Well, it's been a hell of a few weeks. First the Cardington Cracker, left nothing out on the course there, totally spent. A week later, the Turkey Trot. Nipped 3 minutes off my pb there, again, didn't finish with much in the tank. This'll become relevant later.
Saturday 14th. Headed up to The Endurance Coach for a VO2 max session on the treadmill. I was just expecting the usual "run on the treadmill until you can run no more", but it has changed slightly. Unfortunately. So there's the usual warm-up. Next up is a standing jump. My wife tells me this measures leg power. Next up, the standard run until failure. Or, in my case, run until my elbows go tingly - usually a sign that I'm going to fall over and my arms won't support me.
Generously, there is a small break. Then, the incline gets cranked to max (15%), speed goes up to 10k pace, and they time how long it takes you to fail. Again.
Felt extremely light headed after this session, so I went into the Endurance Store for a coffee and a chat with Richard Bardon until I felt normal enough to drive home. Stats remained mostly the same, I lasted a minute longer or so though. 16 week plan to smash the Highland Fling to follow, starts on the 6th of January. Can't wait.
Saturday 21st December: the Tour de Helvellyn. As I have mentioned before, there were a lot of fast runners entered into this, so I was looking forward to seeing how I stood with them, although Marcus Scotney was a DNS and Andy Mouncey was taking easy.
The weather I can only describe as "interesting". 70+mph winds, some rain, some surface flooding. And it was a headwind the whole way out.
So, I was feeling good as I set out at 8:15am. That good feeling lasted for about 6 miles when I realised that a) I had somehow stopped my Garmin just as I had started it, and b) I couldn't get any real speed up. I came to terms with that briefly, until Andrew Higgins caught up with me. We had a chat, and I kept with him until nearly Sticks Pass where he disappeared into the distance. At some point Ed Catmur trotted past me, and Anthony Bethell passed me just before Grizedale Tarn.
I just kept trotting along, feeling great but unable to race. On the climb out of Howtown I noticed a funny white thing poking out the side of my shoe. Great, shoes dying. At the top of the climb, I must have caught it on something, as the whole Dynamic Fascia Band thing twisted sideways, so I had to stop and remove it. At this point Tracy Dean caught up with me, and then I had to shift along a bit to keep up with her, as she knew the way back and I didn't!
I finished in 7:24, in 21st place. Disappointed with both the time and the result, but still very happy with how well my legs fared, and that I can happily suck back TORQ gels for 7.5 hours with no stomach issues. Looking back over the previous 3 weekends, I can see why I was flat for the run.
Thanks TORQ for fuelling my run, sorry it was a bit pants!
Today (Friday 27th December) The Notts AC Xmas Relays. Teams of 4, 2.4 mile course. I hate short runs. Got round in 14:24, legs felt a bit flat, unsurprisingly. Our "A" team came 2nd, then team I was in 18th. My eldest daughter, however, was truly awesome, doing the 2km fun run in 21:22, and running the entire way! Not bad for a 3 year old...
Friday, 27 December 2013
Friday, 13 December 2013
A fell race, and a road half marathon.
I should do this more often really.
On the 1st of December, myself and club-mate Kieran travelled down to Cardington, Shropshire, to run in the Cardington Cracker, a 9 mile, 2600ft fell race. For once, it wasn't either 2 feet deep in snow, or covered in sheet ice. My best time previously was 1:31, and somewhere around 30th, and I had heard that it was the final counting race for Mercia's championship, so I wasn't hopeful. Also, couldn't let Kieran beat me!
Managed, for once, to get a good start and not get baulked up the first incline, with Kieran just in front. A short sharp climb, a small descent then it's straight up the side of the Lawley. Damn near vertical, so lucky it's not that big! Somehow kept close to Kieran (he's pretty epic up the side of a hill), then it's a lovely descent, where I nipped past him. A slog over couple of fields, then up the side of Caer Caradoc. Not as steep as Lawley, but goes on a bit longer. Kieran in front again, but not getting away (Amazing how, out of the 200 people there, the only one I was really focused on beating was my club-mate...). Down the ridge, then down the side (bloody steep), vaulted a fence (thankfully nailed it as there were witnesses), to the stream, across then a looooooong runnable climb. Or at least, should have been runnable. This is where I lost any hope of getting in the top 10. Downed a TORQ gel, but still had to walk most of it (although did pass someone who was "running" up it).
Down a road/bridleway thing then up Hope Bowdler hill, towards Willstone Hill. It's undulating along the top, and hard work. Spotted Simon White from TORQ on the top. Vaulted another stile on a descent to keep close to Kieran, then passed him on the steep downhill from Willstones. Tried to push it up the other side, but my quads weren't willing. Pushed it all the way along the top, then down the final fields to the finish.
Managed to get in front with 2 fields to go (superior stile technique), and managed to hold it over the line. 12th place, in 1:24:43. Kieran in 13th place, 1:24:45. Extremely happy with the time, and my performance up most of the hills. Definitely wouldn't have achieved the time or place if I wasn't racing with Kieran, top10 next year!
The 8th of December was my yearly road half marathon, the Keyworth Turkey Trot. I quite like it, it's scenic, not flat, and The Derby Runner do a stall there that I make my yearly road shoe purchase (this time, Mizuno Ronin 5, £30, stoked). Had no idea what was going to happen in this race, as my last real road race was back in February, where I achieved a 5 mile pb. I made no targets, no goals, just to run. I stuck with that until I saw a pack of 3 Long Eaton runners in front, a couple of which had been lording it over me for Notts AAA Summer League whilst I was feeling "off". Sensible thoughts out, race on.
By the time mile 3, and the "hill of doom" had passed, we were down to a group of 3 - Mark Boot, from Long Eaton, and the eventual V45 1st place (10th or 11th overall). We stuck together until mile 10, where Mark fell off the back of me,and I fell off the back of the other bloke (also, at this point recorded my fastest ever 10 mile time of just over 1 hour!). Overtook 2 more runners between there and the finish, crossing the line in 1:19:54, cracking the 80 minute barrier and coming in 13th out of 850 or so. Also, only 5 minutes behind 1st place.
Almost makes me want to do a flat one, just to see how fast I could go.
Mondays sports massage, however put me off - the most painful ever. Even after 40 miles, my legs feel loads better than after 13 on the road.
Things up and coming. I have a VO2 max test tomorrow (Saturday 14th), with a 16 week training plan to follow to get me sorted for the Highland Fling. A week on Saturday, (21st) I have the Tour de Helvellyn. That's going to hurt, as I'm up against nearly the who's who of British Ultra-running. Ed Catmur, Marcus Scotney, Steve Birkinshaw, Forest Bethell, Andy Mouncey. It's going to be hell just to get into the top 10!
