The Land of my fathers - Clif Bar 10 Peaks Brecon Beacons

The 10 Peaks Brecon race, sponsored by Clif Bar, is a run/trek over a set route through the Brecon Beacons National Park. Competitors navigate themselves around the course, visiting the 10 mandatory Peaks in the set order (plus some other mandatory checkpoints). Competitors can negotiate their own route as long as they reach the Peaks and check points in order. This years event was held over the weekend Saturday and Sunday 5th & 6th September.

There are two distance options on offer. The short course, covering 58km (36ish miles) and the long course, covering 89km (55ish miles). With elevation of 3000m and 4800m respectively  neither option is for the faint hearted. Spurred on by my efforts at the Lakeland 50, and a perverse desire to torture myself over more hideous mountains, I opted to try the short course. The reasonable late entry fee of £67.50 included two nights free camping at the race HQ based at the YHA Danywenallt Talybont-on-Usk,  what more could you ask for? Other than a little help convincing your sceptical wife on the virtues of camping, a hitherto unknown delight on her part!

With surprisingly little coercion and armed with a new tent and a couple of sleeping bags we headed west on the M4.

Race HQ was reasonably easy to find and we arrived on the Friday afternoon in good time. A large car parking and camping field awaited us with few other competitors around. After pitching the tent I headed for registration which was both quick and painless. I was given my race number and Sportident timing chip along with a Clif Bar goodie bag, route map and race t-shirt. I had previously downloaded the GPX file of the route from teh event website and would be navigating my way using a Garmin GPS64 handheld. Food was on offer from the YHA, however we opted to head into nearby Brecon for dinner, and a mobile phone reception! Communication was likely to be at a premium over the weekend.

Race HQ Talybont Reservoir

On our return the campsite was buzzing, cars and tents everywhere with a steady stream of arrivals well into the dark. With  start times of 05.00 for the Long Course and 06.00 for the Short Course I opted for an early night and tried to get some sleep confident that there would be a lot of early morning activity. I wasn't disappointed and around 04.30 more cars duly arrived and waking campers were shuffling about. I missed the Long Course start but I made my way over to the HQ tent for the Short Course race briefing. In next to no time I was saying my goodbyes and we were led single file into the start funnel and one by one we dibbed in to start our timers and we were off.

The route crosses the dam at the end of the Talybont reservoir and follows a short road section before heading up to Carn Pica (762m), the first of the 10 Peaks.

The first of many!

The early morning mist and cloud was covering the summit and the extent of the climb before us was unclear. Some overnight rain had left the conditions underfoot slippery and in places it was hard to get a good footing on the steep sections. After a gentle climb the route got slightly more extreme and a lung busting ascent saw us reach Peak 1 and the checkpoint. After dibbing in we headed off across the boggy mountain top in an increasing amount of drizzle. Parting cloud treated us to some impressive views, although short lived, and we headed down to the Neaudd valley before our next ascent to the trig point at Twyn Mwyalchod (642m). This climb, although mercifully short, was steep and very very slippy underfoot.

Twyn Mwyalchod trig point

A reasonable flat section then led us west towards Corn Du and the descent to the 1st aid station at the Storey Arms. The path down is a popular route to the summit of Pen y Fan and it was busy with walkers. Having negotiated a way through them all at a reasonable running pace I made a very quick pit stop at the aid station, putting on my waterproof smock, before heading across the A470 for the climb straight up to Peak 3 Fan Fawr (734m). The next section followed a gentle downhill which on a good day would have been very runnable. I was struggling to stay upright in the mud and ran the sections that I could. The route crossed some deep ravines and included navigating some stepping stones across the crystal clear waters. This was a beautifully remote section of the route and brief gaps in the cloud and mist allowed a view impressive views. Another river crossing skirted the top of a magical waterfall which I will one day go back to when I have a little more time to take it in.

Magical

The climb from the waterfall was gradual although it was wet and starting to get cold. In little time Peak 4 at Fan Llia (632m) was upon us followed by a reasonably runnable section through to the second aid station. Immediately prior to the aid station was a tricky river crossing which could easily have resulted in a race ending drenching! Opting for little more than coke at the aid station I packed my waterproof and pressed on along a short section of road before heading off on Sarn Helen, which is a Roman Road meandering through Wales. The route is undulating and very very rocky. In places mostly impossible to run on.

Sarn Helen

The race route leaves the Sarn Helen road to climb to Peak 5 at Fan Frynych (629m). From here the route heads back east following the mountain ridge overlooking the A470 and some impressive views towards Corn Du and Pen y Fan which are Peaks 6 and 7 respectively. I negotiated the narrow path along the ridge before the route drops down to the Storey Arms to the final aid station and some much needed hot food. After topping my bottles with a mix of water and coke, and disposing of quite possibly the best cheeseburger in the world, I crossed the road for the ascent to Peak 6 at Corn Du (873m). This climb is intense and gets increasingly steep as you reach the summit. Nearing the top the route follows the ridgeline with an almost sheer drop to the side and impressive views down to the oasis of Cwm Llwch.

The view to Cwm Llwch

The distance and elevation between Corn Du and the 7th Peak at Pen y Fan (886m) was mercifully short and simple. Being the highest two peaks in South Wales these are popular spots and were very busy. Fortunately the rain had stopped the cloud had lifted and the sun had put in an appearance. As a result the views were just phenomenal and no words can do them justice. I stopped for a few minutes to take it all in, sitting for a while I looked across to the next two peaks which I could see clearly in the distance. At just on 30 miles and 11 hours in any notion of a performance had gone and I made a decision to just make the finish my goal. I initially had some misplaced notions of a 12 hour finish but that was clearly not going to happen. I made my way from the hustle of Pen y Fan on a brutally steep descent before climbing to Peak 8 at Cribyn (795m).

