yay. Can't wait to hear about THAT at work tomorrow! Oh, and the state netball finals spectators who decided to watch our class instead - with me as the ONLY guy! hehe
Anyway, I need to get ready to head back to the gym; another Combat class, another Pump class, and finish it off with Balance. Gotta tell ya - I am most definitely looking forward to the 10 minutes at the end of Balance where we just relax! I just hope I don't fall asleep!
It has been a phenomenal 3 days. Truly has. Pushing my body to near exhaustion. Giving everything I've got in every class. Just enjoying the ride, frankly......
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Know what I love about life?
People. Yep, what I love about life is people. I love the vibrant kaleidoscope and un-scripted higgeldy-piggeldy of the meeting and sometimes clashing of various people's lives; especially when they unexpectedly touch mine.
Tonight, I looked around the room in my gym class and briefly wondered what everyone's story was.
The woman who stands well over 6 foot tall.
The one other male in the class brave enough to face an army of focused oestrogen.
The girl behind me, toughing out two classes in a row, on what I think may have been only her first or second time...
The woman with the stick-like figure tattoo on her forearm, a red heart in a thought bubble, that had me curious in previous classes.....
After the class, the girl with the red heart tattoo came over and said hi. We got to chatting. And wow, talk about giving someone a reality check and a sense of real perspective!
Elle, a young woman with a warm smile, showed me a photo of her 6 month old son. Quite unprompted, she shared with me how just a few years ago, she went through a traumatic time in her life - diagnosed with malignant cancer of the brain.
This touched home for me, having never, ever forgotten my time on the neuro ward at Monash hospital as a trainee medic.
Yet Elle spoke with no self-pity, nor, conversely, any sense of great achievement having beaten the cancer. She told me her story matter of factly, and shared her biggest smile when talking of her loving husband and joyful son, saying they were a true gift of life, being told she'd never have children. And she shared with me how even she sometimes forgot to live each day to the fullest.
She showed me the lump on her head, and with her expansive smile, touched on the various wigs she used and grew to enjoy. Told me of the 50 staples in the scalp she was subjected to. In case you're wondering, I did tell her that I would speak of her on my blog tonight, so I am sharing this with her consent.
She added clarity to what I'm about to do. In the grand scheme of things, what I'm about to do is not much. Let's face it. I'm trying to traverse a 963km hiking trail a bit quicker than the last bloke. Big deal!
This young woman has survived malignant brain cancer. And the thing is, every single person I meet has an interesting story to tell.
Every. Single. One.
So here's the thing. Realise you're the lead actor/actress in your own screen play, no, your own hit movie. Play the part to your utmost! Your life matters. It counts. You never know when your experience is going to positively affect someone else. I often wonder if my life ever really makes a dfference. The vast majority of the time, I reckon it doesn't. Maybe that's what drives me. I'm really not entirely sure. But every once in a blue moon someone tells me something I've done or said positively affected them. To me, that's what matters.
Live each day fully. Love totally, as unconditionally and as untouched by past grievances as you can. Reach out to someone. Anyone. Connect.
In a gym class, where each person has their own space, everyone facing forward, every move scripted to music, a young woman reached out and for whatever reason, connected with me. Something I truly appreciate.
Couldn't have come at a better time. Just found out today that two blokes are setting out the same time I am, planning to do the track in just 10 days.
Disheartening? A little. Challenging? You betcha! But at the end of the day, it doesn't really count for much. The fate of the world doesn't rest in my hands. Perspective. It's a wonderful thing. So I'll simply enjoy the journey.
Live life to the fullest. Many people think I'm nuts doing this, particularly unsupported. But when is it ever truly unsupported? I have a million thoughts, experiences, and connections with people like Elle to draw on, to support me.
My motto in life is:
Don't die wondering.
I continue to make decisions almost daily based on that motto. With less than 5 weeks to go until I set out, I'm definitely wondering if I've got what it takes. But in less than 7 weeks I'm going to know the answer to that question. Come along for the ride, and share the journey with me.
Tonight, I looked around the room in my gym class and briefly wondered what everyone's story was.
The woman who stands well over 6 foot tall.
The one other male in the class brave enough to face an army of focused oestrogen.
The girl behind me, toughing out two classes in a row, on what I think may have been only her first or second time...
The woman with the stick-like figure tattoo on her forearm, a red heart in a thought bubble, that had me curious in previous classes.....
After the class, the girl with the red heart tattoo came over and said hi. We got to chatting. And wow, talk about giving someone a reality check and a sense of real perspective!
Elle, a young woman with a warm smile, showed me a photo of her 6 month old son. Quite unprompted, she shared with me how just a few years ago, she went through a traumatic time in her life - diagnosed with malignant cancer of the brain.
This touched home for me, having never, ever forgotten my time on the neuro ward at Monash hospital as a trainee medic.
Yet Elle spoke with no self-pity, nor, conversely, any sense of great achievement having beaten the cancer. She told me her story matter of factly, and shared her biggest smile when talking of her loving husband and joyful son, saying they were a true gift of life, being told she'd never have children. And she shared with me how even she sometimes forgot to live each day to the fullest.
She showed me the lump on her head, and with her expansive smile, touched on the various wigs she used and grew to enjoy. Told me of the 50 staples in the scalp she was subjected to. In case you're wondering, I did tell her that I would speak of her on my blog tonight, so I am sharing this with her consent.
She added clarity to what I'm about to do. In the grand scheme of things, what I'm about to do is not much. Let's face it. I'm trying to traverse a 963km hiking trail a bit quicker than the last bloke. Big deal!
This young woman has survived malignant brain cancer. And the thing is, every single person I meet has an interesting story to tell.
Every. Single. One.
