Sunday 29 September 2013

Food = fuel

From the last post you can see that my last gym session really struggled. Blackout mustve taken more out of me than I realised!!

A big part of training is diet. Ive read somewhere that this can be more important than the training itself. Guess this makes sense if you think of the body as a machine. Put the wrong fuel in and you risk the machine not working properly and possible damage.

Think this may be a reason for my extended recovery.  As an ostomist I have the added challenge that I have a large part if my digestive system missing.

Based on this Phil has helped me and made some diet suggestions.  It all focuses on eating the right foods, but importantly at the right times. After excercise for example woukd requure different fuel compared to a rest day. It even looks like depending on the timing of my workout Ill also be taioring my meals. Morning meal plan is different from an evening workout. Ill keep you posted on how this works out.

A few suplements are also required to make sure im getting the correct dose of vitamins. Workouts are due to get a bit more intense as we drop one of the runs for another weight/gym workout. So I need to do everything I can to survive.

Ill post in a few days as sticking to this regieme is gonna be tough ; )

Saturday 28 September 2013

Why do we fall down??

Damn, this has been a tough week. After blackout its taken nearly 4 days before the damage the cramp generated eased. So after a weeks rest I expected to be ready for my session with Phil thus morning.

All started well warm up felt ok and although my right leg still felt a little tight, stretches felt ok.

As normal it was already a bit warm in the gym and the stretches had got me a little out of breath. (Ill try and develop a post on this section of my workout. Calling them a warm up or stetches really doesnt do them justice! They are almost like a mini workout. Especially those siderman handwalks today. It was actually afyer completing the final set of spiderman handwalks I began to not feel right.

We moved onto the clean and press with kettle bells, starting with 20kg. Managed a set on each arm but by the end of this set, I was starting to feel really weak. By the time we moved up to set 2 and the 24kg I had to pause as I really felt off.

Halfway through this set I really struggled  I became very light headed. I have never passed out before, but I'm assuming this is how it might feel. I had to stop.

Phil helped me with some stretches and hopefully identified my thoracic spine was a little tight. Meaning my chest/ribs were tight so restricting my lung capacity. This meant I wasn't getting enough oxygen so fatigue levels escalated quickly.

Also after speaking to a fellow Ostomist they suggested perhaps my Magnesium levels are also low. Cramp can be a sympton of dehydration and god knows that was bad cramp Saturday!  Being dehydrated,  fatigued and not getting enough oxygen obviously wasnt a good combination.

This week has been tough. So perhaps today was a combination of low magnesium levels, dehydration, fatigue and good old stress ; )

Anyway...been really annoyed all day since training at 8am. Was really looking forward to progressing with the training regieme. Starting to really work on my muscle definition.

Its been suggested I'm my own worse critic. I set my expectations too high. With my additional physical challenges I should be happy with what I have achieved.....really???

Perhaps I do set my limits higher than I should. But isn't that what pushes us, drives evolution? If it wasn't for humans pushing limits we would all still be sat in caves!!

Well life is too short. If you dont push your limits how do you know what they are? I have honestly never been as happy as I have since testing my physical and mental limits in 2013. Taken me all day to figure that out ; )

Now the geek in me begins to take over and I cant help but recall Thomas Wayne in Batman Begins...

Why do we fall down?
So we can pick ourselves back up again!

Friday 27 September 2013

Snap Crackle and Pop

Strange isn't it what triggers a memory.

I fancied a change to porridge and saw Jacks rice crispies. As I added the milk I was greated by the familiar snap, crackle and pop! 

Randomly this sound triggered a memory of my first meal in hospital after my operation. For the first few days after I was allowed back on solids all I ate were rice crispies. To be fair I remember very little about the days immediately after my operation I was still on fairly high levels of morphine. ;)

It has then made me think how memories are not often triggered by a sound, a smell or some sort of visual stimulant. I was introduced to NLP (Nuro Linguistic Programming) during a training course at work. I dont pretend to be an expert but the example above is an NLP 'Anchor'. A positive or negative feeling embedded in our subconcious that is triggered by a sight, sound or smell.

A certain song will just make you smile, fresh cut grass can trigger a memory of a particular summer event, personally the smell of southern comfort makes me feel immedtaiely ill (this is due to a rather excessive consumption during my late teens which ended in a 2 day hangover!!)

