tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50580799636465948452024-03-12T21:18:44.177-07:00Ian B's Barefoot AdventureIan Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-84887215101743528842019-07-26T13:17:00.001-07:002019-07-26T13:17:19.955-07:00Western States 100 2019 - Race Report<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Western States 100 2019 - Race Report</h2>
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Build up</h3>
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Well where do I start? Its been a while since my last post and I'm already matching last years post count of one!</div>
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A good place to start is maybe way back in 2015? I'd heard of Western States through the book Born to Run and the legendary film Unbreakable (best running film ever?) and as I was trying to run 100 miles I'd obviously heard of the race that started it all.</div>
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Originally a 100 mile mountain horse race in America this changed ultra running forever in 1974 when one competitor had to run the whole course in sub 24hrs because his horse was lame. The event is now recognised arguably as the most prestigious 100 mile event in the world.<br />
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I'd had my first attempt at the distance in 2013 but it wasn't till finally finishing Thames Path 100 and stating "never again" was told this was a qualifier for the draw for WS100 and of course I had to enter.<br />
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I completed the online entry and waited till December for the live draw. with 5000+ people entering a race with less than 400 places it wasn't a surprise when my name wasn't picked... Oh well best look at what qualifying races I could do next year! South Downs Way 100 followed but the same draw result in 2016, North Downs Way 100 in 2017 same again and Lakeland 100 in 2018.....<br />
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We had a tradition by now in its 4th year that the family would visit the local Christmas displays and on the way back listen to the draw live via the web... This year was no different. I was driving so wasn't taking in the stuff in the background but when Katie said I was in I told her to quit joking.<br />
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But sure enough I checked the draw results and I was in the race! Later that evening I started to get messages from various people that had heard the news including Tim Lambert who I first met at SDW 100 and who had also got in after waiting even longer then me.<br />
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Another guy who got in was Tremanye Cowdry who'd run it a couple of years before and as fortune would have it got in again. Tremanye would prove to be a massive help and I'd like to say a special thanks to him who as well as my family probably had to listen to countless questions.</div>
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Training</h3>
Pre-draw result I'd previously decided to focus one last time in 2019 on a fast road marathon and had already started to try increase my base speed with previously non-existent weekly speed sessions. Well I wasn't going to miss States once I knew I was in so fast marathon training also incorporated 50 mile ultra marathons as well as usual Tempo runs, not really ideal.<br />
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Well Manchester marathon came and went and I did manage 3:27 which was a PB but I knew months ago that I wasn't going to be fully focused on the tarmac but I was pleased with the result anyway. What it did remind me was that road racing isn't really for me as I much preferred the trails.<br />
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As well as upping the miles now I was trying to run in the hills as often as possible and also as the race would hit 100 deg F I was now in weeks of heat training in daily saunas (20 mins never seemed so long). But towards the end generally the training had probably gone as well as it ever had in the build up to a 100 miler and decided rest was critical so I had a 3 week gradual taper over my usual 2.<br />
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Time to fly</h3>
June was soon upon us and soon I was packing kit, then unpacking and repacking about a dozen times as I couldn't decide on exactly what to use so I took everything! We by now had a small group of about 8 Brits that were also doing the event and most of us met up at the airport the Tuesday before the start as we flew to San Fransisco.<br />
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What I haven't mentioned were events over the last weekend before the race. Me and Mrs B had a rare night out in London but she was take really ill with what was later diagnosed as a stomach bug and was sick for days. Well you guessed it, the night before my flight I started feeling sick. Not that bad and I crossed everything it wouldn't be as bad as Kelly as she really suffered.<br />
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I boarded the plane and I didn't feel like eating or drinking anything even though I had bought loads of food. After 11 hours we landed and I'd somehow managed to hold it together for the whole flight but as we stood in line at immigration I started to get waves of serious nausea. I told Tremayne I needed to go to the toilet asap and that was the last I remember as everything went black.</div>
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I came too on the floor surrounded by strangers and the first thing I thought was if I get seen by officials they're not going to let me in the country! Everyone asked if I was ok and I jumped up and said I was fine even though I really wasn't. I couldn't tell anyone in my group the real reason I was in bad shape as I didn't want to jinx anyone so blamed it on the heat and after 2 hrs we cleared customs to my relief.<br />
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See you in Squaw</h3>
We had one night in San Francisco and the next day we travelled to Squaw Valley about 3 hours away. We drove straight to a BBQ near-by which hosted all the international runners and it was here I met my pacer Julie for the first time. Julie was a local who knew the course well and had helped at the event for years. She was helping again on race day at Devils Thumb but would meet me later to pace me hopefully to the finish. Also at the BBQ were a few race legends including the man that started it all Gordy Ainsleigh by running the route with his horse.<br />
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We eventually got to the hotel and everyone was keen to have a few beers and some food but I still couldn't eat much. I was feeling pretty sick but it wasn't getting any worst and I knew it only really lasted 3 days as Kelly had improved then so I hoped I'd be feeling better before the start. I really hoped no one else started to get it though even though there was nothing I could have done.<br />
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The next day I went for a walk around the beautiful resort of Tahoe City. Despite the name its a small town right on the lake surrounded by huge ski resort mountains. Was I taking some picture of the lake and guy passed me and said if I wanted to take a cool picture I should take on of the bear. Bear? There must be a statue of a bear close by but oh no about 20m away was a baby bear walking around and I was looking for mama bear but luckily she wasn't around!<br />
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Later we drove to the start and the place was amazing. It was built to hold the 1960 Winter Olympics and it was super impressive. I couldn't believe I was actually here in the place I'd only seen in movies and I was part of it. We had a briefing from the race RD and we took a really slow walk from the start for the first 4 miles of the race straight up a ski run. What was a little strange was that in places the ski run was till in use as high snow fall still refused to melt and race day would be<br />
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I'll be honest with the week I'd had I wasn't looking forward to this climb as I was nervous how I would feel with almost no fuel in the build up but me and Tremayne took it really easy stopping every now and then to take in the views and we were soon approaching the top and wow it was worth it. We were buzzing. Im not sure if it was elation or altitude but we were jumping up and down like kids. I noticed one of the few at the top was ladies elite runner Camile Herron. She was also bouncing up and down as I took a selfie of both of us, an amazing experience.<br />
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The rest of the day was spent walking around the resort again bothering ultra running royalty for more photos. Eventually we drove back to the hotel and started one final kit pack ready for registration and check in the next day. Then it was Friday the day before the start and I was feeling a lot better. I still had little appetite but I wasn't feeling as sick now and no one else in the group looked like they were going down with anything more importantly.<br />
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We again drove to the start and we were first in line to register for the race. This was a series of stands that start with your race photo being taken by Luis Escobar the famous race photographer and big part of the Born to Run story. I shook his hand and he seemed like a genuinely really nice guy who was loving it. Best bit about the stands? The swag! I came out with loads of Western States branded goodies, now all I had to do was finish the event so I could use them!<br />
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Next our drop bags were handed in. I'd opted for 3 race bags and a finish bag. Two of the race bags were only Tailwind fuel and a larger bag for 62 miles with new shoes, socks and headtorch etc. I'd decided to carry a tiny emergency torch in my race vest just in case as well as my main headlamp despite States having no formal kit list and this turned out to be a decent decision.<br />
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Well that was it we were ready. The body had sorted itself out and the kit was packed. We had one last meal that night and it was early to bed for a 2:30am alarm call. I slept pretty well and got myself dressed and ready for the drive to the start and we got there just before 4am with the race due to start at 5am. We were all huddled in one small room and people were trying to have one last coffee before the adventure ahead. I was a little nervous but really just wanted to get started. I said good luck to all the GB runners one last time and took myself off to a corner ready for the start.</div>
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3,2,1.... BANG</h3>
With minutes to go the starter gave a speech about the journey and don't forget to turn around and look around every now and again especially at the top of the first long climb, then countdown and a shotgun start and we were off. People started running but I was determined to start super slow and not run one step on the first climb. I felt ok but the walk seemed a lot harder than it had a couple of days ago and I looked at my watch as I was doing something I'd never done in an event before and that was run to heart rate. I'd been told that the most critical thing was to not head out too fast but save something for the "easier" 2nd half of the race.</div>
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I looked around still nowhere near the top and I was a little worried that there didn't seem a lot more people left behind me. I wanted to take it easy but I was concerned I was too slow. One of our group Sharon tapped me on the shoulder and told me I really was taking it easy! This set off more alarm bells and I pushed on a little and eventually reached the top of Escarpment the first climb finished. I've never been so relieved. Now I had visions of a nice 30 mile easy downhill recovery but I was in for a shock.</div>
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The High Country</h3>
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Just before I started running I remembered what the starter said and I stopped in my tracks turned around and looked at the view and wow it was amazing we were above the clouds looking down on the lake with the sun rising. I quickly turned around and started to run at a reasonable pace on the single track as I passed a dude blowing a huge alpine horn. I started feeling better but soon the clear trail turn into 6ft high banks of snow and ice that had to be climbed up and then slid off.<br />
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This seemed to drag on for miles but eventually the snow eased as we approached the first aid station Lyon Ridge that was really tiny I remember. I was feeling shattered too early and didn't know why but tried some Cliff Shot blocks that were on offer but they just didn't sit right on my stomach and decided to stick to Tailwind and gels only not risking solids. We were now in high country and even though I was in a dark place I forced myself to look up at the absolutely epic views of the Sierra Nevada's.</div>
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I realised I'd forgotten to check my progress by looking for the cut off signs at the last stop and as I was still using HR which was through the roof in zone 4 I kept backing off to try and get it lower. Eventually I managed to stabilise myself and tried to enjoy the rolling trails more with what seemed endless switchbacks either up or down. All I can remember at this point was where was it all downhill after the first climb? Nearly 16 miles of tough running and we get to Red Star Ridge aid station and the amazing helpers filled my bottles while I try to compose myself for the next section running from one stop to the next was all I could handle.<br />
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But we had an issue! This time at the aid station I did look at the timing signs and it wasn't good news. They gives you sub 24, sub 30 and cut-off times so you can check your progress and I was 10 minutes slower than sub 30hrs pace (the cut-off for the whole event). That meant unless I got quicker Id be out. This was totally alien to me, I didn't understand how this was possible? I knew I was suffering and slow but I was sure I was making progress in the pack? With this in mind I started to try and push the pace a little more but now the snow was beginning to melt and I could sense the big issue approaching.... The heat. Nothing boiling right now but it was almost like every step forward was one closer to the fire.<br />
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More epic rolling trails through the woods and actually I started to feel better as I got myself onto a train of runners at a similar pace and coasted for a while and Duncan Canyon aid station 10 miles later was soon upon us, at least I was settling into the race and I could do some serious running? This was the first large aid station as the others were so remote and there was a party going on. Loads of people filling bottles or putting ice in bandannas for runners. Again I didn't want to stop too long and tried to follow my new found friends out of the stop but had to slow as again the body wasn't having it. I soon lost sight of the train and I was on my own again. The words on the helpers at the last stop echoed... "2 miles down then 4 miles up". 6 to the next stop, how hard could that be? Well the word Canyon should have set off alarm bells if my head could take anymore as we dropped 2 miles off a cliff then climbed 4 miles up the other side. It was so hot that any running water on the course like the streams at the bottom of these drops meant a stop and a soaking.<br />
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The up just never seemed to end and it was the first time I think I noticed people passing me as we hiked. I looked at my fingers as they felt strange and was shocked to see them twice the size from the heat but also the altitude and this was something I had totally not prepared for. I was almost at a standstill and it took everything to place one foot in front of the other, again my heart rate was 170+ and either this climb had to finish or I'd be finished. Could this be the end of 4 years of work in less than 30 miles? Eventually I could hear the faint cheers that could only mean the next stop and I stumbled into it as a helper who was trying to fill my bottles was saying something but it seemed muffled as I stumbled around. "FOCUS, FOCUS, look me in the eyes man". Then something clicked again and I was back in the game. I had a drop bag with Tailwind that I grabbed and they told me the next section was all downhill. I hoped this was what I needed and I walked on.<br />
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I honestly nearly stopped at the last aid station but like Gordy the races creator said I could still take one more step so would keep doing that till I either finished or was told to stop. Then it happened, the slight climb out of the aid station on a dirt track started to drop and it felt like being on an airport travellator as we shuffled along everyone around me seemed in the same boat (trains, boats... plane hopefully anyone?) We had 10 miles till the start of the real canyons and heat and now there were aid stations every 5 or so miles so this was a welcome change. As we dropped altitude I noticed I was feeling better and better and the pace was getting quicker and HR dropping so I felt in a good place. Again I managed to run with some others and without saying anything we would help each other along the trails taking it in turns to lead and push like a bike race. I knew what was to come though below us.</div>
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<h3>
The Canyons</h3>
I was somehow on my own again as I got to another set of downhill switchbacks and for the first time tried to run them quick as possible to get some time back as I was slowly getting out of the red. These turns were mega steep and seemed to last forever and I nearly reached the bottom before finally getting caught. At the bottom was the famous swinging bridge and a natural pool where you can recover for a few seconds. I was boiling but the climb down to the pool looked huge so I started the long hike up the Devil's Thumb and the 50 mile point where my pacer Julie was working. This was one of the biggest climbs on the event and although only a mile it had something like 25 switchbacks and was a 1000ft of up. This I heard was a nightmare and I'd been told stories of people laying on the floor of the aid station like a war zone! Hiking up I had to give everything but strangely it wasn't that bad. One thing I'd practised a lot in training was hills and hiking and now it was paying off as I stuck to a pace and even passed people who had ground to a halt halfway up. It was brutal.<br />
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When I did get to the top that was the first time cramp hit me. Everything locked up crawled into the help area on my knees. I saw Julie as everything cramped and couldn't even hold my water bottle to my mouth as my arms locked too. She dragged me to the table of food and drink and I was given a cup of pickle juice to down and told it would help. I've nothing against pickles but let's just say I take them out of burgers! Again I didn't want to stay long as I managed to get moving, I grabbed a famous ice lolly and jogged on. Due to the change in terrain I was now about an hour ahead of the 30hr timings and I wasn't a million miles from Michigan Bluff and Foresthill where the course is more rolling than big hills? More ups and downs followed and again I started to feel better but exactly like last time I had to drop into a huge canyon then climb 2 miles and 1800ft out. At the top was a huge motivator Michigan Bluff aid station though.<br />
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As I ran into the stop I passed the friend of one of our Brit team runners who I'd seen earlier and a pacer who was waiting for Tim Lambert, it was so good seeing people I knew. Even though every helper and aid station was amazing, this was special. There was music, decor and absolutely loads of people as this was a major crew point and everyone cheered you on. I filled bottles again and this time no ice in the hat or bandanna as the evening was coming in and I was into my next race now against the darkness. Although still light as I hiked the never ending road out, I still had a few miles to cover till I got to pick up my pacer and more importantly my main headtorch. The trails leading to the steady climb into the town of Foresthill weren't to bad but went on forever and with a mile to go I had to dig out the tiny backup light I had luckily as I jogged along the road into the aid station as it was pitch black.</div>
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<h3>
The Back Half</h3>
The helpers shouted my race number and right there was Julie waiting for me. I said I needed my drop bag but she already had it and she introduced me to her friend that was also helping another runner. We ran through to a group of others that Julie knew and I was told to take a seat as they looked after me like an racing pit crew. I changed my shoes and socks, put on my main light took some salt tablets as I was still getting cramps (need to use these now even in UK) and off we went as I shouted thanks to these people Id never met before but looked after me like family. Soon we were on the Cal Street section and 16 miles down to the Rucky Chucky river crossing. I can't remember too much about this section apart from I again tried to get some time in the bank as I was still running ok and was determined not to automatically get into a death march through the night like I always tend to do. But I felt good. mentally I was on the "easy" part of the course and taken it as steady as I dared in the front part to save the legs for now.<br />
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In fact the main thing I remember about this part of the race was the wind. I'd like to say the wind off the river but no, lets just say the days building up to this and the toll of the hours so far resulted in a far amount of "internal combustion". I kept apologising as I played my own special tune along the trail in front of a lady I'd only just met but she told me to stop saying sorry bless her (the things pacers have to put up with!) Anyway back to the race. By now as we approached the river I noticed the quads which had given up with 40 miles to go at Lakeland last year were starting to fade fast. I was still managing to jog but the pain was building. As we got the the river and the boats that would carry us across I had to be helped down the bank as the legs were so sore. Out the other side we hike the climb to Green Gate at 80 miles and it looked like I now had over 2 hrs in the bank again on 30hr cut and with 20 "easy" miles left talk occasionally turned to "when" not "if" we finished.<br />
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The problem now was the quads as usual. I'd had sore quads before and this was nothing new but I wasn't ready to walk still so again did what I could and latched onto other runners and did everything I could to keep up through pain as 20 miles of slow walk could be hours and I could easily lose the advantage I worked so hard to get and I was determined not to scrape the finish. Again the aid stations seemed closer together and after a couple more we were greeted at dawn at an aid station at just over 90 miles run by Hal Koerner multiple time winner of the race. Truly humbling to speak to him, imagine Paula Radcliffe sponging you down mid race! With less than 10 miles left and over 2.5hrs inside the cut now I knew without disaster I was going to finish and the legs pretty much gave up. I'm not sure if it was the legs or the mind but running really wasn't happening now and I was starting to feel a little tired for the first time despite my new found friends cola and mountain dew sorting me out.<br />
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We walked past the infamous "Stop Jim" path junction where Jim Walmsley failed to take a turn and lost the race (never seen so much tape) and we hiked up to Highway 49 and Pointed Rock aid station where I was all smiles. I was told it was all down hill to the famous No Hands Bridge then one last climb to the finish. Only issue being I couldn't walk downhills let alone run. As I shuffled sideways crab-like I was now getting passed regularly and the close downhill aid station seemed to take ages to appear but when it did wow! It was just like all the films. Lots of helpers, music, flags... Amazing but a slight shame I didn't get to see the light show in the dark but dreams of sub 24hrs went after the first stop. We hiked the huge climb to the last aid station Robie Point with a mile to go and jogged the streets to the track which again seemed to take ages to get to.</div>
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Finished</h3>
And that was it... There was the track and the finish line and I could already hear the announcer calling my name and we sprinted the line to get sub 28hrs. My first goal was to finish, the next finish comfortably and the dream was sub 24. Well as I said I knew with a couple of hours gone the dream wasn't happening but that didn't matter... A buckle is a buckle, silver or bronze and I'd left everything on the course and more! This was the dream!<br />
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The list of people I'd like to thank is endless... Firstly my family for supporting me on this crazy adventure and then to Julie my awesome pacer and friend. I wouldn't have finished without you and you held me together when things got dark in all meanings of the word and all the Brits in or supporting the event. Again the everyone was amazing. So is that the end of the story? Box ticked move on? I'm not sure, I'm now in the draw if I enter for next year and who knows?</div>
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See you in Squaw?<br />
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-12442803331212376302018-01-15T01:08:00.000-08:002018-01-15T13:53:49.317-08:00Tough day in the "office" - Cold Christmas to High Easter 50k<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This photo sums up everything about my day</div>
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So it's been a while since my last post but I felt I needed to record the events of the day for future reference as for me it was strangely significant.<br />
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I'd carried an Achilles injury for most of last year but hadn't stopped as it wasn’t getting any worse but as I finished my last event of 2017 I decided to rest it up and seek some guidance. A few weeks before Christmas I visited a local physio who I knew did Shockwave treatment. This I'd read as a relatively new but effective treatment that could help where traditional methods had failed (apart from lengthy rest which was never going to happen).<br />
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He actually didn't say what the issue was specifically apart from there was a great deal of inflammation that was being caused by "something". I was a little uninspired and asked if they could just start Shockwave but he said he needed to seek advice and get back to me. A couple of days later and I got the message that I should start.<br />
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By this stage I'd already taken a couple of weeks off rest from running and the foot was actually feeling ok so what did I do? Yep 20 miles along the Saffron Way with the boys from Little Baddow Ridge Runners! I thought this would be a nice slow jog/walk and a decent test for the ankle. So as we started the obvious feeling was a loss of fitness but I'd expected this and it was almost like I was starting again in my early running days.<br />
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Anyway, I thought the run was great but as we approached Danbury and neared my home I decided to call it a day as the Achilles was starting to ache. I'd kind of hoped I wouldn't need to seek further treatment but I got home and booked the first session.<br />
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Fast forward, 4 sessions down (and a large hole in my wallet) and there's a noticeable improvement. It's nowhere near fixed but it's a bit better for the first time in months. After another week off and a stone heavier I went out for a couple of short runs and apart hopefully some superficial pain in the foot all was ok.<br />
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I'd booked an event in the first week of Jan which was 26 miles. I was going to walk this with Katie originally but she hadn't put the training in as she'd been ill so I decided to jog around with Darren and a couple of his friends who were new to the longer runs. The day went ok but again what I really noticed was the fact I was "hitting the wall" a lot more than usual and more specifically a lot earlier.<br />
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I came off that event ok and decided to go ahead with another event the following week, an off-road 50k. Writing this I'm already thinking that a few weeks off and a couple of back to back long events would probably result in a slow pace but the head didn't realise this at the time! I had no idea how to pace this event as if I was on form I would have pushed at the start and tried to hang on but as soon as we started and the people I normally ran with pulled away I knew that wasn't going to happen and settled into by back up plan which was find a decent paced group and let them pull me around.<br />
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I saw a guy I'd seen at a few events in the past that I knew was pretty steady and he was running with a couple of others including the current first lady so I tried to keep them in sight and also try and benefit from some opportunity to relax on the navigation and follow them (well you can guess what happens next). Well we reached the first CP at almost 9 miles and I'm feeling great, I followed the group out and took the next left pushing the pace a little to keep together. Well we soon realised that this wasn't correct. We stopped, looked at the instructions had a look around and decided to turn back. It wasn't that bad a delay and it was a silly mistake as the paths were numbered.<br />
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At this point alarm bells should have been ringing. The delay had meant I was now running with this group which was nice as we all started to chat about races we'd done and injury's we'd picked up. What I wasn't doing at this time was following the route description close enough and if you do this at a key point you then you can be in trouble. We kept running on this wide track until we saw a runner walking towards us. It was James a guy I knew who said the path ahead just stops at a road that's not on the instructions? At this point we all ran on to see and stopped and looked around. I notice a hidden path off to the right and guide everyone onwards on the correct route but 30 seconds later the path ends and again we are lost.<br />
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After another bout of standing around we decided to run back to the last point we knew was correct picking up runners who were making the same mistake. It was then that I saw Andy from my club who jogged up to me, jumped through a fence and ran up a faint path on the hill. I looked at the instructions and sure enough it was all there but we'd missed one sign and then ran in auto pilot. Extra distance and time wasn't what I needed.<br />
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It was nice to run with Andy and James for a while but I really wanted to keep my pace up so I stuck with the group I was with and we pulled away. We settle into the pace again but we were still stopping every so often to question turns when if I was on my own I'd probably just keep going and it all adds up on the clock. Coming up to the 2nd CP I was starting to feel significantly tired. I was fueling as much as possible on the run but the legs were getting heavier and I was glad I was in the pack as they pulled me into the stop.<br />
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Splash and dash and we were away. It was great to see a number of familiar faces at the CP but we pushed on along the Flitch Way now keeping the pace. This section went on for sometime and now I was really starting to feel it having to stop a couple of times to stretch off. I was still hanging in with the pack though but as I stopped to answer the call of nature I fell off the back of the pack some distance. I pushed as fast as I could but didn't feel I could catch them as I had nothing left. We were at 25 miles and with at least 5 maybe 6 miles to go I was concerned I was going to have to back right off, what I should have been telling myself was this was a dip and I needed to keep pushing through it.<br />
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Well I gave it everything I had and upped the pace and managed to catch the group as we reached a farm and crossed multiple fields. The issue now again I was only half following the instructions as I recovered and I was relying on them to make most of the decisions. This is a common issue and no one person is ever at fault as over time everyone will lead the group the wrong way most times and people shouldn't just follow. We got to a section where everyone up front had stopped including some other runners. I overtook them as I realised I'd actually ran this section on another event and they asked did I know where I was going and I confidently answered "of course".<br />
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We got to a church, took the path through a hedge opposite and turned left (in hindsight we were already wrong). We got to another section where things weren't adding up completely so we stopped again. We went back to the point we knew was correct which was the path opposite the church gate and we carried on making the direction fit (another rookie move). What I know now was we'd all actually taken the wrong route probably a mile previously but the description led us by coincidence back on track to the church gate but we approached it from the wrong direction and as a result every direction from this point was opposite.<br />
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Eventually again we all stopped as things didn't make sense. We were now well off course and looking at the map we could see the next CP in the distance and the main path which took us to it. We managed to quickly get back on course but had lost at least 20 more minutes and ran more bonus miles. We eventually got the the next stop with one more to go and my watch told me I should have finished the race distance now. We quickly refueled for the last push and again we managed to stop and question directions. Eventually we settled into the course and I fell off the group but kept them in sight as I trudged to finish.<br />
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Not sure I've ever been so glad for an event to be over. I was pretty frustrated for a number of reasons but actually I got exactly what I deserved and the result wasn't that bad. I think I finished 16th out of 90ish people.<br />
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A great event on a good course with nice weather, at least I got my moneys worth!<br />
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<br />Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-28572104810315770322017-10-13T05:14:00.004-07:002017-10-13T05:14:58.241-07:00Saltmarsh 75 - The best yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><u>Ian Brazier's 2017 Saltmarsh 75 Report</u></b></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here I am in the lead just before Burnham</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Pic by Saltmarsh75)</span></div>
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Things started well as the mayor set us off and we sped along the sea wall. Things were going well and I was in the lead pack somehow. Reality kicked in immediately as a reminder that I should know my place as I tripped on a stone and face planted an inch away from a rock that could have easily split my head like a coconut!</div>
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So what did I do next? Slow down and settle back into the pack for the long game? Noooooooo way. I decided everyone was going too slow so I'd push on. The talk in the group was we were going too fast but I honestly thought they were bluffing and just waiting to make their moves so as we approached CP1 as Mr Saltmarsh Colin Harper joked to me "you'd better be first so we don't hold you up!" I made my move.</div>
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I think everyone must of thought it was a bit of a laugh as I sped off (and I think I did too) but then I thought lets see how far I can pull away before they catch up? Bit by bit, they were getting quite a way away as I passed walker after walker who congratulated me on leading the race! I honestly didn't think it would last but I was having fun but they didn't come. </div>
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Part of me thought for a second that like the Tour de France, the Peloton had mistakenly let me go and I'd pull away to the finish.... but the reality was more like it would probably end in tears! Well it would be a talking point I thought as I'm sure my watch told me 7 minute miles (well it felt like it).</div>
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Well this continued past Althorne and up the Creaksea Mountain and soon we were approaching Burnham Marina. I could see the group on the bend behind now so I knew the end was near but rather than accepting defeat, I pushed even harder as I ran along the waterfront. Before long I was making the turn into the CP and everyone was congratulating me but fully focused I simply filled an empty bottle and ran out of the aid station leaving people in my wake. </div>
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This is what it must of felt like to be a winner? This is what it must be like to be quick and you know what? It felt alright :)</div>
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-6322480736770036542017-06-02T06:09:00.001-07:002017-06-02T06:09:06.599-07:002017 GUCR Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US">GUCR 2017</span></h2>
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<span lang="EN-US">Ian Brazier</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Well I'm sitting
in bed writing this at 4am two days post event as the body still thinks this is
is a normal time to be operating. What's the biggest thing I've learnt from
this process over the last few months? Although the body is important, it's the
head and the heart that rule.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">What is GUCR?
