tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10625172602509292372024-03-13T02:37:18.993+00:00Just another blogJust keeping the world updated with boring stuffMichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-67393932313985728562019-08-25T20:52:00.001+01:002019-08-25T20:52:03.438+01:00Madrid Week One 18 AugustSo, I’ve moved to Madrid. A new job at the <a href="https://www.olympicchannel.com/" target="_blank">OCS</a>. 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
I’m settling in very well but do miss Lizzie my wife. Luckily she’ll be here soon.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Not much more now, but wanted to start writing up my stuff again.<br />
<br />
See you soon Lizzie Lou. XxMichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-89718122305359186102018-04-16T11:46:00.000+01:002018-04-16T11:46:39.746+01:00So what is next after DNF on the MdSFor those not regular runners DNF = Did Not Finish. Means you start a running event but you don't get to the finish line.<br />
<br />
So what is next?<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
I can now focus again on CrossFit an the gym, which will include running.<br />
I can use the gained time to read a book or watch a movie.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
In 2018 I did two dives in Fujairah. I am no totally hooked.<br />
In 2018 I will go for my advanced open water, peak performance buoyancy and underwater photography.<br />
<br />
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.MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-29201566140796436172018-04-15T17:50:00.002+01:002018-04-15T17:50:18.943+01:00Sometimes things don't go the way you planned or want. You move on and live.<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">I lost my ECG, Medical Certificate and compulsory €200 on Friday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">I finished the flattest 30km ever on Sunday but it never felt
right. It was a battle between body and mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">I want to thank my tent mates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Alex Wolff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Hannah Biddel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">James Wellock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Sally Wellock<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Kevin Tucker<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Lotte Tulloch<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Rob Willis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">for their fabulous support.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">The silver lining of dropping out is, you get to eat in the
"restaurant".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">When I got back home Wednesday morning, "ceremonially" I
dumped the shorts, running shirt and night shirt I used for the 3 events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">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.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , serif;">Picture on the left and right non-Schengen. Picture in the middle, Schengen.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VuVcDkS2xo/WtOCm7yYuNI/AAAAAAABYho/TPpa5YrgsYkdQxjGJBAvGeVTPhhvzgOpACLcBGAs/s1600/2018-04-07%2B12.22.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VuVcDkS2xo/WtOCm7yYuNI/AAAAAAABYho/TPpa5YrgsYkdQxjGJBAvGeVTPhhvzgOpACLcBGAs/s320/2018-04-07%2B12.22.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-23216746858702741972018-03-27T22:22:00.002+01:002018-03-27T22:22:46.545+01:00Marathon des Sables 2013 Bib 710, 2015 Bib 324, 2018 bib 476<a href="http://www.marathondessables.com/" target="_blank">Marathon des Sables</a><br />
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.<br />
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<a href="https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/sahara-to-support-children" target="_blank">Charity Link</a> - where you can donate for the following charity<br />
<a href="https://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/" target="_blank">To Children With Love</a><br />
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I'm pretty crap at keeping up a blog.<br />
One more to add to the collection<br />
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I'm looking forward of meeting new people and seeing old friends.</div>
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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.</div>
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Here is a link to my private SPOT tracker which I'll take.</div>
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<a href="http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0f2JZ1caOMs8qhJNTCpg4Lolkxii4ptFi" target="_blank">SPOT</a></div>
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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</div>
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Not sure what more to write</div>
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-77808349829261676902018-02-18T03:28:00.001+00:002018-02-18T03:28:33.207+00:00A tribute to my wife as a motivation to finish a third MdSThe 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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12 months minus three days later, we got married in Kingston. It was a rocky but amazing road to get there.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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I will miss you like crazy in the 2018 MdS, but you, my mermaid, will get me through it.<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-17777654507522515622018-02-15T15:05:00.002+00:002018-02-15T15:05:56.366+00:00Thoughts 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.<br />
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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.<br />
About 40km in, I decided to go through to 60km of the I believe 75-80 end stage and have a rest.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
The last but not least, my mum, 87, who got mugged in her own home recently and obviously is very concerned about her daughter.<br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Chosen Charity</td></tr>
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<a href="https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/sahara-to-support-children" target="_blank">Charity link</a>MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-46670547138608819802018-02-13T22:10:00.001+00:002018-02-13T22:10:12.221+00:00To Children With Love - My MdS Charity<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This episode will be introducing my chosen charity for the 2018 MdS.</div>
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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.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;">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.</span></div>
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More details here:</div>
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<a href="https://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/the-team/" target="_blank">The Team</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/" target="_blank">ToChildrenWithLove</a></span></div>
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Mission Statement</div>
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<span style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Our goal is to support young people to achieve their full potential in education, employment and life.</span></div>
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<div style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Open Sans", HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.85em; margin-top: 0.85em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px rgb(225, 225, 225); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">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.</span></div>
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This episode will be introducing my chosen charity for the 2018 MdS.</div>
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<a href="https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/sahara-to-support-children" target="_blank">Donations via this link</a></div>
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Helping Children to Reach Their Full Potential</div>
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Seven Overseas (not Republic of Ireland) Programmes</div>
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<a href="https://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/our-programmes-abroad/" target="_blank">International</a></div>
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<li>Social Integration Programme</li>
<li>The New Start Programme</li>
<li>Playroom Programme</li>
<li>Finale Step Programme</li>
<li>Mother & Baby Programme</li>
<li>Sports Programme</li>
<li>Life Skills Programme</li>
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<a href="https://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/our-programmes-at-home/" target="_blank">Republic of Ireland - The Rising Tide Project</a></div>
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<li>Business Bootcamp</li>
<li>Gardening Programme</li>
<li>Coder Dojo Coding Club</li>
<li>Discover Ireland Programme</li>
<li>Scholarship Programme</li>
