tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35922924909773974842024-03-13T15:29:19.049+00:00A reluctant runnerI decided to chronicle my training for the 2010 Marathon des Sables. Rather than bore people to tears with details of my fitness regime and search for sand-proof socks –- it turns out there are plenty of blogs along those lines –- this one was intended to help maintain my interest in training over 2009, whilst providing no entertainment or useful information to others. It also turned into a catalogue of London's fine animal adornments.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-68329993949195973352011-03-15T18:16:00.000+00:002011-03-15T18:16:51.375+00:002010 MdS on TVHe may be a bit annoying but he did do bloody well. <a href="http://www.discoveryuk.com/web/toughest-race-on-earth-with-james-cracknell/">Cracknell's experience</a> of my race airs on UK Discovery on 24 March 2011 at 9pm. Hopefully I'm in one of the background shots but it's frankly unlikely.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-62012037542305373942010-11-11T11:59:00.001+00:002010-11-11T12:00:11.558+00:00Kit and tipsHere's a link to a page on this site about <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/p/kit-and-tips-for-marathon-des-sables.html">kit and tips</a> of what to expect for those who're thinking of entering or are about to run the MdS.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-40703374017470724362010-05-03T12:56:00.000+01:002010-05-03T12:56:52.523+01:00London Marathon picsAs promised...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7fnl_Z8dMHCCpUwYmHGm3uY6KhCZ_zTH0ocwPYB-Bc8XzoM4fxuQjaLTDCb2oF_eb9J7dshL92gnGW7euDmZSeXAF81yZuGQnEwc9NUxxQEawR_lSAM56MwP2sBYTy4GXmPMoGr6lJBU/s1600/709450-9058-0035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7fnl_Z8dMHCCpUwYmHGm3uY6KhCZ_zTH0ocwPYB-Bc8XzoM4fxuQjaLTDCb2oF_eb9J7dshL92gnGW7euDmZSeXAF81yZuGQnEwc9NUxxQEawR_lSAM56MwP2sBYTy4GXmPMoGr6lJBU/s320/709450-9058-0035.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKYrDEE_29EC-CBOfB6DBIjb9ttH5MxYhUSy21skcEoHFMthPgUlpRIgs492HLibuDRyb3X75rZXUS4RDl-isGeRLVLe102kljG2kpF-TG9JbS8XUuPXFPv2NuOsAmjqpvpWU3N8JXZvj/s1600/709302-6559-0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKYrDEE_29EC-CBOfB6DBIjb9ttH5MxYhUSy21skcEoHFMthPgUlpRIgs492HLibuDRyb3X75rZXUS4RDl-isGeRLVLe102kljG2kpF-TG9JbS8XUuPXFPv2NuOsAmjqpvpWU3N8JXZvj/s320/709302-6559-0002.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYHWXRXnRf_FvzKEwElrYdg8C5dJN89Minm47nLLei7552zOmZJklClq3kWRIvFkGjOM2jnH-9P6PJcUrO6Zs8jh0581r6SUIAnEaJlfoUIs01_dyAHvlcb3xLXCYOxQdr1OZE91JmWyz/s1600/London+Marathon+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYHWXRXnRf_FvzKEwElrYdg8C5dJN89Minm47nLLei7552zOmZJklClq3kWRIvFkGjOM2jnH-9P6PJcUrO6Zs8jh0581r6SUIAnEaJlfoUIs01_dyAHvlcb3xLXCYOxQdr1OZE91JmWyz/s320/London+Marathon+2010.jpg" /></a></div>Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-4017417880183318742010-04-26T20:31:00.001+01:002010-04-26T20:41:36.535+01:00Epilogue? The London marathonI entered London about 11 months ago and got on through the ballot. I had always assumed that I'd be so tired after the MdS that I'd just pull out and roll my place over to 2011 but - blisters aside - I felt pretty good after the big one. My feet had a couple of weeks to heal so I decided to give it a go yesterday and see how I went - it was a great opportunity to see if I could run sub-3:30 given I'll probably never be as fit again. In fact, my target was 3:20 and I wanted to start well enough over the first few miles to give myself the opportunity to run 3:10 if I could.<br />
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I never felt great to be honest. It p'ed it down for the half-hour before we started (I neglected to take a bin liner) and when we got going, it became fairly warm and humid. I don't think my immediate preparation was ideal - dinner in the awesome <a href="http://www.ibericalondon.com/">Iberica</a> on Friday night, followed by a bbq and beer at my friend Gus' on Saturday.<br />
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However, I think the main problem was that I haven't trained much for this kind of race. My runs have mainly been pretty low intensity, with little in the way of quicker <a href="http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/general/the-perfect-tempo-run/3176.html">threshold runs</a>. Basically, I wasn't really equipped to maintain a pace of a touch over 7 minute miles. The first half of the marathon went OK nevertheless - I got to 13.1m in 1:36 - but I knew that I couldn't keep it up. By the time I reached 19m, on the way back from Canary Wharf, I was really starting to feel it and the last hour or so wasn't the most fun I've ever had. I assume that at the end of an 'ideal' race you should feel as knackered as you ever have done if you're going for a good time, which I managed but which doesn't make for a lot of fun.<br />
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On the positive side, though, the crowd was as amazing as I remember and I eventually stumbled home in 3:21, which I'm very pleased with and is decent enough for me to think about calling it a day on marathon running. That latter feeling has stayed with me today given how stiff I am! I'll post a photo or two when they're released. This time I tried to smile, given how pained I looked in the ones in 2006...<br />
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By now, I am very much a "reluctant runner". 2009 is over and we're a good chunk into 2010. I've still a post or two to go - particularly some kit tips for the MdS itself, but I<b></b> have a feeling that this might be it - the blog has served its original purpose of livening up my training and providing a chronicle of my training for the MdS. What should I do with it now? Suggestions in the comments box please!Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-30677025245857837952010-04-15T08:22:00.002+01:002010-04-15T08:22:28.452+01:00Full MdS 2010 write-up with pics......now on this site <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/p/marathon-des-sables-2010.html">here</a>.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-47280193079930056222010-04-11T08:44:00.001+01:002010-04-11T08:44:23.840+01:00Day 7 / loose ends<!-- Converted from text/plain format --> <P><FONT SIZE=2>Back in Ouarzazate now. Yesterday's half-marathon was tough, given the previous day's exertions and the state of my feet, but I made it through. By the end, my motivation had solely become to make it out of the desert and back to civilisation. The run was broadly flat apart from a couple of sandy sections at the start and finish. The latter were the dunes near Merzouga, which brought back memories of my visit there with Gus, 15 years ago. It was summertime and very hot indeed. Due to our (my) slight mis-budgeting, we ran out of cash and thus water in our final few hours there and spent the time immobile, nursing our final precious litre, waiting for the bus out and watching our pee gradually change colour in a slightly alarming way.