There's only one Crazy German...





Entry list for the IAU 24H World and European Championships

Entry list has been posted on the IAU website.  269 athletes from 35 countries.

Click here for entry list.

The (running) Tour of Arran

OK, I lied.  I said I wasn't going to do anymore long training runs, didn't I?  Well, an opportunity came up that I couldn't resist.  In fact, it was to be my longest training ever.  For years, I've wanted to run the 56 mile circular route around the Isle of Arran.  And after the Gibbering Midget's episode at the ACP, I had a willing accomplish.  It was to be more of a personal achievement, rather than a training run.

We took the 7am ferry from Ardrossan and arrived in Arran at 8am.  We packed some clothes in a dry sack and hide it in some bushes (hoping they would still be there on the return) and off we went.

We decided to go clockwise, because for some reason that seemed logical.  The first 20 miles were mostly up hill in the pouring rain.  The roads had turned into rivers, which gave us more of indication of the gradient we were covering.  Like the gasping wasn't enough!

Then the mist came in and we couldn't see further than our feet.  Running on country roads, we had a few hairy moments with on coming vehicles.  Thankfully it was fairly warm and by late morning it started to clear up.  Then the sun came out and we were overheating...and wished the rain would start again! Typical, eh.

The views were absolutely phenomenal.  And the hills were so cheeky they were downright offensive :-) 

Quick look on Garmin Connect prior to day out  - obviously from those who had cycled, not run the route - and the recorded profile was about 1000m up and 1000m down. I kid you not, I barely remember any downhill bits.  Apart from the steep downhill passed Lochranza at about 44 miles, but by that point our quads, feet and toes were so trashed, there were no benefits to be reaped.  

Arran is often referred to as "Scotland in miniature", which I can concur.   Rain, rolling hills,  irate drivers, lush mountains, glorious coastline, cheery farmers, midge bites, an unhealthy supply of Mrs Tilly fudge and midget gems, burned shoulders...finished off with a pint of Tennents Extra Cold.  You don't get more Scottish than that.

Being the height of tourist season on the island, it was quite comical seeing the same people throughout the day. There were quite a few double takes at the main tourist villages as we passed through. People were obviously driving around the island and passing us en route. Again and again. We were certainly the village idiots for the day.

A fabulous day out.  Possibly about five miles too long though. Never before I have actually had a "finishing line" in view and had to take a gel to get me there.  I thought I was going to keel over on the road. Although when we discovered we were going to tip under the nine hour mark, we were doing 7m/m for the final mile along the promenade.   Or maybe that was just a will to get it over with.

Garmin connect info. 55.55 miles. Average 9:42 m/m (including walking/eating breaks)

This picture was supposed to be of us in front of the ferry, but the kind lady who took it had obviously spent the afternoon in a beer garden.  I gave up the idea after having to explain a few times not to put her finger over the lens :-)

So, that's it. Another big tick. I just need to convince the GM to go for the anti-clockwise tour next summer.

Lucky Devil

I was a bit on the fence as to whether the 43 mile Devil o' the Highlands race was a good or bad idea with the 24 hour race being only five weeks away, but I just love the race.  It was my first ultra and will always be my favourite.  It's by covers the best sections of the West Highland Way and has to be 43 of the most beautiful miles in the world.

Race summary: 43 miles from Tyndrum to Fort William. 6 hours and 54 minutes.  First lady.  9th overall (137 starters).  Garmin Connect info here  Back up by the super-slick Sonic.



Start of the Devil o' the Highlands 43 mile Footrace.  Saturday, August 4 at 6am in Tyndrum



Bridge of Orchy 6.6 miles


This year's race was pretty hot and humid. My weather app flashing up "feels like 25 degrees" and "97% humidity". You might know that I'm a bit of a jessie in anything above 14 degrees, so it wasn't ideal.
Still, the views were absolutely spectacular.

Picture by Helen Munro

The flip side to that were the midges. The worst I have ever known. Around Victoria Bridge was like a thick fog of the pesky feckers. They were in my ears, mouth, ears and glued to skin. Still, the runners certainly had the easier option.  Support looked like a fate worse than death.

I'll spare you mile-by-mile breakdown, but they just zipped by, which I think is always a good sign of running well.  I worked with the hills - just slowly chipping away - and the only real walking breaks I had were the three main peaks - Bridge of Orchy, Devil's Staircase and out of Kinlochleven,



Glencoe Ski Centre - photo by Duncan

It started to heat up as early as 7am, but it didn't really effect me until around Kingshouse.  Then it hit me like a tonne of bricks.  Thankfully Sonic had made an (unscheduled) stop on the Devils and was on hand with the "gay pink water bottle"

I soaked my arms and face in every stream I found and took comfort in the fact I was passing runners who looked as equally hot as me.  I know I have a tendency to overreact a bit, so I needed the reassurance it wasn't just me!

I felt like I was dragging a bit from the Devils staircase ascent to a few miles over the Larig Mor.  I was still on target for a PB, but slowing over 10 miles was eating into that target.

Last year I had Helen Lees at my side on Lairig Mor, which really pushed me.  People were telling me I had a good lead, so I suppose I didn't have the same drive. 

A few miles across Lairig Mor a little breeze picked up - which, in turn, really picked me up and I started making up for lost time. 



Leaving Lundarva

 Of course no race would complete without a mishap.  I tripped and skint both knees and hands and managed to hit my arm off a rock.  The bruising is quite spectacular - even by my standard of mishaps. To be honest - at the time - it looked worse than it felt.  Or maybe experience has made me immune to tumbles.

Passing through Lundarva (35 miles) I felt good.  Still a bit toasty, but nothing like a felt a few miles earlier.  I ran straight through, as I was meeting Sonic on the hill for my last section supplies.

Sonic was at the top gate taking pictures - hence why I was running up the hill :-) From behind the zoom lens I heard Sonic shouting "What the f*%k have you done this time" as he caught sight of my bloody knees.  I told him to ignore them, as I wasn't assessing the damage until the end.   We both knew I was behind schedule, but I knew if I maintained the same effort I'd be ok for a PB. 



It was a strange race experience 1) I loved every minute of it, even the nasty bits, but usually by about 3/4 of the way in to a race - regardless of the distance - I start willing it to be over.  On Saturday, I was just really happy to be where I was - even in the final few miles.  I think not being on a canal helped.  2) I barely spoke to anyone. Usually you can get a good chat going on a ultra, but just a few niceties when I passed other runners.  Probably just as well, as I pretty much lost my voice by Victoria Bridge.  I don't know whether it was the humidity or coughing up midges, but that's never happened to me before 3) The strangest thing though - excuse this - but I didn't pee until I was 30+ miles down.  Anyone who has ever trained with me knows I've not go the strongest of bladders and I can barely last a few miles. 

