Race report: LDWA Oxford 20/40 3rd May 2014

A Bank Holiday event run in warm weather, shock.  In fact the weather was warm enough for a little sun burn - I now have 2 very nice short marks across my quads.

LDWA Oxford, that would be starting in Henley-on-Thames then, arrived well within the start time, easy parking, lots of marshals pointing at things and headed for check-in.

Deispite picking up a cold mid-week I was feeling pretty good, especially my first long run in a while (since SDW100 in fact).  Start was low key (I love LDWA events for that) and off we went.  With route instructions in hand, I tried to reacquaint myself with the task of running and reading at the same time,  In fact, it didn't take long before the first few people didn't read things quick enough and headed down the wrong path.

Things soon settled down and what passed was several house of woodland runs, cutting through on easy trails (not too wet and muddy) and looking at the bluebells.  occasionally I'd pop out of a wood and have a grass covered field to run through, or a valley to descend and climb.  Out in the open Red Kites swooped overhead, one even hovered a few meters away, it was a fantastic moment, I thought is I reach for the camera the moment will be lost.  So I stopped and stared, watching as it moved with barely a feather moving - awesome.

Everyone on route was buoyed by the sunshine,  The lead walkers all said hello, the youngsters on DoE awards,  Even the crowds in Henley at the end of the day all seemed just happy to be out and about.

Loved the route, despite only being an hour away from me, is not an area I am familiar with.

I did run a long stretch with a guy (never did get his name) who I had met on both the SDW50 and the Marlborough Downs 33 - it's a small world this ultra world.

At the same time that this race was coming along the Thames path, the Centurion TP100 was being set up,  tape was already marking the route, and James and crew were already setting up the Henley checkpoint - I think they were a little bemused to be approached by 2 runners heading in the wrong direction.

Nothing much else to add, nice even pace got me round, great scenery, great weather, thanks LDWA.

The down after the Downs

Well I have not run at all since last weeks SDW100 - barely walked in fact.  Spent the week RICE'ing the feet and they are on the mend but I think it'll be another week before I start back with a gentle jog.

The swelling around the ankles has gone down but there is still pain if the angle between foot and leg goes less than 80 degrees, otherwise it is fine.  I can go up stairs and on the flat - but I am still coming down stairs sideways.

So after the highs of last week and finishing my first 100 miler it has been a little low.  The updates from the race have dried up, the release of the official results, the photos (a few of me and lots of other people I don't remember seeing), a few notes on other peoples belongs (even an entry in The Independent - http://blogs.independent.co.uk/2013/06/23/the-road-to-the-north-face-ultra-trail-du-mont-blanc-petzl-sdw-100-mile-run/

But that is it, the elation has gone, you can only talk "non-runners" once before they get bored and you start sounding sounding like a crazy person.

It is strange that something that was so important to you at the time was experienced with 190 strangers. Those strangers will never met again in that situation.  Even the few that will do similar events, most will not know that were at the same event, perhaps we should all run with a list of previous events on the back of our T-shirts.

So that is that the SDW100 2013 is over - what I need is another event to look forward to, the event is dead long live the event.

SDW 100 Race Report

Despite some mid weeks nerves, I made it to the start in confident mood and to be honest I just wanted to get on with it.

The car was already packed with kit the night before so when the alarm went at 4:00 I was up, had a quick bit of breakfast and set off down the road. Fortunately I only had a 25 minute drive to the start line, so a fairly easy start (only wish the motorways were this clear all the time - make getting around the country a lot easier).

The start line was already buzzing by 5am - new arrivals parking up, others, who had camped over night, emerging from tents. After the kit check, a very sensible idea - it can come across as officious but it is for our benefit, I finished getting changed and waited for the race to start. During the wait "photographer man" asked to take a picture (he was a star all the way round smiling and dishing high-fives - happiest photographer I've ever met) and I even got interviewed by a couple a friends of another runner who were making a video of the run - brilliant idea. I saw a few faces I recognised from other races and blogs - I was especially looking out for Richard Pomperoy (been a long time stalker but our paths had not crossed!) but failed to see him - he's a speed merchant anyway so would have been way in front by the time I had run 50 yards.

6am and the race started, a couple of laps of the sports ground and we were off onto the SDW, a few nervous laughs as we claimed to have conquered the first big hill of the day (a slight 1m raise at the side of the pitch). But weather was looking excellent and everyone soon settled down into a rhythm. First quarter seemed to pass really quickly, soon hit the first aid station - full of tasty treats (the maxim - "a eating competition with a bit of running" held very true all day.

Having run over Butser hill before, today it didn't seem so bad, nice decent on the other side, where it seemed that they were preparing for another race. At the aid station in Queen Elizabeth Country Park I stopped to loosen my shoe laces, after a previous race with black toes I though if I did them up tight my toes wouldn't bash into the front of the shoe so much - not sure if this contributed to my later problems but will not tie them so tight in future.