On the 1st of December, myself and club-mate Kieran travelled down to Cardington, Shropshire, to run in the Cardington Cracker, a 9 mile, 2600ft fell race. For once, it wasn't either 2 feet deep in snow, or covered in sheet ice. My best time previously was 1:31, and somewhere around 30th, and I had heard that it was the final counting race for Mercia's championship, so I wasn't hopeful. Also, couldn't let Kieran beat me!
Managed, for once, to get a good start and not get baulked up the first incline, with Kieran just in front. A short sharp climb, a small descent then it's straight up the side of the Lawley. Damn near vertical, so lucky it's not that big! Somehow kept close to Kieran (he's pretty epic up the side of a hill), then it's a lovely descent, where I nipped past him. A slog over couple of fields, then up the side of Caer Caradoc. Not as steep as Lawley, but goes on a bit longer. Kieran in front again, but not getting away (Amazing how, out of the 200 people there, the only one I was really focused on beating was my club-mate...). Down the ridge, then down the side (bloody steep), vaulted a fence (thankfully nailed it as there were witnesses), to the stream, across then a looooooong runnable climb. Or at least, should have been runnable. This is where I lost any hope of getting in the top 10. Downed a TORQ gel, but still had to walk most of it (although did pass someone who was "running" up it).
Down a road/bridleway thing then up Hope Bowdler hill, towards Willstone Hill. It's undulating along the top, and hard work. Spotted Simon White from TORQ on the top. Vaulted another stile on a descent to keep close to Kieran, then passed him on the steep downhill from Willstones. Tried to push it up the other side, but my quads weren't willing. Pushed it all the way along the top, then down the final fields to the finish.
Managed to get in front with 2 fields to go (superior stile technique), and managed to hold it over the line. 12th place, in 1:24:43. Kieran in 13th place, 1:24:45. Extremely happy with the time, and my performance up most of the hills. Definitely wouldn't have achieved the time or place if I wasn't racing with Kieran, top10 next year!
The 8th of December was my yearly road half marathon, the Keyworth Turkey Trot. I quite like it, it's scenic, not flat, and The Derby Runner do a stall there that I make my yearly road shoe purchase (this time, Mizuno Ronin 5, £30, stoked). Had no idea what was going to happen in this race, as my last real road race was back in February, where I achieved a 5 mile pb. I made no targets, no goals, just to run. I stuck with that until I saw a pack of 3 Long Eaton runners in front, a couple of which had been lording it over me for Notts AAA Summer League whilst I was feeling "off". Sensible thoughts out, race on.
By the time mile 3, and the "hill of doom" had passed, we were down to a group of 3 - Mark Boot, from Long Eaton, and the eventual V45 1st place (10th or 11th overall). We stuck together until mile 10, where Mark fell off the back of me,and I fell off the back of the other bloke (also, at this point recorded my fastest ever 10 mile time of just over 1 hour!). Overtook 2 more runners between there and the finish, crossing the line in 1:19:54, cracking the 80 minute barrier and coming in 13th out of 850 or so. Also, only 5 minutes behind 1st place.
Almost makes me want to do a flat one, just to see how fast I could go.
Mondays sports massage, however put me off - the most painful ever. Even after 40 miles, my legs feel loads better than after 13 on the road.
Things up and coming. I have a VO2 max test tomorrow (Saturday 14th), with a 16 week training plan to follow to get me sorted for the Highland Fling. A week on Saturday, (21st) I have the Tour de Helvellyn. That's going to hurt, as I'm up against nearly the who's who of British Ultra-running. Ed Catmur, Marcus Scotney, Steve Birkinshaw, Forest Bethell, Andy Mouncey. It's going to be hell just to get into the top 10!
Sunday, 24 November 2013
2 race reports for the price of one!
It's been a while since I last had time to do this, and I've raced a couple of times in that time. So here's the reports, of both of them.
The Montane Rivington Ultra Trail 26.
Hell of a mouthful that name, also slightly misleading. It's more like 27.5 - not an issue, except for when you're completely knackered and looking forward to mile 26, and you know you're nowhere near the finish line...
Headed up for this one a couple of weeks after the Fell Relays. Feeling loads better, but still not 100%, and 3/4 weeks disrupted training behind me it was always going to be hard. had a great drive up, 1.5 hours from home and arrived in plenty of time to get thoroughly chilled. Kept looking out for people I might know, but only found the usual suspects from Epic Events/The Endurance Store. After an entertaining warm-up, we were off. I figured the only way to do this was keep somewhere near the pointy end, and hang on until the others started dropping off.
Immediately into a long steady climb, followed by a long steady descent, I was in 3rd/4th running along with another bloke. Apologies for not talking, but I was well out of breath. After the long steady descent, another long steady climb, and then a shorter descent (smile for the photographer) and another quick pull up to the top of the moor. Once up, there was a long drag along a road Managed to drop the other guy and claim 3rd) to the other side of the moor, then down a great descent down towards Belmont. It was here that I gained the lead, the front 2 getting more lost than me (Marshal: Down the road, 1st left over cattle grid. Me: yep, run straight past until I see the front 2 coming towards me. Oops.) which I kept for at least a mile. Kept with them, for a bit, until the long slog into a massive headwind along Witton Weavers Way. Near the end of this, (was still in 2nd) the guy who had been drafting behind me trotted past, along with the eventual winner, moving far too quickly.
Up onto Darwen Moor, went through a bad patch here, lost ground massively to the front 3 and was getting slightly paranoid about Richard Bardon, who I knew couldn't be too far behind. Fiddled around the moor, then down into the 2nd CP, all flat(ish) running from here, and I started to perk up a bit. I perked up even more when I saw 3rd place just in front, looking like he was flagging. From there, just kept going and going, some really nice running, some really muddy footpaths, and a really strange bloke with no shoes on. Weird.
Cranked through 26.2 in 3:36 (Hanging for the finish) and finished in 3:46 in 3rd place. Tougher than I expected, with every weather condition (except for snow). Well organised, will be at the Grizedale in Feb (although I hear a rumour it has...loops...ew.)
Hope Moors and Tors.
Back to a fell race, possibly the 2nd or 3rd this year. Too much focus on the Lakeland 100 meant I only got in the Old County Tops, and Helvellyn and the Dodds fell races this year - nothing like usual. I was quietly confident going into this, not recognising any of the names on the list. Then I saw Forest Bethell. Damn, was going to have to run hard for this. I also didn't recognise Kristian Jones or Konrad Rawlik. Silly me - Kris is a stupidly fast fell-runner (3 or 4 seconds slower than Simon Bailey at the relays) and Konrad is a top level ultra runner.
