The disappointment of stopping is still hard to deal with but I've been humbled by the amount and nature of your well wishes and comments - both personally and across the various social media. Thank you.
I'm seeing my GP today to hopefully get the ball rolling regarding the outstanding tests. The Doctor at Wrexham Hospital said he should receive the paperwork by the end of the week but I want to be as pro-active as possible.
I've already discussed plans to finish the challenge and we've decided to provisionally go with 2 x 4 day 'attacks' on the remaining 71. Logistically, with the difficult Welsh & South West sections out of the way, that's not as ambitious as it sounds - although sure, it won't be easy!
I also have two good friends who have committed to sharing 'Directeur Sportif' duties when we do this - this means, like the first 2 days with Helen C-W, I'll have someone in the support car all the time.
Obviously, timescale is difficult to predict at the moment but we're not ruling out June and July for 100 Climbs In 13 Days, Parts 2 & 3!
Will keep you posted...
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
DAY 4: DOCTORS STAY STOP....FOR NOW...
Well that wasn't the plan...
I completed 4 climbs in the morning - The Road To Hell (47mins), Moel Arthur (15mins), Penbarras (18mins) and The Shelf (37 mins, including taking a wrong turn for 1km). Mindful of the shorter, more 'explosive' style of climbs to come over the following days, I adopted a very conservative pacing strategy for all 4 - only digging deep when I needed to - which, in this case, was anytime the road went above 20%. Heart rate wise, for me, this meant sitting at between 140-146bpm. Hard but sustainable. After a short break in Llangollen, I tackled No.29, The Horseshoe Pass.
After the break, the legs took a while to get going, so much so that they were the limiting factor - my heart rate rarely going above 135bpm. I didn't try and push through it though and just eased over the summit.
At which point (and in the same instant that I stood out out of the saddle to stretch my calves) I started to have very obvious palpitations. I've never had palpitations (apart from a 5 sec episode when I had 3 espressos in a row one rainy Bank Holiday in 1995!). I looked down at the Garmin computer and my heart rate was 180bpm. It's not unusual to get sudden high 'spikes' when wearing heart rate monitors outdoors - due to electrical interference etc., but you can almost always tell the difference what is real and what isn't.
This was unfortunately very real. I pulled over, sat on the grass and tried to stay calm. I had no other symptoms. No chest pain, no dizziness, no shortness of breath. Just a sensation that my rib cage was shuddering and my heart pounding at 178-182bpm. So I got back on the bike and freewheeled back down the Pass and back to the car which was parked just off the road from the base. Not feeling worse but no change in heart rate etc. Definitely an increasing sense of anxiety though which clearly wasn't going to help. I punched in 'Hospital' in the satnav and within 3 mins arrived at Llangollen Community Hospital.
It's only a small part time facility but they were great and hooked me up straightaway for blood pressure and oxygenation which were normal. Heart rate still through the roof though and apparently I looked very pale. After 30 mins, the doctor insisted they get an ambulance to take me to Wrexham Hospital as they didn't have the necessary resources. I made a phone call to Helen C-W to explain the situation and during this call I noticed my heart rate finally drop to 85bpm and a sense of 'normality'.
The ambulance transfer took half an hour during which the excellent paramedics took a preparatory ECG. It didn't show anything obvious but there were a couple of small things which 'may or may not' be relevant when the more expensive and sophisticated hospital version was used later.
To cut a long story short, I had further ECG and blood tests over the next 6 hours and they showed nothing untoward 'mechanically' but I had had an episode of sinus tachycardia - the main jist being that the cause of the extended palpitations and high heart rate was more likely an external physiological influence on the heart as opposed to the heart itself. He was quite clear however, that to be 100% sure would need a further 'recording' test taken over the next 2 weeks and that for me to continue would not be a wise decision. His main reasoning was that it was an unusually long episode (45 mins) and because we don't know what caused it, it's possible it could happen again.
So there we go...no more hills for me...for now. As I type this, I don't feel any different to how I feel the past 4 days (other than the general fatigue). Resting heart rate ia a normal 56-60bpm. I just can't quite believe what's happened - and I can't deny the disappointment is difficult to deal with. Health always has to come first though - as I'm always telling my athletes - so I'll focus on that.