Slightly sidetracked but the sound of rice crispies really took me back. Perhaps its also since writing this blog I have begun to reflect on my journey more than I have in the last few years?

I have also spoken to a contact at 'Beating Bowel Cancer' charity and yesterday and we discussed a possible PR article or being a BC Voice promoting awareness. (which will be a real honour) Perhaps it was speaking to them about my journey? It has been a while since I've told my full story especially wit the latest fitness additions. I've never really understood or agreed but people have told me my story is inspirational, I have just seen it as my story, my life, not inspirational just doing what I needed to ge through each day. But if it really is inspirational then I'm genuinely honoured that a small insight may inspire others to push their boundaries.

All that from a simle bowl of rice crispies ;)


Wednesday 25 September 2013

Nuclear Blackout Review

So my rather lengthy blog of my experience during Nuclear Blackout is complete. An epic experience I found a new threshold in pain and determination.  Now for the review:

Overall another impressive event hosted by Nuclear Races. Bearing in mind the short amount of time they had to prepare (the event was a fairly last minute addition) and the unique challenges the darkness presented I think the event was an overall success. Well worth the registration fee. Although I do wish they would add medals to their events.

Below is the complete obstacle list. If you fancy trying mud running, you should seriously consider one of Nuclear Races Events. It will test you physically and mentally and I guarantee you'll meet some awesome people. You'll become part of a growing community, a community I'm proud to be part of!

Obstacle List

1. Bean Bags (squidgy giant bales)
2. The Last Straw (big haystack)
3. Fallen Log
4. Farmyard Manure
5. Hopscotch (tyres)
6. The Lake District (water)
7. "Combine" monkey swing
8. Reels of Fortune (round bales with gap)
9. Dirty Bottomless Bog (stinky)
10. Don't Bale Out (plastic coated bales)
11. Cargo Climb
12. Tired Legs (tyre pit)
13. The Bollards
14. Rampage (ramp)

Lap 3 man vs cramp!!

Lap 3: Man vs Cramp!!!

Ok so I wont lie I was ready to give up. My legs were getting sore and the cold water induced cramp was officially here to stay. As I continued on track I was lapped by one of the front runners. It was at this stage I realised this was the first time I had been passed...by anyone! I started in approx middle of the pack so I must still be there! I continued with my head held a little higher :)

By the time I had made the river crossing my run had slowed to barely a jog. At this point I was joined by 2 other runners Simon and Kevin. I'd met Simon during the first 2km of the event while it was still light. Simon had run a few of Nuclear races events and this was Kevin's first event. I owe them alot! We were all tired but continued to motivate each over to keep going and finish the second half of our 3rd lap.

Just before we reached the final obstacle I had to encourage Simon and Kevin to go on without me. Both calves were screaming in full cramp. With each step I was in more and more discomfort. Phil has subsequantly told me cramp is a fierce muscle contraction and causes temporary muscle damage.He also suggested that it was actually the smaller muscles around my calves that were causing the cramp as they desperately struggled against the uneven surfaces. The last 1 or 2km was the toughest of my life. If I wasnt in the middle of a forest, if it wasnt dark and if I wasnt so damn stubborn...I would of quit! Finally heard the music and lights of the finish so I knew I was close. The forest opened and I reached the final obstacle. The ramp! With every last ounce of grit and determination I managed to drag myself to the top and literally flop over the other side. I was glad the soil used to stabalise the ramp was nice and soft.

That was it I had used the last of my energy reserves. My legs were destroyed but I limped on.

At this stage I was aware of another light behind me. I turned to see a fellow mudstacle member Natahan. (Ill post another blog about mudstacle but basically a forum of mud runners sharing experiences and writting reviews, well worth a look!)I had been talking to Nathan at the start of the race and he could see I was in alot of pain. He grabed my arm flung it over his shoulder and helped me limp over the finish line. just over 2 hours 25mins and 15km...DAMN!!

With every race I have completed its hard to find the words to describe the feeling of crossing the finish line. This occassion was no different. With the additional physical challenges being an Ostomist presents I feel a real sense of pride everytime I cross the line. This race was no exception well after I managed to get over the pain. Id actually say that this time the sense of achievement was greater as this event had pushed me beyond my perceived physical limits. A new P.B. and a new benchmark in what I thought I could achieve.

Bring on the next mud run!!

