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.

Heartbreaker New Forest Marathon 2014 Race Review

Website: the Heartbreaker Marathon

Pre-race plan is always arrive early, I like to get parked up early get my stuff together well before the start time.  So I was pulling into Sandy Balls at 7:30.  Bright and early, but by the time I had hiked to registration, got changed and listened to the entertaining briefing it was time to head off the the start line.

The start line was at the bottom of hill.  Cheeky.  Without much fanfare the horn was sounded and off we went.  Slowly at first (mostly walking) I was near the back and there was no point in getting tired out so early in the run.  The route exited Sandy Balls, and hit the road for a mile or two, nice easy running, the 160 or so competitors were quickly strung out so congestion was never a problem.

Turning off the road and onto the track, I could already see the lead runners disappearing up the other side of the dip - wow they were shifting.

Once on the track the route formed a T-shape, with three loops around the top of the T.  Conditions underfoot were good, soft gravelly sand, a few puddles but everyone ran round them in a long line, playing follow-my-leader.  Down hill stretches were a little muddy, so definitely one for trail shoes.  At the end of the first loop we were joined by the half marathon runners.

The feed station was cleverly sited at the apex of the T and there was plenty of water or energy drink available.  Marshall's were kept busy shouting out water or energy.  There was no food available (this was a cheap marathon) so I took a couple of gels (and used them).  At the end of each loop  a coloured band was handed out - once you had three you could leave the top of the "T".

The rain held off, but the wind was ferrous, especially on the exposed Hampton Ridge.  Very occasionally I felt the wind pushing me along, but that never happened for long.  Most of the time I had to remove my cap to stop it blowing away.  Some runners in shorts and T-shirts looked red raw - pleased to be in long sleeves and tights!

I was passed by the eventual winner as I completed my 2^nd  turn at one end of the T – he was already on his 3^rd and was on his way home - looked like he was taking it easy too.

The thing that I always though was a little rubbish about the New Forest Marathon is that there are no trees – at least with this race, you get a variety of scenery and some forest to run through.

Finally I had my 3 bands was allowed to head back to the road. I was really  looking forward to escaping the undulation and running on some flat road.  However, the wind had the last laugh, it was full on and reminded me of the Portsmouth coastal – running along the front into a headwind – such fun!

At the end was a medal, some soup and bun to tuck into, showers were available too – I went home smell and had a bath instead.  Results were issued really quickly too – within hours of getting home, I was checking my time and position.  Quite pleased with the result, I didn't put in a huge effort and managed sub-4 hours.

So all in all a good event and great value at £22 - Thanks organisers - brilliant event!

What I learnt:
Caps are rubbish in windy conditions

The Ultra Kit List

This list is as much for me as anyone else.

So what do you take when you are off on a race - this is a full(ish) list things to be removed depending on race length and conditions...

Before the race

Body Glide - stop the chaffing!
Bin liner - if not taking a jacket, you can wear it to keep warm at the start line.
Safety Pins/Number holder - usually provided but easier if you have your own.

During the race 

Footwear - unless you really are going totally barefoot.
Socks (spare pair in bag)
Hat (sun hat if sunny/warm hat if cold)
Shades - I wear glasses normally - my running shades stay on better (it's not about the pose- honest)
Baselayer - weather dependent
Jacket - weather dependent
Buff - still one of the best bits of kit I have - so useful

MP3 player - music and podcasts
GPS device plus heart rate monitor
Plasters - only for a long Ultra (just in case)
Food: Gels/solid food
Water Bottles - full of water plus electrolyte tablets
Head torch ( plus spare batteries) - if night running
Backup Torch (spare light source) - if night running
Map - if needed (i.e. waymarks are good enough, or route in GPS)
Compass (see Map)
Phone plus spare battery (modern phones run out of juicy too quickly - using an old PAYG may be an idea)
Pack to keep it all in (Raidlight Olmo 5 at present for long runs or waist pack for shorter runs))
Plastic bags to put stuff in - keeps it dry and helps separate things.

After the race

Sudocreme - for sore bits!
Sleeping bag (if need to wait for collection/ transport at the other end)
Sleeping mat  (if need to wait at the other end)
Warm clothes / compression clothing for recovery (still not 100% convinced it helps but I'll keep trying)
Towel and wash bag (if showers are available)
Choc milk - my special treat for finishing
Car key - needed to open car door
Plastic bags - for smelly/wet kit

Plus the thing that you have forgotten to pack and is left at home.

