Lakeland recce run part deux: Fail!

As previously stated, the Montane Lakeland 100 is one of my key races for 2013.  As frequently stated, navigation is not my forte, so full a course recce is required ahead of the race on July 26.

Although the course is only a few hours drive away from Glasgow, the recce runs involve meticulous planning.  The GM and I had pencilled in this date a few weeks ago.  After our first recce run, which involved hours of freezing cold wind and rain we vowed only to return on days when the conditions were favourable.  Unfortunately, we don't often have the opportunity to be choosy.  Windows and all that.  Although the forecast wasn't exactly horrendous - I did my usual and searched the sites until I found one I liked -  the risk of snow and ice were high.  And as the week went on, fog and mist appeared.  Although, no wind.  The latter was the positive mantra for the day trip..."...at least there's no wind".

An early start had us arrive in Ambleside before 8am.  I'd booked a taxi to take us to Dalemain, with the view to running back to Ambleside.  Simple?

As the taxi left Ambleside and started to climb over Kirkstone Pass into what can only be described Narnia, I'm pretty sure I could hear my heartbeat.  There have been so many horror stories from Scottish mountains this winter, I was a little nervous.  I don't make secrets of the fact that I'm a bit of jessie on snow and ice.  It doesn't stop me running, it just makes me whine more.

After paying the £55 taxi fare for the 19 miles journey - what is it with steep taxi tariffs in the Lake District? - we were at Dalemain House

Before the Kevin the taxi driver had even got into third gear, we got lost.  I kid you not, it took us the best part of a 40 minutes to cover one mile.  And it wasn't even one mile in the right direction.  We were running back and forward across fields, basically reading too much into the course instructions.  Thank goodness the GM saved the day by retrieving her trusty (in that it's always part of her race kit, but never been used) compass from her backpack.  I know, I know.  I'm laughing as I type this.  We were then huddled over said compass, turning around in circles trying to work out whether it was the red pin or the white pin we should be following

It gets better. I then brought out my new (also never been used before) Garmin e-trex 10 and turned on the compass.  Obviously Sonic had uploaded the GPX files to it. Result.  Something we could trust.  We jogged across the field in the correct SSW direction, with a hoity GM muttering: "Well I trust my compass too".

We found the stone stile we had searched for and we were off.  Across water-logged fields.  All the standing about meant our feet were like ice-blocks. We trotted along in single file on the faint path.  Next thing the GM was by my side, squealing expletives.  I turned to find we were being set on by a flock of sheep.  I've never seen anything like it. Cumbrian sheep are certainly more hardy than their highland counterparts.

It was pretty much plain sailing all the way to Pooley Bridge and en route Howtown.  Clutching our laminated sheets, we felt invincible having conquered about five miles without any mishaps.  We were then joined by Alex, a young chap who was doing a recce the course ahead of his first ultra at the Lakeland 50.  He was armed with only an OS map, so knew his navigational knowledge was infinitely better than ours.  We chatted for a bit, before I told him to push on and we would see him on his way back.

We arrived in Howtown - although the "town" part is quite misleading.  It's more of a clutter of houses with expensive cars.  We went down to suss out the checkpoint area and then started the ascent over to Mardale Head.

After watching JK's videos, this is the section I was most nervous about.  Words like "open fells" fill me with fear.  I was quite comforting to see Alex's red shirt in the distance.  To be honest the section wasn't as daunting as I thought.  The path, although faint, through Fusedale Valley was fairly obvious, but the further we went up the foggy it become and the thicker the snow got.  We were then just blindly following Alex's steps in the snow.  The GM was dragging her cautious heels  a bit, but I was a little more confident that we would be fine when we got over the hill top.  But we were just heading into a total white out and the snow was getting thicker.  There was no sign of any path - or even of any other hills.  With no trajectory, we didn't really know where we were or where we were going. 

In hindsight I guess it was a little  foolish putting trust in a stranger's footsteps on the basis that he had a beard and was reading the route from a map.