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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.</div>
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-5491442307996943242017-11-16T06:47:00.002+00:002017-11-16T06:47:55.805+00:00Week 2017-11-16 Journey to the third MdS continuesImportant items first:<br />
Chosen Charity: <a href="http://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/" target="_blank">To Children with Love</a><br />
Donation page: <a href="https://give.everydayhero.com/ie/sahara-to-support-children" target="_blank">Donation link</a><br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ6qop6NkLc/Wg0wwVE-wsI/AAAAAAABWTw/He0o5zbJmX42ldeGjmcU3Q4y_1J01XcHwCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-06%2B11.53.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QJ6qop6NkLc/Wg0wwVE-wsI/AAAAAAABWTw/He0o5zbJmX42ldeGjmcU3Q4y_1J01XcHwCLcBGAs/s200/2017-11-06%2B11.53.52.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the seaplane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5X75z1jdeuo/Wg0wwZOET0I/AAAAAAABWTs/CVk4-6Zmz9sFcPAoU2EGqwdjO6UIjppQQCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-06%2B11.54.13-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5X75z1jdeuo/Wg0wwZOET0I/AAAAAAABWTs/CVk4-6Zmz9sFcPAoU2EGqwdjO6UIjppQQCLcBGAs/s200/2017-11-06%2B11.54.13-1.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the BA flight</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFG5xfYYkDc/Wg0wwHRIxCI/AAAAAAABWTo/w9DA12muicsMM3JQbkY9m-rjkBjbaCK3gCLcBGAs/s1600/2017-11-06%2B11.55.33-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFG5xfYYkDc/Wg0wwHRIxCI/AAAAAAABWTo/w9DA12muicsMM3JQbkY9m-rjkBjbaCK3gCLcBGAs/s200/2017-11-06%2B11.55.33-1.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More views from the seaplane</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Back in the UK, at least on the 15th of November I went back to <a href="http://www.crossfit2012.co.uk/" target="_blank">CrossFit</a>. 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Not long now before <a href="http://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/" target="_blank">To Children with Love</a>, my chosen charity has it's annual fundraising event in <a href="http://www.clontarfcastle.ie/" target="_blank">Clontarf Castle</a>. I've made the "generous" offer to speak there. Not sure what to say, but I'll make it up as we go :-).<br />
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Guess this is about it for now. As I said, will try to keep them short and "sweet".<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0Maldives3.202778 73.220680000000016-4.8881689999999995 62.893531500000016 11.293725 83.547828500000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-58251861750184320722017-10-30T19:16:00.000+00:002017-10-30T19:16:04.538+00:00Week 2017-10-23 not so goodA 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Amazing fish dinner at <a href="http://www.sacranca.com/" target="_blank">Sa Cranca</a>. 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.<br />
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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.<br />
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As the lady had to leave Sunday evening for Poland, we just did a lazy Sunday.<br />
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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".<br />
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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.<br />
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Then on Sunday of to the Maldives. Doubt there will be a lot of running, but will endeavour to stay active.<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-48957200930913255032017-10-24T18:14:00.003+01:002017-10-24T18:14:44.829+01:002017-10-24 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.<br />
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But it was another 6km I may otherwise not have done.<br />
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Not having been in the Gym or CrossFit, I've at least picked that up as well.<br />
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Two weightlifting sessions so far this week. Notice-able absence, as my legs, arms and upper body are screaming.<br />
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But I realise I've missed that feeling.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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Got food for trial from <a href="http://www.myracekit.com/" target="_blank">MyRaceKit</a>. Opted for LyoFoods. Not sure about the kinds of food, but Noodles are high on the wishlist.<br />
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I am talking with an Irish Charity <a href="http://www.tochildrenwithlove.ie/" target="_blank">ToChildrenWithLove</a> to fundraise for them.<br />
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That's it for now.<br />
I'm keeping it short, so I won't take up your whole evening with my amazingly interesting stories.<br />
<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-78665184724323314482017-10-18T17:45:00.001+01:002017-10-18T17:45:43.820+01:002017-10-18 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.<br />
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Monday 16 October https://www.strava.com/activities/1232897892<br />
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.<br />
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Wednesday 18 October<br />
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.<br />
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Maybe I should make a plan. I do know I would deviate from the plan not much later than day two anyway.<br />
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I will start working on a food spreadsheet. MdS makes you an expert in food spreadsheets with calorie/weight ratio's. Very exciting.<br />
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Ordered shoes. Brooks are one of the few that actually do a wide sizing as well.<br />
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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.<br />
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See you next time.<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-27051877449163603872017-10-14T22:07:00.005+01:002017-10-14T22:07:59.882+01:002017-10-17 Nothing like an MdS expo to "most likely" getting your training mojo backTarget - be MdS ready by Mid March 2018<br />
Roadmap<br />
1) Ditch about 8kg of weight (that's a stone and a bit for those who don't do kilo's)<br />
2) Heat acclimatisation<br />
3) Up weekly running distance starting to about 25 km per week going to 60-70 km three weeks per month.<br />
4) Update the 2015 spreadsheet for food<br />
5) More walking time on feet.<br />
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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.<br />
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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 (<a href="http://www.myracekit.com/" target="_blank">myracekit</a>) and Wales (<a href="http://www.likeys.com/" target="_blank">likeys</a>). It also has running training and nutritional experts. This year the first time they had a sweat test as well.<br />
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I guess I needed this to get into the swing of things, as my recent running hasn't been that great.<br />
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I most likely will support a charity as it's been a while since I asked people for money. More on that later.<br />
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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.<br />
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More next time.<br />
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M<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0Kingston upon Thames KT1 2HP, UK51.3995285 -0.3016411999999490951.3989095 -0.30290169999994909 51.4001475 -0.3003806999999491tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-44549681706754595142016-02-21T21:12:00.001+00:002016-02-21T22:19:20.760+00:00The In / Out Vote (Brexit) for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandThis is my opinion and views on it. My view is the UK is better of in EU but the people will have to decide.<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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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.<br />
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<li>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 <a href="https://www.gov.uk/" target="_blank">UK Government</a> or <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/index_en.htm" target="_blank">European Union</a> website. Do not just read news paper headlines.</li>
<li>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?</li>
<li>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</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>What will this mean for my second house in a European Union country?</li>
<li>What will this mean for the pension I still have in a European Union country?</li>
<li>Will things become cheaper or more expensive?</li>
<li>The illustrious £55m per day, how much is it net and what else do we get for this?</li>
<li>If EU doesn't do the paperwork for the UK any more, will we need to hire more civil servants?</li>
<li>What will happen to my friends, wife, girl-friend, brother-in-law who live in the UK but have no British passports?</li>
