Fell running not fell running

Never "fell run" before, but as we were up in the Lakes on holiday it seemed rude not to.  Luckily there was a mid week Wednesday run organised by Keswick AC.  Known as the Round Latrigg, this race as it turned out was not run round Latrigg at all, due to damage to the usual course.

                                 


So a quick bit of jiggery pokery but the organisers and a new course was assembled.

Signing up for a fell race seemed a little disorganised at first,  the web site said turn up, from 7, sign up on the day,  not the usual months of planning and information packs that are needed for local marathons.

But turned up, filled in the form, handed over my £7 and limbered up for the start at 7pm.  The rest of the family headed off for some food just before the start and were back in time just as the race got underway.

Basically we ran up hill for 3 miles, turned round and ran back down again.  Not quite running straight down the fells but following the track, ran through a stream too, so it did feel a little bit authentic.


Woman in front did a Mo and fell over, was okay though.  As I was running down hill,  I did a %k Qualifying  Mo and was tapped from behind,  luckily I recovered but going down hill quickly is not the best place to fall, quy behind did apologise though - he was lucky.

Was quite fun in the end, very impressed at the speed of the local mountain goats - would I do this again - yep - but check who is behind you.

Lessons Learnt

Just run

Look behind

ONLY £7!!!

Hampshire Hoppit 2016

Beep beep there's more.....

So still feeling fine after Endure 24, which was a bonus.  Had a gentle run round Parkrun and felt fine. So here we go

Really nice it being quite local, didn't set off till 8:30,  picked up Mike from up the road and off we set.  Easy parking, but quite a hike to the start line, need to remember to take kit with you to the start line.  The start line was at the stables in Kingsclere - courtesy of the Balding family.

This was the first time this race was run - and you could not tell, everything was run smoothly.

Half and full started at the same time (something I think I would change for next year - but it did mean that everyone crossed over the main road at the same time.

Aid stations were well spaced, marshals well placed, signage good,  I think there was only once where I wasn't 100% sure - but took the fairly obvious route and carried straight on.  Great views along the way, fairly lumpy with 600m of climb.

Once the halfs had gone their separate way the course thinned out and made running down some of the narrower paths much easier.

Finish was a little cruel, a large hill to climb first, followed by sight of the finish line.  Rather than heading straight to the line, the route followed the ridge and descended down through some woods, before appearing before the finish line.

Nice goody bag, with an engraved glass momento.  Which was made even better by being topped up with Loddon Valley Hoppit.

Fantastic event, well run and well supported


Learnt:
It's hilly near Kingsclere

Endure 24 2016

Like buses this...

Last year I said, "No I've had my fill of this sort race and won't be doing it again".  Given the choice, I like my long runs to be point to point or in a big circle - not 5 mile repeated loop.  But the lure of an early bird discount and the free camping got the better of me.

Took the little one on the Friday night so he could run the kids race.  He pushed his way to the front and it it took me most of the "race" to catch him up.  He was very pleased with his medal and quite enjoyed it.  He also enjoyed writing on the graffiti board:

Could have done without the banging tunes on Friday night till 11 o'clock.  But soon drifted off.   It rained in the night but not enough to soak into the ground and cause any muddy conditions.

Took my little one back home and returned to the camp, read a few magazines and waited for the 12 o'clock start.

Not done a huge amount of training in particular for this which I think helped,  I was already in the start slow and go slower mode.  I walked the big hills from the off trying to keep the lap times down.  Those first few where a little speedy (for me), but I soon when slower.

I didn't have a definite number in mine but felt I should be aiming for more than last time (60 miles) - 75 seemed a round number but had no idea how my feet would hold out.

Weather was very hot and humid, it threatened to rain a few times but didn't really pour down like it should.  Would have been very nice to clear the air.

Started running without a bottle pack but got quite thirsty - wasn't enough having a drink at the start line and then half way round.  So I think after lap 5 I started to carry a bottle - was getting a bit dehydrated at that point.

