Lakeland 50: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

Crawling bleary eyed out of bed, it was time to start packing for the Lakeland Fifty. One week earlier I felt confident but not so much now after a mixed week. Loads of friends were taking part in the weekend be it marshalling, clowning around or racing but my partner in crime and running amigo Adam was noticeably absence due to an injured knee. This was going to be a very different weekend as I was now running alone and not part of the “Top Shelf Material” pair so I was running for us both. Susie arrived nice and early with me still phaffing about getting my shit together but eventually we were off and heading to Coniston and registration…

The school was already busy as we rolled in with an almost tangible buzz of expectation in the air. Many of the LL100 entrants getting their food and sleep topped up as best they could. Tents up quickly then off to register with full kit in a Coop bag to be checked. I always pack it after kit check as pointless doing it before and I know it all fits as most of my longer training runs are done with full kit plus a bit!.

Registration navigated, weighed (83 kg) so back to the tent before watching the LL100 start. As usual lots of people running up the first hill out of Coniston, lots of people who will have felt it later and wished they had walked – next year I will no doubt be one of those going too fast up that hill with Adam. Time for food and a pint then more food and watch the early race progress before bed. Susie got her head down early but I couldn't settle eventually falling asleep sometime after 3am (dong dong dong dong, what oh, snore, ziippp uh) for a very disrupted and poor sleep but hey-ho, that is how it goes: time for breakfast! Ablutions done, kit checked, briefing listened to and laughed at, bus ride endured so time to get in the toilet queue for one last squeeze. Stretch, chat, kiss Susie, wish her luck then dib in and head to the front end of the race and wait in anticipation of what was to come. 

Dalemain before the start

10, 9, 8, 7 (relax), 6, 5 (breathe), 4, (gulp), 3, 2, 1 and GO...

We were off on the lap around Dalemain, a couple of guys had a sprint race for a 100 yards or so entertaining the crowds cheering us all on. Settling into a nice gentle pace on I already felt the heat so was looking forward to the gentle breeze forecast for later and getting up to the higher points… Towards the end of the loop as we headed from Dacre back to Dalemain a lot of runners cruised past me, it was hard to resist upping the pace to stay with them even though I knew it was very early and the flats are where I am weakest. Cheering on all the LL100 legends as we passed them who were 17.5 hours further into the race than us, we made our way to Pooley Bridge and the first little climb and first bit of walking. Steady, steady, onwards and upwards, still no breeze so a quick dip in the first stream to cool down then off again – no affect as the water just warmed up and stayed on my skin.

From the stream to the first checkpoint I passed about five runners taking advantage of the gentle downward gradients to assist in the forward progress, the views across Ullswater were stunning as always. Dodging the “bullets” we entered Howtown checkpoint, quick fluid and food replenishment and straight back out towards my favourite bit (no honestly) up fusedale over high and low kop then down to Haweswater. Once again the views were stunning. Still no wind on the climb up and the usual method of wetting my buff and neck in the streams to cool down was having no impact with the still air and humidity high. I eased back a bit to lessen the heat impact before dropping down to Haweswater and my first slight twinge of cramp... Not good, I don’t usually cramp and this early in a long race was not a good sign.

Descending to Haweswater

I upped the fluid intake, eased back a bit more and ate my chia charge to help get some electrolytes back in. Luckily there are lots of streams from where you join the path by Haweswater and Mardale Head and the water on buff and neck was beginning to have some impact (or so I managed to convince myself). A quick turnaround at the checkpoint and a diluted soup (faster to drink), then up Gatesgarth, bang on target time. Keeping it steady up and over I was feeling OK but the temperature was still high and air still and I couldn’t get the fluid in any faster than I was with sweat pouring out. Even so Kentmere checkpoint came into view and I was still bang on schedule. I couldn’t resist counting my steps from the sign that said 500 steps to the checkpoint (I counted ~ 230). A couple of rock and roll smoothies, some crisps, jelly babies and flat coke then go. By now I was in 4^th having passed another LL50 runner a couple of miles before Kentmere but all was not good…

Descending Garburn pass (coutesy of James Kirby)

The legs were not feeling great on the way up Garburn pass and I was finding it hard to pick up any kind of pace with the legs spasming and sudden uncontrolled sweating breaking out. Keeping Marco Consani’s advice in mind I slowed it right down and tried to get more food and water in thinking that would help but the heat had done its damage by then and the LL50 as a race was over. For the majority of that section I was reduced to walking with some gentle jogging, yes as a race it was over but as an event it was not. I just needed to keep putting one foot in front of the other, drink and eat and get to the next checkpoint and as long as the medical team were happy for me to continue I had plenty of time to get to Coniston. The sub 8:30 was a distant memory but goal one: “Enjoy it” was still there. Using the rest of the section to regroup mentally and refocus on the new goal, I made my way to Ambleside, cheering on all the LL50 runners as they ran past and even managing a gentle jog through the cheering and uplifting crowds in Ambleside. So the first part of the LL50 was over: LL50 part one: The good the bad and the ugly

Dalemain to Ambleside

Medic!!

