The Hastings Half Marathon

Hello - I hope that you have all had a glimmer of spring? The weather has turned better where I am and it has dawned on me how quickly the seasons are changing and how time is flying by! It seems no time at all since I was running in fresh snow, in a fresh pair of running shoes thinking that this was the beginning of over a years worth of excercise, fund raising, planning and excitement! I hope I am getting there!

This weekend I took part in the Hastings Half marathon. Hastings is a lovely seaside town on the south coast of the UK and with a forecast of sunshine looked like a great day out. I had been warned by a few people that this may be a challenge for a first half marathon because of the hills and they were not wrong! This was to be the furthest that I have ever run by 3.5 miles, and I was also suffering with man flu, but once I have said yes to something, I never turn back!

As far as I could tell Hastings is built on a cliff that is a physical impossibility. I ran uphill for 9 miles and downhill for 4 and ended up at the same place that I started! Not fair! I was pleased with my time - I aimed for a sub 2:00hr and came in at 1:58 so job done!

I have a new running watch which my wife gave me for my birthday (thank you!) which told me that I had burnt 2,500 calories. With this good news I retired to have lunch with some friends who live in Hastings and ate pizza and drank tea for the next 2 hours! (Thanks Guys - it was great).

A day off the excercise today, and in fact off most things as my flu was infact flu - so my time was not bad at all. When better I will back in the gym, but probably not quite yet as I am aching somewhat! I have not got an event to aim for in April, so if you have any ideas please add them in a comment!

I have found an interesting event for October which is the Original Mountain Marathon. A 65K, 2 day run /walk / navigate and wild camping trek. Looks great and a big one to aim for.

Funny to think that not long ago I would be anxious about playing a game of squash as I was so unfit. Now I am planning 65K races!

I wanted to add a link to an interesting blog that I have been introduced to:

http://myminutementor.wordpress.com/

The largest part of my North Pole challenge remains raising the funds. This blog has lots of advice about keeping the dream alive, and how to make synergies between acheivement and aspirations. I have am learning from it - which is part of my journey!

"Life is to be spent, not saved. " D H Lawrence. Wise words, especially as the days get longer! Best wishes to you all.

Whats the North Pole got to do with Technology?

So soon after my last post I know! This was sent to me this morning. A colleague who is an industry leading mind and authority in Storage solutions has written about my quest in his blog! If you are technically minded then please read on!

http://whatsthisgottodowithstorage.com/

Until the next blog....

Kit weekend - Making the cold a reality!

I am sorry that it has been so long! During the past few weeks a lot has happened but the most exciting event was the weekend that has just past. 15 fellow racers, the race doctor, the quartermaster, 3 race organisers and I attended a two day session in the South West of England. The main aim was to become familiar with the equipment and to be fitted for the all important clothing.

We started with the clothes. Unlike our under prepared predecessors who wore thick woolen, animal fur and leather clothing, we are using a tried and tested layering system. It seems that the cold becomes a problem in three main areas:

1. When you stop
2. When you sweat
3. if you have any skin exposed and it is windy

We therefore need to have layers of clothes that "wick" moisture away from the body, can be removed easily, do not rub or chaff and have certain hygienic properties! (some wear the base layer non stop for 4 weeks!). We also have windproof outer garments for on the move, down based garments for when you stop, multiple hats / face mask / glove combinations and also some of the largest footwear I have ever seen!

The essentials will be:
Inner gloves
Outer, waterproof and windproof gloves
Very thick down mittens for periods of inactivity

Neck sock / snood / scarf thingy (names given by colleagues!)
Neoprene face mask
Fleece Hat
Balaclava

Goggles and sun glasses

Base layer leggings or top (either merino wool or synthetic)
Mid layer fleece style, snug fitting, Polartec top and trousers
Outer trouser and fleece (for when stopped)
Huge comfy down jacket (for when stopped)
One piece wind suit
Harness

Thick socks
very big Baffin Boots

With it all on you feel like the marsh mallow man!

I am not going to list everything else but if you are interested let me know and I will tell you. We learnt about our stove and fuel systems, the skis and bindings and the tent / sleeping bags / sleeping rests and how to use them safely and properly. All in all it made the trip, which is over a year away, seem much more of a reality.

I have continued my training with a lot of running (5 miles most days and 9 miles at the weekend) and trips to the gym to work on core strength. I also went to a spinning class that was almost the end of me! Its good to mix it up so you can see areas that need work. It is 3 weeks until my first half marathon (the Hasting Half) and I have this in my sights now. Its good to have short term goals.

I hope to have some good news for the blog in terms of technology sponsorship which I will post in the next few days. It seems like I may not be able to blog every day during the race, but can update the site every few days. So much to try to arrange!

Today is my birthday and I am celebrating by leaving work early to spend time with my young family. I will not be training today - but will be running to the gym again tomorrow at 6.30am!!

Thanks again for reading and if you want to know more please let me know!