Lorn Pearson Trains…

In 2023, I had the following totals for my training:

Walking: 835km
Running: 600km
Swimming: 200km
Strength training: 37 hours
Steps: 3,010,449

I did just over 300 walks, in just over 222 hours. I did most walking in September … nearly 146km, after doing not much walking in August (25km).

After my Dad passed away in August I needed to take time out to recover. And I stopped running all together (hence waking instead). I still managed 600km running / 95 runs. No events, but I kept the running ticking over most months.

My running was highest in August as I was running with others a bit more then. Running has mostly been replaced by swimming in the last couple of years…

And this year I managed 200km swimming across around 90 swims, including a couple of open water swim events, some open water swims in lochs and in the sea on holiday, and plenty pool swimming.

Oh and one swim in the Gourock outdoor pool too, with friends.

I swam most in November – 30,000m across 11 swims. I was generally doing between 2,500-3,000m in pool swims and up to 5km in loch swims.

My training has become more consistent too – just over 37 hours in total. It was highest in October and November when I got into a good weekly rhythm of it.

I’ve done less of it in December and I’ll pick it up in the new year.

I noticed on Hogmanay that my annual steps were just under 3 million so ie as sure to make sure I passed that mark.

3 million steps is ok, less than before as I walk less to work, and run less. It’s more than last year too. But less than my high of around 5-6 million steps in previous years.

Here’s my totals for each activity on Garmin:

I did a few cycles too – mostly spin in the garagym.

Now here’s a picture from the first day of 2024 – the weather was good. Hopefully a sign of a positive 2024.

I plan to do the same sort of amounts of training as I did towards the tail end of 2023. 3 swims a week, 2-3 runs, 2-3 gym sessions. And some walks (to work and at the weekends).

What did you get up to training wise for 2023 and what are your plans for 2024?

I’m pleased to let you know that my story about my Granny and her elephant, and all the elephants I’ve dropped in her memory, has been picked up by BBC Scotland News online. A nice story for this time of year.

It all started around 21 years ago… or maybe even before that when I used to sit in awe looking at the elephant my Grandad took back from India after the 2nd world war.

See the full story here:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-67789259

Thanks to Angie to writing a great story. Hopefully it can bring some joy / smiles to some.

If you want to read more about my elephants – go here

https://lornpearsontrains.co.uk/2019/05/25/another-elephant-dropped/

And here

https://lornpearsontrains.co.uk/?s=Elephant&submit=Search

The words from the article are below:

Lorn’s grandparents in their prime, with the wooden elephant on their mantelpiece

Margaret Fletcher with her first great granddaughter Maja, in 2001

Lorn’s grandparents, John and Margaret, met and married in the 1930s. Her grandfather, who was a GP, was stationed in India during World War Two

This elephant is on Lorn’s grandmother’s grave

Lorn Pearson calls her granny’s wooden elephant Fletch

This elephant was left in a tree in Jardim da Estrela in Lisbon, Portugal

A rainbow Lorn recently captured which reminds her of her granny

Lorn’s granny, Lorn and her aunt Sheila at her granny’s house in Lochaline in 1991

I’ve entered the Go Swim events again for 2024. It’s a great series of swim events… and this year they’re doing a 10% discount if you enter all three events.

Last year I did 2 x 5,000m – one at Loch Lomond and one at Loch Morlich…

In 2021, I did 3,000m at Loch Lomond… and enjoyed it so much that in 2022 I entered all three events – Loch Tay – 3,000m,
Loch Lomond 5,000m and
Loch Morlich 3,000m.

Loch Lomond was cut short to 4,500m due to the conditions so I still hadn’t done the 5,000m event …

Loch Tay that year was a bit scary – very choppy – although enjoyable after about half an hour or so, it put me off it a bit.

Then in 2023, I managed to complete the two 5,000m distances at Loch Lomond and Loch Morlich.

But after doing the two 5,000m events this year (2023), I decided I’d mix it up a bit in 2024 and entered it as follows:

Loch Tay – 1,500m
Loch Lomond – 5,000m
Loch Morlich – 3,000m

Part of the reason for doing different distance is to mix it up… but Loch Morlich is a bit later and usually colder anyway, and Loch Tay can often be choppy… so there’s other reason for me choosing those distances.

And the extra wee discount is a nice motivator to enter all three.

This should get me in the pool / open water next year to train!

I had been building up to getting back into some steady training since late August when my Dad passed away. I took some time out to reflect and recover; and now it feels like I’m back and more settled.

This post should probably be called Autumn and Winter training 2023… but as it seems Winter is here, I’ll detail my plans for winter training instead, and summarise what I’ve done in September, October and November to get me here.