So here's the thing. Realise you're the lead actor/actress in your own screen play, no, your own hit movie. Play the part to your utmost! Your life matters. It counts. You never know when your experience is going to positively affect someone else. I often wonder if my life ever really makes a dfference. The vast majority of the time, I reckon it doesn't. Maybe that's what drives me. I'm really not entirely sure. But every once in a blue moon someone tells me something I've done or said positively affected them. To me, that's what matters.
Live each day fully. Love totally, as unconditionally and as untouched by past grievances as you can. Reach out to someone. Anyone. Connect.
In a gym class, where each person has their own space, everyone facing forward, every move scripted to music, a young woman reached out and for whatever reason, connected with me. Something I truly appreciate.
Couldn't have come at a better time. Just found out today that two blokes are setting out the same time I am, planning to do the track in just 10 days.
Disheartening? A little. Challenging? You betcha! But at the end of the day, it doesn't really count for much. The fate of the world doesn't rest in my hands. Perspective. It's a wonderful thing. So I'll simply enjoy the journey.
Live life to the fullest. Many people think I'm nuts doing this, particularly unsupported. But when is it ever truly unsupported? I have a million thoughts, experiences, and connections with people like Elle to draw on, to support me.
My motto in life is:
Don't die wondering.
I continue to make decisions almost daily based on that motto. With less than 5 weeks to go until I set out, I'm definitely wondering if I've got what it takes. But in less than 7 weeks I'm going to know the answer to that question. Come along for the ride, and share the journey with me.
Monday 28 March 2011
Double marathon training run.....
Monday's report.
By foot, it is 87.47km from Quinns Rocks to the Rockingham train station.
A little short from the 113km planned - certainly didn't get to Mandurah, but still, happy with today.
I started out just after 4am - on only 3 hours sleep! Eek!
I ran the first marathon, then had a sleep under a tree. Intended to take two hours, but due to flies annoying me, managed a broken hour.
I came across a hiking gear store, and spent half an hour in there discussing various items of equipment - of greatest interest is a new pack, as, over distance, mine rubs my lower back painfully raw. Furthermore, upon getting home I discovered I also had grazes further up my back.
A great shower and some moisturiser later - and it still stings. hehe
However, the positives to come out of today:
I have discovered that the principles of hiking in boots, namely, a thin pair of cotton socks inside a thicker pair of socks means no blisters, also applies in running shoes! I've been rather uncharacteristically struggling with blisters of late, but am happy to report not a single blister today!
Furthermore, I am gaining ever-increasing confidence in my supplement blend as far as nutrition for the track goes.
I also 'discovered', right next to the Freo Bridge, a little cove for swimming in. Cool place - will definitely have to spend some time there.
Oh yeah. So, including the hour's sleep, the half hour in the store, and a few nutrition stops, it took 12 hours and 18 minutes. Not exactly record-breaking, and certainly not terrain like I'll be experiencing, but a decent training session nonetheless. Will keep you posted on the rest of the week's training days!
By foot, it is 87.47km from Quinns Rocks to the Rockingham train station.
A little short from the 113km planned - certainly didn't get to Mandurah, but still, happy with today.
I started out just after 4am - on only 3 hours sleep! Eek!
I ran the first marathon, then had a sleep under a tree. Intended to take two hours, but due to flies annoying me, managed a broken hour.
I came across a hiking gear store, and spent half an hour in there discussing various items of equipment - of greatest interest is a new pack, as, over distance, mine rubs my lower back painfully raw. Furthermore, upon getting home I discovered I also had grazes further up my back.
A great shower and some moisturiser later - and it still stings. hehe
However, the positives to come out of today:
I have discovered that the principles of hiking in boots, namely, a thin pair of cotton socks inside a thicker pair of socks means no blisters, also applies in running shoes! I've been rather uncharacteristically struggling with blisters of late, but am happy to report not a single blister today!
Furthermore, I am gaining ever-increasing confidence in my supplement blend as far as nutrition for the track goes.
I also 'discovered', right next to the Freo Bridge, a little cove for swimming in. Cool place - will definitely have to spend some time there.
Oh yeah. So, including the hour's sleep, the half hour in the store, and a few nutrition stops, it took 12 hours and 18 minutes. Not exactly record-breaking, and certainly not terrain like I'll be experiencing, but a decent training session nonetheless. Will keep you posted on the rest of the week's training days!
Tuesday 22 March 2011
A great day
Well, my birthday yesterday was fantastic! Had an excellent time at the gym first thing in the morning, with a class and a weights session.
Came home, had some breakfast, then grabbed my pack with my kayak in it (20kg all up), and walked 31km to the Swan River in the city. Along the way, I came across something that made me extremely angry. Wanneroo Road is a very busy road. At one point, there's an overpass so that people can cross the road safely. A woman was so lazy that rather than walk up the ramp and across the overpass, she decided to take her chances with traffic crossing the road. Which, in and of itself, isn't what made me angry. What made me angry was that this lazy, lazy woman took that chance whilst pushing a pram with a baby in it. I simply couldn't believe it. What is wrong with some people? How lazy do you have to be to risk the life of a baby in order to avoid walking a few extra metres up a ramp? I let her know she should think twice about doing such a foolish thing again.
Anyway, when I got to the river, I looked at a map and discovered the Swan Valley - my intended destination - was a good 4 hours paddle at least; a lot longer in an inflatable, so I decided to just paddle around the city area. Note to self - research intended journeys thoroughly prior to setting out!
I unpacked my kayak (after taking my shoes and socks off!), but couldn't find the bung. Figured I'd left it at home and just started laughing. Was just about to pack it back up again, when I saw it on the grass. Good to go.
So I spent a good couple of hours on the water. My shoulders were already sore from carrying the pack more than 30km, but it was good to give my feet a break.
After that I lounged on the river bank in the setting sun for half an hour, allowing my kayak to dry out a bit before packing it away. Was nice to just relax a bit.
From there I did another 9km, including a bunch of stairs. Got to my friends' place and enjoyed a few red wines. All in all, a great day.