So, only knowing Forest, and him with protestations of ill health, poor training, etc etc I thought I should probably start hard, try and drop them and then hopefully pull off a win. Heh.
The fast start worked well, was in the lead for the first 2 miles or so, until Kris cruised by, up Cave Dale. Then Forest trotted past (an awesome climber), along with Konrad. From there it was between me, Konrad and Forest, Kris taking off into the distance. Pushed hard to the first CP, grabbed some water then off, swapping position regularly, up round the back of Mam Tor, then a lovely long descent to Hollins Cross. I managed to get the jump on Konrad and Forest by hurdling a fence, which gained me all of about 10 metres, which meant I could relax a bit on the down and save my quads.
Konrad caught me up by Edale, and got to the compulsory compass/whistle check first, and gained about 20 metres on me from there. On the long drag up Grindsbrook, both he and Forest left me behind , both being so much stronger on the climb. Along the edge of the Kinder Plateau was very boring, what with only being able to see about 10m in every direction. Managed to keep on the path (mostly - there were some pretty interesting accounts of people being literally everywhere on the plateau) and then down to Hope Cross. I spotted Konrad and Forest heading up the other side of Jaggers Clough, which gave me a boost, and set out to catch them.
At the Edale YHA CP I was told the guy in 3rd (Konrad) was flagging, and I caught him on the road down to the Backtor farm driveway. he had taken a bi of a tumble early, and was hurting a bit. Caught sight of Forest heading up towards Hollins Cross, but gave up catching him as a bad job, as he was actually running the climb - something I was never going to be able to do. I forgot about him, and focused on getting in under 3 hours. It's a long drag up to Hollins Cross, and then another long drag to Lose Hill, but i got there, still in 3rd, then the great descent off down into Hope. Not quite so keen on the roadrun afterwards, but I managed to get through it, onto the next field, then take the wrong turn! Fiddled my way through a housing estate, back on the path then into the finish. Slightly over at 3:02, but managed to knock 4 minutes off last year, even if I was one place worse!
Great run by Kris (2:48) and Forest (2:55). Next year....
As ever, thanks to TORQ for fuelling my races - definitely kept me going near the end of both races!
The Montane Rivington Ultra Trail 26.
Hell of a mouthful that name, also slightly misleading. It's more like 27.5 - not an issue, except for when you're completely knackered and looking forward to mile 26, and you know you're nowhere near the finish line...
Headed up for this one a couple of weeks after the Fell Relays. Feeling loads better, but still not 100%, and 3/4 weeks disrupted training behind me it was always going to be hard. had a great drive up, 1.5 hours from home and arrived in plenty of time to get thoroughly chilled. Kept looking out for people I might know, but only found the usual suspects from Epic Events/The Endurance Store. After an entertaining warm-up, we were off. I figured the only way to do this was keep somewhere near the pointy end, and hang on until the others started dropping off.
Immediately into a long steady climb, followed by a long steady descent, I was in 3rd/4th running along with another bloke. Apologies for not talking, but I was well out of breath. After the long steady descent, another long steady climb, and then a shorter descent (smile for the photographer) and another quick pull up to the top of the moor. Once up, there was a long drag along a road Managed to drop the other guy and claim 3rd) to the other side of the moor, then down a great descent down towards Belmont. It was here that I gained the lead, the front 2 getting more lost than me (Marshal: Down the road, 1st left over cattle grid. Me: yep, run straight past until I see the front 2 coming towards me. Oops.) which I kept for at least a mile. Kept with them, for a bit, until the long slog into a massive headwind along Witton Weavers Way. Near the end of this, (was still in 2nd) the guy who had been drafting behind me trotted past, along with the eventual winner, moving far too quickly.
Up onto Darwen Moor, went through a bad patch here, lost ground massively to the front 3 and was getting slightly paranoid about Richard Bardon, who I knew couldn't be too far behind. Fiddled around the moor, then down into the 2nd CP, all flat(ish) running from here, and I started to perk up a bit. I perked up even more when I saw 3rd place just in front, looking like he was flagging. From there, just kept going and going, some really nice running, some really muddy footpaths, and a really strange bloke with no shoes on. Weird.
Cranked through 26.2 in 3:36 (Hanging for the finish) and finished in 3:46 in 3rd place. Tougher than I expected, with every weather condition (except for snow). Well organised, will be at the Grizedale in Feb (although I hear a rumour it has...loops...ew.)
Hope Moors and Tors.
Back to a fell race, possibly the 2nd or 3rd this year. Too much focus on the Lakeland 100 meant I only got in the Old County Tops, and Helvellyn and the Dodds fell races this year - nothing like usual. I was quietly confident going into this, not recognising any of the names on the list. Then I saw Forest Bethell. Damn, was going to have to run hard for this. I also didn't recognise Kristian Jones or Konrad Rawlik. Silly me - Kris is a stupidly fast fell-runner (3 or 4 seconds slower than Simon Bailey at the relays) and Konrad is a top level ultra runner.
So, only knowing Forest, and him with protestations of ill health, poor training, etc etc I thought I should probably start hard, try and drop them and then hopefully pull off a win. Heh.
The fast start worked well, was in the lead for the first 2 miles or so, until Kris cruised by, up Cave Dale. Then Forest trotted past (an awesome climber), along with Konrad. From there it was between me, Konrad and Forest, Kris taking off into the distance. Pushed hard to the first CP, grabbed some water then off, swapping position regularly, up round the back of Mam Tor, then a lovely long descent to Hollins Cross. I managed to get the jump on Konrad and Forest by hurdling a fence, which gained me all of about 10 metres, which meant I could relax a bit on the down and save my quads.
Konrad caught me up by Edale, and got to the compulsory compass/whistle check first, and gained about 20 metres on me from there. On the long drag up Grindsbrook, both he and Forest left me behind , both being so much stronger on the climb. Along the edge of the Kinder Plateau was very boring, what with only being able to see about 10m in every direction. Managed to keep on the path (mostly - there were some pretty interesting accounts of people being literally everywhere on the plateau) and then down to Hope Cross. I spotted Konrad and Forest heading up the other side of Jaggers Clough, which gave me a boost, and set out to catch them.
At the Edale YHA CP I was told the guy in 3rd (Konrad) was flagging, and I caught him on the road down to the Backtor farm driveway. he had taken a bi of a tumble early, and was hurting a bit. Caught sight of Forest heading up towards Hollins Cross, but gave up catching him as a bad job, as he was actually running the climb - something I was never going to be able to do. I forgot about him, and focused on getting in under 3 hours. It's a long drag up to Hollins Cross, and then another long drag to Lose Hill, but i got there, still in 3rd, then the great descent off down into Hope. Not quite so keen on the roadrun afterwards, but I managed to get through it, onto the next field, then take the wrong turn! Fiddled my way through a housing estate, back on the path then into the finish. Slightly over at 3:02, but managed to knock 4 minutes off last year, even if I was one place worse!
