Crash and Burn

A day of mixed emotions, one where I told my health check was all clear and one where I had one of those runs that just needs to be forgotten, if it was not one thing, it was another thing.

I was feeling pretty good this evening before I set off for the club, I had plans to pop into the pub after our run for a quick pint and have a little Christmas cheer having placed a few coins of the realm into my running jacket. As I arrived in to woods I got halfway along the path when I had a terrible stomach cramp but I was only about 1 kilometre from the clubhouse so preferred to get to a proper toilet and on arriving found the door locked....that is until I hunted down the keyholder Richard who knows that when I need to go I need to go so he was good enough to get the door open without a problem.

So surfacing from my "distraction" I decided to go with a medium paced group as the route was going near my house and I would be able to duck out if my stomach upset resurfaced and so we ran out for a nice steady run, that is until we reached a steady downward hill and as I plodded down I felt my hamstring and buttock muscle sieze causing my leg to stiffen. As we continued I then became aware that my toe was hurting, I actually think it was the fact my toe hurt that I changed my gait and that caused the muscle problem. So on reaching the next summit I bid my farewells and grumbled off down the road but now I was at my own pace was able to adjust gait to allow me to comfortably run on finding verges and paths to soften my landing.

An extended run timewise but still finding me with a stomach upset when I got home, a sore foot and toe (as well as a bruise the nail is coming off), a sore buttock and hamstring...I am not a happy runner

I have a heart...

 ...kidneys, liver and a pancreas!

Some of my regular readers may have been aware that I had a little bit of a health scare the other day when I grumbled about a sharp pain in my chest after exertion sometimes, nothing painful just a sensation that I thought would get checked out "just in case" (See Zombie Runner). So with a series of blood tests, a chest X-Ray and an ECG later I returned to the Doctor's this morning armed with my ECG printout.

After taking a seat in his surgery he looked over the readout and informed me that my kidneys and liver were functioning correctly, I wasn't diabetic, thyroid was fine and blood count excellent which is great news such that I now feel a bit of a sham but happy that I have a clean bill of health.

However, he has organised a Treadmill Test for the New Year that will record how my heart reacts under strain and that I should carry on my healthy lifestyle.

Postscript

I had to laugh to myself after I left as I recalled him saying "You have a healthy diet and outlook carry on what you are doing" So that sounds like a diet that includes cider and an occasional Gin & Tonic is what the Doctor ordered ;-)

Ouch

It often amazes me when running that I don't get many injuries in the form of stresses and strains but I do get a few lumps, bumps and scratches from the trails today being no exception. Whilst out on the Mince Pie Run I was running along a reasonably level path with the remains of a few fallen branches from the recent high winds scattered here and there. Also remember that I have other runners around me obscuring my view of the trail surface when.........THWACK OOWWWWW.

An extended howl from my goodself when I have stubbed my toe on a stick just above the toe guard of my shoe, no problems I thought, my feet were cold and I could feel a little discomfort nothing I haven't handled before. However it did get worse as the run went on.

So tonight I have found myself limping about the house with a tender toe and a bruised nail bed which has slowly become a little more swollen than I would want....hence why it is iced and raised :-(

Mince Pie Run 2011

The morning started at 6.45am with my alarm beeping me awake and as my previous post (dimidium facti qui coepit habet) suggested, I needed to step out of bed immediately or the morning's run would have been in jeopardy. So with those words ringing in my ears I stepped forth into a very cold morning (-2 C) and drove to High Elms Visitor Centre where I was later to meet a bunch of friends to run the annual Mince Pie Run.

