Wow, where has this year gone. last posted in May, and I am finally back on track for the 2 big events next year. Last time I blogged, I decided to stop and reset. This involved me getting to the root problem to why I was getting injured all the time apart from the constant running. I went to see a local physio and friend Kerstin Langer. After her assessment, my issue seemed that I was running with my toes up, which in turn was making my ankle unstable. The rehab included doming my foot, towel dragging with my toes, and balancing on a piece of foam whilst curling toes down and lifting heel. These exercises strengthened my foot and ankle.
Next part of the plan, was to start early to avoid having to catch up on mileage later on, As the mileages started growing, I had a moment where I decided to take the advice that I give to people and listen to my body. I cant run long runs, week after week. So recovery time became my friend. This also has meant that so far, the long runs haven't been met with dread, in fact the opposite has been the case. Instead of constantly running, I've been on my turbo trainer in the garage. So far so good.
Well I have just under 9 months to go until the Fire and Ice Ultra, so this is my plan for the next 6 months. My Long run is up to 26.2 miles on a course that was a mixture of road and Boggy cross country and that felt comfortable in a time of 4 hrs. so carrying on with my recovery/low run mileage weeks, plan to add 4 or 5 miles every month up to 50 miles, which should be by the end of April 2018. This gives me an easy 4 weeks before London to Brighton. The lower mileage weeks will include a half marathon. So this will give me the opportunity to run with weight, which I will increase over time. I've estimated that my bag weight for Iceland will probably be close to 12KG. Ive based this on the fact that my bag weight for MDS was around 10kg, but I am going to need more clothes for Iceland.
Talking of clothes and kit, I've gone for another choice of Shoe and waterproof jacket and trousers. The shoes offer a Gore-Tex lining, which I figure may help. I had to change my waterproofs as the Montane set didn't meet the minimum requirements for Iceland.
Inov-8 Trail Talon 275 GTX
Run with comfort and protection on hard-packed trails with this men's trail running shoe. The TRAIL TALON 275 offers the ultimate balance of speed and cushioning. Debris-free trail running with integrated gusset tongue as well as gaiter options (gaiter sold separately). Perfect for long miles on hard-packed trails, the TRAIL TALON 275 delivers the perfect fit and unrivalled comfort with next generation ADAPTERFIT technology. A two-piece Powerflow midsole delivers optimum levels of shock absorption and energy return.
| Fit Scale | 4 |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Footbed | 6mm Foam |
| Lug Depth | 4mm |
| Midsole | POWER FLOW |
| Midsole Stack | Heel 25.5mm / Forefoot 17.5mm |
| Shank | DFBﾙ |
| Product Weight |
275g / 9.7oz
|
For long miles on hard-packed trails
UD ULTRA JACKET V2
FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS
Not sure whether to bring a wind or rain coat? Don't worry - just bring the UD Ultra Jacket. It's waterproof and as light as most windbreakers. Designed with input from ultrarunner Anton Krupicka, this waterproof-breathable ultra running jacket has flip mitts, fully taped seam, underarm vents, hood ventilation, internal storage pocket and 3x bungee hood adjustments.
"Designed with input from ultrarunner Anton Krupicka, the waterproof-breathable Ultra is intended to get you through the most challenging conditions. It weighs less than six ounces and has smart features like flip-on mitts and vented pits and hood."
Outside Online
"Part of UD’s first line of jackets, the waterproof, breathable Ultra Jacket was tested in both rain showers and shower stalls. Keeps you dry as dirt. Packs into its own internal pocket."
Runners World
FEATURES
- Full zip front
- Waterproof/Breathability - Over 22,000mm/Over 22,000g/m2 24hrs
- Exceeds the Breathability and Waterproof standard required by the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc
- Fastbreath Ultra™ - waterproof/breathable fabric
- Fully-taped seams
- Stuffs into chest pocket
- Internal chest pocket holds and protects iPhone 6 and features a headphone port
- Underarm vents provide ventilation and cooling while wearing a hydration vest
- Ergonomic shoulder construction enhances range of motion
- Self-bound seams provide superior durability
- Patent-Pending TunnelEffect™ hood channel for airflow and moisture management
- Patent-Pending FlipMitts™ - self storing mitts provide waterproof warmthSPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT
5.9 oz / 167 g
MATERIALS
48gsm 20D HexNylon Fastbreath Ultra™ Fabric
Men's Ultimate Direction Waterproof Trousers : ULTRA PANT V2
Don't worry - you don't have to choose between windproof or waterproof trousers - with the Men's UD ULTRA PANT V2 you get both.
Don't worry - you don't have to choose between windproof or waterproof trousers - with the Men's UD ULTRA PANT V2 you get both.
This waterproof-breathable men's ultra running trouser exceeds the breathability and waterproof standards required by the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanch. The UD Ultra Pant V2 has an elasticated waistband with draw-cord, an internal storage pocket, long zipped fully-taped leg openings for easy on/off and stretch fabric. Men's Ultra Jacket V2 jacket also available.
FEATURES
- Fully taped seams- Side long zipped leg openings
- Waterproof/Breathability - 33,000 mm water entry pressure and 29,000 moisture vapor transmission rate
- Exceeds the Breathability and Waterproof standard required by the UTMB
- Fastbreath Ultra™ - waterproof/breathable fabric- Internal pocket
SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT
3.5 oz / 100 g
MATERIALS
10D High-strength Nylon 2.5L Waterproof-Breathable
I would like to say Thank You to
who gave me 10% discount on the waterproofs
Please press this link to take you to their page
Fundraising
So time to get back to fundraising too..........we are currently at 10% of our £5000 target at £452
if you want to donate please press the link below
Thanks in Advance
Sit back and watch what I've been upto
Have a Great Christmas
and
New year