Fuelling was mainly gels (which was a surprise, a few shot bloks, jaffa cakes, grapes and the occasion cracker.  Was missing the salt big time - normally I would only run with water but due to the humidity I think I should have taken some electrolytes with me.

The thing I do like about this race is the marshals and the other competitors - there is always someone to have a quick chat with but because you are running different races you are never "stuck" with people.

Started to head into night time, at this point I was having the serious talk to myself - how far should I go.  The last time running 100 miles I couldn't walk for 4 days - so I was still a little nervy of going too far.  75 still looked on the cards but I might need a short break (aka sleep) before getting that far.   The other nag was I knew I had to be back home by 1 o'clock and I was running the Hampshire Hoppit the following weekend.

So I went into the night - said hello the the fairies in the wood,  hit 60 miles at around 1:30 and decided that I could either keep going for a hundred - but risk coming up short, by running out of time and picking up an injury or I could stop and finish off a comfortable 75 in the morning.

I played it sensible and went to sleep (eventually) some anti-social twats had decided to have a chat in their loud voices - the area was supposed to be solos only - but these gits were part of a team.  Anyway woke up with a start - the sun was up and it was getting light so I thought time to crack on.

Was light enough without a head-torch so started out slowly walking.  Got shouted out by a marshal for not having a head torch (my bad of course).  I know it's my fault - didn't see the rule that head torches required till 6am - despite it being light at this point

So walked the next lap, then was passed to a runner from Hartlepool so yelled out "monkey hanger" to him.  He seemed a little upset by this - so chased him down to explain that I was quite within my rights to call him that (being one too).

So mileage clicked over into 75 on the clock, so took the tent down popped it into the car and left.

Feeling pretty good - Settled for 75 and being able walk rather than 100 and hobbling.

Leant:  More salty snacks, ear plugs for night time

Arun River Run 2016

Blimey it's been a while, and way back on the horse....


Not done a Sussex Trail Run before, but it was well organised and low key.   Easy parking at the start in the marina.

We had a quick briefing at the start line and off we went.

I'd not really researched this one a lot, one of the reasons I was doing it was it was on a Saturday (Sundays are quite busy these days with ferrying kids about to various sporting activities), so my initial thoughts that this would be a nice flat wooded river bank run was a little off.

It started flat, the river Arun is not quite as picturesque as I was expecting it to be.  The track by the river and as a little uneven - it wasn't quite worn in enough to give it a smooth consistent feel - not really my surface, constantly moving from slight path to lumpy grass, but at least it was flat.

Arrived at Arundel quicker than expected - should have read the race route.  I had thought it was much later on the route - must go back and visit the castle and the odd tea shop for tea and cake at some point,

Passed Arundel and soon reached the Black Rabbit pub for the first top up - must go back there too for lunch and a beer, nice views from the beer garden,

At mile the route 10 hits the SDW, I recognised the bridge from the SDW100 and headed East (apparently someone headed West towards Winchester last time - oops).  The path then climbed relentlessly upwards.  Blimey I wasn't expecting this (should have looked at the route).  The climb was littered with youngsters doing DoE.  The path was often blocked by backpacks twice the size of the child carrying it.  Moans of "I'm never doing this again" and "I can't go on" were mumbled in front.  But the kids all cheered us on and moved over as the runners came through.  Hurrah for modern youth.

Eventually crested Rackham Hill and got to the turn around point, had a few munchies (including my fuel of choice - jaffa cakes),  The speedy runners had already turned round and had been heading back (I do like that bit of an out and back course).  They barely looked like they had done 15 meters let alone 15 miles.

Down hill for quite a while (no longer keen on this bit - tends to hurt after a while).  Was particularly impressed by the mountain bikers pedalling up the hill as I was running down.

Came off the SDW and headed back along the river.  The sun was well and truly up at this point and there was nowhere to hide, I don't like the heat very much, so things started to slow down a little. The organisers added in an extra water station (good move) to help.

Very near the end I missed a turn off but was shouted back by a supporter (phew).  Would not have added too much distance, but it was obvious at this point that I had switched off.  Must remember to concentrate all the time (I blame the sun).

