Ridgeway Challenge - 86 miles UK Ultra Championships

My journey to the start line of the Ridgeway Challenge began in earnest a little over 6 months ago. I had decided that it was time I upped my mileage: got in some quality runs and improved work on speed, endurance and hills. Being quite pleased with losing just over 6 kilos, accruing 700km more than this time last year and getting my Park Run PB under 20 mins whilst improving diet and cutting out alcohol all led me to believe this was going to be an epic race.

Having completed the Ridgeway in 2010 in a respectable 21 hours and coming in 47th place in the TRA UK championships, I  knew exactly what to expect. I knew the terrain, I had mapped out the CPs both mentally and on paper and I was very much looking forward to meeting my wife and daughter at the end. Or so I thought.

I set off with a decent night sleep and good feed under my belt and, despite feeling slightly sluggish it was a short hike to the start of Ivinghoe Beacon to begin.

A concise if not slightly curt race briefing from the RD and then we were off. Looking around there was almost nobody that I knew, which was weird. I know many were off to Chamonix for the UTMB but not a familiar site at the start of an ultra. Never mind....within a couple of minutes it was time to have a bit of a chit chat with some running folk as we bimbled off. Great I thought, as we ran into a slight headwind on the undulating Chilterns and I counted off the miles feeling fairly chuffed as I reached CP1 12 mins faster than I did last time. A quick bottle fill and off to CP2, having a bit more of a chit chat with a couple of runners until I was motoring along, race-walking the steeper hills and running everything else, holding gates open for my fellow runners. Then I got a thirst.....a thirst that I have never ever had before......and at the same time a deep deep stomach ache. I downed both bottles in the space of 3 miles and the stomach ache got worse. I'll run this off I thought and stopped for a piss. Nothing much. CP2 and I filled both bottles again. This time I needed a shit. No problem I thought and off I diverted behind some well positioned foliage. Grim, but necessary. CP3 and a chance to pick up my drop bags. Bang. Another shit. Not funny now. I motored on thinking potentially race nerves or maybe carbs upsetting my guts. I'd had nothing unusual to eat or too much of it anyhow. I made very good time up to CP3 despite this and then onto CP4, being about 45 mins ahead of schedule.

 This was brilliant as my wife and daughter who had been with friends in St Albans had dropped in to see me on their way to our other friends not far from the finish. I explained that the first miles had felt tough and Susie could see that in my face but she was pleased I was ahead of schedule and on course for an 18/19 hour race completion. After a goodbye I was off, conscious of the short but effective checkpoint strategies I had maintained thus far. I latched onto 2 chaps who were in a bit of difficult as I was feeling overheated and colonically unstable. Boom. Within the space of an hour or so I had forcibly ejected litres of unmentionable from my skinny arse. I felt insatiably thirsty so necked my electrolyte Nuun and within a few minutes, booooooom it was out. I couldn't eat (save for 3 twiglets) and I was completely dehydrated. Then lightheaded. I scuttled to CP5 and then called it a day.

I was too ill to capture the awesome sunset so this is the last image that I shot along the way. I think I had a shit somewhere to the left of the track, so desperate was I. At least it was in the wheat and not on the track. Good luck to the next loaf of Hovis that provides. And so it came to pass.....a DNF. Out. Scuppered by shit. Never before has this happened and I have no reason as to why. I managed a dribble of coca cola coloured piss 16 hours later and only a proper mansize micturation just over 24 hours later despite full-blown rehydration.

I got a nice t-shirt though. Had I not completed the race in 2010 I would feel a total fraud wearing it, but no sub-20, no medal and no cigar this time round.

Lessons learned?

1. No matter how much training you do, the shits are your worst enemy
2. A DNF is OK if you know you'll be a danger to yourself or cause the race organisers unnecessary problems if they have to collect you from out on course and you put shit stains in their Land Rover.
3. The race will be on next year.
4. All that training can be put to good use by entering some more marathons and ultras in the Autumn.
5. Come back harder, faster, stronger and with some Imodium and plentiful bog roll.