<BR> <BR> I also want to mention day 3. That blog update seems to have failed to appear here, which is both good and bad. Day 3 was my lowest ebb. It was a flat course but frighteningly hot at times (a competitor clocked about 50C on his watch), a bit humid and the scenery was stiflingly dull. All very oppressive and, after a decent run to checkpoint 1 (and an unscheduled Radcliffe break), I found it really hard going, walking most of the rest of the way. A couple of competitors - Sophie and Cranston (I think) - were kind enough to chat to me on the way and really helped me through. I was in a bit of a state when we got in to the bivi and I remember my email from day 3 being very flat indeed. Mabe it's good that it never appeared, in case its tone worried people back home, but I certainly want my feelings recorded - if for no other reason than otherwise it looks as though I had a great time every day of the race and this was certainly not the case!<BR> <BR> I'll post a proper write-up with some photos on my return. For now, some final thoughts. My main memories will be both good and bad.<BR> <BR> The MdS is brutal and attritional. The heat and dryness. Grime, sand and sweat. Frequent nosebleeds. A general feeling of being ill at ease. Much of day 3 and and the final stage of day 4 were horribly tough. On the other hand, there was so much support from other competitors - I have mentioned those on day 3 above, and another thank you has to go to Aussie Paul for his conversation and gel at the end of the long stage - they picked me up just at the right time. Tent 93 were a diverse bunch of guys, all very different but all great people. In order of appearance, a huge thank you to young Andy, Kris, Pete, Jeffrey, Ben, Rob and Frank. I made it to the end, which is great, with a couple of good(ish) runs on days 4 and 6.<BR> <BR> What now? I've completed what I assumed would be the toughest thing I've ever attempted to do and it's been over 2 years in the planning. The reality of the experience was a bit different to my expectations and in some ways I found it easier than expected. Is answer to find an even harder challenge? Possibly. I'm wondering, though, more about whether I'm asking the right question. </FONT></P> Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-10300201993962136252010-04-09T22:20:00.000+01:002010-04-09T22:19:36.712+01:000882--Day 6 - marathon dayMy last email from the camp tent - hopefully this remote blog updating thing is working out OK; sorry they're terse but we're space-constrained. Once again, thanks to all who've sent me messages - it's been great to hear everything (apart from the Arsenal score).<p>Yesterday was mainly spent lying down following a visit to the scalpel-jockeys, who did bad things to my feet. Off there again after this...<p>Marathon day today. There are a variety of reasons that I ran quite well today. One is that I just wanted to get it out the way - my feet hurt and I wanted to get off them. We've spent a while out here now and it's easier to judge what's possible given the experience I've gained. Finally, it was that bit cooler. I thought I'd run round in a pleasing 5h45 but I forgot what time we set off and apparently it was more like 5h15 - close to a miracle.<p>Anyone who can still move will finish tomorrow's half-marathon through the dunes, so I'm pretty much done now, which feels great!<p>-----------------------------<br>N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE<br>-----------------------------<br>Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALEAndy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-30209933371849277642010-04-08T22:34:00.000+01:002010-04-08T22:33:16.934+01:000882--Day 4/5 - could have been worseThe first news is sad. Ben, a lovely guy in our tent, dropped out on day 3, due to illness/heat. It's a real shame and I feel for him a lot.<p>I was surprised not to feel too bad at the start line given what we'd done in the previous 3 days. 51mi awaited...<p>Stage 1 - ran with chipper Aussie tent-mate Kris. Felt good.<br>Stage 2 - mainly downhill through sand. A thorn went through the sole of my shoes into my foot. I turn my ankle slightly in the sand.<br>Stage 3 - put on iPod for the 1st time. It helps (thanks FF&D), or maybe it's the codeine. Run through the heat of the day.<br>Stage 4 - the first of the fast group overtakes. Walk through to 30mi.<br>Stage 5 - night falls as I enter the dunes. Cracknell overtakes.<br>Stage 6 - become a walking robot. Uphill through relentless dunes.<br>Stage 7 - the final 6mi is long. My feet are killing me - lots of blisters. Finish about 12.15am, better than I'd expected. Pass out.<p>Food ingested: oatmeal, 4x oat bars, 1x peanut M&Ms, 3 Pepperamis. Urgh.<p>-----------------------------<br>N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE<br>-----------------------------<br>Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALEAndy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-79764873351769643442010-04-05T22:45:00.000+01:002010-04-05T22:44:50.661+01:000882--Day 2 - reality sets inFirst of all, thanks to those who emailed - your thoughts are (mostly) very much appreciated, though if you want to annoy me with stories of 9-course tasting menus, Easter eggs, roasts or steak, I'd probably wait until later in the event.<p>Next a kit update. Turns out that the ThermoRest NeoAir is indeed as fragile as they say. I ended up binning mine last night after it developed a very slow puncture and I was unwilling to use all my water to find it. Nights will be less comfortable. Also, my gaiters need a bit of extra superglue.<p>It turns out Day 1 was a gentle induction session. Today was hotter I think. I'm actually enjoying the running, but that's because running means I'm on flat rather terrain rather than stony ground, sand, steep hills etc. Today had not a lot of the former, and a lot of walking was required. The 'highlight' was the ascent of what looked like a massive sheer cliff, against which the wind had piled up a load of sand. Brutal, and still 5 days left.<p>-----------------------------<br>N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE<br>-----------------------------<br>Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALEAndy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-3732268508794472772010-04-05T17:21:00.000+01:002010-04-05T17:20:37.748+01:000882--Tent 93 / day 1Firstly, I'm typing on a French keyboard so apologies for any unusual looking spelling or punctuation... Well, it's been a fun few days. Job 1 - to find 7 suitable tent partners - went pretty well. Ages range from 25 ("young Andy") to 44, we've got a hyperactive Aussie and a guy who bought his sleeping bag from Tesco (he went for the Finest rather than the Value range) etc. All-in-all, a good bunch. What followed thereafter was a lot of queuing - for food, water, check-in, food, water etc. The scale of this thing is huge - >1,000 runners plus all the support. Anyway, on to today.<p>It's pretty hot, though not as bad as it could have been. Today was a little bit of a confidence boost before the tougher times ahead - it went fine, no blisters, knee held up, kit all OK etc. No scorpions yet, which is good I guess. What's really amazing is quite how much the sand slows you - I wondered how the average speed on this event is as low as it is and basically: running in sand is very difficult.<p>-----------------------------<br>N'utilisez pas la fonction "REPONDRE", l'envoi de message se fait uniquement par le Site Web Darbaroud.com !!! MERCI<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALE<br>-----------------------------<br>Don't use "REPLY TO", mails are only sent via the Darbaroud.com Website !!!THANKS<br>ATLANTIDE ORGANISATION INTERNATIONALEAndy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-91278508647024352812010-03-29T22:31:00.004+01:002010-03-29T22:51:29.819+01:00All done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVQP3Jiz8biMKkg79M0WnGRz3dhcFV11Xi-clBDKkzSprzj2hyphenhyphenYylTou7t-OB9XVEAFtuCVLdH2qF5w1BqP3aVqFLPZI-BJfG4u2sfG0D4OI3OhwlPDP4CRo7ZCWpRg_U5gtQyv4E3Ybg/s1600/P1030447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVQP3Jiz8biMKkg79M0WnGRz3dhcFV11Xi-clBDKkzSprzj2hyphenhyphenYylTou7t-OB9XVEAFtuCVLdH2qF5w1BqP3aVqFLPZI-BJfG4u2sfG0D4OI3OhwlPDP4CRo7ZCWpRg_U5gtQyv4E3Ybg/s320/P1030447.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span id="goog_1319427418"></span><span id="goog_1319427419"></span>I'm going to Morocco on Thursday. Frankly, I never expected to get this far. So many people injure themselves in the run-up to the event itself and my track record of soft tissue injuries made me reluctant to assume that I'd be travelling.<br />
