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Christian Lambert

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Atacama Crossing (2008) blog posts from Christian Lambert

10 February 2008 09:21 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So things are progressing okay, when minor blisters are the only complication I am deeply thankful. The main problem at the moment is the sheer insanity of work, and trying to fit in training around that. This week I haven't finished before 8pm every day (10pm one day), and have then been running 15miles back home (with 10kg backpack) afterwards, usually pitching back up around midnight, sometimes later, then having to sort out food, stuff for the next day, before crashing for 4-5 hours. Wake dazed, stumbling around by box for a room before beginning the process all over again. It's as one of the nurses said "don't you have a social life", I pointed out that I probably wouldn't anyway regardless of the running, given that I'd only get home 2h earlier if I caught the tube.

... By Friday I was exhausted and actually fell asleep in the kitchen while making my tea!

Saturday was my designated rest day, so I've ordered in the new trainers a size and a half to big which will get here next week.

Today was gonna be my long day, but I've had these bloody job applications looming over me so decided to tackle that first, confident that it wouldnn't take more than a couple of hours. Glad I did cause the ridiculous thing has taken me all afternoon to do (describing how I'm an "initiator", "communicator", "teacher", "manager" within 150 words.. and deadline is next week). Suprisingly, rather than being thankful for the rest I'm annoyed that I couldn't go out an run some stupid distance and am cursing myself for not getting them done sooner.

Still, the one thing I am thankful for is all the applications and interviews will be out of the way come race day (it was a bit touch and go for a while)..

Right then, Thames Meander next week and my first taste of 50 miles..... Should be interesting!

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Posted On: 31 Mar 2008 08:00 pm

Cp lambert FTW it seems, keep it up mate ul get there .

26 January 2008 05:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So only 8 weeks left. So many things I'd like to do but am running out of time for. This has certainly been a steep learning curve on so many respects, and if I knew back when I started what I know now then my training would have been very different. Am I at the stage where I can say I'm ready? Well, I'm certainly closer to it than I have been at any other point, but in all honesty I would say no, not really. The enormity of exactely what the race involves has certainly sunk in; fortunately not leading to regret or fear but relish at the thought of the challenge, and enthusiasm to try and get this right. My aims are realistic. To look after the basics and aim to finish. This means concentrating on looking after hips/knees and ankles, getting the weight right down and looking after my feet; hopefuly the rest should follow (one foot in front of the other, repeat)

 

Introspection.. I blaime Moby on in the background!!!

 

So where am I up to:

 

  • 14 mile back to back runs home from work X3 with 12kg (decreased from 18kg)- Followed by rest day
  • Long run: .... I'm keeping the distance quiet right now.. But I actually have a day off from work and a fox like cunning plan (fantastic new virgin route). Watch this space. This month I have only one weekend on call so planning to do back to backs at the weekend at a reasonable snail like pace (just aiming to condition those feet). If I can actually swap work I may get to do the Thames Meander too.. Fingers crossed!
  • Blister care - Discovered the disadvantage with orthosis is the pressure they exert on one point on your foot (My R foot is odd). This resulted in my first blister of training when my feet got soaking wet during a torrential downpour, followed by a further 2.5h running. I say blister but this beauty was a sizable beasty (on my R MTPJ) so enabled me to play with blister care and also found the advantage of being able to raid the dressing cupboard at work. What I found worked:

- Pre taping helped but with established blister was no good

- Creating an artificial blister over the top of the pre-existing one (after drainage) did however:

Layer 1:

Goop (I was using hydrogel; but anything greasy in a reasonably copious quantity should work e.g hydropel)

Layer 2:

 Mepore dressing (bit like tegaderm); sealing layer 1 in a bleb over the affected area

Layer 3:

vaseline over mepore

Layer 4:

Broad securing tape e.g. Elastikon, entombing mepore dressing 

 

Also grease the offening spot in the shoe in some vain attempt to reduce friction. Of course the bloody thing didn't heal properly until I rested my feet but it did enable me to do 2 more 14 mile runs on back to back days in realitive comfort without any detioration or recollection at all... Small victories I guess, but useful lessons as until this point I'd not thought about it at all (denial!!!).

 

Anyways.. Aims for next week

1) Complete secret run X

2) Increase home run distance (16-19miles; variable number of bridge crossings), do it on back to back days with weights.

3) Play with kit

4) Test out food

5) Order the last few things.. Start working out final weight.

6) Final pair of trainers for the Atacama next weekend (back to the gait analysis place)

7) Swap on call so I can do the Meander

8) GET INSURANCE!!!