Peak 8 - Cribyn

The descent played havoc with my knees. I had been using poles since the start and was leaning on them heavily on the way down. The climb up Cribyn was hell and I kept stopping to look back at the views of Pen y Fan and its sheer face. From the summit of Cribyn the view towards Peak 9 at Fan y Big (719m) looked very similar and it didn't disappoint. The steep descent from Cribyn made my knees ache even more and the meandering climb up to the penultimate peak sapped what little energy I had remaining.

 

Peak 9 - Fan y Big

From the summit of Fan y Big the route follows the ridge line of the mountains around to the final Peak at Bwlch y Ddwyallt (754m). I followed the undulating route as quickly as I could. The sun was going down and the air was cooling quickly. I stopped to put on my base layer and pushed on with a cold cross wind to the final Peak. From here the route largely followed the first few miles of the route back to the finish. After crossing the boggy high ground and negotiating some hideous peat banks I made it back to the first peak and began the descent to Talybont. Maybe it had been the early morning mist, or maybe just fresh legs, but I don't recall the descent being as steep on the way up as it was on the way down. My knees were really complaining at this point and I made painful and slow progress. Once on slightly flatter terrain I started to run, this hurt much less than walking so I actually made reasonable time over the last mile or so.  It was getting dark and I was relieved to make it back to the dam at the head of Talybont reservoir and the finish at the YHA to my left. As I crossed the dam I made a pathetic attempt at a whistle, which my wife fortunately heard, and she made her way to the finish to welcome me in. Having had no mobile signal at race HQ my progress through the day had been completely unknown and we were both thankful that I had just made it home before it got dark. My finish time was 14.08.02 over a distance of 36.8 miles. Slower than I wanted but I was pleased with the finish especially given the elevation profile.

 

10 Peaks elevation profile

This is the second ultra marathon I have attempted over mountainous terrain and whilst very similar I have to say that this was far harder than the Lakeland 50, despite being 14 miles shorter. I fuelled with naked bars and black olives along with some cashews and an S-cap every hour. The cheeseburger was a welcome addition and latterly I munched my way through quite a few haribo's to try and invoke some form of sugar rush. There isn't much I'd change on the nutrition front but in hindsight I possibly should have made more allowance for hydration. I used very little water in the early part of the day as the conditions were cold and wet but I had to limit myself between the last aid station and Peaks 6-10 through to the finish as I only had two 750ml bottles in my Salomon race vest.

 

I came in 66th position out of 94 finishers on the Short Course so not a bad day out in all. Hats off to those completing the Long Course. At 20 miles longer its an epic undertaking over some punishing terrain.

 

Having Welsh roots this was always something I was keen to take part in. I have many happy childhood memories of the Brecon Beacons and I was blessed with some of the most impressive views the National Park has to offer. I'm not sure I'll rush back to this one. Maybe I would consider the Long Course in the future. For now I have enough planned ahead. I also have the Might Contain Nuts ultra in December to consider over a similar route. At 42ish miles with a 14 hour cut off I need to be realistic about my chances of a finish on that. So for now its back to the South for a few events. With Farnham Pilgrims Marathon next Sunday (13th September) followed by the Downslink Ultra (38 miles) and Beachy Head Marathon at the beginning and end of October respectively there is still plenty of time to build.

 

Peace and love xx 

 

Great memories

 

 

Lakelands fabulous 50

It seems like a million years ago that I was hunched over my computer and submitting my entry in to the Lakeland 50. In reality it was only 1^st September 2014 and maybe naively at the time I successfully managed to get a place. At that time I had only run one marathon and although I had a place in a local 33.4 mile ultra I had convinced myself that 50 miles of Lake District fells was a good idea.

My first ultra in September 2014 was a real wakeup call and I was woefully under prepared. In any event I dug in and finished in glorious last place! Not perturbed I secured a spot in the North Downs Way 50 in May of 2015 and I set about increasing my mileage accordingly. The first part of 2015 saw me complete 6 marathons, 2 half’s and a ten miler in preparation and I successfully completed the NDW50 squeaking in just under the 13 hour cut off. A trip to the Lakes was an increasing reality.

A further trail marathon, 29 miles of pacing duties for my good friend Shawn Timmons on the South Downs Way 100 and increased weekly mileage with hilly double day commutes to work and everything seemed to be falling into place. Fortunately living in the South Downs National Park I don’t have far to go to find hills to train on, even if by Lakeland standards they are a little lacking in vertical!

Race weekend soon arrived and the wife (Carin) and I made our way up to Coniston in an epic 8 hour drive crawling north with numerous others embarking on their summer holidays. Fortunately we arrived in time to see off the 100 mile runners from the John Ruskin School and race HQ for the weekend. Our hotel ‘The Waterhead’ was a stone’s throw away so we checked in there after wishing the runners well and headed back to HQ for registration and kit check.

          

 The initial que was pretty horrendous so we opted to join the slightly shorter que at the Fish & Chip shop first. On return to HQ it was moving much quicker. A seamless kit check, race pack issue and weigh in was soon complete. We made our way back to the hotel where I perused the road book and route map supplied at registration, along with some appropriate hydration.

 

I would be using a handheld Garmin GPSMAP 64 to navigate and was hoping to keep map reading to a minimum. I coughed a little at the elevation figures between the checkpoints. 965ft, 2510ft, 1677ft, 1611ft. This was going to be a tough day out.

An early night was in order and I actually slept really well. A 7am alarm and a short walk later and I was back at HQ for the race briefing. The briefing commenced with race director Terry Gilpin going through the serious stuff. Marc Laithwaite concluded things with a more light hearted look at the event. I appreciated Marc’s takeaway message from the movie Ferris Buellers day off. “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.” Essentially, don’t forget to enjoy yourselves! 