High Weald Smugglers Marathon - Race report

For the 2nd time in as many weeks I bumped into George Fairbrother at the start, again with Michael. George had run Ranscombe the day before so I was mighty impressed at his BIG weekend. A small field had turned out for what is well known as a technical and often tough marathon. True to form, in the first mile, after the lead 3 had gone off the front like a bunch of Nagasaki Greyhounds, the next group of runners, including George's Orpington Roadrunners mate Dave.

I like to be on the directions as soon as I can on these self-navigate LDWA events. Readers will know that I have succumbed to others' mistakes at these events and ended up in a pickle. So, henceforth Dave and I, joined by a chap from Folkstone were on the money with the directions, with me calling the shots....absolutely the way I like it. 

Anyone who knows the Weald will know that it is not flat. It is deceptively hilly. Not big like the 850 footers of the SDW or the 750 footers of the NDW, but the perpetual undulations that resulted in nearly 3000ft did mount up. The countryside was awesome, the weather warm. I opted to travel light with just a bottle and no belt or bag. Dave (of 260+ marathons) got a good clip on, forgetting about the runners in front and had a good chit-chat and bimbled along. There was only one point where we had to back track, check, double check and make sure we were going the right way. Other than that, we hardly put a foot wrong in the gorgeous Kent countryside. 

Everything was going well until 24 miles in. Checkpoints that were well stocked and very friendly came and went.....then down the hill blasted Robert Cameron-Wood. Robert was in 2nd place and then got lost. We must have overtaken him in that time. We had a little chit chat and then continued to run. Dave et al had been tiring over the last 4-5 miles and so I decided I would aim to keep up with Robert. We blasted the last 3.8 miles together, knowing that we were in 2nd place. I found it very hard to keep up but just managed to hang on on the steep uphills, catching up on the flat. We crossed the line.....no prizes for the time.....5 hrs 38, but a nice cuppa at the finish line and the usual LDWA certificate. A podium is a podium!!!! Yesssssssss!

South Downs Marathon Race report

Coming off the back of the biggest mileage I've done since being married, the marathons that come up are tired ones on the back of 50+ mile weeks and I'm quite sanguine about the times to be honest. I've been fitting in some fairly slow buggy miles with little Audrey too, which although is good aerobic exercise up Crystal Palace hill, is not great for posture or technique. Today was about hills, getting the miles in and enjoying the run.

So I set off for the run early. It is always a difficult one, getting to QE2 park, then a bus for an hour, then sitting around for 90 mins+ for the race to start. The I bumped in to none other than George Fairbrother!!!! George was with Mike Bennett, who I had also not seen in ages. George and I first met in December 2008 at the Doyen of the Downs...incidentally our first ultra which was also the first ultras of Dave 'Immune' Hegarty, Jerry 'Jezza' Smallwood and my good buddy and other Irish friend Sue Byrne. George I do believe I have known you longer than my wife!!!

Anyway we had a good catch up and a great thing too. Now, onto the race itself. I bumped into none other than 1st place podium (robbing Ewan Dunlop and myself top prize) at the NC50, Johnny Melbourne himself. He was going for it. He eventually came in 11th place. Awesome work. I went off feeling good. Usually (this was my 5th time of running) I start off crap and improve as the race goes on. I felt OK and even on the long slog up from Slindon to the Downs, was comfortable. At the top by the masts and CP1, I felt good and blasted the next 10 or so miles to mile 17, feeling positive and great. I'd brought 2 gels, not remembering that there is just water and a few gels available at CP3 and 4.....although I couldn't stomach them. Tired, I dug deep and on tired legs, began the cruise home. I'd run much of the marathon alone, something I am not a fan of, as I love a chit chat whilst running. Harting Downs to the finish was just about that.....finishing. The last 3-4 miles are usually a blast, with a couple of 400 footers and then a long descent to the finish. My long descent was long......11min+ miles.....just hanging in there on the empty, a little light headed. I got passed lots in the final 2-3 miles which is pretty unusual and sums up perhaps a 15+ min loss of time over the the last 5-6 miles or so.

