Ultra Impressed

The Kintyre Way Ultra and Relay races took place last Saturday, my 4th time taking part and I loved it even more despite not being fully fit.  It has grown into becoming a well organised, challenging race which I think will only grow in popularity over the next few years.  The race now starts in Tayinloan (not Tarbert where the official start of the Kintyre Way is) so the course is now shorter - 35 opposed to 65!  Personally, I think this is much better - easier to manage, organise, logistics and safety is better and it opens it out to more people as an achievable goal for an Ultra.  

Kerry keeping me going all the way on section 3, Ifferdale to Campbeltown

The Kintyre Way route is spectacular - off road for most, tough hills and terrain but so rewarding in scenery.  

My teammate Fiona and I had been swithering for weeks whether to even take part due to us both being injured and even up until the last minute we only decided which section we were to do!  I ended up opting for the last leg - 14.5 miles from Ifferdale farm, up farmroads to Lussa Loch before returning down into Campbeltown to the finish.  I thought this was sensible for me as I wouldn't get stuck on the first hill, unable to carry on and let my teammates down.  Also, I knew that Lussa was accessible by a car if I needed to call on anyone.  The man holding the team together was Daniel Sheldrick.  He organised our team for us and ended up doing the smallest section!  But everyone knows that the 6.5m section from Carradale to Ifferdale is probably the toughest, in relation to hills and terrain.  But Daniel smashed it, getting a new race record in 47.28.  I decided to cycle up to Carradale first in the hope to see Fiona come in and cheer on Daniel but they were too fast (and headwind was too strong) so I was just on time to change shoes and grab the 'baton' from Daniel.

Of course I'm holding that cake for Daniel...............

I'm very glad though I decided to take part as I felt OK most of the way, my leg pain started to kick in more about mile 6 and got a bit worse around 11 miles but it wasn't agony.  I really have to thank fellow runner and friend Kerry who accompanied me around the course, chattering away and generally enjoying our run.  She was freshly back from the London Marathon and took it in her stride.  I on the other hand wanted to keep it slow and steady, I wasn't risking my injury getting worse.  I was elated to cross the finish line after thinking I would never run 14 miles ever again.  So it wasn't pain free but it wasn't torture.  It definitely wasn't fast!  Kerry did try to get me to overtake a few on the final stretch but I didn't want to push it....... however I found out afterwards that if I had we might've got a better placing in the relay teams, I didn't realise how close we were!  We still came 3rd so very happy with that - well done Daniel and Fiona!  I'll be better for next year, I promise :-)

Sarah, striding into the finishing straight after over 35 hilly miles

The only thing disappointing about the finish line was that my husband, Stuart, wasn't there.  He would normally be taking part or there to cheer me home.  Unfortunately his back injury had him reduced to lying on the floor, he could barely move, never mind stand up for a few minutes.  It was horrible to see him in so much pain.  If someone is sticking pins in the McGeachy voodoo doll can they please stop?!  We've had enough!  I got enough pins in me at the Accupuncturist (is that what they are called?)

At least he had our cat for some company

The good news is with a few massages and visits to the Osteopath he is now on the mend.  And he's even started running again.  It's good to see him back in action!  No miracle cure for me but at least I'm running again, albeit slowly and not pain free.

I stayed around at the finish line, not just for the yummy cakes, but to cheer in some of my running friends and others who were competing.  Particularly Sarah, Stephen, Kirsty, James and Ollie - all fantastic local runners.  Amazing.  To see these athletes running in, smiles on their faces after 35 hilly miles was incredibly impressive and motivational.  They have definitely spurred me on to ensure I get back to running again.  Stronger, faster and longer than before.  I would love to do an Ultra one day..........

Getting Over 10 on Gigha

It was the annual trip to Gigha on Saturday for their 'Challenge' and provided typical Scottish weather from hail to glorious sunshine.  There were less people than usual participating but it was still a great day out and also brilliant to see so many friends on the podium again - well done!  Neither of the McGeachy's were near the winner's podium this time apart from a quick seat to tie my laces!  I was more devastated for my husband Stuart who is now out with a back injury and in a lot of pain - get well soon Stuart!   