We filed out of the school hall and onto 13 coaches for the trip to the race start at Dalemain Estate. I said goodbye to Carin, promising to be careful and with real expectation as to what the time would be when I’d return.  It was a journey of two halves to be fair. The first quite noisy and in high spirits, the second somewhat quieter as the start line approached and the nerves kicked in. I kept myself to myself reflecting on what I was about to take on and I found myself reminiscing about school coach trips as the as the smell of burning rubber filtered its way through the air conditioning system bringing old memories flooding back.

Dalemain was busy with 50 mile runners preparing for the start and the 100 mile runners coming through to their 8^th aid station. I made the most of the weather finding a quiet spot to enjoy the sun and to collect my thoughts. I cracked a wry smile as the PA system started playing ACDC’s Highway to Hell.

We were soon called into the start pen, dibbing our timing chips as we collected together and we were off! A flat 4 mile loop around the Dalemain Estate and then we headed off towards Pooley Bridge. After a short section alongside the river, over Pooley Bridge itself and through the High Street we started on our first climb up Elder Beck with an impressive view toward Ullswater.

 

  

The climb was steady and was actually runnable. I stuck to plan and walked however not wishing to burn too much energy. I ran the flat and downhill section to our first aid station at the wild west themed Howtown. I didn’t linger long stopping long enough to drink some coke and refill my water bottles. I was fuelling with black olives and taking an S-cap every hour. I headed out following others for the brutal climb to High Kop. It was never ending, and just kept getting steeper. I had poles strapped to my race vest but I was determined to leave them there until I felt I needed them. I felt that if I used them it would encourage me to go at the up hills too quickly and I was concerned that I’d burn out as a result. That may be utter rubbish but it made sense to me at the time and hands on knees I puffed and grunted, from multiple orifices, to the top.  There are no words I can think of that could ever do the view from High Kop justice. Indeed the photos don’t do it justice either. You really did have to be there, and anyone that has been there will know what I mean.

 

 

From High Kop we headed down to Low Kop and into the Haweswater valley. This section was awkward underfoot and narrow. Passing was difficult as was any sort of steady pace. It was also a very sheltered and warm section of the route. Aid station 2 at Mardale Head was a welcome relief after such an intense few miles. I filled up with water, drank a fair bit of coke and delighted in the finest ham and pickle sandwiches I have eaten for years! Again I didn’t stick around for long as the climb up Gatesgarth Pass was waiting as was the next 6.5 miles onto Kentmere. Seeing what laid ahead I opted to get the poles out and use them on the climb. Just over 20 miles in at this point I was feeling the terrain a bit. There were still plenty of others around so navigation wasn’t a problem as following the masses was the best option. 

This was possibly my favourite section of the route. Despite the brutal climb and equally steep descent into Sadgill the route alongside the River Sprint and the views up to the impressive rocks made you really appreciate the majesty of the landscape. It’s easy to get all romantic and nostalgic about the scenery but it really was impressive. A stark contrast from the South Downs with such aggressive rock formations mixed with lush green grass and bracken punctuated by silver ribbons of water trickling down. I could go on but I’m sure you get the picture!

 

The rock stars at Kentmere aid station had a made a real effort and were playing some great tunes. I sat for 5 minutes taking on some pasta, more coke and water. I left Kentmere following others on the climb to Garburn Pass. On the route down into Troutbeck I got talking with Stephen Best and we agreed to buddy up and see the rest of the route through together. We walked on at a reasonable pace through to Ambleside making good progress and arriving before it was dark enough for headtorches. We received a great welcome from the circus themed aid station where I took on more coke and sandwiches. We didn’t hang around too long before were off again with headtorches on and heading off through Skelwith Bridge and Elterwater to the next aid station at Langdale. It started to rain on this section quite heavily so it was waterproofs on, hoods up and heads down. Langdale soon arrived and following more coke and bread and butter we left with others into the dark and onto an unmanned checkpoint at Castle Howe. This section was a quiet and steady trudge through some wet conditions. My feet repeatedly sinking into wet bog. My lower legs and particularly my shins were starting to ache now. From Castle Howe there is a short and steep descent on the road which was really making me feel sick with discomfort. I apologised to Steve as he held a gate open for me as I was starting to lag behind a little. He wasn’t concerned and we pushed on over more narrow paths, rocky climbs and bog to the final aid station at Tilberthwaite. Had there been a taxi waiting there I’d quite happily of got in it. It was really starting to hurt everywhere and I was getting really tired, it was 03.40 and I knew we had little over 3 miles to go.

One of the most endearing memories I will take from this is the trail of bright white lights from the headtorches of the runners in front. On the way into Tilberthwaite you could see the trail stretching up the steep climb from the aid station. It was beautiful to see but disconcerting as you knew you’d be battling your way up soon enough. Carin had been getting the update texts from the aid stations so knew I was nearly there. I text her to say I’d be another 90 minutes to 2 hours before we were done.

From the aid station are some steep steps cut into the stone which were lit with tea lights. After another rocky and uneven ascent we levelled out a little across more boggy ground. It was now light enough to see and headtorches off we rounded the summit to see Coniston in the distance. The mist hung over Conistion Water and it was good to know that the finish was in sight.

 

The next couple of miles took forever. The descent was so steep it hurt like hell and Steve got way ahead. He waited for me at the bottom with the news that having conducted a straw poll none of the runners in between us would do this again, and we were both inclined to agree. We continued into the village and agreed that we couldn’t be seen to walk over the line so made the effort to jog in the last 100yds. Job done in 18hrs and 8 seconds. We were ushered into the school to a fantastic round of applause. Our timing chips were removed and we were given our medals and finishers t-shirts. I said my goodbyes and thanks to Steve as I headed back to the hotel to meet Carin who was walking up to meet me.

As I walked out into the morning and away from the hustle behind me I was pretty overcome with emotion. I had a good cry when I saw Carin and we made our way back to the hotel for a much needed bath and a power knap and some breakfast. I slept on and off for most of the day and felt pretty refreshed come Monday morning.