Bizarrely, it was lovely up on the hill top "...at least there was no wind". I don't think I've ever been up that high for it to be so still and peaceful. In Scotland, we would have been on your knees battling with the elements.   It would have been glorious, if it wasn't for the fact my feet were turning ice.

A couple appeared on the left and then we spotted a wandering Alex, who was retracing his steps. It turned out that Alex's map didn't have the course marked out on it, so he was lost too. Doh! He was quite amused that we had followed his steps.  

After asking the couple for directions, we headed on. Unconvinced.  I took out my e-trex and the course map (yes, I had one of those too) and was impressed that I could pinpoint where we were.  That was it though. No idea where to go.  Not even which direction to go in.  We were standing debating which way to go.  Alex saying west and we saying east.  Another couple came along and told us to go even higher to take a shortcut down into Ullswater. All conflicting, which didn't help the situation.

After spending the best part of a hour on the hilltop, my feet were frozen solid but "...but at least there's no wind". It was then after 1pm and hours of daylight left were diminishing. Alex made the decision to head back (he was doing an out and back anyway) and generously offered to give us a lift back to Ambleside.  More because we had become a liability, and less to do with civic duty.

It's amazing that it such a short time - with a rapid descent - not only do the visuals and surroundings better clearer but you have more metal clarify too.

So we retraced our steps to Pooley Bridge, where Alex kindly gave us a lift back. 

Even despite the obvious dissappointment, I had a great day out. Not quite the day I had planned, but it was a blast. We had a right good laugh.
...Then the GM and I spent the whole journey home trying to justify our decision to quit.  We both knew we made the right choice, by my lord we do chastise ourselves for it.  No worries though, as we will just need to go back next month and try it again.  That give me time to learn how to use the e-trex

_____________________

Other another note, it was second outing with my snazzy new Dirty Girl Gaiters on.  I must say, I'm a little bit in love with then.  I don't really like anything tight around my ankles - I always wear no-show socks for that reason - but they are very comfortable and really do stop all the nasty grit and debirs getting in your shoes.  Now I just need the collection to match my outfits :-)

Plans for 2013

The first race didn't go to plan, as the Gloucester 50K on January 20 was cancelled because of the bad weather.    Not a great start to the year, as I'd like to think I was in good shape for a 50K...she says from the comfort of a keyboard ;-).  Thankfully the race organisers made the decision to cancel on the Friday, so we didn't actually waste the weekend by travelling down there.  Unfortunately we lost everything -  race entry, hotel, flights and car hire.  On a plus note, we didn't have the same horrendous conditions (first time ever!) so I managed to fit in some quality back-to-back long runs.

The plan for Team Consani is pretty full-on for 2013.   Trying to organise a family holiday around our race schedule is a joke. Of course you don't want to go on holiday too close to a race (for training/tapering reasons) and you don't want to go too close after a race.   It's not great going on holiday when you look and feel like a car crash.  I learned this after going to Madeira the week after my first 24 hour race.  

As Cairn starts school this summer and we will be at mercy to the academic calendar, the October week is the only time we could agree on.

So, here's how the Consani family calendar is shaping up for 2013

March 23 Thames Path 100 (DM-C)
March 31 Anglo Celtic Plate 100K - representing Scotland (Sonic)
April 27 HOKA Highland Fling 53 mile trail race (Sonic)
May 11 24-hour World Champs in the Steenbergen (DM-C)
June 14 I've got Sonic's Sister's hen holiday in Lisbon, Portugal.  Hot weather training :-)
June 22 West Highland Way Race (Sonic)
July 6 - family break in North Wales which just happens to coincide with the IAU Trail World Champs.
July 27  Montane Lakeland 100 (DM-C)
August Cairn starts school, so that will curtail race weekends away
September 29- Loch Ness Marathon (both)
October holiday at Club la Santa.  Although, I'm sure holidays are supposed to be about R&R....