I will head home, have the tests and hopefully get the all clear. I'll then start again at No.30 and finish the job. We're not done yet!!
I completed 4 climbs in the morning - The Road To Hell (47mins), Moel Arthur (15mins), Penbarras (18mins) and The Shelf (37 mins, including taking a wrong turn for 1km). Mindful of the shorter, more 'explosive' style of climbs to come over the following days, I adopted a very conservative pacing strategy for all 4 - only digging deep when I needed to - which, in this case, was anytime the road went above 20%. Heart rate wise, for me, this meant sitting at between 140-146bpm. Hard but sustainable. After a short break in Llangollen, I tackled No.29, The Horseshoe Pass.
After the break, the legs took a while to get going, so much so that they were the limiting factor - my heart rate rarely going above 135bpm. I didn't try and push through it though and just eased over the summit.
At which point (and in the same instant that I stood out out of the saddle to stretch my calves) I started to have very obvious palpitations. I've never had palpitations (apart from a 5 sec episode when I had 3 espressos in a row one rainy Bank Holiday in 1995!). I looked down at the Garmin computer and my heart rate was 180bpm. It's not unusual to get sudden high 'spikes' when wearing heart rate monitors outdoors - due to electrical interference etc., but you can almost always tell the difference what is real and what isn't.
This was unfortunately very real. I pulled over, sat on the grass and tried to stay calm. I had no other symptoms. No chest pain, no dizziness, no shortness of breath. Just a sensation that my rib cage was shuddering and my heart pounding at 178-182bpm. So I got back on the bike and freewheeled back down the Pass and back to the car which was parked just off the road from the base. Not feeling worse but no change in heart rate etc. Definitely an increasing sense of anxiety though which clearly wasn't going to help. I punched in 'Hospital' in the satnav and within 3 mins arrived at Llangollen Community Hospital.
It's only a small part time facility but they were great and hooked me up straightaway for blood pressure and oxygenation which were normal. Heart rate still through the roof though and apparently I looked very pale. After 30 mins, the doctor insisted they get an ambulance to take me to Wrexham Hospital as they didn't have the necessary resources. I made a phone call to Helen C-W to explain the situation and during this call I noticed my heart rate finally drop to 85bpm and a sense of 'normality'.
The ambulance transfer took half an hour during which the excellent paramedics took a preparatory ECG. It didn't show anything obvious but there were a couple of small things which 'may or may not' be relevant when the more expensive and sophisticated hospital version was used later.
To cut a long story short, I had further ECG and blood tests over the next 6 hours and they showed nothing untoward 'mechanically' but I had had an episode of sinus tachycardia - the main jist being that the cause of the extended palpitations and high heart rate was more likely an external physiological influence on the heart as opposed to the heart itself. He was quite clear however, that to be 100% sure would need a further 'recording' test taken over the next 2 weeks and that for me to continue would not be a wise decision. His main reasoning was that it was an unusually long episode (45 mins) and because we don't know what caused it, it's possible it could happen again.
So there we go...no more hills for me...for now. As I type this, I don't feel any different to how I feel the past 4 days (other than the general fatigue). Resting heart rate ia a normal 56-60bpm. I just can't quite believe what's happened - and I can't deny the disappointment is difficult to deal with. Health always has to come first though - as I'm always telling my athletes - so I'll focus on that.
I will head home, have the tests and hopefully get the all clear. I'll then start again at No.30 and finish the job. We're not done yet!!
Penbarras
Sunday, 20 May 2012
DAY 3
Long, hard day...funnily enough!
Big thanks to Helen C-W for fantastic support crew duties since Friday. On my own now since midday so finding a different working rhythm and hopefully utilising the lessons learnt from the past two days.
Chilly temperatures up Rhigos and The Bwlch made it difficult to get going this morning.
Constitution Hill was bumpy as hell but mercifully short. Finally found good tempo on Black Mountain as warmer temperatures had their effect - oh and thank you to the Sportive marshal who offered me a bottle of water even though I was clearly not in his event!
