Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Double Marathon Challenge- Event Report!
Sorry for the long overdue update... I did actually manage to complete the Marathon double whammy challenge! The weather forecast wasn't brilliant, and I wasn't too happy to see heavy rain Friday night, as the paths would probably be quite muddy now.
The Dave Lewis challenge was only about 30 minutes drive away, so not too early start. Imade my flask and packed the waterproofs, before driving to Kelham Hall. I was quite early, so had a leisurely coffee, saw Sue who was walking it with a friend, and met Ross, who was walking with his friend Brian.
It was sunny but quite cold. The start is in the car park of the Kelham Fox, there weren't all that many walkers as it's quite a low key event. It is run every year, in commemoration of Dave Lewis, a keen runner and walker who tragically drowned whilst on holiday with his family. His widow saw us off, and I had a little jog up the road to get warm.
We turned off the roads, into fields. The weather was perfect at this point- it didn't last though!
We entered a wood, and I followed Sue and her friend along a track; it didn't feel right though, and we realised we'd gone wrong. So had everyone else, so we all back tracked in search of a 'new gate'. I found myself walking with Ross and Brian, and walked with them for the rest of the day which was good, it's amazing how much faster the time goes walking with others. The route was mainly across fields, some ploughed, and along tracks. Route finding was rather difficult, as there were no signs and the route description could be open to interpretation!
We had several showers throughout the day so I was glad of my waterproof.
Just before the second checkpoint we weren't at all sure we were on the right path- the route descriptions didn't appear to match what we were seeing. There were three girls just ahead who were looking rather lost. We spotted a couple of St Johns Ambulance guys on the road parallel to our path, so me, Brian and Ross cut across a field to them, whilst the girls retraced their steps. I'm not quite sure why the St Johns Ambulance folks were there as they weren't on route, but let us look at the map. As the road ran alongside the path, we opted to follow this into the next village and checkpoint.
Southwell Minster
After some more route finding problems, and being joined by the girls again, the route passed through part of Southwell. We could see the Minster from some distance away.
Rather Odd Looking House
Southwell
After this the route followed part of the last Dave Lewis Challenge I completed, but in the opposite direction. There was more substantial food than I remembered- lovely home made cakes.
We followed the River Trent for a long stretch, from Hazelford Ferry past Fiskerton. I was quite familiar with this section as I have walked it a few times.
Unfortunately it was that time in every event when it starts to drag... when you would much rather be home and have it over and done with. The rather uneven path by the river started to drag a bit and I rubbed a blister on my heel, which unfortunately pulled every time my foot twisted on the uneven ground.
By the time we left the river and reached checkpoint 6, which had also been check point 2, we agreed that it felt we had already done 26 miles. Unfortunately we hadn't reached the end of the walk... the next part retraced the path we should have come up earlier, so we decided to follow the road back.
The last part of the walk seemed endless. We caught up with the girls- they were sisters, living in different parts of the UK and had met up for the weekend to do this walk.
It took us 9 hours 58 minutes, when we finished the chap waiting for us said that the route was really 28 1/2 - 29 miles long, and they were thinking about taking a loop out for next year...
Didn't give me all that long to recover for the Spires and Steeples though, so I drank a recovery drink and ate a (horribly over sweet) recovery bar on the way home and had a soak in the bath.
Sunday was a really early start as I needed to be in Sleaford for 7:30am to catch the bus laid on to Lincoln. We were being picked up in a different car park from last time, and there were loads of walkers. The chap sitting next to me on the bus said 'It's time to break out the flask!' I agreed and we both got our flasks out and poured a drink. His looked like milk, and he wailed 'Oh no! I put the sugar in, put the hot water in, put the milk in... but I forgot to put in the coffee!'
We were disgorged onto the streets of Lincoln and made our way to the castle and the start. It was foggy and bitterly cold, but looks as though it was going to be a nice day once the fog lifted.
We started at 8:40am and set off downhill through Lincoln's cobbled streets before following a trail. I could feel my legs, but once I started moving I didn't feel too bad. I had dressed my blister and it wasn't giving me any problems. I was actually setting quite a good pace, and thought that the main thing would be to get to the half way point at Metheringham before the cut off time of 1:30pm.