After dibbing in at Ambleside, I immediately asked to see the medic as something was clearly not right and I wanted to get it sorted and avoid any real or long term issues plus make sure it was safe to continue. The symptoms of muscle spasms plus excessive sweating, I knew to be heat related with an associated risk of dehydration. Shortly after sitting down, the shivers started and my temperature measured 34.1 – probably wasn’t that low as I was coherent and stable but it was definitely low! Puffer jacket, sleeping bag, foil blanket, hat and gloves with copious hot tea, soup and crisps over the next couple of hours saw me gradually recover and my temperature rise almost every half hour: 35.1, 36.1, 36.1 then 36.6. Phew I would be able to carry on when Susie arrived and finish the race with her. At one point another runner came in overheating and needed a fan and ice to cool down we looked an odd pair!

The odd couple at Ambleside

Once my temperature was back to normal, I got my kit ready for when Susie arrived so I could finish the race with her. When she saw me at Ambleside she asked “how did you get back here so fast?” as she thought I had finished then come back to the checkpoint to cheer her on, if only although if the race had gone to plan possible!

The best of times

Setting of on the last 15.5 miles together we decided to try and get to Chapel Stiles without using our head torches which we belligerently did arriving in the dark to a vibrant happy checkpoint and a warm fire – don’t sit down!

Amblesdie before the last 15.5 miles

Quick rest, head torches on and off we went once more with only 10 miles left to go and over five hours to do it to still be within 16 hours; the time Susie wanted to finish by. Running by head-torch at night with other runners whose head torches are brighter on uneven terrain with tired legs is tough. Mucho kudos and respect to all the runners doing large chunks of the race in the dark. I kneel before the LL100 double nighters! The other head torches around made the rocks and shadows jump and dance making it hard to see shapes and depth properly slowing down was even more pronounced. Susie, by this point, was also suffering from battered, blistered and bruised feet so we broke the remaining run into small chunks. First thing to get to the bottom of the zigzag climb before Blea Tarn, in the daylight a lot of this is good running but it is a different beast in the dark. Cross the road, onwards and downwards past the Tarn (the one you couldn’t see you know behind those dark tree things?) then down to the rocky contouring path before the compulsory checkpoint on Wrynose Pass. Ahead a line of head-torches bobbed away towards Tiberthwaite but no distinguishable solar light that was the checkpoint was visible yet. Going very slightly too high (about 20m) we dropped to the higher path and avoided nearly all the bogs and headed in a straight line towards the checkpoint: breathe…

Not far now but some tough bits in the dark. Another good path in daylight was again tricky by head-torchat night but we slowly but shawly closed the gap to the final checkpoint at the foot of the stairway to heaven. Susies feet were in pieces by now making the progress on an uneven path very hard and painful but only 3.6 mils to Coniston and 2 ¼ hours to cover the distance so we had plenty of time. Final regroup and of up the stairs we went. What for me with my long legs were steep but not too bad steps were high steps for Susie’s short tired legs. Much swearing, pain, perseverance and bloody minded determination later we were approaching the hardest bit: the descent to the copper mine path. Digging deep and pushing the limits of fear and pain Susie and I reached the bottom with shattered legs and one mile to go from the old miner’s bridge to the school and finish. Gradually the pace quickened and we broke back into some running as the stone path, changed to gravel then across the cattle grid and tarmac: half a mile now… One more bit of jogging then walking to the top of the school hill getting composed for the finish. Holding hands we jogged down the road to John Ruskin School and dibbed in together in a time of 15:21:34 joint 364^th – we had done it. My most memorable LL50 so the best of times but by a long way the longest time out on feet! LL50 part two: Ambleside to the finish with Susie

2015 Lakeland Fifty splits

After breakfast before the presentation: conked out!

 Bring on the LL100 in 2016!