Came home, had some breakfast, then grabbed my pack with my kayak in it (20kg all up), and walked 31km to the Swan River in the city. Along the way, I came across something that made me extremely angry. Wanneroo Road is a very busy road. At one point, there's an overpass so that people can cross the road safely. A woman was so lazy that rather than walk up the ramp and across the overpass, she decided to take her chances with traffic crossing the road. Which, in and of itself, isn't what made me angry. What made me angry was that this lazy, lazy woman took that chance whilst pushing a pram with a baby in it. I simply couldn't believe it. What is wrong with some people? How lazy do you have to be to risk the life of a baby in order to avoid walking a few extra metres up a ramp? I let her know she should think twice about doing such a foolish thing again.
Anyway, when I got to the river, I looked at a map and discovered the Swan Valley - my intended destination - was a good 4 hours paddle at least; a lot longer in an inflatable, so I decided to just paddle around the city area. Note to self - research intended journeys thoroughly prior to setting out!
I unpacked my kayak (after taking my shoes and socks off!), but couldn't find the bung. Figured I'd left it at home and just started laughing. Was just about to pack it back up again, when I saw it on the grass. Good to go.
So I spent a good couple of hours on the water. My shoulders were already sore from carrying the pack more than 30km, but it was good to give my feet a break.
After that I lounged on the river bank in the setting sun for half an hour, allowing my kayak to dry out a bit before packing it away. Was nice to just relax a bit.
From there I did another 9km, including a bunch of stairs. Got to my friends' place and enjoyed a few red wines. All in all, a great day.
Monday 21 March 2011
33 today!
It's my 33rd birthday today. And I have a great day planned. After indulging at my party on the weekend - well, ok, pretty much all weekend - I have a very healthy birthday on the cards.
6am, Body Balance.
7am, weights session
8am, come home, pick up my inflatable kayak (15kg), and walk to the city (27km). Paddle a couple of hours up the Swan River to the Swan Valley. Enjoy a nice meal. Paddle back to the city.
Late afternoon/early evening, King's Park/Jacob's Ladder for a workout, then spend the evening with friends.
Tomorrow morning, walk the 30km home with my kayak.
Gonna be great!!!! Man, I gotta tell ya, I wouldn't swap my 30's for my 20's for anything! Life is just so much more enjoyable when fit and healthy!
Yes, this means I didn't end doing my walk/kayak yesterday. I thought it would be much more enjoyable on my actual birthday, so just did a light 17km run, with a swim at the beach thrown in. Pretty relaxing day yesterday, actually. Went and saw the movie 'Limitless'. Was fantastic - highly recommend it. A very unique concept about a man who discovers a drug that allows him to unlock all areas of his brain. I won't spoil it, but it's definitely worth seeing. Anyway, I'm off to the gym. Have a great day - I know I sure will!
6am, Body Balance.
7am, weights session
8am, come home, pick up my inflatable kayak (15kg), and walk to the city (27km). Paddle a couple of hours up the Swan River to the Swan Valley. Enjoy a nice meal. Paddle back to the city.
Late afternoon/early evening, King's Park/Jacob's Ladder for a workout, then spend the evening with friends.
Tomorrow morning, walk the 30km home with my kayak.
Gonna be great!!!! Man, I gotta tell ya, I wouldn't swap my 30's for my 20's for anything! Life is just so much more enjoyable when fit and healthy!
Yes, this means I didn't end doing my walk/kayak yesterday. I thought it would be much more enjoyable on my actual birthday, so just did a light 17km run, with a swim at the beach thrown in. Pretty relaxing day yesterday, actually. Went and saw the movie 'Limitless'. Was fantastic - highly recommend it. A very unique concept about a man who discovers a drug that allows him to unlock all areas of his brain. I won't spoil it, but it's definitely worth seeing. Anyway, I'm off to the gym. Have a great day - I know I sure will!
Sunday 20 March 2011
Training with a difference
Well, it's been several days since my last post, so I thought it about time I get back to it. Today I want to talk about training with a difference.
What exactly do I mean? Well, we all know the standard training methods - gym, pool, classes, home gyms/treadmills etc, running, cycling, organised sport.
These are all fantastic ways to increase health and fitness, as well as lose weight for those wishing to do so.
But you don't have to fork out money for gym memberships or equipment to train, and changing up your training, doing something different, does two things:
It keeps your motivation and enjoyment levels high, and
It keeps your body guessing, thus maximising the benefits of training.
Let me share some of my own examples.
Last week I went out hiking on the Bibbulmun Track for two days, covering some challenging terrain in high heat.
Hiking is a brilliant way to cross train - every regular hiker I know is lean and fit. It works two of the three areas of fitness - endurance and strength, and often even balance!
But you don't even have to spend all day hiking to enjoy the benefits. Getting out in nature for even just a couple of hours allows you to relax, enjoy your beautiful surrounds, open your lungs to fresh, clean air, soak up a bit of vitamin D (be sun-smart though), give your body a good workout, and just have fun.
Some people, like me, like to challenge themselves on the trail. How far can I get today? How quickly can I complete the next section? Can I wear different shoes and still maintain the same pace? (Incidentally, the answer to this is no! Last week's hike I wore my Vibram Five Fingers. Brilliant, brilliant shoes for running - not for hiking in rough terrain though! I met a fellow hiker on the trail, and after a day and a half hiking in these shoes, I simply couldn't keep up with his pace due to pain in my feet).
So anyway, hiking is a brilliant way to train differently. Another thing I've only done a few times is rogaining. Rogaining again takes you outdoors - it's similiar to orienteering.
However, you have a set time and a map, and you have to collect as many points as you can by navigating to various co-ordinates before being back at the start in the designated time. These are usually 6, 12, or 24 hour events. For something a little less taxing, try urban orienteering - usually only goes for an hour or two, and it's in various suburbs each week whilst the competition is on. And again, they have easy, medium and hard options.
