The Path Less Travelled.....

show no weakness

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Update on Goggins

Hey Everyone,
This is David's family. We wanted to give you an update on David and what he has been up to. I believe we now know why David hates what he does so much.... He realy is suffering out there. About 10 days ago we recieved some bad news. David went in to the Doctor for a check up and they found a birth defect in his heart. It is known as ASD (atrial Septum Defect). To explain it breifly, this means he has a hole in his heart. He has had it since birth and no one was able to detect it on routine check ups. It is very dangerous in scuba diving, high altitude and extreme athletics. It can cause the heart to go into heart failure without warning. So, to make a long story short. For 34 years David has been working with about 3/4 of his heart. The right side of his heart was recieving too much oxygenated blood and it wasn't going to the rest of his body like it should.
On Thursay of last week David went in for surgery. They were able to repair the hole and he is now in the process of recovering. It will be a long 6 month road back to his normal self, but trust me when we say, he will be back to his normal self:)
Thank you all for your support of David. It means a lot to him and to us as well.

Posted by David Goggins at 6:03 PM 57 comments Links to this post

 

dude, heaven only knows how hungry you are gonna be to tear up the impossible when you have recovered . best wishes. embrace the pain.

Skurka on running

Andrew Skurka  has uploaded some news on ultra runs he has done in classic areas of the USA. Awesome detail on the write-ups, and really inspirational photos too.

SPORTident events 09

SPORTident UK. This newsletter is being sent to you because you have previously registered with SiEntries or taken part in an event whose entries were managed using SiEntries.  http://www.sportident.co.uk/calendar.php

Upcoming Events on SiEntries
Below is a selection of the events that are currently accepting entries. For more details or to enter one of these events please click on the event title. To see the full list please go to the Event List on our web site.

Adventure Races
Sat 18 Apr 09 - iROC - Adventure Race Weekend
iROC™ almost Full. Less than a week to go before the iROC™ Adventure Race Weekend & the event is approaching capacity. Any competitors who haven’t already entered are urged to get their entries in ASAP. 1 weekend –3 Disciplines –6 Races -Dont Miss It!
Sat 9 May 09 - Diamond Quest Ireland
Diamond Quest Ireland is a multisport event which will challenge your strength, agility and stamina. You will be racing for the opportunity to win a share in diamonds worth £10,000. Everyone is in with a chance of winning a diamond.
Sat 20 Jun 09 - INOV8 Windermere Challenge
The INOV8 Windermere Challenge will entertain the runners with paddling skills. Travel the length of Windermere in kayak or canoe and ascend the three local fells on route, winners of each class be awarded with goodies from leading brand INOV8.
Sat 20 Jun 09 - The Kilbroney Challenge
A one day adventure race in Rostrevor, Co Down. The race will involve mountain biking, running, kayaking on Carlingford Lough and some “special tasks” which will be kept secret until the day of the race. No entries on the day and a limit of 50 teams.

Challenge Events
Sat 9 May 09 - Three Peaks - Spring Stroller
Classic Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within a 24 hour period. Teams must consist of 4-6 walkers and 2 drivers. Each team must have a competent navigator, and provide their own transport.
Sat 23 May 09 - Three Peaks - Youth Cancer Trust
Classic Three Peaks Challenge of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon within a 24 hour period. Teams must consist of 4-6 walkers and 2 drivers. Each team must have a competent navigator, and provide their own transport.
Sat 6 Jun 09 - Wharfedale Marathon Events
The Off-Road Marathon & the Rugger Ramble Challenge Walk are a must for those who enjoy a serious outdoor challenge. The 25 & 13 mile options give participants & families the opportunity to enjoy a great day out in some of Wharfedale's finest scenery.
Sat 6 Jun 09 - Wharfedale Rugger Ramble
The Off-Road Marathon & the Rugger Ramble Challenge Walk are a must for those who enjoy a serious outdoor challenge. The 25 & 13 mile options give participants & families the opportunity to enjoy a great day out in some of Wharfedale's finest scenery.
Sat 13 Jun 09 - Mourne Way Marathon
4 ways to enjoy the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which is a unique, largely granite, landscape shaped by ice & man, with stunning vistas of coast, sea and countryside & all competitors will get a chance to take in these sights along the route
Sat 20 Jun 09 - Clerical Medical Parish Walk
The Parish Walk is one of the oldest sporting events on the Isle of Man. To complete the course you have to walk 85 miles, calling in at each of the Island’s 17 parish churches. But for most, the challenge is to see just how many churches they can reach.

