Lifesystems are running a Facebook competition.

Hi
the Folks over at Lifesystems are running a giveaway for a bundle of goodies, the bundle includes an Adventurer First Aid Kit, a bottle of SPF25 Active Suncream, a bottle of expedition sensitive insect repellent, and a portable mosquito killer according to their Facebook page. I've entered it as I purchased some Lifesystems gear recently and its top stuff. so get over to their facebook and enter its at https://www.facebook.com/LifesystemsUK/photos/a.116940994999093.17228.115511938475332/1163473370345845/?type=1&theatre



good luck everyone including me! just thought I'd share if anyone else is interested.
(so before anyone asks the giveaway is NOTHING to do with me I'm just sharing the info)

Gareth (TheTryAth)

Bronco Billy aka Jeff Browning - great motivation and advice

Hi All
 One of the great things I've found since starting using Running/The outdoors to cope with my depression/anxiety, is the amount of truly motivational people out there on social media. I've found running and event tips and advice but also just reading race reports and about their training inspires.

I think one of the best Blogs by an Ultra runner I've read is by Mr Bronco Billy aka Jeff Browning, this guy  is motivational and good at what he does, thirteen 100 mile race 1st places takes some doing! but also his blog posts with race reports are educational, funny and make you want go run. He is also a nice and modest guy who is also trying give something back by trying help build trails in the Patagonia national park.

so feel free to head to http://www.gobroncobilly.com/ and  read about a positive and nice guy, doing what he loves and doing it well!

have a great week all
Gareth (TheTryAth)

New Goal - an International Event. updated

Hi
 So as the Snowdonia Trail marathon is a week away... I've been thinking about goals, not just running but social ones too, I really am trying to work on depression and anxiety to lessen them enough to increase social confidence and be able return to work for the social interaction and self worth, but also it would be nice to not struggle financially!

I would also like give myself a goal outside of this and I want to compete in an another country ideally a marathon/ultra, the Scandinavian countries appeal and I have seen the Fire & Ice Ultra Multi day but at £2000! that might have to wait a long time....unless anyone wants to sponsor/support me in the event! :)

It has been a long time since I travelled anywhere abroad so this would be a HUGE step but its one to set as a long term goal...

UPDATE
found a few possible events now, will take some planning but I want to take this step forward eventually

wishing all well and happy
Gareth (TheTryAth)

Stay Hydrated!

Hi folks
a quick post the hot weather gets lots of people running again for first time or making a comeback...its seriously hot out there folks in the uk (and lots of other places), so stay hydrated make sure your drink regularly through the day not just before you run and carry water, if just starting good chance you'll be walking part the way home in the heat so do it comfortably and safely.

yep its a pain carrying water but there are lots of different handhelds/waist packs and backpacks so be nice to yourself and look after yourself!

if you think carrying a bottle/belt pack is embarrassing, then imagine how embarrassing getting carted off from the side of the road by a friend or relative or even emergency services would be.....:)

me preaching over,
happy running all
Gareth (TheTryAth)

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)