Sunday, April 15, 2012
The Caythorpe Canter- Event Report
When I noticed that the Caythorpe Canter was being run yesterday, I couldn't resist entering it. I've done this one a few times, but not since 2008 when I did it in an amazing (for me!) 6 hours 10 minutes. As I had had a few years break and it is a fairly local event for me now, I decided to revisit it.
Caythorpe village is the other side of Grantham and around 40 minutes drive, but as the event doesn't start until 9am I didn't have to get up too early. As usual I was early and parked up in the field next to the Village Hall. I'd entered online, but when I went to register I had been given a number for the short (14 mile) route. Luckily it was soon sorted by the ladies on the 'register on the day' desk, who re-registered me on the 26.2 mile route and gave me a new number plus red wrist band as opposed to the blue ones worn by those doing the shorter route.
It was gloriously sunny as we gathered around the start- the 14 mile route was to start half an hour later. There weren't many of us doing the 26.2 mile option, and most of those who were doing it were runners. Our starter gave us a few announcements before we started, including a warning that one of the railway bridges we were to go under had quite a lot of water in it.
At 9am we were off, and heading out of the village in the wake of the runners, along a long track. This pretty much characterised the terrain most of the day- long tracks across fields, sweeping views and minor roads.
Two ladies came past who were walking incredibly fast, and I was passed by a chap who's son was running the shorter distance with a group of cadets, all in full camouflage gear and with heavy packs.
After a long stretch of track, there was a brief walk along a road before reaching a go-kart track. Our path went around the side of the track, which was hidden behind a bank of earth- the go-karts could be heard whizzing around like a bunch of angry gnats.
The first of the 14 mile runners started coming past, and I saw a steady stream of runners until the routes split. It was sunny but chilly, a perfect Spring morning for walking. I had a few short jogs as the terrain was fairly easy.
After more tracks, and an ornamental lake, I reached the village of Stubton and the first checkpoint at 6 miles.
I took advantage of the choccy bars and left the village. Shortly afterwards, the routes split- the longer route turning right up a track to eventually reach a bridge under a busy railway line. It was still flat, and I was feeling ok, so I had a jog along the track.
After the bridge, there's another long section of track and then a road walk into the village of Hougham. I remember being impressed with Hougham last time I did this- it is a pretty little village, and the route took me past the church and along land belonging to Hougham Manor via a permissive path and two foot bridges.
Hougham- View From The Foot Bridge
A short hop through another field brought me to Marston, where I tucked into a chocolate bar I had liberated from the first checkpoint. Another road and then track followed, until I rounded the sewage works (pleasant!) and came to the railway bridge we had been warned about. It was full of ankle deep water and there was no way I was going to keep my feet dry, so I just gritted my teeth and waded through- God it was cold!!
Luckily the next part of the route is rather lovely- following a meandering track through a huge field of crops, by a river initially and then turning away from it to the next checkpoint in Barkston at 14 miles.
This checkpint is delightful; it is in the village school and there were hot drinks on offer, plus peanut butter sandwiches. There was also a large tub of Celebrations, and I was persuaded to take some with me (ok I didn't need much persuading!!)
I knew there was a tough climb ahead, and it was as tough as I remembered- a very steep road uphill before levelling out and becoming a track, passing an airfield before reaching a minor road leading to the Roman Road of Ermine Street. I felt fairly strong and managed to jog most of this.
The next part of the route can be a little difficult to navigate, and although much of the route was marked with signs and red and white tape, the markers were absent on this stretch. It was quite cloudy now and the sky was becoming quite ominously dark, I fully expected to get wet at any second! After a long trudge uphill through a large field, there is a gap into the next field which is easily missed. Luckily for me, I found it- the next field was lovely, it was full of hares- one bounded along in the crops next to me, keeping pace with me for a few seconds.
Just as I reached the road, the heavens opened and it started to hail. I made myself jog- at least it was downhill! It felt like a bit of a slog- as the road was straight I could see the cross roads I was aiming for but they never seemed to get any closer!