<li>How will I feel about my friends or family who didn't vote the way I voted?</li>
<li>What will it mean for friends/family living in the EU?</li>
<li>What will it mean for educational exchange?</li>
<li>What will be the impact to immigration?</li>
<li>How will it change my life?</li>
<li>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.</li>
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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?</div>
MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-53138056805463492272016-02-21T20:41:00.001+00:002016-02-21T20:41:37.366+00:00Blog 2 about fitness trackers and equivalent<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">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 <a href="http://www.dcrainmaker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dcrainmaker</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">There are two main sources: retailers (online/highstreet/manufacturer) or crowdsourcing (IndieGoGo/Kickstarter).</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">By the way, a number of the devices actually be replaced by your android, Apple or Windows phone with the right app. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">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.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Fitbit Charge HR, Surge and One - <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">fitbit</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">In general if you are a bit competitive and you like to compete with friends on who can do most steps (and who doesn't want that) Fitbit seems to have most people on it. </span></span><div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">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. </span><div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">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. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">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.</span></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Moov - multi-sport wearable <a href="http://welcome.moov.cc/" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Moov</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">New kid on the block. The aim is that you wear one on a leg and one on an arm so you can do your triathlon training. Don't like I have to press it to sync. Also, the little device sits in a rubber band but not very secure as I've lost mine on more than one occasion during the night. So if you wear it going for a run, ensure it's below a sock. It does the job, not very intrusive but not sure it's for me. </span></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/wearables/wearables/vivosmart-/prod154886.html" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garmin</a></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Direct competitor to basically the Fitbit Charge/Charge HR but to HR only via chest strap. Good device, if you like Garmin this is the one for you. It fits well in the Garmin eco system, not intrusive band so you can wear it at any occasion. Not much to say, if I wasn't a Fitbit aficionado I would wear this one.</span></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li>Google Glass - V1 no longer in production. V2 corporate only</li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">By no stretch of the imagination the most expensive. £1000 when they were for sale. However I really like the concept and I believe the world isn't ready for it as a consumer wearable. It's used by certain companies, specially in Field Service and Remote / Over the Shoulder coaching. It integrates seamlessly with android but works well with Apple as well. The main feature I like is the integration with Google Maps while cycling. It's very cleverly done and a lot safer than trying to look at your phone. It has it's own social media called Glossaic where you can store the video and/or pictures you take riding or walking around like an alien. The main downfall is the battery life. About 3 - 4 hours. It does have a headset function so you can use it to listen to your music. If you do this and have the GPS on, you better bring a charger. It's a consumer gimmick but will have some real corporate / technology benefits in the near future.</span></span><ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
</ul>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms, trebuchet, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Subjects</span></span></div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li>Blog 1 HealBe GoBe - <a href="https://healbe.com/us/" target="_blank">HealBe - GoBe</a></li>
<li>Blog 1 Antelope - <a href="http://www.antelope.club/en" target="_blank">Antelope</a></li>
<li>Blog 1 Beddit - <a href="http://www.beddit.com/" target="_blank">Beddit</a></li>
<li>Blog 1 Kreyos - no website but a link to a write up <a href="http://gizmodo.com/the-1-5-million-indiegogo-smartwatch-horror-story-1625043836" target="_blank">Gizmodo on Kreyos</a></li>
<li>Blog 1 Amiigo - <a href="https://amiigo.com/" target="_blank">Amiigo</a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Blog 2 Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/wearables/wearables/vivosmart-/prod154886.html" style="color: #b87209; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Garmin</a></li>
<li>Blog 2 Fitbit Charge HR, Surge and One - <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fitbit</a></li>
<li>Blog 2 Moov - multi-sport wearable <a href="http://welcome.moov.cc/" target="_blank">Moov</a></li>
<li>Blog 2 Google Glass - V1 no longer in production. V2 corporate only</li>
<li>Flyfit - smart ankle tracker for swimming, cycling and running. <a href="http://www.myflyfit.com/" target="_blank">Flyfit</a></li>
<li>Runscribe - data collection while training <a href="http://www.runscribe.com/" target="_blank">runscribe</a></li>
<li>Stryd - power meter for running <a href="https://www.stryd.com/" target="_blank">stryd</a></li>
<li>3ax - clipless pedals - <a href="http://shop.3axcycling.com/" target="_blank">3Ax</a> - still on kickstarter</li>
<li>Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/wearables/wearables/vivosmart-/prod154886.html" target="_blank">Garmin</a></li>
<li>Smart Halo - turn your bike into a smart bike - <a href="https://www.smarthalo.bike/" target="_blank">smart halo</a> - still on kickstarter</li>
<li><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">Recon HUD - </span><a href="http://www.reconinstruments.com/products/jet/" style="line-height: 18.2px;" target="_blank">The Jet HUD</a></li>
<li>SeeSense Icon - the intelligent and connected light. - I've got it, seems cool. Not sure how the theft function works tho. <a href="http://seesense.cc/" target="_blank">SeeSense</a></li>
<li>Gymwatch <a href="http://www.gymwatch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.gymwatch.com</a></li>
<li>Jabra Sport Pulse - <a href="http://www.jabra.co.uk/sports-headphones/jabra-sport-pulse-wireless" target="_blank">Jabra</a></li>
<li>Whitings Pulse and Pulse O2 - <a href="http://www.withings.com/uk/en/?gclid=CjwKEAiA9JW2BRDxtaq2ruDg22oSJACgtTxcwDkRGPsE9vtE0QH8O40t7h6PZ5Rec1HrYWsMvF_3BxoCet3w_wcB" target="_blank">withings</a></li>
<li><br /></li>
</ul>
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MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-42986220808986311882016-02-18T22:54:00.003+00:002016-02-18T22:54:31.150+00:00Fitness tracker or related technology non-scientific write-up - part 1This is aimed at showing what is out there for you to investigate.<br />
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HealBe GoBe - <a href="https://healbe.com/us/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HealBe</a> - 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.<br />
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Kreyos - was on IndieGoGo. I got one, which sort of worked. <a href="http://gizmodo.com/the-1-5-million-indiegogo-smartwatch-horror-story-1625043836" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The story of Kreyos</a>, 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.<br />
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Amiigo - was on IndieGoGo <a href="https://amiigo.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amiigo</a>. 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.<br />
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Beddit automatic sleep tracker - <a href="http://www.beddit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beddit</a> - 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.<br />
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Antelope - smart suit. It has shirts, shorts, shoulder <a href="http://www.antelope.club/en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Antelope</a> - 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.<br />
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Next time about, but if you impatient there are some websites<br />
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<ul>
<li>Fitbit Charge HR, Surge and One - <a href="http://www.fitbit.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">fitbit</a></li>
<li>Moov - multi-sport wearable <a href="http://welcome.moov.cc/" target="_blank">Moov</a></li>
<li>Flyfit - smart ankle tracker for swimming, cycling and running. <a href="http://www.myflyfit.com/" target="_blank">Flyfit</a></li>
<li>Runscribe - data collection while training <a href="http://www.runscribe.com/" target="_blank">runscribe</a></li>