Over the line and picked up a medal - part of a set of 4 - which is a great idea.  The completist in me now thinks I need the set but we'll see,  Heavy weight medal it is too - this is the first medal I have received that I think could be used as a lethal weapon!

I didn't have time for the post-race breakfast which was on offer, so  headed back to the car and home.



Overall:

Lessons Learn: Look at the Route

Portsmouth Coastal 2014 - Race Report

Waterside Coastal

The fourth time of running the event.  I wasn't expecting much from it, Christmas stuff and lack of motivation has got in the way of training, so was only expecting to plod round, ignoring the time,

Set off in some light drizzle, but at least it wasn't too cold, the sea front along Southsea can be bitter!

Arriving  a little later than normal and therefore had to park further away, still an early morning walk would be fine.  Got to the packed HQ - entered via the way out (no signs) and joined the long queue for race number collection.  Runners were also milling about and checking in there bags to the baggage area (which this event has never really go right) as they required you to provide your own label - it was in the pre-race instructions - but I've never done this for any other race.

Still race number in had I thought I'd get changed, a quick root about in the bag revealed the fact that my trainer were still sat in the boot of the car - crap.  Decided there was just enough time to get back to the car, change, leave the bag in the car and make it to the start line.  Rookie

So that is what I did - I did panic that the compression socks that I was using were a struggle to put on and took up valuable time, but once changed I had plenty of time to get to the Start line.

This year the start line had ben moved to avoid the boarded up Southsea Pier. The rest of the runners were also marched down to the start line from Race HQ by a piper.

Without any real announcement at 8:45 we started. Then the guy in front stopped on the line, so he could get a good shot with his GoPro - idiot.  Happy for you filming but move out of the way first, or better still if the Start line shot is so important to you, start right at the back - numpty,

Lots of runners again this year and it is borderline whether it is too full, even on the promenade there is lots of street furniture and a did see a few people who just avoid running into things.  Later when runners thinned out there course was single file for many sections with no hope of overtaking (or more accurately being overtaken)

A few speckles of rain and few sections of gusty wind but the weather was pretty good.so I was pleased to have chosen to run in long sleeved top and gillet - rather than full jacket as that makes me overheat a little.

Aid stations were regular and well stocked: water, gels, chocolate, jelly beans and my personal favourite dark chocolate Jaffa cakes.  It being nearly Christmas the aid stations also had the occasional mulled wine too.

Lots of people also dressed up for the occasion: Santa, Mrs Santa, Snowman and a Christmas Present  all made an appearance.

Last two miles were the usual slog, head down into the wind grind it out kinda running.

Goodie bag - cereal bar, peanut butter, Freddo chocolate.

As always good prep for Christmas - making room for Christmas cake and pudding

What I learnt:

When you pack your bag, leave it in the bag and don't leave it in the boot.

Basingstoke Half 2014 - Race Report

How to do this - should I just cut and paste from last year - or is that cheating?

The race was very similar though - not quite as hot as last year but still warm enough for shorts and T-shirt.

Another "ringer" Kenyan won the race in 1:06 - slower than last year.  Similar number of finishers compared to last year too.

So fourth time of running this, I had been getting quicker each year, but this year there has been a distinct lack of running training, so I knew there would be no PB.

Organisation is excellent at the start is quick and efficient - lots of  port-a-loos.  Lots of volunteers handing out race numbers and T-shirts and in the baggage area.

Eleven o'clock came and off we went.  The crowd at the start very quickly thins out and moving up (or down) the field is easy in the first mile or so.

Running through village of Cliddesden, lined with home team supporters really gave a boost and helped keep the pace up.  The course covered lots of my training ground so I know the hills really well.  The first accent up White Hill, after mile 3 was fierce - I even use this hill for hill training, but the speed we ascend that hill was still phenomenal.  The pressure eased a little as the road flattened out and then descended passed Ellisfield church.