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Lap 2 darkness

Lap 2 Man vs Night
As my first lap had taken me 40mins it was now approx 7.20 and the ligh was fadng fast. What had been a comfortable off road run 40mins ago now took on a totally different feel. They had also snuck in another obstacle just after the start of some large bean bags. these wre easier to just roll over than try and climb. Plus made me feel a bit more hardcore. During the first lap I was able to pick the easiest route through the fields and see the underlating path well in advance. Now the natural light was fading each step put me a little off balance. It took me a while to adjust my pace, at this stage I realised I had massively underestimated the challenges a night run presented.

No drama with the first 5 obstacles. I again then turned the corner and faced the river crossing. i hit the cold water for a second time and my left calf immedtaiely cramped!!! I had to use the ropes to pull myself across the river and clamber out trying to hold some dignity. Fortunately at this stage due to the small number of competitors I managed to style it out with a cheeky comment to the marshall. Then my nemesis, the monkey bars.

Now confident after my initial sucess I negotiated the bars with some ease. Unfortuently my confidence was premature, I didnt fall in but managed to bang my head hard on the frame. Damn that hurt! Rubbing my head with embarrissment I continued on ove rthe remaining obstacles, with my left calf still niggling.

The forest runs also took on a different feel in the dark. I was now running solo and in the dark it was easy to lose my bearings. Im dont consider myself to be matcho so I have no issue in sharing in the dark, in a forest with the odd light and twigs breakng in the distance as fellow runner traversed the forst....was a little freaky.

After a fairly tough 10km my legs were really starting to feel the strain and both calves wre now starting to cramp. I crossed the line for a second time and started lap 3!!

Lap 1 Twighlight

Lap 1: Twighlight

At this stage it was still twighlight. Not in an over moisturised vampire or pretty boy werewolf way but just enough light to see where you were running.
The course started off with approx a 2km run through farmer fields and across the odd ditch. So far so good not too challenging . At this point we came across the first few obstacles. Big haystacks piled 3 high, a fallen log to tackle. Again not too bad. The Farmyard manure pile was interesting as each step you took to climg the mound you sank a little further. Luckily didnt smell too bad.

So far nothing too unexpected. This was shortly followed by 'hopscotch' tyres. As long as you were careful again not too tricky. At this point the light had begun to fade. Decided this was a good time to turn my headlamp on. I turned out of a field through some trees and was met with the first water obstacle, a river crossing.

As expected as you waded in the mud at the bottom of the lake was thick. Almost lost a trainier with second step my middle of the lake. Before I knew it I was up to my neck in cold water (which was actually quite refreshing after the first 2.5k of running) I managed to clamber out using the handy ropes for assistance. Then as I looked up there they were my nemesis....THE MONKEY BARS!!

Although last time I faced them I managed to get snapped for an epic pic I hadnt made it across. As it was now getting quite dark it made the task a little more challenging. Some of my fellow runners decided to drop in and wade over and not even attempt them. I had promised myself at the start of these adventures I would not miss any obstacles. I therefore reached forward and grasped the first bar. The upper body work is obviously starting to pay off as I easily managed to get accross. I set off with a little spring in my step and a smile on my face. Remember that when I start detailing subsequant laps ;)



Next was some 5ft ish round hay bales. These were a little bit more challenging than they looked but over I went. Some more running through the forest before another water obstacle, a rather smelly bog. Not as deep as the lake crossing but definatly muddier! Then came obstacles 10,11,12 and 13, plastic coated bales, Cargo net Climb, the tyre pit and bollards. these were nicely spaced out with some forest and fields. As I ran through the forest I could hear the noises and see the lights for the finish. The last obstacle before the finish straight was a cheeky little ramp. Easy enough but after 5km of running the legs were a little tired. I crossed the finish line in just over 40mins and lap 2 began!

Monday 23 September 2013

Nuclear Blackout

So I survived my first endurance race...just ;)
Been wanting to write a review of one of my races since I started this blog. Lactic Rush and Nuts would have to be a reflection on my memories of the day.  So thought Id take the opportunity and write about Nuclear Blackout while the memories were fresh. Although trying to condense my thoughts and feelings and a review was proving challenging to squeze into one blog post. So I have decided to spread it over multiple posts....enjoy :)


Nuclear Blackout 2013

Prep (and nerves) started early in Saturday. I knew it was going to be a long day so I made sure Id got a decent amount of carbs. My other races were morning starts where I'd only just manage to choke back some porridge. I knew id need to fuel. God I was right

Race start was 6.45pm and I hate being late. So at about 5pm I said goodbye to Carley (my wife) and my son Jack. Due to timing of the race they wouldn't be able to watch tonight. Actually thinking about it, this was the first one of my races I'd ever been to on my own! The journey was only 30 mins and as I got closer, I wont lie I got a little nervous.  I finally arrived. I pulled onto the field expecting to see a half full car park.  Well at 5.30pm I was the only the third car to arrive.  At first this worried me then I kinda felt priviledged.  I knew this was a first for Nuclear Races and was glad I would be one of the first to try.