Great run by Kris (2:48) and Forest (2:55). Next year....
As ever, thanks to TORQ for fuelling my races - definitely kept me going near the end of both races!
Monday, 21 October 2013
Man-Flu, and the FRA Relays
In the way that these things always happen, the weekend before the relays I started coming down with man-flu. So for once, I was sensible. I rested. Went for an easy run with the club on Wednesday night, nothing else until the Sunday. Apart from parent's evening on Thursday night. Finished up at school at 7:30pm, feeling a bit tired but ok. Friday lunchtime, crashed. Complete body shutdown. Made it through to the end of the day, home, then early night.
At this stage, feeling the way I was, it was going to be no relays for me. Especially no 2nd leg (the longest, paired leg) with Pete Hodkinson, an U23 GB orienteer.
Saturday. Slept like a sleepy thing. Woke feeling a bit rough, but semi-human. I was going. First leg, solo, but still going. Spent a lovely day at the fair with the family, kids in bed then hit the road at 7pm. Made it to Llanberis for 10:30 (with some quality nav from Tom), then to the Chamois Mountain hut for 11pm. Got a little lost, had to be directed in by phone and Pete's google earth. Cup of tea, chat, bed for midnight. Sleep quite some time later, after hacking up half a lung.
Up at 7:30am or so, breakfast, coffee, then getting ready. Left a little early, which was lucky as there was a decent queue into the car park. Took some more flu-pills. Coughed some more. Saw Chris Baynham-Hughes briefly, then off up to the event centre. It was busy. Found our tent, got myself sorted, then tried to get myself excited for 5 miles of what should have been awesome running, but instead something more akin to hell. Complete downpour whilst we were herded into the starter pen, which thankfully stopped just after the race briefing. Then, off down to the start.
You know it's going to be a bad run when you're struggling on the way DOWN at a steady jog to the start area. Anyway, thinking happy thoughts. Bang. Off. As with nearly every race start in history, I'm stood too far back. After a bit of dodging, into some free space and I can open up. Hah! Having said that, as soon as it starts getting steep, I do start to claim places back - a testament to the level of fitness I had achieved in preparation to keep up with speedy Pete. The ground levels out slightly, but cant get enough air into my lungs to make my legs run, so power-hiking, run the flats, power-hike the hilly bits. After forever, reach the top.
Downhill. My favourite part. It was a fast descent, quality running but still couldn't quite get enough air in the engine to push down the hill, having to coast instead. After a very steep grassy section, I hit the road, and worked hard to maintain pace and place. Reached the final incline up the road, got a rush of blood and pushed hard. Too hard. Faded miserably up the top and let a few back past, and staggered in to the finish, 58th overall in 43:something.
The next 45 minutes were a blur of coughing, hacking, coughing, hacking some more, the best bacon cob I have ever had, along with the best post-race soup, more coughing, with a bit more hacking to mix it up. Then, the 3 hour drive back home.
Went to the Doc's today, am on penicillin and complete rest. Interestingly, the Doc took my heart-rate. "56? You said it was high. this is normal.", me: "No, 38-40 is normal."
Lucky my next race is only 26 miles, and it's 2 weeks away.
Also, Pete, the guy I was supposed to run with, ended up doing 4th leg. He also got 3rd fastest time. He was also only 45 seconds slower than Simon Bailey. Pretty pleased I wasn't with him!
Some explanations: The Fell Relays are the fell running event of the year. Held mid-October every year, it pits club against club, each show-casing the best of their talent. There are 6 runners per team, and 4 legs to run. The first leg is traditionally the shortest leg, is run solo, and is fully marked. The second is the longest, run in pairs and also marked. Third is the Navigation leg. It is run in pairs, and is unmarked and not as long as leg 2. Unless you get lost. The last is also a solo leg, and of a distance between leg 1 and leg 2. The winning team is the one with the lowest overall time.
Our "A" team was 36th, our best ever, and our "B" was 70th. Also our best ever. Top 20 next year. Might also get the flu-jab.
Sleep now.
At this stage, feeling the way I was, it was going to be no relays for me. Especially no 2nd leg (the longest, paired leg) with Pete Hodkinson, an U23 GB orienteer.
Saturday. Slept like a sleepy thing. Woke feeling a bit rough, but semi-human. I was going. First leg, solo, but still going. Spent a lovely day at the fair with the family, kids in bed then hit the road at 7pm. Made it to Llanberis for 10:30 (with some quality nav from Tom), then to the Chamois Mountain hut for 11pm. Got a little lost, had to be directed in by phone and Pete's google earth. Cup of tea, chat, bed for midnight. Sleep quite some time later, after hacking up half a lung.
Up at 7:30am or so, breakfast, coffee, then getting ready. Left a little early, which was lucky as there was a decent queue into the car park. Took some more flu-pills. Coughed some more. Saw Chris Baynham-Hughes briefly, then off up to the event centre. It was busy. Found our tent, got myself sorted, then tried to get myself excited for 5 miles of what should have been awesome running, but instead something more akin to hell. Complete downpour whilst we were herded into the starter pen, which thankfully stopped just after the race briefing. Then, off down to the start.
You know it's going to be a bad run when you're struggling on the way DOWN at a steady jog to the start area. Anyway, thinking happy thoughts. Bang. Off. As with nearly every race start in history, I'm stood too far back. After a bit of dodging, into some free space and I can open up. Hah! Having said that, as soon as it starts getting steep, I do start to claim places back - a testament to the level of fitness I had achieved in preparation to keep up with speedy Pete. The ground levels out slightly, but cant get enough air into my lungs to make my legs run, so power-hiking, run the flats, power-hike the hilly bits. After forever, reach the top.
Downhill. My favourite part. It was a fast descent, quality running but still couldn't quite get enough air in the engine to push down the hill, having to coast instead. After a very steep grassy section, I hit the road, and worked hard to maintain pace and place. Reached the final incline up the road, got a rush of blood and pushed hard. Too hard. Faded miserably up the top and let a few back past, and staggered in to the finish, 58th overall in 43:something.
The next 45 minutes were a blur of coughing, hacking, coughing, hacking some more, the best bacon cob I have ever had, along with the best post-race soup, more coughing, with a bit more hacking to mix it up. Then, the 3 hour drive back home.
Went to the Doc's today, am on penicillin and complete rest. Interestingly, the Doc took my heart-rate. "56? You said it was high. this is normal.", me: "No, 38-40 is normal."