We never spotted any dolphins this time on the ferry crossing

For the Challenge on Gigha, you can choose to run, walk or cycle 5k or 11 miles and I was glad just to take part.  It's a beautiful wee island that offers spectacular views to Islay and Jura - very peaceful and only 20 minutes away from the mainland by ferry.  It is all about family friendly participation with lots of kids joining in with the informal fun.  A great spread is laid out too - the flapjacks were delicious!  You can make a really nice day of it, for any ability whether you take part or not.  There was some yoga, pilates, face painting and even tai chi on offer.  And if the sun shines there are some lovely beaches, outdoor activity centre and even a beer garden!

CRC girls podium - Emma came 1st but left early to get ready for the hen do!

5k winners - Drew sandwiched between the Campbell bros

I was about 20 minutes slower than my previous efforts on the Island but I was ecstatic to run (jog) over 10 miles without too much pain although it did gradually get worse as the run continued.  The last time I managed to do the 11 miles before 2.30pm cycle start.  This time, I was 10 minutes behind and tried my best to play catch up with the other cyclists but only managed to overtake a few.  

I think cycling eases of my pain a little so I was glad to actually get back on the bike and managed to round it up to about 85 miles on the bike that day.  My furthest yet.  So surely I deserved those cocktails at the Tasting Rooms later?  It certainly was a fun night! Maybe the late night at Whisky Macs wasn't quite such a good idea though....

Spectacular views of Gigha

The South Kintyre Sports Council 5k handicap race series organised by CRC also started this Tuesday.  The first of 5 races that takes place the 1st Tuesday of the month where you compete, for free, to better your 5k time.  Points are awarded for position but don't worry (thankfully) you are given a handicapped time depending on your PB.  It's open to all so if you fancy giving it a go - do!  It's good fun and a good challenge, anyone could win.  I'm miles behind where I was from last year but I still thoroughly enjoyed taking part, the traybake goodies after of course and the craic with everyone.  Some superb times from people, really motivational!  The midges were overly friendly though :-(

Fighting Over the Foam Roller

Well I never thought I'd see the day, my husband and I actually arguing about who gets the ice pack or foam roller!  Things we both don't like using but at the moment, unfortunately we both need them.  Stuart unfortunately and disappointingly pulled out of the Crinan Puffer race at the weekend with under 1 mile to go, after being in the lead all the way.  He's been running fantastic and is at his peak of fitness right now so we are hoping it is just a little strain....  I was gutted for him.  At least my obsessive internet searching about injuries and rehab has came in useful and the win went to fellow team mate and friend Dan Sheldrick who also ran brilliantly.

Regardless of his injury, he still didn't mump or moan about it (not compared to me anyway) and still cheered everyone on in what was another great race from Crinan to Ardrishaig on Sunday.  I was very thankful to be able to take part, not racing, but enjoying the company of my little sister Mairi as we blethered our way from the start to the finish line in time for flapjacks and goody bags - isn't that why people race?  OK so it was 20 minutes slower than last year but I was just grateful to take part and enjoy it.  The rest of the Campbeltown bunch did us all proud yet again - great times and prizes to inspire us all including IM training buddy Jen who came 3rd, who is getting faster and stronger every week.

Sun is in our eyes!  Me and sis.  We are happy.  Honest.  (Thanks for photo Marj!)

Training didn't stop there, afterwards myself, Katie, Ironwoman Jen and Drew hopped on our bikes and cycled home.  The tailwind was a blessing and we managed to get to Campbeltown in around 3 hours.  And for even more punishment I added on another 10 miles as I felt good and wanted to get past the 56 mile barrier of the half-iron point.  With not much pain, sun shining and good company - chatting about how our friends were getting on in the London marathon (turns out flipping fantastic!) made the ride fun.  Of course, we had prosecco and some good food to look forward to when home too.