Anyway, I finished first lady in 6:54:06 in a new PB - of just under three minutes.  To be honest, I was hoping for nearer 6:40, but a PB's a PB. And I'm delighted to have won. 

Bridesmaid no more!!

This was my 5th DOTH race finish. Previous race reports 2007:  3rd lady in 8:48  2009:  2nd lady in 7:08

 2010:  3rd lady in 7:23 2011:  2nd lady in 6:56

I was even more delighted for the Crazy German who won his first race in an amazing time of 5:36!  The CG is testament to the fact that determination conquers adversity.  Although - on paper - the odds were in his favour, he'd just thrashed a 100K two weeks prior to the race.  But the CG really wanted the win, more than anyone out there.  As my wee Granny would say, "where there a will, there's a way"... and where there's a German, there will always be craziness.

After the race, it was nice to lie about and enjoy the sunshine and congratulate the runners coming through.  When I finished I was sparked out on the grass when a Japanese tourist casually skulked over took a picture of a me and strolled away again.  Bizarre!

1st Male: Thomas Loehndorf: 5hrs 36 mins 17 secs 2nd Male: Casey Morgan : 5hrs 55 mins 47 sec 

3rd Male: Craig Cunningham : 6hrs 21 mins 27 secs

1st Male Vet: Robert Soutar : 6hrs 21mins 28secs

1st Male Super Vet: Graham Harcus: 7hrs 09 mins 47 secs

1st Female Debbie Martin-Consani: 6hrs 54mins 06secs

2nd Female Hazel Dean: 7hrs 23mins 45secs

3rd Female Michelle Heatherington : 7hrs 23 mins 54 secs

1st Female Vet Melanie Sinclair : 7hrs 57 mins 34 secs

1st Female Super Vet: Louise Burt: 7hrs 25 mins 59 secs

The gals: L to R - Hazel, me and Michelle

Thanks for Garry, Gemma and marshalls for putting on another great race.  Big thanks to Sonic for fantastic back up.  Although, just for the record, it wasn't me who left the top off the fizzy water... :-)

A 5K best and a GB vest

It's been a long time coming...but I can FINALLY announce that I have been selected to represent Great Britain and Norther Ireland at the 9th IAU 24hr World Championship in Katowice, Poland on September 8-9, 2012.   To say I'm excited is an understatement.  Who wouldn't be?  I mean, have you seen the GB tracksuit ;-) Of course it's a great honour and a privilidge too!

Click here UK Athletics announcement here

General information about the race course

THE IAU RACE PACK CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

The race starts at noon on Saturday, September 8. No prizes for guessing when it finishes!

The course situated in Park Śląski in Chorzów (there will be prizes for pronouncing that correctly!) which is close to Katowice city centre.

The distance of the loops is 1.554,56m. Approximately ;-)

Elevation profile is + 6.4 meters and - 6.4 meters

Squad in full:

Men

Chris Carver

Steve Holyoak

John Pares

Pat Robbins

Women

Emily Gelder

Karen Hathaway

Sharon Law

Debbie Martin-Consani

Jennifer Salter

I feel I have put enough miles in my legs this year and doing much more at this stage would tip me over to the darkside of overtrained.  I don't plan on grinding out anymore more long/slow runs, so I'm just concentrating on fitness and speed.

I've been working fairly hard this year on speed.  Still at the cow's tail of the boys-with-the-jet-propelled legs at the lunchtime group, but it's taking them that little bit longer before they're completely out of sight. 

Before the trip to Poland takes the zip out of my legs, I thought I'd squeeze in a 5K Parkrun. I like the Parkrun in Strathclyde Park, because it's flat and got great PB potential - Although it's quite exposed to wind.  I had a good run a finished with a new PB  in 20:42 (ave 6:36m/m) and second female.

This Saturday, I'll be lining up for my 5th Devil o' the Highlands race.  I only secured a place two days ago, after being on the waiting list for a couple of months.  I thought I was going to have to go out and shoot myself a German!  Yes, the man who wonders why his name is prefixed with "crazy" is also running.

I've taking the day off work today to prepare for the race - facial, hair treatment, fake tan, defluffing :-)  I'm sure even Lizzy Hawker takes her racing so seriously.  I have, however, put lock laces in my Tempos for the final section.  To me, that's fighting talk!  Good luck to everyone running.

I would also like to congratulate everyone who ran in MONTANE Lakeland 100 and Lakeland 50.  Well done to Terry Conway who smashed his own record in 19:50 - over two hours ahead of second place.  Terry pulled out of last weekend 100K.  As I always say, everything happens for a reason.  I guess Terry will know the reason now.  Also huge congratulations to Scott Bradley, Dave Troman, JK and Andy Cole.

Anglo Celtic Plate 2012: A sunbathers' perspective

As per my previous posting, I bowed out of participating in the Anglo Celtic Plate 100K...which turned our to wisest decision I've ever made.  The weather forecast predicted a warm day for the race, but the forecast fell short by quite a few degrees.  I would have been burst. 

Plus, I could put my non-participation to good use by providing long overdue support for Sonic.  He had worked really hard - following months of injury - to secure a place on the Scotland team.  I've said it before, but Sonic is really slick on support, so his long-term injury came in quite handy for me last year ;-)  Actually, he only thought he was injured.  I just gave him a swift kick to the achilles every night, to keep him on back up :-) Kidding, obviously.  Anyway, he'd set the support standard and after last month's epic adventure he'd already raised the bar.

We flew down to Cardiff on Thursday, along with the Crazy Germans, the Gibbering Midget and Matt Williamson (the runner, not the designer).  We booked a seven-seater - dubbed the happy bus - for the weekend.  It was just that, seven seats.  No luggage space.  For runners who make Coleen Rooney look like a light packer  - The CG even had a whisk for heavens sake - this was the catalyst of the comical weekend.  Unsquashed running legs and drivering visibility are overrated anyway.

Click here for Scotland team information from Scottish Athletics

Friday evening was spent doing the Tesco dash and on Saturday morning we went down to have a look at the course.  The boys went for a run and the girls opted for the happy bus tour.  I wasn't long before the boys passed us though, as we were stuck behind a herd of cows sh*tting all over the road - with the GM dry boaking in the passenger seat. 

After depositing the divas back at the hotel, Mrs Crazy German and I went out for a leisurely 18-miler.  We did an out and back on a lovely coastal path and then a random out and back on the circuit of the race course. It was most enjoyable, although we did feel guilty moaning about the heat...considering the pending drama.  I did get to try out my new UltrAspire TWITCH Bottle Waist Pack - awesome! - but I'll save that for another post.