Lucky my next race is only 26 miles, and it's 2 weeks away.
Also, Pete, the guy I was supposed to run with, ended up doing 4th leg. He also got 3rd fastest time. He was also only 45 seconds slower than Simon Bailey. Pretty pleased I wasn't with him!
Some explanations: The Fell Relays are the fell running event of the year. Held mid-October every year, it pits club against club, each show-casing the best of their talent. There are 6 runners per team, and 4 legs to run. The first leg is traditionally the shortest leg, is run solo, and is fully marked. The second is the longest, run in pairs and also marked. Third is the Navigation leg. It is run in pairs, and is unmarked and not as long as leg 2. Unless you get lost. The last is also a solo leg, and of a distance between leg 1 and leg 2. The winning team is the one with the lowest overall time.
Our "A" team was 36th, our best ever, and our "B" was 70th. Also our best ever. Top 20 next year. Might also get the flu-jab.
Sleep now.
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Race Report - The High Peak 40
Well, the phrase "silk purse from a sows ear" fits this one nicely. Whilst getting everything ready for the HP40, I discovered that I had left my pack, with all of my kit in it, at the previous weekends race, the Nine Edges. Oops.
So Friday night was pretty much panicking, calling people to borrow maps, and packing a bumbag full of spare kit. Instead of 1 map for the whole lot, I had 2 maps, and had to use both sides of the 2 maps. This could get confusing. Also, not being a great believer of not testing something new on raceday, I had a new t-shirt (long sleeve Rab Aeon tee) and nutrition (TORQ gels).Fun times ahead.
Up early doors Saturday to get up to Buxton for registration (sorry Mel), then spent from 7:30 to 7:48 (race starts at 8, 10 minutes walk away...) in a bit of a panic marking up the maps (all 4 sides) as I had overheard someone say something about it not being marked well. Oh dear.
Made it to the start line ok, quick hi to fellow TORQ team member Tracy Dean, brief briefing (ha) and then we were off. There was the usual mad sprint, but I resisted, having figured that I was going to stick to a 7 min/mile on the flat strategy as it worked so well last weekend. Over a couple of lanes, then up slight incline and then stairs (walked - can't run 'em) then onto the old railway path. Managed a brief headcount in front of me, figured I was about 14th. By the time checkpoint 1 was reached, I was 13th, and had just downed my first gel. Interesting flavour, forest fruits, but had a massive caffeine kick. Great stuff. Off down the hill to follow the reservoirs, then up the Goyt River. Still keeping it steady at around 7/7:15 a mile, managed to reel in another couple of people, then up to the main road and checkpoint 2.
Through CP2 in seconds - a well oiled machine that checkpoint. Up a hill then down, then up Eccles Pike. I had made a decision not to fight the hills, to my effort steady but try and run them as much as possible. All the way up the hill, picked up another place, then down into the next CP. Just taking on water at the CP's, as I was taking gels not far before them and didn't need anything extra.
Around the back of Chapel-en-le-Frith, then under a railway bridge, quick turn left then right, then a long slog up to South Head. Managed to pick up another place, and set my eyes on a bloke in orange up ahead. I had my eyes on his back for quite some time. From South Head to Rushup Edge was a nice run, passing Charlie Sharpe on my way up Mam Tor. Finally caught up to the guy in orange (I think it was Phil Hayes) on my way into Castleton, but that was shortlived as he put a push on and got a bit of a gap on me. Closed up on him and Kevin Hoult, who was in 3rd (didn't know it at the time) by the top, but then Kevin had a good run down, and Phil was a little faster also across Bradwell Moor. In through the next CP, then down into Tideswell. Caught back up to Phil at the next CP, then passed him as we ran through the mud and he cramped up.
Down Monsall Dale, Phil was a steady 30 or so metres back, so once we were off the disused railway and down onto the river trail, I tried to gap him, and got a little ground on him over the undulations. Next up was Deep Dale. Not the most picturesque place in the world, but it was slightly uphill, and runnable. I pushed up here, as I knew Phil was slower up the hills than me, and I wanted to drop him. Happily, Kevin in 3rd was also having issues with his calves and running up hill, so by the time we reached the top I had caught him. Quick hello, blasted through the CP and I was off in 3rd. Briefly. Kevin caught up fairly quickly, so the next few miles I was pushing, trying to pretend I wasn't pushing. Managed to get a few metres by the end of the road section (it was the dreaded Flagg Lane section we were on, 3 miles of undulating road which, after 32 miles usually gives people a hard time. Barely noticed it.), but then there is Deep Dale 2 - a short, steep down and up just before the last CP.
Kevin at this stage was descending better than me, so he was a little too close for my liking. Nipped through the last CP fast as, then off through the field. I had about 50m on Kevin. Concerned. Had a bit of an argument with a gate (they tend to confuse me in the later stages) and was concerned even more. Saw the next few fields. They were slightly uphill. Now or never. Pushed hard. Dropped him. Steady run in (looking over shoulder) to take 3rd place, in 5:51. Duncan Harris won, in 5:26 (fast) and Stuart Walker in 2nd, 5:33 (Still fast). Tracy Dean took out the ladys race in 6:21.
Cup of tea while I recovered, quick photoshoot, then off for a nice warm shower. Actually, no. It was cold. I hate cold showers, with a passion. I squealed like a little girl. Dunno what Stu thinks of me now. "Yeah, not a bad runner, bit of a pansy though".
Had my first cheese and onion pie. Amazing.
Things that went well:
So Friday night was pretty much panicking, calling people to borrow maps, and packing a bumbag full of spare kit. Instead of 1 map for the whole lot, I had 2 maps, and had to use both sides of the 2 maps. This could get confusing. Also, not being a great believer of not testing something new on raceday, I had a new t-shirt (long sleeve Rab Aeon tee) and nutrition (TORQ gels).Fun times ahead.
Up early doors Saturday to get up to Buxton for registration (sorry Mel), then spent from 7:30 to 7:48 (race starts at 8, 10 minutes walk away...) in a bit of a panic marking up the maps (all 4 sides) as I had overheard someone say something about it not being marked well. Oh dear.
Made it to the start line ok, quick hi to fellow TORQ team member Tracy Dean, brief briefing (ha) and then we were off. There was the usual mad sprint, but I resisted, having figured that I was going to stick to a 7 min/mile on the flat strategy as it worked so well last weekend. Over a couple of lanes, then up slight incline and then stairs (walked - can't run 'em) then onto the old railway path. Managed a brief headcount in front of me, figured I was about 14th. By the time checkpoint 1 was reached, I was 13th, and had just downed my first gel. Interesting flavour, forest fruits, but had a massive caffeine kick. Great stuff. Off down the hill to follow the reservoirs, then up the Goyt River. Still keeping it steady at around 7/7:15 a mile, managed to reel in another couple of people, then up to the main road and checkpoint 2.