Finally I reached it, just as it stopped raining, and after a brief climb was on a lovely path through woods, leading to the village of Ancaster and the final checkpoint.
At Ancaster there was cold rice pudding and even more Celebrations! I allowed myself the luxury of another hot coffee and took a banana with me to sustain me for the final push.
The route climbed out of Ancaster, over a level crossing and along another long track. The sky started to become threatingly dark again but luckily stayed dry- for now!
I went slightly wrong here- the route description told me to go through two hedge gaps and ahead to a track, but for some reason my mind didn't compute the 'go ahead to a track' bit and I turned right immediately after the second gap instead- there seem to be a whole network of tracks around these parts! I realised I had gone wrong when the track petered out into a huge ploughed field, instead of the junction of tracks I was expecting. After a couple of moments of quiet despair I noticed a group of cyclists at the top of the field to my left, realised my mistake and walked up to join the track. My legs and feet had had enough at this stage and I was ready to finish.
There was a water point at the point where the track meets the road- it was obviously a very quiet road, as the organisers had left a table next to the road with bottles of water, so I slipped one in my pack and was treated to the sight of some really free range chickens, wandering around quite happily.
As I was hobbling down the road a lady drove past, stopped and said that she was looking for the people still on the course- she informed me that there were 7 people behind me.
It was mostly downhill to Caythorpe, and just as I reached the village it started to rain. There was a proper finish sign so I ran under it, to the cheers of one of the organisers and a group of children, and then went into the Village Hall for lovely sandwiches and a selection of home made cakes- so nice I had to try three! The volunteers were lovely, nothing was too much trouble for them. I was even in time to watch the Grand National- I knew how those horses felt!
My time was 7 hours 10 minutes, which is very quick for me- it seems to be quite a fast route, mainly because apart from a couple of steep climbs the terrain is quite easy.
I have had an email confirming my entry for the Leaden Boot on May, so that may well be my next event.
Caythorpe village is the other side of Grantham and around 40 minutes drive, but as the event doesn't start until 9am I didn't have to get up too early. As usual I was early and parked up in the field next to the Village Hall. I'd entered online, but when I went to register I had been given a number for the short (14 mile) route. Luckily it was soon sorted by the ladies on the 'register on the day' desk, who re-registered me on the 26.2 mile route and gave me a new number plus red wrist band as opposed to the blue ones worn by those doing the shorter route.
It was gloriously sunny as we gathered around the start- the 14 mile route was to start half an hour later. There weren't many of us doing the 26.2 mile option, and most of those who were doing it were runners. Our starter gave us a few announcements before we started, including a warning that one of the railway bridges we were to go under had quite a lot of water in it.
At 9am we were off, and heading out of the village in the wake of the runners, along a long track. This pretty much characterised the terrain most of the day- long tracks across fields, sweeping views and minor roads.
After a long stretch of track, there was a brief walk along a road before reaching a go-kart track. Our path went around the side of the track, which was hidden behind a bank of earth- the go-karts could be heard whizzing around like a bunch of angry gnats.
After more tracks, and an ornamental lake, I reached the village of Stubton and the first checkpoint at 6 miles.
A short hop through another field brought me to Marston, where I tucked into a chocolate bar I had liberated from the first checkpoint. Another road and then track followed, until I rounded the sewage works (pleasant!) and came to the railway bridge we had been warned about. It was full of ankle deep water and there was no way I was going to keep my feet dry, so I just gritted my teeth and waded through- God it was cold!!
Luckily the next part of the route is rather lovely- following a meandering track through a huge field of crops, by a river initially and then turning away from it to the next checkpoint in Barkston at 14 miles.
This checkpint is delightful; it is in the village school and there were hot drinks on offer, plus peanut butter sandwiches. There was also a large tub of Celebrations, and I was persuaded to take some with me (ok I didn't need much persuading!!)
I knew there was a tough climb ahead, and it was as tough as I remembered- a very steep road uphill before levelling out and becoming a track, passing an airfield before reaching a minor road leading to the Roman Road of Ermine Street. I felt fairly strong and managed to jog most of this.