 

Having sworn blind that I wouldn’t do this event again I soon changed my mind. There is something about the Lakeland that gets under your skin. Maybe it’s the scenery, maybe it’s the utter battering your body gets or maybe it’s just the sense of achievement associated with such a tough event. I can’t understate how hard this is. Hats off to all and especially those taking on the 100. That is serious hardcore!

 

There is little more to say other than that. There weren’t really any lessons learnt as I had been sure to practice everything in training. There were no nasty surprises other than the hills. I will never complain about hilly events again. I am pleased I ran in my Inov8 trailoc as they gave me ample support and cushioning whilst drying out quickly. I got through the whole thing with no blisters, just very dirty feet! They gave me more room than my speedcross although I did miss the protection on the front having stubbed my right foot a few times.

So in all a tough yet enjoyable day out in the Lakes. What will I be doing when entries go live? I think it’s a forgone conclusion really!

The only question is over the distance, 50 or 100………….

Peace and love xx

 

Left, right repeat....

Having had a real crisis of confidence over the last couple of weeks, and a nasty little shin issue I was unsure if I would even toe the line at the NDW50. My first Centurion Event at the business end having been a volunteer at last years W100 and this years South Downs Way 50.

 

However with plenty of rest and the magic hands of Matt Phillips from Studio57/StrideUK, not to mention a little tape, it was looking promising.

 

After picking up a shin issue at Three Forts Marathon I was unable to complete the final two weeks of my training plan for the NDW50. With little improvement after a weeks rest I was fearing the worst, but after a visit to see Matt I was relieved to hear that it was likely nothing more than a Tibialis anterior muscle strain. A massage and some tape on the Monday along with some strengthening exercises for the week and I was feeling a lot happier. A gentle couple of miles on Tuesday passed with no pain and I was confident then that at least a start was on. I went back to see Matt the day before the race to have a massage and get the tape replaced and it felt great. Confidence was building slowly, and the first fifty nerves I woke with on the Friday subsided as the day went on and everything was organised and in place.

 

The 4.15am alarm was soon ringing in my ears on the Saturday morning and I kept breakfast simple and light with just some coffee and fresh fruit. It's a fair way from home in Glynde to the start line in Farnham. Fortunately for me my great friends Steve & Tina Amiet had volunteered to pick me up, support me throughout the day and take me home again. I couldn't ask for better friends and their support was outstanding. Steve & Tina picked me up at 5.15 and we made it to Farnham for just after 6.30. Plenty of time to register and to catch up with fellow Boshers John Fitzgerald, Jess Gray and Kevin Smith.

The NDW50 Bosh collective

 

Registration was seamless and it was soon time to take the short  walk to the trail head of the NDW and the race start. After a short briefing from race director James Elson it was time and after wishing those around me good luck we set off at our own pace and following a congested couple of miles the field soon stretched out. It got pretty warm fairly quickly so I stopped at about mile 5 to strip off my base layer and get my cap out of may race vest. Being folically challenged its important to keep the old noggin covered! The first few miles of the route twist and turn along short sections of trail with road sections and crossings throughout. Having recced the route through to Reigate with John Fitzgerald a few weeks back I was confident in knowing which way to turn and more importantly what I would find around each corner.

 

After crossing the river just south of Guildford at around 11 miles in Steve and Tina were shouting support at Shalford. I was feeling strong, comfortable and niggle free with everything going to plan. I was walking the inclines and running everything else at a gentle pace averaging 12 minute miles. My goal was to reach the half way point at Box Hill in around 5.00-5.15hrs. From Shalford the route climbs to St Martha's church with stunning views to the south. 12.5 miles in 2hrs 30mins I was happy with the way it was progressing.

 

After a short steep downhill the route then climbs again to the second aid station at Newlands Corner. Steve and Tina were waiting with words of encouragement and support. I grabbed a cheese sandwich and some coke, topped my water bottles and pushed on. The next section through to aid station three is 10 miles and I was keen to make the most of the shaded woodland route to come as it was starting to get very warm.

 

Welcome shade

 

I find that I tend to struggle between 17-20 miles, I think it is probably a nutrition issue as I don't tend to eat a great deal while I'm running. I stuck with it though and made reasonable time through. I saw Steve and Tina at Ranmore Common (21 miles) and stopped briefly to freshen up. I knew it would be another 10 miles before I saw them again and I knew that I had two of the hardest ascents in those miles too. I pushed on making good time on the downhill section through the stunning Denbies Estate to the next aid station at mile 24. After crossing the River Mole on the stepping stones it was time to tackle the infamous Box Hill steps!

 

Tread carefully!



 

I took the obligatory photograph of the steps but I have left it out. I have come to the conclusion that no photo can do the sheer hell of them justice, never mind dealing with them 25 miles in with 25miles to go! In any event they were soon over and I pushed on along the busy trail towards Reigate. Half way in 5hrs 20 things were on schedule and I was happy that I had ample time to complete the second half.

 

That said I'm not sure what happened in this section because looking back on it I can't actually recall what was going through my mind. It was clearly a low point as the 7 miles between the checkpoints at Boxhill and Reigate took me 2 hours. Maybe I got into a day dream whilst walking a section and got stuck there without realising. Regardless I was soon facing the climb up Reigate Hill which is brutal and I had been dreading it for miles. Somehow I found a fast walking pace and pushed on to the top far quicker than I expected to. Not far then to the next aid station and a catch up with Steve and Tina.