This week's other training highlights were getting to cycle with Rebecca Helliwell from Mid Argyll who was fab company, an awesome cyclist and an IM!  I managed to swim the furthest I've ever done - 3.5k in one go, 140 lengths of the pool!  #starving   I also enjoyed another brick session involving a 1.5 turbo session and a 1 hour pool run.  As I mentioned last week, this can get boring so I mixed it up with following a YouTube video for 1 hour cycling around Sydney, Austrailia doing intervals in the comfort of my back bedroom (2 sets of 12 x 1 min sprints with 1 min recoveries).  That's a more economical way of me getting to see the world - my husband is glad to hear about this!

A photo from Sydney a few years ago. But I was there last night via YouTube!

If anyone is injured or wants to try a pool run try the following session to keep your mind occupied, I felt following a plan helped me rather than watch the clock:

• 5-10 mins warm up (deep end only)
• 10 x 25m fast
• Recover 5 mins
• 5 x 25m high knees
• 5 x 25m long strides
• 5 x legs only
• 5-10 mins cool down (full length of pool)

After putting on a good few pounds since my injury, devouring a 3 course meal on Sunday and bingeing on chocolate on Monday I've been trying to be careful with my nutrition for the rest of the week and tried out a few different recipes.  One of my vegetarian favourites was a chickpea curry - 

Ingredients:

Teaspoon of coconut oil

1 tin chickpeas (rinsed and drained)

1 large onion choppped

2 tomatoes, chopped

1 pepper chopped

1 tin passata

2 cloves garlic

1/2 green chilli

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Wholewheat or your choice of rice

Wholewheat pitta bread (I like to spray with coconut oil spray, garlic salt & coriander leaves and bake in oven for 10 mins)

Coriander leaves and natural yoghurt to serve

Method:

Fry off the onion and peppers in coconut oil.  Add in the garlic and ginger.  Add the chickpeas, pepper, passatta and tomatoes.  

Add all of the spices plus some salt/pepper to season.  Simmer for 15 mins or longer to absorb the flavours.  Serve with your favourite rice and pitta.  Enjoy!

Chickpea curry

Getting Nowhere

OK so the title of this week's blog has a double meaning, as yes I seem to be getting nowhere in progress with my injury (some good days, some bad) BUT don't worry, my post isn't all doom and gloom with self misery.  It's about my new focus - pool running.  The love of running for me lets me embrace the adventure of the outdoors - getting to see lots of different parts of Scotland and beyond.  Pool running, is well, going nowhere apart from one end of the pool to the other.  Nevertheless, as it is pain free, I am to replace some of my normal scheduled road running efforts with pool sessions to keep up my running fitness until I am healed.  One of my ultimate icons, Paula Radcliffe, did daily pool running after she was told to take complete rest after suffering a stress fracture in 2008.  This helped keep up her cardiovascular fitness as well as providing a running alternative as it mimics the natural motion of running.  It helped her recover back to full fitness so hopefully it will help me.

I don't look this elegant pool running.  I just look weird.  

I have taken advice from so many different people regarding my sciataca (piriformis syndrome) and I have taken a lot of rest, honest.  But so far, resting completely seems to make it worse and is making me climb the walls, so I'm adopting a plan to get out cycling, swimming and pool running.  I will adapt my schedule to suit and if the pain is above a 4/10 whilst doing an activity - I stop.  This is my new rule I'm going to live by and see how it goes over the next few weeks.

Enjoying an easy cycle during the great weather

I'm continuing to stretch and strengthen my glutes and core, crucial muscles in supporting the pelvis as we walk, run or be active in any way.  Some of my muscles have become overtrained (and strained from sitting on an already overtrained muscles!) and other muscles have stepped in to do the work for them, making them weak and eventually irritate my sciatic nerve.  I would urge any runner to get on top of strength work before it's too late and you end up in pain.  I did a lot of strength and core, but never really thought about my glutes - surely they work with squats and lunges?  Yes,a little, but it's the abduction and adduction movement that is the key and plays a critical role in aligning your hips and propelling you forward.

