Sunday, December 28, 2008
Another Slog...
This training is becoming a bit of a slog now, to be honest. I am entering into the last two months of 'hard' training before I have to start thinking of tapering, and it can be a real effort to force myself out of the door for another few hours slog through wet, muddy fields. Which might have cows in.
Last week was a bit dodgy, being Christmas and all, but I managed a 7 mile run Tuesday, including my hill route. It was quite encouraging actually, as I hadn't done this for a while but it felt easier than before, and I felt quite strong after.
Wednesday and Thursday I did bugger all apart from eat and walk the dogs with mum Christmas afternoon. Hope everyone got good presents- Santa brought me a Marmot convertible mesh sun hat for the desert- it's already sand coloured which is a bonus! Plus loads of chocolate... but my excuse is that I will burn it off... I already had money to buy my Tikka headtorch from Likeys at the Brecons Ultra.
Friday I redeemed myself slightly by putting on the rucksack, loaded to around 6 kg, and marching round Colwick Park for 8 miles.
Yesterday I decided on one of the walks in the John Merrill guides. I ended up putting three short walks together to make one long one of around 15 miles. It was bloody freezing, and with that oppressive grey sky that just saps the spirit. I loaded the rucksack to 6 kg again, and left Hoveringham to jog along the River Trent. I'd done this stretch before, and soon reached the Hazelford Nursing Home. The next stretch, up to Fiskerton, was the first part of the second walk, and virgin territory for me- this second walk basically follows the Trent from Fiskerton down to the Nursing Home, and back, with a slight deviation across fields to cut out a bit of the river.
I got to the locks but couldn't find the footpath, so gave up and followed the river along a slippery track. I reached Fiskerton and followed a well maintained path to a car park and start of the third walk; there was a great long line of seagulls along railings here, but they all flew off one by one as I approached.
The next part became a bit monotonous, as it involved following the river- again- passing kilometre markers. The path was quite good here though and I jogged a lot of it. If it was sunny it would probably have been quite scenic, although at least it was dry...
... until I turned away from the river along a bridleway track back to Fiskerton, which was rather muddy. It was difficult to jog so I took advantage of this and ate a Snickers. Reaching the car park back at Fiskerton (and ending the third walk), I found a sign detailing rights of way. I managed to work out the field path I had failed to find, and managed to follow this back to the lock, which cut out the muddiest river section, and retraced my steps back to the Nursing Home to complete the second walk.
I was feeling a little too smug at managing to find the field path, but this was short lived! The route description instructed me to follow the road round a left hand bend, and take a footpath where the road starts to bend right; I found a path, and followed it as instructed- it was extremely wet and muddy, and seemed to take far longer to reach Gibsmere than it should. But there were foosteps in the mud, so I pressed on.
And reached a dead end. So was forced to retrace my steps back through the mud and the wet... I had nearly reached the road again when I noticed another footpath a little further on from the one I had taken...
Yep- this was the one I should have taken, and it was just a short walk into the village. The last part of the walk involved following a bridleway along tracks and fields back to Hoveringham- very well signed, but very wet and muddy. I was glad to get back to the village and walk back to the car, the walk seemed to take ages!
I forgot my spare shoes so was forced to walk around Morrisons in my filthy walking shoes- can they throw you out for improper foot wear?
Back to the gym tomorrow... me and the gym have been strangers this past week...
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Last week was a bit dodgy, being Christmas and all, but I managed a 7 mile run Tuesday, including my hill route. It was quite encouraging actually, as I hadn't done this for a while but it felt easier than before, and I felt quite strong after.
Wednesday and Thursday I did bugger all apart from eat and walk the dogs with mum Christmas afternoon. Hope everyone got good presents- Santa brought me a Marmot convertible mesh sun hat for the desert- it's already sand coloured which is a bonus! Plus loads of chocolate... but my excuse is that I will burn it off... I already had money to buy my Tikka headtorch from Likeys at the Brecons Ultra.
Friday I redeemed myself slightly by putting on the rucksack, loaded to around 6 kg, and marching round Colwick Park for 8 miles.
Yesterday I decided on one of the walks in the John Merrill guides. I ended up putting three short walks together to make one long one of around 15 miles. It was bloody freezing, and with that oppressive grey sky that just saps the spirit. I loaded the rucksack to 6 kg again, and left Hoveringham to jog along the River Trent. I'd done this stretch before, and soon reached the Hazelford Nursing Home. The next stretch, up to Fiskerton, was the first part of the second walk, and virgin territory for me- this second walk basically follows the Trent from Fiskerton down to the Nursing Home, and back, with a slight deviation across fields to cut out a bit of the river.