The next part of the route can be a little difficult to navigate, and although much of the route was marked with signs and red and white tape, the markers were absent on this stretch. It was quite cloudy now and the sky was becoming quite ominously dark, I fully expected to get wet at any second! After a long trudge uphill through a large field, there is a gap into the next field which is easily missed. Luckily for me, I found it- the next field was lovely, it was full of hares- one bounded along in the crops next to me, keeping pace with me for a few seconds.
Just as I reached the road, the heavens opened and it started to hail. I made myself jog- at least it was downhill! It felt like a bit of a slog- as the road was straight I could see the cross roads I was aiming for but they never seemed to get any closer!
Finally I reached it, just as it stopped raining, and after a brief climb was on a lovely path through woods, leading to the village of Ancaster and the final checkpoint.
At Ancaster there was cold rice pudding and even more Celebrations! I allowed myself the luxury of another hot coffee and took a banana with me to sustain me for the final push.
The route climbed out of Ancaster, over a level crossing and along another long track. The sky started to become threatingly dark again but luckily stayed dry- for now!
There was a water point at the point where the track meets the road- it was obviously a very quiet road, as the organisers had left a table next to the road with bottles of water, so I slipped one in my pack and was treated to the sight of some really free range chickens, wandering around quite happily.
As I was hobbling down the road a lady drove past, stopped and said that she was looking for the people still on the course- she informed me that there were 7 people behind me.
It was mostly downhill to Caythorpe, and just as I reached the village it started to rain. There was a proper finish sign so I ran under it, to the cheers of one of the organisers and a group of children, and then went into the Village Hall for lovely sandwiches and a selection of home made cakes- so nice I had to try three! The volunteers were lovely, nothing was too much trouble for them. I was even in time to watch the Grand National- I knew how those horses felt!
My time was 7 hours 10 minutes, which is very quick for me- it seems to be quite a fast route, mainly because apart from a couple of steep climbs the terrain is quite easy.
I have had an email confirming my entry for the Leaden Boot on May, so that may well be my next event.
Labels: Caythorpe Canter
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
The Caythorpe Canter
I am a bit late updating this!! It was a bit of a last minute decision whether to do this one or not, but turned up at the small village of Caythorpe on Saturday. I though I'd got the wrong day- when I've done this event before, everybody parked on the road, but it was strangely deserted. I drove through the village, and only saw a couple of folks walking their dogs or buying papers. A bit worried now, I turned round, tried a different road and saw the pavilion and marshalls directing folks to park in the playing field, which was a great relief!
Walkers started at 8:30am and runners at 9. My pack was fairly light, but I had intended towalk most of the way as my knee had been a bit dodgy. I saw Sue, who was walking with a (very fast) chap, she was going to try to match his speed in preparation for the '100' (LDWA flagship event involving walking 100 miles in 48 hours! Maybe one day...)
We set off, and Sue and her companion strode off at an impressive pace. I started off walking down the grassy track, and as it was flat, thought I'd try a little run... I am trying to build up my 'endurance pace' which is probably laughingly slow, but hopefully one I will be able to keep up for some time. I passed Sue and told her they'd be overtaking me when I walked again. There were quite a few others who were alternating running and walking, and we ended up leapfrogging each other quite a bit.
I did take a couple of pics with my phone, but can't seem to email them onto my pc... sorry... you'll just have to try to imagine it, it was Lincolnshire so think flat, sweeping views and muddy tracks, and, er, that's about it!
We followed a few more tracks, before a road led us around a race track. I was still running apart from when it was really muddy, and managed to keep going til the first checkpoint at 6 miles in the village of Stubton. The 'proper' runners had started to come past at that point, and I stopped for a slice of lemon drizzle cakes and drinks.
There was also a 14 mile option, and routes split shortly afterwards. I started to run again, along more farm tracks across huge open fields. The wind had picked up, and we were unfortunately running into it which made things quite tough. More runners came past, and I was still jogging. We reached the village of Hougham at around 10 miles, and a really picturesque section over the river and by the church. The sun was out, in fact we were quite lucky with the weather as the forecast had been quite dire. I walked through the village as I was replying to a text message (bloomin' mobile phones!!) but as we reached the neighbouring village of Marston I was running again.
