Endurance Adventures

Sorry not to have updated for ages... I have been rather gutted! Last weekend should have been the Beacons Ultra- 46 miles round the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, and meeting up with fellow MdS nutters. And I wasn't there...

All due to the fact that I succumbed to the dreaded lurgy going around our office the week before... with juts days to go I was throwing lemsips down my neck, in a vain attempt to ward off a nasty cold and sore throat. But by Thursday it had developed to a wracking cough that was, er, let's just say 'productive' (in case anyone's trying to eat tea!) and felt so lousy it was obvious that even contemplating running 46 miles around soggy Wales was not going to be the greatest idea in the world. I couldn't even contemplate the drive down!

The way I felt when I woke up on Saturday it was the right decision. I wouldn't have been up for it and may have developed double pneumonia if I'd tried! I'm feeling much better now but still got a cough.

Really gutted as this is usually a great weekend :-(

Ah well, to compensate for a Beacons Ultra Race Report, here are a few Autum pics from my walk/ run the weekend before...

Labels: autumn, Beacons Ultra

Last weekend saw the second Beacons Ultra, where once again us mad ultra-types descended upon peaceful Welsh villages!

This year the route had changed, starting from Talybont-on-Usk rather than Brecon. Us MdS vets stayed in the White Hart Bunkhouse, attached to the White Hart Inn in Talybont- small, cosy but rather cold, especially at night! It was great to see everyone again and we had our usual communal cook Friday night followed by a couple of drinks in the pub.

The Beacons Ultra course consists of two laps, which together make 45 miles. Due to my dodgy knee I had already decided on just aiming to complete one lap, which would still make a respectable 22/ 23 miles. Registration and start was at the Leisure Club just outside the village, where we were greeted by Sue and Martin of Likeys, who are top people, and Al Silcock and Kobus who were marshalling the course.

This year the event started at 7am rather than 8am so there was a mad dash for the 2 bathrooms from 5:30am onwards! It was still pitch black when we reached the start- in fact, it felt like the middle of the night as I don't think any of us slept too well. Once we were off I slipped into my usual place- right at the back- as everyone else fast disappeared into the distance! Ah well- I had decided to just take my time and enjoy it.


The Start!

The first part of the route was easy- 3 miles along the canal- and I jogged a lot of it. We left the canal just after dawn broke properly and were faced with the major new addition to the route- a 500 metre climb!


Views On The Climb



It started off desceptively gently but it was only when I passed a farm and rounded a bend did the full extent of the climb present itself! I was faced with a seemingly verticle climb, with tiny dots moving way in the distance which I assumed were my fellow runners. The following photo doesn't really do the climb justice;


The First Climb!

In fact, that wasn't even the top- when I reached the highest point in the above photo, yet more steep climb revealed itself- and we still weren't done! It was very windy and rather cold- I had to break out my gloves. There was a check point at the top but by the time I got there they had prudently decided to descend slightly to a more sheltered spot and were attempting to erect a shelter.

There was quite a good descent from the top, and the sun actually came out.


The Event Was Well Supported By The Locals


Rare Sunshine!

This was quite pleasant walking, although we then had to leave the road at the next checkpoint and descend a muddy track to join the fire road through Talybont Forest.


Descending Towards Talybont Forest

From here on the route was the same as last years. I spotted a kit bag full of food lying beside the track and was considering taking it with me to hand in at the next checkpoint when it suddenly occured to me that someone may have stashed it there for the second lap and I may be depriving them of much needed supplies which may just prevent them from completing the race, so I left it where it was.

The fire road seemed even more endless than last year, even though part of it had been cut out- possibly because I was on my own so didn't have the opportunity to chat to anyone (apart from a few stray sheep and between you and me I don't really think they were listening).

It was a relief to see the next checkpoint and start the long pull up to the Gap.


The Gap

It was a lot wetter underfoot than last year and very muddy in places. Sadly, that was the last we saw of the sun and the clouds started to gather. The climb up to the gap seemed quite gentle after the last climb, and luckily this year there was no ice!


The Gap Road

I actually kept upright this year and managed what was quite a speedy descent for me!


Descending From The Gap

Kobus and James were manning the last checkpoint, and as promised had got a roaring fire going. Kobus toasted me marshmallows- what a star! I had a sit down for a few minutes whilst I ate them and as I left they were putting chestnuts on to roast- got to hand it to Kobus, whatever he does, he does with style!

I reluctantly left and started down the rough, uneven track I remembered so well from last year- which this year had the delightful addition of ankle deep sections of water. This is where me, Rach and Carol were lapped last year- and where I was again lapped this year by the same guy- Mark Palmer, who finished the 45 miles in an astonishing 06:48:10!