Branston
Everyone spread out a little after the first checkpoint at Branston, and shortly afterwards the first runners started cpming past.
The sun had well and truly come out now and it was glorious! I had taken some painkillers and wasn't suffering too badly at all.
The Water Tower At Potterhanworth
I remembered quite a lot of the route and this part of it was very pretty- lovely old villages with ancient churches, the paths were good too- much easier than yesterday.
I passed a house in Dunston with a tray full of apples attached to the gate for folks to help themselves so I picked up a lovely juicy apple and muched it whilst I walked into Metheringham. I had made the cut off point with plenty of time to spare so got the flask out and had coffee. There was no food at the checkpoints, apart from flapkack at Ruskington, so I had come self sufficient. Both feet were starting to hurt on the balls of each foot, and the big toe nail on my left foot had started to gently throb but I was still feeling pretty good as I left Metheringham.
Dunston
Blankney
Scopwick
Scopwick is really pretty, with it's stream running through the village. Shortly afterwards I walked for a while with Cath, who was running the event and was now walking. I walked with her until Ruskington, as her family were waiting to meet her there. We agreed that this part of Lincolnshire is really pretty.
Digby
Dorrington Demons
Ruskington
As soon as I reached Ruskington everything started hurting! My legs weren't too bad still, but my left toe was quite painful, and the balls of my feet hurt everytime I stepped on a stone- which was often! The last part of the walk I remembered quite well, as it's along a canal path back into Sleaford, and I knew it would feel endless!
The last checkpoint was just at the start of the canal path so I downed the last of my coffee before steeling myself for the last stretch. One of the checkpoint helpers had written '2 miles to go!' on the water cups.
My toe nail was really sore now and it was hurting to walk. I must have been walking funny, but had deliberately saved a snickers for this bit so I could comfort eat my way back to Sleaford.
I finally finished in 8 hours and 5 minutes- I was really pleased with this as it was only 20 minutes slower than my 2008 time and of course I had done the 28 1/2 mile Dave Lewis the day before!
Surprisingly enough my legs are fine- but my left toenail is a funny colour and is still throbbing a fair bit!
Off to Sunny (I hope!!) Spain tomorrow to see Dad, so will probably be a fairly easy week- give the feet chance to heal!
The Dave Lewis challenge was only about 30 minutes drive away, so not too early start. Imade my flask and packed the waterproofs, before driving to Kelham Hall. I was quite early, so had a leisurely coffee, saw Sue who was walking it with a friend, and met Ross, who was walking with his friend Brian.
It was sunny but quite cold. The start is in the car park of the Kelham Fox, there weren't all that many walkers as it's quite a low key event. It is run every year, in commemoration of Dave Lewis, a keen runner and walker who tragically drowned whilst on holiday with his family. His widow saw us off, and I had a little jog up the road to get warm.
We turned off the roads, into fields. The weather was perfect at this point- it didn't last though!
We entered a wood, and I followed Sue and her friend along a track; it didn't feel right though, and we realised we'd gone wrong. So had everyone else, so we all back tracked in search of a 'new gate'. I found myself walking with Ross and Brian, and walked with them for the rest of the day which was good, it's amazing how much faster the time goes walking with others. The route was mainly across fields, some ploughed, and along tracks. Route finding was rather difficult, as there were no signs and the route description could be open to interpretation!
We had several showers throughout the day so I was glad of my waterproof.
Just before the second checkpoint we weren't at all sure we were on the right path- the route descriptions didn't appear to match what we were seeing. There were three girls just ahead who were looking rather lost. We spotted a couple of St Johns Ambulance guys on the road parallel to our path, so me, Brian and Ross cut across a field to them, whilst the girls retraced their steps. I'm not quite sure why the St Johns Ambulance folks were there as they weren't on route, but let us look at the map. As the road ran alongside the path, we opted to follow this into the next village and checkpoint.
After some more route finding problems, and being joined by the girls again, the route passed through part of Southwell. We could see the Minster from some distance away.