A really fun way to stay fit, and if you're doing it with a partner or in a team, it's a great way to spend some time with that person/people. If you're having trouble picturing what's involved, think Amazing Race minus the wacky challenges.
Another thing I enjoy doing is just putting my ipod on and running parallel to the train line. That way I can get as far as I feel like going, and just jump on the train home.
Today, after going to the gym, I will be putting my inflatable kayak on my back (about 15kg), walking to the city (27km), blowing up my kayak and paddling up the Swan River to the Swan Valley, where I'll enjoy a nice meal before turning around and coming back.
Other ways of training differently -
Go swimming at the beach. Fighting a few waves is always good for a complete body workout.
Indoor rockclimbing; you don't need any experience to get along and have some fun whilst challenging yourself. For some, it's also a great way to overcome a fear of heights in a very safe and controlled environment.
Go to a waterpark! How much fun can you possibly have whilst doing a cardio (swimming) and strength (climbing stairs etc) workout?
Find a friend and have a game of squash or tennis. Or kick a ball around a park, or shoot some hoops on a local basketball court.
Go mountain biking. Very few things work the entire body - and mind - like proper mountain biking, having to maintain control of the bike whilst navigating some interesting terrain.
Go dancing. Find a style you enjoy, and take some dance classes. It's great fun, and really good exercise at the same time. And guys, women usually appreciate a man who can dance!
Go kayaking. Fantastic upperbody workout, and a really different way of spending some time on the water.
Go for a big walk. Take a day out of your busy life, and just walk. Here's what I like doing. I like thinking to myself that I'd enjoy a nice glass of wine or pint of beer at the end of the day - so I'll have in mind a pub I know is going to take me all day to get to. For instance, from Joondalup it's a fantastic walk to Fremantle along the coast.
Head down Ocean Reef Road, and walk along the brilliant paths along the coast. And along the beach itself once I reach it. Stop for a swim wherever I feel like, and when arriving at places like Hilary's and Cottesloe, enjoying a cool drink or lunch in a great place. And upon arriving at the preferred pub, seeing the looks on people's faces when they find out where you've walked from. Priceless!
So at the end of the day, what I'm saying is that even if, like me, you deep down don't really like the gym, it doesn't mean you can't exercise effectively. And for those who do enjoy the gym, these are some ways to increase the benefits of the training you already do.
People often ask me what my training regime is. It's both a simple and difficult question to answer.
Basically, I don't have one. I train however I feel like on the day. I tend to go to the gym a few times a week, but then again, not always. I run - a lot! - but again, not always. And when I run, I run varying distances; no set pattern. If I'm struggling a bit, I'll only do 10km, or sometimes even just 5. If I'm feeling good, I'll run to the city and back, or around Lake Joondalup once or twice. I enjoy classes at the gym, particularly Wednesdays, when I'll often do Combat/Pump/Balance back to back. I'm just starting to swim. I go walking/hiking a lot. Whether around Perth, or up in the hills, depends on what I feel like doing each week.
Once I've completed my record attempt, I plan on taking up martial arts for more of an anaerobic-style of training.
So get out there people! Live life to the fullest! Change the way you think about training - most of what I do I don't even consider training, even though I know it is. To me, it's just fun.
Finally, I'd like to give a shout-out today to a few of my weight loss clients - I think this will be a regular feature of my blog.
Kevin, you're a star mate, having almost achieved your goal weight within a matter of weeks, and not months like we originally thought it would take. And managing a 1.9kg loss this week, despite St Patrick's Day! Well done on exercising restraint.
Ann - probably my most consistent client, who has been to every single one of my Sunday morning group walks, and consistently loses approx. 1kg each week. Well done Ann, I know you inspire several of the others.
Elly - a 16 year old girl who has really struggled, and threw in the towel. She came back this week, we reassessed her program, and she's keen to go again. Thanks Elly for being brave and coming back to see me.
And last, but certainly not least, Josie. We both got very excited when Josie registered a weight this week of 99.9kg - the first time she's been under 100kg since she was 13 years old. Bring on the 80's!
What exactly do I mean? Well, we all know the standard training methods - gym, pool, classes, home gyms/treadmills etc, running, cycling, organised sport.
These are all fantastic ways to increase health and fitness, as well as lose weight for those wishing to do so.
But you don't have to fork out money for gym memberships or equipment to train, and changing up your training, doing something different, does two things:
It keeps your motivation and enjoyment levels high, and
It keeps your body guessing, thus maximising the benefits of training.
Let me share some of my own examples.
Last week I went out hiking on the Bibbulmun Track for two days, covering some challenging terrain in high heat.
Hiking is a brilliant way to cross train - every regular hiker I know is lean and fit. It works two of the three areas of fitness - endurance and strength, and often even balance!
But you don't even have to spend all day hiking to enjoy the benefits. Getting out in nature for even just a couple of hours allows you to relax, enjoy your beautiful surrounds, open your lungs to fresh, clean air, soak up a bit of vitamin D (be sun-smart though), give your body a good workout, and just have fun.
Some people, like me, like to challenge themselves on the trail. How far can I get today? How quickly can I complete the next section? Can I wear different shoes and still maintain the same pace? (Incidentally, the answer to this is no! Last week's hike I wore my Vibram Five Fingers. Brilliant, brilliant shoes for running - not for hiking in rough terrain though! I met a fellow hiker on the trail, and after a day and a half hiking in these shoes, I simply couldn't keep up with his pace due to pain in my feet).
So anyway, hiking is a brilliant way to train differently. Another thing I've only done a few times is rogaining. Rogaining again takes you outdoors - it's similiar to orienteering.
However, you have a set time and a map, and you have to collect as many points as you can by navigating to various co-ordinates before being back at the start in the designated time. These are usually 6, 12, or 24 hour events. For something a little less taxing, try urban orienteering - usually only goes for an hour or two, and it's in various suburbs each week whilst the competition is on. And again, they have easy, medium and hard options.