2012 review

Just when I thought 2011 couldn't get any better, along came 2012. I know it's a bit late for an end of year reflection, but I'd like to write it down just for my own records. I started this over a month ago, so I thought I may as well finish and publish it. So here goes...

L-R, the GM, me, Sonic and Crazy German

January 2012: My New Year's Resolution was to start training with the Glasgow Lunchrunners.  This is a group of club runners, who basically, erm, run together at lunchtime.  Near Glasgow city centre.  Yes, the clue's in the name.  All under the guidance of the messiah that is Mark Johnston. I've followed Mark's plans throughout 2011, but never had the confidence to join in.  Even if I'm only there until they become dots in distance,  I'm glad I did, as I PBd in all road distances in 2012.

 April saw my ultra race of 2012: The Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultramarathon, which is a healthy 57 miles on canal path.  I finished second lady in 7:54 (behind the GM who was first in 7:41) and 8th overall.  

The best thing about this race was that I started at 8:30m/m pace and finished averaging 8:30m/m. Textbook, if I do say so myself.

May's Women's 10K:  This was my 10th in a row finish of the  Ignis Asset Management Women's 10K. I just love this race and would crawl round on my hands and knees if I had too.  Thankfully, I didn't have to, as I got a new PB in 43:27 and 78th out of 8000+ 

With June came the  piece de resistance of 2012: The Grand Union Canal Race.  I've milked it enough, so I doubt you need reminding that I won this race outright.  Also setting a new Ladies' course record of 28:01. Apparently people think the one minute over should bother me, but it really doesn't.  Although I'd like to give the race another bash in the future.  And hopefully not go to pieces during the night.

With this win came new opportunities.  Firstly the Ultramarathonrunningstore.com asked me to be their first female sponsored athlete.  It also fast-tracked me for GBR selection at the World 24 hour championships in September. Although I had the qualifying distance from my previous 24 hour race, I still had to prove form and fitness for the GBR team.  It's a good job the selectors didn't see my feet after the race!

The week after, I had my first post-GUCR run with my Garscube friends and our very own Olympic Torch Bearer, Anita. It was ridiculous o'clock on a Saturday morning, but hundreds of people turned out to see the celebrations. It was a magical experience

In July, Sonic was selected to represent Scotland at the Anglo Celtic Plate 100K at Newport in Wales.  It was an absolute scorcher of a day and I practically baked just standing about.  It was kicking the a*s off 30 degrees centigrade.  Granted, that's not hot for some races, but for a race in Wales it was the worst case scenario.

Then came the Olympics and I was glued to the TV for weeks.  I don't need to tell your how amazing the Olympics was.  Not just for sport, but for community and spirit. Apparently Londonders were talking to each on the tube, which is unheard of.  I think I cried at least once every day. The feel-good factor created by the Olympics has been a major boost for Glasgow 2014.

In August, I got new 5K PB of 20:40 at the Strathclyde Parkrun.

The week after, I ran Devil o' the Highlands for the 5th times.  Previous finishes were all podium places of 3rd, 2nd, 3rd and 2nd. Behind the likes of Joasia Zakerzewski  and Lucy Colquhoun.   I finally nailed it and was first lady. Jo and Lucy weren't running :-)  I was equally pleased that the Crazy German was first male, as we were no longer the Bridesmaids. 

Sonic has treated himself (as you do) to a 3D TV after the ACP, so it was great to go home with my trophy, drink wine and watch the most amazing night of the Olympics. I got this made for the Crazy German to recognise his contribution to the day.

Two weeks later, I ran around the Island of Arran with the GM. This is something I've wanted to do for a for ages, just for a personal achievement. It was 55 miles on hilly roads and would be the last long run before the 24-hour race.

.September:  It was a very proud moment when I was given the honour of representing Great Britain at the World and European 24 hour Championship in Katowice, Poland.  Race report here. 

I was second counter (Emily first and the GM third) in the GB ladies team that won European silver and World bronze. 

