tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59531307394357443462024-03-05T13:10:36.049-08:00Tremayne "Dill" Cowdry Just a few write ups on my racing experiences. Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-77597902462316623932023-09-14T10:09:00.005-07:002023-09-14T10:09:53.158-07:00UTMB 2023<span style="font-size: medium;">I ran into La Contamines and knew it was over. I'd limped to the start line and after 3 miles I knew deep down I couldn't finish. I pushed and pushed to mile 20 to the point my foot couldn't take any more pain and I still tried to persuade the medic to tell me it would all be ok. Maybe I could walk it, yea walk another 85 mile on a mangled foot. It wasn't to be. I saw my pal Ercole in the aidstation and he took me back to Chamonix. My 2022 UTMB was over. It actually took me several weeks to build back up to even an easy jog. To be honest It took me week just to be able to walk to the end of my street. Plantar Fasciitis had dogged me all year and would do for months to come.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I had a couple of UTMB stones to use so put my name in the hat again for 2023. I wasn't even fussed about the race but leaving it on a DNF doesn't sit well with me. I got in and decided this needed to be done. I needed to prove to myself I was better than this. I could go, finish and put UTMB to bed once and for all. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">My return from injury was going well. I got through the Thames path 100 slowly but surely in horrendous conditions then had a really good run at the North Downs Way 100 but that only left me 4 weeks to UTMB. I wasn't going to let that phase me, I was sure I could recover enough to enable me to get round. I'm also trying to raise some cash for charity this year so that was extra incentive to get on with it. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The sun was absolutely baking, I was packed on the start line along with several thousand other runners and there was still over an hour to go. Someone snapped the tape holding us back from the elites and everyone surged forward. We had an hour standing nose to tail waiting for the clock to tick away. I had a rather annoying lady in front of me who thought jumping up and down, dancing and continuously grabbing her friend two rows back for selfies was fun. I felt stressed, hot, stressed and dehydrated. Mind you I had slightly too many local ales the night before which in hind sight wasn't my greatest move. The clock finally reached zero and we were off. </span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7qZLbtLQxZ_HzUdgCMIup4goMMqTQayMAuQufeFdf2O2HozIx2BN50_a5ZSQ29_yffh8cdq2ylE0RX9nvuApOmJcMco11Dgl3GqsAZuF3AgFfEk_zoUB3Go7j5R9JHT-RSXVa9LfqVHxNk_Z08WsmhOL6Cij8aIqlF_Ezh0ptBRrtRwCcak7Sng47yU/s894/utmb%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7qZLbtLQxZ_HzUdgCMIup4goMMqTQayMAuQufeFdf2O2HozIx2BN50_a5ZSQ29_yffh8cdq2ylE0RX9nvuApOmJcMco11Dgl3GqsAZuF3AgFfEk_zoUB3Go7j5R9JHT-RSXVa9LfqVHxNk_Z08WsmhOL6Cij8aIqlF_Ezh0ptBRrtRwCcak7Sng47yU/s320/utmb%203.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red hot start line</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The start was manic, people pushing and shoving and me desperately trying to create a bit of space. If someone catches your heal and you lose a shoe it would be a nightmare. I mean a literal living nightmare. We ran out of town and immediately I backed off from the sub 7.30 min mile pace being laid down. The run to Les Houches is fairly flat and a good chance to settle in. I was sweating buckets and struggling to get my heart rate down. I saw Tony Trundley and some other Brits on the first climb, their cheers were a great thing. After the buzz of the start and seeing friends there was no taking away from the fact I wasn't feeling great. My heart rate was through the roof, sweating to saturation and my legs felt dead. The climb up the first hill seemed longer than I had remembered. It's roughly 4 miles of constant up with maybe 5000ft of climb from Les Houches. Upon reaching the the top we turned off to descend steep grassy banks. I felt I was holding back too much and putting too much strain on my quads so I let go a little and virtually sprinted down towards St. Gervais. I would pay for this later. It was getting pretty dark under the cover of the trees and headtorches were going on, I didn't want to fall so I put mine on too. St Gervais was buzzing with crowds. I would have usually bowled straight through but I needed to rest a bit and made sure I had plenty of fluid. Also the Voom bars I had brought as part of my nutrition weren't going to work. They were leaving my mouth dry after each square, far from ideal and they had to go. The organisation offered Naak products so I grabbed a bit of each and walked out of St. Gervais eating. Mind you it's hard to walk when a whole town is screaming for you to Go!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was already having negative thoughts, I felt knackered, had nothing in my legs and was seriously considering dropping. All I could think was if I dropped at La Contamines its an easy out from there. Just a bus quick bus journey back to Cham. First of all I had to get there. St. Gervais is the lowest point on the course so it's just up from here. Luckily the run to the next checkpoint hasn't got much climb so time to settle in a bit. We were soon back on the trail and I was moving along ok. Slow but ok. Then in one swift action I went from running to being flat on my face. My foot had caught a root and I landed on solid rocky ground. My knees bore the brunt of this. I was helped to my feet and was telling everyone how fine I was but man that had hurt! I was winded and my right knee had taken a massive knock. I felt shook up but jogged on immediately. In the confusion I'd also managed to rip my number off. I was having a massive low point and we wasn't even 20 miles in. As I entered La Contamines I'd already decided I was carrying on. If nothing else I just wanted that feeling of leaving the CP I hadn't managed to leave 1 year previous. The checkpoint was heaving, people were pushing and shoving, the tables were three deep with runners. It was mental. I restocked with water and then started on the coke. UTMB have started using soda stream style coke that they make themselves and it is truly awful. I love normal coke on a run, cheap coke will do but this stuff wasn't pleasant at all! My nutrition had taken a hit with the Voom bars not working, the Naak bars weren't very palatable either but Naak do a apple and maple syrup puree which had a weird twang but this stuff would work. I was also having the soup that they offer which is really just a stock cube in water. It is incredibly salty which is good and they had plain pasta that you can put in it so it was a mini meal. My nutrition plan now was 1 Gu every hour which I was carrying, a puree every hour and bulk up with soup, pasta and coke. The amount of people was doing my head in, I went out the back of the Checkpoint to sort myself out. It was now getting cold so I put on my arm sleeves and wind gillet, I pinned my number back on and had a look at my knee. It was bleeding but it just looked like skin missing plus the knock it had taken. I decided against getting it cleaned up as I had wasted enough time. I walked out before I had chance to change my mind. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKw_dGtMJgmGs4lnbiQ2kSTWKGzMwvOBaDFU_mNl8-97SfFF1m8Vosl_5nlbCBBhp7QHtGkB--HW9qea3wG-M1mtUGhN6nfRNMIoy6zSOiJ5DhRp1n3YRYA4IPGd6QHOI6hTiQZisRGrwqz9ZWfrk-WfQaB64KvhWwpnr8bux6iNb6HWZXMLQ9-v-UXk/s1191/utmb%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1191" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKw_dGtMJgmGs4lnbiQ2kSTWKGzMwvOBaDFU_mNl8-97SfFF1m8Vosl_5nlbCBBhp7QHtGkB--HW9qea3wG-M1mtUGhN6nfRNMIoy6zSOiJ5DhRp1n3YRYA4IPGd6QHOI6hTiQZisRGrwqz9ZWfrk-WfQaB64KvhWwpnr8bux6iNb6HWZXMLQ9-v-UXk/s320/utmb%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mont Blanc</td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I knew a massive climb lay ahead, I ran for the first few miles and there were supporters everywhere. They were screaming too, not just ringing a cowbell these people were loud! Then the trail suddenly rises this is the start of the climb to Col du Bonhomme. It was a clear night and I could see a snake of headlights far away and up to the sky. This is something I really don't like about the UTMB experience. You never feel alone, not just that but for the most part you are in a line of runners. The climb is relentless but luckily it is broken up by an aidstation at La Balme. It was now pretty cold and the higher we climbed the colder it got. By the time we reached the misty cloud it was freezing and windy. I put another layer on as the wind chill easily dropped below freezing. As we neared the top there was a guy just laying down. Everyone just passed him by. I had to stop and check on him and try and persuade him to move. He didn't understand me and looked like he had little intention of moving but he seemed ok. I left him, rejoined the conga and moved forward toward the summit. It was a massive relief to pass the Col and for a while the ground levelled but still climbed slightly through the mist to the highest point of Croix Bonhomme. Now I could descend and felt pretty strong finally reaching the 50k point at Les Chapieux. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was feeling pretty strong after the extremely sketchy start and was running well through the night. My plan was to arrive in Courmayeur in around 15 hours. However as the night progressed my desire to quit came to the fore again and by day break all I could think about was getting to half way so I could pack it in. It was a nice over cast morning so the temps were cool which was a real bonus but my mind was playing games. As I started the descent into Courmayer I was battling with my self once more, searching for reasons to continue. Ultimately I needed to get this done. (a) It would leave me 2-1 with UTMB and there is no way I could leave it on a DNF so I'd have to go through everything again. (b)The disappointment would be crippling and ruin the rest of my holiday. (c)I'm trying to raise money for a charity and a dnf isn't worthy of donations. (d)I'd bought a t-shirt and a mug for €50 ffs! The reasons to quit just didn't stack up except I was tired and bruised. I'd already come half way (nearly), it wasn't going to be pretty but if I left the Courmayer aid station I knew I'd just plod on and get it done. I ran into town and into the aid station. I'd arrived in 15 hours 15mins so bang on target really. It was rammed and hot inside, I found a space on an already over subscribed picnic table and emptied my drop bag. I opened my giant can of monster and downed it. Shoes and socks off, clean feet and fresh socks. Clean t-shirt, hat and buff. Restock gels and repack bag. It was obvious to me the next 100k was going to be slow so there was little point wasting time in here so I dumped my bag and set about re-fuelling, I still wasn't up to eating much but some soup and coke would be enough to get me on my way. I stood around just looking at the food but it wasn't going to happen, I needed to move on, commit to finishing and get out of here. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It was really quite hot and I knew this next climb up to Refuge Bertone was a tough one. I got my head down and cracked on. Funnily enough the Spanish lady from the start line had been on my table in the checkpoint and a guy who was obviously her crew had been helping her out. Well that man was now her pacer, I'm not sure how that works. As the climb wore on I happened to bump into John Knapp who was out hiking before his Tot Dret start in a few days. It was a real lift to see him although I was in a bad way. I was unable to hike up without having a break every other switch back. We chatted briefly before I pushed on. I reached Bertone and sighed a relief as from here there is a beautiful undulating section to Refuge Bonatti. You run along the hillside with the beautiful mountains off to one side. It is lovely. My running wasn't a thing of beauty and I was really slowing. I felt like I had no power in my legs and my quads were shot. I jogged along as it was fairly flat but the trail was super busy with hikers. I passed Bonatti and had it in my head that it was the big climb up Grand col Ferret now but no you have to drop down to Arnouvaz first. As I set off I knew this was a biggy and prepared myself mentally for the massive climb. It was relentless and took me ages. It does slightly flatten at the top and you can see the orange tent at the top from a fair distance away. I was exhausted though, my legs were wobbly and weak at the top. I think the altitude has a bad effect on your legs, the reduced oxygen just weakens you so much. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I wandered through the Col and the prospect of a 6 mile descent hit me. First off was La Fouly which is about 4 mile downhill. I really struggled all the way down and my legs were so weak and time was ebbing away. A quick pit stop and off I went again. I couldn't really remember the next bit but its a long steady descent before a climb to Champex lac. The descent is lovely and at the bottom there is a pretty village where luckily I had the fore sight to fill my bottles in the village because there is no checkpoint down there before another big climb. The climb to Champex lac is about 3 miles and by the top I was very tired. The light was fading now and although I wasn't really suffering with sleep demons I was starting to have problems with my thought process. At points I didn't really know what was going on and the course had confused me. I only remembered 3 big climbs to finish but that didn't include the climb I'd just done. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTQ_I4GJ7KP6Nk4OM2PrH4i2SM7wkHVmCZ665nhQULv6B7mKQa6EMhxW2obpkR0kQh3LhQQLRxj8f8rLDFaIRhxw2iayWoNA9pvMMLAcDT5EZm1a08ZcN09amk8pzGwKLh82cMGVUYqitTH1fMUFfeF-UGxkTxA7PiZGzSiwUHmKSrwxoXwXN0OvI0kI/s894/utmb%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTQ_I4GJ7KP6Nk4OM2PrH4i2SM7wkHVmCZ665nhQULv6B7mKQa6EMhxW2obpkR0kQh3LhQQLRxj8f8rLDFaIRhxw2iayWoNA9pvMMLAcDT5EZm1a08ZcN09amk8pzGwKLh82cMGVUYqitTH1fMUFfeF-UGxkTxA7PiZGzSiwUHmKSrwxoXwXN0OvI0kI/s320/utmb%204.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking the damage at half way</td></tr></tbody></table>It must have been about 8pm as I left and this was fast becoming a hike to the end. I was jogging super slow on the flat bits, walking the ups and my quads were in a state now so I was kind of half walking half shuffling the downs. One of the things I was shocked about was the amount of litter on the trail. This section was particularly bad, I understand that a few bits get dropped but there must have been a wrapper every 10 metres. I was soon through the next checkpoint which was at the foot of the next climb. I didn't relish this one as there is no Checkpoint until the bottom of the mountain the other side. I hiked up the side of the mountain and this seemed like the hardest climb yet. I was simply exhausted and the trail was strewn with sleeping runners. I was chatting to myself and trying to talk French to myself for some reason. I had slowed so much that I was forever pulling over to let people past. It was a weird atmosphere, very quiet but with loads of people in a line but silent . There was no escaping the conga just yet. The descent down the other side was no faster for me I was just doing enough to shuffle down and was relieved to reach Trient. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I left Trient very quickly, it was the only way to make any decent time although I was fairly sure I could get round under 40 hours still. Again I saw a crew member getting ready to pace a couple of runners. Bold as brass. I was slightly annoyed but really not my problem my concern was to get to Vallorcine. After a short flatish section the trail becomes very steep and for the first time I thought I might have a nap. I sat on a log and put my face in my hands, I closed my eyes for about 30 seconds and just jumped back up and carried on hiking. I actually wasn't as sleepy tired as I thought, probably just as well to crack on and get this climb done. The last one had taken about 4 hours to get up and over and this one was probably about the same if a little more. I was unable to run down at all now so the route down to Vallorcine was so slow. I was having this weird sensation of mild hallucinations and talking French to myself although I can't really speak French. I also felt someone was with me not in person but kind of in spirit. It was so strange even to the point I'm struggling to explain it. It was as though someone was there and we were chatting but I knew no one was physically there. Weird! Vallorcine was relatively quiet when I arrived and the conga had dispersed a bit. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">With just one climb to go it was best I hurried on. Vallorcine was not how I remembered it at all. I was having real concentration issues now but I seemed to remember just going straight up from the checkpoint but this wasn't the case. We went along the foot of the hills for what seemed miles and because the field had spread a bit I was having a real issue with where I was, where I was going and what I was doing. For a long period I thought it was a party I was holding and all the other runners were here for my party but I just couldn't work out why we weren't together. Every so often I would snap out of it and say aloud that I was in a race, I was going in the right direction and everything was fine. After what seemed an age of going along the foot of the hills we started going up. It was now daylight after two nights out and I pushed the hiking as hard as I could but after a while we started to descend again. It was a horrible descent to all roots and rocks. My legs were so blown it took me absolutely ages to negotiate this section. I was proper pissed off, I just couldn't move at any pace at all. As we rejoined another made trail we started climbing again. We finally left the trees and I could see Flegere at the top of the slope. A final push up the rocky path and we were at the summit and final aid station. It was about 39 hours now and had I been able to run I may have broke 40 hours but instead I shuffled and walked for the next hour and a half just to reach the bottom. Finally I reached the town but my legs were screaming, my feet were so sore I could barely walk and I was fatigued badly. It took everything I had to jog slowly into town and past all the crowds. Tony was there to cheer me on which was great and I rounded the last corner before jogging up the final straight and over the line. It was done in 40:47:22. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cEtu_Jn6-XNhIewEoLaA21_AEtR3oqWeBvH8Ekk32YQU_kuAMqsSpDxu_2-Ovdky-9YQuDnU55huUGVub54epI0oBPCp-mfFsJbAhY-wW01u884oSODQWg9ChnW7vPVCkaKhTK5CdEZUxsajJNCFCzQUd1ZNs1YY8z07WBYYUi8hJ9wqGp-iKJxDrWo/s894/utmb%205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="670" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cEtu_Jn6-XNhIewEoLaA21_AEtR3oqWeBvH8Ekk32YQU_kuAMqsSpDxu_2-Ovdky-9YQuDnU55huUGVub54epI0oBPCp-mfFsJbAhY-wW01u884oSODQWg9ChnW7vPVCkaKhTK5CdEZUxsajJNCFCzQUd1ZNs1YY8z07WBYYUi8hJ9wqGp-iKJxDrWo/s320/utmb%205.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end. </td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I sat in the hot sun and had a cold beer. I was relieved it was over and couldn't wait to have a nap which I did soon after my beer. I lay on the grass outside bag drop and grabbed 20 minutes. Heaven. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm very hard on myself when it comes to races, if everything goes well and I perform to the best of my ability I'm happy but when everything goes tits up regardless of the result I can't help but be disappointed. Both times I've finished UTMB I've had a rough time. I think the altitude has a lot to do with that. The lack of oxygen just weakens me and my muscles. I specifically work my quads out every week and they usually hold up but both times at UTMB they have blown. I'm writing this 10 days post race and my right quad still feels dead if I try and run. Also I was really lucky to get away with the fall I had. My knee took the full force of it. That was so close to being a race ender, again 10 days later and it still feels pretty weird when I run. There is no taking away it is a bloody hard race and I did do the NDW 4 weeks previous so you kind of reap what you sow. On the plus side my Plantar behaved, it was like a tightened bow string by the end but it behaved. Considering after UTMB last year one physio told me my running days were over I'm happy to prove that theory wrong. Although I'm not happy with my time and how the rest of my body held up I am happy it's done because I'm not going back. 2-1 and done!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">As for the whole UTMB juggernaut I think I'm done with that too. I love Chamonix week and will definitely return but not to run. I don't like the idea of commercial running organisations taking over. Its becoming less about the runners and running and more about how much money can be made from runners and running. There are a few organisations that I avoid and the UTMB grand finals has just joined that list. Plus I think I just like slightly more low key stuff. The crowds for the whole race completely done my head in. The start, the busy aid stations and the conga on the trail are all things I dislike. I've run races where I haven't seen another person for over 50 miles and finished races where the only two people at the finish are you and the Race director. I like that sort stuff. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-79647522873108471872022-07-20T12:46:00.001-07:002022-07-20T13:26:37.512-07:00The 3 Peaks Ultra<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">I ran the national three peaks on my 40th birthday a few years back. It was a truly magical day, I had clear summits and just about got around them in daylight hours. The worst thing about it was the driving. My wife and I shared it but it was a massive ballache. Roll forward a few years and I saw an advert for a race in 2022, The 3 Peaks Ultra. Run the 3 peaks but run between them. This just totally appealed to me and I said there and then, "I'm going to do that". Sure enough two years later I was on the start line. </span></div><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfseuL-JPfVMuR_yHJpY9WlMRVYj_aPSNwG195Z6PWdVwEEdl04FQ43Jd467qe_-RocrclkERulZjaH32Tfad2wyjQmKU61P7AkynMkvv4LJEUpMMA9h2A4u8eI7aOwk4-dninTIQKYrT5m2yTclqZKNqUuyrgQrNyBCxze7KpCx1HRJF7nXZWo4w/s4000/3%20peaks%201.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfseuL-JPfVMuR_yHJpY9WlMRVYj_aPSNwG195Z6PWdVwEEdl04FQ43Jd467qe_-RocrclkERulZjaH32Tfad2wyjQmKU61P7AkynMkvv4LJEUpMMA9h2A4u8eI7aOwk4-dninTIQKYrT5m2yTclqZKNqUuyrgQrNyBCxze7KpCx1HRJF7nXZWo4w/s320/3%20peaks%201.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So the format was a bit a weird one. Its a race but not a race. There is one main CP each day where you have to rest but you could set off at any point before 6am the next day. The race had been laid out to give us 10 days to complete and as long as you finished within 9 days you would beat the existing record for covering the 3 peaks on foot. The only grey area is how the record would be decided. Who would hold the record and how would they get it? I'd spoke to one competitor pre race who'd told me he was going to race off, ignore the checkpoints and go for the record. My thought was to just treat it as a holiday, forget the record, stick to the checkpoint times and have fun. Let's face it this was a multi stage race but just not called it for some reason. Another reason for taking it easy was the horrendous plantar fasciitis I had been suffering since the Arc. Just two weeks prior to this I had considered pulling out after a particularly painful 20 miler. I had been holding back tears of frustration and finally folded, conceding the 3 peaks wasn't going to happen. After a bit of coaxing I decided to toe the line and just see how far I could get. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 1 Fort William to Tyndrum 52 miles including Ben Nevis</u></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUlXfSKOX4ziOh03rZwwNoHLoUgjjxMZFePFbycw_KFhtoljMef-73GFwXj_V3-5SBYJ1FK5-Y4nJErYPP8EmnE8UDUTiuG8HaFA-fKmTSKbky_DCne6JveZFPLqb35KvQt7esKKdxG7AVizH4UWNvw1EY_xLhP13B88RO7g3R-KoblHEX-I00E-R/s4000/3%20peaks%203.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUlXfSKOX4ziOh03rZwwNoHLoUgjjxMZFePFbycw_KFhtoljMef-73GFwXj_V3-5SBYJ1FK5-Y4nJErYPP8EmnE8UDUTiuG8HaFA-fKmTSKbky_DCne6JveZFPLqb35KvQt7esKKdxG7AVizH4UWNvw1EY_xLhP13B88RO7g3R-KoblHEX-I00E-R/s320/3%20peaks%203.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">We met at the visitors centre at the base of Ben Nevis, 4.30am. A short brief from Mark the RD and we were ready for the 5am start. No bells, no whistles just a "go!" and we walked across the bridge which marks the start of the climb.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> Everyone resisted the urge to run we walked toward the first slope. I pushed on to the front and was walking with purpose with Mike Stevenson who I'd met the day before in my hotel. We chatted about literally everything and was in buoyant mood as the 5 mile climb quickly got eat away at. The climb up Ben Nevis is pretty easy and just a steady plod, the clear skies made the views spectacular. We soon reached the summit, the temperature had dropped and we were in the clouds.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR3cEkA26p7zY9idI60zrDCy1uPhGV9THQtzyg5LDK-k79KVEdc6SaY5RIfiHdoyKQ8E4GszCurMdkYwVAoA4EJWKj0JOKWI02yU2OMyO91uiALItJR0Se1TSLkRnzG8PzLSVV0lxCr0ANrg0CPgNF-crUskavoiXnDSEn9wFSGQW5fgU3-PUpDVr/s3264/3%20peaks%202.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR3cEkA26p7zY9idI60zrDCy1uPhGV9THQtzyg5LDK-k79KVEdc6SaY5RIfiHdoyKQ8E4GszCurMdkYwVAoA4EJWKj0JOKWI02yU2OMyO91uiALItJR0Se1TSLkRnzG8PzLSVV0lxCr0ANrg0CPgNF-crUskavoiXnDSEn9wFSGQW5fgU3-PUpDVr/s320/3%20peaks%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Across some snow patches and we summited, a quick photo before turning and starting the decent. After a few hundred yards Adrian Martin(another soon to be friend) came flying past followed by Chin Yong. I pushed a steady run all the way to the bottom. Nothing too much as I was super aware that I didn't want to get doms and have to try and recover from that. At the bottom Karen Webber was waiting with water and cheese pasties. A nice break after the exactly 10 mile mountain section was behind us. We walked on and joined the West Highland Way. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39kc16TGaJBfjlkgOGCJd_I1--nBCnR3q3JNOnfu_MwvdDliThD3_tjU6FRxtC8Iek0SkCaM68x67mvJ_MjOdg1PDJec4KEgC7EieRNF8XUag9XVPsZa_4dyhQxlUUsnqGnYqGmYklyS4f0e9tWbsgWvkHX_IastWaVB-3Cut-_D17kPgJPKDIWv1/s4000/3%20peaks%205.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39kc16TGaJBfjlkgOGCJd_I1--nBCnR3q3JNOnfu_MwvdDliThD3_tjU6FRxtC8Iek0SkCaM68x67mvJ_MjOdg1PDJec4KEgC7EieRNF8XUag9XVPsZa_4dyhQxlUUsnqGnYqGmYklyS4f0e9tWbsgWvkHX_IastWaVB-3Cut-_D17kPgJPKDIWv1/s320/3%20peaks%205.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">It was getting hot now. The weather had turned out lovely, hot sun and not a cloud in the sky. The climb back out from the visitors centre was quite hard and went on for a while but was through some glorious forest trail. We hiked up and over the hill and ran some of the most gorgeous trail I've been on. Stony paths running between mountains with streams and clear blue skies. Mike and I were still together and was running with Tim Wiggins and Trish Patterson. We were just about ready for a drink and some food when we started the descent into Kinlochleven. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheaQsoFXQI584k1ktKUuhGAFKFs7Ahi2Ts0W7fAqfclApTQ-azdw9006GB-Aa1fsUf0hdj1RKHBbl90Gs44ZcES2f0ZS3NIiDcyM_C4uixRs6epIY1JiG7p8EcbHbZc_kGi-ocF3cZQpOH8bmrU5PWRxReTAj6e_czU7m6mYT3pI57cFph2GnvYyb/s4000/3%20peaks%206.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheaQsoFXQI584k1ktKUuhGAFKFs7Ahi2Ts0W7fAqfclApTQ-azdw9006GB-Aa1fsUf0hdj1RKHBbl90Gs44ZcES2f0ZS3NIiDcyM_C4uixRs6epIY1JiG7p8EcbHbZc_kGi-ocF3cZQpOH8bmrU5PWRxReTAj6e_czU7m6mYT3pI57cFph2GnvYyb/s320/3%20peaks%206.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">We headed straight for the local co-op and filled up with water and food then doubled back through town and rejoined the trail. It was quite a climb back out of town and by this time I was really getting hot. The temperature was soaring, luckily I had my hat and arm sleeves. What I had noticed, Mike was a much stronger walker than me and could easily pull away on the ups whereas we were very even on the running although we were holding back and taking it as easy as possible. After a few miles we dropped off the hill and down the Devils Staircase toward Glencoe. In front of us stood Buachaille Etive Mor an absolutely jaw droppingly beautiful mountain. It literally blew my mind. I could not take my eyes off it. The sun was reflecting off the wet slopes, wow what a view. We ran along side the main road taking it all in and stopped again at the Kingshouse hotel, reloaded with drinks before hiking on up a very steady climb for an hour or more. The route dropped down to the Bridge of Orchy before the final 7 mile push to Tyndrum our destination for the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I arrived at around 7pm. I was feeling slightly like I'd had too much sun. 52miles and 11000ft of climb and I was actually very tired. Time for a shower and some food which consisted of a baked potato with cheese or beans. Mark really felt like he was spoiling us.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> The room was small and full of furniture, we all squeezed in making makeshift beds where we could. I slept under a table but it was a rough night as there was a lot of noise but I felt quite content as we'd beaten a very hard day . Mike and I had agreed to get up around 2am for a 3am start.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">13 hrs running for the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 2 Tyndrum to Milngavie 52 miles</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Trish who we'd run with on and off for the first day had asked us to wake her too so we could all set off together. I woke around 1.30 and even with loading my pack the previous evening I still managed to faff for the full 90 minutes to 3am. Eat four bits of jam on toast, drink two mugs of tea, pack and get out. I woke Trish about 2.30 and she was ready to go in no time. We left at 3. </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU8pE1nAdATYWxo7ILMNAVoKvBVODDPA5tp4bvPQKFZraR10jeWkZPeZ-JE1-mSYLkhpiWI8oF4I1Gtm6eIufXJ9SnQtRXHDnSH1FhH1i3r3zcz8KPVl0zFhK8vacwenCA7DfKn-nRkQJ-27_UmWZx8E3jz2j4wUtSYQuDAOw0_PdJcY9q5YomTki/s4000/3%20peaks%207.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU8pE1nAdATYWxo7ILMNAVoKvBVODDPA5tp4bvPQKFZraR10jeWkZPeZ-JE1-mSYLkhpiWI8oF4I1Gtm6eIufXJ9SnQtRXHDnSH1FhH1i3r3zcz8KPVl0zFhK8vacwenCA7DfKn-nRkQJ-27_UmWZx8E3jz2j4wUtSYQuDAOw0_PdJcY9q5YomTki/s320/3%20peaks%207.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I must admit I was feeling rough this morning. I'd had a horrible nights sleep with the endless hours of snoring and random pack sorting at all hours. I'd also been caught out with a bit of heat exhaustion. My quads were sore too from the previous days 11000ft of ascent. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A few other runners had gone already knowing what lay ahead. We walked out the door into the cool morning but my legs were not playing ball. Trish and Mike were able to walk so much faster than me. We were run walking but everytime we walked I had to push too hard to keep up. I decided pretty quickly I need to walk for a while to let them go so I could go back to running my own race. Back to basics, Walk the hills, run the flats and downs. As daylight arrived I was really suffering, my stomach twisted and my mouth filled with fluid. I started heaving over and over. I was fully going through the vomit motions with no actual vomit. It was very frustrating and equally tiresome. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This went on for a while but started easing after time, passing the early starters and having a brief chat with them was also quite nice and took my mind off the other issues. After 10k or so I reached a camp site and found a tap. A small reset to rest for a minute and fill my bottles. I unknowingly passed Trish and Mike at this point and pressed on. I was still feeling the slump as I reached Loch Lomond, nausea, my core temperature off the scale and my sore legs were the main problems. The terrain along the Loch was much more technical now and was very reminiscent of the South West Coast Path. It was time to slow down and pick my way through. Trish and Mike passed me again as we reached the Inversnaid hotel but no sooner had they passed Trish took a big fall. She had turned her ankle and it had cracked. She was lying on the floor holding her face half in pain and half in despair knowing this could be a bad one. We got her up and hobbled to the hotel for a re group. There was no food available but we were able to fill our bottles. Trish was just like yea it hurts but lets crack on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The trail beyond the hotel remained pretty knarly and was really demanding. Climbing fallen trees, sharp ups, steep downs and roots a plenty. I was still lumbering along and it was annoying me now, I made a decision that as soon as some decent trail came I was going to run, properly. I had been lucky so far as I had been shielded from the sun by the hills. The cool weather had helped me recover a bit from the previous days heat. The nice trail appeared just before Rowardeman and I stepped on the gas. I was 26 miles in for the day and I ran a few good miles. This spurred me on and made me feel a lot more positive. The halfway aidstation van was perfectly timed. No pasties but plenty of water and crisps. I followed the WHW all the way to Balmaha. I'd put in some solid miles but on arrival there I found Trish and Mike were already there. They had followed the road which had been much easier going. I'd just followed the gpx and not thought to follow the map. I carried on following the road until it split off up another hill and on to some nice runnable trail. Again I could have taken the road but just hadn't looked. This way was nice enough though. The trail into Millgavie was straight and flat and about 10k, I ran the whole way to the end. I couldn't find the route to the end of the WHW but eventually worked it out. Through the town and on to the check point. I sat down with a cold can of coke and was mighty relieved the day was over. It had been a big day and I was glad to get my head down. My plantar was behaving too which was a massive bonus. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">12 hrs 25 min</span><span style="font-size: large;"> running for the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 3 Milngavie to Beattock 63 miles</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After sorting my kit it had gone 9pm by the time I had laid down the previous night. Mike had come in just after me and we'd had a chat about leaving early for the 100k day that lay ahead. I woke just after 12 so I'd at least got 3 hours of broken sleep. I got my kit together, had my tea and toast and we set off at 1.30am. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There was no doubt I was walking to start today, we walked for a good hour stopping at a couple of garages for coffee and food. We weren't covering enough ground though and only just moving at 3 mph. I pretty much averaged 4mph the previous two days and that was my target. James Parsons and Cedric Touny passed us and we decided we ought to start running. We were just on the outskirts of Glasgow and due to hit the centre around 3.30am. I thought we may have encountered a few drunken groups and we did but we kept ourselves to ourselves and the only grief we got was someone shouting abuse from a window. I kept my head down and ran on. There was also a guy we passed, he had blood all down the front of him and had his fists firmly clenched. I made no eye contact and nor did Mike. Fifty metres later I said "Did you see that?" "Yea" was the reply. We started running again. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibd6xnw3SXdtLmMG-027Yiz10CAFazXZa2J7n7IW53WobhPhf_4nNdq1NYwKSK-0GaZkXW27Ug7XWKmXsDtOWGmRYXTMn9dLO9C26B-PXkDdacXhPy0yjGM0_qla4-LeXaY8IVsPWqI1oUKUlTaZDFQKLYNeZbdeIMoLsNUKuymEsTKAQMkarZrGX/s4000/3%20peaks%2015.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibd6xnw3SXdtLmMG-027Yiz10CAFazXZa2J7n7IW53WobhPhf_4nNdq1NYwKSK-0GaZkXW27Ug7XWKmXsDtOWGmRYXTMn9dLO9C26B-PXkDdacXhPy0yjGM0_qla4-LeXaY8IVsPWqI1oUKUlTaZDFQKLYNeZbdeIMoLsNUKuymEsTKAQMkarZrGX/s320/3%20peaks%2015.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a good run through the centre and caught James back up. No Cedric though, he had dropped with a leg injury as quick as that. Of the 32 starters about a dozen had dropped but most knew if they got through today they would probably be ok. James stuck with us and we ran walked our way right through Glasgow and its suburbs. It was probably about 20 miles or so to Hamilton and the built up areas became less and less. We were soon running down the side of a dual carriageway with a cycle path to one side. The route was undulating with quite substantial climbs but over a long distance. There were parts we were together and parts we were apart, it was as much as we could do to keep moving forward. If you had a good spell you ran, I put my foot down for a few miles but I soon felt crap again and the others caught me up. The heat of the day was really kicking in and there was no shade, the heat just radiated off the tarmac draining us more and more. At one point all three of us bonked at the same time. We were weaving all over, not speaking and moving very slowly. Endless miles of this torment passed by with the occasional wind turbine, pile of fly tipped rubbish or sun baked road kill to break the monotony. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Around 50 miles in Karen and Carl made an appearance and I raided the van for water, melted Jaffa Cakes and crisps but it was enough to keep me going. We walked for about 6 miles up the side of the road. There was no path and it was all uphill. After reaching the top, James had decided he was running and took off down the other side. Mike and I ran walked but Mike was flagging and had no running left in him. He looked like shit and hadn't been wearing a hat. I think the sun had took its toll. I decided to run on, I just need this day to be over. It hurt to run but I ran all the way to Beattock. I walked in the checkpoint a bit broken, there were no shops just a village hall. I ate a cheese sandwich but I felt sick. It had taken us nearly 16hrs. Time to rest. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">15 hrs 20 min</span><span style="font-size: large;"> running for the day. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 4 Beattock to Rosley 50 miles</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We were all hurting now. Blisters, swollen feet, shin splints and the like. I'd never seen so much K tape being used! Luckily for me my feet were fine. No blisters and my plantar was behaving and dare I say it, improving. My doms from day 1 was feeling ok too. My main issue was a swollen knee, it was completely full of fluid and impossible to bend. Strangely it didn't hurt though, just a bit unnerving. I think the previous days road running had caused it, I stuck a tube bandage on it and hoped for the best. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today was another long hard day but I figured if I got today done my chances of finishing were pretty good. It was another 3 hour sleep night and I was up at 12.30 for a 1.30 start. For a while now I haven't run races with other people and I tend not to buddy up. I find a sure fire way of messing up your race is running someone else's race. So if it happens it happens but I always have it firmly in my mind to stick to my plan. Mike and I had run on and off for the three previous days and would start this day together. I had no idea whether we would stay together or split up but Mike is good company so I was happy to roll with it for now. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtfZrEpJ4NpHGuPh5L6EjOxs6oIR--KHU2QEanWc7h-Ux4yFl9_XY8POeS5ce_GOKa2MAPKueu7r2CCQ_8HGWUjsZ9C0QbkhvJz94IOQYl11fdx58Nd1yAsq9Iig_hx52GjI9Xjoxhi4aX6QkHXCEnESi_y9YDc9bpet7-T876UPEHyT1myIDNuVN/s4000/3%20peaks%2014.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtfZrEpJ4NpHGuPh5L6EjOxs6oIR--KHU2QEanWc7h-Ux4yFl9_XY8POeS5ce_GOKa2MAPKueu7r2CCQ_8HGWUjsZ9C0QbkhvJz94IOQYl11fdx58Nd1yAsq9Iig_hx52GjI9Xjoxhi4aX6QkHXCEnESi_y9YDc9bpet7-T876UPEHyT1myIDNuVN/s320/3%20peaks%2014.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">It was dark as we left the village and no sooner had we started than we found ourselves walking up a main road again. We walked for about half hour and I was keen to get the legs moving and start running. Mike wasn't feeling it today, his blister hurt and he had a tendon issue in his ankle. After an hour of trying to get us running I decided I needed to trot on and get in my own head space to tick off some miles. A few short minutes later and I had lost Mike. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The next town was Lockerbie and it had really motivated me that I would find a garage and get some coffee. As I got closer I realised the town was off route. I either had to go into town or just push on. I had planned to be self sufficient every day so apart from water and had enough food for the day. I decided to bypass Lockerbie and hope I could find some water pretty soon. The main road dragged on and on. I checked the tracker and James was ahead and Trish behind. Both too far to catch up or be caught for some company. I was running out of water fast and there was nothing on this section, in fact I had to run all the way to the half way point at Ecclefechan. Just the name Ecclefechan had tickled me and its all I could think about as I ran into town laughing. Karen was at the far end of the village so I dived in the shop for a Red Bull then pushed on to meet the checkpoint van. I suddenly realised whilst eating my squashed Chia Bar that I hadn't seen Mike on the tracker. Karen confirmed he had dropped. I felt sad wondering that if I had stayed with him, would he have dropped? I came to the conclusion that he may not have, but it was a decision he made and probably would have made it if I had been there or not. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The road showed no signs of improvement as I headed toward Gretna, it was a dull carriageway, if pretty sketchy in parts. I turned a corner and all I could see in the distance was straight road. I was battling sleepiness at this point so decided to call home. I put my ear buds in and chatted to my wife for over an hour. It really perked me up, and certainly sorted the tiredness. I ran into Gretna Green and crossed the border into England, another milestone. Such small things can really change your day. I started running pretty well again and my next target was Carlisle. This next section of road was pretty dangerous, 60mph, busy, no path and lots of bends in the road. There was 10 miles to cover on this road and I was really cautious, constantly crossing sides or jumping on the verge. I had my hi-vis braces on and really felt I needed them. Carlisle came soon enough and I kind of mentally switched off thinking I was close to the CP. I actually had no clue where the CP was as the GPX often didn't go to them so I got Jacque to text me the address. I found a Greggs and bought a cheese pasty, it was actually worse than one of Karen's van temperature budget pasties. The cold Coke was nice though. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A quick Google check showed me the CP was another 7 miles. 7 bloody miles! The route left Carlisle and I was back on country lanes. It felt wrong though, I took a right then another right which meant I was heading back the way I had been coming from. The road signs backed this up and on closer inspection the GPX had taken me the long way. As I navigated the lanes my Etrex switched off and on before resetting my location to somewhere in Africa. I tried a reset and but it wasn't having it. I got a bit of signal on my phone, got google maps up and took a mental image of the route. It was enough to get me back to the finish and the end for the day. I sat and rested a while, surely we'd be in for some easier days now? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Rosley was a good base. Plenty of room and plenty of toast. We hadn't worked out what was happening the next day, all we knew was there would be two walking groups for Scafell. One going over at 12 noon and one at 3pm. I really wanted to get in that first group to maximise my rest on the other side. Then it was announced it would be first come first served. The first 10 runners to reach Borrowdale would go over at midday. </span></p><br /><p><span style="font-size: medium;">11 hrs 49 min</span><span style="font-size: large;"> running for the day. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW24YddEaCMyaAzJ-3wRk4KITQM_eBoMwB_G8kimsTkPrhijins5UmB9TJZwiS850nRZzjsYlLsm4DefPWOPbGGkqHV46RynORjT4CgtYaDCNUxnp-qVWAlyRrlFM2J258o85U4g1_viV3Sm96QLBhkm3lXFHMa0zqQY3IkFMPKpPzdVTu1gn9bW9P/s1536/3%20peaks%2013.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW24YddEaCMyaAzJ-3wRk4KITQM_eBoMwB_G8kimsTkPrhijins5UmB9TJZwiS850nRZzjsYlLsm4DefPWOPbGGkqHV46RynORjT4CgtYaDCNUxnp-qVWAlyRrlFM2J258o85U4g1_viV3Sm96QLBhkm3lXFHMa0zqQY3IkFMPKpPzdVTu1gn9bW9P/s320/3%20peaks%2013.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 5 part 1 Rosley to Borrowdale 25.5 miles</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was up at 12.30, mine being the first alarm to go off. I got straight in the kitchen and had my food before everyone got up. The kitchen was a picture, mess everywhere, spilt drinks, dirty cutlery and bin bag over spilling on to the floor. Our cleanliness skills had certainly gone out the window. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHRT7Qf7jW60RhPy8WZJsjHyw333JffgBOQUpoHAuDubTygCl_tdYNnDQJbPEbkFWEP9TSwOb_Mu1xVI-tIxeuR1YWrgdB0bDc5iD4fak4zvpm26bQXnmiFO3OJMxiRTMs93HdkjFni5WK-Eg90RKfL8or5HpcJrH6vSn2A5P1iMeBFWPhXRlT5O7/s4000/3%20peaks%209.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHRT7Qf7jW60RhPy8WZJsjHyw333JffgBOQUpoHAuDubTygCl_tdYNnDQJbPEbkFWEP9TSwOb_Mu1xVI-tIxeuR1YWrgdB0bDc5iD4fak4zvpm26bQXnmiFO3OJMxiRTMs93HdkjFni5WK-Eg90RKfL8or5HpcJrH6vSn2A5P1iMeBFWPhXRlT5O7/s320/3%20peaks%209.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">I was out the door and into the darkness at 1.15am. I felt pretty refreshed even after just 4 hours kip. Knowing the hardest running was behind me was enough to give me a lift today. I was running straight away but also trying to reacquaint myself with the nav on my watch, I'd ditched my Etrex after the malfunction but I just couldn't seem to understand what I was looking at. I was obviously very tired because this basic task was baffling me. I followed a distance headtorch for a while until I had sussed the watch out. The headtorch had been James'. I soon caught him as he was carrying a bit of an ankle issue but him being super competitive he was having none of it and just started running. I really liked James he was funny and good conversation, the miles started ticking by. We were running well when Adrian Martin caught us. I hadn't really known how to take Adrian. We hadn't got to know each other as he'd been running off so fast every day and was miles ahead of everyone. This time though he slowed up and ran with us. Turns out he is a cracking bloke too and we all hit it off. Plenty of banter made for a really enjoyable run. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The sun was was rising on another beautiful day, as we ran down the lanes the mountains of the Lake District were getting ever closer. Even with the undulating road we were running well, even managing to run a few hills. Coming into Keswick from the north is not a way I know and it was kind of fun trying to pick out the peaks from that angle. It was still very early as we got into Keswick and I knew nothing would be open so we just pushed through. We just had to follow the road down the side of Derwent water and the checkpoint was in Borrowdale at the other end. The views down the waters edge were spectacular. The early morning light made for some amazing pictures. We ran all the way to the institute and arrived around 7am. We had managed to run the marathon distance in just over 5 hours and no one was even there. Within 20 minutes Mark arrived and our names went to the top of the list to go over the mountain. We had till midday to chill out and get some food. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">5 hours 23 minutes for this section</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 5 part 2 Borrowdale to Langdale 14 miles</u></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bPz4PrawfhNydAt2mXNiyPW2WwLQbWcnt-ThOzonzQTC4Nfyy8E-KfNJptxL4PpgoFMX6qvy3Ibx8uqd4p2mZWO8sveTInBxeTCDPedRrRAF036aumUru-ZSgudZJrNgGz0MdctriF3nCMe3t22d7slD21sCkzbtkxcll8PLCVHVgs81gEuIV607/s2048/3%20peaks%2011.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bPz4PrawfhNydAt2mXNiyPW2WwLQbWcnt-ThOzonzQTC4Nfyy8E-KfNJptxL4PpgoFMX6qvy3Ibx8uqd4p2mZWO8sveTInBxeTCDPedRrRAF036aumUru-ZSgudZJrNgGz0MdctriF3nCMe3t22d7slD21sCkzbtkxcll8PLCVHVgs81gEuIV607/s320/3%20peaks%2011.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">At midday we were chaperoned down the lane, it was quite comical as I felt a bit like a school kid being told when to cross the road and when to wait. We were led to the end of the lane to meet our guide, Joe Faulkner. I must admit this was a strange part of the race for me as someone who is pretty experienced in the mountains to be led up and over Scafell Pike. Nothing we could do and we just had to roll with it. It had been a nervy time pre mountain as we had been warned if we looked tired or injured we wouldn't be allowed over. Well here's the shocker, we were all tired and a bit injured. We were literally hiding our ailments just in case. The only positive to that is we knew if we got over this no one could stop us climbing Snowdon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The walk up the corridor route is lovely and it was actually a great chance to catch up with Joe. We soon summited and another peak done. As we got over the other side it was hard to keep us all together with everyone itching to push on. A couple of the group were slower over the terrain and eventually we got to the point where the front group could push on and Joe held back to make sure the back runners were ok. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We headed down Rossett Gyll towards Langdale, time to open the legs a bit. Adrian shot off, I followed and James brought up the rear. We regrouped at the bottom before James shot ahead. I tried to keep with him but I was knackered, time to just jog it in and straight into the pub. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The hall tonight was roomy and I'd had a decent meal in the pub. With rain forecast and a short day ahead we could even plan a lie in but I knew that wouldn't happen. Once I'm up, I'm up. All in all I felt content and sleep came pretty easy. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgSyNzHLKk_eByGWaCgPLK0Bcu-IZ4T0O7LmnuJaLtRHIOhA8MgBEuFWAh1RZrZZe8mjAIgWRq8fviBqnTvNBOe16UmszmJPNqVVSlXrhbF3nXWkI-kbuHCUANBu1czeV38QWkU1Knw7OxcuWDDlJTlLStm1XCSk8CdohBkNprBBvHLfIAblyg--A/s4000/3%20peaks%2012.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwgSyNzHLKk_eByGWaCgPLK0Bcu-IZ4T0O7LmnuJaLtRHIOhA8MgBEuFWAh1RZrZZe8mjAIgWRq8fviBqnTvNBOe16UmszmJPNqVVSlXrhbF3nXWkI-kbuHCUANBu1czeV38QWkU1Knw7OxcuWDDlJTlLStm1XCSk8CdohBkNprBBvHLfIAblyg--A/s320/3%20peaks%2012.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">4 hours 41 minutes for the mountain section. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 6 Langdale to Carnforth 34 mile</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I woke around 2.30 am with the intention of leaving around 4 in the daylight. I could hear water and quickly realised it was pissing down outside, not only that but the roof of the hall was leaking, flooding the hall. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">James left really early as did a few others. I left with Trish around 3.30. Her ankle was still busted up and it had changed her gait causing her more pain. She was powering on though, absolutely no quit in her! Even being injured I knew she was a dead cert finisher. We went to step outside but the rain stepped it up a gear and was lashing down. I slipped on my £1 poncho and stepped out into it. I find the cheap ponchos are fantastic at keeping you bone dry including all my kit. We walked up the lane and I was just trying to keep my feet dry in the flooded lane. After a mile or so of chatting I was feeling good so decided to act upon it and start running. I said farewell to Trish and jogged on. I was feeling good this morning and was soon banging out a decent pace. I stopped and chatted with everyone I passed. Although I wasn't going to let this good spell pass unused so I was quick to keep on running. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I arrived in Ambleside around 5 and was devastated to find there was no where to get a coffee. A car pulled up and out jumped John Knapp, a good friend of mine who I'd first met whilst running the Northern Traverse. We walked up the road and had a good chat for 10 minutes until he was well and truly soaked through. This simple act actually made my day, the fact someone got out of bed to see me at 5am kept me smiling and motivated for the next few hours. Next up was Windemere, again no chance for a coffee but it is a lovely place. Beautiful houses and even more beautiful scenery. I was trying to choose which house I'd buy if I was mega rich, each one trumped by the next. As I started leaving the Lakes the sky started to break. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Adrian caught me and slowed to run with me. We pretty much ran the rest of the day together, all the way to Carnforth and beyond to a pub just short of the checkpoint. It was midday and we were done, we had a meal and slowly the others joined us. Cameron Humpries was there but had sadly been brought by car. His race was over due to some horrendous blisters. He would actually be the last person to drop. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxXmeUN0ps3WbrzYvwz3LMhw0CkCpztZhd7MRPYCH8bvZF41pcjaTMIol-dLYHvcqDqcyHcZ_Y49UV7R8FEsIRSoAovwEEGu3CqRmCsAJKjCQIVU1-IF6dS8WfMJ8evuk6nTRdkx9WTADsDbVltot4eisRc9RUO_yGcMyrfmvWud0DvZhY6tbAdxC/s4000/3%20peaks%2010.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxXmeUN0ps3WbrzYvwz3LMhw0CkCpztZhd7MRPYCH8bvZF41pcjaTMIol-dLYHvcqDqcyHcZ_Y49UV7R8FEsIRSoAovwEEGu3CqRmCsAJKjCQIVU1-IF6dS8WfMJ8evuk6nTRdkx9WTADsDbVltot4eisRc9RUO_yGcMyrfmvWud0DvZhY6tbAdxC/s320/3%20peaks%2010.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">Mark arrived in the pub and informed us the CP wasn't great. Well for him to say that it must be bad! We headed up there and he wasn't wrong, it was awful. It was actually just a changing room used by the local football teams. We claimed what space we could and mine was a bench just outside the showers. Others were in the corridor but James actually ended up on the toilet floor.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I'd been having problems sleeping, luckily the tiredness of each day had been enough to knock me out each night but the hard floors were killing my back and I was regularly waking in a lot of pain. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It had been a funny day and we could sense Mark being unsettled as we were smashing the days out so quick. Before we started no one thought this race would have more than a couple of finishers, some even said there would be no finishers. So Mark had definitely been expecting us to be down to a handful, not to still have 17 of us! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">8hrs 22minutes running today</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 7 Carnforth to Preston 29 miles</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today was to be our easy day for sure. Mark made it clear we didn't need to go too early as the CP definitely would not be open until 2pm. It just so happens I had the worst nights sleep yet. Half the night on the bench and half on the floor, my back was in real pain. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the build up to this event I'd done a 10 marathons in 10 days event to give me a feel for what the 3 peaks might be like. During it I had bad days on 2, 3 and 7. Well this morning I had woken and just felt terrible. Tired, hurting and moody. I just couldn't get mentally motivated. James had gone early again so Adrian and I swanned around letting time slip by. Around 5.30am we left, but half a mile up the road Adrian realised he had forgotten something and had to go back. I just ran on, I needed to get my head down today I was pretty tired and very grumpy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was mainly following the A6 today, long, straight, busy roads. Most of it was pretty safe although I had to have my wits about me. However just after Lancaster the road split and the path disappeared, this was a really fast bit of dual carriageway. I picked up the pace down the road and ahead was a bridge where the two lanes went to one before going to two again. This was really sketchy and as a gap in the traffic appeared I legged it as fast as I could to get under the bridge and out the other side. I made it before the next wave of traffic came hammering through. This was definitely the most dangerous part of the whole event, worse than any mountain!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Adrian caught me and we soon caught James who was struggling with his foot. We didn't have an aidstation today so dipped into Garstang for some food. We stopped at a sandwich bar and no veggie option. I ended up with a coffee and a can of Coke. The coffee was awful and the Coke was warm. As the others tucked into to their food a little red mist descended over me and I stormed back in the shop, pushed to the front of the queue and demanded a cold can. It was at that moment I realised I was being a grumpy asshole. Those poor girls must have thought who is this dickhead. I'm not good when I'm tired. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We carried on along the A6 with me just wanting the day to end and before I knew it we were at the pub marking the end of the day. I had a massive all day breakfast and felt a lot happier. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">The checkpoint was loads better today and almost comfortable with cushioned seats to lay on. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">There was a little uncertainty on how the event would end. The original plan had been a guided walk up and down Snowdon but that wasn't going to work because at some point someone would sprint off to claim the record. Then it was proposed that there would be a race from the foot of Snowdon on the final day at 4am. So the basic idea was to carry on in stages but make sure you were at the foot of Snowdon at 4am on the last day for a 10 mile shoot out. Well I must admit this didn't impress me. I'm ok in the hills but I'm not the fastest and although the record wasn't on my radar it would be nice to have a shot at it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was almost comfy on the cushioned seat and lay back pondering how this would end before dropping off pretty quickly</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">6 hours 23 minutes running today. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 8 Preston to Runcorn 35 mile</u> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I felt a bit better this morning, I woke at 3am and even the band that had kicked off about 9pm the previous night hadn't disturbed me too much. I left at 4am and was running straight away. I was running through a lot more built up areas today which provided a bit of a change. It was still main roads but the sun was shining, I'd slept ok and my back felt ok. I was able to run for a good 10 miles before I started to flag. Luckily I was running bits with Adrian and it was good to chat and put the world to rights. The miles were ticking by and we passed through the Rugby towns of St Helens and Widness. I decided to have a walk as I was having a energy dip. I used this time to ring my wife, my brother and my buddy Scott. We had a long chat about nothing in particular but it really perked me up. Scott thought it was hilarious that I kept taking wrong turns. I was trying to run, navigate and talk. No sooner I hung up on Scott my son rang me. Today was a good day. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8yb_gKJvi_6WELyCQ46yBxm91MYCS3ZaSbz6nw5a8BUh7eRyih4Y_M6C6Zgmk4cgqlCMbccb_ebCD5ShM-gDqoXqsMOrErGmQEzI9o2dV0F6ap1Ayf8w9c-dZ4LRIP093-qgtngVISQ4B-R7LeJn3fSUAIpsXjJwFpJELaSuUln1hKhQ-8uyst0r/s4000/3%20peaks%2021.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8yb_gKJvi_6WELyCQ46yBxm91MYCS3ZaSbz6nw5a8BUh7eRyih4Y_M6C6Zgmk4cgqlCMbccb_ebCD5ShM-gDqoXqsMOrErGmQEzI9o2dV0F6ap1Ayf8w9c-dZ4LRIP093-qgtngVISQ4B-R7LeJn3fSUAIpsXjJwFpJELaSuUln1hKhQ-8uyst0r/s320/3%20peaks%2021.