The first run

It turned out that the exquisite route plan in my head evaporated like the condensation in my breath as soon as I hit the first trail as my feet took me towards some old paths I knew and I ran for running sake, all I had to do is get back to the car park before 10.00am so I ran...walked a little, ran on, stopped at the top of a hill I had never climbed and just watched the icy morning below me and the shadows shorten. Lost in my thoughts for those early hours was soon back to reality when I realised I only had 30 minutes to get back to the car park so with my head down I pegged off through the woods, up the hill and over the stile then drop down into the, now full, car park where I saw familiar figures milling about laughing and chatting. It was an amazing turn out of about 50 people all bedecked in Santa hats, elfin and Bat Woman outfits, we even had a white rabbit

Total so far : 12 miles

The Mince Pie Run

Tradition dictates that there are two routes, one 5 miles the other about 8 miles but this year there was a group doing a 4 mile walk. So setting off together we were immediately sent in the wrong direction as we decided to follow Brian who was told off by the old guard and pointed in the right direction in howls of laughter. The wonderful thing about these runs is the continual laughing and joking from everyone, there is no racing, frequent stops and clambers as we all wait patiently to climb a stile or cross a muddy path. I was rather taken aback when I found myself being asked about my running this year and my various antics but was happy to tell a few stories and my plans for the next few months.

The run continued and the laughter reached a peak when we ran the final mile where the number of walkers increased, some with young children, and their looks as they were to see us being chased by a 6 foot white rabbit!

So on our return we found that the walkers had filled up a picnic table with mince pies, chocolate goodies and party food and 50 runners and walkers tucked in with gusty sipping mulled wine to await the Christmas carols.

Total for the day: 20 miles

dimidium facti qui coepit habet

...He who has begun has the work half done,

Sunday morning sees me with the challenge of getting up early for a solitary run of about 15 miles as George is unable to attend due to family commitments. This makes it all the more difficult for me as I am renowned for sleeping in when there is no peer pressure but I have promised myself a good run to explore a new path I have found on the map that links up two routes I know.

Later I plan to meet up with my friends from my sister club for a festive run of about 7 miles in fancy dress with carol singing, a charity donation and some food after. So hopefully tomorrow I will get in about 20 miles with the chance to some early solitude I so greatly need at the moment

Funny Nativity

Probably the funniest nativity video clips I have seen (sorry nothing to do with running but too good to be true)

First of Winter?

I am very aware that my current running shoes have just passed the 700 miles (~1125km) mark and whilst in reasonably good condition they are as flat as a pancake such that I am running like a barefoot runner! Aware that the season of good will is soon to be upon us I just cannot afford (or seen to do so) buying a new pair running shoes so I have a cunning plan to run as many miles as possible tonight, and other nights, on woodland trail with a headtorch until they can be renewed.

The evening was cool so I chose to wear two skins and shorts but had gloves just so I was comfortable soon to choose a convoluted route via local golf course, woods and unlit paths. It is along the unlit paths I became aware of the occassional flurry of vapourous rain drops and then a darting of particles in my headtorch......sleet?

I was overjoyed for a moment with the thought of snow such that my pace picked up and I bounced along the paths in my favourite woods. Tonight I was in an ecstatic mood as I enjoyed my solitary meanderings through the all enveloping darkness. My legs grumbled, my ankles twanged as I clunked and slipped in unseen muddy patches. I shooed foxes who dared to stop and glance at me, their eyes shining in my light.

Tonight I was thankful that I had a chance to escape...

Wollowing Hippo

All I needed to do tonight was run, just run about 12 miles and feel comfortable to carry on my training after my week off. The weather in the South-East of England had been high winds and rain for the past 24 hours with a nice break during daylight hours being a city dweller by day I had not seen the trails after such a storm. So came the time for me to get ready and I donned a long-sleeved shirt, my windproof smock, a pair of shorts and then at the last moment my fluoro jacket as I didn't want to get told off yet again for wearing all black on a club run!

I hit the road with the intention of testing my newly acquired Silva Siju Compact LED headtorch (Brecon Beacons goody bag) along the woodland footpath having quickly pocketed my trusty Petzl. On hitting the woodland path I decided that I would never, ever wear the Silva Siju again unless as a last resort, it was not designed for night running, more for car maintenance or walking and map reading.

So now I was on the path and it occurred to me that only a few months ago I was reporting dragonflies along this section but tonight it was quite hazardous in my road shoes, mud, puddles, roots and fallen branches were just some of the obstacles to contend with.....perfect Jerry conditions.

After a run of the mill club run I returned the same way but realised that it seemed to be a little tougher on the way back causing me to step on the edge of most puddles, I cared not  jot.