Looking Towards Brecon

As I reached the road it started to rain- we had had a couple of showers but it was now clearly set in for the rest of the day so I got my waterproofs out and trudged along roads and through wet and muddy fields.

The last few miles was along roads and the canal back to Talybont. I was lapped by several people and expected to be lapped by one of the MdS folks at any time. It was absolutely pouring by this point so I took comfort in a Snickers and jogged a few times. It started to feel a bit endless but at last I reached Talybont and was directed off the canal to the finish at the Leisure Club by Al. I saw the finish sign and decided to run to the finish- then realised I had to run downhill, through trees and back up again to reach the line!

My time was a rather pathetic 8 hours something. I got a fantastic welcome from Sue and a goody bag containing a cap and a mug, plus mule bar and emergency blanket (funnily enough I had purchased one from Likeys the night before as it was on the kit list and the MdS had trashed mine!)

When I got back to the bunk house, I was surprised to see Sharky- I hadn't noticed him pass me on route. He hadn't-he said he had pulled out at 30 miles as he was feeling rough. Mike A had also pulled out with nausea after one lap, and poor Andy had been really ill, abandoning just short of one lap. Jo had decided to just complete one lap as she had injured her ankle, sensible decisions.

After a shower we sat in the pub and waited for everyone else to filter in. I have to say I really adnired them as I am not sure I could have done another lap in the dark and driving rain.

I felt my knee a couple of times when descending but it soon went off and it has been fine ever since- I have rested it this week, just doing a little walking. I achieved my onjective of completing one lap without injuring my knee, so I am quite happy with that. If I do this again next year I will definately aim to complete two though!

Labels: Beacons Ultra, Brecon Beacons

I have neglected this a bit lately... probably because the training has been a bit neglected too! I hadn't heard anything from those blood tests so asked the receptionist, who gave her notes a cursory glance and said 'They all came back as normal, no further action' so I have no excuse now!

I have actually managed to put in a few good gym sessions plus a hill climbing session on the notoriously hilly Arnold Lane- still got it!!

So I am only doing one lap of the Ultra this year- I think it would be crazy to attempt to do two, given my dodgy knee and resultant lack of training. But it will be nice- I can take my time, be a tourist, take some piccies, amble around for 23 miles and joing everyone else in the pub! Sounds like a plan...

It will be great to see the other MdS'ers again, plus the chaps and chapesses from Likeys- really looking forward to this!

Labels: Beacons Ultra, Brecon Beacons

I am fed up with feeling as though I am coming down with some nasty bug or other, or developing headaches... really fed up with thinking 'I'm not feeling too great so I'll only do a gentle workout today' every time I haul my ass into the gym- I don't even know if it's physical or psychological!

I decided to call my own bluff and consult with my doctor, who's diagnosis is that it's probably a virus hanging around, and so there's nothing I can do- although he dd attempt to placate me with the offer of a full blood test (yes please- may as well get something out of the National Insurance that disappears from my wages before I even see it!)

Although it's not all been doom and gloom, as I did manage to get out for a 12 mile ramble Thursday. It was quite a pleasant day- for November- although rather blustery. I did my usual circuit around Stoke Bardoloph twice.



Looking Towards Stoke Bardolph

Walking along the river I saw a kingfisher, very briefly, before he flew off in a shiny turquoise blur. I saw him again on the way back- flying downstream but he was too fast for me to get a photo.

Last time I took the path by the River Trent it was closed for repairs (although it didn't stop me using it!) This time, the work had been finished, and instead of last winter's muddy track there is now a properly constructed pathway;



Walking round a second time I was struck by the patterns made by the stalks left in the fields...



... or maybe I was just bored of the view!

My knee wasn't too bad- I have come to the conclusion that it is a lot better when I walk than when I run. I did go to the gym Sunday too- but stuck to the rower and the elliptical trainer. Sometimes my knee is absolutely fine- then I will go for a short walk or gym session and it will start hurting again...

I have the Beacons Ultra in a fortnight, it looks as though I will only be doing one lap this year, but at least that leaves more time for the pub!

Labels: Beacons Ultra, Stoke Bardolph

I haven't done much at all this week training wise... I have been so lazy! All I have done is a few little walks, I haven't even set foot in the gym!

Mind you, the rest has probably done my knee good as (touch wood!) it's been fine since Sunday. There are some race photos but I don't think I'll be buying anything as, as usual the photographer has caught me at some worst possible moments... other people have photos of themselves striding purposefully forwards, smile on their faces and not a hair out of place- the very epitome of a long distance runner...

Not me. I am always portrayed as red, sweaty, about to collapse and looking about 90 years old!

I did walk round the Netherfield Lagoons on Friday, as the weather was so lovely. There were pink and white plants all along the river bank on the path down to the Lagoons;


Plants By The River

It was lovely and peaceful, you wouldn't realise that this nature reserve lies just behind a huge retail park.

