A wet Wales and other training

If I've learnt nothing else from my first two utras I now know I really need to get some hill work in. To that end, a couple of weeks ago I swapped my Sunday morning long run from the Sandstone Trail in Cheshire (high point Raw Head 227m) to a far more challenging route covering the Clywdian Range in Wales (high point Moel Famau 554m).

Although it was a little ambitious to double the climbing and keep the same 20+ miles distance, the beautiful views over the Vale of Clywd as I ran along the ridge from Moel Famau to Moel Arthur made it more than worthwhile. It took a bit longer than planned but at least I felt it was some 'proper' ultra practice.

Looking to repeat the trick last week I soon discovered that Summer is fast turning into Autumn. After about three miles a few spots of rain appeared and by the time I started the ascent I was in the middle of a full blown storm with visibility down to about 10m! Once I made it to the top and the rain had turned into hailstones I decided the most sensible option was to get back down pronto as I'd left the canoe back at the car...

The last week has been a real mixed bag training wise. On Monday I ran 15 miles in around 1:50 - amazing how much energy you have if you cut your long run in half! On Wednesday I ran into work then in the afternoon had an hour intensive squash coaching followed by a session on the step machine. I felt pretty pleased with myself at the time but by Friday was running in a whole new (painful) style!

Yesterday I met up with some friends to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Although we only walked it I'm hoping that by now my quads are getting some idea of what's expected of them. The route itself was a very enjoyable 25 miles taking in Whernside, Ingleborough and Pen-Y-Ghent. Next April I might have a go at the Three Peaks Race just to see how fast I can do it although I think the incredible winning time of under three hours will be a long way off.

Good luck to everyone running the Pumlumon next week!

Martyn's Looooong Tour of Bradwell

Two down, two to go… in my head I’ve now entered the seasoned fell runner bracket! Seriously though, I learnt a lot from the Long Tour of Bradwell, easily summarised by ‘ultras are tough’. Surprising eh?!

The weekend started off at Edale where I met up with the other members of Team Runfurther and quickly forgot the ominous struggles my car had just getting up the hill there. We spent a few hours checking out the Kinder part of the course and posing with sponsored kit. The scenery was breathtaking prompting Martin B’s rueful comment that it’s a shame he doesn’t have time to take it in when he’s racing. I suggested he ran at my pace which would allow him to enjoy each blade of grass, “there’ll be plenty of time for that when I’m 70” was the response!

After Osmotherley I felt really good and thought I’d take it out a little harder this time. In retrospect this was a mistake. My troubles began once I’d left the Druid Stone behind and started the steep descent where my toes began to hit the front of the shoes in a rather painful manner. Then going up Lose Hill, cramp began to set in (note to self, spend more time on step machines) which then came back frequently, set off by anything from tough stiles to dense heather. After some helpful guidance by fellow runners pointing out checkpoint 13 which was located down a slope above a river (the organisers had more faith in my balance after 23 miles than I did) I slowly and painfully made my way back to Bradwell, eventually clocking a disappointing time of 8:30.

Needless to say within minutes of finishing I was already thinking “that wasn’t so bad” and was pretty proud of myself for actually finishing the toughest race I had ever done. Just to make sure that it was the race that was tough and not just my lack of conditioning I had a confidence boosting 10 mile race last Sunday at Great Warford where I got a new pb of 1:12:22 - it felt pretty good after going so slowly the previous week however I’m paying for it now with extremely tight calves and general aches caused by road running again.

Next up is the High Peak 40 so I’ll be getting to know this beautiful area of the world even better. I’ve got a few weeks to prepare so am planning on getting in plenty of miles and spending time on the aforementioned step machine… hope my work isn’t expecting too much of me!

Long Tour of Bradwell race, A man in a bikini & other stuff.

In the middle of July I spent 4 days in Alps on the UTMB training camp with Lizzy Hawker. It was a fantastic experience and I learnt loads from Lizzy who is such an inspiration. I am hoping to do the UTMB next year so it was a good chance to run on the terrain. We ran the whole route in 4 days, but got to sleep in between days. I am sure it really toughened me up and made my legs stronger. A week after I came back I did an off road marathon on Dartmoor and felt like the hills were easy after the mountains of the Alps! I was first lady home so I was so pleased, but more importantly for me I felt that I had more left at the end which I was hoping was encouraging for the Long Tour of Bradwell.