I got to the locks but couldn't find the footpath, so gave up and followed the river along a slippery track. I reached Fiskerton and followed a well maintained path to a car park and start of the third walk; there was a great long line of seagulls along railings here, but they all flew off one by one as I approached.
The next part became a bit monotonous, as it involved following the river- again- passing kilometre markers. The path was quite good here though and I jogged a lot of it. If it was sunny it would probably have been quite scenic, although at least it was dry...
... until I turned away from the river along a bridleway track back to Fiskerton, which was rather muddy. It was difficult to jog so I took advantage of this and ate a Snickers. Reaching the car park back at Fiskerton (and ending the third walk), I found a sign detailing rights of way. I managed to work out the field path I had failed to find, and managed to follow this back to the lock, which cut out the muddiest river section, and retraced my steps back to the Nursing Home to complete the second walk.
I was feeling a little too smug at managing to find the field path, but this was short lived! The route description instructed me to follow the road round a left hand bend, and take a footpath where the road starts to bend right; I found a path, and followed it as instructed- it was extremely wet and muddy, and seemed to take far longer to reach Gibsmere than it should. But there were foosteps in the mud, so I pressed on.
And reached a dead end. So was forced to retrace my steps back through the mud and the wet... I had nearly reached the road again when I noticed another footpath a little further on from the one I had taken...
Yep- this was the one I should have taken, and it was just a short walk into the village. The last part of the walk involved following a bridleway along tracks and fields back to Hoveringham- very well signed, but very wet and muddy. I was glad to get back to the village and walk back to the car, the walk seemed to take ages!
I forgot my spare shoes so was forced to walk around Morrisons in my filthy walking shoes- can they throw you out for improper foot wear?
Back to the gym tomorrow... me and the gym have been strangers this past week...
Labels: Hoveringham, John Merrill, Snickers
Monday, December 22, 2008
It's THAT Time Of Year Again...
... when everyone goes mad, spends hundreds of pounds on presents for people they don't even like and loads up their trollies to groaning point in the supermarket as the shops are closed for two... whole... days!!!
Seriously, though, routines tend to go by the wayside this time of year and I am finding it really tough to fit in work, social stuff, training and the dreaded Christmas shopping/ wrapping! I seem to have no time at all- especially as this is the period when I really have to scale up the MdS training... I have around 10 good quality weeks left before I have to start to think about tapering...
This weekend was busy. I went into Loughborough shopping with my friend, but had already spent over two hours in the gym, doing 5 miles on the treadmill- a combination of speed and hill work- plus bike and weights. My legs were aching a little, especially as she uses a mobility scooter with a top speed of 4mph so I had a bit of a route march trying to keep up! We spent a very arduous evening eating chinese food and watching 'Strictly'.
Yesterday I had decided on a 14 mile walk, it was so tempting to talk myself out of it and there were so many reasons not to do it- but I made myself get up early and mentally threw myself out the door.
The route I planned was one in my John Merrill book- a 14 mile walk from Southwell. I parked behind the impressive Southwell Minster, and as I walked past, peered in a doorway where I could here organ music playing. After a bit of road walking, the route set off across open (muddy) fields, to rejoin the main road before turning off through the sleepy village of Halloughton (not sure how to pronounce it!) The weather was rather dull at first but actually brightened up later on, and satyed dry.
After Halloughton, I had to pick my way through an extremely muddy, wet field by a farm, to cross the stream quaintly named 'Halloughton Dumble' via an attractive wooden bridge. I passed a farm house in ruins, and had a little peek through the windows. It looked so sad- no roof, no windows and ceiling caving in, but I spotted a planning permission notice with intention to knock it down and build a detached house there, so I suspect it won't be there much longer.
The next part of the route was quite dreary- road walking down a farm track to the main road, then 1 1/2 miles along the alarmingly busy road. It was also full of twists and turns, so very difficult to see oncoming traffic until the last minute- I jogged a little along here as I couldn't wait to leave it! It was a relief to reach the turning to pretty Orston Village. The next stretch was the loveliest and most scenic on the whole route- I followed a track up to Robin Hood Hill and the earthworks there; the sun came out and there was a fantastic view over towards Mansfield but as I have not yet organised a new camera battery I can't share it!
I very nearly got lost after this. The route instructions advised me to turn left on reaching Coombs Wood, at a sign saying '2 miles to Farnsfield'. Well, I reached the wood, but there was no sign, or even sign of a sign... just a yellow waymarker pointing me along a track through the wood. I followed this for a while, before realising it had become a tree lined track rather than a woodland track, and the route directions still didn't seem to fit. Then I spotted a wooden sign pointing left, although all it said was 'Public Footpath'. I was in a dilemma and wasn't sure whether to take it or keep following the track. I decided to relax and trust my rather wonky intuition... which said 'take the footpath!'
