Weald Running!

What a great, ballsy run today; it started early this morning when I turned up at George's house at about 6.55 am and we decided to "head south past the M25".

This directive saw me just drive the car in the general direction of Sevenoaks and then we found ourselves parked up on the edge of Knole Park. We still had no idea where we were running to and how so I pulled out my OS map and we headed off through the park soon to find ourselves on the Sevenoaks 7 route and then onto the Greensand Way, a brilliant route that took us through some beautiful wealds, orchards and scenery. Now I know what they mean by the Wealds of Kent, absolutely stunning. At one point we stopped to get our bearings and George asked me to listen....nothing just the sounds of bird call.

A meandering course that soon saw us running out towards some orchards and a quick cut across the footpaths saw us in Plaxtol for a quick breather and read of the map to take us up and back over the fields and valleys to find us going back to One Tree Hill, one of the toughest, sections of woodland trail I have come across in a very long time with 45 degree sections and ones that you needed your whits about you as the land dropped away and one trip could have you tumbling down into oblivion.

All too soon we were back on our way to Knole Park but were stunned to hear the noise of a tannoy and what was an empty field 2.5 hours before was now transformed into a fully blown gymkhana with a crowd of horsey types telling us where we could and couldn't walk on the public right of way. We were soon to find out when two nags came thundering around the corner and leap over a fence!

So we were back where we started and we decided to complete the day doing a few circuits of Knole Park going up and down the valley edges dodging the deer. Just short of 20 miles of running, but a really tough run which was the equivalent of about 25 in my honest opinion. This was the first time in a good few months that I ran out of water!

The next few months

I have just realised that I have quite a heavy schedule ahead of me in May, June and July!

I have 3 key runs/races that I have entered, some already mentioned in passing. There maybe 4 runs but I'll see how the next few weeks pan out but will list them all below.

9th May 2009

The Orpington Mara-fun, a nice local marathon which has been measures as 26.4 miles..dare I call it an ultramarathon, well it is by definition :-)



20th June 2009
The Picnic billed as A full marathon with height gain/loss of 6000 feet - Easily the hardest marathon in Britain.-Pulled out as I am now doing the 3 Peaks

5th July 2009

The Tanners Marathon Although billed as a marathon it is in fact LDWA self-navigating 30 miles gem. I am yet to book this run but will on the day if I can get away with it ;-)

25th July 2009
The Faversham 6 hour Ultra, looks a corker, one I am really looking forward too. A weird one, I am not running against a distance, but the clock!

...with hope in our hearts and wings on our heels

Enough said...

Twitterpated

What a lovely run tonight! I was a little late from work and really wanted to get out before 7.30 pm but the usual things got in the way, "Where are my socks?" "Where are my shoes?" and "Where is my watch?" Standard questions! I had a rush on, I had to get through a 10.5 mile run before it became too dark in the woods but was up for a lovely surprise of cavorting rabbits and scampering foxes. During my run through the Nature Reserve I saw 12 rabbits, 5 foxes (presumably looking for a rabbit to eat), a sparrowhawk (hopefully after a fox) and a phantasmagoric swathe of trees showing off their new leaves and the woods with the bluebells.....beautiful.

BTW My knee is feeling better and has been having some TLC

Oh Dear

Everything was great after the run last night, a good hot bath got rid of the post run aches and pains but this morning it was a little bit more sinister with my left knee hurting. It is not a joint thing but I have a feeling I may have twisted it slightly when I stumbled on a root at dusk.

I have put on a knee support just to give it a rest. These things are amazing as you can actually feel it keeping the area warm and a slight throbbing supposedly where the swelling is. I've taken some ibuprofen and hope a little TLC will help me through this.

This week's plan

Monday	Rest
Tuesday	10 miles
Wednesday	Rest
Thursday	10 miles
Friday	6 miles
Saturday	Rest
Sunday	20 miles

A total of 46 miles

Bluebells in bloom

It's that time of year again and what a lovely time it is. I went out for my customary run this evening and went via Petts Wood and Memorial Woods and was pleased to see the bluebells are beginning to bloom.

Give it a few days and it will be an uproar of colours......well colour....well blue :-)

6 hours

Well this is a new one on me, running for an amount of time not a distance! As you have read I am hunting around for an ultra in July. The idea was at one point to run the 50 mile Challenge but I am somewhat drawn to the idea of running a multi-lap run for 6 hours.