Well a couple of years ago that was something I asked. I'd been running
distance for sometime and every now and then people would mention their bucket
list events and these four letters would occasionally come up? </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">The Gran Union
Canal Race! This year would be its 23rd year and in this time its became ultra
running folklore. Small in scale compared to
the large commercial events that now appear everywhere but huge in stature as
100 people every year attempt to run the 145 miles along the Grand Union Canal
from Birmingham to Little Venice in Paddington London.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">I'd hear stories
from people I knew that had taken part and even though the
distance by today's standards isn't that long (a 615 mile event was taking
place at the same time this year), events that go on much longer than GUCR start to
become something else in my mind. Absolutely respect all events but any longer
and the simple race format starts to change after.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">You would see
people wear the GUCR finisher hoodies with pride at other events and you'd
naturally have to nod in respect as you knew they belonged to an exclusive
club, </span>So when did my
GUCR story start? Well actually you could say 4 years ago when I did my first
ultra Country to Capital 45 miles that includes in its second half the actual
finish of the it's "big brother", so that least I'd recced the
finish!</div>
<div class="Body">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The actual story starts end of last year when I was looking for an main event for 2017 and
it was coming up to ballot time for this and I thought "why not"
probably won't get a place as it's over subscribed every year so I put my name
in the hat. The night of the draw came and lovely Gin Lawson who'd actually traveled
up to watch it kindly messaged me to say I'd got a place... Poop was my first
reaction if I'm honest.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">I next needed a
plan for training. Like any other running event you need to put the miles in
before hand or race day won't end well most times. I started like usual
plotting key build up races slowly building distance up then planning training
runs in between. The first of these buildup events was in January and it took
five long cold months before I towed the start line.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">So how did I
train compared to previous 100's? I did more 50 mile events and tougher long
runs but I also ran faster generally than before determined to give myself the
best shot possible, what I also planned was waking practice as I'd lost time
previously when run/walking/hiking as my pace was slow (never managed walking training).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The other big
difference to the norm was this time I had a crew. The GUCR splits the
entries in two groups "supported and unsupported". I'm not sure if
it's true but I thought as it was difficult to get a crew for these events,
maybe I stood a better chance in the draw? Anyway I put out a
message on social media and amazingly got some offers of help and Team Brazier was born!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">At about this
time started to search for as much information on the event as possible. I also spoke to a few friends that had done the event and
Colin Barnes from my Race Kit in Southend even gave me his detailed race plan
spreadsheet from previous years he'd taken part this was going to prove
critical as it formed the plan for my whole team. The plan was based on a
finishing time of 34 hrs but to be honest my only real goal was to finish and
to finish in daylight in the second day as mentally a second night would be
tough.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">So who was in
the team? I needed I figured I needed at least 5 people's help ideally. One to
crew support following me between checkpoints on route feeding me as required
Saturday day, one Saturday night and one Sunday day. I'd also like two buddy
runners (not pacers as assistance isn't allowed) to keep me company in the 2nd
half.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">
The Crew</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Dan who is part
of the admin team for a local running event was the first shift, Gerry who as
well as a decent runner is Mr Parkrun Chelmsford was night shift and lastly was
Len, ultra runner and again an experienced event director. For running company
I had Brian who's paced me successfully on every 100 I've done and Darren who I
train with regularly and is probably one of the most solid all round ultra runners
I know.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">What was most
important though was I could trust them all literally with my life. I knew this
would be the hardest event I'd done and I knew they'd be times when I couldn't
think straight and these people would be my safety net if all else failed, I
need to trust them totally (cue dramatic music).</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Anyway after
weeks of running and meeting after meeting my bags and boxes were packed and it
was the day before the event and I was waiting for Dan to take me to Birmingham
in his camper which as decked out with everything you could need for an event
like this (including the kitchen sink!)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">
The Kit (not including food)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
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<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">After a chilled
out ride to Birmingham we somehow managed to stumble on the hotel where
registration was taking place and the bar opposite where most of the runners
were eating.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">I booked us into
our hotel 5 mins walk away and I lined up with some of the who's who of ultra
running to sign on the dotted line. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Over the road it
was again an all star meet up with people wearing race shirts from some of the
most exclusive events around the world. I felt a little out of my depth but it
was nice to see some familiar faces such as Fiona, Jo, Baz and Colin. Me
and Dan had a couple of beers and some food then went back to the hotel for an early night as
it was a 4:45 alarm call.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Unlike some
who'd stayed at hotels right in the centre we had a quiet night and I got up
just before the alarm and sorted my kit for the last time before tucking into a
tin of cold baked beans and sausages, just like being in the army again! I
grabbed my kit and met up with Fiona, Joe and Chris and walked to the start
around the corner where it was good to see more people I recognised.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"> The Premier Crew</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">We were asked to
walk to the canal side and after a short speech by Dick Kearn the original race
director who in the last years handed the reins to Keith Gooden, it was the
countdown and we were all running.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The first thing
I noticed was I was near the back of the 107 starters with everyone I knew nowhere to be seen. I didn't want to go out quick
especially as it was due to be steaming hot but it was still early and cool so
I guess it's run while you can, so I stepped up the pace to try and find people
I knew. Luckily I caught up Colin and Paul Adams who I knew through a couple of
events and were soon jogging together. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Felt pretty good
jogging along trying to stick to 10 minute miles for as long as possible which
was a minute and a half faster per mile than planned. As a result I was
building up time in the bank that I was going to need later as it turned out
but still not trying to go too fast that I burnt out before even halfway. This
was my biggest concern pre-race and I guess I was going to suck it and see. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">I'd asked to
meet Dan before the first official stop even though I didn't think I'd need him
but just in-case I had some kit issues that needed sorting quick but all good
so far so we pushed on and soon we got to the first stop at 10 miles, I filled one of my
bottles and was offered something to eat by Emily of Paul's crew.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The three of us
were running well together and although I was kitted out and prepared to run
alone it was nice having company especially Colin who had already completed
this a number of times. We carried on like this as it got warmer and the early
storm rain that had cooled us had long done and it was mega humid.</span></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The pace was
steady for at least 30 miles but soon Colin needed some admin time so we jogged
on but didn't see him for a while and we were down to a duo. The crew support
was amazing with Paul's team being at one point and mine at the next. Dan had
the bottles I needed and some food in a small pack and I'd let him know for the
next stop if I wanted something different. Crewing isn't easy but it was all going to plan.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">By now the day
was really warm and the pace earlier was showing so we started to
run/walk allowing the body time recover I think we were on 25 run 5 mins walk
and this was working well as the overall pace was slower approximately 11
min/miles but we were saving energy. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">The next
milestone was 45. At this point we would be less than 100 miles left and was
described as where the event really starts from! We kept this going past 50 and
what I called the first race of three completed. I don't think you can go and
think about the complete distance so I said it's 2 x 50 milers with a 45 mile
at the end. So I was on part two and all good.</span></div>
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Coming up to 55 miles and we are in yet another country section where the Canal just cuts
through the fields and nothing else, it's nice but hours of the same backdrop was
starting to get a bit repetitive. Luckily we were approaching the point where a work friend
lived and said she'd pop down to say hi. We were actually bang on 34 hr
pace still so there might be a chance to see her. I'd already seen a friend Caroline
and it's a real boost and then in the distance I thought I could see Suzanne and her family and
friends coming up and yes it was them, they'd made banners and had loads of snacks etc. They'd
probably been waiting a while for me and it was amazing.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">By now we were
preparing to reach the 70 mile point of the race and nearly halfway and more
significant for me is the fact that I'll be switching crews to Gerry for the
night section and also picking up Brian as a buddy runner. Dan's shift was
over. He'd been amazing, he'd
managed to gauge my needs throughout the day and been there when I'd needed
him. Top guy!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">Talking of top
guys, as I was running into the aid station on Navigation Bridge where I was
heckled from the pub by the one and only James Adams! I'd like thank him (I
think for the motivation), I'd also re-read his GUCR sections in his book prior
to the race and the advice was invaluable.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Body">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body">
<span lang="EN-US">I took the
opportunity to change my kit for the night and wondered if the new UD Timmy
Olson race vest I'd used so far would take all the kit I needed as it was
pretty lightweight but it did fantastic carrying a jacket, two mobiles, two
water bottles, space blanket, battery charger and some food and more!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I also
had by now blisters on both little toes and this was just annoying and even though I'd
Vas'd them and wore toe socks this always happens on super long distances, maybe
I'll tape them next time but for now I thought I'd take a chance and change
shoes from Trailrocs to a pair of Altra's as they
have a massive toe box and thought I'd give them a go as the feet swelled. Talking of footwear for
a second. I'd been asked a few times on the event why no running sandals? Well
I didn't want to take the chance if I was honest as I'd never worn them on any 100's but next goal is NDW100 in Luna’s maybe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Running into the 70 mile CP<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, we set off again but now with Brian my new member of
the team in toe. We met our crews more frequently as the light faded into
darkness and we were still managing to run / walk at a steady pace but it was
obviously getting hard work as the day was starting to catch up with me. It's has been said I do sometimes like a moan when running at nights and although
I always warn people of this and friends know what Im like when Im tired, I do
honestly try and keep as much inside as possible.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Me and Paul had struck up a really decent partnership in
the day, taking it in turns to lead and set the pace where we could and this
worked well but soon I noticed my turns at the front were getting less and less
and I was being pulled along. I know what this is like and I eventually told
Paul I was sorry I couldn’t set the pace now. Paul was cool but I struggle when
I try and run someone else’s pace so I started to think about my next choices?<br />
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I said to Brian that I needed to stop at some point and
sit down. I know people say “beware of the chair” but I’ve never had an issue
getting back up and sometimes I need to rest the legs and the mind for a for
minutes and I feel this sometimes helps you continue after resetting yourself. We
approached a check point at 85 miles and I told the guys I’d need to stop soon
and chose 90 miles at Leighton Buzzard. When I eventually got there I said
goodbye to Paul and thanked him for his support including his wife Emily and
the whole crew and Gerry emptied the back of his car and set up a bed for me to
try and sleep. I asked him to wake me in 20 minutes and under no circumstances
move the car or I’d be DQ’d and I shut my eyes thinking I’d drop straight off but not a chance. The body was so twitchy that I couldn’t go off so I lay there
with my eyes closed just determined to relax.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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My bedroom for 20 minutes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Suddenly the tailgate opened and Gerry said it was time
to get up. Well now I was spaced out like a rabbit in the headlights and the
body was shaking violently due to the change in temperature. I put my kit back on as
quickly as possible and me and Brian set off into the night. We carried on the
run walk but the run sections were noticeably shorter but I tried to increase
the walking pace to compensate but we were slower now and the large amount of
time I had in the bank from earlier was rapidly disappearing and the 100 mile
point seemed to never come.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At around 4am, the sun began to come up and I had a
little mental boost and kept pushing and eventually we approached the Pub by
the canal at just under 100 miles but my watch had me covering 102 miles
already. Even with the major slow down I managed to get to 100 miles in 22
hours 20 minutes, actually a 100 mile PB by 1 hour and 23 minutes. This was
great but as I said I feared now as the new day set in that I’d start the
dreaded “death march” and what I initially called the last race of 45 miles
could take a very long time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Day 2<o:p></o:p></div>
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We left the 100 mile point and walked along the canal
path knowing we were approaching the M25 and places that were familiar. One of
the strangest facts so far in the event was how I had absolutely no idea where
I was at any time. I try not to look at the watch too much or the time on
really long events as I find when you try and tick off miles they never come quick
enough especially 24 hours in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the sun came up fully and the heat started to cook me
again, I started to really flag and the race was now a full time march with
running forgotten. I could barely walk in a straight line and Brian needed to
keep on the water side of me just to make sure I didn’t take a dip. All I could think
of now was getting to 115 miles and the crew / buddy runner change.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As anyone who has run a long ultra will know, managing the
head is a huge part of the event. I’m getting better the more I do as I used to
moan loads. Now I tend try and keep the moaning inside and this time they’d
been a lot of it. Some time on any long run you’ll have low points. This is due
to fatigue, lack of calories. I normally try and smash as many
calories as I can as soon as I notice this and also shift my focus onto
something else but there are times when all you can think about is stopping.
This has been covered loads of times before but I was telling myself 100
reasons why quitting would be ok. I’d PB’d 100 miles so that’s a great
achievement, I’m not enjoying this so just stop, I have a niggle in my ankle that’s
getting worst, and so on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>What you need to do is ignore these demons. I thought
about all the time I’d put into training and all the things I’d missed with my family
so I could do this. Running is selfish at the best of times but then doing 5
months of training to bin it when the going gets really tough would result in
me not being able to look my family and friends in the eye. The other thing was
my crew. They invested their time to support me and I’d promised them
that I wouldn’t quit. Little things like I had the race event shirts already
and what the heck was I going to do with them if I didn’t finish? Plus
ultimately I didn’t want to come back (unless I wanted too). I’d listed the “pros”
and “cons” and continuing won.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we approached the lock at 108 miles I saw Gerry and
the crew plus some extra people? Len and Darren had noticed I was struggling
pace wise and come forward one leg to change over teams early and it was just what I
needed as I was walking dead and slumped on the floor for a minute to compose myself.<br />
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Brian and Gerry were amazing and words don’t actually
cover how I feel about all these guys. Actions were required now and I knew I
needed to get this done for everything they put into this. I ate a few things,
switched bottles and this time is was Darren’s job to keep me out the canal. Brian on the handover had told
Darren that we’d not ran for some time and I felt bad as I know how strong a
runner he is and I felt like I was letting him down by being so slow and
keeping him by my side and he couldn’t even push the pace or loosen his legs by
sprinting forwards as this would be assistance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After a while he suggested we try a little run just for
a short while and only because the legs could probably benefit from some
different movement every now and then. So I started to shuffle. It felt so slow
and I thought that I was moving like I’d messed myself (which I probably had
being honest). But it was faster than walking and morale wise it was good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The jog didn’t last long but as I started to slowly wake
up I was jogging more and more. I was also getting frustrated how long it was
taking to get further down the course and I needed to get a move or the 2<sup>nd</sup>
night was a real possibility. We kept meeting Len who was now supporting with Dan who was back in the game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We even started to overtake some people which felt very
strange and it was nice to see others especially a few I knew but a little
jaded as some were obviously battling their own race and that’s the thing with these events, you never
know what can happen but I hoped we all would make it to the finish.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chilling<o:p></o:p></div>
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We eventually reached the 120 mile check point and I sat
down again to eat probably the best bacon sarnie I’ve ever had (sorry vegan
friends) with less than a marathon to go. I was trying to eat as much as possible even though the appetite had
long gone and I think I’ll need to look into liquid calories in future events as I
was also feeling sick and wondered if it could be the large amount of Tailwind supplements
I’d consumed? I had no idea but despite the extreme heat on both days, I’d not
actually crashed to a standstill yet some a little sickness is ok by me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We pushed on and suddenly something just clicked in my
head. On a running section I decided to start pushing the pace again and soon
I realised I could actual run pretty well. I was 125 miles into a race and doing
9 mm’s sections again, the pace was really starting to pick up
and now we were passing even more people. What was amazing talking of people were
the public. Everyone seemed to know what we were doing and clapped and cheered
every time we passed. Young, old, anyone seemed to be in awe of what we were
doing and that really helped. What I also started to do was believe for the
first time I was barring any disaster going to finish, it was now just down to
how long?<o:p></o:p></div>
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The biggest landmark that I knew on the whole course and
the final pat on the back that you’d probably be ok (cut-off depending) for me
was Bull’s Bridge where you turn left onto the Paddington spur of the canal and
13 miles to the finish. This sounds like its in the bag but what I also knew
from Country to Captial was that this could be the slowest, hardest 13 miles
ever. 13 miles would normally take a couple of hours at most but this could
take 2 or even 3 times that. We pushed for one more mile and arrived at the
last aid station where Len and Dan were also there as usual. That was it. No
more aid stations until the finish and 12 miles to go. .<o:p></o:p></div>
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We continued up the canal and I was telling Darren that
we’d soon start seeing the signs of the finish like the railway lines, the posh
apartments then the supermarkets and flats but they never seemed to appear?
Eventually after what seen like an age we did get there and I even managed to sprint finish and I crossed
the finish line 36 hours 44 minutes and by my watch 147 miles later and we were
done. Of course Len and Dan were there!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNl8WTAIJ2nO8Bojz82I6BAIKfH9td8Zvo_haoBlvepKJ81fBPNgqoY1L4bp71gLN3j0WX-VZUW1dO5bVVjr6n1G1d1VC-hWvu2oQXm2cAcURNiee2S9LUF4i4HHE1BS-Balx-zO_dHAp/s1600/18765666_10154796395033195_7454458896739573074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNl8WTAIJ2nO8Bojz82I6BAIKfH9td8Zvo_haoBlvepKJ81fBPNgqoY1L4bp71gLN3j0WX-VZUW1dO5bVVjr6n1G1d1VC-hWvu2oQXm2cAcURNiee2S9LUF4i4HHE1BS-Balx-zO_dHAp/s320/18765666_10154796395033195_7454458896739573074_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Paul Adams and me at the
finish<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5058079963646594845" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>All that’s left to say is thanks to everyone. My crew,
fellow runners and their crews, my friends that supported me on the way, race
organisers and finally my family. You are all amazing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-76879125295123806862015-05-12T07:31:00.000-07:002015-05-12T22:52:18.035-07:00TP100 2015 Race Day<b>Game on - Go hard or never come back!</b><br>
<b><br></b>Well it was the morning of the race and ....... and all well! Everything I'd worried about all week had gone and I'd even managed to sleep well.<br>
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I got up a 5am and had a bowl of porridge.... Kelly got up at 6am (love you) and in getting ready I lifted what was the heaviest kit bag in the world into the car ready for the ride to the station.<br>
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Joking aside, I was actually slightly worried about pulling my back again it was that heavy but managed to man-handle it around London just. The train was on time (it's a miracle!) and I carefully chose a seat nearest to the toilet "just in case".<br>
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I had to change at Stratford and it was here I met Darren Coates a friend who was also running who had got dropped off and we took the overground via all what seemed like 100 stops to Richmond and the start. By now I was starting to feel the pressure of all the fluids I'd taken on. I'm a nightmare at the best of times but now I was bouncing off the walls dancing around trying to avoid an accident!<br>
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Just as I thought "wee'd" nearly be there, the train would stop in-between stations and just sit there as if to tease me. Finally we pulled into Richmond I ran to the loo's which were of course closed. I ran up the stairs out of the station and straight into Costa kicking down the door with the sign "toilet for customers only" on it.<br>
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After what seemed like an hour my bladder returned to its former size and we got to the start venue. There were runners everywhere in different stages of readiness. I had my kit check then picked up my number saying hi to some friends and some "virtual" friends but needed to sort kit and hand in bags so cracked on.<br>
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It was here that the organisers commented on my size (not a good thing in this case) of my bags. I'd asked about bag size and really had pushed the limits but they were ok once they'd stopped winding me up (deserved) and soon I was ready as I'd ever be.<br>
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I had a rough plan of slowish first half followed by an even slower second (well this was my plan). Darren would probably end up faster as he's the quick one but I planned 51 miles to Henley in as close to 10 hrs as possible then hike the rest through the night if I had to.<br>
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Ultra guru Traviss Wilcox's words of wisdom were ringing in my ears though.... "no one has ever finished if they get to Henley slower than 12:15. So step on it Ian (relatively).<br>
<b><br></b>Well after a brief chat from James Elson RD, we were off... Well until a gate stopped almost the whole field but we were soon off again on what was a perfect day along the Thames. We were all laughing and joking but before I knew it we were doing 8:xx minute miles and alarm bells were ringing for me. I decided straight away to ease off but Darren carried on as he seemed in the groove but I really wanted to "pace not race" as someone had told me previously.<br>
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I was forcing myself to run approx. 10 minute miles and I bumped into Colin Barnes from <a href="http://myracekit.com/">myracekit.com</a>, I told him I was going too fast and he totally agreed as we jogged slowly along the river. Even Colin's slow pace was a little quick for me so I said bye and backed off even more. We were moving with no issues and there were little to no need for nav. checks yet as I had recce'd the whole route so many times on the internet and I knew we were going to have to cross the river for the first time shortly (later found out some people didn't?).<br>
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First crossing complete as we approached Hampton Court Palace and I said hello to another "virtual friend" "Luna" Peter G Smith from FB... He's now elevated to "real friend" status! (this would happen a few times). As I crossed the river again I was impressed how good the paths were and made a mental note to take the family back here another time as the backdrop of the river with it's rowers and wild life was impressive along with the local architecture, everyone goes to the centre of town when visiting London but this was impressive.<br>
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After a few more miles, I could see Darren ahead walking? I guessed that he'd realised finally what pace he was running and decided to slum it at the back with me for a while ;) I told him I wasn't going to push it and he agreed and we ran together into the first CP at 11 miles.<br>
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This was stocked in usual Centurion fashion with wraps, fresh fruit, gels and as usual anything would be no trouble. These event are nearly always manned by fellow runners and not just by mere mortals like you and me but often you'll find your drink being topped up in the middle of the night by the person who'd won the race previously and everyone is treated the same. Several times during the event we questioned why we do this and I think this is one huge part of it.<br>
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I asked for my single bottle to be filled and added a hydration tablet. I refilled my "roo pouch" a small bum bag that I fill with nibbles and use to graze until the next CP, downed a few snacks then we were off again. Probably in and out in less than 2 minutes?<br>
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I turned on my phone and updated FB with "CP1 done" and turned it off again. The fact it was beeping mad told me something was happening in the social media world. The weather continued to be glorious, I fact maybe a little too warm really and I was wondering if my decision to only carry one 500ml water bottle to hand was the best? But like a lot of things that were to happen, I wasn't going to stop to sort it.<br>
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We kept the pace even as the views along the river continued to be impressive. We approached yet another bridge and the group we were in insisted the path continued on the same side we were currently on. I was sure this was a crossing point and said this but they carried on taking Daren with them. I turned right over the bridge but had a hunch I would see them again soon. Well a matter of minutes later I turned and the whole group were crossing the bridge and catching me up. I thought I'd make it a little more interesting for them and every time I lost sight of them on a twisty part of the course I'd up the pace slightly, this actually opened up a small gap.<br>
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Eventually I settled back into a steady pace as I joined the river again and eventually I could hear Darren talking to another guy approaching. He was with a guy called Rashaad from Bangladesh. Rashaad was running really well and trying to be the first person from his country to officially complete a 100 mile race (he smashed it).</div>
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Soon me and Darren settle down again and we jogged along the riverside as the capital disappeared replaced by larger houses complete with private jetty's. We passed under the landmarks that were the M3 motorway and eventually the M25 (not so impressive) so I knew we couldn't be far from CP2.<br>
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Soon I could see then Centurion flag in the distance and spotted the lovely Fiona McNelis controlling the clipboard. Once again I followed my usual routine of quick in and quick out of the aid station and we both walked out with food eating like we'd discussed previously for a few minutes. On this day which was now pretty warm and sunny, many others looked like they were taking the chance to cool off a little too and for a moment several pairs of ultra runners strolled along the river, slightly surreal.<br>
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Before too long we all set off again running and I was surprised that Darren looked to be suffering slightly. Nothing serious but he did look like he wasn't in a happy place. We ran though a small village and soon we followed a string of other runners back to water as now we were passing Windsor Castle in the distance as if it was a backdrop in a medieval movie. We crossed a bridge and ran through a crew area with people waiting for their runners to pass. Everyone cheered all runners though as we passed and occasionally I even got offered some refreshment which as really nice. It was also I'm slightly ashamed to say nice to see we must have been in front of someone still.<br>
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As we passed Windsor Race course and came close to CP3 at Dorney at just gone 30 miles we met up with Traviss Wilcox. Traviss has not only run more marathons than most of us but he's probably run more 100 milers than most people have run marathons! What he doesn't know about the 100 mile distance probably isn't important so where I can, I tend to listen to him if that's posting on FB or directly on his website <a href="http://traviss.co.uk/">http://traviss.co.uk/</a>. Traviss recognised me which was cool and we ran together into Dorney CP which was outside a rowing club.<br>
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Again time was important and soon we were walking along the water again finishing our supplies. So far everything was going to plan. The pace was still decent running at 10 mm's but with now a few walking breaks thrown in that meant the average was still under 12mm, bang on plan for us to get to Henley CP and the 51 miles point in 10 hrs leaving 18 hrs to cover 49 miles in the dark which worst case could be walked if it all went wrong.<br>
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It was just after 30 miles that Darren said he thought he needed to run faster as he was struggling. I know this sounds strange but he's a quick runner that is comfortable running fast so this pace for him was difficult. I said I was fine and he said he'd see me soon anyway but I honestly didn't think I'd see him again as we said our goodbyes again.<br>
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I focused on where I was on the route I tried to guess the landmarks that were approaching to help tick the miles off. Another bridge to cross, another chance to say hello to the crews of other runners and then more water to run next to.... rewind and repeat... Soon it was difficult to pick out where I was at all?<br>
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I was now just running on autopilot, chugging along the river bank trying to keep with the few runners I could see around me as even at this early stage there's safety in numbers and it's easy to find yourself on the wrong side of the water. Eventually the path finished and turned left inland sharply as we entered some woods? This didn't happen very often and I guessed we were approaching the village of Cookham and the next CP. Yes, we left the woods and turned onto a road and soon we were approaching CP4 and 38 miles.<br>
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I ran into the CP feeling good with a chap called Peter who I'd recognised from the start due to Darren pointing him out. Darren had said he was some kind of ultra guru and even though this guy looked a little older in years (sorry), well looks can be deceiving as he was running this, then a short 40 miler next week, a marathon the next .... oh then the 150 mile Grand Union Canal race the following week!<br>
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As we ran in I could see Darren leaving and we waved. I was quite pleased by this as I knew he would be stepping it up but I couldn't have lost too much time to him if I was seeing him still. At this stage I'd like to say THANKS in case I forget later. Thanks to everyone that volunteers for these events. Nothing special really happened here for me, was I going to throw in the towel and got talked off the cliff? Noooo but they were just so friendly every time. They made running to the next CP enjoyable and something to look forward to. Even though they probably started in the day earlier than me, I never saw one person not smiling and I never heard any of them say no for anything to anyone. So if I forget, thanks!<br>
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I left rapidly and was getting excited as I knew that we were getting close to halfway and that there were a few places I would recognise off the map. We were soon running into Marlow and here the Thames Path diverts into the village through a series of tall walled alleys and soon I was walking as if in a maze as you had to really look to see the the red marker tape on the course. I was now joined by another runner who was equally confused and we swung left to the river only to find no path? Suddenly a small crowd outside a pub shouted, "here guys", so we walked over and they pointed to another hidden alley with a piece of tape tied to a post next to it. We thanked them and soon we were back on course.<br>
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We ran through another crew section in the village with everyone cheering again and before you knew it.... yes more river bank! Before the start in the race briefing James the RD mentioned two diversions on the course. One at Reading just past the halfway point and the other just west of Marlow where we were. This was a minor detour due to a footbridge repair but I was determined not to get lost so tried to keep within view of a couple of other runners just in case. Well I waited for the path to be closed ready to take action...... Then waited a little longer, and a bit longer getting ready to divert right.... Nothing? Result!<br>
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Before I knew it I was running into the next CP at 44 miles. This was a small aid station set in what looked like a large tent but it had the atmosphere of a campsite at a mini festival on a summer evening. Everyone again was full of positive energy (apart from the handful of runners sat on chairs) and it was nice to see Colin again briefly. I refueled and purposely took another minute before setting off to eat some lovely fresh fruit and take in the surroundings. I'd been so focused so far that I hadn't looked around for more than a few seconds for the whole race so far and this was almost too perfect and to not take it in would have been a crime.<br>
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I left the CP and as I did I overheard on of the staff saying "we're now starting to see the main field coming in". On these events you need to take the positives out of anything and I told myself that I must be doing well if they were only just saying that now? (they probably said that to everyone all night lol).<br>
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As I crossed a metal footbridge I jogged past a father taking his young child for a walk in a stroller. As I skipped down the the steps on the other side I thought I should really ask if he needed help carrying his pushchair down so called out to him but he said he was ok and I pushed on somewhat relieve as I was getting a little tired now.<br>
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More grass and more paths along the river and occasionally we'd cut inland for a short while. At one point we ran through the grounds of a house that I decided must be owned by royalty? It had everything boathouses, tennis courts and even a full size cricket pitch! (later found out if was owned by a Swiss banking billionaire!) I was slightly impressed.<br>
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I normally quite like running on my own but I'd noticed my pace was starting to slow slightly so just as a fellow runner passed me I decided to try my best to stick with them. We ran together for a while chatted about nothing special before we both said this was our second 100 attempt and that nothing was going to stop us but never again (spooky). We laughed and we both agreed that running long distances was as silly idea and we couldn't understand why people want to do it. I likened it to wanting to climb Everest. It's amazing but would you want to climb it every week?<br>
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My pace quickened as I wanted and I was feeling better as we started to see more civilisation and that could only mean Henley. I looked at my watch and as the 50 mile point ticked over I said to my new friend whose name I can't remember (funny we both said we'd forget) that I'd just run a 50 mile PB!<br>
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Finally we passed a large house on the far side of the river with what sounded like a rave going on in the garden? This was slightly strange in the middle of nowhere but hey, if you've got the money, why not! Once again we crossed the Thames as we entered the famous town and within a few minutes I'd be reunited with my first drop bag.<br>
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<b>Woooooah, we're halfway there!</b><br>
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Actually not quite as it looked like the CP would never come as I ran out of Henley without seeing the aid station? But finally I could see it and I ran into it shouting my number to the staff.<br>
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Well up to now I'd again followed the advice of wiser people than me and never sat down at a CP ever. Well I knew I was going to be here for a little while so I fell into a tent which was just full of seats and slumped into one, it felt amazing and I soon realised why chairs were the work of the devil as I could have stayed there forever.<br>
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People I knew started to come up and say hello including "Mr Piece of String RD" James Adams (he's got a book you know). It was nice to see him again even if he did refuse my request for him to narrate his book to me as I ran as the audio book wasn't available.<br>
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I was then approached by another fellow runner/helper Glyn who I knew from many events and who'd even ran one of our Frolic events. He asked if I had a drop bag and went to collect it for me. (still can't knock the service) and as I looked over there was Darren! It was great to see him and I wondered how long he'd been here? (less than 2 mins I'd later find out).<br>
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In my drop bag I had everything I thought I'd need for the long night section. I also had new shoes and socks in case I needed them. The feet were a little sore with I remember one small hot spot so I decided to change socks only along with a new baselayer and put on my heavier rain jacket ready for what I saw as the long march ahead. Also an important factor was the weather. Heavy rain was forecast but so far we'd had nothing and I wondered if we would get lucky but no one wanted to say it out loud.<br>
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I tired to eat a couple of things and also picked up a charger pack for my GPS watch and got out my meal I'd prepared, left over Chinese take away from the day before (crispy roasted belly of pork and rice, yum). It was also getting dark now so I removed one of my small torches from my pack and replaced it with the new Icon. In hindsight I now know I don't need half as much stuff and my drop bag should really have been a lot smaller.<br>
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Another runner came up to me and said hello (sorry this is really, really bad as I couldn't remember his name either but I was sure I knew him). For the purpose of this tale he will be referred to as "Bob". My new friend asked how I was and I said not bad considering and he said was it ok if he stuck with us for a few CP's as it got dark, I told him more the merrier as we again walked out of Henley into the night with me eating Chinese.<br>
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Darren was now back with me and "Bob" and we started to jog again trying to use the last seconds of twilight to good effect. I reminded everyone that as I got to Henley in the time I wanted I was ready for my long walk but no one seemed to listen and we started to run again but every now and then we would stop and walk a little but only for a short while and before too long we'd be skipping once again.<br>
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Thinking back, the next few miles were a bit of a blur? We'd jog into a town then we'd be in the middle of a field next minute? "Bob" led the way and I think me and Darren were more than happy to follow.<br>
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By now the one hot spot was two large hot spots on each foot. I could feel the pads of my feet squelching like water bed and I knew this wasn't going to end well. I'd had bad blisters in the past years ago so I knew what was to come and I also knew they would never get better. I'd missed the opportunity to sort them out earlier and now I was going to have to live with that decision. Oh well push on....<br>
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Thanks to our new formed gang, the miles flew and in the distance I could see the lights of Reading and we were soon climbing the stairs into the aid station at 58 miles. This was the furthest I'd ever run in one hit and only a few miles until I hit the magic 100k which is the longest I'd covered walking/running in a single event (Trailwalker years ago).<br>
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In the CP were lot's of people and was staffed by virtual friends Paul Ali and Susie Chan (both super runners and now real friends). I refueled as quick as possible and again I could see a line of the dreaded chairs which were fully occupied and I really hoped that this warm haven in the night wouldn't claim them as I found this last time was the kind of distance you would think about giving up.<br>
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"Bob" thrust a coffee with about 12 sugars in it and I followed this with a couple of full fat coke chasers. I'd not had caffeine for over a week in the build up to race day on purpose and now I was downing it like a junkie and high as a kite!<br>
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We left pretty sharpish as all the indoor CP's were dangerous and it started to drizzle heavily as the expected weather finally hit us. Within a few minutes we passed an even louder beer festival with live music that I remember mentioned in the previous years race report, we all decided that next year we'd all go to the beer fest and cheer runners as they went past. This was also location of the second detour. The path stopped and we headed into town and it was here I was kind of grateful of the heavy rain because it meant the ravers weren't hanging about.<br>