Through CP2 in seconds - a well oiled machine that checkpoint. Up a hill then down, then up Eccles Pike. I had made a decision not to fight the hills, to my effort steady but try and run them as much as possible. All the way up the hill, picked up another place, then down into the next CP. Just taking on water at the CP's, as I was taking gels not far before them and didn't need anything extra.
Around the back of Chapel-en-le-Frith, then under a railway bridge, quick turn left then right, then a long slog up to South Head. Managed to pick up another place, and set my eyes on a bloke in orange up ahead. I had my eyes on his back for quite some time. From South Head to Rushup Edge was a nice run, passing Charlie Sharpe on my way up Mam Tor. Finally caught up to the guy in orange (I think it was Phil Hayes) on my way into Castleton, but that was shortlived as he put a push on and got a bit of a gap on me. Closed up on him and Kevin Hoult, who was in 3rd (didn't know it at the time) by the top, but then Kevin had a good run down, and Phil was a little faster also across Bradwell Moor. In through the next CP, then down into Tideswell. Caught back up to Phil at the next CP, then passed him as we ran through the mud and he cramped up.
Down Monsall Dale, Phil was a steady 30 or so metres back, so once we were off the disused railway and down onto the river trail, I tried to gap him, and got a little ground on him over the undulations. Next up was Deep Dale. Not the most picturesque place in the world, but it was slightly uphill, and runnable. I pushed up here, as I knew Phil was slower up the hills than me, and I wanted to drop him. Happily, Kevin in 3rd was also having issues with his calves and running up hill, so by the time we reached the top I had caught him. Quick hello, blasted through the CP and I was off in 3rd. Briefly. Kevin caught up fairly quickly, so the next few miles I was pushing, trying to pretend I wasn't pushing. Managed to get a few metres by the end of the road section (it was the dreaded Flagg Lane section we were on, 3 miles of undulating road which, after 32 miles usually gives people a hard time. Barely noticed it.), but then there is Deep Dale 2 - a short, steep down and up just before the last CP.
Kevin at this stage was descending better than me, so he was a little too close for my liking. Nipped through the last CP fast as, then off through the field. I had about 50m on Kevin. Concerned. Had a bit of an argument with a gate (they tend to confuse me in the later stages) and was concerned even more. Saw the next few fields. They were slightly uphill. Now or never. Pushed hard. Dropped him. Steady run in (looking over shoulder) to take 3rd place, in 5:51. Duncan Harris won, in 5:26 (fast) and Stuart Walker in 2nd, 5:33 (Still fast). Tracy Dean took out the ladys race in 6:21.
Cup of tea while I recovered, quick photoshoot, then off for a nice warm shower. Actually, no. It was cold. I hate cold showers, with a passion. I squealed like a little girl. Dunno what Stu thinks of me now. "Yeah, not a bad runner, bit of a pansy though".
Had my first cheese and onion pie. Amazing.
Things that went well:
- TORQ gels. No flat spots, nice taste, no aftertaste.
- Fuelling - 1 gel, 30 minutes. Works for me.
- General pacing - didn't slow down much over the race. 2:47 for the first 20, 3:04 for the second.
- Cheese and onion pies.
Things I could do better
- Start faster. If I want to do better, I need to be closer to the front.
- Don't lose kit and force a panic. Dur.
- Slightly more vaseline.
Strava link:
Thanks to TORQ for fuelling my race!
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Highs, and lows.
Well, hell of a couple of weeks. Massive low a couple of weeks back, when I got the news that my father was admitted to Greymouth hospital (it's pretty small). Managed a brief chat with him, but he was in a bit much pain to be chatty - all of his joints hurt. He was then flown over to Christchurch hospital (much bigger), put in ICU, hooked up to a ventilator and a shedload of pain relief and antibiotics. Turns out he had a Strep A infection, which had gotten into his blood (septicemia). He is still in a critical state, but slowly improving, but being literally the other side of the world has been hard.
Hot on the heels of this, was quite possibly the most exciting thing that has happened to me, in terms of running - an email asking me to join the Torq Performance Trail Team. The very first post on this blog was about my efforts in trying to get into another Torq Trail Team, which was unsuccessful, but am absolutely over the moon to be a part of the team, especially considering the talent that I will be joining.
So the past couple of weeks has definitely been a rollercoaster. Despite all of this, or maybe because of it, training has still gone on, and also the Nine Edges Endurance race, which I have started every year since 2009. It's 20 miles long, and a cracking course starting at Ladybower Reservoir, and finishing at the Robin Hood pub, just out of Baslow.
So I'm not sure exactly what I did on Wednesday night whilst I was sleeping, but I went to bed feeling great, with no niggles, then woke up Thursday morning with a sore ankle. How do you injure yourself in your sleep? So I took Thursday and Friday off running, ankle was better but still a bit sore, but it didn't feel like muscle or ligament damage, so I thought I'd trot around anyway.
!0:00am Saturday morning, off we went (after 10 minutes standing around getting chewed on by midges. I itch on every bit that was exposed.) with the usual amount of people charging off across the field, only to slow down massively on the first incline. It's a fairly good grunt from Ladybower up to the top of the hill, and I made my way up to 3rd place by the time we reached the top, then in to 2nd pretty soon after that. 1st place was not too far away (I thought), so I pushed on. The descent down into Moscar came fairly quickly, could still see 1st so I thought I'd time the gap - 3.5 minutes, after 5 and a bit miles. Ouch. I carried on, figuring he's come back further into the race. Besides, 3rd-6th weren't far behind me.
On this race, somehow, I always manage to get to stiles, gates, marshals at exactly the wrong time. It must have cost me a good 3 minutes or so waiting for them I digress. I carried on from Checkpoint 2, just after Moscar, doing my own thing, aiming to finish the race with under 8min/mile average, was running all of the hills and just generally feeling good. Surely I must be pulling 1st in...
So I got to Burbage Bridge, about 11 miles in. A mate from the club was there, and gave me the good news the bloke was now 7 minutes in front. I gave up worrying about catching him then, and just carried on doing my own thing.
Nothing particularly eventful happened between then and the finish, pace remained consistent the whole way and I finished the race feeling good - which has given me a massive confidence boost for next Saturday's High Peak 40, where I'm going to try and keep the same pace.
Strava link here, ended up 2nd. Free beer at the endwas amazing, think it was Sunbeam.
