Since gaining an entry into the Winter Spine I have thought about the event daily. Not in an obsessive or, intrusive kind of way but more so thinking through the different logistics of a self supported race (Especially one of this magnitude during Britain's coldest month). So far I can happily say I haven't felt overwhelmed nor have people's own fear projected onto me (The Negative Nelly's of the world = Noise) and I have mastered a mental tactic of being able to turn that noise down or switch it off completely. After all, we all know what our own capabilities and thresholds for discomfort are so please don't try and tamper with mine. On the contrary, the UK's online Spine community has been absolutely fantastic (Especially the Women's WhatsApp group chats and webinars that have been held). There's definitely a lot of chit-chatter out there which makes me feel confident in what I know and what I have already experienced however, its been really good to stay engaged with the group conversations and learn tips and tricks from the ladies who have toed the the start line and done the damn thing (Forever inspired!!!).
It's no surprise that the physical training has been the easiest part so far since I train with Jen Segger. Not once has Jen not got me prepared for a race and there's very little that needs to be done on my end (Other than put in the work and stack the builds). I am 6 weeks into training and although the training has been focused around smaller goals (A February Winter Adventure Race (1st place), a March Winter Triathlon (2nd place) and soon a Spring Adventure Race) there's a lot of foundational work that's contributing to the big overarching goal next Jan. So I will continue to show up, put in the work and watch the body get stronger. As of right now there's no ground breaking training just what I know best and that's consistency with endurance, cross-training, strength and stretching (Mobility!).
To complement my training I finally hit the nail on the head and got around to seeing a Naturopath doc. After feeling like a sloth 90% of the time this past winter ( I honestly felt like my whole body shut down and went into hibernation mode, along with my mood) I booked that first appointment. What's that saying "Enough is enough...". So far the doc has helped me get back on track with my Iron, Over-Sleeping and Nutrition. I always knew I wasn't taking in enough protein but, I've been tracking everything I've consumed over the past month and that was the kick up the butt I needed to start focusing more on what's being put into my body. Afterall the food fuels the engine and the engine delivers the output. I have no problems eating I just really need to make sure I am eating to enhance my training. So here's to being more conscious and purposeful with food this year!
There's also no time like the present to slowly chip away at the gear preparation (When my bank balance allows for it...). I've been into Fastpacking for a few years now and more recently Backpacking so its a no brainer that I'm often on the hunt for the lightest most packable gear. With that being said there's always been a reason not to invest (#1 because gear is frigging expensive!!! and #2 if I already have a version of something I like to say I will make do and carry the weight). I think I always like edging on the side of "Type 2" Fun & well, that's a fine mentality to have for 1-3 days in the backcountry knowing comfort is a few clicks away however, for the Spine race my mentality has shifted. There is no way I want to carry additional weight if I don't have to, especially knowing this race is 6.5 days in length and it could piss-pour rain for all of it (Wet gear is heavier gear!). So with that being said, I am now one of those people who has the extensive gear list, who is doing the research and who is chipping away at purchasing light gear. At least my future adventures (Unrelated to the Spine) will also benefit greatly from today's choices. Mandatory gear items purchased so far; Therm-a-rest Hyperion 32F Sleeping Bag, Moonlite Bivvy & Therm-a-rest NeoAir XLITE Sleeping Pad.