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Things were starting to get a little tiring now. I was still eating and drinking continuously but I was shattered and also I was feeling a little sick. Nothing bad but enough to make eating not enjoyable and I was taking a mouthful spending and hour with it in my mouth chewing then finally forcing myself to swallow. This was hard work but I knew I couldn't stop as that would have serious implications later.<br>
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Eventually we crossed a field into a car park after what seemed like the longest leg ever and turned to cross the river and I recognised this as Whitchurch and the next CP. I also knew that the path into the CP wasn't obvious as I'd tried to follow it on Google maps and got lost then and the real world wasn't much better as we entered someone's drive and were joined be a bunch of others looking for the right way (included local top Essex female ultra runner Naomi Newton-Fisher).<br>
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Within minutes we were in the aid station and "Bob" was again making sure we were ok and I was starting to feel that this "arrangement" was looking slightly one-sided but he didn't seem to mind and it was less than 4 miles now until Streatley CP and my pacer Brian Poore would be there I hoped. I had an issue on my previous attempt where I was worried about meeting times for pacers etc. Well this time if he was there then great but if not then it was carry on.<br>
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Once out of the warmth again we hit the only hilly section of the course and had to walk up the hills so the pace was dropping again. People who say the Thames Path is easy as it's flat haven't run it before a like other flat events I've done, you don't get the natural walking breaks you'd get on hills and also the muscles get no rest as you negotiate as the terrain, it's painful!<br>
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Anyway, after what seemed like days I saw the bridge that meant Streatley and Brian! Brian was in good spirits considering it was nearly 01:30 in the morning and lord knows what he'd been doing while waiting and I didn't care, what was important was that he was there. This sounds harsh but this was something I'd learnt that worrying about crew and pacers wasn't allowed. racing is selfish from the time spent training to the actual event. Everything needs to revolve around you during that time and there would be plenty of time to readdress the balance later post-event. I'd obviously briefed Brian on this before hand so he knew to expect grumpy Ian.<br>
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As I entered the building Brian grabbed my second drop bag and once again I noticed how little of the stuff in to I actually needed. I turned around to thank "Bob" for the amazing effort he'd done for us over the last 20 miles keeping us in check and moving when we were on an obvious low but I couldn't? "Bob" was nowhere to be seen? He'd directed us to safety and then gone? I asked the staff but they knew no "Bob" and there wasn't even a "Bob" in the results I'd later find out? Was he real? or did I imagine the whole thing? Was he "Saint Bob"? The Patron Saint of Ultra Runners? Anyway, whoever you are, thanks!<br>
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Brian took the lead and Darren decided to forge ahead again as I had told him I was definitely walking from here and he was meeting up with his own pacer later on. I had told Brian that I was due to get to meet him at 3am as this was what the Centurion sub-24hr plan said. Well what I hadn't realised was the plan simply took the whole race distance and the cut-off time and gave you a flat steady pace for each CP. Trust me there wouldn't be many people that would run the same pace from start to finish. As a result I was an hour and a half ahead of schedule but I was going to slow before the event finished.<br>
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After a bit of run/walk I told Brian that I'd really wanted to walk soon. Unknown to me Brian had slightly increased the running sections we were doing and was slowly building my time in the bank in case we needed it later. My issue was 2-fold was I was running on empty even though I would struggle to eat more than I was and the feet were a real mess. Both feet were fully blistered as were the toes and I could feel where my feet had swollen the big toes were now smashed too. The bubbles had literately burst hours ago and the pain was significant now and the smooth going had been replaced by the first bit of mud on the whole route and was also rutted.<br>
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I was now at the stage where I honestly didn't think they could get any worst and stopping wouldn't help now and as I hinted to before, there was nothing that was going to stop me unless something went snap or I was timed out and the latter looked like it wasn't going to happen. We trudged into a town and the next CP which as a tiny rowing club again staffed with some of the friendliest people you'd meet. At this time it was almost annoying as I didn't understand how anyone could be so upbeat but I forced a smile and thanked everyone again. We also bumped into Darren and pacer friend as they left and after another bottle refill and cup of coffee we set off too.<br>
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Brian led a small group of us now as we came to a dead end as it looked like we'd managed to miss the turning onto the river. I could have been frustrated as I didn't need bonus miles but I was too tired to moan which was good as in reality we'd missed the turn by about 5 metres (man I was losing it big time). A few minutes later I said to Brian I'd got a stone in my shoe and I needed to stop and sort it. I did this and after poured my foot back into the shoe but the stone still seemed to be there. I decided that I had worst things to worry about so continued and I did wonder if it even existed?<br>
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This next section I described later to someone as living in "Ground Hog Day". We were running/walking just about on a curved grassy river bank that never seemed to never get closer to anything? Also this wasn't helped by the fact that the distance to the next CP ticked over on my watch and still nothing, not even the bridge? Eventually the bridge appeared seemed to just appear from behind a hedge and I knew we were close as we jogged past a smiling marshal directing us up the road.<br>
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We followed in another couple of runners into the hall and one of them said his feet were also blistered and and asked a medic to have a look. I again decided I couldn't fix anything now and just refueled. I looked around and tried to take in the fact we'd covered 85 miles with only 15 to go and I had to laugh when I noticed the communal large pot of Vaseline complete with disclaimer standing on it's own table in the corner!<br>
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I stumbled downhill with Brian leading and he was now updating FB for me to record where we were as I couldn't even manage that. We rejoined the river path and I saw Ultra legend Peter once again in front I gave everything I had and passed him and I wanted to try and see if I could flip a switch and power the next few miles to Abingdon then we could almost see home from there. Well that was the plan. Brian commented that he was impressed with my new found speed but it wasn't to last. Within minutes I was burnt out and on the next walking section I told Brian that was it, I had nothing left. Brian checked his kit and started to feed me with energy gels to try and keep me going. I knew we'd finish now as I was still moving forward and nothing would stop that but the wheels were falling off.<br>
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Ultra Peter passed me followed by a handful of people that looked like they had timed things a little better than me (this included virtual/real friend Kate Jayden). I even started to look at a map for the first time in the whole event to try and see how far I had next stop which was a huge no no but I was desperate. I even did this without Brian seeing as I knew he'd tell me off. Yet again eventually we did get there.<br>
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This was the penultimate CP at 91 miles and the staff sorted me out and told me if we ran for it we might get sub-24 (21 hrs 19 minutes to here). With 9 miles to go I couldn't imagine being able able to run this and I told them I was happy with any time as long as I get a finish and even if I crossed the line in 24:01 I'd be happy.<br>
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We ran off as I thought maybe it was mental and I still had something left in the tank but after 400 metres I knew it was real and as the going got sloppy we were back to a march for the 4 miles to the final stop. Looking back I actually think we walked this whole section in the mud and all I could do was try and increase the marching pace to as quick as possible and after another age we walked into the last CP at.... yes a rowing club!<br>
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The people here again were amazing, they said once my bottle were filled that we needed to "bugger off sharpish" as sub-24 might still be possible. By now I had no idea about times and just wanted the whole thing to be finished. We walked out of the CP but within a few metres we were met by a runner limping back in the opposite direction? Confused we asked what was up and he said he needed to pull out as something had gone snap. Ouch, we were absolutely gutted and asked couldn't he struggle the last 5 miles but he knew what was best and later said he'd be back (top man).<br>
<br>
Brian kept telling me that the path going soon going to be flat as we entered Oxford and as we approached a lock in the river we were greeted for the first time in ages with flat tarmac and I ran! I'd like to say this inspired me to sprint all the way in but as the lock went it took the tarmac with it and we were in the mud again and the pace dropped.<br>
<br>
As we passed under a large road bridge Brian again said that the finish wasn't too far and now the path did actually get better. Psychologically I wanted to see signs of the finish but there was nothing? No people, no balloons, no banners and definitely no blue finish arch! This continued for every corner when I expected to see something but then nothing. Brian now wasn't saying anything and I was starting to worry that we had miles left?<br>
<br>
Then I saw two people in tracksuits walking towards us in the distance. I knew we had time for sub-24 if the finish was close. As we approached them they said the finish was 800 metres from the bridge? Suddenly it was game on and I upped the pace. But then I thought "800m from what bridge?" I asked Brian and he like me wasn't sure? We'd just passed a bridge just before we saw the couple but was it that one or was it another bridge around the corner as we couldn't see anything?<br>
<br>
We turned the corner and.... again nothing? No people no signs and my heart dropped a little but then something through the trees caught my eye? Was that really a flash of Centurion blue? YES! There on the other side of the fence was the finish, we'd made it! even then though I couldn't see the entrance to the field and I told Brian I bet it's a mile up the path! Finally I saw a banner and we took the left turn following the tape to the finish. 23 hours 41 mins. 100 miles One Day buckle in the bag.<br>
<br>
I gave Brian a hug and shook the hand of James Elson and got hugs from the lovely Karen Webber, Nici and it was great to see Fiona and with Sue Albison who were crewing. I did feel a little emotional but I think most of all I felt relief.<br>
<br>
Job done...<br>
<br>
<b>Never again?</b><br>
<br></div>
Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-6206604583173094372015-05-11T04:15:00.001-07:002015-05-11T04:15:25.464-07:00Being MIA and the Thames Path 100 pre-race<div dir="ltr">
<b>Meanwhile in the last year or so...</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Well its been over a year since my last blog entry and I can't really tell you why that is...? Sorry #:(<br />
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I can't say I've stopped running or taken on a huge project that has meant more focus elsewhere..... I think I just got to a place or time where I just felt like I didn't have a lot to say that people might find interesting?<br />
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There every person and their dog seem to be blogging right now and I just decided how could my everyday ramblings be of interest? So I just stopped. (yes there is a dog with a blog btw).<br />
<br /></div>
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So whats changed? Loads actually... House move to my favorite place on earth, Running Club Championship won, New cycling addiction, another Frolic race organised and the best bit.... the first half marathon that I'd run with my 10 year old daughter .....<br />
<br /></div>
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Actually I meant to say "whats changed to start the blogging again?" Well its mainly due to the fact I'd finally managed to do something relevant.<br />
<br /></div>
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Some of you will know I've actually entered two previous 100 miles races. First up was the ill-fated Thames Gateway 100 in 2013 and the second was last years SDW100.<br />
<br /></div>
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The TG100 was ill-fated for a number of reasons but the main one being I quit. There you go I said it.<br />
<br />
Ian Brazier WAS a quitter! (WAS as that's not happening again).<br />
<br />
I just didn't want it bad enough at the time and threw the towel in. OK that's a little harsh as the race itself actually had a huge affect on me especially when lost due to incorrect route descriptions etc. and yes there was the biblical rain but ultimately at 50 odd miles I decided to stop when I could have carried on.<br />
<br /></div>
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Look here for the full report: <a href="http://barefootbrazier.blogspot.de/2013/08/tg100-summary.html">http://barefootbrazier.blogspot.de/2013/08/tg100-summary.html</a><br />
<br /></div>
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Since that day I've regretted the decision and had made it no secret that I have unfinished business with the 100 miles distance. Well in 2014 I looked to change that by entering South Downs Way 100. I'd previously ran the SDW50 and knew the last 50 pretty well being one of my fav places to run.<br />
<br /></div>
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Fate would change this plan though as increased races and training brought on injury and I managed to detach my hamstring partially from my pelvis. This resulted in DNS's in SDW100 but also Giants Head Marathon (sorry SimonG) and the UTMB's CCC Mountain race in the Alps.<br />
<br />
Eventually I did manage to still run shorter distances after some rest and 5 different physio's I ran as many of my running clubs championship road races as I could limp around and eventually won the men's competition for the year. (things of the bike were going OK too as I picked up a trophy in Time Trialing).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Well back on topic.... Centurion Running Thames Path 100 Saturday 2nd May 2015.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
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This foot race starts in Richmond in the borough of London and follows the river Thames from there all the way to Oxford. 100 miles.<br />
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<b>Pre-race</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
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Towards the end of 2014 I was beginning to finally feel I had turned the corner of injury and I entered the Stort 30. As I'd supported the race as part of an aid station the year before I got a free place and to its rude note to run especially when I heard Centurion Head Honcho Nici Griffin was running, I knew I had to be part of that!<br />
<br /></div>
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It was during this that I thought that I should enter another Centurion 100. I'd run a couple of their events so I knew it wouldn't be TG100 Part 2, so I stuck myself on the TP100 waiting list on the off-chance a place would come up.<br />
<br /></div>
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The new year came and went with a few off-road marathons ran socially with friends and I got to Feb before I finally heard I'd secured a place in the TP100 so thought I'd better do some training!<br />
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Well I like to train as relaxed as possible and remain flexible. I've tried a lot of plans but with a busy home and work life I always seemed to be be playing catch-up somewhere. I first looked at the amount of time I had until race day and then looked at what events I could fit in?<br />
<br /></div>
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Me and Darren Coates normally sweep for the St Peter's Way 45 miler in March so we both did that and I also entered the LDWA Sevenoaks 30 later the same month. Sevenoaks race went well and at the time was the fastest 30 miler I'd run to date (not bad considering the terrain and the 20 miles I'd run the previous day). Things were ok.<br />
<br /></div>
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I use a plan I'd found years ago on the net which is based on 3 big mileage weekends followed by a small one. A big weekend would be a 20 miler on the Saturday followed by a 30 miler the next day. I'd read that back-to-back days were better for recovery than a single 50 but I have to admit I was a little concerned I hadn't raced over 50 miles since 2013!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Small weekends were 20's combined with 10 milers back-to-back. These were supposed to be supplemented with various mid-week runs from 5 to 10 miles... Well that's the plan!</div>
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As I said I like to be flexible and I pretty much didn't run at all in the week as I wanted the least amount of disturbance at home in the evenings but I did continue to cycle to work twice a week approx. 40 miles each time. Again I was concerned how this lack of miles running would affect me?<br />
<br /></div>
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I also wanted to start racing in our local bike time trial series at the same time so a few times I'd miss a 20 mile run and ride a 25 mile road race on the bike instead. I was convinced the mix of running and riding actually helped me manage the hamstring which was still there in the background.<br />
<br /></div>
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Most weekend training runs took place locally again around weekend family plans etc, so running to Park Run to with with daughter (getting up at 5am) or running a 30 mile detour to my Dad's which was 5 miles away, was the order of the day.<br />
<br />
My favourite run though was a 7 mile loop along the River Chelmer into Chelmsford then back through Little Baddow to home. This combined river running similar to Thames Path but also hills! If I needed distance, all I'd do was use home as an aid station and run loops switching direction each lap. (I feel a Frolic event coming on...?)<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<b>Footwear choice?</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Again if you know me you'll know I mainly run in zero drop minimal shoes or Luna Sandals.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Well another factor in the downfall at TG100 were the sandals. Well it was a really wet day and the first 10 miles of the race were across soaking ploughed fields and the footwear just wouldn't cut it. This combined with the poor organisation for the event meant I'd promised myself next time I would take no chances.<br />
<br /></div>
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So what footwear to chose? Well for anything off-road but not too bad I tended to wear zero drop Inov-8 Trailrocs. They are flat with almost no cushioning but I've worn them for hours with no issues but the problem here was the ground was a large part hard standing, almost "on road like" for a large part of the event and I decided the trailrocs were a little extreme.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
I instead made the decision to wear Hi-Tec Nazka 5.0's. These are promoted as reduced drop trail shoes but are nowhere near as hardcore as some barefoot shoes (think baby Hoka's?) My friend's at Hi-Tec sent me a couple of pairs and I went about breaking them in. I used them for all my training with no issues in partnership with Nike Dri-fit socks. I'd used this combination previously up to 50 miles so quite confident it was a good decision.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Kit List</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
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This is something that I actually typically enjoy. Unlike some people I know who's idea of advanced packing is throwing stuff in the boot the night before, I had gone through the process of a series of hand written lists that developed into spreadsheets that were divided into sections such as 'worn", 'worn in vest' or even 'worn in vest in drybag'.<br />
<br /></div>
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Well the first thing to take note of was this was a smaller list than last time. Last 100 I had a crew with a huge amount of food that could have supported the whole event (should have done that) but this time I had no crew and was using two drop bags, one at 51 mile and the other at 71.<br />
<br /></div>
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I was quite nervous of what to expect from the night section still as I'd not done loads of running in darkness so I tested my kit one night along the river locally and I have to admit it's a different world. </div>
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The main important piece of kit of any night run is obviously the torch. I was using an Alpkit Gamma headtorch which I'd bought online and is only about £20! For an 85 lumens light that is a bargain.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
So as I hit the riverbank the first thing I noticed was how much colder it was next to the water. The temperature drops at night and this combined with being next to the river makes a noticeable difference. I was wearing a light baselayer and a windproof and I was cold, I'd need to address this.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br />
The next thing I noticed was the fact that even though my light was bright, the shape of the beam gave me tunnel vision and this combined with the "3D effect" of the wet grass made things very trippy. This at 2am after a full days running could equal early bath.<br />
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Because of this I decided bigger is better and started to look for a headtorch that would turn night into day. Like always, I checked out the <a href="http://www.myracekit.com/" target="_blank">www.myracekit.com </a>website and they had a huge range but after talking to Colin in the shop chose the Black Diamond Icon 200 lumens torch which boasts 85 hours of run time on max power.<br />
<br /></div>
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<b>Taper Time</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
One thing I've been guilty of in past was over training. Well as I think you might have guessed, this wasn't really going to be an issue this time as I was doing a lot less running so hopefully this less is more approach would work?<br />
<br />
Also I decided to start my taper earlier and with a month to go I ran my last 30 miler and started to wind down. I planned two weekends of back to back 10 milers then wind to down even more.<br />
<br />
I also booked weekly massage sessions to make sure any minor niggles were sorted asap. This was great and I was lucky to get this covered at my office through work!<br />
<br />
When I got the the last weekend I did a single 10 miler then that was it. Well that was the plan. Monday I woke up with no energy and a cold. I hit the fluids and Vit C non-stop and tried to rest.<br />
<br />
Next day the cold had eased off but I seemed to have stomach cramps and I was now at the stage were I wondered what else could go wrong! Well the day after I woke and I couldn't move? I'd somehow managed to trap a nerve in my lower back and any movement around my core was painful,<br />
<br />
Well this continued until Friday when I finally woke with all that cleared but with light hayfever!, well that wore off in the day and I laughed at the week I'd just had but thinking though it never really got that bad and I'd actually managed to sleep really well, actually better than normal!<br />
<br />
<b>Now to race day!</b></div>
Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-55521606597207896002014-04-22T07:01:00.002-07:002014-04-22T07:01:48.545-07:00it’s been a while since the last entry…. Part 1<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>it’s been a while
since the last entry…. Part 1<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what have you missed I hear you say? Well… Not a great
deal to be honest lol<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Ok, that’s a tiny fib as of course I’ve done a little bit of
running and entered a couple of races.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Punchbowl 30, a few XC’s, St Peter’s Way 45, Essex 20,
Colchester and Brentwood Half Marathons…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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My training for my main race of the year (SDW100) had to
date gone pretty much to plan and I was slowly starting to get faster which was
my main goal. Well then things change don’t they! Things at work were starting
to get quite busy and at home we’d decided to move house and that was meaning
DIY during every spare moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The above combined with a few minor injuries stopped the
progress I was making like hitting the wall during a race! I ran the LWDA
Punchbowl 30 with Darren Coates and although we didn’t go mad, He’s a lot
faster than me and I struggled but still scrapped a 30 mile race PB. The
problem was that I also picked up a repeat of an old ankle/shin issue from over
use. This meant running proved more than a little painful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple of low key XC events mixed things up a little and
as the distance was relatively short I didn’t feel too bad although I did run
to/from these events and that probably was “taking the mick” a tad?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>St Peter’s Way
ultra<o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Next up was Challenge Running’s St Peter’s Way ultra.
Starting in Ongar Essex, this 45 mile route takes you through some decent
rolling Essex countryside all the way to the coast. This was an event I’d
supported before and I was looking forward to experiencing one of the county’s
main path systems.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Darren Coates and myself had volunteered to be tail runners
for the whole distance and I have to admit I didn’t truly know what to expect
as I’d not done this before. These event are gear of all levels of experience
from the elite to the beginner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The year before I’d helped at an aid station and everyone
was well inside this cut off time so I did think it wouldn’t be that long a
day? We signed in at the start and after the briefings the main pack were off.
We gave it a few minutes then decided to jog slowly keeping just behind the
back of the pack.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We soon realised that we might have given the pack a little
too much space as we could barely see the runners on the horizon as little
yellow dots cutting along field edges. They all disappeared again and we
decided to floor it for a while and try and catch them up. The going was still
a little moist in places so as well as the GPS route, written description AND
maps, we could actually follow the footprints of the main group but suddenly…..
NOTHING!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We were standing in the middle of a field and could probably
see a couple of miles but nothing!, no runners and also no footprints, how can
you lose nearly 200 runners? We were on the St Peters Way as we stood next to a
marker post and the GPS was even bang on so what had happened? Darren had the
written instructions (this isn’t meant to indicate blame, honestly) and reread
them “follow path then at junction ignore marker past and turn left” oops!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Anyone that’s ever taken part in narrative trail races has
probably done the same and skipped a paragraph or missed the section as it was
covered by your thumb? Oh well, with a little investigation we’d realised where
we’d gone wrong and also worked out that we’d end up back on track if we
continued where we were heading so we set off once again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Within a few minutes normal service was resumed and we could
see the footprints once more. We still didn’t have eye contact with anyone so
we once again increased the speed and followed the description until there they
were! We’d covered only 5 or 6 miles and weren’t even at the first aid station
when we could see a couple of people about 400 metres in front standing still
looking at their instructions. We quickly ducked down behind some trees. We
weren’t sure if these guys were even actually in the event but we took our duties
seriously and took no chances.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This game of cat and mouse continued for the first half of
the race and we entered each aid station safely knowing we hadn’t been seen! On
the subject of aid… I must say the efforts of Karen Webber, Sue and the rest of
Lindley’s team stepped up again delivering so much food I didn’t know I could
eat so much!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well our plan was going well until the guys in front were
suddenly gone and from what we could see they couldn’t have lost us by
increasing the pace as we could see quite a way in front? We stood scratching
our heads for a second then decided there was nothing to do but carry on. All
seemed well until from our flank we were greeted by our friends! They explained
that they had made a wrong turn and that they were trying to get back on
course. We tried to play it cool but they guessed we were the sweepers but we
told them they had time to spare as we decided to stop for a little admin time,
this gave them a chance to pull away again. It transpires that one of the guys
was new to ultras and this was way beyond what he’d tried before. In some event’s
he’d been “cut off” but the events are very user friendly and we explained that
if they just kept going, they be ok!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well fast forward along the rolling countryside eventually to
the first sea wall at Mayland and everyone seemed happy. The team in front were
keeping pretty good pace well within the times needed and we were casually
following. I have to say I’m in awe for these guys as they dug so deep and were
well out of their comfort zones but wouldn’t give up even when we approached
the final section of seawall in Bradwall within a couple of miles of the finish
in the dark.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They strode into the chapel beaming and we follow shortly
behind. I was honoured to shake their hands and it was a nice touch for me and
Darren to get a medal, shirt and a finish time and it was the end of a hard day’s
work. I started the event thinking this would be a piece of cake but finished
with a respect for sweepers / tail runners as the amount of time on feet
certainly takes it out of you!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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Next up… Back on the road again…<o:p></o:p></div>
Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-44409950818766237882014-02-20T01:30:00.001-08:002014-02-20T01:30:04.911-08:00Another one bites the dust (mud)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Race review of Benfleet 15 - Mud, Mud oh and some mud!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As this year’s race season starts to unfold, here’s a short
review of yet another of my adventures...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Next up was a race I’m quite familiar with, the Benfleet 15.
This is held every year in Essex near Canvey Island. I’d run this event a number of times and it’s safe to say it's a firm
favourites with locals but recently its reputation has started to spread with an ever
increasing number turning up at the start line on a freezing winters morning.
The race used to start on the island itself then head along the sea wall before
looping back onto main land, Hadleigh, Leigh then back to the island but for the last few
years the course has transformed and what was a reasonably difficult test is
now even harder as the race starts and finishes at the highest point of
Hadleigh Downs.</div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_z-5I9Fly05qcIlSRFtVAGGdSQ9ziO_2CXMXklgrLW_ScfLoA0IApjUGYi2VrOL7tzRcBu20ji4XEZ5-AHlQ6PXuZS6NS8HD3s0fIldnXUfnjqo7nQjnO-cmDy5ZDRXfoYOBLrskbEQ8V/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_z-5I9Fly05qcIlSRFtVAGGdSQ9ziO_2CXMXklgrLW_ScfLoA0IApjUGYi2VrOL7tzRcBu20ji4XEZ5-AHlQ6PXuZS6NS8HD3s0fIldnXUfnjqo7nQjnO-cmDy5ZDRXfoYOBLrskbEQ8V/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No this wasn't me! (but it felt like it... wheres my shoe!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d come off the back of two marathons in the week before so I
really wanted to back off a little for this event especially as I knew this was
going to be difficult enough so Mr Andy Hind was kind enough again to step up to
the plate and pace me around "casual style". He’ll probably reply to this with some “cock and
bull” story about other way around…. BUT trust me Andy, I was using you like a
$10 errr anyway, you get the idea!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Well the first thing we noted about the day when we rolled
into the car park was the weather. This race has two traditional settings “cold”
and “even colder” which results in either "mudfest or ice mud" but today, the skies were clear and there was even a touch of
warmth in the air. Strange but I assumed this wouldn’t last so dressed for a
blizzard (you can see where this is going).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, we slowly walked to the start line where I got that
feeling that every runner dreads. We had about 15 mins till the start so I
jogged over to the “facilities” but the queue was longer than a Primark sale in
Bas Vegas! I assessed the situation and returned to Andy telling him that it was
in fact last minute nerves and nothing to worry about, was this mistake “number two” (see
what I did there).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whilst waiting for the start it was nice to say hi to some
familiar faces including ultra legend Sir Bob Gear and we laughed to ourselves
when we realised we were standing in the wrong direction on the start line.
We didn't feel too bad as the whole field managed to stand the wrong way around but we were then off. The revised
start is quite different to the old one on the island where the hardest part
was climbing over “the hump” to the actual start itself without falling over. Here
hundreds of people were sprinting flat out downhill on what I was told was part
of the Olympic mountain bike course. Well I say flat out until a minute later when
the course switched back up the hill and people were now desperately try to
keep the running pace as we headed up vertically. I decided walking was the way
ahead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were soon flying downhill again and I was struggling to
keep up with Andy who was embracing the Kevin Wright downhill mantra of “brakes
off, balls out! (eye balls!). I did my best to stay on two feet as we
continued to literally at times “fly” down the mud covered slope. When we eventually
reached the bottom of the downs and turned left towards Leigh Station though I was starting
to slowly recover from the shock of the start especially as I think I’d lost a
stone so far in sweat loss.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So far the only correct decision I’d made today was to
wear my Walsh’s fell shoes as I had decent grip even though the going was
terrible at times. As we jogged along recharging the batteries I finally drew level with Andy who looked
in about the same place as me now. We were actually towards the back of the pack still at this point mostly due to our decision to start pretty much last but thanks to Andy’s turbo speed
we’d somehow managed to pass a few people so weren’t doing too bad. We
switched direction again and headed uphill and yet again I decided to employ some ultra running tactics and walk it. I could see at the top where the course switched sharp
right that people were again struggling to stay on their feet and I chuckled to
myself safe in the fact I was wear my “special shoes”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We were both still together as we reached the
mudfest at the top of the hill. Andy took the lead as he followed the masses
along the same line but I decided I would use the special shoes to take the faster racing line. At first it was looking good, I had made up some
ground on the runners ahead but this ended suddenly when one of my “super shoes” hadn’t
brought into the deal as I ran along leaving it behind in the mud. At this
point if I was near the finish, I think I would have left it there but with 13 miles
still left to run I had to go back and retrieve it. After finally locating the shoe and
digging it out I then tried like a wally to run while trying to pull the shoe
back on! Why do people do that? Eventually I pulled the stupid thing on as Andy was starting to disappear
in the distance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I hit the gas on and managed to catch up my partner in crime. Andy hadn’t noticed me "throwing a
shoe" and he laughed sympathetically when I told him what happen as we again started to climb into Leigh.
This is usually one of the worst parts for mud but strangely it wasn’t that bad this time as they had placed some form of mesh matting for the Olympics and this made the
usual mockery of running at this point actually achievable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As we switched from mud to road, I had pulled away slightly
from Andy but I pushed on for now as I decided to stop at the aid station for a
breather. I have to say all the volunteers were amazing as usual and I don’t
think I’ve ever eaten so many jelly babies in my life. Andy soon came in and we walked together out of the checkpoint on the sea wall heading to
Canvey. It was a pleasant surprise that we weren’t greeted by the high winds
that can be a feature of this section and again it was actually very nice. Andy was reminding me that we were
starting to go too fast and I was grateful as I was feeling pretty good but recovery was the order of the day so we backed off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was too long before we turned off the seawall back onto
road and got to the next aid station. We again restocked (more jelly babies) and pushed on over the
road and along the opposite seawall towards the school on the island and the
old start which was actually now the turnaround point. We were passing the race leaders running the other way and as always
it was nice to shout greetings to each other. We eventually got to the turnaround
point with yet another aid station where I ate.... even more jelly babies! We passed
another marshal just after this aid station who was jumping up and down in
excitement cheering on the everyone and giving out chocolate, it doesn't get much better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was feeling really good as we waved to some of the other
runners who were still on the top section of seawall and shortly we were
leaving the island, running past Benfleet train station and walking him the
hill to the final checkpoint. You guessed it more jelly babies and a
juice chaser and I was ready to go. I think Andy was starting to feel the effects of missing
out on some recent training (he was still doing pretty good in my books), and I started
to pull away a little but only so I could push the hills a little. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I knew now the end was near but I’d also run this modified route
once before so I knew the finish had a huge sting in its tail. Well I
thought I knew! This year the route switched to more sections of the mountain bike course but this time it was uphill winding up the steep incline
like an alpine pass (well it seemed like it at the time). I got to what I
thought must be the top only to discover that is was a short plateau and there was another “mountain” to
climb. I couldn't walk up the last hill so I jogged up and over the finish line. Andy
finished shortly after and I think both of us were more than pleased with the
days efforts. I must of come away with some kind of jelly baby PB.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Lessons learnt? My "gut feeling" at the start was correct as the only brown stuff I was covered in was mud (I hope!) and running in the sun with 3 layers head to toe isn't the best idea....<br />
<br />
A great day out with friends.</div>
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-12868276784157939672014-02-11T03:03:00.002-08:002014-02-11T03:03:16.204-08:00Tale of two marathons<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b>The story so far...</b></div>
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It’s been a
little while since I wrote about my general running exploits, so I thought I’d
take this opportunity to catch up!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s a Monday
morning in Feb and the morning after the LDWA Punchbowl 30. So far this year my
main races have been Cold Christmas to Good Easter Off-Road Marathon, The
Enigma Buff Marathon, Benfleet 15 and Punchbowl yesterday. This entry will be specifically about the first two marathon events and
I’ll write something about the other events later.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well I’d had
probably one of the best Christmas / New Year breaks ever as I took a few days
off just before Christmas to visited the Alps. It was the first time the family
had been there and I have to admit it was amazing to see their faces when they first saw the
mountains complete with snow at the peaks! A proper Winter Wonderland!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX2N0mtlSNolxNuwgiUKLfLvLJKN25gKRYZgQYtSCH4QrlpWF7r3-SEJSvT5YPoVJw1loE4kg3Hp3NKJCQVeZdem68pXzriB9IoS_LuHW41lSISDc_Jpc06SPg-XMN8ARzHWA55b3raSi/s1600/DSC_0466%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtX2N0mtlSNolxNuwgiUKLfLvLJKN25gKRYZgQYtSCH4QrlpWF7r3-SEJSvT5YPoVJw1loE4kg3Hp3NKJCQVeZdem68pXzriB9IoS_LuHW41lSISDc_Jpc06SPg-XMN8ARzHWA55b3raSi/s1600/DSC_0466%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On top of the world with "the boss"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The above had
been amazing but had also meant I’d had a break from exercising (probably
not a bad thing) and when I got back we were straight into the “holiday
feeding” mode… i.e. feet up in front of TV, beers and chocolate. This
resulted in a great holiday but also some extra inches on the waistline.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I decided
that I need to try and lose this extra bulk and also generally modify my diet habits.
Don’t get me wrong I don’t eat bad at all it’s just I think I needed to operate
a little "portion control" and also cut out some of those little treats as I
found I was “treating myself” too often (does that sound wrong?)<o:p></o:p></div>
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A friend at
work recommended an app called My Fitness Pal <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://www.myfitnesspal.com/</span></a> and I started to use this but only as a rough guide to what I was taking on fuel wise. It’s a simple tool where
you enter what you eat and how much you train and it tells you if your good or
bad. Well I’ve used it for nearly a month now and I’ve lost 11 pounds!
That’s the Xmas weight now gone and I’m looking to lose a little more before
levelling out. So far so good!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway, back
to running… <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Cold Christmas to Good Easter Marathon</b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXemdqsMUg9wyA74Jz9JXLyaypcS7HUMARSShqrZP8lKTVHGnAS044YOb7f65SMStjD1RThRGu5cEeDKVrqZGNzxJ9Ewc8Bjg_M8aelvtA4sKkF5EinTXBSmNYHhcWQzXgXw1mSLBdhVr/s1600/DSC_0652%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipXemdqsMUg9wyA74Jz9JXLyaypcS7HUMARSShqrZP8lKTVHGnAS044YOb7f65SMStjD1RThRGu5cEeDKVrqZGNzxJ9Ewc8Bjg_M8aelvtA4sKkF5EinTXBSmNYHhcWQzXgXw1mSLBdhVr/s1600/DSC_0652%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me looking far too happy at the start of the CC to GE marathon</td></tr>
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My first race
back in the new year was The Cold Christmas to Good Easter off-road marathon. This is a pretty
tough narrative trail race from Hertfordshire back into Essex. I’d run this
once before previously and it’s always a great event with lot's of local runners and hats off to Pete
Tremain the event organiser for putting on a seamless race. I was still working with my running coach but
hadn’t had much time to train recently due to being away / ill so I didn’t expect too much. I’d had a chest
infection before xmas which wasn't ideal but on frosty the start line I actually didn't feel
that bad.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE-XWqVWnMcgK8yKAQtVoCiF1OopTBI0jocM3KFVWC2wEaOOJjsg50O8eziwZVcFWpSGNSzz5F5nrWlJfXPFNAFfk_uoEZIEKfw35TX4DAR2Jg26Q1F1y14xx-UjAife7m35Lv4UK3wZe/s1600/DSC_0655%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE-XWqVWnMcgK8yKAQtVoCiF1OopTBI0jocM3KFVWC2wEaOOJjsg50O8eziwZVcFWpSGNSzz5F5nrWlJfXPFNAFfk_uoEZIEKfw35TX4DAR2Jg26Q1F1y14xx-UjAife7m35Lv4UK3wZe/s1600/DSC_0655%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darran Hull and John Daly at the start</td></tr>
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We were soon
off and I settled into running with a small group of fellow club runners. I’d
already agreed pre-race to run around with a couple of people and we all jogged along together taking advantage of the frost
which had turned the water-logged fields into semi-decent ground. For the first
few miles I stayed in the middle of this group and felt ok but did have to work a little in places to stay with the boys as the pace sometimes increased.