Hot on the heels of this, was quite possibly the most exciting thing that has happened to me, in terms of running - an email asking me to join the Torq Performance Trail Team. The very first post on this blog was about my efforts in trying to get into another Torq Trail Team, which was unsuccessful, but am absolutely over the moon to be a part of the team, especially considering the talent that I will be joining.
So the past couple of weeks has definitely been a rollercoaster. Despite all of this, or maybe because of it, training has still gone on, and also the Nine Edges Endurance race, which I have started every year since 2009. It's 20 miles long, and a cracking course starting at Ladybower Reservoir, and finishing at the Robin Hood pub, just out of Baslow.
So I'm not sure exactly what I did on Wednesday night whilst I was sleeping, but I went to bed feeling great, with no niggles, then woke up Thursday morning with a sore ankle. How do you injure yourself in your sleep? So I took Thursday and Friday off running, ankle was better but still a bit sore, but it didn't feel like muscle or ligament damage, so I thought I'd trot around anyway.
!0:00am Saturday morning, off we went (after 10 minutes standing around getting chewed on by midges. I itch on every bit that was exposed.) with the usual amount of people charging off across the field, only to slow down massively on the first incline. It's a fairly good grunt from Ladybower up to the top of the hill, and I made my way up to 3rd place by the time we reached the top, then in to 2nd pretty soon after that. 1st place was not too far away (I thought), so I pushed on. The descent down into Moscar came fairly quickly, could still see 1st so I thought I'd time the gap - 3.5 minutes, after 5 and a bit miles. Ouch. I carried on, figuring he's come back further into the race. Besides, 3rd-6th weren't far behind me.
On this race, somehow, I always manage to get to stiles, gates, marshals at exactly the wrong time. It must have cost me a good 3 minutes or so waiting for them I digress. I carried on from Checkpoint 2, just after Moscar, doing my own thing, aiming to finish the race with under 8min/mile average, was running all of the hills and just generally feeling good. Surely I must be pulling 1st in...
So I got to Burbage Bridge, about 11 miles in. A mate from the club was there, and gave me the good news the bloke was now 7 minutes in front. I gave up worrying about catching him then, and just carried on doing my own thing.
Nothing particularly eventful happened between then and the finish, pace remained consistent the whole way and I finished the race feeling good - which has given me a massive confidence boost for next Saturday's High Peak 40, where I'm going to try and keep the same pace.
Strava link here, ended up 2nd. Free beer at the endwas amazing, think it was Sunbeam.
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Win! And other things!
It's been a while, so there's a few things going into this one. 2 races, and a bit about a holiday. Exciting stuff, but will start from the start...
Wednesday 14th August. Race 5 of our Summer League. Felt a bit rough going into this, and it showed. Averaged 6:04 a mile on a flattish course, struggled to get under 6 for most of it, and just felt flat. 36th place in 35:53. Moving on...
Went over to Lake Annecy in the French Alps for a Family Holiday, and met up with friends Mark and Debs Kerry. Had an absolutely fantastic time, did loads of things with family and kids without having to focus on working for my Maths Degree. Happy days. Discovered my eldest daughter has no fear whatsoever when it comes to climbing, or speed. Loved the luge. Didn't get to go to Chamonix, or the Raidlight HQ, but did get a morning pass out to go up a mountain, and handily, La Tournette was close by.
So, I departed from Verthier, at the Southern end of Lake Annecy, early Monday morning (about an hour later than planned as it was still dark!) on foot, starting altitude of ~440m. As I had left most of my kit behind, not really expecting to be doing anything like this I was wearing my 22l day pack, and only had 3 muesli bars and a banana for fuel (I did have a very nice baguette I made, but left it in the fridge at the campsite). Started to run up the hill, but that didn't last very long as it was a) early and b)steep. Still kept up a good pace, and started running when it flattened out again.Made it up to the Col de la Forclaz in 50 minutes, 700m climbed with another 1200m to go.
Next it was along past where the hordes of paragliders launch from, along through some forest to the Chateau de l'Aulp (or something similar). Along here was also a viewpoint. Said viewpoint was a rocky outcropping with a bit of a (massive) drop. About here I realised that my head for heights wasn't as good as it used to be, and had to have a bit of a sit down. The spinning gradually abated, I took some snaps, and retreated (carefully, 3 points of contact at all times) back to the path. Some good running from here took me to the Chateau. 1:35 done, still feeling good, 1st bar eaten.
Gets steep from here. Really steep. Hands on knees, going up steady, passing loads of people all with poles. I was the only person I saw the whole time without. Made it up to the Refuge de la Tournette,and ran past a French couple, the bloke on the phone exclaimed something along the lines of seeing Kilian Jornet. That made me run up the next bit until they couldn't see me. Thankfully, that wasn't far. Next up, after that brief, morale boosting respite, was more steep climb. Steep, muddy climb as well, still running anything that looked flattish. Finally approached the rocky top section, edging carefully past the massive drop to the left (head getting better with heights though) and finally getting to climb up bits with chains. Randomly, there was also a small lily patch at about 2000m. Crazy.
The top. Reached it in just over 3 hours, was really happy with that, head just about back to ok with heights and drops, took loads of photos and waited a bit to see if the clouds on the Mont Blanc side would clear. They did, a little, i took more photos but didn't spot it. Ate my banana, then started on the descent. It was fun. Nice little scree bit, down a nice ridge, full of goats, then down through some forest to a nice stream. Filled up my bottle, and myself, then spotted Mark and Debs coming up the other side. Had a quick chat, then carried on. About 200m later, had to stop as there was a large deer/goat thing in the middle of the path. It was incredibly unconcerned, so I took few photos and walked towards it. It waited until I was about 1m away, then ambled just off the path. I carried on. Down through more forest, and into Montmin. Then slightly up and along a road back to Col de la Forclaz, and a terrific descent back down to Verthier. Stopped the clock at just over 5 hours, with about 8100 ft of climb. Fantastic, and I was back to the campsite on time also.
Strava link is here.
