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...

Building up to the SBU35

Some Background

In 2012 a group from the St Bees Trier’s running club embarked on a relay run following the route of the St Bega’s trail. They set off from St Bega’s church (usually the finish) which sits on the edge of Bassentwaite Lake near Keswick. The went onward from the church heading  towards St Bees along the edge of Derwentwater, up over the notoriously steep Honister pass onwards to open fell then down into Ennerdale valley. From there they continued on to Ennerdale Bridge, over the top of Dent; the last hill, before heading down towards Cleator with St Bees Head visible ahead signalling the finish just six miles further on. The relay was completed after a few days of atrocious weather including torrential rain which had made normally gently flowing streams raging torrents requiring much care to wade through. Even in these adverse conditions all those that took part loved the experience so the seed of an idea began to germinate in one of the runner’s minds...

St Bees Relay 2012: Bit Boggy and wet on the last bit

 

Once the idea had been given the first spark of life it grew and grew until the event was an inevitability and the brain child of Jon was conceived: An Ultra distance event following as closely as possible the St Bega's Trail route.

 

Spring 2013

Jon Raymond of UKanTrail envisaged the event and as soon as I heard about it I knew it was a must do one, one to aim for and focus on, one to help in the preparation of as much as possible; there was simply no question, no option it was a must.

 

While Jon, family and others beavered away behind the scenes on details of route, setting up the website and Facebook page, twitter account and getting sponsors interested along with all the legal requirements and health and safety issues associated with such an undertaking, I started to up my training and look at up coming events. My base endurance was already reasonably strong having trained for the Workington to Keswick Walk a 30 mile “walk” that includes Honister pass at around 20 miles. The day the Workington to Keswick walk (W2K) was meant to happen arrived but the resulting snow drifts from the previous few days heavy snow lead to the postponement of the W2K.

Snow on road postpones W2K Charity Walk

 

Rather than waste all the training; Jon, Dave Barker (also from St Bees Triers) and I decided to run some of the SBU route aiming to cover a similar distance to that of the W2K. We ended up covering over 30 miles in under 6 hours which was further than Dave had ever run before by over 8 miles yet still he wanted to go further once we arrived at St Bee's Beach. It was clear then that he had the Ultra bug with the associated bloody mindedness and mental toughness to keep going beyond that normally perceived as the limit.

 

Top of Ennerdale Valley near Black Sail YHA

 

Dave, Jon and I on St Bees beach after the run

The next few weeks and months included many runs and races, averaging over 70 miles a week with many feet climbed and descended. The main aim of all this was to build up endurance, stamina and mental toughness ready for the long one: the SBU35. This included from the start of April to the end of July 18 races: fell, road and trail races from less than 3 miles to 50 miles. The races were used as tempo training, tune up races or just for fun. To mention them all in detail would become a long  laborious and repetitive list so some of the key ones are listed below (links are to the Garmin connect Data):

 

14th April - Workington to Keswick Charity Walk (W2K): my fourth running of the event. The original plan was to run this as fast as possible but the weather said no! Instead I decided to run it at about the same effort as I planned to do the SBU35 and practise fuelling strategies. The strong, well at times gale force winds (65mph was measured) made for a tough run but a good result as I once again finished as first man having had my fitness and endurance as well as refuelling strategies well tested.



W2K - ascent of Honister

 

19th May - Scafell Pike Trail Marathon: This one I entered quite late on as I wanted to challenge myself on a tough trail race. This meant I had no time to reccy the route which cost me on race day. By the first Checkpoint I was well up the field and in 7th place having paired up with Kristof Nowicki from about three miles in (he was 6th at this point). It all went wrong from there as we got disorientated in the fog and made the school boy error of not checking the compass, the result? Running nearly 1/2 mile the wrong way and having to back track. On regaining the line what did we go and do? Yes you got it, we got disoriented once again and ended up too low in the fog and had to climb up a steep gully to get back on track. At this point I decided it was better to go slow and run with someone who new the route while in the clag and pick the effort up again once the visibility improved. I had dropped to 22nd by the top of Scafell Pike but once the we dropped out of the clag and the trail became visible again I picked up the effort and so pace, passing a few on the descent and many more on the final leg. In the end I was 10th overall but 3rd fastest over the last 12 miles. Lesson learnt - next year reccy the route!
 