The decent was short lived as we started to climb up a short hill out of Ellisfield Green.  There is a long down hill stretch here.  After all that down hill, comes the inevitable climb back up hill - slow and steady rise of 2.4% over 1.6 miles.  Cheered on by the lovely people of Ellisfield I ground out the climb.  Even at the top of this climb the course turns a corner and still manages to go up hill.

The big dipper was a quick decent, followed by a slow climb - it is here that I started to slow.  after cresting the top of this short climb, people started to pass me by.  My Garmin had switched itself off at mile 2, and to be honest I was quite enjoying running on feel, but at the point I felt I was slowing down, and the runners passing me confirmed it.

Farleigh Wallop was quite until the very top of the hill, where there were lots of supporters and lots of noise.  The down hill decent was speedy and I probably gained some time here but I was slowing coming into Cliddesden.

Back into Cliddesden for another burst of support, trouble is at the end of the village the support runs out and there is a slight incline to slow down on.  The mile out of Cliddesden is long and straight and with no real support, a bit of a grind.  this changes again once round the corner and heading back into Basingstoke where the supports start again.  From there  back into War Memorial park, and another climb.  A dash round the park and onto the home straight.  That was it, job done.

Goodie bag:  Tech T-shirt (bright orange - eyes bleedin' orange I think it's called), medal, banana, water, jelly beans and chocolate biscuit,

Excellent race for old pros and beginners alike and the result 1:41:06 - so slower than last year.

Endure 24 2014 - Race Report - 28/6/14

After ending up with hurty feet at last years SDW100 I was a little tentative to return to silly distances.  I'd managed 40 at the Oxford 20/40 in May but knew that the issues only appeared after 60 miles.  But how to test how far I could manage?

Endure24 seemed to provide the answer.  Running as many 5 mile loops as possible in 24 hours, with a option to bail at any point - seemed ideal.

I arrived early Saturday to set up tent, thinking I'll be early and therefore there would be loads of space - wrong, seemed to bag the last small patch of ground in the Solo runners area. The whole place resembled Glastonbury with out the music or the mud.  With about an hour to go, the music had already started, and then came the thunder and lightning and bucketfuls of rain.  So we had music and mud - perhaps it was going to be Glastonbury after all.

As well as solo entries the race is also run with team relays (of various sizes and sexes).  At the start the speedy teams went to the front, the solos at the back.  12:00 arrived and off everyone went.  The first lap was muddy, from then on it got worse.  By the end of the 4th lap, rather like the Inuit who have lots of names for snow, I had made up several mud related names:

Mudousse- for the chocolate mousse mud that was available after the check point

piddle-Mud - the light coloured puddles that were full of mud

forest-gateaux-ud - entering the newly cut path to the peats stinky mud

Breakneck mud - the special mud on the down slopes the just manages to remove any grip at all from a runner who thinks they need to run down hill.

you get the picture - it was muddy.

After for laps of this though (and feeling very fresh in the legs) I could feel the feet starting to complain.  The route undulates constantly and I think that and the mud had started to aggravate the tendons.  I was running very steady 50 minute loops - and was very pleased with the effort so far.  I took a walking break for most of the next lap, then went to the tent for a change of kit, to see if the pain would start to ease off.

The next lap didn't get much better, I had a longer break and then resumed.  Then an every longer break and walked most of the next one.  Even walking in the mud was entertaining - trying to keep out of the way of the fast runners coming through and remaining upright.

It was starting to get dark, so I though I'd do at least one lap in the dark and then call it a night.  Which I did.  I stopped, went to get some food at the catering tent, before spending an age trying to get clean before clambering into my sleeping bag for a few hours sleep - which was really easy.  #

The sun was up early - and so was I.  I did a few slow laps - hit 55 miles and called it a day.

I was disappointed with the mileage total, I was hoping to get as close to 100 as possible, but it wasn't to be.  It doesn't count as a DNF but it was really.

The event is a very social one - lots of local runs make up teams and keep going through the night - maybe if I do this one again - I should do this as part of a team - just need to rope in a few bods!