The next few sections is a bit of blur, chatted to a few runners as we ran along side, then they would move ahead or occasionally I would. Very soon I had reached the psychologically important, over half way, point of Washington (54) - further than I had ever run before. I had a some of the best pasta sauce every and the best cup of tea (with milk and sugar) ever there. I changed my shirt and looked and my socks but thought they look fine I don't need to change them ( I was wearing injini toe shoes and they were doing a great job of keeping the feet blister free)

It was also here that I attempted by first repair of my left trainer. Just after 50 miles the sole of my left trainer had decided to depart company from the top half - running was okay - if a little noise but occasionally the sole would get caught and bend underneath the shoe. Oh bum. I was running without drop bags so had no replacement shoes. I taped them up as best I could with some micropore tape I had brought with me in case my feet needed taping up. I though it looked quite effective and should hold so after a good feed I set off back out of the aid station and up a hill (aid stations are always at the bottom of a hill).

Leaving Washington I didn't see another runner for the next 13 miles - except at one point when looked over my shoulder and saw a runner behind, next think I know he's zipped pasted me and is bounding up the hill in front - took a little while to work out that he was not involved in the race - and probably didn't have 60+ miles in his legs.

I didn't want to leave the aid station at Botolphs (61.2) so many tasty treats - sushi, cakes, dips, etc. could have eaten the lot, but there were more hills to climb and more tasty treats on route.

Left trainer was playing up again on the way so at Housedene Farm (76.6), I asked if anyone had some tape. Once of the support was a sparky and had some electrical tape - what a star so they were patched up properly and good to go. Thanks a lot - you saved my race - I did think I might have to take up barefoot running a little earlier than planned.

As night came down, the wind picked up and it was time to put on the jacket and head torch - putting on a jacket in strong wind in the dark is not easy but I wrestled it to submission and felt warmer for it.
My right foot started to play up (obviously jealous of all the attention the left foot was getting) - which meant that walking was becoming increasingly painful although running wasn't - not that it was fast running but I still had the energy to jog on forward.

Night section was good going - was apprehensive about this but actually it was fine - I had saved my GPS battery for this section and I was pleased I did, trying to follow a grassy path, surrounded by grass was tricky in places. The other bonus was that some of the supporters in the car parks along the way had flashy lights so you could get a better sense of direction - thanks to the flashers.

By this time I was convinced I would finish - the time was irrelevant - sub24 hours was in the bag so not that I was pushing myself I relaxed a little and just plodded on. I had been following a split sheet and was regularly 30 to 45 minutes ahead of schedule which I was pleased with - it was only when I looked again that I noted I had printed out one for 23 hours - so I was 1 hour and 30 minutes ahead (get in)

Became so relaxed and chatty I got told to "sod off" at Southease - quite right too.

Almost done - going into Alfriston (91.6) the GPS battery ran out but I had got through the tricky bits of navigation so shouldn't have any problems. At Alfriston - more tea served by a red squirrel - no really - who was also keen to get rid of us. Out of Alfriston and up another hill.

Less than 10 miles to go and it was just a matter of hanging in there - painful down hill on both feet now, up hill and on the flat was fine though.

First navigation mistake of the evening - ran past the final checkpoint (doh) and wasn't until I was running out of Jevington (up a hill) that I realised I had gone wrong - couple of guys behind us confirmed it, back we went for a quick check in and a few bits of food before heading out again.

The rise out of Jevington goes on and on and on and on (I remember being really really knackered on the SDW50, but this time I just plodded on and on and on.

The turning at the trig point to bring us off the SDW (which I sailed past on the SDW50) was lit up with glow sticks and was unmissable. It must have been an interesting sight to any non participants out on the course. Getting down from the SDW was hard though - all downhill and it was getting increasingly more painful and slower. Everyone else seemed to be taking the decent slowly too.

Finally I hit Eastbourne and some easy running on level(ish) tarmac - just 1.7 miles left said a helpful supporter - this bit took ages too. Still the sight of the race track and the final jog round the running track was a welcome sight - excellent place to finish.

And so I jogged across the line and was handed my buckle - I have never worked so hard for a lump of metal - I'm sure it'll go in the box under the bed with the rest of my medals never to see the light of day again - but I know it's there and I know I earned it.

So after 22:18 of relentless forward motion you stop, you sit down, have some food, more tea and then start to assess the damage. After a shuffle into the shower, top half a few rubs - I'd forgot to "body glide those bits" - idiot.

Feet looked really good - no blisters or hot spots, toe nails all present and correct. Both ankles however, where almost hidden by a large swelling. Except for the indentation of the sock line (where the socks too tight?), oh that is going to hurt later.