Kielder count down

Two weeks count down

The day after London an walking was problematic, from the calf down and round to the base of the  foot I was tight as hell in both legs will it being to painful to put the heel of my right foot down. It didn't look good for Kielder, but sometimes this things are minor and go away quickly. I kept gently stretching the whole of my legs using a stretch band and a massage ball on my foot to loosen it of. By the evening although heel placement still hurt I went for a short jog out, just 4.5 miles on soft ground and concentrating on forefoot striking to avoid the dodgy heel. This would either break me or help in the recovery. The legs started to feel a bit better during the jog out so for the next few days I kept up the same stretching routine with some gentle running.

To race or not to race

Kielder was now only a week away and my local club mixed terrain race the Isel Cross was on. This was to be a test of both recovery and preparation being short enough (5.4 miles) to mean on the road section I could forefoot strike and run the little hill normally. The descent would be slower than usual which was a shame as flying down that hill is such fun, nice easy gradient to make a full flight descent straight forward. The race went well, only 30 seconds down on my race PB and second V40, bit of a confidence boost and my legs had although nowhere near 100% felt OK. After the race Susie, two of her boys and I walked up Skiddaw via Ullock Pike in glorious sunshine with few tourist. Great walk out but Achilles started to tighten again - to be expected really but all in all a fantastic day.

Top of Carl Side with Susie

Still a few days to get right so the plan was formed with the mental preparation being the key at this point. Jog around the trails in Mabie Forest on the Sunday (20th April) whilst Alex biked then another Skiddaw climb but this time as a steady run. Another lovely day if a bit gusty at times, ran up along the Ullock Pike ridge, over carl side and up to Skiddaw. Coming back down showed me that my shoe choice was wrong for going fast down, which was possibly a good thing as stopped me going too fast.

Looking down to Dodd with Bassenthwaite behind

Added a quick pop up Dodd as it was I hill I'd never been up then run back to the car. I'd expected to be out for about 1:45 which was pretty close to my run time. Think I'll do that one again with variations sometime soon. Great day out, great run and superb mental preparation now for the next bit of the plan, one more jog then no running just mobilising and stretching to get ready for Kielder - new approach but did it work?

Don't do long flat road!

London Marathon 13th April 2014

London as a race was an abomination, as an event and weekend with Susie it was brilliant. Would I do it again? Only if I could get a championship start or ran in fancy dress as a fun run! 

The race started badly as I was stuck behind the crowds in the good for age pen,  meaning it took 30 seconds to even cross the line. Managed to weave myself through the crowds so I could run freely by about 5 miles. Shortly after I caught and passed Marc Penn feeling good and on a reasonable pace so looking good for my 2:48... Then ouch my hip popped, I eased back a little hoping it would go away but it didn't and my vastus medialis quad muscle started to twinge in reaction to the form change. Manage to dig in and go through half way at 1:24:19 but knew the race and target time were dust as a much bigger and major slow down was coming. Even the slight turns on the route cause stabs of pain, but I wanted that finishers medal the same that Mo would get...

The pain got worse and moved to the right leg as I was overcompensating, the pace got slower and slower as the legs denied the pace the rest of me wanted, and the HR dropped as I realise it was pointless maintaining it just to keep going at the slower pace. Time to re-focus, no I would not get a good time, no I would not be remotely close to my target but I would finish regardless as the injury would hopefully only be a temporary one. The fear that Kielder 100k may have to be ditched started to creep in...

At about 24 miles I saw Steve Angus ahead and caught up with him and started to walk and chat. His race has also gone badly. We should both have finished by that point but geared on by each other started to play the crowd running up to them, raising our hands to our ears to instigate cheers and having fun since London as a race was over. Steve was way better than me at playing the crowd as he had had bad experiences running in London before something about going south to hotter dryer air - hard to prepare for. It took two hours after finishing for me to be able to put any weight on my right heel.

Lesson: I DO NOT DO LONG FLAT ROAD RACES

Finished in 3:09:56 only my third time outside of three hours and second worst road marathon time the worst being my first in 2006. Still to get a good for age time on a bad run whilst carrying an injury cannot be sniffed at. Even if I did spit out the dummy and sulk for a bit after.

Building into 2014

Starting back slowly through December 2013 - only 142 miles run, I got ready for the January month of miles aka base building. The plan was simple run everyday, run further than last year (412 miles) and climb more than 2013 (about 42,000 feet). It started off well, looking good then I introduced a little bit of speed and twinged my tibialis anterior on day 11. Luckily with gentle running on soft ground it eased gradually over the following week. By the end of January, I'd run every day covering 451 miles but missed the climb target by 2,000 feet.
Now the base training had been completed it was time to start testing myself and get some speed work in. First test was York parkrun 18:25 - slightly slower than the target but a good start. Keeping the bigger picture in sight, although speed work is important it is not when compared to going long as 2014 is the year of Ultras but all with the Bob Graham Round in mind for May 2015.