I kept it up along more flat, wide fields but hit the first real hill of the day and walked. The next checkpoint wasn't too far, and my legs were getting a little tired, although my knee seemed to be ok luckily. I stopped every so often to stretch it out and it seemed to do the trick. I could see for miles, and there was nobody in sight in any direction. I felt a little lonely as I walked into Barkston, but the coffee, jam sandwiches and chocolate at the checkpoint in the school more than made up for it! I had a bit of a linger and a chat to the checkpoint ladies who told me to load up on choccie bars for later; I don't need telling twice!!
Straight after the checkpoint was quite a long, steep hill, especially for this part of the country. I followed two ladies on horses up it and when we reached the top and turned on to a track I started jogging again and passed them. It started to rain quite heavily, and I thought that was it for the day but luckily it blew over.
We entered some fields, with another long ascent, which I walked. I could see a group of runner/ walkers quite a way ahead which was quite useful, as although there were signs and coloured ribbon, navigation at this point took quite a lot of concentration! I was still jogging on the flat, but I suspect that there were probably folk actually walking quicker! There was a bit of a road walk after, unfortunately sporting a vast array of various roadkill (pheasants mainly). I had a bit of a heart stopping moment when a hare shot across the road, as there was an ice cream van approaching which wasn't going to slow down, but it made it!
We were warned that the next section was slippery but it wasn't too bad. I was still jogging although my legs were suffering a fair bit. A chap overtook me who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon, and we reached Ancaster, with it's Roman heritage, and the last checkpoint. This was bliss- more coffee and cold rice pudding!!!
The very last section was quite undulating so I walked uphill along more tracks. I caught up with 'Big Dave', who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon too. He told me that another group of runners/ walkers had got lost so were still behind us. About half a mile from the end, it started to rain- that horrible, icy rain that hurts- so I managed to jog back in but I wasn't half glad to stop! My time- an amazing for me 6 hours and 10 minutes!!!
There was crumble and custard on offer plus a gorgeous selection of cakes! Sue and her companion finished in 6 hours 40 minutes which is a great time for walking. The group that got lost came in and announced that they had done 29 miles!
I was aching a bit the next day, but not too badly, and there was no knee pain- in fact, I managed to walk to Syston and back, and even run a little. What pleased me even more was when I found my certificate from when I did the Canter in 2004 and it took me 9 hours 34 minutes for the same route!
Total weekly mileage for last week was 43 1/2 miles, not too bad!!
Well, I have been following this year's MdS on the Darbaroud site here- and it is the long day today so really thinking of everybody out there. It is really hitting home how serious this event is. All the guys from the forum have put in so much training and effort, and to read that they are finding it hard going makes me realise just how much work I will have to put in over the next year. Quite a sobering thought...
Walkers started at 8:30am and runners at 9. My pack was fairly light, but I had intended towalk most of the way as my knee had been a bit dodgy. I saw Sue, who was walking with a (very fast) chap, she was going to try to match his speed in preparation for the '100' (LDWA flagship event involving walking 100 miles in 48 hours! Maybe one day...)
We set off, and Sue and her companion strode off at an impressive pace. I started off walking down the grassy track, and as it was flat, thought I'd try a little run... I am trying to build up my 'endurance pace' which is probably laughingly slow, but hopefully one I will be able to keep up for some time. I passed Sue and told her they'd be overtaking me when I walked again. There were quite a few others who were alternating running and walking, and we ended up leapfrogging each other quite a bit.
I did take a couple of pics with my phone, but can't seem to email them onto my pc... sorry... you'll just have to try to imagine it, it was Lincolnshire so think flat, sweeping views and muddy tracks, and, er, that's about it!
We followed a few more tracks, before a road led us around a race track. I was still running apart from when it was really muddy, and managed to keep going til the first checkpoint at 6 miles in the village of Stubton. The 'proper' runners had started to come past at that point, and I stopped for a slice of lemon drizzle cakes and drinks.
