Reality Cheque
Running success does not require a sophisticated program — what is essential is a sensible program, done daily, for seven to ten years. – Gordo Byrn To improve endurance, for example, I think you need at least five years training! – Ueli Steck Prior to this past weekend I didn’t think I would need to… Read →
Filling a Void
It seems time to renew this blog. Much of last year was spent building endurance, something which given the right mental propensities can be very enjoyable. Not everyone likes the idea of being out there for hours but the idea of running for hours rather than to here or for this distance is very liberating. You… Read →
September Goals
I have yet to finish my Al Andalus race report but wanted to get a post up for September as I have some goals that need writing down. Al Andalus left me with shin splints and I have not been running much since the race. This week my physio gave me the clear to run… Read →
Getting to the pointy end: one week to Al Andalus
We’re down to one week until the start of Al Andalus, I’m tapering and this seems like a good time to review my training to this point. Before I get into that… Physio today – Monday, one week before the race – to do some aggressive work on the muscles followed by another session on… Read →
Review of Skins A400 and RY400 Compression Tights
Before I get started: 1. feel free to ask questions in the comments 2. there is an image gallery at the bottom of this post. I was made aware of Skins via a tweet from Ben Saunders just as I was in the market for a pair of compression tights, having previously purchased a set… Read →
Weekend Reading, April 8th
Some links for weekend reading. I’ve been meaning to write about some of these, but who has the time? Speaking of writing, a review of my Skins A400 long tights and RY400 recovery tights is up next week. Before I get into the links, a buddy in Facebook posted this line this morning: I’m going… Read →
My ‘A’ Race: Al-Andalus Ultra Trail, 2011
I’m starting to think about how to prepare specifically for my A race of the year, the Al-Andalus ultra trail. So lets dive in and look at the race… (Be sure to check out the photo gallery at the end of the article!) Lets start with a blurb from their website Al Andalus Ultra Trail… Read →
Decoupling: The Endurance Measuring Stick
How do you know when to shift your training focus from endurance to muscular endurance and other more specific training? Decoupling is the answer A little story to explain the concept. Back in the winter of 2000 I was training for IronMan Canada 2001. I was putting in high volume on the bike, maybe 15… Read →
Crashing into a Recovery Week
I’ve followed endurance athlete and triathlon coach Gordo Byrn for years now, but leave it to me to miss out when one of the things he talks about often is happening to me. Last week (week/yr 12 on my training plan) I started out a little tired, with a cough and some achilles pain. I nailed the… Read →
Where did you get that workout? “I simply plucked it from my arse” a.k.a Here’s my Annual Training Plan
The title of this post comes from a tweet by Vern Gambetta, an “Athletic Development Coach & Consultant”. It spoke to me because it hit home; my previous (and first ever) ultra was a DNF, and honestly I didn’t have much of a plan. Run easy, run far, run often. Unfortunately I didn’t succeed at… Read →