Great News !! ...Run 4 It Sponsorship

Hi All,

After a meeting with Ben Lee, Business Manager, and Elaine Taylor, Aberdeen shop Manager, I am delighted to announce that the Scottish running shop chain, Run 4 It have very kindly offered Sponsorship towards my running endeavours.
This will involve some Kit testing which I will be reviewing on my blogspot and the 'Run 4 It' website, and help towards some of the Kit I will need for future races including the 430 Km 'Spine Race'.

Here is the link to the 'Run 4 It' website;

www.run4it.com

Cheers,

Gary

The Spine Race in aid of Help For Heroes

Hi All,

I will be racing in the 430 Km Spine Race in aid of the 'Help For Heroes' Charity.
I've been thinking that tackling such a brutal race as the Spine race promises to be should not be for nothing. Especially when you consider what British soldiers have been through and are going through in conflict, and what they have to face now and in the future as a result of their injuries.
So please give what you can, I know times are hard for everyone at present, but anything will be gratefully appreciated for such a great cause.

Here is the link for my fundraising page;

www.bmycharity.com/GaryMorrison1

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog,

Cheers,

Gary

Tor Des Geants race report...pain, grapes and nursery rhymes...!!!

Hi Everyone,

Here is my post-race  report on what I can confirm is 'The World's Hardest Endurance Trail' 330 Km and 24,000 metres of ascent, with 24,000 metres of descent, on rockiest and gnarliest trail I have ever encountered.

Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) from Courmayeur

10th September 2011, day before race day.

On arrival at Courmayeur I was stunned by the immense grandeur of Monte Bianco ( Mont Blanc ). Looking up at the mountain and it's close neighbours it hit home as to the sheer scale of the Tor Des Geants race I was about to take part in, I was going to be ascending and descending the surrounding mountains, day and night !!

That evening I attended registration where I received my race number, bag, buff etc, and then the pre-race briefing and pasta party, meeting up with fellow Brit, Mark Barnes.

Race number, Kit bag and all important Buff

After the Pasta party I headed for a local Bistro for some more sustenance and met up with another Tor Des Geant entrant, Gabi Schenkel, the Swiss Ultra Princess on account of her running in a purple skirt and a silver tiara, and support friend Adriana Marcil. Gabi unfortunately was to retire at 170 Km after becoming ill with suspected pneumonia.

11th September 2011, Race Day !!!!!

The day dawned bright and sunny, the mercury rising up to 24oC, not ideal race conditions. After breakfast I made my way to the Start pen at the old Church in Courmayeur, the atmosphere was electric. There I met up with Mark Barnes and all the other runners.

Mark Barnes

Me at the Start, 15 minutes to go !!!

At precisely 10.00 hrs the race started. The run through the town of Courmayeur was fantastic, huge crowds lined the streets cheering all the runners, ringing insanely large cow bells, whilst a helicopter hovered overhead filming for the race video. An electric atmosphere !

Very soon we climbed out of Courmayeur and hit the forest trails, this is where the gravity of the task ahead hit home, the steepness of the ascent and the length of the ascent. The climb to the first Col, Col Arp was 1300 metres, which would turn out to be one of the easiest ascents on the entire Tor Des Geants. From Col Arp it was a descent down to the first of many checkpoints, La Thuile.

The descent to La Thuile checkpoint from Col Arp

At La Thuile it was a quick drink of Coke, some orange, a water bottle refill and then off La Joux and the climb up to Deffeyes at 2,500 m ( 8,250 feet ).

The weather remained hot and sunny, but in the distance the storm clouds were gathering. Just as luck would have it, having been roasted in 26oC on the way up to Col Haut Pass at 2,857 m ( 9,400 ft ) when I was scrambling up the last 500 ft a thunder storm struck. Being the highest thing for miles around when lightning is striking is not fun, especially in horizontal rain when negotiating 18 inch wide trail with an unprotected 1000 ft drop off the edge of it. To say my heart was in my mouth and my sphincter clenched was putting it mildly !!!

