Wednesday 22 August 2007

A real update


Unfortunately i've not been able to update this blog since the last (seemingly mysterious, cryptic post), wasn't actually meant to be keeping the few readers in suspense simply lack of internet access and more worryingly not being able to update via my mobile phone as not having access to a charger.
So firstly the problem was Poison Oak, much worse looking than the picture above (both legs from ankle to hip as well as left wrist), my doctor actually took some photos however really they are just too gruesome (even if i had them).
The course of antibiotics i was on wasn't helping the rest of my body that much either as i proved when running the Glasshouse Mountains 50K on Saturday 28th July, frankly the legs didn't feel like they wanted to go anywhere (and as for my stupidity in heading back up Mt Beerburrum the second time i don't think my mind was on it). At least heading north finally meant that i got rid of my cold and could enjoy some warm weather as well as bathing my legs in the Pacific Ocean.
Finally a couple of weeks later i was feeling much better as well as having finished the course of antibiotics so in theory i was back to normal.
Decided to do the Gold Coast 24Hour race, firstly because i'd been threatening to run a 24 Hours for years (after a couple of rather less than successful race walks in 1999 & 2000), and secondly as they were only just up the road and thirdly if my body was still rubbish at least i didn't need to go far to get aid and pull out.
Having arrived the day before, and watched the starters in the 48 Hour race, i had a fair idea what i was in for. I'd bought new shoes only the day before, as i had only two pairs of Nike Frees with me (as i'd only planned to be up north 4 Days !!!), and this track appeared to need something with more cushioning.
Best said i ran consistently through the day, thoroughly enjoying the heat (27 degrees), and clocking up consistent milage and thankfully feeling pretty good, however not being anxious to push myself too hard (i'd be honest and say the only times i ran fast were when i'd be singing along to Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run" on the PA System, i should have supplied some Stones for more fast laps).
Come night time i knew i'd have some issues, from topless with shorts and legionnaires cap, i was soon in skins, thermal top and beanie and as the night wore on added another top, a jumper and evenentually goretex jacket and tracksuit pants.
After 12 Hours i had 100.4 KM's under my belt, so it looked like barring disaster 100 Miles was very possible and maybe a place chance.
As usual the big issue for me was my hands, had only one pair of gloves and by 1AM the hands were just numb with cold and i was wasting energy just trying to keep them warm (Raynaud's Disease http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/raynauds-disease/DS00433/DSECTION=2), soon i was off the track trying to warm them and keep the rest of the body warm. Wrapped up in a blanket, and eating warm food but still unable to feel my hands the idea of wrapping my hands in a towel dipped in hot water, sounded good. Unfortunately not the case, think it was the sudden "rush of blood to the head", broke out into a sweat and went into shock, thankful i was sitting at the time or i would have collapsed. Next i was hyperventilating and wanting to throw up, so it was decided that it was best i lie down. Maximum time of the track for this event is two hours so i knew exactly how long i was allowed to lie down but who knows what would happen after that. So i was helped to the bench in the toilets and covered in blankets and slept soundly, waking up just before i was due to be woken (typical me). Feeling much improved (and wearing a pair of the race organisers much thicker gloves), just kept plodding on (i'd been wearing my lightest Free's since the 57KM mark as since then my gait had deteriorated into a shuffle which meant that the hard surface wasn't an issue as i wasn't thumping onto the ground), at times getting a good walking style going (not sure if it was the rest or the tight skins but my knees had tightened up and refused to bend so running was out of the question), just waiting for the sun to rise.
Finally i finished with 157.2 KM's not quite there but knowing that it was achievable if only i could find a run where the temperature drop was not so severe.
At the moment my plans are hazy, having driven back from the Gold Coast on Monday Night (after a day and a half of rain i was dubious as to how floods on the Northern rivers of NSW could stuff things up having been stranded many years ago), i know i've missed Trans Gaule (it's day 7 already), and am still tempted by the States but considering that Melbourne Marathon is only 6 weeks away maybe i'll just stick to Australia (and it's warmer regions just relaxing rather than running), so maybe this blog will end quicker than originally planned.
Looks like Shepparton Marathon on Sunday, see what happens pushing when i push my body there, then i can make some more concrete plans.

1 comment:

Tesso said...

Welcome back to Blogsville Kel. Good to hear what you've been up to. Also good to hear you escaped from Qld just in time, that crappy weather looks like it might hang around a while.

A friend of mine has that same problem with her hands freezing, not sure why she decided to reclocate to Canberra!