I did, and the route descriptions started to make sense again. I descended through woods on an extremely muddy, slippery and rutted track which the local motorbike contingent obviously use on a regular basis. I had another moment of indecision when I was instructed to 'cross a field to the right of a house'- there was a field all right, but no house in sight... but reached a lane leading to a village I desperately hoped was Farnsfield, and was really relieved when I discovered it was!
The last 4 miles were pretty straightforward- along the 'Southwell Trail'- an old disused railway made into a nature trail. It was easy walking, so I jogged a lot of it, passing loads of dog walkers. The last mile seemed endless, especially as my left hip started hurting a little, but I finally reached the end to see a sign saying 'Farnsfield 5 1/2 miles', so I don't know if John's mileage estimates are a bit out!
I had a pleasant walk back to the car through Southwell (worth coming back to for a proper look around one day), feeling a little out of place amongst teenagers dressed up to the nines and stopping to buy some oven chips for tea. I was my usual sweaty, muddy mess, carrying a 6 kg pack so got some funny stares!
It took me around 4 hours 20 minutes, which was slow but I wasn't rushing and did stop to look at things, so I'm quite pleased with that.
My hip isn't too bad today so I may rest it for today. This week is likely to be a bit hit and miss with the training... I suspect that I will be coerced into eating vast quantities of food too... it's a hard life...
Seriously, though, routines tend to go by the wayside this time of year and I am finding it really tough to fit in work, social stuff, training and the dreaded Christmas shopping/ wrapping! I seem to have no time at all- especially as this is the period when I really have to scale up the MdS training... I have around 10 good quality weeks left before I have to start to think about tapering...
This weekend was busy. I went into Loughborough shopping with my friend, but had already spent over two hours in the gym, doing 5 miles on the treadmill- a combination of speed and hill work- plus bike and weights. My legs were aching a little, especially as she uses a mobility scooter with a top speed of 4mph so I had a bit of a route march trying to keep up! We spent a very arduous evening eating chinese food and watching 'Strictly'.
Yesterday I had decided on a 14 mile walk, it was so tempting to talk myself out of it and there were so many reasons not to do it- but I made myself get up early and mentally threw myself out the door.
The route I planned was one in my John Merrill book- a 14 mile walk from Southwell. I parked behind the impressive Southwell Minster, and as I walked past, peered in a doorway where I could here organ music playing. After a bit of road walking, the route set off across open (muddy) fields, to rejoin the main road before turning off through the sleepy village of Halloughton (not sure how to pronounce it!) The weather was rather dull at first but actually brightened up later on, and satyed dry.
After Halloughton, I had to pick my way through an extremely muddy, wet field by a farm, to cross the stream quaintly named 'Halloughton Dumble' via an attractive wooden bridge. I passed a farm house in ruins, and had a little peek through the windows. It looked so sad- no roof, no windows and ceiling caving in, but I spotted a planning permission notice with intention to knock it down and build a detached house there, so I suspect it won't be there much longer.
The next part of the route was quite dreary- road walking down a farm track to the main road, then 1 1/2 miles along the alarmingly busy road. It was also full of twists and turns, so very difficult to see oncoming traffic until the last minute- I jogged a little along here as I couldn't wait to leave it! It was a relief to reach the turning to pretty Orston Village. The next stretch was the loveliest and most scenic on the whole route- I followed a track up to Robin Hood Hill and the earthworks there; the sun came out and there was a fantastic view over towards Mansfield but as I have not yet organised a new camera battery I can't share it!
I very nearly got lost after this. The route instructions advised me to turn left on reaching Coombs Wood, at a sign saying '2 miles to Farnsfield'. Well, I reached the wood, but there was no sign, or even sign of a sign... just a yellow waymarker pointing me along a track through the wood. I followed this for a while, before realising it had become a tree lined track rather than a woodland track, and the route directions still didn't seem to fit. Then I spotted a wooden sign pointing left, although all it said was 'Public Footpath'. I was in a dilemma and wasn't sure whether to take it or keep following the track. I decided to relax and trust my rather wonky intuition... which said 'take the footpath!'
I did, and the route descriptions started to make sense again. I descended through woods on an extremely muddy, slippery and rutted track which the local motorbike contingent obviously use on a regular basis. I had another moment of indecision when I was instructed to 'cross a field to the right of a house'- there was a field all right, but no house in sight... but reached a lane leading to a village I desperately hoped was Farnsfield, and was really relieved when I discovered it was!
The last 4 miles were pretty straightforward- along the 'Southwell Trail'- an old disused railway made into a nature trail. It was easy walking, so I jogged a lot of it, passing loads of dog walkers. The last mile seemed endless, especially as my left hip started hurting a little, but I finally reached the end to see a sign saying 'Farnsfield 5 1/2 miles', so I don't know if John's mileage estimates are a bit out!