<li>Stryd - power meter for running <a href="https://www.stryd.com/" target="_blank">stryd</a></li>
<li>3ax - clipless pedals - <a href="http://shop.3axcycling.com/" target="_blank">3Ax</a> - still on kickstarter</li>
<li>Garmin Vivosmart - fitness / step counter - <a href="https://buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/wearables/wearables/vivosmart-/prod154886.html" target="_blank">Garmin</a></li>
<li>Smart Halo - turn your bike into a smart bike - <a href="https://www.smarthalo.bike/" target="_blank">smart halo</a> - still on kickstarter</li>
<li>Google Glass - V1 no longer in production. V2 corporate only</li>
<li>Recon HUD - <a href="http://www.reconinstruments.com/products/jet/" target="_blank">The Jet HUD</a></li>
<li>SeeSense Icon - the intelligent and connected light. - I've got it, seems cool. Not sure how the theft function works tho. <a href="http://seesense.cc/" target="_blank">SeeSense</a></li>
<li>Gymwatch <a href="http://www.gymwatch.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.gymwatch.com</a></li>
<li>Sabra Sport Pulse - <a href="http://www.jabra.co.uk/sports-headphones/jabra-sport-pulse-wireless" target="_blank">Jabra</a></li>
<li>Whitings Pulse and Pulse O2 - <a href="http://www.withings.com/uk/en/?gclid=CjwKEAiA9JW2BRDxtaq2ruDg22oSJACgtTxcwDkRGPsE9vtE0QH8O40t7h6PZ5Rec1HrYWsMvF_3BxoCet3w_wcB" target="_blank">withings</a></li>
</ul>
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-47658400541638597382016-02-18T22:11:00.002+00:002016-02-18T22:11:27.060+00:002016 First BlogI 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.<br />
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So what has been new since The Mourne Sky Race:<br />
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.<br />
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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.<br />
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After deciding to pull out of Transpyrenea I am now eye-balling <a href="http://www.marathonoman.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oman Marathon</a>. 6 days, 165km in Oman. Followed by a 6 day vacation in the Shangri-la in Muscat. Not signed up yet.<br />
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Recently a friend asked me to join the <a href="https://www.evergreen-endurance.com/en/welcome/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chamonix Triathlon</a> in September. That is a Olympic, Half Ironman or Ironman distance. I am tempted, but it seems tough.<br />
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In April the <a href="http://www.metrogroup-marathon.de/en/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dusseldorf Marathon</a> 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.<br />
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In June I will be doing <a href="http://www.t3-duesseldorf.de/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dusseldorf Olympic Triathlon</a>. 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.<br />
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In March, at Easter weekend I will be supporting the <a href="http://www.janknippenbergmemorial.nl/#!english/cwed" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jan Knippenberg Memorial</a> 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.<br />
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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 <a href="http://www.dcrainmaker.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dcrainmaker</a> 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.<br />
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Notable people/activities<br />
Susie Chan - 12 hour treadmill record 68.5 miles - the girl is mental - <a href="http://www.kingston.ac.uk/news/article/1609/30-jan-2016-ultra-runner-susie-chan-sets-new-12hour-treadmill-world-record-at-kingston-university/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kingston Uni - place of record</a><br />
Roddy Riddle - Diabetes 1 diagnosed - did MdS, now doing some run in the cold. <a href="http://www.6633ultra.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">6633 ultra</a><br />
Mandy Turka Bansal - 2016 MdS hopeful and ended up on ITV - sorry no link<br />
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I will create a separate page for this.<br />
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So that's it for now. I'll promise I will be back faster next time. Yep I said this before.<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-64346954923502756512015-10-31T20:11:00.002+00:002015-10-31T20:12:31.325+00:00Mourne Sky RunThursday 22 October, spend a half day and night in Belfast. Seen the Cathedral Quarter as it came recommended by a friend and the taxi driver. Not sure what I saw besides I think Albert Memorial clock. Went into a sports shop, <a href="http://www.jackson-sports.com/" target="_blank">Jackson Sports Belfast</a>, which I highly recommend. Bumped into a guy working there, not literally of course, who also was doing the Sky run.<br />
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Then went to see where the Titanic was build. Seems the Irish are very proud, but I didn't see, on the outside, the operative: But the ship sank and lots of people died. But maybe that's ok. Was cool walking through shipyards. They show an industry that actually builds stuff, and I like that.<br />
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Walked back to the hotel, which had schoolclasses of little boys playing the most boring game in the world, Cricket. But hey whatever people like.<br />
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Went out for dinner at <a href="http://www.ribsnbibs.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ribs and Bibs</a>. Where I had chicken wings and ribs. Not bad, not great.<br />
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The Friday morning I went to <a href="http://rcfni.com/" target="_blank">CrossFit Belfast</a>. What an amazing box. And a great guy. Did 45 minutes of open gym with squats and wall ball shots and a bit of rope climbing. When I asked how much, he said, it's free. So wanted to buy a t-shirt. Sold out. So donated to their charity. If you into CrossFit and go to Belfast, go there.<br />
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Went to pick up the car to drive to Killyleagh to meet Rob Jones and Caoimhe his wife and baby girl for the first time. Very welcome at Rob's mother in laws house for lunch. Met his sister in law (that is a bit of a guess tho). Fab house, near the sea, in the middle of nowhere :-).<br />
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Then went down to Newcastle where I was staying in the <a href="http://www.cherryhill-lodge.com/" target="_blank">Cherry Hill Lodge</a>. Very nice, proper home cooked French Toast for Breakfast.<br />
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Saturday morning the start of the race. It was raining, which would disappear at about 10;00. For some unknown reason I got interviewed by Channel 4. This seems to be on tv sometime in November. It'll be either after 21;00 or some beeps will be in there. Think Rob and Simon thought it was pretty funny they chose me.<br />
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So the event <a href="http://www.mourneskylinemtr.com/" target="_blank">Mourne Sky Race</a>, in the Mourne Mountains is pretty tough, 35k and 3,370 meters of climing. Unfortunately I had to DNF at 15k as my right leg kept on refusing going up the hill. And to do something like the race, see below what it looks like, you need both legs. It was very slippery but the scenery was pretty good. Shame I had to bail out, but such is life. I can live with that. I would recommend the event. Well organised, in a great environment. I may have to try again next year.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HT1px8ifXKI/VjUeudKxMEI/AAAAAAAAkj0/dQfpJJlXkTk/s1600/Mourne%2BSky%2BRace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HT1px8ifXKI/VjUeudKxMEI/AAAAAAAAkj0/dQfpJJlXkTk/s320/Mourne%2BSky%2BRace.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Was good meeting new people, and seeing old friends. <a href="http://iancorless.org/" target="_blank">Ian Corless</a>, was there and it's always a pleasure getting his pictures. Met his lovely girlfriend Niandi for the first time, who herself is a pretty ace runner as well.<br />
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When Rob and Simon finished, we went for some food and drinks. It's always a pleasure to see Rob after a race. He looks totally waisted, which is a compliment by the way.<br />
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So despite the DNF, great day out in the Mourne Mountains, sun came out, great people, nice food. Rugby (which was also boring).<br />
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Had dinner later that evening in a local Newcastle curry house. Seemed very new, and food was good.<br />
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Luckily had changed my flight to 07:35, so had to wake up at 04:00 but at least the clocks went back. George Best City Airport Belfast so far has been good to me. BA even managed to land the plane in LHR 30 minutes early. How, I have no clue, but am not complaining.<br />
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So good weekend in Ireland. Could have even gone to Martin Muldoons wedding party but that was a little out of the way.<br />