Col Haute Pass 2,857m, 30Km into the race mid Thunder storm.

I continued to run well despite the weather, however due to the rocky sharp terrain the soles of my feet were starting to hurt.

Eventually I arrived at the first life base, Valgrisenche at 43 Km, where I received my first completion medal. Here I grabbed a quick bite to eat and quickly departed, not wanting to stop this early in the race. Now I headed off into the night, runners were now spreading out, and at this stage I was in 120th place, further up the field than |I imagined I would be.

The rain gradually eased off leading to a mild night. I climbed constantly through forests, out into the open, up scree slopes, always climbing. If you imagine climbing a staircase non-stop for 5 hours that may give you some idea as to the severity of the ascents, without the Grivel running poles I would have found it impossible.

On this 2nd section I climbed twice to Cols in excess of 3000 metres, with Col Loson at a dizzy 3,296m ( 11,000 ft ), here I started to develop a cough and a slight nose bleed, which I put down to the physical exertion at altitude. Thankfully it didn't come to anything, however the soles of my feet were becoming increasingly painful, so I swallowed down 2 x voltarol and pushed on.

Day 2 The tough climb up to Col Loson 3,296 metres

Eventually I limped into Cogne, life base 2, and collected my 2nd medal. Here it was an urgent visit to the Medics, the soles of my feet were by now really painful. It turned out that the metatarsal bones in my feet had swollen, due to the pounding on the harsh terrain, and were pushing through the soles of my feet. So the Medics covered my soles with compeed patches then bound the soles with zinc oxide tape, along with a number of my toes. They then gave me some strong anti-inflammatory painkillers and explained I was good to continue. Hoorah !!!



After treatment, I've spared you the 'before' shot

After a 2 hour break, medical treatment, food and a short nap it was off onto Section 3, with 102 Kms covered. By now there had been a lot of retirals, the hard, sharp trails, constant climbs and rough descents were taking there toll.

I was fortunate that at this point I was in relatively good shape, my quads, calfs, hamstrings and joints were coping perfectly well with the demanding route, I was using regular bottles of hammer perpetuem and supplementing this with some of the checkpoint food, although I drew the line at warm beer, tepid salami and mouldy cheese.

By now I had established a good rhythm on the ascents, managing to keep a steady forward progress without expending too much energy. I was settling into the race and admiring the outstanding scenery and the friendly local cammaraderie.

I pushed on towards Donnas, life base 3, eventually arriving sunburnt, over heating and dehydrated after numerous steep climbs and descents in 26oC.

Here I had my feet re-dressed, a good feed and I had planned to sleep for an hour at least. However due to the excessive noise I decided to push on into section 4.

This was probably my first mistake of the race.  I don't do well in heat, and now I was leaving the life base into what felt like a furnace. I had 1 litre in my bladder mixed with nuun electolytes and a 500ml bottle of Perpetuem. The temperature was now reading 27oC with no breeze.

I started the long steep climb out of Donnas.

On the way I passed small private vineyards among the houses. The grapes looked fantastic, big. ripe and juicy. Despite the temptation I didn't steal any, instead hoping to find a local to ask if I could have a bunch. I didn't find anyone as I trudged past the lovely grapes.

This now played on my mind as I ascended up and up into the forests above Donnas, how I now longed to taste some grapes. It's funny on Ultras how sometimes you can become fixated on an item, grapes were now this item !!

It was now a constant climb up the side of the valley along cliff edges..

1000 m above Donnas

I climbed and climbed in the heat, now sweating buckets, at around 2000 m the trail passed a small dirt car park where an Italian race follower unprompted handed me 5 grapes. I couldn't believe it, I was ecstatic and they tasted great.