 

31 miles......Reigate and struggling

 

I was struggling at this point, low energy levels lacking motivation and tiring legs. I had a little sit down along with a couple of cheese wraps, sandwiches and coke. I refilled my water bottles and somehow, I don't actually know how, just got up and got on with it. Pushing through the next section at a reasonable pace. Possibly sugar related I was reaching the unknown having never gone further than 33.4 miles before. It was hard to be precise as my Garmin watch seemed to be adding bonus miles so I wasn't entirely sure where I was but I kept positive telling myself that regardless of outcomes every step further was a PB. The next aid station at Caterham and mile 38 seemed to take forever to arrive. More sandwiches, savoury eggs and coke on board. ""Only 5 to the next aid station then just 7 to the finish" they said as I pushed on.  I ran on through the shady woodland trail with Steve and Tina waiting at around mile 40 for more moral support. This was starting to get really hard now. My legs were heavy, my left knee was complaining and my mood was low. It was such a lift to see them. My watch had confused me and although I thought it was a little over 1.5miles to the next checkpoint it was actually 3. "The cut off is 19.10 you'd best get a wriggle on.......see you at the finish" they said and as I left them, heading down the steepest most excruciating  steps, I was beginning to question if I would get there.

 

More twisty turny narrow paths and I was finally at the bottom of Botley Hill staring at a hideous climb but almost comforted by the knowledge there was an aid station at the top. Some form of autopilot kicked in here and without even thinking about it I found myself flying up the hill in something resembling a power hike, one of the aid station crew coming down the hill even commented "that's a hell of a march you've got going on there mate, good work". As I near the top I can see fellow Bosher and aid station crew member Sharon Dickson bouncing up and down shouting out to me. "Nick I am so pleased to see you, you're gonna do this your first 50, I am so proud of you!"

 

Mile 43 over 2 hours to do the last 7 miles, yet virtually shattered. "If you leave here you've finished" said one of the crew. With those and Sharon's words ringing in my ears, a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat I left, running, allowing myself for the first time to think about the finish. I ran for what seemed like forever, my watch making no sense of the distance and the only thing to rely on was the overall time, every second closer to the 13hr cut off. The route was making its way through fields on rough uneven paths that I was finding it hard to walk on let alone run. Just keep moving forward I kept telling myself as my Garmin ticked past 50 then 51, then 52 miles. What was going on this was getting close, too close. 12 hrs 45, 12hrs 50 then oh my god I can hear cheering that must be the finish. Through a gate into a field and there to the my left I can see the finish. Get across this field turn left down the lane, left into the village and left again to the finish where Steve is waiting running ahead of me to see me cross the line. Steve, Tina, John and plenty of others beaming with smiles, cheers and applause I cross the line in 12.54.15. I'd done it.

 

 

Tired!

 

What a monumental effort it took to cross that line. I was expecting some sort of elation at the end but there was nothing other than relief that it was over.

 

John ran an amazing time of 10.17.33, the man is a machine! Kevin came in pretty much bang on his race plan in 12.24.06. Jess on the other hand showed us all how its done by coming in first lady, second overall in 7.49.47 and only 36 seconds outside the women's course record. How anyone can maintain such a pace over such a distance is beyond me, that is an utterly amazing performance!

 

This is the bit where I get all reflective, its possibly self indulgent but its cathartic so bear with me.

 

What did I learn over the course of nearly 13 hours on the NDW?

 

1. Try not to run any event blind. Recce what you can there is real value in knowing what is coming.
2. If you have a niggle before any event get it checked, don't leave it to chance. Had I not seen Matt before hand it was unlikely I'd have made the start and very unlikely the finish.
3. Eat, even when you're not hungry......eat!
4. Thank every volunteer at every aid station, they are there for the love of it and whilst some of us get stroppy and moody if its not going right they maintain a smile with encouragement and support throughout. Hats off guys, you were all amazing!
5. Ask every runner that you pass how they're doing, its a passing comment, literally,  but it means a lot when you're in a dark patch.
6. Believe, not with arrogance or over confidence, just trust your training and believe that you can achieve what you have set out to.
7. Never underestimate the power and beauty of true friendship. I would never have got through this without the selfless support of  Steve and Tina

 

Through writing this the reality of my acheivment has finally sunk in. I'm a 50 mile ultra marathon finisher and I have tears in my eyes writing that. 3 years and best part of 3 stone ago I'd have laughed at you whilst raising a pint if you'd tried to tell me that.

 

I don't want this to turn into some rambling monologue resembling a protracted acceptance speech but there are people that deserve thanks and recognition. Nicci and James at Centurion, your events rock. All of the volunteers and Centurion crew, you made a tough day much easier. John Fitzgerald, your company on the recce and your words of wisdom, support and encouragement on the day were calming and much needed. Jess Gray and Kevin Smith, testament to the Bosh spirit of support and inclusion and for making the pre-start relaxed and friendly. Matt Phillips and his healing hands (and tape). The ubiquitous Steve and Tina Amiet and my long suffering lovely wife Carin, for putting up with my hours of running and mood swings. I am not always the easiest person to live with I know, or indeed work with so a further huge thanks to the best bosses in the world in Rich and Alison, who are always loving and supportive and never question my crazy plans.

 

 

When I first ran half marathon distance in 2013 I couldn't imagine doubling it. When I first ran 26.2 miles in April of 2014 I couldn't imagine doubling that to 50 miles.  I've done it though. I have the Lakeland 50 to come in July this year and then I will decide if Ultra's are for me or if I'll stick to marathon distance. Will I stick at 50 miles? Will the Holy grail of 100 be too much of a lure. Is it even possible for little old me?

 

Peace and love xx

 













 

Am I really ready for 50 miles after Three Forts Marathon?

I guess I underestimate my achievements sometimes and really don't fully appreciate just how far I have come on my fat to fit journey over the last 3 years. I have achieved an awful lot this year without thinking to write about it and get my thoughts down.

A little over a year ago I ran my first marathon at Brighton and on Sunday last (3rd May) I ran my tenth overall, and sixth of this year!

It's all part of the bigger picture with the North Downs Way 50 rapidly approaching on the 16th May. The more recent marathons have been training runs and its been great to run them with all of their associated support, and of course a medal at the end of it!

