The Shugyo Project

Back from the Lake District holiday, where the Via Ferrata was aborted early (son’s nosebleed meant we both had to drop out) and the outdoor sauna on Ullswater shore provided four bracing cold plunges in 4°C water (cold, really cold, but worth it, post-sauna beer earned). Both experiences were great for mental toughness and cold exposure training, even if the Via Ferrata didn’t go the full distance.

The cellar is still flooded with no end in sight, so bodyweight sessions continue in the living room. The main plan this week was to restart pool sessions twice a week, but they don’t actually start until tomorrow (Monday 23rd).

To avoid waking the house at 04:30, I’ve been sleeping on the sofa the night before a swim. Not glamorous, but it works, no one gets disturbed, I get up quietly, and I’m in the pool on time. First session is tomorrow, so the sofa routine kicks off properly then. Looking forward to getting the technique work and steady distance back in, VO2 max needs that aerobic base.

Training-wise, the week (15th–22nd) has been light but consistent:

Several 5–7 km dog walks

A couple of easy runs

Bodyweight circuits (push-ups, planks, pistol squats, etc.) in the bed room

My MTB ride: early morning in Whinlatter Forest, frozen ground, snow patches, lots of ice. I was the first in the car park so we had it to ourselves. Took the dog for the North Red 8k loop, very slippy, windy, but a bit of fun.

No big volume yet, just keeping the engine turning while I ease back into the early mornings.

Fitness snapshot (as of end of week):

Weight: holding steady after holiday losses, calorie tracking still on point.

Power-to-weight ratio: slowly improving.

VO2 max focus: pool restart tomorrow will help push it higher.

Achilles status: quiet on flat/easy efforts, no flare-ups this week.

Overall: positive consistency, no setbacks.

La Sportiva TX5 Low GTX approach shoes

Bought from Needle Sports in Keswick (£30 off). First time with La Sportiva for approaches. Felt solid: stiff leather upper with Gore-Tex and grippy sole. Need breaking in, but no blisters or hotspots on town walks and later miles. Very promising. They’ll get real rock testing over the coming days.

Old alpine boots (Asolo GTX B3 mountaineering boots)

Got plenty of miles during the holiday. Too stiff for walking and caused Achilles pain (rubbing and pressure). Heel area showing signs of deterioration (cracking, compression). Ok for climbing but not nimble enough for the Hörnli ridge. Will need to swap well before August, plenty of time to break in replacements. New boots will be for walking and accept a crampon.

Old Millet softshell trousers

Used on Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, and other peaks years ago. Comfortable, breathable, windproof on sauna walks and outings. No chafing or issues. Performed perfectly on the aborted Via Ferrata and walks (no chafing, windproof). They also worked well on the Scafell attempt, handled the cold, wet conditions and movement without problems. Still game for the job.

New Rab stretchy trousers

Bought during the holiday to give myself some choice. Lighter, more flexible for mixed days. Will test them soon alongside the Millet pair.

North Face jacket

Basic but fits well. Emergency buy last Christmas after going to Manchester for a do with no waterproof, rain hit, panic purchase. Been in the kit ever since, simple, no frills, but it does the job. Felt a bit baggy in the wind on Via Ferrata day, swapping for closer-fitting Alpkit jacket at home.

Alpkit mid-layer fleece

Used under the North Face jacket on sauna day and Via Ferrata. Handled the chill well in the layering combo.

Grivel G12 crampons

Bought from Needle Sports on sale (£140 down to £90, bargain compared to £40/week hire). Old model being phased out. Will get a proper test on the next snowy hill day.

The overriding feeling: keep stacking consistent days. Early mornings on the sofa are a small price for the long-term gains. Fitness is building slowly but surely. That’s the engine for up and down the ridge safely.

This weekly grind is still nothing next to what Aspire supports people through every day, spinal cord injuries, practical rebuilding with accessible housing, grants, equipment. Your donation means far more than any early alarm, sofa sleep, flooded cellar, cold plunge, aborted Via Ferrata, or slippy MTB ride ever will.

JustGiving link below.

Next week: pool sessions properly underway, more bodyweight strength, and boot replacement search continues.

Countdown continues.

Nick