Back to the longer stuff

Grizedale Marathon was the first longer race of the season, the plan was to go out at about 90% race effort then push the last 5 - 6 miles. A toilet break at 6 miles probably helped me stick to the plan as John Knapp one of my recent Nemeses was racing and I found myself sticking with him early on which had not been the plan! First loop went well and in about 12th (memory fails me and no split times) by the end. Slight pace pick up, not much but enough and passed a few runners. The inevitable mental dip that happens as it does no matter the distance hit at about 18 miles, no real pace drop, it was all in the mind and still pulled back on the next target. Took on some jelly babies and a few jaffa cakes at the final checkpoint and picked it up as had been the plan and quickly caught and passed 5 or 6 more runners including Andrew Horrobin who beat me at the ultimate trail 100k Eventually finished in 5th and first V40 passing taking about 4 minutes out of Andrew over the last 3 miles. Really good confidence boost.

One week later was the inaugural Borders Marathon, 23.5 laps of the race course in Kelso. The plan here was different, this time the intention was to go off at target marathon pace and see what happened. I felt confident of a podium finish looking at the pre-entry list. Two late entries put that into doubt at the start but I put that out of my head and tried to stick to my plan. Went off as planned sticking with Hugh McInnes, he kicked for a lap but I just maintained pace and was pulling him back then the old runners trots kicked in and I had to go for a toilet break at 8 miles and knew it was game over. I still tried to force the pace for a bit but it was futile the body, mind and especially the legs were saying "NO". The rest of the race was a mental battle and finished 3rd in 2:56:20. Felt confident for London with that time especially after I'd covered 200 miles in two weeks.

3rd Place trophy 

Some Short Stuff

Workington to Keswick was 3 weeks after Borders Marathon so I cut down the mileage and did some tune up races. First was Jarrets Jaunt just six days later where although a minute slower than last year still a good time finishing in 5th taking a few scalps of short distance specialists. Some gentle miles during the week and a double weekend. First was Workington parkrun in a new PB of 17:13 with a new WAVA PB to boot. Buoyed by the result I then ran well at Criffel Hill Race, forth at the top after a good climb and started to play about bounding over bogs and just having fun on the way back down then was passed then two runners. Race head started to come back and passed them both with third in sight if well out of reach to finish as first V40. Feeling good feeling strong...

Mental & Physical Dip

As often happens after feeling good and strong a few races go wrong, but why? Is it over confidence? Probably partly but it also a symptom of over-training - an over performance followed by a did in form and or injury. In a sense this is also peaking too soon. The first bad run was definitely over confidence and a serious under estimation of the opposition. Running 20 miles and 5,500 feet in the preceding 36 hours (admittedly over 3 runs) was always going to affect my time on the Workington to Keswick Charity Walk (W2K) but I had expected Colin Graham to blow up at around 20 miles as the furthest he had ever run was 20 miles in a training run and the W2K was 30 miles! How wrong was I and how much did Colin prove that a standard model of training for all does not exist! He maintained pace until mile 29 which was awesome, finishing in one of the fastest times in recent history. Even if I had been on form it would have been a close one: would I have beaten him with out the silly mileage and associated lack of sleep the 36 hours before? Possibly but the is irrelevant, he beat me, humbled me, he taught me a lesson, a lesson too be learnt. I bow down to the up and coming runner but I'l be back next year with vengeance and a real race will be had!

That was the first dip, I licked my wounds and after a week of little running because of or caused by a mental and mood dip started to focus back on London with confidence battered but not broken. Longtown 10 miles was to be a confidence builder. The plan was to go of steady and progressive run it.  I took it easy for the first half but when I planned to pick it up my stomach said no and I had to easy back so the planned progressive run with a fast finish did not happen, the HR and pace were good for a target 2:48 at London so in that sense it was good but that was the third race where my guts had caused me problems. In hind sight I should just have attacked the race from the off and gone all out for a PB but hey ho hindsight does not change the results of past races.

London here we come! I did not feel physically or mentally ready for this, it was too hot, the air too dry and my mental state not good. I tried to use various physical and mental methods to improve my race readiness but if it worked I'll never know, why? My left hip went pop at eight miles, shortly after I passed Marc Penn...

Long time no post...