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Ok, up to the next event which is Dusseldorf Marathon.<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-55952834826773692015-10-22T21:39:00.001+01:002015-10-22T21:40:00.419+01:00Northern IrelandI landed at George Best City Airport. As usual BA was late, they are a crap airline. Cannot fly on time. Been to Belfast before, but never really into it. Been here for work a few times and once to go up north to the Giants Causeway. Different blog, May 2013. Great place tho the Giants Causeway. <div><br></div><div>In the hotel around 15:00. George Best seems a good airport. Quiet. Took taxi to the Holiday Inn Express, funny street. Not sure what to make of it. Went into town, recommended by taxi driver and my friend Martin was the cathedral quarters. So went there. Not sure but seems nice. Went into a sports shop. Chatting with the guy about how cold or not the Mourne Mountains would be on Saturday for the Sky Run, one of the guys said he did it last year and is doing it again this year. So will see him on Saturday. Seems I have enough kit. Good shop tho, all sorts of outdoor gear I like. But didn't get anything.</div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Then walked to the Titanic museum. They are very proud of the Titanic here in Belfast. Maybe they missed the news it hit an iceberg and sunk and just about everybody died. Marvel of engineering or not. Dying seems not a good thing in my book.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tomorrow, that is Friday 23 October, going to try Open Gym in Reebok CrossFit Northern Ireland. Should be good.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Weather forecast seems ace. If you like sleet and cold and wind. Which I don't really.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Had dinner in a strange place. Ribs and Bibs on Botanic. Strange but ok tho, if you like ribs and wings you can't go wrong. Weird inside tho, with pallets, but a cute waitress, so who really cares.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">In Ireland the PSNI (that is the police) goes to Starbucks rather than their cousins in Boston to a donut place. They look the part tho in NI. Not like those in England, that look like security staff. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">While I was at LHR (guess this part should really be at the top) went to Giraffe, which is like a food place. My favorite at LHR T5. Also went to WH Smith, where the 5p bag actually is sold for 15p. Seems something strange there. But they claim it's a bag for life, whatever the fuck that means. Bit like warranty for life. Whose life, the thing or you?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Belfast feels remarkably like Boston. Guess no surprise as lots of the Irish went to Boston as they were starving and only had potatoes or something. So I asked an Irish friend, do I need to bring something and she says potato bread. Which they sell in Waitrose anyway. Strange people those Irish, but the girls are pretty stunning. This lady passes me and she is wearing tight trousers made out of what looks like wetsuit rubber and Doc Martens. Now normally I would not really be into that. But I guess in Belfast normally goes out of the window. They are pretty laid back tho, those Irish. Not as up tight as the English. Seems more European. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So tomorrow chocolate cake at Robert's inlaws (at least that is what he said). Funny I've not met his wife and nor will I tomorrow. Then onto Newcastle, where this 35k and 3,500 meters hight gain is on Saturday. The main reason I am here. Gonna be good, but cold, some old friends and for sure new friends.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">No idea how long these 35k going to take but guess I maybe lucky if it's 7 hours.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Funny, I was talking with Martin Muldoon, an Irishman, who just got married to Sarah his sweetheart in Hawaii the week before he did the Ironman World Championships, where I think he came 7th in his age group. Not bad I would think by any stretch of any imagination. He invited me tomorrow or Saturday to his wedding parties about 45 minutes from where I am staying. I would love to, but doubt it's clever the evening before a race and do-able the evening after. So we need a London thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Well that is it for now. More on Sunday about the race.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div>MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-81661483015518202422015-10-18T18:25:00.001+01:002015-10-18T18:25:24.086+01:00The past, present and future.It has been a while. Almost 6 months since I posted. Guess I was occupied with other stuff. Has lots happened. Yes it has.<br />
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For starters I finished my 2nd Marathon des Sables. Which had its 30th anniversary. How was this special. Well it had the longest long stage, despite the one in the year with the flooding being about 800 meters longer. So typical MdS for you.<br />
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This year MdS was special, in the sense that I ended up in a totally random tent with great people from all over the world. Sean (Irish in Ireland), Abdel (Moroccan in Australia) , Leigh (South African in Switzerland , Genis & Tanya (South Africa), James (Australia) and ????? from New Zealand.<br />
We had a special guest, Sir Ranulph Fiennes coached by the always modest Rory Coleman.<br />
The ladies was won by one person. All stages. Elisabeth Barnes.<br />
I ended up in this tent as the evening of the arrival it was dark, didn't know where to go, Leigh and I agreed to be in the same tent. And that was it.<br />
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The 91.x km through the night was fun. I created poem for the Dunes. Basically only had the word fuck in there. But it was good fun.<br />
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The Friday evening there was a band and music and food and drinks and rest.<br />
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My main mistake, probably again, was I walked more than I should have and trained less walking than I should have. So hopefully 2018 will be better.<br />
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It was an honour to meet Tanya Pieterse, who came back every evening looking like she had been in the worst bare knuckle fight ever, but finished.<br />
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When I was back I signed up for the North Downs Marathon. Didn't really realise it was only two weeks to go. Never been to Box Hill and NDW before. But really liked it. The marathon time was the worst in the world and I was lucky I finished within cut-off. Basically I missed the turn onto Box Hill stairs and went all the way down. So I had to go up, get up the stairs. Meet a friend and we chat a bit (like 10 minutes) continue, get to the half way mark (a backpack on a sandy track). As it was a very nice day, hotter than thought, at the 9 mile checkpoint parking there was a ice cream van. So guess what I got a double 99p. Why not I thought. Going up the stairs again this couple asks if I want to pass, but I can't be that bothered. She then looks at my buff and states she did the MdS. So guess what another 15 minutes of chatting. In the end, good marathon, shit time, met cool dudes and girls, fab medal, and great day out on Box Hill. What better way to waste a Sunday. :-)<br />
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I've spend more time doing CrossFit and I have seen a significant difference. More mobile (knowning full well I should be much better), stronger, leaner, fitter. And great box that I train at. Good group of friends, where we do social and training. Nando's seems to be the place to be for some of us all the time and all of us some of the time, or something like that.<br />
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Pretty sure no more events this year. Did the Kingston Garmin Run, which was fun. After that we did a WattBike session at <a href="http://www.njingacycling.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nijnga Cycling</a>. Thought I was going to die, trying to keep up with the coach. Didn't do half a bad job at it tho.<br />
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Next year two events coming up.<br />
Dusseldorf Marathon in April<br />
TransPyrenea - traversing all of Pyrenees 895km on foot.<br />
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Ok this is it and I'll be back soon. Will keep it up better.<br />
