(Days 7-16) A 360 view of #Dementia496

The last week or so has been a real mix and excuse this post as it will seem a bit jumbled together as days 7-16 have just flown by!

These last 10 days of #Dementia 496 have been a real mixed bag, adding an extra mile a day doesn't seem a lot but when life gets busy fitting in any running can be tough, I have now started adding in an early morning run, started it as a 3-4miles run and is now a 6.2miles start to the day. This will increase as the month goes on. I am now needing to put in longer runs to make this happen.

A 360 view of #Dementia496

Day 16 is over half way on the days - 15 to go but I have now done 136miles out of the 496 - that is 360 still to do. This week Mon-Sun (Strava week) will be a 105mile week, then 154, then 171.

Day 7-9 Recovery and Magazines!

Recovery mixed with Physio and a trip to W H Smith to check out the Trail Running Magazine to take a look at my article in it.

Day 10 - HPH Hill reps on the Chevin

Saturday morning early with some Hyde Park Harriers doing 10miles of hill reps on the Otley Chevin - 5000ft climbing, the next day or two were recovery!

Day 11 Sunday trails

Out on some local trails on the Meanwood Valley Trail and nearby.

Days 12-15

These have been a combination of runs to make up the miles with a few slightly longer runs after work.

So the early morning runs have really started, I must say I struggle to get out before work most of the time. Day 15 takes me over 100miles for the challenge 120/496 almost half way on the days, no where near in the miles.

Day 16

Was a proper good run out after work 16 miles at 7.58min/mile pace and a 1000ft+ climb - felt like a really good run - that is 136/496 - recovery 17miles tomorrow.

#Run1000miles 2018 Ambassador - A bit moor from me

Check out the new Trail Running Magazine for some #Run1000miles advice from me, but here is a bit more about me as one of your #Run1000miles 2018 ambassadors

I haven’t placed a win on my record yet and there are many faster and stronger runners out there than me, but I love to get out and run. I first ran a half-marathon back in 1993, but for seemingly no reason at all I never really ran again until 2014.  I managed to get running again after having both of my anterior cruciate ligaments reconstructed over a period of 8/9 years. There have been many difficult days of struggling with injury and physiotherapy after surgery. Running the trails had been far from my mind and my knees used to collapse when playing football or doing simple games with my young boys, now my lads want to race me up a hill. Running has now become my go to sport and I just love it, getting out on the trails and moors, seeing the natural environment, enjoying the space, sounds of nature, and at times the smells!
Why did I not get running again sooner? I don’t really know! I have lived in places I would now love to run, one of which was Malawi and the Mulanje Mountain Porter’s race is on my bucket list. This picture was taken when I climbed Mulanje mountain with some friends.

I was really unfit and I started doing parkrun and running with friends David and Andrea from work at lunchtimes, during this time my father Eddie Armstrong died and was buried just as few days before my first half-marathon in February 2015 since re-starting running. This is why I now run to raise money for Dementia UK. https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/matt-armstrong-ultrarunning2018

A look back at the #Run100miles 2017 challenge

This was a great way to start 2017 for me, I had just completed my first two ultras toward the end of 2016 and this just kicked me on. I was also turning 40 in 2017 and it was always going to be a big running year as I had a place in the Ultra Great Britain 200 mile #RaceAcrossBritain. What had I done signing up to such a race… well I had to get my head down and run. My training was go long, short, up, down, fast, slow and having a goal race for the year and being part of the #Run1000miles challenge every mile seemed to count. I went on to finish joint 9^th overall in the 200 mile race from Southport to Hornsea along the Trans-Pennine Trail.  My own 1000mile moment was half way round the Ilkley Skyline Fell Challenge. I was on my own as much of my running is, but that mile was special and I knew it.

Integral Running - My Races and challenges for 2018
My next planned race and first ultra of the year is the Highland Fling in April and I’ll be running in 2018 for Dementia UK. Although I might be able to fit in the Liverpool to Manchester 50mile ultra next month as my #dementia496 challenge will keep me busy in March.

My goal race of 2018 will be the Ultra Great Britain #RaceAcrossScotland 212 miles along the Southern Upland Way – that should help me reach the 1000miles for sure.

#Run1000miles Pledge - Ready to Run

#Run1000miles Pledge

After having a very slow running month of December due to a ligament injury on my right foot, I have had take time off to rest, recover and use the time to strengthen, lose some of the excess weight and look to get in shape to start training again for 2018. I've had three solid runs now without any pain in my foot and it is a green light to go again. Especially as the #Run1000miles Trail Running Magazine challenge has now started- I wanted to get out there and get going again. I had to give up my place on the Spine Challenger as I was just not ready and my ankles were in a bit of a mess back in November and have been unable to train for a few months- the Spine Race is still a long term goal.

I'm looking to build my miles back up for my ultra races this year and I hope in March my own challenge for Dementia UK.

Making my pledge on the top of Rombalds Moor seemed appropriate.


#Run1000miles Pledge

Burley Moor

 

12 Apostles on Rombalds Moor