The weekend of Bradwell, I was staying with friends in Edale so Saturday morning I went out with them and walked over the Win hill section of the route. And then in the afternoon I met up with the RunFurther team and did a recce of the Kinder section. Karen and Mark took photo’s of us in our gear. I also got to try some clif shot blocks which I think I am now addicted to, and which are great as an alternative to Gels. It was a lovely afternoon and good fun, but also proved really useful for the race the next day.

The morning of the race, and the weather looked perfect. I was looking forward to the race ahead but I was also worried about the navigation on the bits I did not know. The first section felt quite straight forward and the recce the day before meant the Kinder section went well. I joined up with a bunch of guys to go up over Lose hill, and saw Andy taking photo’s and offering words of support. On the way down we missed the turn and ended up being shouted at by an irate farmer who nearly ran us over in his tractor. We quickly turned around and made backtracks up the field.

The next section up around Win Hill and down to Ladybower was so enjoyable, and felt easy as I was confident I knew where I was going. However, after Bamford and ‘the escalator’ , it was all unknown territory. I was hesitant going over Stanage edge, and made a couple of silly errors. However, fortunately a couple of local guys behind me put me right so ‘thanks’ to them. The last section, and through Abney and almost home. At this point there were three of us running together, and none of us knew the route. We could see Bradwell in the distance, and in our excitement, we did not consult the map and therefore missed the turn off, sailing on along the stoney track. After a bit of running back & forth, and some choice words on my part, we managed to find a way back to connect to the route and it was a sprint into Bradwell . I was delighted to find myself 2^nd lady which was a perfect end to a lovely race, and a wonderful weekend.

Waiting for friends to pick me up later, I saw a man in a bikini being chased by ‘police’ and a camera crew filming it. It was all quite amusing but I never did find out what it was all about.

Jayne

Martyn rambling

One week to go before The Long Tour Of Bradwell so I thought I'd give an update on life in between races.

Having spent most of the year prior to the Osmotherley Phoenix being 'ultra' disciplined with my diet - no wine; cheese; anything nice, the last last month has seen a bit of relapse. Still, at least I've managed to keep the runs going. Apart from a couple of games of squash (amazingly won) I had the week off after OP. Then I did a couple of 55-65 mile weeks including a really enjoyable long run from Hampton Court along the Thames. It did make me wonder why all the races in the series insist on being hilly. 279 ft is quite enough!

In other news, a beautiful pair of shoes arrived courtesy of Team Runfurther/Vasque. After the obligatory half and hour drooling on they went and it was off to the Delamere Forest! After a rather over-exuberant run, including some uncharacteristic searching out of steep banks to go up I was delighted with them. My only previous experience of trail shoes was 3 years ago and was quickly nipped in the bud after losing 2 toe-nails to the Clwydian Hills on my first run. These were a revelation though, going from cushioned road shoes I thought I would really miss the comfort but despite the odd design (no inner sole) they're really smooth. Coupled with lots of room in the toe box, good grip in mud and a hideous colour they're a hit with me!

Hopefully the shoes will make life a little easier next weekend but my quads have their doubts - 6500 ft of climbing! Scary... see you on the other side!

series completed

Well enough races complete to count in the series, tackling all 12 in one year would be something else. Having spent quite some time over the last few years pondering over whether to have a crack at the Runfurther series, even last year setting out to do so (an attempt which came to a sticky end 2 races in when trying to run too soon after the Fellsman, resulting to hip problems which in turn lead to be knocked off my bike, but thats another story) this year I again decided yes.

So on to 2010, and as ever the best laid plans....a struggle at the Haworth Hobble meant I did not toe the line at Hardmoors, which meant for various reasons the best long for me would be the Lakeland 50. As ever the week before was one of worry - had I recovered from a 3 day jaunt going round the TMB? would my sciatica ease off in time? and would I find my way round?