Three Forts was billed as the tough one and having fairly recently completed the Steyning Stinger and Moyleman Marathons which have similar terrain and elevation I wasn't expecting it to be too much of a challenge. How wrong can you be? The ascent profile is pretty brutal (circa 3400ft overall) although in fairness I didn't feel the uphills too much until about mile 10.

Hmmmmmm!

It was a pretty buzzing start area with plenty of fellow Boshers in the mix running both the half and full marathon routes. Despite the weather there was plenty of positivity about and lots of smiles to go with it. The support from the Bosh Run crew and their loved ones is immense and never fails to humble me and its always great to chat with everyone and feed off of their energy.

The Three Forts Bosh Massive

Starting next to Worthing College the route heads straight up to Cissbury Ring, turning East from there to Botolphs, crossing the river at Lower Beeding before heading further East up to the turn point at Devils Dyke. The route then returns West, following the South Downs Way back to Lower Beeding and onto Chanctonbury Ring Before heading back to Cissbury Ring via Findon Park Farm. Measuring 27 and a bit miles in all it's a worthy route and you've certainly earned your finishers medal that's for sure. The conditions were pretty miserable with intermittent rain throughout and a pretty persistent gale blowing. Coupled with the restricted visibility, which in places was down to around 50 feet, it felt longer than 27 miles! It's hard to measure any sort of progress when you can't see your surroundings. But in all a useful character building experience (LOL).

My training preceding the event had included plenty of hills  and I was suffering from a sore left shin, probably as a result of me going all out to improve my downhill technique and speed. It was little more than a niggle on the start line but I could feel it and at times over the distance it came and went, mostly appearing on the down hills.

I am enjoying myself.......honest!

I felt like I ran pretty hard at it although interspersed with regular walking breaks. I couldn't quite put my finger on why it seemed to be harder work than usual but it was. I had been up late the night before with family for my Dads birthday. I also hadn't eaten that much and possibly wasn't fuelled enough, although that said I had plenty of food with me and kept eating as I felt I needed it. I didn't drink a great deal but then it wasn't really a day for dehydration! I must also consider my other training I guess and that this would bring my total weekly mileage up to 52 miles, which for me is quite a bit. Maybe it was just fatigue. Regardless whatever it was I cant be certain, although looking back it was likely to be a combination of factors.

There was some great support on the way around. Lucy & Poppy Bartholomew were fantastic, appearing out of nowhere at various points along the route and shouting encouragement. On the long slog through the mist up to Chanctonbury Ring, at somewhere between 20-21 miles, I was actually asking myself why I keep entering marathons, when out of the mist appears BoshMother Lucy Dean and hubby Mark. What a sight for sore eyes and much needed hugs support at a low point.

Courtesy of Lucy Dean (the look says it all really)

 



I perked up a bit after that, pushing fairly hard on the downhill from Chanctonbury to Findon Park Farm. I ran most of the last 3-4 miles consistently, with the exception of a walk over Cissbury Ring chatting to fellow Bosher Sam Currie. I pushed pretty hard on the last downhill section to the finish in quite a bit of discomfort but by now just wanting to finish. I was a looking to sneak in just under 5hrs 30 but just missed out as I hadn't anticipated the course being much over 27 miles. My finishing time was 5.31.32 with Sam just behind closely followed by Boshers Janna Dickinson and Ash Bartholomew. The speed demons amongst us, John Fitzgerald & Darren Chilcott, had managed impressive times and had wisely headed home.

I was seriously pleased to finish

I should give myself more credit for the acheivment but I did come away feeling slightly low. My leg got progressively more uncomfortable through the evening and into the Monday. After plenty of ice and elevation it settled although only to flare up again on Tuesday when back at work and on my feet.

And so onto the next challenge that is 50 miles in less than two weeks! I have trained hard, I have covered a lot of miles and I have committed a lot of time along the way. To say I am concerned about the sore leg is an understatement, to have come this far and not be fit to make the start line would be devastating, although I am trying to keep a sense of perspective.

A marathon is a bloody long way and a long time for something to go wrong, the thought of doubling that distance and the associated risks is concerning to say the least. But I have to practice what I preach to others and trust my training. I was going to have a 25 mile taper over two weeks but I'm keeping my feet up for the foreseeable. As I write this (Thursday 7th May) the leg is much better but still sore, I know I couldn't run on it for any distance, so until Saturday 16th I will keep everything crossed and rest well. If I don't make the NDW start then its a lesson learned. I have the Lakeland 50 scheduled for the end of July so I wont have to wait long to have a crack at the distance if things don't work out.

Happy trails x

Longman Ultra 33.4 miles 7th September 2014

This was to be my first effort over marathon distance since completing my first marathon in April at Brighton. I am an extreme kind of individual that loves a challenge, and for quite some time I have been toying with the idea of stepping up to ultra distances. Having been inspired by the efforts of others on the NDW 100 and other outrageous events I didn't take much persuading to sign up for the Longman.

 

I wasn't too sure what to expect to be fair. many people has questioned the ability of the Longman crew to put on an event, after a less than successful previous effort which lacked signing and marshalling. So with an element of trepidation I paid my £39 entry fee and waited to see what would happen next. Sure enough nearer to race day an e-mail came through with clear instructions and it was all good to go.

 

Arriving at the race HQ on Devils Dyke I was a little surprised at how few people there were. Longman were offering a 10 mile event and the ultra and had disappointingly failed to attract major numbers.

Race HQ

 

Registration was painless with race numbers, timing chips etc laid out alphabetically. Safety pins were on offer also and bunched in fours which was helpful. I was also given the option of complementary Clif Shot Blocs or a Clif energy gel. I opted for the shot blocs! The only down side to this element was the course map provided in the pack. It wasn't fantastically clear what the route was, but then I guess it's hard enough to fit a 33.4m route onto an A4 piece of paper and include much in the way of detail. I was pleased to find a fellow Bosher, Janna Dickinson at the start and chatting to her certainly helped to settle my pre-race nerves!

