down day, GPS faults and a long run...

ok
 First off last few days have been horrible...just not been able get a grip on my depression it spiralled out of control, sometimes the slightest thing triggers a memory and that starts the ball rolling. I am trying get better at being aware but it does get me still before I can try use methods to help cope and prevent it getting out of hand.

anyway after spending pretty much the whole day shut away from everyone, tried interact a little with others but there were problems going on and just ended up feeling worse, sometimes when you need help people are just not able to give it as they have their own problems to cope with (I understand when I'm down I can be difficult to be around).

anyway was about to shut myself off again but dragged myself out the house using all the tricks (just see how it goes etc) for a run, pace was not fast just needed to do something ended up running 17 miles roughly, I know the routes so know distance approx. as of all days GPS watch chose today to have an error and freeze at 14 miles...really could have done without that! there was an update on the website when got back and checked as turns out they know about an error from last update.

So I still do not feel great but the run has helped give me a break and try break the depression cycle, running does NOT cure all problems but it helps give that breathing space sometimes to let you start being able to cope.

Wishing everyone well
Gareth (TheTryAth)

getting out what we put in

Hi
firstly this has been a good week for me, I've managed to run more a 4, 6 and 12 miler plus a couple of walk and runs with a relative who has started running, that's been great as I usually run alone. Plus I've managed get to the gym a couple of times including a circuit class I find this hard to do as social anxiety kicks in (I spend more time trying find reasons why I cannot/should not go then actually at the gym!).

So I've managed to do some more  things and its been an easier week mindfulness wise, I've managed to read for longer periods and concentrate on the moment more. This is why I HATE depression because it stops doing the things that can help us so often, when we desperately need positives it does and often confines us from anything that gives us them (I speak from experience).

I am grateful for this week and I hope for many more...and I hope I can remember these times in more clarity when the bad times strike and try pull me down. I thought for a long time there would never be good days but they do come now....and I try make the most of them when they are here, to get a little store of positives to cope when they are not here.


I wish all well, sometimes we cannot and that's ok but when we can lets take advantage and build up that store of good for when we need it.

Gareth (TheTryAth)

the Joy of starting out

Today  I had no intention of running, I've done a couple of runs this week, pushing pace up and some hard circuit and cross trainer sessions with a cross trainer session for today too. I finished a good session on the cross trainer got home had something to eat and an hour later got a call from a family member who has decided to start running...would I go with them on first run & walk.

So running gear on and went for an enjoyable 22 mins over 2 miles its great to see someone starting running and we all need a bit of help when were starting, I was grateful to be asked as I rarely run with anyone else (due to my mental health problems my social circle is very small) and also the enthusiasm from someone just starting is a good reminder about why I started running.


I'm glad I started running and I'm glad I got the chance to be part of someone else starting out too today.

Gareth (TheTryAth)

Brooks Ghost 7 London Marathon - Running Shoe - REVIEW

Hi
 I was lucky enough to Win a pair of Brooks Ghost 7 London Marathon Running Shoe's a while back, this is how I've got on with these distinctive shoes.

First Impressions

Nice shoe out the box the fact covered in red telephone box's for a pattern is a bit of fun, the shoes when put on are as they say for neutral runners. I have low arches so I did stick an insole with high arch support in and found them comfortable enough.

Field Test

These are a road shoe and I've used them on a few runs now and run/circuit sessions comfortable shoe and reasonable cushioning in them too, I have run in shoes that have felt 'faster' but these are good as a mileage shoe and the cushioning is good so those who have problems with impact in their running might like them as they absorb shock well.


Conclusion

I do like these shoes and personally I'd use them as training shoe rather than for say short distance events where its all about speed, although if the distance of an event was high (marathon) they would provide a comfortable ride.

Gareth (TheTryAth)

Brooks specs

Product Details

Best For:

• Surface: Road Running
• Category: Neutral Running Shoe ideal for runners with normal pronation
• Arch Height: Ideal for medium to high arches
  

Benefits Include:

• BioMoGo DNA Midsole provides adaptive cushioning
• Heel-to-midfoot Segmented Crash Pad allows smooth transitions
• Omega Flex Grooves provide flexibility while maintaining cushioning
• Moisture-management mesh upper helps feet stay cooler and dryer

Specifications:

• Weight: 10.4 oz
• Heel-to-Toe Offset: 12 mm
• Style: 1101681D413

Staying safe on the trails and Mountains -Lifesystems - Gear Review

Hi
 This post is a mix of a Gear review and also a gentle reminder to stay safe on the trails and mountains, this time of year lots of people get out there many for first time. It is nice to have all the new shiny, flash gear of new running shoes/boots, waterproofs and warmers and Hydration gear but its worth spending a little money on gear for if anything goes wrong not just for you but maybe you might come across someone else who needs it!