The Delicious Mrs S welcomed me into the house with her usual air of disinterest and disdain after such a run ordering me to go to the shop for urgent supplies (read as milk) and not get mud on the carpet.....again  so attempting to keep the peace grabbed a dry t-shirt and car keys went to the shop immediately being aware that I was being stared at from the waist down.

UUURRGGHH what a sight I must have been for when entering the bright lights of the shop I could see I was covered from my toes to the base of my shorts in splatterings of mud and by the looks of the security guard I was not very welcome...I cared not a jot for I had a lovely run.

TP100 Training Starts

After a lovely seven days rest I will have to start the training for real for the Thames Path 100 which commences in 81 days from the day of this post which is 3rd March 2012 from Richmond Town Hall, Richmond London at 10.00am.

The first official announcement is I am cutting back on the cider to see if I can shed some of my weight and to get a healthier sleep pattern. The second is I am looking for anyone from my local running clubs who would like to be my pacer from 51 miles, preferably an experienced night runner and willing to run/walk with me during the hours of darkness from Henley to ensure that I keep the pace up and focus on getting to the end unscathed. 

So the training plan has been readjusted, the support and drop bag plans have been set just the logistics remain, I love this bit of the preparation :-)

Week off

After my mammoth runs of the previous two weekends I had to take stock of what my body had gone through and take a break.

The run in the Brecons whilst fantastic had actually caused some bruising to my feet which was unexpected having discovered that a large amount of mud had compacted on the insoles and pressed into my instep. This had bruised the plantar fascia in the arch of both feet, with this my feet and ankles were mildly swollen, time to rest but first I ran 10km with the club which did wonders to loosen my legs. My impending hospital visit put pay to any runs on Thursday evening and a late night on Friday also stopped me from going out.

On speaking to George on Saturday evening it was agreed that we were not to run today and to be frank it wasn't a very hard decision. So the best thing to do was just put the last week on the shelf and come back next week stronger and rested

Grains of Sand

Be master of your petty annoyances and conserve your energies for the big, worthwhile things. It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out - it's the grain of sand in your shoe.

Robert Service

Awesome

One of my favourite running moments of 2011.

On the Taff Trail with Bryn melyn behind and

Talybont resevoir to my left (click to enlarge)

Zombie Runner

As my Dear Readers will know, in recent weeks I have undertaken on a big challenge of two ultras in seven days and whilst an individual attempt is hard enough doing two is a tough call. The overall effort was not excessive as I took them at a sensible pace as I had nothing more to prove than just to be able to complete them.

In recent weeks I have felt an "uncomfortable" sensation in my chest after a bigger exertion and these last two weeks have had some of those. On Monday last I attended my Doctor to talk about this but felt an absolute chump when he said "What, when you get up to go to the fridge or similar?" to which I replied "No, when I have run up a 2,000 foot mountain at the weekend". I chose never to play cards with this Doctor as he has the best poker face I have ever seen but he did stop to think over the next set of questions!

There was nothing obvious to discuss but as I am over 40 years old he chose to get a full preventative screening check of blood test, chest X-ray and an ECG as he theorised that my heart will have been enlarged from the large mileage I do. On this subject his poker face dropped a bit when I mentioned I did ~50 miles a week but had been doing in excess of that in the previous months.

The Hospital

So this morning I attended the hospital at 7.45 am to get my blood tests and have learnt that if there were to be a new Olympic sport called "Blood Test Queuing", the gold medal going the person who gets to the front first, I have come to realise that anybody over the age of 65 years old will win as I am sure the majority of the people in front of me camped outside overnight!

Blood tests and X-ray complete I went for my ECG and went through the "wiring up" procedure and relaxed back for the readings to be taken. All complete, the Healthcare Assistant passed the envelope to me and commented that I had a very low heart rate and on looking at it later found that at the time of the test it was 43 beats per minute!!! Now I know it is low but considering I was in a strange environment and not totally relaxed I am gobsmacked.... the question is, am I a zombie?

There they sat

...stinking the utility room out, the normally Delightful Mrs S grumbling about said smell I was forced to do something I have never done before, I stuck my trail shoes in the washing machine!

The Mighty George always mentions that he washes his training shoes ( I have a sneaky feeling it is the Determined Mrs F that does it however) after a muddy trail run to no ill effect so who am I to disagree with such findings. So on Monday evening I threw my trusty shoes into the washing machine and put on a rinse cycle all I can say is....