Boshers of the world unite!

A short race briefing followed an at pretty much bang on 0900 the 10 mile and the ultra started together.

 

We started off following the South Downs Way to the West, for around 1.5 miles, turning at Truleigh Hill and heading back towards the start. It was a seriously misty morning and in places it was hard to spot where the route would take us but a well signed course and strategically placed marshals helped us through. We continued around the car park at the Devils Dyke Inn heading down the steep descent into Devils Dyke, through the bottom of the valley and then onto the horrendous long climb back out to the South Downs Way at the top. From here the route followed the South Downs Way down to Saddlescombe Farm, and the first water station. We were offered a bottle of water here and assisted in crossing the road by the marshals. Running through the farm we headed into the next climb up Newtimber Hill. I had been running with Janna until this point and her pace on the hills proved too much for me to keep up with. She faded into the distance as I started to struggle. I was in last place and whilst I never expected an amazing performance I was, it is fair to say, a little disconcerted. I told myself that the day was about finishing and nothing else, just keep moving forward. At the top of the hill was a cheery marshal manning the 10 mile turn point. He wished me well and I made the most of the ensuing downhill section through to Pyecombe. I stopped briefly at the church at Pyecombe to put my bandana and sunglasses on. I wasn't expecting it to be so warm. The sun was patchy and being folically challenged I find it best to keep the old noggin covered.  I also put my headphones on in the hope the some music would distract me and provide a lift. Another marshal was in place to assist with the road crossing as I headed up through Pycombe Golf Club on yet another steady climb onto the South Downs. I have run this section of the course a few times before, and I find the hard packed chalk covered with loose stone quite painful to run on. My choice to run in my Saucony Kinvara 4's was possibly not the best as the lack of cushioning was making the soles of my feet quite sore.

None the less I pressed on with a mix of running and walking to the next aid station at Ditchling Beacon, more water on offer here along with another marshal to assist with the road crossing. It was a minefield of cyclists piled up everywhere but many of them wished me well as I passed through. As I went through I had a call from Shawn Timmons, after a few words of much needed encouragement he said he would try and get out to see me on the route. That certainly lifted my spirits, the thought of a friendly face. I made reasonable time and progress along the ridge to Black Cap and continued to make some good time on the long down hill section to Balmer Down. I had reached this point, around 15 miles in about 3 hours. It wasn't going well! The front runners had made great progress and passed me on the return leg around this point.  The lead runner was a good 5 minutes ahead of second and around another 10 runners went by all within 5-10 minutes of each other. I moved over on the narrow path to let them through one by one. We exchanged encouragement and that nod and smile that runners give each other.

Another steep climb up Long Hill and then a steep descent to Housedean Farm and another water station. I pressed on through with the plan to stop on the return for some food and drink. I had been taking High 5 Isotonic caffeine gels around every hour and had nibbled on a clif bar in places but I wasn't really feeling hungry. More runners passed me as I made my way through under the railway line and through the steep wooded section to the base of what I know as Newmarket Hill. As I came through the woodland I stubbed my little toe on my right foot really hard on a surface root. I ripped the side of my trainer and stopped dead holding my breath and trying really hard not to swear very loudly! I composed myself and pushed on, it didn't feel that bad, just numb from the impact. I struggled my way up the long hill, following the South Downs Way to the top of Kingston Ridge and the turn point at Castle Hill at around 18.5 miles in. I passed Janna on her return leg about half a mile from the turn point. We had a quick chat and complained about the hills, she looked strong. At the turn flag I checked my number with the marshal and made the turn for home. Psychologically for me this was a bit of a turning point. Knowing that it was a straight line (ish) back to the finish with no loops was a great help, although I was really struggling. I called my wife on my way back along the ridge which gave me a bit of a lift, it was clearly obvious to her that I was struggling big time and unbeknown to me she posted a call for encouragement on facebook. My phone went mental with texts and facebook notifications for about the next half hour. I didn't stop to read them by I had a pretty good idea what was going on. I received another call from Shawn who said he would meet up with me around Housedean Farm and run with me for a bit, that gave me a real lift. I pushed on back down toward Housdean Farm. There was a rather large herd of cows and calves gathered around the gate half way down the hill. I had been warned by a cyclist that there were "lots of cows!" Some walkers had gone to the effort of climbing through a barbed wire fence to avoid them. Now call me strange but I love cows, I think they are gorgeous docile animals, and needless to say I ploughed straight through the middle of them and not one of them batted a big cow eyelid.......bless!

 

As I shuffled along the footpath besides the rail line to Housedean I could see Janna making good time on the steep climb up Long Hill. I was at least 20-25 minutes behind.

 

When I got to Housedean I stopped at the aid station. Laid out in the back of the car was a veritable feast. Cake, doughnuts, dates, haribo's, jelly babies, bananas, coke, water. I grabbed a cup of coke, a handful of jelly babies and a bottle of water pushing on knowing that I'd got a few uphill miles waiting and that Shawn would soon be catching me up to offer support. The jelly babies were a mistake, they instantly made me feel sick and I ended up spitting more of them out than I ate. I struggled my way up the hill and shuffled down the steep woodland path the other side forcing down an energy gel as I went. As I climbed the hill from Balmer Down up to Black Cap I kept looking over my shoulder for Shawn but no sign of him as yet. I pushed my walking pace fixed on the top of the hill. There was a cut off time of 1600 at Ditchling Beacon, and whilst I was well inside this I didn't want to leave anything to chance. As I neared the top of the hill Shawn phoned me to ask if it was me next to the pylon. Thankfully it was and he told me to keep pressing on as he'd catch me up. He caught me as I went through the footpath at the wooded section to Black Cap. His calming nature, reassuring words and encouragement immediately made a difference. As we reached the top of the ridge he encouraged me to run, spurring me on to "that next bush". Beware the mobile bushes, I swear they move as you get closer!