I eventually reached the Rifuge Coda checkpoint, at this point the drop in temperature at altitude hit me hard, I quickly put on my montane minimus jacket for protection but I was already becoming hypothermic. I pushed on, by the time I reachedCol du Marmontana ( 2,350m ) I was dropping into moderate hypothermia, I could feel myself shutting down, just wanting to sleep, now it was night time and the temperature was around freezing. I sat by a camp fire at the checkpoint for 2 hours gradually warming up. Once my senses had started to return I moved on to the next big climb Crena du Ley ( 2311m ). This was a tough, slow and steep climb, again my core temperature plummeted and I was slowly shutting down, but managed to limp into the next checkpoint. Here I curled up into one of the emergency bivis, slept for an hour, then warmed up by the fire for am hour.

Gradually I gained control of my faculties, I was asked if I wanted to retire, a definate NO I replied, and stumbled / shuffled off to the next checkpoint.

Fortunately the sun was rising along with the temperature which gave me a much needed boost.



Recovering from Hypothermia at 8,500 ft

So I made it to life base 4, Gressoney Palazzetto, 200 Km into the race.

Here I had a massage, some more strong painkillers for my feet, a good feed and a short snooze.

I also met up with Mark Barnes who was unfortunately having to retire due to foot problems. Dressings hadn't initially been done properly and unfortunately had led to his feet resembling raw hamburger, not pretty. It was at this point I became aware I was now the only British Ultra runner left in the race, all other Brits had retired.

It was now onto Day 3, I think !!! The days were now melting into each other.

I left Gressoney in the night feeling strong. I marched off through the village and started the really steep climb up to Col Pinter ( 2,776m ). It was an arduous night, that I don't have much recollection on, I do remeber feeling on top of the world and unstoppable for some reason. It was probably down to the painkillers !! I was still fantasising about grapes as well.

Climbing again through the forests.

Section 5 for some reason I remember little about, I think this was probably a time I was becoming very insular, battling with myself, making up silly rhymes !!

I arrived at life base 5 Cretaz Valtournenche ( 236 Km ) at some time I think on day 4, picking up my 5th medal of the race.

I don't remember staying long at the base, I was now starting to have food issues, the sometimes poor choice at some of the checkpoints was having an effect. I longed for bananas, oat cakes etc, high carb items, instead I was finding, lemons, salami, beer, fizzy coke, cut oranges, dubious cheese. I was dinding this increasingly unappetising.

At 250 Km I had an 'exorcist' projectile vomit moment, I couldn't stomach the food on offer anymore or even water. My hammer perpetuem was becoming increasingly affected by the heat, and now I couldn't stomach that. I realised I was crossing into very dangerous territory. When there's no fuel going into the tank, eventually my body is going to shut down.

I pushed on determined to keep going.

I arrived at Close checkpoint, ( 271 Km ). My feet were becoming increasingly sore, the pounding they were receiving was relentless. So I went to the Medics tent to have them checked.

This was probably my single worst moment of the entire race.

I lay down on one of the medical beds, the doctor inspected my dressings and stated that they had to come off...

Now by this stage my feet were bound in zinc oxide tape, sheets of it, covering all my blisters, sores etc, the thought of this stuff being torn off along with the skin from my blisters was definately not appealing. I protested loudly both verbally and by hand signals, the doctor merely tore open a sterile dressing rolled it up, stuffed it into my mouth and said ' BITE, scream as well if you want '.

So here I am screaming my lungs out alongside another fellow runner lying in a bed beside me having the same procedure, screaming for all he was worth as well.

At some point I either passed out or fell asleep due to exhaustion, when I came round my feet had been carefully treated and re-dressed perfectly.

I was informed by the doctor that due to the concussion and swelling, my metatarsals had burst through the soles of my feet and I now had open wounds in the soles of my feet. They had packed the wounds and then rebound them with zinc oxide tape, after a strong painkiller it was back on my feet and off I trotted to the next checkpoint.

It's amazing how the human body can handle pain, I should have been crippled, yet I could shut off from the pain and keep going as I was so focused on finishing.

After a few more 9,000 ft climbs and descents I made it to the final life base, number 6, Rey Ollomont, 283.5 Km, receving my 6th race medal.