There were 3 aid stations and I’d already decided that I wouldn’t look at the
watch and try and just run comfortably. Before I knew it though we ran into the first stop. We
all checked in and I filled my bottle, ate some biscuits and took a couple for
later then were soon off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A couple of
the group had left just before us so the rest of us pushed hard for a couple
of minutes to catch them. We were soon skipping through the mud again as the
ice was now starting to thaw. It was about
now that I first realised I was feeling actually felt pretty good!
We were about halfway through the race and running along the River Stort so it
was nice and flat so I started to push the pace with fellow club mate Andy Stroud who I was chatting to. We continued this for a while and all seemed good before
deciding we’d better actually slow down a tad as there was little chance of keeping this pace
going for long.</div>
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As we turned off the river and started a climb towards the M11 motorway,
I started to drop a little and I was now fighting to keep the pace going. I
didn’t say anything and the banter in the group probably kept me going at this
point. I often experience lows around 15-18 miles so I took a gel, had
something to eat and kept pushing knowing that it should pass.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I was
starting to get some comments from the guys in the group that I was running
well (control yourself Mr Brazier). I’d put in quite a bit of training
before the new year thanks to my coach Paul Anderson and also thanks to my family (who let me
do it) and I think it was finally starting to show. Well this motivated me to
keep pushing as we approach the 2<sup>nd</sup> aid station manned by fellow
club members Sarah and Malcolm and it felt great to see them. I’d dropped a
isotonic drink down to them the day before and I downed the whole thing
standing there and again ate some custard creams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We all left
together and I started to push again with Andy. After a few minutes we
noticed that we’d pulled away from the rest of the group. We slowed slightly to
re-group but Andy said I should try and push on. I felt guilty as I’d said I’d stick with my mate Paul but I was also having
probably my best race ever so after Andy assured me that the rest of the group
would be fine I pushed on again. After a few miles I headed into the village
of Hatfield Broad Oak where they stage a well-known 10k race every year. It
felt a little odd running part of that course but was good to recognise where we were for once and not just another farmers field. I
passed a couple of other runners and we exchanged greetings and I soon approached
the final aid station.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Inside the
hall was an enormous spread of food and I tucked into some cake and had a brief
chat with a couple of friends who were taking a break. One of the guys in particular looked as like he wasn't having a great
race. I kind of guessed this as they would probably have been finished by now
in normal circumstances. I left the hall but decided to wait for the guys I’d
left earlier just to make sure one last time that they were all good. I didn’t have to wait too long as Andy came in and again he said everyone was ok so I was off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheb_EYwRhOspAkz__0VgWktz-gKrEzUsdvK5CvjHlET9rodrJ1OO6AqSxVq1mZlV7jOK4eeEeZdHatih2u2PN_nCT5UBAX1ay_o0Yv6jUC6aEeKkAKTLU35VW51JTxcwnujAKvPM6e0lt6/s1600/DSC_0654%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheb_EYwRhOspAkz__0VgWktz-gKrEzUsdvK5CvjHlET9rodrJ1OO6AqSxVq1mZlV7jOK4eeEeZdHatih2u2PN_nCT5UBAX1ay_o0Yv6jUC6aEeKkAKTLU35VW51JTxcwnujAKvPM6e0lt6/s1600/DSC_0654%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Bridges at CC to GE marathon</td></tr>
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Well there
was only a couple of miles left and I was still feeling ok. As I headed towards Good
Easter and the finish, the incline increased slightly but it started to feel
like a mountain as the legs started to get heavy but I knew we were nearly done
so I pushed some more. Somehow I managed to overtake a couple more people
before finishing. Approx. 20 minutes faster than last time out. As I said,
probably the best all-round race I’d ever had!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I changed my
race kit and soon the rest of the gang finished. Everyone
seemed happy with their times and I think everyone had a great race.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Enigma Buff
Marathon</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Only 3 days
after running the Cold Xmas Marathon I was running this multi-lap marathon in
Milton Keynes with good friend Paul Bridges. This was obviously something I
normally wouldn’t do but I thought why not as I had some holiday to use so
thought I’d go for a day trip to the Midlands.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For those
that don’t know, Enigma is a small close-knit group of people headed by “Foxy
Dave” and they specialise in multi-lap marathons (and I hope I’m not offending
them) in my opinion geared towards people pushing for membership to the
exclusive 100 Marathon Club <a href="http://www.100marathonclub.org.uk/"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">http://www.100marathonclub.org.uk/</span></a>
That said, they are always set in pleasant surroundings and I know they are run
like clockwork. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5pTYx9ufADvq79WqQ3jFhFhWruqIYfdfpzCqdaDokVczuJrntZe0jH1S0nnbbsT2TK0gGX-31rd3pHUDO2mveln4WH_-D-KbgQeWKLsSmHSmd5B6RjZEgcrpL8ZkSIZPIIe6CIqua2dA/s1600/DSC_0659%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5pTYx9ufADvq79WqQ3jFhFhWruqIYfdfpzCqdaDokVczuJrntZe0jH1S0nnbbsT2TK0gGX-31rd3pHUDO2mveln4WH_-D-KbgQeWKLsSmHSmd5B6RjZEgcrpL8ZkSIZPIIe6CIqua2dA/s1600/DSC_0659%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Enigma Marathon - Only 70 laps to go :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We set off
early to avoid any rush hour traffic and without any issues we
were soon turning off the motorway and negotiating some of MK’s notorious
roundabouts. We pulled up at a rather nice lake which looked to have a path system all
the way around it. We parked up outside a near-by pub which doubled as HQ for the
day and went in to look for the guys. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We registered
and I said hi to Foxy and I also
notice a couple of familiar faces that included Rachel and Traviss, famous 100
marathon clubbers. As we waited for the start, Paul spoke to a few people he
knew and they all sounded like seasoned marathoners including a guy that had done over
900 marathons and was scheduled to hit 1000 this year, amazing!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well after
the small group had been briefed it was a short walk to the start and we were
soon off. Our plan was to run together at 9 min/miles for half the distance
then slow down and hit 4:30ish, not too shabby considering we’d both run
hard marathons only days before. I actually felt ok running around the lake in
my Luna sandals and it was cool to see local boy and fellow Luna runner Russ in the crowd. I’d decided recently to try and wear the sandals as much as possible again as I’d “slipped” back into minimal shoes
over the new year as the weather had got poor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was wet
but the rain seemed to hold off thank god and Paul and me were chatting lap after lap
grabbing the occasional drink or bite to eat as we passed the line. I again had
decided not to focus on time apart from the occasional check to see what pace we
were hitting. Before I knew it though Paul was telling me we’d completed 10 miles and
despite looping around and around the same lake, time seemed to be flying. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKWgQuxAO5164QPFbiKoBJP3OCx1c_r__5_a0H7OYU6qNU1dKLanLAUxpkAWvCBK2IcnhCnig0Kw7dpm9QSntPosMe7xB8rVA2MfFsgMyVVtZMGy9SF2kH3X8-vkuZCPMuHAK9mHuQNGb/s1600/DSC_0662%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKWgQuxAO5164QPFbiKoBJP3OCx1c_r__5_a0H7OYU6qNU1dKLanLAUxpkAWvCBK2IcnhCnig0Kw7dpm9QSntPosMe7xB8rVA2MfFsgMyVVtZMGy9SF2kH3X8-vkuZCPMuHAK9mHuQNGb/s1600/DSC_0662%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Socks with sandals - A classic look</td></tr>
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Once
again in no time we’d crossed the halfway point in the race and unfortunately Paul was starting to feel
the effects of our recent races, I was still ok but I think my ultra distance training was standing me
in good stead. We were starting to slow a little and Paul told me to go on. I
was determined this time not to leave my “wing man” but Paul insisted I should
run as well as I could. I sat back for a couple more laps before deciding that
Paul was right especially as we could see the entire route at all times from across the lake so I said I was going to give it a little blast but I’d probably see him soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I opened the
pace a little and settled again as Paul decided wisely to back off. I was starting to
overtake people on this short course and this again served as a decent morale
boast passing them. I got back to lapping in 9 min / miles and with a few miles
to go I just wanted to see how long I could keep that going. I’d previously been lapped by the leaders and soon they were pulling up at the finish line to
receive their medals. This again was positive for me as I knew the end was
near. This was the first time I looked at my watch to see total time taken and with a couple of laps to go I was minutes away from the 4 hour mark.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul coming over the line to finish the Enigma Marathon</td></tr>
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I wasn't fussed about the time but I thought I’d
give it a go anyway for a surprise sub-4. I pushed as fast as I could but as I
approached the finish I knew I'd just missed it. I’d finished 9<sup>th</sup> in 4 hours 53 seconds. I was asked if I was gutted not to
break the hour mark, but to be honest I wasn’t really. Don’t get me wrong, if this was
the first time I’d got near to the time I might have been more upset but it
was still the second fastest marathon time I’d ever run and not bad considering I’d
not started to race that time and days after another marathon. It was a great
event well done Foxy and Paul finished shortly after me getting his sub-4:30 just as planned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Mr Bridges</td></tr>
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<b>Next time…. Benfleet 15 and the Punchbowl 30.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-6285246949671510952014-01-16T03:28:00.003-08:002014-01-16T04:47:28.664-08:00Never mind the Frolics<div dir="ltr">
Well the day had finally arrived when it was time to deliver on an idea that me and a couple of friends had months ago...<br />
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<a href="http://festivefrolic30.blogspot.de/">http://festivefrolic30.blogspot.de/</a></div>
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It was one of those "spur of the moment" things when a conversation post-event turned to "well could we do that?" Well a few days later I was still thinking about it and I started swapping messages with the fellow ultra marathon runners Bob Gear and Darren Coates who I'd spoke to originally about the possible event.</div>
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I was sure that I wanted to create something different from the norm that would be remembered for being a little special hopefully. Also as all three of us were distance runners it obviously needed to be long!</div>
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The first thing I thought important was the classic... location, location, location. This would then lead to the distance of the event and everything else should fall into place? Well that was the plan.</div>
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The idea of keeping things simple was always on my mind so I decided that we should use an established venue as a base and what better than a pub! By now I had an idea of both race distance and location so this defined the available area.</div>
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Eventually I chose the Eagle Public House in Gallywood Essex. Based near the old disused horse racing course (which can still be seen in a few places). Gallywood is situated on the south side of the city of Chelmsford and offers access to many decent trails with the 20 mile Centenary Circle passing through here and the St Peter's Way Path only a stone's throw away.</div>
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I shared the location with Bob and Darren who agreed it was a decent choice especially they said as all routes back to it were uphill! I met the boss and agreed the date (27th Dec) and we had an event. I next started to look closer at routes. To keep things simple, I liked the idea of a number of loops using the pub as a base. This would be simpler to manage and would also mean we could offer a selection of different race distances.</div>
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We all decided 30 miles would be a good manageable distance and we knew we'd only get a small amount of people interested which suited us. We chose two different twelve mile loops and a small six.</div>
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I highlighted two loops which were some of my favourite places to run, The Hanningfields and Danbury. The last loop would be a short 3 mile out and back down to Margaretting. These routes offered a mixture of terrain, road, track, trail and at times full on cross country mud but we had an idea that would mix it up a little.</div>
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What I didn't really want to put on was a traditional narrative trail race as there are a lot of these every week. So I thought about other options and remembered all the navigation exercises I'd taken part in when in was still in the Army.... These were always good and were a "leveller" for different abilities as people would need to think hard about route selection as well as just "head down, push on".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-spUFadhqurBuKML841CGZ0nK02NpZLtDaCBVs6Lms2XKd7jRNeX_FW9J_HXBDnPG-sCRMOPR4zyuOz-XFkGmCuQxF-A_crwqcQZeRhb-vsZJ4Fwoc6KfQqK_3gVyprfCAeEljZ3shbU/s1600/DSC_0611%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH-spUFadhqurBuKML841CGZ0nK02NpZLtDaCBVs6Lms2XKd7jRNeX_FW9J_HXBDnPG-sCRMOPR4zyuOz-XFkGmCuQxF-A_crwqcQZeRhb-vsZJ4Fwoc6KfQqK_3gVyprfCAeEljZ3shbU/s1600/DSC_0611%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Darren Coates busy working</td></tr>
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Well everything was set. The event was advertised (but not too well as we didn't want too many people at the first one). But actually we'd had quite a bit of interest and I was especially pleased that there were entries from at least a dozen people wanting to do the 30 mile route.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEDczpVLAKd2dMb7VkK8ij92lC9bdRMLH6CMlzcaAFI5W8A9Ck-txjZ0Jt92GiEzYA-MyvRC9eumitgIP0Y8sqjNB3l5ajCdBpiafEKi_VYWpviNroO32WuETUq6ZrDzDSvhCSy7Qtus/s1600/DSC_0610%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzEDczpVLAKd2dMb7VkK8ij92lC9bdRMLH6CMlzcaAFI5W8A9Ck-txjZ0Jt92GiEzYA-MyvRC9eumitgIP0Y8sqjNB3l5ajCdBpiafEKi_VYWpviNroO32WuETUq6ZrDzDSvhCSy7Qtus/s1600/DSC_0610%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sir Bob Gear with Lead helper and IT support Alistair Brazier</td></tr>
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On the day the weather had turned and the high winds over the xmas period had reduced a little but I was hopeful of decent weather for the race. The runners assembled at the pub and were handed their route cards with the list of checkpoint grid references. It was interesting to see another side to running events as instead of last minute kit checks, runners were huddled in corners with maps busy marking them up and trying to decide the best way to get there. Looking at some of the choices being made, I could already see there were going to be some different results.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgMqTeT4mNsSG5wj80enMfLI_INVWzSVQZtgt7Tje07Et47wRYMwWn6WBRBL4d8rPXE_Mv8zd7zEnsjQX9cgR_Ta7qvfP9N3wjAK3lSylwt7j0TcqD5-g0GbjEG90hD8fpyqxGgR0rmlz/s1600/DSC_0609%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgMqTeT4mNsSG5wj80enMfLI_INVWzSVQZtgt7Tje07Et47wRYMwWn6WBRBL4d8rPXE_Mv8zd7zEnsjQX9cgR_Ta7qvfP9N3wjAK3lSylwt7j0TcqD5-g0GbjEG90hD8fpyqxGgR0rmlz/s1600/DSC_0609%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Strider Dream Team of Siddy and James</td></tr>
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It was then time to start. For the first loop, most people headed of in the same direction (always a good start!) After a couple of minutes, Darren took off to man the first aid station at the 6 mile point at Hanningfield. The first runners passed through there after just under the hour mark which was good work considering the heavy going with all the rain etc.</div>
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Sean Ketteridge and Alan Smalls were leading as a pair but were closely followed by the Strider double act of Simon "Siddy" Bowring and James Neugebauer. All these guys were working as pairs and were also running the whole 30 mile route. </div>
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The leaders were soon back at the pub and onto the second loop and off towards Danbury. This time the check points forced runners under the new A130 at Howe Green and through some routes that even the locals probably didn't use often! (route selection at this point wasn't helped by the fact 70% of runners didn't have the A130 on their maps!)<br />
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By now all the loop one runners had finished and a large number had decided to it a day here at 12 miles. This was a respectable distance for anyone and many loved the event so much they even covered a few bonus miles. Stand out runs throughout the field but picking out MEC's David Game's run coming in as first "loop one only runner" and the large team from the Southend Flyers did well also and were in amazing spirits!</div>
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The second aid station at Danbury was now receiving the leaders and it was still neck and neck between the pair from Colchester and the pair from Springfield. This looked like it was set for a tag team fight to the finish until a call came through to race control that Simon Bowring had pulled up at the aid station and had to retire, a real shame as he was having a good run and it looked like the battle of the pairs would be over?</div>
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Back in the pack the ultra distance runners on loop two were also joined by some late starters who were doing the second loop only. Pillars of Essex running, the dynamic duo of John and Lorna Pettifer were joined by Springfield Striders Richard Rule and Andy Stroud and they looked good to go at the start of their runs but I have to admit it was entertaining to see them all head off in different directions. </div>
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Eventually the first runner came back through the HQ... Richard Rule! Richard had started the second loop before the leaders of the "full race" but had a great run with no navigational issues worth speaking of and had the finish time to show for it as he was back just after midday. Next in were the leading Colchester pair followed only 5 minutes later by James N on his own now.</div>
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First, second and third paced runners were all now at the pub together refuelling and checking nav decisions but it looked like James might call it a day here at the 24 mile point possibly? Alan and Sean quickly transferred their grid references onto their maps and were off on the last leg, after a few minutes joined also by James!</div>
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By now the first three places were set but local runners Peter Chubb of Springfield Striders and Colin Harper were still fighting the route and by now the elements which had taken a turn for the worst again with driving rain and galeforce winds. Pete arrived at the Eagle again and announced he was set to finish here. By now I was rejoined by Bob and Darren and we all told him he should definitely push on as it was only a couple miles out and back to finish. Eventually after a little arm twisting Pete left only to come limping back seconds later announcing he could "barely walk let alone walk." We all sympathised as you can imagine and hats off as he left again for the second time!</div>
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Last back of the long course runners was Colin Harper. Chelmsford runner Colin was using the event as training for his Marathon Des Sables (desert multi-day event) attempt in 2014 and thanks to a couple of minor navigational episodes had already covered 30 miles without even attempting the last stage! He'd had a solid steady run so far but decided to call it a day here as he'd completed what he wanted to achieve.</div>
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So it was just left to see who came out as winner for the whole event and it soon came back that Alan and Sean were through the turn round point first and racing back to the finish line. Crucially James had chosen a slightly different course to the aid station and by now was back in sight of the leading pair. As all the runners headed back to the finish James pushed hard on the steep muddy climb but was still off the back of the Alan and Sean as they climbed the hill back into Chelmsford.</div>
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Just as the result looked set in stone with less than 300 metres to go, the front runners took a right turn and James took a left... James entered the pub and was greeted by with applause. Poor guy didn't even know he'd finished first. Literally less than a minute later Alan and Sean followed. </div>
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Over 30 miles across country with different routes between all the runners had resulted in a sprint finish decider in the last few metres of the end. We couldn't have asked for a better result.</div>
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Well done to everyone that took part especially Bob and Darren and their families for their support. We set out to give something back to the running community especially the efforts of other race organisers and volunteers and I think we achieved that. See you in the summer when the Frolic team presents the "Race to the Basin".....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James seen here "overwhelmed with joy" at finishing first!<br />
(by the way what hobo did you steal those shoes from?)</td></tr>
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-8795956173490538112013-12-06T07:14:00.001-08:002013-12-06T09:33:56.635-08:00Bath Time! - PoS Blog Part3<p dir="ltr">Last time out I'd just got lost for the first time but managed to navigate myself back to civilisation and even catch up with some of my fellow "stringers".</p>
<p dir="ltr">We all met up on the disused railway line heading towards Bath and we began to head along the line which still followed the river. Within a couple of minutes we were then amazingly joined by top runners Sam Robson and Dan Hall and lord only knows were they'd been as I assumed we were the back of the field!</p>
<p dir="ltr">We all carried on until we noticed that we were actually meant to be on the canal at this point and not on the railway line. Our group were split between heading onwards as we'd meet up with the proper course in a while or turning back in case we'd miss a CP? We of course "did the right thing" and retraced our tracks and were soon back long the river.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Things were going great for a couple of minutes until the route seemed to take us along a section of the river that looked to have no actual path? We all ground to a halt yet again while we debated if we should gate crash the local sailing club in search of the river path again or stay on the main road, again leading eventually to where we needed to be. This time we did both! We decided to follow the road for a while until we could actually see the river again and I decided we should turn left and head back on course. Well when I said "I decided", I might have been slightly influenced by the fact Sam and Dan were disappearing into the distance off to the left and they seemed to have a good idea of what was going on.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It was about this time (and for the record I didn't have a clue of distance or time) that I started to notice I wasn't feeling on best form. I'd pulled slightly ahead of the rest of the group but was having to work harder than normal to keep that pace as we entered Bath town.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was trying to make sure I was still on track with the main danger at this point being caught on the wrong side of the water! We were told that the CP would be in town so I knew it couldn't be far but you never know? Eventually after a couple of bridges, I crossed the water and headed through a park and at last saw the welcoming sight of the Centurion flag.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I could see what looked like Nici and Justin at the CP and as I climbed up the slight slope to them I couldn't have been more pleased to see a friendly face. I got a lovely cuddle from Nici and Justin filled my water bottle. I was asked if I was ok and was then told I "looked a mess" nice! but this did follow my comment that I was well below par.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The guys did their job well and a Mars bar was thrust into my hand even though I hadn't even asked for it. By now Chris Edmonds and Kate Hayden had caught me up and we all had a breif chat. I decided that I'd taken enough of Nici and Justin's time so I said bye to everyone acknowledging that I'd see my fellow runners in a moment (as you do). It was as I walked out of the CP with the Mars bar that I took my first look at my watch.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We'd only covered 14 miles but it already felt like twice that to me. It was also at this point that I noted that this was the first thing I'd eaten in the race..... HUGE MISTAKE and something I'd never normally do. My problem was I was I had no appetite and eating hadn't even crossed my mind. I also noted now just how much I'd sweated. It wasn't that warm a day but I was drenched and the sweat was actually running out of me. I didn't say anything but I knew at the back of my mind it was going to be a matter of "when" not "if".</p>
<p dir="ltr">Within a short space of time Chris and Kate caught me up as I came to a halt in a park where every turning seemed to lead to a dead end? Eventually after grabbing a member of the public and forcing them to lead us the right way, we were ok. "Bath time" was over and we set into a rhythm as we ran through the countryside.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Our short delay looking for the path to the canal in Bath meant fellow runner Dave Baker had joined us. I love meeting people on these events so it was nice to actually get a change to finally have a decent chat. It transpired that Chris was an established ultra runner with at least one 100 miler under his belt, Kate had completed GUCR and the 250 mile Thames Ring races this year and Dave was telling us about some mad Nordic Iron man event where I think you had to swim in ice for miles, run an ultra up a mountain then fight a bear!.... I might have got that slightly wrong but what I did know was I was seriously out of my depth with my "I've done a couple of 50's"... CV.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Anyway everyone was really nice and even chose to keep talking to me when they sussed I was an ultra "imposter". Seriously though, these guys were the reason I chose to Ultra marathons as my "distance of choice". I have nothing but respect for all runners from 5k newbies to world class athletes but I'm guessing its harder to have a decent long chin wag as you race 10k in 20 minutes or a marathon in sub 2:30? But here I was rubbing shoulders with the stars!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Back to "the race". Dave was on a completely different race strategy to us and was run/walking so we pulled away from him after a while. Soon though the wheels were starting to come off for me and I slowly started to fall behind Chris who was motoring and Kate. After a while I saw that they had stopped by one of the many locks and they were debating where we should head next as the water seem to split into about three directions? We looked at the map but it wasn't obvious so we all decided to go straight onto a main road which followed the main route we needed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After a few minutes it was getting obvious for the three of us that we were not where we should be as the wet stuff was nowhere to be seen. We wondered around and finally decided to head towards some signs for an aquiduct? Finally we found the canal but bizarrely it seemed to to just finish? We were stood outside a cafe so decided to "kill two birds" and asked for directions in the cafe whilst stopping for a swift latte (owe you one Chris).</p>
<p dir="ltr">We were told that we needed to head back along the canal until we hit a path to the right and that would lead to where we should be. We eventually found the aquiduct back on route and OMG! We were about 30m from where we went off course originally, shite! We were now pretty close to the 5pm cut-off so we started to up the pace. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It was also now getting dark and I started getting myself ready in my headfor the next part of the event which would be conducted in darkness, something I'd not done a great amount of to date. We eventually saw lights in the distance that looked like it could be a pub where the next CP was located and as approached them I could here RD James shouting "encouragement" in the darkness.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This was the first chance we also had to gain access to our drop bags. I'd put everything I thought I'd need into it and even placed a complete night time kit change within but as we all stood by the van in the dark all I did was change my drenched jacket and I did switch into some comfy footwear as I'd suffered from "gravel shoe" long enough. I said that I might drop here but Driver Dave told me I hadn't even run a marathon yet (only 22 miles) so dropping wasn't an option.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We walked from the van to the the CP and I was given an awesome cup of coffee by one of the crew who I later found out was one of the UK's best ultra runners. Imagine running a local half road marathon and stopping at a CP to find Mo Farah handing you your plastic cup of water! </p>
<p dir="ltr">We left the CP just as I heard the shouts of "runner" and thought Dave must be in. We were told to follow the canal still to Devizes for approximately 13/14 miles with a 9pm cut-off. That gave us 3.5 hrs to cover this and even in my worsening state I knew I should be ok. It was headtorch on now as we trotted along the path by the water and the temperature was also starting to fall fast. I was struggling again as I tried to keep up with Chris who again was storming ahead but this time Kate was dropping off to the point where I couldn't see the light of her torch at times.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We stopped for a nav check and Kate caught up. She had been suffering for a while from an issue with her quad and was slowing her down but stop wasn't in her vocabulary! Eventually Chris pulled away yet again and this time I saw his torch light ahead moving towards another light! This was a massive boast as it looked like we had caught someone up? The lights stoped moving and I again caught Chris up. It was only Dave!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was really confused. I was convinced Dave was behind us and we hadn't gone wrong so how did he overtake us? Then the penny dropped. While we were lost at the aquiduct Dave had chosen the correct route and overtaken us and we'd caught him up. The team were back together! After finally working out where we were again, we set off.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Chris and myself started to pull away and without realising it we were soon by ourselves. Chris now decided to slow a little so I could stay with him and again he was good company as we had a decent chat. After a while we started to approach Devizes and got to the series of locks that forced the water up hill. We finally saw the familiar lights that could only be the CP and we had made it with 1.5 hrs to spare. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I decided enough was enough for me. I'd not been able to eat and had also started being sick so pulled the plug! Gutted but what an honour to be part of this purest form of racing experiences! Thanks James Adams, Nici Griffin and everyone who helped. I aim to be back next year in any capacity they'll have me!</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZqwuRBdNJzR5whbFdF07XX03orpqcdz_YYNPsQfgIIusKtr5v3_s505oepkz5ucy898kvZtPJMRfJqYn8lDstk1GYz6H_bsnYYcxYLHl39P7H57xDL1RT5He6SEf67ukEzIEVqwfXbaq/s1600/DSC_0270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZqwuRBdNJzR5whbFdF07XX03orpqcdz_YYNPsQfgIIusKtr5v3_s505oepkz5ucy898kvZtPJMRfJqYn8lDstk1GYz6H_bsnYYcxYLHl39P7H57xDL1RT5He6SEf67ukEzIEVqwfXbaq/s640/DSC_0270.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading out of Bath</div>Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-12971140825464263352013-12-01T10:56:00.001-08:002013-12-01T14:45:09.644-08:00On the Bus... Off the Bus... PoS Blog Part2<p dir="ltr">Last time out all the PoS runners had just all boarded the "fun bus", destination.... God knows! but in James we trust?</p>
<p dir="ltr">It felt a tad surreal sitting in a minibus with some of best the ultra runners (and me) around all of us "race ready"</p>
<p dir="ltr">When I say "race ready" I mean it as in minutes my bladder was reminding me of just how well I'd hydrated pre-race! I'm sure this was all part of the plan though but with all of us in the same boat, things could get messy!</p>
<p dir="ltr">We were now all joking about possible destinations and morale was still high but as we left the countryside and approached the M4 the jokes slowed for a moment as we joined the motorway and we read the sign "South Wales"... This sh!t just got real!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well we were over an hour into the race and we had even broken a sweat yet. As we got further from the start I commented that it was guaranteed to be a long race, I think it was PoS vet Sam Robson who said it would be James Adams's style to drive us 200 miles away then stop the race after just a mile! Was this RD really that warped?</p>
<p dir="ltr">After what seemed like an age we turned off the M4 and we were approaching the Cotswold Way (gulp). We passed that though and we drove past Bath Horse Racing track with James Elson laughing "had anyone done a multi-lap event?"</p>
<p dir="ltr">But soon we pulled up and this was it (again). We were told to get out and after yet another race briefing (which I missed most of as I was just about to wet myself), we were handed yet another set of maps covering the Bath and Bristol Railway (disused). </p>
<p dir="ltr">We were then off but the only thing I was interested in was diving into the bushes to answer the call. As I started to settle into a steady pace is was quite funny and kind of fitting to the spirit of the event watching everyone one-by-one dive into the hedge too!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I briefly looked again at the map to make sure that the route was indeed sticking to the wide old railway line for the next few miles so I could concentrate on the run itself rather than the navigation "this was going to be easy" and if anything maybe a little boring as the long gone train tracks were replaced with tarmac and we might as well been running a road race.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was probably mid pack when I saw the runner in front come to a halt in the distance? Confused I approached a couple of people and one was James Elson. "well done mate" he said as I ground to a halt. He took the map off me and told me that was it! </p>
<p dir="ltr">I couldn't believe it! Sam was only right and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry as we'd only covered a couple of miles! </p>
<p dir="ltr">But James laughed as he produced yet another map and pointed out another route following a river and canel eventually into the town of Bath. The route took us off road and back in the direction we'd just minutes come from.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As I ran I looked again at the map which wasn't the usual OS variety but what I'd describe as a tourist map. I quickly noted that we simply had to follow the water the whole way into town and I could even see another runner in front so once again I put the map away and relaxed (big mistake).</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well as the river twisted and turned the runner in front would disappear every now and reappear then and as I ran under the railway line that we were on earlier and into a field I noticed he'd gone again but thought he must be around the corner as I followed the river still so I must be ok?</p>
<p dir="ltr">I reached a small village and the river seemed to disappear now along with everyone else. Alarm bells should have been sounding by now and I eventually decided to look at the map! IDIOT Ian, you guessed it, the reason the guy in front had vanished was because he'd crossed the river at the railway line.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well I had a decision to make. Go way back to the point I'd gone wrong or maybe there was another option? I looked at the map and the first thing I noted was I wasn't lost. Actually I could see the other side of the water were I was supposed to be so took the decision to head onwards until I could find a place to cross and I could see I hadn't missed a CP.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'd lost quite a bit time by now and I honestly wondered if I'd even ever see my fellow Stringers again but as quick as I'd said that to myself I saw my team mates on the other side. It was again slightly strange running along the water waving to each other but it wasn't long before we were reunited even though I'd lost time and positions.</p><p dir="ltr">A large portion of the posse were together again and we we're about to embark on an adventure that would leave its mark on us forever!</p><p dir="ltr">Next time... BATH TIME!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t7HatwRGbaN8iQMjtELPE1jvTcw_Z0AkU4DRf56Z4jAvljW5Xr6VGqYyOuZP3KFPZvzmbp8EVxg8pTDWHQKxZDViofJiNO-DbLj8Wf5NP2iEX2nq1BjNZZUX9aihEAwhC6fl4A8_CWkH/s1600/DSC_0281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t7HatwRGbaN8iQMjtELPE1jvTcw_Z0AkU4DRf56Z4jAvljW5Xr6VGqYyOuZP3KFPZvzmbp8EVxg8pTDWHQKxZDViofJiNO-DbLj8Wf5NP2iEX2nq1BjNZZUX9aihEAwhC6fl4A8_CWkH/s640/DSC_0281.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lies, lies and more lies! The 2nd set of false PoS maps...</div>Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-59594050738375424222013-11-30T02:42:00.001-08:002013-11-30T23:27:09.108-08:00We're on a "road" to nowhere.... PoS Blog Part1<p dir="ltr">I'm writing this the morning after the night before when I DNF'd from the 2013 Centurion Running - Piece Of String Ultra Marathon Fun Run.</p>
<p dir="ltr">First off, what is PoS? The idea for the event comes care of Race Director James Adams. The main concept is you start to run just like any other race but you have no idea of when the finish will happen.</p>
<p dir="ltr">As mad as it sounds, this unusual scenario is for many is the ultimate in difficult adventure running. 17 people are hand picked to take part via yet again an unconventional process of submitting your most depressing photo of yourself, see below.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This was the second year I'd sent a photo and for the second year running I had been placed on the reserve list (an achievement in itself). I'd finished my last race of the year at Beachy Head about a month ago and had not done any serious distance since.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was enjoying the break when I received a message that a place had become available in PoS if I wanted it? Was I ready? Not really... What was I going to say? "Hell yes!" I replied as I wanted to be one of their "chosen idiots".</p>
<p dir="ltr">Well that was a couple of weeks ago and really too late to do any significant training so I just kept on ticking over and this wasn't improved by the fact a week before the start of the race I seemed to pick up a stomach bug that left me with no energy, not ideal!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'd decided that I'd see how I felt closer to the event but even then I knew I'd probably be at the start line no mater what! It was Thursday, the day before the off and after a week of sickness was finally starting to feeling better so game on.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I put the finishing touches to my kit and visited the local supermarket stocking up on the usual supply of scotch eggs, peanuts, chocolate and drinks. I also made a pit stop this time at the post office. I'd already paid this year's £20 entry fee but in true PoS tradition all entrants also had to supply a Postal Order for £1:37 made payable to the RSPCA!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Even the small fact that the race started 10am on a Friday meaning I had to take a day off work made it seem special. Almost professional-like hey Darren Coates!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Morning of the run and I loaded my drop bag and kit into the car and started the 100 mile journey to Streatley Berkshire thinking I might as well run back as that could be the kind of distances covered! As I turned off the M4 near Reading I felt like fate was looking out for me as I passed a small village called Basildon! </p>
<p dir="ltr">I got to the start with plenty of time to spare and it wad great to see the familiar faces of Nici Griffin and Centurion head honcho James Elson. After exchanging greetings I was asked if I was nervous? Actually I realised I wasn't... Strange!</p>
<p dir="ltr">With a few last minutes checks all the participants gathered and it was as usual great to put some faces to names in including some of the cream of UK Ultra Running. It was also nice to see local girl Jackie Stretton and her other half Justin again.</p>
<p dir="ltr">We were minutes from the start and we still had no idea where we were heading? Race RD James was carrying an old battered suitcase from which he produced a small round container which actually looked like a bejazzlled pot noodle! James then announced that as I was the only person that hadn't paid to run then I would have to chose the distance.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'd sent my cheque ages ago but went along slightly confused. He removed the lid to reveal a series of tags numbered 1 to 5 which I guessed represented distances. I pulled tag 3 because as De La Soul said "3 was the magic number" and the tag was attached to... Yes you guessed it, a piece of string! </p>
<p dir="ltr">With that I'd chosen our fate. James Elson handed us Thames Path maps telling us to head North and then we were being counted down and we were racing! I stuck with the main pack as we left the start and headed down the narrow lane which led to the River Thames.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This was now the time for the fun run to make its first move. We'd only run 100m and were greeted by a minibus! We were told to climb on board and soon we were all being driven around the back lanes of Berkshire all slightly confused.</p><p dir="ltr">Next up... ROAD TRIP!<br></p><p dir="ltr"><br></p>
<p dir="ltr">entry photo - Infected blisters :(</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4k1QztM7XLCgg0kdmF_WV4yX2hXk8IYDHvm-lpJvKo-nCa8eem7uv1P0R8TWyDkymyOSJsyapnjgOhCo7SWi0SokK-XdRT6gvrniQuLJAYu7-bqyYeYeX-xmk1LisyhAgAS0boy7Ir9Zb/s1600/407.19b69c710e139f517de38564cf8ce9b52257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4k1QztM7XLCgg0kdmF_WV4yX2hXk8IYDHvm-lpJvKo-nCa8eem7uv1P0R8TWyDkymyOSJsyapnjgOhCo7SWi0SokK-XdRT6gvrniQuLJAYu7-bqyYeYeX-xmk1LisyhAgAS0boy7Ir9Zb/s640/407.19b69c710e139f517de38564cf8ce9b52257.jpg"> </a> </div>Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-35258140719691271012013-11-06T02:54:00.000-08:002013-11-06T02:54:13.087-08:00Hills. Hills and farewell to fells!<div class="MsoPlainText">
<b><u>British Fell Relays and Beachy Head Marathon</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Fell Relays in Llanberis</b></div>
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Well I was fully rested from recent exploits over long
distance and the splutter of DNF's were history now. It was time to finally get
my annual fell running fix after the last attempts to get to the hills had
failed this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbyLyFb4tpU9QCoGpfwKE0glwM1TnI1D0RsY5eMlMakdgkRRoWxFGZtBLCcuZcED0sOmRA3zthDjKBcvSuc6Khw5cCmAGHzJKeXsKaHvxj4rNXsDAn5lfy5d2ULLgtrrXjGqeA5XgwvGD/s1600/DSC_0136%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbyLyFb4tpU9QCoGpfwKE0glwM1TnI1D0RsY5eMlMakdgkRRoWxFGZtBLCcuZcED0sOmRA3zthDjKBcvSuc6Khw5cCmAGHzJKeXsKaHvxj4rNXsDAn5lfy5d2ULLgtrrXjGqeA5XgwvGD/s400/DSC_0136%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocking it at the British Fell Relay Champs!</td></tr>
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But now we were on our way to North Wales and Snowdon! I
say "we" as I was joined by my biggest supporter and the boss of Team
Barefoot, Mrs Kelly Brazier. Kelly doesn't get to as many races as I'd and
probably she'd like but managing the rest of the team (two kids a dog and a
cat), means while I'm out to play, she's running everything else!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This brings me neatly to a very important topic that
every person with a semi serious interest comes up against... TIME MANAGEMENT.