I had a pleasant walk back to the car through Southwell (worth coming back to for a proper look around one day), feeling a little out of place amongst teenagers dressed up to the nines and stopping to buy some oven chips for tea. I was my usual sweaty, muddy mess, carrying a 6 kg pack so got some funny stares!
It took me around 4 hours 20 minutes, which was slow but I wasn't rushing and did stop to look at things, so I'm quite pleased with that.
My hip isn't too bad today so I may rest it for today. This week is likely to be a bit hit and miss with the training... I suspect that I will be coerced into eating vast quantities of food too... it's a hard life...
Labels: Shopping, Southwell, walk
Monday, December 15, 2008
Freezing!!!
I've had a relatively quite week following the Brecons Ultra; I was struggling to walk Monday and Tuesday cos the end of a couple of toes was very painful, soaking them in salty ice cold water helped, but I am thinking of going up a whole shoe size rather than a half.
Thursday I went to the gym, and did a fairly gentle 20 minute treadmill work out, alternating running and walking at 5% and 10% inclines, 15 tough minutes on the ellipticals, and the weights/ exercises on my plan.
Saturday I decided to go for a walk- I originally decided to do two short walks in my new, signed 'John Merrill's Short Walks in Notts' booklet, the first one a 7 miler from Colston Bassett. God- it was freezing- and it started to pour as soon as I left the house- that horrid icy rain that just numbs everything.
I set off over damp, muddy fields, getting completely wet feet after only 2 minutes, and then took the wrong bridge over the river. This meant walking a complete circuit round a huge field- it must have been at least a mile all the way round there. And, of course, when I found the right bridge, and track to Kinoulton, it was ankle deep mud all the way. Feeling quite demoralised, I came to a decision. I figured I'd have done 8 miles with the detour, but as the next part was easy walking along the canal, instead of turning off I'd carry on for another two miles, meaning I'd have done 12 in all, and could just go home rather than do another walk.
It was easy walking but so-o-o cold... my snickers bar was too cold to actually taste of anything, and I couldn't bring myself to take my gloves off to unwrap anything else- I really felt for those poor hardy souls doing the Round Rotherham- it was a nightmare by all accounts!
I got to the 2 mile stage at Cropwell Bishop, and turned to retrace my steps- against a very cold, penetrating wind... by the time I got back to the turn off point and followed the road, I was freezing. The route skirts Colston Bassett and passes the ruins of a church- I did detour to have a look inside, apparently it was in use until the late 1800's. There's something quite sad about a ruined church.
During the last part of the walk, my gloves were well damp as the rain had never really let up- I was so cold all I could think about was getting back to the car... it was such a releif to see it. I soon encountered a small problem... my hands were so cold, I had lost the use of them, and just couldn't apply enough pressure to release the buckles on my waist and chest ruck sack straps! I was struggling for ages, trying to manipulate the useless, frozen white lumps my hands had now become, alternatively swearing loudly and trying to warm them between my legs (not a good look!)
Eventually, after much cursing, I managed to undo the chest strap and loosen the waist strap enough to step out of it... I got in the car, and put the heater on full blast. Sufficiently thawed to drive (but still bloody frozen!) I got to the other side of the village and the petrol light came on...
... so I had to queue at the nearest petrol station and stand in the queue to pay, a miserable, shivering wreck. By the time I got near home, though, I decided that I was no longer suffering from hypothermia, and stopped at Morrisons to get supplies.
I guess the weather conditions were as much removed from the Sahara as possible!
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Thursday I went to the gym, and did a fairly gentle 20 minute treadmill work out, alternating running and walking at 5% and 10% inclines, 15 tough minutes on the ellipticals, and the weights/ exercises on my plan.
Saturday I decided to go for a walk- I originally decided to do two short walks in my new, signed 'John Merrill's Short Walks in Notts' booklet, the first one a 7 miler from Colston Bassett. God- it was freezing- and it started to pour as soon as I left the house- that horrid icy rain that just numbs everything.
I set off over damp, muddy fields, getting completely wet feet after only 2 minutes, and then took the wrong bridge over the river. This meant walking a complete circuit round a huge field- it must have been at least a mile all the way round there. And, of course, when I found the right bridge, and track to Kinoulton, it was ankle deep mud all the way. Feeling quite demoralised, I came to a decision. I figured I'd have done 8 miles with the detour, but as the next part was easy walking along the canal, instead of turning off I'd carry on for another two miles, meaning I'd have done 12 in all, and could just go home rather than do another walk.