So my last post was back in September 2013, just a little time ago. A couple of half written posts were loitering in my drafts but even they were old so a quick catch up:

The rest of 2013

The day after the SBU I had a short fell race to take part in:  The Loweswater Show fell race,. yes I know racing the day after an ultra is a bit insane but it was a championship race for my fell running club: Cumberland Fell Runners (CFR) so I had to take part... I was still in position to win the club championship, not being a short race speedster and concentrating on the longer stuff meant I was two points behind first place with three races to go. As long as I was first club runner for two of the next three races the championship was still open...

Darren Block was there so it was unlikely I would beat him with 36 miles in my legs and him fresh, I mentally prepared myself: take it easy at the start, push on as felt right and then see what happens on the descent. It took a while for the legs to start working properly but I was still in sight of Darren on the climb, then the turn and back - my descending was not great, Darren started to pull away out of sight but second club member was in the bag. Still managed to take over a minute of my previous best on the route which was brilliant and Susie's son Alex was third boy in the U16 race which considering he is 11 and it was his first fell race was an amazing result!

Nearing the end of Keswick 15k

A busy week was coming up but it went exceptionally well considering everything else. I manage 4th in the Gosforth 10k on the Tuesday and only 6 seconds slower than my current, though a bit slow PB, 35:58. A few days of gentle running and active recovery then off to do the Lakeland Trails Keswick 15k on Saturday. My legs felt pretty heavy in all the races and my ability to climb was not great still very pleased with the results. Now it was time to rest up before the Ultimate Trails 100k. Good result at Keswick then at the Cumberland Ale ten but this was really poor preparation for the 100k. The redovery was almost no existent but then it was not a target race more a time on feet race, one to enjoy.

Ultimate Trails 100k

Poor sleep, lack of focus on nutrition and other things going on meant I was neither physically nor mentally ready to run the 100k. Even before I started I was expecting to blow up around 50 miles: self fulfilling prophecy?

The plan was to take it slow to start with and run with Adam keeping the heart rate down. This I had great difficulty doing, just kept going to hard and having to tell myself to ease back all the time. Badly stubbed my toe at about 45k and didn't refuel properly, too busy chasing down those in front. A big lesson learnt as I was battling for 3rd and rather than wait for a few minutes to have some food ran on and within half an hour the wheels were wobbling, shortly after a complete blow up, could barley walk, balance gone, vision blurred and hard to focus. It took what felt like an eternity to reach the checkpoint in Langdale. Very nearly retired from the race ther but after eating and drinking for about an hour Adam arrived so I decided to finish the race with him, finish I did but a few lessons rammed home there - still a lo to learn.

When still running

Post race I went to hospital to get my toe looked at as the foot had gone red from the impact. Xray showed nothing so 'just' soft tissue damage so rest...

Enerdale 50k

The wheels well and truly came of here. A great race so I will be back but one that I should never have started. I'd not been well in the build up, my toe still hurt and I was stressed out trying to sort out student finance for my new college course. Result was to run at the pace I wanted not what Iwas currently capable off which for the first lap was OK then I stated to feel sick and was at 35k, couldn't stomach food found it hard to drink but still pushed on. by about 45k I was walking a lot of the time so lost a few places. I finished but at what cost?

Half way point

Rceiving my 2nd place V40 prize

Ended up with Frank urine (blood in pee) so spent twop nights in hospital and on a drip. This was followed by the best part of six weeks of very little activity. 2013 ended badly, so I started to plan for 2014...

Race Day: St Bega's Ultra 35 - The SBU35

Race Day

The day had finally come, the alarm sounded, it was 4:15 with the dark pouring in through the window, but I had been awake for nearly an hour ready to get registered at St Bees school between 5 and 6. The standard 4 slices of jam on toast, coffee and a smoothie then off to registration. Susie drove us to the start where we were directed by the obligatory high viz clothed marshals to parking. A short walk through the school grounds and into the light of registration where the enthusiasm and energy was immediately apparent, almost tangible. First was the full kit check which had been adjusted for the day with some of the items no longer compulsory but still recommended: Gloves, water proof trousers and spare base layer. I removed the trousers as the only circumstances I may want to use them would be if I got injured and if that happened the space blanket would be more useful along with the base layer and gloves. Next queue was to get our race numbers, wrist bands and optional drop bag for the second check point. No drop bag for me as the plan was to get in and out of the checkpoints as quickly as possible using the hills as times to eat, well that was the plan... The next hour seemed to drag, toilet, pack bag, toilet, put number on bag, re-check bag, eat banana, potter, chat, drink smoothie, take off unwanted kit, wander and then off to the bus.