On return to the hotel we discovered that the maid had tidied the Crazy Germans' room and had cleared out all the empty water bottles he had packed and carried from home. So Mrs Crazy German and I went on another Tesco dash to purchase bottles that met CGs very specific requirements. 

Race morning arrived - along with blue skies and blinding sunshine.  After we set up the Scotland camp, the runners were called to the start...and so it began.  32 laps of a two mile country road loop.

There were a total of 33 starters, including 23 internationals - with teams from England, Scotland, Wales and one from Ireland.

The first few laps were pretty easy, so we checked supplies and sorted buckets and sponges (which was the best idea ever!) and chatted with other teams.  We ended up adopting the Irish team, which consisted of one sole runner, Keith Whyte and one super-support, John Collins.

Although the forecast was for 21 degrees, I think it was closer to 26/27 in the sun - and there was no shelter/shade.  By mid-morning I expected the feed stations  to look like scene from Dawn of the Dead, but the runners really held it together.  There were, obviously, a lot of issues from overheating, salt loss and cramping, but there wasn't a single tantrum.  Although I have learnt that the CG can only speak German in races, so maybe there were a few cross words.  For a while, Irish John actually thought they were speaking Gaelic!

From the outset, there was a battle between between Keith Whyte (Ireland) and Allen Smalls (England), which lasted the duration. In the gals race, Emily Gelder, winner of the last two ACP events started like meant business and by half-way had a clear lead and was on target for 7.5 hours.  Second and third position was anyone's for the taking.

The Crazy German led team Scotland from the start, followed by Sonic, Matt and Gareth. And that was the order for the entire race.  There was a bit more leap-frogging in the girls team. 

The Gibbering Midget was struggling to get into it from the first few laps.  She tried to quit on three occasions, but we managed to patch her up and send her out again, before she finally called time at 40 miles.  More deflated, than broken.  My sparkling motivation chat had run it's course, without even so much as a spat from the GM.  Although she did call me "Deborah" more times than I've even been called my Sunday name in my life.   I guess that's when I knew her word was final.

Click here for race pictures

Later it became apparent that Izzy Knox - with boyfriend Stevie on support -  was going to be first Scottish gal.  The Izzy and Stevie show was worth the visit to Wales alone!  There's certainly no messing about with Stevie.  A policeman by day, he'd set up his support station like a F1 pit stop and was barking orders/demands - Move in to me. Hat off. Drink this. Eat that. Slow down.  - as Izzy approached. Izzy followed these orders quite willingly, although with a fair amount of back-chat. It was fantastic viewing.  Kind of like the ultra-running equivalent of Super Nanny tricks for taming wild children.  I felt a bit of an amateur in comparison, with my camera and £2 Tesco folding crate of supplies.

Although each of the nine runners had their designated support, it was pretty much all hands of deck.  Every time a runner came through there was a swarm of attendants trying in vain to ease the discomfort and cool their frazzled heads.  Water was becoming sparse - and disgustingly warm - and we were just grabbing what we could.  Bottles were cooling in buckets alongside sponges that had be used to wash down half the field! At the time, we adopted was what-they-don't-know-won't-hurt-them approach.  Dishing out supplies, hugs and high fives and wiping away sweat, tears and snotters, I probably had more DNA on me than an ten dollar whore!  It's not a sport for the precious. 

Adrian Stott was the Scotland Team Manager and he just oozes experience as he jots down lap times and stats and analyses splits, pace and positions. I don't really do numbers, so even counting laps was taxing my brain. Adrian has even advanced his technological skills and was updating the virtual crowds on Twitter. Although his tweet to the masses stating that Sharon was "looking hot" evoked a few sniggers.

All our runners looked fantastic and they all dealt with the race in their own way.  Both Sonic and Matt were very relaxed and barely said a word. The CG flew past shouting in German (wearing a Scotland vest), Izzy was a bit more vocal and came out with some really random (but hilarious) stuff.  I forgot to ask her why she wanted to know how far away Essex was anyway.  Gail was always very smiley, Sandra is a wee tough cookie and lost so much salt her black tights became white.  I'm not sure she will forgive for putting a wet hotel flannel on her head and sending her out again..



...and Gail's glory lap

Gareth, celebrating Sonic's glory lap

Gareth has had a fantastic year since he shook up the sharp end at the D33 in March. Well, he took out Grant Jeans.  He's been a littel demon, but you can only get away with so much and he started to flag as the race went on.  Fair play to him, because he really knuckled down to just grinding it out.  His hamstring was playing up and he starting stopping for a  bit longer every time he came round.  At one point he sat and drank a full cup of coffee, lapping up the rays for the what seemed like an hour.   I honestly thought he was done, but we all did a double take when he put down his empty mug and casually got up and started running again.  He did a couple of laps with Sonic - including the glory lap - and then did a few laps with Gail - including her glory lap - and then just jogged around and finished his own race.  Considerably slower than expected, but what a trooper.  He genuinely just looked happy to be there.  Although we kept sponging him down to cool him...until he told Sonic on his final lap "you run it first and keep them away from me with those bloody sponges"  Apparently he loves the heat and we were ruining the experience for him.  He was just too nice to say! 

Huge congratulations (and respect!) to 26 runners who completed, let alone achieved a little bit of greatness. Especially to those in the open race. Why anyone would "volunteer" for that is beyond me.   The conditions were really tough - especially for my fair-skinned Celtic compatriots who were frying.  Some of the English team seemed to be getting more bronzed with every lap.  Except for Marcus Scotney who is really a Scot in an English vest :-) Keith Whyte should have one a special award just for his sunburn.  The arm sleeves he wore - to keep him cool - throughout the race left their mark.  He was burned in a reverse t-shirt style. Only an Irish man could go home with an inside out tan :-)

Very well done to Sonic on both his Scotland team and 100K debut.  7:51 is a fantastic time.  Not quite sure it's worthy of the 3D TV he treated himself to though... 