THE MESS

The resulting mud and mess was such that  I had to run a  rinse cycle again after their removal to get rid of the horrific Brecon mud and to save Mrs S shoving me in said washing machine if she discovered what I had done. I then hung the shoes outside where they didn't dry so tonight I brought them into the house to dry by a radiator.

My shoes are now shiny clean but BOY..... do they stink still

Brecon Beacons Ultra - Race Report

We arrived at Talybont-on-Usk in the Brecon Beacons,Wales late on Friday afternoon after an uneventful drive which consisted of a few stops for food and hot drinks, our accommodation for the weekend was an outdoor recreation centre on the outskirts of the village and comprised 1,2 and 4 bed dorms. We were directed by a passer-by to go inside and allocate our beds by placing our bags on it and relax. We chose a 4 man room.

As it was Brian's 40th birthday on the day of the race we had arranged that his race number was #40 and was informed by the caterers that a birthday cake had been made in his honour. So after registration we went for a meal and a few drinks with our new found friends Emiko and Erika returning later to the centre for a restless nights sleep ready for the off the next morning.

The day of the race.

Getting up at 5.30am George and I  watched Brian excitedly open the various cards he had been given by friends and family, then have a relaxed breakfast near the kitchens. We kitted up and went to the main area to be told the start was delayed by a few minutes to allow for late comers from the sounds of the others we were quite happy with this as it allowed us a few more minutes to go over the maps.

At 7.40 we were sent on our way after a comprehensive health and safety briefing including what we should do if we fell into the canal, I was more interested on what to do if I fell off the mountain! So there we had it, 150 intrepid gentle men and lady folk trotted up the road towards Llangynidr finding us to run the next 3 miles along the canalside.

George commented that I was unusually quiet for a start of the race but I was in an introspective mood as I was aware that this was going to be a tough day and wanted to settle into it as I was aware that there were going to be some serious hills, how serious I was soon to find out.

To Checkpoint 1

Passing through Llangynidr and through a network of alleys and roads to got to our first ascent a mild 800 foot climb in just one mile through fields and tracks. It was now becoming apparent that we were going to see some lovely views but first we had to climb. The route continued down then up until we dodged around a corner to find Checkpoint 1 which comprised a trailer full bottles of water and a man with a clipboard taking our numbers.

The wind in this section had really picked up and I was amazed to note that it was not gust of wind but a continuous, constant blow that left your ears roaring and by stopping felt my body temperature dropping because of the wind chill so we agreed to move on quickly so we could find some shelter to allow us to get some food onboard. Pulling my Buff off my neck to create a beany we climbed higher to our highest point yet at 1463 feet, this was by far the highest we would get but we found ourselves in an exposed area where one minute we were in a calmed area until we got into an area where the wind seemed to be forced down a funnel to make our clothes flap and our ears roar.

Is there a Doctor in the house?

Ascent to CP2 (I am bottom right)

Here we were take a treacherous 800 foot drop in 1 mile into T Neuadd, a small farm, down a stoney and very rutted path which was more like a wet stream bed and halfway down I saw a lady runner, Sue, sitting on the floor and shouting to her we found she was injured after taking quite a nasty fall. Sue was looking a bit shocked and had two quite nasty split cuts on her knee and upper shin which were oozing blood. I got down to administer first aid and if I do say myself did quite a good job patching her up with the basic kits we had using some of Brian's toilet paper to act as wadding, zinc oxide tape from my kit and a field dressing from Sue's to bandage the assemblage together. I was pleased to hear that another runner had some Steri-strips that she was able to stick the wound together. Sue was adamant that she continue so we left her to get herself together and we continued on our way. My confidence was a little knocked after the incident so took it extra careful on the remaining section of descent.