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<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-16415347533205824592015-04-16T22:32:00.001+01:002015-04-16T22:54:47.142+01:00MdS 2015 30th anniversaryJust one blog about the event and the journey. I am not going into detail of my training, just high level.<div>So what was my training:</div><div>11 sessions in Kingston University Heatchamber of which one with the famous Danny who not only runs fast but talks a lot ;-) as well during that, at about 12k per hour in 39 degrees. Guess is part why he is so good. </div><div>CrossFit</div><div>Cycling</div><div>Running (with and without 10kg pack or vest). I was lucky that I still lived in Zurich so I had Uetliberg, Zurich Berg and Zollikon Berg at my doorstep.</div><div>Healthy food (95% of the time)</div><div><br></div><div>In the Heatchamber the later Queen of the Desert, Elisabeth did a good number of sessions after me. Always nice to meet friends at 0700 in the morning.</div><div>It is also where I met Gemma, who if not first then for sure 2nd or 3rd to the throne. Later she and I spend 6 hours or so in a bus to the first bivouac, chatting. Hope I didn't bore her too much, but as she accepted my friend request, I guess not too much.</div><div>A new friend Farah, joined me for 2 sessions, but unfortunately she had to drop out of the MdS later with a bit of a problem. Not for this blog, but need to give her a call to check up.</div><div><br></div><div>This was my 2nd MdS, the first one was 2013. 2014 was a bit too many DNF's, so I had to fix that.</div><div><br></div><div>In Zurich I met through the FB page Leigh and we met up a number of times. And been friends since, I would like to add.</div><div><br></div><div>So:</div><div>Met up with Leigh at Hilton LGW and many others the evening before the flight. We bumped into this gentleman who was there with wife and kids and I asked if he was doing the MdS. He said he was sorry he was not, would love to but with 3 kids not that easy. We chatted a bit with him and his wife, introductions done. It wasn't till later when talking with Ian Corless who seemed a mutual friend, that I realised the lady was nobody else than Liz Yelling. Let's not go into what I said, but Leigh may remember.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 1:</div><div>Flight to Ouarzazate, not very full, so my own row. Hooray. Arrival, took a while as there are only 2 immigration desks, and about 500 people is pushing the limit. But the sun was out, so who cares.</div><div>Into the bus, to the bivouac 300km or so down the road.</div><div>This is where Gemma and I chatted, and she told me she was just going to finish. Well she did. As 5th lady or so (or maybe better, sorry Gemma if I am wrong :-))</div><div>Arrival in camp, typical MdS, French, Moroccan, full good intentions, not so well thought through. It was the intention you ended up in a tent with people from the country you live in. In my case that would be UK. As Leigh and I agreed to share a tent, we decided to high jack a AU, SA, NZ tent. So I ended up in a tent with:</div><div>Abdelhay - Moroccan living in Australia </div><div>Leigh - South African living in Switzerland</div><div>Terri - New Zealand, with a dual NZ/USA passport</div><div>Genis and Tanya - South Africa. Genis and I know eachother from the 2013 edition.</div><div>Sean - Irish living in Northern Ireland</div><div>James - Australian</div><div>Michiel - Dutch living in the UK. I made a point that all above countries one way or the other have enjoyed the dutch ruling the world (Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Northern Ireland) but maybe not always so positive, but I leave it to your history knowledge to work out how the Dutch are connected to all these countries and their legacy. So probably the most multi-national tent. </div><div><br></div><div>Day 2:</div><div>We get to know eachother, and have to get used to eachother but it seems to go rather well. We learn that James and Terri work in the medical profession, Genis is a consultant, Tanya a mother and wife (apologies if you have a job Tanya), Sean is a police officer, Leigh is in IT in a bank, Abdelhay works in the navy and does some running (like a 2:12 marathon), and I am self employed.</div><div>So it is admin day. Which means standing in line. That is fine at least food is provided. Lucky me gets his ECG re-evaluated. Not so bad as the guy who forgot his, pays €200, 2 hour penalty to come back in his tent to find his. So admin done, bag handed in and wait and chat and walk and piss where you like.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 3:</div><div>36km and a bit. I walk more than I wanted. But such is life. I arrive back after about 7 hours and stage is done. No blisters, feel good and look forward to stage 2. As the route is very similar to 2013 there is a lot I remember and recognize. Which is both good and bad. You sort of know what to expect and know when there is a CP or even the bivouac.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 4:</div><div>31km and a bit. Jebels and dunes and the rope. The rope helps you the last 10 or so meters to get to the top and you will see the bivouac. This bivouac is still about 5km away, but as I know it's a long descent over black rocks than some more rocks than some dunes then 500m or so to the end, it's not as torturous as the first time. 6 hours or so or a bit more. You can look that up if you are interested. And stage 2 is done.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 5:</div><div>37km which takes me again somewhere between 7 and 8 hours. The mails in the evening are always welcome. I still feel good. No real issues with blisters or feet. But in the back of your mind is that Day 6 is the start of the long stage, 91.7 km. But so be it. Overall the nights are a lot colder and the days are fresher due to a nice wind. Without the wind it is equally hot as in 2013 but as the wind is mostly there it is helpful. We had a sandstorm in the camp, not sure what day, but at least I had one of those as well.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 6 and 7:</div><div>91.7 km start. Leigh and I decided to do this together. So we jog a bit, run a bit, walk a lot. We agree we will have to go to the 63.3 km CP and would like to arrive around 01:00 on the Thursday. Which we sort of make. Feet needed some TLC so that was done at the first CP. The stretch from CP3 to CP5 sort of 40-63 km is torture. Dunes, dunes and more dunes and wind. Feels like I am near the beach but no sea. I've really had it with the f***ing dunes and sand and want them to go away. However it is called Marathon des Sables, so clearly sand plays a big part. Upon arrival in CP5 there is hot tea as much as you like. Leigh and I sleep for about 3 hours. Well I sleep about 30 minutes as I couldn't sleep until I worked out it was due to my feet being bandaged up to tight. When I remove that I fall asleep to wake up 30 minutes later. To get my feet re-bandaged. We leave again at 05:15 for the last 28k. In the dunes we meet Paddy, who I keep on calling Gary. These dunes lead to CP6 which was the CP I slept in 2013. After that CP it is another 18k or so to the bivouac. Paddy, Leigh and I stay together and around 13:30 we arrive back in the bivouac. </div><div>During the day from CP2 I believe I walk up with Abdelhay, who clearly knows how to do this. Short cut, means a direct line. And we end up at the jebel where I bump into the French firemen and the disabled kids, which is always a beautiful experience. Abdelhay climbs that jebel as if it is flat, it takes me a bit (not much tho) more effort. At the top, there is the rope and Leigh again and the rope is to help us down.</div><div>Of course the cold coke at the end of the day is pretty cool</div><div>So as I said, back in the camp and between us and the medal is only 42.2k for Day 8.</div><div>It must be said, that everytime we worry about Tanya, but the chick is tough as old leather and she keeps on pulling, pushing through and is still with us. Respect.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 8:</div><div>42.2k - marathon stage and at the end there is a medal. We all decide to do this the way the individual wants it. Too my surprise I run about 30km and then get lazy for the last 12k. I keep on staring in the distance to see the bivouac but see nothing. Because it is on my right not in front of me.</div><div>So I arrive back, and there is the me, finished, 2nd medal.</div><div>I need some feet TLC so go to the Doc Trotter tent. When I lay there and keep on falling asleep while the lady doctor does my feet. She asks if I washed them, which I did, but they were still pretty dirty. Until she realises the sand is actually inside the blister. So that is skin cutting. Well cutting skin, cleaning and industrial strength iodine into it. About 90 minutes later, operation successful, patient alive.</div><div>I walk outside and as I hadn't smoked, I really want a smoke. I see these 3 people, two ladies and a man having drinks and smoke. So I walk over, ask if I can have a cigarette. They ask me about the event and have to laugh that after 260km through a desert I am asking for a smoke. They also offer me some Pernod, which I actually accept, but clearly just a little. We chat for about an hour, and they say they flew down to listen to the concert. I didn't see the concert, too tired but I actually think they were the artists.</div><div>To our surprise at least there are cold drinks and snacks. Later in the evening there are the prices. So Mds finished, just a charity stage to go. The medal was in honor of my father who passed away last year April and was so excited when I did the MdS the first time.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 9:</div><div>Charity stage 11.5km. We decide with James, Sean, Abdelhay and Leigh to get it over asap so we can get in the bus to the hotel. About 1:45 later we are done. Get in the back of the bus and I fall asleep on the last row that is empty.</div><div>So we arrive back in Ouarzazate 7 hours later. Mainly as I think the lead car was holding us back as there as it showed later was an issue with hotels. Not for us but most others. </div><div>We check in, we change the 2 people room to a 3 people room and Leigh, Sean and I share a room. I am given as a veteran of 1 more MdS a room alone. We have some very interesting and personal talks. Which bonds us even more. But we are back in the hotel, food and drinks. Shame that everything I eat wants to get out immediately. No pain, just wants out.