I changed and found some room on the floor to lie down - it would be another 7 hours or so before the bus was to arrive to take us back to the start - I didn't really settle, I thought I would be knackered but my feet keep me awake.

Around 9:00 the floor was cleared and the "bus people" gathered to have a chat in the corner of the foyer - swapping stories and watching the remaining finishers cross the line.

Getting on the bus was interesting - those steps were like Mount Everest, getting off was even worse - as for changing gear on the car on the short drive home - ouch. Very pleased to get home and get my feet up literal.

Big thanks to James and the crew for organising the event - it was superb - if someone said you can run 100 miles but you would suffer pain after it - would I still do it - of course I would.

Would I do it again though ? Not sure (I doubt the wife would let me!)

Footnote: Over the course I had a pedometer which counted out over 160000 steps, on Monday I think I managed 20, Tuesday I am rocking, I crawled up the stairs, had a bath and have over 50 steps in the bag - and it's not even lunch time.

Notes
Ground Conditions: Mainly trail – solid conditions under foot - dry as a bone
Weather: Cool dry, some wind - occasionally pushing me along.
Position 62/142 (finishers)
Time: 22:18:53
Food tried: Everything.

What I learnt:
Pain is not temporary, but the achieve will last forever.
Body glide everything
If your trainers are near the end of their life - don't add another 100 miles to them and not expect them to complain
Use drop bags for emergency just in case stuff - like new trainers, legs

Marlborough Downs Challegne - 33 miles

I’ll be up front from the start , I love this race - if I could design a perfect race it would be very similar to this (except of course I’d win my perfect race)

The Marlborough Downs Challenge has all the right ingredients:

• A sensible distance: long enough to be a challenge (33 miles) but not so long that it takes all day.

• A mix of great scenery:  The course runs through bluebell woods (with spring being a little late this year – they looked fantastic), rolling hills with stunning views from the top.

• Educational: The route runs passed the white horses of Marlborough (Preshute) and Cherhill .  Through the ancient stones of Avesbury and runs along the top of Wansdyke earthworks.

• Aid stations: Plenty of aid stations – 8 in all, which over 33 miles is one every 4 miles, each one full of special race fuel – you can keep you gels and energy bars – fig rolls and jaffa cakes is where it is at (dark chocolate jaffa cakes at that).

• A novel memento:  I have a draw full of T-shirts but a nice pottery mug made by a local pottery www.whitehorsepottery.co.uk makes a nice change and useful for showing off at work.

• Run in a loop:  so much easier that point to point, no bus rides or support required to pick you up

• Hot food at the end:  Nothing better than getting to the finish, getting changed (showers available here too) and being able to tuck in to hot food and a cup of tea – all very civilized.

As I said this is almost a perfect race - so how did race day pan out::

There is something magical working through a small town early in the morning, just as it is waking up – parking is easy, people are just waking up, setting out for a paper and runners with kit bags are marching though on the way to registration.

Registration was hassle free with plenty of room to get changed and have a sit down before we started.  After the course briefing we walked over the road to Marlborough College to the start line (actually the start line moved with us).  With little announcement or fanfare, which caught most people at the back (me included) out, we were off.  This was my fourth running of the race, so I know the route quite well, although this was the first time I actually noticed the white horse above Marlborough (remember stop and stare – or at least stare).

The overnight rain had made the grass at the start of the course a little slippy.   I watched the guy in front slip – assuming he had hit a rut, thinking I would not make the same mistake, I ran wide and still did the same.  The ground soon dried out and there was very little mud on the course.  Weather warmed up too and there was a five minute period when I started to regret wearing a long sleeved top.  At that point the wind picked up and was pleased with my decision after all.

Running along the Wansdyke is a fantastic experience – the manual effort to create this defensive work must have been incredible – still I was please they had created it. Running at a elevated level made for good views, the occasional gap in the dyke did mean so technical running with a very quick down followed by a very quick up. It also allowed a chain gang to form – I was at the back of 10 runners – all running at the same pace. It felt timeless, we could have been a defense party running to hold off the invading hordes (although swords and amour may have slowed us down somewhat).

The rest of the race was a joy to run, the only slip up was taking the wrong track.  I could see the Cherwell monument in the distance and headed towards it.  I should have listened to the GPS or at the very least had a proper look at the course directions.  All the information was there – I just thought I knew better – I didn’t.  All those people I had run passed in the last hour were now ahead and I had to start picking them off again.

With about 4 miles to go the rain started to get heavier but that didn’t dampen down the spirits – after last months SDW50 this rain was nothing mere drizzle.

So how did I do?  Well I didn’t win, but ran better than previous years which is always good.

Notes

Ground Conditions: Mainly trail – solid conditions under foot

Weather: Cool – not too windy, rain at the end.

Position 34/152

Time: 5:20:59

Food tried: Jaffa cakes, fig rolls, a Clif Bar.