Ashmei - Long Sleeved Jersey - a Review

£85 for a running top - are you mad?  Luckily no I am not (as self confessed tight git) - it was an ebay bargain - yes they do happen.

What they say:

 "A Classic styled long sleeve running jersey produced in superfine merino wool for maximum body temperature regulation, fast wicking and no nasty smells!"

What I say:

I am a fan of merino, I have a few merino baselayers and a merino buff and they are fantastic, even in the wet.  This running top feels good against the skin, no scratchy bits.  It's a little thicker than a normal baselayer, definitely one for cooler days.

Normally I'm a medium and this fits perfectly in every way, except when using the thumb loops - the sleeves are just a little too short.  I didn't think I'd use it to be honest but after a few cold evenings I have been sticking my thumb out like a manic hitch-hiker.  It is a good length too, covering most of my bum which means there is no chilly draft going upy my back

Summary of Features:

Thumb loops - Would work better if your arms are short enough, not like the long armed chimp that apparently I am.

Cable tidy - Interesting feature fitted to the back of the neck.  It works best if you have an arm mounted player or a player that is thin enough to fit in the back pocket.  But I have not made use of this feature.



Zipped pockets - one on top of the shoulder - which I assume is for a small key, I like most people carry a large bunch round with me, so rather than looking like Quasimodo I don't use this.
The other pockets is in the middle of the back and again is long and narrow - enough room for a key.

Non-zipped pocket - a longer pocket in the centre back - idea for a narrow MP3 player or a gel - a High5 Isogel fits perfectly anything smaller and you'll have problems fishing it out again.


The downside of using these pockets occurs because the jersey isn't skin tight.  Because of this anything in the rear pockets will bounce up and down like Zeebedee at a Sex Pistols gig.  After a few miles of this it will feel uncomfortable.  You could lesson the bounce by using a jacket (but then you can't get to the pocket.

You also cannot wear a waist bag with this jersey, as the zip and bag rub together and chaff the skin - as I found out after the Portsmouth Marathon

Two way front zip - the zip at the front can be opened at the bottom "for ventilation" - seems overkill and a single zip would be sufficient but the zip is of good quality and should last.

Reflective detailing - I think there could be more - if I was night running I'd make sure other areas also had reflective surfaces - hat, glove, shorts etc.  There isn't enough on the jersey alone.

Overall:

I bought ithe top as it was a fairly cheap (thanks ebay) merino top - this way I can run to work and not stink the office out - in this matter it performs well - the other bells and whistles - I think are over engineered and unnecessary - if you are adding pockets - I think I would prefer one on the chest, further up so it won't bounce.

Winter Tanners 2014 (30 mile route) Race Review

"The Winter Tanners is a challenge walk (or run) of circa 30 miles (or 20 miles) on Surrey footpaths and bridleways with MINIMAL support in weather conditions which may be adverse. Only strong and self-reliant walkers & runners should enter."

After last years cancellation due to snow and this years weeks of rain and flooding in the area I was pleased that the event took actually took place.  In fact the organisers already had a back up diversion in place in case flooding was still present on the course (it wasn't but it was still very muddy).

I do love LDWA events, despite being mainly walking events, they are are also open to runners.  They offer a very stripped down pure form of running.  For your entry fee (as a LDWA member it was £4, non-members pay an outrageous £6!), you get 3 check points (well stocked with biscuits, drink, raisins, bananas, etc.), and a very detailed set of route instructions to print out and follow.  You start when you are ready, with the time being written down by a marshal (no timing chips here), all very retro.

As there are no route marking on the course you do need to keep concentration on those directions, there were a few people who got a little lost, but you can so tell if you go wrong as the instructions are very detailed.

There were a few occasion I thought II may have got lost - 300 yards on an open road flies by - but 300 yards  on a narrow wooden track takes forever, and you begin to doubt if you have taken the correct path.

A pure version of running - no trail marking, you need to be responsible for you own route finding, a few times runners/walkers in front took a turning too early, missed it - or where happily following the 30 route, rather than the 20.

I even learnt a few new words - did you know that driveways could "bifurcate"? (me neither). 

