Global Sport Stories

Monday brought a new week and I wanted to get things started on the right track. Having run steadily the week prior with a surprisingly satisfying level of fitness, I wanted to test myself. 10k was the goal I set my sights on, however, there was an early setback in the form of simply stepping into the shower. Yep, don’t ask me what happened but one step up into the shower and my back just locked up and I was extremely un-mobile.

I definitely shouldn’t have, but I don’t like things not going to plan, so I pushed on with the 10k. And do you know what, it went perfectly well actually. The route I’d planned started with a steady climb for a kilometre or so. This definitely didn’t feel as tiresome as it has in previous climbs, therefore, I’m feeling as though all the volcano treks and high altitude hikes whilst being away has actually helped my hill running ability – I’ll need to put that to a serious test at some point though!

The rest of the route felt pretty decent really… My back didn’t cause too much issue and I got the expected pains in my groin around the 6km mark but nothing that wasn’t manageable.I ended up having covered a distance of 10.02km in a time of 51 minutes 45 seconds, which I was quite happy with.

Knowing I can run that distance fairly casually signifies quite a big improvement in my abilities; as once that was much more of an effort to pull off than it was on Monday. That being said, come Tuesday’s padel session my legs were still fairly cooked. 

The nearby city of Hereford plays host to two padel courts in almost pristine condition. Myself and three mates headed over there to play for an hour or so, managing to play out four sets. As always it left me looking to play more competitive padel; easier said than done for now though however. 

Wednesday saw me try my new climbing shoes out; a gift from my wonderful girlfriend from her time in New Zealand. As much as they may be a little tight, they made me feel a lot more confident as I wasn’t that guy in rental shoes on my own; I still had chalk in a clear plastic bag to make me feel somewhat noobish anyhow. 

In terms of actual climbing (bouldering), I knew it was going to be interesting as I hadn’t climbed since before I went away, that being the best part of four months I’d imagine – maybe more. Unfortunately, the grading system at the centre I was at does not translate to the 5a/6a/7a system, instead ranging from V0 to V9 climbs. I was stuck between the V3 to V4 range. Some V4’s proving too tricky but managing with most of the V3’s. Again, I don’t know how that translates to the other grading system, but either way I know I am at a lower level than before I went away. 

Climbing ability aside however, I actually really enjoyed the solo climbing session. At points I had my earphones in, which felt somewhat antisocial, but the centre was very quiet anyway and it was almost therapeutic just climbing with the Stone Roses in my ear. Hopefully, with more sustained climbing and a potential return to the gym, my strength will start returning and my ability will begin to improve again.

Now although not actually being an activity to benefit my physical health, Wednesday night marked the first of two occasions that I would see the mighty Coventry City in action this week. The game itself was an extremely lacklustre 2-1 loss to Derby, however, just being back amongst the atmosphere with my Dad is a feeling that I will forever cherish as it becomes rarer and rarer.

Having relocated back up to Newcastle upon Tyne on the Thursday, Friday’s activity was a 5km run along the Tyne. Now I had stupidly undownloaded Strava for storage reasons (long story) but to be honest this run was just so enjoyable being back in the city that is feeling more and more like home. I was not out to set any PB’s or go for miles; it was simply a way to stretch my legs whilst taking in the mesmeric views of the river Tyne, and its many bridges, at night.

Saturday was the second viewing of the Sky Blues this week, this time away at Sunderland which is very convenient for myself. Again, although not being physically active, I was reminded again of the power that football and sport possess. Upon setting off on the short metro ride to the Stadium of Light, I met three Coventry fans who were students in Newcastle. Long story short we spent a lot of the day together and I now have someone else in Newcastle to watch Cov games with and waffle away about them for a ludicrous amount of time!

This concluded my week that although was not too physically taxing, was a really enjoyable one rediscovering Coventry City and the city of Newcastle, alongside favourite activities of running, climbing and padel.