It was easy walking but so-o-o cold... my snickers bar was too cold to actually taste of anything, and I couldn't bring myself to take my gloves off to unwrap anything else- I really felt for those poor hardy souls doing the Round Rotherham- it was a nightmare by all accounts!
I got to the 2 mile stage at Cropwell Bishop, and turned to retrace my steps- against a very cold, penetrating wind... by the time I got back to the turn off point and followed the road, I was freezing. The route skirts Colston Bassett and passes the ruins of a church- I did detour to have a look inside, apparently it was in use until the late 1800's. There's something quite sad about a ruined church.
During the last part of the walk, my gloves were well damp as the rain had never really let up- I was so cold all I could think about was getting back to the car... it was such a releif to see it. I soon encountered a small problem... my hands were so cold, I had lost the use of them, and just couldn't apply enough pressure to release the buckles on my waist and chest ruck sack straps! I was struggling for ages, trying to manipulate the useless, frozen white lumps my hands had now become, alternatively swearing loudly and trying to warm them between my legs (not a good look!)
Eventually, after much cursing, I managed to undo the chest strap and loosen the waist strap enough to step out of it... I got in the car, and put the heater on full blast. Sufficiently thawed to drive (but still bloody frozen!) I got to the other side of the village and the petrol light came on...
... so I had to queue at the nearest petrol station and stand in the queue to pay, a miserable, shivering wreck. By the time I got near home, though, I decided that I was no longer suffering from hypothermia, and stopped at Morrisons to get supplies.
I guess the weather conditions were as much removed from the Sahara as possible!
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The Beacons Ultra
This weekend saw me and about 60 other finely honed endurance athletes (yeah right...) gathering in the sleepy town of Brecon, at a time when most sensible folks are still tucked up in their beds... it was, of course, the inaugral Brecon Beacons Ultra!
The brainwave of Martin and his team at Likeys, this is set to become a regular fixture on the Ultras calendar. It covers 46 (some say 47) miles around the Brecon Beacons National Park, in two large loops. Although it was a nearly 4 hour drive for me, I was keen to do this one as so many folks from the forum were also taking part, many of whom are also doing the MdS next year.
I got to the bunkhouse in Brecon Friday night, after a detour to Likeys for some kit (a headtorch that bloody works!!) We had all decided to have a group chilli night, kindly and most ably organised by Carol. It was great to meet everybody and, thanks to knowing each others online persona, we were all comfortable with each other from the word go. The meal was great and Craig (from Switzerland) had even brought Champagne and Lindt chocolate!
Carol had bagged us girlies a dorm- I shared with her, Rach and Gilly, who sadly wasn't able to run due to an injury but had decided to come anyway and volunteer her services at the checkpoints for the race- a real star! I still hadn't replaced my camera batteries, so have, erm, borrowed some of the pics Gilly took on the day! Carol provided much entertainment by demonstrating her specially adapted kit- she is going to go to the desert better equipped than James Bond!
6:00am Saturday morning came round all too soon, and I think I won the prize for most annoying mobile alarm (most people have a nice little tune or radio- not me- my alarm has a bossy sounding woman shouting- "The time is 6am... it's time to get up!" I made my porridge and sorted kit for the day; Carol very kindly gave me a backpack that had been given to her; it's a Raidlight one, and has actually completed the MdS so could be a good omen! The actual start of the race was from the Rugby Club next door; it was a sunny morning, but very cold and frosty. Martin, Matt and Sue greeted us, and then we were off! The first 4 miles were along the canal, to the first checkpoint at the start and finish of the laps; the first lap was 23 miles long, with a cut off time of 7 hours- anyone arriving back here after 3pm would be directed back to the canal and bunkhouse.
Carol had planned to do one loop due to a persistent injury, but still wanted to make good time, and me and Rach planned to try to make the cut off time and go for the full route. As it was fairly tight, we decided to jog the canal stretch to give ourselves some time in hand.
Rach, Me, Sharky and Carol
After the first checkpoint, the route followed the canal for a couple more miles to Talybont-on-Usk (I stayed here for a week some years ago!) Carol had dropped back a bit, and me and Rach left the canal to pick up a forest 'fire road' which followed the length of the Talybont Reservoir. Although easy walking, this bit seemed endless as there were limited views, plus it was slightly uphill all the way.
The View Over Talybont Reservoir
Carol caught us up, and we made our way along the track, and out on the road to the next checkpoint at 14 miles. This is where the route got really interesting, as we headed through more forest and uphill proper, to the 'gap' next to Fan Y Big (where do they get these names from?!?) After a nasty steep scramble down to a stream, we had a long, gradual climb up to the top of the gap, passing several weary looking TA blokes out on an exercise, with fully laden packs and carrying rifles. Rach asked them how heavy their packs were, and was told 40 kilos- and I thought I was carrying a lot! It stayed sunny and clear all day, which was great, although it did have some drawbacks later...
