North West rite of passage.

A lot of things are different to my last posting position back in November last year. Among these are a house move and a job change - assuming I had a job to change from.

Well, briefly, I have taken a job as assistant warden on a busy campsite in England's Lake District. After a couple of weeks finding my feet I headed off to justify my trail running status and very soon found my fitness had kept the faith. I found some easy and moderate routes straight out of the door but on travelling to a sister campsite I discovered where my destiny lies - the fells. Or at least it will when I learn to navigate!

I've just returned from a second camping trip to Wasdale, a couple of kms from the summit of Scafell Pike. The area is alive with drama, with possibility, with challenge and with a running history, much of which is celebrated only by a small passionate number of Britain's greatest athletes.

This was my first fell and to date my only one but I expect to have explored somewhat further by the end of my summer season. My first ascent laid bare my navigation problems when I misjudged distances and direction. I hope to become a better reader of maps and terrain: surely I will learn from my errors. 

My second trip to Scafell Pike rewarded me in a number of ways: I arrived at the summit without getting too lost. I found views this time instead of cloud. It was hazy but with visibility out to about 10km I saw much more in terms of the spacial placement of the Scafell Massif and of the proximity of other peaks. I also put a line in the sand of 1:17 for the ascent. I'll be looking to get that under the hour before I'm done. It's good to be back.

Future projects include linking the 3 National Trust campsites of Low Wray, Gt Langdale and Wasdale in an out and back over 2 days, camping at Wasdale. Further in time, I'll look to run Beachy Head again this year where I'll hope to knock half an hour off my time.

Beachy Head - A marathon run

This was my first marathon. My goal was a sub 5 hours, I streaked across the line in ... 5:00
So, I have my line in the sand for next year ;)

Briefly, the day was perfect. Weather cool, pressure high, wind almost still at the beginning but gaining in force just in time to give us a boost over The Seven Sisters.

I'd set out intending to hit the half way at 2:15, I was about 5 minutes over but feeling good and secretly hoping to 'run' all the way.
Toward 18 miles there is a stepped rise, I started my bobbing run up but soon found a dreadful cramp start to take hold low down on my left quad - this was to stop me in my tracks while I massaged it and pleaded with it to let me continue. Once at the top I was able to run untroubled but it was to resurface on the second flight of steps and after on the steeper climbs of the Seven Sisters. The cramping was probably down to a number of things; in no particular order: low salt - despite 4 S-Caps, muscle fatigue (what do you think??) and being a bit shy of long run training.

All said, I had a great day. I pulled in in a time I would have expected and, unlike on other occasions where I push too far, no injuries save some discomfort in a ligament behind the knee.

There's some pics if anyone fancies a look. Yes, I know I look like I could have tried harder...tell that to my wife and boys who were there to witness my deathly slow final ascent - no man's children should ever have to endure that! - and witness my old man shuffle for the three successive days.

Image to come

CLICK HERE

Some more here:
http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/index.tlx?albumid=183410


Bib number 247 in search box.

I had a great time before, during and to a lesser extent, after this 'race'. I met up with my family in Eastbourne, forumites from my two online haunts. I finally ran a marathon after 'posturing' long enough.
One thing I intend doing, after being processed by this event, is to marshal an a race. It would be an opportunity to give something back to a sport I have benefitted from and to witness the mind-boggling array of humanity that a race of this distance lays bare.

Go run a marathon.

Beachy Head Marathon

I entered this event some 12 years or so back. I didn't train for it and, when the day arrived, I didn't run. I wasted a valuable place and pushed it to the back of my mind.
With my recent proven return to fitness I found myself, back in May this year, looking for an autumn goal. There was never any doubt: Beachy Head was calling me.
Well, here we are, 3 weeks away from my debut marathon. Training is going well: I'm running 6 times a week, I ran a 30 miler at the end of July, I've kept injuries at bay and have started to run with greater economy. All this gives me belief: I will finish and I expect to attack my goal of sub 5 hours. (Beachy Head being a very testing off road 26 miles or so.)
My plan is to get to the half way point in 2:15 leaving 2:45 to bring it all on home.
I'm really looking forward to this event. Don't expect too many pictures, I may have my hands full!

Trail Les Terrasses du lodèvois

http://traillesterrassesdulodevois.blogspot.com/


I hadn't anticipated this new event popping up on my doorstep; I'm compelled to take part even it's a mere 3 weeks before Beachy Head's Marathon.

It is a very big ask for me at 45km and 2000m ascent.

Well..it seems that some administrative difficulties caused this event to be postponed until next spring. At least I'll have a chance to get fit for it.

Run to the Hills: Clayton 30 Mile Downland Challenge.