When I arrived I attempted to eat but had another projectile vomit moment in front of all the spectators and race supporters.

It was at this moment I had a 'toys out the pram' episode, making it plainly obvious what I thought of the checkpoint food and that I wanted a decent cup of tea, no lemon, no herbs, just proper tea with milk and lots of sugar.

Fortunately one of the kitchen staff took pity and hurriedly made me a huge mug of 'proper' tea, followed by another. It really lifted my spirits and gave my stomach something to try and digest.

I now struck out for the finish into the night.

It was a hellish climb, rain started, the temperature plummeted, still I was on the home straight, well just a few more 9000 ft peaks to climb.

I reached Rifuge Letey at 2,443 m, where I rested for half an hour, struggling to eat anything. I met up with some guides who were acting as 'sweepers' between the final checkpoints. They now accompanied a group of us up the next steep ascent and descent.

Huge drop just off the edge of the 18 inch wide path

I was now just past  300 Km of the race, only 30 Km to go, when suddenly without warning my eyesight started to fail. As it was night I at first thought my headtorch batteries were getting weak, but I had put in new ones just 2 hours previously. The sight came and went. I was now getting worried, my body was into the 'shutdown' phase, I'd been running on empty for too long.

One of the guides asked if I was ok in broken english, it gave me the kick I needed and my eyesight came back online. I answered 'yes'. Knowing that I had been struggling to eat, the guide gave me an energy bar which I attempted to nibble on, but it was too little too late, the damage was done.

One of the other guides, with a tattoo of a woman's face on the back of his calf, unfortuanately I never remembered their names, kept calling me ainglase ( english ), which I took offence at and made a point that I was Scotsaisee ( Scottish ). This made me more determined to finish.

So now started a silly defiance on my part not to give in.

Now the guides were there as part of the race organisation to look after the runners and I assume make sure we didn't come to any harm. However I became fixated that the guide with the tattoo didn't like me and just wanted me to give up. This is probably more down to my diminishing mental state at the time. I was also now starting to go deaf in my left ear and my balance was now affected.

The guide with the tattoo walked in front of me and periodically I would become aware of the sweeping light of his headtorch as he turned around to check my condition, at this point I would bolster myself up and try amd look in good shape. I was quickly unraveling at the seams as my body shutdown.

I was around 310 Km, the guide with the tattoo kept asking me to stop, that he will signal a 4x4 to pick me, so I can stop the pain that I was going through. Being of a stubborn nature and so close to the finish, I refused. He was not impressed.

So in defiance I started ranting nursery rhymes at him, 'Jack & Jill' and 'Humpty Dumpty'. I not aware of how loud I was, all I know is that it was designed to annoy him. I think the 'good cop' guide behind found this amusing.

So this rather ridiculous scenario continued to around 315 Km where in a short spell of sanity I was made aware by the guides it was impossible for me to reach the next checkpoint within the strict time barrier. Essentially my race was over, like it or not, 15 Km from the Finish, having covered 315 Km.

I had done everything I could to finish the race, given everything physically and mentally. 

Pre-race I thought it would be my muscles and joints that would struggle, in the end it came down to nutrition, if there's nothing in the tank then inevitably the body will shut down at some point.

Was I bitter, upset????

Strangely no. I thought I would be, but I know deep down I gave everything I could. Despite the pain, the Tor Des Geants is a fantastic, life changing race. I have learnt so much of value, been immersed in the most stunning scenery and met the most fantastic people.

I will definately be back to finish the job in 2013. Next year 2012 I will be racing in the UTMB at the end of August, so not enough time to attemt the TDG in 2012.

3 hrs after finishing, after a shower. I'd been to hell and back, 5 days running and a total of 3 hrs sleep



 

Tor de Geants latest

Hi everyone,

It's the end of day two of the TDG and Gary is still on his feet!  He says it's the toughest race he's ever taken part in, but the rewards of the scenery and the weather are outstripping the pain - at the moment......
He's just left the life-base at Cogne after catching a few hours sleep. 