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So. It started on a chair-lift in Courchevel in 2007, when I said to Rob and Hannah "Let's enter the MdS". They looked at me as though I was an idiot - it turned out I had to explain what MdS stood for (fair enough). They then continued their stares but, bless them, the three of us paid our deposits in late 2007. Neither are running with me but I'd never have entered if they hadn't. Thanks, guys.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>In the intervening years, I started writing this blog, predominantly to make the running a bit more interesting and also to chronicle the last year-and-a-bit. I've run in <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/02/nyc.html">New York</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/03/trail-running-in-pembrokshire.html">Pembrokshire</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/06/shamu.html">Orlando</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/06/north-downs.html">the North Downs</a> (<a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2010/03/longest-week.html">twice</a>), <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/06/farnham.html">Farnham</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/08/cesmealt.html">Turkey</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/08/castera-lectourois.html">Castéra-Lectourois</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/09/basel-and-cologne.html">Basel, Cologne</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2010/02/epping-forest.html">Epping Forest</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2010/02/sweet-thames-run-softly.html">Berkshire</a> and <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2010/03/vegas.html">Las Vegas</a> - as well as (obviously) rather a lot in London. I've run <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/09/marathon-du-medoc.html">dressed as a penguin in Pauillac</a> and <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/09/great-gorilla-run.html">as a gorilla in the City</a>. I've <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/03/vertical-rush.html">climbed 42 stories</a> of tower block. I've seen <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/04/animals-ii-dragons-and-pigs.html">riots</a>, <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/04/fig.html">a woman's parts</a> and the aftermath of one of London's larger fires - on my own street (above). I've had <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/11/swine-flu.html">swine 'flu</a> and <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/11/swine-flu-two.html">pneumonia</a>. I've seen <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/04/animals-iii-one-year-to-go.html">monkeys</a> and a <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/2009/05/animals-iv.html">grasshopper</a> that my grandfather helped to make. I've applied surgical spirit to my soles and learned to tape my toes. Since this blog started, I've <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/user_training?u=585410637444">run 1,000 miles</a> and burned over 120,000kcal. It's been (mostly) fun.<br />
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I have a lot of other thank yous to get through too.<br />
<ul><li>Firstly and most importantly, to family, friends and colleagues - not just for all the generous <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/p/raising-money.html">sponsorship</a> (but thanks for that too), but also for putting up with my dull chat and constant training. In particular, Gluckers, Al, Lotte, Refik and Freya deserve special mention for various reasons, but everyone's been very understanding.</li>
<li>My part-time medical team - thanks to Jonny, Refik (again), Andi, Amy and Jane for helping out with various swine 'flu/pneumonia/ankle/drug/fluid-related questions. You've been hugely patient and very helpful.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thegaitlab.co.uk/profile.htm">Sophie Cox</a>, my podiatrist, sorted me out with the orthotics I've been using for the last few years and gave my plenty of foot-taping advice (and some tape). Thanks Sophie!</li>
<li>The guys at <a href="http://www.aegistraining.co.uk/">Aegis Training</a>, particularly Greg and Zahid, have trained me for the past two years. I'm sure my introduction to free weights has helped keep my relatively injury-free. Thanks guys!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.bartsandthelondon.nhs.uk/forgps/handbook/consultant.asp?cid=577&tt=2&sid=50&pid=8053">Tom Crisp</a>, a sports doctor, sorted out my patellar tendinopathy with a few painful injections back in 2007. They worked pretty well. I'm not cured but I'm more than functional. Thanks for injecting me with stuff, Tom!</li>
<li>Alex Marek has given me a few <a href="http://www.sixphysio.com/index.php/places/106-leadenhall-st">sports massages</a> over the last few weeks. I have been known to scream. Thanks dude, and sharpen your elbows for my return! </li>
<li><a href="http://sam-murphy.co.uk/">Sam Murphy</a> met me for a training session a while back and I bumped into her at the North Downs 30k a few weeks later. Anyone who has more than a passing interest in running should buy <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Running-Well-Smarter-Faster-Injury/dp/1856267253">this book</a>. It was good chatting to you Sam!</li>
</ul>Right. I need to go and superglue my gaiters to my shoes. Finally, to those who've been asking - no, I'm not really nervous. I've done everything that I could do to prepare for this, within the constraints of illness and injury. All that remains now is to hope that it's not too hot, that I manage to avoid the use of <a href="http://www.aspivenin.com/english/main.html">my anti-venom pump</a> and that my legs (structurally) hold up. None of those things are under my control so I might as well not worry about them.<br />