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">When I finally managed to get off the phone I was back running with Adrian as we crossed the rather magnificent Runcorn bridge and on to our next stop for the night Frodsham. We found a pub and sat in the sun having dinner and drinks. We moved on to our hall for the night, it was small but ok. There had been a lot of chatter between Mark and Lindley and it was obvious they were hatching a plan for the final push. Sure enough when the last runner was in Mark got us together to let us in on it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The original plan had been a 35 mile day 9 and a 45 mile final day followed by the guided walk over Snowdon. The checkpoint at the end of day was to be in someone's garden and the sleeping area was to be a couple of tents. Nobody had factored in the chance that there would still be 19 runners left and we would all need to fit into the tents. So the new plan was that the last two days would now become one. A 3am start, an 80 mile day with a single aidstation at the house in Denbeigh. The race was finally on, this was more to my liking as I now stood a chance. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">7 hours running today</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Day 9 Frodsham to the Finish in LLanberis 80 miles and 10000ft of climb</u></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Today was different, we were actually going to race and I was up and about at 1.30am. We lined up at the door of the hall at 5 to 3, Karen done a head count to make sure no one had snuck off and at 3am swung the doors open. Considering we'd done so much mileage the front pack shot off pretty fast. Me, James, Adrian, Chin and Andy were that pack. We headed out on some flat uninspiring trails around Ellesmere port. After a few miles I realized I couldn't carry on like this or I'd blow up for sure. Andy and Chin carried on while James, Adrian and I eased back slightly and as soon as we hit the main road I stopped at the first garage I saw to grab a Red Bull and that split us up. I could see Chin in the distance running down the middle white line of the 60mph road, there were cars on the road and I was unsure on his thought process but it looked pretty dangerous. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxDchRL92pPuAM0BwhwzGdixa_HlX-V8apK0L7BjRTSJYj8CMM3vVX2BVh9piJEgbLIwJLvbzSupATsPlmMZzB_Lw4PEOzyb_HNtWbnPgcVtbSo9Udnh5ocgSUaZ2jrd8F4V_Ny8zI11MQxJvJmWZljjcjRiK-z-KnN2aT-hdrzqfKDDTUW0xWqeL/s4000/3%20peaks%2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxDchRL92pPuAM0BwhwzGdixa_HlX-V8apK0L7BjRTSJYj8CMM3vVX2BVh9piJEgbLIwJLvbzSupATsPlmMZzB_Lw4PEOzyb_HNtWbnPgcVtbSo9Udnh5ocgSUaZ2jrd8F4V_Ny8zI11MQxJvJmWZljjcjRiK-z-KnN2aT-hdrzqfKDDTUW0xWqeL/s320/3%20peaks%2020.jpg" width="320" /></a>We were treated to some beautiful views off the bridge at Shotten just as the sun was rising but beyond that it all got very samey again. Just long straight undulating back lanes. I checked the tracker and saw the other three were quite a way ahead. Adrian and I passed the marathon distance in around 4 hrs 30 but he really wasn't feeling it today so I started to push on. I soon pulled away but for the first time a couple of niggles reared their ugly heads. A blister by the ball of my foot and some mad ankle pain right at the front. I had to take some some pain relief, energy wise I was good, good enough to run anyway. After a few more miles I eventually caught Andy 5 miles short of Denbeigh. We chatted briefly before I moved on, hoping to catch the other two. I ran solid all the way to the aidstaion. </span></p><p><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-6KUfRLhYnYT8sxqJfme1RDhaH9IdwnN5vio4c9D-evYn62JEmz0nR6l2LUz7JGeFKYMavkFCXSXaylMIqhuGVyJJ7yiJ8q4NJje6oXt-j4JqhNdw-0KBo4nV8JR0KWtCyBxqJzQw_utuH_k8OHhn6S0pX6wGezeTYWjj61-ka0HpEPv93E0HwR9/s4000/3%20peaks%2019.jpg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-6KUfRLhYnYT8sxqJfme1RDhaH9IdwnN5vio4c9D-evYn62JEmz0nR6l2LUz7JGeFKYMavkFCXSXaylMIqhuGVyJJ7yiJ8q4NJje6oXt-j4JqhNdw-0KBo4nV8JR0KWtCyBxqJzQw_utuH_k8OHhn6S0pX6wGezeTYWjj61-ka0HpEPv93E0HwR9/s320/3%20peaks%2019.jpg" width="320" /></a>The aidstation was actually Vic Owens house and as I arrived Chin was just leaving and James was gone. I didn't hang around. There was an amazing spread she had laid on but I just had Coke and a donut, I loaded my mountain kit, filled with water and left. As I left Andy arrived. I could now make out the mountains of Snowdonia and they seemed so close, I kind of forgot it was still 35 miles to Llanberis and kept kidding myself I was nearly there. The lanes had now become really hilly, big ascents followed by big descents. This was killing my ankle and the pain was absolutely searing, the downs were so painful. I checked the tracker and James had made about 6 miles on me. This would be unsurmountable unless he had a disaster. Chin was about 4 miles and Adrian 2 miles back. I was still going to run hard in case the two ahead blew up but I was running out of water fast and I hadn't seen anything since Denbeigh. Eventually I came across a tiny village shop and even they had no water, I had to make do with Coke and energy drink. That didn't help my thirst for long and I soon had to message Karen to find out where I could get some water. A message came back that Byron would be at the next village with water. I was 50 mile in now and roughly 9hrs 15 for the day. Llanwst was more of a town but I disregarded all the shops hoping I could pick up some time, I raided Byrons motor of food and water and carried on. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWtZ2f6bL1P--cO7dTN_-M8JXMrrao0E3f4XDd0gUi16_gr7zwV-dHEaMtPPymRVyhkd2aNRoftCE10Woh3g86BghghK7iYFz5rEJaruDICw_VcOrkaoqaySdK0MdPGDgAxwDHfM4u7LvHGPFIDC7Bl-NP2A5W59D0UBysbc-P3lL7vakiMz6UNUl/s3264/3%20peaks%2018.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWtZ2f6bL1P--cO7dTN_-M8JXMrrao0E3f4XDd0gUi16_gr7zwV-dHEaMtPPymRVyhkd2aNRoftCE10Woh3g86BghghK7iYFz5rEJaruDICw_VcOrkaoqaySdK0MdPGDgAxwDHfM4u7LvHGPFIDC7Bl-NP2A5W59D0UBysbc-P3lL7vakiMz6UNUl/s320/3%20peaks%2018.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I had finally reached the foothills around Snowdonia and took the chance to walk for a while up through the beautiful Gwydyr forest. The climb actually went on for ages before reaching a small pass and a long descent which I ran hard for well over a mile. It made my ankle scream with pain, how could some much pain come on in such a short space of time! To quote a MMA phrase it was time to bite down on my mouth piece and just run. I got on the A5 and I knew where I was, bloody miles from Llanberis! Moel Siabod was towering high up to my left shrouded in cloud and as I made the turn toward Llanberis the wind just hit me. It was hammering along the valley floor. It's almost straight along to Pen y Pass and straight from there to Llanberis so there would be no escaping the wind. I couldn't see anyone ahead or anyone behind which was a good job because running was near impossible in the wind. Snowdon summit looked very angry and I could only imagine the wind up there. After what seemed like ages I reached Pen y Pass. Again as soon as I was over the pass I was flat out down the other side. My memory told me I wasn't far but I can tell you it's a long hill. In the end the pain in my ankle was so severe I had to walk the last mile into town. I had totally run out of water again so had to pass the start of the tourist path and run to the finish to fill up. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzCAUmo3Y3Dfr5uAzARWaxBzPjqmF34xOCv3GVQb23cv4tHmvlvl2hAp0ytS0MSHEkApk3aHRcYh4Dsj1f2cM265W9iCnU7ko79VwWuX3kv75NNHtCnXD2oLGisa8a9rX7WytNpS26B6l3QT0hWaUokpb09yVOfeZnFjVcuJxh6jJ4Btg17iYrySJ/s4000/3%20peaks%2017.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzCAUmo3Y3Dfr5uAzARWaxBzPjqmF34xOCv3GVQb23cv4tHmvlvl2hAp0ytS0MSHEkApk3aHRcYh4Dsj1f2cM265W9iCnU7ko79VwWuX3kv75NNHtCnXD2oLGisa8a9rX7WytNpS26B6l3QT0hWaUokpb09yVOfeZnFjVcuJxh6jJ4Btg17iYrySJ/s320/3%20peaks%2017.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I was definitely going to be third now as the other two were so far ahead. I jogged to the start of the climb and started the hike up. About half a mile up I saw James coming down, I congratulated him on a race well run. I saw Chin about half way up and again congratulated him. I could see the summit was raging so stopped to put my coat on and my buff round my head. It really was blowing a hooley at the top so I quickly summited, grabbed a pic and headed back down. I jogged back down and bumped into Adrian. We greeted each other but I couldn't believe how close he was so from that point I sprinted down the mountain like it was a fell race. I saw Andy, Ricardo and Robert on the way down and we all congratulated each other. Finally I was at the bottom and touched the station wall. It was over, my 3 peaks had taken 8 days 14 hours 35 minutes and unofficially the 3rd fastest time ever. Also 16 hours for the 80 mile day. I just sat down with my medal and a stupid grin, what a cool adventure and a life goal ticked off. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6ZfuO-FRMEQjrV6SSnnBcHwPdEeIoZNsN8F3IyAngTg-RyCNS3uIhLShagujAVDBBvOIUzxddxeuXySxOS3s69WiqjoDaKP9LwHXoEtNQRqLYVFjhfQURCu3pppOXTNSrHpKEDNvtoHvWOJHqk2XL3fSo1oYw4v1cFLg3t73bBhTEB3hONWXFbWc/s4000/3%20peaks%2016.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6ZfuO-FRMEQjrV6SSnnBcHwPdEeIoZNsN8F3IyAngTg-RyCNS3uIhLShagujAVDBBvOIUzxddxeuXySxOS3s69WiqjoDaKP9LwHXoEtNQRqLYVFjhfQURCu3pppOXTNSrHpKEDNvtoHvWOJHqk2XL3fSo1oYw4v1cFLg3t73bBhTEB3hONWXFbWc/s320/3%20peaks%2016.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;">I loved the adventure and this is what it was for me. Just a fun adventure with some great individuals. It was tough in parts but not overly hard. James did fantastic but he would be the first to admit its a pretty soft record and easy pickings for the right person. We did have a lot of rest after all! I also think if Mark put it on again it would be a whole lot harder. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Massive congrats to all the other finishers and everyone who toed the line especially James and Trish the male and female FKT holders. Also thanks to Karen, Byron, Pete and Carl who gave up their spare time to help us achieve this. Biggest hats off goes to Mark, without him putting on this sort stuff ultra running would definitely be worse off. </span></p><p><br /></p>Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-14625544606034313182021-09-25T06:33:00.009-07:002021-10-05T12:03:11.912-07:00Ultra Trail Snowdonia 165<p> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPUs8BtrRJsWIA_vYD94dmJBn_FBqfNHUSQR_vQpzkpqVBUvJvFVeA0XwO7m8pcLpErQ_eERrjhrOoUfbREOazevhCjRRNKvunPgarKmYBU7p5uQ53P8OOE8vd-K4TI4fzHQzr8E8X0s/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPUs8BtrRJsWIA_vYD94dmJBn_FBqfNHUSQR_vQpzkpqVBUvJvFVeA0XwO7m8pcLpErQ_eERrjhrOoUfbREOazevhCjRRNKvunPgarKmYBU7p5uQ53P8OOE8vd-K4TI4fzHQzr8E8X0s/" width="180" /></a></span>As UTMB drew closer the uncertainty was doing my head in. Would we be able to travel? Will the race be able to enter other countries? Will it even go ahead? Will it get cancelled and I lose my hard earnt place for ever. A pandemic makes racing tricky, it makes travelling to a race even trickier. As soon as UTMB stepped up and offered deferrals to 2022 I was on it. Deferred. That left a gaping hole in my race calendar. Ultra Trail Snowdonia sat just 2 weeks after UTMB, It is an Ultra Trail World Tour Event and in one of my favourite places. Since my Bob I've been considering a Paddy round but was still yet to recce as my three previous attempts to recce had been scuppered by the weather. So what better opportunity, enter the UTS165, get to experience some of the Paddy terrain and take part in a badass race. I was in. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH4ATWPzRz5ApaKBnlnihq0tUSHl7J0EGkzWu1mGsIYHmrkkT80Zf9ELVzoMbBPLz_lsClKvFCFV28hulqvdY8rqc7MXTcFf2lbNQ-Vs_KXi8yTIevZEc0C9WqauqOr9EjQqQjRMj7OM/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH4ATWPzRz5ApaKBnlnihq0tUSHl7J0EGkzWu1mGsIYHmrkkT80Zf9ELVzoMbBPLz_lsClKvFCFV28hulqvdY8rqc7MXTcFf2lbNQ-Vs_KXi8yTIevZEc0C9WqauqOr9EjQqQjRMj7OM/" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />As we crossed the A5 from the campsite towards the start my mind wandered, thinking about how I'd been told by a couple of friends how hard the 50 mile race had been a few years previous. Both had expressed to me what a complete hellish experience it had been. I mean how hard could it be? I've done hard races, what would make this different? I was about to find out. It had rained solid for 5 or so hours prior to the 11am start, luckily it had stopped for now and with little fuss or excitement we were given the GO and sent on our way. <br /><br /><br />The start is right at the base of Moel Siabod and after a couple of hundred metres of jogging we were hiking. It was a steady up and I chatted briefly with Drew Sheffield (a previous winner of the race) and Mark Collinson who I bump into at all the major UK events. Both previous finishers and both gave me glimpses of what lay ahead. After an hour of steady climbing we summited but instead of following the natural path we veered off and started a long and knarly descent. We skipped over rocks, slid on our arses and tried desperately not to fall over. The pace was hard, hard for a first descent, the views were stunning. I stopped to take a couple of pics. This was fun. After the first steep section things levelled out slightly and we entered some forest and followed an undulating path at last feeling like I could run a bit. I looked at my watch and we were just 5 miles in which had taken about 2 hours. I won't lie I was feeling it. We rolled into cp1 for a well earned drink. I needed my coke fix. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3gs__cfR45Ws6f2Ki02QYgYJhoo5BC8vmp7h_yTv3j_udEbjDECfFc_13aGd_Uzr-Ez5uE7-CVLhBXDc6xsfJwHu7nEgBK1GNy302D8A9jj8d8xh71M61WtM_UsoY-Og1YnrJVZkVU0/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3gs__cfR45Ws6f2Ki02QYgYJhoo5BC8vmp7h_yTv3j_udEbjDECfFc_13aGd_Uzr-Ez5uE7-CVLhBXDc6xsfJwHu7nEgBK1GNy302D8A9jj8d8xh71M61WtM_UsoY-Og1YnrJVZkVU0/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Leaving the Cp I joined the road which led into a forest track it was steady up hill and I hiked the next mile or so until the track went straight up into the thick woods. The area beyond had been heavily forested and there was mud a plenty. It climbed steeply to the top before the steady run down through the amazing derelict quarries. The humidity was very high so far, I was really sweating one out. My water was running out fast and I was feeling uncomfortable. We soon reached Ffestiniog and civilisation. Dan Milton was there and it was good to chat and rest for a bit. I had been on the go for about 3 and half hours and a half marathon in. Dan said "see you at 100k", it actually felt a million miles away. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq7Hix7YtEoovOKksJaoQymC4fWvau2AMH8PVw59d8pJL5ijSpqffthIh6lFDqJpNI22hJk_15KhnYQj7yzaM8NWHn66Love6YfLVE6ZszQIQJh_sFa6Uixbd-Q_CaYrq4-vr_boJSag/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFq7Hix7YtEoovOKksJaoQymC4fWvau2AMH8PVw59d8pJL5ijSpqffthIh6lFDqJpNI22hJk_15KhnYQj7yzaM8NWHn66Love6YfLVE6ZszQIQJh_sFa6Uixbd-Q_CaYrq4-vr_boJSag/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">I was still so hot, my internal thermostat was stuck on full and I couldn't get cool. I walked<br /> with my coke and half a cheese sandwich just to try and regulate myself. I was carrying a lot of calories for this race. I'd figured I'd potentially be out for 40 hours max so I carried 20 items of 100 calories for the first 50 miles then I'd pick up another 20 at half way to get me through. I had a main stay of gels but also had a few bars, my plan was to have 100 cals every hour then top up with a further 200 or so every checkpoint. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczFiDEc_opk3s9n8WO04tmpcjJ0W1wL-ALey-YihMLvaWoaqdYo6ITCRAt5DKCxTqkm5W8hk_u2uFMLCzcpf367pA2yIORGN8hnT7_yUs_4bsiCbWwuDRL2cmu145AQTNY_2yesjoziI/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczFiDEc_opk3s9n8WO04tmpcjJ0W1wL-ALey-YihMLvaWoaqdYo6ITCRAt5DKCxTqkm5W8hk_u2uFMLCzcpf367pA2yIORGN8hnT7_yUs_4bsiCbWwuDRL2cmu145AQTNY_2yesjoziI/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I spent much of the next section leap frogging with other runners, a long steady climb over grassy non descript terrain, lots of bog, tussocks and disused quarrying sites. We reached a point and the guy I was alongside said we had about a mile descent that was really runnable. I just opened up and sprinted down just to keep my legs turning over properly. I grabbed some coke at the next cp and moved on up the very tough climb of Cnicht. It went on for ages and was incredibly misty at the top. We were now about 19 miles in and I was pretty tired. 5 hours had passed. Now Cnicht was done I thought that I'd actually be able to do some running. How wrong could I have been. I soon found myself alone for the first time. I followed the gps track closely. The group I had walked behind up the mountain had surged ahead. I desperately tried to get my heart rate down before trotting on. The next few miles were ridiculous. Every step was into a potential bog. Massive holes in the bog were scattered everywhere where previous runners had pulled themselves out. I was so careful knowing I could get swallowed up by the muddy mess at anytime. I reached a sharp left turn on the grassy trail. Easily missed as the markings were a bit far apart. I took the turn but the group from earlier had not and soon came running up behind me again. As we started to descend runners were appearing from all sides. All had obviously missed the turn in the mist. It was a slog even on the down basically just bog hopping. After about 2 hours of hard bog running and just 10k covered I reached a road. I was in shock, that section had blown my mind. I passed a guy on the road as I trotted along he had obviously gone into the bog upto his chest and looked really pissed off. I reached CP4 and started to refill my long depleted bottles. I needed water badly. The bog guy from the road promptly stripped his pack off and declared he was out. I couldn't blame him. A marathon covered in 7 hours. The aidstation was in the middle of nowhere like most of the others. Being that there was no death bus or phone signal for that matter it was just best to carry on because there was no way out. The race guide had given a phone number for a random taxi firm if you dropped. Not sure how that would have worked out? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiptzhHCL8LyaoM_Ks_M4wnD6DHVx3Bmi48ETc1thJvTM6WM7ont6Dl6qLm3x8wfJqOHZ38Xm9DbfiLL7xeDsLDK-gDvjjpIJEKQTq5RcH6I7ssSnsxXLrsRhg5iZ-e7_4ei4yNyUhOic/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiptzhHCL8LyaoM_Ks_M4wnD6DHVx3Bmi48ETc1thJvTM6WM7ont6Dl6qLm3x8wfJqOHZ38Xm9DbfiLL7xeDsLDK-gDvjjpIJEKQTq5RcH6I7ssSnsxXLrsRhg5iZ-e7_4ei4yNyUhOic/" width="180" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I worked through the race in my head. 7 hours for the first quarter then maybe 8, 9 and 10 for the subsequent 3 quarters would have me back under 40 hours, eating pot noodles and drinking tea. Easy. I was having a second wind as I marched up the stepping stones towards Pen-y-pass. A left turn and a nice jog along the sedate miners track. The miners track turns right but of course we turned left up the massive rocky climb. The light was fading when started on the ridge of Y Lliwedd. It's high, rocky and exposed. The mist had dropped, the rock was wet and it was maximum concentration. There were other runners up there and for the first time I was feeling a chill. I had seen Mike and Alice Sheldon earlier in the race, they were looking incredibly strong and had shot off early, I caught up with them on the ridge and we crossed the ridge together. Eventually I had to stop, layer up and dig out my head torch. As I scrambled across to the end of the ridge I was supposed to pick up the Watkin path and to my left Mike and Alice were climbing down what seemed the wrong route. I carried on forward following the random markers in the thick mist, drizzle and darkness. Eventually I found the path but none of the previous 50 mtrs of rock climbing had felt right or easy. The others that had climbed down were long gone but I was now on a definite path which after a mile or so got very runnable and by the bottom I was running full pelt and relieved to be able to open up a bit again. I ran all the way in the darkness to CP5. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JA2l2wVNu8wO9S7wHn0R4ZUGZ_CvHpM4ST6VuHZ7ysnD5A4dTrO9d09-MIANP8_JhZKI23MLfy34CnDI5K18UaQZqwjYX2KPuvFI9j3HqiI2iySApN_-hYKMWjXAXHuAtbp6GbzyNco/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JA2l2wVNu8wO9S7wHn0R4ZUGZ_CvHpM4ST6VuHZ7ysnD5A4dTrO9d09-MIANP8_JhZKI23MLfy34CnDI5K18UaQZqwjYX2KPuvFI9j3HqiI2iySApN_-hYKMWjXAXHuAtbp6GbzyNco/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Walking along the road with my now standard plain cheese sandwich and third cup of coke I contemplated what might be ahead. I felt like I had run a hard race already yet we were only 35 miles in. What more could this race throw at us. I had a really bad back ache at this point which was coming from a long standing work injury that I've hoped and prayed I can keep away from my running. Only time will tell on this. The next 10k was fairly easy, maybe only a 1000ft of climb but some quite runnable bits and a nice trail along a river. This took us to Cp 6 at Beddgelert. From memory Beddgelert cp was inside. I wandered about filled with water, drunk coke and just headed off. Not a proper stop at all. As I left an aidstation member said "quick stop, impressive" as I wandered off I couldn't fathom what they had meant. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLuot9tN3FHHHL3LUYuYKfQlGYEdeTIAS0zqogMTJ5i-VqHH9qDUnWjzvKrXNaCE_gcEEib2TGWN1KENdu_1ThnebV-48jgufy39csP6pnqJG063RpjFw0POBTit1K1wnjbZQBdraSjI/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLuot9tN3FHHHL3LUYuYKfQlGYEdeTIAS0zqogMTJ5i-VqHH9qDUnWjzvKrXNaCE_gcEEib2TGWN1KENdu_1ThnebV-48jgufy39csP6pnqJG063RpjFw0POBTit1K1wnjbZQBdraSjI/" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a steady incline out of the CP and before long there was a sign for Moel Hebog. <br />The climb up Hebog killed me. It was steep and went on forever. As I reached the top the weather was shocking. Steady rain, mist and a cold breeze. I was tired too. Visability was shit and it was about 2am. Chin up though. The route went up and down two further peaks. The wet rock was really pissing me off now. This had really got hard. I dropped down again to find a couple of marshals in the middle of nowhere. I think they had been placed to provide emergency water although I didn't recall any water being there. I climbed back up a slope again only to join a really dodgy rocky ridge line. I was tired and and a tad confused. I followed the markings but the route was so unclear I couldn't believe this was the way. A couple of guys had joined me but we were having communication issues due to all of us having different first languages. We reached a point and could actually see no way through. We climbed across massive wet rocks all of us falling several times. This was getting silly. I was aware in the mist we were very high, very exposed and there was large drops either side. A massive boulder blocked our way and to the side of it was a flat slab maybe a metre by a metre. Tadeusz got on it first and slid off the other side, then Chean did the same. Before I knew it and against my better judgment I was on the slab. It then occurred to me it was a sheer drop directly to my side, I was on a slippy slab with a drop off one side. What the hell was I doing? Why wasn't this bit marked? Where were the guides to get us beyond this point? The guys sensed we had put ourselves at risk and help me forward. I must say I was pretty pissed off at this point. 3am in the rain and mist, not a clue where we are going and in potential danger. I couldn't help thinking about the poor guy who had lost his life at the TDS not three weeks before. We threaded our way through the rest of the rocks before reaching some solid ground. Just before the summit of Y Garn we turned off and descended on a normal ish path. We eventually reached the halfway point around 5am. I was determined to pull out, I'd had enough. On reaching the Cp I grabbed my drop bag and went and sat inside. I needed a rest and to get my head together. <span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXVT-4brtQoh1nwnn9JxOESVD4zJaOUcuyeEcRl4wEiHwCz7RjKbpCxLwTkGseZ0fGLbWWskK4Pwzr8aeARpuRLHy8EAtM9pIaXEytKHwvsZnbIaGS1IEsCO06NQtsbHpJ3jtvX_ZU4M/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkXVT-4brtQoh1nwnn9JxOESVD4zJaOUcuyeEcRl4wEiHwCz7RjKbpCxLwTkGseZ0fGLbWWskK4Pwzr8aeARpuRLHy8EAtM9pIaXEytKHwvsZnbIaGS1IEsCO06NQtsbHpJ3jtvX_ZU4M/" width="320" /></a></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I sat and emptied my drop bag across the floor. I'd had my waterproof socks on for 50 miles and 16 hours by now so they needed to come off. My feet were wet but having waterproof socks on seems to help keep my chronic foot maceration at bay. I immediately wrapped my feet in a towel, ate my pasty and drank a massive can of Monster. Was I actually going to drop I asked myself?. No. Middle of nowhere, no cabs, already been out for 16 hours and although still bitching in my head about the Nantlle ridge I needed to finish this. I sat there and something clicked in my head. If I continued from this aidstation I would finish because there was no way I was ever coming back. I powdered my feet, got changed, restocked my pack, packed my dropbag, grabbed a sarnie and wandered off up the trail. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87RIpTvAR45B9-utHIH0fqAUtFWKriR-q7o8pGyHnw1s75ifda8kY76PoxpDAbI0KyQDiktsUkZ_UJzbvZBduBobL1MqT0urSi7tH641EpNWdF1V8-vk9cYx1ul5dK-l7G24yNIzWA7I/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi87RIpTvAR45B9-utHIH0fqAUtFWKriR-q7o8pGyHnw1s75ifda8kY76PoxpDAbI0KyQDiktsUkZ_UJzbvZBduBobL1MqT0urSi7tH641EpNWdF1V8-vk9cYx1ul5dK-l7G24yNIzWA7I/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />From Rhyd ddu I got straight on the Rhyd ddu path which leads to the summit of Snowdon. Its a long hike that I managed to power up passing a few people but mainly I was alone. By the summit I was in the mist again but daylight had broken and I had a new found determination. The summit was busy already to my disbelief. Yes it was Saturday but please. Dark, misty and queuing for the summit. I descended on the Ranger path for a while before veering off to the next CP. From what we had experienced so far this climb and descent of Snowdon had been rather sedate. The checkpoint staff informed us that some signage had been messed with so to be careful. 55 miles in and I'd had enough of hills, I looked ahead and saw a massive hill but thought surely we must skirt around this one. I managed to get my self a little lost in the small forest, for some reason I just ignored the signage and did my own thing. I popped out the other side of the woodland not too far off track but I did have to climb a barbed wire fence, not great when your legs are like jelly. As I re-joined the path I could see ahead the orange markers disappearing up the mountain I had just seen and into the mist. It was a hard, grassy climb. At the summit I could just see another mountain. Up again! The descents now were killing my big toes. The nail was pushing hard into the end of the shoe, the steeper the descent the more it hurt. I had a quick system check and my back hurt, knees were sore, calves sore, toes killing me, maceration pain coming on and shoulder pain from using the poles. Ok I was a wreck but my quads were holding up and my energy levels were not too bad. CP 9 was 100k where I saw Dan again. We had a good chat as I ate another cheese sandwich and lots of coke. It was quite a lift to see a friend and I left happy enough. Just 40mile to go now and probably near or around the 24 hr mark. I knew the next 40 would take a while but the first night was behind me and there was no way I was stopping now. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXdNhMnY1PI7xP_KZuogrMlxfSpnq6tfBo6uwQn0ChTIwvCxZXf1DVPh36k0VHSBcWjtlXh3J6N_w7SiHFVXN8GOc71usyUP_BKSNRjMJ7XzbfKPomwZT6JfdLyKhLHpoHJqtXxpcZXM/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXdNhMnY1PI7xP_KZuogrMlxfSpnq6tfBo6uwQn0ChTIwvCxZXf1DVPh36k0VHSBcWjtlXh3J6N_w7SiHFVXN8GOc71usyUP_BKSNRjMJ7XzbfKPomwZT6JfdLyKhLHpoHJqtXxpcZXM/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I hiked up through the village of Waunfawr, it was nice to see some human life. Much of this race is in the middle of nowhere so it felt comforting to be around people. The hike up the road lead to a track before a turn right and another slog up. This time Moel Eillio, Foel Gron and Foel Goch. You get the picture. Leave checkpoint, climb massive mountain, descend to Checkpoint and repeat. On this descent I could recognise we were heading back down towards LLanberis. This chirped me up a bit knowing the climb back up Snowdon wouldn't be too bad. Around this time I met Richard Thompson for the first time, we passed each other a few times, exchanged a few words but were both pretty focused on our own race. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I left the LLanberis Checkpoint very quickly leaving Richard behind. I soon joined the LLanberis path aka Snowdon High St. It was busy! I have honestly never seen so many people walking off a mountain. At points the path is about 3 metres wide and I couldn't pick a route through. I had my sticks out for the long slow walk up. It was nicely broken up chatting with the walkers coming back down. I was extremely tired and occasionally getting flicking eyelids but in the grand scheme of things this was easy going. Richard passed me a marched ahead. I was going well and didn't feel the need to chase him. After what seemed like an age I was near the top and back in the mist. The mist and masses of people were disorientating me. I couldn't work out in my head where the start of the Pyg track back down was. I have been up there at least 50 times but I felt completely lost. I found a marshal and just stood staring at his face. He looked and said "you ok mate". I'm not sure I even answered such was my mental state. This race was taking everything from me. It was obvious this was the turn and I started heading down. The amount of people was doing my head in, I couldn't get past. Luckily a few 100k runners came behind a were waiting for no-one. They literally barged through. I jumped in behind them and followed through until the hoards dispersed a bit. The Pyg track is a fairly simple descent but my legs were like stilts and the wet rock was still quite hazardous. Not only was this race physically demanding but the mental demands are massive. The concentration it takes coming down rocky terrain is high. I was catching Richard slowly. We reached the carpark after an age. Straight into the Cp. 77 miles done and roughly 3 quarters done. It must have been about 3pm so I'd been on the go for 28hrs. A few rough calculations and I was fairly sure I was going to spend another full night out. What could I do? Just crack on. Only a marathon to go. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUu3AN4_A0mVaowJaXpVc1-UP7ioPWPotCqNxp_IUMMiDpP7B60nNO_VbOcjpf5t71kVv31oSuzYT5LRLA01KFxTLL56GAXlFooVtLTbj1uxO6mosqCvfpF2Wn0a6kxfmtZH036Tl-QI/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUu3AN4_A0mVaowJaXpVc1-UP7ioPWPotCqNxp_IUMMiDpP7B60nNO_VbOcjpf5t71kVv31oSuzYT5LRLA01KFxTLL56GAXlFooVtLTbj1uxO6mosqCvfpF2Wn0a6kxfmtZH036Tl-QI/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />This next section was going to be tough. Lots of hard rocky terrain. Straight up to the summit of Glydr Fawr. I left the cp and soon started losing the markers. They were sporadic and didn't match the GPX file at all. I could see high up on the hill side a few runners so just picked a line through and steadily worked my way up. Tadeusz who I'd crossed the Nantlle ridge with joined me again. He was really struggling with the markers and couldn't see anyone on the hillside. I told him to follow me, he wasn't sure but did. It was fairly hard going but we joined the really steep bit where I'd seen people earlier and the markers re appeared. I climbed the steep hill side pressing on into the mist toward the summit. I met with Mike and Alice Sheldon again and Richard had joined us too. Alice was struggling on the climbs and I was slow on the descents. So we were all roughly the same speed. The rocky landscape was doing my head in and I was hallucinating, seeing lots of faces on rocks. We were scrambling, climbing, shuffling and stumbling all the way to Y Garn. Richard and I crept ahead again. Light was fading and the descent was steep and super technical. It just went on forever. Maximum concentration and maximum pain in my feet. Maceration was taking hold, as were blisters, pain in my big toes and just soreness from being on my feet. Mike and Alice overtook us and got quite a way ahead. We were heading down to the Ogwen valley, great I thought just run across the lakeside to the checkpoint. No chance! We had to climb back up the side of Tryfan round the back and back down to the checkpoint. This was some knarly shit. Actual rock climbs, dodgy marking and the fact I had zero idea what was even going on. Night time had come and torches were on. We had caught Mike and Alice once again. There are times in distance running when you just need to tuck in behind someone and shadow them and concentrate on moving forward. This was mine. I didn't know where we were, what we were doing or why. Every so often I kept twigging we were in a race but most of the time I believed we were on a recce or my usual odd thoughts of walking to work. This with heavy hallucinations was hard work. The four of us were in the same boat though and between we had all the attributes to stay on course and keep moving forward. Reaching CP12 was a massive relief. I was in shock. Everything was hurting. Mike said look why don't we stick together now, we are all tired and it will be safer and quicker to work as a foursome. We all agreed. I completely lost my bearings at this point and argued we were heading in the wrong direction but it is always hard getting your bearings leaving an aidstation. I can look back at the map now and its all so obvious. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1M9SnejH50QH9mzcN7rBQleknM6YdFpCB0_fYVhTkqr4IE4Cmt5yV19XnzWFYXgiiwUWSJT9fR0MnixpsvsHqVkcl4r1GUdWq80HGbk4XVWACYeFZ9VOPOpcqhN6O4naLPRiDX8T5W8/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1M9SnejH50QH9mzcN7rBQleknM6YdFpCB0_fYVhTkqr4IE4Cmt5yV19XnzWFYXgiiwUWSJT9fR0MnixpsvsHqVkcl4r1GUdWq80HGbk4XVWACYeFZ9VOPOpcqhN6O4naLPRiDX8T5W8/" width="320" /></a></div>There were no markings leading up Pen-Yr-Ole Wen and we relied on my Etrex. Nothing seemed right but my head was a little straighter so I was able to pick a path through. It was a hard climb and it was clear I was moving very well on the ups but no point steaming off as we had agreed to work together so every so often I'd wait for the others. From the top we were to spend the next few miles very high up in the Carnedds. Scrambling over rocks with a few real rock climbing sections. It seemed surreal, like it was happening and not all at the same time. Mike started rambling about not knowing what was going on. I chuckled, I knew that feeling. We went on and on through the abyss of rock and mist. We changed direction off of Carnedd Llewelyn and the rocks started to disperse slightly. Mind you the lichen covered rocks made for some mental hallucinations. I was seeing people, animals, vans, cars as vivid as real life. We reached Pen yr Helgi Du and It was an actual climb. It was a little tricky especially with 90 miles in your legs. We climbed straight up the rock face which I must admit I kind of enjoyed. By this time we had amassed a few of us as some of the 100k runners had tagged on. We must have looked like we knew where we were going! Over the climb it changed to grass and was the beginning of a massive descent. I was trashed now but Mike insisted we should run. It was either that or a death march so we trotted down the grassy descent. We were actually in the middle of no where. Every so often I would switch my light off. No light not even light pollution, no sound. So quiet it makes your ears hurt as they strain to pick up any sound. A very strange feeling. I could see a little light in the distance that never got closer but eventually after a very long time I worked out this was the final aid station we jogged down the hill and into the Checkpoint. My feet were now shot, the pain was unbearable. So much so I took some paracetamol just to take the edge off. No use removing my shoes as there was nothing I could do. It was about 3 am with about 6 miles to go. My internal thermostat was now completely knackered, I was still sweating although there was a chill. It was a horrible feeling. I just wanted it to end now. <br /><br /><br />The last leg was under way and no major climbs on this one. Immediately after leaving the checkpoint I started coughing. I had a tickly throat and it made me gag to cough. The urge to cough was too strong and I started again promptly followed by the contents of my stomach. All of it!. Running was near impossible now. I was tired and hurting. Alice was in pain too. Richard could walk at the same speed as my run and Mike was pushing us all forward. We joined a lakeside path but it was hard going as it was so rough. Power hiking was the best option. Daylight hit us at this point and I was able to remove my headtorch. My main concern now turned to the sleep demons. I could not keep my eyes open and was having micro sleeps every few seconds. I kept wandering into bushes and stumbling off the path. I really hate that as I had no control. We left the lake and entered the forest. This was heavy mud and one point Alice lost her whole leg into a bog. I tried to help her but was just making things worse so let her scramble out herself. As we left the forest I thought we were done and said that's it we must be here. I was soon put in my place by the others who knew we still had a 3 mile walk over more hills until we eventually reached the A5 again. We agreed to cross the line together and it was a great feeling running along the road at a walking pace knowing it was over. As we approached the line they held a finish line tape up. Alice was going to win the ladies race so we pushed her forward to take the tape a few seconds before we flopped over the line. <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkoQfzcQb1mnYYFGBg6UrF8EwqyDhaq7Eu6YHVnGZG6UpNUsG-LHBUDbums46ysRVicjwoNrgEDN7h25sYwOaQS0yZzu5KJ6tmSk6sbuLojGAZ6cyJJqQcqRFkbveAiyIgieFuIESkFQ/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQkoQfzcQb1mnYYFGBg6UrF8EwqyDhaq7Eu6YHVnGZG6UpNUsG-LHBUDbums46ysRVicjwoNrgEDN7h25sYwOaQS0yZzu5KJ6tmSk6sbuLojGAZ6cyJJqQcqRFkbveAiyIgieFuIESkFQ/" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I was in shock. The race had brutalised me. Everything hurt and my brain was not working. The relief was massive. I'm so glad I done it as I never want to attempt it again. It was 45 hours 9 minutes and 57 seconds of hard slog. That is easily the hardest 100 mile race I have taken part in. Time is irrelevant, its simply did you finish or not. I think if it had been dry before and during the race it would certainly be a lot easier but as it was it was as described. Savage beyond reason. </span><div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLzR0G35zesDYaalcCf5HOWhJywv-tLY5lRBr8CBBrf67sBcHFXJxQGlfDc9JxELI18gTfTcXxQC7ajD7w1ShQhQiQRkeZhzMZWNHjlzc637aWe79Mj9Di2I2m2xYtToAeeYKQXqJIXU/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVLzR0G35zesDYaalcCf5HOWhJywv-tLY5lRBr8CBBrf67sBcHFXJxQGlfDc9JxELI18gTfTcXxQC7ajD7w1ShQhQiQRkeZhzMZWNHjlzc637aWe79Mj9Di2I2m2xYtToAeeYKQXqJIXU/" width="180" /></a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">Go on put an entry in I dare you! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This was going to be my unofficial Paddy taster. I'd guess this is much harder than a Paddy and I won't be attempting any Paddy attempt or recce in anything but dry, sunny conditions. So I won't say I won't have a go but I'm a little less inclined. <br /><br />Just one final thing. When I researched this race I was constantly trying to gain a comparison to UTMB. Which is harder? Without a doubt UTS is harder than UTMB. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-13430598673456504762020-04-09T14:09:00.001-07:002020-04-10T07:35:21.588-07:00Bob Graham round 2019The Bob Graham round has fascinated me for several years now, I'd read about it and it seemed a million miles from my capabilities. I knew bits of the Lake district and had done lots of mountain running but this always seemed like an impossible task. It was something hardened fell runners from the local area did, not soft southern trail runners. I mean 65 miles, 42 mountain peaks, 27000ft of elevation gain in 24hrs all self navigated that's just nuts! <br />
Ultra running is my life and I love it but it can get a bit samey sometimes. I found myself getting bored of stuff so I decided a few years back to mix it up and try as many different running related things as possible. One of my favourite things is to do is create mini adventures and just go off exploring for a few days. In 2016 I bought the Harveys Bob Graham map and started studying it. It wasn't long before me and my buddy Dave Bowen arranged a 3 day round stopping in b and bs. It was a cracking weekend although Dave was recovering from surgery and I was coming back from injury. We mainly hiked, took terrible lines and got lost quite a bit. It was great fun but took us about 34 hours moving time and a 24hr round just seemed impossible. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not long now</td></tr>
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Over the next 18 months I took about learning the route, weekends away running legs, part legs, Out and backs. I loved every minute of it all be it slow learning. I was still unsure whether I could actually do a round but I loved my weekends away. <br />
Coming into 2019 I had Western states to run but this was going to be my other "A" event. I was okay on the route and now was the time to put it all together. I got some coaching from Kim Collison who has done a winter and summer round and all my efforts were going to lead to this. So to make it official I set a date, August 17th Anti Clockwise. I ramped up the weekends up there and worked out I could leave home at 3am on a Friday arriving in the lakes at 10 am. I'd rest for an hour then run for 6 hours. Saturday I'd run all day and Sunday I'd run for 5 hours from 6am before travelling home. Then back to work Monday. My mountain legs were certainly coming on but even in May I was wondering how the hell I could make this even ringing Kim after one weekend in total despair questioning my capabilities. He put my mind at rest and told me to man up. It helped. <br />
I had enlisted an ace team for my attempt, some of the best runners I know. It had to be a good idea to surround myself with runners that were equal or preferably a better runner than myself. Leg 1 was going to be Richard Leahy, Annabellle Stearns, Ian Brazier and his daughter Katie. Things had happened though and it ended up just me and Richard doing the leg with Kim Collison pacing for the first few miles. Leg 2 was Paul Nelson, a fantastic mountain runner. He had a fast BGR and multiple race wins under his belt. He would be navigator for the leg. Joining us muling was one of my best running buddies Scott Ulatowski. Scott and I are on a very even footing and often train together. He can get the urge to shoot off too fast but he was recovering from the Lakeland 100 so that would hold him back nicely. For leg 3 Scott was hoping to stay on for but would see how he felt. James Elson would be nav for this leg. He is a top class mountain man having done a Bob and helping on lots more. He has also been a team GB 24 hour runner, definitely a very good runner to have on board. Juhanna Kirk was the third helper on this leg. A good friend of Scotts and a Hardmoors winner. Leg 4 Kim would nav, Kim has coached me, is a world class runner and winter BG record holder. Plus he could probably run Leg 4 blindfolded. Muling was John Melbourne another buddy who had made the trip up. John is the Centurion Grand slam record holder and sub 15 hour 100 miler. He is also a massive piss taker and wouldn't be letting me slack off. Kim and John would stay on for leg 5 plus anyone else in the team who fancied it. Lastly was my road crew, my wife Jacque. No body knows how to crew me like she does. What I eat, drink, have on my feet, when to bollock me and when to listen. Above all I know when I arrive at any given point she will be there ready to go. The A team for sure!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeDf-KcueU9ANKvWt-4H9zCYICVG_EPzawnjjcnhwddIgVz3Ah6cg058jWEoaVelwTXa0aK0D7OsYNd0oNOH7L2pEP2pG1OAOl-2FqJMPhZS3QJYF7BM74zdY7boVqaRuSpJ4qbpVnDc/s1600/Bob+Graham+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeDf-KcueU9ANKvWt-4H9zCYICVG_EPzawnjjcnhwddIgVz3Ah6cg058jWEoaVelwTXa0aK0D7OsYNd0oNOH7L2pEP2pG1OAOl-2FqJMPhZS3QJYF7BM74zdY7boVqaRuSpJ4qbpVnDc/s320/Bob+Graham+15.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Countdown with Richard</td></tr>
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There was heavy rain all week and a plan A, B and C was in place. This was happening I just wasn't sure of the exact time or day! As it got closer and the weather forecast was more certain I decided on plan A. 7am Saturday 17th August. Some heavy rainfall was coming through on Friday but looked set to clear for 6am. It was on.<br />
We all met at Moot hall for photos and I was buzzing, this was a dream moment. I was fit, well, good weather and I had a great team ready to go. My parents even rocked up with a few minutes to go to wish me luck. They had travelled up from Kent with us and it was great to have them there. <br />
On the dot of 7am we were off. I bounced down the High street with Richard and Kim. We chatted and tried to reign the pace in as we followed the undulating roads towards Little town. At the Swinside Inn Kim left us and Richard continued with me. I had elected to use La Sportiva Mutants for the day and they are not too bad on the road so there was no need to change. We left the road and headed up the track towards the foot of Hindscarth before turning right up the steep bank toward Robinson. I was chomping at the bit and working a bit too hard pushing Richard all the way up. To be fair he was carrying all the kit and water for two of us. We reached the summit in 88 minutes a massive 22 minutes up on my schedule. Although I had a plan on paper the plan was different in my head. I figured I could pick up time early and then cruise it in later on. We soon reached Hindscarth in the allotted 17 minutes. The storm was now well and truly passed and the wispy clouds were just rising above the summits. It was like they were lifting for us and guiding our way through. We made Dale head in 13 minutes and gained another 4 minutes. We had an absolute ball descending into Honister. I tried to hold back but couldn't I was having too much fun. We could see everyone was there as we approached, it was a big turn out of family and supporters. We were a massive 31 minutes up and had caught Paul off guard who had arrived with minutes to spare. He'd seen my tracker and had to toe it to Honister to be on time. I used my allotted 5 minutes to change socks as my feet were soaked already. As I sat on my chair trying to sort my socks I couldn't reach down I'd had a massive fall on the North Downs Way a few weeks earlier pacing a friend and smashed my ribs. I was pretty sure one was broken. Only Jacque knew about it as I hadn't wanted anyone telling me the attempt was a bad idea. I'd kept quiet but I was in agony now I couldn't even lean forward to untie my shoes. I decided to take a pain killer and try and forget about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5eUFOMK-BxQyUq84VDZLMphHvihYc71UDp6J2H8mcSu_Yz7HFL4zThErT5E-rsPqtfuAV5ujok2C8phtAcs1CNTlJF-VvymsMYe_6P49EQ6sFOJx_XBFyYONqvvGVAKCK9C-Ld5o1aw/s1600/Bob+Graham+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5eUFOMK-BxQyUq84VDZLMphHvihYc71UDp6J2H8mcSu_Yz7HFL4zThErT5E-rsPqtfuAV5ujok2C8phtAcs1CNTlJF-VvymsMYe_6P49EQ6sFOJx_XBFyYONqvvGVAKCK9C-Ld5o1aw/s320/Bob+Graham+16.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honister slate mine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlQnNfXGMjUHIIkfIu6FSeQjeFL_53uuJQV0EaVdV6OrYZQovCFK5hy1S2-B7cGqdGDRpeL_PNKPIV1Rt9OC-Vx4dQhWhHogDipvw73gbSgQmOwJsUywMRlRcE_byTuL2XJRwpBTvWGs/s1600/Bob+Graham+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlQnNfXGMjUHIIkfIu6FSeQjeFL_53uuJQV0EaVdV6OrYZQovCFK5hy1S2-B7cGqdGDRpeL_PNKPIV1Rt9OC-Vx4dQhWhHogDipvw73gbSgQmOwJsUywMRlRcE_byTuL2XJRwpBTvWGs/s320/Bob+Graham+7.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on Scott!</td></tr>
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Paul led me up a different line I was used to as we left Honister I was happy to follow although I did question it. Within 200 metres I realised I'd left my gloves behind. Scott was reluctantly sent back for them as Paul and I powered forward up the slope. It was the first time I'd met Paul, we had chatted on the phone and he seemed like a decent bloke. As we climbed the first hill together he felt like an old friend as we put the running world to rights. His line upto Grey Knotts was pretty good too. We had made another 3 minutes although I was probably blowing a bit too hard. It was an easy dash across to Brandreth and we moved across it quickly. We pressed forward but there were still some clouds floating in and out and Scott was yet to catch up. I told Paul we would have to wait as Scott could end up anywhere. Paul pressed on and I waited for Scott. Scott then helped me reign it in a bit because Pauls pace was starting to show and it was too quick for my round. We got to Green Gable bang on the 14 minutes allocated. We were moving well and ascended Great Gable in good time. Paul was pulling ahead then waiting for us, it was fine though as he was just far enough ahead not to get lost in the cloud. Of the few recces I'd done I'd never come off Gable too well and always lost time but Paul got me on a much better line and we missed the worst of the rocky stuff coming down more to the right on the path rather than straight down. On recces I'd found 45 minutes to descend that and climb Kirk Fell a little optimistic, with Pauls knowledge we did it in 29!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running into Wasdale with Scott</td></tr>
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My energy levels were still good, my rib was ok although I think I was so high on adrenaline I could have been missing a limb and wouldn't have noticed. My mental plan was still in place (if a little fast). At this rate we were on a 20 to 21 hour pace. I usually just follow the fence down off of Kirk Fell but again Paul pulled rank and took us down the gulley. This was good fun, Scott and I were in hysterics trying to motor down as Paul disappeared again. I really enjoy leg 2 but the Pillar is a real slog especially as you have to run all the way up to hit the summit on schedule. I had a massive wobble here and had to tuck in behind Paul. Food was still on point so just fatigue but still a bit early in the day for that. We made 7 minutes but it was hard fought for. Steeple came and went without incident. I still say Red Pike from Steeple is impossible for me in 13 minutes and it was on the day we were 3 minutes short. Red Pike to Yewbarrow is a nice section a steady descent and good climb up the other side. I was intending to try a new line up Yewbarrow which keeps you quite low before a sharp climb up. It keeps you on grass, is pretty quick and easy going but Paul shot off across the rocks at a higher level. I followed, I didn't want us to split up and I'd asked him to nav and he hadn't failed me so I went with it. It went well and we topped out without incident. As long as you get in the trod the descent to Wasdale is fairly straight forward if a little steep. We were straight on it and Paul decided to shoot off ahead where as Scott and I went down steadily. Scott had done a great job keeping my speed down, we were in great spirits. I believe we were even singing most of the way down, this was fun. We arrived in Wasdale car park at 12.56 a massive 1hr 27minutes up on my 23hr schedule.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfIq_VJpjIE2fAyLUDHc1IEG_by3lTJQeqczftBhCDEKNGL_-X2xN6oh75VFAJm7BXrbVF17L-S-sGvXVh7t3z3_kYsjhNW3f9HUKPg0ZWwi1aRe6MoVjQyrjwYtBK9_QpbnF7lcCQzw/s1600/Bob+Graham+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfIq_VJpjIE2fAyLUDHc1IEG_by3lTJQeqczftBhCDEKNGL_-X2xN6oh75VFAJm7BXrbVF17L-S-sGvXVh7t3z3_kYsjhNW3f9HUKPg0ZWwi1aRe6MoVjQyrjwYtBK9_QpbnF7lcCQzw/s320/Bob+Graham+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wasdale stop</td></tr>
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Wasdale was amazing. First a hug from my son and his girlfriend at the entrance to the car park then seeing everyone at the car was a real special moment. Wasdale is miles from anywhere and just to have everyone drive out there was super cool. There was a real buzz with everyone chatting about how it was going, Pacer and nav change over then me and Jacque doing admin. Shoe and sock change, new supplies for the mules and eat lots. James and Juhanna were ready and Scott decided to do another leg. I was up and ready to go within 7 minutes opting to hike while I ate a massive pie.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQb3gSUh61fMI5wEgwC7C7dK1nXKV0PWnjA6xUY8cnWzp9EzFic2ZY34BAWh0tAewfMDnCss2fgYOYuFC1mhfs6eiu5TfQoBlCvH2zRRmNL180FIrs-kXc8RGeiyeQqUvMUTCgcj5RYo/s1600/Bob+Graham+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQb3gSUh61fMI5wEgwC7C7dK1nXKV0PWnjA6xUY8cnWzp9EzFic2ZY34BAWh0tAewfMDnCss2fgYOYuFC1mhfs6eiu5TfQoBlCvH2zRRmNL180FIrs-kXc8RGeiyeQqUvMUTCgcj5RYo/s320/Bob+Graham+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock change</td></tr>
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James had seemed apprehensive in the build up about naving my leg 3 and it is a big responsibility . We had spoke on the phone and he'd suggested we naved together and of course I'd agreed but I hadn't factored in tiredness so me naving probably wasn't going to work. There were a few lines I was dead set on but 90% of it was entirely his decision. I had however recced the route out of Wasdale a few times and had found a route up Scafell that I believed to be quicker than any other. Its very steep and about 300 mtrs to the right of the scree shoot that everyone comes down. So we crossed the gill out the carpark and across the boggy field to pick up the fence line which you follow straight up and onto the path at Green How. I was blowing hard as we reached the path but broke into a jog to just get moving again. We soon joined the rocky path up and we hiked to the summit. 68 minutes to the top which I was very pleased with. The next bit across to Scafell pike I had thought about a lot and again this would be my decision. I'd tried Foxes but it just takes too long and Broad stand had not even been considered so we were to go lords rake but not down the West wall. I wanted to find the end and do the entire length of the Lords rake. We actually missed the end in the mist but I knew if you climbed down at any accessible point you would hit the rake, which we did. It was a real highlight of the round through the rake and we were having a great time. We reached Scafell Pike 10 minutes up. This was a massive boost as I'd worried about this bit for ages knowing how easy it would be to lose time here. My target from Wasdale to Scafell Pike had been 2 hours we did it in 1 hour 43!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7pwmcDhDhz78GwMljGqj3bibgRbbvNF0YSA2VkJMkP5Pa583Vh7OofNWNZztn1u1JV9RCphj90q32_gIK6MCWHSAnkG-4fof6x2sZl4l-RW7Fv2UsQ4pFtKmlyWOQm9kBqW_SO566Bk/s1600/Bob+Graham+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ7pwmcDhDhz78GwMljGqj3bibgRbbvNF0YSA2VkJMkP5Pa583Vh7OofNWNZztn1u1JV9RCphj90q32_gIK6MCWHSAnkG-4fof6x2sZl4l-RW7Fv2UsQ4pFtKmlyWOQm9kBqW_SO566Bk/s320/Bob+Graham+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gulley into Lords rake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XEBvZZFQjtHVAUIQwCq13r2z4b9bed1MVcPYH622tMszN8iL1_FwGuzgwwWQ8hzHj1VLd6JKJ2V57Db-_wGLXC1v0gKJinyQPZikeBkbZj6Ko9I5rD64ytd7kB2KLoYKT8KW4nTpPKc/s1600/Bob+Graham+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-XEBvZZFQjtHVAUIQwCq13r2z4b9bed1MVcPYH622tMszN8iL1_FwGuzgwwWQ8hzHj1VLd6JKJ2V57Db-_wGLXC1v0gKJinyQPZikeBkbZj6Ko9I5rD64ytd7kB2KLoYKT8KW4nTpPKc/s320/Bob+Graham+12.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and out the other side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6DouOutyIMQ1KlKmDfa6dgAyAKcwNduDQu2dx7t-C4PwuR4wNxgPjnEAxSDgAIe8CldAWRUhLIlsNFNEV2yAdkx1r4yFkdYZ0zm3AivUcKM1gQaIdN9ZKSC3Xy6jh1jVbZ8POapBNJU/s1600/Bob+Graham+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6DouOutyIMQ1KlKmDfa6dgAyAKcwNduDQu2dx7t-C4PwuR4wNxgPjnEAxSDgAIe8CldAWRUhLIlsNFNEV2yAdkx1r4yFkdYZ0zm3AivUcKM1gQaIdN9ZKSC3Xy6jh1jVbZ8POapBNJU/s320/Bob+Graham+4.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bringing up the rear</td></tr>
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Now the real work began, the tough rocky section from here to beyond Harrison Stickle. This section was one reason I had gone anti clock. Get this out the way before I get too tired. I have a habit of falling easily on rocky ground on tired legs. Thing was now that the Scafells had taken there toll and I was feeling tired. I was eating well and just hoped it was a phase and I'd get over it. As we trotted across the rocks James had full control of the nav and I just followed. It took all my concentration not to fall. We made good time on Broad crag and Ill crag but lost on Great end. Esk Pike passed without incident and we were really getting away with the weather. The whole section had been clear apart from Scafell. As we climbed Bowfell I was dead certain on the line back down as I'd specifically reccied this very bit a few weeks previous. James had suggested going round the long way via Ore gap but I was sure. I'd remembered a couple of features to get us on the right trod and I explained them to James. He quickly recced what I said as me and Juhanna summited Bowfell. Rosset Pike is a fair push from Bowfell and as we came back down James was ready to lead us. We were perfect through here and arrived at Rosset 1 minute up and 2 hours up overall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcbVv910JXfgAi-RAx0hHUf1FHGDkYvzF2n07AYb-ABqeqjJvUw84gLk9W3WsyZcPQxVm-HlZQJQfIiHos0vwG9EQnfz1jnoERQ5JbzOG7DtoNOZWu4DL0Vo4X1Rskp2au6lFTyJB1m4/s1600/Bob+Graham+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcbVv910JXfgAi-RAx0hHUf1FHGDkYvzF2n07AYb-ABqeqjJvUw84gLk9W3WsyZcPQxVm-HlZQJQfIiHos0vwG9EQnfz1jnoERQ5JbzOG7DtoNOZWu4DL0Vo4X1Rskp2au6lFTyJB1m4/s320/Bob+Graham+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chin up man</td></tr>
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I had a massive crash right here. I was dog tired and mentally we had passed some of the real tough stuff but my brain was fuzzy. As the others chatted happily and moved well I was in a whole world of trouble. It became a real battle as I shuffled along. We lost 5 minutes to Pike o Stickle our biggest loss so far. I pushed hard through Harrison Stickle and Thunacar and we were evens timewise. I had elected to do High Raise next but you really have to run up the long grassy slope then run across to Sergeant man. I was a little slow but nothing too drastic. The run across to Calf crag is fairly good going but I was really struggling. I'd been horribly lost here in the past but today was perfectly clear and nav wasn't a problem my legs however were. I perked up a bit as we ran across to Steel Fell probably because I knew this section was almost over. We descended steadily to Dunmail Raise and arrived at 7.26pm. 1hr 54 up on my 23.05 target.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cwMBnZwUpy9lcGF9CXqzIZRf4QOFbT7to3mfKemHjwFxJr91oH_5PR-Wb5DuFETf7g3yMrondD73rnMamlYa8XMU_wqg_57wowoyHgFAzKDmTYHYEBRhdmozZPhrqdHQ_DWx9GsMVgM/s1600/Bob+Graham+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cwMBnZwUpy9lcGF9CXqzIZRf4QOFbT7to3mfKemHjwFxJr91oH_5PR-Wb5DuFETf7g3yMrondD73rnMamlYa8XMU_wqg_57wowoyHgFAzKDmTYHYEBRhdmozZPhrqdHQ_DWx9GsMVgM/s320/Bob+Graham+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descent to Dunmail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2NVJwn6YMfwhtXFmC7UYSDS2fp7A5pFF9eudVdp3okyTR-WknFDOPPom5qkDD1Ty70AgVX82lGpPjTzFReGfyxRErYJZ4c_sZPNwG3QdS6RAHNndAB593L28QnjLmtIaSZiqRJdk3eY/s1600/Bob+Graham+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2NVJwn6YMfwhtXFmC7UYSDS2fp7A5pFF9eudVdp3okyTR-WknFDOPPom5qkDD1Ty70AgVX82lGpPjTzFReGfyxRErYJZ4c_sZPNwG3QdS6RAHNndAB593L28QnjLmtIaSZiqRJdk3eY/s320/Bob+Graham+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat Sandal</td></tr>
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I had a sit down and ate what I could all while busily changing into my night gear. The adverse weather was drawing back in and the tops were shrouded in cloud. I changed my shoes and socks again while Kim and John were getting a debrief from the others. I gazed upwards at the cloud wondering how I was going to pull this off. I just wanted to get leg 4 done but I was feeling pretty tired and generally shitty. Jacque had fed me porridge, mountain fuel breakfast and a meat pie. I was fed and now warm. We set off 12 minutes after my arrival. We hiked up Seat Sandal which is a good 40 minute slog. John and Kim were chomping at the bit to get going. John even said to me "come on get running you c***. I was knackered and this was going to be a hard leg but I tried to hide it by just not speaking and there was certainly no way I was running any of this first ascent. Near the summit the head torches went on and the first splats of rain hit me. We lost a minute on Seat Sandal and a further 4 up Fairfield. I had only recced the out and back option on Fairfield and Kim had decided this is what we would be doing. As we turned to head back down I knew I had to dig in now. This wasn't going to be easy at all. I mustered a jog back down and to be honest it was no more. We tracked round to the base of Dollywagon and up the steep slope as we approached the summit I decided to get a waterproof on, it was cloudy, windy and the rain was really pushing in. Within minutes the weather had really taken a turn for the worst and we were experiencing heavy horizontal rain. Visibility was non existent and we were completely reliant on Kim's knowledge. Even he struggled slightly to find Nethermost Pike and funnily enough on my previous recce I had missed it all together. We lost 7 minutes here which was more down to me faffing with my coat and me running very slowly. I had a little push on through to Helvellyn and Lower man but all in all this was not great. White side, Raise and the Dodds were tough going. This bit would usually be my bread and butter but I was tired, disorientated and a little cold. everything just seemed so much further than I remembered. We had actually lost another ten minutes! We reached Great Dodd and I couldn't even remember how to get to Clough head I just got my head down and followed the guys. It ended up taking 33 minutes a massive 10 minutes over. We were haemorrhaging time and there was nothing I could do. I also knew from previous recces that from Clough head to the carpark at Threlkeld in 27 minutes was near impossible for me. My quads were good but I was now completely running on empty. The boys were feeding me loads of gels but they were now having no effect. This was just deep fatigue. The descent took me 43 minutes and was my biggest loss so far. It also made me feel pretty shit and moral had dropped off. It was now 12.40 in the morning and I'd lost an hour over leg 4. This wasn't a done deal as I'd dropped off the pace so much. Leg 5 was going to be a challenge for sure.<br />
