So, I’ve moved to Madrid. A new job at the OCS. Owned by the IOC and is the development and delivery team for Olympic Broadcasting Services. I’m the Project Manager for the delivery of Single Sign On/Identity & Access Manangement.
More about the job in a next blog. I’m in a temporary apartment for a month so the last action is to find one. Which I’m sure will be ok.
I’m settling in very well but do miss Lizzie my wife. Luckily she’ll be here soon.
It’s taken a long time to find a new role. In the mean time I worked in Waitrose New Malden. I should have started there earlier. It was good fun at Waitrose and I made some nice friends. But I’m a delivery person.
So, I’m back running. Well, did a 3ish km on 25 August and I’m pretty sure I’ll keep it up. Slow, painful and great.
Legs in pain, but good pain. Ran to a park, very nice park may I add. Will go back there. Aiming for 3 runs a week to start with.
Not much more now, but wanted to start writing up my stuff again.
See you soon Lizzie Lou. Xx
Sunday, 25 August 2019
Monday, 16 April 2018
So what is next after DNF on the MdS
For those not regular runners DNF = Did Not Finish. Means you start a running event but you don't get to the finish line.
So what is next?
I can now go back to go for a run to enjoy. Not to have to train for something. This means if I miss a run, it's ok. I don't have to do x miles/kilometers or x hours to meet an artificial target. I either go for a run or I don't.
I can now focus again on CrossFit an the gym, which will include running.
I can use the gained time to read a book or watch a movie.
I always knew I wanted to go Scuba-Diving, but I never bothered doing it on any of my vacations. Too much hassle and I needed to go for a run, because there was always a race coming up.
Last year, before our honeymoon to the Maldives I did my open water scuba training and did three dives in the Maldives and got my Nitrox license.
In 2018 I did two dives in Fujairah. I am no totally hooked.
In 2018 I will go for my advanced open water, peak performance buoyancy and underwater photography.
Don't get me wrong, the journey's to the MdS have been amazing and taught me a lot and it will always be a benefit having participated. Not in the least for the people you meet.
So what is next?
I can now go back to go for a run to enjoy. Not to have to train for something. This means if I miss a run, it's ok. I don't have to do x miles/kilometers or x hours to meet an artificial target. I either go for a run or I don't.
I can now focus again on CrossFit an the gym, which will include running.
I can use the gained time to read a book or watch a movie.
I always knew I wanted to go Scuba-Diving, but I never bothered doing it on any of my vacations. Too much hassle and I needed to go for a run, because there was always a race coming up.
Last year, before our honeymoon to the Maldives I did my open water scuba training and did three dives in the Maldives and got my Nitrox license.
In 2018 I did two dives in Fujairah. I am no totally hooked.
In 2018 I will go for my advanced open water, peak performance buoyancy and underwater photography.
Don't get me wrong, the journey's to the MdS have been amazing and taught me a lot and it will always be a benefit having participated. Not in the least for the people you meet.
Sunday, 15 April 2018
Sometimes things don't go the way you planned or want. You move on and live.
So, the third MdS didn't go as I planned, hoped, wanted. Simply,
it wasn't my year. I pulled out at the 2nd day 18km into a 39km distance.
I lost my ECG, Medical Certificate and compulsory €200 on Friday.
Luckily I had more cash and the ECG on my phone. With help from
Steve I got this printed and signed and a new medical certificate was done.
I started Sunday with very little food, as most wouldn't stay in.
Had difficulty eating on the course. I didn't sleep well on Sunday night, and
still couldn't really eat on Monday.
I finished the flattest 30km ever on Sunday but it never felt
right. It was a battle between body and mind.
The Monday was a 39km stretch. I went through the first check
point at 13km and 5km after that I gave up. I couldn't face another 21km. My
body didn't want, and my mind wasn't helping.
I want to thank Steve Diederich for his relentless support and
morale boosting. Patrick Bauer came over to see me as well. I can't remember
the names of the other MdS organisation staff, but they all were great and went
out of their way to motivate me.
One of the doctors, who was very supportive hit the nail on the
head. If you are not happy doing what you do, stop it. Not keeping food in, not
being able to drink enough. Regularly drinking yes, but little sips.
The organisation goes out of their way to motivate you to
continue. Then you are asked: Are you sure you want to stop? You then need to
take off your own bib off your shirt. I am very appreciative of all organisation
people that tried to support me.
The "problem with dropping out is that they take the SPOT
device and you drop off the tracker. Which makes the home front nervous.
Luckily I got a little signal in the camp.
I want to thank my tent mates
Alex Wolff
Hannah Biddel
James Wellock
Sally Wellock
Kevin Tucker
Lotte Tulloch
Rob Willis
for their fabulous support.
The silver lining of dropping out is, you get to eat in the
"restaurant".
When I got back home Wednesday morning, "ceremonially" I
dumped the shorts, running shirt and night shirt I used for the 3 events.
The Marathon des Sables has been an amazing experience, and I
recommend it to anybody. I no longer want to put in the training time and
effort for ultra/multi-day events. I will keep on running, but for fun. I will
increase CrossFit volume and will start to focus on my new hobby, Scuba Diving.
The only multi-day exception could be The Coastal Challenge, but with Liz and
only the short distance.
Tuesday morning at 06:00 to report to start the way back to OZZ. I
met Terry, who also was going back to London Gatwick. My hero and wife, Liz
Hoefsmit booked me a ticket from RAK-BCN-LGW.