Registration at St Bees School

Coach to the Start

After saying goodbye to Susie and Alex (marshaling at Ennerdale Bridge) I found a free seat on the coach chatted a bit so as not to be too rude before put my earplugs in and buff over my eyes: time to doze, relax and visualise the race, to prepare mentally and avoid travel sickness! Back to full consciousness after about 45mins so I became more sociable for the final bit of the journey to Dodd Woods.

We all piled off the bus and in typical Monty Python style people started disappearing to "relieve" themselves in the trees: the toilets were, ooh, a massive quarter of a mile away... The few who had registered at the start were collected by the visitors centre, toilet once again (pattern forming here?) before we all headed up to the start area at the lower Osprey viewing point. Jon gave the obligatory safety briefing which we all diligently listened to whilst whispering to each other then we sauntered to the start just up the hill.

Briefing before the race in Dodd Wood

Bang goes the starting pistol

Nervous, expectant anticipation behind the tape at the start line, the count down, then bag went the starters pistol and we were off: time to initiate the race plan.  I pushed slightly up the first hill to test the two whom I was most uncertain about: Hugh McInnes and Holly Rush. I had checked out all the entries online to see who was racing... I knew both Hugh and Holly were faster than me on the road but off road, I had no idea. Pushing up the hill at just under marathon effort (not pace, that would be stupid!) I was surprised that no one came with me. I eased back as the first of the rain fell and descended out of Dodd Wood it was really early on and silly to risk a twisted ankle for a few seconds faster running! As expected the road runners started to close the gap on the road and flat easy trail as we meandered through fields with the river usually visible on our left. No one completely close which again surprised me, maybe just maybe... 

As soon as we started to approach the less even surfaces, dodgy gate (broken catch, I knew about from a previous reccy) and winding trail I picked it up again for a few miles, not by much but enough. It felt a bit mean doing this as my knowledge of the route gave me an obvious advantage, no need to check the guide as I ran on over stiles, through gates, up steps and across roads. By the start of the first longish stretch of road through Portinscale, on glancing back I could see no one so relaxed a bit into my planned race effort of 145 too 150 bpm - bit anal I know but that is the effort I know I can maintain for about five and a half hours (my estimated time for the race with the forecast wind later in the day) - everything else being equal.

Onward to Rosthwaite

Dodd wood was behind and Derwent Water ahead so some good running to look forward too for a few miles until just after Grange just beyond the head of the lake. Such a lovely trail to race on, very easy underfoot with such varied views as you wind your way through tunnels of tree branches, through open field, over streams, up and down stony paths with Derwent Water glinting through the trees as the path draws towards it. Eventually the path opens onto more exposed terrain, open bogs but with duck boards to cross the worst bits, so even when wet it is usually quite run-able,  usually: I have run it when the water has been half way up my calfs, so more like wading!

As the path started to leave the lake I got ready for the large puddle that is almost always present near the gate onto the next stretch of road, no puddle, so onward to the road, a short climb then drop into Grange before turning right to follow a narrow road heading for a campsite. Once again on the trail proper, I knew it was not far to the first checkpoint, so when about a mile away I finished most of my drink from one of my bottles and put an electrolyte tablet in so it had time to dissolve before arriving. The aim had been to get to Rosthwaite in about 1 hour 30, so I was really pleased to land inside that especially having travelled further than I remembered the first section being. No messing, time to grab a banana and piece of flapjack while the volunteers kindly refilled my water bottles then straight back out still not sure where the next runner was but I was taking no chances!

Rosthwaite to Ennerdale

This was expected to be the toughest section of the race, with some of the most technical trail and the biggest climb. Nibbling on my flapjack I was quickly back running, twisting and turning along the route towards Borrowdale YHA and the chain to help you on the narrow path before the first bit of proper climb at a switch back. My conscience would not let me take the shortcut straight up at this point so onward and upward I jogged relentlessly climbing towards Honister Slate Mine the first proper walking section. Running all the way, sometimes very slowly as the terrain dictated, I arrived at the foot of the climb so banana and stomp up. On reaching the top I looked back and could see no one behind, maybe just maybe...

Following the trail from Honister too Ennerdale

Looking back up Ennerdale Valley,
courtesy of SportSunday

The path from the top of Honister across open fell and then down into Ennerdale was the bit that I knew would be one of the slowest so took my time negotiating the rocks toward the stile that indicated the start of the descent. The views were spectacular as the day was so clear, the wind still had not picked up and Ennerdale lay ahead. After a careful descent down the steep steps the Valley started to open before me and the trail contouring towards Black Sail YHA appeared ahead. Slight detour around the YHA due to building works then onto the fire road, one of the fastest sections about four miles from checkpoint number two.