After this the route followed part of the last Dave Lewis Challenge I completed, but in the opposite direction. There was more substantial food than I remembered- lovely home made cakes.
We followed the River Trent for a long stretch, from Hazelford Ferry past Fiskerton. I was quite familiar with this section as I have walked it a few times.
By the time we left the river and reached checkpoint 6, which had also been check point 2, we agreed that it felt we had already done 26 miles. Unfortunately we hadn't reached the end of the walk... the next part retraced the path we should have come up earlier, so we decided to follow the road back.
The last part of the walk seemed endless. We caught up with the girls- they were sisters, living in different parts of the UK and had met up for the weekend to do this walk.
It took us 9 hours 58 minutes, when we finished the chap waiting for us said that the route was really 28 1/2 - 29 miles long, and they were thinking about taking a loop out for next year...
Didn't give me all that long to recover for the Spires and Steeples though, so I drank a recovery drink and ate a (horribly over sweet) recovery bar on the way home and had a soak in the bath.
Sunday was a really early start as I needed to be in Sleaford for 7:30am to catch the bus laid on to Lincoln. We were being picked up in a different car park from last time, and there were loads of walkers. The chap sitting next to me on the bus said 'It's time to break out the flask!' I agreed and we both got our flasks out and poured a drink. His looked like milk, and he wailed 'Oh no! I put the sugar in, put the hot water in, put the milk in... but I forgot to put in the coffee!'
We were disgorged onto the streets of Lincoln and made our way to the castle and the start. It was foggy and bitterly cold, but looks as though it was going to be a nice day once the fog lifted.
Everyone spread out a little after the first checkpoint at Branston, and shortly afterwards the first runners started cpming past.
The sun had well and truly come out now and it was glorious! I had taken some painkillers and wasn't suffering too badly at all.
I remembered quite a lot of the route and this part of it was very pretty- lovely old villages with ancient churches, the paths were good too- much easier than yesterday.
I passed a house in Dunston with a tray full of apples attached to the gate for folks to help themselves so I picked up a lovely juicy apple and muched it whilst I walked into Metheringham. I had made the cut off point with plenty of time to spare so got the flask out and had coffee. There was no food at the checkpoints, apart from flapkack at Ruskington, so I had come self sufficient. Both feet were starting to hurt on the balls of each foot, and the big toe nail on my left foot had started to gently throb but I was still feeling pretty good as I left Metheringham.
Scopwick is really pretty, with it's stream running through the village. Shortly afterwards I walked for a while with Cath, who was running the event and was now walking. I walked with her until Ruskington, as her family were waiting to meet her there. We agreed that this part of Lincolnshire is really pretty.
As soon as I reached Ruskington everything started hurting! My legs weren't too bad still, but my left toe was quite painful, and the balls of my feet hurt everytime I stepped on a stone- which was often! The last part of the walk I remembered quite well, as it's along a canal path back into Sleaford, and I knew it would feel endless!
The last checkpoint was just at the start of the canal path so I downed the last of my coffee before steeling myself for the last stretch. One of the checkpoint helpers had written '2 miles to go!' on the water cups.
My toe nail was really sore now and it was hurting to walk. I must have been walking funny, but had deliberately saved a snickers for this bit so I could comfort eat my way back to Sleaford.
Surprisingly enough my legs are fine- but my left toenail is a funny colour and is still throbbing a fair bit!
Off to Sunny (I hope!!) Spain tomorrow to see Dad, so will probably be a fairly easy week- give the feet chance to heal!
Labels: Dave Lewis Challenge, Spires and Steeples Challenge
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ready For The Weekend?
I've been tapering this week ready for the double marathon challenge this weekend. My last proper run was 8 miles Monday night, so have just had some shorter runs/ walks since.
I have a sort of strategy in my mind... when I last did the Dave Lewis I felt really ill afterwards- really bad headache, shakes, sickness. I put it down to the fact that there was biscuits and sweets on offer at the checkpoints rather than the usual cakes, and I hadn't taken anything with me, so it's probable that I just didn't eat enough. I have plenty of 9 bars, mule bars and other stuff which I'll take, and also a flask of coffee so I can have a cuppa before we start (and part way round! I'm such a caffeine addict...) I need to make sure I finish the Dave Lewis in as good a shape as possible if I'm to complete the Spires and Steeples the next day. This means that I will take it quite a bit slower than usual- probably won't run.
