I have a starting place in the 2011 Tor Des Geants, 1 of 4 British runners in an international field of 500.
http://www.tordesgeants.it/
330 Km ( 200 miles ) of alpine trails in the Val d'Aosta, Italy, with 24,000 metres of ascent in one single stage and a 150 hour time limit, starting and finishing in Courmayeur. I think it's a gross understatement when I say it's going to be tough ! But I can't wait, it's going to be an incredible adventure.
So preparation is underway.
I've been ticking over with training through the past snowy winter months, averaging 50 to 60 miles per week on roads and trails, although not as much hill work as I would have liked due to conditions. When possible I've been cross training on my single speed road bike, keeps the muscles working without the concussion of running. Now the weather is improving I can start to vary my run training more by including some long hill sessions. I will keep you posted on the training.
I've also introduced some 'core' training, core muscle groups, abs etc. I'm using an exercise dvd at home along with some dumbbells, so will let you know the outcome. I'm loathe to spend out on a gym membership due to 1) the monthly cost and contract, 2) the relatively little time I would use it, I prefer to run/train outdoors and 3) I don't like posers, the ones who are always admiring themselves in the gym mirrors!
As well as training I'm also testing out kit.
I have just invested in a Salomon Advanced Skin 5 S-Lab Back pack. First impressions are that this is one cool piece of kit. I've done a few short runs, ( 6 to 7 milers ), and it is very comfortable, giving a lot of freedom of movement, however I have a lot more testing to do with regards to packing in the required kit etc, so I will give a full kit review in the coming weeks.
Other recent kit investments include; Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail shoes ( December 2010) and Salomon S-Lab 3 Trail Shoes (November 2010), so again I'll keep you posted on how these items stand up to the terrain and training load.
So all the best everyone,
Gary M