I also set three new Scottish records: 100 miles (15:48), 200K (20:55) and 24 hours (217km).  If you scroll down to the very, very bottom of THIS PAGE, then you will see the proof.   You will also see - and be more impressed by - that some of Don Ritchie's Scottish ultra records have remained untouched since in 1977.

I'm going to quickly move over this but I ran the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon at the end of October 2012.  I got a new PB in 3:28, which fell short of my self-imposed expectations. Still, mustn't grumble.  A PB is a PB.

The lovely Richard Felton's organised an unofficial award for the home-based UK athletes of the year.  It started with a blog post, which grew into a poll.  I think it was less to do with athletics ability and more to do with Sonic's gung-ho tactics and bullying people to vote, but I won the Athlete of the Year.  Mimi Anderson won Performance of the Year with her amazing Ireland crossing record.  Terry Conway was male Athlete of the Year and Neil Bryant won Male Performance of the Year by simply running across Europe.  Yes, Europe.

And last but not least, December's Marcothon has gone from strenght to strength.  During 2012, the fourth official Marcothon, over 1000 runners "signed up" on Facebook to run every day in December.  That's at least 100,000 Marcothon miles clock up - all over the world.

This year, we have a new website and branding.  The logos were designed by the lovely aforementioned Torch Bearer.  There's no end to her talents.

Happy 2013, everyone.  Maybe I should start on the 2013 review now.

Marcothon 2012 review

That's it over with for another year.  And with all previous Marcothons, it's been a blast.  There were a few days I cursed it (mainly post-red wine or in a storm), but I kind of miss it now.

At the last count, there were 1096 Marcothoners on Facebook.  That's over 100,000 minimum miles clocked up all over the world. 

Here's a summary of a my Marcothon training calendar. Double click to read.

Kahtoola MICROspikes Vs Yaktrak Pro

With The Marcothon, comes challenging weather. Guaranteed.  I think it's more to do with it being December, rather than something personal though.  Although this year I was prepared with Kahtoolas and Yaktraks at the ready.

I've been asked a few times by non-gripper-owning runners which of the two I would recommend, so I thought I'd post my verdict.

Yaktrak Pro

What they say:  The Yaktrax Pro is ideal for the person needing increased durability while working, running or enjoying outdoor activities on ice or packed snow during the winter months. It is equipped with a removable performance strap that was designed for stability.  Yaktrax Pro are made from natural rubber with 1.4mm high- strength abrasion resistant coils made from 70% recycled metal.

My verdict: The pros

• Yaktrax Pro are light weight, from 145gm - 155gm depending on size.
• Easily transportable: You can roll them up and stick them in your pocket, belt or simply carry them.
• Fairly inexpensive and can be purchased from as low as £10 online - depending on demand.
• Great for walking too, so can double up for everyday use during icy conditions.
• Perfect for pavement pounding or for thin layers of ice

The cons

• They are quite tricky to put on - especially when balancing on one leg using cold hands.
• I've heard quite a few reports of Yaktraks breaking/snapping. 
• I've also heard quite a few reports about them slipping or falling off - hasn't happened to me though.
• Off-road, they are OK, but not great. You still have more confidence, you need to keep your wits.
• Plus, the coils can become chocked with grass and mud - which makes them less efficient.

  

Kahtoola MICROspikes®

What they say:   Just think – a pocket-sized ice traction system that makes any terrain, any time of year, possible. Kahtoola MICROspikes® Traction System aren’t just spikes that dig in – they’re your passport to anywhere adventure takes you. When you don’t need a full-on crampon the MICROspikes® Traction System will get you where you need to go with ease and precision. The  slip-on lets you travel safely and quickly across ice, scree, snow-covered driveways, wet rocks and anywhere else you just need a little more traction.

My verdict: The pros

• I feel 100% confident wearing Kahtoolas - even running downhill on ice.
• You can run.  Like properly run.  No slippling or worrying about slipping.
• Off-road, they are far superior than Yaktraks.
• They slip on with ease.  And stay on, very securely.
• I've only heard good reports about Kahtoolas - and no products faults.
• They made running on thick ice an absolute joy - honest!