Spare me a few minutes off topic if I may as I feel this is a subject we all
should consider.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As runners we focus so much on times. How long it will
take us?, how fast we be? What pace am I doing? When actually the question
should be for me is can I justify the time away from those that matter?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I'm not that competitive really (believe or not Andy
Hind!) but one thing I do seem to do is get completely immersed into what I'm
doing. Because of this I sometimes get blinkered and without even thinking I've
booked a series of races, spent several hours shopping for kit or just spent
free time discussing running on social networks (how ironic I'm writing this
now). <o:p></o:p></div>
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All this is fine until it catches up with you. I'd been
pushing it pretty hard in the last few months and according to my close family
enough was enough! I of course denied it but the more I thought about it,
the further the penny dropped.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I knew it was bad when my running friends were saying I
was pushing it too much! I couldn't see it and I still wonder how proper ultra
marathon runners do all the training and then race for days? Are they all 18?
Are they all single? Do they have no children? We did what all successful
organisations do and that was compromise. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyway back to Wales... As I was saying Kelly had joined
me and we drove up early to enjoy a rare night without the family. Staying in
Llanberis is always good. I've been lucky enough to have visited many times but
this was special. Not only was it nice because I was taking part in the
country's premier Fell competition but I was sharing the experience for once.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We browsed the many shops in the tiny high street and
ended up in what looked like the worst pub ever but it actually turned out to
be great as we got drunk with the locals and we ended the night in a curry house almost next to our alpine
chalet, perfect.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After an ok night's sleep, we drove the short distance to
the start of the event. I was part of my running club team and we had 4 teams
in total, not bad for a non fell based club from Essex. I was part of the men's B team and had been picked to run
the third leg in the relay which is pair's navigation. I'd taken part in this
event last year when it was held in Shropshire and did the same stage so knew
what to expect.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The competition is made up of 4 stages, individual,
pairs, nav and another solo leg to end. I was always picked for nav as I'm not
the fastest but years of military training meant I could find my way around a
map.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Well we found our teams admin tent and the first leg
runners were already on the course. I was introduced to my partner Rob
Roddie and it was pretty obvious both of us were well out of our comfort zones as I only did fell running a couple of times a year as an excuse to see the hills and Rob was telling me he'd not been on the fells for a while (but he did have that "mountain goat" look about him so guessed he'd be "handy").<o:p></o:p></div>
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What also made me laugh was the comments from our team
leader John Williams when he announced to me minutes before we were off that I'd
be doing all the nav as Rob couldn't tell one end of a compass to the other
(not my words Rob). Great here I was just about to set off over a series of
mountains in weather which was now gale force, no pressure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rob also confirmed the nav status but actually I wasn't too
concerned as I knew we'd have some serious points of reference out there,
mountains, ridges and a huge lake in theniddle of the course. I secretly also hoped we'd set
off with a group of other teams and even though "following" isn't
the done thing you should use every resource you have available but remembering
the team in front could lead you off the side off a mountain so proceed with
caution.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we waited in the crowed start pen, the weather opened
again and we were getting battered. Nav teams were coming back thick and fast
and I was starting to think I would get my wish for a mass start when all of a
sudden our pair sprinted in.<br />
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We
confirmed our plan and and then we were off. The first few metres were up a
steep slate hill. I ran to it then walked as we didn't
even have a map yet! To keep up the element of surprise on route everything was
kept secret, we grabbed a map and I stooped to get orientated but before I
could do this marshals were shouting "this way!" ok then?</div>
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We were running down a small lane and as we ran I also tried to study the map which was proving difficult. We met another group
of marshals who directed us again and I was starting to like this nav course. I
then noticed the course was actually marked as well. As we
followed this I took another look at the map and sure enough the first Km was
marked to get us out on the hills.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgcFHFFsHY-6sam8392zYCJrs5DGgjAJk7LnquzwBWwg2D6h5II-TlG8lrU13inpEWzDsPfJJbbuVElHuaygsTXSm_O1eAs8y90OQGz_9de8SFY9rKKS2g7LuUjY-83vMimD4ez-uz3tY/s1600/DSC_0128%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgcFHFFsHY-6sam8392zYCJrs5DGgjAJk7LnquzwBWwg2D6h5II-TlG8lrU13inpEWzDsPfJJbbuVElHuaygsTXSm_O1eAs8y90OQGz_9de8SFY9rKKS2g7LuUjY-83vMimD4ez-uz3tY/s400/DSC_0128%5B1%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving Llanberis!</td></tr>
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I knew I'd be slow even before we started as I'd not really done any kind of hill work of any form for a long time and so far my guess was correct as I struggled up the steep inclines of the foot hills of the route! My guess of Rob being "goat like" were correct and he led the way on the bearing I'd give him.</div>
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The only thing at this stage keeping me going was the fact that most fell races I've taken part in start steep but then flatten out slightly as you get higher. Well "most" apart from this one! I'd been to Snowdon loads of times but always stuck to the paths and this off-piste action was proving slow going.</div>
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The whole field of competitors seemed to be on the hills now as the weather took a serious turn for the worst. The rain and the strong winds were replaced with hail and full on gales as we struggled now to even keep upright while walking and the hail meant you could even open your eyes! Not the best combination. I'd now briefly overtaken Rob as I tried to check our next move but there seemed to be people heading off in all directions so you could follow teams even if you wanted to as you could end up anywhere (confirmed when we were regularly asked for directions to check points miles away).</div>
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We got to CP 2 hidden at the bottom of a fast flowing stream and Rob "dibbed" us in while I walked off trying to work out the best route to our next destination. Once again the nav wasn't difficult but the point to point routes we picked were proving a pain literally as we seemed to never end up on any defined routes not even a faint sheep run. Because of this I found the pain in my feet and ankles at times almost unbearable as we desperately clung onto the side of hills while handrailing. What made this even more painful was the fact that as we moved at a snail pace we'd get regularly overtaken by other teams no more than a few metres away who had somehow managed to find those hidden tracks but we couldn't move down to them as that would be suicidal.</div>
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Anyway, we eventually made it around the CP's one by one with no nav mistakes but it wasn't until the last couple of CP's that we started to find the best terrain and we even overtook a couple of teams but we were now towards the back of the leg 3 pack though and we had this confirmed when we passed our leg 4 runner who had started with his mass start group as we'd taken so long! Soon the finish was in sight as we tumbled down the last hill in some of the worst mud I'd ever encountered which was more Cross Country then Fell Race, crossing the line in just over 3 hours. EMOTIONAL!</div>
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Emotional due to the logistical task of just getting to the start line and this was combined with by far the hardest fell event I've taken part in. I absolutely love the hills but this weekend has led me to the decision that unless something special come up then I won't be placing fell events on my race plan for 2014. If they were just around the corner then of course I'd be first to sign up, but 10 hour "there and back" drives don't make sense in any way to me either time wise of even economically. Never say never though!</div>
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One last word on the event though.... Major thanks go to main organisers John Williams and Janet Hill. Putting together 4 teams from a non-fell running club based in Essex is a massive accomplishment and our men's A tearm even managed 14th place overall which was brilliant. The "dream team" of Rob and me won the only prize of the day for our club though.... Slowest men's open team, "no comment!"</div>
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<b>Beachy Head Marathon</b></div>
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Formally the Seven Sisters Marathon held near Eastbourne on the Sussex coast, this would be my second year in a row running this event but in this short time Beachy was already one of my favourite events. I will never get bored of the South Downs!</div>
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Last year the event blew me away (literally at times) and I entered again this year as soon as I could. Another incentive was my part-time training partner Andy Hind was injured there last time out and had to withdraw so had a score to settle.<br />
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It was my turn to book the accommodation so I booked us in on the Friday night as the race is held on a Saturday, this allows us a lay-in on race day morning but also a chance to partake in our tradition of pre-race fuelling sponsored by Guinness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastbourne Seafront</td></tr>
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The prep for the race had been pretty uneventful for me with no special training but I'd ran some pretty big races recently so I was convinced I was in better form than last year. Andy's prep wasn't so great.... We'd had a couple of pretty good training runs covering some serious miles but a few weeks prior to the event unfortunately he'd been hit by a car whilst on his motorbike and he'd picked up some pretty extensive leg/knee damage. It was nothing mega serious in his opinion but wasn't ideal and he was told not to run for weeks right up until race day. The above had meant that Andy hadn't done any training for this off-road hilly marathon but he decided he'd walk the event and lot's of people do this and the original event was started by walkers. </div>
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As I said, everything was fine in the build up to the event on my side but on Friday afternoon something strange happened. I went for a walk with Annie the Labradoodle for a few miles and noticed I was feeling really warm. It didn't seem that warm outside but I was drenched in sweat and was feeling a little lightheaded. I got home but didn't seem too bad so I just carried out as usual even though I was still feeling tired but not bad enough to do anything drastic like pulling out of the race.</div>
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Andy picked me up and we drove down to Eastbourne that night. After a good night's "prep" we woke up ready for the off. I wasn't feeling too bad now so I hoped yesterday was just a blip and I looked forward to a decent race. We packed our kit and went downstairs for breakfast at 7:30 and this is where things took a turn for the worst. NOTHING! I'd joked with Andy in the week not to except much from the B&B as I'd booked to via the internet with the search criteria as "find cheapest" and the hotel name was "La Mar" which I joked was French for "The Mare" (as in nightmare) and with us two standing in there with everything closed and no pre-race breakfast, it was living up to it's name.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Hind having "La Mare"<br /></td></tr>
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We weren't impressed but I was sure we'd find something to eat somewhere so we'd be ok. Well we got to the registration tent but still nothing decent to eat with the only thing on offer being toasted sarnies so we had one of those and I accepted that it would have to do. Andy would be ok on the food front as he was carrying a pack with enough food for all race entrants! I had a few dried dates and that was it for me.</div>
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We quickly registered and picked up our numbers and timing chips (thumbs up to the process change from last year) and it was good to see a couple more Striders, Bob Gear, Maxine Savage and Paul Bridges. Before I knew it, it was time to get to the start and there I also bumped into other fellow Striders Lucy and Jamie (with girlfriend Nikki somewhere towards the front of the pack). It was also great to see Peronel (the "little rock"), a fellow ultra runner I'd last seen at SDW50 earlier in the year. With a few greetings swapped we were off up the steep hill, I walked of course!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Paul Bridges and myself at Registration (the smile wasn't going to last)</td></tr>
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Before the event I'd agreed to run around with Paul Bridges as we would hope for similar times. Well Paul's quicker than me normally but I'd committed to try to go as flat out as possible in the event to my new coach so trying to stay with Paul seemed like a good idea at the time. Well straight off Paul was ahead of me. Not far but I could see he was in decent form and wanted to push. I was having trouble staying with everyone on the steep incline out of town.</div>
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As we passed the bag piper at the top on the first climb I was loosing sight of the guys but to be honest I was going as fast as I wanted so was happy to run my own race if I had too. I was feeling ok and I noted better than last year so things were still pointing to a decent performance. It was round this time I passed another person I recognised. Ellen Cottom the American 100 Marathon club member I'd ran with during my TG100 attempt (no surprise, she would pass me later).</div>
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By the time we got to CP1 at Jevington I was still feeling ok if a little hot. I'd chosen to wear two shirts and arm warmers and the sun was actually quite strong so I rolled the warmers around the wrists to vent myself a little more. We ran through the town and it was nice to see a decent amount of supporters cheering us on in the sunny conditions, this was also the first time we saw the official Paul Bridges supporters club :)<br />
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I was still behind Paul at this point and had no idea how far ahead he was as we climbed the narrow chalk path out of town. I'd always walked this section but this year I had made a promise to myself to try and run more so I dug in at the bottom and jogged it out. If this was a longer race I'd walk everything uphill but as this was a shorter race I wanted to push that little bit more. Suddenly I looked up and I saw a flash of white and yellow Strider vest ahead and it was Paul. He was probably wisely walking up the hill and I pushed a little more to catch him up.<br />
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It was good to see him again and I even saw Jamie too so I said to myself I could be doing that bad as these guys were faster than me. As the trail rose and fell I kept with them and noticed on the downhill's I would pull away a little at times (Kevin Wright would be pleased) but they would always be there within touching distance. As this game of cat and mouse went on we came to a long climb and again I decided to try and run it so pushed harder. I didn't want to chase these guys all day and also wanted to try and do my bit so I took to the front for a while. As we were about halfway up, Jamie passed me and took the lead. He pushed even harder and try as hard as I could I couldn't keep with him and he pulled away.<br />
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As I said earlier, the other guys are a different league to myself and I knew they were taking this race easy by their standards and they could have pulled away at anytime Jamie even slowed at the top to let me catch up. We all kept close for a while and soon we were fighting the gale force wind as we ran down the steep slopes into Alfriston and CP2.<br />
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As we once again climbed out of civilisation once more, Paul, Jamie and myself this time decided that running was a little pointless. We took the opportunity to relax for a while and I took in the views which were spectacular, I love the South Downs and this is proving to be a great day to be here. But only too soon we reached the top and begin our charge once more. We passed the gate which caused so much confusion earlier in the year during SDW50 when it was padlocked leaving a large number of runners scratching their heads and I laughed out loud to myself remembering that but soon though we were approaching CP3 and the left turn where we head back towards the coast. This is a major milestone as it's approx. halfway and also marks a long flat section heading back into a village and CP4.<br />
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As I was feeling ok and had already decided not to stop for long and after a quick splash and glug I was off with Jamie close behind. It was only after a few moments that I turned to check on Paul and he was nowhere to be seen, Jamie commented on this but I said he'd soon catch up with us. I was still feeling decent so I kept pushing for now. Me and Jamie were now motoring (by my standards) and we even saw Lucy and her sister ahead and after saying the usual "see you soon" we continued past them.<br />
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Eventually we ran into CP4 and I was reluctant again to stop for long but had to smile when I saw the local band playing as usual and the soup and hot cross buns on offer. I grabbed a bun and walked out of the CP trying to eat as I went but what came next was something I'd never experienced in a race. As I walked up the hill with Jamie a little way off ahead as I fed the food into my mouth I suddenly realised I wasn't swallowing and was just filling my mouth with bread, this ended badly with me being sick.<br />
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I was actually a little shocked as this was something I'd heard happen to other people but never to me? I instantly remembered the advice on how to deal with this "not to panic", this kind of thing happens and just refuel as quickly as possible. I carried on jogging as this was happening and I tried to eat again but had the same results and as soon as I tried to eat I just gagged. I gave up on this and just drunk as much as I could. A slowly caught up with Jamie as we entered the first set of steep steps and I was concious that he was now having to slow almost to walking pace to allow me to get to him.<br />
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By the time we reached the second steps I knew I was in trouble and had little energy left. The only thing keeping me going at this point was the fact that we were soon approaching the cliffs and the Seven Sisters so I guessed everyone would be slowing up and I'd have the chance to walk and hopefully recover. We crossed the main road into the country park and were greeted once again by the Team Bridges and I was sure Paul would by now be just behind me and I shouted this to them.<br />
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As we climbed the long winding path upwards, some people were still managing to pass us running but there was no way I could match them as I was having issues even walking fast. As we took on the Sisters, Jamie once again started to pull away and I told him to let me go as I knew I was holding him up. He refused several times stating he just wanted to get around and to be honest I was actually glad of the company as I might have stopped without his support. I was managing to run on the flats again but painfully slow and it was just as we approached Birling Gap that I had issues with "the other end", I had no choice but to let Jamie go after all as I diverted off course to convenient cover.<br />
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I sorted myself out (I won't go into details) and actually felt a little better as I ran downhill into CP5. To my surprise Jamie was still there (top man as he must of waited). He laughed when I told him what had happened and again we were soon off but now the legs were heavy and the head had gone (it's as I type this now I also realise that this was around the time I aways feel poor so should have recognised it!).<br />
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We got to a another section were I had to walk a little and it was here we were caught up by Lucy and her sister and they looked in decent shape but could probably see how bad I was as they told me me to push on. Meeting up with them seemed to take my mind off the situation and I slowly started to get things straight in my head again.<br />
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Morale lifted as we made the last climb up Beachy Head itself and Jamie and me even stopped for some photos! (later found out these were taken by fellow Strider Karen Chapman's parents). As we started to head downhill for the last mile back into Eastbourne, I was following my fellow Striders when for some reason I remembered the fact I'd told my coach that I'd give the race everything I had. I had stopped looking at the watch a long time ago as I saw my pace slow to the point where I just wanted to finish but as I felt better now I had the urge to just sprint to the finish. I slowly pulled away from my team mates and let the legs go taking the brakes off and enjoyed the feeling of "falling" full speed downhill towards the finish.<br />
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I approached the finish line at the bottom of the hill and it was then that I noticed the race time of just over 5hrs and a couple of minutes? I was slightly surprised and stopped my watch and looked at my actual time which read 5hrs and 10 seconds, this was a course PB by approx. 4 minutes. Yes it was a shame I didnt have the race I expected but anything faster than last year was a result especially considering the events during the race.<br />
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The rest of the guys had now finished and I have to admit I felt a bit bad for racing off when I went over to congratulate them. It was a hard race and a great run from everyone with fellow club members Karen, Bob and Paul finishing minutes after us. Andy had managed to walk the whole course and finish pain free, probably the best result of the day!<br />
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-39743142872199742552013-10-16T13:07:00.001-07:002013-10-17T00:26:57.410-07:00Saltmarsh75<div dir="ltr">
<b>An Essex boy's review of back to back ultra marathons....</b></div>
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This was a brand new event organised by a small team from Maldon District Council. For those who don’t know Maldon in a small town on the Essex coast where the rivers Blackwater and Chelmer meet. Historically it’s reasonably interesting and it’s here where the event gains its name.<br />
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<a href="http://www.saltmarsh75.co.uk/" target="_blank">http://www.saltmarsh75.co.uk/</a><br />
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Most of the Maldon District’s coastline is surrounded by saltmarshes and the town is still home to one of the only remaining salt manufacture's in this country, the world famous Maldon Sea Salt.<br />
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Promoted as a fitness challenge more than a race (their statement), this event is aimed at walkers and runners and covers a 75 miles distance over 2 days. I signed up for this mainly because local events like this don’t happen very often and as an old Maldon boy I wanted to be a part of this!<br />
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Some people may have known I was supposed to have competed in the RAB Mountain Marathon the week before this event but a number of issues came up meaning I just couldn’t justify the time away. I’d been planning for RAB for a while and also spent an amount of time pulling kit together but was 100% the right call and it actually meant I came into this in decent shape. Because of the above though I decided that I’d take up the camping overnight option as at least I’d get the use out of the kit I’d brought for RAB and would give me the “complete experience” of the event.<br />
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I’d not planned any specific training for this and was really counting on my past ultra training especially my smaller back-to-back training runs which really helped to get the brain willing to work on tired legs and mind. The day before the event I started like always and compiled a list of what kit I’ll need. I split the list into sections covering “worn on body”, “pack” and “camping / overnight kit”. This is normally quite straight forward as I tend to carry the same equipment most of the time with the only difference maybe what load carrying set-up to use? This time though as the event was split over a whole weekend I would need to cover camping gear, overnight clothing and race kit for a second day.</div>
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Race fuel - Homemade cakes, flapjacks and my secret weapon.... Dates stuffed with Mazipan!</td></tr>
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I chose to use my brand new Ultimate Direction Signature Series PB Adventure Vest that I’d brought from Keith at Ultra Marathon Running store <a href="http://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/">http://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/</a>. I went for the PB vest mainly as I wanted a load carrying solution for longer distances that would be more comfortable than my traditional rucksack design of the Inov-8 pack I normally use. The PB vest is the largest of the UD signature packs and says it can carry up to 12 litres. It came with two front mounted bottles (I love the front mount bottle design) and the bottle are of good but I switched these to the flat Inov-8 bottles as the mass is closer to the body and also offers more clearance to arms etc. I also think these bottles offer a little more space in the bottle side pockets but I’ll pull together a better review later of what I think is a quality product.<br />
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I used a spare British Army issue black deployment bag to pack all the camping gear and stuff for the next day and this worked really well consuming my tent, sleeping bag, sleep mat and the huge amount of food and drink. The tent is a Gelert Solo 1 man and is probably the cheapest small pack size, low carry weight tent available and I used a 3 season Vango sleeping bag.<br />
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<b>Anyway, to the event….</b><br />
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Fellow Springfield Strider and fellow competitor (ex-pro runner lol) Darren Coates picked me up from Chelmsford and we made our way to the start at Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers. I’d been to this venue quite a few times but where before I’d been with the family checking out the local wildlife, today the only wildlife in attendance were clad in “short” shorts and tight lycra.<br />
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120 people had signed up to take part in the first running of this event where the aim was simply to cover 75 miles along the Maldon District coastline in a weekend, stopping overnight at the halfway point. The challenge was split into a number of categories. The main groups were walkers and runners but then you also had relay teams and also people just covering single days (this couldn’t be an easy task for the admin team).<br />
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By the time we registered, the walkers had already set off. We were the last people to turn up so I said my hello’s quickly before the briefing from Roy the head honcho. This contained the usual health and safety type stuff and I then quickly found the place to stash overnight gear and my personalised food / drinks for the first day which you could place at certain check points (nice touch!).<br />
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The atmosphere was pretty relaxed and I was actually quite chilled looking forward to a weekend of relaxed running around the flat course, what could be easier? We were then steered onto a couple of mini buses and drove to the start line of a few metres away (again, nice touch!).</div>
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Everyone on the start line were chatting and it was nice to put names to faces such as local lady Jackie Stretton from Twitter and her boyfriend Justin (a proper barefoot runner!) as well as catching up with fellow club runners such as Bob Gear (joined by son Iain) and Maxine Stevens with her support crew of boyfriend Adam. Most of my time though was spent answering the usual questions on why I was weary flip flops.<br />
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After a couple of short announcements we set off running along the seawall. Everyone was reluctant to lead from the front so we all jogged slowly until finally me and Darren took the initiative and also the lead of the race! This was the first time I’d ever lead a race and this is where I’m really tempted to finish this review. The only plan I had was to stick with Darren until the first check point in North Fambridge where we hit the seawall again after heading inland for a short section and I would let him go off into the sunset.<br />
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I wasn’t too fussed about pace but checked the watch a couple of times and we were going at a frightening pace (for me anyway). Around 8 min miles but as I said this was always planned and I knew I’d be in “chillout” pace soon. Probably the biggest surprise so far was the weather! I’d dressed for a chilly autumn day but the sun was out and there wasn’t a breeze to be seen. By the time we got to the first CP I told Darren I need to stop to adjust my clothing and waved goodbye. By now we’d been over taken by a few relay runners and also a couple of fast ultra runners.<br />
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I knew we’d be on the coast path for some time now and settled into trying to maintain a reasonable pace for as long as I could (not planned). I was managing to hold my position until we reached Burnham on Sea. I’d got so excited at the start that I’d managed to run through the first CP without taking any drink or fuel but as I was carrying two bottles I was ok for drinks but I really should have started fuelling earlier. I'd been passed by a couple more people now and I was starting to feel the effects of the faster pace. I was joined for a short time by a guy (sorry I’m rubbish with names) who recognised me from SVP100. He’d finished that event (I’d missed the cut-off duets being an idiot) and he looked like he was in good shape as he powered on past me.<br />
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One by one people eventually caught me up as my pace slowed and slowed I think my average pace was something like 10:30 min miles now and actually I wasn't that bad. We were now on the biggest leg of the whole event from Burnham to Bradwell near St Peter’s on the wall. This was around 13 miles but was luckily split in half by an unofficial water stop manned by the Dengie 100 running club. Maximum respect to this club as this really helped on a day that was now actually quite warm.<br />
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I’d managed to settle into a slow but steady pace and I was caught up by a couple more runners that I’d recognised from LDWA events known only to me as Graham and Dave. These guys were seasoned runners and looked like they could eat ultras for breakfast and come back for seconds. They had settled into a run / walk strategy and this actually was proving successful. If you think about it, a "regular" ultra would have its fair share of hills and this is the time when you can walk also helps switching the load on the body. Well 20-30 miles of flat was actually proving hard work as the legs were only operating in one way and walking so far had been thinkable.<br />
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We had a quick chat I decided to join the walk / walk strategy for a while and this got me eventually to the next CP which looked like it was never coming. The aid station was packed with support crew, staff and runners (I’d passed all the walkers). There seemed to be runners everywhere, slumped on chairs or just wondering around the place. This had been a hard leg and people were starting to feel it! As I switched instructions and refilled my bottles I saw one of these guys was my SVP100 friend. He had his head in hands sitting at the back of a tent slumped in a seat (it didn’t look good!). I went over and he said his legs had just gone and he was thinking that he still hadn’t got over SVP and wanted to quit. I said he should maybe try to fuel up and just walk and see how it went? We were about 10 miles from the finish of day 1 and there were even 2 CP’s on the way! I said goodbye as I couldn’t hang round too long and I walked away from the CO drinking my usual 20 mile Iso drink.</div>