However getting to Marrakesh (RAK) was 90 minutes in a four-wheel
drive through the desert. We were then moved to a mini-bus with another 10-12
others who dropped out, including the famous Thierry the blind man who already
finished 13 or so times. The mini-bus was an adventure in itself, as it seemed
the driver was driving dangerously, fast and was tired. It seemed he was falling
a sleep. One of the other people offered to drive but that wasn't acceptable.
We stopped in a village where Terry, Andreas and I took a taxi to OZZ rather
than waiting for the bus to leave. Jean-Marie the MdS doctor was great in
helping out.
After 7 hours or so we arrived in OZZ and collected our bags.
Terry and I then took the next taxi for about 5 hours to Marrakesh airport. We
arrived and checked in. Luckily we could get into the lounge. Where the hot
food was gone. So Terry got us a pizza. Plane not leaving till 23:10
Plane on time, couldn't sleep and we arrived on time in BCN at
02:30. We were nicely directed to the non-Schengen area, where there is
nothing. So spend about 5 hours lying on the floor, walking around, having a
cigarette in the non-smoking area, as there wasn't a smoking area.
Picture on the left and right non-Schengen. Picture in the middle, Schengen.
Picture on the left and right non-Schengen. Picture in the middle, Schengen.
Some random pictures from the Sahara.
Tuesday, 27 March 2018
Marathon des Sables 2013 Bib 710, 2015 Bib 324, 2018 bib 476
Marathon des Sables
06 April - 16 April of which 08 - 14 April in the sand and rock. Sleeping in a Bedouin tent in a bivouac after moving on foot an average of 40 km per day.
Charity Link - where you can donate for the following charity
To Children With Love
I'm pretty crap at keeping up a blog.
One more to add to the collection
06 April - 16 April of which 08 - 14 April in the sand and rock. Sleeping in a Bedouin tent in a bivouac after moving on foot an average of 40 km per day.
Charity Link - where you can donate for the following charity
To Children With Love
I'm pretty crap at keeping up a blog.
One more to add to the collection
I'm looking forward of meeting new people and seeing old friends.
In 2013 my house was an MdS warehouse, it's been a lot more civilised this time. I'm not even a 100% done with getting all the stuff. Well, just need some safety pins and hand-sanitiser.
Here is a link to my private SPOT tracker which I'll take.
But you can track me on the MdS website and send an email via a link that will appear there next week. Subject I believe is First/Last Name and Bib number, which for me is 476
Not sure what more to write
Sunday, 18 February 2018
A tribute to my wife as a motivation to finish a third MdS
The last post/blog, not sure what you call it, I wrote, probably wasn't the most upbeat ever. It had to be written tho. So this one, is gonna be very upbeat.
Friday the 16th of February was the 8th month of my marriage with/to Liz. I never thought I was gonna get married, I never thought I would have children. But both events have been the most amazing ones ever.
In 2016, while being a member of a local, Kingston upon Thames, Facebook group, I saw a picture of a lady wearing a hat. Nothing special, many women wear a hat, you may say. However, there was something that gripped me. Long story, making it shorter, we both became member of another local Fabebook page/group due to the original one being closed. Finally, on Sunday the 19th of June 2016, I found the courage to send her a friend request.
12 months minus three days later, we got married in Kingston. It was a rocky but amazing road to get there.
She is, my best friend, an amazing, kind, loving and caring woman. Just a random picture of the woman who changed me for the better.
Liz, I love you more than words can ever say. Thank you for always being there. Your term of endearment (well I hope) is I'm your fuckwit, as I'm far from perfect. But I will always be there for you, whenever you need me. I'm immensely proud you are my wife.
I will miss you like crazy in the 2018 MdS, but you, my mermaid, will get me through it.
Friday the 16th of February was the 8th month of my marriage with/to Liz. I never thought I was gonna get married, I never thought I would have children. But both events have been the most amazing ones ever.
In 2016, while being a member of a local, Kingston upon Thames, Facebook group, I saw a picture of a lady wearing a hat. Nothing special, many women wear a hat, you may say. However, there was something that gripped me. Long story, making it shorter, we both became member of another local Fabebook page/group due to the original one being closed. Finally, on Sunday the 19th of June 2016, I found the courage to send her a friend request.
12 months minus three days later, we got married in Kingston. It was a rocky but amazing road to get there.
She is, my best friend, an amazing, kind, loving and caring woman. Just a random picture of the woman who changed me for the better.
Liz, I love you more than words can ever say. Thank you for always being there. Your term of endearment (well I hope) is I'm your fuckwit, as I'm far from perfect. But I will always be there for you, whenever you need me. I'm immensely proud you are my wife.
I will miss you like crazy in the 2018 MdS, but you, my mermaid, will get me through it.
Thursday, 15 February 2018
Thoughts during the long stage at the MdS. Thoughts about people who suffered way more than I did.
For those not familiar with the long stage, it starts Wednesday morning at 09:00, or the mortals, and 12:00 for the fast ones. The distance varies between c. 85 and 95 kilometres, that is 52-59 miles.
2013 - It's very hot today. Very hot, c. 45-50 degrees in the sun without shade. It's when I got overtaken by Zoe, my friend, tent mate and a-class photographer. It's also when I met Laurence Klein, 3 times ladies winner, who hadn't managed her water and food and ended up in a tent and dropped out.
About 40km in, I decided to go through to 60km of the I believe 75-80 end stage and have a rest.
Main thought during the night was a friend of my sister who was early thirties and had recently died of cancer. Leaving behind her wife and little kid. So, hot, cold, pain, uncomfortable, I was alive. I looked up to the sky a number of times, mentioning her name. She was a runner as well. I had known her as she and my sister had been friends since about the age of 6.