Therefore, my new daily exercises are (and you can do too to avoid this from happening to you) are:

CLAMSHELLS X 100

SIDE LEG RAISES X 100

BRIDGES X 50

V SIT UPS X 20

PLANK 3 X 1 MIN (ADD ARM OR LEG LIFTS)

Pigeon pose 2 x 30 secs

Seated or lying glute stretch 3 x 30 secs

"Injury is a hard learner and a hard teacher" - a quote by Lizzy Hawker in her book Runner, 'A short story about a long run'.  This rings true to me and makes me think about how I can learn from this and come back stronger.  I was given this book by fellow injured runner James Murdoch (thank you) and is truly inspirational.  A woman who still holds the World Record for running the most in 24 hours as well as winning the Ultra-Trail de Mont Blanc 4 times - she also came 5th in this race after suffering 6 stress fractures within 2 years doing minimal running.  Her approach and mindfulness towards injury has helped me come to terms with turning something negative into a positive experience.  Like Lizzy, I have turned to yoga during my injury and have been motivated to practice more.

I've also tried to utilise this 'break' from running to do some fun things - a day trip to Portavadie with my best friends and a lovely meal at Starfish, Tarbert just 2 of the highlights I've enjoyed this week!

Seabass tagliatelle at Starfish

Fresh queenies at Starfish

Jules and I at the spa at Portavadie

It's also 2 years since I last did the London Marathon.  What great memories!  It was actually one of the best weekend's of my life, I just loved it and spent it with some of my favourite people.  A few of my friends and running colleagues are taking part this year, this Sunday!  GOOD LUCK GUYS!  We will be thinking about you - the hard work of months of training is done, go and enjoy a very special race experience!

Touching a Nerve!

Have I told you that I'm injured?!  I don't think there's anyone left in the world that doesn't know!  Sorry.  Apologies.  For my moody behaviour and my tears and tantrums.  I'm just so sore and frustrated.  And desperate to get out training!

My pain - from the bottom of my back to my knee, now spreading to my foot - ouch!

I've been lucky to have very supportive family, friends and physios/sports physios that have been amazing.  But along with Dr Google and my own imagination I've thought on all sorts of diagnosis of my problems - strains, tendinitis, hamstring pulls, stress fractures, all sorts of syndromes and now sciataca.  From attending the physio today they confirmed it is sciataca.  Unfortunately at the moment I don't know what the root cause of the sciataca is - most probably an inflamed muscle of some sort (piriformis? hamstring? who knows?) but for the time being I've to rest.  Argh!  Sitting and resting seems to make it painful too so that doesn't help!  I don't do rest easy as you probably well know.  I've done a lot of cycling and swimming over the last few months which I don't think aggravated the symptoms but now, just in case, I've to take complete rest to try and let it settle.  Fingers crossed.  The good news is that sciataca can sometimes clear within a few months of it's own accord and you can train through it.  But for now, I have to rest.

Some of the beautiful cliffs and trails that Stuart had some great runs on

Last week I did some resting and a little bit of training abroad in the Algarve.  And it was fantastic!!  I would recommend it to anyone and would love to return with a big squad of us.  I was hoping for a full on week of training but with my pain in the butt, I had to cut it back but it was still very enjoyable.  Especially with icecream and cocktails in the afternoon sunshine - surely that's what all the athletes do? 

Brick session with Swift Momentum Sports (ex pro GB cyclist Tomas Metcalf Swift) led me for a morning's OW swim and 30m cycle inc drills and technique.  Thoroughly recommend.  I deserved that pina colada.....

Beautiful Carveiro during a wee morning cycle

Cycling in Portimao on my own

Stuart watches on as I do an open water swim at the beach

I thought training for this Ironman triathlon (Arranman) would test me.  But not like this.  I've been desperate to get out there and pound the pavements, to cycle for hours and to swim but I've had to cut it right back.  I'm missing my friends at the running club and missing the endorphins and sense of achievement that I get from a good, hard session.  Along with my training partner in crime, Jen, we've been essentially training for this for a LONG time - years maybe.  Building up a base of steady miles in all 3 disciplines as well as cross training, strength, yoga and core work.  To throw in the towel now would be quite devastating.  More so because I never want to do this again AND knowing me, I won't let this ironman distance go.  But seriously I'm going to need to make a decision soon whether I will be able to take part in it or not.  Let's see how the next few weeks go.