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I was finishing off my drink when I noticed I was now in the company of a lady runner. I’d been overtaken some time ago by the first lady so this person was probably in 2nd place? We swapped greetings as she started running before me and she looked in to good state as she dropped a gear and pulled away. I had a serious morale boast in reaching the last CP and now was running consistently again. I was now at approx. 11:30 min miles which for this distance was the fastest I’d ever ran. I passed Graham and Dave who were still run / walking and was just getting into it when "woosh" someone shot past me! It took me a second to realise who it was and I have to admit I was surprised but pleased to see it was the SVP100 man! He’d obviously had a word with himself, the mind is a funny thing.<br />
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By now I was approaching the Bradwell Marina CP and I was especially looking forward to this point as I knew my Springfield Strider friend Sarah Colbert would be part of the team there. Just as we were getting close to the marina I approached a woman and a young girl on the sea wall. The little girl held out her hand as I passed and offered me a small sweet, this small gesture meant the world to me right now. Just as I turned into the CP I caught up with a runner that had passed me earlier. This guy was running steady and as it turned was using this event as training for the Marathon de Sable in the Sahara. I'm kind or SAD and guessed this as he was using twin Raidlight bottles in a front pack. This set-up is a firm favourite for hot climate adventurers so I knew he was “keen”. He was fellow Chelmsfordion Colin Harper (check out Colin’s blog here: <a href="http://www.colinsmds.blogspot.de/">http://www.colinsmds.blogspot.de/</a>). I ran into the CP feeling great and said hi to Sarah. I asked how Darren was and she said he was at the front but had pushed hard and was feeling it. I still had water so I said didn't want to hand around so said bye and ran off quickly trying to chase down the next person in the distance.<br />
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We were now weaving in and out of marshland and I took the chance for once to actually admire the view. So far the only thing I’d been looking at was the 2 foot of ground in front of me but now as I passed the disused Bradwell Power Station and various yacht clubs I noticed what a breath taking place this area actually is. There was wildlife everywhere and on the water you could see old Thames Barge's sailing as if we’d stepped back in time and they were carrying urgent freight to the many towns in Essex.<br />
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I looked at the current pace and I was now hitting 10 min miles and was gaining on the person in front. As I eventually caught up a couple more people including the 2nd placed lady who passed me earlier, she wasn't slowing but she looked to be spending more time in CP’s? A couple of us left the last CP at the same time and I was being careful to stay with them as we eventually left the easy navigation of the sea wall and headed inland to the finish. We were only a mile away and we were joined by 2nd place lady who again was turning on the pace. After a short chat she dropped a gear and I decided as we were so close to the finish I’d try and stay with her. Well that’s what I thought as she sprinted over a newly ploughed field and the flip flops (which had held up awesome so far) were making it a little slow going. We crossed the field and entered a small copse. I was starting to wonder how far the end would be when I heard the familiar voice of Darren Coates! I looked up and we ran along a small fence by a village hall to the finish 39.6 miles in 7 hrs 46 mins, happy with that!<br />
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I was greeted by Darren who had hung around to see me in (cheers mate) and he told me he’d managed to finish first but just 6 mins in front of the next guy. I had a feeling he’d do well and so far so good! As it was Darren’s birthday he had an event to get to in the evening so was staying away overnight. I reminded him that the “real runners” would be camping ready for the next day! <br />
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Well the first day went well. I’d started too quick, slowed but then hung in to finished in a decent time for me. Before this race I’d been talking local running coach Paul Anderson about a few things in the light of my recent DNF’s and one of the topics was getting generally faster. I’d noticed all my race plans were based on the slowest pace I could get away with and this in my opinion was the main reason I failed at SVP100. I’d started to do some speed work in the build up to this event and I also specifically wanted to see what I could do if I pushed?<br />
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I sat in the hall at the finish and really took in the days work. It was great to finally relax and also nice to share a cup of tea or 10 with some of the people I’d ran with today. I had a light rub down from the masseuses which helped flush the legs out and I sorted my kit out ready to move to the pub and the overnight campsite. I hung around the hall to see fellow Striders Maxine Stevens and then eventually Bob Gear and son Iain come home and couldn’t believe how well Maxine and Iain had done considering this was their first serious ultra. RESPECT!<br />
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Well eventually I was in danger of OD’ing on tea so we walked to the pub just around the corner. MdS Colin, Jackie and Justin were all camping so we stumbled into the pub car park to be greeted by a small tented village. The organisers had only put up everyone’s tents! (well nearly everyones), my tiny tent was still in my overnight bag so I set about putting it up. Well this tent was promoted as small and lightweight, well the first part was correct! Once up you had barely enough room to crawl into it and my kit bag barely made it inside and it was so low that I couldn’t even sit up! I’d had a pulled muscle in my back the previous week and I thought that this would be “kill or cure”.<br />
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MdS Colin was on the other side of the grass and he too didn’t get his tent put up but he’d brought a small 2 second “pop up” tent which looked like a marquee compared to my "coffin". If I ever do the event again, I will be bringing my larger tent and taking up the “pitching option” (this isn’t an option BTW for Darren Coates as he needs the “full experience”). Well I slipped out of my tent trying not to get soaked on the wet grass and stumbled into the pub for some food. I’d paid a whopping extra £20 on top of the £30 race entry fee (tiny!) and for that I got to sleep outside in the car park, eat a pasta dinner and breakfast the next day. As I tucked into my food and a well-deserved pint, I was joined by Colin who was bravely continuing his MdS training by only eating his race food which as far as I could tell consisted of only Pepperami’s (I bet the “atmosphere” in his tent was nice!)<br />
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Later I slid back into the tent, I could barely move my arms once inside but somehow managed to have a full body wash with wet wipes and get changed into my race gear for the morning. I stuck my watch and phone on charge from my USB battery pack (great bit of kit) and zipped myself up in my sleeping bag. Changing the subject slightly but while I remember, I was also using for only the second time a phone app and website called View Range / Beacon Buddy. This site is quite clever as it uses GPS and phone signal to calculate your live position and broadcasts it live on the web. It’s obviously as secure as you want it to be but mine’s open so feel free to follow me on race days.<br />
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<b>Beacon buddy details</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.viewranger.com/en-us">http://www.viewranger.com/en-us</a><b><br /></b>
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login: ibrazier@hotmail.com<br />
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Pin: 1234</div>
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The view from my bedroom!</td></tr>
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After what I can only describe as one of the worst night’s sleep ever, I decided to get up at 6 am as I needed to answer the call of nature and it was close enough to 7am, the time when food was served in the pub and more importantly this meant one thing… HEAT! Sitting inside I felt like I’d been to some kind of all-night music festival. I forced myself to eat as much as I could but really it was the fear of having to return to the tent that was keeping me there. I was joined in the morning by another chap that I’d briefly spoken to last night. He’d been showing me show of his blisters on his feet and I was telling him he should wear flip flops as I was fine. He took a look at my mug which had my name on it and he asked where I worked? A strange question in this situation but it turns out he worked for the same company as me and we even shared some common friends! Small world indeed (sorry I’m rubbish with names but I think he was called “Andy”?)<br />
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Well I sorted out my admin and bumped into MdS Colin who wasn’t at breakfast as he was probably tucking into his 20th Pepperami by then? (sorry mate). The morning was nice and clear and the people who had decided to sleep at home in their own comfy beds (yes you Mr Coates) were starting to arrive. After a couple of announcements which included the confirmation of Darren in first place, we were all lined up runners and walkers at the same time today ready for the off.<br />
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Today we were running back to the seawall and winding our way into Maldon then through Heybridge, along the coast to the finish. The route was “only” 36.5 miles and I was mentally looking forward to this easy stage as yesterdays “flat out” was replaced by “chill out” today. I planned to start slow and get slower but maintain around a 13 min mile pace, easy I thought. Well soon we were off. First thing I noticed was where had everyone gone? There weren’t the hundreds of people that started yesterday and I was beginning to hear stories of people that had dropped out mid-event yesterday and a large number that had decided day two wasn’t a great idea. The next thing I noticed was just how bad I was feeling and the missing people probably made a good call? The pace of everyone was noticeably slow and I was nearly at the back of the pack and I didn’t think I could go faster if I wanted too?<br />
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I’d not felt anything before now but I had what I can only best describe as a trapped nerve in my left hip which made moving really painful. I just told myself that it was bound to hurt and that as the miles went on and it warmed up during the day, I’d settle into things. Well we got to the first CP in short time as it was only 3 miles from the start and I thought this was going to be a long day! As I left I noticed that Ford Andy as with me which surprised me as he’d finished ahead of me yesterday but it turned out he was in exactly the same boat as me but his knee was playing up (I wish we did have a boat BTW as I would have sailed to the finish which was about 2 miles away on the other side of the water!)<br />
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I was actually right for once though and as the miles slowly ticked down I started to feel better. I eventually started to catch people up and was feeling better when something strange happened… As the route wound its way around the marshes, you could see people well ahead and people behind, sometimes within arm’s reach but in reality they were a away off as the path twisted. I was looking at a small group who where a way behind when something caught my eye. I could see someone waving? Well that was a little strange but I thought I'd be polite so I waved back? I thought nothing of this until a few minutes later. I have a habit in races of not looking behind me (don’t ask why!) Well I could hear someone behind me now so I slowed a little so they could pass. Well blow me down! The mystery waver was only Darren. WTF.... I told him! Well he’d only managed to take a wrong turn and covered some extra bonus miles, this man's map reading is legendary. I swore at him a few times but told him to stay calm and not panic as he shouldn’t risk the whole event trying to catch the guy who was probably now leading? I knew he’d be kicking himself as he sped off like a greyhound chasing a hare.<br />
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I was gutted for him to be honest as I knew he’d struggle to catch the guy. The second placed man at the start of the day was only a few minutes behind Darren and he looked like a Scott Jurek lookie-likie, someone that could sprint all day and not even sweat. Eventually as we neared Maldon I caught up MdS Colin and LDWA Dave who had split from Graham. As we came into the promenade, I was greeted by a fellow Strider Jamie cheering us along and I thought I’d even saw Strider Liz Irvine's mum but I might have imagined that? (it was later confirmed that it was her!)</div>
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As I ran through the day trippers on the sea front to the CP I was starting to feel a lot better. I topped up fluids again and quickly sped off looking forward to the next few miles as the route took me through me old hometown. It was then I realised I’d made a huge mistake and not swapped my route description with the next section. I was too far to turn back and thinking about it, I wasn't too concerned as I was in familiar surroundings but I didn’t want to risk taking a wrong turn on the course and be accused of taking a short cut. I was just in front of LDWA Dave so I shouted to him what had happened and he said I should take a photo of his route just in case… I was just reaching for the phone when I decided I should be slightly more social on my “easy day” so I eased a little and told Dave I’d run with him to the next CP if it was ok? We ran along the streets in Maldon until we crossed the river at Fullbridge and made our way along the Causeway to pick up the river on the opposite bank.<br />
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As we chatted on what can only be described as an awesome day weather-wise, we were joined by another runner (in a very nice UD Signature Series running vest!). The 3 of us took it in turns to lead and for a while the pace actually increased considerably as morale rose. I pointed out the next CP not too far away and I had a last push and ran into the CP to be greeted once again by enthusiastic volunteers. Shortly after we arrived, we were joined by Ford Andy whose knee was obviously a little better as he was maintaining pace and had caught us up. We all stopped for a minute, grabbed some food, then we slowly left the CP walking away as the race was beginning to show its true effects once again. After a short chat we started to run again and once more rotated the lead runner but this time we agreed without even saying a word that we’d run as hard as we could for a while then walk a short time, and so on.... This continued for a few miles until Dave and “UD pack man” dropped off the pace a little leaving just me and Ford Andy. We carried on together until I started to feel tired and had to slow a little as Andy led us into the Goldhanger CP on the river bank.<br />
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Even though the body was on one of its low points, I was feeling mentally strong as I knew we only had one CP left until the finish. It was the longest leg of the day but the end was in sight (literally at times!) I was busy drinking my “20 mile Iso drink” and looking forward to coasting to the finish when one of the CP staff dropped a bomb on us…. “Well done guys! You’re halfway now” he said. “WHAT” was my instant reply! He explained that we’d ran 18 miles and had another 18 to go. This news broke my heart. I knew he was right but as I said, in my head we were nearly finished, funny how the brain works. I downed my drink at the CP not wanting to carry the extra bottle the 9 miles to the next stop then walked off sulking.<br />
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I left on my own leaving Andy as I just wanted to get this over now plus I could see the bright yellow of LWDA Graham’s shirt just in front and as this was the first time since the start I’d seen him I felt a little better. I jogged up quickly as Graham was walking a little at this point and he told me he was just taking it easy as he didn’t want to get to the last CP too soon, I smiled as I said bye for now not knowing if we’d see each other again before the finish?<br />
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I now started to feel a little better and I resisted the urge to run / walk for now and decided I needed to which focus for a while and loose some miles so I dug out the Yurbud headphones (thanks Run Active in Chelmsford) and fired up my new waterproof mp3 player. This had the desired effect and I was soon catching up people once again. I managed to catch up with the first placed lady who I believe was a runner from Tiptree Running Club? I stopped and said hello and she was saying that she was feeling it now. I was now on yet another low (somebody say rollercoaster) and we started run / walking and I was actually feeling probably the worst I’d felt on the whole event as I was running out of energy fast. The next CP was close but the coastline wound inland and out again just as you thought you were getting there, this was the longest 9 miles ever! Eventually we met a friend of my new running partner and she led us into the last CP.<br />
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As I stood at the table not really being able to take everything in, I noticed that the next placed guy in front of us was still at the CP with us. Again we all swapped greetings and we were then joined by Ford Andy and UD vest guy. Both had obvious taken advantage of me slowing in the last few miles but Andy especially looked in bits as he could barely walk! (if you’re ready this Andy, I’m sorry mate but it wasn't your best look). I composed myself and me and the leading lady left together. She by now thought she’d lost the lead as Jackie Stretton had steamed through the field today (Justin had unfortunately dropped during day one) but I told her that Jackie still had to make up time from the previous day so it was still all to play for? Not sure if this made any difference but she pulled away from me and I never saw her again. I was soon overtaken and I tried to keep with this guy as we passed the last point we could cut short the race and retire to the finish. We were both asked by marshals if we wanted to stop and neither of us even slowed down as we shouted “no thanks”.<br />
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This was it. The end was close as we only had 6 miles until the whole event would be over. I felt alright but again was on a low point as the guy I was with slowly pulled away and I couldn't keep with him. We were on a killer sea wall loop along marshland with no landmarks or features just miles and miles of grass track and water. By now I had no choice but to walk regularly and then as I noticed my running pace was at 15 min miles! I kept pushing as I passed a few walkers and as I was rock bottom I bumped into Sarah Colbert and Malc from my running club again! I didn’t stop as they said I had a couple of miles to go, so I dug in one more time and tried to up the pace. I’d got the instructions out as I was paranoid that I might get lost and any extra miles would probably be the end of me. I saw another supporter who said “just around the corner” and I was on a high now, gave it all I had as I crossed the last field and onto a road. I passed some cheering children who “High 5’d” me and they’d even made massive “well done runners” banners! I could see the finish now and everyone cheered as I ran into the grounds of the hall in Salcott, it was over!<br />
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It had been hard today as I was still tired from the first day and camping and I was feeling a little light-headed and sick near the finish so I was just glad it was over. I had a little stretch and had a few cups of tea. Soon a few of the usual suspects crossed the line and we shared some thoughts on the days adventures. LDWA Graham had a 2nd wind and finished well as did UD vest guy, Ford Andy’s knee had given up at the last CP but he got it strapped and managed to crawl to the finish (nails), Graham said that Dave had decided to drop at the last CP as he said he had to pick his dog up? (I kid you NOT!) and MdS Colin made it home “comfortably” and still managing to smile.<br />
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We all sat and had a well-deserved something to eat and shortly after we were joined by Bob Gear who was now solo as his son Iain had dropped at Maldon (still he’d covered an impressed 50 plus miles!). Later Maxine finished well, an awesome weekend's work girl!<br />
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My overall time to cover 76.7 miles was 15 hrs 56 mins. 14th placed.<br />
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<b>Full Runners Results:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.saltmarsh75.co.uk/docs/finishingrunners.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.saltmarsh75.co.uk/docs/finishingrunners.pdf</a></div>
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Beacon Buddy track for day 2 - A great app!</td></tr>
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-38474740060559167002013-09-17T06:28:00.000-07:002013-09-17T06:34:41.347-07:00The White Cliffs and SVP100 Race Reports<b>Post TG100</b>
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I'd had a couple of weeks to get over my experience of the Thames Gateway 100 mile race in Kent. The race had promised so much but delivered so little in a mixture of lack of experience in 100 mile races on my behalf but also lack of planning and preparation from the race organisers.<div><br></div><div>I'd wrote that I felt that the organisers had spoilt my race but in hindsight I think that if I'd done more homework then the outcome might have been different? I'd recce'd half the course including the tricky night section but I should have looked at the start as this set the tone for the whole event.</div><div><br></div><div>I took everything onboard and decided to jump back into the frying pan. <br><div><br></div><div></div></div>
A very wise man had offered some consolation post first DNF ever and said "you learn far more from a DNF than from a finish!" Well they were spot on and I didn't think I'd have to think about that comment again so soon.
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I decided that I'd try and enter another 100 asap as I need to utilise the training I'd done to date but the problem I had was that they were all full. There's not that many 100 milers around so the good one's sell out sometimes even a year in advance! I looked around and decided what I needed to do was gain some more ultra experience at shorter distance then attack the big one next year. I put my name down on the waiting list for the Thames Path 100 but also entered the Centurion Running South Downs Way 100 in June.
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I had already qualified to enter the LDWA 100 in Wales in May so I decided to keep my options open between the two events. For now though I decided I needed to break to 53 mile mark (the longest I'd run) so I entered the Stour Valley Way 100k as this would achieve the above and also take my into that night running stage for the finish.
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I have to admit that the SVP100 wasn't ideal and in hindsight it was the wrong race for me (I'll go into that in a minute). For now though I needed to focus on my existing race commitments. I'd run a couple of short races since TG100 but I had the LDWA White Cliffs 30 miler to run and anyone that knows that part of Kent.... it wasn't going to be flat!
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<b>LDWA White Cliffs 30</b>
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As I've said before, I love the LDWA events and considering the location of this run (can't call these event "races" really), I knew it wouldn't be dull.
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I'd somehow manage to convince two other club runners, experienced ultra runner Bob Gear and ultra newbie (but seasoned marathon man) Paul Bridges to join me. These guys are good runners in their own right but more importantly great company! I posted on Twitter (@bibo_boy) that I'd never looked forward to an event so much ever.
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The forecast wasn't great so I knew it could be hard work especially as we were on the coast so I packed for the worst. Paul had even gone out and brought a decent raincoat so yes you guessed it..... sun burn all the way around :)
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SVP100 was only a week away so I said to the guys that we would have to take it slow and easy to try and save my legs and they were fine with this. We all met around mine and Paul who was driving had brought the Bridges support team of his Mum and Dad who are two of the nicest people you could ever meet. We made great time and had an hour to kill at the start but we were told we could start early so soon we were off.
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We were soon firing the banter at each other from all angles as we made our way through some fields to the cliffs. The main topic at the start was Paul's limited ultra experience and how he wasn't allow to run uphill. Paul's quite a fast guy and thinks nothing of getting his head down and charging up any kind of incline! This is fine in those shorter distances but we needed to find a way of slowing his pace for later. I decided that we should introduce him to the "rules" of ultra running where you were never allowed to run uphill and you get three strikes then you were out!
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This kept us amused for ages and also spent some of the time stopping to pose for photos of the amazing views with France in the background on the other side of the channel. Yes you can tell we meant business. We were soon running along the sea front of Dover and navigating some of the biggest steps ever then out of the town and soon along the cliffs again. We'd spent the first section of the course telling Paul how he would be amazed by the LDWA checkpoints as he probably would have never seen so much food on offer. We'd got to the first CP and.... errr water, juice and a digestive! Not even a custard cream. I think Paul thought we must have been winding him up and I guess he might have been regretting not bringing any backup food. It turns out as that first stop was only 5 miles in it didn't need to have much more and when we finally left the cliffs and headed inland, the second stop was back to normal standards!
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We were all laughing all the way around still as we reached Dover town again and ran along the hills that surrounded the population. You could see why this place was so important in the security of the country and also why so many generations had chosen the location for defence as I wouldn't want to attack it with today's military technology let alone years ago! It must have been amazing being there during key points in history like the Battle of Britain.
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Paul was still finding things really easy as we passed the halfway point and me again Bob were still enjoying the process of reminding him that ultras were a game of patience. We got to approx. 10 miles left and we were now steadily passing walkers who had left earlier in the day. All was going to plan as we passed another group then "arrrrh" I turned around and Bob had gone? I looked down and the man mountain that is Mr Gear was flat on the floor! We immediately stopped in our tracks and ran to him... by the time we got to him lucky enough he was on his feet and brushing himself off. He'd simply tripped on a root and landed hard but seemed ok so we carried on.
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As we approached the magical 26.2 marathon mark, we all commented again on how this would be the furthest Paul had ever run before. I told him that I'd got him a cake and I feel he was a little disappointed when it didn't turn up at the next CP. Joking aside, this is a big deal for any runner. The marathon is for many the ultimate distance and breaking that mark in anyway should be recognised.
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I said in the build up to this run that I was really looking forward to this event and even though I was really suprised to see with the finish in sight finally as we ran home along the white cliffs for the last time that the watch was saying over 7hrs! Considering the amount of hills/climbs the time wasn't actually that bad with the fastest person only an hour or so in front of us (not bad when we were taking it really easy). We all finished together being met by the Bridges family with smiles on our faces, a reminder of what distance running is all about... Good course, good views and great company.
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My only down side to the whole day was the fact that I'd picked up a couple of little niggles on my left foot/ankle. I'd switched back for Autumn into minimal shoes due to my experience at TG100 and since then I'm starting to get injured again, touchwood nothing serious so far but I'm going to have to wait and see.
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<b>SVP100</b>
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As I've hinted towards already... I think this race was actually a poor choice for me. This event was 100K starting at Newmarket and finishing in Manningtree near Colchester in Essex. This was the first race for the organisers as I was a little nervous considering the last "new" event I took part in. I'd spoken to Matt one of the race directors and they sounded fine and even though they admitted some things were WIP, everything should be in place. I was struggling to get to the start in time as it was so far away and as a point to point race I would be miles away in the end with no easy public transport links to the start.
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The main issue though which I was reminded of several times by many other runners was the cut off time. It was 13.5 hours to cover 62 miles where I'm used to having to cover just 50 miles in the same time. Because of this the usual cushion of time I have in 50 miles races wasn't there. I knew this and there was even an early start option but due to my lift only getting there for the 9:15 start I couldn't take that option. I typed the details into the Cool Running Pace Calculator which gave me a worst case pace of 13 min miles to complete the race in just under the allowed time.
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I then took that time and allowed 5 mins for each CP and finished with the 12:30 min mile pace that I should try and average. Anyone that is experienced in the ways of ultra running will already know what I'm going to say next! I had almost no spare pace as I already said and what I hadn't considered was the effect of the recent heavy rain on the mud on the course and the possibility of getting lost. A slow section due to mud combined with a couple of missed turns could take me over the time allowed. I just tried my hardest to keep going and reached CP 1 (12 miles)in decent time. I'd ran so far easy making sure I didn't over do it in the start like I'd done before. I carried on and the runners had now spread out so I was on my own. I followed the decent GPS course provided but on a few occasions the path was redirected and I found myself totally off course having to negotiate my way back which took time.
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Finally I got to CP 2 (21 miles)to be told I was near the back of the field and many people had already dropped. I knew I'd be one of the slower runners but I was told I was still 10 mins within the cut off for that CP so I thought I stood a good chance of getting to the next point on time especially as the RD had said times would be extended a little due to them being a little tight. To be honest even though I'd taken the whole week off exercise I was still feeling the effect of last Sundays 30 miler in my legs. For a change I was fighting the mental said quite well but it was the legs that just wouldn't move fast enough.
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I'd this leg quite well with only a couple of wrong turns and as I passed a couple of other runners as I approached Long Melford and CP 3 I was feeling confident I'd be allowed to continue as I was still under the max. pace for the whole race. I got my head down as I ran down the high street looking for the CP I managed to miss yet another turn on the watch route (really need to set some kind of audio notification) and did another few hundred bonus metres. As I stopped to refuel I casually asked if I was ok to carry on and the helper said errr no your way over the cut off? I was amazed but accepted this straight away as unless I was 100% sure I would never challenge the CP staff as they have a hard job and someone always needs to be given the bad news.
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As I said though I thought I was close and I still wasn't over the max. pace I'd set (later realised that I'd cover a mile extra at that pace and later didn't help) but to be told "way over" hmmm? One of the ladies that had been stopped was a tad upset (she was a lot calmer shortly after) and I have to agree a little with some of her points. I'd not made a note of the actual cut off times for each CP (rookie move) and I was 17 mins over the 7 hours allowed I guess I was frustrated that I'd got lost so often and this easily took longer than 17 mins. What I couldn't work out was the amount of "extra time" we were given? At the end of the day the cut offs are there for safety and so I boarded the minibus to the finish.
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Generally I thought this was a decent event run by some nice guys who do care. The CP's were run by some of the nicest people ever with probably the best food I've ever seen, even better than Centurion! I just felt along with other runners that the cut offs should have been longer as they were the same as 50 mile races and a small detail from me was that the RD's should have been a little clearer on timings and actually what was the "extra time" amount? All in all a good event that I'd like to have another go again possibly.