The cons

• They are a bit too aggressive for pavements or thin ice. I liken it to running in a down jacket, when all your need is a long sleeve tee.  They perform better on harsher ground.
• You need a back pack to transport them on a run. You could stick them in jacket pockets, but you'll be rattling about like the ghost of Christmas past!
• They're not exactly cheap, retailing at around £45-£50.

In summary:  I would use (and recommend) both.  They are well worth the investment.  You can't put a price on safety and staying injury free - and off the treadmill!  If you can only choose one or the other, then it's best decide on where you will do most of your winter running. 

  

Also available in white

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but I've signed up for the Montane Lakeland 100 in July 2013.  I will have mentioned before that I have zero navigational skills and a like to recce courses that require such skills.  One less (major) thing to worry about on race day.  Plus, I think if you get lost in a ultra race, you've only got yourself to blame.

My lovely sponsor the ULTRAmarathonRunningStore.com sent me a pair of Drymax Maximum Protection Running socks to try, so I thought I'd put them to a proper test and saved them for my first Lakeland 100 training run.  As you will see from the before and after pictures, I certainly put them through the wringer!  See below for the science bit and my thoughts.

Lakeland 100 training Episode one:  The GM an I were going to join the organised recce run that was planned for Saturday afternoon.  I would have liked to have met up for fellow race runners, but we decided against because 1) The main priority of the trip was to learn the route 2) I would have blindly followed the runners in front, therefore not concentrating on the track 3) The organised run was leaving later in the afternoon, with the aim of giving runners experience of night running  4) So, we would need to go back and run the sections in daylight 5) If you're running in the dark, you could be anywhere and I wanted to experience the views 6) With a fairly lengthy journey either side of the run, it would be midnight by the time we got home. All reasons to go at it alone.

After much debating, we decided on the sections from Braithwaite to Dalemain.  Estimated mileage 26.  Our total mileage? 29. Of course there was always going to be a few detours. We left Glasgow at 6am and arrived at Dalemain House just before 8am and took a taxi back the 19 road miles to Braithwaite. The biggest shocker of the day was the £60 taxi fare! But hey, we were at the start of the section and we HAD to run the course to get back to the car.  We packed emergency taxi money just in case though!

I did carry a map, but to be honest if could have been a map for the Inca Trail for all I knew.  Thankfully, the route descriptions - the step-by-step guide - which are downloadable from the race website are top-notch.   Prior to the trip I watched JK's Lakeland videos, which I must say were invaluable.  Not for directions, but for reassurance we were on the right route.  Although I was fairly disappointed not to see the caretaker from Dave's school ;-)

The weather forecast was for heavy rain - all day - and it did not disappoint. It tipped.  And after a few hours the initial euphoria wore off and we were left soaking and shivering.  My hands wouldn't work, my brain became defunct and we became pretty lackadaisical about following the route description.



AVOID Gowbarrow Fell!

On the last section - from Dockray to Dalemain - we saw the sign for Gowbarrow Fell.  Recalling the name from the route sheets we started stomping up the steep hill.  It's funny how when you're not quite sure that you're going in the right direction, you look for signs to make things fit.  Like a kid trying to squeeze together jigsaw pieces.  It just didn't seem right.  And when I saw the Cairn at the top, I knew it was just a hill walk, not part of the route.

Of couse backtracking on the description, it clearly states: "AVOID left permissive path to Gowbarrow Fell". Lesson learned.  Although best make mistakes on a training run, and not in the race. 

Back down the hill and back on track.  Thankfully the route took us through some gorgeous woods and contoured around Gowbarrow with the most amazing views over Ullswater - which certainly lightened the mood. It's truly magical.  Even in the rain and mist.  I think the backdrop, coupled with recognising the (reassuring) points from JK's videos - certainly perked us up a bit. When we hit the old ruins and made the required right turn, I ran down to Swinburn’s Park with the same excitement as my number being called in Argos. I never thought simply going to the right way could feel so amazing!