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 10:</div><div>Free day. The guys go to the film studios after we picked up the finisher t shirts (which seem and are very small) and I stay in the hotel. Still not able to eat. Pottering around.</div><div><br></div><div>Day 11:</div><div>Departure day. Sean, James and Leigh leave early morning. My flight is not till 18:00. So Abdelhay and I go into town, walk around, buy some stuff. I am then dropped of at the hotel as my stomach is still not a happy bunny. I take a taxi with Ian and Michelle to be ahead of the bus, and we check in without queues. Again, plane not very full, so a row to myself. Arrival at LGW, where the incompetence of the UK airport industry strikes. Nobody to open the door and the door doesn't want to open when the person finally arrives. But am home by train and taxi around 23:30 on Monday evening.</div><div>And I haven't really slept since Monday evening. </div><div><br></div><div>Notable things:</div><div>The bonding between total strangers</div><div>Elisabeth's domination of all stages</div><div>Shaun asking Susie to marry him</div><div>Sir Ranulph Fiennes</div><div>The strength of Tanya</div><div>The couples argument as one of them wanted and dropped out</div><div>Friends for life</div><div>Danny being his consistent self in a very strong male field</div><div>Hate of the 91.7km to ask the question why not 100km two days after. Am sure tho that if somebody would have said during the long stage it is actually 100 rather than nearly 92 that person would not be with us</div><div>The beauty of climbing and descending dunes and jebels. </div><div><br></div><div>So this is basically my story of the 2015 MdS. I will not be back until 2023 which is 10 years after my first MdS. However, I have already been looking at 2017. But actually want an even year to do it the other way around.</div><div><br></div><div>That's all folks.</div><div><br></div>MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-36586819939820390512015-03-31T20:15:00.002+01:002015-03-31T20:15:22.458+01:00Marathon des Sables 2015 - 30th anniversaryWell they say what goes around comes around. After 2013 MdS where I met the greatest people ever, I am back for more.<div>
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A very different training approach. CrossFit, Running in the mountains, the forests and the road. But also 11 sessions in the HeatChamber of <a href="http://sec.kingston.ac.uk/sportex/" target="_blank">Kingston Uni</a>. </div>
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The Sahara is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It brings you back to bare existence of life. I'm glad to leave my mobile in a bag in a truck for 7 days. </div>
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There is a significant number of "celebrity" runners, but normally these people do not have a normal celebrity attitude. Which is cool.</div>
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Probably the most famous is Sir Ranulph Fiennes. </div>
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Well this year, it's going to be as much fun as 2 years ago. Well different, as I will miss my fab tent 102. But the Richmond Park mini flag will be there.</div>
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I'm not going to bore you with my training, nutrition or other stuff.</div>
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So if you want to write me during the event 05-11 April</div>
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<a href="http://www.marathondessables.com/">www.marathondessables.com</a> - subject - 324 (bib), name-michael</div>
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tracking <a href="http://mds.vigeosport.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://mds.vigeosport.com</a></div>
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MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-2644747680018350252014-10-25T15:13:00.000+01:002015-03-31T19:59:48.371+01:00DNS - Did not Start<u>Beachy Head Marathon</u><br />
My first DNS. Very simple: fell of bike, hurt my shoulder, hip, leg. Have cold, even walking gets me out of breath. So 26 October I may try a little run.<br />
It was Beachy Head marathon. Looked forward to it, as I would be catching up with loads of people I hadn't seen for a while.<br />
Sometimes you need to be smart and not do what you really want to do. Choosing the most difficult choice, is probably the best choice. So that is what I did.<br />
Well so much for that. No more events this year.<br />
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<u>MdS</u><br />
Early October I went to the MdS Expo. Which is a good event, specially for first time MdS participants. If you do sign up for the MdS it's recommend to go there swell.<br />
This time as part of my preparation I will be doing heat chamber as well. As this come highly recommended.<br />
Looking forward to next year MdS. It's the 30th edition and according to the grapevine it is going to be special. Well it's special anyway. One of the most beautiful places on earth.<br />
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<u>CrossFit</u><br />
In July I started doing CrossFit at <a href="http://www.crossfit2012.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.crossfit2012.co.uk</a> in Kingston. Quite convenient, as it's right behind us in the university.<br />
It's a very intense but very addictive activity. Met great people there and will have to start pumping up my volume of participation a bit. So far been able to do 6 per month. Should be going up to 8.<br />
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<u>Cycling</u><br />
Great to be cycling to work again. 44k per day. This week been a bit less, as the bike is in the bike hospital for a make-over. Needed new wheels and some other components. Which is not surprising as it has a lot of miles and years behind it. But I decided it was better and cheaper to get it sorted than to buy a new bike. Why spend 4 times as much?<br />
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<u>Till end November</u><br />
Very little running.<br />
Higher volume CrossFit.<br />
Higher volume of cycling.<br />
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That is it for today.<br />
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Live happy.<br />
<br />MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-70890207409941129562014-10-21T07:30:00.000+01:002014-10-21T07:30:01.586+01:00Almost 2 months - clearly not a writerI'm not sure if I should blog loads or blog just now and then. Clearly even without decision it is now and then without a regularity about it.<br />
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September, I went to Romania, Bran. For the Transylvania Trail <a href="http://www.lostworldsracing.com/transylvania-trail-traverse/" target="_blank">Transylvania Trail Info</a>. Flew out to Bucharest where we saw the Ceausescu now Parliament Palace. Big, very big, makes most buildings look very little. You get a tour which shows about 5% of the building. Including a room that is like a 100m wide.<br />
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Stayed one night in Bucharest, to discover the city. It is proper 2nd world country. But the people are fantastic and they clearly want to build up their country. They are very proud and hard working.<br />
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Took the train to Brasov, which is about 3 hours north, to then take a taxi 30k south to Bran. Bran's claim to fame it is has the Castle of Vlad the Impaler, made world famous by the Bram Stoker book, Dracula.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px;">Bran Castle, situated near Bran and in the immediate vicinity of Braşov, is a national monument and landmark in Romania. The fortress is situated on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">We are in Transylvania, and Transylvania is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">We walked around in Bran for a day, which is a stretch, but if you go up into the mountains then it's time well spend. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">On Friday the 106k starts which this year (first time) was won by 3 ladies including Jo Meek. To give you a bit of a feel of the route check this <a href="http://www.lostworldsracing.com/transylvania-trail-traverse/route-profile-transylvania-traverse/" target="_blank">Route Profile</a>.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">The race is extremely techncial, goes up to 2500m twice for the 106k and 50k. There is also a 35k. Proper mountains and an woods. Which are the natural habitat to bears and wolves and goats. In a lot of cases you have to climb, there is no running, it's climbing up and down.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Another DNF, but out a day in that environment, not that worried. Met great people Carina Ilie and George Baceanu who got us back to the road to get back by car. Bjorn Wikstrom and Per Sjogren. The 3 of us, DNFed together. So the 5 of us walked 2 hours to get back to the road. Not a bad walk, and 2 hours pass by quickly if you are with like minded people.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I can recommend the event, but it's a lot of technical climbing going up a lot, so think about the distance.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Then end of September I did the Singelloop in Utrecht where I grew up with Kim my youngest A 10km event. Her first event and we finished 1:09. Which is very good, as it was warm and we went out a bit to fast. Really enjoyed doing an event with one of my daughters and we'll be back next year.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Now end of October the last event is coming up, Beachy Head Marathon on 25 October. Which I am told is hard, lot of hills. So that sounds good to me. Hope the weather holds (that is no rain).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">I'll be meeting new and old friends at the Beachy Head event, starting Friday evening in an Italian. Not sure if that is carb loading or coincidence.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">Then a month of running, only cycling and CrossFit. Then back in December to start training for the Marathon des Sables 2015.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">That is it for now, but thought I quickly let you know a status.</span></span></span>MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-84383669949890438472014-08-23T20:26:00.002+01:002014-08-23T20:26:57.322+01:00T184 - a learningT184 - Thames Path from Thames Barrier in London to the source of the Thames. 184 miles / 294 km. 80 hours to finish. With cut-off times.<br />