Cyclosportives
Sun 19 Apr 09 - Downland Spring Sportive
A 100 mile ride through South East Kent. You will ride over the North Downs, through the flats then up and over the South Downs. The lanes will be quiet and the scenery varied throughout the ride, rolling hills, woodland, orchards and flat farmland.
Sun 26 Apr 09 - The Brian Robinson Challenge
The scene is set for a 75 mile roller coaster ride starting near Huddersfield & through the scenery made famous by BBCs Last of the Summer Wine taking in some of the country’s most iconic climbs, including Holme Moss, before finishing with a fast descent.
Sat 23 May 09 - Richmond Cyclosportive
For the fourth year, the 5 Dale, 4 Dale and 3 Dale Richmond Cyclosportives - 100, 80 and 50 miles on some of the most beautiful, challenging and traffic free roads in Britain
Sat 30 May 09 - Skye Cyclosportive
Riders really will feel that they are on the edge of the world as the routes go around the wild and beautiful Trotternish Peninsula right at the Northern tip of Skye. The road follows the peninsula between the cliffs of the Quaraing and the Atlantic Ocean
Sun 31 May 09 - Chiltern 100
3 routes through fantastic red kite country in the Chilterns. Stunning views. All the classic climbs in the Chilterns including Bison, Ivinghoe Beacon, Whiteleaf, Watlington and many more. Fully signed quiet route starts/finishes at Great Missenden.
Sun 7 Jun 09 - Lancaster CC - Le Terrier
45 or 80 miles on quiet roads in the Forest of Bowland. The 45 mile route takes in Jubilee Towers with over 1,500m of ascent - a wee terrier! The 80 mile route, with over 2,600m of ascent, finishes through Wray, Roeburndale, Scout Camp and Stocka Bank!
Sat 13 Jun 09 - Cairngorm Mountain Cyclosportive
The UKs highest event on public roads (632m). The route undulates through beautiful forest and moorland, passing some of the world’s most famous whisky distilleries, before a final lung-bursting 350m climb back up to the finish. 50 or 100 mile route.
Sun 14 Jun 09 - The Rivington 100
A 100 mile (or 50 Mile) ride through the stunning countryside of Lancashire & Bowland Forest. The route includes many famous climbs such as the Nick of Pendle as used in the tour of Britain and also some sections of the Commonwealth Games Road Race 2002.
Sun 21 Jun 09 - Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge
Living legend & Ex-Pro cyclist Dave Lloyd gives you the chance to try your hand on the roads he has trained on for years. 3 routes to suit all abilities take in the famous climbs including Bwlch Pen Barass, Horse Shoe Pass, Blwch-y-Groes, & the Stinger
Sun 28 Jun 09 - White Rose Challenge
Three routes through some of the toughest terrain in the Yorkshire Dales. With the epic long route taking in the climbs of Fleets Moss & Garsdale Head, then up & over Malham moor. It really is a showcase event for the best the beautiful Dales has to offer
Sun 5 Jul 09 - Three Counties Challenge
Enjoy the beautiful quiet lanes of North Lancashire, the stunning Western Yorkshire dales including ascents of the notorious Buttertubs 1 in 4 Pass and finally the hills and passes of the Eastern Lake District including the awesome Kirkstone Pass!

Long Distance Walking Events
Sat 13 Jun 09 - Three Rings Of Shap
‘An Outstanding Event’, ‘A Proper Challenge Walk’, ‘Rhubarb Crumble to die for’ - The main Challenge of the Three Rings of Shap is to complete all three Rings (a distance of 100 Km) within 26 hours… but you are welcome to try just 1 or 2 rings.
Sat 20 Jun 09 - The Malvern Midsummer Marathon
A scenic walk from the Wyche School near Malvern. This circular walk is a challenging 26 mile cross country route covering most of the Malvern Hills & surrounding area. A challenging event through some of the most beautiful scenery in southern England.