Cocktails at the hotel - bliss!

A wee algarve coffee (espresso, almond biscotti and almond liqueur) to finish off a lovely holiday

Is It Over Before It's Even Begun?

Well I had hoped by the time I blogged again I would be injury free and running again and a smile planted back on my face.  Sadly, it's not the case.  Anyone who is a runner or triathlete will probably understand my woes.  Everyone else just thinks I'm mad.  I most probably am.  I've been reasonably lucky with injuries over the years and have very rarely missed a session but this one has really got me down.  Not being able to run in the glorious weather we've been having, when I've been in a real need to de-stress and with the looming Ironman - I've been miserable and not much fun to be around.  Ask my husband, he will vouch for that!

Arranman?  Well, maybe it's over before it's even begun.  Someone once told me the hardest part was getting to the start line.  And they were maybe right.  Running up to 85 miles per week, cycling or spinning 4 times plus upping swimming to 4/5 times per week and much longer distances was bound to take it's toll on my body.  But I felt good!  I felt strong!  I was cross training, nutritionally fuelled and doing yoga.  I maybe didn't allow enough rest for my body to recover.  Resting and tapering I find difficult but I need to learn to do it or I maybe wouldn't be in this problem!

Nutritional fuel - After a hilly 70 mile cycle around Kintyre I rewarded myself with my fave Sunday brunch - avocado and eggs on toast -  yum!

But here I am, injured and feeling sorry for myself.  I hit a new low last Friday (my favourite day of the week where I usually slow down training with some light spinning, swimming and yoga) but everything just seemed to be going wrong.  My leg ached.  I knew I should rest and I hated missing my morning swim.  I couldn't sleep.  The bathroom we were getting re-done was lying unfinished for visitors.  The car was broken and no idea when it was getting fixed.  The house was a mess.  Work was chaotic with assessments and end of year budget orders incomplete.  I had to pull out of the Balloch half marathon at the weekend as the injury just wasn't improving.  I just couldn't cheer myself up on Friday so I completely apologise and want to sorry if you are one of the friends, family or colleagues who have had to deal with Mrs Self Pity or receive my pestering messages asking for help!  You know who you are!  But regardless of how small my problems are compared to a lot in this world, I want to thank you all for your friendly words of support and advice - you all have been great and lent a sympathetic ear when I needed it.  And given me hope!  Everyone gets injured at times, I know that.  But they rest, work through it and come out the other side stronger.  Like I am going to.  I will use alternative ways to keep up fitness levels and train without injuring myself further.  

My workouts for the week have including rolling about on a tennis ball and a foam roller - ouch

I gave total rest a go for a few days and mentally it was horrible so from the advice of the Dr and other experts I've seen, cycling and swimming can continue.  I've loved being out on my bike and back in the pool, managing to tally up over 100 miles on the bike despite a few rest days and another open water swim in the Loch with Jen!  I'm starting to feel human again and even managed to crack a smile at the weekend :-)  This was mainly because I got to meet wee baby Maddison who is just super duper cute!  And some of my friends were home so it was fantastic to catch up.  And my husband got a fantastic PB at the Balloch to Clydebank half marathon.  He never fails to put in a good performance and I am so proud of him.  But right now I'm just incredibly jealous that he is running!

Meeting wee Maddison put a smile on my face - what a wee cutie!

To get running fit again, I've been working hard to stretch, foam roll, tennis ball and ice every day as well as attending sports massages and hopefully physio soon.  I tried an easy run on Tuesday but was disappointed that it was still painful, so I'm going to give aqua-jogging a go instead.  I will report back on that........ I'm dubious at best but willing to try anything.

My cat Charlie isn't best impressed with the tennis ball or foam roller either!

