At the opening ceremony. Photo by Rory at ULTRARace |
GOOD
Being selected to represent Great Britain was an honour and privilege. It's been my main focus since the lovely Richard Brown planted the seed after the Commonwealth 24 hour. I never really got to grips with running for Scotland, so joining the GB team hadn't even entered my crazy thoughts.
The matching accessories. Of course all of that lovely - and free! - kit gave me a pass to spend my well-earned cash on other things. So much so, that I thought I might need post race therapy for a spending addiction. There were matching trainers, socks, arm sleeves, caps, buffs, base layers, hair accessories and even a shoulder bag. Not too mention brand new toiletries and first aid supplies.
Team spirit. The troops may dispute this, but we gelled so well as a team. Task in hand aside, it was just a bloody weekend. Lots of laughs - and tears! - and amazing support.
Pre-race status: I had worked hard this year. Punching above my weight with the boys with the jet propelled legs at lunchtime sessions. I've done a lot of speed work and and lot more long runs. Going into the race, I was definitely the fittest and strongest I've ever been. Now, of course, I'm back to square one. Funny how we train for months and months, just to go out and destroy ourselves.
The weather was perfect. I started my usual panic watching about a month before the race. That's quite fanatical, even for me. The Polish weather is quite erratic. Jumping from 18 degrees one day to 30 the next. Thankfully, someone was looking after usand race day was the optimum temperature of around 16 degrees. Perfect vest wearing conditions. Even the night temperature was comfortable. Although I didn't get to try any of my matching accessories. Hey ho, my post trip washing has never been so light, as I wore one race set and same track suit for four days!
I really liked the course. I know it was only my second 24-hour race, so I've not got much to compare it too. I know quite a few athletes has issues with it. I'm sure I could come up with a few, but the pros outweigh the cons.
Prizes: I was the second counter in the ladies' team which took world bronze and European silver
I set three new Scottish Records. 100 miles (15:48) 200km (20:51) - I broke my own record by an hour and a half - and the 24 hour record 135 miles/217kms.
I set three new Scottish Records. 100 miles (15:48) 200km (20:51) - I broke my own record by an hour and a half - and the 24 hour record 135 miles/217kms.
Photo by Rory at ULTRARace |
Team tips: I'm a bit wet behind the ears when it comes to 24 hour running - having only done one before - so it was great to get some valuable advice from some of the pros. Emily gave me some sound race nutritional advice, which I'm keen to try out. And JP gave me some footcare and muscle strengthening tips.
Sonic's support station was outstanding as always. Apparently the team managers were delighted he was part of the crew as no one else could understand what the Gibbering Midget and I were saying! Also big thanks to Sir Richard, Adrian, Eleanor and Guy.
BAD
I live in a street full of curtain twitchers (yes, that's you Gary). Take the wheely bin in a pyjamas and everyone sees you. Leave the house in GB tracksuit and there's not a soul in sight! :-) Although arriving at Edinburgh Airport in fancy dress certainly attracted a lot of attention. When the GM nipped off to the ladies for a pre-flight "make sure" a nice lady in the queue behind me squealed "oooh are you back already?". As I was explaining we were off to Poland for a race, it suddenly dawned on me that she thought we were coming back from the Paralympics!! And that's how you deflate one's ego. Lord knows what she would have made of it if she saw us on the return journey.
As I said, I liked the course, but the downside was the lighting. The park lamps didn't provide sufficient lighting. Especially for tired runners on uneven and cobbled surface. There was a dip at the far end of the course, that I managed to overstep quite a few times.
My quads ached from about 16 hours and left knee went a few hours later, forcing me to walk for the last three hours. I need to work on getting past 21 hours without something falling apart.
Even by standards, my eating was atrocious. After the first 7/8 hours, I couldn't stomach anything. Although I have learned that soya chocolate milk is a great choice.
We lost out of the World Silver and the European Gold by a mere 42 metres!! What is 42 metres between three runners, over 24 hours and hundred of kilometres? The difference between gold and silver, that's what. To be fair, the French team worked really hard in the last hour to get it. And I blame myself for letting them take it.
I need to work on my 24 hour mindset and my self-imposed limitations. I am just so used to running for a set distance, rather than a set time. This time I was going for 140 miles, but would have been happy with anything above 132. Once I knew I was going to break the Scottish record - with lots of time to spare - did I allow myself to take the foot off the gas? At the time, I know I worked as hard as could. But now, I can't help but thinking I should have push myself harder. I suppose hindsight is not always a wonderful thing.