Mountain Bike Events
Sun 14 Jun 09 - The Marin Roughride
The most laidback moorland romp of a mountain bike ride in the UK, stunning views and a tiny town chock full of real ale pubs. Loads of tracks opened just for this one event. We don't mind what speed you go, you're here to enjoy yourselves.

Mountain Marathons
Sat 18 Apr 09 - Highlander Mountain Marathon
The Highlander MM is an event for people with a sense of adventure. It follows a traditional two day format, with teams of two navigating through a wonderful Highland wilderness. Enjoy a convivial overnight camp with a hot meal,warm marquee and ceilidh
Sat 6 Jun 09 - Lowe Alpine Mountain Marathon
The LAMM is a 2 day mountain orienteering event for pairs. We have another great new location lined up in one of the classic mountain areas of the Scottish Highlands with a scattering of Munros & Corbetts. Don't miss out on it or you may regret it later!

MTB Lapped Enduro Races
Sat 16 May 09 - Wild Boar 24
On your own as a solo or as part of a team, this 24 hour event near Keswick, in the North Lakes will test you to the limit of your endurance.

in no particular order

future Scouts

perspective 

false (Scout) promises 

risk on wheels 

political amnesia 

inspiration 

no off switch 

edumacayshun 

future classic 

sound advice 

mountain. bike.

not just another runner. not just another book.

Sahara run 

something to aim for 

colder days ahead 

mst 

conflicting interests 

and lastly  this   -   for this

  

to walk, to row, but not to yield ...

Wounded UK Soldier Walks Marathon from Danfung Dennis on Vimeo.

Wounded UK Soldier Rows English Channel from Danfung Dennis on Vimeo.

www.philpacker.com

the fire alarm theory

the fire alarm theory is one that is growing on me
it goes like this

Dave and Dom are busy sewing and finishing off their cutting edge running sack, the one designed for both bottle users and bladder users. the sack is mega, innovative, and just needs a few finishing touches and then out to the testers when,
crikey, the fire alarm goes off
everyone piles outside hoping that their industrial unit in Little Town isn't alight
false alarm
phew
so they have a natter about the mid-week fell race with the blokes from the warehouse, make a brew, and wander back in to the design room
disorientated by the fire alarm they forget what they were doing
grab the not quite finished, not completely thought through and then tested, not quite there sack, and pass it to Lee over in production
Lee gets on to the seamstresses in England / Sweden / China and they start the manufacturing process
and, alas, another nearly, but not quite there, running sack hits the retailers

anyway that's my theory
it applies to other stuff too
but just now my quest for a bag that just works is beginning to sack me off
i've bought many, tried friends ones, and been given kit to test by a retailer in the Lakes

i took another one out tonight. 2 bottles in angled holsters (tick), 10 ish litre capacity (tick), fits like a glove (tick), comes with a bone waist belt made of 4 inch wide velcro and no buckle that closes and locks off in a bizarre way (bollocks), about 2 foot of unnecessary straps with nowhere to stow them (bollocks), and no functional storage pockets on the hip belt (really annoying). this particular one was a Haglofs Endurance, but there have been many

i was persuaded on the UTMB to avoid carrying kit in only a bum bag - and i think on most of the races over mountainous terrain over 50 miles in distance, average runners cannot get the safety kit in a bum bag and sufficient food and fluids.
weight solely on my waist plays havoc with my guts after a while too.

i am / am i being quite demanding in that the bag must be 10 to 12 litres in size, the bottle holsters need to be angled, there needs to be hip belt pockets, and, no, i don't wish the sack to come with a users manual or require the owner to have a Masters in engineering.

could somebody please design something nice and simple. that works. test it. fight the urge to embugger it with whistles and bells.
genetically engineer the love child of a Karrimor Elite Hydro 15 and a Macpac Ultramarathon, use a lighter fabric, and reduce the volume slightly ??