To Checkpoint 2 and beyond

The weather now was clearing now to present a beautiful sunny day and the ascent to Checkpoint 2 was yet another 800 foot climb in just under a mile, for a good section of it we were in the shelter of the valley but as we got higher and higher the ground became more sodden with streamlets of mountain water flowing in sections creating mud pools and ankle deep crossings. My heart was pounding from the excersion but the humour amongst us was still good as we laughed about the ridiculous conditions, the roar of the wind and the knee high mud in places which yanked and pulled every leg tendon and ligament. As we approached CP2 we opened a 5 bar gate and had to physically lean against it to prevent it swinging wide open and as we turned we were met by an incredible vista overlooking the Talybont Resevoir looking towards Pen y Fan

Talybont Resevoir

Here we stopped to just take in the view and I was amazed that I could lean into the wind and stay hanging as again our ears roared unable to hear each other talk. We turned away and then ran towards the CP to get top ups of water and take some more food onboard. I informed them that Sue was injured and may need to be picked up when someone pointed back for us to see her running towards us, wow, one tough lady.

To checkpoint 3

We continued on to pass through Bryniau Gleision an open and exposed area that left the wind to blow but there were other hazards to be aware of here in the form of Shake Holes which are deep hollows caused by collapsing limestone caves below the surface, the issues here being that there would be pooling water which created marshy conditions. It is here we saw the last of George who took it upon himself

to run off ahead alone leaving Brian and I the safer option to travel together. This section was still hilarious seeing Brian and I fall and stumble into hidden pools of water up to our waists but we soon pleased to enter the quieter section of woodland to drop Pentwyn Resevoir where we were met by yet another friendly and reassuring race team

To Checkpoint 4

We were still in the realns of long sharp ascents but we couldn't fault the landscape, it is around here I noticed that Brian was beginning start wearing warmer clothes with his hat now taking an outing with gloves later and a windproof(?) jacket also showing its colours. I had taken the precaution of wearing my waterproof equipment, leggings and gloves from the start finding my Buff great as a neckscarf or hat at a moments notice.

This was probably the most frustrating part of the course when we were put on to an exposed, marshland that was just too treacherous for running as there were hidden  drops, pools of water and yet more swallow holes, the wind was high over this area but we knuckled down supporting each other with various conversations and jokes which allowed us to see the brighter side of the adventure. By now our feet were freezing cold and we were both desperate to so we put our heads down and battled to the woodland ahead, we were later to hear that others had a similar feel about this section but this is where strength of character and determination pay off as there are always low points in morale and this was one of them.

After what felt like an eternity we were out into the relative warmth and shelter of woodland then the surprise that we had the next checkpoint which was situated by a vistor's centre.....and a shop, a veritable oasis. Here we decided to take some time out and fishing out some money I had stashed for such occasions bought two bottles of Coke and a packet of crisps. Here Brian mentioned he wanted the toilet so whilst he went off I got some geographical knowledge from some locals who pointed hazards and points of interest out on the map. Little did I know that in fact Brian was cleaning his running shoes in the disabled toilet! This sounds like madness but in fact very sensible as he got the mud out from inside his shoes.

To Checkpoint 5

This was an interesting section that was mainly up but now the cloud was pulling in and we were now sufficiently below the hillsides to be out of the wind and allow us to get some running in which was a continual up hill 600 feet through various woodland and water features. Throughout this section I sides on Corn Du and was getting a tad worried for I knew at some stage we were to climb it. On reaching the Checkpoint we were to hear that George was not too far ahead but we were not going to rush it....

Up Corn Du to get to Checkpoint 6

WOW the next section took my breath away...literally. We took a gentle jog up a roadside to meet about 8 Military Policemen who were doing their Brecon training and I think there was a little bit of admiration from them when they realised we had just passed the marathon mark and were about to ascend the next cliff...or 500 foot ascent with a horizontal gain of 800 yards to the highest point on the course. Here is where the fun and games started when I was excited in the idea that we had the opportunity to run a massive descent which I took with relish but I have a feeling Brian regretted the idea that road shoes were sensible as apparently he fell or slipped over numerous times on the grass and mud, it must have been hell for him as my grippy Kanadias were having trouble on the wet grass as I was seen skidding and swearing through the latter section of the hill. When Brian and I met at the bottom he looked decidedly shocked but he appeared uninjured but in his normal good humour so we continued onwards to Checkpoint 6 where there was a sole marshall happily listening to the rugby and keen to help out with biscuits and gels if needed. It is here I realised I had only eaten just under 2 flapjacks and 2 carb gels all day.