There was also a 14 mile option, and routes split shortly afterwards. I started to run again, along more farm tracks across huge open fields. The wind had picked up, and we were unfortunately running into it which made things quite tough. More runners came past, and I was still jogging. We reached the village of Hougham at around 10 miles, and a really picturesque section over the river and by the church. The sun was out, in fact we were quite lucky with the weather as the forecast had been quite dire. I walked through the village as I was replying to a text message (bloomin' mobile phones!!) but as we reached the neighbouring village of Marston I was running again.
I kept it up along more flat, wide fields but hit the first real hill of the day and walked. The next checkpoint wasn't too far, and my legs were getting a little tired, although my knee seemed to be ok luckily. I stopped every so often to stretch it out and it seemed to do the trick. I could see for miles, and there was nobody in sight in any direction. I felt a little lonely as I walked into Barkston, but the coffee, jam sandwiches and chocolate at the checkpoint in the school more than made up for it! I had a bit of a linger and a chat to the checkpoint ladies who told me to load up on choccie bars for later; I don't need telling twice!!
Straight after the checkpoint was quite a long, steep hill, especially for this part of the country. I followed two ladies on horses up it and when we reached the top and turned on to a track I started jogging again and passed them. It started to rain quite heavily, and I thought that was it for the day but luckily it blew over.
We entered some fields, with another long ascent, which I walked. I could see a group of runner/ walkers quite a way ahead which was quite useful, as although there were signs and coloured ribbon, navigation at this point took quite a lot of concentration! I was still jogging on the flat, but I suspect that there were probably folk actually walking quicker! There was a bit of a road walk after, unfortunately sporting a vast array of various roadkill (pheasants mainly). I had a bit of a heart stopping moment when a hare shot across the road, as there was an ice cream van approaching which wasn't going to slow down, but it made it!
We were warned that the next section was slippery but it wasn't too bad. I was still jogging although my legs were suffering a fair bit. A chap overtook me who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon, and we reached Ancaster, with it's Roman heritage, and the last checkpoint. This was bliss- more coffee and cold rice pudding!!!
The very last section was quite undulating so I walked uphill along more tracks. I caught up with 'Big Dave', who I recognised from the Charnwood Marathon too. He told me that another group of runners/ walkers had got lost so were still behind us. About half a mile from the end, it started to rain- that horrible, icy rain that hurts- so I managed to jog back in but I wasn't half glad to stop! My time- an amazing for me 6 hours and 10 minutes!!!
There was crumble and custard on offer plus a gorgeous selection of cakes! Sue and her companion finished in 6 hours 40 minutes which is a great time for walking. The group that got lost came in and announced that they had done 29 miles!
I was aching a bit the next day, but not too badly, and there was no knee pain- in fact, I managed to walk to Syston and back, and even run a little. What pleased me even more was when I found my certificate from when I did the Canter in 2004 and it took me 9 hours 34 minutes for the same route!
Total weekly mileage for last week was 43 1/2 miles, not too bad!!
Well, I have been following this year's MdS on the Darbaroud site here- and it is the long day today so really thinking of everybody out there. It is really hitting home how serious this event is. All the guys from the forum have put in so much training and effort, and to read that they are finding it hard going makes me realise just how much work I will have to put in over the next year. Quite a sobering thought...
Labels: Caythorpe Canter, Marathon des Sables
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Au Revoir Et Bonne Chance!
The time has almost come for the 2008 Marathon des Sables, and the lucky folks undertaking this great adventure will be well on their way to Morocco by now...
So the very best of luck to them all; Rich, Al, Paul, Keith, Ben & Nic, Horti, Graham, Deadbeat, 08fate and anybody else I have missed!! We are all rooting for you and can't wait to read your accounts when you return...
Ooh I can't wait a whole year, I wanna go NOW!!! (stamps feet in impatience-induced tantrum).