A really fun way to stay fit, and if you're doing it with a partner or in a team, it's a great way to spend some time with that person/people. If you're having trouble picturing what's involved, think Amazing Race minus the wacky challenges.
Another thing I enjoy doing is just putting my ipod on and running parallel to the train line. That way I can get as far as I feel like going, and just jump on the train home.
Today, after going to the gym, I will be putting my inflatable kayak on my back (about 15kg), walking to the city (27km), blowing up my kayak and paddling up the Swan River to the Swan Valley, where I'll enjoy a nice meal before turning around and coming back.
Other ways of training differently -
Go swimming at the beach. Fighting a few waves is always good for a complete body workout.
Indoor rockclimbing; you don't need any experience to get along and have some fun whilst challenging yourself. For some, it's also a great way to overcome a fear of heights in a very safe and controlled environment.
Go to a waterpark! How much fun can you possibly have whilst doing a cardio (swimming) and strength (climbing stairs etc) workout?
Find a friend and have a game of squash or tennis. Or kick a ball around a park, or shoot some hoops on a local basketball court.
Go mountain biking. Very few things work the entire body - and mind - like proper mountain biking, having to maintain control of the bike whilst navigating some interesting terrain.
Go dancing. Find a style you enjoy, and take some dance classes. It's great fun, and really good exercise at the same time. And guys, women usually appreciate a man who can dance!
Go kayaking. Fantastic upperbody workout, and a really different way of spending some time on the water.
Go for a big walk. Take a day out of your busy life, and just walk. Here's what I like doing. I like thinking to myself that I'd enjoy a nice glass of wine or pint of beer at the end of the day - so I'll have in mind a pub I know is going to take me all day to get to. For instance, from Joondalup it's a fantastic walk to Fremantle along the coast.
Head down Ocean Reef Road, and walk along the brilliant paths along the coast. And along the beach itself once I reach it. Stop for a swim wherever I feel like, and when arriving at places like Hilary's and Cottesloe, enjoying a cool drink or lunch in a great place. And upon arriving at the preferred pub, seeing the looks on people's faces when they find out where you've walked from. Priceless!
So at the end of the day, what I'm saying is that even if, like me, you deep down don't really like the gym, it doesn't mean you can't exercise effectively. And for those who do enjoy the gym, these are some ways to increase the benefits of the training you already do.
People often ask me what my training regime is. It's both a simple and difficult question to answer.
Basically, I don't have one. I train however I feel like on the day. I tend to go to the gym a few times a week, but then again, not always. I run - a lot! - but again, not always. And when I run, I run varying distances; no set pattern. If I'm struggling a bit, I'll only do 10km, or sometimes even just 5. If I'm feeling good, I'll run to the city and back, or around Lake Joondalup once or twice. I enjoy classes at the gym, particularly Wednesdays, when I'll often do Combat/Pump/Balance back to back. I'm just starting to swim. I go walking/hiking a lot. Whether around Perth, or up in the hills, depends on what I feel like doing each week.
Once I've completed my record attempt, I plan on taking up martial arts for more of an anaerobic-style of training.
So get out there people! Live life to the fullest! Change the way you think about training - most of what I do I don't even consider training, even though I know it is. To me, it's just fun.
Finally, I'd like to give a shout-out today to a few of my weight loss clients - I think this will be a regular feature of my blog.
Kevin, you're a star mate, having almost achieved your goal weight within a matter of weeks, and not months like we originally thought it would take. And managing a 1.9kg loss this week, despite St Patrick's Day! Well done on exercising restraint.
Ann - probably my most consistent client, who has been to every single one of my Sunday morning group walks, and consistently loses approx. 1kg each week. Well done Ann, I know you inspire several of the others.
Elly - a 16 year old girl who has really struggled, and threw in the towel. She came back this week, we reassessed her program, and she's keen to go again. Thanks Elly for being brave and coming back to see me.
And last, but certainly not least, Josie. We both got very excited when Josie registered a weight this week of 99.9kg - the first time she's been under 100kg since she was 13 years old. Bring on the 80's!
Thursday 17 March 2011
Positive point of praise
I would like to give a great big shout out to one of my weight loss clients tonight.
This young woman has only been with me for 3 weeks. In that time, she's been very diligent, and the results have reflected this.
She started out with a BMI in the 24's, which is, of course, a healthy BMI. This young woman has had some problems in the past, and her self-esteem has suffered because of it. I know that I am not the only one out there that can identify with that!
She has an incredibly supportive and loving mother, which most definitely helps, but this is something that this young woman has done for herself.
She has lost 5.1kg in 3 weeks. Is that a big deal? It is when it's 7.1% of your body weight! Those are Biggest Loser-esque figures! From a woman who already had a BMI at the top end of the healthy range.
I see a bigger smile on her face each time she comes in, and her mum inevitably gets teary due to her daughter's success and the smile it brings to her daughter's face. (It's ok, I think it's a beautiful thing).
I am trying to convince my boss to allow me to begin an official Member of the Month acknowledgment system.
Congratulations must go out to Sophie, a 16 year old young woman who has not only lost an incredible 7.1% body weight in just 3 weeks using healthy methods, she has done so whilst withstanding the scrutiny of young colleagues, and has even inspired her 22 year old cousin to come and see me in order to begin her own lifestyle-changing journey.
This post is all about you Sophie. Keep smiling, and continue to grow in strength and confidence. You are a beautiful young woman who deserves to shine.
Sophie, if you are reading this, you are most certainly my Member of the Month!
This young woman has only been with me for 3 weeks. In that time, she's been very diligent, and the results have reflected this.
She started out with a BMI in the 24's, which is, of course, a healthy BMI. This young woman has had some problems in the past, and her self-esteem has suffered because of it. I know that I am not the only one out there that can identify with that!
She has an incredibly supportive and loving mother, which most definitely helps, but this is something that this young woman has done for herself.
