Saturday, January 17, 2009

The worst start to a year ever

There is a lot of excitement out there in WHW blogland, what with the imminent arrival of Debs' and Marco's baby, the start of the build up to the 2009 race, entries being accepted to the UTMB, and so on. I don't want to put a downer on things and I hope this post does not come across as being unduly negative, but as far as I'm concerned it has been a really crap start to the new year. We are now 17 days into January and I have run the amazing total of 41 miles - an average of less than 3 miles a day - and most of these have been a complete struggle. I ended up being off work for a couple of days last week, but whatever bug I've picked up seems to have stayed with me for a lot longer than I would have liked. Last night I woke up 3 times with cramp in my right calf and the sweat pouring out of me. What the f*ck is that all about?

Anyway I'm hoping there is some light at the end of the tunnel. I took the dog out for a gentle jog over the nearby fields today and felt a bit better than I had for the last few runs. I'm planning to go up to Balmaha tomorrow and meet the Glee Club for a run - not sure that I'll go as far as Inversnaid, but I'll see how I feel and if it is too much of a struggle I can always turn round and come back. At least it is only January, so there is plenty of time to get sorted out for the challenges ahead. In the old days I didn't even think about my WHW training until the end of January, so there is certainly no need to worry at this stage. In fact an easier month might not be the worst thing for me - it will give my body a chance to recover for the months ahead.

6 comments:

Davie Bell said...

Ian
I know exactly how you feel I went through the same scenario last year,but you know it wont last and you'll get stronger and fitter in no time,get the chin up and stay positive.

Davie

Davie said...

I was struggling for about 3 weeks before getting going but, other than my sense of direction, everything clicked again a couple of weeks ago.
Just don't overdo it and it'll pass

Anonymous said...

Hi Ian,I last ran on Jan 1 - then the roads and tracks froze so much that you could't stand up, then I went ski-ing, then I caught the heavy cold that everyone seems to have - 41 miles sounds pretty good to me! Just stop reading JK's blog until you get going again...Andy

Debs M-C said...

Night sweats and leg cramps? More pregnancy symptoms :-)

I'm sure you'll bounce back soon. Your body's just telling you to rest before the serious training starts.

Maybe you'll see Marco en route today. I'm off to pick him up at Sallocy Bay.

Take care and see you soon.

Rachel Jayne Stevenson/Rogers said...

Hi Ian

I was just back tracking thru my blog and found your comment. Thanks. I would love to joining you all on oneof your runs.

Sounds like what Debs says is right. Your body must be forcing a bit of rest before the big miles start!
When you shake off the bug/virus you will be back to full fitness in no time.

Rachel

Subversive Runner said...

Hi mate,

Sorry to hear things have started off slow for you this year. Me too, and looking at Tim Downie's blog, same for him.

Hope things pick up soon. Looking forward to seeing you in June, and hopefully before.

take care

Dave