I log my training / exercise in a draft email and in Garmin… so I know what I’ve been up to and what impact, if any it’s having on me (positive or negative).

I spent September walking… a lot. I dropped my usual training with only the odd swim / strength or run session. had come away from running mostly, only having downs couple of runs in the last few months.

When I was walking some of it was on my own, but most of it was with good friends who helped me a lot. You know who you are.

I did two 5km swim events in September, did a good 4.5km swim with Judith, a swim in Gourock Outdoor pool and my first swim in Scotstoun to suss things out. More about that later.

In October it was some more walking (115km), although less than September (146km). I eased myself into the gym 2 to 3 times a week, eventually getting past the DOMS and enjoying it. I also gave blood at the start of the month.

A nice week long holiday break to Tenerife allowed me to reset properly – I had a 15m swim up pool and I swam under the stars before sun rise each day… (500-600m)… with Venus and the moon making a welcome appearance. Then I went a walk as the sun came up. And I did 3 workouts that week too.

I walked 25km and swam 10km that week … and balanced it with plenty sun bathing and spending time with my friends and their 5 year old boys. Fun.

Now onto the plan for how I’ll do my training going forward. All of that was building up to me having a good sleep and exercise routine to fit in with work and life.

I always did best with my training when I have an exercise type that I do for each day of the week… so now the weekly plan is as follows:

Mon: Coach / 30 min strength
Tue: 30-60 min Run
Wed: Swim Scotstoun
Thu: 30 min run / 30 min strength
Fri: Swim Bella
Sat: 30-45 min strength
Sun: Swim Tollcross

So it’s 3 strength, 3 swims and 2 runs a week. With options of dropping a day or two if I need rest. I’ll walk at weekends, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays (work).

The reason I needed to scope Scotstoun out was because Bella isn’t open on a Wednesday morning. I can’t swim on a Tues or Thu as I’m working in the office and it’s too tight to do it and get to work, so a Wednesday swim is ideal. And I’m glad I went. The facility has been renovated and it’s a big 10 lane pool.

It doesn’t take much longer for me to get to compared to Bella… maybe an extra 5-10 mins in total. It works well.

I’ve had a good rest from running, and I’ll likely get back to it. But I know from my first run back the other day that I’ll need to do it consistently – at least 2 times a week to get used to it. So I’ll build it simply on a Tuesday and Thursday morning.

I exercise usually between 630-8am… so as said above it means early nights. But with the dark nights and working from home 3/5 days it works well.

There are about 4 weeks left in the year – so I’ll do the above weekly training and see where I get to. I’ve got 2,500m and 3,000m swim sets in my Garmin calendar.

Here’s what I planned in November:
Wc6 Nov – steady training
Wc13 Nov – steady build
Wc20 Nov – steady build
Wc27 Nov – ease off

Here’s what I’ve done:

And here’s my plan for December:

December
Wc4 Dec – steady training
Wc11 Dec – steady build
Wc18 Dec – steady build
Wc25 Dec – rest

By build I mean increasing the weights in strength training, and the distances in swimming and running.

Here’s my plan for next week:

I’m pleased with my swimming totals for the year… a check on Garmin shows I’ll have swum 175,000m by the end of November – with a big increase in the last few moths and good consistency in November.

I’ll get to 175k by Wednesday, then I’ll aim to do the last 25k I’m about 9 swims over December. Swimming on Wednesday and Friday and Sunday mornings.

I’m enjoying my strength training too, and being able to have some runs and a few walks a week, all feels like a good balance.

My sleep has got a lot better, mostly from getting early nights so I’m awake earlier. In bed by 8-9pm, up by 5-6Am to train.

Good sleeps at the weekend and early nights helping.

I’ll have a look at my walking and running totals soon… but swimming and strength training is what’s taken the priority this year, particularly recently, and I’m enjoying both.

Ps. Here’s my swimming cap for December, a present from Nina last yesr.

Today I walked into town and gave my 40th pint of blood. I’ve had a few messages from the blood transfusion teams / NHS that they’re in need of my blood (A+) and today worked out for me as a good day to go give blood.

In the last couple of weeks I’ve managed to get myself into a good routine; getting good sleeps, and exercising regularly. With a main focus on strength work, swimming or walking.

I’ve done one run back in mid September and will get back to it soon. But I’m enjoying what I’m doing and getting plenty of rest too.

I also did the Loch Lomond 5km event at the start of September (and came 4th lady!) in about 1:30… and then two weeks later enjoyed Loch Morlich 5km swim, a little slower, and colder… in 1:34 and about 5th lady. (I say about as it seemed a couple of people maybe only did one lap of two?).