She has lost 5.1kg in 3 weeks. Is that a big deal? It is when it's 7.1% of your body weight! Those are Biggest Loser-esque figures! From a woman who already had a BMI at the top end of the healthy range.
I see a bigger smile on her face each time she comes in, and her mum inevitably gets teary due to her daughter's success and the smile it brings to her daughter's face. (It's ok, I think it's a beautiful thing).
I am trying to convince my boss to allow me to begin an official Member of the Month acknowledgment system.
Congratulations must go out to Sophie, a 16 year old young woman who has not only lost an incredible 7.1% body weight in just 3 weeks using healthy methods, she has done so whilst withstanding the scrutiny of young colleagues, and has even inspired her 22 year old cousin to come and see me in order to begin her own lifestyle-changing journey.
This post is all about you Sophie. Keep smiling, and continue to grow in strength and confidence. You are a beautiful young woman who deserves to shine.
Sophie, if you are reading this, you are most certainly my Member of the Month!
Weight loss products
Somebody recently asked whether duromine was good or bad for weight loss. Here was my reply:
I work in a situation where I see the effects of both healthy and unhealthy weight loss on a day-to-day basis;
I'm a weight loss consultant within a pharmacy.
Not only is Duromine expensive (around $100), it OFTEN has side effects.
I honestly don't know why doctors continue to prescribe it. I have actually taken people frustrated with duromine, and frankly, sometimes downright scared of it!, and put them onto healthy weight loss through education and support.
People come to me and ask what's the best way to lose weight. So I tell them. I take them to our 'weight loss wall', where we stock most of our weight loss products (except for those behind the counter or in the dispensary).
I show them these products, and tell them that they all work. And let's be honest - they pretty much do.
I then ask them what they want to achieve. Obviously, weight loss. But more to the point, do they REALLY want to lose weight, or are they after a quick fix?
Those people that are dead-set on a quick fix, I suggest a couple of products, knowing that either a) they're not going to lose weight at all, or b) will sadly put it all back on. These customers I wish all the best, and suggest they come back and see me if they're struggling.
This goes for:
Svelte
Rapid Burn
Meal Replacement shakes/bars/soups etc (ALL brands)
Lipoburn
Swisse Appetite Suppressant (all appetite suppressants)
Sensaslim
Reducta
Xenical (over the counter)
Duromine (prescription only)
even lap banding.
The fact is, in their own way, these products DO help you to lose weight. However, there are sometimes side effects (seriously, who wants to suffer anal leakage??), and unless a person undergoes EDUCATION, they will never keep the weight off in a healthy manner.
So, at the end of the day, all these products can have a place in weight loss. Whilst I never underwent a meal replacement program myself, I am a fan of those needing a boost starting out this way instead of the other products.
I have left out one particular product from that list. (Ok, I may have missed a few, but there's just so darn many!).
However, I purposely left out the Lemon Detox 'Diet'. We have recently begun to stock it. I have told my boss that I flat-out refuse to sell it. I believe it to be harmful and even downright dangerous.
Proper detoxes certainly have their place, and can be very effective at cleansing the system. However, ANY product THAT TELLS YOU TO COMPLETELY STOP EATING FOR A WEEK and take a hideous syrup instead is, in my opinion, detrimental to your health. Fullstop. And no, I'm not dramatising my position. I have already told customers I simply will not sell it to them - if they insist on buying it, buy it from another staff member.....
So, to recap. Most weight loss products can be used as a kick-start for genuine weight loss. I personally believe the most reliable and nutritionally-sound of these to be meal replacement shakes/soups/bars. However, I do not recommend replacing more than two meals a day, and if you're unsure, check with someone in the know as to whether your daily intake provides you with all the nutrients you need.
Duromine has some funky (not good funky, either) side effects.
Xenical causes anal leakage. Pretty much on purpose.
Lemon Detox = no go.
Shakes = good - provided it's in conjunction with sound nutritional education.
Support is VERY important!
I'm happy to discuss any of these products further.
I know I'm not interested in revolving door clients.
So if you are losing weight in the correct manner, relax - you WILL get to where you want to be! At the end of the day, it really is a very simple process with simple rules to follow.
Sure, we all have ups and downs, but the facts of weight loss really do remain the same.
I work in a situation where I see the effects of both healthy and unhealthy weight loss on a day-to-day basis;
I'm a weight loss consultant within a pharmacy.
Not only is Duromine expensive (around $100), it OFTEN has side effects.
I honestly don't know why doctors continue to prescribe it. I have actually taken people frustrated with duromine, and frankly, sometimes downright scared of it!, and put them onto healthy weight loss through education and support.
People come to me and ask what's the best way to lose weight. So I tell them. I take them to our 'weight loss wall', where we stock most of our weight loss products (except for those behind the counter or in the dispensary).
I show them these products, and tell them that they all work. And let's be honest - they pretty much do.
I then ask them what they want to achieve. Obviously, weight loss. But more to the point, do they REALLY want to lose weight, or are they after a quick fix?
Those people that are dead-set on a quick fix, I suggest a couple of products, knowing that either a) they're not going to lose weight at all, or b) will sadly put it all back on. These customers I wish all the best, and suggest they come back and see me if they're struggling.
This goes for:
Svelte
Rapid Burn
Meal Replacement shakes/bars/soups etc (ALL brands)
Lipoburn
Swisse Appetite Suppressant (all appetite suppressants)
Sensaslim
Reducta
Xenical (over the counter)
Duromine (prescription only)
even lap banding.
The fact is, in their own way, these products DO help you to lose weight. However, there are sometimes side effects (seriously, who wants to suffer anal leakage??), and unless a person undergoes EDUCATION, they will never keep the weight off in a healthy manner.
So, at the end of the day, all these products can have a place in weight loss. Whilst I never underwent a meal replacement program myself, I am a fan of those needing a boost starting out this way instead of the other products.