5th June - Blencathra Fell Race: A blast out on one of the CFR (Cumberland Fell Runners) championship races. I was going really well until the old runners trots decided to say hello, but still a really good result, even if Steve Birkinshaw passed me in the last half mile as I could not descend for aforementioned reasons!
 
 

Steve pulling away on the final descent at Blencathra Fell race

9th June - Mabie Forest Trail Race: Susie and I decided to do this race as we were at Eden Festival on the same weekend and fancied a run out on the Sunday morning while most other people were still fast asleep. Absolutely shocked myself by finishing first so some speed was coming...

Juggling at Eden Festival


12th June - Gosforth 10: Bloody hell a new PB at 10 miles finishing in 59:17, finishing 3rd over all and first V40... Things were looking good!


Start of Gosforth 10

26th June - Bodyfit Paddle School 5K: Another PB and finishing in 17:19 beating my previous PB by nearly 30 seconds, who said you loose pace when Ultra Distance training?
 

First V40 and first Junior (SBU promoting!)

30th June - Lancaster Marathon: Last minute entry as I wanted to get a good for age time to be able to enter London Marathon in 2014 since Susie had an entry and I really wanted to be able to run it with her, well be there with her to be more accurate. Little did I know how hilly the route was with well over 1,500 feet of ascent. At the half way point I felt that my pacing was good as inside 1:30 for the first half but then ahead there loomed a hill, not too bad just one hill, oh there was another and another and my margins for success were diminishing. My confidence started to come back as my pace increased but then at around 23 miles another hill appeared in the distance and the GFA time was beginning to slip from my grasp. By the last mile or so I had to dig deep and really increase the effort practically sprinting across the line to finish with 13 seconds to spare in 3:04:47 in 5th place overall. This was not  meant to be a full on effort just a hard training run so I would still have enough energy for the marathon the following week but at least I had the time needed for a GFA London entry.

7th July - Lakeland Trails Marathon, Coniston: Really wanted to do well in this race but was not feeling great and it was a hot hot hot day! By about 10 miles in I was feeling the previous weekends marathon in my legs and was less than confident that I'd make a top five place which I really wanted so as to get a free entry for next year. Although I was slower than expected, others were suffering in the heat so I managed to pull into 4th place in the last couple of miles and stay there until crossing the line. Once again SBU T-shirt worn at the presentation to promote the event!

Lakeland Trails Marathon - 4th place so nearly the podium!



Eight Weeks to go...

Now it was into the last eight weeks before the SBU35 and time to focus on the up coming Lakeland 50 and tune up for the SBU. In general the mileage started to drop but the intensity on the runs was maintained. There was only one more race before the Lakeland 50, one last tune up then before the final big test.

23rd July - Fellside Fell Race: This was another counter for the CFR championship so a must do race. The aim was to take it steady at first and kick it in for the last couple of miles and this I did. Four of us ran together for the majority of the race as we were in cloud. Lessons learnt from the Scafell Marathon meant the compass came out early and we ran on bearings when no obvious path was visible. We were all together at the final checkpoint but as we dropped out of the cloud it was everyman for himself as we all took different lines down the fellside. Once again Steve Birkinshaw beat me but this time only by 3 seconds so I was getting closer and was 4th once again winning the V40 prize.

27th July - Lakeland 50: Having run this in 2012 as part of a corporate team (we had missed the main entry) and winning that category I, along with the other team members, had a free entry into the 2013 event. In 2012 Adam Lloyd had badly sprained his ankle at about the half way point but still managed to push on to the finish when most people would have pulled out. We both knew that we could go much much faster in 2013, Adam going for around 9 1/2 hours and me going for under 9 hours. The day was another hot one, so it looked like the target times may need adjusting but as long as we stuck to our plans and paced it well then anything was possible and all we could do was our best. We set off a bit quicker than the intended pace to avoid getting caught up in bottlenecks at the early gates and styles. Once we were on the wider path I eased back and Adam followed suit. Adam and I ran together to the first checkpoint as planned then as previously decided once I started to pull away on the first big climb Adam rather than force it (he had not been able to train well) stuck at a pace he felt he could maintain. The heat made for a hard days running but my pacing was working passing a few runners between the first and third checkpoints. I was glad of the race pack Dave Barker had lent me for the day and my new shoes (first time I had run in them) were doing a good job. The water bottle on the front became a cooling down tool being poured over my head when the heat became too much. Shortly after the third checkpoint I buddied up with another runner, Mark Russell, whom I caught on one of the climbs. 

