Comfortable in my own skins

As Matt pointed out in his last blog, the past week has been a nightmare. Things at work are only starting to slow down as the ADAC looms, soon to be followed by the Christmas holiday (which means tight deadlines). At some stage, a couple magazines are going to have to get written as well. Training has been sporadic and -- as one very loving and patient desert hack follower out there can attest -- it has definitely affected my mood.

Anyway, courtesy of Eid Al Adha, we had a four day weekend -- well, some of us did (sorry Matt) -- which presented a great opportunity to get back on the proverbial saddle of training. I'm happy to say riding, running, hiking and kayaking all happened this weekend.

During our massive desert hike, I feel like I turned a corner. For 99% of our trek, my legs felt strong, my energy stores were ample and my command of our GPS system improved significantly. I actually enjoyed the desert hike. For me, the desert walking portion will be my Everest but this weekend seemed different. The last 1% of the trek brought blisters on 9 of 10 toes and 2 of 2 heels but for the most part, I felt great and enjoyed a suprisingly short recovery time.

As I sat on my bed Saturday morning, amazed that the same feet that felt like they'd been put through a meat grinder the previous day displayed almost no signs of wear or tear and the dull ache that usually greets my hips, knees and ankles the morning after stayed well at bay, I began wondering what I'd done differently.

That's when it hit me: Skins. For those that have never heard of Skins, they're gradient compression performance equipment that feature BioAcceleration Technology to maximise muscle output and reduce stress on joints. Put simply, they're a really tight lycra outfit that, somehow, keeps you cool the more you sweat. I don't know how it works; I don't care. I know one thing though, behind fire and the wheel, Skins are perhaps the greatest invention of all time.

If I could, I'd wear Skins everyday. Friday was my first chance to fully suit up in Skins and as I sit at my desk Monday afternoon, I'm a little distraught that I'm not wearing them now. 25-30 kilometers in 100+ degree heat. Up and down dunes the size of mountains. Across salt flats as crunchy as Easter eggs. End result: Strong legs throughout and no pain the next day. Something doesn't compute. Well, with Skins, it computes.

In the past I've heard friends of mine who are parents make comments like, "When I come home from work everyday, that first sight of my children removes all my stress and puts a smile on my face." Well, I'm here to tell you, my Skins are my children. When I wear them, the sun shines brighter, the birds sing lovelier and every step is like a wonderful reminder of youth and virility.

Another bright spot in this great big desert hike product love-in, was the decision we all made to buy new shoes the day before the hike (perhaps the reason for all the blisters). When you're hiking in sand, you need to keep as much of it out of your shoes as possible, lest your toes curl up like a 10th Century Chinese foot binding. All manner of shoes, gaiters and methods are employed to reduce sand and increase comfort -- most of which prove unsuccessful after extended periods. Well, not anymore. World, meet the Saucony Razor.

I've got an apology to make. When first shopping for trainers, followers will recall that the Desert Hacks stopped into a Saucony shop and I mocked the size and shape of the Saucony shoe. Not only that, but deep in my heart of hearts, I mocked the people whose feet fit into Saucony trainers. If you recall, I called their feet 'cement-block-like'. Well, I stand corrected. With tail thrust firmly between my legs, I return asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness from teammates, followers, the Saucony Corporation and my girlfriend (I believe she called her Sauconys "cushy rockets").

The Saucony Razor is an amazing creation that is equal parts trainer, gaiter and the physical manifestation of pure awesome. As these are a new release item and several of our competitors will have been training for months and months in their current gear, the Saucony Razor may be our only hope. These little guys just may be the Desert Hacks first and last advantage. JRo

Kayaking and shopping - my two personal hells

Due to Dubai Sound City and kayak training every day, this past weekend was one of burning the candle at both ends for me…and I can tell you that today I have all the energy of a flat battery, the motivation of a block of cheese and feel as athletic as an 80-year-old chain-smoking alcoholic.

Fittingly but most unfortunately, I also kayak like aforementioned octogenarian.

If I’m honest, I am, perhaps naively, not overly concerned about the rest of the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge. Although I know the desert orienteering and cycling etc will all be really tough, I’m a pig-headed idiot and WILL get through them.

But the kayaking…I put my heart and soul into it and, in return, I got blisters all over my hands, a sore back, stiff shoulders and went five yards backwards. I REALLY need to train at this. Thanks, by the way, to Suzy at Nautica 1992.

Anyway, on to cheerier matters. The one thing I’m really loving about this ridiculous and flawed plan to take on the Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge is being active and working out with my team mates – a finer four folk I couldn’t ask to do this with. While I was a bit down about the kayaking, they helped lift my spirits.

We followed Friday’s session with lunch at Café Culture (I think) at what was The Harbour Hotel – a damn tasty pie with lovely strawberry smoothie which a) is like a fruit party in the mouth and b) is sure to get you ridiculed by your team mates.

  Saturday, we hit a burger and ribs joint in Dubai Mall – the world’s biggest shopping centre, apparently, complete with giant underwater zoo and an Olympic-sized ice rink (yes Pete, that’s ice!) and I loathe the place. If Satan shops, that’s where he goes. That’s not a giant aquarium; it’s actually the River Styx flowing right through the centre of it.

The reason for this trip was trainer shopping for our event runners – courtesy of the kind people of Abu Dhabi! Three of us opted for Saucony trainers – a word here for the wonderful staff at Saucony who knew more about our feet than we did – while Jeff and Lucy opted for Asics.

Pete obviously tried to buy two left-foot trainers but they wouldn’t let him.

The Saucony staff noted the type of feet (width, how much arch etc) and recommended accordingly. Now, I’m so flatfooted that the Saucony man looked at my feet and basically laughed, took a pic with his camera phone and sent it to his other foot pals...my feet are probably now on YouTube.

My new trainers are, therefore, kinda odd looking with “extra protection and padding” to help me with my deformed feet! I’m going to do a short run tonight in them, so I’ll let you know if they make much difference from my old, bog standard New Balances…

Matt 'Warchild'