The general rationale for this is that the 50 mile Challenge requires me to run 8 x 6.55 laps in no shade across farm paths whereas the Faversham 6 hour ultra is 1,044 m circuit , so possibly 60 laps mostly in the shade on a nice path. Both have there challenges, what should I do?

####STOP PRESS 21/04/09#####

I have now entered this challenge and now quite excited, I can leave the 50 miler to next year

Gloop

Ggggrrrrr all I need to find at 11.00pm at night as I organise my kit for the long run tomorrow morning....a split carb gel packet.

I went to my sports bag and pulled out the bum bag I was wearing at Compton last week to look for a couple of unused carb gels and placed my hand inside said bum bag to find everything all sticky with goo. I pulled out all the gels and couldn't find one that was leaking! At least I must have used it up last week.

Anyway, a quick wash and a scrub and everything is back to new I just wish I knew how I split it

Wow

This is a short ultra....but boy look at the gradient

Any ideas?

Climbing the wall

It is only Thursday and I have been running once this week and I am absolutely desperate to get out on the trails again.

I popped down to the post box today and as I was walking back I stepped off a kerb and felt a little pull in my ankle, nothing serious, but sufficient to tell me that I am not fully repaired after last Saturday. As I turned the corner I saw two friends who run in my group at the club who stopped for a chat and they laughed that I should come running with them. I declined the offer but I was very tempted.

Commonsense tells me not to run but the more somebody or something tells me I can't the more I want to do it....GGGRRRRR I am climbing the wall. Never mind, I know it is for the good but I must go for a Long run this weekend, I have a marathon to train for.

I think this sums it up

Mike took this picture of me at the Compton Challenge on Saturday.......

In a way it really hit a nerve with me, this probably sums up my experience of trail running, me, my thoughts and the wide expanses of the British countryside.

You will have to click on the picture to get a larger view.

When this photo was taken we were about 35 miles into the course, my feet hurt, I was beginning to dig deep and my training was kicking in......nothing was going to stop me, nothing.

The Compton Challenge ends

Official Race Report

The journey to the start

The 5.00 am alarm awoke me from a shallow sleep and my first thoughts were those of the challenges ahead. My kit lay at the base of the stairs and I quietly got dressed and put the final pieces of food and drink into my sports bag to await the arrival of George who was the official driver for the day. George's car clock was, as usual, on Irish time as he arrived exactly on time, although my watch said it was 5.48am :-) Once in the car we drove off to collect Michael who looked on good form as he awaited outside his house. I noted that George's car clock pulled up at exactly 6.00am, although my watch said it was 6.03 am!

We were soon off on the long journey and at one point we decided to quiten down as we were laughing and joking so much that we thought we would use up all our glycogen stores.

On arrival at the meeting point at Compton, Newbury we parked up and entered the school hall. As expected by the smaller events, check in was perfect. We were handed a plastic wallet which contained a meal ticket, a numbered bin liner and our race number and pointed towards a section where we were to place our kit. The next 45 minutes involved the three of us preparing ourselves quietly both mentally and physically for the toils ahead, even I went quiet for a little while.

The Start

At 8.50 am we were invited out onto the playing fields, 97 ultra and 200 20 mile runners all huddled together, laughing nervously, wondering if they should have had that extra piece of toast. This was soon forgotten as the Race Director shouted go and we all cheered as we did a lap of the fields and exited to the pulchritudinous downland countryside.

As expected the 20 mile runners went off at pace and it took some will power to hang back off their shoulders. The first mile took us through some young silver birch woods and muddy paths until we were out onto the first of many downland farmland fields, thankfully the recent rains had drained off leaving the ground soft but not wet.

Checkpoints were every 4 - 5 miles and stocked with orange squash, water, biscuits, chocolate and sweets.

The first 5 mile section was pretty non-descript but as we moved out into the countryside the landscape changed to rolling and undulating fields with sporadic and dense woodlands. A fine mist lay around as we trod onwards and upwards towards the second checkpoint. During my preparations I was warned about "The hill at about the 10 mile mark", even though I was warned nothing could have prepared me for the steepness of the hill, a leg sapping, calf aching SOB which you had to place your hands on your knees to help you up.

