Big Head Running

The Pool is Finally Finished

What does a pool being finished have to do with running? For me, plenty. It’s been a tiring three weeks trying to keep mileage on track for the Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtual and prepare the ground for the pool. It was leveled by digging the backyard with a shovel. Not an easy task.

I managed to hit the 40 mile mark for the week again which was pleasing. I’m hoping to keep that average up for June. I finished the week off with 8.3 miles which has been my longest run for a while now. The goal is to keep increasing the length of my weekly long run in preparation for a half marathon in July.

Running through the VA Park In Clarksburg, West Virginia

One added benefit of having a pool is that it will help with recovery as I try to increase the mileage. I find that the cool water really aids fatigued muscles. It will be fun for my wife and kids also as they start their Summer vacation from school.

The slope in the backyard didn’t help with the pool install

I’m getting close to the two hundred mile mark. I will let you know when I hit it. I’m going for a swim!

Highest Weekly Mileage So Far

I achieved my highest weekly mileage in the Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtual this week. I finished the week off with a six mile loop of Clarksburg, West Virginia. I was happy to hit the 40 mile mark for the week.

Running Across Route 98 in Clarksburg, West Virginia

Unless you are running along a rail trail or next to a river, everywhere you run in the area I live is hilly. West Virginia is called the “Mountain State” for a reason. I’ve learned to embrace the hills and have no problem walking up them if I need to. Elevation gain is now just part of running.

I have now completed 146.95 miles on my Lands End to John O’ Groats journey. I hope to keep chipping away at the miles by continuing to hit weekly goals. Still a long way to go though.

100 Miles

I finally hit the 100 mile mark today with a trail run at Watters Smith Memorial State Park in Lost Creek, West Virginia. The Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtual run started off well at the beginning of May. It fell to pieces at the end of the first week and I have been gradually trying to get back to full fitness for the rest of the month. I still have a little way to go with that.

The weather was absolutely perfect for running today. It was much cooler than it has been all week and the sun was shining. Watters Smith State Park is one of my favorite places to run but many of the trails were overgrown and navigating some of the vegetation was uncomfortable at times.

Coming down the Black Cherry Trail at Watters Smith State Park

I hope to average about 38-40 miles per week in June and move myself up the leaderboard a little. Although the place I finish doesn’t really matter, it adds incentive to keep running and walking when you see yourself moving up the virtual league table.

The view from the White Oak Trail at Watters Smith

Getting Warmer!!

As the end of May gets closer the temperature here in West Virginia is getting higher. The weather has been crazy this month bouncing around from below freezing and snow to high 80’s Fahrenheit and a lot of rain.

Today was the first day I ran in warmer temperatures. It was 80F (27C) and sunny. I felt good, but I’m glad I carried water with me. I’m slowly starting to get back to full fitness after my little medical mishap earlier in the month. The right hamstring is still not quite right though so I took it easy.

Running in the Chestnut Hills section of Clarksburg, West Virginia

I have just crossed the 70 mile mark in my Lands End to John O’ Groats virtual run. I’m hoping to get over 100 miles in May and then start increasing mileage to around 40 per week. I will still be using a combination of walking and running to try my very best to avoid any additional injuries.

Running Again!!

I ran for the first time since leaving the hospital. It was only just over two miles at a very easy pace but it felt good to get back out again. My knee had been giving me some issues over the past week but it felt much better than I had expected. The hamstring above it felt a little suspect though. Hopefully, that won’t be anything to worry about.

When you run again after a while off you worry a little about things going wrong. I will have to be patient in building up the distance again as I regain confidence and hopefully avoid any additional injuries.

I have now completed just over 45 miles in my Lands End to John O’ Groats virtual run. There is still a very long way to go. The leaders in the run have already made it to the Manchester area which is approximately 380 miles from Lands End. That’s an average of just under 24 miles per day. I very rarely run 24 miles in a week, but I’m hoping to build to about 35-40 miles weekly.

Getting Frustrated

It’s been six days since my hospital stay. In general, I feel much better, but my knee still hurts. I would love to start running again but my knee is not allowing it. Maybe that is for the best as I am slightly concerned about starting to run. Passing out has made me lose confidence to push myself physically in case it happens again. I will have to be patient until my knee has fully recovered and I regain more confidence. It is frustrating though.

An Early Setback

After doing 33.3 miles during the first six days of the Lands End to John O’ Groats challenge, I collapsed in my house on the 7th day.

I had been mowing the grass and I felt short of breath and my chest was hurting. I told my family I was going to go and lay down but I didn’t get very far as I passed out at the bottom of the stairs. I was unresponsive for just under a minute and my wife had already called an ambulance.

The hospital ran many tests and everything was coming back negative. They kept me overnight for observation. There were more tests in the morning and still more negative results.

I’m happy everything came back negative but I really hurt my knee when I fell. The doctors decided to change my blood pressure medication and I will follow up with them later this week.

Needless to say, the stay in the hospital and an injured knee have put a dent in this weeks mileage, but I have to be sensible about rushing back too soon. The challenge is a long one and I have plenty of time to make up for this setback.

5 Reasons I Prefer Trail Running

I drove about 30 miles South to Stonewall Resort State Park in Roanoke, West Virginia to run on the trail system there. I much prefer trail running to road running. Here are the reasons why:

The Chipmunk Point Trail at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia

1. Scenery
Trail running tends to take you to more remote areas which are normally very scenic.

2. Peace & Quiet
Trail running gets you away from traffic and people. Something everybody needs every now and then.

3. A Softer Landing
Landing on a softer surface is easier on your body and feels much better than landing on paved areas.

4. Don’t Worry About Pace
Trail running is more about enjoying the experience rather than finishing as fast as you can

5. Community
Trail running people are a great group to be a part of.

The Virtual Map is Live

The End to End Virtual Map. Lands End to John O. Groats

One thing I wasn’t expecting was a virtual map where I can see where I am in the UK depending on how many miles I have logged. It’s a great idea and really provides additional motivation to stay consistent with mileage. I need to be averaging 33-34 miles per week to finish before the November 1 deadline. If I initially find a 50/50 balance of walking and running, I can adjust up or down depending on how I am feeling. Follow my progress by searching for Ian McAra on the Virtual map.

Lands End to John O’ Groats Virtually

On May 4, 2020 I will start on a virtual 874 mile journey on foot from Lands End, at the southern tip of England to John O’ Groats, at the most northern point of Scotland. I will be completing my runs (and walks) in West Virginia, USA. Growing up in England, I always heard about people walking this route for charity. Now I get a chance to give it a try in a slightly different way. There is a six month deadline to complete the challenge.