“And so you touch this limit, something happens and you suddenly can go a little bit further. With your mind power, your determination, your instinct, and the experience as well, you can fly very high.”
Ayrton Senna

A slightly delayed blog, originally I was going to send this out at the end of the year. I have spent some time thinking about ultra running, doing a bit of research and investing in a few more products. I’m certainly keen to get stuck into 2012 with the Green Man Ultra (March 3) probably being the first Ultra of the year. The Grand Union Canal Race (GUCR) of 145 miles and the attempt at the Cotswold Way Trail record are probably going to be the main races/challenges of the year but I also have a few other ~50 miles races and various other challenges to keep myself motivated. I’ll have at least one trip to the Lakes to do another Bob Graham Recce/Training block, and I’ve even been asked to recce the whole of the Offas Dyke trail prior to a planned race in 2013. I might do this at the tail end of the season.  I’m entered into the Forestman Ironman-Distance Traithlon and may do another triathlon or two if I can fit them in.  The Races page lists the lot.

2011 was all about the transition from Long-Distance Triathlon to Ultra Running, while trying to excel at both of course. Unfortunately it didn’t quite work out that way having picked something up off the back of the Lanzarote Double Iron event (DNF) and a heart issue for the main season. This messed all of my triathlon races up inc a DNF at Challenge Roth and Ironman UK DNS. On a positive note I really enjoyed and performed well in the Ultra races. The Malvern Hills 55 mile run was great fun, as was the Caesars Camp 100 mile (although at the time I thought I was literally killing myself). The Brecon Ultra was a much tougher event in terms of pace. I couldn’t stay with Mark Palmer just like last year and had a good battle with Shaw Pye. To do 6hr29 over 45miles of Welsh hills/mountains was very pleasing. The ultra running community is also very friendly, I’ve made some good new friends. I have also learnt a lot more about gear, nutritional (including supplementation) and racing strategies and my own limitations (physically and mentally) and can only gain from this in 2012.

The target-fitness coaching business has been going well. I enjoy working with athletes of all abilities and seeing them improve and achieve great results.

Many thanks to Eladon and Bike-Science who have supported me over the year, as well as Infinit Nutrition, Activate4 and Deluci Retreat Training Camp.  And it goes without saying – my girlfriend, brother and parents who have put up with my moans and groans and supported me (even crewed) throughout the year.

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