I’ve recovered from them and been taking it easy. Sleep, rest, relaxation and routine has been my main focus.

Here’s what I’ve been up to exercise wise for the last fortnight:

And here’s my plan for the next couple of weeks:

I may not do all of the planned exercise though, but there is a gym and a pool where I’m going so we will see.

After that, I’d like to get into more regular swimming, up to 3 times a week (Wed Fri Sun), and 2-3 strength sessions (Mon Thu Sat). With maybe a run on a Tuesday.

I’ve been reading and relaxing more. Less naps but good long sleeps so far in October. My Garmin is good for showing ‘sleep score’ and ‘body battery’. Here’s the sleep score.. and hours.

The sleep score was 55 the week before above (the week before my Dad passed away and I was up there), then 45, then 60 the week after… and really not great. That all had a big impact on me. These last two weeks have been a lot better thankfully.

Here’s the body battery measures… in the floor in August because of unfortunate events… and stress…it was rock bottom and I was struggling to recover, even though I was trying.

But now, thankfully, it’s a lot better – particularly in the last fortnight:

They’re all just measures, and I don’t focus on them too much. But it’s good to see them improving, and a good way for me to see how well I am recovering from a tough time. Good to see the progress.

Now hopefully me giving blood will help some people. And I’ll take it easy over the next few days / week.

I’ve been feeling a lot more myself, and I’m reminding myself to be me, and stay original. Onwards and upwards! I liked this sign when I passed it today.

Thanks to everyone who has reached out to listen or be here for me, it is much appreciated.

After an early start, a strength session and 8km walking today, along with giving blood and the tunnocks teacake (and breakfast lunch and dinner), I should sleep well tonight.

Looking forward to what the rest of October and the rest of the year brings x

Well the crash that I expected for a few years now, finally happened. The passing of my Dad on 22 August.

Fortunately I’d been able to spend some time with him in his last week; and it helped me to see that he was more than ready to go.

He was 82 years old (30,169 days old). He made his mark upon this world, for sure.

The funeral was on 30 August in Inverness and I was also fortunate to have a lot of people there to help and support me, in the lead up to it and on the day itself.

It was a challenge, and if I’m honest, it made me ill, but I’m back home and settled back down and taking some time out. He was sent off well, with a nice eulogy written by me with input from many others, and finalised with agreement from those involved.

I’m back home now and all is on the way to being well. I’m feeling positive about the next chapter of my life, knowing he’s now at peace and has done his job, and left his legacy.

A month or two before I started to draft a reading for him. I tweaked and perfected it. And I as I knew I wouldn’t be able to read it out at the service (through emotions), I recorded it on my iPhone and introduced the recording at the service. All good.

Here are the words to it:

Fly fly brilliant one

Fly, fly brilliant one.
Fly beyond this world.
The softest cloud, the whitest dove.
Upon the wind of everyone’s love.
Past the planets and the stars.
Leave this wondrous world of ours.
Just think of the lives you’ve touched, the stories you’ve told.
And the good memories that we’ll forever hold.

Leave your legacy behind.
We’ve always had you by our side.
But you must go on and escape the confusion and the pain,
And fly again.

Fly, fly, up high.
Fly like your swallows in the sky.
I remember one of your patients called you ‘Dr Magnificent’,
And that’s what you were – magnificent.

So down to earth, caring and a brilliant storyteller.
The brightest star, yet so humble and clever.

You were there for us and so many others.
We’re all so proud of you, and so is your brother.

Fly, fly precious one.
From humble beginnings, as a miner’s son.
You told it like it was, and you related to so many.
You were so talented, happy and friendly.

You became you and you made a real difference.
Take your big smile, happiness and magnificence,
And fly far far away.

Fly like a bird over to the other shore.
Where there is peace forevermore.
We’ll hold our memories tight, Remembering you warmly with a smile.
The sun will rise, the sun will set,
But you we definitely won’t forget.

Fly, fly brilliant one.
Fly where angels sing.
Fly away, now the time is right.
Go now, and find the everlasting light.

Xx

He’s been slowing going for a few years now so I’m more at ease with his passing that I might have been. It’s a relief he’s finally at peace.

My final act for my Dad is to arrange the gift of a memorial bench to the Wick Community. It’ll hopefully be place somewhere along the north cliff path (I know where I’d like it to go, but we just need to sort it).

I was up in Wick for about a week, and I have to say I was blown away by the locals and friends I have up there. I was taken in, supported and encouraged, listened to and I was really uplifted by the stories and generosity of all who helped me / all of those I met.