Mick McGeoch wrote a fantastic race report, which can be viewed HERE. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

Keith Whyte - UltraRunning Ireland; Ireland 7:16:42

Allen Smalls - Colchester; England 7:25.04

Craig Holgate - Ely Runners; England 7:26.12

Thomas Loehndorf - Greenock Glenpark; Scotland 7:28.32

Marcus Scotney - Road Runners Club; England 7:40.27

Marco Consani - Garscube; Scotland 7:51.28

Matthew Williamson - Bellahouston; Scotland 7:55.54

Emily Gelder - Dulwich Runners; Wales 8:05.07

Paul Fernandez - Abingdon Amblers; England 8:15.19

Isobel Wykes - Truro RC; England 8:45.09

Jason Scanlon - Pontypridd; Wales 8:50.22

Jen Salter  - Les Croupiers; Wales 8:56:05

Isobel Knox  -Hunters Bog Trotters; Scotland 9:13:12

Sean McCormack - Abergele; Wales 9:18:19

Gail Murdoch - Carnegie; Scotland 9:25:57

Scottish 100K champs. R-L, CG 1st Sonic 2nd and Matt 3rd

Karen Hathaway - Road Runners; England 9:33:13

Ian Coldicott - Skipton AC 9:39:20

Gareth Mayze - Tenotdale; Scotland 9:39:34

Helen James - Barrow Runners 9:47:46

Sandra Bowers  -Winchester; Scotland 9:48:58

Jeremy Mower - Gloucester ; Wales 10:09:06

Karen Galpin - Almost Athletes; England 10:16:35

Heather Foundling-Hawker  - Road Runners; England 10:51:29

David King  -South West Vets 11:00:08

Francois-Xavier Faure - France 11:31:20

Stuart Wilkie - Hogweed Trotters 11:40:48

Male International Teams
England Smalls 7:25:04; Holgate 7:26:12; Scotney 7:40:27 22:31:43
Scotland Loehndorf 7:28:32; Consani 7:51:28; Williamson 7:55:54 23:15:54
Wales Scanlon 8:50:22; McCormack 9:18:19; Mower 10:09:06 28:17:47

Ladies International Teams
Wales Gelder 8:05:07; Salter 8:56:05 17:01:12
England Wykes 8:45:09; Hathaway 9:33:13 18:18:22
Scotland Knox 9:13:12; Murdoch 9:25:57 18:39:09

Race Stats: 33 starters, 26 finishers

More from the-gal-who-fell-in-the-canal

I think that's what I will be known as forever more now.  Hey ho, it could be worse.  It did have a happy ending and it did fast track my selection for a little race I was so hoping to do this September...which hasn't been announced and I've not been given the go-ahead to blog about, so I won't :-)

Selection for said (not very) cryptic race has been my main focus since I got over the never-again factor from my first and last similarly timed race last September.   Hence my new found love of long and flat training runs and races in 2012. Although since my notification - and due to the fact that I've banked enough boring miles -  I've rekindled my relationship with my beloved Inov-8s and some bumpy trails. Ah hills...how I have missed them.

I turned down the chance to run on the Scotland team at this weekend's Anglo Celtic Plate, as I'm not comfortable with the idea of running the GUCR, a 100K road road and the cryptic one in such quite succession. I felt a bit of a a*se turning down the opportunity, but I had to be realistic. Two, yes. But three would a big ask. I have, however, put myself on the waiting list to get a place on the Devil o' the Highlands race on August 4.   With experience of four Devils races and one 100K, I know which one causes the less destruction.

So since the GUCR...and for reasons unbeknown to be..I've done far too many midweek runs on the canal path. Maybe it's like Stockholm Syndrome!! Or just because it's handy from home/work/club. Either way, you can imagine how many jokes I've heard about falling in. Boom, boom!

I've had four consecutive weekends off road and loved every minute of it! To summarise:

The first on June 23 was with the GM, when we took on the duty as the unofficial moral boosting department for the West Highland Way Race. It's been well-documented that it was the worst conditions in the history of the race and I can vouch for that. We ran backwards (not literally running backwards) from the Glencoe Ski Centre to Auchtertyre. I didn't even want to get out of the car the weather was so bad. We dished out whoops, hugs and high-fives for 20 odd miles. Despite the conditions, there were some fantastic performances. Firstly, Terry Conway breaking Jez Bragg's long standing record (by five minutes) in an amazing time of 15:39. Rosie Bell finished first lady in her seventh race finish. I was absolutely delighted to see Rosie storming through. She's always been a really good runner, but she just had to step it up a bit. And step it up she did. Congratulations to everyone who battled (or waded!) through the course. Especially to my hard-as-nails buddies and first time finishers Silke and Caroline.

The second on June 30 - again with the GM - we did a 30 mile out and back on the WHW from Balmaha to Inversnaid. It was a lovely day. Muggy, but dry. After a wet and warm week, the midges were out in force. There was certainly no hanging about.  There are lots of up and downs and gear changing on this section, so it was just what I needed.

July 7 was 19 miles on the Kilpatrick hills, again with the GM. It's a right ol' mix bag of a route, which starts with a steep ascent out of Hardgate. Regardless of the conditions, wet feet are guaranteed.  The circuit takes in fabulous rocky trails, grassy slopes, faint tracks, armpit deep flora, tree and fence climbing, a stomp up and over the whangie, along the deathtrap that is the A809, on to the WHW, rolling country roads, across the fields and back the way we started.  Until we came face-to-face with a bull (remember I'm even terrified of cows) so we had to back track through shin-deep mud.   I'll admit, I'm sometime prone to a bit of exaggeration, especially when blogging.  During post-run texting with the GM, she admitted may have exaggerated the situation too.  I said "face-to-face was a bit of stretch" and she replied "I've said we were chased :-)".  Regardless, we were scared sh*tless!

Last weekend (July 14) I did a  36 mile (from Bridge of Orchy to Fort William) Devil's training run with Bob and Lucy - the latter claiming to be "unfit" and had done "very little training lately". From the supremo that won bronze at last year's IAU Trail World Championships (oh and also holds the WHWR record and won the CCC in Mont Blanc), this should be misconstrued with anything less than awesome. As we left the car, Lucy was up Orchy hills like a rat up a pipe, leaving Bob and I looking anxiously at each other. Although I was running really well - by my standard - they were both very gracious about hanging back for me. I think Bob's performance was more to do with testosterone rather than athletic ability though, especially when he challenged Lucy to a race up the Devil's Staircase.  I knew it would end in tears. Man tears. And I was right.

The West Highland Way is always pretty busy with happy trekkers during the summer. The scene on the Devil's Staircase was what I imagine a UFO sighting would be like. Knackered trekkers, mouths a jar, stopped on their zig-zag tracks to look up and watch this slip of girl running up to the route's highest peak.  No prizes for guessing who won.

A fabulous day out with great company and lovely weather.  Skint hands and knees after a spectacular fall though.  Shock! Horror!

So, now I'm just watching for my name to move up the reserve list so I can actually get a place in the race.

Tomorrow, we're off to Newport, Wales for the Anglo Celtic Plate 2012.  Sonic's first Scotland vest, so it's a proud moment for Team Consani.  I hope to put some updates on the ACP Facebook page over the weekend.

Ultra Tales

Ultra Tales is a free ultramarathon community e-magazine, which is issued on a quarterly basis. It's compiled using personal contributions from runners within the ultramarathon community.

You can download issue one HERE

I made the cover of issue two, which you can download HERE

NB: Files are quite large, so may take a few minutes to download.