I sat on my chair in the carpark and could have stayed all night but Kim was keen not to mess around and I needed to push on. I didn't change any clothes I just shoved as much food in as I could and we left after only using 5 minutes of the allocated 10. Juhanna and Scott had turned up to keep Jacque company. Juhanna decided to join us for the final push. I had actually had enough now and sense of humour was at zero. With John there this isn't good because he would just rip into me some more. We reached the gate at the base of Halls Fell and I knew I was capable of making the summit in around 30 minutes on fresh legs well this wasn't going to be the case tonight! Kim obviously knows the route better than me but we took the ridge all the way up whereas I would've gone further left from halfway up and picked my way up the grass. I'd tried it a few times and its a cracking way up but who was I to argue. Near the top is a massive rock on the ridge that you have to climb up but I had no strength and couldn't pull myself up. I had to get a boost up from John. Had I been alone I wouldn't have had the power to pull myself up. We summited 62 minutes after leaving Threlkeld. 2 to go! <br />
It was now 2am and I just wanted to go to bed but no time for dithering. We took a direct line off the summit and straight down through the tussocks. I was very slow through here and kept falling over where I had no power in my legs or ankles to hold me up. Juhanna and Kim went ahead and John stuck with me. We jogged all the way to Caldew and I was helped across. We soon joined the fence line that would take us to Great Calva. I can honestly say I have never been as tired in all my life as I was at this point. I dropped to the back as we climbed constantly stopping but Kim was having none of this and made me go to the front. He wouldn't let me stop and I literally could have cried. We reached the summit at 3.17 and lost nearly 20 minutes but to be frank I couldn't give a crap anymore this was a war of attrition and I was giving it all. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
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Now for the big descent and ascent to Skiddaw. Skiddaw is very special to me as it was the very first mountain I climbed in the lakes and fittingly it would be the last climb of my Bob. I pushed and pushed as hard as I could and eventually at 4.30 we reached the top. The last summit!! There was a lot of praise and back slapping at the top. I was so happy and the time meant I could walk down and still make it. We jogged across the top but my body started to seize up and shut down as it has done on more than a handful of occasions as soon as I know its in the bag. I ran as best as I could but it was little more than a trot. John asked on the way if I was going to start running. Fuck off John I am running was my reply. Yep he got me I bit. On the descent I was crying on the inside and choking up. It didn't show but this meant so much. So much work, so much effort and so much help from my friends. We entered Keswick High st and all my buddies were there I ran up to the hall, up the steps and touched the door. 22 hrs 51 minutes had passed since I was here last. I held my face in my hands trying to take it in. This really was a moment I'd never forget.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
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I really will never get over the generosity of my friends and family during that 24 hour period. Not 10 years previous my alliances lay with whoever bought me my next drink but these were my true friends and I'll be forever grateful. I have never been anywhere as special as the Lake District and never completed anything quite like this challenge. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtsGAuUbbXpzrVIpwq_7fXWn5w4dJ7C-bI8eg6OMgxTd0P6GYFGx8O6C6xfOxpat_w1OEJILwoAvqtEBlIpwCOVd_0F2D0L-as7s5mWw6dhDTMcCJou8MthfcOcOOzgk-5eM3CTEevmA/s1600/Bob+Graham+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtsGAuUbbXpzrVIpwq_7fXWn5w4dJ7C-bI8eg6OMgxTd0P6GYFGx8O6C6xfOxpat_w1OEJILwoAvqtEBlIpwCOVd_0F2D0L-as7s5mWw6dhDTMcCJou8MthfcOcOOzgk-5eM3CTEevmA/s320/Bob+Graham+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half the team</td></tr>
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I am now a member of the Bob Graham 24 hour Club and my number is 2366.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-47460580551243017222019-08-04T09:09:00.000-07:002019-08-04T09:27:26.453-07:00Western States 2019After Western States 2017 I still felt incomplete. Yes I'd finished, yes I got a buckle but it wasn't the race I had wanted. I had reached Foresthill and completely shut down. This has happened twice now. Once at the Barcelona 24hr track race and at Western States 2017. It is a very strange situation, you are not injured, nutrition is good, well trained yet you can't run. This has played on my mind since WS I have analysed every aspect of that race trying to work out what it was. The conclusion was it was culmination of two key things, altitude and heat. I pushed too hard too soon and the lack of oxygen completely stripped my body of energy. I followed that by hitting the canyons heat and powered on regardless. My body was completely broken come Foresthill and although my brain was still focused on finishing sub 24 my sub conscious was stopping me running. My sub conscious was preventing any more damage to my body by stopping me running. I firmly believe this to be the case and had another very experienced runner concur. This wouldn't happen again bring on Western States 2019. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0Jd_Dlt2W4TBNSqrxRbo70kHwP2MVARu_8jHI_OZbBiLDuWHHZEpPKeGiINzZqgJ98FkU97zWsDiNM0_DkCa2b58EsaTpJXwhYSvQge_uffJ0WQZSG_hgt4xU_K5CMdC4LZJY7GsIq8/s1600/WS+2020+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0Jd_Dlt2W4TBNSqrxRbo70kHwP2MVARu_8jHI_OZbBiLDuWHHZEpPKeGiINzZqgJ98FkU97zWsDiNM0_DkCa2b58EsaTpJXwhYSvQge_uffJ0WQZSG_hgt4xU_K5CMdC4LZJY7GsIq8/s320/WS+2020+pic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team GB</td></tr>
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I felt I needed to go back. My dream in limbo. That elusive silver buckle still in Auburn. There is no way I could leave it. I thought I'd just throw my name in the hat with a 5 year plan to get back in. So year 2 and 2 tickets in the hat and for the first time in many years I didn't watch the draw. Then a message pops up on my phone from Jim Kepfer in Auburn. Gordy just pulled your name!! Shit I was in!!! I took me all of 10 seconds to decide I was going to go and within a few hours my flight was booked, hotel booked and messenger group set up with the fellow Brit runners.<br />
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I trained hard for this and under the guidance of Kim Collison got myself in to super shape. I cleared the diary of races and decided to concentrate on learning the Bob Graham route in the lakes. The mountain running and weekly leg session in the gym prepared my legs for what was to come. I planned every step of the race, my nutrition, clothes, strategy, everything ! I was ready. <br />
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The build up during race week was fun but I remained focused. I was here to race, I was here for my silver buckle! The only thing that broke my concentration was meeting my running hero Scott Jurek. Total legend and left me speechless. I had so much to say to him, so many questions about his multiple WS wins, Spartathlon wins, Badwater wins, Hardrock win, he's even done a Bob Graham!. So much to say but my tongue tied in a knot and nothing come out apart from "Can you sign my hat". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yKWhq7_g04kn3Tqd4JfbodKuN5Fz7oArJvEgA9Ok_oYk_ohCSg1Hnls9ItW-UrQL5LCXqDjV1KWZwht0k66KCSKOHtY1zkikLQopn-xclInThlD8liOYMHpJSwJI12Fvmhb-nV42IM8/s1600/WS+2020+pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yKWhq7_g04kn3Tqd4JfbodKuN5Fz7oArJvEgA9Ok_oYk_ohCSg1Hnls9ItW-UrQL5LCXqDjV1KWZwht0k66KCSKOHtY1zkikLQopn-xclInThlD8liOYMHpJSwJI12Fvmhb-nV42IM8/s320/WS+2020+pic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fan boy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Shit FFS you meet a running legend and that's what pops out. Funny really.<br />
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Race morning arrived and all the Brits congregated to chat but I was zoned in on the race, working all the bits through in my mind. I had to wish everyone good luck and go do my own thing. I stood in the start area and soaked it in. This is it this is my moment. I completely focused on not going off too fast. If I flew up that mountain with my heart rate through the roof and panting like a over heating pug I would have just mimicked 2017. I really didn't want to do that this was key to my race plan. Just concentrate.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGKCYlwcBbS8O-DhQsmekFTOgVlSQTp4cRjebXCHTyFq36m0bkl8BIJl6sQpIb6CY9iFNst9-K5I6I_jicvnwDNcnSg_PX0NykRcpVLvQ3Qjx982nOjTWqGprQax4wydCFkU_zDRzeg/s1600/WS+2020+pic+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsGKCYlwcBbS8O-DhQsmekFTOgVlSQTp4cRjebXCHTyFq36m0bkl8BIJl6sQpIb6CY9iFNst9-K5I6I_jicvnwDNcnSg_PX0NykRcpVLvQ3Qjx982nOjTWqGprQax4wydCFkU_zDRzeg/s320/WS+2020+pic+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lets do this</td></tr>
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The gun boomed and we were off. I ran for about 50 metres before settling into a hike. I had an hour and twenty in my mind to reach the Escarpment. I hiked hard and held back from any running. The urge was there but I knew It was not in the plan. I'd been training to heart rate and was aware spikes in my heart rate were not what I needed. I controlled my breathing and worked hard enough not to lose too many positions. As we strode on I was passed by several Brits. Matt Brand, Keith James, Annabelle Stearns and Ammon Piepgrass all passed me. It was so tough not to get my racing head on. <br />
I reached the top in just over an hour. I was a bit fast but more importantly I hadn't overly exerted myself. It was freezing at the top! I'd decided at the last minute to wear a long sleeve over my pack and I needed it. I also had a spare pair of socks as gloves. Good job too because my hands were numb. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8uzHbS8O99OSWIko9QYwdnykt186c7CtA30e4wuD5smpY2ebLpeqqyzV65VzZiIi0ErZTqx8xqCI7y2mVogOH92UClE9iokMADgx-X3XP76ObYK0h1SKLwkisUl7ydGdB4bCX7mLyhg/s1600/4067-02-506-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8uzHbS8O99OSWIko9QYwdnykt186c7CtA30e4wuD5smpY2ebLpeqqyzV65VzZiIi0ErZTqx8xqCI7y2mVogOH92UClE9iokMADgx-X3XP76ObYK0h1SKLwkisUl7ydGdB4bCX7mLyhg/s320/4067-02-506-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The high country</td></tr>
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I started running once over the top and kept it to a steady jog. My timings were simple, Robinson in 7hr, Foresthill in 14hr that would give me 10 hours to cover the last 40 mile. I can average 5 mile an hour in the late stages so if I had the perfect day sub 23 was possible. My first goal though was Robinson. The snow wasn't as bad as 2017 but there were banks of it everywhere over the first 6 mile. Luckily I'd choose a grippy shoe and waterproof sock which served me well. I was running well, slow but well. The air was thin and the altitude was playing its part. Every time my heart rate spiked I backed off and let it settle. That meant holding right back. I got to Lyon Ridge and felt fine I drank some coke and moved on. The snow thinned as we carried on along the ridge, the views were spectacular. I passed the spot where I had fallen in 2017 the trail is pretty rocky on the ridge and I was taking extra care this time. I paused for a few views this time instead of running flat out across rocks while trying to look round. Red Star Ridge came and went I was a little up on schedule but no dramas I was just concentrating on not falling and keeping my heart rate in check. The snow was thinning all the time with minimal snow banks now. There was one particularly steep one so I tried to show off by skiing down it. Epic fail. Crashed onto my backside and skidded down on my knee giving me a nice ice burn to think about.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF00YSD1LZvHdWFXqYFK10W9EOfLBQl1Pz815abGORGGrQ_1DuknJtIWYnBxAqJjPDwR3JiimNzAfk0wyB0649pOduzO1VRajDl5DuHo3_nv_mnenT5w7S5j2QdR3NLwspSpFB-qqxVZg/s1600/4067-04-420-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF00YSD1LZvHdWFXqYFK10W9EOfLBQl1Pz815abGORGGrQ_1DuknJtIWYnBxAqJjPDwR3JiimNzAfk0wyB0649pOduzO1VRajDl5DuHo3_nv_mnenT5w7S5j2QdR3NLwspSpFB-qqxVZg/s320/4067-04-420-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-006.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan Canyon</td></tr>
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As the miles ticked by I could feel the air thickening and my lungs filling with oxygen. I ran to feel and I could now step it up. I dropped into Duncan eventually reaching the icy waters at the bottom. The water was thigh deep and very refreshing, I dunked my head and felt revitalized as I marched out the other side. I ran into Robinson feeling good and about 15 mins up on my predicted time of 7 hours. This was a major stop for me. I took my time and changed shoes and socks also powdering my feet. I ate lots of fruit from the aid station to clear the sugary gel taste from my mouth. I repacked with supplies and headed out after a good 10 min stop. I was still under the 7 hours but half hour outside the 24hr pace according to their timings.<br />
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I had worked on nutrition this time knowing that it wasn't quite right last time. A high percentage of runners puke at Western States. The heat really doesn't help keep stuff down and puking is not great when chasing a tight time schedule. Once your gut has emptied you are in a world of trouble because you have to get all those calories back in your system or you will bonk but when you try to eat you feel sick again. Vicious circle. I felt sick last time and stopped eating. This time my strategy was to get 200 cals per hour in and top up at checkpoints. I was carrying mountain fuel, gu and hi 5 gels. I was to take 100 cals of either every half hour. Straight away the mountain fuel made me feel sick so I ditched it. The Gu is my rocket fuel but again it was making me feel queasy so I had to just force one down every two hours or so. My main fuel turned out to be the High 5 gels, they are pretty liquid and easy on the stomach. They are around 90 cals but don't pack a punch like a gu. I had brought enough of these to have one every half hour and topped it up with fruit, redbull, coke, mountain dew and the odd cup of soup. This was all I ate but it worked. This gave me the magic 300 cals an hour. <br />
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I ran out of Robinson and bumped into Jim my pacer for later. It was good to see him, we chatted briefly and I ran out feeling strong. I was able to run pretty well from here. The trail seems to descend for ages and its a good time to make up on the 24 hr cutoff. I ran into Millers Defeat and loaded up on ice in my hat and backpack but soon after I realized it wasn't really needed and the ice in my pack was actually burning my back so I had to stop and empty it. I kept the bits in my hat and for the rest of the day all I needed was a few cubes in there to keep my head cool. Through Dusty Corners and last chance I was really running well. I seemed to be gaining places with only the occasional runner passing me. <br />
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I reached the top of Deadwood Canyon and ran the switchbacks down. Mt quads were in good shape and the heat wasn't too intense but I descended steadily knowing what lie ahead. At the bottom I took a breath and walked round to the stream that comes down the hillside. I washed my face, dunked my hat and started the hike upto Devils Thumb. It is about 1500ft straight up with about 35 switchbacks. I hiked strong with the thought of the aid station at the top pulling me forward. I had to stop a couple of times feeling faint. I actually thought I was going down but held it together. I reached the top and breathed a sigh of relief. Matt was in there looking pretty ill. I really wanted something cold but was drawn to the soup and ended up having several cups. A nice rest from the sugary stuff. I left straight after Matt and he was doubled up puking on the trail. I so wanted to help but what can you do? A few words of advice and I pressed on almost straight back into running. El Dorado Canyon was next and it passed without incident. I hiked out the top and ran into Michigan Bluff. The reception was incredible. I picked up some supplies from a drop bag and drank a selection of cold drinks and ate some strawberries. Annabelle was in there preparing to leave and it was good to see her looking strong. I walked up the main street and the atmosphere was incredible with almost everyone of the dozens of people giving words of encouragement. My pacers Jim Kepfer and Pete Korn were there and it was great to see them. Not having ever met Pete. I took an ice cold redbull from them and drank it as we walked and chatted. My mind was now getting firmly into 24hr mode. I was feeling great and I told them we would be running for that buckle come Foresthill. As I rejoined the route a supporter said "All flat to Foresthill". Great I thought not remembering the trail. <br />
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Well that wasn't true I passed through another canyon through to Foresthill. It wasn't as harsh as the other two but a canyon all the same. I hit the tarmac and hiked up to the main road. It was around this time last time I overheard a conversation where a pacer was saying to his runner how unlikely getting a sub 24hr would be from this point would be. Well those words resonated in my head. It was happening today. I ran into the aid station and time for another main stop. Sock change, foot powder and food. Jim was expressing concerns about the time it was taking but it was 10 minutes well spent. I had reached there bang on my schedule and spent 10 minutes sorting stuff so I was now 25 minutes outside 24hr pace. This was not an issue I was going to get my buckle. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOGGtFzrXdwQ9-BhpTBuBUIZEqI7i9gP8gkXb2oY-zi18t8tX96Fj01Mj3XdlV0QrMSlQGsBgBQk1vEwrRa0giEAzrtl1z0XuPZwxLCv9-LOvaea7QENcH6UJUJF6FMXBKopjt3xy6HU/s1600/4067-05-479-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOGGtFzrXdwQ9-BhpTBuBUIZEqI7i9gP8gkXb2oY-zi18t8tX96Fj01Mj3XdlV0QrMSlQGsBgBQk1vEwrRa0giEAzrtl1z0XuPZwxLCv9-LOvaea7QENcH6UJUJF6FMXBKopjt3xy6HU/s320/4067-05-479-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get me off this boat</td></tr>
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I explained to Pete my pacer for this section that I felt good and wanted to run to the river. I explained pace and what I wanted from him and we started running. It was an amazing section and everything felt right. Pete knew I'd be getting a silver and so did I. It was one of them moments when all the stars aligned. It was now or never I was so focused all that mattered was running. Had I succumbed to negative thoughts now I would have never forgiven myself. Pete was incredibly positive and every so often I'd pull up and he would allow me 1 minute before we ran again. Over that next 16 miles we picked up time and places only briefly stopping at aid stations for redbull or coke. At each aid station another few minutes was taken back from my 24 hr hour deficit. Darkness arrived and we donned head torches at about mile 70. We caught up with Annabelle just before the river I stopped and we exchanged positive words but it really was time to run so I wished her well and pushed forward. We were so close I preyed she would maintain her pace and get her buckle too. By the time we reached the river we were evens on the 24hr cutoff and nothing was going to stop me. We changed pacers at the river and I clambered into the boat. Willing it across as I just wanted to crack on.<br />
<br />
Jim my trusted pacer from 2017 took over and we started the long hike up to Green Gate. I was super positive but I could tell Jim was still well aware this was borderline. He had been in this position many times and seen many fail. We ran straight after Green Gate through some undulating trail which I didn't care much for but I was getting through it. We got a good pace going and were picking off other runners. The run was massively undulating and the climb to highway 49 was a real sting in the tail when you feel the trail should be getting easier. I ran into Pointed Rocks aid station mile 94 it was around 3am, Two years previous I had reached here at exactly 5am and 24hrs elapsed. I grabbed some coke and ran through. Jim stopped for a pee but I just ran and left him to catch me up. I ran and ran to No Hands Bridge and didn't enter into the bridge party atmosphere I just pressed on. It was around now that I felt I would do it and started to well up. I pulled it together though as there is still a bloody massive climb to go to Robie Point. My body now started to shut down as it was hitting home I was going to make it. Pains in my legs came followed by fatigue and the lack of will to run. I hiked up as hard as I could. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjKQqMIGCB-zvy22GVBOjmczTmtDtRPV0erVamCzR9OsLJfhiECaJziTOTd9ECDGBgISu6joSlPuOa6Tc5JasxFLm0h42cdrl5TlJsFjyHTORYwFDupeljGcTuMyxVfvYF9fCJsek05c/s1600/4067-08-391-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjKQqMIGCB-zvy22GVBOjmczTmtDtRPV0erVamCzR9OsLJfhiECaJziTOTd9ECDGBgISu6joSlPuOa6Tc5JasxFLm0h42cdrl5TlJsFjyHTORYwFDupeljGcTuMyxVfvYF9fCJsek05c/s320/4067-08-391-ZF-10686-66606-1-001-015.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Job done</td></tr>
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I came out the top of Robie Point around 4:10 am and knew it was in the bag. Pete was at the top having decided he couldn't go home knowing something special was going to happen. We ran easy to the track chatting about how things had gone but my mind was elsewhere. The years of training and effort were firmly in the forefront of my mind this was it. We entered the track and Jim said they would meet me at the other side of the line. I said no way join me and cross together. A wave of euphoria hit me as I crossed the line in 23:24:59.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Buckle</td></tr>
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I was under no illusion coming into this that sub 24 was right there on the boundaries of my ability. It was no fluke. All the tiny details meant minutes on the day, that 35 minute buffer could have been lost in the blink of an eye. An extra minute in each aid station, a few too many walking breaks, puking from eating the wrong food. Coupled with a specific 16 week training program. Weekly hill reps, gym sessions, speed work, saunas it all amounted to that 35 minutes saved. I ultimately had the perfect race and hit my target. It doesn't get better than that. No complaints, no excuses.<br />
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The big question is would I go back? My philosophy has always been if you have the perfect race don't go back because you can only fall short but I love this race with a passion. It is part of me and under my skin so yes I will go back. I am a silver buckle holder and no one can ever take that away. <br />
<br />
I just want to mention some of the other Brit runners, Matt Brand, Ammon Piepgrass, Tim Lambert, Keith James it was lovely to meet you all. Well done to Beth Pascal and Tom Evans for flying the flag for the UKs elite. <br />
Most importantly though Ian Brazier, Richard Leahy, Annabelle Stearns and Sharon Sullivan. You guys really made it a trip to remember. <br />
<br />
Anyone in the UK interested in a brand new Ultramarathon for 2020 check out the North Downs Way 153 on my website <a href="http://www.hitthetrailrunning.com/">www.hitthetrailrunning.com</a> it will be a future classic.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-54790195579334466842018-05-08T05:50:00.000-07:002018-05-08T10:16:15.587-07:00Thames Path 2018When I booked this up for my 6th attempt it was to serve one purpose, that being to provide me with a fast hundred, a pb and if everything fired correctly a Sparta auto. Little did I know that after a manic 2017 race wise what was about to happen to my body in 2018. So really this is a report of two halves as half the battle was just to get to the start line. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LjlAirQiKzUi6n9DRwJcVbXBSQEcXTQpyBAwDjQ2VQbBJnrIu1avEbB-d5hu7y3kXhRHMDwFpe8Lr9_bttC0X7GF2xCYSUvAcxWFscNPXhFsQcPOT_7r4koPejRuxoM05QHfhwHEKDc/s1600/tp18+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>There I was happily running round the track at Barcelona in December at the annual 24hr race. This on the back of running the Arc, Western states and Lakeland 100 in the same year. I was nailing it and bang on schedule for a Sparta auto. I hit 75 mile and was ready to push on into the second half. Then it hit me, my hamstrings started to seize up followed by my quads and within an hour I was unable to move my legs it felt like my body was shutting down. I subsequently stopped before the 24hours were up and shuffled back to my hotel. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All smiles now. </td></tr>
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From that day nothing seemed right with me. I rested for two weeks then ran the headtorch marathon which in hindsight was a monumentally bad decision. I couldn't run, my legs just wouldn't have it. Again I rested for a couple of weeks then ran the Tanners, again I felt like death and my legs were completely dead. I didn't run a bad time but I was definitely not right. Then came the difficult decision to ditch this years Arc. I love that race but no way was I able to run it. During January I developed a lump in my throat and in my true stubborn style I totally ignored it. My leg power wasn't improving and I'd now developed breathing problems and chest pain but still I carried on entering stuff and ran the Brecon to Cardiff ultra to take my mind off the Arc. During that race at the top of the massive climb I developed the worst chest pain ever and really thought the worst. I carried on though like an idiot. I finished and the very next day finally carted myself off to the docs. Upshot was a viral infection probably caused by a completely shot immune system this had lead to bronchitis. The lump was a viral cyst. <br />
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What I should have done back in December is just took some time off but I'm so hopelessly obsessed with fitness and running that I just carried on regardless. I already work in a physical job which is not dissimilar to 8 hours of heavy cross training every day and being self employed means no time off. So the work load, the constant training, the racing and the lack of recovery had finally caught up. The complete shut down in Barcelona was a warning shot that I ignored so followed my immune system failure. By March I was a complete wreck, I gave myself false hope that I was feeling better and ran the Steyning stinger and back my bronchitis came. So still instead of total rest I decided to reel it in a bit. I put the gym on hold, training runs were only to be 10k, no more and I'd just chuck a couple of longer races in but just jog round if necessary all to get me to the start of the Thames Path. I'm not going to lie the last few months have been hell but things have got slowly better and in the last three weeks I have been without chest pain. I'm still under the doc and am still undergoing some tests but all seems well. The last month made my mind up that although my fitness isn't quite there and a pb was probably a pipe dream I would be able to start the Thames Path 100. I'd made the start line. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY6Sl2RwwdU4FPT6D_lqpTssqCkk_6acqDOBYLR0UqMD99h90_KWVp8NencT1FNWg-CBIydMSPwaTbQ5ttDFV6pHmPtuCfH1E0B3jbLv3PkhCZzZDU0_PF6KKoGVckvWu-nBJC5NVMr4/s1600/tp18+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY6Sl2RwwdU4FPT6D_lqpTssqCkk_6acqDOBYLR0UqMD99h90_KWVp8NencT1FNWg-CBIydMSPwaTbQ5ttDFV6pHmPtuCfH1E0B3jbLv3PkhCZzZDU0_PF6KKoGVckvWu-nBJC5NVMr4/s320/tp18+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dream team</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY6Sl2RwwdU4FPT6D_lqpTssqCkk_6acqDOBYLR0UqMD99h90_KWVp8NencT1FNWg-CBIydMSPwaTbQ5ttDFV6pHmPtuCfH1E0B3jbLv3PkhCZzZDU0_PF6KKoGVckvWu-nBJC5NVMr4/s1600/tp18+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a>My plan was very simple, my 100 milers seem to be defined in the first 30 miles and given the hot weather forecast I would run a very conservative but precise first 30 then just see how the race panned out. There would be no pressure on myself just go about your business and be thankful you are out there. As we milled around waiting for the start I could feel the suns piercing rays tingling my skin. It was 9am and today was going to be a scorcher. I know from experience that the best way to deal with direct strong sunlight is to cover up. Hat, sunnies, arm sleeves. In fact the only exposed parts were my face, hands and knees. I felt pretty comfortable on the start line and stood well back from the front. I mustn't go off too fast!<br />
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We started and I quickly settled in to 8:30 min miles. Just as planned. My food strategy was a gel every 45 mins and topped up with Tailwind/Mountain fuel or whatever I fancied en route. The plan was to meet my crew at Wrasbury 22 miles and it worked out I would be there in 3hours 17min. I reached Wrasbury with little drama and I stopped for seconds at the aid station knowing my crew would only be a little further on where I would be able to switch bottles. I met my crew within a minute of my predicted time. The Thames was gorgeous, people everywhere, so much going on. All this lead to some heavenly trail running. The heat wasn't really bothering me yet, I was keeping my sleeves damp and my hat wet and that was enough to stay on top of the temperatures. I ran into Dorney at 30 mile feeling surprisingly fresh and my slow start was paying off. I had run the 30 in about 4:40 so I was exactly on pace and now was time to start a more strict walking plan. Up till now I'd walked for 1 minute after an hour and a half and then a subsequent 1 minute every 45 mins. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeC7EUOog7ensHzUwZdunCuCOP9HKUGnXIwm-LyrCbLIuYegTPPDfSL3aMBSKEAF959eIibi1ohbJmRGrlSdhXpUSXCesKlPoIQ6FKwZ4XQUJNALmZSroTYoV5oNoybpCLliBXOt3G1aY/s1600/tp18+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bang on time</td></tr>
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The run to Cookham was pretty uneventful. Most of the early position changes had taken place, the field was well spread out. Runners were dropping like flies though and I had passed some very good athletes. All you can do in those conditions is your own thing and crack on. The heat was beating on us and keeping the core temperature down was key. I refilled my bottles at Cookham, damped everything down and took an ice lolly. I walked along the river eating my lolly, all was good in my world. Somewhere in the next couple of miles I came to a busy road and was trying to avoid pedestrians but as I skipped to dodge one I tripped and face planted in the main road. Soo lucky a car wasn't coming! My pride was dented as people expressed their concern but I was fine. I sheepishly jumped up and ran avoiding all eye contact. <br />
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Another crew stop at 42 miles, I'd slowed up considerably but was still running. My feet felt good but I took the time to remove my shoes and socks, powder my feet and eat a couple of fruit pots. It was a good stop well timed. My next crew stop would now be 51 miles. I ran but I was just about to have the mother of all bad spells. From the 44 mile aid station I felt like death. I was eating right but felt violently sick, my head was spinning and I felt dizzy. The sun was about 45 degrees up in front of me and there was no shade. It was relentless. The heat was finally getting to me. I started a 10 minute to 1 minute run walk strategy, this was so tough. I really started to question my reasons for being out here. I had nothing to prove, no time to chase, what was I doing? Why put myself through this shit? I'd had enough and I was definitely dropping at Henley. Boats full of people partying passed me by, Henley seemed an age away! I reached the bridge and crossed, the amount of people out and about gave me a slight lift as did the applause as I ran into the aid station. <br />
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I set about sorting my feet with fresh socks and powder. I couldn't eat though, I felt really sick. Runners were coming in behind me looking fresh and full of beans. A couple barely stopped just went through smiling and eager to press on. I felt hopeless, my mind was spinning. James and Jacque were speaking but it went in one ear and out the other. I often feel I'm letting people down when I consider dropping. When you mention it everyone just looks at you like there's a massive spot on your nose then carries on caring for you. I'm always left just getting up and carrying on even though 5 minutes ago it was over. <br />
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Ok I thought I'd kind of left Henley for no particular reason lets get to Reading and drop there at least it be a good 100k covered. Although I felt awful I was still running, I hadn't really lost any places although a couple of lady runners were really running well and it was taking everything to keep them in my sights. None of it mattered because I was dropping at Reading anyway but there was certainly no issue with my running. I wasn't walking for prolonged periods, I had no chest pains and the sun was dropping fast. Reading appeared and I spotted my crew from a way back. Excellent i'll get over there and drop out. I bumped into Sarah Sawyer on the way over and said Hi I'm dropping. Not a lot was said but it was enough to reconsider my postion. In 30 seconds I went from finished to finisher. If nothing else I'm up for a challenge. I only had 40 to go. It was cooling down, lets have a go. I saw Jacque and restocked and loaded up on gel the only thing I was able to eat now. I poked my head in the aid station door and left. It all seemed possible again. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling rough?</td></tr>
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It started to get dark on the next section and my headtorch came out on the long section along the river towards Whitchurch. I had a light jacket which I put on too. I started doing some decent running again kept the other two runners in sight. Scott was one and Laura Swanton the other . They were running well and I was doing well to keep up. At the carpark at the far end I met my crew again and decided on waterproof socks. The grass was getting wet and this would only get worse so to avoid foot failure they were a must. Whitchurch was a flying visit , I was a bit delirious and felt quite faint so it was probably a good move to just keep going. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPsLqVH9aS25rFXREMaue3661cOJB0kkLrnP23m4DalLrlCfqf_CPtsIs6qCP4o6efSYNh4Nxyde7OJ-uJtA5Jh_0fKwnRrOerbuognYYQYed9ccBsKRWwxlx6kvBVCtIRud6CkHD9-w/s1600/tp18+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMPsLqVH9aS25rFXREMaue3661cOJB0kkLrnP23m4DalLrlCfqf_CPtsIs6qCP4o6efSYNh4Nxyde7OJ-uJtA5Jh_0fKwnRrOerbuognYYQYed9ccBsKRWwxlx6kvBVCtIRud6CkHD9-w/s320/tp18+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckle happy</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPtZg4NSWir4O_Xxzyx8G-0TD2bBviPANszeK3VtfLj2EidUrjRCo41BgeKRVKFFFBrAGxOmXgvEaO-kvUjtH3YXl7o9yArm2kAjXr__J91bcA5q7z8njJY7N6HpBRDi522pZGVGXExI/s1600/tp18+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>I don't mind the next section. It's probably the best stretch of the second half. I leap frogged Laura several times and we were both enjoyed the trail sections and varied terrain. All was good in my world again. I quick stop in Streatley aidstation and I was off and running again. I left first followed by Laura then Scott. They soon closed the distance and passed me. Scott was not seen again till the finish but Laura and I ran some together, some apart but was never too far away. This 20 mile section to Abingdon is definitely the toughest. Its bleak and featureless. It just goes on and on! I was having my own private battle with sleep demons and was totally incoherent . A sunk a few caffeine tablets and just kept on run walking. I sent Jacque to the finish so I could just crack on and get it done. The aidstations came and went. I was passed quite convincingly around 85 mile by David Thompson. We are friends but he said nothing as he passed , he was obviously on one. I was a little pissed off as this put me in 10th place and Laura who was just behind was like a robot she just didn't stop running! My competitive side came through and I was determined to either catch David back or at least hold my top 10 place. I ran well into Abingdon and there was no one behind, the aidstation staff said there was a runner ahead who I may catch so I ran my heart out to do so, In hindsight I think they were telling me porkys. <br />
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I got to the last aid station ate one last gel and committed to running hard in. I did in fact run one of my best splits of the evening and walked very little. I felt like I was running 7 min miles but in fact I think they were 10s but boy it felt fast. I soon got to the gate and it was just light enough to see without my torch I ran to the line and crossed with a big sigh of relief. 10th place and 18:54:18. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS49lLTWzoLeM4pCkJE5jNFM1JMlSOE0Ret2-0rf6BIL-4FdsUMkzoQ1FXHlwV5e9F9qfu4KiPIhTqetU0o4l9grAs6qumx9QXiWyPK4yu_8vn91-X11Vu4Z7AhOcerVjsgVIISXAQrw/s1600/tp18+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS49lLTWzoLeM4pCkJE5jNFM1JMlSOE0Ret2-0rf6BIL-4FdsUMkzoQ1FXHlwV5e9F9qfu4KiPIhTqetU0o4l9grAs6qumx9QXiWyPK4yu_8vn91-X11Vu4Z7AhOcerVjsgVIISXAQrw/s320/tp18+6.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six of the best</td></tr>
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I'm so happy with this race. Although it wasn't a pb or anything particularly out standing I ran one of my best 100 milers ever. I ran pretty much all the way, my feet management was perfect, fuelling was good even though I was nauseas for hours, my plan worked out really well and I reckon another 20 miles and I would have made up places but best of all I had no chest pain. This was my 20th 100+ miler and I cannot recall anyone going better. My only negative would be my slight mental weakness at the end of the first 50. The heat caught me slightly and I almost dropped but I'm really glad I gutted it out. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS49lLTWzoLeM4pCkJE5jNFM1JMlSOE0Ret2-0rf6BIL-4FdsUMkzoQ1FXHlwV5e9F9qfu4KiPIhTqetU0o4l9grAs6qumx9QXiWyPK4yu_8vn91-X11Vu4Z7AhOcerVjsgVIISXAQrw/s1600/tp18+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: right; color: #0066cc; float: right; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 16px; margin-left: 16px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></a><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></b><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></i><u style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></u><sub style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></sub><sup style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 11.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></sup><strike style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: line-through; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></strike><br />
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I've always said this race is my nemesis and should I conquer it I'll leave it be and not run it again. Well balls to that it's really just an annoying old friend who I have a love hate relationship with. We will get together whenever possible and duke it out. Got to run at least 10 of them and then I'll reconsider. <br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-37305528224797812912017-11-18T13:05:00.008-08:002023-01-12T13:46:05.417-08:00Western States Endurance Run 2017Very soon after completing my first marathon I became fascinated in ultra distance running and what the human body was capable of. This lead me to read every book and article I could find on the subject. After reading one particular book my mind was made up. I would one day take part in the Western States Endurance Run. Fast forward eight years and I'm stood on the start line. The clock reads 00:17:05, I turn to my crew member and friend Chris Benjamin and say "That clock has been ticking for eight years and now I'm finally ready to start". I stare up the mountainside and I feel rather emotional, It has been one long journey, 55 ultra marathons, thousands of miles of training, qualifiers, entries, hours spent watching the draw, disappointment and elation all about to come to fruition now. Would it live up to the hype? Would I go sub 24? Would my feet hold up? Is it the greatest race on the planet? Would I even finish?? All these questions were about to be answered in the next 24 hours. <br />
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I trained double hard for this one post Arc of Attrition. I emptied my diary and decided to once again put my training in the hands of James Elson. He helped me through Spartathlon and although I could do this on my own I do enjoy the structure of having a coach I find it very motivating. Plus I was determined to leave no stone unturned, It really had to be this way, No excuses. Training went exactly to plan, long weekends in the lakes, days on the south downs, 50k races, fast marathons, hill reps, I even spent one evening a week doing single leg weighted bouncing lunges just to make sure my quads were conditioned. The only part of training that went awry was my physical job getting in the way of training in the last three weeks, what can you do, works work!. <br />
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I had changed my diet too, starting the day after the Arc in fact. I gave up refined sugar and almost all processed food. Such a simple concept but sugar is in everything! However I stuck to it and felt great with it. It's a real enjoyable way to eat, you get lean and gone are the sugar highs and lows. As you get older your body is like a vintage car, you need to put the premium petrol in and the decent oil or it'll run like bag of shit. I experimented with sugar free running too but that didn't work. It's ok to a point but I just kept crashing and burning. So I ditched that idea. <br />
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I spent a lot of time toying with kit. The Salomon 1 litre pack was going to be my pack of choice but I kept overheating whilst wearing it so I changed pretty late to 2 x UD handhelds and a waist pouch. With all the support at Western I certainly didn't need to carry more. I love my Hokas but they are pretty unstable. With such a mountainous prospect I decided I need to be nearer the ground. Inov-8 Trail Talons turned out to be the shoe of choice, they are spot on, I'd go as far to say they are the perfect shoe for me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdUVvFYIVc_sT0rH94NBg7ZUnXZcRGPZCv0NzIysEvN488aykeAOMcNIeBO-D00mWg4XL7sLbK047iSg4vSVMSgBeLvZ_9dcuIdEv2OyZUH3oABAVuVRKUpB1GlRXj0fsvhjg0-Sykmg/s1600/DSC_0975.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdUVvFYIVc_sT0rH94NBg7ZUnXZcRGPZCv0NzIysEvN488aykeAOMcNIeBO-D00mWg4XL7sLbK047iSg4vSVMSgBeLvZ_9dcuIdEv2OyZUH3oABAVuVRKUpB1GlRXj0fsvhjg0-Sykmg/s320/DSC_0975.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Tahoe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbJYPmt7CZeW51_tmqHZxfAHmUtG-P8q8imJAGBHM547JNRQX1cnbKuAjpzL7YRLIBq0iG6c5nDoDbaI3d2IyWvabpUioKsEGYYw47VKliXMh-2Ypt1jpSlMnfS5Jn_fFWMVGmZqDXq4/s1600/DSC_0976.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbJYPmt7CZeW51_tmqHZxfAHmUtG-P8q8imJAGBHM547JNRQX1cnbKuAjpzL7YRLIBq0iG6c5nDoDbaI3d2IyWvabpUioKsEGYYw47VKliXMh-2Ypt1jpSlMnfS5Jn_fFWMVGmZqDXq4/s320/DSC_0976.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Tahoe</td></tr>
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Everything set it was time to fly. I arrived a few days early to try and acclimatize to the altitude. Lake Tahoe is at around 5000ft above sea level so that would be the perfect base for me. Tahoe City itself is gorgeous, it sits right on the lake which in turn is enormous. The lake is completely surrounded by mountains and there is only one outlet which measures about 20 metres across. You can stand on the shore and the views are breathtaking, a great place to gather pre race thoughts. Squaw valley resort is about six miles away and is approached through pine lined roads. It is a real rugged landscape and the expanse of it all hits you round every turn. The resort was the host of the 1960 Olympics and the torch still burns there. As you wander through the massive carpark to the start area you expect everyone to be involved in or at least know about the race. This isn't the case and in fact half the people milling around Squaw Valley have no clue. The startline is tucked right in the corner at the foot of the first climb.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTLiXCG6qgRojYcsNMLqvkSJ7qG_6nVdy99CTMvP0hRNtxdJd6GHXgYNKksqUoDHo_v2-vKaLyFuU0rs9X1HzusC48EhKHROLpXBh8W8fMFeb0pNPQrVYEDfNzwfJyLJRzIczhLu6G-0/s1600/DSC_0984.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTLiXCG6qgRojYcsNMLqvkSJ7qG_6nVdy99CTMvP0hRNtxdJd6GHXgYNKksqUoDHo_v2-vKaLyFuU0rs9X1HzusC48EhKHROLpXBh8W8fMFeb0pNPQrVYEDfNzwfJyLJRzIczhLu6G-0/s320/DSC_0984.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up out of Squaw Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBuHbjM1w2dEe-LKpEV6cpmB5Xk_Al5TtMCylQHLd7L2cJTVioCs2fJE5cpJZ92SGeS_ZcSTYDEEbF24iGA21zzIKRzLx-rfH-Jb8qSDz30T1ybIZH2VEDsjizil1KH24JlLPZavUbnU/s1600/DSC_1007.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBuHbjM1w2dEe-LKpEV6cpmB5Xk_Al5TtMCylQHLd7L2cJTVioCs2fJE5cpJZ92SGeS_ZcSTYDEEbF24iGA21zzIKRzLx-rfH-Jb8qSDz30T1ybIZH2VEDsjizil1KH24JlLPZavUbnU/s320/DSC_1007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start line arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAOy3HXpYeZ_rUtVwX_sYl8CT3XIIR_GpjYK2NX6L5CMkOHSzmKsG8nj3S6vbKi3ePWzRMT_9MEMGc6Ki15Wtkz8wpk_DXhgX9jLnubZvH7LO8SU86aDtDl29P5Cu60LXnQC2AUVKz6A/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAOy3HXpYeZ_rUtVwX_sYl8CT3XIIR_GpjYK2NX6L5CMkOHSzmKsG8nj3S6vbKi3ePWzRMT_9MEMGc6Ki15Wtkz8wpk_DXhgX9jLnubZvH7LO8SU86aDtDl29P5Cu60LXnQC2AUVKz6A/s320/DSC_0999.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of snow near the top</td></tr>
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The Escarpment takes you to over 8000ft so it was a good introduction to the mountain to take the organised hike to the top. The hike is leisurely and its nice to chat to a few other competitors however it was quite alarming to reach the snow so soon. Some of the climb is steep and getting a footing was tough we were certainly going to have our work cut out on race day. The view from the top was worthy of the hike and with the help of a local we were able to visually plot the next 30 mile.<br />
The day before the start was registration, it was great to see everything set up and ready to go. The start area is a relatively small courtyard with the gantry in the corner. Registration was in an upstairs room in the building behind. After a ten minute queue the process began. All very regimented as we were shepherded from table to table unable to proceed without having fulfilled your task at the current table. Cards with your name and number on, wristbands, photos, questions, freebies all before being ushered straight out the exit. No faff. In and out. The most important thing I walked out with was the sacred wristband, loose it and no race. We all headed over to the briefing room next for the race talk. Same old stuff about course conditions etc. One stand out point was a story about Gordy. The WSER committee had somehow managed to miss count the waitlist entrants and had told one runner he had a place. He flew in from Vermont only to be told they had miss counted and there was no place. That guy happened to be John Fegyveresi from Barkley fame. Now John was in tears at the prospect of having to go home. Then up steps Gordy and says he's had rough week and feels he won't get too far so he will stand back and let John take his place. All to massive cheers. You couldn't make this shit up. Hmm well maybe you could? The cynic in me has my reservations about this story but it sure makes a great headline. To finish the brief they got all the elites up the front, UTMB winners, Laverado winners, WS winners. The thing that struck me is how young they all looked especially Jim Walmsley, a mere slip of a lad. Really made me feel old!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLT4ebQcBFF8Bzf9sA30KKMfc7Zk95XgtGK0lk-B9s69YDo6VzdeueRx8mh-8cVm_LlwAkbt8Vn2rF-kPoBtYHAvl28__2Y_4LPksTZb554E5DFh_ur07R4fqSzxgS6vHn_cOLfp78y4/s1600/DSC_1012.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLT4ebQcBFF8Bzf9sA30KKMfc7Zk95XgtGK0lk-B9s69YDo6VzdeueRx8mh-8cVm_LlwAkbt8Vn2rF-kPoBtYHAvl28__2Y_4LPksTZb554E5DFh_ur07R4fqSzxgS6vHn_cOLfp78y4/s320/DSC_1012.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gordy the legend</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczMWRqRxh0GuUGs9CCU3wY048JrPEYuU7FCuVPho6gXqBRtc-wU4j9097fr_8vKPdZ-Evu079L9piOTsTsaLfH1vs9vUoTP39M95MzPNRfZ2d0n7fM_dbfNzxspsRb2ueoF5k_GOb4Nw/s1600/Western+states+1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczMWRqRxh0GuUGs9CCU3wY048JrPEYuU7FCuVPho6gXqBRtc-wU4j9097fr_8vKPdZ-Evu079L9piOTsTsaLfH1vs9vUoTP39M95MzPNRfZ2d0n7fM_dbfNzxspsRb2ueoF5k_GOb4Nw/s320/Western+states+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and David</td></tr>
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I slept well that night and after my 2:30am alarm call we were soon heading for the start. We were promised breakfast which turned out to be coffee and muffins. I couldn't face a muffin at 4am so I settled for a Cliff Bar, I had to eat something. I collected my number and was ready. Unlike UK races where people mill on the start line for ages the WS start line was empty with 20 mins to go. I stood at the start line and just soaked it up. I chatted with Peter Wright and David Harvey two fellow Brits. We wished each other luck as the clock ticked away. Finally everyone surged forward as the final few seconds disappeared, the gun exploded and we were off. My plan for the first mountain was mainly to fast hike and keep up with some of the leading ladies that way I wouldn't drop too far back and get caught on the single track further along. I really needed to get to Robinson Flat in 6 hours 30 to stay on my 24 hour plan.<br />
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I ran across the line and within 300mtrs I was walking, the sloped tracks are fairly steep but runnable, just not today. Not a wise move for all but the elite. As we rose up the twisting tracks the first shards of light could be seen in the distant clear sky. I kept stopping to look and take it all in, the higher we rose the more entrancing the view became. There was a cloud inversion in the valley below. I was in heaven and wasted several minutes stopping to look. Its not everyday you get these views, I made the most of them. After a couple of miles of long smooth switchbacks we hit snow. Very lumpy and still relatively steep we trudged ever upwards. About a mile from the top of the escarpment is a very steep section of trail, real hands on knees stuff as I was already blowing hard from the thinning air. Sixty five minutes had passed by the time I reached the top of the escarpment. Four miles in 8750ft up, incidentally that is higher than any point on the UTMB course. I took one last look at the valley behind and then the wilderness ahead before pressing forward to the cheers of the crowd spectating from the top. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3RyvnR1GW334S7EHg9J2FDryLH7WdW-9605uFvWoixu7soUcXyyn6b7q5lE2JVIleYz97O6gsh3d0ilQPax1S18q_GMBoGTwCfosFDi66VlbfCbOowqONycETApFcFvS6uGWL1zRpX0/s1600/DSC_1028.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3RyvnR1GW334S7EHg9J2FDryLH7WdW-9605uFvWoixu7soUcXyyn6b7q5lE2JVIleYz97O6gsh3d0ilQPax1S18q_GMBoGTwCfosFDi66VlbfCbOowqONycETApFcFvS6uGWL1zRpX0/s320/DSC_1028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half way up the first climb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTdM0zX-qhwXmf8yXKI9YmXtnkkhS4uGoPJ3djZDtzkSTE7grMwg4RQ48DQeD1QjxOh_NyDlgndqCLoKi3E8XWO2_lwJEpJz_kW4bxshWxSjtD7ucNZeaHXxGu0WUutTxQS2KHu9OZqk/s1600/sm141474-02-235.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTdM0zX-qhwXmf8yXKI9YmXtnkkhS4uGoPJ3djZDtzkSTE7grMwg4RQ48DQeD1QjxOh_NyDlgndqCLoKi3E8XWO2_lwJEpJz_kW4bxshWxSjtD7ucNZeaHXxGu0WUutTxQS2KHu9OZqk/s320/sm141474-02-235.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early in the race</td></tr>
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The trail descended slightly as we ran all the time trying to find my groove. Before long we hit a patch of snow, little did I realize this would be the norm for the next six miles. We seemed to be maintaining altitude and the going was tough, real technical stuff. The snow patches were pretty constant in frequency but they could go up, down, level or indeed 45 degree cambers. It was so awkward to keep a footing, runners were sliding off the snow banks then having to climb back to the marked path. There were fallers everywhere. The down sections of snow had to be slid down either ski style or my preferred method of crouching with one leg forward and sliding down. In between the snow patches there was no defined trail, we were running on branches and pine needles following the markers set by Tim Twietmeyer on a route he had deemed to be best. It was rough and more like an assault course than a trail run on these early miles. Gradually we left the snow behind but the snow melt had turned the trail into mushy mud, over the ankle mushy mud. This was far more British and I took quite a few places as I bowled through it headlong. I ran into Lyon Ridge aid station and<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5EDE4GkBF09nCYpzQPB1SJObNhAF_f4xHjrSiRPEkZOu0UM03ChPX6JRquVaDTyunpp1T5fBJLaLrtVJh2a2ogRbM5rUCZcTC-fjmVsafyJ4XhVo_h2eDWrK5iUmOQ2kkMJiQm7CSMY/s1600/sm141474-03-286.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5EDE4GkBF09nCYpzQPB1SJObNhAF_f4xHjrSiRPEkZOu0UM03ChPX6JRquVaDTyunpp1T5fBJLaLrtVJh2a2ogRbM5rUCZcTC-fjmVsafyJ4XhVo_h2eDWrK5iUmOQ2kkMJiQm7CSMY/s320/sm141474-03-286.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concentrating soon after my fall</td></tr>
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demolished a can of coke, it was a relief to have a break, although we'd only been going for ten miles it felt like a whole lot more. The run high on the ridge was now drying out but extremely technical, my brain was doing overtime as my eyes flicked from rock to rock. It was so hard to concentrate, the views were amazing and my mind kept wandering as I tried to take it all in. I was running at what seemed a respectable speed keeping my place in the long line of competitors. We weren't toe to heel but if you stopped plenty would barrel past. Then disaster struck, I caught my toe on a boulder and before I could even out stretch my arms I smashed into the surrounding rocks. My elbow, knee and hip took the biggest hit. I lay on the floor contorted in pain, a group of four runners came hammering through one yelling a cursory "ok?" before disappearing around the corner. Who could blame them? They were not jeopardising their WS dreams for a downed runner in the wilderness. As I composed myself the pain seared through my body, I stood to take stock of the situation, I was in so much pain as I tried to move forward, my knee felt alien and extremely unstable. I hopped forward, it was mile twelve this is a possible race ender. My hops turned into a limp, too much had passed to get me this far, years of effort. I made a decision right there to overcome it. The pain was only in my head, I could still move, I kept telling myself to reposition the pain else where in my brain. It may sound like horse shite but it's something that I felt I did. I jogged into Red Star AS and took a glance at my elbow it was scuffed up and there was a fair bit of blood on my arm sleeve but adrenaline was firmly kicking in. I figured the sleeve would help contain things and keep it clean. Time to crack on.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2n74rsUYSwZEKkByVkb4syXnRFB46Fe3kDoai6AgOt4Y3CONSiJF6KaAhMcxh0GjSXtdtxmQIBpdIDn3cYWWOhF4mHVpvzBVc79JeBLy5Roi9qOiJcaN7l31irlUaqIHkCyigtzq3BE/s1600/sm141474-05-345.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2n74rsUYSwZEKkByVkb4syXnRFB46Fe3kDoai6AgOt4Y3CONSiJF6KaAhMcxh0GjSXtdtxmQIBpdIDn3cYWWOhF4mHVpvzBVc79JeBLy5Roi9qOiJcaN7l31irlUaqIHkCyigtzq3BE/s320/sm141474-05-345.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duncan canyon</td></tr>
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The views were stunning high on the ridge but since the fall all my concentration was going on foot placement. We were still at fairly high altitude and would remain so until Robinson Flat, I think we averaged 7500ft through this section. I was breathing heavy due to the exertion but the thin air just wasn't feeding my muscles, it felt incredibly draining. Things were starting to hot up as I descended into Duncan Canyon, my knee and elbow were still zinging with pain but I was holding it together however my speed was suffering as I knew another fall wouldn't be good. I reached the creek and there was a rope strung across, the water was thigh deep and extremely cold. The numbing feeling on my legs was heaven. I got my balance in the middle and dunked my head under before wading through. What a relief, a real system reset. The climb out the other side of Duncan was long and sustained and an ideal opportunity to rest. The altitude had zapped my muscles, my body was screaming for energy. The GU and Cliff gels were maintaining my 200 cal an hour but I was tired surprisingly so for such an early stage in the race. I could hear the buzz of Robinson Flat AS up ahead and ran hard to it. I so wanted to show my crew I was solid. Seven hours had passed for the first 30 mile, I was 30 minutes down on my absolute slowest predicted time so in my eyes I was a good hour down. It was good to see my crew, Jim and Chris. Jim is a real old school runner, he doesn't enter races he just puts his shorts and trainers on and runs. He knows the trail like the back of his hand, every mile of it. Chris has run Badwater, Spartathlon and a whole host of other 100 milers, he is a real experienced guy. I couldn't have asked for a better team to back me up. I picked up my drop bag and changed my shoes and socks. The waterproof socks I had worn for the first 30 had done their job and kept my feet from getting macerated. I drank more coke, restocked on gels and told the guys I would be another 7 hours to Foresthill at 62 mile.<br />
<br />
I walked out of Robinson and up the wide dusty road eating a handful of melon. It was really hot now and we were easily in the 90 degree range. I had my hat adapted by my mum pre-race she stitched elasticated pockets to each side of my cap and I would fill these with ice. The ice would then slowly melt and trickle cold water over me. Lovely. I had opted for total skin coverage using my arm sleeves all day. Also the hours spent in the sauna acclimatizing before the race helped loads. All in all I was dealing with the heat really well. As the road reached a crest and I finished eating I started running again for what turned out to be a very runnable bit of trail. Millers Defeat AS soon appeared and I was advised to do as much running as I could in the next 10 mile because after that I'd have 12 mile of hell! I stuffed my hat full of ice, took the advice and ran on. The next section was undulating through thick forest and very runnable, I really enjoyed this part of the run and was leap frogging with several other runners. It worked very well to keep each other going. The trail is extremely dusty almost sandy in places very apt as I passed through Dusty corners AS. I was shuffling a bit which isn't ideal on these rough trails. With that I stubbed my toe square on a rather large rock. The pain shot through me like electricity. Fuck!!! That hurt. I knew straight away by the searing pain that I'd either ripped a nail off or broke a toe. Either way not a lot I could do about it. I carried on to Last Chance AS and had a system check, I was dog tired but still eating, my elbow had stopped bleeding and my knee was sore but if I kept it square to my foot running was perfectly manageable. Oh and my toe was just a stubbed toe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAfIVNiAPhttVnhuh9VibkHoBeLLq4ZFlWJegZ4D6JfSy-3cKcUv8DvYyAV6_t0ua60dXY6DtVwkNhc9ffq4gKcIaiNnopwPdfwaE3jA6Sk5yp05LN9NOyvdjGJsDRAXqyhxo-8Kpft4/s1600/DSC_1043.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAfIVNiAPhttVnhuh9VibkHoBeLLq4ZFlWJegZ4D6JfSy-3cKcUv8DvYyAV6_t0ua60dXY6DtVwkNhc9ffq4gKcIaiNnopwPdfwaE3jA6Sk5yp05LN9NOyvdjGJsDRAXqyhxo-8Kpft4/s320/DSC_1043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sort of view you can expect</td></tr>