The adventure wasn't quite over though, as we had to negotiate a few shoe-sucking muddy fields and then got lost in Dacre trying to find the route passed the castle. 

Eventually we made it back to Dalemain House in a total time of 5:48.  That wasn't too bad considering we had to follow a map into the unknown and take a few detours. I absolutely loved the route and even now, I'm still on a bit of a high from the run.

I think it took us longer to get changed into dry clothes that it did to drive back to Glasgow. I'm sure the passing tradesmen were slightly suspicious of steamed-up Mini in an empty carpark with wet clothes being disgarded out the windows and doors!

...NOW MORE ABOUT THE SOCKS...

I'll be honest, I not sure I would fork out £22 for a pair of socks.  It's right up there with £60 taxi fares!  However I do think - with most things in life - you get what you pay for.   I've made no secret that my feet have been causing me problems this year.  There's not been a race where my feet haven't let me down, so I'm willing to try anything.  Any pay anything!

Here's the science bit...Maximum Protection Running socks are made using the patented Blister Guard® system. This system incorporates Friction Free® Profilen® fibers throughout the entire foot area of the sock. Profilen’s chemical name is Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE has the lowest Coefficient of Friction of any solid material.

That was as clear as mud to me too.  Just skip the rest and watch the video at the bottom.
Why we get blisters: Feet get hot and perspire, causing socks to become wet. Moisture significantly increases friction (stickiness) between socks and skin. The higher the friction, the greater the chance of getting blisters. Higher friction limits skin surface movement, yet still allows inner tissue movement causing a shearing effect. This physically separates the two layers which fill with fluid, forming a blister.

Their Blister Guard® System:  Drymax Maximum Protection Running socks were designed to prevent blisters during triathlons, marathons and ultra-long distance runs. In addition, they will help people who are just prone to getting blisters.   Profilen and Drymax fibers blended together provide Maximum Protection for your feet. This scientific approach keeps feet dry and the friction between the skin and sock low. Runners who wear Maximum Protection Running socks will have cooler, drier, more comfortable feet, while significantly lowering the chance of getting blisters. They possess top mesh air panels which release heat and sweat vapor out of the top of the sock and shoe.



The proof  of the pudding...After nearly six hours in the pouring rain, I can report that my feet were comfortable the whole day.  No hot spots and no blisters.  So yeah, you get what you pay for.

Marcothon 2012

It's that time again, folks!  The 4th Marcothon is underway.

The rules are simply, you must run every day in DECEMBER. Minimum of three miles or 25 minutes – which ever comes first. The challenge starts on December 1 and finishes on December 31. And yes, that includes Christmas Day. See website for full details.


A bit of history: This all started in 2009, when Marco challenged himself to run every day in November. I decided to follow suit and run every day in December. I posted the challenge – and dubbed it the Marcothon - on my blog and before I knew it there was a group of runners equally eager to embrace the winter conditions of December 2009. In 2010, the group was added to Facebook and attracted over 500 runners from across the globe. Last year, we nearly hit 1000!

It's not a competition. Just a personal challenge or an incentive to burn off some beer and turkey dinners. So, who’s up for it the Marcothon 2012?  Sign up on Facebook.

The Wooden Spoon in the Toon

As I write this, I'm regretting the fact that I posted about my Newcastle Town Moor Marathon adventure - then I wouldn't feel obliged to report back on it.

I'll keep it brief.  I didn't quite go to plan, but I still got a PB.  Granted I haven't done a marathon for nearly five years, but when I set my previous best in London 2008 I had a really good run and was elated to finish in 3:31:00.

