#12 - A Short Update

Since my run to Ludlow and the unexpectedly memorable day and evening that followed, it's been a case of getting my head down and returning to the increasingly serious business of training.

The reality is that Rose of the Shires is starting to loom large on the horizon.

At just over 54 miles, it represents unknown territory for me. When I entered the Wye Valley Ultra last May, officially advertised as 34 miles but somehow magically stretching closer to 38, I never really doubted I'd get round. It felt achievable from the outset.

Fifty-plus miles, however, is different.

It's the sort of distance that sounds perfectly reasonable while sat on the sofa with a coffee. Then you start breaking it down and realise it's effectively running from one county into the next. Twice.

Am I certain I can do it?

Absolutely not.

Will lack of preparation be the reason if I fail?

Also absolutely not.

Training by Mild Chaos

One thing I probably should admit is that I don't really follow a formal training plan.

Given the challenge ahead, that's arguably a bit daft.

My approach is generally based around a simple philosophy: run consistently, run often, and run far enough that future distances don't seem quite so intimidating.

Current training revolves around two or three 4:30am weekday runs, a long run on Saturday and another decent effort on Sunday.

The previous training block consisted of:

• Tuesday: 7.5 miles
• Thursday: 7.5 miles
• Saturday: marathon-distance trail run

Unfortunately, work had other ideas for Sunday. Management away days and weekends have a nasty habit of colliding. To compensate, the following week looked something like:

• Monday: 7.5 miles at 4:30am
• Wednesday: 7.5 miles at 4:30am
• Thursday: 7.5 miles at 4:30am
• Saturday: 15-mile trail run
• Sunday: 10-mile road run

Not glamorous. Not particularly scientific. But a solid week nonetheless.

A Rewardingly Poor Decision

As a reward for Saturday's trail run, I carefully planned the route to finish at Bayley's of Bromsgrove.

The idea seemed sound.

Finish run.

Enjoy a beer.

Buy a few cans.

Walk home as a cool down.

Simple.

There were, however, a few flaws in this plan. Firstly, the beer happened to be a 6.8% Track IPA, which was excellent. Secondly, it had rained throughout the run, meaning I arrived cold and soaked. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, the beer itself was also cold.

This became particularly relevant when combined with the lovely -5°C wind chill waiting outside.

The walk home was less of a cool down and more of an exercise in discovering new levels of cold. By the time I got back, I was absolutely frozen. I suspect there are easier ways to recover from a run.

The Fuzzy Duck Brewery

Thankfully a hot shower restored some semblance of normality.

Soon afterwards it was time for one of my favourite Saturday rituals: retiring to the Fuzzy Duck Brewery.

For those unfamiliar, this is simply the name I've given to my garage. Calling it a brewery sounds considerably more impressive.

There, armed with a beer, my latest second-hand pipe, some new tobacco and a FaceTime call, all was right with the world.

Happy days.

I appreciate there may be some irony in a man who voluntarily runs ultramarathons deciding to occasionally smoke a pipe.

My response?

Why not?

I've never really been a smoker beyond the occasional celebratory cigar during my university years. But my grandad smoked a pipe and, for me, it evokes memories of simpler times and fond family memories.

Life's too short to overthink everything.

A Little Luxury

The plan for next week is broadly the same.

Miles before sunrise.

Mud.

Questionable alarm clock decisions.

The one exception is that my wife and I have a night away planned in the Cotswolds as we approach our 25th wedding anniversary.

A rare treat. And thoroughly deserved by both of us, I suspect.

Beer Stocks Remain Healthy

On the beer front, supplies are reassuringly strong.

The brewing pipeline currently includes:

• A West Coast IPA that is finally approaching full conditioning
• My Beavertown clone, which is tasting excellent and won't last long
• A split batch featuring the new Superdelic hop, destined for both keg and cask
• This month's Brewser box from Phantom
• A Nothing Bound beer acquired from Bayley's

In short, there is no immediate danger of running out of beer.

A situation I strongly prefer to maintain.

New Challenges

Away from running and brewing, there have also been developments on the work front.

It appears I've acquired a new role while simultaneously trying to hand over my existing responsibilities. This blog deliberately avoids discussing work in any real detail, so that's all I'll say on the matter.

Other than this: Beer remains an important part of the strategy.

A Year of Experiences

One decision I made upon reaching the grand old age of fifty was that every month should contain something memorable.

A challenge.

An experience.

Ideally both.

So far the year is shaping up nicely:

• January – Running to Ludlow
• February – A luxury Cotswold getaway with my wife
• March – Currently under negotiation
• April – Rose of the Shires Ultra followed by beers and a night away with my mate
• May – Birthday month and an old-school music day out in Bristol featuring Inspiral Carpets, Carter USM, Bez and The Soup Dragons

Naturally, the Bristol trip will almost certainly involve a few craft brewery visits.

It would seem rude not to.

Anyway...

That genuinely was intended to be a short update.

As ever, training continues, the beer stocks remain healthy, the alarm clock remains cruel, and the next challenge is never very far away.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for an early-ish night.

That 4:30am alarm isn't going to ignore itself.