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The descent into Deadwood Canyon was steep and lengthy, I dropped about 2000ft to the base, the temperature at the bottom was off the scale. I was feeling ok though, yes it was hot but it wasn't bothering me too much. My legs were really tight and I couldn't face the climb down to the creek but Jim had told me that a bit further up the other side there was a cold stream. He was dead right and I dunked my hat and arm sleeves, it was ice cold and so refreshing. I knew the climb ahead was to be the hardest of the day and definitely the hottest. The sun was beating on our side of the mountain, estimates on the day were around 110 in that canyon. The climb out of the canyon was the most physically demanding part of the course, it just went on and on, steep switchback after steep switchback each one sapping more energy. I was being passed easily on this climb and climbing is one of my strengths. I was tired and regularly stopping with hands on knees to catch my breath. The climb eventually ended and I walked straight into Devils Thumb AS. I was wobbly, there was runners crashed out everywhere. I thought it best to get my shit together and keep moving forward even if it was a walk. There is a short flattish section after the aid station to start running again before another massive 2500ft descent down to Eldorado Creek. I shuffled down the descent conscious that my water was ebbing away fast. I had two 500ml bottles that had been plenty so far but they were not going to last me up the other side of the canyon. Luckily enough there is a aid station right on the creek and I was able to restock and have a sponge down before undertaking the next climb to Michigan bluff. As I climbed the up the other side I worked out I was over halfway, 50 miles in 11 and a half hours. I had a further 2 and a half hours to meet my 14 hour target for Foresthill. The near 2000ft climb to Michigan Bluff was certainly easier than the last with long shallow switchbacks and much more shade. The AS come as a welcome sight knowing the worst of the course was done. The trail from Michigan Bluff to Foresthill was rugged and pretty slow going and I was tired from all the course had thrown at me, I didn't feel much like a runner at this point. My thoughts started to wander to the 24 hour target. I was calculating what needed to be done in the last 38 mile to go sub 24. The first thoughts of doubt entered my mind. I was physically in ok shape, my nutrition had remained pretty good, my feet were good and mathematically it was on. There was one glaring problem though, I was shattered! I felt bereft of the ability to run. It took a lot out of me just to get to Foresthill. I hiked up the hill with another runner who had met his pacer. The pacer was explaining how he had been in this exact position twice before and both times had failed to go sub 24. Great! As I turned the corner my pacers were walking towards me and conversation soon turned to the 24 hour target. Jim had done all the maths and was explaining not to worry but I was worried. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwKXFVBE8d7tfRCEDrFLrYKJHPAdHRcoKEfU2ubQnT2ZtqiLSFmEi5lMen33B54DwHinQG7c-lJZT3HeG9Jy9E5iqwGNVdNN_Fd6UVjUulYwuHugKJUsEDPPFhYW5ZbXCtJ7LiRN7S14/s1600/Western+states+2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwKXFVBE8d7tfRCEDrFLrYKJHPAdHRcoKEfU2ubQnT2ZtqiLSFmEi5lMen33B54DwHinQG7c-lJZT3HeG9Jy9E5iqwGNVdNN_Fd6UVjUulYwuHugKJUsEDPPFhYW5ZbXCtJ7LiRN7S14/s320/Western+states+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foresthill with Jim</td></tr>
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Foresthill was buzzing and it was buzzing with people. Thousands I'd say. I'd arrived in about 14 hours 10 and took a further 20 mins to change socks and eat. Food was becoming a real struggle to get down and I felt quite nauseous. I ate some yoghurt and a few swigs of tailwind but struggled with anything else. I even ran back into the AS just to make sure there wasn't anything that I'd find appetizing, there wasn't. I walked with Jim out of town, he was keen to get running and rightly so, It had been a long day for the guys. On paper the next section is extremely runnable and I was trying my best. My legs however had other ideas, the intention was there but I was just unable to get my legs turning over properly. It was like running in slow motion, a very peculiar sensation. I felt like I was running but Jim was walking and I could tell he was getting frustrated with me. He kept asking why I couldn't run, I didn't have the answers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmHlq8CB2kA_zbJpVK-dQR9L8mNcSdyW4jUne484Qbp6UUY6QJ-pdmaaZEpiP_7mVGWn1ODa_NOJNfOSIHAScKaKDCiB_wF042XySXoihtuucLBvbro68eOObXVXUy0UqlgTij2BEbqw/s1600/Western+states3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="888" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmHlq8CB2kA_zbJpVK-dQR9L8mNcSdyW4jUne484Qbp6UUY6QJ-pdmaaZEpiP_7mVGWn1ODa_NOJNfOSIHAScKaKDCiB_wF042XySXoihtuucLBvbro68eOObXVXUy0UqlgTij2BEbqw/s320/Western+states3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG I'm tired!</td></tr>
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We arrived at Fords Bar AS and I could feel a massive blister on my toe. I had to get it sorted, Jim protested but it was no good, it needed sorting. It was stinging like murder, I peeled my sock off to find the side of my big toe missing its skin. The blister had burst and the skin had peeled back. The AS captain wrapped my toe in tape and we were good to go. Darkness had firmly set in and the trail was featureless, soft and dusty under foot, undulating and overhanging vegetation. Waves of runners were passing me now all of them chasing the silver buckle. Bucklemania was in full flow, some would make it some wouldn't. I wasn't, in fact I was dropping further back on my 24hour dream. I felt awful for Jim, everything he'd done for me and I couldn't muster a run. We hiked down to Rucky Chucky river crossing where we was due to change pacers. Jim ran ahead to brief Chris, I can only imagine it wasn't a positive conversation. <br />
<br />
We were helped into our life jackets and given a glow in the dark neck band. I was pretty shaky and had to be helped into the boat. The oarsman soon had us across and I was helped out the other side. We took our time at the farside AS. I changed my shoes and socks, got loaded with gels and after some soup we hiked up the long ascent away from the river. It was about 2 miles straight up and into another AS. We pressed on and Chris asked if I wanted to run, I explained I was running! This was rubbish, I was rubbish. Chris had flown all the way in from Kansas for this and I couldn't perform. I was doing the motions but was just not moving at any pace. <br />
<br />
Much of the next few hours rolled into one. Steady plodding on dusty trails with just enough roots and rocks to keep us on our toes. We both kept tripping over and over again. It became quite comical. Chris kept running way ahead and disappear into the distance then wait for me to catch up. We had a few proper runs but the damage was done. I eyes were spinning with tiredness, the caffeine in the gels wasn't quite cutting it. These are supposed to be the easy miles of the WS course but they are far from flat with hills a plenty. In the distance I could make out the flashing lights of a police car and I figured we were coming up to Highway 49. Daylight was breaking and the 24 hour mark drew ever closer. The police stopped a solitary car as I was given priority over it. We crossed the road and ran through the grassy meadow leading us all the way to Pointed Rocks AS. I entered at exactly 5am and 24 hours had elapsed, I still had 6 miles to go. I felt pretty flat and was busy making excuses to myself in my mind. I had a drop bag here which contained my GB flag but I told the AS staff I didn't need the bag. Chris took a look and saw the flag, he insisted I take it with me. Whatever the finish time I'd earned the right to carry the flag over the line. I jogged down the final descent into the canyon and onto the famous No Hands Bridge. I stood there for a minute and drank a coke, just savouring where I was and the superb runners that had passed this very point. Chris was urging me on though, 3 miles to go. We climbed the final ascent to Robie Point which is a real arse kicker just to finish you off.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNieT-rM2wT0EtSGLX600Gb-6pwss_tOla29zf7jTgmfafhXQS9TX1ZE0Oef5FqIBvJ-Y6132TA90N9IpHi-JYx8NAyxkIzFehxnQCtivJgqPy10TWglbGSdW01CwzjKtewIpGXXUTouE/s1600/sm141474-11-051.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNieT-rM2wT0EtSGLX600Gb-6pwss_tOla29zf7jTgmfafhXQS9TX1ZE0Oef5FqIBvJ-Y6132TA90N9IpHi-JYx8NAyxkIzFehxnQCtivJgqPy10TWglbGSdW01CwzjKtewIpGXXUTouE/s320/sm141474-11-051.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing straight</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0xWxtY1tWHGkITT8BOd3Eo33MdRIrj1BJ42rNgWVTuE82T6Bn2dAazAtgQQYDCvywe0pFCbVNu0zsO8I4uL03Z5PWT80tl-R_LVpJZL4TguDNZ7IeVbRjwwMkP7JyHYbmTfLe6RCTFI/s1600/sm141474-09-026.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="900" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0xWxtY1tWHGkITT8BOd3Eo33MdRIrj1BJ42rNgWVTuE82T6Bn2dAazAtgQQYDCvywe0pFCbVNu0zsO8I4uL03Z5PWT80tl-R_LVpJZL4TguDNZ7IeVbRjwwMkP7JyHYbmTfLe6RCTFI/s320/sm141474-09-026.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's done</td></tr>
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I left the trail for the final time and joined the tarmac. Jim was there to meet us and we all wandered onwards towards the stadium. I would usually feel an urge to race anyone to the finish line but I was done in and couldn't handle a sprint finish so I timed my final run so that the track would be clear. I entered the track with my flag round my shoulders, it was a very surreal moment. A moment I'd dreamt about for a long time. I jogged round the track as the announcer read my pre written running resume. I thought I would cry, I have at other finishes but I just felt relief, relief it was done. I crossed the line in 25:50 with the GB flag held aloft. My Western States adventure was over. I stood on the line while Tim Tweitmeyer hung the medal round my neck, the guys run over to congratulate me. I just wanted to lie down. I felt faint post race and within minutes my knee started swelling. I went to the medical tent and crashed out but was kicked out pretty soon for not being ill enough. I popped to Jims for a shower before returning for the awards ceremony. My knee had swollen solid and I had to start my walk to the front several minutes before my name was called otherwise I would have been late. I took my buckle, shook everyone's hand and left the awards tent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsg4H-EzS83kl6ZaaWHm06S8shUJ2yS2YNDs6-7fioy_2q0olI8iIzVlHDOX4BJw6nH0RjhxCu0LCsSanKE_NoRQFLcGk0ltxhdBo5sWM_EuKQuFbsXm7Ro5p35GUnZXDH8o-ob0pUZ8/s1600/DSC_1034.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsg4H-EzS83kl6ZaaWHm06S8shUJ2yS2YNDs6-7fioy_2q0olI8iIzVlHDOX4BJw6nH0RjhxCu0LCsSanKE_NoRQFLcGk0ltxhdBo5sWM_EuKQuFbsXm7Ro5p35GUnZXDH8o-ob0pUZ8/s320/DSC_1034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placer High school</td></tr>
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Physically I ended up coming out quite well. Although I ended up in the emergency room just to check I was ok to fly home. My leg was swollen massively and I needed to check for DVT. I got the all clear. On arriving home I got checked out by my physio and it looks like I crushed my collateral ligament, so loads of swelling but no real damage. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvIiBzPxynrhB_EGby2Kd5nJFJFLYh4Tltl7wWk9N5CXsGvKcmMAQ_ZPG32UwvagdAUdSnYnQhyphenhyphenztvbeKbgJVm3YALTkCtSvBnpY7EPAtZ4PbBSbu3mhWPspaOM8s1so2fzO_iAR2ds8/s1600/DSC_1031.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvIiBzPxynrhB_EGby2Kd5nJFJFLYh4Tltl7wWk9N5CXsGvKcmMAQ_ZPG32UwvagdAUdSnYnQhyphenhyphenztvbeKbgJVm3YALTkCtSvBnpY7EPAtZ4PbBSbu3mhWPspaOM8s1so2fzO_iAR2ds8/s320/DSC_1031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim and Chris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyulWbcpI3JrPxcYpMZeR1Oh4qyI5kuQxqe9vj9LnokEAd4t2t6_Oj1tDNHrSdj-8FVib0_q8cMLn7UnQqORAquVWNOaPOddIPkTWDowNsBKeCp0We9d1WCO5S-wcA_wypzFD38XQIePU/s1600/DSC_1050.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyulWbcpI3JrPxcYpMZeR1Oh4qyI5kuQxqe9vj9LnokEAd4t2t6_Oj1tDNHrSdj-8FVib0_q8cMLn7UnQqORAquVWNOaPOddIPkTWDowNsBKeCp0We9d1WCO5S-wcA_wypzFD38XQIePU/s320/DSC_1050.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop swelling!</td></tr>
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Mentally I needed to work things through. I needed there to be no excuses. Other wise there would be the dreaded 'what if' demons. Make sure every aspect was covered then what will be will be and I believe I did that. The race was certainly harder than I expected and the early miles and altitude chewed me up and spat me out. I struggled a bit with the terrain too, I may be a trail runner but this was mountain trail running. Everyone tells you its a runners race which it is but you have to be very skilled with rough rocky terrain. At the end of the day I prepared and trained as hard as I could but it was not my day to go sub 24, I did everything possible and came up short. I can't be disappointed with that. <br />
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Would I do it again? Now there's the million dollar question. For so long I've dreamed of this race, I assumed it would be the holy grail of trail running. In many ways it is, just not my holy grail. I hyped it so much in my mind that it could only ever fall short of my expectations. Yes I enjoyed it and yes It is a running spectacle. It has the greatest history, the most hype, is incredibly beautiful and is bloody hard to get into but I couldn't help feeling short changed, maybe because I didn't hit the target I'd dreamed of. People will forever chase a place in the Western States Endurance Run and rightly so, it's an experience not to be missed. Part of me wants to walk away from it but me being me will keep putting entries in and I'll make a decision if I'm ever lucky enough to be drawn again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKg-7LRrFlOHe25WeOg_3yRO9Y1BVuQZcysJENVZPVNAbyUay2cBWukaBVitRaeIWg4obkIiL8ct5cYaoZ81xiUzC1KqmzT6Ufln8rCMZTQg7sF1ESgkdXEv_lZGsC7xGtEcVDv-zJ3s/s1600/DSC_1035.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKg-7LRrFlOHe25WeOg_3yRO9Y1BVuQZcysJENVZPVNAbyUay2cBWukaBVitRaeIWg4obkIiL8ct5cYaoZ81xiUzC1KqmzT6Ufln8rCMZTQg7sF1ESgkdXEv_lZGsC7xGtEcVDv-zJ3s/s320/DSC_1035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buckle</td></tr>
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-9468826366061805592017-09-23T08:46:00.002-07:002017-09-23T08:46:37.497-07:00London to Brighton 2017<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iC1hFuFFnzHDBceSEqK5bG9KKFtPX35vf8b4FtrODDVfpuK3qDW0PufQ_AIlz4sVZAicfJtfiMx64ma7dSeX5QhWXngH2jtNiAwOzFwS8EseJk3N4ZcEp7GZtNESQlaP2oz41NYJ8nM/s1600/L2B+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iC1hFuFFnzHDBceSEqK5bG9KKFtPX35vf8b4FtrODDVfpuK3qDW0PufQ_AIlz4sVZAicfJtfiMx64ma7dSeX5QhWXngH2jtNiAwOzFwS8EseJk3N4ZcEp7GZtNESQlaP2oz41NYJ8nM/s320/L2B+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun rises over Blackheath</td></tr>
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Back in 2010 I ran my first "proper" ultra and by proper I mean 50+ miles. I had a tough outing, I had been desperate to crack 10 hours. It wasn't to be and I came in around 11 hours having covered 56 miles. It really ignited the ultra running flame in me, I'll never forget the feeling of elation having finished on the seafront only to promptly seize up and be unable to walk. It mattered little as I ate an ice cream totally content if temporarily disabled. Fast forward to 2017 and Sussex Trail Events decided to resurrect this marvellous race. How could I not enter? L2B 2017 was on.<br />
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It's been a tough year and I was really struggling to recover from the Lakeland 100. To make recovery that much harder I threw this in to the mix just five weeks later. So rather than train for this I sort of recovered into it. Come race day I felt as good as could have been expected but I was determined to crack 10 hours. The course also measured 4 miles longer some how, so 60 miles it was. As an extra incentive a sub 10hr t-shirt was on offer. Well that's like a red rag to a bull for me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa_rRcHIV4-e0zkll_EnaeSP7ZhaQ0U6eYoGBQe35rxOnUhiVJnM0K-tqTEU9hE5p1B_8ESWCdn4sXu8zxBm_KNiqXke383QiscIZ5nkonnJBF0cY0Ru0Gg2_FggVkynB-mD0lb54FQo/s1600/L2B+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRa_rRcHIV4-e0zkll_EnaeSP7ZhaQ0U6eYoGBQe35rxOnUhiVJnM0K-tqTEU9hE5p1B_8ESWCdn4sXu8zxBm_KNiqXke383QiscIZ5nkonnJBF0cY0Ru0Gg2_FggVkynB-mD0lb54FQo/s1600/L2B+5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are off<br />(photo by Jon Lavis)</td></tr>
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We left Blackheath at 6:15, it would have been 6 but one of the runners turned up 6 so we waited for him. Aren't we nice. We headed off down towards Ladywell and I started chatting with a guy I'd previously run the Tanners with a few years back. Good company and he runs at my pace so the time passed easily as we worked our way through the London streets chatting away. There were two other runners ahead but I wasn't bothered, I had a plan and was determined to stick to it. My plan was simple, run each 10 mile section in 1hr 30, allowing for a bit of drop off and minimal stops would get me in under 10 hours. As much as I was enjoying my company, running with someone else isn't a good strategy when running to a plan. I had carried a bottle of tailwind in addition to my water bottles for the first leg . My idea was to drink the tailwind in the first 10 miles meaning I could run straight through cp1 and still have all my water for the next leg. I did just this and left the cp alone and ready to run my own race. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D4P38DdNp_ebCMtHSYxqXic23WuwRP8zMWSW3De-7ceCMP76lOmy0MMS9LFayTCHn0pmSFbbzPt_l6tZl4vC0tiy8PCBWn28c0odYUMuC4JwPwBOdYCdN1m-frB24kg8IN7bFLEFnDA/s1600/L2B+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D4P38DdNp_ebCMtHSYxqXic23WuwRP8zMWSW3De-7ceCMP76lOmy0MMS9LFayTCHn0pmSFbbzPt_l6tZl4vC0tiy8PCBWn28c0odYUMuC4JwPwBOdYCdN1m-frB24kg8IN7bFLEFnDA/s1600/L2B+6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running into CP1<br />(photo by Jon Lavis)</td></tr>
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After Cp1 at Keston you leave London behind and the countryside starts. I was bang on time wise and running well. Just after Biggin hill I approached the two leaders. Bit of a dilemma though, I didn't want to push for the lead so early, I also didn't want to run with them or even run deliberately slower. As I pondered what to do the decision was taken out my hands as we hit a big hill and they both immediately started walking. I felt strong so continued to trot up the hill. I exchanged the lead for the next couple of miles but never pushing outside of my game plan. Around mile 18 I ran a long hill and managed to edge ahead, as I sprinted down the other side I missed a turn. There is nothing so gutting as having to back track up a hill you just ran down. I caught the other guy back up and we entered cp2 together. Again I was in and out only having to fill my bottles. I ran out at pace and the other guy decided to stop for a while. <br />
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So this was it, I'm leading, 40 miles to go. Stick to the plan and keep at those 8 minute miles. The miles ticked by nicely and I was enjoying some lovely trails. I have been lacking energy during my last couple of races so I upped my calorie intake and decided to eat a gel every 45 mins with the occasional bottle of tailwind. This was working just fine and running was coming easy. I ran through 30 miles bang on schedule. I passed through miles of glorious countryside and London was a distant memory. I had no energy dips so that meant no walking. Luckily I was following a GPS and not map reading, it's quite a fiddly route and map reading would have slowed me down massively. The route is very intricate with some real under used pathways. On more than one occasion I was battering through stinging nettles but there was little time for loitering as I was constantly conscious someone could be right behind me. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWy_9FGOrC13ZbungTbOZvAoZ5UZFovjn0E4QsIC7cJpingQFmPrPDHXzvdprjbuFBwF11UuIv8ai5U5S_7a8fss9YuyFfHMlqXQuqcJSyO-h0X_rrrCZkDRzIzxrnGJWfn0LTPSIaFw/s1600/L2B+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWy_9FGOrC13ZbungTbOZvAoZ5UZFovjn0E4QsIC7cJpingQFmPrPDHXzvdprjbuFBwF11UuIv8ai5U5S_7a8fss9YuyFfHMlqXQuqcJSyO-h0X_rrrCZkDRzIzxrnGJWfn0LTPSIaFw/s320/L2B+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Done</td></tr>
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This was a solid performance and I ran into the 50 mile CP feeling great and a smidge under 8 hours. It was good to see some friendly faces and stop for a brief chat. I ran towards Black cap with some gusto knowing I would be walking up the hill. There was a route change coming up and I turned right as I should. I ran too far though and came out the other side of the farm onto the road. The run to get back on track seemed to take forever and I really had to push hard up the downs. My legs were screaming at the top but knew this is when I had to push hard so immediately after cresting the top I started running across the other side. I was having a slight wobble at this point but I battled it and ran all the way to Falmer. The weather had closed in now, it was raining and really rather shitty. I cobbled together a run/walk up Falmer rd and stopped at the end to have a look back. I couldn't see anyone behind but felt determined to run to the end. Once I'd crossed the racecourse I was on the final descent and still running strong. I crossed the main road and found the underpass which led me to the finish. It felt good approaching the finish flag even though the weather was horrendous. I'd finished in 9hrs 37 and 1st place. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf882Khi9fjH1HfBz1n8aCug3eiHVhnLCkXeaw3uXNTNOKJT7Eij_gKPQ31CtUWKoeC7ACWLE3z_ERrhB8I61d3NSYt5zOSByZtQixyY_Nmz1gtKWh5lFQ7rh7MmljB13-MD7bn0GTb4E/s1600/L2B+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf882Khi9fjH1HfBz1n8aCug3eiHVhnLCkXeaw3uXNTNOKJT7Eij_gKPQ31CtUWKoeC7ACWLE3z_ERrhB8I61d3NSYt5zOSByZtQixyY_Nmz1gtKWh5lFQ7rh7MmljB13-MD7bn0GTb4E/s320/L2B+3.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay I got a black T-shirt</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgJDux7Mwrp6CKFKlUFOxTw9iA52ZYP-nHBqeMCx34RBa28sH43CcK2P999qOFTK51qCXKGeFR9dhO0wbp5l0NIeey9YVgHY9we6_7LL5doZI3NmH3xBNIFrG3WcjImmbrrI-zHunBA/s1600/L2B+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EgJDux7Mwrp6CKFKlUFOxTw9iA52ZYP-nHBqeMCx34RBa28sH43CcK2P999qOFTK51qCXKGeFR9dhO0wbp5l0NIeey9YVgHY9we6_7LL5doZI3NmH3xBNIFrG3WcjImmbrrI-zHunBA/s320/L2B+4.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiler</td></tr>
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It was so pleasing to run such a perfect race. I had a plan and stuck to it, my nutrition was spot on, I got the time I wanted and the black t-shirt all on such an iconic route. When everything goes so well there is nothing left to prove to yourself on a course so that'll be the last London to Brighton I run. Great course, Great organisation, Great result. <br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-48412985503331172632017-08-02T10:51:00.001-07:002022-08-01T01:48:17.670-07:00Foot Problems?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7q6k2WNdBzJz9qzkPJN3cg4fBIEsvt_hxEcLNO54_XoO3a04_oFRsP968zTgnAarLKIsRn1JENN_mLadEpHpZibLfNtFTTwT1Bk3zdLg-yp6NgXQYiw7UvKufe4cYh_LOjz474Aa2Xc/s1600/Maceration+3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7q6k2WNdBzJz9qzkPJN3cg4fBIEsvt_hxEcLNO54_XoO3a04_oFRsP968zTgnAarLKIsRn1JENN_mLadEpHpZibLfNtFTTwT1Bk3zdLg-yp6NgXQYiw7UvKufe4cYh_LOjz474Aa2Xc/s320/Maceration+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My foot post Northern Traverse</td></tr>
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I have learnt many things over my years of running and I am a firm believer that the best learnings come from experience rather than reading someone else's experience. However from my first 100 miler I have suffered with foot issues which have resulted in many a ruined race. I have learned so much that it is time I shared my thoughts on the subject. These are only my views on it and what works for me. I'm sure many will disagree but if you've worked out the answer for your self then read my thoughts and disregard at will. <br />
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Blisters and foot maceration can really be a race ender. I ran the Northern Traverse in 2016 and ran for 150 miles with ok feet. The skies opened and my feet got soaked and over the next 40 miles I developed the worst maceration I have ever had leaving me barely able to put one foot in front of the other. The pain is often described as like walking on broken glass and I concur. It is also often confused with blisters. Fact is maceration is nothing to do with blistering, they are totally different. How often do you raise the subject of maceration to someone before they say "Little bit of Vaseline, never had a blister". Doh! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJAQo1CRNnv1r5JyatS8IThnyF25iXRBoW9WQDlGD16fbhdB2K5aph0Vcv74VmTgRGvYAf8Fa6fV8aEOdgPim4ewTYHhIyXVG7B-BPBqsVdxIZ7cCy4_WPzoOKQCLQxjwSsv9Hq5Z3CM/s1600/Blister+1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJAQo1CRNnv1r5JyatS8IThnyF25iXRBoW9WQDlGD16fbhdB2K5aph0Vcv74VmTgRGvYAf8Fa6fV8aEOdgPim4ewTYHhIyXVG7B-BPBqsVdxIZ7cCy4_WPzoOKQCLQxjwSsv9Hq5Z3CM/s320/Blister+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blood blister</td></tr>
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Right I'm no medic so don't hold me to this but a blister on your foot is caused by heat resulting from friction. That friction could come from a number of things like your shoe rubbing your foot or toes rubbing together or even some foreign object in your shoe rubbing your foot. This causes the skin to separate and a bubble of liquid to appear which is sore and when it bursts is really sore. Now maceration is caused by your foot coming in to contact with moisture for a prolonged period of time which in turn causes the actually make up of the skin to break down. Your foot resembles a giant wrinkly prune. This causes extreme pain and sensitivity. I'll keep it that simple as that because all I'm trying to say is they are very different. Out of the two give me a blister any day. A blister can be tolerated and dealt with as the problem arises whereas maceration needs to be prevented or you will gradually enter a whole world of pain. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1OmlYsHYOTs0gAFmhHpYE6L-EbToDg9fNTCikBBD4oEMTwz-4jaAHExUQP4n8qq0S-R-SLLoYPeg1Ty5SQnGj1RxpiWPm3U1JVyrldoZopxb4q_t18fX0N34YOYijH13VfYnRZmMoxQ/s1600/Blister+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1OmlYsHYOTs0gAFmhHpYE6L-EbToDg9fNTCikBBD4oEMTwz-4jaAHExUQP4n8qq0S-R-SLLoYPeg1Ty5SQnGj1RxpiWPm3U1JVyrldoZopxb4q_t18fX0N34YOYijH13VfYnRZmMoxQ/s320/Blister+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are nice to run on.</td></tr>
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I'll start with blisters because this is pretty simple. This info is really based around you having a dry race. You can use all the lotions and potions you wish which will indeed help with Anti-friction but you have to reduce the friction first. Whatever you put on your feet will rub off or disappear in to your sock in a few hours anyway. So firstly I use nothing on my feet for blister prevention maybe a bit of powder but that has another purpose that I'll come onto in a bit. So just nice clean feet and trimmed toenails. It wouldn't hurt to give them a wipe especially between your toes before putting your socks on. As for socks the best quality wicking socks you can afford I personally use Bridgedale that are specific to trail running they are relatively thick with some padding in high rub areas. They also come with a three year guarantee which I have successfully claimed on. Don't be fooled by thickness thinking your feet will be too hot. I've used thick socks in extreme heat and it hasn't been an issue. The thickness also helps with the wicking. The better quality socks have real attention to detail on the seams too again reducing friction. Ok they are £15 a pair but this is important. Also keep in mind that high quality sock manufacturers will recommend you don't put anything on your feet because it will affect the performance of the sock. Next is shoes, your shoes should fit ever so slightly on the large size so plus a half shoe size. I do this because during a race your feet will spread and swell and fill that shoe very quickly. If you have narrow feet get a narrow fitting shoe or vice versa don't buy on brand alone. Use your laces too for finer adjustments to get that perfect fit. Obviously you are going to get any rubbish out your shoes as and when it occurs but if you are going over 50 miles a sock change is good idea. Pull up a chair, wipe your feet clean and lightly powder them, fresh socks and off you go. Finally consider wearing gaiters to keep any bits from going in your shoes. Cleanliness is everything. This is all I do and it works better than any thing else I've tried.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTfpOz9gQoa6X3tb0Vf5-VuLwCdqbJOfOgM5fJhBlSqMYEXBmo1LTp4_CG2sW_3r4kKB4nlRjbQikVaRpVd-7nTYHAGXBysngR_RDtKsoGCZzd20z9zJj_cuifvRea3OS3NJhrH4Ji30/s1600/Verruca+1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTfpOz9gQoa6X3tb0Vf5-VuLwCdqbJOfOgM5fJhBlSqMYEXBmo1LTp4_CG2sW_3r4kKB4nlRjbQikVaRpVd-7nTYHAGXBysngR_RDtKsoGCZzd20z9zJj_cuifvRea3OS3NJhrH4Ji30/s320/Verruca+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maceration drying out and a Verucca</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkrsVvsvy3ADU6YJMerfLRcvyyZp4I8W-o_3WF1XWadWyoQuRUpT5j8KzeIcbFhHvoPGVxa8nrblvZoK3aAlnuQQr9ESeczJT-mTUH1gV5jarOm8E66CnjLBjQ_94o_U55CsUB33kxhw/s1600/Blister+3.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkrsVvsvy3ADU6YJMerfLRcvyyZp4I8W-o_3WF1XWadWyoQuRUpT5j8KzeIcbFhHvoPGVxa8nrblvZoK3aAlnuQQr9ESeczJT-mTUH1gV5jarOm8E66CnjLBjQ_94o_U55CsUB33kxhw/s320/Blister+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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If you do get a blister you have options which are either leave it or pop it. If its small and the race isn't too long I tend to leave it which is ok until it bursts then its going to sting like mad but you'll get through. If it bursts or you have to pop it and its on a toe just wrap it in kinesio tape and crack on. Worry about getting the tape off later. In a long race you have time to pop, drain and tape blisters. The time taken will soon be made up, so take the time and deal with it. The worst place to get a blister is on the sole of your foot because it is almost impossible to tape but there is an answer. It really is a last resort and is not what the product is for but it works. Pop and drain the blister, clean the area with an alcohol wipe then whack a compeed over the blister. This is a real last resort but will get you to the end of your race the only problem is getting the damn thing off after. I had this done to me at Spartathlon and it got me to the end but it took me a week to get the thing off, every time I pulled it, it just ripped the skin underneath. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvNjCrpqcIs2wb6uGsvDhdMT7W2cfIP2Q4f3IupuTgKJGMNRgtenFKm_ntOH3xT6WDivp4TQBQVTgEHISqV9FP3LYhrwKl2PIVX8zApZ5NIRMaGGotf1UdAyyEyfxmvivUoHX-srtTxU/s1600/Compeed+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvNjCrpqcIs2wb6uGsvDhdMT7W2cfIP2Q4f3IupuTgKJGMNRgtenFKm_ntOH3xT6WDivp4TQBQVTgEHISqV9FP3LYhrwKl2PIVX8zApZ5NIRMaGGotf1UdAyyEyfxmvivUoHX-srtTxU/s320/Compeed+2.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to remove compeed</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LwXMcVN4PmpCNVI0zp27x3Wxy5g0vDwhLEU4O4CxagyyNoOuMzq3UE5j0Oijan6jQWlIx440eI_Al4WoH1Ng_t96JCYXcgVynxovKZ95ZuXHqE8sBYTyLn5VdBV7p3SvvesMbZSK1h8/s1600/Compeed+1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LwXMcVN4PmpCNVI0zp27x3Wxy5g0vDwhLEU4O4CxagyyNoOuMzq3UE5j0Oijan6jQWlIx440eI_Al4WoH1Ng_t96JCYXcgVynxovKZ95ZuXHqE8sBYTyLn5VdBV7p3SvvesMbZSK1h8/s320/Compeed+1.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">post Spartathlon</td></tr>
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Now some of the previous info is transferable for maceration but you have to make a judgment call on race day. I estimate my feet can hold out in wet conditions for about 8 hours, much beyond that and they are going to really deteriorate. So if my feet are going to be wet for a prolonged period I am going to be thinking about maceration rather than blisters as my main problem. I'm talking a wet course because of a storm, heavy rain, stream crossings and one of the most important but most overlooked wet grass on a dewy morning. Firstly let me say and you'll know this if you are a sufferer, none of the creams work. I have tried everything on the market and the only product that came close was Hydropel but they don't make it anymore. Anyway this is my routine now. I make my decision on race morning and firstly I get a good foot powder like two toms and smother my feet especially the soles. Really get it on there. Then I wear Injinji liner socks. The lighter the better. Then I wear the lightest waterproof sock I can find. My personal choice is Seal skinz because they are always on sale and I can get a really good pair for about £15. Then just wear your normal shoes and gaiters, yes they will be snug but just adjust your laces. I know you will think your feet will get too hot and the sweat will be worse still. Fact is this is part of your call on race morning. Yes it does give you warm feet but this will be counteracted by the moisture you come into contact with. I proved this at Western states where it was extremely wet under foot for 20 miles but near 100 degrees. I wore waterproof socks for the 20 then changed into normal for the rest of the race. Worked perfect and no feet problems. Now if your feet are going to be wet all day you need to change. So at half way get your shoes and socks off straight away, have a towel in your drop bag, clean and dry your feet and leave them to air for a few minutes while you eat etc. Now just start again, powder, fresh liners, fresh seal skinz, fresh shoes. Off you go. Ideally if you had a crew you could do this at 30 mile intervals but that's not always practical. I did this routine at the Lakeland 100 on a sodden course, my feet were in contact with water for 29 hours and I had no issues at all. Baring in mind using my old routine it may well have ended my race but instead I ran into Coniston with sore quads not sore feet. The only thing you really have to watch is water getting in the top of the sock which is possible to avoid if you are careful but if you are wading through rivers up to your thighs and you are susceptible to maceration you are knackered. You would definitely need to look at your feet every 30 miles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6A-AhgA2X6y2rhbidAICgX0CF52tfjJljvofW9N2YHLgyvJtkGw3Memut6CmBZgGYlCjDWG4lSkqGcuns_tAXRSmR8iD-bcTBXbBoDQESqq1UG691H_YNZ9KJ31pf9vCzztSYGsXQjg/s1600/Maceration+1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6A-AhgA2X6y2rhbidAICgX0CF52tfjJljvofW9N2YHLgyvJtkGw3Memut6CmBZgGYlCjDWG4lSkqGcuns_tAXRSmR8iD-bcTBXbBoDQESqq1UG691H_YNZ9KJ31pf9vCzztSYGsXQjg/s320/Maceration+1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maceration left</td></tr>
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The thing with maceration is once you've got it, it is too late! It is all about prevention. As soon as you feel that needle sharp pain coming on you need to act! If you are multi daying at say Dragons back you have chance to repair your feet with fresh air and time the only cure for maceration. Just let them air for as long as possible each evening and use the techniques above and everything will be just fine. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg7QLTcmwn4L5nCONZdRkJPDaYG6S64iMCATcIWiIex8xEjOQZzqEUVv4cvHPXoCWzkP-ya1GCcHQ73jSNEcTlLMOiYyliPWeCPpxS5pG2pBxtFVQzJU7_sUcMq_4dnx40pdXiSMea54/s1600/Maceration+2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZg7QLTcmwn4L5nCONZdRkJPDaYG6S64iMCATcIWiIex8xEjOQZzqEUVv4cvHPXoCWzkP-ya1GCcHQ73jSNEcTlLMOiYyliPWeCPpxS5pG2pBxtFVQzJU7_sUcMq_4dnx40pdXiSMea54/s320/Maceration+2.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maceration Right</td></tr>
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Right as I've said this works for me and a thousand other runners will disagree well that's cool and I'm so glad you've found your answer. This is mine. <br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-74436819787271844092017-03-01T14:20:00.001-08:002017-03-02T12:51:29.472-08:00Arc of Attrition 2017After Sparta I decided I needed to hit the trails again, 6 months of road running had took its toll. My plan for 2017 is to do 4 x 100s and all of them are to be (1) Trail (2) Difficult and (3) Hilly. I might switch it a bit and try for a 100 mile pb later in the year but I'll see how it goes. I had received an invite off the Spine waitlist but I wasn't feeling it. I really like to think I could run a whole event and the Spine I most definitely could not. I've been aware of the Arc for a while and was on the waitlist in 2016 but it certainly ticked my boxes for 2017. Trail, yes, Difficult, definitely, Hilly, 17000ft of hilly. That was it, The Arc of Attrition 2017, I was in. <br />
Training went well during the build up. I was feeling good, maybe a tad over weight, well half a stone of Christmas cheer still hanging in there. Then with exactly a week to go till kick off I developed a chesty cough. It left me unable to run, I took the time and rested up instead. Come race morning I felt loads better. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmymInnEPc9b3GVVKwmCuRfO3KcZNseivLsrN-Jd3dmXW4kV5zuPPXe-Sr41qa43v73rOl5rmOnKTzn74jrJpIU5UXh7w0heFfdd-fq_UQJzTAaXDQuUZiKA5fTftZNfOcYNNEbVGA8CU/s1600/Arc+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmymInnEPc9b3GVVKwmCuRfO3KcZNseivLsrN-Jd3dmXW4kV5zuPPXe-Sr41qa43v73rOl5rmOnKTzn74jrJpIU5UXh7w0heFfdd-fq_UQJzTAaXDQuUZiKA5fTftZNfOcYNNEbVGA8CU/s320/Arc+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just before the off</td></tr>
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Registration was in Porthtowan at the finish line. After my kit check I spent the time chatting with old friends and before I knew it the briefing was upon us. We headed to the buses straight after the brief which were to ship us all to the start. I sat at the back of the fun bus with Richard Stillion, the hour journey was soon done and we pulled into Coverack. I was raring to go and really looking forward to the journey ahead plus it was bloody freezing. I began to worry I was underdressed, I had three tops on and a balaclava maybe it was the nerves.<br />
We were off, I stayed near the front as Richard had said the trail narrows up very quickly for several miles. I had no real game plan just to enjoy it. I do however like to get some early miles racked up without too much pissing about. The lead group pulled ahead within the first mile, there was maybe 10 of them but the pace was too quick for me so I just let them go. I was in a gap between the leaders and the following pack so I pretty much had the trail to myself. Very soon the trail was up and down, through mud, over rocks, pretty much exactly what I'd signed up for.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD33zIE0ghyrILLT9pEdroLbCQdRkDip-VXTKPmbiwvAfXNV_zB1PxNPpJV6HpdcAFMXPTjw4d_SztHOmQXxj2vE7QVTqXDCUVPpZloaMAPbJIamnficNju__4BkXxMBK7uvSMmN7onD4/s1600/Arc+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD33zIE0ghyrILLT9pEdroLbCQdRkDip-VXTKPmbiwvAfXNV_zB1PxNPpJV6HpdcAFMXPTjw4d_SztHOmQXxj2vE7QVTqXDCUVPpZloaMAPbJIamnficNju__4BkXxMBK7uvSMmN7onD4/s320/Arc+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only 99.7 miles to go</td></tr>
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The coast line was absolutely stunning I just wanted to stop and take pictures. It really was picture postcard stuff, what a joy to be out there. I arrived in Cadgwith and the first supporters. No need for a stop, I just wanted to press on and cover as much ground as possible before darkness. The first unofficial check point was at Lizard point about 10 miles in. I couldn't believe how many people were out, the support was fantastic. I almost felt guilty running straight through but time management was all important. <br />
The terrain was relentless and the decision to wear my Hokas was still up in the air, what I gained in cushioning I certainly lost in grip and stability. So much so that soon after Lizard I was bumbling along and turned my ankle right over, I sprung back it felt like my foot had been run over! Always nice. I dropped into Mullion cove and grabbed some water off a random guy. I was quite warm and the tailwind in my bottles accentuated my thirst. I climbed the hill out the cove and found my crew (wife). No hard and fast meeting places had been set with my crew as we were going to wing it and see how I was feeling on the day. I fully restocked on gels and chews, I was a few hours in and had been necking my prescribed 200 cals an hour. It's an amount through trial and error I've worked out I need so I don't bonk. Easy to do early on but it gets tougher as the race goes on. I still have a rough patch at 18 mile ish but its just trying to manage that. I was moving well around 20 mile but already felt tired, all variants of terrain were energy sapping this was going to be a real test.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe3CrNBM9pINycFidjlHfRj3mHfzXv18st9kpSdDQMJBG4CsMUud0SwoAck2VD5CF3ZrqnLnSbQPwJI3MV-2j2N_77HN32M6A-L4iW1dRFF0lMxywNKL8JzudJuqY8IwVPi9XdmUDa6E/s1600/Arc+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFe3CrNBM9pINycFidjlHfRj3mHfzXv18st9kpSdDQMJBG4CsMUud0SwoAck2VD5CF3ZrqnLnSbQPwJI3MV-2j2N_77HN32M6A-L4iW1dRFF0lMxywNKL8JzudJuqY8IwVPi9XdmUDa6E/s320/Arc+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still looking fresh</td></tr>
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I was carrying my Etrex gps but still really had to have my wits about me, it is so easy to go off course. There are so many unsigned turns and splits in the path that getting lost would be a distinct possibility for anyone without a GPS. The path was easy to lose as I ran alongside the Porthleven sands it lead to a massive sand bar so a bit of beach running before picking the path on the other side. I jogged into Porthleven and the first official checkpoint. My plan was not to enter any checkpoints, they were all indoors and I really didn't want to get too hot. I find it takes forever to get a comfortable body temperature, I'd rather stay outside to maintain it. Otherwise it's wasted time keep changing layers. Also it's a good opportunity to leap frog a few other runners. So I had a quick cup of soup, a bottle change and I was off again. It was only a jog and progress wasn't fast but the 4kg pack was heavy so a jog it was.<br />
The sun was descending fast and the light was fading fast. It wouldn't be long before the head torch would be out. I can't remember the name of it but I dropped down onto a tiny pebble beach, this really didn't seem right? I could see some sort of steps leading up the rocks on the other side so this must be the way. Only thing is you have to dodge the tide, so the waves crash into the rocks then leg it across before the next lot came crashing in. I climbed out of the cove on the other side and carried on my way. This was certainly turning into a diverse race. I'd managed to get my feet wet in the previous miles, I suffer badly if I get wet feet. They become macerated which in turn becomes eye wateringly painful. I was just getting the first signs of maceration which manifests itself as a needling pain in the balls of my feet. So I was relieved at the end of Praa Sands to see my crew again. I'd given my feet a light slather of Gurney Goo at the start but it's not water repellent enough. So I tried something new to me which was to cover my feet in talc and change to dry socks. Seems to work a treat. While I was there I loaded my pack with calories, ate some rice pudding and had a nice cup of tea. <br />
As I left Sydney Cove my thoughts turned to how long a night was ahead. By my reckoning it would be 14hours of darkness. The trail is certainly unrelenting. My right hip, right ITB and right shin were all very sore, some of which could be attributed to my Hokas not giving me a solid base. I was certainly in pain I think the shoes combined with the terrain were causing me grief. <br />
Darkness fell just before Marizion and after some pretty tough trail I hit the tarmac section, this was actually a relief. My crew was waiting again just up the road with a coffee, I downed it and ran straight onto Penzance. I'd started coughing as the cold air had set in. No major drama, I was just feeling a bit chesty. I stopped at the CP in Penzance and was ushered in, I really didn't want to go in but rolled with it. The soup at the previous CP had been excellent so I stood and ordered some from here. Tailwind Mick brought over some mushroom soup for me, I took a sip and did an internal gag, it was bloody awful!! No disrespect to the chef but I was retching and nearly puked it straight up.<br />
I'm not sure why, but I downed it and vacated the pub, I was in and out of this CP within a few minutes. As I jogged up the road my stomach gurgled as the mud like soup did its rounds. That soup will scar me for life!<br />
The other side of Newlyn my crew was waiting with an omelette from the chippy, a fucking mushroom omelette! I took a couple of big mouthfuls but the mushrooms turned my stomach again. No more!!<br />
It was a relief to join the trail again after Mousehole. There was some good running to be had and with the stunning moon I kept switching my light off to run by the moonlight. Had the trail been less rough I would of run by moonlight alone. I was stopping quite often now to cough, big chesty coughing fits. In and out of little coves the hills were not stopping anytime soon. As soon as I rounded another headland that would lead to another cove, this beast was living up to it's name. My right knee was really grumbling now and was starting to bug me. As I went to jump across some rocks my footing slipped and I went crashing down smashing me knee. The blood ran down my shin from my knee but strangely as I tried to jog off the pain of the freshly cut skin it had taken my mind off of the ITB pain. I'd take that, good compromise.<br />
I jogged into Lands End about 1am. 13 hours in and roughly 55miles were covered. My crew was there waiting with and knew I wouldn't be going inside the CP so had vegetable chilli and rice ready alongside a cup of tea. We stood at back of car and chatted whilst I ate, my crew needed some rest so I loaded right up with gels in my pack, put an extra layer on, talced my feet and changed my socks. All in all I was done in about 10minutes. I'd prepared mentally for the tough night ahead. It was 1am, roughly 25miles to St Ives, I should be there by daybreak. Time to crack on. How hard could it be?<br />
My chest was now really playing up I was coughing up solid lumps and my breathing was labouring a bit. I had changed my batteries on my headlamp to lithiums so hopefully they would see me through the night. The coast here is littered with mineshafts and gorse. So if anyone should decide to cut across they would either get shredded or eaten by a mineshaft. Stick to the paths! The going up to Pendeen was okay, tough but manageable. I don't remember running too much, every time I got a few strides together it was broken by some sort of obstacle. I bumped into a few Arc Angels en route to Pendeen and topped up on Coke and water. The coughing was now full on and I'd developed a pain right through my leg. I convinced myself that all the uneven terrain had broke my leg. I was at a bit of a low, energy levels had remained good so far but the terrain was taking it's toll. The next 13miles was some of the most brutal I have experienced. Hills, rocks, mud and near impossible to follow trails. At some point on this section 2 runners came from behind. They weren't hanging about. "Don't mind us we're not in the race, we are delivering a banana." then every 100metres or so I'd catch them up with then frantically checking their map. The path was so hard to follow I was grateful for my GPS. We switched places and I put the banana deliverers on track a few times. Until we dropped into a cove one more time, they decided not to follow me anymore. I never saw them again and am still questioning whether it had actually happened??<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO1DS-BFAgFB2Q7ACD1SfdCi3YzkeYWlEr07oxn2mGKxgLsWKiAzh8jjJ5PDYMyms-6KDB2GWfE3-In44qfnnidRy0qojarbSd2eD-1xLGN6QFaDEbW4N__-9wAuAr7GwEAcKYm4h6W8/s1600/Arc+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaO1DS-BFAgFB2Q7ACD1SfdCi3YzkeYWlEr07oxn2mGKxgLsWKiAzh8jjJ5PDYMyms-6KDB2GWfE3-In44qfnnidRy0qojarbSd2eD-1xLGN6QFaDEbW4N__-9wAuAr7GwEAcKYm4h6W8/s320/Arc+5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the Dunes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This section broke me. The first morning light arrived and the last of the night was behind me. It was a massive relief, so was hitting the stepping stones outside St Ives because I knew I only had a bout a mile till I hit town. It must of been 10am as I stumbled into St Ives totally shattered. My leg was killing me and I was wheezing like a chain smoker. The coughing fits were painful now. I was broken.<br />
I hobbled off the trail and my crew was waiting with tea, porridge and fresh supplies. I couldn't believe what I'd just been through. Another sock change and fresh layer of talc. Just those few minutes with a bit of hot food and pampered feet were enough to re-motivate me. I was still convinced my leg was broke so I kind of expected I'd be power walking the last 20 miles but I'd come this far backing out wasn't an option. Time to push on. I still hadn't really bonked but had some real fatigue issues going on. Yes the terrain was tough but my shortness of breath really wasn't helping. I'd come into this event wanting to go sub 30 because that seemed a pretty good target but deep down I knew I was capable of 24 hours. 24 was certainly gone now but I still had 8 hours to do the last 20ish miles for sub 30 so that was my motivation now. <br />
I marched into town and went the long way round missing the obvious cut through, soon enough though I arrived at the CP and was met by Fergy who kindly offered to lead me inside. I declined explaining that if I was going to have to march it in I'd better get going. It was also a good opportunity to get a head start on the other competitors who were able to run! I left town and was soon faced with an estuary which we had to go round. This was very counter intuitive and despite my gps and the sign posts leading the way I was convinced I was going the wrong way. After a couple of miles of head scratching I eventually came back on myself and was the other side of the estuary and about to embark ng on the Dunes of doom! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAoyM7mJXgvKLTANhnPuZVNNGTXwiQ2X9p9kftjCLAWKmSv6V-yBOdi43jld3sQwD6QVl0T9IM9ZSwBD3dyfMIBeVUCO3v_3OcEaBYos-wqV6N90i_veaFK5CixK1JkyoMZTLU0XdN-Q/s1600/Arc+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAoyM7mJXgvKLTANhnPuZVNNGTXwiQ2X9p9kftjCLAWKmSv6V-yBOdi43jld3sQwD6QVl0T9IM9ZSwBD3dyfMIBeVUCO3v_3OcEaBYos-wqV6N90i_veaFK5CixK1JkyoMZTLU0XdN-Q/s320/Arc+6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thank God that's over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pain had subsided in my leg by now which I think had a lot to do with the terrain being somewhat flatter. The coughing however was much worse and I was hacking up solid lumps, I really thought parts of my windpipe were coming up. Yes I am a hypochondriac. As I entered the sands I saw a big black cloud heading our way and decided it was rain so started to sort my waterproof coat out. I seemed to take forever to get the coat on and get comfy. As I zipped it up the heavens opened, nothing too severe but there was some hail and wind in the mix. The dunes went on for some time and I was grateful this part of the course was marked. There was lots of different paths and I can imagine without the markers runners would be all over the place. As I left the dunes I was greeted by my crew once more. More tea, more porridge certainly enough to raise my spirits anyway. I was probably in 5th place right here with about 9miles to go but I could do nothing to hold this position and was aware of at least three runners right behind me. I picked up a walking pole from my crew to help with my failing right leg and plodded forward.<br />
Rounding Godrevy point the coast was typically Cornish and rugged again. The path wasn't too bad and I was able to switch from power walking to jogging to shuffling but mainly shuffling. Over the this section the following 3 runners became the followed as they eased past me. They looked so fresh and I felt so shit. I entered Portreath with a bit of newly found vigour the thought of nearly finishing was spuring me on. I grabbed my other stick off my crew and headed up the hill out of the village, my vigour ebbed away and was quickly replaced with the fatigue, my breathing was really laboured and my quads were jelly. This was a battle. I hiked the steep path and rejoined the coastal path. I was passed again and again even on this short section. There was a couple of really steep descents and ascents and my quads were a wobbly mess but I was making the best of it. It occurred to me at this point that I hadn't spent any of the race with anyone else. From mile 1 I had been alone for the whole race. Apart from being passed and passing others it had been a very lonely event. I was now in 11th place and thinking back I probably entered the trailhead in about 11th place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMpeXQgacRTuB-Ek4uyrrZZ1Wr0gy-kGvA7lUEIYurIHuTz7Ht7WgPXDHsNkNlDPmuhyphenhyphenrl-HY7UjN67JkdIQALTWad1N887pxzgtA8ouNJIHNy2G-lBeA0k_eEbw5fudph712xrWpXYI/s1600/Arc+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMpeXQgacRTuB-Ek4uyrrZZ1Wr0gy-kGvA7lUEIYurIHuTz7Ht7WgPXDHsNkNlDPmuhyphenhyphenrl-HY7UjN67JkdIQALTWad1N887pxzgtA8ouNJIHNy2G-lBeA0k_eEbw5fudph712xrWpXYI/s320/Arc+8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my best look</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I rounded the final bend and could see the finish from the top of the hill, I broke into a jog, all the way down the hill round the cove and up to the finish. The relief was immense. I nearly cried as I ground to a halt. I was handed my gold buckle and had finished in 27hrs 44. With that I had a massive coughing fit and was ushered in for a check over by the medics. I felt incredibly silly with a blanket over my shoulders and a monitor on my finger, everyone else looked fine! I wasn't, I was busted, it ha certainly been an Arc of Attrition!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj3-mG2ppiIsF58384gI082gxkRZ40ZNSfnF2hcxBvqKf78pJE1N72Wk0DDYeE5b6bV-1SrxrEUOxXw8W_v3PCjMGHfnWfBTStoVsG8SqkAxUXb2e_BfVyhJbzdi0KZVtsbtty40bh3g/s1600/Arc+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj3-mG2ppiIsF58384gI082gxkRZ40ZNSfnF2hcxBvqKf78pJE1N72Wk0DDYeE5b6bV-1SrxrEUOxXw8W_v3PCjMGHfnWfBTStoVsG8SqkAxUXb2e_BfVyhJbzdi0KZVtsbtty40bh3g/s320/Arc+7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice bit of bling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Almost two weeks later and having had time to reflect. Physically I'm fine although the last of my chest infection is hanging in there. That race was a beast, an absolute monster. You really need to be on top of your game to do well. I do believe I could go 24hrs on that course but it just hadn't worked out on the day. That is probably enough of a draw to get me back again for another shot. Just need to make sure when I do toe the line again I'm in tip top shape. I had entered because I want to run tough races and I really got what I paid for. We were blessed with the weather though so I'm sure I won't be so lucky next time. I didn't really use the CPs but the level of support was fantastic, everyone from the RD down had been a credit to the Ultra running community. You guys were great. <br />
Next up for me is Western States, after all these years of trying I'm finally getting my shot. Training starts early March and I will be in the shape of my life. There is a silver buckle with my name on it!<br />
<br />
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Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-77427709039654729472017-01-22T08:35:00.001-08:002017-01-22T08:35:39.657-08:00Spartathlon 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqO6CLANba-3QjheYyi_yJy9cAg3_O8B3sq5dr5KZOlday1960W_LR04swPeCqbG-MZjZvnIALy6WmXtRESenmaafSddXMk9vzFV2-FnOCsYh_uetOlchKB9kb5Zl97EAIO6G4OUNrdY/s1600/Sparta+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqO6CLANba-3QjheYyi_yJy9cAg3_O8B3sq5dr5KZOlday1960W_LR04swPeCqbG-MZjZvnIALy6WmXtRESenmaafSddXMk9vzFV2-FnOCsYh_uetOlchKB9kb5Zl97EAIO6G4OUNrdY/s320/Sparta+14.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our destination</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My first attempt at this epic race in 2015 ended in failure, my build up and training had not been the best, my quads totally failed me on the day after a very short distance, the heat ruined me and I ended up a broken mess at 75 miles. That dnf knocked my confidence massively, I couldn't even speak about the race for a month afterwards. I was in the gym a week later working on my still sore quads, a regime I kept up for the whole year. I knew right away I needed to return, to restore my faith in my ability. I entered using a 20hr 100 miler as a qualifier luckily I got in, Spartathlon 2016 was on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qtx8jEjz1RFEyLXYwUFlV6QZeFNTV3HlsrOvmB3xVS22Xvl9VxrTFutBfmLfQXEVGKwH8e7D-1Yk3BreH7i7_o2XRghvPEIsO1nf3XD_Uaw3ofvqixJYXAGPwPUQ0Gy4Yasgt6UmsHo/s1600/Sparta+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Qtx8jEjz1RFEyLXYwUFlV6QZeFNTV3HlsrOvmB3xVS22Xvl9VxrTFutBfmLfQXEVGKwH8e7D-1Yk3BreH7i7_o2XRghvPEIsO1nf3XD_Uaw3ofvqixJYXAGPwPUQ0Gy4Yasgt6UmsHo/s320/Sparta+13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team GB</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My training coming up to this event was impeccable, I spent the whole year working on various things. Trialing kit, tarmac running and quad workouts were ongoing but I also had a specific training period of twelve weeks with a proper taper and heat acclimatization. Every aspect had been covered and by the end of September I was fitter than I'd ever been. My kit had been perfected, my drop bags calculated, every detail had been considered. I was ready. <br />
I didn't sleep much on the night before the race, I had my eyes closed and let my brain rest. It felt like forever as I scrutinized every last detail of my race prep. I was going through the smallest things that given the enormity of the race shouldn't have even been in my head. This should be chill out time, not a chance my brain was doing over time. Before I knew it 4.50am came and my alarm was firing off in my ear. I donned my gear, ate my breakfast and headed for the start. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDvTbrD0XEp2bWZ8tC09TFETO1XWv0biuzZFra3cF7BQOOoO2zbAPF1j6Z6VMAVW5M5oswiG1a6A0RMkp0xkcDEMIoxun3MOUWhUL2VATItLdLlomG4WukHrvbPXDPCbNMI9TAnr0HXc/s1600/Sparta+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDvTbrD0XEp2bWZ8tC09TFETO1XWv0biuzZFra3cF7BQOOoO2zbAPF1j6Z6VMAVW5M5oswiG1a6A0RMkp0xkcDEMIoxun3MOUWhUL2VATItLdLlomG4WukHrvbPXDPCbNMI9TAnr0HXc/s320/Sparta+10.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Probably the most exciting<br />
start line in the world</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The start was only a few hundred metres from my hotel and I arrived just before the wave of buses. I stood in the middle of the paved area directly in front of the Theatre of Herodes Atticus, My nerve endings tingled as I visualized the journey ahead. Runners were now streaming in and the place was buzzing. Cameras flashing, group hugs, everyone readying for the countdown. A rather muted megaphone was mumbling in the background and we could just pick out the countdown, we were off. We surged forward filtering down the cobbled pathway and onwards toward the city. <br />