I have a sachet of recovery drink powder so will put a water bottle in the car so I can have that when I have finished, plus I have a recover bar for the journey home. For the Spires and Steepls I have a snickers to look forwards to- as long as I beat the cut off time of 1:30pm at the half way check point at Metheringham. I will have 5 hours to get there so will hopefully be long enough!
I will be happy if I complete the Dave Lewis in under 9 hours and the Spires and Steeples in under 10 hours, anything quicker than that is a bonus. I'm sort of looking forwards to it in a perverse kind of way...
... bring it on...
I have a sort of strategy in my mind... when I last did the Dave Lewis I felt really ill afterwards- really bad headache, shakes, sickness. I put it down to the fact that there was biscuits and sweets on offer at the checkpoints rather than the usual cakes, and I hadn't taken anything with me, so it's probable that I just didn't eat enough. I have plenty of 9 bars, mule bars and other stuff which I'll take, and also a flask of coffee so I can have a cuppa before we start (and part way round! I'm such a caffeine addict...) I need to make sure I finish the Dave Lewis in as good a shape as possible if I'm to complete the Spires and Steeples the next day. This means that I will take it quite a bit slower than usual- probably won't run.
I have a sachet of recovery drink powder so will put a water bottle in the car so I can have that when I have finished, plus I have a recover bar for the journey home. For the Spires and Steepls I have a snickers to look forwards to- as long as I beat the cut off time of 1:30pm at the half way check point at Metheringham. I will have 5 hours to get there so will hopefully be long enough!
I will be happy if I complete the Dave Lewis in under 9 hours and the Spires and Steeples in under 10 hours, anything quicker than that is a bonus. I'm sort of looking forwards to it in a perverse kind of way...
... bring it on...
Labels: Dave Lewis Challenge, Spires and Steeples Challenge
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
My Challenge For 2011...
Ok. I decided that I need a challenge for next year... something to aim for to frighten me into training a little harder... I decided that it has to be something challenging, something inspiring- but something relatively cheap. Because I'm skint.
So, inspired by Ross's amazing efforts to complete 20 marathons in 2010 I started to think that it could be possible to complete a marathon in each English county... so that will be my challenge. To complete a marathon in each English county in 2011...
I decided that as far as possible I would stick to marathons recognised by the 100 Marathon Club (which is handy as they recognise most of the LDWA 26 mile events, which are greatly preferable to road marathons. Plus they still recognise them if you run, jog or walk, which is really handy for me!)
It's not quite as easy to organise as I first thought- for starters, there seem to be some disagreement over how many counties there actually are, as several have disappeared over the years- but after some research I am using this map as my guide. Of course, another little problem is the fact that many race organisers have decided to organise their marathons on the same day- and I haven't quite perfected the art of being in two places at once. I think I will need to complete a few back to back ones though.
There are also a few counties (step forwards Durham and Herefordshire) where I haven't been able to find a marathon- I may need to resort to completing my own 26 mile route in these counties.
I will probably raise money for charity if I can, so will look at getting something sorted...
So, inspired by Ross's amazing efforts to complete 20 marathons in 2010 I started to think that it could be possible to complete a marathon in each English county... so that will be my challenge. To complete a marathon in each English county in 2011...
I decided that as far as possible I would stick to marathons recognised by the 100 Marathon Club (which is handy as they recognise most of the LDWA 26 mile events, which are greatly preferable to road marathons. Plus they still recognise them if you run, jog or walk, which is really handy for me!)
It's not quite as easy to organise as I first thought- for starters, there seem to be some disagreement over how many counties there actually are, as several have disappeared over the years- but after some research I am using this map as my guide. Of course, another little problem is the fact that many race organisers have decided to organise their marathons on the same day- and I haven't quite perfected the art of being in two places at once. I think I will need to complete a few back to back ones though.
There are also a few counties (step forwards Durham and Herefordshire) where I haven't been able to find a marathon- I may need to resort to completing my own 26 mile route in these counties.