Side note: I was out running this AM listening to the Tea & Trails podcast (#10 - Spine Race Kit Special) and felt so seen when Eddie said she started testing gear earlier on so she knew what she liked and didn't like and although its costly its worth it. I needed to hear that! :D
One of the gear items I am heavily focused on right now is socks (Sorry not the most glamourous piece of gear I know) however, I've been listening to my fair share of podcasts related to UK running and "feet" seem to the be the main topic of conversation (Especially when it comes to the Spine). It's not surprising why really, 268 miles of a continuous effort in winter where bogs eat you alive and feet are not likely to stay dry for well, any of it!. My feet are no strangers to suffering and I vowed after Scotland 25' that I would never, ever, EVER let my feet get that bad again so of course I am all about the feet chats. One re-occurring brand that keeps coming up on various platforms is "Dexshell". Dexshell are a UK brand designed for wet, cold and challenging conditions utilizing 3 layers; a durable outer shell, waterproof membrane and inner liner (Often Merino). So far I've purchased an ankle pair and a knee high pair. At first I didn't love them, especially the shorter length. It kind of felt like putting my feet into a tight wetsuit but, I've ran in them a couple of times now and I've quickly become a huge fan of the knee high socks (Which also adds compression to the lower leggies). Today I experimented and put them on over my leggings making my feet quicker to access if I did need to treat any hot spots, without having to peel the leggings off first and then have to get under the socks. I have also tried wearing them with Injinji liners underneath but, I think I need to re-try this with much lighter liners (I thought I'd cut off the circulation in my toes. That run was not fun lol). More trials to be had but, the few times I've tested them, when I've gotten home and taken them off, the outer portion of the sock is wet (From the snow and puddles) and my feet have been bone dry - winner winner!!! In addition to testing socks I have been getting in the habit of treating my feet once a week with a hot Epsom salt bath, a light exfoliation and then sleeping with my feet in highly moisturized Dr. School's foot cream. I will likely up this to 2x a week once the time on feet training increases. I did this footcare religiously for Scotland 23' (After reading "Fixing your feet") and my feet were in such good shape.
Carrying on with the topic of feet, I have been so lucky to have a couple of pairs of Icebug shoes sent to me through a collaboration (THANK YOU ICEBUG!). I opted for the Pytho 6 Women's BUGrip and the Jarv Gaiter BUGrip GTX. The Pytho 6 have much more of a neutral fit whereas the Jarv Gaiter (Goretex) have a bit more rock to them. The studs on the bottom of each are fantastic and I honestly feel like I have been missing out all of these years by not owning a pair of Icebugs sooner. The Pytho 6 are my faves of the 2 and I am tempted to get another pair without the studs for summer so I can put some mileage and long days onto them. The Goretex shoes are fine but, the shoe itself is not as comfortable for me and after listening to a bunch of podcasts, GTX may not be the best option for the Spine race given the water gets locked in (Especially with all the knee deep bogs) and can actually contribute to other feet issues later on. Since I have very little ultra distance experience during winter and no experience of winter bogs, I am taking that advice literally and staying clear of GTX shoes for the Winter Spine
Another item I am pretty amped up about is my new Black Diamond Pursuit 30litre bag I found off The Last Hunt for $100!!! (It's $225 at MEC!). My usual go to Fastpack is the Ultimate Direction Hers (30litre) however, the waist strap is thin and the bag does tend to bounce. Again, this is fine for a couple of days out in the backcountry but, I don't think I'd want a pack bouncing around for 6.5 days (Assuming I will be closer to the back of the pack for my first attempt at this race). I have only taken the pack out once and not loaded it by any means (Definitely not there yet with training) but, the hip belt is exactly what I am looking for for that extra snugness (It feels very sturdy and my SI hip joints are happy). It's also good to note that my back was really warm afterwards too (Perfect for keeping my water toasty so it doesn't freeze!). I am also planning to wear a hip belt for easy access to food so I don't really need a pack with a tone of pockets on the front. The Pursuit does have large side pockets that are easily reachable which again I love since I could stash gloves & buff there fairly easy. Again more trials to be had before I commit to this being "The race pack" and if something else comes up that suits (I may actually go with a 20L instead) this pack for $100 this was a steal of a deal and it will definitely get used.
& with that, we're currently mid-April (The race is not until January) but, Training Peaks tells me we're 39 weeks away which doesn't seem THAT far (EKKKK!!!!) & with that there's a lot more training, trialing and testing to be had.
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