To Checkpoint 7 and the end

Darkness was now descending and we were happy to be off the hills and were going to coast the contours from now on but first we had to traverse a river which didn't sound too bad considering we had had wet feet all day so we went off happy to be on roads for a little while to make up some time when we eventually reached the this water feature. I was surprised to see that we had to descend a deep gully to the river and doing so in the pitch dark, with headtorches was slightly insane and as to prove it I took a tumble twisting my knee slightly which got me to the river a bit quicker than I planned. At the river we found a large rope had been knotted across and we had to use it to pull ourselves throughthe knee high rushing water. Clambering out we continued the last 8 miles by the light of glo-sticks and reflective ribbon, the sights of the mountains and surrounding countryside lost in the dark with just ourselves and the reflection of hundreds of sheeps eyes for company. This was a gutty section, Brian now suffering from the cold as he had fallen a number of times now and his sodden gloves not helping his morale. So at checkpoint 7 he changed into leggings and I lent him my dry, spare gloves from my pack. Staying a little longer than I wanted (my body temperature had dropped significantly during the extended stop) we eventually moved on to take on the last stage.

Tiredness stepped in as we stumbled and slipped our way through the countryside both of us still laughing at each others mishaps and even howled with laughter when we took a  wrong direction and I found myself groin high in cold flood water. 

We carried on meeting the canal near Talybont very quickly then take a side turn along a track to see the Finish in the near distance. Clambering up an embankment and guided by a marshall we were cheered in with a cow bell and whoops to the welcome finish line....the end to an awesomly, tough, beautiful, fun-filled day across the mountains. Brian was then heralded with a chorus of Happy Birthday and a birthday cake provided by the organisers....brilliant

Things to do...

when 1440 feet above sea level.

Looking North West from Talybont Resevoir with Pen-y-Fan in the far distance

 

Click to Enlarge

 

Bags packed for Brecon

We were laughing last weekend that I have a habit of taking a photograph of my kit the night before a race or event however this time I just have too much to fit on the photo as there is a compulsory list:

 

Compulsory Kit List

• Backpack or suitable means of carrying required kit
• Food (including all nutrition supplements, energy bars etc)
• Ability to carry water ( absolute min 500ml)
• Full body coverage of some thermal value.
• Waterproof Jacket
• Waterproof Bottoms
• Head coverage
• Gloves
• Whistle
• Headtorch
• Compass
• Space Blanket or preferably emergency bivy.
• First Aid Kit
• Footwear with adequate grip for slippery off-road conditions.
• Map (supplied)

Advisory Kit

• Additional thermal layers to the bare minimum listed above.
• Spare batteries for headtorch
• Mobile phone
• Money
• Hydration Tablets
• Energy Gels

Looking at the lists above it is common sense for mountain running but it just adds that little extra weight for such a climb. I am hoping that we will be allowed to drop the waterproofs but looking at the weather forecasts there is little hope of this. The picture attached to this post was taken at 4.07 pm 1^st December 2011 and at least there is no snow which would make it very interesting indeed.

Stress

I can safely say that this week has been a stressful one with a major deadline at work that required me to work longer hours than normal. This capped off with a strike at work yesterday requiring me to cross not just one picket line but a second one when I had to teach at college last night. The latter one was absolutely disgusting with over 100 people blocking my path and name calling, it was only the presence of a Police Officer that prevented me laying into a picketer who shoved me causing me to stumble then call me a scab...this is an apolitical blog so don't want to go into the ins and outs of the reasons for the strike but it was absolutely disgusting that one of my wheelchair bound students was treated with similar contempt.

After college I returned home to then complete the deadline of my project completing the upgrade and configuration at 1.30 am. Today was equally busy tying up the loose ends before being told at 5.00pm that the Director wanted a full report....a request too far.

No running this evening due to relaxing (as best I can) before Brecon Beacons Ultra on Saturday, I am ssoooo tired but I wish I could have run tonight just to destress.

Sore feet

After feeling so strong after the Gatliff event at the weekend I took a well earned rest on Monday but by Tuesday I was feeling a little sore in the leg area which I felt was just a matter of ironing out with a short recovery run.