The course was muddy, some of the down hill parts were particularly tricky, but it all added to the "fun", I think the worst parts are always plodding along the edge of rain sodden fields - poor grip, and feet getting wetter with every step.  It was nice to hit the fire break trail through Coldharbour and get some forward traction.

Weather was cold and frosty to start with, warmed slightly later but never too cold/ I finished and got in the car just before it started to rain, so avoided getting soaked.

This is not really a race, but as a training run it is fantastic -  the mind is always active checking the directions and where the feet are going to land to avoid the worst of the mud, 30 miles in the second week of January - excellent start to the year.

All this for £4 - wow, remember that next time you stump up the cash for London or Brighton :-)

Review of 2013

So what have I learnt/achieved/propose to do for next year

Annual Mileage has risen a lot, mainly in the first half of the year, adding in a extra weekly run or two means it soon adds up.

A few firsts this year, first sub-20 for a parkrun, a PB at the half-marathon distance and of course my first 100 miler (despite the pain of the following 4 days - I was well pleased at that).

The year went a little off the rails after the SDW100,  wanted quite right so limited running to Marathons and dropped the mid week runs.  Things really went pear shaped during the Abingdon Marathon but it did force me to question why I run.  So why do I run?  To put it's Simply because I love it.  I love the feeling of movement, the fresh air, the countryside, the solitude of just me and an occasion podcast to listen to.

With that in mind what do I aim for next year?

I think next year is the year of new races, mainly to see new places but also to forget about chasing course PBs - surely I am getting too old for that now.  So I will avoid races I have done, some of which I have already ruled out (or have been ruled out for me) due to birthdays, or clashing with other events.

I also need to get some cycling in, it helps overall fitness and breaks up the training.  I can't believe I did not manage a single Sportive in 2013 - very poor show.

So for 2014 I am trying to go to include more stripped back events (i.e. cheap) , so aiming for more LDWA events - they are a lot cheaper, and as you need to navigate yourself round the course, there is an element of thought required.  So far I have entered the Winter Tanners (cancelled last year) and the Oxford 20/40 (planning the 40), I also have a slot on the Endure 24 (which will give me a little bit of room to decide how far I can run, with the option to stop of the ankles become too hurty)

Happy New Year and all that....

Portsmouth Waterside Coastal Marathon 2013

Waterside Coastal - surely a tautology?

This was to be my third running of the Portsmouth Waterside Coastal Marathon.  It is nearly always wet and windy, especially the last 2 miles running along the front towards the Pyramid Centre.

Arriving early I parked up by the boating lake (free parking) at that point it was still dark, it was also at this point the heavens opened.  Oh crap I thought, this is is going to be miserable.  Eventually it settled down a little and ventured out to Race HQ.

Very busy this year, up from 900 to 1165 entries, so a little cramped finding a piece of floor to get changed. Most people were sheltering inside out of the rain, which again came in just as the race as about to start, which meant a few people missed the 9:00 start.  Actually I think it started before that - there was very little fanfare.

Luckily the rain soon stopped and 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.

The first few miles run along the Southsea front and despite the numbers of runners, moved well, the rest were a mix of muddy footpaths, beach, shingle, mud, occasional bit of tarmac and sea..

For some of the sections of mud I touch to running along the top of the sea wall, feeling like a 5 year, but without the parents hand to hold - just in case I fell.   I did see a few people slip over in the mud, I'm not sure if this was down to not paying attention or from not having the correct footwear - definitely something with a bit of grip required.

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 mince pie and alcoholic beverage too.

Several people also dressed up for the occasion: Santa, a pair of reindeer and a Christmas tree all made an appearance.

Being a slower runner, by the time I hit the 3 mile mark the sea had already started to come in, so I ended up wading through knee deep, freezing water.  Just as well the trainers were already soaking.

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

So at the end was nigh, slower than last year (drier last year) but was pleased to get round and finish.

Soup and mince pie at the end were delightful - handy goodie bag - cereal, Clif bar, a few pretzels, high 5 electrolyte powder - all handy stuff.

No I don't need to feel guilty about the extra large helping of Christmas pudding I intend to have

What I learnt:

You cannot beat the wind - just tough it out.
Ground in winter is wet, wear the right shoes
Body glide those bits you missed!