The race is 5 x 5+ mile lapped course on - not surprisingly - Newcastle's Town Moor.  I started out at 7:30m/m pace, which I was fairly confident of maintaining.  Unfortunately - as with all races - external factors can play a major part.  I didn't really mind the muck or and nasty grassy hill section, but the wind was really frustrating.  The Moor must be the windiest place in the earth.  I had read that on quite a few of the race reviews, so I knew it was quite an exposed course.

No toilet mishaps this time - honest!

I wanted to chuck it after the second lap - and that was before I dropped pace.  My heart just wasn't in it. I couldn't shake the negative thoughts and the devil my shoulder was telling me stop. My mojo has hitched a ride with the wind, but after some TTFU self-chat I decided just to go for the finish and forget time. I think lapping the chap who was pushing his disabled son in a jogging buggy gave me the royal kick up the butt I needed.  Plus after bullying and training (from scratch!) two of my friends at work to do the Loch Ness Marathon a few weeks earlier, I could hardly go back and tell them I DNF-d because I couldn't be ar&ed!

At the end of the forth lap I was half-expecting Sonic to go tearing passed me, so was quite relieved to make it without getting lapped.

I stopped to drink some Coke and then left to start my final lap.  I was trying to find out from the supporters who was leading the race, but was met by a head shakes and blank expressions. Then I saw Sonic standing in his civvies, as he'd pulled out because of his hamstring injury - or sense!  Then I REALLY wanted to pull up, but forced myself to keep going - even with the voices in my head saying: "Stop. Turn back.  You could be heading home now..."

Anyway, the voices lost and I finished 4th lady (1st vet) and 20th overall in 3:28.  Full results here.  Sonic is really kicking himself, as when he pulled up he was in third position and the guy in fourth went on to win it!

Although it has its challenges, it's a great race.  Really friendly.  And the marshals on the course were fantastic - all five times that I saw them.  I was glad I was running and not standing out there though!

1st 2.54.34 Steve Middleton M35 Thirsk & Sowerby Harriers

2nd 2.55.08 Richard Parker M45 Tynedale Harriers
3rd 2.59.34 Steven Prentice M35 North East Marathon Club

13th 3.14.51 Ann Hood FSNR UK Netrunner
18th  3.24.21 Andrea Dennison F45 Bingley Harriers
19th 3.25.17 Pauline Aitchson F40 Wooler Running Club

A marathon cool down

Prior to the 24-hour race I signed up Sonic and I for a marathon in Newcastle on October 28.  Actually it was ananniversary gift from me to mark another year of wedded bliss.  Don't tsk, he gave me a pair of swimming goggles and some anti-fog spray.  Merely following instructions when I emailed and web link with the titles "please can I have this?"  Who says romance is dead? :-)

My approach to the marathon was simple:  If I can do it, great.  If I can't, there will be no love lost.  I've said it before, I don't do races as training runs so intend to give me my all.  I just don't know how much all I have left. 

I know I'm lucky to bounce back quickly from races (it's a girl thing), but it's still been a bit of a bumpy road.   I was in a bit of a state after Poland, but I've also been worse.   I few days of shuffling and wailing and a few good bottles of red and I was back on the recovery track. 

After a week of casual runs, I added in some sessions and tempos.  The latter were a suck-it-and-see for the pending marathon.  I skipped the Thursday night club training in favour of a 13 miler, with eight miles at my goal marathon pace.  I wasn't expecting much, but the stars must have aligned for me. You know one of the those runs that gives you a right ol' confidence boost?  I felt on top of the world.  It didn't last.

I'd semi-volunteered myself to run a leg of the McAndrew Road Relays on the Saturday.  My words were "if you need a counter to make up a team".  On the assumption that nothing gung-ho was required, I went hell-for-leather in the gym on Friday.  Then Captain Maz text to say I was in the Vets A team.  Deep joy.  Any dilly-dallying would be totally frowned upon.


Image pinched from Gordon C on Flickr

 The McAndrew is only a teeny weeny 3.25 miles, but it's nasty.  And as with most of these club events, the competition is fierce.  I knew I was biting off my that I could chew - even before I took into account a pretty hard week - but I felt ok.  Until the last hill, which nearly floored me. 