ULTRAmarathonRunningStore.com

Some exciting news: I've got a lovely new sponsor in the form of ULTRAmarathonRunningStore.com. 

It's the retail division of the very successful online resource centre ultramarathonrunning.com and - as you may have worked out - specialises in ultra running products, clothing, gear and equipment.  Everything has been designed with the long distance athlete in mind and focuses on the specific needs and requirements of trail and ultra runners.

The products include running backpacks, race vests, waist bags, waist belts, hydration bottles, waist packs, handheld bottles and running shorts with patented mesh pockets.  The ULTRAmarathonRunningStore is the exclusive UK supplier/distributor of ultra-specific products from  innovative manufacturers UltrAspire and RaceReady.



Sonic spent months trying to find a pair of shorts with two pockets - and here's whole range of them!

Current West Highland Way record-holder, Terry Conway wore the UltrAspire SPRY pack and carried two RACE handhelds when he smashed the course record on Saturday.  How's that for celebrity endoresement?


I will be reviewing some of the products over the next couple of months, but please visit ULTRAmarathonRunningStore in the meantime. You also find (and "like") them on Facebook

Who will win the West Highland Way Race??

As I'm not running the West Highland Way Race next weekend, I need something to fill my time :-) I know lots of people will do well and three will place, but who do think will win the Men's and Ladies' race?  Here's the list of contenders (in my humble opinion) in alphabetical order.

Feel free to let me know if I've missed anyone. Get your votes in ...it's anonymous. And just for fun!

Click on VIEW RESULTS underneath the poll to see the scores-on-the-door.

Girls can pee standing up and other lessons learned on the GUCR

Never use bad weather as an excuse not to go for a run.  You need the experience.

The panic training in a heatwave - to acclimatise - isn't necessary.

Local knowledge is power.  Even on a relatively straightforward course. 

If your sole crew member is a car snob, you will feel their eyes boring into your head when the car hire company give you a Hyundai.


The slow meandering when the race starts will always make you giggle.
When you're mid-conversation it's easy to miss the turn - even only a couple of miles in.
Runners will go off too fast and suffer as a result.
Ultrarunning is incestuous. Regardless of who you're talking to, you will always have a mutual friend.
It's not right that Scotland is basking sunshine and you're running about in the p*ssing rain.
Although the route is gorgeous, you could be anywhere.  It's just the accents that's change.
Grass is not the best running terrain.
Living on a canal boat looks like great fun  Although the people who do it are clearly nuts!
People on canal boats think ultrarunners are more nuts. And will tell you so.
Strangers are very kind. 
If you're moving faster than the canal boats, you're doing OK.
Never ask for directions when  90m from your destination and your only mode of transport is your feet.
Don't bother carrying a key for the en course facilities. You won't use them.  Or even see them.
Wear calf guards or long tights, as you won't be able to scratch your nettle stings the neck day.
Virtual support and encouragement is worth it's weight in gold.
Ultrarunners are nice to each other. The dog-eats-dog approach makes you look like a d*ck.
Don't believe the distance is 145, unless you're prepared to walk on water.
Regardless of how old you are, your Mother will be worried sick.
You will think there's no rhythm nor reason to the bridge numbers.
Nourishment milk drinks rock. Although I think the vanilla flavour must be what breast milk tastes like.
The race may curb your enthusiasm for night running.
Men with Rottweilers are actually not as scary as you think.
Don't avoid the puddles. Resistance is futile and a waste of energy.
The Petzl Myo head torch is great, but when it's raining you still can't see for sh*t.
Don't think the person who falls in the canal is an idiot.  You know who the next idiot will be...
Falling in the canal is not the worse thing that could happen.
Losing your head torch in the fall would have a detrimental effect on your ability to continue.
Little humps over locks and bridges are like mountains and a good excuse to walk.
You'll lose the ability to run down hill too. 
People will stay up all night - or have their laptop under their bed - to follow the race online.
If you can stay upright for the duration of the night, you should win a special prize.
The sudden movements in the water are in fact not otters (mental!) - but ducks moving out of your way.
There's no point removing gravel from your shoes, as more gets in.
Food will become your enemy and you could fall out with your crew over it.
You won't be able to tie your own shoes laces.
Wet gadgets may be salvageable if you don't leave them pool of water for four hours.
The new range of Injinji socks are great, but when your feet get wet nothing will save them.
Don't look at your feet during the race. Save it for the finishing line. Ignorance is bliss.
Putting a race number on during the hours of darkness, should be a gameshow challenge
Girls, you can actually pee standing up. Just little tilt and Bob's your uncle.
Peeing on your shoes is the least of your worries.
"True strength is holding it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart" (unknown)
At some point you will want to kick an ankle-snapping dog into the canal. Followed by its owner.
The homeless migrants sleeping under the bridge will look at you with pity.
It's swings and roundabouts.  What I lost during the night left me with me with enough for the finish.
Training is the key, but luck on the day helps.
Surprise visitors are up there with winning the lottery
Especially when they can take home the gigantic trophy, which you will never get on the plane :-)
The finish gantry is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see.
Your crew will never really know how much you appreciate everything.
It's a 100% team effort. Fact!
After battling the elements for hours/days, people will look at your end picture and say "you look tired"
Reading Facebook messages from people following the race will make you cry like a baby.
You're not the only person who will shed a tear.
The first beer is amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing!
Nobody wants to see your feet. Even if you think the carnage is  impressive and should be shared.
You will scream like a bitch when you hit the shower.
Big pants will be the best post-race garment you can pack.
The socks/sandals combo is acceptable.
Adrenaline will keep you awake for DAYS!
Getting out of bed will take you a good 20 minutes.
Late night TV allows you the opportunity to brush up on your sign language skills.
Hollyoaks is torture and the Countdown Conunderum is impossible.
Footage of the Queen's Jubilee Celebrations is even worse.
People will stare and point at your attempts to walk. And then your sock/sandal combo.
There won't be an asterisk next to your name - *totally wimped out in the night/fell in the canal/bla bla
You may have a list of excuses, but you're the only one who cares.
After counting up the cost of replacing gadgets, don't leave a brand new Sat Nav in the hire car.
You will bore everyone to tears with your race tales, but you won't notice. Or care.
You can wipe out the next few days at work (Judy, skip passed this bit). See point above.
Active recovery is the way forward.  Just as well really, as domestic chores resume as normal.
Try to keep a straight face when the Apple store geek tells you "the water damage is quite extensive"
There will come a time when you need to stop milking the race....I'll let you know when that is :-)

Grand Union Canal Race 2012

GUCR website info....Garscube Harriers' Debbie Martin-Consani wins the 'triple crown' this Jubilee weekend - 1st Finisher; 1st Lady; and recipient of the Steve Philips 'Run for your Life' Trophy (awarded to the first first-time finisher) in a new ladies' record time of 28 hours 1 minute.