I have left out one particular product from that list. (Ok, I may have missed a few, but there's just so darn many!).
However, I purposely left out the Lemon Detox 'Diet'. We have recently begun to stock it. I have told my boss that I flat-out refuse to sell it. I believe it to be harmful and even downright dangerous.
Proper detoxes certainly have their place, and can be very effective at cleansing the system. However, ANY product THAT TELLS YOU TO COMPLETELY STOP EATING FOR A WEEK and take a hideous syrup instead is, in my opinion, detrimental to your health. Fullstop. And no, I'm not dramatising my position. I have already told customers I simply will not sell it to them - if they insist on buying it, buy it from another staff member.....
So, to recap. Most weight loss products can be used as a kick-start for genuine weight loss. I personally believe the most reliable and nutritionally-sound of these to be meal replacement shakes/soups/bars. However, I do not recommend replacing more than two meals a day, and if you're unsure, check with someone in the know as to whether your daily intake provides you with all the nutrients you need.
Duromine has some funky (not good funky, either) side effects.
Xenical causes anal leakage. Pretty much on purpose.
Lemon Detox = no go.
Shakes = good - provided it's in conjunction with sound nutritional education.
Support is VERY important!
I'm happy to discuss any of these products further.
I know I'm not interested in revolving door clients.
So if you are losing weight in the correct manner, relax - you WILL get to where you want to be! At the end of the day, it really is a very simple process with simple rules to follow.
Sure, we all have ups and downs, but the facts of weight loss really do remain the same.
Wednesday 16 March 2011
2011 - getting to this point.
As mentioned, today's post is a brief hash about getting to where I am now.
2010 was riddled with injuries, but also many memorable moments - hiking through the Bungle Bungles, exploring the Kimberley, climbing waterfalls etc, as well as a revisit to my favourite place - Karijini National Park, which is seriously like Disney Land for adventure lovers!
It was also my first year in over a decade as a civilian, and the year I was supposed to take my fitness to a different level. It was the year I tried my hand as a cook - first on a cattle station, and then in a resort in Kununurra.
I started a relationship at the beginning of the year, and it ended towards the end of the year. But I was able to share my year of travels with a great woman.
So, returning to Perth towards the end of last year, having put a few kilos back on due to injury, working in a kitchen all day, and flat-out laziness, I was determined to get back into the swing of things. Newly single, new job, new home = new beginnings, for sure.
I had planned to run 100km for New Year's Eve - you know, finish 2010 and start 2011 with a marathon either side of midnight. Didn't count on the blisters though! So after 30km I headed home, but finished it off a couple of days later.
Given my increasing rate of injury, I was very much aware that I had to train smarter this year. I've always struggled taking the time to stretch properly. So now I ensure I do at least two stretching classes a week. I tried Bikram Yoga, which was fantastic, but honestly, it was just too expensive when an entire gym membership cost less and gave me complete access to the gym, pool and unlimited classes. So now I do Body Balance to remain limber.
My main focus this year has been two-fold:
1. Gain enough endurance fitness to successfully break the record on the Bibbulmun Track.
2. Increase my upperbody strength in order to be able to successfully regain entry into the Navy - this time as a Clearance Diver.
So I have (mostly) only been working a 4-day week, in order to focus on training, which has included a LOT of running and hiking/walking, and time in the gym.
Some days I struggle. Like today. After a hard slog on the trail in 35 degree heat on Monday and Tuesday, followed by 3 and half hours in the gym yesterday (light weights session/Body Combat/Body Pump/Body Balance), my legs - and particularly feet - just really don't feel up to it today. Which is ok, because Thursdays I work 12 hours, and is supposed to be a rest day. Keep reminding myself to train smarter, not necessarily increasingly harder.
So I'm off to work soon, which I enjoy (most of the time). I am particularly passionate about one aspect of my job, and that's being a weight loss consultant, where I get to help people change their lives. Definitely the most rewarding part of what I do!
Well, now that I've given a very brief history as to who I am and why I'm here, from now on it will be a more traditional blog - sharing of the day's events, thoughts, successes and yes, even failures.
I hope to generate interest in Endurance for Charity. But I also hope that somewhere out there someone is able to either take comfort or some new bit of advice away from my blog.
Have a great day!
2010 was riddled with injuries, but also many memorable moments - hiking through the Bungle Bungles, exploring the Kimberley, climbing waterfalls etc, as well as a revisit to my favourite place - Karijini National Park, which is seriously like Disney Land for adventure lovers!
It was also my first year in over a decade as a civilian, and the year I was supposed to take my fitness to a different level. It was the year I tried my hand as a cook - first on a cattle station, and then in a resort in Kununurra.
I started a relationship at the beginning of the year, and it ended towards the end of the year. But I was able to share my year of travels with a great woman.
So, returning to Perth towards the end of last year, having put a few kilos back on due to injury, working in a kitchen all day, and flat-out laziness, I was determined to get back into the swing of things. Newly single, new job, new home = new beginnings, for sure.
I had planned to run 100km for New Year's Eve - you know, finish 2010 and start 2011 with a marathon either side of midnight. Didn't count on the blisters though! So after 30km I headed home, but finished it off a couple of days later.
Given my increasing rate of injury, I was very much aware that I had to train smarter this year. I've always struggled taking the time to stretch properly. So now I ensure I do at least two stretching classes a week. I tried Bikram Yoga, which was fantastic, but honestly, it was just too expensive when an entire gym membership cost less and gave me complete access to the gym, pool and unlimited classes. So now I do Body Balance to remain limber.
My main focus this year has been two-fold:
1. Gain enough endurance fitness to successfully break the record on the Bibbulmun Track.
2. Increase my upperbody strength in order to be able to successfully regain entry into the Navy - this time as a Clearance Diver.
So I have (mostly) only been working a 4-day week, in order to focus on training, which has included a LOT of running and hiking/walking, and time in the gym.