A short rest at the top saw us continue on our run through a few woods and fields. The geology of the area soon changed and we found ourselves running on chalk paths and concrete farm paths, which for us trail show runners was horrendous as the pounding started to tenderise our muscles and feet. George was soon a distant memory as we lost sight of him and he went on to make the Challenge his own, Michael and I chose to stick together and keep it real, conversations continued if a little sporadic as we settled into the run.

We pulled off the pace and as we passed the 20 mile checkpoint we were pleased to see we had completed it in 3:20. I was really pleased with the time as in my heart I was aiming for about 3:30 - 3:45. I stopped off at this checkpoint where I had dropped off a stuff sack which contained some mashed potato with cheese, some nuun and Lucozade. I quickly gobbled this down and quickly caught up Michael who was waiting at the next junction.

This is where the race started - the next 20 miles

For me, this is where the race started; my stomach now full with something to grip onto and the fact I had managed to get past the 18 mile mark without a hint of the wall, I felt great considering the series of hills and chalk pathways. Now the landscape really changed from steep ascents to long, shallow rutted farm paths. This type of land is very desceptive as it really saps the energy. The first hints of wear and tear were now occurring, slightly sore heels and a dull ache in the thighs but we continued to encourage each other and we soon alone with not another runner in sight.

The farm paths soon became vicious as the sun baked, rutted mud gaps felt like 100 foot gorges, ankle twisting stuff and you had to have your wits about you as we traversed them. We soon grouped up with a lady runner who had put the route on her Garmin who told us we were only about 1/3 mile from the next checkpoint. Here the marshalls were brilliant as I quickly sat down to put a plaster on by heel which was rubbing, grease up with vaseline and have a cup of cool cola drink. The caffeine and sugar hit soon had us running off at a good pace.

Going Nuclear at ultra distance

One of the strangest "Going Ultra" moments I have had was finding myself running past a Nuclear Decommissioning Facility with signs warning that Trespassers will be prosecuted by anti-terrorist laws but the gates were open! I chose to run on wondering if I would be glowing in the morning.

The next 14 miles

The journey to the check point at 32 miles was uneventful if not a horrific gradual climb from Ginge up hardened mud farm paths through light woodland. After the final ascent we were met by the most bizarre, if not welcome checkpoint I have seen for a while, a horse box! I soon relaxed when I found the occupants of the checkpoint had made a makeshift kitchen with a camping stove and table laden with biscuits and sweets. Fully replenished we ran off to soon find ourselves on a horse race course, rutted by hoofs, rock hard and by now my feet were beginning to hurt and dehydration rearing its ugly head.

I was quite alarmed when I realised my hands had become stiff and swollen showing I had the first signs of hyponatraemia or electrolyte imbalance. This got me quite worried but I knew all I needed to do was get my sodium levels up and drink more fluids.

By mile 36 I was feeling quite miserable, every step I made on farmland trails felt as though someone was hitting my feet with a hammer but we kept the conversation going and we dug deep. The final checkpoint at East Ilsley was in sight and we were pleased to hear that we were only 3 miles from the finish line.

The last hill was in front of us and we traipsed up it to see the final undulating landscape that would take us through fields, trails and woodland.

The Finish Line

The final 2 miles were the hardest ones I have ever run, the idea of a shower and a hot meal were a great incentive, I was running on empty and every step became harder and harder. The Finish was soon in sight and we soon saw the school fields through the trees and the Race Director sitting at his race table as Michael and I crossed the line together, shook hands and limped off to the school hall to see George quietly getting dressed a big grin on his face.

A meal fit for a King and Queen

Never before has baked beans, chips, sausages and a mountain of buttered bread tasted so good.

Never before has a running race felt so good.

Uuuurrrgghh - it's depressing

There are times when I absolutely hate carb-loading, sometimes it just drags me down into this horrific depression. This week it has really knocked me for six and I feel really grotty which isn't really helped with a very stressful period at work.

The only blessing is I know what is causing the depression, it is just horrible having really dark and sometimes angry thoughts. Oh well, one more day and it will be the run and then a week off with the family, oh gosh, that is depressing!

The Last Run

As promised I went for a nice short run out and about the local trails and footpaths. I was desperate for a run tonight just to get my legs settled and to ensure that the carb-loading was working.