My plan for the race was simple - let Kate bomb off in front, race for second (assuming Kate did not blow up or worse), do not go off too hard and push towards the end (which was also the only bit of the course I was familiar with).

Race day dawned and the bus journey was made more enjoyable by listening to the conversations of 4 guys who, shall we say were taking it a little less seriously than I was - I must have looked kill joy with my race face on as growing conversation continued all around me. This also helped take my mind of the knowledge that my pre-hydration plan had not factored in being held captive in a bus for quite as long - something others must also have felt as arrival at Dalemain was met with 350 odd bladders all wanting to be emptied, and two portaloos.....

Once under way the race was going to plan - Kate bombed off and showed no sign of blowing up, Mark H however was not in such good nick and I was slowly gaining on him as we descended to CP 1 (sorry Mark you may have been unwell and unfit, but you still count as a major scalp!!). Unfortunately for me however, despite covering most of my feet with zinc oxide tape pre-race I had forgotten to also tape the small of my back which was starting to rub.

Luckily the marshall at Howtown was totally unfazed as wet and focused I shoved bits of tape into her hand and exposed my back. Once sorted it was back on route, but Mark was up and away, managing to avoid making the same mistake as Martin going up Fusedale by dint of those around me. Mardale brought the unwelcome sight of Kate sitting in the landrover 'you idiot' was I am afraid was all I could think of saying before heading off up Gatesgarth, now on my own and 'map dependent'.

Martin was right, you can not avoid the rocks going down the valley track, with it now wet and Kate's ankle fresh in my mind I managed to find a balance between steady and speed. A minor diversion around a knoll en route and Kentmere was reached, and quickly left, to be met with a traffic jam coming down Garburn in the form of two ranger rover like things.

The rain now was fairly consistent and I started pondering whether it was in the rules of the race to buy a second pair of gloves at Lakesrunner (not withstanding the fact that I did not have any money on me...). Minor navigational hic up no 2 was shared with 3 guys on the 100 before Ambleside was reached and somewhat surprisingly (but much welcomed) there were people cheering the runners on.

Still feeling good now it was time to tick off the land marks and maybe think about motoring - or maybe not along the drag of the Cumbria Way. Navigational hic up no 3 and a minor panic occurred at Langdale as having run 50 m past the 50 to go sign I could not see another sign for the checkpoint, this brought the road book out and relief to find the school.

Still feeling strong on the next section I was however caught and passed by two guys (don't you just hate that) before Tiberwaite - now the watch watching started - was 10 hours possible? I had around 50 minutes left to do so, time to put the boot in; except the boot (and everything else) by this stage was feeling tired. The drag up Crook Beck seemed much longer than when I had recced it a few weeks before and by the time I reached the top it was certainly half light at best, with the slippy path to follow. Constant wiping my eyes, trying to say steady and not push to hard meant I got to the track with only one 3/4 fall and then as best as you can after 47 odd miles tried to sprint.

Of course I also kept trying to see how long I had - not clever really given the light and the fact it was slowing me down to do so -just enough as it turned out, sprinting into the finish with under two minutes to spare. At which point the only place I was going was a chair, finally giving my legs a break - apologies here to the people who wanted to weight me again.

One week later and most of the aches have gone, although it will take a bit longer to get some freshness in my legs - thanks to Mark L and his team for a great race and Kate, hope the ankle recovers soon.