 

perhaps i have enough nearly-there sacks to cut all the bits off that really work well, and make a really-there one

now there's a thought ......

Happy Birthday Alpkit

home  of really well designed, low cost, user friendly, fun, functional, innovative gear
from down jackets to titanium cookwear, waterproof daysacks to totes, bouldering mats to tees, waterproof jeans to the best down and bivi bags
happy birthday guys
5 today

two dollops of cycling (in)sanity

(both courtesy of Howies)

 London to Brighton for £56

We just received this email from one of our customers –

Last year, my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent 9 months

of treatment - chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. She is now taking

drugs every day to help prevent the cancer returning and is on the road to

recovery from the side effects of treatment.

The suffering of a long day in the saddle does not begin to compare with

what she has been through, but myself and some of our friends wanted to

undertake a challenge that reflected a little of Louise’s suffering and some

of the humour with which she tackled her illness, and raise money for

Breakthrough Breast Cancer, a charity funding research to improve diagnosis,

treatment and care for breast cancer sufferers.

Most of us are keen cyclists used to riding modern racing or mountain bikes,

we ride for the fun and the challenge, some commute to work by bike, a few

of us have ridden on the track, but we generally use the right bikes for the

job - and so we have undertaken a different kind of cycling challenge - 56

miles for no more than £56 spent per bike, maximum 3 gears, London to

Brighton via Box Hill and Ditchling Beacon. This ride is about the

camaraderie of cycling, the madness of cyclists and a very good cause. You

can read more on our Justgiving page, as well as see an example of the kind

of bikes we are talking about.

Kind regards

Matt

website  

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L'Arbre - The 260 mile Paris Roubaix on a "fixie"

 

and only 52.9km of cobbles !!

 

nutter !!

 

Edward Abbey

his books are here
his bio is here
Desert Solitaire is a brilliant book 

"Benedicto: May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. May your rivers flow without end, meandering through pastoral valleys tinkling with bells, past temples and castles and poets towers into a dark primeval forest where tigers belch and monkeys howl, through miasmal and mysterious swamps and down into a desert of red rock, blue mesas, domes and pinnacles and grottos of endless stone, and down again into a deep vast ancient unknown chasm where bars of sunlight blaze on profiled cliffs, where deer walk across the white sand beaches, where storms come and go as lightning clangs upon the high crags, where something strange and more beautiful and more full of wonder than your deepest dreams waits for you -- beyond that next turning of the canyon walls."
— Edward Abbey

Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell."
— Edward Abbey

"How to Overthrow the System: brew your own beer; kick in your Tee Vee; kill your own beef; build your own cabin and piss off the front porch whenever you bloody well feel like it."
— Edward Abbey

"A man on foot, on horseback or on a bicycle will see more, feel more, enjoy more in one mile than the motorized tourists can in a hundred miles."
— Edward Abbey (Desert Solitaire)

"Freedom begins between the ears."
— Edward Abbey

When the situation is hopeless, there's nothing to worry about."
— Edward Abbey

and of course ...

"One final paragraph of advice: do not burn yourselves out. Be as I am - a reluctant enthusiast....a part-time crusader, a half-hearted fanatic. Save the other half of yourselves and your lives for pleasure and adventure. It is not enough to fight for the land; it is even more important to enjoy it. While you can. While it’s still here. So get out there and hunt and fish and mess around with your friends, ramble out yonder and explore the forests, climb the mountains, bag the peaks, run the rivers, breathe deep of that yet sweet and lucid air, sit quietly for a while and contemplate the precious stillness, the lovely, mysterious, and awesome space. Enjoy yourselves, keep your brain in your head and your head firmly attached to the body, the body active and alive, and I promise you this much; I promise you this one sweet victory over our enemies, over those desk-bound men and women with their hearts in a safe deposit box, and their eyes hypnotized by desk calculators. I promise you this; You will outlive the bastards."
— Edward Abbey

musical interlude