9) Avoid injuries =P

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 01 Feb 2008 06:51 pm

Hello, Go to the website www.bodyglide.com. This is really great stuff. You can use it on all body parts and is less greasy than vaseline. Holds up better in the heat. Also, if you don't have this product in the UK, suspect you will have something similar. When bringing it on the race, cut a chunk of it out of the container and put it into a plastic bag. Less weight. Another thought, the skin friction you are experiencing could also be the type of material your shirt is made of. Smart Wool products (100% merino wool) are excellent for workouts. Very soft, they have flat seams and do not chafe. Also, key for our race, they are made with an anti-microbial fiber. Bottom line is these products won't smell the way nylons, cottons and other synthetic fibers do. Funny, you Brits definitely have your own vocabulary. I had to look up nuun. Not certain why it's exploding. Are you using the tablets or a gel pack? I use an electrolyte powder in my water. There hasn't been leakage. Perhaps what you can do, is if you are using powder, put it into your bottle, close the top tight, then open it back up slightly to let out any gases, then tighten. If it's the gel packs that are bursting, it's a matter of putting them in a side pocket of your pack that doesn't get any preassure. Not certain if that helped. In the mean time, consider it your good deed for the day...making people laugh :>) I have been most fortunate re: blisters. I have been running in trainers (see I'm learning the UK lingo) for the past seven months which are a half size larger than my normal shoe size. For my actual race shoes, they will be another size larger. I had spoke with Ray Zahab, elite ultra, before I ran my first ultra, the Sahara. Ray said that for him, what works is training and running in trainers which are his normal shoe size. My feet definitely swell and honestly, running in shoes a 1/2 size larger does not feel any different. As long the trainer has a good heel, there will be no slippage. However, for preventative help re: blisters, try "Bag Balm" or "Udder Cream." People swear by these products. Google them and then you can decide. Hope this is helpful. Cheers, Jacqueline

Posted On: 31 Jan 2008 08:32 pm

Backpack = Raidlite 30 (check) Vaseline - Yup, learnt the hard way. Also find Benoxyl peroxide helps post running (as problem is of course related to skin type, friction, weight, repeat etc etc,.,) Socks = InjiiInji and yes they are awesome; Have also started to pre-tape feet (toes/forefoot) for longer distances, with baselayer of vaseline (or similar) plus mepore over particularly at risk spots (i.e. where orthosis is...) Another question(s) though.. If your a nuun user.. How the hell do you stop it from exploding everywhere when you run! Have taken to sealing bottle but still results in fairly amusing leakages and spurts... Probably less amusing to the commuters of central london, but if they will stare =P And also what's your opinion of pre-foot treatment with surgical spirit???

Posted On: 31 Jan 2008 04:02 pm

Hello Chris, Could be (i) the pack you are using is not suited for your frame. Meaning, if you have narrow shoulders and a long torso, the straps are not fitted properly and (2) repack what's inside. Remember, putting heavy items on the bottom will wreck havoc on your shoulders over a long period of time. Not certain what kind of pack you are using, but if funds allow, I would suggest a Raidlight (24 or 30 liter as they both weigh 690 grams). A French company makes them so you should receive it rather quickly being in the UK. Also, rub Body Glide or Vasaline on your shoulders, that should help. Wanted also to suggest that you try Injinji socks. They are amazing in preventing the dreaded blisters, even when your feet are wet. You will do splendidly in the race! Cheers, Jacqueline

Posted On: 31 Jan 2008 02:23 pm

Bit late now - Been training with it for the last 9 weeks.. Am scaling down the weight to the intended weight as I increase the milage. As I think I may have mentioned "steep learning curve" and possibly not the most ideal fashion of learning, but I remember reading others advice to get backpacks on early.. However I have to say the biggest problem I had with the back pack was with the skin on my shoulders..

Posted On: 29 Jan 2008 06:16 pm

Hello Christian, Just a suggestion, but hold off for another few weeks on running with your pack at the weight you intend on running with in the desert. You want to minimize the amount time your hips, knees and ankles are forced to endure the added weight of your bag. It will also help in keeping you injury free. Try training with your pack on at the gym while working out on the elliptical at an incline. It's an alternative gentle way of introducing your body to carrying the additional weight over a long period of time. Pack your sleeping bag on the bottom of the pack and the heaviest items on top. Have fun in your training. See you in Chile. Cheers, Jacqueline

13 January 2008 02:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Quick entry really.

Not a bad week and building up nicely. Still hit periodically by the over-riding fear that I'm really not doing nearly enough and that gives me momentary flashes of insight as to exactly what I'm taking on. But then those post run endorphins give me that warm fuzzy indestructable coat, massage away the bad memories and has me set for another day..

Though having weighed by backpack at work I've discovered it comes in closer to 18Kg rather than the 12kg I thought... Oops! Explains a lot.

Currently:

14miles X3 a week with backpack (my joyous run home from work at 8/9pm!)

Long run X1 (20miles ish).. with backpack

Not long to go... soooo much to do!

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07 January 2008 01:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hurrah for the new year, it has finally kicked me into action on many of the things that have been on the "to do" list for far too long:

1) Have sorted out website and online sponsorship:

http://web.mac.com/cplambert/

2) Have ordered the bulk of my kit (list to be updated shortly). Just leaving the food problem to solve. Speaking of which i've figured out that if I go with my plan of using gels for the mainstay of carb energy (as the do work really well) while running, I'll be carrying nearly 3.5kg of the stuff.... hmmmmmmmm

3) On the road, covering the necessary mileage (aiming for >60 this week, woot), with the necessary bag. No longer plagued by shins splints or assorted tendonitis's (finally, though don't want to curse it), now my problem of the week has been a folliculitis on one of my R shoulder caused by shoulder strap friction... Then my girlfriend pointed out that's probably what vaseline is for.. Doh!