Eight and a half minute miles had been my default pace for months, we were a little fast to start with but I soon hit my pace. I felt so full of beans it felt sluggish almost too slow but it's pointless having a plan and not executing it. We ran through the city streets and all traffic had been halted while we passed through much to the drivers annoyance. I can't imagine London traffic being halted just before rush hour on a Friday morning just to let a load of runners through. As we left the city we hit the long steady first climb. Myself, Barry Miller and James Poole chatted away barely noticing the climb. I was however very conscious of running my own race and the pace was picking up slightly. James pulled away slightly and I had no problem in letting him go. I continued for a further mile or so with Barry along a rather unpleasant main road. I was moderately faster than my 8.30s and told Barry to pull away, he did and that was the last I saw of him. <br />
Everyone settled into their respective paces and the passing seemed to stop. I reached CP 4 and my first drop bag I had eaten a pack of shot blocks up till this point. I grabbed my bag containing more shot blocks, gu gel, high five gel and 500ml of Tailwind. I downed half the drink and half a mile later downed the other half. Immediately feeling bloated. The feeling passed but wasn't pleasant. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI1O5KG6PlM3cJZY97I9C0teqZpZxpkUAqY3H3UpGnCrrDqeu8-lUyijVd7cbAfp2B22JXVQ6MThiuJgoJmuG87yKNhCJ0U1D81fQQ7eEa62dSypEbaVvP1_htUDVOOzyeZFKaYreq2k/s1600/Sparta+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI1O5KG6PlM3cJZY97I9C0teqZpZxpkUAqY3H3UpGnCrrDqeu8-lUyijVd7cbAfp2B22JXVQ6MThiuJgoJmuG87yKNhCJ0U1D81fQQ7eEa62dSypEbaVvP1_htUDVOOzyeZFKaYreq2k/s320/Sparta+9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking my sleeves at<br />
the marathon point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I soon joined the coast road and the miles ticked by. The running was easy and I felt so strong. The sun was up but the heat hadn't hit me. Every aid station I dipped my arms in a bucket of water and the feeling through my arm cooling sleeves was great. They were working! I reached the marathon distance and my first crew stop. I felt great and was all smiles I decided five minutes wouldn't hurt here. I was 15 mins up on my plan and 3hrs 55 had passed but I wasn't stressing because I felt good. My right quad was showing the first signs of fatigue as it had at this point last year. I trusted my training and put it to the back of head. I got a massive slice of watermelon from my crew and stuffed it in my face, It was heaven. I loaded up with shot blocks and gels and moved off. I ran back to the main road and headed up the hill, I had felt rough here the previous year but not this year, I felt great. I drank my tailwind as I jogged up the busy road, my stomach wavered again and I felt bloated. Again it passed. I carried on jogging along passing through small villages on the coastal road. I was really enjoying myself although sometimes you turn a corner and can see half a mile of straight tarmac ahead a very common site in this race.<br />
The heat was at its most angry during this section probably about 30 degrees but plenty hot enough. I really wasn't bothering me though the heat acclimatization had worked so had my idea of total body coverage. The only problem I was having was slightly burning cheeks, my face not my arse. The ice pocket on my hat was working a treat. There was enough fabric between my head and the ice so I didn't get brain freeze but still the cooling effect on my head was amazing and as the ice melted the water trickled down my back. The ice was lasting plenty long enough too. I was very conscious of not drinking too much fluid. I was having my 500ml of tailwind every couple of hours,at each aid station I was having one cup of coke and one of water whilst keeping my bottle topped up and just sipping it as and when needed. <br />
I passed Terry Zengerink on this section. It was hard but I was sticking to my very strict game plan which involved not running with anyone else. I passed, said 'Hi' and carried on. My quads were quite sore and every 10 mile or so I was doing four squats to try and stay loose and it seems to work for me even though I get some funny looks. I was soon approaching the Corinth canal and the high bridge. I ran over keeping my eyes fixed forward, I bloody hate heights. On the other side I caught Martin Bacon and we ran up the busy road to the 51 mile checkpoint together, I broke my golden rule but I was happy to have a major stop coming up and was in a chatty mood.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXNq540aD_bM4tnEAKOm6qW-peTsktPjmzo2QWLm2H3aaQ_EABhI34rj_Bxx4hNSuNqQscweW6OfoFBdj9LW9dsbujaAv5rHfo8eZ1__Qb51sflotq7m6JQzRz0RJPYAh85cPXqkxfdE/s1600/Sparta+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXNq540aD_bM4tnEAKOm6qW-peTsktPjmzo2QWLm2H3aaQ_EABhI34rj_Bxx4hNSuNqQscweW6OfoFBdj9LW9dsbujaAv5rHfo8eZ1__Qb51sflotq7m6JQzRz0RJPYAh85cPXqkxfdE/s320/Sparta+12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raring to go in the heat of the day.<br />
Hat stuffed full of ice.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I reached the CP in around 7hrs 55min and slightly ahead of my time target but still I felt good and took it as a bonus so I decided on a good 10min stop. I ran straight in and my quads were sore so I got on the massage table. The guys did a fantastic job on my legs and I ate an ice cream supplied by my crew. All was good in my world and I moved over to a chair to get some calories in. The pasta wouldn't go down so I settled for my ice cream and coke. Martin was beckoning me to go with him but I was reminded of my race plan by my crew and told him to crack on. 5 minutes later I was on the road again. The previous year I had felt like death at this point this year I felt good, what a relief!<br />
After the busy roads it was nice to run on some quieter roads for a while. My mind drifted as I jogged along, I had written some splits down but had no real plan for any more of the race. I was so wrapped up in getting the first 50 done that I hadn't put a lot of thought in to the next section. No dramas just keep going the way I am and everything would be fine. Crossing the magical 53 miles was great only 100 to go, yay!. Around this time I bumped into Paul Beechey and James we all chatted and exchanged positions. James was having a rough time with his stomach as was I. It was no good the energy I was getting from my tailwind was great but I was being left with a dry mouth and a bloated stomach. I had just been putting up with it but I could no more so as I ran ahead of James I stuck my fingers down my throat and projectile vomited across the road barely breaking stride. I did so a further two times. The relief was amazing, right there and then I decided tailwind wasn't working and I'd be drinking no more during this race. I've been sick 4 times during ultras and three had been in that two minute period. I actually felt great but was well aware my hydration and nutrition for the race had just taken a major blow. I quickly forced a couple of Gu down with water and an Scap. Time to focus. Martin appeared again from an adjacent field he'd got stomach issues but his were from a different exit. As much as I didn't want to run with anyone Martin was exactly my pace so we ran 4 or 5 miles into Ancient Corinth. <br />
As we entered the village there was a pack of dogs fighting in the main centre which was an unnerving distraction also my quads hurt and my butt was sore, ring of fire type thing. I chatted with Jacque (my wife/crew) and told her I was ditching the tailwind she in turn insisted that I didn't run with Martin. He is a lovely guy but I had a strict plan and if I was to complete this race I had to stick to my plan. Again I let him go ahead as I tried to find my sudocreme, I didn't though, all I found was Gurney Goo so I slapped that round the offending area. Soon after leaving the check point I realized that the Gurney Goo was having the opposite intended effect and I was on fire. It certainly took my mind off the pain in my legs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTas8u8K5ZCPAqgwigoJqm-0yC5vopBkWnz3hZtigv1cElgattZxcZ2E5wWt46pjVywxmfgiZ9XCruqWOyZNSFU9kORYUx_tNBN-pMxbnQ_5-jStFtN4qCkogPU4_8Xt53qwu1M-JI9w/s1600/Sparta+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTas8u8K5ZCPAqgwigoJqm-0yC5vopBkWnz3hZtigv1cElgattZxcZ2E5wWt46pjVywxmfgiZ9XCruqWOyZNSFU9kORYUx_tNBN-pMxbnQ_5-jStFtN4qCkogPU4_8Xt53qwu1M-JI9w/s320/Sparta+8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That was a painful massage</td></tr>
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I'd left my headtorch in my bag at CP29 this was too early and as I passed through I handed it to my crew it would be pointless carrying for another couple of hours. About this time I started feeling rough, I was 60 something mile in, my feeding plan had gone to pot and I was tired. Not good. I was getting paranoid of the cut offs even though I had a two hour buffer and I was slowing. I bumbled through the lanes to CP32 and collected my head torch I was trying to get the gels down but in hind sight I wasn't getting enough calories. I had puked everything up and not re energized I was paying for it now. This really was head down, arse up and get on with it. I passed CP33 without stopping, I dropped here last year and I was happy to pass through, pretty much half way. I jogged slowly into CP35 Ancient Nemea and decided to have another massage, the girl really kneeded my quads and was checking my reaction constantly I couldn't help feeling like she was checking if I was ok to continue. I got up shook off the pain in my legs and ran on.<br />
I can't remember exactly where but it was about the 85 mile mark I told Jacque that she had better drive to Sparta and check in and get some sleep. Chris Mills who was crewing John Volanthen said he would take over and Jacque could meet me in the morning with some fresh kit. I grabbed some Red Bull off her, Sudocremed my butt and jogged my way into the warm night. I had picked up a long sleeve top but certainly didn't need it yet. I started moving up hill and this was actually the start of the mountain all be it 13 miles out. I was still struggling and John caught up to me, he certainly had a similar game plan and was not in a talking mood. We spoke for a matter of seconds before he ran off. This was a bit of a kick in the balls as I'd been so strong but now I felt so weak. I could see the mountains up ahead but couldn't work out what way we were heading, either way it was a long way up. I walked and ran as best I could at one point getting stopped by an official asking if I was ok. I smiled and said of course I am, I'm 100% fine. Inside I was broken though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY8jDkSVGW5kwfRyJ1M69hAggtW-nwim9EqNW-9NI8LlzSS_gfVctk-RA_9JSsNg4iwfTxVnXo-iYpIoBr-lS9jfXsbcQAnR4DLFUTq2EBu28PlLDTLVWKUZG0HcSbs0pXB7_c9masao/s1600/Sparta+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaY8jDkSVGW5kwfRyJ1M69hAggtW-nwim9EqNW-9NI8LlzSS_gfVctk-RA_9JSsNg4iwfTxVnXo-iYpIoBr-lS9jfXsbcQAnR4DLFUTq2EBu28PlLDTLVWKUZG0HcSbs0pXB7_c9masao/s320/Sparta+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure where this was taken<br />
but one of my fave pics ever</td></tr>
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We followed an age of dirt tracks and tarmac switchbacks heading for the mountain, all the time I was getting passed by other Brits and there was nothing I could do about it. I managed to remain constant though and some of the brits that passed me would be messing about at CPs where I would pass straight through so there was a lot of criss crossing. I reached the mountain base in about 20 hours so it was now 3am, my Red Bull hadn't been going down too well but I'd taken a couple of ProPlus which really took the edge off the mental tiredness. John was still in the mountain base as he'd had a 10 minute nap. I decided to have a seat and a cup of soup, a well earned break after all that climbing, John pressed on ahead. . <br />
I put my jacket on and hiked on to the rough track up and over the mountain this bit made a nice change up from all that tarmac, the rocky switchbacks were more to my liking. I passed straight through the mountain top CP and started the decent the other side. I was expecting a treacherous downhill with life threatening drops on all sides. What I found was a scree type track that was level but steep. Not a real issue apart from the fact I was slipping, I had stiff legs and tarmac shoes on. Others were sprinting past but I just walked down the steep bits until I reached the runnable stuff. <br />
The run into Nestani was very much a blur. I was dealing with the lack of sleep ok but energy levels were still low and I was dragging my feet but I was getting it done. I was getting increasingly paranoid of the cut offs even though I'd pretty much maintained a constant two hour buffer. Everything I'd read had told me that the cut offs get easier as the race gets into the second day also that if you cross the mountain it's done. Both statements were not ringing true with me and that was bugging me. I was expecting to gain time on the cut offs and that is most certainly not the norm. With these thoughts some serious doubt had entered my head about actually finishing. 50 miles to go, not gaining time, feeling knackered, being passed by so many Brits, I nearly cried at the thought of failing again. This was a real mental low. There is little rationale at this stage in a race I was pushing forward but belief had left me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oirwslKBGQahToOz0gdDn_yGenpcvyQalRXFnbZeOUgQSIaq2-hbe3P62ldSniBfSo6iL6C4kGjlRayt5IukRt2x9FsbcfdX2HdWAasznxLkR71g98943zVKWqnfvAIzwpTlf5A-Ahg/s1600/Sparta+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oirwslKBGQahToOz0gdDn_yGenpcvyQalRXFnbZeOUgQSIaq2-hbe3P62ldSniBfSo6iL6C4kGjlRayt5IukRt2x9FsbcfdX2HdWAasznxLkR71g98943zVKWqnfvAIzwpTlf5A-Ahg/s320/Sparta+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't stop smiling. John always looks like that. </td></tr>
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It was in Nestani that a minor miracle happened, an epiphany you might say. I was feeling like my race was almost dead and I asked Chris what my lead on the cut off was, expecting him to say 2 hours, he said 1hr 40. This was awful, the worst margin I'd had the whole race. I looked him in the eyes and thought to myself 'You don't think I'm going to finish!' for fuck sake I didn't even think I would finish. Right there and then I decided this was it, do or die! There was enough time I just needed to get the hell on with it. I got up out my chair and ran in fact I ran with conviction, like someone who wanted to finish. The first signs of light filled the sky, I was on a very flat section and it was bloody cold. I was glad I had my jacket and spare top, the misty morning felt just above freezing. It was around 6am and 23 hours in, 40 something miles to go. A perfect time to get some good miles under my belt. I felt energized by the light. I was actually running, I passed Stu Wilkie and asked if he was ok, he was fine but mentioned his tiredness, he didn't look fine but he was moving so that was a positive. I ran into CP55 and started drinking coke and water. "Hi Dill" came from behind the table. I couldn't compute or focus but after a few seconds I realized it was John Volanthen siting there drinking soup. John and I both failed the previous year and both vowed to come back stronger. If there was one other runner I wanted to finish it was John. He looked shit and like a man about to give up. I said come on, little point sitting here and started to run. This was Johns epiphany and he jumped up knowing he had to move on. He couldn't run, he was spent but he ran/walked keeping me in sight. Eventually he caught me and we discussed our realization that this could and would be done but we had to keep on. We passed Duncan Cornish and egged him on. We were on a mission.<br />
I ran into CP57 it was 7.30 am and 115 miles in, 38 miles to go in 11 and half hours. Jacque had arrived with my day gear, I ditched my head torch and coat. She complemented me on how well I was doing but I wasn't feeling fluffy. No I said now's the time to knuckle down and get this done. John left but I had a pot of porridge which I watered down to a drink and promptly downed. I soon caught John. About a mile up the road the call of nature came on all of a sudden and I had to sacrifice a GB buff because I'd used my toilet roll elsewhere. A little gift for the farmer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsNBbi7JjvHy5DLfqctBjh6KlXG3LiY7zjeox43CR9iI0xfWEuYvDcgbLmTn1nragc9CMJp6Fhf4DfrbvNBiUomi-zKKjYgd9sxSUD_YJZCjyVperjAoa4hZLIRnE9oMVXvTHfKEimzU/s1600/Sparta+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfsNBbi7JjvHy5DLfqctBjh6KlXG3LiY7zjeox43CR9iI0xfWEuYvDcgbLmTn1nragc9CMJp6Fhf4DfrbvNBiUomi-zKKjYgd9sxSUD_YJZCjyVperjAoa4hZLIRnE9oMVXvTHfKEimzU/s320/Sparta+1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carl and I at the finish</td></tr>
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After the long flat lanes we joined a main carriageway and the start of a long uphill section. The road was like a British A road and the cars were not hanging about. I started to have another rough patch and I really had to get my head down and just follow John, if he walked I walked if he ran, I ran. It was tough going. He would pull away then I would catch him up and repeat although we were determined to run our own races we bounced off each other very well. We were just going up and up and I was noticing how painful my feet were. Blisters had just decided to rear their heads and the bottom of my left foot was blistered and all between my toes on the right side was heavily blistered. This pain got horrendously bad very quickly and I decided I would have to stop to burst them. I stopped and flipped off my shoe but I couldn't bend down to sort them out. It took all my effort to get my shoe back on. I jogged into CP65 with about 23 miles to go decided unless I sorted my feet I was going to struggle to get this done. The officials would have no problems pulling me out had they known how troubled I was so I smiled, grabbed and drink and went to hide behind some cars. I summoned Jacque to sort my feet. Russ Tullett was there too and volunteered his services. They removed my shoes and socks and Russ quickly burst the massive blister between my toes which fired its contents into the air and did so for a good 10 seconds. The blister on my left foot had ripped and was raw, Russ suggested covering the raw flesh with a Compeed. We all knew this was a big no no, but it was an emergency repair. He glued it on with some Tincture of Benzoin and I was good to go. John had gone way ahead but I did what I'd done the whole race and clawed him back. The pain in my feet wasn't quite as mind bending just manageable so jogging was ok.<br />
We eventually crested the hill and I bumped into some Brit supporters at a CP who explained that it was down hill from here and roughly thirteen miles to go. I was pulling away from John slightly and feeling good so I decided to just roll with it and try and run it in. It was 1.45pm I had about 12 miles to go and 5hrs 15 mins to do it. It was hot but the heat wasn't troubling me. As I continued down the road every car was honking their horns and Sparta soon came into view it was at that moment I knew I was going to do it. My lip quivered and a tear came to my eye it was almost done.<br />
I had managed to jog right the way to the outskirts of town, I was shuffling but sort of running. A car swerved to a halt in front of me and a race official jumped out. 'Are you ok?' she asked. I was busted, in pain, incoherent, seizing legs but I smiled and enthusiastically said 'Of course I am!' You are not pulling me now I thought. I continued to jog along and bumped into Carl Howells I stopped briefly and spoke, as I went to run off my body said no, it was revolting, there would be no more running today. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYssIz2_J9HiN6OGcjPH-0UynzIvLASIMUX6xVvGyxiJuZt9BUFqPKNCRguqjmnmDCRc2XlnnuFY7VbfuOy_aTTL-L5Wj3FHHYQ1YKuOAbBOjXcxIzPbMsBfdDnmG7cyiImmDtPc8ZeQ/s1600/Sparta+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiYssIz2_J9HiN6OGcjPH-0UynzIvLASIMUX6xVvGyxiJuZt9BUFqPKNCRguqjmnmDCRc2XlnnuFY7VbfuOy_aTTL-L5Wj3FHHYQ1YKuOAbBOjXcxIzPbMsBfdDnmG7cyiImmDtPc8ZeQ/s320/Sparta+7.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes I am.</td></tr>
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We walked and chatted there was only a couple of miles to go and I walked into the last CP and picked up my flag and team shirt. I was enjoying the walk in, everyone was cheering from their windows and spuring us on. We walked into the main street and I could see the flags at the end. This was the moment I'd waited 2 years for, I was lapping it up. The closer we got the louder the crowds got, all the Brit supporters were great and made us feel on top of the world. A Greek runner came up behind us a we let him go first to the statue. We followed him and took turns in kissing the foot. I thought I would cry at this point but I just felt relieved. Massive relief. I drank the river water from the bowl and stood for our photos. I'd actually dreamt of this moment and it was gone in a flash. I was so happy. 33hrs 57minutes 35 seconds. As 90% of the field will tell you though, it isn't about the time.<br />
I was ushered to the medical area and had my blisters drained and drank an ice cold water. At that moment I seized up totally and couldn't get out the chair. After much negotiation I managed to get a wheel chair and was pushed over to the British supporters by a rather drunk Rob Pinnington. As soon as I was there I felt ill and started shaking uncontrollably. I so wanted to sit with the guys and celebrate but I couldn't, I needed to lie down. I got helped to my hotel by John Steele and eventually reached my bed. I crashed out. In pain but happy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3afgqUBscQu1aoHCWiFXrkym4iLZ_pCSGj-vmoW8BAPHuNsFKuqs2IvB4mDKJBLP_CXPKbVGInh7cG_MHLQWAFpn4Saxr6g5JOrL9CaKutkc-tQfhcO0p1W8zkBpiXhHiM5buXfeXTw/s1600/Sparta+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs3afgqUBscQu1aoHCWiFXrkym4iLZ_pCSGj-vmoW8BAPHuNsFKuqs2IvB4mDKJBLP_CXPKbVGInh7cG_MHLQWAFpn4Saxr6g5JOrL9CaKutkc-tQfhcO0p1W8zkBpiXhHiM5buXfeXTw/s320/Sparta+5.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the foot!</td></tr>
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Would I do it again? Firstly Spartathlon is really hard if anyone tells you otherwise don't let it fool you. I trained for a year with this race in mind and had spent most of the previous year thinking about my first attempt. So two years of my running life dedicated to this finish. Apart from a few minor details my race went exactly to plan and I finished well within the 36 hour limit. James Ellis asked me at the end what I attributed my finish to this time. I replied 'My heat acclimatization and my kit' but actually it was so much more than that. It was the weeks and weeks of training six days a week mostly on tarmac, back to back long runs, trying loads of different kit and nutrition strategies, 15 consecutive days of saunas pre race, planning every minute detail and every situation. It wasn't luck it was bloody hard work. Part of me wants it again but what would I achieve? Can I beat that time? Can I recreate that perfect race? What if I go back a third time and fail? Then surely I'd need to go back a fourth time. Thing is this race gets hold of you, I'm writing this thinking about the whole experience and what a great thing it was. So would I do it again? <br />
Maybe....<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-90762573893024715102016-10-08T05:43:00.000-07:002016-10-08T05:43:52.148-07:00The Northern Traverse 2016<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr6P4Gbcl3udQGkyvFlLlx7_83p1ZwL96p0-nE09Jm4448A58MPLy0nm7DswhwBYcT0GIqfZhb-b1YrMzydAFavFXVwhMWgvyco_nIxyZ-eCnGt4diqBxZ94kPLNG_9y5vA2QWHh6nZM/s1600/IMG-20160604-WA0030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkr6P4Gbcl3udQGkyvFlLlx7_83p1ZwL96p0-nE09Jm4448A58MPLy0nm7DswhwBYcT0GIqfZhb-b1YrMzydAFavFXVwhMWgvyco_nIxyZ-eCnGt4diqBxZ94kPLNG_9y5vA2QWHh6nZM/s320/IMG-20160604-WA0030.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raring to go!</td></tr>
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In 2008 I read a book called "Life on the Run" which was a tale of three guys journey across the UK following the Wainwrights coast to coast route, straight after reading it I bought the Harvey maps and dreamt of one day doing it myself. Well the maps got shoved to the back of the map drawer ready for future use. Fast forward to the last few years and after completing several 100 milers my mind started to wonder whether I could possibly run 200 miles. It's the natural progression, I think anyone with the mentality to run 100 inevitably wants to try 200 miles. My finger has hovered over the enter button a couple of times for the Tahoe Rim 200 but I could never really justify the cost. Then last year an advert flashed up on FB for The Northern Traverse, 190 across the UK following the Wainwrights route from St Bees Head to Robin Hood Bay. This was meant to be! So as soon as I received my annual refusal from the Western States I entered. I was in The Northern Traverse 2016.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPevzZu_67IkAQ6RtMFDT23MEllF7Yy1Ch4NW9Uw9I4t2xkLVlQVbedLGLJnLZ0cQ_IbKWNDupD5otTXJr_ns-7ekMsTw-r5AzHlsr_F5zJEnbJhyphenhyphen6npChC9sgK4OoVHXzbuJ70TvyWY/s1600/IMG-20160604-WA0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPevzZu_67IkAQ6RtMFDT23MEllF7Yy1Ch4NW9Uw9I4t2xkLVlQVbedLGLJnLZ0cQ_IbKWNDupD5otTXJr_ns-7ekMsTw-r5AzHlsr_F5zJEnbJhyphenhyphen6npChC9sgK4OoVHXzbuJ70TvyWY/s320/IMG-20160604-WA0025.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All present and correct</td></tr>
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After a couple of days of fine weather and R and R at St Bees the day arrived. We collected our number bibs, had trackers attached and walked out onto the grass ready for the 10am start. I was out sufficiently early to go and dip my toes in the water as is the tradition, touch the water on the West coast and the East coast when you finish. Group photo taken, we were called to the line, as usual on long events no one is prepared to step forward which I find a bit strange, as if we are all waiting for a group of elites to step up. Well Eoin Keith had stepped forward so had John Knapp and I tucked in with them no need to be shy. The horn went and we were off, there was a single track bridge 50 mtrs from the start so we sprinted to it, then immediately into a half mile climb out of St Bees. It was heating up already and the skies were crystal clear. We power hiked up and Eoin started edging ahead along with John and a couple of others. Their pace was slightly fast for me so as we rounded the light house at the top I maintained a steady pace and let them go. We turned in land and within the first hour I was on my own.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy on Day 1</td></tr>
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I was loving running a nice slow pace and soon reached the first climb, Long Barrow, I power hiked through the woods and up the hill soon flying down the other side whilst still thumbing the map. It was red hot and I had made a late decision to carry an extra bottle making 1.5 litres, glad I did really as it was going to be red hot. One of the main hurdles of this event was the self sufficiency, each feed station was between 30 and 46 miles so between those points you are on your own. You either need to carry enough water to get you through, buy it on route or source it from else where. Well just before Ennerdale lake I found a café and stopped for an ice cold water. I ran the alongside Ennerdale water and it was gorgeous, beautiful surroundings, cracking trail, red hot, this was heaven. The trail soon left the water and into the forest, it was roasting and I was getting through my water very quickly. I stopped and filtered some water with my Sawyer Straw, a very time consuming process. I filled a couple of bottles and ran on. I reached the Black Sail hut but passed straight through bearing left up and over the hill. The run down to the slate mine and beyond to Rosthwaite is stunning. I was really on a high, keeping hydrated, well fed and not pushing too hard. I felt great. I passed two of the early leaders on the way down briefly saying 'Hi' but still making the most of this good spell. Leaving Rosthwaite the run took through more cracking trail to Grasmere and Thorney How an unofficial drinks stop. I wandered in and there was a lovely lady stood at a table with jugs of squash, flapjack and the like. No one else around just as though she had been waiting patiently all afternoon for runners to pass through. We chatted about drinking stream water and she said she had drunk straight out the mountain streams all her life and I had no need to filter. I was 50/50 on this, on one hand I had contracted campylobacter just the previous year drinking from a stream and on the other the Sawyer Straw was too time consuming. I left there with a big chunk of flapjack and headed the nine miles through to Patterdale, up and over Grisedale Hause. I arrived at Patterdale before nightfall, bang on schedule and decided to have a good feed up, Joe Faulkner was running the food and I know from previous experience how good his soup is so I had three bowls. John Knapp was in there and we sat and chatted about what a great day it had been.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail runners heaven</td></tr>
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My feeding plan for the event had been to consume 3000 calories every twelve hours. This was to be made up of Gu, Jelly Babies and Tailwind and then stuff as much real food as I could at the feed stations. Also at each feed station were several tents so you could either sleep at every station or none or indeed sleep on the hill should you need to. My plan was to skip the first sleep, sleep for 2 hours at Kirkby then grab any other sleeps I needed on the hill. <br />
<br />
John had got ready and left and I put on my long sleeve top and head torch in preparation for the night ahead. I left Patterdale and we were to head up to Kidsty Pike which was a good couple of hours. Kirkby Stephen was about 36 miles away so it would take me till morning to reach there. This is a cracking section, up past Boredale Hause, Angle Tarn and through to Kidsty Pike. I hiked the majority and ran where I could, we were well over 50 miles in and it was really dark and chilly before I reached the Pike. I had put the map away and was using GPS now. Had I been camping more and moving slower with a clear head I would have tried to nav by map alone but given I was aiming for the fastest time possible I opted for GPS especially during the night. As I headed down to Haweswater my eyes started flickering and the sleep demons were coming on. The previous days mountain running had taken its toll and I was nodding off on my feet. Lack of sleep certainly is a weakness of mine, if you want to do well in a non stop multi day event you have to cope well with no sleep and I don't! I'd made a last minute decision to wear Hokas as it had been so dry which I was happy with but as I bumbled along Haweswaters rocky edge I was tripping and stumbling. I took a Pro Plus as I couldn't shake off the the flickering eyelids. As the trail improved the caffeine kicked in and I felt slightly better, enough so to run with out the fear of falling over. As we reached the end of the water I was passed by two runners. My tiredness had cost me already. I left the road and came across a metal container full of drinks and an honesty box. Very nice, I thought as I choose a drink and choccy bar my head torch shining in the box. As I did a car passed by then quickly spun round and screeched to a stop next to me. "What the hell are you doing!" was shouted at me. I looked up and two massive geezers were sitting in their car looking ready to stove my head in. After a quick explanation the air was cleared and I was able to move on enjoying my can of coke.<br />
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I made my way onto Shap, the tiredness had subsided for now and I was able to run. I was getting really frustrated with my bottles, I was worrying that one of my soft flasks was going to fall out of the side pocket of my pack. This minor issue was stressing me out so I decided to put a full bottle in the main part of my pack then I could access it in an emergency. I ran into Shap, it was 2am. There was unmanned drink station located there which I thought would be closed so I pressed on into the night, only later did I find out it had been fully stocked with drinks and sandwiches, Doh! I ran up Shaps main street and soon veered off onto moorland and open fields. It was very dark and the terrain was up and down. I realized one of my bottles was almost empty so reached for my spare bottle, Shit, it had gone! I must have dropped it earlier while fiddling with my pack. I had 300 mls and 18 miles to Kirkby Stephen, this was never going to last. After the previous red hot day I was thirsty and needed to find water fast but as the miles ticked by I realized there was nothing, no streams, no tarns, nothing. I was still running ok but was seriously dehydrated, my mouth was almost stuck shut. I was in daylight now and spotted a tarn ahead and ran towards it with visions of gulping down loads of fresh water. It was not to be though there was a massive barbed wire fence between me and the water. In my shaky state the fence as an obstacle too far. Shortly after as cracks felt like they were appearing in my throat I found a puddle. Admittedly there was sheep shit in the puddle but it was wet so I popped out my Sawyer Straw and drank from the puddle, needs must. Thankfully it was enough to see me through until I found a nice flowing stream and managed to fill my bottles. I lost a few places through this tough stage but it didn't matter I was running my own race and this is all I could do.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kirkby Stephen</td></tr>
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<br />
I got in to Kirkby Stephen mid morning roughly 24 hours in and bang on my schedule. My plan now was to grab a few hours kip before cracking on. I ate and drank and headed for one of the tents. As I lay in the hot tent every sound was magnified, the light shone through my closed eyelids and my heart was pumping. I was never going to sleep. I laid there for a further 20 minutes before trudging back indoors for some more food and a mental re-plan. It was 10am and the next section to Richmond was 37 mile or so, I decided I could continue through all day and reach Richmond by nightfall then I could sleep. My mind was made up and after greasing my feet I headed out of the feed station. Soon after leaving I was rising back up again, it was a steady hike up to Nine Standards Rigg, it was gorgeous at the top I would have been quite happy to stop a while and look around but no it was time to push on. After some cracking trail running on the high ground it was time to descend again. I was running well and my quads were holding up. I had a really sore shin on my right leg from the hard descents of day one but this although very painful was a minor issue. The run across Malbecks Moor was lovely but my eyelids were flickering again, the lack of sleep was really taking its toll. It was a lovely sunny afternoon and every so often I would lay on the soft grass for a 5 minute power nap. They can be quite effective and gave me the strength to get through. I was about 20 mile in to this stage and roughly 30 hours without sleep. Just prior to Reeth there was some great technical trail and I was loving the scrambling, I climbed to the top of what seemed like a disused quarry and found a well made path heading down, I was hallucinating really heavily now. I have learnt to embrace hallucinations and they don't phase me, they just make life tricky especially when my eyelids are so heavy. I ran into the village and in my tired state I had it in my head that this was Richmond and I was really boosted by the prospect of sleep and rest. I chatted to a random guy who had been following the tracker and waiting ages to see a runner. He soon informed me this was Reeth not Richmond and my heart sank. There was still another 11 miles to go. I walked into the local shop, sweaty, stinking and incoherent but the shop keeper didn't bat an eyelid as I stocked up on water and chocolate. I trudged through the village eating my chocolate trying to get motivated for the next 11 miles. This was a tough moment in the race, we were around the 100 mile mark 33 hours in and roughly halfway, my feet hurt, I was tired, my shin was killing me, I'd had enough. <br />
<br />
The route to Richmond was actually very nice, lots of grassy fields and woodland but not too many hills. I perked up as I ran two thirds of every field and walked one third. The miles ticked by as I dreamt of the lovely sleep I was due to have. I could see Richmond in the distance and everything in the world seemed great again. I was quite high up looking down at the village and it was roughly 9pm, I thought I'd walk down into town but even this seemed to go on for ever. I circled the town centre before doubling back on myself and eventually finding the rugby club, this all felt counter intuitive and I still swear I did an unnecessary lap of the town. Eventually I jogged into the feed station just as it started to rain.<br />
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I sat down with a massive sigh of relief, I could rest! I took my shoes off and started to eat some chicken stew. There were two other runners in there preparing to go out. They were discussing the night ahead, preparing their maps, they looked so un flustered and I felt so shit. I couldn't comprehend heading straight back out. I grabbed my kit and limped over to my tent in the now heavy rain. I jumped into my sleeping bag and set the alarm for 3 hours. In what felt like seconds I was gone and a few seconds later the 3 hours had passed and my alarm was bleeping. It was still raining and about 1 am. I donned my headtorch and sorted my kit in the cramped tent. My feet were noticeably swollen and I struggled to get my shoes back on. After 20mins or so I walked back over to the main feed station. I ate some porridge, a fried egg sarnie and a couple of teas, there were two others in here now one guy had just walked in and another was prepping to go back out, although he didn't look too keen. I was mentally preparing for the next stage breaking down the mileage etc. I was told at this point there would be no sleeping at the next aid station, a storm had hit and they were unable to set up the tents. In real terms this meant I had 45 miles to the next feed station, before entering straight into the last 30 mile on no rest. Ok keep calm I'm going to leave here at 2am, walk for 2 hours until daybreak, I should be at the feed station by 3pm, an hours stop then an 11hour 30 miler for a 3 am finish. Simple. <br />
<br />
I left at 2am as planned, the rain had stopped and I power hiked into the darkness. My legs were stiff but I soon shook it off and the swelling in my feet subsided. I broke into a run as the first particles of light guided my way. I passed Catterick race course through grassy flat fields. The water on the grass was rolling down my legs and quite quickly my feet were soaked through. This was going to be a hindrance later on. I entered a secluded lane and walked towards a car with full beam bearing on me. This felt weird in my tired state and I half expected the engine to roar before the driver attempt to mow me down. I walked the couple of hundred metres to the car and as I walked along side the window was open. My eyes adjusted to the driver. "What ya doing?" he asked in a gruff voice. "Running the Coast to Coast" I replied. "Sure you are, it's four in the fucking morning". "I Know". "Well you better have some chocolate, keep your spirits up" he said as he cracked me off a few squares of his Aero. He pulled away laughing and shaking his head. A quite surreal experience that I'm positive actually happened. The lanes and fields continued for miles and I had several variants of running on the go, varying from actually running to power hiking to the ultra hobble. I felt happy at this point and was confident about the miles ahead. Through the ever over grown fields I eventually reached the A19. I knew there was a garage there and bought food, a sandwich, coffee, chocolate and maltloaf. I gulped down the coffee and stuffed in the sandwich before running the gauntlet across the now very busy dual carriageway. I walked up the lane eating my maltloaf and my thoughts were on my feet which were now soaked through and badly macerated. The pain was searing up my legs and by my reckoning I was at mile 150, it was about 1pm. 40 miles to go. I was hoping my feet might dry out a bit with a fresh pair of socks. Little did I know what lay ahead. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG I felt rough</td></tr>
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The trail rose up through the forest and it was stunning, a very different scene to the grassy fields. After a lengthy climb I joined the Cleveland Way, the wind was getting up and coming from the North, whipping the tree tops and driving the now constant rain into my side. The rain was now soaking through my windproof top and there was a definite chill in the wind. I managed some running through this section and the Cleveland Way was very nice, I'm sure it would have been much nicer on a better day. I reached an unofficial feed station at the Lord Stones Café. I opened the door to the café but it was rammed full of people and red hot inside. This wasn't going to help stopping here so I left and pushed on. I started heading higher on the Cleveland Way and decided to tuck in some bushes to change coats. The rain was now driving in on the high wind and the conditions were testing to say the least. I dropped down to a road and again convinced myself that this must have been the feed station but couldn't see any signs. Maybe I was wrong again, I couldn't face getting the map out in the high wind so pressed on. The trail from here was very runnable and wide it also kept going up. The higher I went the stronger the wind blew, it was howling. I was in the clouds and the cold was going right through me. My feet hurt and I was exhausted but I had no choice but to run it was just too cold. The trail just kept rising and it was very exposed. I really started doubting my position, visibility was poor and stopping wasn't an option. I had a nagging feeling that I'd gone wrong. I was so cold and beginning to get worried. I needed shelter to regroup but there was nothing. Eventually I squatted behind a bank long enough to get my trousers on. I was not in a great mental state everything just seemed too hard to compute. I got my emergency phone out to ring in to make sure I was on track still but I couldn't work out how to use it. I realized I only had a few minutes before this got serious. I needed to know where I was on the map now otherwise I would have to get in my bivy then that really could be race over. I got a grid reference off my GPS and got a fix on my map with the compass. Thank god for that I was still on track but about 2 miles outside the feed station. I packed my kit back up and started moving quickly forcing myself to run. I ran all the way to Blackey Ridge and missed the turn. I ran on for several hundred metres before realizing my mistake I turned and headed back. I picked the correct turn and suddenly the pub emerged out of the cloud. What a relief! I nearly cried. I grabbed my kit bag before setting up camp in the disabled toilets of the pub. I completely stripped down and warmed by the radiator. I tried to grease and tape my feet but they were shot. Mile 160 about 57 hours in on 3 hours sleep. Mentally I was finished, I was dog tired, it was 5pm. The only thing that got me dressed was knowing that I had one stage to go and it was too late to quit. I put multiple layers on and headed back out the pub to the feed station van. For the first time I felt too sick to eat which was not good. I stood in the van while they made me some rolls for the next leg. They were lovely and chatting away to me but my mind was in a daze their voices passed in one ear and out the other. I prepared myself mentally again for the next leg.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just 30 to go.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 Miles!! FFS!!</td></tr>
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As I shoved the door open of the van I stepped into the gale, it was a head wind as I crossed the carpark, the wind was deafening and I tucked my head down a ploughed forward. My thoughts were, What am I doing? How am I going to finish this? I felt lost. It was actually impossible to run into the wind, I kept my head down and battled the wind the warm pub was now a distant memory. After a mile or so the trail turned off the road and across the rough moorland. It was flooded and thick with heather, the path was indistinguishable and really tough to follow. I followed my GPS to the line, occasionally seeing snapped branches so I knew others had passed through. This was as tough as it gets and not enjoyable, I was praying for some lower ground. Darkness soon set in and I was cold again. The cold didn't fight off the tiredness though and I was falling asleep on my feet. At one point in my frustration I started yelling profanities at the weather. The trail alternated from moor to trail to road but still no descent. The sleep monsters were full on now, I was hallucinating constantly, every rock or bush had a face. I was ignoring the faces but kept stopping and nodding off on my feet. I would suddenly snap out of it before carrying on. For large portions I was convinced I was with someone and would chat with them but the truth is I hadn't run with anyone for 60 hours!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relief</td></tr>
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At last I was starting to descend and the chill eased off. It was late at night as I walked into the village of Glasdale where I came across a phone box, it looks so inviting! That I got into the box and curled up in a ball on the floor. I took a 5 min power nap. My feet were so sore I could no longer step without the feeling of walking on broken glass. I had to shuffle along on the outside of my feet. The hills still seemed to go on for ever and the moorland didn't become any easier. I entered the woods at Little Beck and it was a steady ascent through thick trees, at points I would lose the trail and end up climbing through trees, it was muddy and steep. I eventually emerged out the top of the woodland and knew I wasn't far from the end now. I followed the last bit of moor to a well made trail this was it, I was on the home run. The trail turned into a track which turned into a road and at last I saw a sign for Robin Hood Bay. I left the road and headed down through a camp site to the coastal path. Daylight had arrived an hour previous and this coastal path was definitely a sting in the tail, up and down it went seemingly forever. I was hallucinating heavily still and all the rocks were alive with faces. It really was just a hobble now my as the pain in my feet was just mind bending. At last one final climb to a gate and stood at the gate was John Knapp, my god this is it the final stretch? He congratulated me and let me run off down the main street to the finish. I turned the last couple of corners to be greeted by my wife and James, the two solitary figures at the finish. I collapsed in a heap on the line only lifting my head to receive my medal. I starred into the sea and felt a wave of relief, it was over. 8th place 190 miles in 69hours incorporating 3 complete nights and just 3 hours sleep over some of the country's toughest terrain. I was spent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPQURVkNPEde6WaYPm4M59vRLaXE3f8Y9Is7rGsWYyu35T6vpYf2hnthSwCQUqqO2s9MpFyUX29U4X8gNrYOreyWeUX9Tvp5VKUQHPj_CeDcqV4linHnpcDns9N58BwutcECTmCSSxy4/s1600/IMG-20160604-WA0009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbPQURVkNPEde6WaYPm4M59vRLaXE3f8Y9Is7rGsWYyu35T6vpYf2hnthSwCQUqqO2s9MpFyUX29U4X8gNrYOreyWeUX9Tvp5VKUQHPj_CeDcqV4linHnpcDns9N58BwutcECTmCSSxy4/s320/IMG-20160604-WA0009.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do I have to move?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PbSAYDm9Rbsb7uwEhzujparq8bZY6VsW30v2lPm6ZMzFeDmp-TFqT3VMdOcRUdUedozIm2lsN3vtK0mmqTgXIMv1UAWmHcthJJw3BIe5DFNcqTTgv0RstVnMoSZx9dxkQIaPqemlKXg/s1600/IMG-20160604-WA0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PbSAYDm9Rbsb7uwEhzujparq8bZY6VsW30v2lPm6ZMzFeDmp-TFqT3VMdOcRUdUedozIm2lsN3vtK0mmqTgXIMv1UAWmHcthJJw3BIe5DFNcqTTgv0RstVnMoSZx9dxkQIaPqemlKXg/s320/IMG-20160604-WA0005.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macerated foot. That is pain right there. </td></tr>
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I slept for almost 24 hours straight post race and felt completely shattered for days after. I also picked up a nasty stomach bug somewhere on the route which has not helped recovery. This race was always something I wanted to do, the course was harder than expected and it's definitely an itch scratched. Not sure if I'll ever enter a straight 200 mile race, the lack of sleep certainly limits my ability to compete at this distance. My feet slowed me down massively at the end but that is something that can be worked on but the difference between me and the guys above me was ultimately sleep. I just have my limits on sleep. I can easily go one night with out sleep I just struggle to go two. All things a side though I have managed to finish injury free and have a clear race calendar between now and Spartathlon. Let the training commence.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-72256837953508674572015-12-24T11:52:00.000-08:002015-12-27T09:29:13.940-08:00Tour De HellvelynIt's been a while since I've put a race report up, I've run a few events since the summer but none of them has inspired me to share the experience until I completed this one. The Tour de Helvellyn.<br />
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I entered two mountain events in December but the first in the Brecons fell by the wayside as I got drunk the day before. So despite the horrific flooding Cumbria had suffered in the previous week I was determined to get up there and get amongst it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK1tcYVKpwUTzaPgLRRA1KAMcST7RKUrZhL7mS915ZKEOkj6PHgxaiJ8f9HSFPiJR7i6rbGqZFzYoleUth8lPhKqvHrqYqAbRaua0SLJ63ARP0mJbOOzqx3beCgfkbuQvkdTpSc3WK6c/s1600/TdeH+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNK1tcYVKpwUTzaPgLRRA1KAMcST7RKUrZhL7mS915ZKEOkj6PHgxaiJ8f9HSFPiJR7i6rbGqZFzYoleUth8lPhKqvHrqYqAbRaua0SLJ63ARP0mJbOOzqx3beCgfkbuQvkdTpSc3WK6c/s320/TdeH+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grisedale Tarn</td></tr>
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I drove up on Friday afternoon and after seven hours of mind numbing motorway I arrived in Askham in darkness. I managed to get the van parked in the community centre carpark and jumped in the back and got the kettle on. After a very tasty out of date boil in the bag ready meal I dived in the main hall and got myself registered. Dibber attached I retired to the van, my head was frazzled after the motorway so I was glad to be sound asleep by 10pm. <br />
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I woke at 5am because of the rain bouncing off the roof of my van, I laid there and pressed the snooze button several times. I was wondering whether I really wanted to do this? It was cold, wet, dark, windy, did I want to? Of course I did I love it! Two cups of tea and two pots of porridge and I was set. Full winter kit was needed for this one and I can honestly say I have never carried so much kit not even at UTMB, to be honest though given the conditions, the forecast and the fact that most of the day I was going to be wet, I made a sound choice of kit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s5b8aK2dn-oqyR5nWWKoHxUWSFrO_sbCBK9o8MdkWuyCcgbQl5Oge0EjpnUrLDNU2JkRb2_EkpGvse8xDe0aasQ60_trEpYmSpEKsTIOTWmh_jcrqmG-N3OC1yr0I1bszUMgOqrcsRA/s1600/TdeH+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3s5b8aK2dn-oqyR5nWWKoHxUWSFrO_sbCBK9o8MdkWuyCcgbQl5Oge0EjpnUrLDNU2JkRb2_EkpGvse8xDe0aasQ60_trEpYmSpEKsTIOTWmh_jcrqmG-N3OC1yr0I1bszUMgOqrcsRA/s320/TdeH+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit Check</td></tr>
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We had to make a decision on what time to start bearing in mind that you mustn't reach the Patterdale checkpoint before 9.30. I joined the kit check queue at 8 with a view of starting at 8.15, my aim was to get round in daylight so that gave me roughly 8 hrs. I didn't fancy being out on the fell in the dark. I had my kit checked and left, I wanted to follow someone to the fell because the Harvey map didn't cover the very start and I tucked in with a group until we reached the gate on to Askham fell. The rain was lashing and wind was blowing, today was going to be a challenge.<br />
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I had my map and compass ready but as soon as we were through the gate everyone split, some to the right, some the left. I took a quick bearing and the lefts had it. We ran into a vicious headwind and all the way over the flat featureless fell I was taking mental notes knowing full well I could return this way in the dark. I recognised the cockpit stone circle as it was the only bit of the course I had been to before but beyond it was all new to me. I fully intended to nav the route myself but when it's raining that hard and that windy it is very easy to follow the crowd and that is what I did. Had I naved the course on my own I would have been walking and a whole lot slower. I still have a lot to learn! After a lovely muddy trail and a stretch of tarmac we reached cp1. I dibbed in and moved on. After another stretch of tarmac we were treated to a lovely rise upto Boredale Hause. The wind was absolutely howling and it really was a struggle to stay up right at times, great fun though! I was soaked through and sprinted down towards Patterdale slipping over on a grassy bank as a went, I reached CP2 at Side farm, 10 miles in grabbed some sweets and was off again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9wu9NK8sOvibAQBDldRxU-vXkRhA-tMBaPmgzdpzv9zW1HyauAtN_I-qTKUpXJOJdf_Ou5UxUh3ka6YfMA4Zaje47-HUvoD2tJXfGQ9YpReTJKkNPxEQKFuBli107eS0iPr_2J_MdAU/s1600/TdeH+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM9wu9NK8sOvibAQBDldRxU-vXkRhA-tMBaPmgzdpzv9zW1HyauAtN_I-qTKUpXJOJdf_Ou5UxUh3ka6YfMA4Zaje47-HUvoD2tJXfGQ9YpReTJKkNPxEQKFuBli107eS0iPr_2J_MdAU/s320/TdeH+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cp 3 soaked through</td></tr>
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We passed through Glenridding stopping to look at the raging torrent and the repairs that were underway, god knows how powerful that water was coming down during the floods. We started the long ascent towards Sticks pass and the weather was really having a moment now, It was lashing down. As I approached CP3 at Swart Beck bridge we were getting hammered, I jumped onto what I thought was a tuft in a puddle but it turned out to be a two foot deep pool, over I go again. Right infront of Stu at the CP. Glad he was there to take the piss. I was run walking all the way up but it was getting quite tiring the nearer to Sticks pass we got, That's when the eventual winner Jim Mann came running past. He made it look easy, I wish I had those skills. We reached the pass and I actually checked the map as it was very misty even with the high wind, straight over the top and we started our descent. I was really concentrating on the path as I sprinted through the mist, I looked up and couldn't see anyone, in that instant the mist cleared in seconds to reveal the most beautiful view of Thirlmere. It was fantastic, one of those moments when you just love being a trail runner. It was a long technical descent and I was flat out passing lots of runners on the way down. It wasn't without incident as fell two more times on the way down. Amazing fun though, I loved it. We dibbed in at the bottom and carried on. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuSUItuj7wR1DNY310mfNRYKaA5lI5ab4vXDQo4QOgrjXivFiXkURHHdV32SD2J_hibjPnxVq9JL7tmfVkPL8RNe8shVqvLZppiwLLHyeDvymPIRn5_HU6QgZpEYS3w_8mVZrxk3NjrA/s1600/TdeH+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFuSUItuj7wR1DNY310mfNRYKaA5lI5ab4vXDQo4QOgrjXivFiXkURHHdV32SD2J_hibjPnxVq9JL7tmfVkPL8RNe8shVqvLZppiwLLHyeDvymPIRn5_HU6QgZpEYS3w_8mVZrxk3NjrA/s320/TdeH+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">28 miles in and still happy</td></tr>
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The long descent had kind of gassed my legs and I was having brief moment, I took the time to have a chat with Rob and Braddon two fellow Dragons backers, I soon shook off the wobbly legs and started running again leaving the other two behind. I managed a jog all the way to CP 5, it was wet and slippery trail but I roughed out my bad patch. Got to CP5 and stuffed my face with cheese and sweets, it was the first time I'd seen Joe during the day.<br />
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I had a fold up cup in my pocket and drunk a few cups of water at the checkpoint. The conditions being as rough as they were I decided to drink on the go rather than faff about refilling my bottles, anyone who owns a inov8 ultra pack will testify what a faff it is to refill the bottles. In hindsight I would have not taken my bottles but should have taken my Sawyer straw, water on route was obviously plentiful but after getting campylobacter I should drink more carefully. Lesson learned.<br />
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The run from 5 to 6 was a forest track and easy going, I was a bit stiff in the legs but running well. I soon came across the first of several beck crossings but the foot bridges had been swept away in the recent swathe of bad weather. The becks were now torrents and without bridges it was just a case of jumping in and trying not to lose your footing, very dodgy indeed at some points but hey its not a tickling contest. I reached CP 6 and we were warned that Raise Beck ahead was dangerous and we should cut across to our left before crossing the water. I walked ahead with my head in the map trying to pick the route when I stepped in a bog, I waded through but my foot got caught on a branch in the mud, I went arse over tit straight into the bog my whole right side was in it. After dragging myself out I decided to pay a bit more attention.<br />
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We crossed the angry raise beck and ascended up the side until we reached Grisedale tarn, the wind was hammering us from behind and we started to descend. I could barely stand, the wet rock was slippy, the wind was blowing and it was very testing running. I could see people off to the right following the stream on the grass so I cut my losses as I was struggling on the rock and joined them. I slipped and fell again several times but yes it was much better running, I over took a few more runners on this section. We were soon back on the road to Patterdale and it would be the small case of 10 miles back to base. <br />
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I totally lost my bearings coming out of Patterdale and couldn't even remember the way back. I would have done a left had it not been for everyone going right but I still wasn't convinced. It wasn't until I crossed back over Boredale hause that things looked familiar. Up ahead was a pal of mine Ollie, who I was determined to catch up. It gave me good focus to spend the next few miles trying to catch him up. I finally caught them at CP 8 and we left chatting about the day. I worked out that I would now get back in daylight so all was good. I was busy chatting to one of the guys and Ollie shot off, he later told me he hadn't wanted me to pass him. Us mid packers are very competitive. With about 3 miles to go I felt amazing, time was ticking and I wanted to get in before dark so I left the other guy and pushed hard back across Askham fell desperately trying to reel Ollie back in. The weather had closed in again it was getting cold and raining hard again. Sadly catching Ollie wasn't to be but I entered the hall just as darkness was falling and it was lashing down again happy to be back.<br />
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It was about 4ish so I had a couple of bowls of soup, a hot shower and started the epic journey home. As I left I could see the head torches coming down the road through the heavy rain and was very happy to be in the warm van.<br />
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Overall I had a fantastic race. The conditions were testing, the terrain was technical but I pretty much ran the whole way finishing in 7:42. I had no major energy dips and above all I had great fun. My only negatives were my own making, my right quad is still slightly iffy and has been since Sparta. Also I totally gave up navigating because of the weather which was a shame but it worked out ok. On the flip side I did seem to be one of the only people that didn't know the route. This certainly wasn't a race for a novice, so if you're thinking of doing this as your first ultra it'd probably be a good idea to try something else first and come back when you're confident with your mountain skills.<br />
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Everything was fantastically organised and you'd do well to find fault. Big thanks to the Nav 4 team I loved it. Thanks for the pics too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0eoTNWGhmhoXIcp4zCH9h4V411EP1fhovz9FdOmfnsG35UxpIGZNMFVHXxxAp6eo8KfEdXuYUB4ZRDhRxYM3OskN3FsoJoG_xF5gAJSHJDwEJyp_x49fqyd4Cu8pQ8EQP4VEby1-In0/s1600/TdeH+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0eoTNWGhmhoXIcp4zCH9h4V411EP1fhovz9FdOmfnsG35UxpIGZNMFVHXxxAp6eo8KfEdXuYUB4ZRDhRxYM3OskN3FsoJoG_xF5gAJSHJDwEJyp_x49fqyd4Cu8pQ8EQP4VEby1-In0/s320/TdeH+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful momento</td></tr>