2015 - 92km I believe it was. About a year after my fathers dead. Going through the dunes at night with Leigh, where it felt like we were near the beach but no sea. It was cold, very cold. I think I used the word fuck about every 3 meters if not more often.
My feet were painful, it turned out a bandage to protect a blister was to tight and restricting blood flow. When I took it off at the 60km point, where they served tea, that is how cold it was, it felt a lot better
My dad died the year before. Due to vitamin deficiency in WWII he had a hump and always had issues with his knees. So, I figured, my suffering was only temporary and therefor I should shut the fuck up complaining.
2018 - distance to be found out. This year, there will be other people on my mind. My uncle who died recently after losing a battle with cancer. My old neighbour who I used to call uncle. He was a colleague of my dad in the garage where they both worked. He has been diagnosed with cancer and is incurable.
The third but very important person is my sister who got diagnosed with breast cancer this year, which has spread to her lymphs and two bones. She is now undergoing therapy.
The last but not least, my mum, 87, who got mugged in her own home recently and obviously is very concerned about her daughter.
So if it's cold, hot, painful, uncomfortable out there. There will be people suffering or have suffered more. The fact you are there moving, means you are alive.
Charity link
2013 - It's very hot today. Very hot, c. 45-50 degrees in the sun without shade. It's when I got overtaken by Zoe, my friend, tent mate and a-class photographer. It's also when I met Laurence Klein, 3 times ladies winner, who hadn't managed her water and food and ended up in a tent and dropped out.
About 40km in, I decided to go through to 60km of the I believe 75-80 end stage and have a rest.
Main thought during the night was a friend of my sister who was early thirties and had recently died of cancer. Leaving behind her wife and little kid. So, hot, cold, pain, uncomfortable, I was alive. I looked up to the sky a number of times, mentioning her name. She was a runner as well. I had known her as she and my sister had been friends since about the age of 6.
2015 - 92km I believe it was. About a year after my fathers dead. Going through the dunes at night with Leigh, where it felt like we were near the beach but no sea. It was cold, very cold. I think I used the word fuck about every 3 meters if not more often.
My feet were painful, it turned out a bandage to protect a blister was to tight and restricting blood flow. When I took it off at the 60km point, where they served tea, that is how cold it was, it felt a lot better
My dad died the year before. Due to vitamin deficiency in WWII he had a hump and always had issues with his knees. So, I figured, my suffering was only temporary and therefor I should shut the fuck up complaining.
2018 - distance to be found out. This year, there will be other people on my mind. My uncle who died recently after losing a battle with cancer. My old neighbour who I used to call uncle. He was a colleague of my dad in the garage where they both worked. He has been diagnosed with cancer and is incurable.
The third but very important person is my sister who got diagnosed with breast cancer this year, which has spread to her lymphs and two bones. She is now undergoing therapy.
The last but not least, my mum, 87, who got mugged in her own home recently and obviously is very concerned about her daughter.
So if it's cold, hot, painful, uncomfortable out there. There will be people suffering or have suffered more. The fact you are there moving, means you are alive.
 |
| My Chosen Charity |
Charity link
Tuesday, 13 February 2018
To Children With Love - My MdS Charity
This episode will be introducing my chosen charity for the 2018 MdS.
The founder and managing director is a lady called Debbie Deegan. Debbie is a personal friend, I met her through my wife, Liz Hoefsmit (was Cusack). Liz and Debbie met when they were 10/11 and have been friends ever since.
Debbie has been working tirelessly in Russia since 1998 with the orphaned and abandoned children of the Bryansk Region and more recently with children in Kaluga, Tula and Moscow Region. Debbie is also the Chairperson of the Russian registered charity To Children With Love in Russia. This is the sister charity of To Russia With Love that strives to raise funds in Russia itself.
More details here:
Mission Statement
Our goal is to support young people to achieve their full potential in education, employment and life.
Social exclusion and educational inequality negatively impacts the lives of young people reducing their self belief, dignity and well being. Our targeted programmes enhance young people’s self esteem, life skills and qualifications helping them to forge fulfilled lives within their communities and beyond. Our programmes have been developed over a 20 year period working with young people nationally and internationally.
This episode will be introducing my chosen charity for the 2018 MdS.
Helping Children to Reach Their Full Potential
Seven Overseas (not Republic of Ireland) Programmes
- Social Integration Programme
- The New Start Programme
- Playroom Programme
- Finale Step Programme
- Mother & Baby Programme
- Sports Programme
- Life Skills Programme
- Business Bootcamp
- Gardening Programme
- Coder Dojo Coding Club
- Discover Ireland Programme
- Scholarship Programme
Training is going reasonable. It'll be a slow edition this year. But that is fine with me, as I want to enjoy the Sahara even more than the previous two editions.
Thursday, 16 November 2017
Week 2017-11-16 Journey to the third MdS continues
Important items first:
Chosen Charity: To Children with Love
Donation page: Donation link
Had the best of intentions for the week of 30 October. However I woke up that Monday morning the 30th with a throat feeling like sandpaper. No worries I thought, that's my annual three days of having a cold. How wrong was I? It lasted way into the week of the sixth of November.
The whole week of the 30th I was on two a day Lemsip, vitamin (every kind) tables with hot water. It helped a bit but not much.
Week of sixth of November we were in the Maldives for our honeymoon. I went to the gym once, the resort is about a mile long, so no running. Did three dives tho, not sure how that counts as training but it surely was amazing being underwater with the fishes. Some pictures here of it.