Devil's Staircase was very very tough. How a man-made kilometre of 1 in 4 ends up in the middle of a forest (in the middle of nowhere) is hard to fathom. Could have done without the MGB owner's club coming DOWN the narrow hill in convoy at the same time as I was clawing my way up - their brakes smelled like they were fitted in the 60's as well...
Nice old fella and his sheepdog (Wales is full of Old Fella/Sheepdog combos) also emptied his pocket change into the RBF bucket!
A 2 hour drive didn't help the legs - although the roads were superb - but Bwlch-Y-Groes was savage. Simon gives it 10/10 in the book and I can see why. I don't think I've ever counted every single super s-l-o-w pedal stroke over what was the best part of half an hour. I thought I would finally grind to a halt but found just the right rhythm and held on albeit with legs, arms and lungs on fire. Occasionally glancing down at the metres on the Garmin computer does sometime help. Little by little etc.
Ffordd Penlech was ridiculous. 40% at one point - which needed Track start power just to avoid keeling over - but only 300m long. Just as well.
At the top of Bwlch-Y-Groes
er....top of Rhigos...!
The Bwlch
Constitution Hill
Bwlch-Y-Groes
Big thanks to Helen C-W for fantastic support crew duties since Friday. On my own now since midday so finding a different working rhythm and hopefully utilising the lessons learnt from the past two days.
Chilly temperatures up Rhigos and The Bwlch made it difficult to get going this morning.
Constitution Hill was bumpy as hell but mercifully short. Finally found good tempo on Black Mountain as warmer temperatures had their effect - oh and thank you to the Sportive marshal who offered me a bottle of water even though I was clearly not in his event!
Devil's Staircase was very very tough. How a man-made kilometre of 1 in 4 ends up in the middle of a forest (in the middle of nowhere) is hard to fathom. Could have done without the MGB owner's club coming DOWN the narrow hill in convoy at the same time as I was clawing my way up - their brakes smelled like they were fitted in the 60's as well...
Nice old fella and his sheepdog (Wales is full of Old Fella/Sheepdog combos) also emptied his pocket change into the RBF bucket!
A 2 hour drive didn't help the legs - although the roads were superb - but Bwlch-Y-Groes was savage. Simon gives it 10/10 in the book and I can see why. I don't think I've ever counted every single super s-l-o-w pedal stroke over what was the best part of half an hour. I thought I would finally grind to a halt but found just the right rhythm and held on albeit with legs, arms and lungs on fire. Occasionally glancing down at the metres on the Garmin computer does sometime help. Little by little etc.
Ffordd Penlech was ridiculous. 40% at one point - which needed Track start power just to avoid keeling over - but only 300m long. Just as well.
At the top of Bwlch-Y-Groes
er....top of Rhigos...!
Inside Team 100in13.com
The Bwlch
Constitution Hill
Bwlch-Y-Groes
Saturday, 19 May 2012
DAY 2
Challacombe Hill - 27 years on...
...but not much different at the top!
Porlock - just missing a domestic dispute!
Porlock - just missing a domestic dispute!
Friday, 18 May 2012
DAY 1
Running a little late so just time for the data uploads. Tough day physically and a few navigational issues but neither totally unexpected and can learn from both for the days to come. Big thanks for all the support on Facebook, Twitter and of course everyone who came to along to the start at Streatley - it means a lot!
Edit: My aim was to implement a degree of 'pacing' which was mostly successful. My natural climbing rhythm wants to go quicker but this could spell disaster on any hill that lasts longer than 3-4 mins and the cumulative build up of fatigue from maximal efforts would have repercussions on my recovery rate throughout the day (and days ahead). Probably went harder than I needed to on Combe Gibbet and Cheddar Gorge was ridden into a headwind - pretty much the whole way. I was flagging at the end of the day on Rundlestone but partly down to the schoolboy error of simply not eating enough throughout the afternoon. Too much adrenaline!
Edit: My aim was to implement a degree of 'pacing' which was mostly successful. My natural climbing rhythm wants to go quicker but this could spell disaster on any hill that lasts longer than 3-4 mins and the cumulative build up of fatigue from maximal efforts would have repercussions on my recovery rate throughout the day (and days ahead). Probably went harder than I needed to on Combe Gibbet and Cheddar Gorge was ridden into a headwind - pretty much the whole way. I was flagging at the end of the day on Rundlestone but partly down to the schoolboy error of simply not eating enough throughout the afternoon. Too much adrenaline!