I moved away when I was 17, in 1997, and have not really looked back since. And I’ve not been up since before lockdown, maybe around 2019. But what a great place Wick is, with people who care.

I’ll take some time out now to recover and reflect, and get back to life down here. Next is the 5km Go Swim Event at Loch Lomond tomorrow morning, then Loch Morlich 3km two weekends later.

Time to chill and settle back in. X

Now that I’m back home, I’ll start a new chapter of my life, knowing that both my parents are gone, but taking comfort in the fact that there are tens of / a hundred people out there who are there to support and help me.

You know who you are. Thank you.

Today I had a great day out, walking to the Lost Valley and back, in Glencoe. My friend Lorna and I planned it a while back… and we were going to do it last weekend, but plans changed for both of us, and this weekend was it instead.

Lorna came and collected me at 8am and we made the two hour journey up to Glencoe. We parked up and before we knew it, the forecast rain started. But we were prepared. I’d decided I’d wear shorts as (my) skin is waterproof 😂… and I brought a good waterproof and cap to keep the rain out and out of my eyes.

We started the walk, and when we went down the steep metal steps I remembered the route and knew we were on the right track. Glencoe and that part of Scotland is so amazing and today didn’t disappoint. And even despite the weather and heavy rain, there were still plenty of walkers out on the route.

We went down on the route and then started to climb a bit… up some technical parts, but all in all, the route was good, up beside a heavy flowing river.

There’s a part where there’s a level bit with a massive rock, and where the route crosses the river. We made it across fine, although the water was pretty deep, there are some conveniently placed large rocks to help.

I could tell that we both felt quite pleased with ourselves for crossing the river fans not falling in or getting too wet). Then up a bit more… and before we knew it we were in the Lost Valley. We stopped overlooking the valley, got a few layers on and ate our packed lunches. (Excuse my hat head hair!)

The chat was flowing well, and eventually the rain went off… then came the midges…. It was maybe 15-18’C and not sunny… but probably ideal conditions for the midges once the rain went off.

After we ate, we went back down the route and met some more walkers on our way. It was certainly busier than the last time I did it with Fit Girl… so maybe it’s become more popular recently. The river crossing is a just though.

I came home and dried off and had a good nap, finishing off a good weekend.

My training for the last week was a good balance of rest and activity,,. plenty of waking including about 2.5 hours today, and 4.3km on Wednesday… 2 runs, 1 workout and 1 big swim (and two rest days).

Here’s my training in detail for last week, an ent training plan for next week:

What a great place our country Scotland is, eh? Even in the rain!

Today I had a lovely birthday… cards, presents, a wee cheeky mid week day off work, brunch out, a nice walk in a park (that ended up being 100m for every year – 4,300m 😂

We then took a wee drive and walk to an ice cream shop, which, shock horror was closed, so instead Fit Girl treated me to a strawberry tart instead, which was tasty.

We then had a wee bit of time in town – my iPhone had gone caput for some reason, so I’d bagged a genius appointment at the Apple Store on Buchanan street. The guy there did just what I’d been trying numerous times and it switched on for him. 😂 phew!

Seems to be something to do with an upgrade to the software that went wrong. But hence I’d don’t get many pics earlier today, and instead was made to live in the moment instead, which was good. We saw some baby swans / signets, and some even smaller little baby tiny baby ducklings!

After town I went and picked up Judith and we headed to Balmaha, for a swim from there. Judith was keen to do 4km and when I said it was my birthday and I fancied doing 100m for every year (43), she jumped at the chance.

We got there just after 515pm I think and got changed then walked to the jetty. Judith took the lead and we swam around two of the islands there, just below Conic Hill.

I took my little Insta Go 2 camera and tried it out in its waterproof case. It was ok and worth having along, although some of the pics could have been better. 😂

I felt good until about 3km or so… swimming well alongside Judith. She’s got a good stork and a good pace… and we synchronised quite a bit up to about 2km, then she went on a bit as I probably slowed. I felt good at 2.5km, and continued to about 3.5km feeling fine, then I started to tire a bit.

It’s such a pretty place to swim, even when it’s a bit dull and rainy in the distance. With Ben Lomond towering over the loch and Conic Hill closer by. The water was about 19’C I think.

We got to 3,900m and went on a bit to get it to about 4,200m then swam directly across from jetty to jetty at the end to make it up to 4,300m. It’s not lost on me if I keep this up every year it will only get longer / harder, but we’ll see what happens.

You might remember I ran 31 miles for my 31st birthday. Km or metres seems much easier. Lol.

In fact, I was thinking near the end of the swim, the 4,300’ walk in the park this morning seemed a lot easier (and quicker)…although we got caught in the rain (under our mascot umbrella) so we nearly got hair as soaked!