Back in the UK, at least on the 15th of November I went back to CrossFit. Still suffering with chest tightness, so breathing isn't that easy. But 16 November I will be back. Running still isn't doable because of the chest cold. More Lemsip and vitamin pills coming up.
Coming back from the Maldives has kicked in proper jet lag. Been up everyday since Tuesday 14 November at around 04:30. Means back to bed around 21:30 and repeat.
Not long now before To Children with Love, my chosen charity has it's annual fundraising event in Clontarf Castle. I've made the "generous" offer to speak there. Not sure what to say, but I'll make it up as we go :-).
Guess this is about it for now. As I said, will try to keep them short and "sweet".
Chosen Charity: To Children with Love
Donation page: Donation link
Had the best of intentions for the week of 30 October. However I woke up that Monday morning the 30th with a throat feeling like sandpaper. No worries I thought, that's my annual three days of having a cold. How wrong was I? It lasted way into the week of the sixth of November.
The whole week of the 30th I was on two a day Lemsip, vitamin (every kind) tables with hot water. It helped a bit but not much.
Week of sixth of November we were in the Maldives for our honeymoon. I went to the gym once, the resort is about a mile long, so no running. Did three dives tho, not sure how that counts as training but it surely was amazing being underwater with the fishes. Some pictures here of it.
 |
| Random Fish in the Indian Ocean |
 |
| View from the seaplane |
 |
| In the BA flight |
 |
| More views from the seaplane |
Back in the UK, at least on the 15th of November I went back to CrossFit. Still suffering with chest tightness, so breathing isn't that easy. But 16 November I will be back. Running still isn't doable because of the chest cold. More Lemsip and vitamin pills coming up.
Coming back from the Maldives has kicked in proper jet lag. Been up everyday since Tuesday 14 November at around 04:30. Means back to bed around 21:30 and repeat.
Not long now before To Children with Love, my chosen charity has it's annual fundraising event in Clontarf Castle. I've made the "generous" offer to speak there. Not sure what to say, but I'll make it up as we go :-).
Guess this is about it for now. As I said, will try to keep them short and "sweet".
Monday, 30 October 2017
Week 2017-10-23 not so good
A number of sessions in the gym to make the rest of the body muscles work. A number of rest days as on Thursday I went to Stansted Airport to meet up with Liz for an early Friday morning flight to Palma de Mallorca where we stayed till Saturday.
While I brought running gear, Friday was thrown out of the water due to a 2 hour delay, where we were sitting in a plane going nowhere.
Amazing fish dinner at Sa Cranca. The largest fish BBQ I ever had. Very tired on Friday evening, so actually went to bed relatively early and had a long lie in on Saturday.
Late check out, spend most of the time at the pool until time to leave for the airport. Good flight, reasonable drive back to Kingston.
As the lady had to leave Sunday evening for Poland, we just did a lazy Sunday.
All planned to get back into training on Monday 30 October I woke up with a throat like sandpaper and feeling like I skipped the night with too much of a "good time".
Filled myself up with lemsip, all sorts of vitamins and cough syrup. Feel somewhat better now, so hoping there is 3 sessions possible this week.
Then on Sunday of to the Maldives. Doubt there will be a lot of running, but will endeavour to stay active.
While I brought running gear, Friday was thrown out of the water due to a 2 hour delay, where we were sitting in a plane going nowhere.
Amazing fish dinner at Sa Cranca. The largest fish BBQ I ever had. Very tired on Friday evening, so actually went to bed relatively early and had a long lie in on Saturday.
Late check out, spend most of the time at the pool until time to leave for the airport. Good flight, reasonable drive back to Kingston.
As the lady had to leave Sunday evening for Poland, we just did a lazy Sunday.
All planned to get back into training on Monday 30 October I woke up with a throat like sandpaper and feeling like I skipped the night with too much of a "good time".
Filled myself up with lemsip, all sorts of vitamins and cough syrup. Feel somewhat better now, so hoping there is 3 sessions possible this week.
Then on Sunday of to the Maldives. Doubt there will be a lot of running, but will endeavour to stay active.
Tuesday, 24 October 2017
2017-10-24 Training or at least doing something most days.
As I had to go into London on Friday, I figured, may as well use the opportunity to run to it from Waterloo and back. Well run is a big word for the speed, which I can't blame on the number of people in London. Just blame it on not having run enough for the last year.
But it was another 6km I may otherwise not have done.
Not having been in the Gym or CrossFit, I've at least picked that up as well.
Two weightlifting sessions so far this week. Notice-able absence, as my legs, arms and upper body are screaming.
But I realise I've missed that feeling.
I've been too "scared" to step on the scales. Which is stupid as I won't be able to check if I'm actually losing some weight. I know it's not about weight alone, but believe me, in this case it is about weight in the first instance.
So at least one more session this week in the UK and hopefully the sun in Palma de Mallorca will motivate me for another run while Lizzie is working.
Got my shoes for the MdS sorted. Brooks Beast 16 as they have a fabulous wide fit, and are very cushioned. They may even protect my feet in the desert.
Got food for trial from MyRaceKit. Opted for LyoFoods. Not sure about the kinds of food, but Noodles are high on the wishlist.
I am talking with an Irish Charity ToChildrenWithLove to fundraise for them.
That's it for now.
I'm keeping it short, so I won't take up your whole evening with my amazingly interesting stories.
But it was another 6km I may otherwise not have done.
Not having been in the Gym or CrossFit, I've at least picked that up as well.
Two weightlifting sessions so far this week. Notice-able absence, as my legs, arms and upper body are screaming.
But I realise I've missed that feeling.