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So, Marathon des Sables 2010 - in the immortal words of Delia Smith - let's be having you.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-43692325606110507752010-03-28T19:37:00.001+01:002010-03-28T19:50:50.488+01:00Animals XI / the end of the beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsLehzNvrX4OVirXVR6_hd0S5xWOoi8Uh-D4ghM7Er6I_CXIJZozJoJlTgXZJ_4VjdZ7frJYgLASg5b7JneY1mRX7VpZU5yn5fHTSnW-FkCHEZ1X4KyLiX-uG8a-mvj7Mj6Nd62pLUoyD/s1600/P1030436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnsLehzNvrX4OVirXVR6_hd0S5xWOoi8Uh-D4ghM7Er6I_CXIJZozJoJlTgXZJ_4VjdZ7frJYgLASg5b7JneY1mRX7VpZU5yn5fHTSnW-FkCHEZ1X4KyLiX-uG8a-mvj7Mj6Nd62pLUoyD/s200/P1030436.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuTu5NvEMssAQmQy39F3ZBhlPZoJRJDleqiySIUoKzxu6GqOiipYWO8IT1ag8inHRXvBo0iwaPoDC5kAbfDlvpydMkoxQgqgA0-r_GVhYtdVDt337wNOxssZAjDNxEkSMjG-1vqwlYxpi/s1600/P1030431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuTu5NvEMssAQmQy39F3ZBhlPZoJRJDleqiySIUoKzxu6GqOiipYWO8IT1ag8inHRXvBo0iwaPoDC5kAbfDlvpydMkoxQgqgA0-r_GVhYtdVDt337wNOxssZAjDNxEkSMjG-1vqwlYxpi/s200/P1030431.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
I set off a little gingerly yesterday for a quick run on my Easterly canal/river route (one with lots of good animals).<br />
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I've not run at all for two weeks, to allow my knee pain to subside a bit. It took a while to disappear - over a week - and I decided to be mature about things rather than rush back. Somewhat to my surprise, it didn't recur on yesterday's outing so - touch wood - maybe I'm better. I'm going to work under the assumption that it will come back at some point on the MdS itself, just so I'm mentally prepared if/when it does. Fundraising has started and I'm already up to over £3.5k for three causes - click <a href="http://reluctant-runner-2009.blogspot.com/p/raising-money.html">here</a> to give. Thanks to all who've donated so generously.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JrHA5b9T4bLHeBw1kl5wIoL70Vj_OHoiElfU0EbQvXqbLPiRxDCvhFgpznUnMUDr54FnIsCEDpqlviPOsLW-3cmQRAbGraU3JCdNN-zZhX4cLdJxwdK3QNKpMsPoAmK-wEgBQJxIi_ob/s1600/P1030446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JrHA5b9T4bLHeBw1kl5wIoL70Vj_OHoiElfU0EbQvXqbLPiRxDCvhFgpznUnMUDr54FnIsCEDpqlviPOsLW-3cmQRAbGraU3JCdNN-zZhX4cLdJxwdK3QNKpMsPoAmK-wEgBQJxIi_ob/s200/P1030446.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTfQwOtPd-OgyrHzqNQM5rEXwNCOPYyjB_dvnFWGyIw5R6fsj0zgf5cjnElcHVFw2P8jQPgOCRawsm-kjy7x0pAHMtNplnoM67zhK82-0a2RI-UQfCxxkabY428Hono00DQsXcMwt9glw/s1600/P1030443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTfQwOtPd-OgyrHzqNQM5rEXwNCOPYyjB_dvnFWGyIw5R6fsj0zgf5cjnElcHVFw2P8jQPgOCRawsm-kjy7x0pAHMtNplnoM67zhK82-0a2RI-UQfCxxkabY428Hono00DQsXcMwt9glw/s200/P1030443.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
Otherwise, last week was all about the kit. Yesterday was the first time I've run with my new Raidlight water bottle holders, which fit onto the straps of my rucksack - good to have done a bit of a road-test. Regular deliveries began occurring at work - food, gaiters, hiking poles, a lightweight sleeping mat etc. I'm pretty much good to go now, barring a lighter, three more breakfasts and - most importantly - some new socks. Nearly there now...Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-72557274894146046022010-03-15T08:30:00.000+00:002010-03-15T08:30:55.979+00:00The longest week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKAEeMZ5Nsq2WBOiUIm8kRqR43rB55kWZ8zlRO2Lt_rp8Q68bGe4hfFG87cVgyE5aiZdvKl8GwPDt_EV7f9qBq4CMtt7xgZXZ8bFyynSk_fscDtj9Rr3cl0r13lbCfAGvGqQ2DXSoOS57/s1600-h/P1030419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKAEeMZ5Nsq2WBOiUIm8kRqR43rB55kWZ8zlRO2Lt_rp8Q68bGe4hfFG87cVgyE5aiZdvKl8GwPDt_EV7f9qBq4CMtt7xgZXZ8bFyynSk_fscDtj9Rr3cl0r13lbCfAGvGqQ2DXSoOS57/s320/P1030419.JPG" /></a></div>57 miles this week, culminating in today's 26 mile run. Train to Merstham, followed the North Downs Way, ended up in Guildford. Easy (or something). It was a lovely day and a pleasant-ish run, with lots of hills to keep me busy, particularly Colley Hill (above) and Box Hill (right) in the initial 8 or 9 miles. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWShNbKbyNBrC3_hVxznTyD48VUFabp5NE370N64U9V-RKEfEXe02sFe58VjwL_w2a-meI6YDj5UNq5lAV7uZyk48RiH9KjSQFk92yrM1jJG1Z3kGLxfcq8GIQ_V5obUPYyy18F51veF0/s1600-h/P1030427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWShNbKbyNBrC3_hVxznTyD48VUFabp5NE370N64U9V-RKEfEXe02sFe58VjwL_w2a-meI6YDj5UNq5lAV7uZyk48RiH9KjSQFk92yrM1jJG1Z3kGLxfcq8GIQ_V5obUPYyy18F51veF0/s200/P1030427.JPG" width="200" /></a>The only problem was my right knee has started playing up - it's a similar pain to one I had when we went walking in the Pyrénées last year, over the outside of my patellar, exacerbated by going downhill. It's strangely reassuring to have had this problem before - I don't think it's a show-stopper and this week will be more relaxed than last as I start to taper down the training, so there'll be time to rest it. I think the ice pack will be making an appearance. Everything else held up pretty well, which was nice.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6e3q6oySQa10J1rO4WIelWEsclguwJINZNmAdxUYgC7yTN-DHuSr_XINLU-8k4XeZOV3UDOSwwszvUeUqwLKNaN4uRaAS1JW5gUjWfN24tQI4m-OUyfclRG3YO3PEBLR0MVC5k4HQGnc/s1600-h/P1030429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6e3q6oySQa10J1rO4WIelWEsclguwJINZNmAdxUYgC7yTN-DHuSr_XINLU-8k4XeZOV3UDOSwwszvUeUqwLKNaN4uRaAS1JW5gUjWfN24tQI4m-OUyfclRG3YO3PEBLR0MVC5k4HQGnc/s200/P1030429.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Lots of preparation going on now. I've ordered my shades and some electrolytes. My gaiters have arrived and I bought my cooking gear at the weekend. Various brands of freeze-dried food are here and being sampled. I still need lots more - my anti-venom pump for starters - and I think my knee problem means that it's sensible to get some walking poles for the hilly sections.<br />
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For those who keep asking - I'll send out details of the charities I'll be running for later in the week.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-42861946835921193932010-03-08T21:50:00.001+00:002010-03-09T07:15:49.821+00:00London again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IhF0vTND_arS_lpUg_zF1dytvQL8bSfGbBYOrV5b0jUvdYdr8pGpRsb5m_4Sq8oMD0OrHp-zp_0QgGZslXmI7t96Nfl_co2YEUXjVWtkmkzDTaIWS78_7eoJHJ8ciJ_FHLS7JBPVvE4o/s1600-h/P1030413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6IhF0vTND_arS_lpUg_zF1dytvQL8bSfGbBYOrV5b0jUvdYdr8pGpRsb5m_4Sq8oMD0OrHp-zp_0QgGZslXmI7t96Nfl_co2YEUXjVWtkmkzDTaIWS78_7eoJHJ8ciJ_FHLS7JBPVvE4o/s200/P1030413.JPG" width="150" /></a>I'm stating to think I'm trapped in some kind of Sisyphean nightmare. All I do is run, after which I wash my kit. Repeat ad nauseam. It's getting boring to be honest.<br />
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Or maybe it's more Promethean, given the occasional work-outs I give my liver?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz6MuTiIbUEtIbsBU5ekWuHpyHhZXZVJJ6-daBJgm2Mn_YZqmzXwfL_z04eV8Xl0SkC3l9NpcqAxpgDAIqduz67jIBvpRsisbMhakMaZJK4ZQhEqmohF7Kx9wAVAFFGy1HY9Lh3fkS0Et/s1600-h/P1030415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz6MuTiIbUEtIbsBU5ekWuHpyHhZXZVJJ6-daBJgm2Mn_YZqmzXwfL_z04eV8Xl0SkC3l9NpcqAxpgDAIqduz67jIBvpRsisbMhakMaZJK4ZQhEqmohF7Kx9wAVAFFGy1HY9Lh3fkS0Et/s200/P1030415.JPG" width="149" /></a>Anyway, this week's outing was back on very familiar ground - I can't get away from the fact that I'm a North Londoner at heart. My long run was 23 miles, a lengthened version of my loop around the central parks. The extra diversions were up to Hampstead Heath (around the route of my family's Sunday morning walk, where we'd often see Michael Foot RIP) and through Golders Hill Park, where I have early memories of the ducks, sculptures and bandstand. And maybe some llamas? Then back into Zone 1 past the <a href="http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub1308.php">Holly Bush</a> - they do a great hot spiced apple vodka drink at Christmastime - and also my old flat on Frognal. The other extension to the usual route was to do a whole lap of Hyde Park.<br />