Sarah Rowell

Osmotherly Phoenix

My first race for the Runfurther team, and I was excited about it but also a little apprehensive. I was not sure what to expect in tems of the terrain as the area was new to me. The morning of the race was a bit stressful as we drove around madly trying to buy a map of the North York moors. Unfortunately the map we had ordered had not arrived before we left Cornwall, so we we felt very disorganised having to buy one on the day! Anyway, with a map bought in Thirsk we drove on to Osmotherly for the start of the race. I met Mark just before the start, and he was just recovering from a chest infection so not racing. The church bells chimed at 9.00 and after a short hesitation we are off. I settled into a relaxed and very comfortable pace and enjoyed the new scenary and splendid views across the moors. Because of the three distances in the race, I could not work out who was doing which distance, and actually this was quite refreshing as I just thought I would go at my pace and not worry about positions. Mark was taking photo's on the downhill section leading to the first checkpoint so I am guessing that everybody was smiling at this point! I tucked in behind two ladies for the next section, and it was fairly easy running through the woods, and cool out of the sun. The next checkpoint, and then after this a fairly steep climb and out onto the moors again. This section was more difficult mentally as it seemed to go on for ever, stretching out in front and seeing runners a long way ahead. Then it was a self clip point at the Trig point and downhill all the way almost to the next checkpoint. Kit was checked here, and time penalties imposed for anyone without all the required items. I saw David (my husband) who gave me lots of encouragement, and then onwards and upwards to what seemed like a vertical climb. Mark was taking photo's here but I am sure I was not smiling! I felt a bit dizzy at the top and dehydrated and not feeling great. Somewhere around here, the marathon runners peeled off to go a different way, and I saw one of the Ladies who had been in front of me not quite sure of which way to go. I was not much help in assisting her as I was not really sure of my own way here! The next bit was all narrow stoney gulleys and I nearly tripped up a couple of times. Things get a bit vague here, but after a short road section there was another checkpoint and David was here taking photo's and being supportive. I had caught up with a small group of runners doing the 33 and I tagged onto them. However, shortly after this I got an agonising cramp in my left calf and had to resort to sitting on the ground thinking my race would be over! Luckily it went, but I was cautious after that and it cost me time definitely. I managed to catch up with a couple of the guys and they were really friendly and helpful and we chatted a little about other races. Another checkpoint and some rehydration tablets provided by another runner ( thanks for that!) and on again. There is usually a bit in a race like this where you want it to be over and I think this was it! It does not last though and I was encouraged when I saw David again, and then I could see Osmotherly in the distance. I met up with Simon on the last stretch. I was amazed to see someone I know, and he is such an inspiration. We stayed together for the last bit and ran in together.

I got to meet the other two Martyns at the end, and they had finished second and third so fantastic results for them. My finishing time was 5.50 and I had hoped to be a little quicker. Not sure where I finished in terms of the Ladies race, but definitely a race I want to do again. Also wish I could have stayed around a bit for the summer games as there was such a lovely atmosphere in the village but it was a long trip back to Cornwall!

Woooo!

That’s the sound of someone who’s just completed their first ultra! (Martyn obviously...)

The day started early with the alarm going off at 5 as I had to drive from Chester over to Osmotherley. By the time the race started at 9 I had already discovered how friendly the ultra-running community is - good luck preparing for the Hardmoors 110 Henry!

Heat had been a worry beforehand but it turned out to be fairly comfortable (although the fact I took on about 3.5l of fluid without having to run into the bushes might tell a different story). A few miles in it was clear that this was going to be a lot hillier than anything I’d ever done before. Thankfully I didn’t need to swallow my pride too much as there was a lot of vigorous walking going on, presumably the leaders were already over the hills and far away by that stage.

Having initially taken the ‘purist’ route up Cringle Moor and looked down on thousands (ok, maybe tens) of runners go past I thought I’d play it safe and just try and run with people who looked like they knew what they were doing...

Actually the first 13 miles or so of the course were relatively straightforward as it mainly followed the Cleveland Way, a nice, well marked trail. It was once we went down to Chop Gate that my lack of map reading skills became apparent. Fortunately I ended up running with Nick whose answer to “Have you done many of these before?” was a confidence giving “Hundreds.”! Together we covered around about 5 miles before I felt good enough to pick up the pace a bit.

This proved to be about half a mile too soon as I promptly went wrong at the first opportunity and ended up going a mile down hill before realising my error. That was probably the low point of the entire day although I’m sure the climb back up the hill will have taught me a valuable lesson for future races.

After that it was a fairly comfortable slow run back into Osmotherley where the summer games were in full swing. Unfortunately I had just missed the welly tossing competition but got to meet up with Mark (who had some pitiful excuse about a chest infection preventing him from running) and Martin who had finished an impressive 3^rd and looked coolness personified sporting the Runfurther buff...

All in all I had a great day, no cramp (a first for any marathon) and got to eat lots of food at the checkpoints. What’s not to like?! Can’t wait for the Long Tour of Bradwell!