4) Have started to pro-actively approach the "food problem" as I like to refer to it. A few test meals have been carried out and currently I'm favouring the idea of instant noodles (60g carbohydrate, 17g fat, 9.5g protein, 455KCal per 90g mixed with about 50g Biltong.. possibly going for about 150-200g noodle per evening meal)... It actually tastes really good (to the point I will probably start eating it as a quick snack as it's ready in 3mins) and I was planning to have biltong as one of my treats anyway.... Still have to completely resolve this problem but at least I'm not avoiding it anymore.

5) Have passed my exam!! Hurrah indeed, another reason to feel pleased with myself. Also puts my year into perspective as the next examination is slap bang in the middle of the Sahara race which means I'll probably be looking at Gobi next in '09. So as all the various stresses of getting a job currently take a hold it's nice to know there is is a plan taking shape when you look from a greater height, no matter what happens in the short term.

Aims now:

  1. GET SPONSORSHIP
  2. Avoid any more injuries
  3. Eat lots
  4. Train lots
  5. Bring on March!

(oh.. and having failed to get onto the Thames Meander, am designing a 52 mile jaunt to try out at the end of this month, aiming to get to an irresistable target on the very edge of my local OS map called "worlds end" (- he he he he), as well as crossing all of Londons bridges.... if I succeed I'm rewarding myself with a skip off to the North Wales mountain range a week later, I fancy the Glyders and devils Kitchen; and possible Tryfan to boot (though have to guage it as will by hiking with my dad and brothers))

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19 November 2007 01:14 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Cliff tops and sea shores

Wierd.. I finally found my lost post in someone elses blog...

 

 

So after a slightly stuttered training regimen over the last few months (complicated by varied L sided tendonitis which I'm certain was initally triggered by a tightroping injury) am now back on the road with a fully laden pack (Raidlight Runner R Light 30L ).. The current theory being train with a back pack that's too heavy then plan for minimum weight come race day.

So here I am, on "holiday", flitting between revising for forthcoming exams and running either up and down hills repeatedly, or along the costal path between Bridgport and Charmoth. These have also included night runs (and my child like delight at discovering the tips of the raidlight water bottles glow florescent blue in the dark (well, reflect the headtorch).... Small things, but seriously looks cool), and getting to grips with poles, which I have to confess are remarkably handy (having been dead set against them prior to a few choice words from my sister). The weight makes a huge difference. Runs have been reduced to crawls after 7 miles of up and down with the backpack. Still, room for improvement huh. This is what comes of living in a flat city!!

So where am I up to.......

Current:

Backpack weight: 11kg (training only)

Weekly milage: 30-40miles (depending more on how I'm feeling, slightly apprehensive after spending a few weeks hobbling around at work having pushed it a bit too hard, with patients offering me their seats!)

Feelings: Like a first year student all over again..... Acutely aware of my ignorance

 

Aims:

  1. Increase weekly milage back to 50-60miles/week (pre-injury level). Achieve this over the next month.
  2. All runs to be done with backpack
  3. Late december increase weight to 15kg
  4. Within the next 8 weeks have at least one attempt at 50miles....
  5. ?Sign on to Thames Meander (need new work rota)
  6. Solve the food problem.....
  7. Sort out the fund raising
  8. (sort out new job for next year)
  9. Do some geeky number crunching

 

Kit:

  • Shoes: Salomon XA PRO 3D (initially a bit stiff, now breaking in very supportive and superb grip! Trick is not to do them up too tight, otherwise they're very rigid and increase medial tibial stress).. Still, have a gait/running analysis thingy this weekend, so will review final choice after that, but I am leaning towards the Salomons if they hold up and remain comfortable over some very long runs (30+ miles), with a wee bit of apprehension based on a few previous comments)

 

 

  • Poles: Leki Carbon Ergometric Poles (385g for the pair)

 

  • Sleeping bag: Mountain Equipment Dewline bag (670g!! Rated -5=Comfort, Risk=-15 EN13527: Marmot did a bag (helium) rated to -9 that only weighed 822g; but that was "lower comfort zone" (with no obvious EN13527 rating) and for the sake of 150g for something that is probably equivocal)

 

 

 

  • Watch: Sunuto Advisor (with HR analysis) - Actually very handy if your training on your own, gives you something to pace to if you excuse the pun. I'm contemplating using it whilst out there as a surrogate marker of hydration and work rate.. Also you know if you feel like shit and your HR is 180, you have a problem you need to deal with. Question is will it get irritating?

 

Multiple things still to get, but importantly I have my flights booked. Hurrah =)

 

Now... Back to revision...........
 
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