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-63051139958287216892015-07-03T14:26:00.001-07:002015-07-03T14:26:10.340-07:00The Dragons Back race 2015. The Dragon eats sheep!Around January time after the usual race refusals I was about to enter the Thames ring 250. I sat back and took a breath and pondered my reasons for doing it. All I could come up with was that there was nothing else that offered something new. That something new being the distance, but did it excite me. Sadly no, the thought of running that far seemed a chore. Oh I longed for the butterflies and giggly excitement a new challenge brings. That feeling you had before your first marathon or Ultra, that Christmas eve feeling, the TR250 didn't offer me that. Soon after I received an email from the Dragons back people about the race, I had butterflies just reading the race info. Within an hour of reading that I was in. My multi day experience was zero, my nav skill was minimal but I love the mountains and I love running of course. Perfect, it was on.<br />
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The build up months to this had been so exciting. I had been racing in the mountains, practicing my my nav and obtaining the necessary kit for the event. The event its self had cost a few quid so I was determined to save a bit on equipment. Below is the list of mandatory kit and what I used.<br />
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<u>Mandatory hill kit</u><br />
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Waterproof jacket = Hagloffs LIM and Berghaus Vapour light smock<br />
Waterproof trousers = Berghaus pack light and Inov-8 Race ultra pant<br />
Survival bag = Poundland<br />
Compass = Silva expedition 4<br />
Headtorch = Silva trail runner 2<br />
Whistle = On pack<br />
Sufficient hill food = Each day spread across the running day I ate, 1 bag jelly babies, 3 Gu gels, 2 packs Tailwind, 1 small pack kids cooked rice or a pack of beef jerky and a bag of nuts and raisins.<br />
Warm top = Cheap long sleeve top<br />
Hat and gloves = Same hat and gloves I've had for ten years, All the climbing on day one wore holes in the fingers. Need new ones grrr.<br />
Bottles = 2 x 500ml soft flasks <br />
Pack = Inov8 race ultra 10<br />
Shoes = Salomon fell raisers<br />
I also had my phone, an etrex10 gps, waterproof marker pen and £50 incase of emergency.<br />
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There was also mandatory camp kit of all the usual stuff, sleeping bag, mattress, clothes, washing stuff, plate etc etc. All of your weeks camp kit had to go in a 59 ltr bag and you also had a 22 ltr resupply bag to keep your food in to resupply each day at the half way point. Most of my stuff was from decathlon or poundland and I saved a fortune on this.<br />
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I arrived in Conwy on Saturday to give me chance to relax for a bit prerace, the town was buzzing because of a local pirate festival taking place. The sun was out and it was gorgeous I sat by the estuary for a few hours in the heat of the day and watched the world pass by. After it cooled down a bit I went for a run on what I thought was the start route. Within a couple of streets I was heading out of town and up Conwy mountain, I passed a local who said "You won't be running in a minute, its bloody steep up there". I nodded and thought to myself, If only you knew. I ran up Conwy mountain and over to Sychnant pass where I turned and came back. Only a few miles but just a little confidence boost to make sure I started right. <br />
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On Sunday I got up and had a full English then I drove to Sycnant pass and hiked for a few miles just another little heads up on the race start. At 12.30 it was check in time at the Youth hostel, I grabbed my kit and headed there. It was fairly quiet and I soon was soon ushered to desk 1 to start the process. "Right, Photo id please". It was only by sheer miracle that I had my id, I had completely forgot I needed it!! Desk 2 was to get your number. Desk 3 was manned by my good buddy Andy Nuttall who was attaching trackers to packs. Well the tracker was more of a lunchbox and it had to go on our shoulder. We taped it to my pack and I tried it, it was digging in but what could I say? I had looked enough of a nob doing kit runs around Maidstone if I had been practicing having a lunch box on my shoulder I think I would have felt like a complete tosser! Desk 4 was manned by Stuart Smith who was part of the Nav4 team that helped train some of us. Cracking bloke who's incredibly friendly, he was attaching dibbers. I then signed my life away on the waiver and it was done. Checked in. I disappeared back to the harbour for a few hours before the race brief. The race brief was rammed and Shane the RD soon got to work explaining the rules and pointers. The race is fairly strict and rules need to be stuck too. Any discrepancies and you will be disqualified. One of the main parts that stood out was being able to differentiate between farmers land and open fell, which I was unaware of. Basically if you cut across a farmers field you would be disqualified. I had been a bit naïve about this and had assumed you could go anywhere. This added another dimension to the nav. The rest was pretty obvious stuff and we soon had to vacate the room to make way for dinner. I need a certain amount of peace and quiet prerace to take stock of the impending race so I decided to head in to town for a quiet meal and an early night.<br />
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<u>Day 1</u><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvrlZdw8ZxB8AjD_XZaNHpKPb8T907CpMH-2CRLL4-_P4fATHOxjBg_8cGDZuBbS_ORPvjoF49JIFTrt3mVBiVO0nHcYTr-mGga-WEE-lTEXaGegxrLj45lUgLwLaCDL6hmrxepvpDMs/s1600/iphone+3rd+july+15+077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvrlZdw8ZxB8AjD_XZaNHpKPb8T907CpMH-2CRLL4-_P4fATHOxjBg_8cGDZuBbS_ORPvjoF49JIFTrt3mVBiVO0nHcYTr-mGga-WEE-lTEXaGegxrLj45lUgLwLaCDL6hmrxepvpDMs/s320/iphone+3rd+july+15+077.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nervous start</td></tr>
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I headed up to Conwy castle and chucked my resupply bag in and we were ushered into the main castle. It started to rain, my nerves were bouncing around like no ones business. As we walked to the start area in the centre of the castle we were handed our day 1 map, shit it looked daunting! I was now crapping myself this map covered miles and miles with massive ascents and descents, it was mental, the area I had run on the Saturday was the first tiny section. The map was about two and a half foot long and the section I ran was an inch. This looked epic! The map was a Harveys 1:40000 and that gives good detail but all you get is a small red circle where each checkpoint is and a very brief description of its position. I couldn't speak, my eyes flicked across the map, what the hell have I done? I can't navigate this!! Time was flying by and my usual prerace chatting was replaced with a feeling of doom as I stared at this monster map. The choir had started belting out their tunes and it was followed by a speech from the mayor. Christ this thing is about to start and I feel like a tiny fish in a bloody huge ocean!<br />
Next thing I know we are off and heading out through the castle and along the castle wall. We dropped down on to the road headed towards Conwy mountain, I was just running everything was going so fast, my plan to start walking and navigate from the off was out the window I was swept along in the fast pace. Cp1 was soon passed and we headed out to Sycnant pass and dibbed Cp2. We then took a different route to what I had anticipated and was running across open fell. The weather was grotty and the cloud was low just what I hadn't wanted but I stuck with the line of runners which soon thinned and we reached our first main peak, Tal y Fan. Around this point I was joined by Michelle Bowen, she was trying to nav using her Ambit and getting frustrated with the time it was taking. The route to Drum was ok visibility was poor but I felt more confident, although still not using the map properly, Me and Michelle ran along the path that connect the summits, this is no way to navigate, just assuming that a path would take you where you want to go. We hit Foel Fras before heading into the Carnedds, visability had got worse and was down to about 20mtrs. We fumbled our maps and ran in the gloom trying to keep with other faster runners, Michelle fell and I lost us on the map. This is not how it was supposed to be! That moment in the Carnedds I remembered a comment I'd heard about not just following the crowd like sheep. I stopped and said to Michelle, lets stop get a grid reference pinpoint ourselves on the map and navigate properly. This became my mantra for the week "Don't be sheep", If ever I started following someone I would stop and navigate myself. Primarily because they might not have a clue and secondly that is why I'm here to be able to nav across open fell. The navigation was tough as was the running but we got to Pen yr Ole Wen, high above the Ogwen valley. At this early stage I was surprised to see runners going in all sorts of directions not navigating just winging it hoping to stumble on the checkpoint or to tag on the back of someone else. Coming off of Pen yr Ole Wen you can either go the safe way to the left which is longer or the knarly rocky way to the right of course I went right. We descended for about 45mins before hitting the support point in the valley floor, about 6 or 7 hours had passed. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crib Goch</td></tr>
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Michelle and I decided on a relatively short stop and kind of agreed to stick together for the day, visibility was still poor and the nav was difficult so two heads were better than one. We headed straight out of the carpark and started the massive ascent of Tryfan, a steep rocky mountain, It seemed to go up for ever! As we reached the top, I lost the obvious way and kind of shimmied around the sheer rock face, I hate heights and Tryfans summit just seemed to be a pinnacle of rock with no obvious way off. I was nervous. As I scrambled about I smashed my knee on a rock, a big chunk of skin peeled back and blood gushed, the adrenaline was coursing though and I strangely felt no pain after the initial burst of nerve jangling agony. We made our way off the summit and headed for the Glyders, the visibility was now about 10 mtrs. We were doing an amazing amount of climbing and I was getting tired, we reached Glyder Fach but couldn't find the summit. I pinpointed us and using the compass pinpointed the summit which I passed out exactly, however it was on top of a massive pile of rocks and I thought well It can't be up there, so after 20mins of faffing I decided to climb the rocks and found it on the top. What a relief! We climbed the second Glyder and took a direct line off the summit straight across the open fell towards Pen-y-pass. I lost Michelle on the descent but also missed the youth hostel coming out further down the road. I tracked back up the road and checked in at the hostel. I stood in the carpark scanning the map and realized I still had the Snowdon horseshoe to complete. I had hiked it a few years previous with my brother and I knew it was tough but right now I had already been going for about 9hrs and I was tired. How was I going to do this? and still be alright for another four days?? I headed up the Pyg track, caught Michelle who had taken a more direct line towards Pen y pass and we were soon climbing towards Crib goch. Crib goch is a hard slog and the top is a knarly knife edge of rock which we had to scramble across. My fear of heights soon surfaced again and I was trembling as I picked my way across the summit. The cloud had lifted and there were some great views to be had. We carried through and went up Snowdon, back into the clouds, it was cold up there and I got some strange looks as I jogged through the freezing mist in shorts and a tee shirt. We then descended and ascended two more summits before finally dropping down to camp. I was crushed we'd done about 35mile and been on the go for roughly 12 hours. I wandered into camp and was shown to my tent by the ever friendly Andy Nuttall. I sat on the floor and ate some chips. My god I was knackered.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPAhxaJFpE07FshainQmZ9Yt901oMVvUrj8xMfKj443qsghi81rg0TCllDBmiDaUqL_tNP5ubFmh-YN9YAInjEtvfpgPY-uw_y6LoPDXfBsXXkFIIGbDq7s9K9OtQ8cPrmYXSevoCk7Y/s1600/Dragons+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPAhxaJFpE07FshainQmZ9Yt901oMVvUrj8xMfKj443qsghi81rg0TCllDBmiDaUqL_tNP5ubFmh-YN9YAInjEtvfpgPY-uw_y6LoPDXfBsXXkFIIGbDq7s9K9OtQ8cPrmYXSevoCk7Y/s320/Dragons+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am so scared of heights</td></tr>
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Camp consisted of loads of sleeping tents, mess tent, food tent, medic tent, finish tent and some toilets. After each day you come down to the finish tent and get dibbed in for the day. As soon as you've dibbed you get a print out of your days splits. As you walk through a marshal has your bags ready and carries them to your tent. Then you need to sort yourself out quick and prioritise what is important. Wash? Eat? Change? Organise? Personally for me I need sleep so my number one priority was to get sorted asap to unable me to get to bed fast. So my first night I got in about 7pm ate some chips and drank lots of fluid. I headed for the single shower only to find 5 other runners queuing so I abandoned washing. I then went to the food tent and ate some chilli and cous cous. Most of it ended up on my lap though as my bowl broke and had a hole in the bottom, not my best poundland purchase. Nothing a bit of duct tape couldn't sort. I didn't hang about in the mess tent though, I headed back to my tent and sorted my kit out for the next day. Time was ticking and I was shattered so I blew up my mattress and dived into my bag, I must have been asleep within minutes. My tent roomie Fabrice came in about midnight and smacked me in the face with his mattress, no problem though he'd obviously had a hard day too.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Day 2</u><br />
<br />
<br />
My alarm had been set for 5am but I didn't need it, Another of my roomies Hisayuki would be up at 4.30 to wake us all with his clattering of kit. I was up and out the tent by 5 to get breakfast but the queue was massive for eggs. As I queued I had my porridge made which I ate in the queue before grabbing my egg sarnie and tea which I wolfed down. There really was no hanging about in the morning because the midges were out in force and I am talking millions of them! If you stood still for more than a few seconds they covered you, each one giving you a friendly nip. I spoke briefly to Michelle to see if she wanted to team up for the day, she agreed and we packed up kit, dumped our bags in before collecting the map for the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVb_INHqIZAaV3sUBWV9qJmi0Mjho4SYlqa8QXeLFBM3v1Vck40vM97j1xQ_dhCzElCmsSmqqhOal47MvxT-s0Vrj5PmUKu235vLv30bZb1U7SNDa_jWAYxlfgUiDurhaeR7MSGb7VGs/s1600/iphone+3rd+july+15+084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVb_INHqIZAaV3sUBWV9qJmi0Mjho4SYlqa8QXeLFBM3v1Vck40vM97j1xQ_dhCzElCmsSmqqhOal47MvxT-s0Vrj5PmUKu235vLv30bZb1U7SNDa_jWAYxlfgUiDurhaeR7MSGb7VGs/s320/iphone+3rd+july+15+084.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just another massive ascent</td></tr>
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I had asked Joe Faulkner if day 1 was the toughest, he said without hesitation that day 2 was tougher. Looking at the map it didn't look too bad so I wondered what he was on about? I was soon to find out. We headed out of camp on the mandatory route before hitting the first massive ascent of the day, Cnicht. My legs were still sore from the previous day and climb was long and hard, but it was a lovely clear morning and the views were gorgeous. On the summit we could see the next summit across a massive valley it was the first of the Moelwyns. The easiest way to it was to do a massive loop staying on high ground but it was still a trek. We were loving it though, peace and quiet and brilliant mountain running. We descended Moelwyn Mawr and quickly ascended Moelwyn Bach. No messing now we were flying. The run down to Cp4 at the reservoir was great, I love smashing the down hills and this was no exception. I have worked a lot on downhills in training and I can sprint down most slopes. Michelle was exceptional on the ascents and I would try and tuck in behind her and we powered up them but I may have just had the edge on the descents and I think she was just fine tearing down behind me. We were making a good team. <br />
The section between CP4 and 5 is massive and very hard to pick a route, we broke it down into smaller navigational pieces of say 3 miles before making a new plan. Soon down the track we bumped into Richard Leahy, a good friend and someone who'd actually done some recceing. We chatted and ran with his group, but we ran past our turning, Richard had another way. As we continued down the track we stopped, looked at each other and realized we were doing it again, Being sheep! We turned round and ran back up the hill to our intended route. I said to Michelle that I might title my blog "Don't be sheep" she replied "The Dragon eats sheep!"<br />
We reached a road section and discussed our route options, there were a few but we agreed a route and ran on. Part of this involved passing through a massive forest on a minor footway. Bad move! We ran and circled and ended up going the wrong way, Michelle got the hump with this and said we should have gone straight across a large section of hilly, boggy, heathery crap. Totally not our plan but I rolled with it. My god it was awful, about 4 miles of all of the above. We were scratched, bumped, bitten and covered in shit. Also it was a nightmare to nav because everything looked the same. We were criss crossing with Charlie Sharp, Ed Catmur and a few others all running round like headless chickens. Ed streaked ahead but we soon caught him, he was laying down? It transpired he had put his foot right between some boulders and tore his shin open. The gash was big and to the bone. Luckily out of the 5 of us there 1 was some sort of medic and quickly patched him up. Mind you Ed was going nowhere, he could barely shuffle let alone run on the toughest terrain ever. Eds race was over, one of us managed to get a mobile signal and called for help. The emergency team were on their way. As the weather was fine so we felt ok to leave and press on. <br />
Just a quick explanation about the conditions under foot, we experienced just about everything from Tarmac to rock climbing during the event. We had long grass, short grass, tussocks, bog, rock, boulder fields, heather, thistles, scree, high exposed ridges and river crossings just about everything! Unless you knew the best route pretty much the whole time was spent cross country, either going up, down or across a slope. You fall over a lot and Michelle and I had our fair share of tumbles. Also much to Michelle's annoyance my style of navigation is to go the shortest route, across or through anything. If I could see a summit, we would be heading straight for it! Sod the long trail all the way round. This just added to the cuts, grazes and falls.<br />
We eventually dropped into CP5 after a 4 hour section it was about 8 hours in total to the half way point of day 2. We continued into the Rhinogs and quickly disposed of the first one, on the approach to the second we reached a lake and the summit was high up to our left. The easy but long way was to take a steady climb straight ahead then double back but I was having none of that. There was a near vertical rock fall to our left, direct to the summit. We climbed that way, it was one of the high lights of the day for me. We climbed two more summits and as we descended off of Diffwys we were tired, extremely tired! We had a measure of the map and worked out we had a 5 mile undulating run back to the camp, it was murder and after the previous day I felt I had nothing left, I was running on empty but we made it after about 14 hours and 35 miles on the go. My god that was a hard, hard day.<br />
A lot of people had dropped including half our tent. I had thought that guts and determination could get you through this but you also can't be a slouch. I can happily run a LDWA 30 miler in under 5hrs but we were averaging 7,8 or 9 hours over the marathon distance during this event. People were getting timed out and injuries were becoming more common place. Shane had said half the field wouldn't finish, I was beginning to understand. My roomie Fabrice had dropped too with shredded feet, Fabrice has finished just about every mountain race Europe has to offer including Tour de Geants and he told me this was harder than any of them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Day3</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
Today was a subdued start, Michelle and I headed out at our now to be usual 6.30 and very little was said, we were tired from the previous two days. I had really sore feet from the previous days and Michelle's knee resembled an elephants head. The climb from camp was long and we spoke with everyone briefly on the route up. Visibility on the top was poor and I hadn't really followed the map too good. The first 5 miles of each day were the worst for me so I would rely a bit on Michelle to get us on the right route. As we reached what I thought was the summit Michelle ran off, no map talk just run. I was a tad disorientated so I followed her as quick as I could force myself until we reached the summit. I re-orientated myself and suddenly had a burst of energy, there was a large group of us and I led the running like It was day 1. We cruised along the ridge and any pain I had dissipated, I was having a moment, the sublime moment when running is the easiest thing in the world. Me, Michelle and an American guy, Travis pulled away from the pack and I navigated us on the move to Craig-y-llyn. Such was our pace I had already naved the next section too, we crested summit in the cloud and hit the summit square on. "Right lets not piss about, we are going this way" I stated. We descended the fence line flat out. Half way down we were buzzed by the camera drone, You knew your on the right route if you either see the drone or Ian the photographer pops up and starts snapping. We picked up another American guy, Kevin after the next Cp. Kevin was the guy pictured in the Times during race week. Kevin's reply to anything that you try to tell him is "I know", he made for tough conversation but the four of us were to spend the rest of day 3 together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love a scramble</td></tr>
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<br />
We were still in thick clag and navigating along a tree line, one thing I know about navigating is that it is a nightmare naving through large forests, paths disappear, you become disorientated, everything looks the same and before you know it you are lost! So we did our best to stay out the forests. There was soon a break in the trees, I took a bearing and before they knew it we had hooked a left and we were hammering down an over grown hillside, after a few hundred metres descent we were straight back up the other side through thick heather. Not the easiest route but very direct. It was about a 5 mile run into Machynlleth from here and I had a major wobble. The high I had been feeling had passed and because I hadn't eaten properly, I hit a wall. The others were running good into town and I was about 50mtrs back plodding it out, preying for the Support point.<br />
After refuelling we had a long and uneventful run to a couple more checkpoints, everyone was feeling it after the stop so I was happy with the run walk strategy. We had a last large climb and again we plumped for the direct route, my it was rubbish, the grass was 2 foot high and where I was lifting my legs so high to walk I felt a ripple of pain from my thigh. Shit, I'd defo torn something, I just preyed it wasn't bad. We left the final cp and ran down the ridge through the cloud. " Stop", Travis yelled. "I didn't dib" he said. After much deliberation it was decided he had to run back to make double sure. It was too cold to hang on we had to move forward, Trav would have to go back then catch us up, Gutted! I kept looking back but couldn't see him, fair play to him though, he went back, dibbed and caught us just before the finish. As we entered the finishing funnel and dibbed for the final time we checked Travs splits for the day and he had indeed hit the last Cp twice, 10 minutes apart. Oh how he laughed ;-) It was a good day otherwise, a runners day, we had covered about 44 miles, naved well and got back in about 13 hrs. That was more like it. I had really sore legs after today and felt the best thing would be to spend most of the evening stretching, I ate some food and retired to the midge proof tent where I stretched for about an hour, possibly the longest I'd ever done it. My thigh was niggling but I was optimistic I would stretch it out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still smiling</td></tr>
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<br />
In general we were going alright, we were still strong, people were dropping like flies but we were holding it together and speeding up slightly with each day. The Dragons back is definitely one not to be rushed. It really is a hare and tortoise type of race.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Day4</u><br />
<br />
Todays map was massive! I'm talking the size of a table top! These bloody maps take some folding, todays was an OS map as opposed to the Harvey we had gotten used too over the past three days. <br />
Cloud was low this morning and it was pretty dreary we were full on naving right off the bat, 10 mtr visibility, no features, take a bearing and make sure you hit your target. We nailed the first section and was soon passing the 6am starters many of whom were circling in the mist. We hit the corner of the forest bang on target but our worst nightmare, no path! We decided to cut through the steep forest on a bearing and pick up the main track. We found the path, changed direction and was bang on track. We reached a break in the path and a group had started to follow us. The features we could see looked right and just as we moved on up the track one of the following group yelled "this is all wrong" "we haven't covered the distance you think we have. With that the group turned on its heels and went the other way. Again Michelle and I assumed we were wrong and followed the group. Doh! The upshot was that we wasted about 20 minutes doing a massive circle to rejoin the original path further up. How annoying!! Don't be Sheep!!!<br />
We eventually found the top and the checkpoint, we were in the middle of a massive wind farm. The tracks were clear on the map, the route was to cut across country and pick up the tracks as we went. Travis who incidentally joined us again for the day agreed but Michelle totally disagreed, she was having none of it. She insisted we should follow the tracks which was clearly further on the map? Hmm we were having a moment here. We discussed it for a minute and we weren't budging we were about to go our own way, At that moment there was clarity, Did it matter? No. Did I have to get my way? No. It was pretty irrelevant, in the grand scheme of things harmony and getting this thing done was important so we headed off down the track and after a couple of miles of silence I cracked open some jelly babies and normal service resumed.<br />
The rest of the morning went quite smooth, some good running was to be had and our nav was good only having a minor mishap just before halfway. Travis had been quiet all morning and had rarely looked at the map, normal during a race when you have a bad patch you just suck it up and plod it out following the markers. During the Dragons Back if you have a bad patch you still have to nav or things are going to get a whole lot worse so if you can hitch on the back of someone elses navigation, that's a good thing, as long as you trust the leaders skills. He apologised for not getting involved before explaining he had the worst shin splints ever and judging by the red swelling he wasn't exaggerating. He asked me what I thought, well I knew he was in agony just by looking at his contorted face, all I could say was for him to forget the navigation and stick with us, get the day done, plod it out. At the half way point we sorted our stuff and filled bottles, Travis was hanging back and said he was going to stop with the medic and get strapped up. No your not I told him if you don't crack on now your days going to get worse now suck it up and lets move. He rubbed some ibruprofen gel on his wounds and we moved.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innit lovely</td></tr>
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I was having a good day really, I'd managed to sort my sore feet out, energy levels were good, I was running well, naving well and any leg niggles I had I'd managed to stretch out the night before. All was well with the Cowdry body. Michelle was doing ok too, her knee was a swollen mess and crunching a bit but she is a machine and complained very little at all. I had been drinking from any source of running water I could find and today I think I pushed it a little too far and drunk from what can only be described as a puddle. Oh boy was I going to regret that! We had a cracking run down off the last bit of high ground and was joined by a team of Americans a couple of whom had completed the 2012 event we chatted and run all the way down to the road. At the road we went to go left and they went to go right. There was no way they were right, the only way to go was left, We agreed to differ and went our separate ways, having had a little sportsmans wager on the best route. The running was good, part road, part trail and we munched the miles away. As we approached the last road section Travis was dropping further back and as the route was obvious it was time to leave him to hobble in, 6 miles of tarmac is a long way to walk! That 6 miles smashed my feet and joints though, that far on road in a pair of trail shoes is not good. I was glad to finish that section, about 12 hrs and maybe 45 miles we'd done ok. My legs were sore back in camp so as we were right next to a river I thought it'd be a good idea for a dip. I dived in. Shit!!! It was freezing, I got back out, warmed up then dived straight back in. I was so cold the pain just disappeared. I ate, sorted kit and sat chatting to Fabrice for an hour while I stretched. I don't know what effect the cold water had on my legs but all I could feel was pain. Excruciating, eye watering muscle pain. I was invited by a marshal to visit the medics tent but what use would that be? "Does it hurt mate" "Yes" "Hmmm do you want to pull out" "No" "Ok bye then". Instead I rolled into my sleeping bag and hoped I'd be ok in the morning. Incidentally Travis rolled in about 30 minutes after us having walked, crawled and with gritted teeth dragged himself to the end, he even commented on walking one steep down hill backwards just to relieve his shins. As for the group of Americans they came in 45 minutes after us having done an extra 5 mile of road!<br />
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<u>Day5</u><br />
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Oh happy days, the last leg, surely this thing is done, its in the bag! Travis was going to walk it in so it was just Michelle and I today.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFASs28JyeVIeCC_EChF4KQYecoBE_vRyNQ3PWMM_Ay2ZAulqgLW9f7iq_BWFl6sVU6rGMRXyuDhl8fKSDgisG8L4xB3LH7P_vuBNfMmI-kzaZYTcFEzglMzgOH1y1A3OQGyfC07oGL0k/s1600/iphone+3rd+july+15+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFASs28JyeVIeCC_EChF4KQYecoBE_vRyNQ3PWMM_Ay2ZAulqgLW9f7iq_BWFl6sVU6rGMRXyuDhl8fKSDgisG8L4xB3LH7P_vuBNfMmI-kzaZYTcFEzglMzgOH1y1A3OQGyfC07oGL0k/s320/iphone+3rd+july+15+113.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start gate</td></tr>
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We set off full of high spirits and jogged our way up the road away from camp, talk turned to what we would eat and drink when we finished a conversation reserved strictly for the last day. All I truly wanted was a cold can of diet coke and maybe a burger. Mmmm. We soon climbed the first summit which was half the size of some from earlier in the week. The Nav was simple, the running easy we soon started overtaking the 6am starters. We picked an easy route and the run to the support point was a pleasure. The support point had only just been set up, I had saved some chocolate all week for the last day so it was a real treat to eat that as we run away from the Cp.<br />
Today must have been set as an easy route, there was nothing that could stop us finishing now.<br />
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The climb to Cp5 was long and steady, there was little in the way of paths or trods so we took a direct line towards the ridge that would lead to the summit, the wind was picking up and the tops were shrouded in cloud, the temperature was dropping and there was a few spots of rain in the air. What I have learnt is to try and make a call on the weather at the top before you get there, if you don't it is very difficult to get your kit out while it is blowing a hoolie. I could feel the weather was turning and stopped on our ascent to get my coat out, the first time all week I've had to do so.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4xYPCJKnHx18E4DjXUBx9X49vPmSVqT6bxD2jRga0ObTZTXeyuPTihElsAnftfKYB_t3TJml0ozjUZHG74Ranysw-vFhVqufT1nUj890dDGHu1um1ef56fQALJ-dr5J5TmQ4Kv5LGNw/s1600/iphone+3rd+july+15+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4xYPCJKnHx18E4DjXUBx9X49vPmSVqT6bxD2jRga0ObTZTXeyuPTihElsAnftfKYB_t3TJml0ozjUZHG74Ranysw-vFhVqufT1nUj890dDGHu1um1ef56fQALJ-dr5J5TmQ4Kv5LGNw/s320/iphone+3rd+july+15+117.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first view of our destination</td></tr>
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As we reached the top of the steep approach the wind was whistling, visibility was gone and we took our bearing and found the Cp. The weather suddenly got worse as we moved to the next, we descended slightly and a few runners ahead turned left to contour the hill, we decided that it would be better to hold our line and carry on forward back up top. We had been joined by another runner who was part of the Berghaus relay team and the chit chat we were having soon stopped dead as the rain decided to lash in. This was serious stuff, it was cold, wet, windy and we were on high ground with no visibility. We took a grid reference to double check our position and then followed a bearing direct to the next cp, trying to run all the time so not to get cold. We were joined by another runner and we double checked our bearing, we were ok we ran on and nailed the Cp. We stopped briefly picking a route and taking a bearing in seconds before running on. There were four of us running and the pace was too fast to nav properly, I was getting frustrated, the weather was horrible and I was just following someone else again. At this point the leaders came belting through and two of our four picked up the pace to jump in on their group. We could no longer keep up and I was losing it, what had been a dead cert finish was now a battle against the elements just to get through. We carried on what I thought was the bearing but it didn't feel right, I hadn't eaten or drunk because I dare not open my coat so as soon as I saw a rock sheltering us from the wind I decided I had to stop and eat. We stopped I put on an extra layer, ate, drunk and orientated myself. We re-joined the weather and after a long cold slog we hit the Cp, what a relief!! That section between Cp 6 and 7 had been the scariest of the whole week, I let my guard down and the weather came up and bit me on the arse. We had been joined on the summit by another group who headed off too the right, we took our bearing and it appeared to be way left of where they went so we went our way and hit the road in no time at all. The rain had subsided but visibility was zero so we had to take a direct bearing to the next cp straight through rough heather and rock, I paced this section so not to miss our mark, we were spot on. We were on our way to the last cp and tried to run on a bearing but the terrain was awful and I soon had one of the biggest falls of the week, I went right over and reopened the gash in my knee and scuffed my thighs on the rock, I lay there buckled on the floor and had to laugh on the inside, what an adventure. As we reached the last summit the cloud cleared and the wind stopped, we could see the castle! I had a real feeling of emotion and a shiver went down my spine right at that moment, we stopped at the trig and both silently stared at the castle, this really was in the bag now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzwwiC6StWbTsqaVvqyxKt4GKmkl8ujTiK1ZQgbMAB7muUuaA72KDurf60EfXZz5cVYfA18WE-E9CzpzOH8GLbfv3Pe3s-lK9mNqWpXthAM7wiLq0LTLHS3QITKcpXl-y5WbEME39IQc/s1600/Dragons+back+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnzwwiC6StWbTsqaVvqyxKt4GKmkl8ujTiK1ZQgbMAB7muUuaA72KDurf60EfXZz5cVYfA18WE-E9CzpzOH8GLbfv3Pe3s-lK9mNqWpXthAM7wiLq0LTLHS3QITKcpXl-y5WbEME39IQc/s320/Dragons+back+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last few steps</td></tr>
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The run up to the castle was steep but half way up we decided a run was In order so we ran all the way. My wife was there taking photos and we ran into the castle and dibbed in for a final time. It was done, we had completed the The Dragons Back race! Around 35miles and 11hours for the day, 24th place overall in 59hrs 37mins 18secs.<br />
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In the carpark we had ice cream and diet coke it was heaven, the sun was beaming and the crap weather was long since gone. We were ferried to the rugby club for hot showers, clean clothes and more coke. As we sat in the bar I noticed some movement on my legs, I had ticks feeding on me! Then from her bag Michelle's mum pulled out a tick remover, Who the hell has a tick remover on their person? Michelle's mum that's who. The presentation came and went and we headed to our hotel, no more camping for me this week. I was done.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4zZsLVdHA8TWslGlU8JX9Bw_9zkb5HVaYML-65pTPPeIRU5Ka6nPUZEVowOMa3_YmDKEqWC_j9cSKqG29Nb3vL2ETKQeOpTWViAl34WYQWrCLdLdjQZTSP0NjaW7UMOSgKglgr94-Eg/s1600/Dragons+back+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4zZsLVdHA8TWslGlU8JX9Bw_9zkb5HVaYML-65pTPPeIRU5Ka6nPUZEVowOMa3_YmDKEqWC_j9cSKqG29Nb3vL2ETKQeOpTWViAl34WYQWrCLdLdjQZTSP0NjaW7UMOSgKglgr94-Eg/s320/Dragons+back+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The A team</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D0A0TWg76AOgWF6ELO46lh8N-jFHMnnLeG0kQ-f6HAX2R2Y1pwNtMKYdEXuPYqnWIx99zZD6vuAObBhLGlIQZJdxDYYq_o4wCjcsMfKmrKPc0xME_bZFCzXo_OKM333p3nGqD1QWSVU/s1600/Dragons+back+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D0A0TWg76AOgWF6ELO46lh8N-jFHMnnLeG0kQ-f6HAX2R2Y1pwNtMKYdEXuPYqnWIx99zZD6vuAObBhLGlIQZJdxDYYq_o4wCjcsMfKmrKPc0xME_bZFCzXo_OKM333p3nGqD1QWSVU/s320/Dragons+back+6.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ooo ice cream </td></tr>
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I coped really well during the week, we paced it perfectly from the first day. My body held up well and when I did get macerated feet I managed to deal with it and not make it a major problem. I felt if we had had to go out for another day I could have. There was guys running who usually beat me at mountain races and they did again on days 1 and 2 but because I looked after myself I was able to pass them later in the week and they had no response, that felt good ;-) Also I was very pleased with my navigation, there is room for improvement but going from novice to Dragons back in six months, I'll take that, it has certainly opened many doors race wise. Teaming up was really not what I had intended to do but meeting Michelle had just worked right, I'm an ok male runner and she is a very good female runner our pace was matched perfectly. When either of us had a low the other pushed on, pulling the other through it. We both had to compromise too which is hard when you are both mentally very strong. She liked running on good trails where I would just cut straight across the direct route, both strategies had their pluses and minuses. Anyway thanks for a great week Michelle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07_MEvCMMl_8184djT3kE8JxTJ3rN0KFcXgE6xdGXd3aKKwo5g4cAZUymWmyF6kqBfFmodLadZTXAN0Ntax2qsFWj78ndoXvmkoF0NmslIzU0SxJYbnvka54u6_nK_dRGlUwGGybencU/s1600/iphone+3rd+july+15+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07_MEvCMMl_8184djT3kE8JxTJ3rN0KFcXgE6xdGXd3aKKwo5g4cAZUymWmyF6kqBfFmodLadZTXAN0Ntax2qsFWj78ndoXvmkoF0NmslIzU0SxJYbnvka54u6_nK_dRGlUwGGybencU/s320/iphone+3rd+july+15+130.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's what its all about.</td></tr>
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This race was made to look easy by the elite but be under no illusion it is tough. Had the weather been really bad for the week I know there would have been far fewer finishers. Two of the toughest out there were Travis who virtually power marched the final day in horrendous pain but got to the finish and my pal Richard Leahy who did more hours than most out there, he was first out and last in and suffered massively with his feet these guys epitomise mental strength and my hat goes off to you.<br />
It has been a week since the race and I have started running again if only a few miles but I have picked something up from the water and have had terrible stomach issues. I'm awaiting results from the doc who reckons its probably a parasite and should shift in about 10 days. <br />
This is the point where I usually get negative about my performance but not this time, I feel I did good and I absolutely loved the event. Sometimes everything clicks into place and you find a gem of a race, well the Dragons back is that race. Will I come back in 2017, too right I will I can't wait.Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-49554782604411978662015-05-04T14:50:00.000-07:002015-05-04T15:00:08.358-07:00Thames Path 100 2015<br />
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Last year I went into the race after a campaign of good training, good eating and a perfectly honed race plan in place. Of course the race went tits up. Too much pressure on my self, it was always destined to go wrong. This year I thought I would not stress so much about everything, ate a less than perfect diet, put on a few pounds and generally had a much more relaxed approach to the race. I had a very loose plan A that was to be, run the first half in 8 hours and see how I felt. Possibly pushing forward for a pb attempt if I felt good. If anything was not going right I was going to back off as I've got the Dragons Back race at the end of June and I didn't want to jeopardise that. Having said that this race was special to me not only because it's my WS qualifier but it was to be my 11th attempt at a Centurion 100 having DNF'd 1 this would be my 10th finishers buckle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79qcM7UrdhGy_3cV5o43Et6LNCbqejm5g4UL9CilekP5h2lHXiaoMo5v1ZGJYYyqgnh_Jom-rzuXsn1Wf7vJ68yygI93mgv_stZ3xJujoWE9QWF6LPpusx7IbcI1kQElrz9SeU29u17w/s1600/tp100+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79qcM7UrdhGy_3cV5o43Et6LNCbqejm5g4UL9CilekP5h2lHXiaoMo5v1ZGJYYyqgnh_Jom-rzuXsn1Wf7vJ68yygI93mgv_stZ3xJujoWE9QWF6LPpusx7IbcI1kQElrz9SeU29u17w/s320/tp100+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go</td></tr>
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I arrived a touch early for registration so headed for McDonalds for a pre race porridge and bumped into Rich Cranswick who had beaten me to it and was feasting on a sausage muffin. We chatted for a while before heading off to get signed in. Its always a good idea to get in early, I hate queuing for anything so I'd rather be early and then have to kill time. I had a good chat to James before I registered then had a natter with all the familiar faces around the registration room. I headed back to the car and got ready. I found a couple of other Spartathlon entrants and introduced myself to them, Paul Corderoy and Ian Thomas, I also had a chat with Martin Pether. Funny how you have all these FB friends and don't actually meet. I try to introduce to myself to as many as I recognise.<br />
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We were soon on the start line and the brief had taken place. I found myself right at the front and as per usually I could feel my race plan slipping away. I had had months to think how I would tackle the race and starting at the front wasn't in the program. I'd planned to start in the middle so not to get swept up in an early fast pace but no there I was again right at the front on my toes looking like I'm about to start a park run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5AU1bslaZ6fjvb0Zs7FAT3VJdLSVs69ebGPwWgrvPhSU94sXitvuf1b8EvYPORNcHnjVDrCycqnm1aiGpLUqur48I1toAm34ZIT9zfWKBRR53AB7f12s_AlXu9y4B6oMSQO39CXbyT8/s1600/pic+tp100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5AU1bslaZ6fjvb0Zs7FAT3VJdLSVs69ebGPwWgrvPhSU94sXitvuf1b8EvYPORNcHnjVDrCycqnm1aiGpLUqur48I1toAm34ZIT9zfWKBRR53AB7f12s_AlXu9y4B6oMSQO39CXbyT8/s320/pic+tp100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We are off</td></tr>
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The horn went off and so were we. There were a few in front and I now concentrated on banging out 8min miles which due to some poor mental arithmetic should have been 9min miles. Still it felt good so I stuck with it. I felt really good early on and my thoughts soon went to a potential pb. I ran on and off with Ian and we chatted but I find it quite hard to concentrate on what I'm doing if I spend too much time waffling so the little and often chats suited me fine. Through the first aid station and I felt good. My wife on usual crew duties told me early that I was going a bit fast but that fell on deaf ears. Today could be a quick one.<br />
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I have been experimenting lately with a new powdered nutrition and it has been fantastic but after a couple of bottle refills it started to make me feel sick. Not great. Also I was using the Inov8 race ultra 10 pack for its first major event. It has 2 hydrapack bottles positioned under your armpits and then two straws up to near your mouth. I love the pack and set up but refilling is awkward to say the least especially trying to put a sachet of powder in the bottle then refilling then reattaching to the straws. I used a volunteer at every aid station to help with this. So thanks to all. On the flip side this is not going to be an ideal situation for the Dragons back and I'll have to have a re think on pack choice for that.<br />
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Soon out of Wrasbury I realised I couldn't maintain the pace and started to back off. My hamstrings, calves and one of my Achilles were hurting possibly due to being bent over laying turf all week. That and feeling sick certainly knocked me back. I started to enjoy the run more at the slower pace and began trying to get back on track for my 8 hour, 50 mile. Earlier in the day I had lubed my nether regions which is something I wouldn't normally do. I had chaffed my nuts during a training run so decided I needed some preventative measures. This in hindsight seems to have caused me more of a problem and I was getting sore. Perhaps I was having a reaction to the Gurney Goo I'd used? I reached Cookham and was back on track time wise. The running is lovely through to Henley and I had plenty of time to think about the race and how things were going. I could feel a hot spot on my foot and was very aware of a blister coming up on my foot. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3hAq60SU0BS03ibCoj0_ujlVWlxLLQlUZCyfn2fNqBV14qrTKE5fsHXIqN_ZhEb1qF-Yt1mAhXTydozVXRFdNpsIqLuaoscbTZgw5Wt7n7o8JkDWhANHYjMH4Fq9WIvwk2AgzA2P-8A/s1600/tp100+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3hAq60SU0BS03ibCoj0_ujlVWlxLLQlUZCyfn2fNqBV14qrTKE5fsHXIqN_ZhEb1qF-Yt1mAhXTydozVXRFdNpsIqLuaoscbTZgw5Wt7n7o8JkDWhANHYjMH4Fq9WIvwk2AgzA2P-8A/s320/tp100+3.jpg" width="180" /></a>I got to Henley and was greeted by the ever pleasant Karen and her excellent half way aid station. I decided to have a really good stop, so I first removed my sock to reveal a massive big toe blister which wasn't causing too much grief so I decided to leave it be. A change of top, a big bowl of pasta and a bag restock I was ready to go again. I'd reached Henley in 8 hours 11 so pretty much run a perfectly timed first half but the game was up I reassessed my race and made a firm decision that a pb attempt was off. Too much had gone wrong and my legs couldn't run the last half in under 10 hours. I decided it was to be damage limitation. Get the race done, no injuries and recover quickly to resume dragons back training.<br />
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I got to Reading and my chaffing was getting intolerable, I got a massive glob of vas and slavered it on but it just seemed to make the pain worse. I likened the pain to having sat on a cactus, it was awful. I had a quick few words with Jacqui and Paul before running on. I soon started running with David Thompson and we stuck together for a good few miles. We were counting down the miles a bit which is not best practice for getting you through but we were steadily run walking and apart from my obvious pain things were ok.<br />
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The head torch came out between Reading and Whitchurch as did my base layer it was getting chilly. I got into Whitchurch and my pal Lee was helping out. He had kindly bought me some dairy milk which was a real treat and gave me a real lift. Dave and I left Whitchurch and ran for a while until we reached the only hill on the course which goes down for about 20mtrs then back up the other side, well I managed to slip and fall bending my thumb back in the process. Great.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0X9FNVS7yjfotT4MYRAKG8Hu33rMEkhzpXpN_A3egC9KX788noMh06J5LTmMKsPqfNgT1tE_ktBbjLUUGRkPlRJHHV9vVXt8hbaVZYInCcO1zB3AL77-9BGXii8IW-AOdGe-mFmQFNo/s1600/phone+4th+may+15+051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0X9FNVS7yjfotT4MYRAKG8Hu33rMEkhzpXpN_A3egC9KX788noMh06J5LTmMKsPqfNgT1tE_ktBbjLUUGRkPlRJHHV9vVXt8hbaVZYInCcO1zB3AL77-9BGXii8IW-AOdGe-mFmQFNo/s320/phone+4th+may+15+051.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry anyone?</td></tr>
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I had a nice bowl of pasta at Streatley and told my wife to go and wait at the finish as there was nothing more I would need. It had started to rain so the coat went on too and we set off again. Some of the next 20 miles are amongst the dullest night time running you could experience. My chaffing was killing me, it was raining and it was bleak. This truly wasn't enjoyable at all. As I pondered the reasons why I do this and ate a small bag of jelly babies I managed to chomp right into my tongue. For f*ck sake there was blood pouring from my mouth. I put the jellys away and trudged on. Dave had more in his legs during this time and went ahead alone. I was ok though run walking and knew it would see me to the end. I had however forgot my cans of redbull to drink in the night and the sleep demons were pulling on my eyelids. At least twice I dozed off while running, luckily only running into the bushes and not the Thames. Not many people believe it is possible to fall asleep whilst running but I'm sure I'm not the only person this happens too.<br />
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The last 10 miles went by painfully, I had stopped applying vas hours previous and the cactus feeling was more like someone had fired staples into my bits. I ran, I walked and occasionally stopped with my legs spread to relieve the pain. I wanted this race done and I soon rounded the last bend onto the home straight. It was done 20hrs 20min. I received my buckle number 10.<br />
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I apologise to everyone at the finish who asked if I enjoyed it and got a blunt no, I'm a miserable git at best even if I've had a good race. However I did cheer up slightly after a good layer of Sudacream.<br />
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I'm glad I've got my 10th done as that has filled up my wall nicely and on the back of that I don't need to do this race again. I just know when entries open I'll be thinking that this race still has potential for a good time. Could the Thames path and I be finished? I'm not sure. I'm just not sure how to approach it next time to get a great time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvpkPPfuaVbVPjBn0uFVYX6AABM6apoJMw4lSPivffh4b-r1jpsZoNe8P17KLTt2CWRGuKGgPoWJFHy0hy27AjnA1rYHRGFr0yrJrgcaRzo1hMuaGTrzQzl8FVuwvqmfjz00IaMPGzjA/s1600/buckles+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyvpkPPfuaVbVPjBn0uFVYX6AABM6apoJMw4lSPivffh4b-r1jpsZoNe8P17KLTt2CWRGuKGgPoWJFHy0hy27AjnA1rYHRGFr0yrJrgcaRzo1hMuaGTrzQzl8FVuwvqmfjz00IaMPGzjA/s320/buckles+002.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Number 10 in its rightful home </td></tr>
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-51264529822550755612015-04-26T11:18:00.000-07:002015-04-26T11:40:52.765-07:00The Nav4 Mountain Running Essentials WeekendAfter another Western States refusal I was left feeling a tad flat. I was struggling to find races in 2015 that got the juices flowing. Badwater was high on the to-do list but I can't justify the cost of it right now, so that was out. I've had a hankering to run the Thames Ring 250 but as I sat there reading the blurb, finger hovering ready to take the plunge, I couldn't do it. I asked my self (a) Did it excite me? and (b) Did I really want to run or possibly walk 250 miles in one go? The answers were no and no. All I had for 2015 was the Thames path 100 which is my go to WS qualifier and incidentally my 10th Centurion buckle, so get out the party poppers!! In January I received an email that contained a link to the Dragons back race. Wow this looks exciting. Multi day, not done that, full on nav, not done that and an iconic race to boot. This ignited the fire in my belly and I put my entry in. Dragons Back is to be one of two "A" races in 2015. I looked at every aspect of the event and nothing really bothered me apart from the navigation. I can find my way around a map but bearings? compasses?? Night navigation ??? Pretty much all the vital stuff I needed for the race. A pal of mine had used Nav 4 before for navigation training and his recommendation was good enough for me so I booked the Mountain Running Essentials weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfwOKhIY81e95sZKSHoLRIV9oUUnZtGmvachSADWsoUmo1GczPFGpNVYspc3N72kDdlH3BcmK73yXGbKe-dTQTFkPuWoFzJrKM1igQ3OnaKcD0NzzBATqWPWyqSZflm-3aP8XT8AyrB0/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUfwOKhIY81e95sZKSHoLRIV9oUUnZtGmvachSADWsoUmo1GczPFGpNVYspc3N72kDdlH3BcmK73yXGbKe-dTQTFkPuWoFzJrKM1igQ3OnaKcD0NzzBATqWPWyqSZflm-3aP8XT8AyrB0/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+085.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Dave half way up Skiddaw</td></tr>
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The course took place over a Saturday and Sunday and covered pretty much everything you could want to know regarding Mountain skills including Nav, route choice, kit and some hands on advice and tips from the two time Dragons back finisher Joe Faulkner. Also a good opportunity to spend some time with like minded individuals.<br />
A good friend of mine, Dave Bowen is in a similar place to myself regarding navigation and mountain running. He has had his fair share of getting lost but is also a pretty decent runner who loves a bit of mountain running. So I thought I'd ask him if he wanted to join me and make a bit of a weekend of it. Of course he did.<br />
The location of the course is in the Lakes, on Ullswater outside of Pooley bridge. I met Dave at Penrith station on Friday with the idea of bagging a few peaks. He drove us down to Keswick where we had decided to run the first leg of the Bob Graham. Keswick-Skiddaw-Great Calva-Blencathra<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcHKHNBvoMDiXhRsG_zVPN9mdLvn95HsEGmlUkBJu0-kEQn91BlPFN8ganMto-j7n49r2dYWMoqv6Ktqs7NgNngMmP_Qoz54Isg5rAKM-OOYLOKLh4HUotqXY-dkOkPmxzp_n8BxhDG0/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQcHKHNBvoMDiXhRsG_zVPN9mdLvn95HsEGmlUkBJu0-kEQn91BlPFN8ganMto-j7n49r2dYWMoqv6Ktqs7NgNngMmP_Qoz54Isg5rAKM-OOYLOKLh4HUotqXY-dkOkPmxzp_n8BxhDG0/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+088.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Skiddaw</td></tr>
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Keswick. Easy. We set off on our run and it was nice and warm, low cloud on the tops but nice all the same. The further we ascended the colder it got, the east wind was indeed blowing. The snow drifts were 3 feet in places and as we reached the top the wind chill must have been minus double figures. I had ice all down one side of my leg and Dave was sporting an icy beard, it was cold. Most alarmingly my man bits were really hurting in the icy wind and I had visions of getting frostbite and it dropping off. Tactical readjustment was needed fast. We carried on over the summit but as we progressed we couldn't tell the sky from the ground, it was all just white. the decision was quickly made to retrace our steps and descend fast. As we got lower we picked up a lovely trail and ended up having a cracking run.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo0wjGG4GP74Kr5puVc5Z7FjzeK0E1FelVo1-n7x2DItsfANmRx3GJ5P3q_VUc7swmRZZj2P_G87g89vJa-KdgCDaSjsxa0hiVYLBQKNYceHRcUYOILHMHUZsD0Jo293eEf54iWdCeNA/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNo0wjGG4GP74Kr5puVc5Z7FjzeK0E1FelVo1-n7x2DItsfANmRx3GJ5P3q_VUc7swmRZZj2P_G87g89vJa-KdgCDaSjsxa0hiVYLBQKNYceHRcUYOILHMHUZsD0Jo293eEf54iWdCeNA/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+094.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keswick </td></tr>
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We arrived at the bunkhouse at about 7pm and we were the first to arrive, we grabbed our bunks and headed straight for the pub. Stuart, one of the instructors had given us lengthy instructions on how to get to the nearest decent pub. These instructions started with turn left at the gate. Well we went through the gate and turned right. Navigational gurus for sure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpvUItxknDjcFDTPN4VCZAbxT_j4uFWBEINAWvMHsHSR1HgmlCvpsLMVEPqZxvNvAh1nGNdsUJEFJyzVNSNeYEEF1jjBkmp5yrz3KZ0y_sPYBYfZreCqC348BMu_RBfgUkLfvp_RxIwU/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpvUItxknDjcFDTPN4VCZAbxT_j4uFWBEINAWvMHsHSR1HgmlCvpsLMVEPqZxvNvAh1nGNdsUJEFJyzVNSNeYEEF1jjBkmp5yrz3KZ0y_sPYBYfZreCqC348BMu_RBfgUkLfvp_RxIwU/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+096.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bunkhouse</td></tr>
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We got back and had an informal meet and greet we all introduced ourselves and said what we wanted from the course. There was five of us doing the Dragons Back and we all wanted the nav training plus Joes insider knowledge of the event. A couple of people doing Lakeland 50 and the rest although training for nothing specific wanted the navigation training. Between us there was a PTL finisher, UTMB, CCC, TDS, MDS, Spine, Lakeland 100, Welsh 3000s, the list went on but all in all a lot of experience In that room.<br />
Introductions made we went to the pub, Dave already knew Richard and Annabelle, so we sat and talked about all things running. Very nice too. It was a bit late by the time I got to bed and the bunk house was freezing but I soon got to sleep. <br />
I was up at 6 and had breakfast, Joe and the team had laid on endless supplies and it was all self service so no reason to go hungry. The bunkhouse lacked a seating area so we all just stood in the kitchen and got to know each other. 9am we hit the classroom and met the instructor for the day. Bernie, John and Stuart. We were split into groups of four, Myself, Dave, Richard and Annabelle teamed up with John as our tutor. We covered basic compass work in the class before heading out for a practical session.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzdwoUg9GDiRA3ThW32sJkwSEx7Q4S9l5EWTGzGd6f1sPpfZfSZD49MlD2JNfWDj2E8cpfOfdSkZ3cn4l5x99SO1hdPwld1b0OL9ryrDgLbFP-wI0D17hQOejHQZAlfFMKjaDcyuMqOs/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNzdwoUg9GDiRA3ThW32sJkwSEx7Q4S9l5EWTGzGd6f1sPpfZfSZD49MlD2JNfWDj2E8cpfOfdSkZ3cn4l5x99SO1hdPwld1b0OL9ryrDgLbFP-wI0D17hQOejHQZAlfFMKjaDcyuMqOs/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+120.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nav4 team</td></tr>