I wandered into the registration tent to utilise the free key drop.  As I signed in I noticed the entrance list was.....short.  As I looked at the list it suddenly clicked.  The race was low tech and all we had for registration as a wristband confirming we had paid.  Until this point I hadn't noticed the number hand written on my band.  I then found out this number corresponded to the order of sign up.  Turns out I was number 1! So I had been the first idiot to sign up for this night endurance obstacle race. At first I didn't know what to think about the small number of entrants.  Then remembering Lactic and 'Nuts' I realised less runners = no obstacle bottlenecks.  So I got my game face on and started to warm up. 

It was at this point I started to think about how or what I would write in this blog.  Something else I couldn't stop thinking about at this point and became a subject of discussion with my fellow runners was how many laps would I run.  As it turn out for many of the people I spoke to this was also their first endurance race.  Then it was time we gathered at the start for a safety briefing.  Confirmation 2 hours as many laps as we dare, oh and that there would definitely be water

The countdown began and we were off

 Lap1 Twighlight....to be continued

Wise words

Was reading some other blogs and came across this. After Saturdays event and after 4 days off training trying to get back into training regieme...thought this was relevant......

Distance doesn’t make someone a runner. The ability to hit the pavement again after a disappointing run makes a you a runner. The need to mentally and physically push your limits. The knowledge that the bad runs have to happen in order for you to appreciate the good runs. The realization that no matter how good or bad they are, all miles count.



Friday 20 September 2013

Body was willing, mind was struggling

Today was an early morning training session with Phil. Up at 5.30 warming up in gym by 6.15.

Something didnt feel right. I was aware Id had a disrupted nights sleep, a stressful day on Thursday and a "to do" list overflowing waiting for me at work that I was VERY aware of.

Ive started to realise as I develop and understand the M.E.T phylosphy but training really isnt just about the body being able. Body and mind must be in tune.

Well this morning the body was at the gym but in truth the mind wasnt as eager. Why? Today was my favourite workout B?

The last session had been strong, so why did I struggle before Id even lifted a kettle bell? During the warm up stretches, I just didnt feel...well right.

I pushed on and managed 4 sets with 20kg kettle bell, challenging supersets, and a cut down 30 second conditioning circuit...at the end I was annoyed and frustrated.

Up till now I have posted mostly positive blogs. But I'd always set out for these posts to be realistic. I contemplated not typing this post but ive been honest from the start of this journey.

I have challenges as an ostomist plus since my operation I've had hypersensitivity (think thats what they called it) in my thighs. Some damaged nerve endings during my operation. And well I forgot to take my meds last night. Well I actually ran out : ( I felt fluffy, off my game, not myself. Now I think I know why.

So I read on a blog fitness it isnt about relishing the positive workouts but dragging your arse back into the the gym after a bad session. Well im ready to get my arse back in the gym ; )

Wednesday 18 September 2013

Car racing is a type of sport...right??

So..ok not really a mud run or training post but wanted to share anyway. Yesterday was my first sports car track day.

When I arrived I had the tough choice of which 2 cars I wanted to drive. An Aston Martin, Ferrari,  Lamborgini, massarati, Porsche, Audi R8 or an Ariel Atom. What a choice right ; )

So had the be the Atom not a car you see often on track days apparently?? And to be honest had to tick the box of driving a Lamborgini Gallardo.

So I wasnt dissapointed! 3 laps in the Lambo first. Ill be honest not a mad driver. Im fron Essex but no boy racer. So my first lap was a bit...well slow!

The acceleration caught me by surprise. However,  I also hadnt anticipated the breaking speed. I was lifting off to early and applying the breaks far too quickly. On the second lap I got a bit more confident. That said im about 6'2" and the leg room awasnt ideal as my legs rested on the bottom of the steering wheel. So really not comfortable chucking it through the 2 x chicanes. Still a Lamborgini!! I had a grin like a kid just pulling away and cruising onto track at 30mph!!!