Me at Checkpoint 2, courtesy of SportSunday

Side of Ennerdale, courtesy of SportSunday

Having fun at Ennerdale, courtesy of SportSunday

After a quick four miles I arrived at the second checkpoint over quarter of an hour ahead of my planned time, almost entirety down to a quicker crossing from Honister to Ennerdale Valley, it was now nearly 11:00 and I still felt good but made my first silly mistake...

Ennerdale to Cleator

Feeling really good at arriving early, the mistake was made, I forgot to drink at the checkpoint, didn't take a banana choosing a gel I had never used before and a flapjack. My water bottles were refilled for me and off I went. About a mile down the road I realised I had forgotten to drink so cursed myself knowing this was probably going to be the longest section with nowhere to refill will clean water, doubts were creeping in...

Checkpoint 3 volunteers, courtesy of SportSunday

Two and a bit more miles of fire road with Ennerdale Lake on the left and the ridge of some lesser known the West Cumbrian fells outlined impressively in the clear sky. A bit of very welcome drizzle fell as the fire road became a tarmac-ed road for a few hundred meters before the route turned back down a narrow trail towards the lake shore. Coming up to the turn away from the lake a small herd of cattle were being ushered down the race route by a couple of farmers enforcing a slow down in pace and a wide berth taken by dropping down a steep thistled bank so as not to disturb the cows and calves. Onward but the energy level was dropping, doubts were creeping in time for that gel, yuk, bad move needed to wash out my mouth and waste water - mistake two complete!

Warning there be cow around that there corner!

Another short road section was next, passing through Ennerdale Bridge where Susie and Alex were marshaling, smile wave and straight on up the short road climb before dropping down to the good trail and my stomping ground, about 9 miles to go but the energy levels were dropping time to munch on a banana, 9 Bar to try and get some energy back. It did the job  for a few miles but the climb up bummers (switch back path up the back of Dent) was hard going and I needed more food and was running out of drink. I was thinking: "not long to the next check point a final refuel" but I was not really thinking clearly as I had forgotten the food I was carrying, the third mistake, while fixating on the next checkpoint. Push up Dent, the last hill, a quick-ish; but not compared to fresh legged; descent and just a couple more miles before the final checkpoint. The legs were not responding well as 31 miles were passed and real doubt was creeping in BUT I was slightly further ahead than on leaving Ennerdale so how much was just in my head?

Cleator to St Bees

Where's Wally? Or more precisely which one was Wally as this checkpoint had the stripy bespectacled red hatted one as its theme. Bottles refilled, banana and a handful of Haribos before heading back out on the last 4.5 miles or so and the finish line. The legs were still being stubborn and refusing to move freely or at a good pace but the Haribos were going down well and gradually the pace increased again as I told myself to pick it up again. I found myself  looking back frequently as I still had no idea how close the other runners were, would the road runners catch me on the flat easy running of the next two miles of cycle path? No one in sight as the steps down to the last 2.2 miles and fields approached. Confidence was coming back as the fields, gates and stiles were cross and passed, the glances behind became less frequent  the concentration and focus better and metronomic running began again: Not long now...

About to cross the finishing line at St Bees School

St Bees School was getting closer and closer,  then ahead the final kissing gate and I knew I had it, all the training and planning had paid off, I relaxed my stride opened, the running became easier and I dropped down the bank onto the school fields in bright sunshine, the finishing tape a few hundred meters away, tape I would break as I finished the inaugural St Bega's Ultra 35

Finished

Crossing the line in 5:12:31 felt so good and the free pint from Ennerdale Brewery shortly after was much appreciated! I had done leading from the off and only on finishing did I find out that the next person had only shortly before I finished left the last checkpoint. It was as expected Holly who finished in 5:49:56 with Hugh coming in just over 40 minutes later in 6:30:59. To have been so far ahead was almost unbelievable but then I did know the route very well and had been training on it for a long time which was easily worth 30 minutes or more. Holly had gone wrong a couple of times and run over 40 miles, about four miles further than me as  the route measured just over 36 miles.

Started and Finishing together, courtesy of SportSunday

There are more Photos of the event on the St Bees Triers Facebook page, and on one of the events sponsors page: SportSunday Event Photography

First Woman: Holly Rush and First Man: Howard Seal aka Me!

The medals all individually made from Honister slate were fantastic and that along with the tech t-shirts and "beer voucher" - no really a beer voucher! At presentation Holly and I were presented with superb slate trophies made from Honister slate and excellent head-torches provided by the Ultramarathonrunningstore which I was in real need off: my previous one had stopped working just before the Lakeland 50!