As the nation was enjoying the holiday weekend and hundred of thousands were heading to London to join in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, 97 hopefuls lined up at the Gas Street Basin in Birmingham with the aim of running 145 miles on the Grand Union Canal to the big smoke within the 45 hour time limit. As you can imagine it's not for the faint-hearted and in reality 50 per cent of the field won't make it

Most people - even hardened ultra-runners - didn't share my enthusiasm for the adventure.  Even up until last year, I would have never put myself forward as a candidate.  The analytical and thought-provoking Andy Cole commented on my last post that this race may cure my towpath related fetish.    After running 24 hours  around a central reservation last September, this was going to be am absolute joy. 

The first time I'd stepped foot on the Grand Union Canal was on Friday evening, when Sonic and I wandered down to check out the location of the race start.   I wasn't fazed by the distance, but I had concerns about my lack of course knowledge and being alone in the dark - with a map!  Until I looked at the map on the back of the race sweatshirt, I didn't even know what towns we passed.  My three points of reference were Birmingham, Milton Keynes and London.

At 6am on Saturday, June 2 we were off.  As with usual races, it attracts a mix bag of runners and abilities.  The forecast was for full-on heavy rain, so most were donned in waterproofs, hats and gloves.  You could easily spot the Scottish burd in the midst in only shorts and vest.  There was also a full range of shoe options: Road, trail, Hoka and a few speedsters in lightweights.  Pre-race this had sparked a debate on Facebook.  I had opted for Hoka, with the hope that it was just the Southern softies who deemed towpath as "off road" running.

During the first section (to Catherine de Barnes) I ran with James:  A race first-timer, father-of-two and soon-to-be Olympic touch bearer.  We were later joined by Steve, a ultra veteran who had been participating since the early 90s.  I joked that he probably invented the sport.  He was a self-confessed old school style runner and dropped Don Ritchie into conversation a few times.  The miles zipped by and it wasn't long before Sonic was on hand for a top up on supplies.  He told me I was third female and I left the support point on my own. 

Race strategy: My three goals were to finish (bronze), sub:30 (silver) and break the ladies record (gold).  Overall - to get my gold - I needed to average between 11 and 11:30 m/m.  I know I love an even-paced race, but even with the best intentions, there was no way I was going to run that in the early sections.  For me - over such a distance - there was always going to be a natural deterioration in pace. I think that's only human. It's really the speed and extent to which this deterioration happens.   There were no specific tactics, just relax and keep chipping away.

The competition: My main competitor was Emily Gelder.  I ran with her - well, when she was lapping me! - at the 24 hour race in September.  She's amazingly talented and I had her down as a sure-fire win.  I wasn't there to challenge anyway, I was there to challenge myself.  I never chased and if anyone was chasing me, I wasn't aware.

Support points: There were 47 support points in the race - probably lots more if you know the route - but I'd arrange to meet Sonic every 10 miles.  For the first 70 miles of the race, each runners is given a support point colour according to race number - green for odd and yellow for even - to ease congestion in the early stages of the race.

I'd love to give you a mile-by-mile breakdown, which I'm sure you would love, love (!?) to read, but it's all very vague.  I could tell you who I passed - as in, I could describe what they looked like - but I'm not sure when it happened.  I know I was picking my way through - running approx 9:30m/m - and the second lady was just in front when I met Sonic at mile 20.

Pic by Ross Langton

At the Shrewley Tunnel, I stopped to check the map and Cliff went passed me.  Super, someone to follow.  We chatted for an hour or so. Well, he chatted - mostly. He could certainly give the Gibbering Midget a run for her money!! Mind you he did have a fairly impressive resume of ultra races under his belt. After we passed the second placed lady, I let Cliff push on, as the pace was at the upper end of easy to me.

I'll spare you the graphics, but my stomach was really playing up and it was a bit stop-start for the next 10 miles.  I phoned ahead and asked Sonic to mix up some Resolve for me meeting him at 30 (or it could have been 40) miles.  When I got there, he told me I'd moved up to 11th position.   Then it was 10th, as someone had retired as I was leaving.

I later caught up with a Belgian runner, Wouter.  He said he was struggling from the off and didn't look like he was having a great time.  He wasn't going to give in to a female passing either, so we played leap frog for an hour of so.  I wanted to ask him if he was wearing girls' shorts - they were verging on criminal - but he clearly wasn't in the mood for joking.  He wasn't in the mood for chatting either, which was a shame for him because I was :-)  It was great having him around for a short while, as he was clearly more familiar with a map than I was. Anyway, we parted company as the route veers away from the canal at 45 miles.

I think I was about 50 miles in when I came to a confusing junction. Sonic was going to meet me somewhere in the vicinity, so I thought it was best to check.  In hindsight this is a bit ridiculous, but when I shouted to a rather chunky man steering a canal boat: "Excuse me.  Is this the way to London?" I shouldn't have been surprised when his response was: "London!??!  F**k off".  Thankfully a kind lady popped her head out from another canal boat and told me I was going to right way and wished me luck in the race.   The absurdity of the situation did make me laugh though.

The course:  It's gorgeous.  I was really impressed with how scenic it is.  And it's a house-spotters paradise, which pleased me as you know I love good nosey at people's houses.  The terrain is really varied, but I would say 80 per cent is on trail or grass. 

The race rules: They're pretty simple.  Numbers must be visible at all times.  Runners must carry a phone, the maps provided and an emergency blanket during hours of darkness. Competitors must reach the checkpoints by the closing times and leave within 40 minutes of arriving.   No poles.  Buddies allowed after 65 miles and you must call race HQ if you retire.

Jubilee celebrations: What a great weekend to have the race.  I can always say I ran to London for the Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebrations.  There was a real party atmosphere along the canal, with lots of barges decorated in Union Jacks, people in fancy dress, family outings and waterside BBQs. 

Sonic was keeping me posted on where I was in the race.  To me, it was way too early to bother, but I know he loves the analytical/tactical side to racing.  He did keep a note of how things were panning out, but unfortunately he didn't tell me and I threw it out with all the rubbish after the race.  So...this is all from memory...Sonic informed me I was closing the gap on Emily Gelder and was in 8th position when I met him at 45 miles. 



Picture by JONATHAN LEE

I passed through the Heart of England checkpoint at 53 miles and then caught up with a walking Cliff, who was struggling with "man-flu".  He said he was pushing on, but calling it a day at Navigation Bridge (70 ish miles).  He wished me well and shouted that Emily was only minutes in front.

It wasn't long before I saw Emily with her crew.  She was standing off-course eating jelly babies and I stopped to see how she was.  She was having issues with a sciatic nerve but was going to keep going.  We exchanged niceties - god, ultrarunning is so pleasant - and I moved on to meet Sonic at our next meeting place.