3 laps was over quickly and then a short wait for the Atom!!

WOW!!!! this made the lambo feel like a family saloon. As you can see from pics if youd never seen an Atom before its scaffolding with and engine and 4 wheels. In addition the instructor in the Atom was superb. Talking me through the track when to accelerate break turn in etc   Damn this was fun!!!! If you ever get a chance to try this DO IT!! I managed to secure a discounted Amazon voucher so was a real bargain : )

I know its a tenuous link but racing is a form of sport.. right?

Anyway I thought about not posting, but this blog is a log of my ups, downs, highs and lows. This was defo a high so hope you don't mind me sharing. Plus life is too shirt as any cancer survivor knows. I dont subscribe to the Y.O.L.O (you only live once) philosophy, but hey...lige would be boring without some fun right ; )

Will also post soon about Nuckear Blackout soon. The nerves and prep about Saturday's night endurance race.. Blimey I'm worried I may of bitten off more than I can chew this time : (

Saturday 14 September 2013

When your too tired to run...run some more!!

So the weather has turned..summer is over and along comes the rain...should be sad right?
Well im not. Im actually looking forward to my forest trail runs with some mud!

That said in a few short days Ill be running my next moment of madness ; )

Sat 21st Sept is Nuclear Blackout. This could possibly be my toughest challenge so far. Nuclear Blackout is a 5k obstacle course endurance race..IN THE DARK!!!!

The race starts just before sunset and we have 2 hours to complete as many laps as possible. I dont know  the course layout but its on the same land as Lactic Fallout I ran in May. The course will be shorter but we have had confirmed it will contain 2 water obstacles!!!!

This will be be possibly the longest race too...got a feeling im going to need to push hard on this one. Pace will be everything. Ive been working hard on this on my last few runs to try and keep a constant yet manageable speed. Not as easy as it sounds!

Well apart from pace there are still the obstacles and of course the dark. Im starting to realise this race could be a struggle mentally as well as physically. Need to keep a beady eye on the ground concentrating for 2 hours will take its toll.

My plan is a slow and steady first lap meaning by lap 2 I'll know whats coming. Where to push and where I can use obstacles or terrain to recover. (Haha obstacles to recover who am I kidding!)

Got a feeling im gonna hit the wall by lap 2...when im tired of running. ..im gonna have to run some more ; )

Friday 13 September 2013

mirrors arent just for posing...who knew!

So today was workout b..straight from work after a long week and in a pretty hot and busy gym. As you can imagine, wasnt setting my hopes high : (

Must admit using the squat rack today whilst checking my technique and form in the mirror was really useful.

I used to think mirrors in gyms were just so posers could check out their guns and stroke thier egos! Well perhaps some do, however, im now sure they really do help you train form is everything!!!

Squats are still tough they still need work but im getting there..slowly. ; )

On a plus we also increased the weight on the flys today in the superset. In fairness we did drop kettle bells to 2 x 12kg for press. Again the right thing to do as I can now work on my form ; )

In conclusion starting to like workout b...still dont like marmite ; )

Thursday 12 September 2013

My marmite "workout B"

Time to share my love hate relationship with WORKOUT B!!!


My training regieme is split into 2 main workouts. A & B...simple right? I wish!!!
Our current workout isnt version 1 but version 2.0.

The latest versions of these workouts are broken into 3. Including a 'superset' Well thats what Phil calls them. Im starting to refer to them as marmite sets. Oh and for the record I dont like marmite ; ) As you can guess by my pet name...after the challenge of the primary excercise, these workouts are TOUGH!!

So what are the 3 sections:
1) Primary excercise
2) Superset
3) conditioning

The conditioning section of the workout put simply is 3 excercises for 40 seconds back to back ( no breaks ) with 1 mins rest between rounds. Repeated 3 times!! If I wasnt sucking in air by this stage, trust me these 3 conditioning sets will really get ya heart pumping!! This is also the stage where Im sweating that much my eybrows are unable to hold back the flood and my eyes begin to sting!!!
Another piece of education: apparently protecting our eyes from water/sweat is one of the functions your eyebrows are designed for. Well according to Stephen Fry an QI anyway ; )

So as I always do at this stage just read back on my first ramble. (To make sure it makes sense). Think I mightve been too strong. It almost sounds like I hate these workouts right?? HELL NO!!!

