Exercise 2014

Walking, running, cycling and a tiny bit of badminton. (If you’ve already broken into a sweat just at the thought of exercise – I suggest you avoid reading this post.)

Drunk bird, mountain biker and me (Jan 2015 - the Long Mynd)

 Backpacker John rather rashly stated on 21 April 2014:

‘If I’m not significantly fitter come the autumn then aside from the new friends and experiences, it will have to go down as a disappointment.’

Despite the intervening months rushing by at an astonishing rate, the overall feeling is that he is indeed, significantly fitter. Though possibly in a different way to that envisaged by his original statement? Here is a brief review of his 2014 exercise year.

Walking – despite twisting the same ankle twice (see Time Trial post for insight), a look at his 2014 spread sheet reveals slightly more mileage than 2013.

2014 = 2084.50 miles at an average of 5.71 miles a day (no days missed)
2013 = 2048.50 miles at an average of 5.61 miles a day (no days missed)

The significant difference though, lies in the quality of those miles. Proof that figures can sometimes be deceptive – students of Economics/Politics should take note!

Despite living in the same valley as Church Stretton, Backpacker John frequently finds it necessary to climb nearby hills, both before and after doing his daily shop. Whilst his legs and rucksack admire his desire to provide his shopping with bracing fresh air and views from nearby hill-tops, they don’t always consider it necessary or helpful. The shopping hasn’t made any views public but he’s not suffered from food poisoning yet!

Therein lies the quality. Hill work, hill work, and then some more hill work but with added weight in his rucksack. Many of the climbs hereabouts being short but tough, not unlike Napoleon* – allegedly. The Duke of Wellington* he’s not but Backpacker John has worked hard to overcome the initial difficulties and he’s successfully developed a slightly different walking technique to improve his climbing endurance. (More on this to follow in a separate post.)

What lies ahead for the new year is a somewhat vexing question. He undoubtedly needs to resume backpacking but it’s thought that the current five mile a day walking target, that easily leads into an annual 2000 mile target, should be dropped to allow other enjoyments their fair share of the year. It’s appreciated that once such a target has been achieved it’s very difficult to then relax and see the figures drop. He may need friendly input to convince him of the need to change tack (Frequently known as badgering).

Running – a better year than the previous few, though he is always held back by the obsession with walking and the delight of cycling during the summer. He frequently complains that he doesn’t feel the body could cope with all three at once and at his increasing years, perhaps he’s got a point!

The end of the year saw a return to road running, this proving a novel experience as recent years have been dominated by trail running. Running on tarmac is not a long term strategy, Backpacker John having more respect for his joints than when in his younger days. Still, he plainly enjoys once more running in shorts and running singlet, with no rucksack or bum bag to add to the weight. Not sure the locals appreciate this vision but they can always shut their eyes – perhaps not the vehicle drivers or even the horse riders!

The return to warmer weather and sighs of frustration from his bicycle will once more force tough decisions – an annual problem for him.

Cycling – a good year for mileage and enjoyment, despite two incidents along the way (See Gymnastic Cycling... and Cycling top to dusters... ). Those incidents provoking some friends to suggest that when he thinks about a cycle ride, he should just go and lie in bed for the required number of hours. He respects his friends but retains the right to disagree and ignore their advice.

Four highlights of the year; a new bike, new area to explore, experiencing the Tour de France in person, and completing a 50+ mile bike ride (51.41 miles – 10th Sept), for the first time in many a long year. 2015 will hopefully consolidate on this progress.

2014 = 841.55 miles
2013 = 517.60 miles (a bad year, more normally between 700-800)

Badminton – very little court time since his move, something he’s known to be very sad about. A great sport, played with some great people. Little hope at the moment of improving the situation – a shame.


* 2015 is the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo (link takes you to a special celebratory site produced by the National Army Museum).

Coming next: Joe the dog update