Time to rest now, what next oh yes there was a race the next day....

Count down to the SBU35

Earlier Training

After months of preparation, many reccy runs along the route and many races (see previous post) the SBU was fast approaching. I'd run the whole route mid June to test the route guide for Jon the race director from UKanTrail along with my memory from previous reccy runs. It was a hot day so since I would be un-supported I needed to carry extra food and drink to get me all the way to St Bees. The reccy started badly as the bus I got to take me to the start was diverted meaning I would need to run to the start from Keswick - an extra 5.5 miles or so not good for the head especially as only five days earlier I'd done a 37.5 mile training run with one of my long distance training partners; Adam and had been at Ravenstondale festival over the weekend. Anyway I reached the start and set off towards St Bees on the SBU reccy run...

Looking ahead whilst climbing through Dodd wood near the start

Early on while running through Dodd wood, I noted a couple of trees that had fallen across the path which had not been there on an earlier reccy. On coming up the the field with "the two trees" I had to take an alternate route to avoid disturbing the neat lines of freshly cut and drying hay the farmer was busy making. Rather than cross the field between the trees it was necessary to run around it and along the river which was a bit tricky in places! The rest of the route was straight forward up to Rosthwaite and my memory served me well. It had been tough going in the heat, so I was pleased when Rosthwaite drew near. The plan was to refill my hydropack in the toilets but typical for the day, they were closed so another set back. Luckily the Borrowdale YHA was not far away so onward, coffee and cake (recommended: good value and substantial) plus refilling of the water bladder and bottle before continuing up towards Honister.

The descent into Ennerdale Valley

The heat started to tell on the climb up the switch back path of Honister, and I needed to refill my bladder from streams twice along Ennerdale Valley and still ran out of water with about three miles to go - goes to show the affect heat can have on fluid needs! Over the whole route there where only a couple of points that needed clarifying (Jon did this for the final route guide). The toughest bits on the whole route were definitely the drop down to Ennerdale Valley and the long winding climb up to Dent: the final fell before descending toward Cleator. After a brief stop about a mile from the finish to um, regurgitate some food and water I jogged to the finish where Jon was waiting at the with a ham wrap, bottle of beer and some sweets - fantastic support!

There were a few more reccy runs done after the long one, to reinforce the route in my mind, show others the way and test the guide with those that did not know the route. Preparation was done, the route learnt now it was time to taper.

The Fortnight Before: “The Taper”

After the Silloth Half marathon it was time to cut back the training to get ready for the big one, the focus, the one all the training and racing in the preceding few months had all been leading up too: The SBU35. I am not very good at tapering as it is a balance between the benefits to the body from the reduced running and the mental down turn that can also result from this reduction. I tend to just run less, with more recovery runs. I managed to cut back to 60 miles in the penultimate week and then 30 miles for the week before even if I did sneak in a couple of races...

Finishing the Round Latrigg race on 21st August (in purple)

3 days to go...

The Wednesday before the SBU my pack arrived from The Ultramarathon Running Store which I'd only ordered the day before using the discount code for SBU35 entrants. Excellent service and the pack felt light as well as practical instilling me with confidence for the race. Ennerdale show fell race first then in the evening a 5 miles trail race in Maryport which I ran with my new pack and full kit at approximately SBU race pace. It felt great, no real rub points, easy access to the water bottles and it sat well on my back when descending fast - it had to be done, how could I resist?

Testing the new pack

The New race pack: Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest

A great review of the pack can be found on Blue Ridge Runners blog if interested.

The Day Before: “Final Preparation”

Having, shock horror, not run the day before I was up early to get a good breakfast in before heading to St Bee’s to help put up the Marquee at the St Bees School ready for race day. The plan had been to do this then go home eat more and do a short recovery run but only the eating happened - two days not running, this was almost unheard of...

I was chomping at the bit, going through the route in my mind, tidying up the house, constantly eating and checking then rechecking all my kit before my last big meal at 5pm consisting of a whole bag of pasta (500g) with beans, tuna and a home made smoothie. My friend Simon arrived to drop of the High5 Zero tablets I needed so the following days drinks were made up and spare tablets added to the kit, chomp, chomp, chomp...

More food, the majority of a large apple pie as a "snack" then Susie and her youngest Alex arrived so more food this time some vegetable spring rolls from the local Chinese takeaway and an early night. Sleep unsurprisingly did not come easily but I probably managed to get around 3.5 hours in before the alarm went off at 4:15am... race day had arrived...