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Life isn't all miserable though - the run was sandwiched between two of the best meals I've had for some time. The first was at the newly-opened <a href="http://www.thezetter.com/en/Restaurant">Bistrot Bruno Loubet</a> in the Zetter Hotel - exceptionally well-executed posh peasant cooking (book now before the reviews start coming). The second was after I got my friend Jonny to do my pre-MdS medical sign-off and ECG in Hammersmith, at <a href="http://www.indianzing.co.uk/home.html">Indian Zing</a>, which serves up an excellent biryani. Whilst I'm admittedly bored of running, it's good to see that I can still continue to derive vast pleasure from a decent meal, no matter how many I've had before...Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-13246860974824050512010-03-04T08:33:00.000+00:002010-03-04T08:33:54.993+00:00Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_moSVo_8n0aQ5_kyrLZdJyn4AwExXfm8zrWH4wJjk7N1S_88VVVlq5lGh66J73t2J9_RPzachi_FpCyxeL1deuskmxOucxeQtx9QNtRML2q_lgGsIy_l11f-So9EXVGG8aE4fzGkg27T/s1600-h/P1030334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_moSVo_8n0aQ5_kyrLZdJyn4AwExXfm8zrWH4wJjk7N1S_88VVVlq5lGh66J73t2J9_RPzachi_FpCyxeL1deuskmxOucxeQtx9QNtRML2q_lgGsIy_l11f-So9EXVGG8aE4fzGkg27T/s320/P1030334.JPG" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">February drew to a close with a trip to Las Vegas, the first time I've been. No real reason for it, just an excuse to see three of my friends from medical school. The weekend was predictably savage, taking in the casinos and some excellent drinking and eating opportunities, along with nonsense like the <a href="http://www.stratospherehotel.com/thrills/">white-knuckle rides</a> 1,000 feet up the observation tower of the Stratosphere, a chopper visit to the Grand Canyon and multiple <a href="http://www.in-n-out.com/">In'n'Out burgers</a>.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm0a6Oalq0mO6XehJ6BYrnQ6_CmF_maTJ6oHNLgRVwXaI-aNX8WcijZMx14WNq1PRlSaAUSMSwFoahx8n3ckBJLkLEL63J0i8JR7RgaUgfoxZtApYWrNePUac5-zUDNQhIX0Y65N1oo7R/s1600-h/P1030342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfm0a6Oalq0mO6XehJ6BYrnQ6_CmF_maTJ6oHNLgRVwXaI-aNX8WcijZMx14WNq1PRlSaAUSMSwFoahx8n3ckBJLkLEL63J0i8JR7RgaUgfoxZtApYWrNePUac5-zUDNQhIX0Y65N1oo7R/s200/P1030342.JPG" width="200" /></a>From a running point of view, it was the first time that I've been glad of jet-lag. Instead of being enormously frustrated when I wake up before 7am, I was pleased, as it gave me the opportunity to get out early for a couple of runs. It wasn't that hot or hilly but I managed to rack up the mileage - 38mi in total over two big loops to the edge of the City, bringing me to 155mi for the whole of February, which seems like a lot until you realise that the MdS will match that over the course of just one week. Still, I'm kind of getting towards where I want to be, though I'm unsurprisingly experiencing a bit of wear-and tear - hopefully nothing terminal though...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVCI-yC7DQ6xnV-9Kwz4L-yhL_7ptLcHRIfUSdR8kfIvpEmsz995csC2gtSekow61FMaAGILWyLkz7aAl5qYwnkl5r_8dX30YCuPN4OUW8xkcwiL2KEI68c-ZdOYu7oDyB5e-gnYtUruU/s1600-h/P1030408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVCI-yC7DQ6xnV-9Kwz4L-yhL_7ptLcHRIfUSdR8kfIvpEmsz995csC2gtSekow61FMaAGILWyLkz7aAl5qYwnkl5r_8dX30YCuPN4OUW8xkcwiL2KEI68c-ZdOYu7oDyB5e-gnYtUruU/s200/P1030408.JPG" width="125" /></a></div>Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-63551648452654812432010-02-21T21:31:00.000+00:002010-02-21T21:31:22.727+00:00Sweet Thames run softly<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse7q3OmcBfydPCqpkgFEcgwNHOg2RoJIEaQ1wPnGIjBvEZkVe4KyPrEJ1hO3MGXtugR-u36pIV4XDWqQdFlY81Ods-XxaRn3a9qvxUaZrxf-TxVQHvGTuiIwO5v7KhyphenhyphenS3A5NU2KjEJuBp/s1600-h/P1030330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjse7q3OmcBfydPCqpkgFEcgwNHOg2RoJIEaQ1wPnGIjBvEZkVe4KyPrEJ1hO3MGXtugR-u36pIV4XDWqQdFlY81Ods-XxaRn3a9qvxUaZrxf-TxVQHvGTuiIwO5v7KhyphenhyphenS3A5NU2KjEJuBp/s320/P1030330.JPG" width="320" /></a>Another weekend, another 18 mile cross-country run. Having had a fun lunch with the family, I made my way to Waterloo, missed my train (damn you, Northern line closures) and eventually got to Staines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDRusQcipfsTwjyIV1apfKo-WgoRJKmZK0tTg-mcv9RULdq7Zit7tGIXW_Z-iIinmNTGY23E4D2V5Z5d0ko34mvZvfnaB9lM1PEAVaI4CsaNto9CaDlAmS5Eu4i-T7reISgHxfRXAKRij/s1600-h/P1030328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDRusQcipfsTwjyIV1apfKo-WgoRJKmZK0tTg-mcv9RULdq7Zit7tGIXW_Z-iIinmNTGY23E4D2V5Z5d0ko34mvZvfnaB9lM1PEAVaI4CsaNto9CaDlAmS5Eu4i-T7reISgHxfRXAKRij/s200/P1030328.JPG" width="150" /></a>After the now-traditional snow flurry as I left the station, I joined the Thames Path. Thankfully, navigation is much easier than anything in Epping Forest - you just follow the big watery thing. There were no hills, but it was nevertheless a good run and a very pleasant route, passing some lovely scenery and some exceptionally large houses - the biggest of which is pictured to the right and, I think, has a fairly well-known resident - through Runnymeade, Windsor, Eton and Maidenhead. I got to Windsor just before 4pm and realised the sun was going down, so I hoofed it for the next 6 miles. Even so, it was getting pretty dark by the time I arrived at my destination of Cookham after just under 3 hours on the road, a particularly pleasing time given I was carrying a pack.<br />
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The purpose of the trip was to spend the evening with B and James, friends of Freya, my girlfriend. It turned out to be a very enjoyable weekend, with dinner in <a href="http://www.maliks.co.uk/">Malik's</a> (apparently Heston B's favourite curry house) and a few pints of Rebellion, capped off with a bracing Sunday morning walk down to the quite extraordinary <a href="http://cookham.com/reviews/index.php?cmd=showreviews&businessId=22">Bounty</a> in Cockmarsh for some predominantly deep-fried food today. Also, pleasingly, no ill-effects from the run. It's getting to the point where I'm close to believing that I'll make it to the start line...Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-72088742690952651472010-02-15T20:16:00.000+00:002010-02-15T20:16:56.078+00:00Epping Forest<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbe90JawL7EE8a5EPa1wn8JsMbkIMf65DuGsFXqVmdABK-Ma5GXb3di3Jg9IrJeSuMndsQrkNf5TvN3KcajUDDXIT9EVy2epbhxQ1QuRQY3EAORvBgMlJukOvqZjMlKMYZkGZIsa0Owfl/s1600-h/P1030317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbe90JawL7EE8a5EPa1wn8JsMbkIMf65DuGsFXqVmdABK-Ma5GXb3di3Jg9IrJeSuMndsQrkNf5TvN3KcajUDDXIT9EVy2epbhxQ1QuRQY3EAORvBgMlJukOvqZjMlKMYZkGZIsa0Owfl/s200/P1030317.JPG" width="150" /></a>In my effort to try to find a long run that is (a) not tedious, (b) off-road and (c) has a hill or two, I found myself making my way to Theydon Bois on Sunday. The plan was to run back home through Epping Forest and it looked like it was going to be a 16-miler - perfect. The forest is only a couple of miles wide, so no real navigation problems. So, off to Zone 6 of the tube, armed with my new <a href="http://www.mizuno.eu/gb-eng/detail/Neutral/trail/_/_/08KN972-wave-ascend-4/">trail shoes </a>(to break in for the MdS), a litre of water, a <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/">Clif bar</a>, my Blackberry and a <a href="http://217.154.230.218/NR/rdonlyres/87C22174-3D08-4FD8-A7A3-67A83695B786/0/OS_EF_map.pdf">map of the forest</a> on a sheet of A4.<br />