I really must get my butt back into gear though as I feel rather flabby and out of shape- I also have my next challenge in my sights- the Beacons Ultra, organised by Likeys- 45 miles over two loops in the Brecon Beacons... I really would like to do both laps again this year if I can.

Labels: Beacons Ultra, Brecon Beacons

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!!!

Labels: Beacons Ultra

Once again I have managed to miss updating this for over a week... well, after that good 17 miler I came down with a chesty cough and then a cold, so last week was kind of written off...

I took it quite easy; just a 4 mile walk on the Tuesday, and a gym session Thursday but didn't push myself too much. Saturday I filled my rucksack to around 5kg, and headed along the pavements to Colwick Country Park, venue for one of the Grand Prix series races. I had a natter to my sis whilst marching around, it was bigger than I thought and I got a little lost! It was only when I passed a half chewed trainer for the second time that I managed to find my way out! It was quite a nice walk though- crisp and clear, with paths through trees and around lakes. By the time I got home I'd done 7 miles.

Sunday my entire exercise regime involved seeing Cliff Richard at Birmingham as part of his 50th Anniversary Tour with mum (god, I can't belive I just admitted to that!) and dancing in our seats to old favourites like 'Bachelor Boy' and 'Living' Doll'...

I had my personalised training session Monday night at the posh new gym with 'Helena'. I wasn't sure what to expect, as my needs are rather, umm, specialised... she hadn't heard of the MdS, but when I told her what it entails, she did give me some good pointers. She said that as I am aimimg to complete rather than compete, the onus should be on building up strength in the legs, rather than speed, which does make sense. She wants me to run on incline on the treadmill- all the time! We then moved on to the ellipticals and she asked me what I'd been doing on them... now, I have usually done 20 minutes, gradually working up to level 9, thinking I was doing pretty well. She said that she expects me to do 30 minutes, and mentioned that the resistance level needs to be much higher.

I tentatively put it up to 9, and she said that she was thinking of 'double figures'. I pushed it up to 11, and she moved it to 15, saying 'I think this will do it'. Do it... I did 30 minutes at level 15 and it damn near killed me!! But that's the beginning... she wants me to build up my time on there!

The exercises she gave were back and stomach strengthening exercises using a ball, plus squats done against the wall, with the ball against my back and a 7 kg dumbell in each hand- you can really feel this! She also wants me to do lunges in something that looks like half a ball, and is really difficult to balance on. Then ski squats on the power plates- these are small platforms which vibrate, and holding a ski squat for 60 seconds is excrutiating!! She also recommended the leg extension machine, the Tricep dip for bingo wings (ok ok, this was vanity rather than MdS related...) plus finally the infamous 'plank'.

My legs were aching Tuesday but that is probably a good thing... I shall follow her advice anyway.

Last night was a 6 mile walk with 5.5 kg pack (bloody freezing!!) but my right knee felt a little tender so I'm sciving, sorry, resting tonight!

Tomorrow will be back in the gym... the Beacons Ultra is just over a week away!!

Labels: Beacons Ultra, Cliff Richard, gym

... I feel like I am getting back into things after the B*llock Smithy. Tried a 6 miler Monday and attempted to go a bit quicker than I normally do!

Tuesday I skived a bit and watched telly- I love 'The Secret Millionaire'- when I am a millionaire I will be very generous with my time and money... I did use my stepper while I watched, though, and did some arm work with my weights in the commercial breaks!

Last night I went out for 8 1/2 miles with the trusty MP3 player, at the usual 'Sahara Shuffle' pace. I think I will go to the gym tonight and give the treadmill and 'Brian' a whirl... felt a bit off this week though- really tired and as though I may be coming down with a cold, but not actually getting one! A couple of colleagues have succumbed and are either off or coughing and spluttering away in the office- so getting one may be pretty much inevitable... unless all this training has boosted my immune system to superhuman strength!!

I have entered a couple of events- The Ponton Plod on Sunday, 27 miles near Grantham for the third year running (and walking!!) and the Starkholmes Stagger next Saturday. That's a 30 miler from Matlock- 5000 ft of ascent. I did this one a couple of times about 11 years ago, until it stopped, and have always wanted to do it again. It is a mile longer and used to be in March, but looks as though it pretty much follows the same route, so I am really looking forward to this one. Nice distance too- just a bit more of a challenge than the 26 milers, but not too much of an Ultra.

I have another couple of 26 milers lined up, then have entered an Ultra in the Brecon Beacons in December, run by Likeys. This is going to be great, as nearly everyone doing the MdS in 2009 are going to be there so we can have a kind of MdS pre-union!

Labels: Beacons Ultra, Ponton Plod, Starkholmes Stagger