Beacons Scenery
At the top of the gap was another checkpoint- god knows how he got the landrover up there! We realised we had covered 17 miles and although we were last, we were making good progress and should hopefully make the cut off. However, this was soon to change... we were warned that the descent was a little icy, which was an understatement- as I went down on my bum we realised that all the rocks were coated with ice! This has to be one of the worst descents I have ever made! Carol lent me a collapsable trekking pole, which helped a lot, and then the ice gave way to running water, so we started making good time again. We descended to the 19 mile checkpoint, 'Wozza', where I expected a nice easy road walk.
My hopes were dashed when we were directed down a small, narrow path with the warning that 'it's rather uneven', which certainly turned out to be the case- very narrow, rocky and with branches ready to whip the unwary in the face. As we were gingerly picking our way along, we heard the cry of 'coming through', and the lead runner lapped us, running down the path as though it was the smoothest tarmac!
We did have some easy road and field walking, before more road walking to Pencelli and the end of the lap. We kept expecting to see the checkpoint and were convinced we had gone wrong, but made it at 2:30pm, with half an hour to spare til the cut off point. Gilly was here and gave us encouragement. Carol turned for home and said she'd get the kettle on- she told me to keep hold of her trekking pole and gave the other to Rach.
I swallowed some pain killers and me and Rach set off once again along the canal to Talybont, wondering why on earth we were doing this! My legs were starting to ache a little, and I could feel a couple of 'hot spots' on my feet but just couldn't be bothered to stop and sort them out- I will have to be more disciplined on the MdS! The 'fire road' through the forest seemed even more endless second time around, and we felt as though would never actually reach the road. To add to the misery, it became dark whilst we were plodding along, so we broke out the headtorches- it was a real luxury to have one that worked!! I was a little freaked when I saw something glowing green in the beam of light, but it turned out to be a sheep's eyes. I don't know who was more startled! I was so glad I was walking with Rach as I honestly don't think I would have done it had I been on my own.
It was lovely to see the checkpoint again, this time 33 miles in, and we caught up with Sharky, Mike and Dave, who were eating pork pies. We walked with them up to the gap, and could see the lights from the Landrover guiding us in from quite far away. It was a clear night, with loads of stars, and was quite beautiful. As we reached the checkpoint, we could see another light making its way up towards the gap- this turned out to be Julian, who was sweeping the route. Making our way down the gap for the second time, we realised that there was a price to pay for the clear, sunny weather- the ice had now extended more or less all the way down to Checkpoint Wozza! I must have fallen on my arse at least five more times, and have a lovely bruise to prove it! God knows what my language must have been like! I walked in the stream when I could, figuring there would be no ice, only to find that the water was freezing over... and my wet feet rubbed my nicely developing blisters. Thank god for Carol's poles... the lads went on ahead, Rach kept waiting for me; Julian caught us up and walked with us to the checkpoint, where they were giving away fruit and nut chocolate... which cheered me up nicely!
Julian stayed for a chat, and me and Rach set off down the narrow rocky track for the second time. I had been dreading this, but after the horrors of the gap, it didn't seem so bad... I was so glad to see the road though, and looked forward to some easy walking. But once again, my expectations were cruelly dashed as we soon realised- the hard way- that the roads were also covered in ice! It was quite patchy too, which meant that one minute we would be striding along, and the next sliding everywhere like Bambi!
The fields were at least easy walking, on frosted grass. One was full of sheep, which was quite eerie as we suddenly had loads of glowing green eyes in our headtorch beams. We had another sporadically slidy road walk back to the lap checkpoint, where Gilly had waited for us- she offered to act as sweeper and walk the 4 miles back along the canal with us. Rach was really striding out, she is certainly a very strong walker. My legs were aching, and I could count at least four blisters- it was also so cold that when I went to take a drink, my water bottle had filled with ice and it was like drinking a slush puppy! We caught up with Sharky, Mike and Dave, and shortly after saw a lone head torch bobbing towards us. To our delight, it turned out to be a rather innebriated Carol, who had downed most of a bottle of Vueve and decided to come and meet us.
We had quite a hero's welcome home, which was so great! We got in just after 11:30pm, which was fine as the time limit for the challenge was 11:59pm- so mission accomplished! God- it was cold when we stopped! The bottoms of my leggings had frozen stiff, poor Rach was shivering, and ended up in a heap of padded jackets and blankets. We were really looked after by Gilly and Carol, who filled her hot water bottle for Rach. After some veggie chilli and crusty bread, we went next door to the bunkhouse and had a hot shower, which took me a while as I was struggling to move. My legs had siezed and the blisters were making themselves known- one on the ball of each foot, which had both burst, one on the end of the second toe on my left foot, which was like a balloon, and what looked like blood blisters at the end of two toes on my right foot.