I've been too "scared" to step on the scales. Which is stupid as I won't be able to check if I'm actually losing some weight. I know it's not about weight alone, but believe me, in this case it is about weight in the first instance.
So at least one more session this week in the UK and hopefully the sun in Palma de Mallorca will motivate me for another run while Lizzie is working.
Got my shoes for the MdS sorted. Brooks Beast 16 as they have a fabulous wide fit, and are very cushioned. They may even protect my feet in the desert.
Got food for trial from MyRaceKit. Opted for LyoFoods. Not sure about the kinds of food, but Noodles are high on the wishlist.
I am talking with an Irish Charity ToChildrenWithLove to fundraise for them.
That's it for now.
I'm keeping it short, so I won't take up your whole evening with my amazingly interesting stories.
Wednesday, 18 October 2017
2017-10-18 Two training sessions done
Guess the MdS expo really did kick the mojo a bit. Also the other half being away for work most of the week is an incentive, however she would never stop me training. She only encourages me.
Monday 16 October https://www.strava.com/activities/1232897892
A run/walk. Was able to keep my walking under 9 minutes per km. Which for me a massive achievement. I wish I could power walk as my wife does. I've done a few 10k walks with her and she wipes the floor with me.
Wednesday 18 October
32 minutes treadmill includes 2minute cool down. 1.96 miles / 3.15 km (pi I would say) wearing a 10kg weighted vest. Not pretty, but I did it.
Maybe I should make a plan. I do know I would deviate from the plan not much later than day two anyway.
I will start working on a food spreadsheet. MdS makes you an expert in food spreadsheets with calorie/weight ratio's. Very exciting.
Ordered shoes. Brooks are one of the few that actually do a wide sizing as well.
Not much more to say. You all may be bored shitless by my blog, but it's part of me getting my arse in gear.
See you next time.
Monday 16 October https://www.strava.com/activities/1232897892
A run/walk. Was able to keep my walking under 9 minutes per km. Which for me a massive achievement. I wish I could power walk as my wife does. I've done a few 10k walks with her and she wipes the floor with me.
Wednesday 18 October
32 minutes treadmill includes 2minute cool down. 1.96 miles / 3.15 km (pi I would say) wearing a 10kg weighted vest. Not pretty, but I did it.
Maybe I should make a plan. I do know I would deviate from the plan not much later than day two anyway.
I will start working on a food spreadsheet. MdS makes you an expert in food spreadsheets with calorie/weight ratio's. Very exciting.
Ordered shoes. Brooks are one of the few that actually do a wide sizing as well.
Not much more to say. You all may be bored shitless by my blog, but it's part of me getting my arse in gear.
See you next time.
Saturday, 14 October 2017
2017-10-17 Nothing like an MdS expo to "most likely" getting your training mojo back
Target - be MdS ready by Mid March 2018
Roadmap
1) Ditch about 8kg of weight (that's a stone and a bit for those who don't do kilo's)
2) Heat acclimatisation
3) Up weekly running distance starting to about 25 km per week going to 60-70 km three weeks per month.
4) Update the 2015 spreadsheet for food
5) More walking time on feet.
Today, for the third time running, I worked/helped at the MdS Expo organised by Steve Diederich. This year I was joined by my wife Liz, who, not surprisingly, was totally in her social butterfly element.
The expo is organised to give the UK (and other) participants to get insight into the MdS from previous runners and other guests. It also brings together a number of vendors specialised in ultra/multi-day running gear and equipment. Which is rare, as most of them are based fairly far from London. I would say Essex (myracekit) and Wales (likeys). It also has running training and nutritional experts. This year the first time they had a sweat test as well.
I guess I needed this to get into the swing of things, as my recent running hasn't been that great.
I most likely will support a charity as it's been a while since I asked people for money. More on that later.
My lovely wife set me a challenge to get my first 20 mile (32 km) run in as soon as possible. So there is the motivation.
More next time.
M
Roadmap
1) Ditch about 8kg of weight (that's a stone and a bit for those who don't do kilo's)
2) Heat acclimatisation
3) Up weekly running distance starting to about 25 km per week going to 60-70 km three weeks per month.
4) Update the 2015 spreadsheet for food
5) More walking time on feet.
Today, for the third time running, I worked/helped at the MdS Expo organised by Steve Diederich. This year I was joined by my wife Liz, who, not surprisingly, was totally in her social butterfly element.
The expo is organised to give the UK (and other) participants to get insight into the MdS from previous runners and other guests. It also brings together a number of vendors specialised in ultra/multi-day running gear and equipment. Which is rare, as most of them are based fairly far from London. I would say Essex (myracekit) and Wales (likeys). It also has running training and nutritional experts. This year the first time they had a sweat test as well.
I guess I needed this to get into the swing of things, as my recent running hasn't been that great.
I most likely will support a charity as it's been a while since I asked people for money. More on that later.
My lovely wife set me a challenge to get my first 20 mile (32 km) run in as soon as possible. So there is the motivation.
More next time.
M
Sunday, 21 February 2016
The In / Out Vote (Brexit) for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
This is my opinion and views on it. My view is the UK is better of in EU but the people will have to decide.
I will say this: Goodluck to the people who have a passport of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. You will have a referendum coming up, 23 June as it is set now, to vote to leave or stay in the EU. In the mid-70's there was a vote. The people who voted then have now created a large group of people who didn't get what they asked or wished for and are dissatisfied. I don't know if everything was known when these people voted, but what I do know is, that it is about 40 years ago and things have changed. The current age you can vote for this referendum is 18, so it will be the same 40 years from now. If you are younger than 58 now or in 40 years younger than 58 you had no say.