Some days I struggle. Like today. After a hard slog on the trail in 35 degree heat on Monday and Tuesday, followed by 3 and half hours in the gym yesterday (light weights session/Body Combat/Body Pump/Body Balance), my legs - and particularly feet - just really don't feel up to it today. Which is ok, because Thursdays I work 12 hours, and is supposed to be a rest day. Keep reminding myself to train smarter, not necessarily increasingly harder.
So I'm off to work soon, which I enjoy (most of the time). I am particularly passionate about one aspect of my job, and that's being a weight loss consultant, where I get to help people change their lives. Definitely the most rewarding part of what I do!
Well, now that I've given a very brief history as to who I am and why I'm here, from now on it will be a more traditional blog - sharing of the day's events, thoughts, successes and yes, even failures.
I hope to generate interest in Endurance for Charity. But I also hope that somewhere out there someone is able to either take comfort or some new bit of advice away from my blog.
Have a great day!
Tuesday 15 March 2011
And so it begins.....
A famous inspirational quote is thus: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".
Well, this seems more than apt, for several reasons.
1) This is my first foray into the world of blogging.
2) This is the blog of Endurance for Charity.
3) The first endurance event is a record attempt on the (almost) 1000km Bibbulmun Track.
Now, I may have left the start of this blog a little late to generate any real interest for the upcoming record attempt, but Endurance for Charity may very well become my life-long legacy, and so starting this blog just a week shy of my 33rd birthday doesn't seem like it's too late.....
So what has brought me to this point? Why start my own not-for-profit organisation, when there are so many out there? Why endurance events? Isn't the (now defunct) lamington drive an easier way to raise money?
Well, first of all, I always wondered why the lamington drive disappeared..... Who remembers, as kids, getting in the kitchen with a bunch of mums, actually MAKING the lamingtons, carefully placing them in white cardboard boxes, then going door-to-door, trying to sell them without actually eating any of them? If the mums were smart, they made just enough extra that the kids were already sick of lamingtons by the time it came to sell them.
Anyway, I digress.
Why I registered Endurance for Charity
Well, I want to give something back to the community. With all the current tragedy in this country and overseas, I want to DO something. Now, without getting too political, lets just say that me putting my hand up as a Navy Reserve medic, (someone with, I would think, highly-regarded skills in light of recent events), received not so much as an acknowledgement.
So, frustrated, I wondered what else I could do.....
I figured I could combine two passions - helping others and long-distance running. This could simply have been a stand-alone event, but I realised I had the opportunity to form an all-encompassing organisation that could cover a multitude of feats of endurance by me - and hopefully others - in the future.
And so Endurance for Charity was born.
Ok. So I've introduced my new-found organisation. Let me tell you a bit about me.
My full name is Kreig Danyon Owen Leitchze. DOB 22/03/78.
On 27th Feb, 2010, I discharged after 10 year's full-time service in the Navy. Why? Because I felt I was stagnating. Just the year before, I underwent a transformation in my life - I lost 20kg, and I began to run!
I went from being worried about whether or not I would pass my fitness test (a 2.4km run), to running marathons, and even greater distances than that, within a matter of months.
(As a side note, a marathon is always 42.195km - anything greater than that is technically an ultra marathon).
Last year I went traveling, and throughout the course of the year, I sustained a torn calf muscle (twice), torn hamstring, and fractured wrist. Needless to say, I didn't compete in any distance events.
This year is a different story. And that's where my next post will pick up......
Well, this seems more than apt, for several reasons.
1) This is my first foray into the world of blogging.
2) This is the blog of Endurance for Charity.
3) The first endurance event is a record attempt on the (almost) 1000km Bibbulmun Track.
Now, I may have left the start of this blog a little late to generate any real interest for the upcoming record attempt, but Endurance for Charity may very well become my life-long legacy, and so starting this blog just a week shy of my 33rd birthday doesn't seem like it's too late.....
So what has brought me to this point? Why start my own not-for-profit organisation, when there are so many out there? Why endurance events? Isn't the (now defunct) lamington drive an easier way to raise money?
Well, first of all, I always wondered why the lamington drive disappeared..... Who remembers, as kids, getting in the kitchen with a bunch of mums, actually MAKING the lamingtons, carefully placing them in white cardboard boxes, then going door-to-door, trying to sell them without actually eating any of them? If the mums were smart, they made just enough extra that the kids were already sick of lamingtons by the time it came to sell them.
Anyway, I digress.
Why I registered Endurance for Charity
Well, I want to give something back to the community. With all the current tragedy in this country and overseas, I want to DO something. Now, without getting too political, lets just say that me putting my hand up as a Navy Reserve medic, (someone with, I would think, highly-regarded skills in light of recent events), received not so much as an acknowledgement.
So, frustrated, I wondered what else I could do.....
I figured I could combine two passions - helping others and long-distance running. This could simply have been a stand-alone event, but I realised I had the opportunity to form an all-encompassing organisation that could cover a multitude of feats of endurance by me - and hopefully others - in the future.
And so Endurance for Charity was born.
Ok. So I've introduced my new-found organisation. Let me tell you a bit about me.
My full name is Kreig Danyon Owen Leitchze. DOB 22/03/78.
On 27th Feb, 2010, I discharged after 10 year's full-time service in the Navy. Why? Because I felt I was stagnating. Just the year before, I underwent a transformation in my life - I lost 20kg, and I began to run!
I went from being worried about whether or not I would pass my fitness test (a 2.4km run), to running marathons, and even greater distances than that, within a matter of months.
(As a side note, a marathon is always 42.195km - anything greater than that is technically an ultra marathon).
Last year I went traveling, and throughout the course of the year, I sustained a torn calf muscle (twice), torn hamstring, and fractured wrist. Needless to say, I didn't compete in any distance events.
This year is a different story. And that's where my next post will pick up......
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