Top of Combe Gibbet
Weston Hill
Salcombe Hill
Haytor Vale
Widecombe
Thursday, 17 May 2012
WEAPONS OF HILL DESTRUCTION!
We're ready! Massive thank you to everyone who has helped me in various forms so far - I just wouldn't be ready without you. Extra special thanks must go to Richard Shepherd of BikeLux for the awesome tools you see below...
100 Climbs in 13 Days starts tomorrow at 9am on Streatley Hill!
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
REVISITING AN OLD FOE...
If all goes to plan on Friday, my first climb on Saturday morning will be Challacombe Hill in Woolacombe. Those of you who've been following this Blog from the beginning may remember that Challacombe Hill featured in a particular conversation mentioned here.
The National Hill Climb Championship on the last Sunday of October 1985 - nearly 27 years ago - was the last time I went anywhere near this hideous piece of tarmac. On Saturday morning I won't take a practice run, I won't 'recce' it in the car, I'll simply get to the start and ride. I hope to conquer a few tiny demons.
Even though it's not the steepest hill I've ever encountered, it's certainly been the 'hardest', although the main reason for that was my overexcited approach at the start - quickly followed by running out of talent before the halfway point! Mind you, Darryl Webster (one of the UK's most gifted and successful riders) retained his title that day and described it as 'horrible' and one of the hardest he's ever ridden. Actually, he said more than that but it's a family show here!
I dug out a couple of pics...
The National Hill Climb Championship on the last Sunday of October 1985 - nearly 27 years ago - was the last time I went anywhere near this hideous piece of tarmac. On Saturday morning I won't take a practice run, I won't 'recce' it in the car, I'll simply get to the start and ride. I hope to conquer a few tiny demons.
Even though it's not the steepest hill I've ever encountered, it's certainly been the 'hardest', although the main reason for that was my overexcited approach at the start - quickly followed by running out of talent before the halfway point! Mind you, Darryl Webster (one of the UK's most gifted and successful riders) retained his title that day and described it as 'horrible' and one of the hardest he's ever ridden. Actually, he said more than that but it's a family show here!
I dug out a couple of pics...
Blown to pieces but not yet zig zagging across the road!
Not a pretty sight...this was in the centre pages of Cycling Weekly.
Before t'internet, any kind of mention, photo or result in was like gold dust. Not quite what I had in mind!
Roll on Saturday morning, eh?
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
9AM, STREATLEY, THIS FRIDAY - ALL SYSTEMS GO!
Everything is ALMOST in place! Have had a lot of questions on the start time for Friday: 9am at the bottom of Streatley Hill. Although the schedule is tight, we will stop at the car park at the top for a short while if you're thinking of coming along to ride, donate or just say hello! See you there...
By the way - still a few people asking about the route. It's here! And there's also the link on the right of this page, just above the Just Giving sign.
By the way - still a few people asking about the route. It's here! And there's also the link on the right of this page, just above the Just Giving sign.
Monday, 14 May 2012
PRACTICE DAY: 9 CLIMBS, 12 HOURS ON THE ROAD!
Yesterday was a 'dress rehearsal' - 9 climbs (8 of them from the 100), long hours behind the wheel, different transition techniques (bike & kit in and out of car etc.) and so on. Plenty of food for thought but overall, mostly positives. Legs hurt now...!
1. Crondall Hill, Crondall, Surrey
2. Box Hill, Dorking, Surrey
3. White Downs, Abinger Hammer, Surrey
4. Leith Hill, Ockley, Surrey
5. Steyning Bostal, Steyning, West Sussex
6. Ditchling Beacon, Ditchling, East Sussex
7. The Wall, Hartfield, East Sussex
8. York's Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent
9. Toy's Hill, Four Elms, Kent
1. Crondall Hill, Crondall, Surrey
2. Box Hill, Dorking, Surrey
3. White Downs, Abinger Hammer, Surrey
4. Leith Hill, Ockley, Surrey
5. Steyning Bostal, Steyning, West Sussex
6. Ditchling Beacon, Ditchling, East Sussex
7. The Wall, Hartfield, East Sussex
8. York's Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent
9. Toy's Hill, Four Elms, Kent
Saturday, 12 May 2012
ROUTE ITINERARY...6 DAYS TO GO!
