Big Bloke Running

I’ve been running again for a few months now after my latest operation. When I started again I was at a place where I was not able to run a 5k, started with a couch to 5k plan, but quickly changed to a half marathon plan because that is the intent for this year so it was pointless aiming at something lower.

Now I’m back to running every day, following a half marathon plan using Stryd power as I need to ensure I return carefully and not to destroy my left knee again.

I find that the Stryd power really helps me quantify effort and matches how I feel, so the plan stretches me without hurting me.

Every other method I have tried has not achieved this consistently, I find heart-rate training too ‘laggy’ and of course that does not take into account the rest of the body. A personal face to face trainer is the ideal state, but too costly for me and there are none actually local, I had a remote personal trainer, but had knee injury during that time (not cause and effect but has made me wary of the approach), and off the shelf training plans are (to me) daft.

The Stryd plans adapt as my critical power (CP) changes, CP being the maximum power I can maintain for an hour, which is refreshed and tested throughout the training plan therefore ensuring the plan is ideal. I have been following the plan consistently which largely follows the 80/20 approach of 80% of the time is easy effort with 20% higher intensity. The 80/20 approach is well documented and recommended, but running slow a lot feels counterintuitive but is demonstrating results for me as I am now running 10k and over, something which just a short while ago seemed like a big mountain to climb!

The running is improving and just occasionally now, it feels effortless , which is nice but I also still get the occasional knee niggle which reminds me to take care while maintaining a push, it tends to happen if I ‘over power’ a stage in my higher intensity sessions.

I will be running the Oxford half marathon in October this year, I will be slow, but I will do it and that, for me, is what matters.

So far, I have completed 13 half marathons, The London Marathon (which I continue to register for every year and never get it!), The Race to the Stones ultra, and a full Tough Mudder.

This year will be another half, if plans go well then next year a full marathon, and then maybe another ultra is in the future, but work is busy and family come first, so we will see.

Adam

Ahh it felt just like old times as the anaesthetist prepared me for surgery.

Since my major surgery for Cholangiocarcinoma in 2012, I have suffered with chronic pain in the area of my scar along my abdomen, a scar that runs about half way around my body. I have seen multiple health professionals over the years and have tended to be prescribed long term pain relief.

Last year during a bout of gastro problems the hospital gave me an mri and off-hand mentioned that I really should get my hernia repaired.

Fast forward about a year and here I am a few weeks after surgery and already in far less pain than I was before! But having also found out that although one hernia was fixed, the surgeon decided not to fix another because the tissue all along the scar inside is ‘fraying’ and he suspects I will need more major surgery at some point. Fun fun!

Next up is knee surgery. Last year while running I injured my knee, with no real apparent reason, about 8 miles into a half marathon training run (fully supported by a great running coach through WeRun). My left knee popped with pain, I carried on running to get home but the next day could barely get out of bed. Two physios and two surgical consultants later I am about to have another mri, this one on my knee, with possibly torn medial meniscus and damaged bone. So I shall look forward to that repair soon, which may well mean weeks on crutches.

Next up after that is the good old snip, let’s not talk about that just yet though!

I am hopeful that in the new year at some point I will be able to get back to running again, it is incredible how much I miss it, not least for the physical health benefits but also the mental health. Right now I can barely walk a km without being in a lot of pain from my knee.

On a positive note, I have stopped drinking cider and am taking part in the Zoe healthy eating program, since these 2 things started a few weeks ago, I have lost 9kg’s in weight and around 6 inches from my waist. Although the weight loss has now slowed, it is continuing to drop, so I’m really happy with that. If anyone asks, I’m happy to recommend the Zoe healthy eating programme, ask nice and I can share a 10% off code for friends!

Oh, and, I don’t even miss the cider.

Mostly 😉

Adam

Hello everyone, it’s Adam here, keeping it real with you all.

You know, we often talk about the highs, the victories, the times when everything seems to fall into place. But let’s face it, life ain’t always sunshine and rainbows, is it? We all face challenges, and right now, I’m wrestling with a few of my own.

Remember my old mate, the runner’s knee? Well, it’s still causing a bit of a fuss. The road to recovery has been long, winding, and frankly, pretty frustrating. Running, my former sanctuary, still feels a world away.

And then there’s the everyday hustle. It’s exciting, sure, but it can also feel like a pressure cooker. Deadlines, strategy meetings, always having to be on top of my game – it can be a bit of a beast. Some days, it feels like I’m climbing a mountain with no peak in sight.

Family, my most cherished part of life, brings its own set of curveballs. Being a dad is a beautiful chaos, but when you’re spinning so many plates, some are bound to wobble. Some days it feels like I can’t give them the time they deserve, which hurts.