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Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-57750247324849228942013-08-25T14:27:00.001-07:002013-08-25T15:29:55.899-07:00TG100 Summary<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Here follows a few points that come to mind from my first 100mile attempt yesterday at the thames gateway 100.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Race choice is really important and I really should have made a better choice in picking my first 100 miler attempt as even though the organisers were keen and an event of this size is hard to put together, there were many areas lacking and with a 100 you need as much help as possible.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">A "decent" 50 mile runner does not mean you can do 100!</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">If the route description isn't great on a section you didn't recce at the start then follow someone (safety in numbers)!</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><span style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Totally cocked up footwear choice. Luna's were NEVER the choice and the VFF's Spyridons were not much better. Don't get me wrong I love Luna's but you also need to know when sandals and even VFF's are not going to cut it. Yes many people run massive ultras in these in the U.S. but most of these barefoot or minimal shoes are designed for use on rocky dirt trails where they never see rain or mud.</span><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Although pacers are a great idea, you need to be careful as they can be a double-edged sword. I will be forever grateful for my friends for stepping up to the task but I'm not good enough to forecast actual pace especially when the course and elements combined with the above point worked against me and I was feeling bad if I had them waiting around for ages in the night.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">My delay due to the silly footwear decision on the NDW "fell section" at around 12 miles meant I started feeling bad for my crew. I know they were understanding but I still felt guilty for not holding up my part of the deal with pace even though this was probably the hardest section of the course and the weather was now hammering it down. It takes a very special type of person to crew!</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">It's not realistic to have a single pace to stick to. I'd broken the race into chunks but should have looked at the course in more detail as I was always going to be slower in the hilly first section so I was playing catch up in my head continuously.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I started to have thoughts of dropping early on and need to work more on my mental strength especially later when I got to the halfway point and had the difficult night section ahead of me. I was told by my friend, experienced Race Director and Crew guru Karen Webber at his point that most newcomers quit at this point and I should push to 60 but I had nothing but doubts. Mental note to plan something special for this point? I.e. change of kit, something nice to eat... Whatever works?</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Running with other racers helps dramatically. As soon as I started to run with others then the pace and moral rose.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Recce's are amazing. Knowing what is coming up and not having to analyse nav during the race cannot be underestimated. I chose to recce 50 of the 100 miles before hand but if I'd reviewed the "fell section" then .... Who knows? I picked the night section which was probably wise but again not enough analysis.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I'd took the time to prepare my food and drink and got a large plastic box and brought the usual ultra classic treats of full fat coke, iso drink, bananas and of cause fig rolls! I also stocked up on crisps, nuts, rolls, cereal bars, shortbread, fruit cocktail, boil in the bag meal and my fav pepperoni's but didn't didn't eat any of this of course.. I pretty much ran for 12 hours on solely fig rolls! Though I didn't feel too bad and never hit the wall, I felt that I was missing out on something. My previous ultra aid stations had boasted quality wraps, fruits, and hot drinks but even though there was food on offer, nothing really jumped out at me. If there is a next time I need to put a lot more thought into food prep. Sandwiches with nice fillings, nice sausages, cooked meats, fruit and warm drinks (essential in the soaking cold conditions). There's only so many cheap value sausage rolls and cold pizza that can be eaten.</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">If unsupported then drop bags are a must! Should always include a number of changes of clothes including "worst case" comfy trainers (lots of people running in Hoka's which look über comfy but I still think look strange).</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Generally I feel I'd recovered well from my earlier poor section and I only realise now that I was actually doing quite well compared to the rest of the field. By the time I got to aid station 5 I'd caught up with a few other runners and a number had already withdrawn. I left the stop and started back on the course feeling ok for now. I was running with the others including a guy that I'd seen previously at some events. (One of the greatest things about ultra running is that you can actually "run with the stars".) I managed to keep with this small group most of the time for 20 miles and whilst running with them worked out that these guys were of high long distance pedigree with most of them I believe 100 marathon club members and veterans of multiple 100's. I felt I wasn't in the same class as these guys and they didn't seem like they were even trying at times. One thing I did notice was that they ran/walked quite often even on the flat, they also said occasionally running up hills helps the strain on the quads. I guess this all saves the legs for later?</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">I found out after the race that these guys were the only people left standing at the end finishing in just under 29 hrs (30 limit). My schedule was for sub24 so if these guys were finishing near the cut-off then I need a re-think. I've learnt a lot from this attempt and the only real decision left is if I ever have another go?</div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div><div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></div>Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-80957569973251013032013-08-22T15:18:00.001-07:002013-08-22T23:17:29.291-07:00Thames Gateway 100 mile preview <div dir="ltr">
This is a quick update just as I prepare for my first 100 miler this weekend. </div>
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After Shotley, I was more than happy with the event. I'd learnt some good lessons on the run and that combined with everything I'd prepared so stood me in a good position to finish.</div>
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My last race showed me that support cannot be underestimated. So far all my events have been large scale ultras with really good support from the organisers. This has meant that I've not had to employ any support crews and as they've only been around 50 miles I've never had to use pacers.</div>
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This event was something different. Not only was this ultra run by a very small race company but the actual race itself was tiny compared to something like Centurions South Downs Way 100 with only currently 14 entrants for the full 100.</div>
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The other difference is that all other races I've taken part in have taken place on reasonably established paths but this was almost like a 100 mile trail race across fields and through towns. Who knows what the conditions and going would be like on the day?</div>
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Id managed to pull together a small support team made up from members of my running club and various other friends. I've always tried to help the running community whenever I can but I feel a little bad asking people for help now as they are giving up so much time.</div>
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I'd drawn up a plan that will hopefully get me around in just under 24hrs. This will be a major achievement as it will be the furthest I'd ever covered. I planned to average 13:45 min miles and with stops meant I needed to maintain approx. 13 min miles which should be ok but this is a very long time on my feet and I'm actually interested in seeing what running that slow is actually like?</div>
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Most the team gathered at the running club this week and this was for the most the first time some had met each other. Paul and the awesome Bridges family had agreed to cover Aid Stations up till 50 miles. I brought I plastic box and filled it with as much food and drink I could. I'd read loads of material on CP's and took the guys through some basic drills with the main one being don't let me stay longer than 5 mins.</div>
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I next spoke to James Rideout and Debbie Mitchell who were a couple of the people who had madly volunteered to run with me as pacers. It's one thing meeting up for a social Sunday jog but another meeting up in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night trying to navigate and drag someone around that just wants to go home. I must say thanks to James and Debbie, Anna Luff and Mike Hall. I owe you all big time!</div>
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All that's left now is decide what footwear to use? I'd tried for some time in Luna Sandals but it was now raining and some of the course would be seriously muddy. I'd really struggled with Lunas in heavy mud so I'd also decided to carry my Vibram Five' Fingers Off-Road Spyridons.</div>
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Well Im as ready as I will be and next entry will be a review of the actual event. </div>
Follow us @ http://ultra-trails.com/portfolio/thames-gateway-endurance-run/Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-76501394101111415592013-07-29T07:13:00.001-07:002013-07-29T07:13:14.511-07:00LDWA Shotley 50 event review<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Shotley 50 is a 53 mile narrative off-road trail race run by the LDWA as one of their challenge events where runners as well as walkers are allowed to take part. As I’ve said previously, LDWA membership is almost essential for any off-road long distance running fan. In a time where fitness and outdoor sports are big business and race fees are now into hundreds of pounds (and I do realise there are a lot of overheads), the LDWA manage to put on events Like this for £11 where you can pay £60 plus for other events.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRbOaq3U04aanDqme6YjQYiqGzQpnAmapOkVEPp0HrnyulIHRKdo0cDiNCh3EdRSCkAI0WiddOr9MT782Wwv5Zc6m3fwbnrA3QWZQ5V4DN5hug4f0Ys31A2X-lcz0ua8ETqYtAr8gdNl/s1600/DSC_0080%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iRbOaq3U04aanDqme6YjQYiqGzQpnAmapOkVEPp0HrnyulIHRKdo0cDiNCh3EdRSCkAI0WiddOr9MT782Wwv5Zc6m3fwbnrA3QWZQ5V4DN5hug4f0Ys31A2X-lcz0ua8ETqYtAr8gdNl/s320/DSC_0080%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On route to the start</td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The race itself actually started and finished in a little village called Holbrook which sits a few miles South East of Ipswich on the Shotley Peninsula between the Rivers Stour and Orwell in Suffolk. The event was split between the walkers and the runners and I got to the village hall in time to see the large group of walkers set off and after starting late on the last event I was determined to not make the same mistake so had plenty of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I registered early and made a note of the minor course amendments so there would be no surprises but as we’d been sent the route description prior to the event I’d already used my Ordinance Survey mapping software to review the course so I had a rough idea of the major landmarks we’d hit and even tried to memorise some of it. You could argue this takes some of the “fun” out of navigating during the event but nothing can fully prepare you to being on the ground running the event on the day and anything to help can’t be bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kit wise for the event, this was going to be the longest I’d ever run in Luna Sandals. Before today I’d only ever run 30 miles in the minimal footwear and only covered 4 miles in the new Mono’s. Other than the sandals, I opted for my usual Inov-8 12 litre Race pack and I’d planned to battle the heat wave by carrying a spare 2 litre water bladder which I’d frozen. This would act to cool me in the 30 degree heat and also be spare water if required. This didn’t happen though as I’d managed to leave the pack in the freezer (actually it’s still there now) and I was lucky as the day was overcast and only 21 but still warm enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fuelling wise I’d decided to use my two front mounted Inov-8 water bottles (one as a spare) filled with water with Nuun hydration tablets. I chose this combination as it wasn’t mega hot but also there were 10 aid stations so the legs would be short. As for food I’d again left the gels at home and carried a small bag of fig rolls in my back pack just in case and decided to keep my front bum bag empty and fill it as required at each stop as the LWDA events are well known for the amounts of food offered!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was feeling really relaxed pre-event as I knew I’d prepared well and I was quietly confident that I should at least beat my 50 mile PB of 10hrs and 44 mins (and 9 seconds) as that was set on the South Downs Way in some of the worst weather where this was flat(ish) and near perfect conditions. I said hi to a couple of people I recognised from previous events including Jon Legge and Julian Catnull (SP) who I believe are Striders the same running club as me? As the clock ticked over closer to the runners start I was wondering where my friend Darren Coates had got to but with a few minutes to spare he arrived ready for action. There were a smaller group of runners ready at the start time which was exactly an hour after the walkers and I have to admit I was slightly surprised as there’s normally quite a large running contingent at these events but I guess the extra distance could have put people off?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soon we were off and as we all jogged away from the hall I briefly wondered exactly how long until I saw the place again? A couple of really fast guys went off but the main group stuck together and it was nice to run for a while with some runners who were obviously in a different class to me. I knew I was going too fast but this normally happens so I thought I’d just enjoy it while I could and within a couple of miles let them go. Well the course took in some of the landmarks that I’d highlighted including running along a large dam next to a reservoir, sports fields, churches and eventually the banks of the massive river Stour. I’d already fallen foul in a classic trail race mistake when I missed a turning but was lucky only to do an extra couple of hundred yards before realising the error. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was now following Darren and the rest of “the elite” along the beach. I’d pulled ahead of them earlier as they stopped to do a nav check but now normal service was resumed. The route was amazing as we ran with trees on our right and the water right next to our feet on the left. My only issue was that the fine sand didn’t really suit running in sandals as I’d found previously but although uncomfortable wasn’t really too bad. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNLGozzYVtaYnHQ790bD8X47vldYEhjB9rayxKwAsRCMmCX9ab0xTRQI-VTHUI_VpJf9Znd78yAA4m8Ec0xbRHjOS6LN51aSawpwO6MRbjE4JBWIzDFCQehjQSH2JkkHXpvv8fxQd-Jj6/s1600/DSC_0082%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNLGozzYVtaYnHQ790bD8X47vldYEhjB9rayxKwAsRCMmCX9ab0xTRQI-VTHUI_VpJf9Znd78yAA4m8Ec0xbRHjOS6LN51aSawpwO6MRbjE4JBWIzDFCQehjQSH2JkkHXpvv8fxQd-Jj6/s320/DSC_0082%5B1%5D.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the fast boys (Darren Coates in the blue)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We soon got to the first check point and we had started to pass the first walkers so we briefly stopped to swap pleasantries. I took on a couple of bits of bread with marmite and stuck two pieces of flapjack in the bum bag for later and I was off again. More and more walkers were passed and as usual it did get a little tricky in narrow sections trying to negotiate a route past them. Most of the time they are great and swop greetings but you do get the feeling that a small number of walkers might begrudge sharing the trail sometimes especially with comments of “hurry, hurry, hurry” as you would pass them at speed. I’m sure they struggle to get their heads around why anyone would like choose to punish themselves and miss all the wonders nature has to offer, and they do have a point! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well I was still managing to keep with the group as we sped at speed across fields and through forests and within no time we approached check point two. I again ate a couple of snacks, filled my bottle and refilled the pouch. As I walked away from the CP I took out my phone and quickly recorded on Facebook where I was. I try and do this on long races so my supporters know my progress (ok it’s so the wife know where I am really). We were soon running again and we passed the site made famous the painter Constable and continued along some of the most picturesque scenes you could ask for. It must have seemed slightly surreal for many family’s enjoying the scenery as they sat relaxed on a lovely day only for half a dozen sweaty men to sprinted pass (one in flip flops).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6EAeIFbpAScUMyaOUO81SKeTGlGuKVovAj1w3dV9I7n9RHzyMKkQ4WwxtTyCVqm5l_zc61NFd82Wp12xH_o1JrXf0RuiSLl72V2HttrL-ctQSxJrngH0uvNm3JeguZukMaHWubw1Mvwh/s1600/DSC_0087%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6EAeIFbpAScUMyaOUO81SKeTGlGuKVovAj1w3dV9I7n9RHzyMKkQ4WwxtTyCVqm5l_zc61NFd82Wp12xH_o1JrXf0RuiSLl72V2HttrL-ctQSxJrngH0uvNm3JeguZukMaHWubw1Mvwh/s320/DSC_0087%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the race a little too much?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was around 16 miles and I was feeling the pace now. I’d fallen off the back of the group and could barely see them in the distance. We got to cross over the A12 and they were all long gone. I was really starting to think I’d made a serious mistake starting so fast as I could barely run and I was walking up the hills now where I’d been running up them just a while ago. I was still managing to pass walkers (just) but I was also noticing a number of other runners that I’d not seen at the start so must have started with the walkers but were using a slow run/walk strategy and a few of them were staying with me. I got to the next CP to be greeted by Darren and the gang who were just leaving and I have to admit I was happy just to see them still as I thought they’d be long gone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next few miles started to get emotional. Although it wasn’t boiling, the heat was still strong and really humid, I was losing a lot of sweat even though I was drinking continuously. I was now passed by a couple of runners and I just had to keep telling myself to keep shuffling because I knew if I walked anything that wasn’t uphill I’d probably never run again. I passed the next couple of CP’s until I got close to the 25 mile point and halfway. This was a huge milestone as I always tell myself that it’s on the way home now even if home was still 25 miles away in this case. I took my pack off and sat down which is a usual no-no for me but I just felt I need a couple of minutes out of the race to relax the mind. This seemed to work wonders and I chatted to the volunteers swapping walking stories, I also noted a couple of people that looked like they’d dropped so I wasn’t the only person feeling it.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEOE-vc7RFp6FTzTedvU2bjLI2gn8SypECSOt5qREXST0sxxlLlXDq6IXEcOK1v_o0hWVpR1Y68nP5V_cxlXP7IHXPnwQeZs73IUH4rBM-DoqX0yYbbrHADhr3kkKsNq6TmlEAljoBfxr/s1600/DSC_0086%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKEOE-vc7RFp6FTzTedvU2bjLI2gn8SypECSOt5qREXST0sxxlLlXDq6IXEcOK1v_o0hWVpR1Y68nP5V_cxlXP7IHXPnwQeZs73IUH4rBM-DoqX0yYbbrHADhr3kkKsNq6TmlEAljoBfxr/s320/DSC_0086%5B1%5D.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway point</td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I trudged out along a field and after another internet update start to jog as fast as I could manage. I was still in damage limitation mode as I approached the CP at the 30 mile point. It was then that I started to see things and I thought I was really starting to lose it. I could see a couple of people way off in the distance and I didn’t think much of it until I saw that one of them was waving in my direction? I looked behind me expecting to see another runner but there was no one in sight? As I got closer I could make out who it was! It was only my running buddy Andy Hind and his partner. I couldn’t believe it and actually felt slightly emotional as I was really at a low point in the race (sad I know). As I got to them Andy said that he’d read my progress on the internet and could tell I wasn’t in a happy place so decided to come down and support! What can I say? This race wasn’t just around the corner from home and he’d also brought me a huge bag of goodies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I reached the CP over a large reservoir and at the top of a hill and slumped into a chair in the hall. Andy refilled my bottles as one of the young LDWA volunteers brought me a bowl of soup. Once again I’d like to thanks these guys for amazing service on these events. Andy asked how it was going and I explained I was running on empty. I remember telling him I wanted to pull out at this point and I’m sure I even asked him for a lift back to the start but he refused of course and I pulled on my race pack once more which was heavy with sweat now and went to leave. I thanked Andy for making the effort but made him promise he’d <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>go home as I was sure they had better things to do than follow me around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soon I was getting my second wind as the fuel taken in and the moral boast of seeing my friend really kicked in. The miles started to fly past and I was soon approaching the next CP when I saw the familiar figures in the distance. I cursed them jokingly but I have to admit it was awesome seeing the pair again! This time I sprinted past them and into the hall for a quick pit stop. I repeated my request for them to stop following me and as I knew Andy had somewhere to be I guessed he would stick to his word but his work was done and I was a changed man. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I got to the 40 mile mark within almost 10 miles of the finish and it was at this point where I knew I’d finish despite the early hic-up. As I approached the last CP at 45 miles I was starting to feel it again. It was mixed emotions as I walked into very nice little church as I was feeling drained but good as I’d started to catch up runners again and I knew I was close to the finish. I had my card stamped by the support team there and like on many other occasions they asked what it was like to run in the flip flops. I’ve never really discussed these so far in the review and this is probably due to the fact that I wasn’t having any major issues. I guess it might have been different if it had been wet but apart from the small stones and gravel then I’d collect (but normally get rid of just as quickly), no problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was now running along the Stour again and it was starting to get a little darker but this was more due to the clouds getting darker than the evening approaching. I passed another couple of people running and I just put my head down and pushed as hard as I could. I looked at my watch for the first time properly and was slightly surprised it was taking so long and thought that Darren and the others must have finished hours ago. As I passed the 50 mile point in 10 hrs 22 mins and I was happy to get a PB for that distance but wondered how much faster I might have been if I’d started slower?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DEHPI6zeyil3bnkP8CitcyYF-PKZr3zU0lFLoijuiQwiKunaPXz-FCa9JM1zoY7ZNA26vLR1XagUkQYZ-uaMIRp7fvgWjl2j6aLox0dKr66MYC9vbz0VXCwTBpEUZcQjT3bl1QMfR3nq/s1600/DSC_0088%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9DEHPI6zeyil3bnkP8CitcyYF-PKZr3zU0lFLoijuiQwiKunaPXz-FCa9JM1zoY7ZNA26vLR1XagUkQYZ-uaMIRp7fvgWjl2j6aLox0dKr66MYC9vbz0VXCwTBpEUZcQjT3bl1QMfR3nq/s320/DSC_0088%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some amazing views</td></tr>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last few miles seemed to take forever! I knew that I was in Holbrook now and only a matter of minutes away from the finish but the enclosed path I was on just kept going and going. Eventually I was on the main road and took the right turn into the road where the hall was located and I finished. Darren was nowhere to be seen so I assumed the leaders had long gone. I did see a chap called Chris from Ipswich who I’d seen at a few other races. He was in a group who had finished in just a couple of minutes over 10 hrs. This guy was fast and I have to admit I was just as surprised as him that the course had taken so long? I still don’t know why? Anyway, I sat down for a quick bite to eat and other people finished and we swapped a few comments of how hard it was. I was just glad to finish and finish in daylight. It was an emotional journey but a journey left mostly good memories. A great event!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post run feet</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The winner finished in 9 hrs 35 mins, Darren Coates finished in a small group of people in 10 hrs 12 mins, I took 10 hrs 45 mins. Julian Catnul (SP) inished in 12 hrs 59 mins with Jon Legge finishing in 13 hrs 2 mins. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All and all not a bad day at the office really for all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-15287731097163413312013-07-26T07:02:00.003-07:002013-07-28T09:12:06.642-07:00Decisions, Decisions!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Goodbye to gels, a Barefoot legend, Herts Hobble, Recce’s and VFF’s!</span></span></b><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pu6BJgOD1FeYnJpnFKErfKttSlK7eD25stgGFi_OFJoeDBhj3b_ApRYQ31b2yFeQNVSscZMKP6YOcYMZc5kPJivgesXUe8IrklBLmmI3id9vFHBOou6cxfy-6zO0eHjhji9S7gmkJJPz/s1600/DSC_0034%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pu6BJgOD1FeYnJpnFKErfKttSlK7eD25stgGFi_OFJoeDBhj3b_ApRYQ31b2yFeQNVSscZMKP6YOcYMZc5kPJivgesXUe8IrklBLmmI3id9vFHBOou6cxfy-6zO0eHjhji9S7gmkJJPz/s320/DSC_0034%5B2%5D.jpg" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long and winding road (well trail)</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fuelling:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my last blog entry I was debating the powers of fig rolls as I’d been keen to stop using endless energy gels and find a natural replacement. Well so far so good. I’ve run a trail marathon and several 30 mile plus training runs on nothing but the famous fruit snack without a small silver sachet in sight!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what has it been like? Actually fine, no withdrawal symptoms and the only real issues I’ve found is they take up more space to store while running, can be prone to crumbling under pressure (just like me!) and on a hot day they can be a little dry in the mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I need to reinforce the above maybe with some other normal food on the longer runs and even carried a bottle of full fat cola when I need that boost at the end. Generally I’m really pleased to have weaned myself off gels and now just need to find someone that needs a load of them as I have stacks</span><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Wingdings">.</font></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next steps? Well as I said the biscuit part of the fig rolls can at times get hard work so I’m looking at just using figs for my next training run? I might need to carry some other “paper based” provisions in case of emergencies!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Barefoot Ted and the big decision:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my hunt for true running nirvana I’d been using Luna Sandals for a year on and off. Despite what most people say, these are not 99p from the beach shop but specifically designed running sandals. Well Luna Sandals boss and “Born to run” star Barefoot Ted was in the UK to promote the launch of his sandals here and I took the opportunity to meet him at an informal gathering hosted by Tracy of Barefoot Britain.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I drove down to Brighton with Katie my daughter which was an adventure itself as she wanted to visit the famous chocolate sweet shop Chockywockydodah (sp) and I can’t say I was against the idea but we eventually found it and I can recommend their products, no idea if there any good for running fuel but probably!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OMG it's only.... Barefoot Ted<br><br></td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, it was soon time for the event and as we walked up to the shop where it was taking place I could already see Ted on his Laptop Vehicle unicycle “car” riding up and down the main road like something out Back to the future. There were already a crowd gathering and looking at peoples feet, I’d guessed I was in the right place as there wasn’t a “foot coffin” to be seen. Things started informally and Ted just spoke of his reasons for founding Luna Sandals but also how that has snowballed into changing everything in his life. I’ve hinted to this previously, once you go barefoot and see the advantages you can get then you can start to question other things in your life and wonder if you are actually doing what’s best?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ted referred to many different subjects including how he got into barefoot running in the first place, persistence hunting and their links to long distance running and also his experience of the Tarahumara Indians from the Copper Canyons all of which linked to “the book” but he also spoke on his ambition to bring personal transportation to the masses. The Solo wheel isn’t his invention but his is heavily behind the project of this gyro self-powered mono wheel. </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #00b0f0; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.laptopvehicles.com/">http://www.laptopvehicles.com/</a></span></span><u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: dark2;"> </span></span></u></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ted with his "car" (pic off net)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For most of the discussion I just stood there “in awe” but I did manage to ask a couple of questions… The first was “Are Luna working on a product that will work specifically on UK trails i.e. wetter, more mud etc)” and the second was “I’m only running up to 20 miles in Luna’s, should I take the leap and convert fully to the sandals and not ever run in shoes again?”. The first question was answered quickly as Ted just said “yes!” He recognised that no one product would be perfect for everything but products like the Mono and the soon to be launched Oso would help all UK off-roaders. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My second question was more aimed at the whole group as I wanted to get everybody’s opinion on how they converted to sandals and what distances they covered? The main reason I was asking wasn’t actually because I had this huge desire to run barefoot “hippy-like” through the fields but actually because as I switched from sandals to shoes sometimes I was picking up ankle injuries and I starting to think this might be due to the frequent change of running styles (this might be interesting to those who switch between regular and minimal shoes too?). Ted started by saying how impressed with the miles I was covering and simply said “why not!” He discovered barefoot footwear by accident in his search for pain-free running and like how he found Vibram Five Fingers that were being used as boat shoes I would have to take a similar leap of faith and just do it (no pun intended). I’d gone through the initial transition stage so there and then I decided to “try” and never wear trainers again even of the longest ultra marathons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Herts hobble:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">My next race was an LDWA off-road Trail marathon called the Herts Hobble. I can’t sing the praises of this organisation of predominately walkers enough as they put on some of the best events with entry fees that wouldn’t get you into a normal 5k road race. If you like running off-road and not a member, join your local group right now! </span><span style="color: #00b0f0; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.ldwa.org.uk/">http://www.ldwa.org.uk/</a><u> </u></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was a key race for me as it would be the longest I’d ever run in sandals and also the longest off-road race in the Luna’s. I got there with time to spare and said hello to a few people including Mr Darren Coates from the same running club as me and then decided to make a couple of last minutes kit changes back in the car. As I walked back I bumped into James from Centurion Running (South / North Downs Way 50/100 ultras etc). James is a high class runner who had just won the Grand Union Canal ultra. We walked to the hall only to realise that everyone had started! We checked in and I started to follow the instructions for the route. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I soon began to pass people that were walking the route and then I got caught up by James. We ran together for a few miles and I was enjoying the opportunity to shadow a running “celebrity” and as I result took my mind off the directions…. This was at the exact point that James said he didn’t do a lot of these “narrative” type of runs as we both realised we weren’t where we were supposed to be. After running around and tracking back, we found the route and we ran again for another few miles before James dropped a gear and effortlessly sailed off into the distance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was following the route quite easily now and I got to a road crossing where I met a large group of runners coming from the oopposite direction, turned out they’d followed the instructions exactly and missed a turning. Anyone that runs trail races will know that sometimes you need to read between the lines at times as it isn’t easy writing the directions and these guys had run and extra 2 miles due to this. I was ok as we’d been sent the directions beforehand and I’d roughly traced the route in my head (probably my military training lol) “always follow the three P’s” (I’ll let you google that one!)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, I was actually finding the sandals fine and I was breezing through the Check Points with a huge grin </span></span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(it couldn’t last). I got to the last few miles and I suddenly noticed that the legs were feeling like lead again and that spring in my step had “sprung”. I’d latched onto the back of a small group and we switched places a few times as we navigated and I tried to stay with them as long as I could. With a couple of miles to go I could still see them and eventually finished a couple of minutes behind but I definitely ran out of steam at about 20 miles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The footwear had been ok apart from I’d noticed a couple of twinges in my hips that I’d never had before? They didn’t last so didn’t think it was a massive concern. This also marked the first major event that I didn’t use gels and ate the fig rolls all the way around. I thought that the energy drop might be because of this and thought I should look to also use some other food as well as the rolls, overall a good race as I’d run 27 miles in just over 5 hrs off-road in flip-flops.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">100</span><span style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: dark2;"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">mile TG recce<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next up in the training for me was a series of trips down to Kent to look at the route for the Thames Gateway 100 I was planning to do in August. On the first trip I planned to cover 30 miles from Rochester, around to Gravesend and then along the coast back to Rochester. The first section was ok as I left the car park in Upnor and made my way to the Rochester bridge (past two castles and a nuclear submarine!). Then the next 5 miles were through dark alley’s on industrial estates ending up under the M20 motorway. This is the point where I’d pick up the North Downs Way.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rochester Castle with the sub in the foreground</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was now in the countryside and as I’d taken the day off it was like I had the whole of the place to myself! Eventually I left the downs and after a couple of minutes looking around the route manage to find the Weldway path which would take me all the way to Gravesend and the Thames. The paths were less defined and more overgrown now and in places in flip flops and shorts was hard going. After what seemed like an age I passed over the landmark of the M2 Motorway and pass the Cyclopark into Gravesend town. Here I left the Weldway and picked up the Saxon Way. Initially passing through some very suspect back streets that looked like a scene from Oliver, I was soon jogging along the river Thames passing old military defences dating back to Napoleon times (very surreal) again I was feeling ok but now as it had begun to rain the mud on the sea wall was making the sandals hard work. Soon I started to struggle and I could barely keep the Luna’s on! It was at this point that I decided that I would need a plan B on race day “just incase”.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Toesox held up well (so I thought)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Soon I was at the familiar 20 mile low point and as I write this I’m realising that this isn’t a coincidence that this was happening every time at the same point. I don’t think this will ever go but I need to recognise this and push through as it doesn’t last. I plodded on and got to just over the 30 mile point after fighting my way through some of the most overgrown paths I’d ever seen and narrowly avoiding serious injury as I fell knee deep into a badger hole decided enough was enough and this would be where the recce would end. I left the path and walked to the nearest main road. I was still a few miles from the car so decided to try and get a bus back. After waiting a while it didn’t look promising so I walked along the main road back to the car park.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d covered approx.. 34 miles (longest ever run in Luna’s at that time) and I was shattered. The tough going really got to me as well as the drizzle which just seemed to kick me just as I was low. But job done and I’d reviewed a large chunk of the route for the race, I just pray someone cuts those trails or it’s going to be a long race! And as for the sandals? They were good but poor in mud, also my hips were quite tender.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ1ZpoiQhqdzCmSdIVmGXumBH_8q7PMSAAxP_fegSpYkR9oDDHbVdc_PTVZNtzTQI4SIOJROJSFM3t74DK5LiTb9ILF1SwqxfFeBCv73SZGV-jQENG0W6SV3ufkPOezoQWf1zUgnabN4K/s1600/DSC_0054%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ1ZpoiQhqdzCmSdIVmGXumBH_8q7PMSAAxP_fegSpYkR9oDDHbVdc_PTVZNtzTQI4SIOJROJSFM3t74DK5LiTb9ILF1SwqxfFeBCv73SZGV-jQENG0W6SV3ufkPOezoQWf1zUgnabN4K/s320/DSC_0054%5B1%5D.jpg" width="179"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't even notiwerehis till the end... oops</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next time out I returned to Rochester as I planned to cover the 20 so miles to a tiny village called Swale (right under the Isle of Sheppey bridge). I parked the car near the train station and after a short struggle managed to find the Saxon Way path through the town. I didn’t realise beforehand but Rochester soon becomes Gillingham as one large town and the route passes back alleys and council estates (not very picturesque). Finally after a while I once again hit the river and some amazing views of the waterfront and I think it’s a shame that this 20 miles will be covered in darkness come race day. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieolvxHOlEL5Kstg7XVAJ6Bhz3IIsZCENjlXv6uR74hpCzT7iIpfgaYomJYV0P7p2KU2pWGasZ2vAFCLMUV3XzlDQh5qbBsPwWOj4kI4cML2Kj_wk-5rjoCa7zPhvvUZKobySbEF4DU5c5/s1600/DSC_0066%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img bba="true" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieolvxHOlEL5Kstg7XVAJ6Bhz3IIsZCENjlXv6uR74hpCzT7iIpfgaYomJYV0P7p2KU2pWGasZ2vAFCLMUV3XzlDQh5qbBsPwWOj4kI4cML2Kj_wk-5rjoCa7zPhvvUZKobySbEF4DU5c5/s320/DSC_0066%5B1%5D.jpg" width="179"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great views!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day was absolutely boiling and I was lucky that I was so close to the coast as I always seemed to have a light breeze cooling me slightly and it would have been torture without it. I passed some really nice locations and the route was mostly better going than my last recce so at least come the big day by the 70 mile point the going would be ok. The route had country lanes fields and sea walls and a couple of times the recce paid for itself as the path led to dead-ends and in the dark could be an issue. Finally I got to the coast again and I could see the huge Sheppey bridge towering into the distance which represented my finish point for the day. I got to the end just as my water ran out and next time I really should plan better and as I stood on the isolated platform in the middle of nowhere I hid in to shadow like a small animal trying anything to cool myself down. Luckily the train arrived right on time and I took the simple ride back to the car.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New Rubber:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Due to my comments above I was getting a little nervous on what could happen on a long race if the sandals just got too much? Because of this I’d planned to leave some “normal” minimal shoes in my various drop bags just in case but I had the idea of also carrying a pair of VFF’s in my pack as a back-up at anytime. Well my slick tread VFF’s would be hard work so I did some reading and decided Vibram’s toughest shoe the Spyridon might do the trick? I searched for a pair and luckily my local specialist running shop Run Active Chelmsford had some in stock! (say “Barefoot Ian sent you for special service” lol). </span><span style="color: #00b0f0; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.runactive.co.uk/">http://www.runactive.co.uk</a>. </span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Well I gave them a test run on a couple of local short trails and apart from corn fields and toes, no big issues.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Next time:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a while since my last entry and since all of the above, I’ve now run my first ultra race in sandals and picked up a new set of Luna Monos! I promise I won’t leave it so long!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<strong></strong>Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-54651748060930475112013-06-11T13:20:00.001-07:002013-06-11T14:07:34.996-07:00"Fig rolls – sustenance of kings!" – Mr Andy Hind (a runner and the
front end of Dobbin)My training partners opinion of the powers of figs...!<br />
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Below is part of an email conversation I had with Andy on last weekends ultra training run and fuelling experiments!<br />
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I've not included Andy's input as I've not asked him if I can use it but here's what I had to say and you can work out what's happening from that I guess......? I've left it as is so hope it makes kind of sense, I have added some text just to give you a little more background.<br />
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The Emails...<br />
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"Agreed! I think we’ve stumbled onto a gem here…. I think but I need to mix them with something else though but I did the whole weekend on nothing but them and was no worse than previously (I did a half marathon Sat and 30 miles Sunday)."<br />
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"I did have some of the worse wind EVER Sunday afternoon but put that down to not “going” early in the day (sorry)."<br />
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"I’m going to try and bin gels for good now as I’m literally sick of them (plus they cost a packet if you use loads)."<br />
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"I think I’ve also decided to stop using coconut water during running but will save it for pre or post event as again I get sick of it on long runs."<br />
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"Post event I just eat LOADS. Full roast dinner and just kept drinking for the first few hours. What I did notice was that I wasn’t as dehydrated as I have been but I probably drunk a lot less than normal for that distance?"<br />
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"I drunk 500ml of water with a single Nuun tablet for the first 15 miles then another bottle for the last 15 (so carried 3ltr’s extra in a bladder for nothing). I normally refill a 750ml bottle with a single tablet (should have really use 1.5 tabs) every aid station which in an ultra will be between 5-12 miles."<br />
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"I’ve find the above very interesting as how can I drink less but be better off? One of the main differences is recently using coconut water so I’ll stop that during the race plus in long runs cannot refill from aid stations so Nuun from now on for me. I am going to try plain concentrate orange squash next time maybe with some added salt tabs as I’m trying to stop using specific sports products."<br />
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"I had slight trouble sleeping Sunday night but I normally do post big run as the body is run down but muscle pain wise I’m just a little bit sore but cycled the 24 mile commute today in record time."<br />
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And finally...<br />
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I think I'm going to stop using the GU gels I've had for now and see how the figs work out. 64p a packet at Tesco means I've a kitchen cupboard full of the things! If it doesn't work I could always build a mini fort out of them...<br />