6 days to go and I'm feeling the nerves, no question!
There's a lot still to organise and finalise but we're definitely getting there. I've got some fantastic friends helping me cover as many bases as possible - from equipment to PR and everything in between - thank you, I wouldn't be able to start this journey without your help.
Huge thanks also to those of you who have posted, re-posted, shared & re-tweeted on Facebook and Twitter the past week - definitely getting some momentum now, both in coverage and most importantly, donations.
Many are asking where I'm going to be on certain days so they can follow me online (through Twitter) or even better, join me on some of the climbs, so here's the outline itinerary. It's a tight schedule and there will inevitably be some slippage here and there - traffic, punctures, weather conditions, map/satnav reading, fatigue etc. will all have their say at some point, hence the lack of more detailed timing.
I will be using Twitter for frequent daily updates on where I am, where I'm heading to next, how I'm feeling etc. which should give you a clearer idea of where you can find me. You can follow me on Twitter @stevebenton1800 or simply check the Twitter stream on the right of this page.
Remember, you can check the full map and all the climbs here.
Friday 18th May: (1) Streatley to (10) Rundlestone
Saturday 19th May: (11) Challacombe Hill to (19) Rhigos
Sunday 20th May: (20) The Bwlch to (27) Moel Arthur
Monday 21st May: (28) Penbarras to (39) Winnats Pass
Tuesday 22nd May: (40) Peaslows to (51) Whinlatter Pass
Wednesday 23rd May: (52) Honister Pass to (56) Rest And Be Thankful
Thursday 24th May: (57) Bealach-Na-Ba to (61) The Cairnwell
Friday 25th May: (62) Winters Gibbett to (69) Oxnop Scar
Saturday 26th May: (70) Buttertubbs Pass to (79) White Horse Bank
Sunday 27th May: (80) Rosedale Chimney to (88) Terrace Hill
Monday 28th May: to Wednesday 30th May (89) Dover’s Hill to (100) Swain’s Lane
There's a lot still to organise and finalise but we're definitely getting there. I've got some fantastic friends helping me cover as many bases as possible - from equipment to PR and everything in between - thank you, I wouldn't be able to start this journey without your help.
Huge thanks also to those of you who have posted, re-posted, shared & re-tweeted on Facebook and Twitter the past week - definitely getting some momentum now, both in coverage and most importantly, donations.
Many are asking where I'm going to be on certain days so they can follow me online (through Twitter) or even better, join me on some of the climbs, so here's the outline itinerary. It's a tight schedule and there will inevitably be some slippage here and there - traffic, punctures, weather conditions, map/satnav reading, fatigue etc. will all have their say at some point, hence the lack of more detailed timing.
I will be using Twitter for frequent daily updates on where I am, where I'm heading to next, how I'm feeling etc. which should give you a clearer idea of where you can find me. You can follow me on Twitter @stevebenton1800 or simply check the Twitter stream on the right of this page.
Remember, you can check the full map and all the climbs here.
Friday 18th May: (1) Streatley to (10) Rundlestone
Saturday 19th May: (11) Challacombe Hill to (19) Rhigos
Sunday 20th May: (20) The Bwlch to (27) Moel Arthur
Monday 21st May: (28) Penbarras to (39) Winnats Pass
Tuesday 22nd May: (40) Peaslows to (51) Whinlatter Pass
Wednesday 23rd May: (52) Honister Pass to (56) Rest And Be Thankful
Thursday 24th May: (57) Bealach-Na-Ba to (61) The Cairnwell
Friday 25th May: (62) Winters Gibbett to (69) Oxnop Scar
Saturday 26th May: (70) Buttertubbs Pass to (79) White Horse Bank
Sunday 27th May: (80) Rosedale Chimney to (88) Terrace Hill
Monday 28th May: to Wednesday 30th May (89) Dover’s Hill to (100) Swain’s Lane
Sunday, 6 May 2012
TRAINING UPDATE #1
Yesterday's objective was to combine 5-7 short, local climbs (within a 25 mile radius) and connect them all by driving between locations. In other words, specifically like the challenge itself - other than the hills themselves were a fraction of the difficulty of the 'real' ones.