So whatever you vote, please ensure that you know what you wish for, know what you are going to get and if the vote you do is in the best interest of your children and grand-children.
I will not tell you how to vote. I will respect your vote, but I will put thoughts in your mind that may change your vote or at least make you go out and do your research. You will have to do your research, I can't do that for you and you shouldn't want anybody to do that for you. This is an important decision, don't waste it.
Well Mr. Cameron has finished his negotiations. Of course the in camp will say Well Done fantastic result and the out camp will say What a load of nonsense.
I will say this: Goodluck to the people who have a passport of The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. You will have a referendum coming up, 23 June as it is set now, to vote to leave or stay in the EU. In the mid-70's there was a vote. The people who voted then have now created a large group of people who didn't get what they asked or wished for and are dissatisfied. I don't know if everything was known when these people voted, but what I do know is, that it is about 40 years ago and things have changed. The current age you can vote for this referendum is 18, so it will be the same 40 years from now. If you are younger than 58 now or in 40 years younger than 58 you had no say.
So whatever you vote, please ensure that you know what you wish for, know what you are going to get and if the vote you do is in the best interest of your children and grand-children.
I will not tell you how to vote. I will respect your vote, but I will put thoughts in your mind that may change your vote or at least make you go out and do your research. You will have to do your research, I can't do that for you and you shouldn't want anybody to do that for you. This is an important decision, don't waste it.
Well Mr. Cameron has finished his negotiations. Of course the in camp will say Well Done fantastic result and the out camp will say What a load of nonsense.
- Ask yourself or your MP the following type of questions and then try to educate yourself on the answers. Look at the in and out answers but also go to the UK Government or European Union website. Do not just read news paper headlines.
- When will the UK be out of the EU? The referendum is 23 June I believe, so is the UK independent on the 24th of June and what will change?
- What will this mean for my travel to the European Union countries? What I mean is: currently there is a passport queue for EEA/EU/UK when you arrive in any EU country, if you are out and no proper agreements in place you will be in a visa or visa waiver line. To set this up and agree takes time. Personally I do not know who is currently, actively working on this
- No company will leave the UK or stop trading with the UK, but what trade agreements exist between the UK and EU countries or what is the status of creating those.
- What will this mean for my second house in a European Union country?
- What will this mean for the pension I still have in a European Union country?
- Will things become cheaper or more expensive?
- The illustrious £55m per day, how much is it net and what else do we get for this?
- If EU doesn't do the paperwork for the UK any more, will we need to hire more civil servants?
- What will happen to my friends, wife, girl-friend, brother-in-law who live in the UK but have no British passports?
- How will I feel about my friends or family who didn't vote the way I voted?
- What will it mean for friends/family living in the EU?
- What will it mean for educational exchange?
- What will be the impact to immigration?
- How will it change my life?
- Have you spoken to people younger than 18, whose main future it is you vote for. It may sound harsh but if you are over 50 right now, you are not voting the most of your future.
There are many more questions, but look around and ask your self what will change for the better and what will change for the worse or what will not change at all?
Blog 2 about fitness trackers and equivalent
As per the first one. This blog is based on how I see them, not scientific. If you want scientific there is nothing better than dcrainmaker.
There are two main sources: retailers (online/highstreet/manufacturer) or crowdsourcing (IndieGoGo/Kickstarter).
If you want it now or this week, retailers are the place to go. Also they are released products and supported. This doesn't mean they are perfect or flawless or do not require regular updates, but they have gone through a version of product testing.
If you are happy to wait, have some surplus cash and are interested supporting new products and can stand delays and more wait, crowdfunding may by the place to go. However you need to have patience as you will get in effect a beta (if not an alpha) version and you are part of the test group. Therefore written down specifications and features may be what it may, will or can do but not always what it already will do or at this moment will do well.
By the way, a number of the devices actually be replaced by your android, Apple or Windows phone with the right app.
For all the devices that can link with your phone to tell you you missed a call, as message a FB entry or Kim K tweeting, that can become irritating. However in a lot of cases I only actually notice my phone is ringing because the band vibrates. So the incoming call feature is actually quite good.
There are two main sources: retailers (online/highstreet/manufacturer) or crowdsourcing (IndieGoGo/Kickstarter).
If you want it now or this week, retailers are the place to go. Also they are released products and supported. This doesn't mean they are perfect or flawless or do not require regular updates, but they have gone through a version of product testing.
If you are happy to wait, have some surplus cash and are interested supporting new products and can stand delays and more wait, crowdfunding may by the place to go. However you need to have patience as you will get in effect a beta (if not an alpha) version and you are part of the test group. Therefore written down specifications and features may be what it may, will or can do but not always what it already will do or at this moment will do well.
By the way, a number of the devices actually be replaced by your android, Apple or Windows phone with the right app.
For all the devices that can link with your phone to tell you you missed a call, as message a FB entry or Kim K tweeting, that can become irritating. However in a lot of cases I only actually notice my phone is ringing because the band vibrates. So the incoming call feature is actually quite good.
- Fitbit Charge HR, Surge and One - fitbit
The One - is the smallest, cheapest and simplest. It counts steps. It has a clip so you can clip it to prevent losing it I guess. It's been my favorite for a long time. Just not been able to find a good place to clip it. Trousers probably not best place as sitting down and standing up will make it move and potentially you will lose it. So I kept it in my pocket without clip. Also not a good idea as I lost at least 2. My favorite way of looking for it was walking around with my phone to see if it would sync. If it did it at least would still be there. It's probably my all time favorite if you really only want steps and an un-intrusive device. No longer have mine.