That said.....Marathon completed and a happy boy at the end of it. George STORMED in only 90 seconds behind me. Excellent work fella!

Weald Challenge 50k Race Report.

Salt tablets and Nuun at the ready, I set off for this 50k with just a handheld and a couple of pocketed gels. I was really looking forward to this trail ultra. I had carb loaded well and felt good in the morning on the drive down to Chiddingly.

After a few bits of race admin it was to the back of the packed field for the start. The first couple of miles I ran with a chatty fella from Heathfield runners but couldn't keep up the pace. Some had gone off at a very fast pace and I wasn't having any of that. The course took in a reverse of the NC50 mile race in which I podiumed 2 years ago so I believed I had a little insider knowledge. We set off up the Wealdway (WW) and back down the Vanguard Way. (VGW) Both tracks are not easy to follow and after running with the first lady and a chap called Glen, we nearly went off track. We got a good clip on and it was no time at all before we got through the first 10 miles. Approaching CP2, I stopped to get a Nuun out from some tin foil in my pocket which had all but disintegrated. I popped this in my handheld and dropped an SCap salt tab for good measure. After a couple of mouthfuls of watermelon I realised the other two had shifted on. 13-16 was basically uphill or very technical wooded trail with plenty of roots and low branches, nettles and brambles. 2 other guys cam straight past me at a speed that I just couldn't fathom out. Me shit or them good? They even asked me if I was OK? I felt fine, just going up the hill in a low gear.

I got to the top for a wonderful open expanse of the Ashdown Forest. 800ft up and with awesome views of the surrounding hills and a line of runners a mile into the distance. At King's Standing an about turn and the route switched from WW to VGW. CP3 was time to snaffle a gel and refill an empty water bottle. Looking at the marshal's timelist, I was in 39th place. 2 runners went past and I settled into a rhythm. Through the woods was just awesome. Wind garlic replacing the last of the bluebells. I overtook a guy, then another and another. I went through 20 miles and felt that all of the rubbish I have been feeling with my running melt away and really enjoyed myself. I ran with Jerome for a couple of miles. This chap oozed positivity. I felt even better. Jerome was on form so I let him go, but then overtook one of the fast guys from earlier. The sun was baking and the views were splendid. This. This is what running is about. I caught up with Glen and we ran together to the 25 mile CP. He was running his first ultra and was suffering a bit. A couple of cokes and I was off up the hill. I picked up a cramping lady who had joined from the marathon course. We had a chit chat and I gave her an SCap. Within 2 mins she had turned from cramping walker, back to runner again. We ran to the final CP and I took on 2 more cokes and had to walk the big hill. The last cuple of miles of the VGW was quite technical and required concentration. I overtook another few runners and then blasted the last mile at about 7.00s to take 31st place.  

Really pleased with my performance compared to the last effort on the 3FM. I have since run my first 100k week in 2 years so am getting back to it. Marathon #59 Done!

3 Forts Marathon Race report

This was the 4th time I had entered this iconic race. It is just a couple of days after my birthday so is always a birthday treat to myself. It has been a bit of a comeback from this niggling piriformis injury and every time I go for it and up the mileage, it goes again. This time was about taking it more carefully.

I was joined for the second time this year by my good running buddy and neighbour Jon. Hard to believe that 2 ultra runners live opposite each other in a small street in south London. Here we were setting off in the rain and wind. 2 miles up from the start to Cissbury Ring. I felt OK, but a little short of miles and lack of proper carb load. Jon was off like a rocket. We ran together for the first few miles, me struggling with the drive to push uphill owing to that piriformis and then catching Jon up as the terrain flattened out. We reached the turn at the summit of Devil's Dyke, Jon first and then me, in the fog, driving rain and a fierce wind. After the switchback I saw Helen (who was really suffering with a heavy cold) and then dug deep to get back up the hill to the CP. It was here that I had some form of shoe malfunction. This has happened before to another pair of shoes but unexpected in my inov8s. The inner sole came out of the back of the shoe and dug into my heel. Ouch. Some moments later and we were heading off down the hill. Jon was off like a rabbit again and I only caught up at the next CP when he was waiting up. By St Botolphs I removed both inner soles and (feeling slightly guilty) shoved them down a grid, carrying on with no inners in my shoes. Feet sliding around and reduced cushioning was a pain in the rectum but on we went, from 16-20 miles. At 20, something happened that to my knowledge has never happened before. I got cramp. Both quads, at the same time. This now felt like the seven plagues of Egypt...rain, wind, fog, shoe malfunction and now cramp.