Barely 24 hours have passed since I put my shoes on the first rung of the ultra running step ladder.

Barely 24 hours ago, as I approached the turn at 15 miles of an out and back trail, did I realise I would fulfill my ambition of finishing something I'd started.

The sun, its passively aggressive stance and limited shade, and the day's humidity would all play their part in a difficult day on the South Downs Way (SDW) in Sussex.


I, curiously, found myself more concerned with finishing The Beachy Head marathon later this year: it is a marathon after all... With little planning or specified training I found myself shoulder to shoulder with the other 100 plus souls looking for their own stories facing 30 miles (48km) at the height of Britain's summer.

My aim for the run is a sub 6 hour finish and not to get too sloppy so, hydration and nutrition are likely to play their part.

The route is to follow the SDW from Clayton east to Southease and return the same way.

The starter sends us away: a tough climb up to the escarpment confronts us which, given the humidity level soon has me losing my valuable fluid.



As usual (I think I can say that now...), I find comrades eager to join me for short stretches. Stories are exchanged, good lucks offered. I love this sport.

As for the run, I felt good through to 15 miles and remembered how a few short years back I'd been laid waste by the half marathon distance needing 24 hours bed rest with a bucket close by, just in case! Times have changed.



The day was hot at 25/26°C and clammy-close-sticky; I was eventually to suffer some despite S-Caps and gels. I'd opted for a litre back-pack seeing there were 3+ water stations - 12, 24, and 36km; as long as I arrived hydrated and drank well at each aid station I should be alright; I'd already ignored the urge to go lite after looking at the 500ml bottle-carrying competition. I can envy their water efficiency but have learned that my needs are greater than most runners and sensibly stuck to my pack.

From the off I was at the back of the field, running cautiously with a true goal of a finish. I estimate that there must be some who had gone off too quickly so I might run them down if I can hold it together. Where I got that confidence from is beyond me but I was confident and carried a little smile most of the way.

So, to the half way turn around. I whip off the hydration pack, drink a load, re-fill and head down the reverse trail. We're greeted to a 3km climb which I opt to run as I don't feel like losing my momentum. Over this stage of 12km I run down 12 positions to one loss; not bad! This point however is where I realise that although I'll finish it might not be pretty. There's another long climb at here back on to the escarpment, my core temperature had leapt up, the water I'd just taken on left my nauseated but I knew I needed to get an S-cap and gel in. I dropped to a march get the food in and waited it out. By the time I'd covered the steepest part I was starting to feel the ship right itself and was glad of the knowledge I'd heard so often from other distance runners - expect to have low periods: try to keep going, your mood and demeanor will improve. They did!

Once on the top of the hills again I found running suited me again, albeit slow. Around this time, 5h 20 I noted that I'd hit the marathon distance and afforded a grin: I was out there, in no-man's-land neither impressive or trying to impress just running.

I cared little for my lowly position. I was simply elated to be out beyond the marathon at last, to have passed a couple of low points without caving in, to have stayed sensible in regards to nutrition and hydration and to have got it about right.

The run in from Ditchling Beacon was a formality; mostly descent then a steep drop back into Clayton with a lap of the sports field to finish. My brother clapped me over the line unaware of the emotional impact of my effort. He didn't notice the tear trying to free itself from behind my eyes and probably mistook my silence, as the lump in my throat became too much, for fatigue.

I finished 92nd from 108 with a time of 6h 18m.

24 hours on I am happy to admit this meant a lot to me.

Opportunity knocks..

I'll be back in the UK in a wee while and it would appear there's a run with my name on it..

30 Mile Downland Challenge

27 July 2008

This run will be my longest to date. I intend taking it slow so as to 'enjoy' it.
It takes place along the South Downs Way from Clayton down toward Rodmell and back again. I've run this section before....long ago so there'll be few surprises other than my own limitations.

I will set the scene in case I stumble: I've had a bit of the old trouble for a couple of weeks - PF in the right foot - but it seems to be on the mend so...why not?

I'll get back after the run, hopefully with some pics and a story of moderate success!!

What to do.

Taking stock, a month or so now after The Trans Aubrac run, I am looking for my next event...
This needs to be a sensible 'target', by that I mean something testing vis-a-vis my training and not clearly impossible as with The UTA last month.
Well, I've long wanted to run the Beachy Head marathon (BHM) and even got as far as entering it some 10 years ago before crying off with an opportune cold. Maybe now is the time to have a go. The distance is certainly attainable; the challenge I've set is formidable: a sub 5 hour finish. I am going to be in a genuine challenge and running in my old home town: I'm already getting excited.

The application is in the post!

Disclaimer:
I don't discount running another event in the meantime...BHM is at the end of October and...the flesh is weak ;)