Today's race. The Dark and White trail race, round 2 at Rowter Farm, Castleton. Travelled up with Brett, which was entertaining in itself, fairly early doors, with Nick Lander and Andy Watson coming up later to do the 12km option. Got there well within time, got ourselves sorted, and tried to warm up. It was cold, with a bit of a wind blowing. Jogged to the start point (you can start the 20k any time between 8:15 and 9:30) and set off at about 8:25, with a few people ahead. I do prefer to have people ahead, targets to chase and all that. Started off heading towards Mam Tor, but turning up to Rushup Edge. ran all the way up to the road, then up to the edge, where I noticed that not only was the wind really, really cold, it was also a dirty headwind, and blowing quite hard. Never mind, keep going, take it steady. Reached the turn North to Chapel gate, then off the side, down the footpath to Dale Head. Started to get into it, passing a few people. Reached the first checkpoint, water and grabbed a gel for later, then on, heading towards the path up to Hollins Cross. Took my gel just before the climb, and just kept plugging at it, passing Martin Stacey of DDMT, made myself run all the way to the top. Was feeling quite good by now, heading towards Lose Hill, and thankfully missing the summit. Down the side, following the old Moors and Tors route, into Hope, 2nd checkpoint, grabbed another gel for later, and along the start of the Moors and Tors route. Into Castleton, but for once, I wasn't climbing up Cavedale, which I think would have been the easier option. Instead, we were directed around the back of Castleton, going up past the entrance to Peak Cavern, then straight up the side of the hill. I had to walk. It was steep. after about 50m, it flattened out and I managed to start running again, but it kept going, and going...and then going back into the teeth of that headwind. Only, it wasn't the same headwind, it had reinforcements. It was a hell of a struggle to keep running, but I wasn't walking again. The last 2 miles took what felt like forever (in reality they weren't too bad, but took a load of effort), and dibbed in at the finish in 1:46:34, which turned out to be good enough for 1st place. An entire 9 minutes clear of 2nd.
Strava link here.
Some photos from Annecy:
Wednesday 14th August. Race 5 of our Summer League. Felt a bit rough going into this, and it showed. Averaged 6:04 a mile on a flattish course, struggled to get under 6 for most of it, and just felt flat. 36th place in 35:53. Moving on...
Went over to Lake Annecy in the French Alps for a Family Holiday, and met up with friends Mark and Debs Kerry. Had an absolutely fantastic time, did loads of things with family and kids without having to focus on working for my Maths Degree. Happy days. Discovered my eldest daughter has no fear whatsoever when it comes to climbing, or speed. Loved the luge. Didn't get to go to Chamonix, or the Raidlight HQ, but did get a morning pass out to go up a mountain, and handily, La Tournette was close by.
So, I departed from Verthier, at the Southern end of Lake Annecy, early Monday morning (about an hour later than planned as it was still dark!) on foot, starting altitude of ~440m. As I had left most of my kit behind, not really expecting to be doing anything like this I was wearing my 22l day pack, and only had 3 muesli bars and a banana for fuel (I did have a very nice baguette I made, but left it in the fridge at the campsite). Started to run up the hill, but that didn't last very long as it was a) early and b)steep. Still kept up a good pace, and started running when it flattened out again.Made it up to the Col de la Forclaz in 50 minutes, 700m climbed with another 1200m to go.
Next it was along past where the hordes of paragliders launch from, along through some forest to the Chateau de l'Aulp (or something similar). Along here was also a viewpoint. Said viewpoint was a rocky outcropping with a bit of a (massive) drop. About here I realised that my head for heights wasn't as good as it used to be, and had to have a bit of a sit down. The spinning gradually abated, I took some snaps, and retreated (carefully, 3 points of contact at all times) back to the path. Some good running from here took me to the Chateau. 1:35 done, still feeling good, 1st bar eaten.
Gets steep from here. Really steep. Hands on knees, going up steady, passing loads of people all with poles. I was the only person I saw the whole time without. Made it up to the Refuge de la Tournette,and ran past a French couple, the bloke on the phone exclaimed something along the lines of seeing Kilian Jornet. That made me run up the next bit until they couldn't see me. Thankfully, that wasn't far. Next up, after that brief, morale boosting respite, was more steep climb. Steep, muddy climb as well, still running anything that looked flattish. Finally approached the rocky top section, edging carefully past the massive drop to the left (head getting better with heights though) and finally getting to climb up bits with chains. Randomly, there was also a small lily patch at about 2000m. Crazy.
The top. Reached it in just over 3 hours, was really happy with that, head just about back to ok with heights and drops, took loads of photos and waited a bit to see if the clouds on the Mont Blanc side would clear. They did, a little, i took more photos but didn't spot it. Ate my banana, then started on the descent. It was fun. Nice little scree bit, down a nice ridge, full of goats, then down through some forest to a nice stream. Filled up my bottle, and myself, then spotted Mark and Debs coming up the other side. Had a quick chat, then carried on. About 200m later, had to stop as there was a large deer/goat thing in the middle of the path. It was incredibly unconcerned, so I took few photos and walked towards it. It waited until I was about 1m away, then ambled just off the path. I carried on. Down through more forest, and into Montmin. Then slightly up and along a road back to Col de la Forclaz, and a terrific descent back down to Verthier. Stopped the clock at just over 5 hours, with about 8100 ft of climb. Fantastic, and I was back to the campsite on time also.
Strava link is here.
Today's race. The Dark and White trail race, round 2 at Rowter Farm, Castleton. Travelled up with Brett, which was entertaining in itself, fairly early doors, with Nick Lander and Andy Watson coming up later to do the 12km option. Got there well within time, got ourselves sorted, and tried to warm up. It was cold, with a bit of a wind blowing. Jogged to the start point (you can start the 20k any time between 8:15 and 9:30) and set off at about 8:25, with a few people ahead. I do prefer to have people ahead, targets to chase and all that. Started off heading towards Mam Tor, but turning up to Rushup Edge. ran all the way up to the road, then up to the edge, where I noticed that not only was the wind really, really cold, it was also a dirty headwind, and blowing quite hard. Never mind, keep going, take it steady. Reached the turn North to Chapel gate, then off the side, down the footpath to Dale Head. Started to get into it, passing a few people. Reached the first checkpoint, water and grabbed a gel for later, then on, heading towards the path up to Hollins Cross. Took my gel just before the climb, and just kept plugging at it, passing Martin Stacey of DDMT, made myself run all the way to the top. Was feeling quite good by now, heading towards Lose Hill, and thankfully missing the summit. Down the side, following the old Moors and Tors route, into Hope, 2nd checkpoint, grabbed another gel for later, and along the start of the Moors and Tors route. Into Castleton, but for once, I wasn't climbing up Cavedale, which I think would have been the easier option. Instead, we were directed around the back of Castleton, going up past the entrance to Peak Cavern, then straight up the side of the hill. I had to walk. It was steep. after about 50m, it flattened out and I managed to start running again, but it kept going, and going...and then going back into the teeth of that headwind. Only, it wasn't the same headwind, it had reinforcements. It was a hell of a struggle to keep running, but I wasn't walking again. The last 2 miles took what felt like forever (in reality they weren't too bad, but took a load of effort), and dibbed in at the finish in 1:46:34, which turned out to be good enough for 1st place. An entire 9 minutes clear of 2nd.
Strava link here.
Some photos from Annecy:
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