Mark and I coming into the Ambleside Checkpoint

We ran together to the fourth checkpoint at Ambleside where I was surprised to see Marcus Scotney, later we were told that he had pulled out at the previous checkpoint so we were further up the field now... At the next checkpoint we were gobsmacked and incredulous when told only three other LL50 runners had passed through the checkpoint before us so the race was on. We were both starting to suffer now and although together decided to run at our own pace which meant we kept changing position as we went along, sometimes Mark pulling ahead, sometime me and occasionally running together. By the final checkpoint mild cramp was beginning to come but otherwise I still felt strong; just needed a bit more food and take the last climb steady while visualising the final descent into Coniston as I knew I would be able to pull away on that last bit.
 



Finishing the Lakeland 50

As I descended into Coniston I picked up the effort and speed to make sure Mark would not catch me in the end I pulled away by over two minutes over the last 1.5 miles which in hind sight makes me wonder how fast could I have gone? Finished in 4th in a time of 8:39:18 with Adam coming in 11th in a time of 9:17:50 so we both smashed our targets!

 

Five Weeks and Counting...

With the Lakeland 50 done and dusted it was time to recovery for a couple of weeks, then do one more tune up race before tapering for the SBU35. Would I actually do this, of course not this is me after all - give the advice but don't listen to my own, well rarely anyway...
 
7th August - Ellenbrough 10K: Equalled my PB of 35:52 finishing 4th and 1st V40
 
10th August - Edinburgh parkrun: New PB by 3 seconds 17:16!
 
Next up was the Col half marathon or that had been the original plan. Circumstances meant this was not to be so Susie and I both entered the Silloth Beach Half marathon instead...
 
18th August - Silloth Beach Half Marathon: I was looking forward to this event as it was different, an out and back along the beach at Silloth. The wind was strong on the day so fast times were not going to happen and looking around I could see none of the speedsters from the area... Derwent AC, my first claim club also had a team entered so we were hopefully there as well. There is a very good race report on the Tyne Bridge Harriers website so I will keep my race write up short! It was fairly clear early on that as long as I didn't injure myself the win was in the bag and at the turn I was well over half a mile ahead of the second placed runner Dave Young from Tyne Bridge Harriers. I ended up running just over marathon effort (based on WHR) as there was no need to kill myself on the run! The strong blustery wind had a massive affect on the times with my time out to the turn being 48:30 but it took less than 41 minutes to come back. I finished in 1:29:24 with Dave finishing just under ten minutes later in 1:39:20. The first lady was Helen Young from Wigton finished in 1:46:17 with Susie finishing in 2:06:43. Derwent won the relay prize with completing the full distance in 4 legs of 3 to 3.5 miles (approx) in 1:49:19. All in all an excellent day and an event well worth taking part in again, highly recommended!

Messing about at about 9 miles

 

The trophy winners

Now there was less than two weeks to go until the SBU but there were still a couple of races to do, one as a tune up and the other because it was once again a CFR championship counter. In both the Round Latrigg and Ennerdale Show Fell Races I got new PBs for the courses so felt ready to give the SBU a blast...

Had I prepared enough? Was I ready to do the SBU inside 5 1/2 hours as targeted? Were my hydration and refuelling strategies ready? Just one thing left to do: test my new race pack, to be continued...

 

Hadrian's Wall Run Part2

I left it with Phil and I running along the path towards Byker so to continue...

Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-wall

Phil was my pacer for this 15+ mile section. It was just before dawn when we set off but getting light, which had been the plan so as to avoid the need for head-torches! As you'd expect the first quarter of a mile or so was too fast but we slowed it down to a steady 8 minute mile pace which we managed to stick to on the flat, though slowing on the small climbs and speeding up on the descents. The morning temperature was cool and refreshing,  with Newcastle treating up to a double rainbow as we ran out of the centre passing two early morning fishermen. Apart from them all we met on this leg were dog walkers and a couple of commuters on bike and foot. Such a good time to run, I don't know why I don't do it more often, oh wait yes because it means getting up ridiculously early! The air was fresh, the slight drizzle welcome and the section eased through. The only climb of note is the 300 feet up to Heddon-on-the-Wall over the last mile and a half or so and the first place walking was the better option! At the top of the hill in Heddon we could see Tony's car but had another 3/4 of a mile or so to go as the path takes you around the town, we also tagged on about 100m so I could show Phil the first large bit of remaining wall. As we pulled up to the first pacer change over, I was feeling good. Jane was ready with the food and drink so I wolfed down my rice pudding, bagel and juice as the rest time allowed was 8 minutes.

Heddon-on-the-wall to Chesters Roman fort

Still feeling fairly fresh Tony and I set off, me with bagel in hand on the second section of leg1. This section was expected to be slower due to the step-stiles and gates etc. that add to the fun by breaking up any rhythm, well by making any rhythm impossible! The is a fair bit of monotonous steady climb too but Tony and I plodded along and quickly got into a routine where Tony would go ahead at the gates to open them and the stiles to warn if they didn't have grip. We passed the half way point about on time at a pace that felt maintainable and pasted though the first landmark distance of 26.3 miles in 3:57:50. By the time we dropped into Chollorford we were only about 1 minutes behind schedule clocking the fastest mile on the whole run a staggeringly quick 7:39! 

Chesters Roman fort to Birdoswald Roman fort

Adam was already waiting and stretching out - not because he was planning to run fast but because he was  carrying a groin injury! I was still feeling fairly good but knew the next leg was the one that would be the most telling. Seeing Tony and Phil off (Phil had driven Tony's car to this check point) Adam and I set off

Birdoswald to Rickerby Park

Set off with Chris and took about half a mile before my legs would work

Rickerby Park to Burgh-by-sands

By now I was physically pretty much spent

Burgh-by-sands to Bowness-on-Solway

By now it was grin and bear it, whether or not I would finish was not in doubt but if I could run more than walk deffinitely was. Steve cajoled me on to run to the next purple bush - "not that one the one up there!" and such encouragement. This was hugely appreciated 

Bowness-on-Solway

To quote myself from my fundraing page:

"On turning the final corner and the last few metres to the finish I was greeted by friends family and work colleagues cheering and clapping me in. The relief of finishing and the sense of pride in having such a good supporters would later bring me to tears but at the time I was just happy to still be standing."

What have i leant from this?

Firstly my body can take it - just, and secondly I need support to bully me into doing what I have planned, this I failed to stress as I didn't realise its importance. I should have rested longer to make sure I ate all the food and drank all the liquid I needed, carried more with me or at least got others to carry it and made sure I streached effectively at each rest break - too much time was spent sitting! 

Will I do something like this again?

You can count on it, and that it will be further, harder, longer and more ambitious! I have a few ideas rolling around my head for 2013 but for now the focus in on getting myself in shape for a fast BGR in May 2012

Over two years since my last post

It has been a long long time since my last post on here so where to start, what to include and where to go is tricky... Well I did the Hadrian's Wall run, then shortly after got stung by "something" just above the eye which led to a bout of chronic fatigue, low mood and generally poor running and mental health. This is almost certainly the main reason for the lack of posts here. The following year (2012) was a tough one, details available on request! Started back training properly around December 2012 and have recently achieved and surpassed many goals, a lot of this I can attribute to Susie's (not Sue) support of my running. Previously I have felt guilty about running so much but with Susie this is not an issue as she is herself a runner and one of capabilities much greater than she believes (yet) or admits. I am back running now enjoying it and with a less prescriptive training regime have started going faster, longer and stronger. Why? Probably because the enjoyment is back with enjoying running, being out and about feeling the wind, rain or sun on my face once again the most important thing of all. Yes it is good to get better times, finish a race in front of a Nemesis or just run further but without enjoyment (sometimes after rather than during) it becomes a chore and meaningless. Encouraging others and seeing them bloom and hopefully excel is the way forward. So I am running again, training again but most importantly I am loving it again!



Silloth Beach Half marathon and loving it :-)