70 (out of 108 registered) started Friday 10:30<br />
I stayed in the <a href="http://www.antigallicanhotel.com/" target="_blank">Antigallican</a> the night before, which despite it's looks and area, is a very comfortable and clean hotel. Recommend if you ever need a night in Woolwhich.<br />
Dinner in the <a href="http://www.jdwetherspoon.co.uk/home/pubs/the-great-harry" target="_blank">Great Harry</a> Wetherspoons with a number of other participants. Not met any of them, but again as in every running (specially ultra) event, great folks.<br />
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I also signed up to be measured by the Kent university. So in the morning saliva, urine and blood was taken of us. Shame the word will never see the result.<br />
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The run through London was interesting. Rob Jones was there to cheer me on. Thanks Rob really cheered me up. And later in the night he was trying to guide me through Walton. Well done again, because water is water at night, and Thames Path, alternative Thames Path pointing into what seem random directions doesn't help.<br />
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Thanks to Rob, Simon, Zoe, Kim, Wayde and Karen to be there.<br />
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Met great people, new people. Spend a good few hours with James Penson, as always we diverted around but got to the point in Teddington where we crossed the Thames to the South Bank and Karen was at Kingston Bridge.<br />
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I met a lady who knows explosives. Where else will you meet a woman that knows explosives?<br />
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Coming past my house may not have been the best, it plays with your head at about 50k in.<br />
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I made it to Walton through the dark and pulled out. My girlfriend, Karen had to come to the rescue after I called her after 23:00 to pick me up. Guess I slipped somewhat deeper in her debt.<br />
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My feet were shattered. Nerve pain, gout pain, blister pain, numbness pain.<br />
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Was it worthwhile. Yes. Do I want to do it again. 95% yes.<br />
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Is it hard, it's very hard. Is all I can say.<br />
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Not much more I can say. En route to the next adventure.<br />
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Well done to Shane to create a beast.MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1062517260250929237.post-815052279509290722014-08-02T11:07:00.000+01:002014-08-02T11:07:01.728+01:00A catch up in so many waysI noticed my last blog was 31 May 2014. The day before 70.3 IM Rapperswil-Jona. That means I am well over 2 months behind.<br />
So a little catch up:<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">10 May 2014 - Transvulcania - DNF at 26KM - CP3</span></b><br />
Great place, Wayde did a fantastic job getting a great villa. Meeting new people. Wayde, Elliott, Alex and Simon finished. Rob and I did not. But such is life. Great event, held on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands.<br />
It starts at 0600 at sea level at the lighthouse. A bit of a manic, chaotic start, but that is part of it. It goes up for the first 6km. Then it keeps on going up. For some reason with every step I felt the energy zapped from my legs. Like a little alien was shooting at my legs with a Zapper Gun from the planet Zap.<br />
As it became harder and hard and I realised that with the best will in the world I couldn't make the CP3 cut-off, I just started to enjoy the scenery. And the scenery is almost second to none. Maybe not, but it is stunning.<br />
Something very funny happened, I ran (matter of speech) past two people speaking Dutch and I responded to them in Dutch. How motivating is it if totally unknown people compliment and say well done, we couldn't do it. Still for me not enough, but it's one of the reasons for doing what I do.<br />
The support and aid stations for the part I did are great, keeping in mind that you are out in the mountains where it is quiet.<br />
So I DNF'ed at 26k but had a great day. Back to the villa, change. Meet up with Zoe, Alex, Rob, Veronique. And cheering on Alex, Simon, Eliot and Wayde.<br />
All-in-all a great weekend out with great friends.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">01 June 2014 - Rapperswil-Jona IM70.3 </span></b><br />
Typical Swiss. Well organised. I had been swimming in the Zurich City Hallenbad 50m pool, but as my shoulder was still painful from the dislocation last year, I was a bit worried. The swim however was good, better than expected. Not my fastest, but very happy. The water was cold, about 14 C.<br />
The bike ride is 2*45k laps covering a few hills. One short, steep and nasty. But once you are up, all the way down is downhill back to Rapperswil.<br />
The run, as usual was painful due to my non-existing Mortons-Neuroma.<br />
But I finished, and was glad I did another triathlon.<br />
Around that time my colleague Carrie was doing here first triathlon in Blenheim Palace. She had been very serious at training. She did very well.<br />
What I learned is that unless I can fix the the issue with my left foot of pain from running after cycling I will not be able to do a full Ironman.<br />
I can cycle the 180k or run the 42.2k (or more for both) but not one followed by the other. So my quest to a solution continues.<br />
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Due to my father passing away this year some changes applied and I didn't do the 10K with Kim in Haastrecht. But we are doing the Singelloop in Utrecht on 28 September which is also a 10k.<br />
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Since the end of July I am back in London from Switzerland. Will miss Zurich a lot. What a fantastic place. So outdoors and so urban. Will have to find a reason to go back for Caliente (Latin Festival), Zurich Parade and Bohemia. Bohemia became my local establishment as it was 5 min away. Great place, wonderful staff.<br />
Am working in the glorious City of London again. At least cycling is going up. 2 times this week 88km. It was only 10k on a daily basis in Zurich.<br />
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What is next:<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">03 August 2014 -Richmond Park Half Marathon</span></b><br />
I believe this is a about a 5K loop. Not sure, but that would mean 4 laps. OMG - my goldfish mind needs to kick in. Hey a tree, hey a tree, hey a deer. But I will use it for the upcoming T184 (on which more later) using a 10kg weighted vest and my poles.<br />
It's a training event rather than a PB/PR event. But it's Richmond Park so a home run.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">22-25 August T184</span></b><br />
T184 is 184 miles, 294 km in 80 hours. From the Thames Barrier to the Thames Source. Not sure what the training is for that, but it's going to be fun. Will I finish. I don't know. People finish it as part of the LDWA, but not in 80 hours. So far nobody I know is doing it so I will meet loads of new people. More on this after the event. But looking forward to it.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>05-06 September - Transylvania - Lost Worlds Racing</b></span><br />
I can choose 106k or 50ish. Or 2*50ish to do the 106k. As this is about a week after T184, not sure what to expect.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">28 September - Singelloop Utrecht 10k</span></b><br />
This is my home town, will run this with my daughter Kim and the only goal is to do it under 1 hour. Will meet up with an old school friend Eva who is doing this as well. So looking forward to this.<br />
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So much for now, will promise to try to keep this up better.MichielHoefsmithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02687718625895215377noreply@blogger.com0