Loch Lomond was a little choppy again tonight, which made the swimming for and hour and thirty quite an effort, but Judith did a great job of keeping me on track, in nice straight lines and steady pace.

Here’s is at the end about to get changed at the car.

What a big long lovely day, full of fun and adventures. 👍🏻 here’s to seeing what 43 brings.

As my phone was dead most of the day I might not have had a chance to say thanks for all the happy birthday messages, so thanks all. I look forward to seeing you and telling you some more stories, now that I’m 43!

This morning I had planned an early swim with Katie, who is doing a 1,200m open water swim near Kessock / Inverness. It was due to be quite a nice morning weather wise and we were going out to do maybe 1.5 to 2km.

We got there about 9am and it hadn’t been too nice in Glasgow, but seemed to brighten up a bit as we were swimming.

I managed to leave my Garmin at the car, so I had to run back for it, but we were in the water for just after 9am.

A nice gentle entry in to Loch Lomond, then we swam for a few 250m intervals, getting Katie used to swimming in open water and aiming to stay close to the shore.

Turtle thermometer said the water was 17’C, but it’s batteries need replaced and someone else said Loch Lomond was 14C which felt about right. It wasn’t too cold anyway. I had my orange and black orca wetsuit on, and a normal swim cap, with neoprene socks on (mostly for the slightly rocky entry and exit).

It’s a nice wee spot between Duck Bay and Luss. With a little walk into where I start, it’s a good wee sheltered inlet that I first went to with Vanessa and later with Judith and Nina. You usually have to do out and backs from it, but that’s ok.

I gave Katie the option to do 3x250m then a 500m and 250m back, but when we got to 750m she said she was good to do 1km out and 1km back so that’s what we did. Once we got to the turn back point, we increased the non stop swimming distance to 500m and then regathered, and finished off with another 500m.

The photo above was us after it… maybe not too different to when we went in – ha. A quick dry off and change and it was all over.

(The yellow string is my waterproof dutifulness camera whose battery also seems to need replaced, so I’ll get onto that.)

Afterwards I got home and had a shower then went for a nice walk in Queen’s Park with Fit Girl before going to Millbrae Hill and had a tasty special of beetroot and spring onion fritters, and a chocolate milkshake.

Then I couldn’t resist a wee one scoop ice cream (with a flake) from the Langside Cafe. (One scoop trying not to be greedy – see?! 😉 )

Good fun for a Sunday morning / afternoon in June. Katie for great preparation for the 1.2km swim, and she’ll work on building up the non stop distances in the pool and open water before the big day at the end of June.

That reminds me, I must enter / have just entered the Go Swim Loch Lomond swim – fancy it? I’m gonna go for the 5km swim… but there’s a wide range of distances, from 250m to 10km and a skins entry on 1.5km I think too. https://go-swim.uk

This last week had been a good one – I started my new job and managed to get a balance with exercise / training and sleep / rest time.

I’m already getting a good feeling about my new job, and I’m trying to remember it’s only week one… plenty of time to get to know things… lots of mandatory training and getting used to things to happen… but I’ll be fine and I have a feeling it’ll be great. It certainly has a great building, views and facilities (including a free gym!)

Above is the training I did last week, along with a plan for next week. The 25 min walk days are days I’ll be in the office… a nice 10-12 min walk there and back two days a week. It’ll be Tue Wed for a bit, then Tue Thu from some point. I’ll just amend my training to suit.

If you know me you know I’m up early to train, and this week I was waking around 5am or 6am and feeling ok. I need to make sure I’m getting enough sleep (not staying up too late)… but other than that I did:

2 runs / 3 strength / indoor swim / outdoor swim / no rest days

I did a training session from my Garmin on Tuesday…. 5 x 3 mins effort; 2 min recovery. It felt a bit tough but I’m sure it’s good for me. Then today we did 7.5km easy to glasgow green and back.

I’m on a bit of a mission with a fresh start to stop being so greedy and see what happens with my body composition. So far so good. With a week of not being greedy, I’m down a couple of lbs and feeling good. The numbers are looking good anyway.

Tomorrow I’m off for an early morning swim in Loch Lomond with a friend. Maybe a mile or so swimming… and today I treated myself to a good breakfast out and an ice cream for lunch (after I washed the cars).

Next week I’m planning 2 runs, 2 strength, a swim and a long hill walk on Sunday. With Saturday off training to go help someone move, a day trip to help them.

Other than that I’m having a nice time sunbathing in this nice weather. 👍🏻 Enjoying Summer and trying to make the most of it.