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What happened next? My iPod refused to switch on at the start - pretty annoying. Within 5 minutes of starting the run it began to hail. I got a bit excited when I finally managed to find something that looked like Epping Forest though and set off into some fields.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlFu0WI5rw1syIBs3u9JzRmCbnlXBA0mKinGqEpKNrwah8ntbJIFEy11UM68niPOJM7wW86qhM1HWK571g5tJkcHy7NCrsZrU6UfuwADCtJzwzznzKWT11tsj91haxG1zAWJYz6EnSOcC/s1600-h/P1030318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYlFu0WI5rw1syIBs3u9JzRmCbnlXBA0mKinGqEpKNrwah8ntbJIFEy11UM68niPOJM7wW86qhM1HWK571g5tJkcHy7NCrsZrU6UfuwADCtJzwzznzKWT11tsj91haxG1zAWJYz6EnSOcC/s200/P1030318.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Turns out there are no signposts in Epping Forest. Nor are there any nice big maps with "You are here" blobs on them. Quite a lot of roads criss-cross it but, whenever I emerged onto one, on no occasion was it obvious where the hell I was. Mobile reception is a bit patchy, so my Blackberry was of limited use, although at least it tended to confirm that I was heading in roughly the right direction - i.e. South - most of the time. I did see a nice tree though.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRhBnMbkE8RuOeHh4n76QoXy7gifY8Wi-ZRqxAJ9WJcqLyRIrLlNbFKB0MSTCI-b56PBgaP3QfhZySeV6BWMxp9P-1LI6rwHhJbGjDvsi3Pmj4DJ6FcVhbT9SDdqAYl8CQmtkLLmijXBD/s1600-h/P1030321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRhBnMbkE8RuOeHh4n76QoXy7gifY8Wi-ZRqxAJ9WJcqLyRIrLlNbFKB0MSTCI-b56PBgaP3QfhZySeV6BWMxp9P-1LI6rwHhJbGjDvsi3Pmj4DJ6FcVhbT9SDdqAYl8CQmtkLLmijXBD/s200/P1030321.JPG" width="200" /></a>Expecting a run of 2.5 hours, maybe 3 hours tops, I ate my snack after about 1 hour and had finished my water by about 2 hours. At that point, I think I was somewhere near Walthamstow. I got to Whipps Cross Hospital and thought I was almost home. Wrong - still 7 miles to go from there. I experienced sense-of-humour failure. I had to run along main roads. I continued to experience sense-of-humour failure. I did get to see some kind of Olympic stadium preparation, though by that point I was beyond caring - I was a bit knackered, hungry and dehydrated by then. Finally, 3h43m later, I managed to make it home.<br />
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On the plus side, my trainers were OK and I ran (in the end) about <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-kingdom/walthamstow/256126622016393806">18 miles</a> I think - further than I have for ages - with few ill effects. On the minus side, I was a bit late for dinner...Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-67101304778936002822010-02-07T22:10:00.000+00:002010-02-07T22:10:32.757+00:00Animals VIII / back in the saddle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt00JxqyJiS-h66UxdsJy3KYuXZhbX_-XSB5TyWkBzZGa4aWwG3OC_yg09oeLvr19Ji3n7E5fVKkeqJil9xKd3KaEV4c10HKu_7-HCkD6msWSDcyTTOFfYpNbYJo6rgCplqmUoZiTPkC6/s1600-h/P1030314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt00JxqyJiS-h66UxdsJy3KYuXZhbX_-XSB5TyWkBzZGa4aWwG3OC_yg09oeLvr19Ji3n7E5fVKkeqJil9xKd3KaEV4c10HKu_7-HCkD6msWSDcyTTOFfYpNbYJo6rgCplqmUoZiTPkC6/s200/P1030314.JPG" width="150" /></a>It feels a bit as though my training starts now. My horrible October and November lost me lots of ground, and I've spent the last couple of months trying to get back to where I was before the Marathon du Médoc. Finally it feels like I'm getting there. I've run over 35 miles this week and, for the first time in ages, felt pretty good whist doing it. The problem now is trying to fit everything in - the last 7 days have seen two gym sessions and four runs. It's starting to take a bit of a toll on my work and social life. I guess, on the plus side, it's only for the next couple of months. I've also started doing some really sad things like putting surgical spirit on my feet to toughen them up and have just started to research taping techniques for blisters...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiz6rd966-oBGj3ktC5fUP-3gtq0HPfHk4eJlR4wryE-6_051qUD_LReS1vAVnXuQPbqEm3dee8d_kbcbA8w2Fa9IXacRxWSUXO3pt_n27uLAbNcGwzYmWaFA5-jY-So8Xcc1MIGjPm2O/s1600-h/P1030310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiz6rd966-oBGj3ktC5fUP-3gtq0HPfHk4eJlR4wryE-6_051qUD_LReS1vAVnXuQPbqEm3dee8d_kbcbA8w2Fa9IXacRxWSUXO3pt_n27uLAbNcGwzYmWaFA5-jY-So8Xcc1MIGjPm2O/s200/P1030310.JPG" width="200" /></a>Today's long run was 14 miles - my usual loop around London's central parks, though this time I took in the entire perimeter of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. It felt relatively easy going given I've not run this far since September last year, though I did tire a bit for the last few miles and the rain was pretty unpleasant at times.<br />
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Here are a couple of animals from Victoria Embankment - a sturgeon and a camel.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-32408907841898604722010-02-02T20:54:00.000+00:002010-02-02T20:54:26.254+00:00Skiing again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7hy9VTUFIsvemAiPe44hmvZrv8s9PrrXa-ft0gSXjMm93ViTthXeJz3n2dprrfiOaOWhHxZMKfbC789573Qwkqg_cxxZBf9bxEaPiEMoc_x0POe4G0B3v4BFyp_fSv-HJbhuFm1Ak6RJ/s1600-h/P1010052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7hy9VTUFIsvemAiPe44hmvZrv8s9PrrXa-ft0gSXjMm93ViTthXeJz3n2dprrfiOaOWhHxZMKfbC789573Qwkqg_cxxZBf9bxEaPiEMoc_x0POe4G0B3v4BFyp_fSv-HJbhuFm1Ak6RJ/s320/P1010052.JPG" /></a></div>Back from a week in St Anton, a somewhat crazy place of skiing and drinking. Unfortunately, the former was curtailed by yet another injury, this one a bit unexpected. My ski boots seemed to rub over the side of my ankle bone (lateral malleolus for those who're of a medical bent), causing untold agony when I put them on and limiting my skiing to only about 3 days. Luckily, I just about remember how to snowboard and I managed to deal with the shame of being a boarder for the rest of the time.<br />