We had to still be up quite early the next day as Likeys were holding a MdS seminar in the theatre at Brecon. I woke up feeling like someone had stolen my legs and left me two wooden posts! It was a rather slow, painful hobble to the seminar... we did, however, get a special prize of a hat each- the 'Lantern Rouge' award!
Following this were the inevitable goodbyes, and the feeling that we had all shared something rather special... the drive home was rather uneventful, but I must have looked a picture trying to walk to the service station!
It's now three days after the event, and my legs are only slightly aching which is good... the blister and toe nail on the third toe on my right foot are still rather painful though, especially when I am walking.
My running shoes are in rather a sorry state though... but it was a fantastic weekend!!!
The brainwave of Martin and his team at Likeys, this is set to become a regular fixture on the Ultras calendar. It covers 46 (some say 47) miles around the Brecon Beacons National Park, in two large loops. Although it was a nearly 4 hour drive for me, I was keen to do this one as so many folks from the forum were also taking part, many of whom are also doing the MdS next year.
I got to the bunkhouse in Brecon Friday night, after a detour to Likeys for some kit (a headtorch that bloody works!!) We had all decided to have a group chilli night, kindly and most ably organised by Carol. It was great to meet everybody and, thanks to knowing each others online persona, we were all comfortable with each other from the word go. The meal was great and Craig (from Switzerland) had even brought Champagne and Lindt chocolate!
Carol had bagged us girlies a dorm- I shared with her, Rach and Gilly, who sadly wasn't able to run due to an injury but had decided to come anyway and volunteer her services at the checkpoints for the race- a real star! I still hadn't replaced my camera batteries, so have, erm, borrowed some of the pics Gilly took on the day! Carol provided much entertainment by demonstrating her specially adapted kit- she is going to go to the desert better equipped than James Bond!
6:00am Saturday morning came round all too soon, and I think I won the prize for most annoying mobile alarm (most people have a nice little tune or radio- not me- my alarm has a bossy sounding woman shouting- "The time is 6am... it's time to get up!" I made my porridge and sorted kit for the day; Carol very kindly gave me a backpack that had been given to her; it's a Raidlight one, and has actually completed the MdS so could be a good omen! The actual start of the race was from the Rugby Club next door; it was a sunny morning, but very cold and frosty. Martin, Matt and Sue greeted us, and then we were off! The first 4 miles were along the canal, to the first checkpoint at the start and finish of the laps; the first lap was 23 miles long, with a cut off time of 7 hours- anyone arriving back here after 3pm would be directed back to the canal and bunkhouse.
Carol had planned to do one loop due to a persistent injury, but still wanted to make good time, and me and Rach planned to try to make the cut off time and go for the full route. As it was fairly tight, we decided to jog the canal stretch to give ourselves some time in hand.
Rach, Me, Sharky and CarolAfter the first checkpoint, the route followed the canal for a couple more miles to Talybont-on-Usk (I stayed here for a week some years ago!) Carol had dropped back a bit, and me and Rach left the canal to pick up a forest 'fire road' which followed the length of the Talybont Reservoir. Although easy walking, this bit seemed endless as there were limited views, plus it was slightly uphill all the way.
The View Over Talybont ReservoirCarol caught us up, and we made our way along the track, and out on the road to the next checkpoint at 14 miles. This is where the route got really interesting, as we headed through more forest and uphill proper, to the 'gap' next to Fan Y Big (where do they get these names from?!?) After a nasty steep scramble down to a stream, we had a long, gradual climb up to the top of the gap, passing several weary looking TA blokes out on an exercise, with fully laden packs and carrying rifles. Rach asked them how heavy their packs were, and was told 40 kilos- and I thought I was carrying a lot! It stayed sunny and clear all day, which was great, although it did have some drawbacks later...
Beacons SceneryAt the top of the gap was another checkpoint- god knows how he got the landrover up there! We realised we had covered 17 miles and although we were last, we were making good progress and should hopefully make the cut off. However, this was soon to change... we were warned that the descent was a little icy, which was an understatement- as I went down on my bum we realised that all the rocks were coated with ice! This has to be one of the worst descents I have ever made! Carol lent me a collapsable trekking pole, which helped a lot, and then the ice gave way to running water, so we started making good time again. We descended to the 19 mile checkpoint, 'Wozza', where I expected a nice easy road walk.
My hopes were dashed when we were directed down a small, narrow path with the warning that 'it's rather uneven', which certainly turned out to be the case- very narrow, rocky and with branches ready to whip the unwary in the face. As we were gingerly picking our way along, we heard the cry of 'coming through', and the lead runner lapped us, running down the path as though it was the smoothest tarmac!
