Aside from the tingly arm the last week or so has been excellent…well almost.

I met Quent in Swindon for a kit check for the MDS. We had let Sarah at the Best of Morocco know and she sent out a brief email to all the competitors and three turned up; Dick, James and Alastair.  A good amount of discussion and kit envy was had by all but that was not the biggest surprise. Earlier on in the week I had been contacted by David Harrison (www.ambitionproductions.co.uk). David and I had previously discussed the possibility of filming me undertaking the MDS. However, David was otherwise engaged filming James Cracknell doing the same race. I digress…David called as James C had expressed an interest in attending the kit check and he wondered if it was ok. I asked if he was going to be filming…the answer was yes…not that it swayed me in anyway…honestly….

So we were standing ther as David came into the room at the Croft Sports Centre, Swindon (thnks to Mike Iwaniszyn who let us use the hall for free) followed by a very tall guy. James C had arrived and he was extremely charming and very interested in my gaiters…and a top bloke. To add to the evening Buff had donated some goody bags with the new Buff to auction off. Everone contributed and the sum of £95 was raised for the Cure Parkinsons Trust. If you feel that you’d like to contribute please see my justgiving page at www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn

Getting better was the news that as a consequence of a speculative email to Marillion http://www.marillion.com/home.htm by Rich [Merry] it seems that the email has hit a chord (so to speak) and now the band want to support Rich and me – running our 10 Million Metres!!!! Lucy Jordache, their press officer emailed Rich, saying that the band have decided to nominate the Cure Parkinsons Trust as their charity for two weekend conventions, in Holland and Canada, March 2011. Both Rich and I are amazed and really grateful to them. We are getting together a press release for the band to use on their web-site (see above) when the tickets for the convention go on sale….so I anticipate great ticket sales……

And……………the new gear from Sarah at Buff arrived. Black, orange and Zebra stripes…looks amazing and I certainly will be testing it out over the coming months. See Buff’s web-site (sponsors’ page) and check out the new gear! Massive thanks for all their suppport which has been there since the beginning!!! LOVE BUFF!!!!

Speaking of gear, Orca have given me compression kit, tops, and shorts for the MDS. Their KillaKompressor compression running tights are awesome! So is  the rest of the gear (cycling top and shorts). Review to follow…thanks Chuck..

The downside of the week was my car getting smacked into when it was parked! The good news is that, apart from zooming about in a shiny black BMW all week, my car is mended! Yay! See, good things even come from shite moments. Take my PD. Sometimes, I can’t type well or use the bloody mouse on the PC and I get fed up of running over invisible boxes or having jazz hands at the wrong moment. I could let it get to me but I don’t. The upside is that it really has focussed my life and I am living each and every moment and getting the most out of it! You should too!!!  

Off to Morocco for the MDS so will have race report, gear reviews and will finish that article for TRI247 when I am back…

Till then keep a positive outlook…we will find that cure…

Hi all

Last week was mad. Lots and lots to do, which is always good, but the amount on my to do list increased no matter how much I completed! Hmmm

Last Tuesday I had an hours workout with Gareth Batson (a good friend and ace personal trainer) my judo grading for my green belt. I have to say that I was nervous. Little time to practice and the problem in my shoulder (more about that later) was distracting me. So, not as focussed as I’d like.
My turn came and everything went perfectly. My throws were spot on and my strangle was excellent (the execution of it that is…I really need to get some alternative words). Green belt achieved and a big smile too. Top night. My lads got what they wanted too. Both going up a grade! We got back to the car and I put Queen on the cd. We sang “we are the champions” all across town as the music blasted out across the evening.

The shoulder has a problem. Not a biggie but pins and needles down the arm. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks and it’s now pissing me off. I have tried massage in the belief that the issue stems from knots in my shoulders, but to no avail. Although, the massages where top notch. I met with Paul Martin (my physio) last Wednesday to have another go. Paul poked, pulled and pushed me about and declared that I have a bulging disk in my neck, trapping a nerve. Oh great!

To Be continued….

Met with Jonny Ultra last Thursday night as we had planned a run. However, run did not happen but discussions were had on the merits of certain race kit for the forthcoming MDS.

An essential piece of kit is the backpack. Last year I used the feather light Raidlite. Jonny has a Raidlite that he has previously used on the MDS in 2007 and is happy to use it again. The majority of people would generally not have problems but last year I had a hard time with the Raidlite; particularly the frontpack. So I have decided this year to go with OMM.

The 25 litre classic is a good looking sack but without a frontpack, it may be a bit small. Jonny was not convinced that it was going to be big enough to carry all the kit a competitor needs for a week of self-sufficiency in the Sahara. So, cash was expended on a 32 litre OMM. I will let you know which fits!

Surprises come in many shapes and sizes and Friday’s was no exception. I received an offer to Abseil down the Deloittes building in London. I have a healthy fear of hights so this should be a decent challenge and is in aid of the Cure Parkinsons Trust. The event is on Friday 7th May and I’m thinking of doing it in fancy dress (if poss). However, I don’t know what character. So, I’m looking for suggestions but with a catch. Each suggestion must be made with a donation of £1 to www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn. I look forward to the suggestions. The most popular wins!!!!!

Ran with Seb Brown on Sunday. Seb is running his first marathon in London this April and he has really taken the bull by the horns so to speak. Running for Anthony Nolan I think he will be great! Please check out his website http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SebastianBrown

The run was good but timing is everything with the meds and I took them too close to the run. Cue comic leg movements! It didn’t stop me and a short 11 miler was completed in about 1.40. That will teach me about taking my meds first thing and goes to show you never stop learning.

Reading half and Marathon Des Sables approach. Meeting Quent for a kit check at a sports hall in Swindon on the evening of 18th March. If you are doing the MDS for the first time and want info and tips or maybe interested in ultra running but have yet to take the plunge and want to know more. Send me an email and I’ll let you have the details of the venue.

Keep moving….

Alex

Hi all,

Crazy times. Having been to the US on business and missing out on 3 weeks training, I am (again) pushing hard to get to race fitness for the Marathon des Sables. Am I worried? No. Pressure is often a good method to focus your mind. Although, better when it’s something you love to do.

Kit is being finalised and I have invested in a 25 litre OMM Classic backpack. Initial feeling is that it might be too small. However, decisions are all made on the detail and tonights session of packing practice will tell. Watch this space.

Tri247 have asked if I’d write and article and this may possibly turn into a column. Keep your fingers crossed. All this came about after speaking to Buff and pondering the idea that I was thinking about doing a triathlon. Well, a couple of calls and alot of discussion (with Rich, mates and importantly my wife) and I am about to register for the London Triathlon!!! Comments and training tips please. In usual fashion I hope to do the Olympic distance. Watch this space.

Kit is needed for this and any and all offers are welcome. Speaking of which, I made a call to Neil at Trailjunkies (www.trailjunkies.com) who has said that they will sort me out a bike for training and the event. Top bloke and excellent shop. Please check out their link.

On the PD front, they’ve increased my meds again. Probably for the best and the arms and leg were being a pain. I will let you know how it pans out with the new dose on my next blog including the disturbing discussions on brain surgery!!!

Lastly, I would like to thank all those who have donated to the fund (www.justgiving.com/alex-flynn). All I am looking for is £1 from everyone. Not alot of cash and the effect would be enormous for the Cure Parkinsons Trust who will be able to fund vital research into Parkinsons that the big Pharmaceutical companies will not touch until results are shown. These results rely on funding. Let’s find a cure for Parkinsons and change the lives of millions! Give a £1 or equivalent today.

Cheers! Remember, positive mental attitude is everything. Choose to have a good day today.

Alex