Thursday, December 10, 2009
Event Report- The 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!
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
Friday, December 04, 2009
Nearly The Beacons Ultra!
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!
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
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Lazy Week...
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.
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
MdS Reunion... The Class Of 09!
Once again a bunch of ultra nutters descended upon peaceful little Brecon, for our grand reunion, kindly and most ably organised by Perks!
Sadly, some couldn't make it but there was a good group of us- some folks had brought their families and camped nearby, joining us for meals. We were so lucky with the weather- it was warm and sunny the whole weekend!
It was great to see everyone again, and it soon seemed as though we'd never been away... especially once the beers flowed and we all got chatting.
Group Shot!
Matt from Likeys had drawn up two possible walking routes- Sharky, Gilly, Jeff and Kev opted for the longer, tougher option, and decided to leave at 9am so they would be back in the pub by 1pm. Me and Rose opted for the shorter, 12 mile route, climbing to the side of Fan-Y-Big and descending to the Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir. Rose doesn't have confidence in her navigational skills so left navigating to me, which I think she regretted later...
We left Rose's car at Tal-Y-Bont and walked along the canal to Pencelli, before gradually ascending with views of the Beacons unfolding behind us.
We reached the small summit of Bryn, where there was obviously an army exercise going on; a tent had been set up, and loads of blokes in full fatigues were running up and down the path we were to take, carrying rifles... I always feel a bit nervous around men with rifles!
Brecon Beacons Scenery
Our route took us on quite a steep descent to the side of Fan-Y-Big- the impressive sheer side of the mountain formed a pocturesque back drop for our ascent.
Fan-Y-Big
Once we reached the top, I saw a descending path I thought must be our route, so suggested we follow it, yeah, famous last words!! The path was clearly defined at first, and we reached a load of tangled and twisted metal, which was marked by a memorial cairn and turned out to be the site of a World War Two plane crash- the plane had obviously smashed into the side of the mountain and the crew, Canadians, were sadly all killed.
The Site Of The Aircraft Crash
From here the path became increasingly indistinct, and I had to concentrate to follow it. I first got an inkling that it wasn't actually going the right way, but cutting across was difficult as it was really boggy, so we opted to follow a path by a stream.
Following The Stream
This brought us out at the road to Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir, but rather than bringing us to the bottom end of it, as we should have been, we had rather a long road walk back to the Reservoir, then down the whole length of it to the dam- oops! I felt quite bad, but Rose didn't complain once and said she was enjoying herself!
Waterfall
It was really hot, and after what seemed ages, we finally reached the dam at the bottom end of the reservoir and picked up the fire road back into Tal-Y-Bont and the pub!
Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir
It turned out the other group had done exactly the same as us- taken the wrong path from the top! They managed to cut across, but it did cheer me up a bit- especially as Jeff only lives 60 minutes from Brecon so is a local, plus they had two GPS's!
Martin and Sue from Likey's came for tea Saturday night, and Martin gave us a talk on the 6633 Ultra, which enters the Arctic Circle and sounds rather too extreme for me...
Rose had brought a lovely cake, iced with MdS 2009 on it so we had a piece, Gilly got out the Veuve and we toasted absent friends.
The Cake- I Forgot To Take A Photo Before It Was Cut!
Sunday we had a leisurely lunch at The Star in Tal-Y-Bont before going our separate ways. It was a really enjoyable weekend, with some very special people, and hopefully it won't be long before we are all together again!
Sadly, some couldn't make it but there was a good group of us- some folks had brought their families and camped nearby, joining us for meals. We were so lucky with the weather- it was warm and sunny the whole weekend!
It was great to see everyone again, and it soon seemed as though we'd never been away... especially once the beers flowed and we all got chatting.
Group Shot!
Matt from Likeys had drawn up two possible walking routes- Sharky, Gilly, Jeff and Kev opted for the longer, tougher option, and decided to leave at 9am so they would be back in the pub by 1pm. Me and Rose opted for the shorter, 12 mile route, climbing to the side of Fan-Y-Big and descending to the Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir. Rose doesn't have confidence in her navigational skills so left navigating to me, which I think she regretted later...
We left Rose's car at Tal-Y-Bont and walked along the canal to Pencelli, before gradually ascending with views of the Beacons unfolding behind us.
We reached the small summit of Bryn, where there was obviously an army exercise going on; a tent had been set up, and loads of blokes in full fatigues were running up and down the path we were to take, carrying rifles... I always feel a bit nervous around men with rifles!
Brecon Beacons Scenery
Our route took us on quite a steep descent to the side of Fan-Y-Big- the impressive sheer side of the mountain formed a pocturesque back drop for our ascent.
Fan-Y-Big
Once we reached the top, I saw a descending path I thought must be our route, so suggested we follow it, yeah, famous last words!! The path was clearly defined at first, and we reached a load of tangled and twisted metal, which was marked by a memorial cairn and turned out to be the site of a World War Two plane crash- the plane had obviously smashed into the side of the mountain and the crew, Canadians, were sadly all killed.
The Site Of The Aircraft Crash
From here the path became increasingly indistinct, and I had to concentrate to follow it. I first got an inkling that it wasn't actually going the right way, but cutting across was difficult as it was really boggy, so we opted to follow a path by a stream.
Following The Stream
This brought us out at the road to Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir, but rather than bringing us to the bottom end of it, as we should have been, we had rather a long road walk back to the Reservoir, then down the whole length of it to the dam- oops! I felt quite bad, but Rose didn't complain once and said she was enjoying herself!
Waterfall
It was really hot, and after what seemed ages, we finally reached the dam at the bottom end of the reservoir and picked up the fire road back into Tal-Y-Bont and the pub!
Tal-Y-Bont Reservoir
It turned out the other group had done exactly the same as us- taken the wrong path from the top! They managed to cut across, but it did cheer me up a bit- especially as Jeff only lives 60 minutes from Brecon so is a local, plus they had two GPS's!
Martin and Sue from Likey's came for tea Saturday night, and Martin gave us a talk on the 6633 Ultra, which enters the Arctic Circle and sounds rather too extreme for me...
Rose had brought a lovely cake, iced with MdS 2009 on it so we had a piece, Gilly got out the Veuve and we toasted absent friends.
The Cake- I Forgot To Take A Photo Before It Was Cut!
Sunday we had a leisurely lunch at The Star in Tal-Y-Bont before going our separate ways. It was a really enjoyable weekend, with some very special people, and hopefully it won't be long before we are all together again!
Labels: Brecon, Brecon Beacons