Even I wanted to greet him with high-fives, as I'd moved up to 4th position (1st female).  I was still too early to get excited though, as Id' barely made a dent in the distance.  Prior to the 100K mark at Blisworth tunnel, I passed Darryl, who was hobbling with quad issues.  I joked about his Facebook comment about wearing Asics DS Racers - more pleasantries - and then I moved in third place.

Sonic has met me prior to the route deviating off the canal and was going to direct me the two miles along the road to where it rejoins.  Thanks to Drew for the video of this!

The kit: I'm glad I wore my HOKA. Only problem was when the towpath sloped, having the extra height played havoc with my ankles. I started in my shorts, but change into long Skins at 65 miles as I couldn't take any more nettles stings and overgrown flora.   I had the new range lightweight Injiniji socks on, which I has to order from the States.  I love these socks, but when your feet are wet nothing is going to save them.  Ignorance is bliss though, so there was to be no sock changing until the end of the race.

Picture by Ross Langton

My next main focus was to get to Navigation Bridge (70 miles), which is billed as the the half way point - but only if you're really rubbish at maths!  The organises has relaxed the support ban at this point and it wasn't long before Sonic appeared before me.  He's Sh*t hot on support - only because he's such a high maintenance runner himself! - so he ran towards me to take food/drink "orders".

Runner number two - Bruce Moore - was sitting down on the bridge.  I was in and out as fast as possible.  The marshall  hanging over the bridge - out of ear/ear shot of runner number two - mouthing "you're second.  You're second" made me chuckle. 

I kept chipping away at the miles with my next "treat" being calling my Mum at 8pm to say goodnight to my boy.  I think I was 80 miles down at that point.  It was strange having a conversation about only have 65 miles to go!  Speaking to Cairn gave me a wee boost, as told me about being on a bus, having ice-cream, seeing boats and indulging in his favourite pastime - throwing stones in water!  A top day out in the life and times of a three-year-old.

I couldn't believe how quickly the hours were flying passed.  Of course, I think that down to generally feeling quite good and absolutely loving the race.

It got dark shortly after 9:30pm.  Sonic had informed me that Cliff was having a second wind, had a support runner and was closing in on me.   He was also seriously concerned about my lack of coherence - mentioning that I was acting like I'd been drinking.  Hand on heart, I thought I was fine.  But then again, I always think "I'm fine" when I've been drinking too.

I don't make secrets of the fact that I'm not comfortable in the dark - ever.  Running in a strange place in a the dark, freaked me out somewhat.  The hours of darkness really are all a bit of a mish-mash for me.  I was a bit highly strung when I was traipsing through thick grass.  I was running alongside the canal, but I was never sure it was the right canal.  I lost a lot of time faffing about with maps and dealing with my emotions.  My legs were great, but my head was all over the place.  The combination of slowing pace and torrential race, meant by body temperature was dropping.

It was quite eerie being out there alone - especially when four burly men appeared with their 10-stone rottweiler.  To be honest, they were lovely and seemed genuinely concerned about my safety. I called Sonic to see if he could come out and meet me - with layers, waterproofs and gloves. 

When I saw two head torches behind me - and I knew it was Cliff and his support runner, Matt - I think it's the only time I'll ever be as happy to be caught in a race.  We chatted for a bit and Cliff was going to the 100 mile checkpoint to pick up another runner, Richard Galbraith.  Who I know from WHW training runs and races! Small world, isn't it.

Sonic appeared, threw some clothes on me and directed around the "tricky bit" to the next checkpoint.  I was so glad he was there, as my brain wouldn't have coped with the directions.  I also swapped Garmins at this point, as I was to run 100 miles with mine (before the battery ran out) and then take Sonic's Garmin.

I had to stop to sort out my race number and pick up some supplies and the boys were off.  I was alone again, frantically trying to keep sight of their head torches.

Now, this is where is all goes ridiculously wrong!  There are quite a few bridges to cross over the next few miles.  In daylight, the directions will be quite intuitive, but in darkness the paranoia sets in.

It was pouring.  And I mean torrential. Which means all I could  see from the headlight was sheets of rain.  The path was completely flooded, so I was using the concrete path alongside the barges to run on.  And then I tripped over a barge ring, whilst trying to look at the map.  Now what's the worse thing that can happen when you're running along a canal, when your emotions are running high?  Yes, you got it.  I fell in.  No just a paddle, I mean full body submersion!

It all happened so quickly.  Before I knew it I was wadding about in the water - in the dark - trying to find the water bottle that had popped out of my belt. 

Ironically, someone had mentioned earlier in the race about someone in this race who's falling in the water during a Thames race and in my head I was thinking: "what a t*t".  ha ha.  How much did that come back and sting me in the a*s?!

Of course when I went for my mid-race swim, my iPhone and iPod came with me.  Joy!  I was out of the water as quickly as I got in and in a blind panic tried to call Sonic with said wet phone.  Not surprisingly, it wasn't playing ball and all Sonic heard was gurgling water before it switched off. 

I started running again, trying to rationalise the situation.  Really I was just as wet as I was before I got in the water and as long as I kept moving I wouldn't freeze.   I made the decision there that I wasn't going to tell Sonic about my mishap.  I was just a silly accident, and I thought he would use that and my scattiness earlier to pull me from the race. 

A while later - it could have been minutes or an hour - I saw a head torch bopping towards me and then Sonic shrieking my name.  He was quite frantic when he got to me, as he had been trying to call me and thought I was "face down in a water or raped and face down in the water or something".  I may have made noises to suggest that was a ludicrous suggestion and made the excuse that my phone got soaked in the rain. 

I moved on and managed to get myself in a tizzy trying to find bridge 139.  I kept coming to a dead end at bridge 153.  If I had half a brain at that point, I would have realised that the sequence of bridges to follow were 154 and 155 and therefore the map I had was marked wrong.  It took a bit of to-ing and fro-ing before the penny drop.

Of course, everything comes in threes.  Oh yes, there's more!  After falling in the canal, I managed to fall splat out three times after that.  I really needed to keep my wits about me and I'd left my wits somewhere in the hours of daylight.  Plus, with wearing Hoka, if you don't pick up your feet properly, you trip. Thankfully I was falling onto "dry" land though. On the third tumble though, I managed to crack the screen of Sonic's Garmin.  So far, I was an iPhone, iPod and Garmin down.  If anything the expense has got to be the best incentive not to DNF.