When I spoke to him earlier this evening he had just been to see the base medics to get his blisters seen to.  According to Gary, the worst of the course is over.  I hesitate to say "it's all downhill from here!" 
I'll try to keep you all informed as to how he's doing, but you can check out his progress by clicking on the live button at http://www.tordesgeants.it/tdg/index.php Gary's race number is 225.

That's all for now,
Vicky 

Countdown to Tor Des Geants 2011

Hi All,

Less than 3 days to go until the Start !!!

All bags are packed, tickets and hotels organised, race equipment checked, double checked, re-checked..

This last week I've been taking it pretty easy, some shorter runs, some relatively gentle hill sessions and commuting the odd day to work by bicycle, so pretty well rested up.
I've been enjoying feeding myself for the race, mainly fish, turkey, assorted vegetables, couscous, sweet potato, rice and quinoa, lovely.

With regards to race kit, I'm going to be running with the 5 litre Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin Backpack and my 3 litre Inov-8 bumbag. Combining the two I can carry all the required equipment and some race food easily, plus a few extra items,  my total pack weight inc water comes in at a light 3.8 Kg... brilliant.   As a contingency plan I've also packed my Inov-8 Race pro 12 so I can swap packs if necessary.

As for a race plan ......mmmmm...?????!!!

The main plan is to enjoy the atmosphere, take in the scenery and finish within the 150 hour time limit, relatively unscathed !!
The ultimate plan..as above but... to finish inside or close to 100 hours. Then I can chill out for a few days and recover before my flight home.
From the Start at 10..00am (Italian time ) on Sunday 11th, I will try and go out quite positive, stopping to have a rest after the first 24 hours, with the goal to get a few hours in hand so I can easily make the checkpoint cut-off times, especially at the later stages in the race where I will inevitably slow down.

So it's off to Italy tomorrow ! ( Ultra Duck is packed and ready to race !! )
Vicky will be updating the blog whilst I'm away, and if anyone is interested you can follow live times during the race on the official website; www.tordesgeants.it

Cheers for now :-)

Ultras..Wasps & Toenails !!

Hi All,

Recovering well after Saturday's antics on the Speyside Way Ultra Race.

Race Report.

I'm waiting on the official results, so not sure placings and exact timings yet.
The weather forecast of heavy rain etc didn't happen thankfully and it turned out ideal running conditions, not too warm.
My plan was to run fairly strong early on to be up on the clock for a sub 6 hour finishing time, so I could take it a little easier in the latter stages. However at the start it was more like a 10k race rather than a near 60k race, such was the early pace. I reached the first checkpoint ( 12 miles ) at Craigellachie in 1hr 39 mins, a little faster than I originally planned. Still I was going pretty well and feeling good.
Then came the hills after Craigellachie, up and down and up and down until the Fochabers Checkpoint at mile 25. I passed through around 3 hours 40 mins, had a 10 minute refuel then carried on munching a banana as I ran. At this stage life was good, my legs felt fine, breathing all good, stomach ok, however , 2 miles further on at mile 27, I encountered a first. I made a very close aquaintance with a wasp who didn't take kindly to being stuck on my sock and stung me on my ankle. :-(
As I investigated the sting my ankle started to swell, so 2 choices, do I hobble back to the last Marshall feeling sorry for myself or 'do a Forest' and run 10 miles to the Finish ?  I chose the latter, all the time hoping that running will prevent my ankle from swelling up further, fortunately it worked, no anaphylaxis !!
From Spey Bay to Buckie it seems to go on for ever, I just dug in and kept running along, popping the odd jelly baby as a reward to myself. For the last 2 miles I was starting to recite nursery rhymes, Humpty Dumpty and Jack & Jill, to myself, I do it quite often on Ultras at various stages !!
Eventually I turned the corner on Buckie High street for the last uphill push to the Finish line and a warm welcome from Race Director Sarah-Louise Grigor. Finishing in a time, according to my watch, of 5 hours 56 mimutes, 10 minutes quicker than last year despite  the wasp sting. Result !!