This injury will not defeat me.  I know my husband and Mum would love me just to quit with the Ironman triathlon.  Maybe I will. If I have t, I will.  I would rather just be running again for the enjoyment of it, pain free again.  But I still hope to do it if I can.  I KNOW I can do it, I am not giving up hope just yet.  Watch this space.

The Mental Side of Injuries

Dunaverty at it's finest on a Tuesday night (30mile cycle)

Just as I thought my training for my first, and only, Ironman was going well - I get injured.  Out of the blue and I can't really pin point what caused it or even what it is!  I have a pain down my whole left side - neck, shoulder, hip, ITB, hamstring, calf and heel.  It's predominantly sore at the hamstring/glutes and I finally had to give in after an 8 mile excruciatingly painful (and slow) run after the Strathaven Half Marathon and have a few rest days.  Rest from running anyway much to my dislike!  Most sensible people would just take the rest and move on but not me, I worry!  I should've looked at it positively, the weather was perfect last week - bright blue skies and little wind.  Therefore, I got out on my bike!  I saw the beautiful Kintyre countryside and managed to rack up over 100 miles during the week as well as a few hours on the turbo/spin.  

However, my head was in turmoil!  I felt like I was going insane.  Most people surely would just go "Hey, I'm sore, I'm going to take some rest".  Not me.  I fretted and worried and googled and worried even more.  "What if I have to stop training?", "What if I've damaged my hip permanently?" and worse "What if I'll never run pain free again?"  Thoughts of not even taking part in the Ironman were in my head and depressing me!  The thought of people out running in the beautiful weather was making me really sad.  So much so that my long-suffering husband took pity on me to go a few walks to try to keep me sane and active (no pain as I walk).

Perfect for my 1st OW swim of the year

As well as upping my mileage in the pool I even got a wonderful open water swim at Machrihanish Pans Bay.  I was staying in the Ugadale Cottages with some of my best friends and it was the perfect opportunity for a wee dip before a hot stones massage and a lovely meal at the Old Clubhouse (the enchiladas and the chocolate oreo brownie were delicious!)   We had such a fantastic time together too - catching up with friends and drinking french martinis is what life is all about isn't it?  Anyway, it certainly stopped me from thinking too much about my injury.  The weather was simply too nice to stop me from running over the weekend (stupid maybe, I know) so I did a slow 15 miler with Jocelyn, Katie and Jennifer at Ballochair forestry and on Sunday a wee 3 miles beach trot in the morning before breakfast.  Mentally, this gave me a huge boost.  I felt happy that I could do it despite some pain and slowness.  At least I could still run!  But I wanted to get better.  Hearing the news about my husband's fantastic performance at the Scottish XC Championship gave me a further boost but also made me jealous - I want to run!!

We enjoyed some pampering at the 'Girls Night In' at Ugadale

If I couldn't run far at least I could cycle.  So back on the bike on Sunday and managed my target of 50 miles in about 3 hours 45.  Pretty slow but enjoyable and good craic with the others.  But I'm a complete disaster as just on my final 100m to the house I couldn't get it into gear, chain came off and I fell to the side scraping my elbows, side and knees.  Muppet!  Blood all down me, I trudged home with my bike, limping with my sore leg.  What a sight!!  But I soon perked up - we were going to Muneroy for cake and a walk with family along Carskiey beach which was fabulous and they cheered me up no end.  

Sunday cycles and chat

Carskiey Beach for family walks

I know I've got to be positive, goodness, there are a lot worse things going on in the world than having a sore leg! I know that but I find it hard.  Training and running makes me happy.  It releases stress and gives me the feel good factor I crave.  It's my routine.  I love the outdoors and I love running.  And it makes me feel better if I allow myself an odd treat at Muneroy!  Some of you might be able to understand but I realise that some of you think I'm just mental!  Nevertheless, I'm hoping to get running again (pain free soon).  I've taken a little rest.  I've did some yoga.  I've cross trained.  I've had some sports massages, stretched, foam rolled and visited an Osteopath.  So here's hoping that I'm on the mend. :-)

The treats at Muneroy are only small............