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. :-)
Monday, 29 August 2011
Friday, 26 August 2011
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 !
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 !
Sunday, 21 August 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
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 !!
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 !!
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
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.
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.
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