I wasn't on a great day physically but I still learnt some important points, the most significant being the effects of repeatedly being in a seated driving position in between riding/efforts. Not comfortable at all - so decided to extend the warm down period further, to minimise blood pooling. I also think I'll have to use compression tights during all the drive sections. This will add more time but I don't think I can afford to go without.
On the plus side, the process of parking up/removing bike/clothing 're-zip'/getting moving etc. all went well - smoother than had I hoped actually. Phew!
Still undecided on the best way to post/record the data file of each climb. Garmin Connect doesn't work for everyone - if you don't have an account or are not signed in, then you can't see the info. Strava uploads to Twitter, Facebook and the Blog fairly easily but it might quickly clutter up page space with unwanted 'leader boards'. Need to think more about this.
Steve
Update: slightly different embedding like the two below might be the way to go.
I wasn't on a great day physically but I still learnt some important points, the most significant being the effects of repeatedly being in a seated driving position in between riding/efforts. Not comfortable at all - so decided to extend the warm down period further, to minimise blood pooling. I also think I'll have to use compression tights during all the drive sections. This will add more time but I don't think I can afford to go without.
On the plus side, the process of parking up/removing bike/clothing 're-zip'/getting moving etc. all went well - smoother than had I hoped actually. Phew!
Still undecided on the best way to post/record the data file of each climb. Garmin Connect doesn't work for everyone - if you don't have an account or are not signed in, then you can't see the info. Strava uploads to Twitter, Facebook and the Blog fairly easily but it might quickly clutter up page space with unwanted 'leader boards'. Need to think more about this.
Steve
Update: slightly different embedding like the two below might be the way to go.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
MOVING PICTURES
Lots of unexpected (positive) feedback from last Sunday's video of hill reps in the rain - mainly, it has to said, due to Helen's personal approach to 'commentary'!
I will be posting daily video diaries during the challenge which should provide an interesting gauge on my ability to remain bright and bushy tailed - not something I'm particularly er... well known for, in normal circumstances. There won't be much videoing of the climbs though, as daily uploading of Garmin data and time management won't really allow for it - the schedule is just too tight and I can't afford too much to affect the rest, refuel & recovery 'strategies'.
Not only that but a superb video record of all the 100 Climbs already exists. Mark Oliver's 100 Hills For George Blog (which you can see here or click on the link at the bottom right of this page) has them all. If you haven't already done so, I recommend you take a look at Mark's Blog and his moving story.
Last month, he became the first person to complete the 100 Climbs challenge (other than Simon Warren himself) and has already been very helpful with tips and recommendations - thank you Mark and well done again. 100 Climbs in a Year sounds pretty tough in a very different way - dedicating a whole year's worth of weekends and holidays to travel to all corners of the country and then climbing some very steep and / or long hills takes some doing.
I will be posting daily video diaries during the challenge which should provide an interesting gauge on my ability to remain bright and bushy tailed - not something I'm particularly er... well known for, in normal circumstances. There won't be much videoing of the climbs though, as daily uploading of Garmin data and time management won't really allow for it - the schedule is just too tight and I can't afford too much to affect the rest, refuel & recovery 'strategies'.
Not only that but a superb video record of all the 100 Climbs already exists. Mark Oliver's 100 Hills For George Blog (which you can see here or click on the link at the bottom right of this page) has them all. If you haven't already done so, I recommend you take a look at Mark's Blog and his moving story.
Last month, he became the first person to complete the 100 Climbs challenge (other than Simon Warren himself) and has already been very helpful with tips and recommendations - thank you Mark and well done again. 100 Climbs in a Year sounds pretty tough in a very different way - dedicating a whole year's worth of weekends and holidays to travel to all corners of the country and then climbing some very steep and / or long hills takes some doing.
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