I will probably raise money for charity if I can, so will look at getting something sorted...
Labels: 100 Marathon Club, marathon challenge
Sunday, October 10, 2010
A Good Training Week; For A Change...
I've had an unusually productive week! Partly because I've been reading Ray Zahab's book- 'Running for My Life'- which is an account of his transformation from beer swilling and chain smoking self destructiveness to awsome ultra runner. He has done MdS twice and has also crossed the entire Sahara on foot!
Ok, my week wasn't quite that impressive but not too bad training wise... last Sunday was a fairly tough session in the gym, and I was busy socially Monday and Tuesday night, so Wednesday I found my first night running route- I found a big loop around Gamston which is about 3 miles and lit the whole way, so I ran this twice and a little extra to make 6 3/4 miles. This was the furthest I had ran on pavements for quite some time and I felt ok.
Thursday I ran/ walked my Bassingfield and canal route with a little extra loop to make 4 miles. Friday I had a very tough session at the gym, pushing myself to cover a quite fast 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by 20 minutes on the ellipticals at a high resistance.
Saturday wasn't quite so arduous- I went with Katie and the Leicester Penguins Swimming Club Team swim in a gala in Aylesbury. Katie came 2nd and 3rd in her races and the team came 2nd overall, so a great effort. Today was a 12 miler around some old haunts; I parked at Morrisons in Netherfield and took my old route across the fields to Stoke Bardolph, then headed along the Trent to Burton Joyce. I picked up the bridleway which eventually connects with the river and returned along the river banks, eventually skirting Netherfield Lagoons. I encountered a few herds of young cows, but luckily they were obviously used to walkers and hardly batted an eye. My total distance was 12 miles, tomorrow I will go out and complete another 8 after work and then I will be on a taper for the weekend and my double whammy of the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples- hope the weather is just as nice as it's been today!
Hope everyone else has a good week!
Ok, my week wasn't quite that impressive but not too bad training wise... last Sunday was a fairly tough session in the gym, and I was busy socially Monday and Tuesday night, so Wednesday I found my first night running route- I found a big loop around Gamston which is about 3 miles and lit the whole way, so I ran this twice and a little extra to make 6 3/4 miles. This was the furthest I had ran on pavements for quite some time and I felt ok.
Thursday I ran/ walked my Bassingfield and canal route with a little extra loop to make 4 miles. Friday I had a very tough session at the gym, pushing myself to cover a quite fast 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by 20 minutes on the ellipticals at a high resistance.
Saturday wasn't quite so arduous- I went with Katie and the Leicester Penguins Swimming Club Team swim in a gala in Aylesbury. Katie came 2nd and 3rd in her races and the team came 2nd overall, so a great effort. Today was a 12 miler around some old haunts; I parked at Morrisons in Netherfield and took my old route across the fields to Stoke Bardolph, then headed along the Trent to Burton Joyce. I picked up the bridleway which eventually connects with the river and returned along the river banks, eventually skirting Netherfield Lagoons. I encountered a few herds of young cows, but luckily they were obviously used to walkers and hardly batted an eye. My total distance was 12 miles, tomorrow I will go out and complete another 8 after work and then I will be on a taper for the weekend and my double whammy of the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples- hope the weather is just as nice as it's been today!
Hope everyone else has a good week!
Labels: Burton Joyce, Ray Zahab, Stoke Bardolph
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
All Set For The Double Whammy Challenge!!
I am all set for the 'double whammy' challenge I have set myself for October- when I will complete two marathon events back to back.
They are the Dave Lewis Challenge in Nottinghamshire on Saturday 16th October and the Spires and Steeples in Lincolnshire on Sunday 17th October- I have had confirmation of both entries today so am good to go!
...suppose I'd better get training then...
They are the Dave Lewis Challenge in Nottinghamshire on Saturday 16th October and the Spires and Steeples in Lincolnshire on Sunday 17th October- I have had confirmation of both entries today so am good to go!
...suppose I'd better get training then...
Labels: Dave Lewis Challenge, Spires and Steeples Challenge