We did have some easy road and field walking, before more road walking to Pencelli and the end of the lap. We kept expecting to see the checkpoint and were convinced we had gone wrong, but made it at 2:30pm, with half an hour to spare til the cut off point. Gilly was here and gave us encouragement. Carol turned for home and said she'd get the kettle on- she told me to keep hold of her trekking pole and gave the other to Rach.
I swallowed some pain killers and me and Rach set off once again along the canal to Talybont, wondering why on earth we were doing this! My legs were starting to ache a little, and I could feel a couple of 'hot spots' on my feet but just couldn't be bothered to stop and sort them out- I will have to be more disciplined on the MdS! The 'fire road' through the forest seemed even more endless second time around, and we felt as though would never actually reach the road. To add to the misery, it became dark whilst we were plodding along, so we broke out the headtorches- it was a real luxury to have one that worked!! I was a little freaked when I saw something glowing green in the beam of light, but it turned out to be a sheep's eyes. I don't know who was more startled! I was so glad I was walking with Rach as I honestly don't think I would have done it had I been on my own.
It was lovely to see the checkpoint again, this time 33 miles in, and we caught up with Sharky, Mike and Dave, who were eating pork pies. We walked with them up to the gap, and could see the lights from the Landrover guiding us in from quite far away. It was a clear night, with loads of stars, and was quite beautiful. As we reached the checkpoint, we could see another light making its way up towards the gap- this turned out to be Julian, who was sweeping the route. Making our way down the gap for the second time, we realised that there was a price to pay for the clear, sunny weather- the ice had now extended more or less all the way down to Checkpoint Wozza! I must have fallen on my arse at least five more times, and have a lovely bruise to prove it! God knows what my language must have been like! I walked in the stream when I could, figuring there would be no ice, only to find that the water was freezing over... and my wet feet rubbed my nicely developing blisters. Thank god for Carol's poles... the lads went on ahead, Rach kept waiting for me; Julian caught us up and walked with us to the checkpoint, where they were giving away fruit and nut chocolate... which cheered me up nicely!
Julian stayed for a chat, and me and Rach set off down the narrow rocky track for the second time. I had been dreading this, but after the horrors of the gap, it didn't seem so bad... I was so glad to see the road though, and looked forward to some easy walking. But once again, my expectations were cruelly dashed as we soon realised- the hard way- that the roads were also covered in ice! It was quite patchy too, which meant that one minute we would be striding along, and the next sliding everywhere like Bambi!
The fields were at least easy walking, on frosted grass. One was full of sheep, which was quite eerie as we suddenly had loads of glowing green eyes in our headtorch beams. We had another sporadically slidy road walk back to the lap checkpoint, where Gilly had waited for us- she offered to act as sweeper and walk the 4 miles back along the canal with us. Rach was really striding out, she is certainly a very strong walker. My legs were aching, and I could count at least four blisters- it was also so cold that when I went to take a drink, my water bottle had filled with ice and it was like drinking a slush puppy! We caught up with Sharky, Mike and Dave, and shortly after saw a lone head torch bobbing towards us. To our delight, it turned out to be a rather innebriated Carol, who had downed most of a bottle of Vueve and decided to come and meet us.
We had quite a hero's welcome home, which was so great! We got in just after 11:30pm, which was fine as the time limit for the challenge was 11:59pm- so mission accomplished! God- it was cold when we stopped! The bottoms of my leggings had frozen stiff, poor Rach was shivering, and ended up in a heap of padded jackets and blankets. We were really looked after by Gilly and Carol, who filled her hot water bottle for Rach. After some veggie chilli and crusty bread, we went next door to the bunkhouse and had a hot shower, which took me a while as I was struggling to move. My legs had siezed and the blisters were making themselves known- one on the ball of each foot, which had both burst, one on the end of the second toe on my left foot, which was like a balloon, and what looked like blood blisters at the end of two toes on my right foot.
We had to still be up quite early the next day as Likeys were holding a MdS seminar in the theatre at Brecon. I woke up feeling like someone had stolen my legs and left me two wooden posts! It was a rather slow, painful hobble to the seminar... we did, however, get a special prize of a hat each- the 'Lantern Rouge' award!
Following this were the inevitable goodbyes, and the feeling that we had all shared something rather special... the drive home was rather uneventful, but I must have looked a picture trying to walk to the service station!
It's now three days after the event, and my legs are only slightly aching which is good... the blister and toe nail on the third toe on my right foot are still rather painful though, especially when I am walking.
My running shoes are in rather a sorry state though... but it was a fantastic weekend!!!
Labels: Beacons Ultra