UGLY
My feet were a riot. Not surprising though, as - if anything - my feet were always going to let me down. I'd thought ahead though as bought a pair of trainers which were 2.5 sizes too big (great idea) and some bunion plasters for my usual hot spots (even better idea). In the latter stages of the race - after my knee - had gone I felt a stone in my shoe. I couldn't work out how a stone had got into my shoe, but stopped to take it out. Only to discover the stone in my shoe was in fact my big toe nail. As it was still attached to a bit of skin my only option was to tape it back for the duration of the race. My lord it was agony though. And then an hour later the same thing happened with my other big toe nail.
The portoloos on the course were pretty rank. Event portoloos are frightening at the best of times - I much prefer to go al fresco - but add in 250 athletes who will no doubt have some stomach issues at some point in the race, and you can just imagine. During the hours of blackness, they were pitch black inside. An athlete who had a problem with their aim in the dark had crapped on the shelf next to the towel bowl. Of course on my next visit I used the shelf to help lower myself onto the seat and put my hand in human excrement!! Not my own I should add. That was my lowest ebb. Seriously, I couldn't think of anything worse. Apart from actually sh*tting myself that is. Every time I think of it, it sends shivers down my body!
There was high drama after the event, when the awards' presentation was moved and dragged on for hours. I won't go into details, because I'm sure the organisers have had their fair share of grief. They did try their best to calm the situation by feeding us dinner, but I couldn't eat because the roof of mouth hurt so much, the GM was vomiting and the rest of the crew fell asleep at the table. Anyway it was nearly 7pm (the race finished at noon!) before we got back to the hotel.
I had a quick shower then fell asleep mid text sending. I woke up a few hours later bursting for the loo. It probably took me the best part of 15 minutes to get to the toilet, but I couldn't bend my knees or hamstrings, so ending up peeing down the back of my pyjamas.
And that, folks, is why ultramarathon running is not an Olympic sport.
Can you imagine Wills and Kate cheering on Team GB at that?
23 comments:
Not only do I truly admire your determination and commitment to training and racing, but also your honesty! The portaloo story alone is enough to put me off a 24hr race! Very well done again on a fantastic performance in only your 2nd race like this, you might still think you have things to learn, but you also can't knock setting three new Scottish records. You rock! Caroline x
Huge Congratulations Debs, outstanding running.
Congratulations on surviving the port-a-loo, reading that gave me a shudder in sympathy, forest en-suites are so much nicer!
Very well done :-) what a brilliant achievement. Wonder what you'll do with the knowledge you now have? 150 :-))
& the toilet thing.. Awwww gadz
Great race report - the highs were awesome (no one can take the kit, the medal, the achievements away) and the lows...well, there's always some (portaloo story quite exceptional!). I can't believe there was on 42 metres in it at the end, but you girls are amazing!
Amazing lady! Did you take your foot off the pedal? You lost both your toe nails - I think not! My Good god - not a good trip for loo experiences. My own widdle is one thing, but a portaloo of somebodies else poo! OOOOOhhhhh - Gawwwd! I hope the industrial strength wet wipes were handy! Poor you! Hope the legs ease out gently over the coming days. K
Well done on another great result this year (but also nice to know that you have to suffer a bit like the rest of us at times!) Have a good rest.
Superb Debs - in every way. Has all the elements that an ultra-tale should. I'm just amazed that started the event with big toe-nails; I used to have some of those one day.
Well done on so, so much achieved there.
well done debs. Another fantastic achievment and honest report. The portaloo story is another matter. Poor you. rest up and hope you recover well.
Alyson
what a journey and keeping it real - as ever. a massive well done Debs, you truly rock
100 in 15:48! Wow.
That's close to the Minnesota record for men (and Minnesota and Scotland are about the same in area and population).
Well done Debs you had a great run and looked strong throughout.
Debs you are a total rock star! What an amazing run.
But oh my god - the portaloos! That is just horrific!!
Hope you recover well. Enjoy a well-earned rest xx
You were absolutely phenomenal! Such a steady machine and pleasure to watch. Hope you've splashed out on some new pyjamas :)
Respect, well done on getting through Debs
Simply magnificent! Enjoy your well earned rest. Pauline W
heck and i find it weird siiting on a warm toilet seat in the office !!!!
Well done from your proud nosey neighbour on a fab effort :)x
What a great report! You really summed up the event in your usual superb style.
Congrats again on a truly tremendous performance!
So so so proud of you for everything!
Well done Debs! Awesome report and awesome achievement - so proud! Btw maybe we should get you to t in the park next year, get you used to rank portaloos :-) [Boak] xx
Hard Core!
MtM
Wow, in total awe and admiration of you and the team! Congratulations :) You do a great write up, 'warts' and all!
Congrats for the well performance. I was thinking of the next year's celebration.
Jacob of
running Philippines
someday i will marry a german girl
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