I decided to change clothes, as the cold was wearing me down.  I kept my shoes and socks on, but striped off and piled on top layers.  In hindsight, the ensemble was an absolute travesty!  Black and pink Skins, grey Montane long sleeve, blue WHW jacket and a maroon Montane waterproof.  But just having dry clothes and gloves made a massive difference

Around 1am, Sonic came out to meet prior to our next arrange meeting point to tell me I was just about to overtook the Richard Quennell who had been leading the whole way. It wasn't until I saw the race pictures, that I realised I ran the 24 hour with him! Sorry, Richard, it was dark and we probably weren't at our chattiest. Richard had by that point moved into second, as Cliff was in the lead. He didn't look in a great way, reduced to shuffling, and I felt quite bad running passed him. 

An hour later (say, around 2am) Sonic informed me that Cliff had pulled out and I was in the lead.  After passing Cliff walking at 50+ miles, I was surprised he'd picked it back up.  He lives near mile 115 (ish) of the course and we heard he had stopped into his house to pick up dry clothes and when he got there his house had been broken.  Then we heard he'd locked himself out, so I don't know what the story was.

As it got nearer 4am and I was willing it to get light again, I saw Sonic's head torch and then heard a female say "hello".  I recognised the voice instantly as belonging to the Gorgeous Gillian, who along with Brother Sonic, had driven up from Bournemouth.  They had been watching the race unfold and decided to make the trip as a surprise.  I don't know who was more delighted to see them.  I think it was more of a relief to Sonic, as my Mr Bean's Holiday antics were going to tip him over.

Brother Sonic was going to run the next five miles with me, until it got light.  It was a huge weight off my shoulders when Sonic took the maps off me.  Brother Sonic even offered to carry my bottle belt for me, but that had already become part of my DNA and might unbalance me.

We moved on.  Although I was adopting a walk/jog strategy, I was still moving quite strongly and was still in high spirits.  And it was so nice to have someone to talk too!!  Other than the imaginary people I'd been seeing along the way :-)  The fisherman who turned out to be a tree and the little fat lady in the red coat who was in fact a bin for dog waste...

Nutrition/Hydration:  I would say my eating was better than usual, but Sonic might disagree.  On the Friday evening, we'd gone to Asda and stocked up on the usual rubbish.  Two of everything, just to be sure.  I drank mostly energy drink, water with Nunn and Nourishment milk drinks.  I was saving my beloved flat Coke for later in the race, but even then only took a couple of small bottles.  Eating wise, I had a few sandwiches, Mrs Tilly's fudge, sweets, banana...and I think that's about it. Surprisingly (well, for me) I had about 10 gels.  Usually I save these for emergencies, but I bought the water-based SIS GO gels and they went down fairly easy.

At the 120 checkpoint, there was only mere marathon to go. Sonic joined me for the next five miles.  I used the opportunity to confess about my midnight swim.  In the cold light of day, it was quite humorous. 

For the next 10+ miles, I played a bit fartlek.  I would walk for a bit and then run to the next bridge/corner/sticky-out-tree.  And this got me through to Bell's Bridge, where I turned off the Grand Union Canal and started heading towards Paddington.

I saw the sign for 13 miles to go and started working out times in my head.  The night antics and the walk/jog had slowed me down, but I was still feeling pretty good.  My legs were fine.  Tired, but not sore at all.  I had well over two hours to do a half marathon.   Fine on normal circumstances, but not so great after 25+ hours of running.

If I wanted to break the record, I'd need to up the anti.  It was like someone switched on the light and I just kept going.  I heard Adrian Stott say to me "If you want something bad enough, you'll find away" like he said to me in Llandudno.  Sonic and Gillian were waiting at the final support point at H'Brough Tavern.  Sonic has clearly just woken up and looked a bit startled and bleary eyed when I passed through.  Even the poor marshall had to dart out of his van to come and get my number.

I was on a mission!  I needed to get to Little Venice by 28:11 to break the ladies' record.  In my head I was flying.  In reality I was doing 10m/m.  I was practically tapping the screen of the Garmin, as I thought I must have really broke it in the tumble :-)

I didn't know what the final distance was.  Although the race info states 145 miles, this is the distance on water.  With 13 miles to go, I added it up to nearer 149.  I was now using the twopath signs as a count down. 

I never really knew how far behind the next runner was.  We were just using hear say.  I just presumed it was a male runner and hell hath no fury like a man being "chicked"!

As it was now normal morning time, the path was getting busier with dog walkers/cyclists/runners.  I  just hoped they would see the race number and not think I'd escaped from an institution.

As the countdown signs for Paddington were getting closer, I could see lines of barges.  Of course, I knew it had to be Little Venice, but I stopped a runner to ask just to be sure.  Even though there's nothing more irritating than being stopped mid-Zone to give directions!

As I was nearing the finishing, I couldn't see anyone and started to panic.  I just seemed to keep running.   Then I saw a small gathering in the distance and hoped it wasn't another hallucination :-)  I crossed the line in 28:01, breaking the women's record by 11 minutes.  I think I did the last 13 miles in 2:12/2:15, which could possibly be my biggest athletic achievement to date.

I was absolutely, utterly and completely over the moon. Even now, I can't quite believe it. I'm not dillusional enough not to accept that my outright win was down on choosing a good year to race, but for now the ladies' record is mine.

Dick Kearn, Race Director, seemed just as pleased as me. Dick is a bit of a, erm, character. When I told a previous race finisher that I was going to enter, his top tip was: "Don't ask Dick any silly questions. Actually, don't ask him any questions at all". He doesn't take fools gladly and he certainly doesn't mince his words. Let's just say, I now know he's actually a big softie! Don't worry, Dick, your secret's safe with me.

Thank you very, very much to Sonic for being top notch on support. As usual, you were outstanding!  Sorry, for the mild panic moments though.  Oh and for breaking your Garmin - although I'm still not buying you a 910xt.  Thanks to Paul and Gillian for the surprise additional to my crew of one.   Words cannot describe how much it meant to me. I will be eternally grateful to you all. 

When we got back home on Monday, My Mum and Sister had organised a little welcoming party.  They were so chuffed, they didn't even say anything when I demolished a tray of sandwiches before the lunch was even ready!

So one week later (it took me longer to write, than run) and all is well.  My legs are OK - apart from the bruises and scratches - but my feet are a riot. Being wet for the best part of a day and gravel I had accumulated means the hoofs are a bit of a car crash.

It was an amazing experience and I loved being part of the race.  I might be back, as Sonic said if I won he was going to do it next year.  And that wasn't an hallucination :-) 

Click here for the Scottish Athletics, the Ultra Running World report and the Scottish Running Guide report.   Not surprisingly that they all say the same thing though :-)

Click here for full results

1st: Debbie Martin-Consani 28:01
2nd: Iveagh Jameson 28:53
3rd: Pete Summers 30:03
4th: Steve Charleston 30:38

2nd female Sarah Thorne 34:56