 

We made reasonable progress to Ditchling Beacon with Shawn doing a great job distracting me in one breath and reassuring and encouraging with the next. The beacon was awash with bloody cyclists again, I grabbed a couple of bottles of water from the marshal and pressed on through the brightly coloured lycra clad bodies. Shawn held back slightly as I wasn't sure if it would be frowned on running with some support. Just after this point at about 28 miles my Garmin battery gave up the ghost. I wasn't sure if this helped or not as I had no firm estimate of how far was left to go, I am a bit of a stat junkie so not being able to see my progress felt very odd.

 

We pressed on back toward Clayton making reasonable time on the down hills, even making time to pose for a photo opportunity!

Poser!

 



As we got a little further down I said goodbye to Shawn. He had a few stomach issues, mostly due to an immense fry up for breakfast (the choice of champions). I said my thanks and he headed back towards Brighton via the Chattri. I picked up the pace and ran the down hill section to the Golf Club at Pyecombe complaining to myself as I ran over them sodding sharp stones in the footpath. I rang my wife and told her would be around an hour to the finish. She was my transport and would drive up to the finish to meet me. Pushing on through the village I knew I still had Newtimber Hill to conquer. I took on another gel and took some comfort from the fact that I was within 3 miles of my goal.

 

I guess that within races of any distance there are low points, more so in ultra distances. I had experienced one at around 19 miles and coming up Newtimber Hill at around 30 miles I hit another. My progress seemed so slow, it felt like was on a treadmill and going nowhere. I just wanted to stop and sit down but I knew I'd still be there now if I had. Somehow I found the energy to make it to the top and run down the other side into Saddlescombe Farm.

 

As I crossed the road I was greeted by a couple of marshals who looked pleased to see me. I'm sure they wanted to go home! I grabbed a bottle of water on the way through. I was also offered an energy gel, although what good that was going to do me at this point I have no idea! I just laughed and said, no thanks. I struggled again on the steep climb along side the Dyke back to the finish line.

 

As I got to the gate I could see my wife and Janna waving at me and telling to hurry up! As I crossed the road and into the field Janna suggested a "sprint finish" and we ran together to the finish to a great round of applause and cheers from the marshals and crew at the finish line. I had done it...... my first ultra complete, 33.4 miles. I had just about run the whole thing in last place and although I haven't had my time confirmed I think it was around 8hrs 20mins.

 

I grabbed my medal and goodie bag, said goodbye and thanks for the support to Janna with a big sweaty hug. There was all sorts on offer from the race crew, food and drink etc. I managed a cup of coke, thanked them all for their patience and told them I'd be back!

 

It was a great event with a cracking medal, of which I am very proud, and a lovely goodie bag.

 Cracking goodie bag and a t-shirt!

 

My hard earned bling!

So what lessons learnt?

 

33.4 miles whilst not sounding much, is a lot further than a marathon. Especially with 1200m+ of climbs thrown in!

My naïve preparation consisting of a few extra long runs over the last few weeks was nowhere near enough.

My choice of footwear was wrong, very wrong. I need some trail shoes with a little more cushioning. Maybe it's time to get a gait analysis and get fitted up properly.

My race day fuelling was horrendous, I really need to work on this. I'm unconvinced that gels help when you are running for such a long period of time. That said I couldn't have stomached real food.

There is no shame in coming last, once I had processed that in my head I did feel better. 33.4 miles is still 33.4 miles, if it takes you 4 hours, 6 hours or 8 hours it remains 33.4 miles.

 

What next?

 

I have signed up for Beachy Head Marathon, more bloody hills! That's October 25th. I think after that I may focus on some sustained training and make sure I include strength and conditioning, cross training and speed work. I've got the Brighton Half and Brighton Marathon early next year and I have entered the Ox Ultra at the end of May and the Lakeland 50 in July! So in short I have a lot of work to get through! My ultimate goal is to complete the South Downs Way 100. I'll get there!

 

Final thoughts

 

Running can be and is very often a solitary sport. Do not under estimate the power of running with others, be that in races or training. I am not convinced that I would have got through Longman without the support and encouragement from my friends, loved ones and of course Shawn Timmons.

 

I remain enthused, motivated and encouraged to run further. What has changed is the admiration and respect I have for those that run ultras especially the 100 mile events, and further! You guys and gals are amazing.

 

I came last, I guess it was going to happen sooner or later. I have finished plenty of events, I have had a couple of DNS's, what I avoided was a DNF and that was the goal of the day. So regardless of my sore legs and battered feet I have a huge smile on my face and a  massive sense of achievement. It wasn't pretty but on the 7th September 2014 I realised a dream and became an ultra runner 

I made a video from the event photos and videos to celebrate my efforts

A little about me

So where to start?

Well a little about me I guess would be as good a place as any. I started running in July of 2012, just before the Olympics. I'd seen a photo of myself trying on my wedding suit and I looked immense. I had really piled on the pounds and at only 5'8" and touching 15st it was pretty obvious too!

So I started on the road to running, I'd flirted with it before and had completed a 10k in the late 90's. I'd revisited a few times on various whims but never got very far.

In July 2012 I started with a 4 weeks to 1 mile programme and followed this with 4 weeks to 5k, 8 weeks to 10k and 12 weeks to half marathon. The weight dropped off and I felt so much better, more motivated, more energised and more ambitious.

I wanted to do something that would keep me running and something that would commit me to it. So I decided that on my 40th birthday 26th May 2013 I would begin a year of running and fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support. I settled on 40km every week for my 40th year.

I committed to several race dates throughout the year ranging through 10k's, 10 milers, half marathons and finally the Brighton Marathon. I logged all my training miles and raised money for Macmillan through just giving.