This year there was a good turn out of new and old faces, with a lot of last year's runners achieving PB's this year. Every runner received a really nice finishers medal and goody bag, complete with whisky minature.

Re the 'Toenail' I lost yet another one, didn't even know it had gone. I don't think I'll ever make it as a 'foot' model as my toenails are in a constant state of flux, repair / disrepair !!

I went for an easy run yesterday just to ease off my legs, and today had a complete rest day. Tomorrow back to training starting with the road bike.

As for Tor Des Geants, I have ordered my vast stock of race fuel, Hammer Perpetuem, hotel in Courmayeur is booked prior to the race, I am checking / re-checking all equipment, so just about ready. :-)

Speyside Way Ultra Race... Good luck everyone!!

9.00am Saturday 27th August 2011, 108 runners, including myself, will be starting off on the 36.5 mile 'Speyside Way' Ultra race. Good luck everyone, have a great run !!
The race starts at the old railway station in Ballindalloch  passes through Craigellachie, Fochabers and Spey Bay, and finishes in the centre of Buckie.
It's a great wee ultra race, part of the Scottish Ultra Marathon series, well organised, not too commercial and very friendly. An ideal race for runners wanting to move up from marathon distance, as well as seasoned ultra runners. Last year I ran it in 6.06.06,(6 hours, 6 minutes and 6 seconds), spooky time or what?? This year I will be happy with a sub 6 hour time, but the main emphasis is to take it easy as a last Ultra run prior to the Tor Des Geants in 2 weeks time.

At 11.30pm this evening, ( postponed from the earlier start time) the 2011 Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc will start, 103 miles non-stop from France to Switzerland to Italy, and back into France, over the Alps. The weather forecast is not so good, thunder in Chamonix and snow falling at 2000 metres. My best wishes go out to all the runners taking part, wishing them a safe, successful run.
There are a number of Scottish runners out there from the WHW 'family', so all the best guys, have a great race!

Today I picked up a new running jacket, the Montane Minimus, from the 'Run-4-it' shop in Aberdeen. The staff there have been really helpful sourcing some top kit for me over the last year.
The Montane Minimus is an extremely lightweight, ( 230g Medium size ), fully waterproof and breathable jacket. RRP £ 120.00.  I will be reviewing it on this blog site within the next 2 weeks.
This is the jacket that will accompany me on the 208 mile Tor Des Geants satisfying the mandatory requirement  to carry a waterproof jacket. I think the TDG will be a suitable test of its capabilities.

For a bit of fun I will be taking my old companion 'Rubber Ducky' along with me on the Tor Des Geants and photographing 'RD's' exploits along the way as he becomes 'Ultra' Ducky !!
Rubber Ducky accompanied me Ice diving under the White Sea in northern Russia in 2008.
I will post some photos of his previous exploits shortly !

Tor Des Geants....Am I ready ???

3 weeks to go to the start of the massive 208 mile Tor Des Geants in the Val d' Aosta, Italy.

At the moment I am having mixed emotions, part of me is getting really excited and can't wait to set foot onto the course, the other part is apprehensive, have I done enough prep and training ???

For every runner out there it's the same, in the lead up to a race many of us wonder if we've done enough or too little training.
My philosophy has been to listen to my body rather than stick to a rigid training plan. I've mixed in hill sessions, speed work, long runs, core exercises and importantly....rest.
I am of the opinion I would rather turn up to a race of this magnitude, rested, fresh and with no niggly injuries, than have run the risk of over-training and be carrying any aches or pains.
So in the lead up to the Tor des Geants I have one last training race next Saturday, the 36.5 mile Speyside Way, then on the Sunday I'll do a longish slow recovery run, then in the remaining 2 weeks a lot of easy road biking, some shorter hill sessions and importantly plenty of rest / recovery sessions.
The other main focus is to eat plenty of high quality carbs and proteins, not just to stock up my energy reserves but also to bolster my immune system and keep it in top form.
So do I feel ready??  Yes!!