I have made my decision and entered the Caythorpe Canter as I have left it a little late for the Belvoir Half and there is no guarantee of entry on the day. I went back to Body Toning last night after an absence of a few weeks; my mate had told me that the instructor had stopped bringing weights to the session so we now have to supply our own... the smallest hand weights I possess are 1.5 kilos each so it was quite entertaining running there and back with those in my backpack! I did 5 miles though, although got absolutely soaked!
Right, the gym is beckoning... my body, as usual, is telling me it would much rather sit here and eat chocolate, thank you very much, so I am going to head off now before it realises what's happening!
So the very best of luck to them all; Rich, Al, Paul, Keith, Ben & Nic, Horti, Graham, Deadbeat, 08fate and anybody else I have missed!! We are all rooting for you and can't wait to read your accounts when you return...
Ooh I can't wait a whole year, I wanna go NOW!!! (stamps feet in impatience-induced tantrum).
I have made my decision and entered the Caythorpe Canter as I have left it a little late for the Belvoir Half and there is no guarantee of entry on the day. I went back to Body Toning last night after an absence of a few weeks; my mate had told me that the instructor had stopped bringing weights to the session so we now have to supply our own... the smallest hand weights I possess are 1.5 kilos each so it was quite entertaining running there and back with those in my backpack! I did 5 miles though, although got absolutely soaked!
Right, the gym is beckoning... my body, as usual, is telling me it would much rather sit here and eat chocolate, thank you very much, so I am going to head off now before it realises what's happening!
Labels: Caythorpe Canter, gym, Marathon des Sables
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Feeling Tired...
First day back at work today after the Easter break, and I'm feeling tired...
I ate far too much chocolate over the weekend, like I knew I would- I have no will power whatsoever! Just as well I am training for an ultra marathon, it sure makes it easier to keep the weight off!! I decided to try a 10 mile steady run Saturday evening, and luckily the knee felt ok. In fact, I felt so good when I was nearly home that I added on an extra mile.
Sunday I had quite a tough work out at the gym; 30 minutes faster running, and 25 minutes inclination work, running and walking plus usual weights. I tried the steppers and ellipticals and really felt it in my knee when I got off; how come they are affecting the knee and running doesn't? They never used to. Shouldn't complain though I guess... at least running doesn't seem to affect it too much...
Monday is my usual rest day; I had kind of toyed with the idea of going for a short run but just couldn't be ar*ed in the end! So- totals for last week was 35 miles including the gym work as well. At this stage I think I will aim for 35 miles every week now, with the odd easier week.
I have a decision to make... I can either do the Caythorpe Canter this weekend, which is a 26 mile walk near Grantham, or the Belvoir Half Marathon, the race that trashed my Achilles last year... I would like to do the Belvoir Half again but then again I would probably get more from the 26 mile walk, and if I walked rather than ran then it shouldn't affect my knee...
I ate far too much chocolate over the weekend, like I knew I would- I have no will power whatsoever! Just as well I am training for an ultra marathon, it sure makes it easier to keep the weight off!! I decided to try a 10 mile steady run Saturday evening, and luckily the knee felt ok. In fact, I felt so good when I was nearly home that I added on an extra mile.
Sunday I had quite a tough work out at the gym; 30 minutes faster running, and 25 minutes inclination work, running and walking plus usual weights. I tried the steppers and ellipticals and really felt it in my knee when I got off; how come they are affecting the knee and running doesn't? They never used to. Shouldn't complain though I guess... at least running doesn't seem to affect it too much...
Monday is my usual rest day; I had kind of toyed with the idea of going for a short run but just couldn't be ar*ed in the end! So- totals for last week was 35 miles including the gym work as well. At this stage I think I will aim for 35 miles every week now, with the odd easier week.
I have a decision to make... I can either do the Caythorpe Canter this weekend, which is a 26 mile walk near Grantham, or the Belvoir Half Marathon, the race that trashed my Achilles last year... I would like to do the Belvoir Half again but then again I would probably get more from the 26 mile walk, and if I walked rather than ran then it shouldn't affect my knee...
Labels: Belvoir half marathon, Caythorpe Canter