The Surge - Is a full blown sports watch including GPS and you can select all sorts of activities. If you want to wear a normal watch as well, wearing both will make you look like Diego Maradona who used to wear a watch on each arm. It's a good device, the HR is typical Fitbit. God knows if it's correct, but I doubt it. It's a good piece of kit, and can serve as a weekend casual watch. It is expensive if you only use it as a stepcounter, but it can replace GPS, HRM and stepcounter device so maybe based on that it's relatively cheap. If you want to trace a number of different sports easily this may be a watch for you. It also tracks your sleep, if that is your thing.
The Charge HR - my daily wristband. It has a clock but doesn't look like a watch. Therefore you can easily wear it on the other arm. It is basically the same as The Charge but with HR tracking. If you can't be bothered about your HR don't bother getting this one as it's about £30 more expensive.
- Moov - multi-sport wearable Moov
- Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - Garmin
- Google Glass - V1 no longer in production. V2 corporate only
Subjects
- Blog 1 HealBe GoBe - HealBe - GoBe
- Blog 1 Antelope - Antelope
- Blog 1 Beddit - Beddit
- Blog 1 Kreyos - no website but a link to a write up Gizmodo on Kreyos
- Blog 1 Amiigo - Amiigo
- Blog 2 Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - Garmin
- Blog 2 Fitbit Charge HR, Surge and One - fitbit
- Blog 2 Moov - multi-sport wearable Moov
- Blog 2 Google Glass - V1 no longer in production. V2 corporate only
- Flyfit - smart ankle tracker for swimming, cycling and running. Flyfit
- Runscribe - data collection while training runscribe
- Stryd - power meter for running stryd
- 3ax - clipless pedals - 3Ax - still on kickstarter
- Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - Garmin
- Smart Halo - turn your bike into a smart bike - smart halo - still on kickstarter
- Recon HUD - The Jet HUD
- SeeSense Icon - the intelligent and connected light. - I've got it, seems cool. Not sure how the theft function works tho. SeeSense
- Gymwatch www.gymwatch.com
- Jabra Sport Pulse - Jabra
- Whitings Pulse and Pulse O2 - withings
Thursday, 18 February 2016
Fitness tracker or related technology non-scientific write-up - part 1
This is aimed at showing what is out there for you to investigate.
HealBe GoBe - HealBe - was on IndieGoGo. An automatic calorie consumed tracker. Well to strictly automated, you have to do something. Took so long to arrive I cancelled it. A lot of people now have one. Lot's of early complaints but it seems to have improved a lot. Have look, decide for yourself.
Kreyos - was on IndieGoGo. I got one, which sort of worked. The story of Kreyos, I suggest you read this. There maybe some on eBay. I send mine to a guy in the USA who paid postage. I didn't want more for it. Hope he is happy having a few.
Amiigo - was on IndieGoGo Amiigo. Have a look on their website. They are sold out. I probably have one that you can have for postage. I ditched it as not many people had one and I actually never really used it.
Beddit automatic sleep tracker - Beddit - was on IndieGoGo. I have it and use it every day as it's in my bed. It works well, no issues linking with the app. It gives a lot of information on your sleep pattern. Unfortunately I have no real other tracker except my Fitbit Surge so can't say if it tracks it well. However it seems to coincide that if I wake up not so refreshed it shows that I didn't have a good number of hours sleep. It's well worth a look at.
Antelope - smart suit. It has shirts, shorts, shoulder Antelope - It is a muscle contraction piece of textile. This seems to gain traction and is already big in Switzerland and Germany where Bionic training (remember Major Steve Austin - we have the technology, we can fix him, 6 million dollar man) is big. I have not received this yet, so cannot speak about it.
Next time about, but if you impatient there are some websites
HealBe GoBe - HealBe - was on IndieGoGo. An automatic calorie consumed tracker. Well to strictly automated, you have to do something. Took so long to arrive I cancelled it. A lot of people now have one. Lot's of early complaints but it seems to have improved a lot. Have look, decide for yourself.
Kreyos - was on IndieGoGo. I got one, which sort of worked. The story of Kreyos, I suggest you read this. There maybe some on eBay. I send mine to a guy in the USA who paid postage. I didn't want more for it. Hope he is happy having a few.
Amiigo - was on IndieGoGo Amiigo. Have a look on their website. They are sold out. I probably have one that you can have for postage. I ditched it as not many people had one and I actually never really used it.
Beddit automatic sleep tracker - Beddit - was on IndieGoGo. I have it and use it every day as it's in my bed. It works well, no issues linking with the app. It gives a lot of information on your sleep pattern. Unfortunately I have no real other tracker except my Fitbit Surge so can't say if it tracks it well. However it seems to coincide that if I wake up not so refreshed it shows that I didn't have a good number of hours sleep. It's well worth a look at.
Antelope - smart suit. It has shirts, shorts, shoulder Antelope - It is a muscle contraction piece of textile. This seems to gain traction and is already big in Switzerland and Germany where Bionic training (remember Major Steve Austin - we have the technology, we can fix him, 6 million dollar man) is big. I have not received this yet, so cannot speak about it.
Next time about, but if you impatient there are some websites
- Fitbit Charge HR, Surge and One - fitbit
- Moov - multi-sport wearable Moov
- Flyfit - smart ankle tracker for swimming, cycling and running. Flyfit
- Runscribe - data collection while training runscribe
- Stryd - power meter for running stryd
- 3ax - clipless pedals - 3Ax - still on kickstarter
- Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - Garmin
- Smart Halo - turn your bike into a smart bike - smart halo - still on kickstarter
- Google Glass - V1 no longer in production. V2 corporate only
- Recon HUD - The Jet HUD
- SeeSense Icon - the intelligent and connected light. - I've got it, seems cool. Not sure how the theft function works tho. SeeSense
- Gymwatch www.gymwatch.com
- Sabra Sport Pulse - Jabra
- Whitings Pulse and Pulse O2 - withings
2016 First Blog
I just realised my last blog was in October about the Mourne Sky Race. Actually I didn't realise it, I saw it when I logged into my blog account. I clearly should be better at this. An hour a week shouldn't be too much to write something.