What I learnt:  

Read the directions – listen to the GPS!

The Ultra world is a small one!  I was walking back to the car and saw a fellow runner ahead.  Started talking and he said, “yes was pure chance I did this race, I was in a minibus going from Eastbourse to Worthing a few guy were singing the praises of this race”.   “I was in that mini bus – and I was one of those guys” said I.

Small word or do special idiots flock together?

SDW50 - Now here is the weather...

The route of the SDW 50 is a mainly trail based running from Worthing to Eastbourne, following, for the most part, the South Downs Way.  Organised by Centurion Running, this was my second Centurion event having ran the NDW50 last year.

I was using this event as a recce of the course and to see if I still had enough in the legs after last weeks Compton Downs Challenge.  All good training for the full distance SDW100 in a few months.

Waiting at the start line it still never ceases to amaze me the variety of people who do these events, the age range, the size range, the kit range - some opting for very minimal gear - others ready for an expedition to the north pole.

The SDW50 is a mainly trail based run from Worthing to Eastbourne - following, for the most part the South Downs Way.  Organised by Centurion running, this was my second Centurion event having ran the NDW50 last year.

I was using this event as a recce of the course and to see if I still had enough in the legs after last weeks Compton Downs Challenge.  All trying for the full distance SDW100 in a few months.

It still never ceases to amaze me the variety of people who do these events, the age range, the size range, the kit range - some opting for very minimal gear - others ready for an expedition.

From the safety briefing at the start we were warned of the weather conditions, you can't run in this country without running in "weather", however, the difference here is if you are running around home, you can always shorten your run and easily find your way back.  Up on the Downs - you are remarkably remote.

So at 09:00 we set off.  Weather as in all these long distance runs plays a big part.  We started in warm sunshine - which caused may people to strip off their jackets, hats and gloves after a few minutes.

Conditions under foot were pretty good, not too slippy and not too many puddles.  That soon changed, volume wise the rain probably wasn't that heavy, but up on the Downs, exposed - the wind drove it hard - mainly stinging the face.  I have never need to use the hood on my jacket before, but it was certainly used today.

The next few hours were a case of head down looking out for course markings and trying to keep going.  Regular aid stations held keep me going.  I was often in a small group of runner, nobody said much - it would be lost in the wind, we run one together, sometimes in a line, sometimes side by side. occasionally one would point to a course marker and we would nod and carry on.  Strange sense of feeling that you are all in it together - perhaps we are social animals after all.

With all the rain the last few hills of the race had turned into streams.  At least the visibility had improved and it was easier to see - this section must have been really tough in the dark.

Last section in Eastbourne was good flat pavement running, seemed to go round the houses a lot and often thought that the end would be just round the corner - eventually the athletics track came into view. Did think as I ran the last 400m that running on a nicely laid track feels really good - perhaps 50 miles on this stuff would be easier (certainly a lot flatter).

So that was that, got changed and got the shuttle bus back to the start.


Notes
Ground Conditions: road and trail - trail was wet and slippy
Weather: Warm to start, wet and cold in the middle and end - very windy.
Position 24/157
Time: 8:56:10
Food tried: Mars bars, gels, peanuts, coke, some Gu squares (my hands were so weak I had to ask a marshal to open the packet for me), cake.

What I learnt:  
If "clearing your nose" do check behind you as someone may be sneaking up behind you

Gels and other packet items can be quite hard to open in the cold - pre-cut with scissors to help.

(The photo isn't me - but shows just how bad the weather was)

Compton Download Challenge 20/40

First time at this event, chosen as it's fairly local and it was the right distance (I am trying to build up the miles before the SDW100 in June).

Arrived early at Race HQ, just as things were getting set up. Weather was clear but cold, given the conditions I decided to layer up.  Was also testing out a new backpack (Raidlight Olmo 5L) - so if I I needed to strip off later I had somewhere to stuff the removed layers.

The course is usually run as a figure of  eight - two loops of twenty miles each - however flooding on the course meant that the 40 mile race would be run over the same loop.

Conditions were excellent, route was easy to follow and marshals were everywhere.

Completing the first lap it is always a tough one getting going again. The smiling faces of the the 20 milers turning right seemed to say: come this way, you don't need to do it all again, food is just around the corner....

I turned left and did it all again.   The knowledge of the course now helped - I knew where the hills were.  The sun had come out, and so had the families and dog walkers.  It was a great afternoon to run, views over the downs were terrific, normally the only contact I have to this area is zipping by on the A34.  Will have to come back and explore at a more leisurely pack


Notes
Ground Conditions: road and trail - trail was dry (no mud)
Weather: Very Cold to start , warm by the end.
Position 24/101
Time: 6:45:08

What I learnt:  The longer the race, the more varied the weather can be.