Today I did a total of 15 miles  from Crathes to Aberdeen. Within that run I opened up a little and did a 12 mile Tempo session in a time of 1 hr 23 mins, averaging just under 7 min miles. That was followed by an Ice bath when I got home. First minute was painful to say the least but after a short while becomes weirdly enjoyable !!!

Compulsory Kit list for 268 mile Spine race has just been announced so it looks like I will be in the market for an Ultra-lightweight Tent / Bivvi shelter. Roll on payday !

Good Tea Room
Before today's run Vicky & I stopped at Easter Anguston Farm. Located 1 mile west of Peterculter on the outskirts of Aberdeen, just off the A93.
The farm is run by the VSA to help trainees develop vocational, social and daily living skills to help them get the most out of lifeand live as independantly as possible in the local community.
Facilities include a tea room that offers a good selection of home bakes, coffees etc, Pick You Own fruit, strawberries etc, Nature trails and Walks, numerous animals, a picnic area and a Farm shop. All in all a great day out for all the family.

The Spine Ultra race...... No turning back now !!

Hi All,

Well that's my entry confirmed for 'The Spine', Number 11 in the Elite class, and my 'Competitor Profile' is up on their website, so no going back. Not that I intended to anyway.
I can't wait to toe the Start line in January 2012. This will truly be an adventure experience of a lifetime!

Before I run The Spine there is the small matter, or rather the huge matter of completing the 208 mile Tor Des Geants, starting in less than 4 weeks. I can't believe how time flies, it only seems like yesterday when I signed up for it.
I've made contact via Facebook with a fellow British ultra runner, Mark Barnes, who is also taking part in the Tor Des Geants, so hopefully we'll meet up at registration in Courmayeur, Italy.

As part of my final preparations I'm running in the 36.5 mile Speyside Way race on the 27th August.
It's a great Ultra race for first time Ultra runners, great scenery, easy route to follow, not too long, nicely organised and good camaraderie among the runners.

Well outside right now it's great weather for ducks !! and Ultra runners in training !! Some people think I'm a little mad but I find running in the rain refreshing, and it stops me over heating. So I'm donning my wet weather gear and heading for the nearby hills to do some hill-rep training and a few core strength exercises. Better put the hot water on for when I get back !!

The Spine Ultra Marathon...268 miles !!

Hi All,

Signed up for another Ultra today, 'The Spine'

Vicky ( My 'Mrs') was not initially impressed, she worries that I will fall off a mountain one day ! After much assurance that I have a good sense of 'self-preservation', and that I will increase my life insurance, she's accepted my participation in the race. :-) I'm also booking a nice hotel Vicky has requested for our anniversary in October ( nothing like bribery !!)

Basically it's a 268 mile non-stop monster of an Ultra along the entire Pennine range from Derbyshire to the Scottish Borders. Taking place in January 2012... Winter !!! Brrrrrrrrr !!

It is hailed as Britain's most Brutal Ultra Marathon.

Given the distance, the likely weather conditions, snow, wind, ice & rain and the fact it's non-stop, that's a very true title. However the flip side is some of England's most spectacular wild and unspoilt scenery, and the chance to take part in something that will be truly epic !

I've signed up for the Elite class, 268 miles inside 6 days and only 3 Elite checkpoints. So it's going to be a major exercise in equipment choice, nutritional planning, self sufficiency and, mental and physical toughness. The weather in January alone is going to be a huge factor in the ability physically and mentally to finish this race, with hypothermia and exposure hampering decision making and physical progress. So this will most likely be my toughest endurance test so far.

For now I'm concentrating on my final preparations for the 208 mile Tor des Geants, regular hill work, some long runs, speed work, core strengthening and practising running with poles.  Checking kit, planning travel, accommodation etc etc.

On track for the 208 mile Tor Des Geants

Sorry folks, it's been quite a while since I last posted !

Where to start...... well I'm on track fitness and training wise for the Tor des Geants in Italy in September.