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John is an adventure racer with loads of navigational experience and taught us well. He didn't over complicate things, just gave us sound teaching that we then applied to the terrain. It was amazingly easy to learn, I did feel for John though as every feature he picked for us to find wasn't there, Stream sources etc that had long since dried up, comical but not his fault. We spent a good few hours practicing with little running but to be fair I needed to get to grips with the navigation and that is what we did. There was some snow still about and my feet were freezing so when John invited me to lead a run down a ridge I was off and cheekily took it a bit further than asked as it was such a gorgeous run. After finding various points as a group we were asked to find points on our own and the others would follow to pinpoint where we had stopped on the map. All interesting stuff. It was still very cold so rather than stopping we carried on through until about 3ish before heading back to the bunkhouse classroom to discuss route choices and decision making which would would be vital for the Dragons Back. Joe spent the next hour discussing specific DB relevant stuff which was really informative. After a while the other groups joined us and we all carried on a group discussion regarding all things running.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0-862DOpQsV5jPXKq2jua4Bogti5PvP48jnLf6hPoNLuKB5cqRlkVyIJv9J-KjVS5dX8-rnRsqBkF8YJh3tq8oBode9ZZrfwkwui-WtUORU9WFXM-vbVqX9_FX7744kOQS00H_wJCVM/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0-862DOpQsV5jPXKq2jua4Bogti5PvP48jnLf6hPoNLuKB5cqRlkVyIJv9J-KjVS5dX8-rnRsqBkF8YJh3tq8oBode9ZZrfwkwui-WtUORU9WFXM-vbVqX9_FX7744kOQS00H_wJCVM/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+100.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We have to navigate here!?</td></tr>
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Joe then gave us a talk on kit which was very informative but could have been a bit more interactive. The time soon ebbed away and dinner was served in the classroom, homemade lasagne, salad, jacket spuds and garlic bread followed by dessert. It was lovely and enough to feed another dozen.<br />
As soon as the food had gone down we were handed a sheet with grid references on and a map. We had to plot our control points on the map and decide on a route. We then changed into our running gear and headed to the fells for the night navigation session. I had a good route planned and decided I was going to run it at pace to give a feel for navigation whilst running.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0TSrpLYtVy-4pmQwr8pJnCnrIDGD-A5p35xr3XUpTn-GzdK7BwIwIFFtbk_4HtXAx6UiKcXXSkfY-7DrGsXvO-CeHGatJI4lpLcHfGk-RU6uIcULE3_hFmUhcnJnh8_mkyIYPhi5q4I/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0TSrpLYtVy-4pmQwr8pJnCnrIDGD-A5p35xr3XUpTn-GzdK7BwIwIFFtbk_4HtXAx6UiKcXXSkfY-7DrGsXvO-CeHGatJI4lpLcHfGk-RU6uIcULE3_hFmUhcnJnh8_mkyIYPhi5q4I/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+103.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John, Dave, Richard and Annabelle</td></tr>
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I did ok, it was very dark and the ground was very rough but remembering Johns instructions I made very few mistakes. I struggled a bit with using time to measure how far I'd run but that is something I'm practicing. All in all I found it easy to navigate at night but if you make a mistake it is very easy to get confused. At one point I used a wall as a point to aim at but when I reached it I ran the wrong way along it, I'm still struggling to work out what made me run the wrong way but mistakes like that cant happen during the DB race. We finished around 10.30 and headed for the pub for a couple before heading back and crashing out.<br />
Sunday I was up early again and after masses of toast and eggs we all converged on the meeting room. With very little chit chat we were told to plot some points onto a map in preparation for a mock mountain marathon. I was still not awake and rushing. I was making mistakes already so had to reel it in and start again. Glad I did as my first attempt was totally wrong. We then had to quickly decide on a route before setting off to rendezvous at the start point. We had 4 hours to reach as many points as we could before returning to the start within the time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbgsM8RGI9WW7VJa66gJDTEfYV44ZocuQXkhm_GF3WkHRTxkZdA1qfCDnQcfQyjzvPA_YRZ3t2ceCuvgDzp67B1zQdBC2mPAy7YnjVZSRT1ENYuPu6UQNzhPzehPMsjw4AqNv5YW9tw4/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbgsM8RGI9WW7VJa66gJDTEfYV44ZocuQXkhm_GF3WkHRTxkZdA1qfCDnQcfQyjzvPA_YRZ3t2ceCuvgDzp67B1zQdBC2mPAy7YnjVZSRT1ENYuPu6UQNzhPzehPMsjw4AqNv5YW9tw4/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+102.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its not often you'll see me in running trousers</td></tr>
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Everyone went their own way and I set off along an easy part of the trail to get some easy miles in my legs and pick off a couple of easy checkpoints. I would tackle the harder stuff later. I got the first two quickly but fannied about a bit with the third.<br />
The fourth I lost it completely and although I knew I was right on it I couldn't find the control point. I decided to move on, because I had lost my exact position I had to head to a visible trig point and re-navigate from there. I picked off a few of the higher control points before heading out to furthest point on the course. I just couldn't find one and spent ages running around a peak looking before telling myself I was on the wrong peak and the next one must be the one I'm looking for. After a further half hour of looking a gave up and picked up the others all the way back to the finish. I made a further error and had to climb a big hill to get to a control point that I could have got earlier whilst on the high ground. Only when I returned to the start did I find that the furthest point I had been looking for wasn't out at all. We were all told before we started except I had been concentrating on something else and like a typical man I cant use my brain and ears at the same time. Doh! Anyhow I learnt a lot on that exercise and realized that my bull in a china shop attitude doesn't cut it when it comes to navigation. It s far better to take a few extra minutes with the map instead of rushing off in the wrong direction or making a poor route choice. I must constantly remember this at the Dragons Back. We all finished at about 1ish and headed back to the bunkhouse.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW14txO-jDThD0bd4kdAiBpOW77Tv_AuK2V1ae8M3FhheVmkzoi6Zoty0GeUkWwmS7YqPBCrqJQ7raFpPftodQOBpDhEHxPBwOmH7yLnoeZQiBhyphenhyphenS7FwXt3FLyCSQzbFfE1tpwTwczAI/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIW14txO-jDThD0bd4kdAiBpOW77Tv_AuK2V1ae8M3FhheVmkzoi6Zoty0GeUkWwmS7YqPBCrqJQ7raFpPftodQOBpDhEHxPBwOmH7yLnoeZQiBhyphenhyphenS7FwXt3FLyCSQzbFfE1tpwTwczAI/s1600/I+phone+16th+March+15+106.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ullswater</td></tr>
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Everyone seemed in a hurry to get away which was a shame because we had all that experience at our disposal. Everyone was gone by about 2 so I didn't want to keep Joe and the others there just for me so left too and got an earlier train. <br />
Overall the course was very good and well worth doing if you intend doing any navigational type races. Everyone on the course was really nice and some will remain friends for a very long time. John's teaching was really good and Joe's Dragons back knowledge was fantastic. I've nothing negative to say about the weekend, as a whole it did exactly what it said it would if I was to change a couple of things, I would make the kit talk a bit more interactive but that's probably more our fault for not making it so and I'd have liked something planned on the Sunday afternoon to encourage a few to stay but these are minor details that didn't affect the weekend. <br />
So a big thumbs up from me and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Nav4. Thanks to Joe, John, Bernie and Stuart. Also great to meet Paul and Nicola, Richard and Annabelle, Andy and Liz, Simon, Lizzie, Nigel, Leo and of course thanks Dave for joining me.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-92200537611839236312014-10-23T13:30:00.000-07:002014-10-23T13:43:50.732-07:00Winter 100 2014The Winter 100 hadn't really been on my radar for 2014 but earlier in the year having completed The Thames Path and South Downs Way I decided to book up for the Centurion Grand slam again. However this plan got scuppered early on due to a chest infection just before the North Downs way. All the same I thought I'd still do this as my last ultra of the year. I wasn't quite sure how things would go being that UTMB was only 7 weeks previous but I felt ok, so went along with no great ambitions of a fabulous time. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu5xP5orXY9w3ouqJ6rbLuDkhXk4ieJXR3KP70dT34HLAYPeQTEyw1QzgrzRvg-UX0lL8zK-TD6yE6bfO-r3_pzJ7c_RilgA84E1yty4sc_6xHBn7F2f3kzL2CeD9hX4dbqGcCALtdkE/s1600/Iphone+21st+Oct+14+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipu5xP5orXY9w3ouqJ6rbLuDkhXk4ieJXR3KP70dT34HLAYPeQTEyw1QzgrzRvg-UX0lL8zK-TD6yE6bfO-r3_pzJ7c_RilgA84E1yty4sc_6xHBn7F2f3kzL2CeD9hX4dbqGcCALtdkE/s1600/Iphone+21st+Oct+14+011.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>The build up hadn't gone exactly to plan, I think I peaked a week early. The previous week had been quiet at work, I was full of energy and although I supposed to be into a two week taper I was running every day. What I hadn't anticipated was what a hard weeks work I had booked myself up prior to the race. I am a groundworker / landscaper so there are no easy days but I at least like the Friday off before a hundred to relax. Not to be this time, we did a full shift on the Friday. I did however go to bed at 8 o'clock that evening and slept right through until 5 am, so mentally tired I was not.</div>
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5am is a bit early for pre-race breakfast so I drank a couple of mugs of tea, grabbed a flask and an egg sandwich, chucked my kit in the van and set off. It's only a two hour drive from Maidstone so I had enough time to work out my plan for the race ahead. I had a few plans actually milling about in my head so it was only a case of picking which to run. Although I keep the plans simple I think it is important to have one even if you ditch it later on, in my case I tend to ditch early on. Having a pre-race plan is a great tool to get you mentally in the right place. Plan "A" was to run a 3 ½ hr first 25, 4hr 2nd 25, 4½ hr 3rd 25 and 5hr 4th 25. This obviously would have to be a perfect day, perfect weather, fitness, trail, nutrition, perfect everything really. Plan "B" is sub 20 using 4hr, 5hr, 5hr and 6 hour splits. As I didn't know what effect UTMB or the previous weeks work would have my head was saying plan B but my heart was screaming plan A. Given what a poor season I've had trying to achieve various time goals there would be little point holding back for this one so Plan A pb pace it was then.</div>
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Check In was great this time round, there was so many people there I knew and it was a pleasure doing the rounds and chatting with everyone. I did sit briefly and chat with Jeff Springford and Lee Kelly while I had my breakfast and deliberated what shoes to wear. There was not much cohesion in peoples view of what condition the trails were in. I had brought my Inov-8 290s for comfort or my Mizuno Harriers for grip. Finally deciding to go for comfort to start with. The format of the race is 4 out and back spurs so you are never more than 25 mile from your drop bag at HQ. This is great because you can travel pretty light. My decision for this race was to have all the mandatory kit on my person but just the most minimal kit I could find. Then I could have more substantial kit in my drop bag should conditions change. The kit I carried for the race consisted of Ultimate Direction Highline pack with the bladder and padding stripped out, a bottle, both maps, Berghaus Vapourlight hyper smock, a £2 poncho, pair of skins tights which pack so small and I knew I wouldn't wear them, a 180g base layer, lightweight hat and gloves, Silva trail runner head lamp, small hand torch, batteries, tiny £2 compass, equally tiny whistle, 2 gels, iphone, scaps and an emergency blanket. I would not normally race this time of year with so little but given the format and warm weather forecast this was my decision on the day. After getting our kit checked, numbers pinned on and the briefing we were ready.</div>
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We had to walk up to the start due to the change in location of the HQ, so we strolled up to the Morrell rooms and carried on chatting. I went to the front for the start, a top 10 was going to be tough today but you might as well stand in the position you roughly want to finish. The rain just started to spit with 5 mins to go, so I composed myself and readied for the task ahead. With a blast of the horn we were off. A quick sprint down to the narrow foot bridge then we could settle into our pace. The top half dozen were off very quickly and a group of about 5 of us settled in to a 7½ to 8 min mile pace. It felt quite fast but not unmanageable. </div>
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We were straight out onto the Thames Path which wasn't as muddy as I had expected and I was just about getting grip on the grassy path. Within a couple of miles we reached a pub and three of us shot ahead when we should have turned left. Good job we ended up at the bottom of someone's garden or I would have just kept going. The pace was relentless and we shot through the 1st aid station. I was running with Paul Ali, Peter Bowles and two others, between us we exchanged chat and the miles just melted away. We were about 1/2 mile from the turn when Ed came bounding back along the trail followed not too far behind by the other podium prospects. I stopped at the turn, filled my bottle and sampled some cake. We were heading back. <br />
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One thing was for sure, it was hot! I was sweating buckets, I had anticipated a mild race and only wore shorts and a tee shirt but it was un-comfy hot. I suffer a bit with cramping in my legs but during UTMB I was taking scaps and drinking salty soup with no cramp at all. I decided that the cramps must be down to a lack of salt even though I take scaps. So I was taking one every hour during the heat. <br />
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One of the best things about the out and back format is you get to see the race unfold at the front and you can encourage all the runners throughout the pack. After many high fives we got back to running the 1st leg. The trail had now turned very slippy due to it being churned up and grip was hard to come by. I dropped back ever so slightly which felt more comfy, I felt I was pushing it a bit too much in the mud. We ran on to HQ and the first leg was done in about 3hrs 40 ish. I got in and decided that I would change to my grippy shoes for leg two. I also creamed my feet while the shoes were off. I took a few handfuls of food and shot off again. <br />
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Leg two is without doubt my favourite, it go's along the Ridgeway through South Stoke onto North Stoke and on up to Swyncombe via Grims ditch before returning. I backed off the pace slightly but still had it mind that I wanted the 50 done in daylight and that gave my 4hrs for this section. The run to North Stoke goes parallel with the Thames and isn't very far, maybe 4 mile or so and we arrived there very quickly, I still stopped, filled my bottles and grabbed some gels knowing the next section was 8+ miles. The route is mainly uphill for the run into Swyncombe, going through woods, across a golf course and through fields, a bit of everything really. As I neared the golf course the leaders came back the other way they must of been 8 or 9 miles ahead already. I carried on steadily onto the turn around being passed by the leading ladies in the process. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozGM0h_Cgsies8suQPSwkcbAqytVTqp8VhR5_cesc2erpXaVTgeE-V_oMTtAIR7Yp2XIdL-_WNcVVQ2mTNVoFzde99mpr1OprUVlvVatBbxCM6fKVhUFbNPxf6X77mT09Nx04t0wPRcw/s1600/Iphone+21st+Oct+14+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozGM0h_Cgsies8suQPSwkcbAqytVTqp8VhR5_cesc2erpXaVTgeE-V_oMTtAIR7Yp2XIdL-_WNcVVQ2mTNVoFzde99mpr1OprUVlvVatBbxCM6fKVhUFbNPxf6X77mT09Nx04t0wPRcw/s1600/Iphone+21st+Oct+14+013.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>I had been taking the scaps very regular and eating plenty of gels backed up with crisps and fruit. Something wasn't right though, I wasn't sweating anymore and certainly hadn't peed although I'd been drinking loads. As I wasn't sweating my temperature was rising and my head felt very un-comfy. <br />
I replenished my stocks at the aid station and headed back. Although my head felt like bursting I felt right in the zone a ran like a man possessed. I greeted everyone on the way back and really enjoyed the trail running, really great fun all the way to North stoke. I quickly filled my bottle and ran hard to the half way point. I made it in plenty of time 7hrs 50 ish and daylight to spare.<br />
Instead of rushing through the Aid station I had a to do list and stuck to it. Change t-shirt, change socks, cream feet, fresh buff, fill bottle and eat properly. I did all that and decided to change shoes back to my 290's and I was off again. Roughly a 15min stop, but I got everything right. I had grabbed a few bits to eat while I started leg 3. I walked up the High st, ate and carried on walking for about a mile. I was passed by a couple of runners but wasn't feeling the need to chase them down, I had a good fifty but didn't feel I had a pb in me on the day so I wasn't really bothered. I did resume my running and ran/walked upto bury down. Usually there is a wicked head wind as you run along the Ridgeway towards Chain Hill but luckily enough there was a cross wind today and it was very runnable, boring but runnable. As I reached the monument on the trail I knew the turnaround was not that far. Up ahead was the aid station, it looked like a spaceship from Close Encounters, lights flashing and all. As I got closer I could hear what at first I thought was SL2's "On a ragga tip" but soon realized it was in fact Prodigy's "Out of Space", a tune that brought back memories of my hedonistic lifestyle circa 1992. The fact there was a giant chicken in the aid station made me think for a second I was back there. Defo time to move on.<br />
I ran back along the Ridgeway smiling and reminiscing about my youth, a happy runner was I. Back through Bury Down and the long slog back to HQ. I was through 75 in 13hrs 21. Happy enough with that but no pb today so I'd concentrate on a sub 20. Another quick cream of the feet and I joined the Thames path for the final leg. <br />
I felt really shitty as I started the leg and really struggled to run right from the off. My hamstrings felt like they were being tightened as I moved and I was lacking energy. My stomach was not playing ball at all, I had eaten about 8 gels and 3 bags of shot blocks during the race and my stomach had had enough. I felt sick! and couldn't get any calories in. Peter Bowles and Peter Hague soon caught and passed me, I didn't care, I'd had enough to be honest. We joined up again in the aid station and walked out heading toward the final turnaround. They both soon started running and I tried to stay with them but I was hurting and just concentrated on run /walking there was no way I was death marching this one out. As I left the Thames to negotiate the housing estate I saw Peter Hague walking around looking lost. Luckily enough I have run through that estate about a dozen times and knew exactly where to go. It wasn't marked at all at the junction (someone must have removed them). We stuck together through that bit and rejoined the Thames. It soon started raining and before long it was hammering down, I put my poncho on which is really a bin bag with sleeves and a hood. The rain continued for a couple of hours and the poncho worked a treat.We chatted for a fair few miles and it soon emerged that Pete was feeling as rough as I. We carried on together and kind of worked out that sub 20 was borderline but I was doing what I could. I felt as sick as I ever have at this point but needed to eat! Energy levels were near zero. Just shy of the aid station I ate another gel, this made me gag, I swallowed it and pressed on gritting my teeth so not to be sick. I turned around at the aid station and headed straight back giving Pete the option to come with me. He agreed and we left together. We were both hurting and made a pact to finish together, we pushed each other all the way back, for once I was glad of some company. As our sub 20 came and went, we finished together in 20hrs 19mins, happy enough with that and another buckle in the bag.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ye4JcbaGkQR1IX7S698yYw8eM44000Z94Q3sfWian-v1Sd8qFI5dEvoGzzp49U9TbVyidoiXURBHUj9OagQR0f2aKLdeLlLE2wiPKsn3PL3K38t6xkp7jg7cHy1iHaT9hscfJQxGbt8/s1600/Iphone+21st+Oct+14+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ye4JcbaGkQR1IX7S698yYw8eM44000Z94Q3sfWian-v1Sd8qFI5dEvoGzzp49U9TbVyidoiXURBHUj9OagQR0f2aKLdeLlLE2wiPKsn3PL3K38t6xkp7jg7cHy1iHaT9hscfJQxGbt8/s1600/Iphone+21st+Oct+14+016.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>All in all I had a good race, I think the weeks hard work affected my legs in the latter stages but I had kind of expected that. I didn't stop me pushing the pace when I should of reeled it in a bit but where's the fun in that. I really enjoyed meeting up with everyone before the race and making new friends during the race which for me was the highlight on an pretty uneventful race. <br />
Something that really did go well was my feet, no blisters, no maceration, I think I really have it sussed. I used Camphor spray everyday in the run up to the race to harden the skin. The evening before I rubbed Gurney Goo into the soles of my feet as recommended and on the morning repeated that. I have now changed from drymax socks to icebreaker merino wool socks that are far less abrasive. I also reapplied the Gurney Goo every 25 mile and changed socks at 50. Sorted.<br />
So as my ultra running season comes to an end the year hasn't exactly gone to plan. I haven't really performed when I wanted to, each time I stepped up ready to attempt a pb or other goal I've fallen a bit flat. My highlight was definitely UTMB which was a fabulous experience. My low point was the TP100 where after training so hard, losing weight, eating right and generally doing everything perfect I blew up in monumental style. So my attention turns to 2015. I have an entry in for Hardrock but with a 2% chance of getting in I'm not holding my breath. My third entry will be going in for Western States next week. Surely 2015 will be my year for that. I am holding out for HR or WS to be my "A" race next year. I have an entry in the Thames Path 100, In case I don't get in Western States so I have qualifier for 2016. When I find out my fate on the US races I can book up the rest of the season. At the moment if I don't get in either I shall enter Spartathlon but if I do I'm thinking about doing an Autumn Ironman. Apart from that it will be marathons and 50 mile or less ultras.<br />
So Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ;-)<br />
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Thanks again to http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/ for your ongoing support.<br />
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Congratulations to Kyle Blackburn for his fantastic Barcelona Ironman Finish. Well done bud.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-90394848167595226302014-09-05T14:02:00.000-07:002014-09-05T14:02:24.966-07:00UTMB 2014Having failed in 2014 to gain entry into Western States again I made other race bookings for the year. Everything was sorted until my entry for UTMB came up, I had got in through the lottery. I cancelled the LL100, the C2C and The UTMB became my "A" race.<br />
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Training for this was going well up until 4 weeks out when I suffered a minor burn out. Being so busy trying to run a business and training had taken its toll. I was working 7 days a week, doing 10 hours labour a day plus my hill training of an evening. I was knackered! I was getting up, working, training, eating and sleeping. I got a couple of heavy migraines 4 weeks out which is a sure sign I was run down then I picked up a cold and chest infection. With 3 weeks to go I missed my last long run and had to settle for shorter high intensity stuff. I actually worked 35 days on the bounce before finishing on the Sunday before the race so I had a few days to chill out before we flew out. All my planned visits to the Lakes and Brecons went by the way side and little did I know what an effect this would have on my race.<br />
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This race could be done cheaply I suppose but I didn't find it cheap at all. When you start totting up I probably spent £1.8k total for my wife and I although only I ran. There was race entry, hotel for 5 nights, flights, insurance (used dogtag for specialist insurance), transfers, eating out, new kit, spending money whilst out there, the list goes on and on. We treated it as our summer holiday so I'm not complaining.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My room with a view.</td></tr>
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We flew out from Heathrow on Wednesday morning and had a nice enough journey using BA for flights and Cham express for our transfer. The weather had been awful on the Tuesday but as we arrived the sun was shining the beauty of the Alps became more apparent as we got closer to Chamonix. I was in awe as I stared out of the mini bus window at the gorgeous mountains passing us by. After an hour and a half transfer we were there dropped off right outside our hotel and checked in. After a lengthy wait we managed to get sorted and got to our room. No, no, no this room was not good enough, no window! I can't stay in the Alps and make do with skylight especially after all the money we paid. Back downstairs and kindly ask to be moved. "We only have one other room and its a bit noisy", fine we'll take it. It was lovely, a view of the station one side and Mt Blanc out the other.<br />
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I decided to get my kit checked in straight away so I was free on the Thursday. I chucked my kit together and headed for the check in. Below is everything used or carried during the race.<br />
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Raidlight Endurance 14 ltr pack: After trying many packs in the run up I decided on my very old and faithful pack. I can't get on with vest type packs, doing a physical job means I haven't got a typical runners physique and they rarely do up across the chest especially when full. A lot of runners had small packs and some looked like there was no way they had the mandatory kit. Any way my pack was perfect for the job. Heavy but perfect.<br />
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Water supply: I used a standard bottle for water kept in the bottle holder of my pack and a slim-line bottle shoved in my pack for emergencies and to make up the mandatory water requirement. Worked fine and only had to crack into my small bottle a couple of times.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hows that all going in that bag?</td></tr>
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Mobile: Iphone that has to work in all countries all the time so I took an external battery aswell, Mandatory.<br />
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Personal cup: I bought the Salamon cup which is tiny so didn't use it. What I did is to get a beetroot juice carton and cut the top off, folded up and shoved in my pack. You do need something if you want coke or tea etc because there is no cups after about the 4th aid station. Worked perfect. Mandatory.<br />
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2 Torches with spare batteries: My main torch is a Silva Trail Runner 2 used with Lithium batteries. This torch works fine and is very comfy with a good light beam. My back up is a Silva Siju which is fine but only as a back up. Mandatory<br />
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Survival Blanket: I bought the cheapest, smallest conforming blanket available at the expo. Mandatory<br />
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Whistle: On pack. Mandatory<br />
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Bandage: I had a small roll of self adhesive bandage stuffed in my pack. I also carried 2 stretchy tubey grip bandages in case my knees packed up. The roll was mandatory but the tubey was not.<br />
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Food reserve: Carried Gu gels,a Snickers and an Eat Natural bar. Mandatory. I got this majorly wrong but more about that later.<br />
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Waterproof coat: I carried my Hagloffs LIM which I carry on every race. Has never let me down. I also carried a disposable poncho for the first time which went over me and my pack when faced with a shower. Worked brilliant and will defo use it again as it so much easier than unpacking and putting your coat on and off. Coat mandatory, poncho not.<br />
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Long trousers or over the knee shorts and long socks: This one was the hardest to decide on and I actually changed 10 minutes before leaving for the start. My final choice was to wear compression shorts and have full compression tights in the pack. This was the right choice as I wasn't cold and didn't need to change. Unless you wear tights in the UK you'll be fine in shorts. The long trousers were Mandatory.<br />
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Warm layer: I carried and wore an Ice breaker Merino wool base layer 260g. Merino wool is fantastic and in my eyes the best clothing you can have. You don't get cold or hot or smell like a urinal. Mandatory.<br />
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Cap or Bandana: I carried both and usually always do. Mandatory.<br />
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Warm Hat: Same Berghaus hat I've had for years. Mandatory<br />
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Warm and waterproof gloves: I carried fingerless gloves because they are my preference but for mandatory reasons I carried light weight silk glove liners and black marigolds.<br />
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Waterproof trousers: Berghaus Paclight Goretex trousers. Rarely get worn but in this case mandatory.<br />
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Passport: Mandatory<br />
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Poles: Black Diamond Ultra Z poles optional but one of the most important items I had. So important that I couldn't have finished without them.<br />
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Handwarmers: The teabag type. Not mandatory but I have a problem with cold hands so carried them just in case.<br />
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Scaps: My electrolytes.<br />
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Pro plus: My caffeine hit.<br />
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Gurney goo: Foot lube<br />
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Spare socks: Merino Wool.<br />
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I wore;<br />
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Inov-8 290 race ultras, t-shirt, compression shorts, salomon cap, buff on my wrist, drymax socks with Gurney goo, Rock tape on various bits and my Suunto.<br />
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My drop bag contained a change of clothes, shoes and gels etc. My crew/wife carried similar. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUppo_QcHLgxmCQI_FEzctMXuJMD9BYrv9BSvM0SMZhtxuGlqrQGiVk7syHivHgZjMiMBNDzsf3EAjZiExGIS8MGrJwqcT286HLCNsdMNRykRGCoOUnJZJHUJahe6repHptQ-xmcSJIw/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUppo_QcHLgxmCQI_FEzctMXuJMD9BYrv9BSvM0SMZhtxuGlqrQGiVk7syHivHgZjMiMBNDzsf3EAjZiExGIS8MGrJwqcT286HLCNsdMNRykRGCoOUnJZJHUJahe6repHptQ-xmcSJIw/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+027.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queue for Reg</td></tr>
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I joined the back of a very large queue leading into a sports hall to get my kit checked and collect my number. It took a good hour to get into the sports hall and the front of the queue. I had to keep checking kit as I was so worried I'd forgotten something, too late now though I was called forward and handed over my passport. The lady tapped at her computer and looked at her screen quizzically, shit I thought what is wrong but within a few seconds a print out appeared and I was ushered on. On the print out I was asked to provide my long trousers, phone and water bottles. Kit checked passed and relax. My pack was tagged, my number handed over and the treasured wristband applied. I was out of there. I had a look around the very good expo and bumped into Peter Bowles, who was going to do the CCC. Our paths had crossed many times so it was finally good to have a chat and wish each other luck in our respective races. That evening we met some other UK runners and supporters for a few beers and a chat, we then headed back into town to watch some of the early TDS finishers come in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkSViGTPFPkBNjVkyAOrrGzWhHtdbc-HbAEB9o8tg6CAhAcqSRRWy3v7FvodBbxFHteJDWqtuBEhILPjByiD7FJZKDr9jVaowsV_Uw-2bNHq2sSj3AQmKJ_YAoB_bHVyOMzomhdQdPlQ/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkSViGTPFPkBNjVkyAOrrGzWhHtdbc-HbAEB9o8tg6CAhAcqSRRWy3v7FvodBbxFHteJDWqtuBEhILPjByiD7FJZKDr9jVaowsV_Uw-2bNHq2sSj3AQmKJ_YAoB_bHVyOMzomhdQdPlQ/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+038.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check in done</td></tr>
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On the Thursday we did some sight seeing and went up on the biggest cable car in town. Not a great idea for someone as scared of heights as me. This thing was mental it virtually went vertical up the mountain but I just got on and didn't look down. The thing is, when this behemoth went over a ridge and crossed a pylon it started swinging. Oh my god what is going on, this is awful! I nearly passed out. Having said that it was a lovely trip after all and very beautiful indeed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBTFNjrafN6aQ72Bh9Qbnq8Ku38a2bOkCsBfOhuSB6ym4FztD2lEsnlUP94YJ9dUUqh69k5wywRGzoNIXaAHED7VFX4WdAfBlXo5h9N89q128t89HXg4xRqBXBBdHQdbHCdtC8J7Sccw/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDBTFNjrafN6aQ72Bh9Qbnq8Ku38a2bOkCsBfOhuSB6ym4FztD2lEsnlUP94YJ9dUUqh69k5wywRGzoNIXaAHED7VFX4WdAfBlXo5h9N89q128t89HXg4xRqBXBBdHQdbHCdtC8J7Sccw/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+100.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T minus 2 hours.</td></tr>
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I had a great nights sleep and woke at 7ish on race morning, little did I know that would be the last sleep for at least the next 50 hours. We had breakfast and a walk around town trying to kill time but all I wanted was the start now. Town was slightly quieter as the CCC was under way, we grabbed a sandwich and headed back for me to get ready. The nerves were jangling but I just kept telling myself it was like repping Ben Nevis 10 times which somehow made the task seem a little less daunting. I was ready but just before leaving my room I decided to change from 3 quarter shorts to above the knee compression shorts. We walked down to the start line 2 hours early and there was plenty of room so I took a seat on a kerb and waited. Soon it was heaving and my wife had to walk away because it was just so manic. With an hour to go there was not a square inch around me but every so often someone would tip toe over everyone and squat into a non existent space. We had a few drops of rain which made some stand to don their coats which in turn made others surge forward, within seconds like a giant wave we were all forced to our feet and packed in like sardines. All the elite runners were now in the front pen and we all moved forward. I was so worried about this start as I thought if I lost a bottle or a stick I would never be able to stop and pick it up. As the music blared with minutes to go the sky opened up and it was lashing down. I took the decision to get my poncho out and get covered as everyone got packs off and rifled round for their coats. We were now down to the final minute and the Vangelis tune played, then the countdown and we were off. The start is manic, people jostle for position, crowds scream at you, and all the time you are careful not to fall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMLNQ50k6kYqZTs0J29gMd9CQlCPDj7v50-26Cu-mtB1QDlfp0yFl4KnjAPBL4s5lQ_-zgedS-_h6q1XAfoYHUuLaoik-CFa3zZbv2Bh3AmjFnYYs_JFFnXErO0JgMM4XF-nbV4hXE8E/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEMLNQ50k6kYqZTs0J29gMd9CQlCPDj7v50-26Cu-mtB1QDlfp0yFl4KnjAPBL4s5lQ_-zgedS-_h6q1XAfoYHUuLaoik-CFa3zZbv2Bh3AmjFnYYs_JFFnXErO0JgMM4XF-nbV4hXE8E/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+103.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not long now.</td></tr>
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<br />
The further out of town we got, the crowds dissipated and I was able to have a pee stop, two hours on the start line had taken its toll. The pace was fast as everyone wanted to crack on and the trail was easy. We soon reached Les Houches about 5 miles in and crossed the main road, before we knew it we were heading up our first climb. It was a steady climb up but by this time it was hammering down and my poncho was no longer cutting it and I was getting chilly so I stopped and put my coat on, after about an hour we reached the top. I felt good as we started to descend but it was steep, grassy and wet. My inov-8s were untested on this terrain so I took it steady thinking a fall would just end my race. The amount of people passing me was sickening, some were literally sprinting past me. We reached St Gervais and the party atmosphere was in full flow, screams of Allez,allez,allez filled my ears. This was amazing. I refilled water had some coke and onwards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvsypfVbjz01uzFnY7zRumtb5fwcGvbzz60zrf-x0iUtztBE88SUNv-37eQ1GExXWg3HDwRbB4znovd5OkXJoVn34bld9TW_Wknr2_Lcj8mvlq1EU84eOvU8nvNsDN1w_XqnlJmJBss0/s1600/22240234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNvsypfVbjz01uzFnY7zRumtb5fwcGvbzz60zrf-x0iUtztBE88SUNv-37eQ1GExXWg3HDwRbB4znovd5OkXJoVn34bld9TW_Wknr2_Lcj8mvlq1EU84eOvU8nvNsDN1w_XqnlJmJBss0/s1600/22240234.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first climb.</td></tr>
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From St Gervais it was fairly runnable to Les Contamines then the climb to Col du Bonhomme. I was fast hiking all the way up passing lots of people and occasionally turning to marvel at the endless snake of headlamps behind. The higher we got the more aware of the altitude I was, getting slightly more breathless, very thirsty and sore headed. We passed the Col on to Croix du Bonhomme. We started another long descent into Les Chapieux, again I was getting pummeled on the descent, I just couldn't get any speed but I felt strong. I think it was Les Chapieux where I was ushered to a table for a kit check. Phone, coat and emergency blanket please. Be warned you will not get through this race if you try and blag it through without the correct kit.<br />
<br />
<br />
The aid stations held water, coke, tea, coffee, and a salty chicken stock full of noodles. Food wise they had lumps of bread, cheese, salami, cheddar biscuit things and fruit. I was having a Gu gel every so often and a bowl of salty stock whenever it was on offer. In hindsight this was never going to see me through!<br />
<br />
<br />
As we approached mile 30 I felt good, no sign of a bonk and the legs felt strong. I wasn't due to meet my wife till half way so pressed on. It was quite cold and about 1am so I stopped to strip off my soaked jacket and t-shirt and replaced it with my IceBreaker top, I soon warmed up. The rain had subsided but my feet were pretty mushy so I stopped again and took 5 to change my socks and reapply the Gurney Goo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0QW15Ka-N-br50ilOPZPaXFSr7pWjIOA7zgb_7d2GZrZlm4MFz9dVM4eL0j6df_qvYUwWYtKkXts_LWXIy6BXQQUEsih4XJh0yeVG0XBH8N16w5hs2seBVnaj80fDsDHMjRaChpqZOA/s1600/22274118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0QW15Ka-N-br50ilOPZPaXFSr7pWjIOA7zgb_7d2GZrZlm4MFz9dVM4eL0j6df_qvYUwWYtKkXts_LWXIy6BXQQUEsih4XJh0yeVG0XBH8N16w5hs2seBVnaj80fDsDHMjRaChpqZOA/s1600/22274118.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to see the sun come up.</td></tr>
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<br />
We followed a road for a while before ascending again and again I power hiked all the way before losing all my places on the next descent. There was becoming an every increasing pattern of climbs and descents with very little flat running. At this point my knee decided to start being awkward and I had sharp pain shooting through my leg so I got one of my tubey bandages out and strapped it up. This was hard going but doable, I felt ok. The climb up to Arete du Mont-Favre was steep and I felt quite lethargic for the first time. I also felt mentally tired so popped a pro plus and carried on forward. This was at roughly 40 mile, feeling slightly concerned at my tiredness I carried on. After another 6 mile of downhill we reached a plateau and as the daylight emerged I was treated to some beautiful views of the mountains. It was heaven and I had to stop to take some photos. We were just outside Courmayeur but the descent was near vertical switchbacks for at least 5k, and my quads were feeling sore as we entered Courmayeur.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1LUu591I23jOODAhyQLipR6Gw2gfS0Q4OxYQ7UO9fpgXCWdNAh36pKWiflQPVTvG5MIntmTejs7xakyj64Xs7KZH3ixCr0lJRtxsR4YRP8wIc5xHRupLH-DjCJLp5qUwiCTYDUktc7k/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1LUu591I23jOODAhyQLipR6Gw2gfS0Q4OxYQ7UO9fpgXCWdNAh36pKWiflQPVTvG5MIntmTejs7xakyj64Xs7KZH3ixCr0lJRtxsR4YRP8wIc5xHRupLH-DjCJLp5qUwiCTYDUktc7k/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+119.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic cow?</td></tr>
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<br />
There was massive support in Courmayeur and a chance to get to my drop bag, meet my crew and generally sort myself out. You are allowed one crew member to meet you at designated aid stations and it was a boost to meet my wife and chat about the first half. I was about 14 hours in, 50 mile in and my 35 hr target seemed to be going to plan. I had a full change of clothes and reapplied the Goo to my feet. I moved through to the food hall and got a bowl of pasta with a dollop of tomato sauce. I went over to a table and joined a Brit whose name escapes me right now. I stood, as I have a saying "Beware the chair" which I stick too religiously. I once sat down after running London to Brighton and seized up totally, I never have or never will sit down during a race through fear of seizing up, although now it is a mental thing and signifies giving up in my head. Anyway the sauce on the pasta was horrid and I felt a bit sick so like a fool I slung it and wandered out. Now alarm bells should have been ringing as I had eaten very little apart from bowls of stock aka soup, a handful of gels and a few scaps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX7h-ckFjZKgLsLYf_28nilP-vPDyQKuCLeSe-Yf4F_ZkKXT7PU_SKMR6qLSkY-uTqP2F6OR4d8RaXklHabb3c0VhNn-c4H7IRnZ8qob4jmjkXgrrIx0E5qLBwGf-e2TDBDra5fdpFmw/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsX7h-ckFjZKgLsLYf_28nilP-vPDyQKuCLeSe-Yf4F_ZkKXT7PU_SKMR6qLSkY-uTqP2F6OR4d8RaXklHabb3c0VhNn-c4H7IRnZ8qob4jmjkXgrrIx0E5qLBwGf-e2TDBDra5fdpFmw/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+123.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views to die for.</td></tr>
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The climb out Courmayeur was hard and the Brit who I had ate with joined me I just managed to stay with him but energy levels were low, also my quads were hurting bad, the descent into the half way point had took its toll. My short lived partner pulled ahead and I carried on forward, shit, things had gone bad, this section was hell on my body. I was knackered and in pain. The lack of food meant a lack of energy and as we descended into Arnuva my quads were screaming and I was having serious doubts that I would be able to continue. I spoke with another Brit on the massive ascent of Grand Col Ferret who informed me that we would be descending for about 10 miles from the top, the climbing I could cope with, the descent I wasn't so sure. Luckily I had a snickers in my bag as I was so hungry it was driving me to distraction. The descent was bad for sure, my legs were on the way out. My knee felt okay but my quads were blown, I pushed on to La Fouly. A lot of people passed me on the descent to La Fouly the feeling of wanting to pack it in was strong, had my wife agreed I would have dropped for sure but no she was having none of that. Basically it wasn't even considered by her. As I left the aid station her bus was leaving which she hopped on along with a wave of runners, people were walking in, quitting and jumping straight on the bus. It all seemed a little weird to me, there was no talking these guys round they were off. As I hobbled through the streets I took the time to stop and get my other tubey bandage out and strap up both painful quads. For the next few hours I hiked, hobbled, shuffled and jogged my way to Champex all the while trying to work out why do I do this sport? What is keeping me going? Why don't I just pack it in and go for a beer. My mental fortitude was being pushed to its limits. I stumbled into Champex and met my wife, and again my pleas to quit fell on deaf ears. I tend to get a bit wobbly when I'm totally shattered and was stumbling around the aid station, I was getting some looks from the medics but thought nothing of it. Only then did an American lady hold my arm and say to me "Don't come this far and get pulled from the race, they are looking at you and will pull you out" I tried hard to pull it together. Whilst in here I tried to eat but couldn't face any of it, my occasional gel and chicken stock combo was just about keeping me ticking over. I told my wife if I was to carry on she would have to go buy me a sandwich, I had to have a sandwich! She agreed to get one and meet me at the next stop.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBUxeBXm5HNSTqCFphJffreWymZNRw7G5d73c0PUPoqjf6lhRy9AlkMZFyEMKKoGV6Bd-Nm8tSvP5VgYaDELypP9r-LxGuRTyzA4Di3VyEKtWC7oeVxb6qrKp8QwxH-aZrTpgl-DGkwc/s1600/22244495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBUxeBXm5HNSTqCFphJffreWymZNRw7G5d73c0PUPoqjf6lhRy9AlkMZFyEMKKoGV6Bd-Nm8tSvP5VgYaDELypP9r-LxGuRTyzA4Di3VyEKtWC7oeVxb6qrKp8QwxH-aZrTpgl-DGkwc/s1600/22244495.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hobbling along</td></tr>
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I think I was about 25hours in as I left Champex and started to do some pretty incoherent maths on the race but my logic was, 3 peaks, 30 mile, 3hrs up, 2 hrs down each = 15 hours and I could do this! That did mean however I would be out there all night again. At this point I think I decided I would finish. After all it takes years to get in a position to earn the points for UTMB, it takes at least a year to gain those points, it took 2 years to get my entry and months of specific training to get here, now. I must finish this! As we approached the first of the three final climbs darkness started to fall again and the climb was hard, you look up and see lights in the sky and basically that is how high you will be going. As I neared the top there was a herd of cows getting rather rowdy and following us up the trail. They were making a lot of noise and generally being rather intimidating, I had to shout and clap my hands to get them to sod off. Just before the top I put my head torch on for the second night. There was a gate at the top and I leaned against it and thought, 1 down before shuffling towards the descent. This descent took my ages I could barely step down any more, each time I did I grunted and groaned with the pain. People ran past me as though I was stood still. Dozens of them! This went on for a good two hours. With the night also came the tiredness, just total mental fatigue. Just as I reached what I thought was the bottom we levelled out before dropping again even steeper, down massive steps each one bringing a tear of pain to eye. Before long I reached Trient I couldn't see my wife so was just about to leave as I was still rather wobbly when she ran in. She had just got off the bus with sandwich in hand. We chatted and I shoved the sandwich in my pack to eat en route. As I left I was pulled over by control. Another bloody bag check! Phone, coat and blanket. Bloody good job I had it, imagine a DQ at mile 86. I made a joke about having the most important bit of kit, my sandwich, before heading off again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy2mxnizN7U4zIRI4BpmVusZzYbLnyotBBuGLKQA00yXb7J6_p3A-E0Xpyqh3YnBLxJgFmb7cW4AH8X4KQ4JWVBhr1D-1-avGegBqbXt-toOSnV0199TLlcVDdasw3P1dWYHhnpEmRH4/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyy2mxnizN7U4zIRI4BpmVusZzYbLnyotBBuGLKQA00yXb7J6_p3A-E0Xpyqh3YnBLxJgFmb7cW4AH8X4KQ4JWVBhr1D-1-avGegBqbXt-toOSnV0199TLlcVDdasw3P1dWYHhnpEmRH4/s1600/Dills+camera+2nd+sept+14+126.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit Check. Again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The second of my three climbs was as hard as any but my sandwich half way up helped me along. For some reason I was really struggling to breath on this ascent and kept having to stop to take deep breaths but my chest kept getting clogged up with phlegm and I was wheezing like a pensioner. How much more shit was this race going to give me! The descent was notably harder, at one point I tried to shuffle faster but tripped and fell flat on my face, on rocks and my pole flew over a wall of rock. Shit! I couldn't get up and double shit I couldn't climb over the wall and triple shit I wouldn't be able to finish without my pole! Luckily there was a runner right behind me. Great, I said can you help me, he ran on without a flinch. Fuck this I thought I have got to get my pole or I've had it, so I crawled over the wall on my stomach until my legs flopped over and was able to grab the stick. Then I had to climb back up and over the wall before righting myself on the trail. I'd done it. The tiredness had hit hard and I was hallucinating quite strongly. Every stone had a face on it, people in bushes and trees with body parts. All pretty normal stuff. I was totally incoherent as I trudged into Vallorcine, shaking, hallucinating and struggling to think straight, all I knew is I'd better get straight out of there before anyone noticed what an awful state I was in. I walked in filled my bottle had a coke and walked out, 1 climb to go.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where am I?</td></tr>
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As I left Vallorcine I walked for about 50 metres before stopping to ask directions. The path was clearly marked but I just couldn't work out where I was going or indeed where I was. As I walked up the clearly marked trail I thought I was lost, I had lost all concept of what was going on. I stopped to wait for some one to pass, they didn't, they stopped also. This was so confusing. I carried on trying to work out what was going on. At one point I was convinced we were all going to work, to build something, I even considered ringing my builders merchant! We approached a road and there was a line of lights reaching to the sky. I thought how does that road climb that high? Of course it wasn't cars it was head torches. I started the climb and had just about worked out we were in a race so that's what I kept telling myself. Quite often out loud! This did nothing to abate the hallucinations, they were rife everything had a face or wasn't as it seemed, I was completely out of it. In hindsight dangerously so. This climb was a brute, just never ending rocky switch backs. We climbed for hours, straight up. As soon as you thought you were there, you would see headlights even higher. Some of the path you literally had to climb to get through, we soon got into the clouds. We carried on climbing until we reached a rocky summit not dissimilar to Scafell Pike. We followed the markers across the boulder strewn summit for a couple of miles, this was just climbing up and over rock formations. On the bits I couldn't step down I had to slide on my arse, across the rock. This worked well until the rock pulled my shorts up and I slid bare bum down a rock. We had much joy after the race removing the rock from the cuts in my arse. This climb literally took hours in total and right at the top we popped out above the clouds a totally surreal moment for sure. The descent was okay to start, daylight had broken for the second time and the hallucinations had eased, the ascent seemed to have split the field and this was the first time I felt alone. It was nice to shuffle alone knowing I had almost done it, there was nothing could stop me now. During this descent to La Flegere an English voice piped up behind me, I turned and it was my pal Dan. We hadn't seen each other the whole week then finally bump into each other on the final descent. He was struggling with his quads, doing better than me but still struggling. We chatted the time away into the aid station, grabbed a final drink and struggled on. The downhill out of the aid station was steep and I was back to a snails pace. Dan went ahead and I shuffled ever downwards. I soon hit some nice switchbacks, rocky and painful but in the grand scheme of things nice. After another hour or so I reached civilization and things flattened out. I ran into town, literally battered and bruised. I started to feel very emotional but promised myself I'd keep a stiff upper lip. That shuffle was the finest mile or so I ran, I felt on top of the world. Ironically after running round Mt Blanc following a marked course the worse markings were in Chamonix town. I didn't have a clue where I was going but I didn't care, I'd get there eventually. As I rounded the town I saw Jacque and my pal Dave Bowen who handed me the union flag and I ran up the home straight with the flag above my head to screams of 'Go GB'. It was over. 40hrs 15mins. I collected the coveted gillet and went to sit down for first time in 40hrs. Dave asked what I wanted "Cold Diet Coke" my fave. That was the finest coke I've ever drunk. As I hobbled back to the room I couldn't help but laugh at the shit I put myself through for my sport.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG its over.</td></tr>
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Without doubt that was the hardest thing I have ever done. Anyone inexperienced reading this be in no doubt this is a monster, a big vicious scary monster! I have run a hell of a lot and it took all of my experience to get this done, if you are considering it, consider the CCC first. You are either going vertically up or vertically down. My prep of constant hill rep sessions was laughable really. You need to train in that environment to do well in that environment. I'm glad I didn't drop as I never wanted to have to go back. Now if I do go back it will be because I want to, not because I have to. I have my finish, I have my gillet, it's done<br />
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. The time is irrelevant. I love to run but this is not really a running race unless you are elite then even then they must walk those ascents. It is a giant hiking contest. Having said that, it is a must do for all trail runners. The build up, the whole week is trail running heaven and the worlds best runners all congregating in one truly lovely place. Chamonix is gorgeous and so is the Mt Blanc massif.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go GB</td></tr>
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As usual I got my race wrong, I would have run a good CCC on my prep but it just didn't cut it for the big boy. Quads were blown badly too early, eating strategy was awful, running with verruca's is just wrong and even little altitude can affect you. I thought the key was to bust the ascents and cruise the descents but I was so wrong the Europeans walk the ups to conserve energy then bust the descents and blow you aside.<br />
On the plus side it was an amazing atmosphere, Inov-8 290's are the mutts (they have almost wore out but great all the same), Gurney Goo for macerated feet is great, Drymax socks ain't all that. Merino wool socks are the way forward. <br />
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Anyway I did it. Am I going back? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gillet!</td></tr>
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No!<br />
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(not yet anyway);-)<br />
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A special thanks goes out again to my sponsor www.kentphysio.co.uk who make life easier with their on going support.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-18601422267583424382014-06-20T12:57:00.000-07:002014-06-20T12:57:18.764-07:00South Downs Way 100I do love the South Downs, it is a beautiful place to run. I can't think of many places I'd rather be in this country of ours. So running the whole length of it in the beginnings of summer holds much appeal to me. This would be my second running of the race, my first in 2012 was my performance of the year. Everything went right that time round so I was hoping for some more of that.<br />
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We travelled down on Friday afternoon in my father in laws van with the intention of me sleeping in the field in a bivvy bag and my crew sleeping in the van. The weather up until Friday had been fantastic so the idea of sleeping in the field seemed like a good one. We arrived in the middle of Friday afternoon and had a nice couple of hours sunbathing. As darkness drew closer I checked the weather and apparently it was pissing down right where we were? Well it wasn't but it was coming! As it had been so lovely during the day I thought I'd wing it anyway so I flipped the tailgate up on the van and lay down under it and pulled the strings on my bag tight to my face. As I closed my eyes there was a flashing coming from over the hedge which I first thought was a train track but as it got gradually closer accompanied by some very loud bangs I realized it was the storm coming. I decided to ride it out and stayed put. Well it rained so hard it soon became impossible to get out my bag as I and all my gear would have been soaked. It was lashing in under the tailgate and the constant water bouncing off my face made it impossible to sleep. I had to do something, so I undid my bag, grabbed my foldup chair and put it over my face. I was soon tied back into the bag and managed to get a fair few hours sleep. I did however wake up in a rather deep puddle! I'm so glad my bag was 100% waterproof.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hDh3MwN2NMUjZQ_51zQBwktBQcp8Gm8Qua9RV8ugaCyaB6tJpNjAKcL10QbxRogoZdXh7iJ5slPLB9D3dvtsnex4tPHs_ccsBoJoK60qqM65xpIW05nCQabgWyM_AknrNp7930iYvkU/s1600/iphone+16th+june+14+081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hDh3MwN2NMUjZQ_51zQBwktBQcp8Gm8Qua9RV8ugaCyaB6tJpNjAKcL10QbxRogoZdXh7iJ5slPLB9D3dvtsnex4tPHs_ccsBoJoK60qqM65xpIW05nCQabgWyM_AknrNp7930iYvkU/s1600/iphone+16th+june+14+081.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>It was still tipping it down up until 5ish so I stayed in the van as long as possible. I had my number already so I thought I'd hang on as long as possible to save starting in wet gear. I got to the start line at 5.30 ish and didn't have a lot of time to catch up with everyone but said hi to most of my good friends. Time just flew and before I knew it the brief had been and gone and we were toeing the line. As we started Stuart Mills run off like he'd robbed someone. I just thought, what an amazing athlete he has this in the bag. <br />
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After my epic fail in the TP I decided the best plan of attack in this one would be to not have a plan and run on feel. Run for the love of running. The difference was massive, I had put so much pressure on myself for a pb at the Thames path that it took away from the enjoyment I get from running ultras. Well sod that this time, I was going to have fun. The strange thing about having no race plan is you have to make instant decisions on race tactics and as I rounded the field I had to decide what my starting pace would be. The one decision I did make and have stuck to for a long while now is to run my own race at my own pace, so no chatting for me for the first few miles just get on with it. At the TP my start pace had been 7.5 min miles, this time I settled into 8.5 min miles which was comfy and I was on my way.<br />
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The downs are gorgeous and the running was heaven CP1 was soon upon us, I had drunk half my 500ml of electrolyte and half my water at this point but didn't bother to refill as my crew had said they would meet me at 12 mile so I had a couple of cups of water and pressed on. Mile 12 came and went and I was sipping my water hoping I would see my wife soon but nothing. It was very humid, my head felt like it was in a pressure cooker as I approached the late teens of the race. My usual bad patch at 18 mile hit bang on its ETA. I was feeling really shit, thirsty, hot and I really couldn't be arsed. My thoughts went to dropping, I couldn't think of any reason to carry on. During my ultra running life since my first 100 and only DNF, I have become mentally very strong and can usually find good reason to get it done. Could be any number of things but there is always something that you can latch onto, then you can put your DNF thought back in its box and crack on. Not this time though, for the first time I was questioning whether I could even be bothered to carry on for another 80 mile. What is the point? What am I getting out of this one? I've got a busy week next week, do I really want to feel like shit? Luckily I entered the back end of QE park and knew the aid station couldn't be far, I sucked the last drops out my bottles and headed through the park and down the hill to the CP. My wife had found the CP but hadn't had internet all morning so couldn't look up where to meet me hence the lack of support. I drank plenty, ate some food, chatted about quitting with the wife and changed my wet hat and buff before moving on.<br />