I promised myself 30 minutes or so of running and by chance it was just as the sun was setting and the waxing moon was in its last phase before the full moon tomorrow. Quite beautiful in the fading light of the day.

So I am all set, just had a lovely meal of gammon, red cabbage and a humungous pile of mashed potato. Foot a little grumbly but the ice has really helped over the last couple of evenings.

Confidence is high

Confidence is high within the Team Compton camp. It appears that the weekend heralded a half marathon personal best from Michael.....

Well done Michael 1:36 for 13.1 miles is brilliant and one that I can only aspire to.

George and I went for a 22 mile blitz around Orpington on a beautiful sunny day and had a great run around the various roads near Knockholt, Cudham, Biggin Hill and Keston. Both of us were fretting about different things, George about the long drag from the Spinning Wheel to Keston Ponds and I about injuring myself and doing too much prior to Saturday's big run at Compton.

What were we worrying about? Absolutely nothing it appears, George got to Keston ponds and commented that compared to last year his fitness had dramatically improved as he found that section pretty straight forward and I was able to chase away my demons and really eat that 22 miles up.

Afterwards wise old George made a comment that rings so true....

"With all the training and practice we aren't frightened of the numbers anymore"

Fine words George and my new mantra.

So Team Compton, after too long a break, we will be back together again on the trail on Saturday, I can't wait

Around Orpington

I have finally decided to take the plunge and do the 22 mile pre-London Marathon run with the Orpington Road Runners on Sunday. Although the FLM is 3 weeks away we have to talk much bigger numbers now and really crack this run tomorrow. The main decison was made yesterday when I removed my standard Friday run from my schedule and woke this morning to find all my little niggles had reduced. Taking these breaks do have some real benefits.

I am going prepared and treating it like a dress rehearsal and going fully kitted out. I am taking 5 carb gels, 500 mls of Nuun in my bladder and 500 mls of isotonic drink in my bottle. I won't take extra food but I am thinking of taking a few marmite squares with me to experiment with to see how my stomach copes with them.

Sounds like I am taking this little jaunt serious but I just want to have a good, comfy run so I feel confident for next week and can run through the course without hitting the wall.

PS. If you are wondering why the hen? It is an Orpington Blue :-)

My first road marathon

Well dear reader I have finally taken the plunge and I will be doing my first road marathon ever on Saturday 9th May 2009. A local race on roads that I train on and have trod many a time and never realised it was the route of the Orpington Marafun.

The course looks good, I see that they have thrown St Paul's Wood Hill in the mix, not the worst hill in the world but it is about a mile long and a leg sapping little number and at mile 20 it will test the fittest of runners.

Last year's entry only had 25 people running it so it is a very low key event for a good cause and I am looking forward to it, even if was a whim this evening and happened upon it on Runners World. I have a feeling there maybe a few more yellow shirts there on the day.

The Dark Side of the Moon

Brain Damage
The lunatic is on the grass.
The lunatic is on the grass.
Remembering games and daisy chains and laughs.
Got to keep the loonies on the path.


The lunatic is in the hall.
The lunatics are in my hall.
The paper holds their folded faces to the floor
And every day the paper boy brings more.

And if the dam breaks open many years too soon
And if there is no room upon the hill
And if your head explodes with dark forebodings too
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon.

The lunatic is in my head.
The lunatic is in my head
You raise the blade, you make the change
You re-arrange me 'til I'm sane.
You lock the door
And throw away the key
There's someone in my head but it's not me.

And if the cloud bursts, thunder in your ear
You shout and no one seems to hear.
And if the band you're in starts playing different tunes
I'll see you on the dark side of the moon.

"I can't think of anything to say except...
I think it's marvelous! HaHaHa!"

20 miles or not

I am having one of those moments of self doubt as 11^th April 2009 approaches fast and I have a 40 mile run at the Compton Challenge I have the opportunity to do a 20 mile pre-marathon road run on Sunday 5^th April 2009. It sounds quite a good run but my I have my worries.

Running such a distance has been pretty alright over the past few weeks and months and I am feeling strong but is it just a little too much before such a big commitment? I don't know what to do. Maybe I should just go for a nice easy trail run see a few sights and come home and enjoy a week of rest as I carb load. Time to ponder.

Oh yes, I forgot to say, today's image is of an picture taken 20 miles above the Earth. Do I really run that far?