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Then back for an 11 miler on Sunday night. Turns out they lock Victoria Park at night. Who knew?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwd6601zVufJ0HnB8IJMjDP92y06i9MiSSFqixMcGsQn7mlIRUcNV8RpuUB9aiAp_xG0uaWWgrlRWKndvpNt1Y8key-XYKXXCGNCBzuuT7LdJa_HZPbtZN-lbGLD-X-6d5MSQO6QNc2dP/s1600-h/P1030309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwd6601zVufJ0HnB8IJMjDP92y06i9MiSSFqixMcGsQn7mlIRUcNV8RpuUB9aiAp_xG0uaWWgrlRWKndvpNt1Y8key-XYKXXCGNCBzuuT7LdJa_HZPbtZN-lbGLD-X-6d5MSQO6QNc2dP/s200/P1030309.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-90466905859814576702010-01-20T08:30:00.003+00:002010-01-20T15:06:09.731+00:00Down to business<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnQIwHA_76h3_Hb9yQm7iiDVAwwYJk8YnVYvcw1Jq9u3MdKXtYoO-MbCXOGMrAMhhTrcXGLVsCwzoPrUNRka439zuUHJHuER8mvI36Y-4bGRzmIoUuGZxoArl_67BQ1vlOWu0QsrMLPse/s1600-h/P1030300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnQIwHA_76h3_Hb9yQm7iiDVAwwYJk8YnVYvcw1Jq9u3MdKXtYoO-MbCXOGMrAMhhTrcXGLVsCwzoPrUNRka439zuUHJHuER8mvI36Y-4bGRzmIoUuGZxoArl_67BQ1vlOWu0QsrMLPse/s320/P1030300.JPG" /></a>Thankfully, the cold spell is over - it's unusual to have snow on the ground for more than a day or two in central London and it has made training a bit of a trial (along with inflicting my tights on the general population). At the moment, there are a lot of obvious "new year's resolution" runners out, who you can tell are wondering what the hell they've let themselves in for as they battle the snow, ice, cold and general misery...<br />
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Now that I have the fear, I'm getting down to the serious stuff. Saturday saw me try to find a hill. This led me to Greenwich Park, where I did laps of the observatory for a while. I was going to run the five miles home too, but I felt a twinge in my foot and so decided to be sensible for a change and just got the train back again. On the positive side, this allowed me to try a <a href="http://londonist.com/2009/07/sandwichist_-_vietnamese_banh_mi_fr.php">banh mi</a> at a stall that I passed, bringing back memories of the 'nam. Sunday saw me run as far as I've managed for ages - my standard 11 mile lap of London along the river, through the parks and back on the canal. I have to step up the mid-week running too - I ran seven miles to Ladbroke Grove last night with 6kg on my back and got a bit of sand experience on Rotten Row. It doesn't quite recreate MdS conditions though - my pack was 10kg too light, the temperature was 40C too cold and the sand was nicely flat and stuck-together.<br />
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Oh - and everyone should sign <a href="http://www.libelreform.org/sign">this petition</a> on libel law reform. And <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=haiti+charities">give to Haiti</a> *. And go see <a href="http://www.timeout.com/film/reviews/87188/a-prophet.html">A Prophet</a>.<br />
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* OK - as Walm <a href="http://blogs.reuters.com/felix-salmon/2010/01/15/dont-give-money-to-haiti/">points out</a>, give money to <a href="http://www.msf.org.uk/support_donate.aspx">charity</a>, not Haiti.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-53724409339671787762010-01-11T20:32:00.000+00:002010-01-11T20:32:37.660+00:00The fear / picturesque East London winter sceneLast week I was concerned about my foot - the first time I had my (dull-as-ditchwater) tendon problem I could barely walk at times. I was worried that things would be the same this time around, resulting in another 5 weeks off running and hence my withdrawal from the MdS. Turns out - having run 23 miles this week - it was more of a twinge. Phew.<br />
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Phew?<br />
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Suddenly, I have gone from being scared that I might not be able to run in the event to being terrified at how behind schedule I am. I'm not totally ill-prepared, it's just that I'd have thought I'd be running 30+ miles/week by now. And have worked out what trainers/socks/gaiters/sunglasses/food/drink etc etc I will be taking with me IN LESS THAN THREE MONTHS!<br />
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Sometimes it's good to get the fear...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWjs-G74AiK4S6TgFXyZyp1o-Jc55YbWZYrWkyCYONKmNAaXY0jytNHYSbCTEIAVMUp8Ds1wo4KLBcZAqJhAbpE9qrLf60hu8K2MhPjiTSn8afbU6GSWpikahXfUxoj6-EY1KI3E5abA0/s1600-h/P1030297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWjs-G74AiK4S6TgFXyZyp1o-Jc55YbWZYrWkyCYONKmNAaXY0jytNHYSbCTEIAVMUp8Ds1wo4KLBcZAqJhAbpE9qrLf60hu8K2MhPjiTSn8afbU6GSWpikahXfUxoj6-EY1KI3E5abA0/s320/P1030297.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-84056498337092549652010-01-04T21:58:00.001+00:002010-01-05T10:34:38.089+00:00Pain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRdSL0J72-BjkB3c_baeuvcc_ON4EbEho08eCaVBaatFZDkrQQHnrJj_eB6bYe8pBqItsAlNFj1NrjMxKOQI6z4ag82n6TtYvrllFEw37dO8jxPYF9zCZfp8I_O8a1V4cpn08t9pMdm3Z/s1600-h/P1030291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRdSL0J72-BjkB3c_baeuvcc_ON4EbEho08eCaVBaatFZDkrQQHnrJj_eB6bYe8pBqItsAlNFj1NrjMxKOQI6z4ag82n6TtYvrllFEw37dO8jxPYF9zCZfp8I_O8a1V4cpn08t9pMdm3Z/s320/P1030291.JPG" /></a>I had a slightly depressing weekend. This was unexpected - I've been having a very (too?) enjoyable time of late, with plenty of seasonal over-indulgence. Most of what I got up to in the last couple of days has been very enjoyable - I saw the fascinating <a href="http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/37778/productions/the-pitmen-painters.html">Pitmen Painters</a> at the National with my mum and brother, drinks on Saturday with Smithy, Lotte, Rick and a heavily pregnant Andi (now a mum) and went up to Bedford on Sunday to see my sister and her family, which was great apart from the attempted poisoning...<br />
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The problem was my run on Saturday. Within moments of finishingthe 8 miles, I knew that my peroneal tendon problem had come back - this was the foot pain that kept me from running for 5 weeks after the Marathon du Médoc in September. I am cutting it very fine with my training already, what with that original injury coupled with my 'flu/pneumonia, and the thought of more time out makes me wonder whether I'll make it to Morocco at all at this rate. Only three months to go.<br />
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I had a sudden epiphany whilst jogging to the gym this evening though. Incidentally, all non-geeks can stop reading now. Anyway - I have been trying to modify my running style for a while now, focusing on avoiding a heavy heel strike (which is inefficient and I suspect contributed to my patellar tendinopathy a while back) and trying to land with more of a midfoot strike. I think that this, however, puts more strain on my peroneal tendon and 5th metatarsal, hence my new foot problem. It's a relief to have a working theory as to why this is happening and what to do about it. The difficulty now is to balance avoiding more peroneal tendon problems with avoiding more patellar tendon problems. Some might say this is a sign that I shouldn't run the MdS. I say "bah" to them - for now - though I did check the cut-off dates for refunds if I do pull out of the race.<br />
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Incidentally, on the off-chance that anyone has read this far and hasn't died of boredom yet, there's an excellent review of running technique on the blog The Science of Sport <a href="http://www.sportsscientists.com/2008/01/running-technique.html">here</a>.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-62821573964969798772009-12-28T13:45:00.000+00:002009-12-28T13:45:16.335+00:00Merry Xmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20QlewSUmBIzBDQWBUE7S70_nPdsi9UV-OYiXGp4euMLpKBq6yN9Q2S3imgUB427Nz3F2FSSD141Z1X737GdtTkLcxSwTR8mEtIF0N-Q-ibBYTSc9aruezCm3b4slkR4Eh17_j8Yzpuz2/s1600-h/P1030278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20QlewSUmBIzBDQWBUE7S70_nPdsi9UV-OYiXGp4euMLpKBq6yN9Q2S3imgUB427Nz3F2FSSD141Z1X737GdtTkLcxSwTR8mEtIF0N-Q-ibBYTSc9aruezCm3b4slkR4Eh17_j8Yzpuz2/s320/P1030278.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>I hope everyone's enjoyed a good break.<br />