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My feeding regime is a massive work in progress and I really didn't eat enough during the TP so I made sure I ate well this time. A caffeine free GU every couple of hours and more fruit than you'd find at a fruitarians banquet. I started to feel better and the running became easier, mile 22/23 to mile 35ish are usually very good to me and today was no exception. I could really enjoy being there. I really love the flora and fauna of the downs, it is truly outstanding and I just soaked it up for a few mile. I ran into Harting downs and my pal Gary Kiernan was helping out, it didn't take him long to take the piss about me carrying poles.<br />
I know the pole debate will never subside but I carried them as when else am I going to practice with them? I have the UTMB coming up and what sort of fool would go there having not used them over the distance. Not me. For those interested I used Black Diamond ultra Z poles and they were fine. I carried one in each hand for the whole distance and used them on some of the steeper climbs. My technique improved no end. The ease of putting them together and dismantling them really is really good and I shall carry on with them at every opportunity until August.<br />
I could feel maceration starting on my feet around 35 mile, I've had it so much that I can recognise the first tingles. I was determined that this wasn't going to ruin my race so I pulled up at the next available stop, cleaned and dried my feet. I also changed socks and sprayed my feet with a silicone spray I'm experimenting with at the moment. I'm pissed off with trying to find the perfect shoe so I just wore an old pair of NB this time around. They were doing alright but it was early days.<br />
I soon reached half way in roughly 9 hours which was perfect for a sub 20 which I would obviously take however much I was trying to run for just the love of it. I pushed on to Washington and was greeted with a hug and a kiss from Karen Webber and lots of clapping from the amazing support. I changed shirts, ate more fruit and soon went on my way feeling better now than I had since the start. This wasn't to last long.<br />
Within a few short miles I was feeling shit again and amazingly tired. I was so tired I thought I was going to fall asleep on my feet, something that doesn't usually happen until about 2am but this was only about 5pm. I ran for quite a while with David Thompson who I've seen and spoken to many times but never ran with so it was nice to chat for a while and compare notes on how shit we felt. I was having to dig deep and was having strong thoughts about quitting again. Luckily there was a reason to continue, something I am trying to achieve so I focused on that and kept going. Somewhere around 60 mile I bumped into Luke Ashton he had got a wiggle on and was pushing for the finish already there was no keeping up with him so after a brief chat he ran off. Luke is a fantastic runner and although we have been close time wise on a few occasions I am under no illusion that he is the better runner and on his day, untouchable by myself. He is however game opposition and if I've got my racing head I will push myself to race with him, just not today. I ran down the long hill to Boltophs, had a quick stop and carried on.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPDz1ZlHUR1hbtGBiTpYhzKDdQ9bCvE2nbxKiJ8sY7H1b7FfkOYzQ1bPF-2MvXEA-5poxjXW-Yr9xe0brcmBY01CVwlurhTEHOiMgmb4Kgt6UGHj2hLq8j2wPl0QPakeCwn_E6v_qhCs/s1600/iphone+16th+june+14+083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPDz1ZlHUR1hbtGBiTpYhzKDdQ9bCvE2nbxKiJ8sY7H1b7FfkOYzQ1bPF-2MvXEA-5poxjXW-Yr9xe0brcmBY01CVwlurhTEHOiMgmb4Kgt6UGHj2hLq8j2wPl0QPakeCwn_E6v_qhCs/s1600/iphone+16th+june+14+083.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a> I was at least pleased I was able to run on command I hiked the ups and waddled/run the flats and downs. Somewhere between Boltophs and Saddlescombe farm my waddle turned into a half decent run and as I cruised along my toe hooked on a flint and I went straight into some brambles ending up on my back. Moments like that can only be laughed at, I lay my head back into the brambles looked at the sky and laughed, Oh what the hell am I doing? Getting up is always a lot harder than going down and what a struggle it was to get back up. Cp9 soon passed by and I was heading for Clayton Windmills. Clayton is a weird stop, you think you have run past it and are going wrong before you turn 90 degrees left and head on into the aid station. I was feeling hungry for real food and found a massive wedge of over cooked flapjack, burnt bits and all. It was delightful and I left the windmills a happy man, chewing on burnt flapjack and only 30 to go.<br />
I was running ok now, slowly but running all the same and the miles were ticking away. Around mile 80 as darkness set in I started chatting with Dan Mayers, he too is running UTMB this year so we had plenty to chat about and good company he was too.<br />
Next CP was Southease and another chance to sort my feet out, they were getting really sore again and I bit the bullet and changed to road shoes for the last few miles. The hill out of Southease is one of the bigger ones and I used my poles to good effect and hiked all the way up. On reaching the top I resumed running again and soon overtook Ken Fancett and caught Dan up. This section is quite featureless and although not overly difficult to navigate, you need to have your wits about you. I thought it best that I stick with Dan for this bit and Ken soon caught us, the three of us run/walked all the way to Alfriston. A quick turn around here and we pressed on, Dan ran ahead but was too fast for me so off he went. 8 miles to go and I was still running and ran all the way to Jevington albeit slowly. The last CP is always nice, you are there, you've done it, now enjoy it. I was checked in in the street and given the option to carry on but I walked into the aid station to say hello and thank the volunteers. I always think the last cp must be the worst to volunteer at, no-one stops, no-one eats or drinks and the hours are long. Pretty thankless really.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2J6_vhpDBM4ZEKdMH-q4D7bsYd8d8X1-RlVzrXlAzC-cnVTihesIlGE_JJc90hNEbDPeiz5v6DhtDHRyyp0zDzuRd51WQ3kyPlplAaEmMDWEok9sDYSxnyGqzManTLfcz2Om7cWFuSc/s1600/IMG_20140615_030451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2J6_vhpDBM4ZEKdMH-q4D7bsYd8d8X1-RlVzrXlAzC-cnVTihesIlGE_JJc90hNEbDPeiz5v6DhtDHRyyp0zDzuRd51WQ3kyPlplAaEmMDWEok9sDYSxnyGqzManTLfcz2Om7cWFuSc/s1600/IMG_20140615_030451.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>4 miles to go and I hiked my way up the hill out of Jevington, about half way up a light appeared behind me. I started to pick up the pace right to the top where I met the lonely marshall who ushered me off the downs. With the thought of someone overtaking me I got a last spurt on, all the way down the hill, past the houses and onto the main road. I switched my light off and ran by the street lights to the roundabout, hooked a left and ran down the home stretch. I actually passed Jez Isaac with only a few hundred metres to the stadium. Felt a bit of a git passing and always do that close to the end but needs must and I was on one. I entered to stadium for my final lap as I ran round that track I almost shed a tear. It had been hard and I'd almost pulled out 80 miles previous I felt quite emotional. I crossed the line got my hug from Nici, my medal from Mimi and a kiss from my wife. 20 hrs 43 but this run wasn't about times or places it was about loving running. As I stood there and calmed down I felt very unsteady, my legs were extremely wobbly and I was escorted to a seat. It was over. I showered, ate and headed for home. I need to get to bed as I had a family barby later in the day which I made and very nice it was too.<br />
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I had some major negative thoughts during the day and a lot of time to contemplate my running future. Although the camaraderie is second to none among the longer distance ultras, I for the first time ever have considered packing in the 100's. They are very hard, they take an age to recover properly, they affect my work and I don't feel I have anything to prove to myself anymore. I ran a sub 18 last year and I don't think as long as there is a hole in my arse I can better that time. The main attraction has always been pushing my boundaries and seeing what I could achieve but once you've achieved all you wanted. What next? There are a few things I still need to do, Western States being the main one and I shall continue for sure until that is done and hopefully in sub 24 (I still have to get in first). Who knows that may well be my last 100! Watch this space...<br />
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Massive well done to Mark Perkins for smashing the SDW record time. Didn't see that coming after Stuart Mills opening mile. Also a great performance for 3rd by David Ross, about time you had the race to match your talent. Good running buddy.<br />
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Thanks again to <a href="http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/">http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/</a> for your support.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-42625734739497266202014-05-05T13:45:00.000-07:002014-05-05T13:45:13.950-07:00Thames Path 100 2014<br />
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My prep up to this had been perfect in my eyes. I will not lie, after the W100 although I did well I could see room for improvement. I decided that I would try and smash a fast hundred at the TP then I could concentrate on UTMB.I trained hard, ate better and felt great going into this. I worked out all my splits based on a 17hr 30 finish. What could possibly go wrong?<br />
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Me and the wife travelled up on the morning of the race after a good nights sleep in my own bed. We arrived at Richmond at about 7am and found a lovely park just round the corner from registration so we took the dog for a walk as it was such a beautiful morning. Some of you may have seen my dog its a pug and present at most ultras in the south of England. <br />
Registration was a well organised affair. Get in, bag check, receive a token then go get your number and get out. Very regimented. Was nice to bump into so many people you know, registrations are more like a social gathering, Everyone relaxed and chatting its a great chance to catch up with people you hardly see. Made a point of finding Luke Ashton, Shawn Timmons and the rest of the Bosh group. Its amazing how many "friends" you have on Facebook and most of these people you have never met so I made a point of saying hi to anyone I vaguely recognised. Amongst the new friends was plenty of old ones as well. David Bowen, Jeff Springford, Paul Ali, Gary Kiernan and Lee Kelly to name but a few. I really enjoy the pre race buzz and those 2 hours flew by.<br />
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We were called back in for our race brief and went through the usual stuff, course changes, conditions, aid stations etc. Pretty pointless me listening as I have the memory span of an ant and all the important stuff goes in one ear and out the other. Mind you I made more of an effort than most as my wife told me at least half the runners just stayed outside and didn't even bother coming in. As the countdown began we were called up to the start line. There was a lot of spectators at the start even spotted a couple of Z list celebs. Oh what an illustrious bunch we are. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKFP27N_6YQfU8wpd_LpKmVz8xJdNofhz-7RIDvvJyWd_HFRolFTmiNM5a8iofY2O7R_CpAR2hAWMxSN5jQ73gli_vMKBWdnIeN9h1TCZdSJKsq-BX0KGf12Fzdc-tfQl-KmaUYpWRdk/s1600/20140503_100007-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKFP27N_6YQfU8wpd_LpKmVz8xJdNofhz-7RIDvvJyWd_HFRolFTmiNM5a8iofY2O7R_CpAR2hAWMxSN5jQ73gli_vMKBWdnIeN9h1TCZdSJKsq-BX0KGf12Fzdc-tfQl-KmaUYpWRdk/s1600/20140503_100007-1.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a>We were off! I had started at the front because my starting pace was to be 7 and half minute miles and I wanted to get straight into it. No pleasant chatting now, just head down, arse up as they say. As Ed ran off into the distance there was one runner just behind him then a pack of five followed by about five more including myself. Soon after the start Jeff ran up behind me and we ran together. We could see the group ahead and just followed we were soon out on a main road and after several minutes I realized there was no marker tape, we saw the group ahead turn right and when we reached that point there was no markings at all. We had gone wrong already. Bloody hell! Not even at CP1 and we were lost. Luckily there was a guy with us who quickly opened a map on his phone and after a while road running we picked the river up again and were back on track. We were soon into CP1 and I downed several cups of water and some fruit and cracked on.<br />
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I said to Jeff that if he wanted to go faster or slower he should do his own thing because I was running to a plan and sticking to it. Soon after this Jeff dropped off and had a walk it was really quite warm and the heat was getting to him. I carried on running at sub 8 minute miles. I soon joined up with David Ross and had a nice chat. David is an excellent runner and places top 5 in just about everything he enters. Good company to be in if you want a fast time. We entered CP2 at 22miles in under 3 hrs and first chance to meet crew. I had some fruit and some beetroot juice that I have been experimenting with. My wife informed me I was 8 mins down on my split so I filled my bottles and pressed on. I felt very sick soon after which I put down to the beetroot so I decided not to have anymore of that. As we passed the marathon distance we were at 3hrs 28. Fast, yes but it was planned.<br />
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Running along a river is one of my favourite things to do and it doesn't get much nicer than the first 30 mile of this race. Sun was shining, trail was perfect, boats, birds, friendly people. This run had it all. As we approached 30 mile in around 4 hrs I was getting the first signs that my legs were not happy. David had run on and I had my first little walk. One of the problems with a flat race is getting the run walk/strategy just right although my splits hadn't accounted for much walking at all in the first half. I had a minimal stop at CP3 and cracked on. I had managed to pretty much avoid my 18 mile wobble today but I was about to have a major wobble at about 32mile. The next 6 miles into Cookham were not great and I was run/walking. I would walk for about 20 seconds then run for several minutes and repeat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBZffwZ5hnpqqTFuJeZZh4TqbyMWYb1oQ-YKLcAeItilWHcGdZxWv9C4zGSNjM0oQ63K3ehb9AbwS0Xw7dz25u7zjiG9IOI8PvCJyMFnm88h38XxePXWmXmpkoJRbFJtuJVyjk2dUbHE/s1600/20140503_125624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBZffwZ5hnpqqTFuJeZZh4TqbyMWYb1oQ-YKLcAeItilWHcGdZxWv9C4zGSNjM0oQ63K3ehb9AbwS0Xw7dz25u7zjiG9IOI8PvCJyMFnm88h38XxePXWmXmpkoJRbFJtuJVyjk2dUbHE/s1600/20140503_125624.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>In to CP4 at Cookham and I informed my wife I was struggling. My legs were feeling dead the energy had just dropped out of them. I ate some food at this CP and left feeling rather sick. I tried to run but my stomach was turning. I put my fingers down my throat to try and bring the food up but it wouldn't come so I walked for a couple of miles and things soon settled so I could resume running.<br />
My memory between 40 and 50 mile is sketchy to say the least but I was still run/walking and not loosing too much time so I thought if I can keep this up i'll still be in for a good time. Truth is I knew I shouldn't be feeling this bad this early, my legs were dead. Just no life in them at all. This was not good. I reached the 50 mile mark in about 7hrs 50. CP6 at Henley soon followed and a chance to get some hot food. I didn't hang about though and I was off again. I still couldn't manage any prolonged running and things were getting worse I was getting so much leg pain and now my calves were playing up.<br />
In 2012 I was dogged with Achilles tendonitis and i was worried that the pain in my calves was actually my Achilles playing up again. I had used different shoes for this race as I try and move away from Hokas which is a bit of a trial. I believe my Hokas aggravate my hip so I have been trying various other shoes and todays shoe of choice was the Sketchers Go Ultra. These are a much hyped running shoe designed specifically for Ultra races. They do have a fairly low drop and I was worried they were tugging on my tendon. I backed off more knowing that a tendon injury was not going to do me any good this season especially with UTMB coming up. I was weighing everything up now and seriously thinking of packing it in. <br />
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At Henley I had told my wife to meet me at Reading so I could pick up my night gear. Unbeknown to me she couldn't leave Henley as her car had broken down. I ran into Reading looking for her car but she wasn't there. Oh shit. As soon as I approached the CP Barry Miller walked over with my bag, luckily she had given it to Phil Taylors crew who had kindly brought it into the CP. I stopped and chatted for a while to gather my thoughts. It was good to just stop moving for a while and also have a think if I really needed to carry on. I have nothing to prove over the distance, my legs have no energy and I'm worried I'm carrying an injury. No brainer really, but on the flip side this is my Western states qualifier the whole point of all my running. I could drop and then have to rely on the SDW as my qualifier but if I'm injured I would have no qualifier at all. Right, I thought I can't let this go I have to finish. So now that decision was made I could press on with one thing less to worry about. I now text my wife telling her not to worry as I have everything to get me to the finish and if the car didn't go with the help of the AA it didn't matter. Another thing not to worry about.<br />
I pressed on, I thought I would try and get to Whitchurch before nightfall. Something to aim for anyway. One thing that did strike me and something I have not noticed before was the amount of drunk undesirables along the river near Reading. I thought it was only Maidstone that had that amount of piss heads.<br />
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For the second half of this race, pretty much from Reading the trail is the polar opposite to the first. The first is predominantly hard pack trail and tarmac whereas the second is a rut. You have longish grass and a rut which is about a foot wide and bowl shaped. It is a complete nightmare to run on. As my legs were shot I was having trouble putting one foot in front of the other. Which may seem silly but actually putting one foot in front of another is not a natural running technique and can be very painful.This leads me on to the massive problems I had with my shoes. (1) They are quite a low drop as previously mentioned but this is not the shoes fault. (2) The grip is absolutely the worst ever on a trail shoe. On the very rare occasion we came across mud, I slipped. There was nothing, in fact I would safely say my road shoes would have been better. I lost all confidence and literally tip toed through any mud. (3) Omg this is the worst. I had worn them a fair bit prior to the race and had noticed a fair bit of lateral movement. The sole is very spongy and cushioned but so much so that they tend to move sideways, a lot! The problems that causes are, your foot will regularly turn over so if you dare step out of the rut your ankle will turn on the uneven ground and if you do run in the rut your foot is not landing level and your foot slides inside the shoe. This can mean only one thing, Blisters!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFF8wA25A_hjqoUjVb7-mV0T2htkTPzK8NU2NoFlLmbHptwRSPCIDNQnN2mRBaBZBNRAQo57cxEZZbrA0iM88Q2JFxJve8zZ29k7uSsTqlsXfyS4x9lm_Apb-SOF0hZaMhaYzRURF6Ng/s1600/20140504_062554-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFF8wA25A_hjqoUjVb7-mV0T2htkTPzK8NU2NoFlLmbHptwRSPCIDNQnN2mRBaBZBNRAQo57cxEZZbrA0iM88Q2JFxJve8zZ29k7uSsTqlsXfyS4x9lm_Apb-SOF0hZaMhaYzRURF6Ng/s1600/20140504_062554-1.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a>I was being passed very often now by other runners and my mind had gone off a time and just a finish was all that mattered. Paul Ali passed me on this section and looked strong, we spoke briefly and he moved on. I reached Whitchurch, mile 67 in about 12 hours and couldn't believe how many runners were in there. Not many of them looked keen to move on any time soon. I personally have never sat down during a 100miler through fear of not getting up again. So true to form I stood, gibbered some rubbish, ate some food and walked out. In fact this aid station worried everyone (well my mum anyway) because my time didn't get logged, they were worried I'd got lost on the trail and my word does my mum worry. She's my biggest fan really but just hates seeing me buckled in pain after the event and always asks if I'm packing it all in after the next one, to take up bowls or something else rather more pedestrian. Not yet mum.<br />
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The 4 mile to Streatley went on for ever and I was glad to meet up with my wife, I put her mind at rest and told her to meet me at the finish so she could sleep. I was going to be a while yet. I went in the CP and grabbed a baked potato and plodded on. Soon after Streatley or before I'm not quite sure I became massively disorientated. There was a lock with no markings and I really didn't recognise it. Luckily there was another runner near who told me I needed to cross, I didn't believe this could be possible and I needed quite a bit convincing as there was no tape but sure enough as we reached the other side I saw tape. I was really relieved as had that runner had not been there I would not have crossed and could have ended up anywhere. With all the movement in my shoes my feet were now really sore and every step was like treading on broken glass. This combined with all my other issues meant I was walking the last 30. Joy of joys, there is nothing more boring than walking all night.<br />
I was having some wicked hallucinations during the night and they seemed to be based on friends popping their heads out from weird places, some amusement to get me through the worst bits at least. It had got very cold in the early hours so much so that my jumper didn't quite cut it and I had to put my hat and coat on. Cold, walking, in pain, excruciating pain, alone and pitch dark it don't get better than this. I don't actually remember more of the night than that, not even the aid stations, I think my brain just blocked out all the bad shit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhxLsyilHTrIpFMFoUijQ932lBomYn5vvofKolouon4mWL8pn1gklL4D4_IXX3XH8042qFM1hWvM_1iJHz_98r5cQaB87XpEC_jGcyaDwjU2w15hWIahiRkSsLVBRPUURAWpcw3NyW1Y/s1600/20140504_063943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhxLsyilHTrIpFMFoUijQ932lBomYn5vvofKolouon4mWL8pn1gklL4D4_IXX3XH8042qFM1hWvM_1iJHz_98r5cQaB87XpEC_jGcyaDwjU2w15hWIahiRkSsLVBRPUURAWpcw3NyW1Y/s1600/20140504_063943.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>I think it got light just before reaching Abingdon. I know I had just had a lengthy conversation with myself whether it was spelt Abindon or Abingdon which turned into a song about the place. My brain was completely fuddled at this point and every thought was taking massive effort even the Abingdon song was as much as I could compute. I don't remember the aid station at Abingdon, I just remember someone saying 4 miles to the next aid station then 5 to the finish. That was probably my favourite bit of the last 30 mile. I power walked the 4 mile to the last aid station and stopped briefly for a snack. I had convinced myself that the last five would be runnable and I made every effort to run that five. I shuffled, hobbled and generally dragged my self along for the last few miles. With about 2 to go I was caught by a Dominic Grise and we had a good chat about the inconsequence of running 100s. We would run from bridge to tree and walk from bush to lifebuoy, it was as much as we could do. As the finish approach we agreed to walk to the field then ran across the field to finish. Thank Christ that was over. 20hrs 34 min. Quick photo, buckle and t-shirt acceptance followed by an absolutely astounding bacon sandwich. I didn't hang around long as I didn't want to seize up so we got in the car. My feet were so sore my wife literally had to rip my shoes off, not dissimilar to pulling a plaster off. There were toe blisters, sole blisters, what felt like burns in various other places and what I thought was a previously defunct verruca had turned into a mini volcano. I could not even put my feet on the floor of the car, I had to wrap them in my down jacket for relief. I sat back and put my sunglasses on, next thing I knew we were home.<br />
My word that was hard, mentally and physically I was broken. I had said I was going for a time and that meant I had to go out hard, so I did. It really was shit or bust and I bust, big time. I'm not sure what to take from this as I am still a bit miffed about what went wrong. I think the heat didn't help early on but it has left me with more questions than answers. I'm not disappointed, just one of those things. There is always next time and next time I will not go out quite as fast and I'll be wearing different shoes.<br />
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<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-74325508145145292752014-04-08T12:43:00.000-07:002014-04-08T12:43:22.753-07:00A Coventry Way 40.
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the TP
100 coming up, I wanted a nice fairly flat trail race as a last long run to see
how I was shaping up. The Coventry Way seemed the obvious choice.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I ran the
Coventry Way 40 back in 2010 and always intended returning as it is such a
lovely runnable route. I had a few objectives this time out (a) Run the whole
thing (b) Run it as if it was the first 40 of the TP (c) If all went well run
it in 6hrs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As mentioned
in previous blogs my weight is an ongoing issue and my thought process is that
to get quicker I must first get lighter. I have been doing really well and had
dropped a stone and a half up until a couple of months ago when things began to
plateau. So a few weeks ago I devised an eating plan which I could stick to and
simply wrote at the bottom “No chocolate, No crisps and No Alcohol”. That just
about sums up my dietary misgivings. Any way the crux of it is I shaved another
five pounds prior to this event and even dropped under 12 stone for the first
time in years. So I was going into this in good shape. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then come
Monday, a bloody disaster, sore throat, heavy chest, I had a cold coming. I ran
4 mile Tuesday and it was awful, couldn’t breath and couldn’t have run another
mile. Wednesday was just as bad, then Thursday it went from my chest to my head.
I was full of it but a head cold is better than a chesty cold for sure, so the
race could still be on. I ran 4 mile again Friday and could breath alright so
decided to go for it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Done my
usual and kipped in the van Saturday night. The venue was the Queens head pub,
the race HQ was out back so I parked in the field at the rear and got my head
down. It was lovely and peaceful in my van until 5am when the walkers arrived.
All of them! What a racket. I rolled over, put the pillow over my head and woke
to my alarm 2 hours later. After the obligatory 2 mugs of tea I was ready for
the off. “A Coventry Way” is a LDWA type of event, cheap as chips, well
organised and start when you want. That is why the walkers went off so early.
Forty miles is a long way to walk, why anyone would want to walk forty miles is
beyond me;-) I enjoy being in the countryside and on the trails which is why I love
trail running, you get to take in our beautiful countryside just quickly. I do
enjoy walking but if I go for a walk it’ll only be about 10 miles max, anymore
and I’ll be bored and my dog knackered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
organisers recommend an eight o’clock start for runners, I had intended a nine
o’clock start but as I was ready at 8.10 so I checked in and ran straight off.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Map in hand
I set off up through<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the fields and the
first few miles flew by. My cold was certainly present as I coughed and sneezed
my way along but my breathing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was ok so
I pressed on. I set a pace of about 7.5 min miles to start and thought I’d just
see how long I could hold it for. After about 4 miles the trail joins a disused
railway and this is a lovely place to stretch the legs it continues for about
3.5miles. I had already passed a lot of the 8’oclock starters and as I motored
along I passed several more. I knew some of the faster runners would have
started after me but at this early stage I thought, if I don’t let anyone past
me I’m doing well enough. Soon after leaving the railway about 8 mile in CP1,
not much of a stop for me, gave my number in and scoffed a couple of jelly babies and I
was off again.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My chest was
a tiny bit wheezy but I still felt good so I pressed on. Straight after CP1 we
crossed a golf course and as we turned a corner a rather pissed off golfer
grumbled something at us as he was just about to tee off. One of the runners in
front of me made a quip to him but he wasn’t amused as we passed he swiped at
his ball and duffed it into the bush next to him. F**k it, he screamed. As I
ran off I thought that is exactly the reason I gave up golf. You go out
Saturday morning and go home with the raging hump having played terrible. Not
my idea of fun.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">About 10
mile in now and a little wobble with my nav as I almost run down the slip road
of the A46 but soon rectify. The good thing about the nav on this event is that
you have a hand drawn detailed map, written instructions and best of all the
way marks are clear and frequent. If you are crossing open ground the waymarks
are on posts with yellow painted tops. All very runner friendly. My pace had
dropped off slightly, no excuses just natural slow down as I enter CP2 at about
15 mile in around 2 hours. I enter the CP amongst a lot of walkers and have to
wait my turn to check in which is slightly annoying but rather that than push
in. Now was my first refill of my new UD endure race belt. It is quite a
minimal belt with two small 300ml bottles and it is a little bit of a faff to
fill. I have some half Nuun tabs wrapped in foil and pop one of those in one of
the bottles. A good few minutes wasted here. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I starting
to feel rough now and my 18 mile low is hitting home. I go straight through CP3
at Wolston and try and get my head around the rough patch. I take my second GU
of the day and within a few miles I am perking back up and try to step it up
again. I roll into CP4 feeling good 22 miles done. I fill up my bottles and
have some coke. On this event you have to carry your own cup as they don’t
supply them so what better opportunity than to use my Salomon Soft cup. The cup
is my mandatory UTMB cup but although it does the job it doesn’t hold much so I
find myself having to fill it about four times at each stop to get a decent
amount of liquid. Ok but not ideal.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shortly
after Brinklow Cp we join the Oxford canal and I put the hammer down for a few
miles and pass the last of the walkers. The last two walkers are power walking
within about 10 metres of each other almost like they are racing. The one in
front tells me there is only about six runners in front and I should be able to catch
them. This gives me new found vigour and I power on. When I’m running I look
forward to seeing people ahead it really motivates me to catch them and pass
them. If I’ve got my racing head on I will acknowledge people but also pass
them with purpose. If you put the hammer down people are less likely to
pressure you back so my pace will almost always go up a notch the second I pass
and carry on for a mile or so before levelling back out. I use such a tactic at
about mile 28 when I come across an impromptu CP. I have caught 3 runners as
we reach the CP and although I need some water in my bottles I nod and say hi
to the other guys but get little response. On that I shoot straight through and
crack on. They leave right behind me but I’m off. Gone.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At mile 31,
CP5 I again pass 2 runners approaching the CP. This time I need a full
replenish of bottles, food etc. So I get it done but just quickly. I’m off
before the other runners have decided on cocktail sausage or flapjack.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I’m not a front end runner but the
thrill of racing is good fun and everyone should have a go. I doesn’t matter
where you are in the field just push yourself and take as many people as you
can. I would still do it if I was at the back of the pack. To me a top 10 is
another mans win so why not push on for that goal.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Todays pace
is taking its toll on me, although i'm running at a good pace its far from easy
and I have to give myself several talking to’s to push on. I roll into CP 6 and
am feeling pretty low so stop for a couple of cokes and a few jelly babies before
pushing on. We were warned pre-race that in a field just after CP6 there was
some young feisty bulls and we should possibly have to use the road to avoid them. I
look into the field and see no bulls, so I’m thinking the farmer has put them
away so I go for it. As I reach the second field, there they are and one
particularly fit looking bull jumps up and stares at me. I stare back, the gate
is a good 100 metres away and the bull 50 maybe. There is no way I’m turning
back and start walking he is making me nervous but I carry on. I’m half way and
he edges forward, Feck this I’m off and sprint for the gate as I reach it he is
still edging forward and I shout a triumphant "Ha you tosser" as I leave the field releaved.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By my reckoning there must only be one runner
in front of me and I run as hard as I can with the hope of catching him. Into
the last CP and I’m told he was 5hrs 48 to that point and I am 5hrs 55 so with
3 mile to go no chance of catching him. I leave and run on. The last few miles
drag especially as I it’s actually 41 miles but the finish soon appears and I’m
done. 6hrs 23.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I never did
catch the guy in front and he finished 7 minutes ahead of me but going back to
my original objectives, I did run the whole thing, (apart from the bit with the
bull), I did run it as I hope to run the first 40 of the tp (although I had
hoped to have felt a bit better). I didn’t make my 6 hours which in all
fairness I couldn’t do much about. I felt I had run a better time but didn’t so
there. No excuses that’s all I had on the day so I got to be happy with that.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do have to
add that after all the races I have run “A Coventry Way” is a must for all
trail runners. It has everything. It really is as good as it gets in our sport.
The route, cost, volunteers, CPs, route all without fault. The organisers even
do voluntary work on the route to keep it to a high standard. Fantastic.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a warm up
to the TP100 I’m still not really sure where I’m at the moment. I have a time in mind
and a race plan. I’ve trained smart, eat smart and the next month everything
will be to plan in prep for the race. I do however have doubts about getting
the time I want. I’m sure I’ll finish, I’m sure I’ll go sub 20 but beyond that
I’m not sure and a lot will depend on the day. One thing is for certain
everything I know about distance running has been put into practice for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>this race. I know everything I plan to wear,
how I intend to start and what I intend to eat. All I can’t say for sure is how
the race will unfold on the day.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since
writing this the results have been published and I was 4<sup>th,</sup> missed a
podium by 7 minutes ;-)</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sorry no
photos this time as was travelling light and didn’t want to carry my phone.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thanks again
to </span><a href="http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">www.kentphysio.co.uk</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for their
support.</span></span></div>
Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-32403731600807078762014-03-25T11:31:00.000-07:002014-03-25T11:31:33.954-07:00Might Contain Nuts Black Mountains 40With UTMB looming a good mountain race was in need, and given the MCN crowd do put on a bloody good event, The Black Mountains 40 seemed the obvious choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
Race day was on a Saturday so I packed up early on Friday, knowing from previous experience that the journey to South Wales on a Friday evening is shite to say the least. I left at 2 and picked my mate Jeff up an hour later. Talgarth here we come.<br />
The journey was as uneventful as ever, the only break from the monotony of the M4 was the absolute shock of the toll price £12.80 for my van! At least it gave me something to moan about for the rest of the journey. Five hours after leaving we arrived in Talgarth and promptly went to Jeff's hotel which was adjoining the local chippy, Classy. I had intended to kip in the back of my van in the car park of the hotel but this must have been the only chip shop for miles and it was heaving so there was no way I was kipping there. I left Jeff there and parked in main town car park and walked back to the hotel so we could eat. The menu in the hotel was straight out of next doors eatery, so chips it was. I had chicken and it was err... fried with chips dripping with fat. It was not pleasant at all, but I needed some fuel for tomorrow so I ate it. I then felt guilty as I've been eating almost perfectly since my last race and this was crap and the night before an event. We chatted for a while and I wondered off about 9ish to get my head down.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN0T-rKYNphTGW6gxB-aeHCeo-OQ10pL2dxYzeIuYWNnik1kAqBVfzCYN7wsrRL4mcf0_thKBlS3Gf-prbfuSDcoKr2BJW5u2xPrHKKD1iR8ifHNINCTY7B4v37aNrh7lRu8ZQPtjQLc/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN0T-rKYNphTGW6gxB-aeHCeo-OQ10pL2dxYzeIuYWNnik1kAqBVfzCYN7wsrRL4mcf0_thKBlS3Gf-prbfuSDcoKr2BJW5u2xPrHKKD1iR8ifHNINCTY7B4v37aNrh7lRu8ZQPtjQLc/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+003.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>My usual ultra vehicle is my T4 camper but it is becoming expensive to run a car, a van and a camper so the T4 is uninsured and up for sale. My idea now to keep costs down is to sleep in the back of my van. I have a mattress, sleeping bag, radio, gas stove, a light and a portaloo, what more could I possibly want? It was a <br />
bloody freezing night but I was snug and slept well.<br />
<br />
<br />
My alarm went at 5.30 and after a bit of shuffling around in the cold I managed to get the kettle on, have three mugs of tea, a bread and butter (no toaster as yet) and was I raring to go. On the way down I had told Jeff that snow had been forecast for high ground, his reply to that was that I must be getting mixed up with the highlands of Scotland and that was a common mistake???? Little does he know that after working outside for the best part of 25 years, I am fanatical about the weather and weather forecasts. Highlands my arse. Anyway as he arrived at my van he declared "look!! There's snow up there". Well I never.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDv-4g3DqkaYjucZjDAfIL1EFzOxvgjnjdwKr61_GgqB0pdmFsOyUXLVydFg1num5BdkMhGlIIdJzCrSfdgs6n9-IRUjIZ8r9lmBOScghSC6tXgPLtKO9ua8eVoXoUYu9faOCyEMcnRU/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDv-4g3DqkaYjucZjDAfIL1EFzOxvgjnjdwKr61_GgqB0pdmFsOyUXLVydFg1num5BdkMhGlIIdJzCrSfdgs6n9-IRUjIZ8r9lmBOScghSC6tXgPLtKO9ua8eVoXoUYu9faOCyEMcnRU/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+310.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>I like to get to reg a good hour before the start so I don't have to queue for anything, the toilet, my number etc and I can then take my time to get ready. I was unsure on what to carry but the mandatory kit is almost identical to UTMBs so I thought it would be a good time to carry all of it. I have been waiting to buy the new Hagloffs gram 12 pack for my Mont blanc foray but my trusty Raidlight pack has served me well for years and I'm struggling to find fault with the old girl. I may just give her the nod for big event but get the Hagloffs anyway because as Ultra runners that is what we do, buy new kit even if we don't need it. Now I pretty much always wear shorts, whatever the weather I will wear them but it was so cold at reg and during the brief we were warned of blizzards and wind chills of -13 on the high ground it would have been fool hardy not to heed the advice. So my 3/4s were in order with two shirts, buff and gloves. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFut1k7rwktvNdr57259mgqMUp_fXmRvmcyTGlZh0C5YHRyxNk4966PNTiSp8GwYXRJ07VRlspTVZApbx9wkVUpM7sPsE3-woMPLIYlb1XfDQ3GUkR5vrBRcM5R2dTVJ6XcW0K8jkUSs/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFut1k7rwktvNdr57259mgqMUp_fXmRvmcyTGlZh0C5YHRyxNk4966PNTiSp8GwYXRJ07VRlspTVZApbx9wkVUpM7sPsE3-woMPLIYlb1XfDQ3GUkR5vrBRcM5R2dTVJ6XcW0K8jkUSs/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+311.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>We were warned at the brief that the first six miles were hard so we should take it easy early and build up. You should always worry when the start line is on a steep hill looking up. We were off and I set off at a fair pace. I soon realized that the first six were indeed hard, very hard. We were just going up steadily for those first six. I reached CP1 reasonably quickly and soon after we were going up really steeply and out came my sticks. I have a pair of Black Diamond sticks and am really getting used to them now. They fit into my Raidlight bag perfectly, they are easy to carry, have good comfortable grips are easy to deploy and fold back up, I can't imagine there being many better sticks out there.<br />
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<br />
I soon realized though things were not going well I had nothing in the tank. The previous week I had been trying not to eat any processed food and I had stuck to it. No alcohol, no junk, nothing but things were going wrong today. I had to have a gel around 10 miles which saw me right for the next few miles. Somewhere around 16 mile we climbed a steep bank which was probably as steep as you can go up without using your hands. I used my poles and got to the top but it took it right out of me again and I hit a really bad patch at about 18 mile. Although the scenery was drop dead gorgeous it took me a few miles to recover from this one. I left CP5 still a bad way but soon felt better and before long was running along happily again. I reached CP6 feeling rather chipper, filled my bottles and stuffed a few jelly babies. As we ate the CP crew said the next climb was a monster as was the next section, 13 miles to the next CP. <br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1RwtNkBRVYbLu0HvaS8vonX_M3pm6C9zYltV4U_Wr7OG3kg-muhFfyMY11gWH1agTR-0YL8weZ3IGmIolrOMydK5lqSVQBrgLC18v_98fBaYLYKBAmRHQeWmbMqoHo4gNe6_mp6DPbk/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1RwtNkBRVYbLu0HvaS8vonX_M3pm6C9zYltV4U_Wr7OG3kg-muhFfyMY11gWH1agTR-0YL8weZ3IGmIolrOMydK5lqSVQBrgLC18v_98fBaYLYKBAmRHQeWmbMqoHo4gNe6_mp6DPbk/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+320.JPG" height="320" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDTYcRl1lEA44CaHMDnHjCbcaZUMLQRV72R0LySuFZwJ1f2LE3a9wb2_GVPF0JUbcKzLeIC_cjy687Ja-79U4J89qFOU_mb0ohmnq04iEYmtgqyPPcdy8m26suDJlCeI8AMmUpw76XAc/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDTYcRl1lEA44CaHMDnHjCbcaZUMLQRV72R0LySuFZwJ1f2LE3a9wb2_GVPF0JUbcKzLeIC_cjy687Ja-79U4J89qFOU_mb0ohmnq04iEYmtgqyPPcdy8m26suDJlCeI8AMmUpw76XAc/s1600/Iphone+pics+24th+March+319.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a>That climb indeed was tough and as we reached the top we could see the weather closing in from the left. We had some sporadic hail storms earlier in the day and they had been rather brutal. Short but brutal. As we ran across the ridge we were having to leap the mud and several times I sunk deep in over my shoes, it was hard going but fun and my new Mizuno Wave Harriers were more than capable of the job. Around the 32 mile mark the wind picked up to gale force and the hail and snow swept in again. This time it was horizontal and hammering in. Three of us ran together as it was hard to see more than five metres ahead. We had to shield our eyes as the hail battered our faces and stung like hell. There was no shelter it didn't matter how tired we were, we ran just to get out of this storm. I have bad circulation in my hands due to years working with vibrating machinery and I really feel the cold in my fingers. This cold was really painful and now it was setting in big time. My gloves were doing little to stop the cold. It seeped into my thumbs then forefingers and before long spread right across my hands. I could now no longer use my hands at all, they were extremely painful and useless, I couldn't even fold my sticks up. I was really worried, for the first time ever I really thought I was in trouble. My only option was to get off this mountain fast, so all my other tiredness issues went by the wayside and I ran like the clappers all the way down to the last CP. As I descended I couldn't even unzip my coat away from my face, I had to put one hand to the zip using the other hand and push my fingers together before I could pull it. I ran into CP7 and couldn't pick up any food so i got the crew to tip various sweets in my hand which i then stuffed into my mouth. As i ran the feeling started to come back slowly and before i knew it the finish was there and i was done. <br />
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<br />
I finished in around 9hrs 2mins which given the terrain I was happy enough with. The race was an education in mountain running and how I must never underestimate the conditions. How it went from a chilly spring afternoon to a full blown storm was shocking and I will certainly keep this in my mind when I arrive in Chamonix later this year. UTMB is definitely going to be a just get round kind of race. <br />
<br />
<br />
Once again I'd just like to thank <a href="http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/">http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/</a> for there ongoing support.<br />
<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-30021134358160487582014-03-13T14:56:00.000-07:002014-03-13T14:56:09.758-07:003 Peaks on my 40th 2013This is a video I made in 2013 on my 40th birthday. It was my attempt to run the three national peaks in daylight hours.<br />
<br /><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VqlZk4UbzI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VqlZk4UbzI</a>Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-29255020016710482942014-03-13T14:49:00.000-07:002014-03-13T14:49:00.987-07:00Grand Union Canal Race 2013I wrote a race report last year for this race before I started my blog so I thought I'd throw it in here as it's my biggest race to date.<br />
<br /><br />
Well that was fun, wasn't it?<br />
We travelled up Friday to get settled in plenty of time. On arrival at the rather shabby Travelodge I checked in with Race control,chucked my bags in and went to O'Neils across the rd where i had a pint with some of the other competitors everyone seemed excited about the days ahead and some looked like they were having more than one pint. So to resist temptation I left early and had a walk to the start in Gas street.<br />
If you ever decide to do this race do NOT stay in the Travelodge. I had the worst nights sleep ever! The night clubs feel like they are in your room constantly banging bass till gone 2am and then from then you get a steady flow of piss heads going back to their rooms and shouting like they are still in the clubs. So I probably got 2 hours kip.<br />
We was up at 4.30 quick cuppa and some porridge then the short walk to the start. It was very busy in Gas street and all the usual suspects were there. Everyone was so preoccupied chatting that before we knew it we were ushered to the start and most of Dicks speech was cut short for a prompt 6am start. With a loud ready, steady, Go we were off.<br />
The run out of Birmingham was nice enough and although a few chatted I kept myself to myself trying to get my head around what lay ahead. Once out of the brick paths of Birmingham it soon turned into a lovely trail. The miles soon ticked by and before I knew it we were at the first check point which I ran straight through. I always have a rough patch around 18 mile and true to form I had it but soon got over that. My plan was to run straight to Hatton locks (22.5 mile)and meet my crew. I arrived there in 3 hrs 40 but had run out of water a few miles previous so not perfect. I then agreed to meet my crew every 10 miles.<br />
We met again at Stockton bridge (35 mile) and again I had run out of water it was really getting hot. I reached here in Just under 6 and a half hours and was running well. Just after this point Paul Ali caught me up and we ran together for a while just chatting the miles away often leap frogging but still not far from each other. The next 20 mile went really well I was running good, eating right and staying hydrated in the hot sun. I had one stop and reached my crew at 55 mile in 10 and a half hours. I can't remember exactly what running surface was where during the race but it was a fair mix of town pathways, good runnable trail and long and short grass. I don't particularly like running on grass but there was a substantial amount of it to come.<br />
My next main stop was to be Navigation Bridge at mile 70.5 where I intended changing into my night gear but it was still light and warm when I arrived there so decided to hold on. I did have my pasta dinner though which was lovely if not a bit filling. I also cleaned and re-creamed my feet I stopped for about 20 mins my longest stop in all. It was 8.20pm and I had been on the go for over 14 hours. I decided to meet my crew in 5 more miles to have a quick change ready for the night. My wife was crewing me on her own so after this meet I told her to go to mile 99.8 have a kip and we would start again from there. I put on my long sleeve t, hat and gloves. Picked up 2 cans of red bull, lots of gel and two bottles of water knowing I could get more water at the next official checkpoint and off I went.<br />
The next 9 mile to the Bridge 99 were pretty non descript apart from a pain developing on my shin very similar to shin splints. It very quickly became quite painful. Bridge 99 checkpoint didn't go well I had half a bottle of water and needed two bottles to get to the 100 mile point but the aid station guy said I should have got my crew to meet me for water and I could only top up my half bottle. That really peed me off so I trudged off with the hump. This was mile 84.5.<br /><br />The next section broke me, it was an absolutely freezing evening and I was walking due to the pain in my leg. I think Paul was behind me but I didn't see him during the night so it was lonely. It was long dew covered grass under foot so my feet were getting wet. I was also falling asleep on my feet despite the red bull. Thirsty due to the lack of water and to top it off it was the most boring piece of trail I have ever had the displeasure to run on. I reached mile 99.8 at 4am so had run a 22 hour 100 mile but was ready to quit. I woke my wife and said I was thinking of quitting and her explaining how I would regret it and me thinking I didn't want to have to do this again was enough to get me going again plus I had my pacer turning up soon.<br />I left her at 4.15 and agreed to meet her at Boxmoor mile 108. Soon after leaving I was in real trouble again it was now light but even with the pain I could not stay awake. I stumbled and almost fell in the canal so decided to ring my crew to get me coffee asap. I met my crew after about a mile and drunk the coffee. I started walking again and promptly threw it all back up. I was now slapping my face to try and stay awake. It took me a few miles to shake off the tiredness but I did now it was just the pain to deal with.<br />As I was running early my pacer wasn't there to meet me at Boxmoor and the urge to pack it all in was now strong again. I was now walking all the way because of the pain but it was about 6.45 and the chill had gone so it was just bearable.<br />I was now re-signed to the fact that Gary (GKD) my pacer was not coming and was totally despondent. Then from behind Gary came running up the trail at quite a clip. It was like a breath of fresh air he had painkillers for my leg, ibruprofen gel and got my food back on track even though I felt really sick. I then explained how much pain I was in and he explained what a pussy I was and we would be running again soon. We did indeed run into the Springwell checkpoint. Running was now a very painful experience and my grunts, screams and grimaces did nothing but amuse Gary.<br />We saw Alan Rumbles and Paul Stout at Springwell who made it clear the job was almost done and I would be finishing. So off we went with 25 miles to go and a new found clarity about the job in hand. We carried on running,walking and chatting and the miles started to tick by again. Gary shot off at about mile 130 and came back with a cold can of coke and an ice cream. That was the best ice cream I have ever tasted. I was now feeling ok apart from the excruciating pain in my leg and now my feet,my anti blister techniques were starting to fail.<br />I was running as much as I could muster and Gary wasn't taking no for an answer. I briefly met my crew at Cowley lock (mile 127.5) but only stopped for water, a shirt change and a last bit of cream on my feet. I had it in my mind to get to the last checkpoint grab some water and crack on. It was now midday and we were 30 hours in.<br />Soon after Cowley lock we reached the last major junction and turned into the home stretch the Paddington Arm. Within no time at all we met one of the crew members from the last checkpoint who saw I was in agony and ran with us for about the half mile to the check point. This was Henks checkpoint and after the young lady had dispensed with the niceties Henk promptly told me to f**k off.<br />This was it I knew I would finish now. One path, 12 miles and it would be over. We had one last water stop at 133 miles and carried on. With about 4 miles to go my leg gave up totally. I told Gary that was it for running the pain was just unbearable and I would have to walk this one out. I even had to pause every so often just to compose myself before carrying on. I could have cried. Literally.<br />Before I knew it the finish was upon us. I had that feeling of uncontrollable emotion but managed to reel it in and shuffled across the line in 35 hrs and 3 mins, 15th place overall. Dick shook my hand and put the medal round my neck. A kiss for my wife, a shake of Garys hand and it was over. <br />My final thoughts are that without my wife/crew these things would be a whole lot harder. A pacer is a great thing especially one that puts so much into it. 145 miles is a bloody long way. I personally thought in places the route was astoundingly beautiful and apart from it's flatness can't understand why any ultra runner wouldn't have a go. My feet are still my downfall. Given how well the first hundred went I reckon I've got a sub 21 100 in there somewhere. The bruise on my shin looks like I've been run over not a running injury.<br />The big question is would I do it again? Well yesterday it would have been a no but today i'm thinking without the injury I could have smashed hours from my time so maybe. Like I said to Gary the only bit I didn't like was the bit by the canal.<br />Thanks to all the volunteers and especially Dick who puts on a cracking event. Just hope when he retires someone just as capable takes over.Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5953130739435744346.post-13072666049540656292014-03-02T11:05:00.000-08:002014-03-02T11:05:05.366-08:00The Steyning Stinger I love this race it has it all, hills, mud, The South Downs and its hard as nails as far as marathons go.<br />
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I spoke with my running buddy Jeff a few days previous to this one and we decided to run it together after all we are both training for bigger things so no use bustin our balls too hard. I went in to this with one primary goal and that was to run the whole thing. No Walking! If you've run this race you'll know that is a tough ask but with UTMB looming in the not too distant future hills are everything.<br />
The Stinger has an unusual start basically you can go when you are ready or wait for the mass start at 8.30. I arrived early and after checking in and a quick cuppa we decided to go straight off, probably about 8.15.<br />
I had read on FB that the course was exceptionally muddy and that was for all to see, within a few miles we had been up to our shins in it and I was lovin it.<br />
After the first few miles we start to ascend rather dramatically out of Washington and all the way up to Sullington hill covering about 2 miles this was ok and we were feeling good. Then was a nice drop down to the A24 things were going well and we were putting the world to rights discussing all things running. No stop for us at the water station as we were both carrying fluid and didn't need a refill just yet.<br />
Leaving the A24 you rise again for the second of four "stings" all the way to the top of Chanctobury ring. This is at least 2 mile from the A24 and a tough climb it was certainly a relief to reach the top. Chanctobury is approx mile 10. Just after this i started to feel it in my legs and come mile 11 my first Gel came out.<br />
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We ran along happily to the Cissbury ring at 12.5 mile and refilled bottles before cracking on. Cissbury is quite nice, as you leave the water station you circle a golf course and rise back up before dropping back into the same water station 3 miles later. Three stings down and one to go but my legs were now letting me know about it. Mind you it is a nice feeling coming round and seeing all the other runners having to start their loop. Jeff and I ran along steadily albeit quietly as we arrived at the final loop around Steep down. I was struggling at this point as i did the previous year but told myself once I had rounded this final loop I would have a Gel to set me up for the final push in. From mile 21 to mile 23 is another hard uphill slog and the final sting, luckily enough we had a nice tail wind that pushed us up the hill. Then the final downhill push for a couple of miles and a nice muddy finish. I told Jeff there was someone right behind us and we needed to sprint the last 800 mtrs of course there was no-one behind i just wanted to inflict some pain.<br />
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As you can see from the pics we were caked, just how I like it.<br />
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The day was completed with a medal and a cooked breakfast. Very nice.<br />
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Today was a funny old run I done what I had set out to do and that was to run the whole thing which i was pleased about. Jeffs company was great and we were just a smidge over 4hrs which isn't too bad given the hills and mud. What I wasn't too impressed with was my own performance. I've lost weight, I cross train, cut alcohol, my running training is smarter and yet I still had some real rough patches. My time was an improvement on last year but I wasn't interested in the time I wanted to feel strong for the whole race. Sadly I didn't, ok I am training a lot at the moment and have run almost everyday for the last two weeks so that may be it? My main concern is still my diet I could do with shedding another stone but food is my weakness. I do feel though to be able to push to the next level I will have to sort the diet thing out. This will be the hardest sacrifice yet.<br />
Incidentally my wifes words of wisdom on my performance were "Well you are 40". Hmm thanks for that.<br />
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Finally a special thanks goes out to my new sponsor.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/">http://www.kentphysio.co.uk/</a><br />
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Go team Kent Physio.<br />
<br />Running manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15248765295781050691noreply@blogger.com0