So far this year in the build up to the Tor Des Geants I've completed the following races;

19th March 2011, The D33, 33 miles in 5hr 15mins

30th April 2011,   The Highland Fling, 53 miles in 12hrs 24mins, 

21st May 2011,    The Cateran Trail,  55miles in 10hrs 58mins, 16th place overall.

11th June 2011,   The Roparun,  530 Kilometre Relay race from Paris to Rotterdam in aid of Cancer Charity.

18th June 2011,  The West Highland Way Race,  95 miles in 23hrs 46mins, 43rd place overall.

So since March an Ultra every month as training !
In between Ultra races I've been mixing up my training with a combination of road biking, running and core strength conditioning.
I use my 2 x road bikes, 1 x geared, the other a single speed track bike, to commute to and from work at a total of 14 miles per day, using the various traffic lights and roundabouts for sprint intervals.
For running I've been doing a combination of hill rep sessions, long slow runs, fartleck sessions and intervals, total mileage is variable from 30 to 70 miles per week. I tend to listen to my body and if I feel tired or sore I'll ease off the training. I think this policy has kept me free of injury so far, touch wood !
For core strengthening I have joined British Military Fitness, and have been attending 1 to 2 x  1 hour sessions per week. I'm enjoying it because I've been getting lazy and it gives me the push I need to improve my core strength,  I've been finding it too easy to just 'tick' along with my running. For the Tor Des Geants I am going to need to dig deep into untapped reserves just to complete the race.
Other training preparations have involved running up and down Lochnagar, and trying out running poles to see if they will assist me on some of the steep climbs and descents, all this without stabbing myself !

Friday 29th July I'm heading down to the Lake District to help out and  marshall at the Lakeland 100 Ultra Race, manning Checkpoint 7, Dockray, with 2 other fellow runners. I'm really looking forward to it as it gives me an opportunity to give something back, as last year when I ran the Lakeland 100 the marshalls really kept me going!  Whilst down there hopefully I'll get in some fell running.

Following on from the lakes, Vicky and I will be spending the week touring Wales, where Vicky has organised an early birthday treat / activity for me, god knows what she's planned !!

TOR DES GEANTS 2011

I have a starting place in the 2011 Tor Des Geants, 1 of 4 British runners in an international field of 500.
http://www.tordesgeants.it/
330 Km ( 200 miles ) of alpine trails in the Val d'Aosta, Italy, with 24,000 metres of ascent in one single stage and a 150 hour time limit, starting and finishing in Courmayeur. I think it's a gross understatement when I say it's going to be tough ! But I can't wait, it's going to be an incredible adventure.
So preparation is underway.
I've been ticking over with training through the past snowy winter months, averaging 50 to 60 miles per week on roads and trails, although not as much hill work as I would have liked due to conditions. When possible I've been cross training on my single speed road bike, keeps the muscles working without the concussion of running. Now the weather is improving I can start to vary my run training more by including some long hill sessions. I will keep you posted on the training.
I've also introduced some 'core' training, core muscle groups, abs etc. I'm using an exercise dvd at home along with some dumbbells, so will let you know the outcome. I'm loathe to spend out on a gym membership due to 1) the monthly cost and contract, 2) the relatively little time I would use it, I prefer to run/train outdoors and 3) I don't like posers, the ones who are always admiring themselves in the gym mirrors!
As well as training I'm also testing out kit.
I have just invested in a Salomon Advanced Skin 5 S-Lab Back pack. First impressions are that this is one cool piece of kit. I've done a few short runs, ( 6 to 7 milers ), and it is very comfortable, giving a lot of freedom of movement, however I have a lot more testing to do with regards to packing in the required kit etc, so I will give a full kit review in the coming weeks.
Other recent kit investments include; Salomon XT Wings 2 Trail shoes ( December 2010) and Salomon S-Lab 3 Trail Shoes (November 2010), so again I'll keep you posted on how these items stand up to the terrain and training load.
So all the best everyone,

Gary M