Jon ran on. He had to. I must have been a shit to be with. I could see him up ahead, perhaps 100m or so. My favourite part of the race is up to Chanctonbury, then down, up again and then up again to Cissbury ready for the last 2 miles. We had a chit-chat at the top of Chanctonbury. I hit the skids with another bout of cramp on the way down. Jon went off. I walked down the hill. The cramp subsided so I aimed to put a silver liming on the cloud. I went for it. The last few miles were nearly ticked off. 3 to go.....bang. Cramp again. I was literally on the floor. What the hell? 5 minutes of sitting down and it subsided. I got up.....filled my cerebral hemispheres with the most positive thoughts and chugged out the last 3 miles, thankfully overtaking about 20 people, finishing strong(ish) and only 6 mins behind Jon.

Medals and smiles but a lesson learned. Salt experimentation begins.

Compton Downland 40/20 Race Report

As the eponymous song begins "Woke up this morning feeling fine....." as I drove up to the beautiful albeit windy Berkshire Downs in good time for what might be the last ever Compton Downland 40/20. Essentially this race is a 2 lap 20 mile route through picturesque rolling big hills and chocolate box villages. Competitors can switch between the 20 and the 40 and vice versa as the entrance fee is the same.

At the start I bumped into Kelvin Gower who's blog you can follow here http://abloggerstalebymrk.blogspot.co.uk/ and we had a chit chat and ran the first mile or so together. The rain-soaked clay undulations were some work at the beginning. I chose to set off at a relaxed pace for lap 1 so I could keep the powder dry for lap 2. CP1 came and went, well stocked and ready for munch on lap 2. I got into a reasonable rhythm but became irrationally irritated by silly distractions; laces too tight, laces too loose, long sleeve on, long sleeve off, tightness of my waist belt, hair in my face....just about anything with my own race admin that I couldn't begin to take in the awesome vistas, steep ascents and descents. Even the runners around me did my head in. Of course this is my own head shit going on and I need to point out that I am not having a go at them. So I ran alone. Through choice.

As I progressed towards CP2 about 9 miles in, I was thinking about how long it would take me to return from the doldrums and ran through the delightful village of Streatley. Momentarily distracted I felt OK and quaffed a mega-crazy caffeine gel at CP2. A dull ache in my leg that I had thought was symptomatic of my moody maudlin mouvaise became more pronounced. Ouch and mother fucking ouch. Piriformis. Literally a pain in the arse.

I decided that this was a one lap race and not a step-up-to-50 ultra. Damage limitation ensued. I switched from my normal mid to forefoot strike to a flat footed run. All sorts of other niggles kicked in. Stomach cramps, hamstring twinges, bad back, even a pain in my forearm. Clearly somebody had the voodoo doll out somewhere. So I shuffled to the finish, taking in the awesome scenery and the big hills. The race then joined the Ridgeway for 2 or 3 miles. Wow. Hopefully I will be in better form next time I'm on this hallowed track in a few months. I twas gorgeous but lap 2? No way. Kelvin whizzed past looking in fine fettle. He was really enjoying himself. I had 2 miles of undulating mud to cope with and then some streets. I peeled off after 20.1 miles and 2043ft of gain. Race over. Not a DNF but a race cut short.

I'm not an easy catch is perhaps the most unlikely of statements. Mine should state: You miserable little shitbag. I'd be happy with that. My shortest race in a couple of years now, but scenery very enjoyable. Me? Well I am just pretty shite.

I'll be back. It may take some time.