Workout B really pushes me. Especially the squat rack. It has always been an excercise that scared me. Puts alot of strain on your core when you push out of the bottom of the squat! Hernias arent paranoid fiction,  they are a real risk for us ostomists.  Infact we can get them without lifting this type of heavy weight. That said 10 months of prep mean I was squatting 50kg for almost 5 sets. I say almost as the needed Phils help on the last couple. Infact thinking about it the last one I went down but didn't quite make it up ; )

Ill try and post my exact workout regieme soon in the interim I have taken some photos of my marmite workout B.....


Wednesday 11 September 2013

Stoma, what the hell is a Stoma?????

Hi all,

As per my last post I spent some time looking on google to see how best I could define a Stoma, here is what I found. I hope its of interest? Let me know!


An ileostomy is a surgical procedure to link the end of the small intestine to an opening in the abdomen (stoma)

In an ileostomy, the end of the small intestine (the ileum) is disconnected from the colon (large intestine) and re-routed through a hole made in the abdomen, which is known as a stoma. An external bag (stoma bag) is attached to the opening to collect waste products.
An ileostomy is a relatively common surgery. In England, an estimated 9,000 are carried out by the NHS each year.



When is an ileostomy needed?
An ileostomy is needed when the colon (large intestine) is damaged, inflamed or loses function. It is also used to treat some types of cancer, where it is necessary to remove part or all of the colon.


Types of ileostomy
There are three main types of ileostomy:
• loop ileostomy
• end ileostomy

Loop ileostomy
During a loop ileostomy, a loop of the small intestine is brought out through the stoma. The procedure is usually only used as a temporary measure when it is necessary to remove part of the rectum. Once the remaining colon has healed it can be reconnected to the small intestine and the stoma can be closed.
Loop ileostomies are often used to treat bowel cancer.
End ileostomy
During an end ileostomy the colon and rectum are removed and the end of the ileum is brought out through the stoma and attached to an external bag. An end ileostomy is usually permanent.

An ileo-anal pouch (also known as a J pouch) is sometimes used as an alternative to an external bag. This is an internal pouch surgically constructed from the small intestine and connected to the sphincter muscle that surrounds the anus. It means bowel actions can be controlled in the normal way.
Ileo-anal pouches are now preferred because they eliminate the external bag. However, they are not suitable for every patient. Disadvantages include having to go to the toilet frequently to empty the pouch.



So there it is, never thought this blog would be educational :) I have and will make reference to 'my bag', 'ileo' or 'stoma' regularily throughout these blogs. So thought it was good to share what these unusualy terms were :)

As I have already said my reasons for sharing are not for sympathy as my stoma in reality stops me from doing very little. My op was 6.5 years ago, but, I have a 5 year old son and I am traininig in a gym or running 5 days a week! Oh thats whilst trying to keep down a stressful career in Sales, look after our new puppy and try and spend some quality time with my wife!!! So all in all regardless if you are or are not an ostomist a hectic lifestyle :)

Oh....and for the record right now I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!

Tuesday 10 September 2013

To move forward we need only look at our past

I've been thinking about my next blog today  Had a few ideas what to post next. A review of Nuts my most recent race. A reflection on Lactic Rush perhaps(my first obstacle race).
I Have also been playing with an entry that trys to break down my workouts. 10 months ago I thought a clean and press was something you did to a shirt, not with a kettle bell ; )

Then I started thinking, why did I start this blog? Why did I even start this journey at all? One aim was obviously to improve my overall fitness. But the journey really hit another gear when my changing body shape began to cause issues with my stoma bag. Then I began to think this whole journey over the last 6 years. Recent months were about my mental 'battle' with Cancer and the physical challenges a stoma presented. Ultimately how it stops me in reality doing very little , well apart from farting. But thats a different story ; )

Then I realised everyone knows what cancer is. Its a term we hear in our everyday life. However, my journey also included the alien concept of a stoma. Over the last 6 years I have been very open about my ileo. I never wanted the subjest of my illness and op to be taboo. It was at this stage I realised. The biggest thing I have encountered in the last 6 years was ignorance. Not intentionally or vicously but like me 7 years ago a compete ignorance on what a stoma, ostomy or ileo even was!