I'm not going write a full list here of what I carry (that's for another post) but 2 things if your out for any length of time especially in remote conditions are an emergency Blanket/Bag and a first aid kit. I've just updated mine so thought I'd write this post.

First Aid Kit

I've just updated my small first aid kit I carry on long runs or on the mountains to a Lifesystems Pocket first aid kit it costs £10.99. I chose this as has most bits you'll need in emergency in a sturdy case plus enough space in the case to pop in and other bits I may want add.
 I'm very pleased with the kit, size is what I wanted and the contents seems quality not cheap stuff going fail when you need it! some of the cheaper kits out there the actual contents are useless!. the contents list from Lifesystems is

General

• 1 x Primary Care Leaflet
• 1 x Tweezers
• 1 x Scissors (5.5cm Blade)
• 6 x Safety Pins

Bandages

• 1 x White Open Woven Bandage 7.5cm x 5m
• 1 x Crepe Bandage 5cm x 4.5m

Preparations, Disposables & Tapes

• 1 x Savlon Antiseptic Cream (15g Tube)
• 5 x 4-Ply Gauze Swabs 5 x 5cm
• 1 x Micropore Tape 1.25cm x 5m
• 3 x Hygienic Cleansing Wipes

Dressings

• 1 x Low Adherent Dressing 5 x 5cm
• 1 x Pack of Assorted Plasters.

Light & Dry Bivvy Bag

Next up is the Light and Dry Bivvy Bag, now this basically a reusable emergency thermal blanket but its been pre sealed into a bag form to give you a waterproof emergency shelter that retains body heat, I've used the more basic type thermal blankets in the past(space blankets as a lot call them), but I've decided to upgrade to one that can be reused and provide better cover as if things do go wrong with this you just get yourself in rather than trying mess about if in windy conditions and blanket blowing off you!

once arrived got it out and gave it once over, its large enough for me (6ft 14.7 stone) and although light weight seems robust enough as and emergency cover until help arrives. It comes in carry sack too.the Light and Dry Bivvy Bag bag costs £14.99, but again I have seen some of the cheap emergency blankets pretty much rip apart first time someone unfolds them, or if your cold the last thing you want do is try wrap a blanket around your self and try keep it there when blowing about in the wind!

In this country we are lucky to have some great emergency services and mountain rescue etc but you still need give yourself and maybe someone else a chance for them to get to you if things go wrong, and sometimes just make yourself more comfortable is you have a minor scrape or cut etc.

if you want more info both products and lots more choices a can be found at the Folks at Lifesystems Website: https://www.lifesystems.co.uk/

enjoy yourselves out there but stay safe!

Gareth (TheTryAth)

Runfest wales late entry! (I forgot) UPDATE

Hi
 guess what I totally forgot there is a local half marathon! so going turn up on the day and run it as long as get a place. will be ideal distance with marathon build up...


will let you know how I get on!

Gareth (TheTryAth)

UPDATE

Well due to not feeling great all day and few other problems did not make it to the events, tried a smaller run in the evening and felt terrible during run made it 6 miles and could hold in no longer and threw up in a hedge! the a 2 mile walk home feeling horrible....not feeling great tonight hope feel better tomorrow and next run :(

Gareth

New Competiton - Camelbak Podium Bottle - Guess my Time!

Hi
 With it being about a month till the Snowdonia Trail Marathon, I have decided to try running a fun little competition to Win a Camelbak Podium Bottle. The competition is going till the evening before the race 23:59 pm 25/07/2015 you can enter through the Gleam app.

<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/t4IeR/thetryath-get-some-bottle" rel="nofollow">TheTryAth get some Bottle!</a>
<script type="text/javascript" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" async="true"></script>

If anyone wants comment and try guess my time feel free, you do not have to guess to enter the competition though. :)

this is the prize.

good luck all

Gareth (TheTryAth)