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I went for a run from my parents' house on Xmas day, through Hampstead Garden Suburb and up to the Heath. I was hoping to find Jonathan Ross' house for a nice Xmas photo/card for this site, but he seems to have scaled down his lighting efforts compared to <a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01208/Ross-Xmas-lights_1208301c.jpg">previous years</a> and it wasn't obvious which place was his. Instead, you get a well-proportioned terraced house in Islington, which I passed during another run yesterday. I must remember to revisit in the dark...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5goCUkcIMin2d0sbjIThzYC2c0tZs9yO97qycpU-6MXArxIieUZVAnEUI66iePF6dhikwke4yFHi_TfDlVHWYHVqXHctlU9zgYyfDurPaGfQQClC1NdHun73YK58u4lnG4aulYkq1a36H/s1600-h/P1030286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5goCUkcIMin2d0sbjIThzYC2c0tZs9yO97qycpU-6MXArxIieUZVAnEUI66iePF6dhikwke4yFHi_TfDlVHWYHVqXHctlU9zgYyfDurPaGfQQClC1NdHun73YK58u4lnG4aulYkq1a36H/s200/P1030286.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70x0Jv3k2SODynqmqaTOQqIYozf9XlAeJWhyphenhyphenPs-eyjbU-Y-S5SOehvl5yBDJm4A8RW-fyBV-yfXRPkNKbzaU7j_dsHhYteAF_ORCFU0Mz9TzZGqJBIwAjzoGIHbWd8RQNiodPhYLjgwYn/s1600-h/P1030285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70x0Jv3k2SODynqmqaTOQqIYozf9XlAeJWhyphenhyphenPs-eyjbU-Y-S5SOehvl5yBDJm4A8RW-fyBV-yfXRPkNKbzaU7j_dsHhYteAF_ORCFU0Mz9TzZGqJBIwAjzoGIHbWd8RQNiodPhYLjgwYn/s200/P1030285.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGibX6qFty3NbpZDIsXX32tWJulzl_MmBElkG3dVDeumh1d5c-Jfdo105UH-QmGk8uORXAqfTgt42K8djruz9zgsxUvph2EGKglWkfFlXnheQVyB1oh0shECS_66J5C_qTumdwTiotlwM/s1600-h/P1030281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGibX6qFty3NbpZDIsXX32tWJulzl_MmBElkG3dVDeumh1d5c-Jfdo105UH-QmGk8uORXAqfTgt42K8djruz9zgsxUvph2EGKglWkfFlXnheQVyB1oh0shECS_66J5C_qTumdwTiotlwM/s200/P1030281.JPG" /></a><br />
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I'd heard that the Mike Skinner of the art world, Banksy, has been <a href="http://londonist.com/2009/12/three_new_banksy_pieces_appear_in_c.php">busy of late</a> and the main purpose of my foray up the Regent's Canal was to discover his new pieces before they got destroyed. Unfortunately my fears were partly well-founded - the main piece (which is in the article linked to above) already seems to be non-existent, having been defaced by other 'artists', though I'm sure Banksy was aware that this would happen and I quite like the irony of the graffiti workman erecting graffiti, only to be graffitied over within days.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-18414081017473920932009-12-21T19:38:00.000+00:002009-12-21T19:38:55.728+00:00Tignes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxujgLTojvA2gLcEE5T3zVggmq48563ewgPM-VV1cNtqfQW58MlUiquGqHOu4MDxmDvf2067W6kJL1j8cwIMlGLvRxJe4dMXDpOL5fruakVyw9UvNvMY0_5LwUoJstNNM5fHokJ4UMkblf/s1600-h/L1000220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxujgLTojvA2gLcEE5T3zVggmq48563ewgPM-VV1cNtqfQW58MlUiquGqHOu4MDxmDvf2067W6kJL1j8cwIMlGLvRxJe4dMXDpOL5fruakVyw9UvNvMY0_5LwUoJstNNM5fHokJ4UMkblf/s320/L1000220.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>I was a bit apprehensive as Rob and I headed off to Tignes due to my pig 'flu-related fitness problems but it turned out that I was able to deal with a bit of pre-Xmas skiing fine. There wasn't a great deal of fresh snow but it was very cold indeed (I reckon down to -20C at times up the mountain) so the pistes had a good covering.<br />
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We managed a morning with a guide late in the week via Rob's mate Giles, a very nice bloke who works for <a href="http://www.tdcski.com/">the Development Centre</a>. The exceptionally friendly and, frankly, awesome Nicko gave us a bit of light instruction whilst somehow managing to find some pretty decent powder - the photo on the right was taken after a 10 minute walk from the top of the Tommeuses chair, before a very pleasant ski down into the Vallée Perdue.<br />
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All in all, the trip was a decent way to begin like I'm regaining my fitness. I obviously need to start running properly again but it was nice to get a bit of physical activity under my belt. Hopefully the current cold snap in London won't last too long, as the icy pavements aren't going to be very helpful...Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3592292490977397484.post-62639564286253941542009-12-06T21:35:00.000+00:002009-12-06T21:35:12.516+00:00Animals VII - is you da fox?It was never really part of the plan to run less than 40 miles in October and November but it happened.October was the foot problem. November saw what I suspect was swine 'flu plus pneumonia. Thanks to my truly appaling GPs, very little got done until relatively recently and it took until three days ago before I finally ended up with the right antibiotic for the pneumonia, a full three weeks after I originally fell ill. At this point I should thank my sister Jane and friend Refik for their recent medical advice, which was infinitely more helpful than that of what were supposedly "my" doctors. The latter will be receiving a bollocking, assuming the post still works these days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhG4VqzEGcrkQKYYqJB2TPCsSudV6_gs7lQaYTb5Ei3udTLzsmMzLmztR736DidRLKhCnfCwScomfHFO5JI-2rSsltR4QKckzcA_XevG5tDmkq9HJcf47Uwme9ruSHnVar17GC4ML-iP34/s1600-h/P1030268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhG4VqzEGcrkQKYYqJB2TPCsSudV6_gs7lQaYTb5Ei3udTLzsmMzLmztR736DidRLKhCnfCwScomfHFO5JI-2rSsltR4QKckzcA_XevG5tDmkq9HJcf47Uwme9ruSHnVar17GC4ML-iP34/s320/P1030268.JPG" /></a>My mate Al is a great believer that runners shouldn't get too obsessed with illness and injury. I can see his point to a certain extent - these are a natural part of running and you can't wait until everything is perfect before you tie up your trainers. Niggles etc are there to be run through rather than whinged about, although obviously serious injury or illnesses are something a bit different. Anyway, now that I've had three days of feeling normal again, I thought it was time to test my body out. Three weeks is quite a while to go with no exercise, notwithstanding the close-to-half a stone that I've lost (I'm now below 12st and am technically a "<a href="http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/">normal weight</a>" for the first time since god knows when).<br />
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Turns out I'm OK - clearly the short run I did was tough, but I think I'll be somewhere close to normal relatively quickly. It's a measure of how far behind I am versus my expectations that I was hoping to be competing in a <a href="http://www.endurancelife.com/event.asp?series=29&location=82">cross-country marathon</a> on the Gower peninsula. Hopefully I'll be in a position to start running proper distances by the end of the month.Andy Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04087428097585709151noreply@blogger.com0