I think it may be people feel afraid to ask and therefore make assumptions. So I have decided that my next post I will try and explain what a stoma actually is  Hopefully for you following this blog (and I hope there are at least a couple of you) an understanding of a stoma may help you understand the challenges in my journey. Perhaps even understand more about a stoma may help to understand why certain posts are relevant to an ostomist (someone with a stoma).

Ive read that the NHS for various reasons perform over 9, 000 stoma surgeries a year. So the chance of meeting a fellow brown bagger increases every year. We dont want pity but an understanidng of the challenges a stoma presents will hopefully be useful??

So my next post (without any gory pics) I will try to explain what a stoma actually is....

Friday 6 September 2013

Training session

Saturday's training session was tough!
It has been a long week with high stress levels at work. Stress always seems to take more out of me  I'm not sure why? Perhaps it's my Stoma or perhaps as a manager my role is to keep my personal stess levels in check? Coping with stress can be stressful  itself!
Either way it'd been a long week ; )

So I arrive at my gym at 8.30 Sat morning ready to meet Phil (my P.T) I knew today was 'workout B' my least favourite of the two circuits, as it is also my weakest. ; )

Warm up went well, even though this did work up quite a sweat.  It was then time for the squat rack. This is an excercise Ive always had concerns with. My operation and stoma has left my core weak with scars tissue etc. Ultimately a stoma is a piece of your intestine pulled through a hole in you stomach. This makes for compromised stomach muscles. Hernia's are a constant concern, however,  I trust Phil, I trust my body.

We start off slow just the bar (yeah just the bar...still 20kg!!!) I have realised over the months I have worked with Phil, technique is everything. We get the first set of front squats done...I'm feeling good. We then progress to some weight.

This is only my second time in 'the rack' and last time created a weird injury in both my middle fingers?? Weird right? Well this created a negative anchor for this excercise.  I think a weak wrist means my grip just isnt right. I bearly make it through my first set before the niggle starts acting up. Like I said...listen to your body. Mine just said enough! I had to ditch the bar twice before I finnaly said to Phil "this isnt happening"
In my opinion as any real P.T should Phil didnt push. He knew all this would achieve was less commitment, poor technique and risk an injury.

We changed to back squats added more weight and (apart from final set) managed to push out 4 more sets.

So managed to finish off a tough session, proving a stoma IS just another obstacle to overcome. Listening to my body is vital to avoid injury and ultimately stay positive and focused.

The Ironic beginning ; )

Whilst thinking about my next post made me reflect on my first few weeks out of hospital.  Looking back ironically this is when I unbeknownst to me took my first steps towards fitness.
To build up my strength I used to walk across a park to the local greggs. Id pick up a sausage roll. And then walk back. I remember being so tired!  I then started timing my walks trying to make it there and back as quick as I could.
Ironic how a sausage roll was the thing that started my passion for fitness ; ) lol








Beating bowel cancer...one step at a time!

A picture can say a thousand words...
An image of my first mud obstacle run.
Proving to myself that:
Cancer does not = the end!!

Introduction

Over the last few months I have recieved a number of friend request and met alot of new people.  Many of these new friends are from the wider OCR community. We all have our own stories, our own reasons why we compete.  As technically I have increased the amount of people that may read this I thought I should share again why this journey began.

Well just over 8 years ago after years of suffering (and never knowing why!) I was diagnosed with colitus. Unfortunately less than 2 weeks later I was also told a tumor was found, so started my brief dance with Cancer.

What seemed like an enternity at the time was actually only 2 weeks before my date with the knife! In this time I had to come to terms with cancer and also find out at the age of 28 what the hell a stoma was!! I wont lie had some tough times in the last 6 years. Hit rock bottom, then sunk further! The support of my family, close friends and to be honest a serious stubborn streak dragged my sorry arse through the rough times.

Well although a tough few years my son has meant I NEED to be strong. I started to have some issues with stoma, regular leaks. My body shape had changed and I decided enough was enough!! I believe everything happens for a reason, I then met Phil Wilde a personal trainer. His regieme/philosophy suited seemed to suit my physical challenges. Whilst it has been my blood, sweat and tears without him this journey would never of started.

In my humble blogs I hope to share with you my training journey, the highs and the lows of being an Ostomist. If you can take some time to read some of my old blogs like "what is a stoma" Since the picture below (at tge start if my first OCR) I have competed in over a dozen OCRs and met so many great people. 


My journey over the last few years has been unpredictable...but I wouldn't change a thing!