Then of course we have the constant chronic pain that has accompanied me since my cancer surgery. It invades every moment of every day, my normal, but man it is debilitating.

And then of course there’s the scale. Those stubborn pounds, they’re hanging around like unwanted party guests. It’s a struggle, no doubt about it. In the grand juggling act of life, my personal health goals seem to be the ball that keeps slipping away.

But here’s the truth – it’s downright hard. I’ve had moments where I’ve wanted to throw in the towel, to just say ‘enough’.

So what’s next? Honestly, I don’t know. I’m grappling with my own challenges, trying to carve out a path forward. It’s not going to be an easy journey, but then again, when has it ever been?

But hey, this is life, right? It’s messy, unpredictable, and at times, unbearably hard. But in the end, it’s all part of the journey.

So, here’s to embracing the struggle, to facing our challenges head-on, and to finding our strength even in the toughest of times. And remember, it’s okay not to be okay.

Till we talk again,

Adam

Hey there folks,

It’s Adam, again, navigating my way through the labyrinth of life. Last time we chatted, we explored a new chapter in my running journey, didn’t we? But, as life has its unique way of reminding us, running isn’t the only thing I’m juggling. There’s work, the wonderful chaos of family life, and my ongoing battle with the scales and the lifelong effects of cancer.

I see work and life as like running. All about endurance and strategy, knowing when to push hard and when to rest. When to take action and when to think and be thankful.

Then there’s my young family, my team. Being a dad, it’s an adventure in itself – unpredictable, rewarding, filled with belly laughs and the occasional (daily?!) tantrum (mine, not the kids, honestly!). Seeing those little faces light up and hearing ‘Daddy Daddy Daddy’ when I walk through the door? That’s the best! It makes everything worthwhile!

But let’s be real, juggling a high-pressure job, a young family, and personal health goals ain’t a walk in the park. Remember my wobbly knee and those extra pounds I’ve been carrying around? Yeah, they’re still here. But I’m not letting them or the after effects of cancer have the last laugh.

I’m learning to find balance, to find harmony in the whirlwind. It’s about fitting in a quick cycle during a lunch break, choosing the healthier option (well, most of the time), and quality time with the kids amidst it all.

So, what’s next? Well, as I tiptoe back into running, it’s gonna be a juggling act. But you know what? I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because amidst the chaos, the stress, and the uncertainties, I’ve got my team – my family – and a job that keeps me on my toes (when my knee allows it).

So here’s the deal – I’m not just going to navigate through this labyrinth, I’m going to own it. I’m not just about posting runs; I’m about posting real life. The good, the bad, and everything in between.

That’s all for now, folks. Keep your fingers crossed for my knee, and send some good vibes my way as I head into this new chapter of wellbeing, work, and the joy of family life.

Until next time,

Adam

Hey there, it’s Adam back on the mic (or keyboard, rather).

Last time we chatted, I filled you in on my runner’s knee saga. It’s still a work in progress, but hey, life’s all about rolling with the punches, right?

I’ve spent the last while swapping running for spinning away on my turbo trainer. It’s not quite the same as the wind in my hair on a morning run, but it’s movement, and that counts.

Throughout this forced time-out, I’ve had time to think. You know what I realised? I miss the rhythm of my feet on the pavement, the clarity of thought with every mile. But there were parts I didn’t miss so much – the constant tracking, the public Strava posts, the unspoken competition it all bred.

So, I’ve made a decision. As I look to the future, I’m taking running back for myself. I’m planning to focus on my wellbeing while running, walk, stop, run, just move when I can, have a sustainable recovery then enjoy the journey.

This period of stillness has given me a chance to rethink my relationship with running. I want to shift the focus inward, run for my own wellbeing rather than the stopwatch. Less about chasing PBs, more about chasing tranquillity.

While I’m here, I might as well admit – I’m toying with the idea of the London Marathon after entering the ballot. But if I go down that road, it’s going to be different this time. I want running to be my personal therapy, a way to reconnect with myself, not a stage for competition.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m itching to lace up my running shoes again. But when I do, I’m doing it on my terms. It’ll be less about pace and more about peace – mental and physical.

For now, my journey is more like a stroll than a sprint. But with every small step, I’m edging closer to my goal. And, in the face of it all, I’ll keep pushing forward.

Maybe in the future, you’ll hear less about my runs and more about my calm musings during peaceful, solitary jogs.

So, until next time, here’s to personal growth, to the journey of recovery, and to the joy found in every comfortable stride.

Stay strong,

Adam