Hampshire Hilly Hundred (HHH) - Race Report 2014

Having wimped out of last years event due to lack of training and forecast bad weather, this year I thought stuff it, I'll do it anyway, despite lack of training and the forecast of bad weather,

Training on the bike has been none existent this year, which is a shame as it helps keeps things interesting and is a change from running (I don't like running so much in heat - definitely a bad weather runner and a fair weather cyclist).  Weather was great last Sunday - despite predictions of rain, it turned out to be quite sunny - got the sun burn to prove it, I was a little gusty though.

Quick registration, and set off en route just after 7:30.  My plan was to get round and not worry about the time (I only used the garmin for the half the ride, mainly to plot where I was and to check the heart rate), and to eat as much food as I could on the way round.

Spent the first third of the race tagged on to the end of a group of riders who were slow and consistent (bit like me).  The first section was mainly flat before taking a few hills which strung out the group somewhat.  As the start time was staggered, most the ride was spend being overtaken by pro-wannabes in their replica Sky jerseys, club cyclist and pretty much everyone else.  Still I was only here for the food!

First stop in Clanfield, filled my face with flapjack and jaffa cakes.  Switched the Garmin on at this point - the battery helpfully lasted for the next 50 miles.

Hadn't paid too much attention to the route before I set off, all I remembered was that the route was different to last time I did this route, skipping out lots of my favourite hills.  Still the hill out of Clanfield?  is now on my hit list.

Feedstation 2 was more of the same - yum.  Took a High5 Protein bar for later too.  The evil bit of the Northington Feedstation is that it is at the bottom of the hill, so stuffed with food and feeling a little stiff, you have to drag your sorry ass up a steep hill.

MIcheldever, Wonston, Bullington, etc. all passed by easily enough, although a few riders did seem to ignore the road signs and carry on up the road when they should have turned off - perhaps they need to burn off a few extra flapjack calories.

Feed Station 3 was another village hall filled with flapjack and jaffa cakes.  You can tell food was important on this ride.  Filled my face again, and took off for the last section.  Knowing the end was nigh, I took it fairly steady (bit like the rest of the ride)

So after finishing, I find out that my time was just outside the Silver standard (poop), if only I had pushed a little harder, or maybe spend less time in the feed stations eating food...

Still I enjoyed the food, and now have 100+ miles in the legs to show for it.  Maybe I'll try to start training early next year and go for Gold, either that or try some of the fruit cake next year...


Check out the organiser at: HHH

Once a Rookie always a Rookie

Some people never learn, despite running around the same park run loop well over a  hundred times, each Parkrun covers 2 loops, I failed to take the conditions into account.

It's summer now, I can change the grippy trail shoes I have been using for my faster lighter road shoes, or so I thought.  All was well until I hit the corner at speed, the over night rain had been just enough to create a thin layer of slippery mud on top of the otherwise compacted surface.

I felt my legs go and ended up on the floor, covered in mud - bummer.  Unhurt I jumped up and hoped nobody had noticed, that's the problem with Parkruns - lots of other runner.  They ran passed, pausing to ask if I was okay.  I was only my pride was hurt.

Headphones - Philips SHQ1000/10 Sweatproof Sports In-Ear Headphone

Running kills headphones (and to a large extent MP3 players).  I've never trusted myself to run using a nice shiny expensive MP3 player, I've killed too many running outdoors in all weathers.  Usually it's the Headphones that give up the ghost the first, so after the last pair stopped work and after the usual internet research I plumbed for these ones from Amazon: Philips SHQ1000/10 Sweatproof Sports In-Ear Headphone 

That was over a year ago and they are still going strong (and still available).

I was initially put off by the bright orange colouring but it actually makes it easier to spot them when I am rooting around in my bag.

They say:

• Ultra lightweight design sweat-proof sports in-ear headphones
• A 1.2 m long cable that is ideal for outdoor use
• Designed for active use, ultra-soft silicon caps sit comfortably in your ears
• Water resistant materials coupled with an anti-bacterial agent
• Bass thumping stereo sound provides fuel for your workout

I say:

The long cable is more that enough to route the cable from ear to MP3 player clipped to a belt (or in a waist bag/rucksack).

They are comfortable to wear,  there is a choice of silicon caps included to get the best fit (helps to have some spare if you lose one too).

They stay in place and are easy to insert.
Bass thumping? Not sure about that as I mainly listen to podcasts, but they sound fine.

The only real negative is that the silicon caps that fit over the ear bud can become dislodged when then are loose in a kit bag - it doesn't happen often though.

So when they die and go to the great headphone heaven in the sky, I would by the same pair.

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.