So what has been new since The Mourne Sky Race:
Well I pulled out of the Transpyrenea as my foot tho lots better will not sustain +50k per day for 17 days. I feel I am letting my friend Zoe down who is still doing it and I encouraged her to do it.
I did the Run Until You Drop February event organised by Paul Ali (and maybe others that I am not aware of). What is this: Every day in February you run as many miles or km (your choice at the beginning but you can change from miles to km) equal the date. So 01 Feb 1 km or mile, 02 Feb 2 km or miles and so on. I managed till 15 February in km. Basically travel got in the way. To be honest I could of course have done 16 km on the travel day, but couldn't be asked. It is a good motivator tho. A number of people will do the whole month.
After deciding to pull out of Transpyrenea I am now eye-balling Oman Marathon. 6 days, 165km in Oman. Followed by a 6 day vacation in the Shangri-la in Muscat. Not signed up yet.
Recently a friend asked me to join the Chamonix Triathlon in September. That is a Olympic, Half Ironman or Ironman distance. I am tempted, but it seems tough.
In April the Dusseldorf Marathon is coming up that I am doing sort of with 2 friends, Leigh Michelmore and John Carter. Going to be fun, I guess. Aiming for a 3:45 time. Hey, reach for the stars to get to the moon.
In June I will be doing Dusseldorf Olympic Triathlon. Skipped a year, not intentionally of Triathlons, so want at least one this year. I have a sub-3 hour (2:59 and a bit) to beat, which should be do-able if I don't get a flat tyre this year.
In March, at Easter weekend I will be supporting the Jan Knippenberg Memorial in the Netherlands on the beach from Hoek van Holland to Den Helder. I have been here before supporting it and it's a good event. I am trying to get 2 friends, Zoe Salt and Marissa Harris to join, but they will have to run, while I will be in a car.
It seems I have ended up with a high number of fitness trackers. My girlfriend said you should write about them how they compare. Well I will never be able to beat dcrainmaker when it comes to deep detailed, scientific compares. So I will do it on feeling, of why I like something. This doesn't mean you may like it, it means what it is that attracts me in the product.
Notable people/activities
Susie Chan - 12 hour treadmill record 68.5 miles - the girl is mental - Kingston Uni - place of record
Roddy Riddle - Diabetes 1 diagnosed - did MdS, now doing some run in the cold. 6633 ultra
Mandy Turka Bansal - 2016 MdS hopeful and ended up on ITV - sorry no link
I will create a separate page for this.
So that's it for now. I'll promise I will be back faster next time. Yep I said this before.
So what has been new since The Mourne Sky Race:
Well I pulled out of the Transpyrenea as my foot tho lots better will not sustain +50k per day for 17 days. I feel I am letting my friend Zoe down who is still doing it and I encouraged her to do it.
I did the Run Until You Drop February event organised by Paul Ali (and maybe others that I am not aware of). What is this: Every day in February you run as many miles or km (your choice at the beginning but you can change from miles to km) equal the date. So 01 Feb 1 km or mile, 02 Feb 2 km or miles and so on. I managed till 15 February in km. Basically travel got in the way. To be honest I could of course have done 16 km on the travel day, but couldn't be asked. It is a good motivator tho. A number of people will do the whole month.
After deciding to pull out of Transpyrenea I am now eye-balling Oman Marathon. 6 days, 165km in Oman. Followed by a 6 day vacation in the Shangri-la in Muscat. Not signed up yet.
Recently a friend asked me to join the Chamonix Triathlon in September. That is a Olympic, Half Ironman or Ironman distance. I am tempted, but it seems tough.
In April the Dusseldorf Marathon is coming up that I am doing sort of with 2 friends, Leigh Michelmore and John Carter. Going to be fun, I guess. Aiming for a 3:45 time. Hey, reach for the stars to get to the moon.
In June I will be doing Dusseldorf Olympic Triathlon. Skipped a year, not intentionally of Triathlons, so want at least one this year. I have a sub-3 hour (2:59 and a bit) to beat, which should be do-able if I don't get a flat tyre this year.
In March, at Easter weekend I will be supporting the Jan Knippenberg Memorial in the Netherlands on the beach from Hoek van Holland to Den Helder. I have been here before supporting it and it's a good event. I am trying to get 2 friends, Zoe Salt and Marissa Harris to join, but they will have to run, while I will be in a car.
It seems I have ended up with a high number of fitness trackers. My girlfriend said you should write about them how they compare. Well I will never be able to beat dcrainmaker when it comes to deep detailed, scientific compares. So I will do it on feeling, of why I like something. This doesn't mean you may like it, it means what it is that attracts me in the product.
Notable people/activities
Susie Chan - 12 hour treadmill record 68.5 miles - the girl is mental - Kingston Uni - place of record
Roddy Riddle - Diabetes 1 diagnosed - did MdS, now doing some run in the cold. 6633 ultra
Mandy Turka Bansal - 2016 MdS hopeful and ended up on ITV - sorry no link
I will create a separate page for this.
So that's it for now. I'll promise I will be back faster next time. Yep I said this before.
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