I wasn't entirely sure I was actually moving forward, but I was pretty sure I've only ever made those sounds during childbirth.   It was certainly the closest I've ever been to seeing stars (or a close up of the pavement!)  in a race!

Anyway, we won the first vets team prize.  More down to my other two teams mates - Jill and Gail - than my heaving performance.  Full results here.

The next day (Sunday) I had planned to run 20mile easy with the Gibbering Midget. had been swotting up on nutrition, basically looking at ways to improve my racing food strategy. I've been reading about the importance of training your body to use fat stores, rather than carbohydrate. Obviously I'm not qualified to write about it, so please google it or have look over Barry Murray's article: Fat Adaptation and Fuel Efficiency or Running on Empty by Running Times

In preparation, I had an early dinner on the Saturday night and went out on empty on Sunday morning.  Thankfully the GM decided to join me in the experiment.  To be honest, I was pretty goosed before embarking on the glycogen depletion adventure, so it was my smartest move.  It wasn't pretty and it certainly wasn't enjoyable.  In fact it's probably in my top ten less favourite runs ever.  The GM wasn't much better.  We were totally wasted.  In fact I could drop the "gibbering" from her nickname, as there was certainly no sparkling chat exchanged.  I tripped three times.  On a pavement!  Two of them were belters.  The last couple of miles I had to make a concerted effort to focus and pick up my feet properly.  I must have been trotting through the streets of Milngavie like a stoned dressage horse.

Classic GM-ism though:  We had to do a wee bit of jiggery pokery to make up the run to 20 miles, so I took her round the houses in Bearsden.  Trying to assess her bearings she said: "I know where I am, this is the road to Canesten roundabout".  I had to remind her that the roundabout is called Cannisburn and Canesten is in fact a treatment for thrush! We were practically rolling about the pavements in stitches! Certainly brightened a dark hour.
I was completely destroyed after the run and it took me a good few days to get over the shock.  I guess it will takes months of work to get my body to function on something other that Mrs Tilly and Midget Gems.

Thankfully I had an even better marathon tempo run last Thursday and Sundays going-for-depletion 20-miler was  better (certainly not great!) than the week before. 

So, next weekend we're heading down for the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon - along with Mrs Tilly and Midget Gems!  With a very exposed course of 5 x 5+ mile laps (I know! I know! It's a form of self-harming!) it's not ideal, but the timing of the events and the logistics work.   I would have preferred to run the Liverpool Marathon with the gang of Garscube runners who ran last Sunday, but I'm glad of the extra two weeks.

Here's a little bit of harsh motivation for anyone who's struggling in a race.  This is fellow Garscube, Katie White WINNING her first ever marathon in 3:01 - after breaking her ankle at mile five. Respect!! Also huge congratulations to  Gail for a fabulous third place finish.  

IAU 24 hour world champs: The good, the bad and the ugly.

I'll spare you the lap-by-lap or hour-by-hour breakdown.  Not only because it will tips us both over, but mainly because all the miles and hours merge into one.  Especially now it's two weeks later and I've missed the window of opportunity to bore you to death with race details.



At the opening ceremony. Photo by Rory at ULTRARace

In summary, it started well, got better and then when rapidly downhill from about 21 hours.  I thought it would be good to summarise into good, bad and ugly categories.

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 kit bag.  Ah, the kit bag.  So wonderful that I had to take a snap of the goodies in all its glory.  It was like Christmas when it arrived.   

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.

Photo by Rory at ULTRARace

World-class:  It was simply amazing running in the same the circles (quite literally) as some of the best 24 hour runners.  Mike Morton was truly magnificent.  Our very own Emily Gelder (who won the ladies bronze) was outstanding.  As she lapped me again and again she was very chipper and supportive.  She did tell me she was "getting in the miles early" and she slows towards the end.  I never at any point saw any sign of slowing. 

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?

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.