I went to the physio again yesterday and although it seems my "quads might be loosening" and I might be getting better, I have still not been able to run beyond 2 - 3km without knee pain since early January. It all happens at a time when I feel stronger than ever due to the specific strength training I have done and yet I have no way of demonstrating this to myself through a good, long and cathartic thrash across the fields.
Squats, resistance bands and foam rollers just aren't as therapeutic as muddy shins.
I don't mind admitting this has got me into a right funk. In January I set myself some challenges in order to ensure I went through on my promise to myself of injecting a little more adventure into my life and to ensure I am enjoying myself more than I used to. One of those was an ultramarathon. Today I am feeling utterly despondent. I am in one of those irrationally negative moods that I might normally get out of by going out for a long run or indeed a long walk. Neither is an option. Squats, resistance bands and foam rollers just aren't as therapeutic as muddy shins!
So, in order to reignite the kind of positivity I need to keep me going let me review how I am doing in all my challenges.
Travel
The beauty of working remotely is of course the freedom to do so from different places. This year my family have been on two trips (Spain and Thailand). Although I realise this lifestyle won’t last forever unless I start earning more lolly than I am now! But not to worry, that is a problem for another day!
Snorkelling, Lake and Sea Kayaking, Rock Climbing and a couple of wilderness walks helped to keep my pledge of living a more outdoor lifestyle.
Unfortunately my proposed trip to Iran has been curtailed. I am truly sorry about this but it was proving very hard to get a visa without booking a complete tour, despite good connections. Secondly, if I am really honest, the current US / Iran climate was an area of concern for my wife and I. Not being an EU national, she finds it hard enough to get into countries without any added problems! Nevertheless we are looking at this only as being postponed and I should say thanks to Shirin Shabestari from Persian Pursuits for the help and advice she has given me.
In mid April I will have a few days walking in the Azores.
Visit Scottish Mountains
I will be in Scotland for a couple of days in April. Not only will it be the first time I visit the Cairngorms, it will also be chance to meet someone who inspired me when I was a teenager; Chris Townsend! In June I hope will again visit this wilderness, this time for a week, and with my family. Lomond and the Trossachs being the most likely location.
Climb again in the Alps.
A couple of weeks ago I went rock climbing for the first time in er… crikey, I don;t know, something like 15 years at least. But my real desire is to get back into alpine climbing so in late June we shall venture to the French Alps for a week amongst the snow and rock. Details yet to be decided. Whilst originally we had intended to climb Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Western Europe), in truth we now feel we would get more from some mixed climbing away from the madding crowd.
One Long "Adventure"
As mentioned in an earlier post. We are organising a month long adventure travel road trip discovering the possibilities for adventure travel in the former Yugoslavia. The National Tourism Organisation of Serbia as well as a couple of smaller regional associations have pledged to help us with some organisation and we hope similar partnerships will blossom in the coming weeks. We have a route almost decided, encompassing the highest peaks in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Montenegro and Serbia. Now we have to fill in other places and activities!
Run an ultramarathon
I now hold out little hope of running in the Pathfinder in June. Realistically I will not have time to prepare properly. However I am committed to doing one as soon as I can get in shape.
Learn Spanish (I know its not outdoor related)
Well, this one started off well, but my Spanish teacher decided to quit. Hope it wasn’t me!! Now in the market for a new spanish teacher, please??
Do More Voluntary Work
I have continued doing the odd morning with my local Wildlife Trusts. Its great fun and gives back a little to an area which I enjoy walking and running (I wish) around. I have also done some voluntary work, using my professional experience to help out some friends, but I am looking for more.