Taking the unusual decision to take the car to the running club I chucked on my running kit and my now fast wearing out road shoes to take the longer journey (by road) to the club house. I felt quite free as I had no GPS watch, no backpack or associated kit with me as I was happy to run around with one of the groups who run at a nice medium pace and for about 5 miles.

I soon realised that in fact I could have gone for a faster group as my legs were feeling fine but I looked to the weekend and reminded myself that I will be running 80 very hilly miles in the space of 7 days. However, when I reached the 4 mile mark I began to realise that my feet were feeling a tad sore, not skin sore but mild bruising sore so was happy that I had made the right decision. When I got home and pulled off my shoes they were indeed partially reddened so had a hot bath and gave them a nice massage to get them malleable again.

Today I am taking the weight of them but teaching tonight which means I will be on them for 3 hours so will have to take care and watch how it goes over the next two days

Gatliff Marathon - Race Report (2011)

This run was on George and my "Runs to do list" for the year and this year was our third outing to Edenbridge to take part in it. Ever since we were entered the Brecon Beacons 40 mile ultra next week I was unsure if I should do it but after a lot of discussion we both agreed to do it as a double ultra but take it carefully so as not to tire ourselves out too much.

Arriving at the Edenbridge sports social club at 7.00am I was amused to hear George say "Good lord, look at that, the same old faces" and as we entered we were greeted with waves and hellos....oh dear we are "the same old faces!"

So at 7.45 am we left the club house with Rob and our newly found ultra buddy Barry who was soon coined Bazza for the remainder of the race. We were soon directed off road and I was pleased to find that we had joined our old friend "The Vanguard Way" a route George and I have been on many a time but it was really pleasing to see that it was the route of the now infamous London to Brighton that we first ran along 3 years ago with our good friend Michael. The run was soon to stop after about 15 of us were seen wandering around aimlessly scratching our heads at the first of many a vague direction from the instructions. Back on track we continued on to the first checkpoint for orange cordial and biscuits. The others had chosen to wear waterproofs but I had gone for just a long and short sleeved shirts which was more than suitable as there was only light rain for about an hour which soon cleared to a bright and clear day.

The merry band of four continued on in good humour, Bazza probably taken aback by the amount of noise that Rob and I were making as we teased each other remorselessly about our drunken exploits, Rob and his [alleged] use of trekking poles recently.

It was obvious from recent years that this course was very different from the last two and was definitely a hillier route and what with the late autumnal leaf drop covering tree roots and the fresh rain fall made the course very tough going in places especially over ploughed fields that made our shoes weigh about 10 pounds.

The course gets tougher

Passing the 10 mile mark we were met by our next ambiguous direction which had us going backwards and forwards trying to find the right route wasting a good 15 minutes adding an extra mile. After a good bit of team work we started off again and what I found so brilliant was that nobody cared a jot as we took on the next part of the course and to stop off for drinks at the next check point. 

Now entering the middle section of the race we also entered the hilliest part and I was soon recognising the route and was astounded when we started to ascend the North Downs Way and then cover the very same route, Brian George and I ran last week this time in the opposite direction but providing us with new found confidence as we knew this section well, ascending the North Downs scarp at Titsey Hill was one tough thing to do 21 miles into a run but to do the descent was hair raising stuff as 8 of us pegged down it, tripping and stumbling over the roots and arriving at the next check point for more cold drinks and biscuits.

The last section

Now entering the last part of the run we were soon beginning to curse the route designer for not just their tardy route description but now making us run up and down Chartwell and Crockham Hills not once but twice! It was obvious at this point Rob was on fire and wanted to pace off which we happy for him to do so Bazza and he took the lead with George and I pulling off the pace to a steady ticking over to get us through the next few miles unscathed

Back at the club house

Back at the start we were met with a pile of food fit for Kings and Queens, hot sausages in buns, cake, soup and enough coffee & tea to sink a battle ship. So after getting some dry clothes on we were soon seen stuffing our faces and joining in the banter with the other runners

In all 34.8 miles with 3,825 feet of climb (Checked against OS data) in tough underfoot conditions....brilliant day with some fantastic people