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I compared my usual gels with the power of figs and approx. two rolls have the same amount of carbs as the gel pack. I normally consume one gel every 5 miles so simple, I needed to carry roughly two fig rolls for this distance.<br />
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The only difference in nutrition stats were the gels contained a larger amount of calories but as I was only really interested in carbs as I could take on calories via other means, I was quite happy.<br />
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Next steps... <br />
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DIY Electrolyte drinks<br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFieOGs_2GWao2yqSyTzrIdtJLAPTJkupQVf9fpYZSKLWj-BP0T2Hxumbt3GM-aNwlCUzsLC4XyjNjHAsI17ouqMb7vPdeei2Gll29Tg5VLm4D8YqxQNQqbyMZHvKMKmwPZBKEzNInQkIq/s640/blogger-image--1947834324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFieOGs_2GWao2yqSyTzrIdtJLAPTJkupQVf9fpYZSKLWj-BP0T2Hxumbt3GM-aNwlCUzsLC4XyjNjHAsI17ouqMb7vPdeei2Gll29Tg5VLm4D8YqxQNQqbyMZHvKMKmwPZBKEzNInQkIq/s640/blogger-image--1947834324.jpg" /></a></div>Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-19053616621504685412013-06-06T23:39:00.000-07:002013-06-06T23:39:02.497-07:00Room for improvement?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>More racing, Cross Training and even more eating! <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a few weeks since the Halstead Marathon where I finally managed to break the 4hr mark after a struggle. Since then I’ve ran a couple more races with mixed results, experimented a little more with fuelling and also stepped up the cross training by getting back on two wheels!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>On your bike mate…!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A year ago I’d brought a new Chris Boardman mountain bike specifically due to recovering from my foot operation and also because I couldn’t run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEX7zIARLR83vVeKT6J_hrlnuKDAfjNPpikf7_a3iW1_3KGg_xwJ924-8hQPdaogcs9kkImnQ-2IG0fOAq15aLQ-A98vDj-1vNhcHwLOJscZCKewQm6UZUW7buY9gsIudwkum4ucmxzQo/s1600/bike+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiEX7zIARLR83vVeKT6J_hrlnuKDAfjNPpikf7_a3iW1_3KGg_xwJ924-8hQPdaogcs9kkImnQ-2IG0fOAq15aLQ-A98vDj-1vNhcHwLOJscZCKewQm6UZUW7buY9gsIudwkum4ucmxzQo/s320/bike+.jpg" width="320" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coat Rack!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br />I’d justified the purchase also by telling myself that it would pay for itself in no time as I’d commute to work on it everyday and think of all the fuel money I’d save! Well you guessed what happened next can’t you? Strangely the bike suffered the same fate as our cross-trainer in our bedroom but instead of clothes, the bike was used as a stand for various rubbish in the shed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I did use the bike for a couple of days last year but just didn’t keep it up although probably not helped by the logistical nightmare of “laptops and work clothes”, the journey time was also more than doubled so I had to get up at really stupid o' clock! Well for whatever reason as I said the bike became a very nice piece of static art.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well almost a year later and I’m in the process of training for my first 100 mile running race and I’m looking at ways of topping up fitness levels but taking the strain off the joints and cycling seemed to tick all the boxes. I dusted off the bike and took her for a spin around the block just to see if everything was still working, I then thought about ways of making the commute more maintainable so I would still want to ride to work come rain or shine!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sure you know this already but I use a simple set of rules when trying anything new for the first time. It’s not rocket science but if you plan a routine that’s extreme you can do it once or twice but you will probably fail in the long run. It’s a little like my last race… start too quick and in the end it will all go wrong.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I decided on a 3 day cycle (24 miles a day) commute Tuesday to Thursday leaving Mondays and Fridays free to drive (and deliver anything required for the week). I also knew I'd have to think about the second rule. Do something once or twice and you can easily quit but get me past that honeymoon period and this reinforced by our classic British weather where I would probably experience everything from hale to tropical heat in the same day and in a few weeks you can do anything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A month later and I’m still cycling. I’ve missed a couple of days here and there but just carry on with the routine and I can tell you I’ve never looked forward to Fridays and Mondays so much as you start to take the little things like listening to music and heating whilst on route to work for granted </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, training value? How has the above effected running? Well it’s hard to say at this early stage but I’ve stopped running as much mid-week so the training/work/wife errr I mean “life not wife” balance works better and I haven’t noticed an negative results so far in fact I’ve manage a couple of decent times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One big bit of news on the cycling front is the fact that I took on a little project purchasing an old racing bike off the noticeboard at work for £50, stripping it down and rebuilding it as a Single Speed bike. I’d never done this before but thought they looked cool so what’s the worst thing that could happen?</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv665vMwX0l58TzFU-BsL-ZvltIEt803hVHZQSbduhsRUAaR7TsI84PNI-G6VeLsPO4xx1Ef1yuIE6cqnNWW2DonrPsK6wzndkbZVhaqH3ey_VbDVODxdzyHyW7ZFoxUFiv7XRGW2x4Y1I/s1600/DSC_0072%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv665vMwX0l58TzFU-BsL-ZvltIEt803hVHZQSbduhsRUAaR7TsI84PNI-G6VeLsPO4xx1Ef1yuIE6cqnNWW2DonrPsK6wzndkbZVhaqH3ey_VbDVODxdzyHyW7ZFoxUFiv7XRGW2x4Y1I/s320/DSC_0072%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Advert</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />I totally guessed the gearing set-up but the conversion actually went pretty well. I took the decision to try to use it to ride to work but 24 miles a day over hilly ground would prove a test for the machine AND my legs! Well I have to admit I’ve fallen for her! A harder workout and faster times straight off the bat have relegated the top spec mountain bike back into the shed. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0iUBc2eDYqC8Y0Of7Ij8ivxqvE05HyO-cjr5QpcEaId9UucmTaelykDV8t03jn9jsLt_MgzvfdltZDhB0SRTTVijqjUKvP1rp2Dx1MfPqXn-g7dSKPMk6MRW02QCO-jp3OySzo8C0TSV/s1600/DSC_0070%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0iUBc2eDYqC8Y0Of7Ij8ivxqvE05HyO-cjr5QpcEaId9UucmTaelykDV8t03jn9jsLt_MgzvfdltZDhB0SRTTVijqjUKvP1rp2Dx1MfPqXn-g7dSKPMk6MRW02QCO-jp3OySzo8C0TSV/s320/DSC_0070%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" yya="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post Conversion</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, I’ll let you know what happens long term but so far, so good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Baddow 10…<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last time out I’d just PB’d the Halstead marathon and was basking in the fact I’d finally broken sub-4 hours. Well where normal people (and I don’t qualify as one) usually put their feet up for a week post run, I was lining up at the start line in Great Baddow with …. you guessed it Mr Andy Hind (of previous blog entries fame).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This 10 mile road race isn’t normally on my schedule but a place came up via elite club runner Nikki Brockbank who couldn’t run and considering I can walk to the start I was in. The collective plan in this race was to start as quick as possible and try to maintain the pace. 10 miles is a strange race distance for an ultra-runner as it’s almost sprint like but still not really short. Andy led the way and set the pace and I was struggling. I always hate the first couple of miles of any race and this fast pace didn’t help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eventually I started to settle and I got into a rhythm, I’d moved slightly ahead of Andy but we were in the same pack that was now pushing hard up a 1 mile long hill which passed my house. I waved to my son who was walking the dog and then it was head back down and push on. I was slowing a little but kept on the heels of the people in front and was having some success hanging in there. We got to the top of the hill and then we could freewheel back down hill. I took the brakes off and let gravity do its stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was then that I turned around and I noticed that my partner in crime Andy was nowhere to be seen? For a few seconds I wondered what I should do but I was now with a couple of other runners from our club so decided to just keep going (I later saw Andy at the finish as he’d had to pull out due to a hip injury). I’d only ran this race once before and I hoped to get close to my PB as I still felt strong from last week, I was enjoying myself and on schedule to get close to that last time so just kept pushing, I got to the last turn before the finish and just as I approached the line I could see the clock and managed a PB’d by about a minute, that was 2 in 2 weeks!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>Capital Racing…<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More than happy with my progress so far I carried forward my new found enthusiasm to London town where the whole Brazier family were running in the Bupa Westminster Mile. This was going to be a simple slow jog around part of the London marathon finish area near Buckingham Palace. Part of the proceedings for the day was the opportunity to meet some of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic teams and the children were looking forward to meeting them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As I’d recently observed that the lack of true “barefoot” running material on the log so the Luna Flip Flops came off and I was running around the streets of the capital without footwear. First impressions? You would have thought that the Queen would have spent a little more money and got the road surface a little smoother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t actually that bad and if I’d been travelling a little faster then I think it wouldn’t have been so much of an issue but I was getting that familiar barefoot burn but was probably more to do with the lack of practice, post run the feet were a little sensitive in the forefoot area but fine. The funniest thing about the short run was the crowds though. There were 30 separate small races during the day that set off back to back and no one was really trying too hard. We ran past a large bunch of Japanese tourists who noticed my lack of footwear and must have assumed I was some form of celeb as they started going mental shouting and screaming at me. I smiled and waved back as my wife was wetting herself next to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Post run, the family finally managed to meet up with David Weir, Richard Whitehead and Mo Farah! It was a great day, check it out next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>It’s a sprint NOT a marathon…!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next up was yet another road race. I’m not a lover of these but they always help to keep me motivated and are better than endless training runs. This time the distance dropped even lower as again the family travelled this time to the Hatfield Broad Oak 10k. This race is probably one of the prettiest races in Essex as you run around the picture postcard village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I had no idea or plan to follow before the race but I was interested in seeing how the long distance training would effect this short race especially as this was my PB course. I started the event quickly and tried to keep going as fast as I could (the usual default plan). It was a warm day and I soon noticed that I was struggling and it was hurting. I got to the top of the short hill at the start and eased off a little but mentally I think I had already thrown the towel in as I felt so slow and couldn't see myself getting faster. After approx. 3 miles though I realised that I wasn't as shattered as I thought and when I tested myself with an injection of pace and didn’t have any issues I kicked myself for not trying harder earlier, I then dropped a gear and increased the pace from Baddow 10 speed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I latched onto the back of a slightly faster runner in front and kept running with them all the way in and I'm sure I negative split the second half of the race and finished only 30 seconds off my PB. Lesson well and truly learned! Lack of strategy slipping into long distance mode had resulted in missing out on my 3rd PB in as many weeks by seconds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong>No actually it is a marathon NOT a sprint…!<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last road planned road race of the year for me was the Kent Road Runner marathon. This differed from a normal road marathon as it was 17 laps of a cycle circuit. The race director is a guy I work with and is a serious ultra runner and I'd been told it was relatively flat so good for PB's and you never know, could another sub 4 be possible?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well the venue was very impressive and the track seemed a lot bigger than I imagined, I'd thought it would be almost an oval but it was just under 2 miles of winding perfect tarmac... Oh and it was also built on the side of a hill!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The organisation was impressive with everything running as clock work and soon when the race started I was running just over 8 min miles encouraged by Mr Paul Bridges from our club, the first few laps passed quickly and I did actually think the time and miles were going to fly but that thought wasn't to last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The actual course was generally undulating but on one side featured a long steep steady incline up to the start finish. This wasn't bad but large enough especially as you had to do it 17 times! Everything looked good until about 16 miles when the fast start caught up. I'd actually managed to open a gap between me and Paul when he had answered the call of nature but he was now back and carried on straight past. By now the course was starting to get to me as we went round and my mood dipped. I was now doing approx. 8:50's and every minute that pace got slower until we had 10k left to do in under an hour, this should have been achievable but the wheels well and truly flew off.... Paul managed 3:58 in the end and I followed in 4:02. To be honest I'm happy to get my second fastest ever marathon time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I'm convinced that if I'd started slower, I would have had the energy left at the end but I also don't regret giving a different strategy a go. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The race was completely different to any other marathon I'd done and I noticed a lot of ultra runners I knew taking part opposed to the "racing snakes" in the normal road races. All in all a good event and a real mental test, totally harder than I imagined! Back next year? Hmmmm we'll see!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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What's up next? Longer training runs, more back to backs and a couple of LDWA Challenge Events building up to my first 100 miles.</div>
Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-45011311880871933412013-05-21T09:44:00.001-07:002013-05-21T14:10:29.983-07:00Marathon Man<p dir=ltr>Return to Road Running, Alternative Fuels and Running Fast.</p><p dir=ltr>The build up...<br />
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A couple of weeks of build up and the day had finally arrived that I swore would NEVER happen again! Yes I was running another road marathon…<br />
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I’d spent the last couple of weeks also changing the way I fuelled for these type of events. Out went the Nuun Hydration tablets and it was hello to the Coconut Water. I’d got on with Nuun hydration tabs quite well in the past but during the SDW50 I’d found myself too dehydrated post event but I thought I needed to up the dose as I was using one tab per 750ml bottle of water and the recommended dose was one tab per 500.<br />
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As you’ve hopefully read previously, after reading various articles on the magical hydration capabilities of Coconuts I thought I’d test it to see if it worked for me especially in anger? I’d been drinking this frequently and also combined it with the Chia Seeds which were supposed to give you some energy at the same time. I guess together they could replace Hydration tabs AND carb gels (fingers crossed).<br />
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During the recent spring "heat wave" I’d had reasonable results using the above on various runs with the water leaving me feeling psychologically refreshed if not maybe physically and it was time to put these tests into practice.<br />
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In the mix...<br />
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One of the key things to anything “home grown” is the preparation! I’d been caught out a couple of times in practice and so I was taking my time to get it right for the race. I’d entered the Halstead marathon only because I had to run that distance for ultra training so thought I’d also test and see how ultra training effected a 26.2 mile road race?<br />
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Halstead is a quality event run really well and and also features the capability to supply your own drinks to be put out on the course just like the elite runners do at London etc. I decided to use the same Nestle <u>w</u>ater bottles from the London Marathon that I’d used in training for this event and modified the spout to support the capability to drink the Chia Seeds without the “clogging issue”.<br />
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I’d mixed the seeds with the water the night before in order to soak them and allow them to expand which makes them easier to consume during exercise. I’d filled 3 bottles with my magic mixture and labelled them with my race number and also the number of the aid station they were to be placed at (miles 6, 12 and 18). I also decided to use an ultra-marathon trick I’d learnt and filled half a bottle with flat full fat cola for mile 22. I thought if I hit a low at this point, I thought this might help? what’s the worst that could happen?<br />
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The final step was to deploy yet another ultra piece of advice I’d been given and asked my 8 year old daughter to design some labels with various good luck messages to me. This hopefully would give me an extra morale boast if feeling low.<br />
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Scream for speed...<br />
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I was picked up by my “other, other half” Mr Andy Hind and we were soon parking up at the race HQ and getting our last minute admin sorted. We dropped our bottles to the collection point for the course (top tip, remember what aid station you placed them at) and I stored my gels that I was going to use (5 in total). At this point I’d like to give another shout out to Andy for his experiment regarding gels. He, like me had found using gels a little “hit or miss” so this race he would be following the manufacturers guide for consumption and was to use 11 during the event (accident waiting to happen?)<br />
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Everyone was talking pace during the build up the the start. There were a huge mixed bunch of runners mainly split between “get around and enjoy” to “full speed ahead”. My tactics were quite simple and I’d decided to start as if I was trying to get a sub 4hr time and see how long I could hold that for. It was exactly the same plan I’d used for the last couple of marathons but for some reason I always seemed to “blow up” “at 14 miles on race day.<br />
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The race was off and for once the weather looked as if it wouldn’t be scorching as usual and it was actually mild and slightly overcast. I started to settle in on this roller coaster of a course and looked at the watch to see I was running a steady 8:40/min mile pace. I was aware this was a little quicker than expected but I felt ok and if experience taught me anything I’d need that time in the bank later.<br />
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By the time I got to the first of my drinks at 6 miles, I was feeling slightly guilty to everyone I told on the start line that this course was actually flat with only a couple of climbs as that was a blatant lie! Not on purpose honestly but “roller-coaster” sums this race up for me physically and later I’d find emotionally. I grabbed my bottle from the aid station crew (great volunteers including a large amount of air cadets) and the different taste to plain water was a welcome distraction. I wasn’t too sure about how I’d handle the chia seeds during a race but they weren’t actually that bad despite the comments from the crew members on how it looked!<br />
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By 12 miles I was coming up to the dreaded halfway point and also my second drink on the course. I was still feeling ok at this time and I was even passing a few people that I’d normally be behind (everyone was obviously on different plans and many had also done back-to-back long runs). I was careful not to start celebrating too soon as I’d been here before and the wheels well and truly fell off.<br />
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I got the point in the course where you turn left for the second lap or right for the finish and by the crossover point on this figure of eight course I was still feeling reasonable especially and there was great support from fellow club members and Fetchies from the Fetch Everyone social running site. As I approached the biggest hill on the course for the second time, the weather was starting to warm up and I was finally starting to get that familiar feeling where the energy slows starts to fade and things become hard.<br />
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Dig in lads, this is the “real thing”...<br />
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The battle for a sub 4hr marathon had begun. I wouldn't let myself walk at any time! to me that was simple. I’d given enough advice to people recently including my daughter and wife and said the key to running was the transition point from walking so I felt I’d be a hypocrite if I did it now but I was slowing more and more. I kept asking myself how could the same road I was running earlier so easily now feel so hard? By now I’d had to look almost continuously at the bottle in my hand and at the message my daughter had written “Well done Daddy”, well I was "done" alright, down but not quite out.<br />
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Still I trudged onwards running from mile marker to mile marker noticing that the time between them was increasing combined with the fact that the people I’d run with for hours had one-by-one left me and I now seemed like the only person running. I got to the 18 mile point and things were starting to really get to me. This was the point where I picked up my last chia bottle and I realised I still had half a bottle on me despite me sipping all the way around. I felt like throwing the bottle at the smiling aid station staff at this point as I was a little sick with coconut water, chia seeds and defiantly sick of running! (actually the drink wasn't even that bad). Reading this back now, I think how stupid I was compared to people that really have serious things to worry about.<br />
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In my head I was now on my hands and knees and I was waiting for Andy and the rest of the crew to come flying past but then by some form of miracle noticed I was still catching up people I’d normally finish well behind so it looked like we were all in the same battle, maybe things weren’t as bad as I thought? I decided to just keep moving until I reached my last bottle at around the 22 mile point where I deployed my last secret weapon, time to deploy the cola! This had worked for me on the SDW50 and all I needed as I little kick to keep me going, 8:40’s were now history and I was now averaging 8:55’s and any slower and the goal was gone.<br />
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Crossroads...<br />
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As I approached the crossroads on the course where the Striders were camped out in force, I actually got to a metaphorical “crossroads” in the race :) I noticed I could probably back off now as I was close enough to the finish to get a PB (a good result on this course) or keep I could keep pushing? As I saw the Striders for the last time I made my mind up to give it everything I could. I then looked at the watch with a mile to go and I had just over 15 minutes left so in theory I could fast walked to a sub 4 finish and it was at this point that I allowed myself a little sigh of relief.<br />
 <br />
I got to the road where the finish was and I still didn’t know for sure if I truly was going to get the time I was after as I’d not looked at elapsed time on the Suunto watch and I asked myself "was my pace correct?" I took the last sharp turn left into the finish line and I could see the clock as I passed under 3 hrs 55 minutes!<br />
 <br />
I almost cried as I finished and still didn’t believe it until a good friend came over and congratulated me breaking this milestone. I was totally spent with almost nothing left but felt on top of the world. I’d waited 4 years to beat my PB and I’d also managed to break the magical 4 hr mark at the same time. I understand some people will read this and think sub-4 isn’t actually quick but remember I don’t do any specific marathon training or any real speed work and everything I do is now geared towards long off-road so everything is an experiment.<br />
 <br />
Had the chia seeds and coconut water worked? Well I never “hit the wall” and the lull I felt was manageable today so I honestly think it did help. Next time out I’ll start weaning myself off gels and see what happens with that?<br />
 <br />
Sub-3:30 anyone?<br />
Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-58407572561399917922013-04-30T07:21:00.002-07:002013-04-30T07:21:24.647-07:00I wanna be a hippy!So I've already told you I've converted to Beetroot juice for the extra energy it can provide a runner with its secret hidden red powers! But know it was time to take my natural adventure that stage further!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Secret <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 9.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">ingredient </span>X!</td></tr>
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<strong>History - Born to Eat?</strong><br />
<br />
I'd been thinking about it for a while since Born to Run introduced me to the mystery of all things Chia! These little seeds are huge abroad especially in the U.S. where health fanatics have been raving about their qualities for some time but over here, they are still relatively known (so climb aboard the bandwagon now to say you were here first!)<br />
<br />
<strong>Well what do they do?</strong><br />
<br />
Good question! To look at them you'd be tempted to say "not a lot!" They look like poppy seeds but actually taste of..... wait for it......... errrrr nothing! "But we don't care about that Ian" I hear you say, in fact the worst it tastes the better surely as that means everyone won't be using it? What it does pack inside its tiny capsule is loads and loads of nice things like Omega 3 and 6, Protein and Fibre. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbOrDzhcGEZeWvUYVgpbr7KdF5MPPHP_pJ3S75nFXrQ9bFqxqZch-oqb-wkZJ4e9x7C6aoiZ2RCqxXbrNPtQ5X1i9Bfq2mgH9TLyljfItfJUVfRrWlMWLyvJv_HOQWuAbLsBUQ6w0cPIw/s1600/imagesCA7KFHK6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" lua="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbOrDzhcGEZeWvUYVgpbr7KdF5MPPHP_pJ3S75nFXrQ9bFqxqZch-oqb-wkZJ4e9x7C6aoiZ2RCqxXbrNPtQ5X1i9Bfq2mgH9TLyljfItfJUVfRrWlMWLyvJv_HOQWuAbLsBUQ6w0cPIw/s320/imagesCA7KFHK6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No it doesn't contain fish!</td></tr>
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<strong>OK, but what does that actually mean?</strong><br />
<br />
Well we've all heard of Omega 3... The material that we normally associate with fish. Well this in <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">comparison </span>has more of that good stuff than Salmon! As for Protein, this means it will provide you with fuel to replace what you'll burn during play time! Finally Fibre.... this prevents general disease and helps weight control along with other benefits.<br />
<br />
<strong>So what can I use it for?</strong><br />
<br />
Well a lot of people simply use it as a diet supplement and add a little to their food intake every day. This will act as an appetite <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">suppressant </span>and slow down the amount of actual food taken in and <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">resulting </span>in weight loss (errr ok!). I'd be happy with this but I'll be looking for how much energy it can provide during exercise and how it works with other things?<br />
<br />
<strong>Do I have to snort it?</strong><br />
<br />
Thankfully, no! if you walk into Holland & Barrett they will tell you to bake a cake out of it but relax and step away from the mixing bowl as that isn't going to be happening here! I'll be starting things simple and doing things like adding it to water to create what they call a "gel like mixture" and we'll see how that goes first.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 1 </strong><br />
<br />
I start the experiment by pouring a Chia shot (approx. 1 table spoon) into a small bottle of water and giving it a good shake. I left this in the fridge overnight and returned the next morning <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">expecting </span>to see something <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">spectacular</span>! Well actually I wasn't overly impressed. The chia seed had sunk to the bottom and after giving it another good shake discovered that it liked to stay put in one large "lump".<br />
<br />
I took the bottle to work and gave it one last hammering to shake up the contents before consuming the bottle. So what did it taste like? Again, not a lot really. The seed isn't supposed to have any taste itself but I actually thought it did have more of a "texture or feel" if that makes sense?<br />
<br />
To look at I can only describe it looking like frog spawn and actually when you drink it, it actually feels a little like that (not that I've drunk frog spawn before anyone thinks that). The seeds do actually expand slightly and end up with a light clear coating which is what people describe as the gel.<br />
<br />
The liquid can be easily consumed and texture is ok, what I did find was that there was a slight after taste but nothing sinister. This was early in the morning and I decided to skip my usual breakfast and see how long I could last before giving in, this would kind of test the "meal <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">replacement </span>powers" of the seeds.<br />
<br />
Well I lasted about 2 and a half hours before I gave in and ate something else but I was sitting at my desk so you could say I was sitting there waiting for my next meal. My honest opinion would be they do supress hunger slightly but I didn't feel full after drinking them. Maybe I could take them with a shake or something a little more bulky.<br />
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<strong>Day 2</strong><br />
<br />
I know decided to play my trump card today! I'd been told by a couple of people previously that Coconut water contains lots of natural <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">electrolytes </span>and can help you keep hydrated longer than plain water. Well at the London marathon expo there was a Coconut Water stand showcasing this and it was here I sampled it for the first time.<br />
<br />
Well I had no adverse effects from expo so I ordered some <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Pineapple </span>flavoured Coconut Water from my local supermarket and today filled by water bottle with this and the chia seeds for double power!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Water with Chia</td></tr>
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As you can see from the image above, the seeds still want to sink to the bottom of the bottle but I did find that they didn't stay like that so much if shaken hard. (thanks to London marathon for the water bottles).<br />
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Today instead of drinking in the morning, I saved it until just before lunch when I drunk it just before my lunch time 4 mile run. This time the flavoured water actually took away any after taste from the seeds and the whole drink tasted good and felt fine.<br />
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I did my run and felt good during it but to be honest I couldn't really tell anything from this apart from I enjoyed my run on a fairly warm day and that I shouldn't drink the whole bottle just before running unless you have somewhere decent to make a pit stop!<br />
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<strong>Day 3</strong><br />
<br />
Today I did the same as day 2 but this time the day was even warmer (mad I know <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">remember </span>this is April in the UK and should be snowing). Today though I saved the bottle until after my 4 mile run. I'm not sure if it was just because it was hot but the Coconut Water with seeds tasted really refreshing post-event but watch this space.<br />
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<strong>Day 4</strong><br />
<br />
By now I'd run out of Coconut Water so I replaced this with plain water again but also added some fresh orange juice.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't a urine sample!</td></tr>
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This wasn't actually that bad despite how it looks. Again taste fine and refreshing and I also felt decent on my run.<br />
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<strong>The Long Run</strong><br />
<br />
Today was Saturday and I planning to run down to my local Park Run in Central Park Chelmsford (big shout out to the Race Director Gerry!). I'd then run the course with my daughter and then run home covering approx. 15 miles in total.<br />
<br />
I'd by now replenished my Pinnapple flavoured Coconut Water supplies and I filled a 750ml handheld bottle with this and one helping of chia seeds. This time is was using the black seeds which are no different <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">apparently </span>apart from look and I have to admit they don't look as "<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">appealing</span>" as the lighter seeds making the drink a lot darker.<br />
<br />
So I started the run down to Park Run as after a little while thought I'd sample the mixture for the first time "on the run". Well this was where I'd noticed a school boy error. I tried to drink from the sports bottle but nothing! The seeds were too large to pass through the spout so I had to remove the lid every time I wanted to drink which meant walking. Not an issue when training or even on an ultra but a little frustrating. Mental note: look for a bottle with a wider opening!<br />
<br />
I'd not had any breakfast on purpose and also had no drinks of any kind pre-run so I could see the full effects of the drink. I got to the park and felt fine, I than preceded to run the Park Run course with daughter Katie (nice PB BTW!) and said my goodbyes and run home via a nice route passing through a large country park so covered, paths, roads, and technical trails (anyone that hasn't run the small section of the Centenary Walk in Chelmsford that runs long the top of Hylands Park is seriously missing out). I then followed the Centenary Walk route up towards Gallywood Common up a reasonably steep hill and finally to home in around 16 miles.<br />
<br />
<strong>So how did I feel?</strong><br />
<br />
Not bad actually. The runs overall pace was steady so not fast but I was still active for over 2.5 hours and some sections were run faster and I felt I could always give it some pace in the tech sections when I wanted. Even as it got warmer and I plodded up the long hill into the common, I realised that I climbed at a steady pace with no issues. <br />
<br />
I'd carried a gel and a power bar just in case but actually forgot I had them and despite running on no breakfast and with no drink in the morning from overnight I was ok. I didn't have any headaches and even when I did the "pee test" I was all clear.<br />
<br />
I know its hard to say it was the power of Chia that made this possible but the fuelling strategy was ideal and I was ok so it didn't hurt I guess? <br />
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<strong>What's next?</strong><br />
<br />
I'm going keep doing the above on long runs to see what happens and I even think I'll try it on the Halstead Marathon next week.Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5058079963646594845.post-37278960694848332552013-04-30T04:21:00.000-07:002013-04-30T04:21:26.466-07:00And relax…. Recovery, Expo, London and becoming a Hippy!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last time out I’d just finished SDW50. Well that was nearly 2 weeks ago so what’s happened since?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well the where do I start? I’ve been enjoying the various reports from the people I met on the event and I’m glad it wasn’t just me that found it reasonably testing. I finished the last mile with a guy who shared my opinion on the event and I later found out he’s ex-forces so that puts it into perspective. If you get the chance check out his video review of the day as it somewhat explains the “pain”. I was also glad the missing runner was eventually located be search and rescue!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway, recovery? As I explained in the last post, I hurt a great deal during the event. This was to be expected as covering that kind of distance would be hard on the body but it was different to last event. This pain was due to stress on the body during the event, general wear and tear if you like. What I’d experienced before during events was pain in my legs from lack of training and/or experience, I could run through the pain I felt this time but not previously. After fully analysing the differences in events I’d decided the training this time had prepared my body better to the point I could actually run at 50 miles where before I could barely walk!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what else did I learn apart from decent training such as more back-to-back runs etc. help. Catra Corbett aka Dirt Diva the well know female ultra guru from the U.S. was correct when so told me to fuel as early as possible! (it was nice to get a congrats message from her BTW.) They say in the army there’s only two times you need to drink! When you’re thirsty and when you’re not thirsty! and the same applies to food, eat as much as you can stomach and practice in training. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Talking of hydration I finished the event with slight kidney pain and despite drinking regularly with Nuun tablets I was still severely dehydrated. I carried a 750ml Camelbak bottle with a spare bottle in my pack. The Camelbak incorporates a drinking straw system which means I don’t have to remove the bottle from my front mounted holder but also means I didn't monitor levels and during one long stage I actually ran out of water, not serious on a cool day BUT could have been a serious issue, plus the internal drinking straw fell out. As it turned out, this was easily fixed as it just pushed back on but its just one of those things you dont need in a race. I think I’ll try something different next time, maybe Coconuts?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what about kit? The OMM jacket was unbelievable and now I just want to wear everything they produce as Im convinced this “saved me”. The dual layer trail shorts from Ron Hill were equally epic! They kept me warm when I needed it but were the perfect balance between shorts and tights and I can see me owning a lot of these! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So how do I feel, post event? Well strangely ok. I had muscle soreness in my quads from the large amount of downhills but everything else as alright. After a couple of days I manage a few miles light running and then by mid-week I was back into normal training minus any long run for now. What I did notice though was a general reduction in energy. I felt on each run that I was operating below my best and that I felt drained. This is to be expected though as the body is still recovering so just needed to not push it too hard as I’ve heard it can take three weeks to get back to normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This last week was the build up to the London Marathon. By now you’d read all the news on the Boston marathon bombing so you can guess London was even more in the spot light. I wasn't running London this year but took the family for our regular visit to the Expo at the Excel Centre anyway as it showcases everything new in running, this time I was looking forward to reviewing products such as new running packs, quad compression sleeves as the calf sleeves were superb on SDW50, also information on Comrades Ultra in South Africa for next year and also a small stand by a company called the Chia Co.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have to admit previously the London Expo has been a little “flat” with the same companies every year showing the same products, I even nearly didn’t bother going this year especially as I wasn’t taking part BUT I’m glad I did! Well full marks to the organisers as they’d done a great job this time around. The Adidas stand at the front of house had been completely redesigned and was like entering another world as you passed through the darkness (very clever) and the hall was packed with people showing lots of new gear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The best news was that this was the first time there was a definite presence of all things barefoot and minimal. It seemed even the main manufactures now all had minimalist products on show and it was nice to see the huge Mizuno stand with a massive image of the Evos which I’d been lucky to be part of promoting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you’ve never been it’s free to enter and there’s lots to sample! My daughter and her best friend had a awesome time and could barely hold everything they'd acquired. As well as the many manufacturers, there were also a huge presence from running races all over the world from marathons in Spain to the legendary Comrades ultra in South Africa. It was the Comrades stand that I really wanted to see as this was one of the top ultra races in the world and definitely on my dream list of races. I'd been talking to a few people about it so decided to get more info.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />The race is over 50 miles on road and is the same route every year point to point but switches direction every time. The guys on the stand took me through what the race was actually like with people from all over the world taking part in an event where over the whole course the communities it passes through go mad supporting everyone! I was given some info to register in September along with a nice authentic Comrades bead necklace which I had to fight to keep Katie.<br /><br />The best stand for me though was the Chia Company </span><a href="http://www.thechiaco.com.au/"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">http://www.thechiaco.com.au/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I first read about Chia seeds probably like everyone else in Born to Run, the barefoot bible about a hidden tribe of Indians in Mexico’s Copper Canyons. They were the “magic beans”, (ok seeds) that promised to power you to untold success. I’d quickly forgotten about them until I began to speak to other fellow long distance runners recently. They were increasingly being mentioned as an aid to fuelling especially for the energy they promised to deliver. As it happened I was also getting a little fed up with consuming gel after gel and this looked like it could be exactly what I was looking for?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’d already brought into the whole Beetroot “thang” from Expo two years ago when I first sampled it and nearly chucked up right there at the show! I can’t say I’ve now grown to love it but I tolerate it and it does amuse me when it turns everything red. I actually do believe it does improve performance generally though and its now part of my daily routine but I draw the line at drinking a pint pre-race. It was now time for the next thing in my search for new found earthly goodness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I got to the stand I said hello to a very nice lady from New York who worked for the Chia Co. in the U.S. I tried to impress her with my prior knowledge of Chia and failed miserably so left the talking to her. She rattled off the facts like massive levels of Protein, Omega 3, Fibre etc. and how they had grown from baking ingredients suppliers to official supplement providers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I'd nearly brought some seeds from a health food store previously but backed out when I was told I had to use them in baking so I decided this was too much preparation for me (and my cooking sucks).<br />
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I tried a fresh fruit smoothie with added chia on the stand and I have to admit it tasted pretty good and listened as she explained that the days of using the seeds for purely cooking were gone and there were now numerous ways people interested in sports could use them. She went on the explain that she couldn't get over the fact that chia in the UK was relatively unknown compared to over the pond where they sold themselves.<br />
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So could this be the natural alternative I was looking for? The Chia Co. produce a number of ways to buy the seeds. They do large and medium packs of the light or dark seeds (I was told there is no difference in the actual seed apart from colour) and also tiny sachets marketed as chia shots (clearly aimed at fitness people). I decided to go for a medium pack and the girl on the stand kindly threw in a handful of shot packs.<br />
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After hours of visiting every stand at expo we finally made our way home struggling with all the newly acquired goodies!<br />
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So more about Chia Seeds soon.....<br />
<br />Ian Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05696791771950533374noreply@blogger.com0