Madness of King George - More Laps Than Lapland

When I entered this new event, I wasn't sure how recovered I would be from my recent adventure across Wales only two weeks prior, my body would be. So when it came to starting I wasn't 100% recovered but I was going to give it a go anyway.

The Madness of King George is a 12 hour running event set down in Cornwall in a town called Hayle. The course is 1.06 mile laps along the King George Memorial Walk. The out route was along the tarmac road which is closed to traffic on Sunday's and back along the gritty dusty footpath right next to the road. The two only separated by the odd bushes.


As the event got closer, I tried not to think about it too much, and just let what be happens. The weather was looking good and having parents who live down that part of the world allowed me to get a good night sleep without having to worry about a long travel prior.

The race was starting at 8am on the Sunday and we arrived just after 7am for registration and kit check. Kit check? Yep we had mandatory kit to carry even though it was just over a mile a lap. Why? Well it was one of the rules and it was designed to be annoying to make the event harder.

Pre Start

Other rules like - No leaving the course except for using the toilet or injury treatment. No drop bags or no pace runners. If you don't last the full 12 hours you DNF even if you stop at 11 hours 59 mind 59 secs.

Some time based events will allow you to have drop bags, etc and allow you to run as much or as little as you want. This event was no such event. But we knew that when entering and that's probably why only 15 of us entered. On the day though there was 1 DNS due to injury so 14 of us lined up. I was pretty lucky, I knew quite a few of the runners, so the event also became a bit of a run with friends. I was toeing the line with some pretty handy runners like Loyd and Kay from the At-Your-Pace Trail Team, as well as other local pocket rockets like Laura Milward, Sharon Sullivan and Mickee Jelf. They're bloody awesome people who kept smiling and miling (is that a word?) all the way around event.

Out bound section

The countdown started and soon we went on our way, just the 14 of us. Being a such a small lap you could see the turn around point pretty soon. In the middle they had marshals and at the turn around point they had an aid station well stocked with the usual drinks etc you'd expect.

Every time I got to the turn around point I made the point of tapping the top of the turn around cone. This to me was a mental thing to myself to say well done that's another turn around ticked off. It was the same as the cone at the start. I did it every lap at each end.

One of the few morale boosting signs

I decided I was going to get a few comfortable good laps in and see how it went from there. The course was flat (except for the speed humps) so there was no hills sadly. It makes the race game different to a hilly course for sure.

It wasn't long before the temperature rose, and we all started to fee the heat as we made our way up and down the course. You were never alone on the course, you either had someone on your side of the course or going to down the other side. Thumbs up were given or words of encouragement each time by all! That never stopped even in the darker periods (mentally) and that is just something that made the event special.

Mid way through pic taken by Jelly bean

After about 20 miles my wheels started to come off in the heat and by 27 miles I was almost close to throwing the towel in. I'd would be wearing a Jesters Hat if I did DNF'd. So I decided I was going to sacrifice my target and get some treatment on my legs. They were very tired from recent events and with the heat also. So I got a massage that was provided for free. Boy was it needed! I had two people working on my legs so they could speed up the process.

I got back out there and god my legs felt almost brand new. They were no longer calling me a stupid twat and were back in the game. With my target mileage gone I decided just to go and enjoy as many laps as I could, just to keep going round and round.

Well needed treatment! pic taken by Jelly Bean

Each lap got tougher and tougher as the heat continued. The marshals were superb, as you came through the finish of each lap they were offering all the runners food, bottle top ups, dunking their buffs in cold water etc.

I was lucky to have my wife on support for me, as we could have stuff given to us on course, she had my spare bottles so all I had to was swap them over so wasted little to no time waiting to get them filled up.

My wife who often supports me is just pretty amazing even if she gives me a lot of tough love on the courses.

Not that it was need but route signage to stop you getting lost lol

Eventually the time ticked away and as we approached the last hour the temperature slowly started to cool down especially as the sun was no going down behind the houses on one side of the course.

Me and Loyd on our last lap together

The last lap soon arrived for me and I decided enough was enough. So I took my time getting to the turn around point and took a seat on a rock as I drank some water cheering on those going past. I made my way back and saw Loyd doing a similar thing on a bench so I sat with him as another runner joined us and we clapped those going past. We event did an arch for one runner. The three of us made our way back to the finish, 12 hours had finished and we were done. With our swagger on we crossed the line to the cheers and clapping from everyone who had finished already, the marshals and the supporters. Loyd had crossed the line as the winner, putting in a top 73 miles.

We got our swagger on!

Me I had come last for the first time ever if you don't included the DNS entrant. I had managed just over 41 miles in the 12 hours. I can't be too disappointed though, if I was running on fresh legs, injury free I would have been go for over 50 miles and maybe pushing towards 100K. However it wasn't meant to be this time but I am not sad, I finished the 12 hours, and I enjoyed myself despite it being flat and tarmac. I was surrounded by some great runners, friends and family. What is there to be sad about?

I earnt that huge medal! Hand Made and weighed a lot!

For the first time of running this event, it went from my view on it pretty well. David the RD did a great job. Is it an event I would attempt again? Yeah of course, I only repeat events that are worth repeating.

So because if work that was my last event of the year. I will now be training for the Arc of Attrition 100 mile race next year. It's going to be interesting especially as most of my training will be done on a Warship at sea.

I'd like to thank Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support, it got me through a tough 12 hours.

My wife for being just an amazing support crew once again. I'm nothing with out her support.

So thank you for reading, until next time!

Owain

"We'll never truly find our limits until we try something we can't do"

www.ultrarunningmatelot.co.uk

Hope24 2017 - Tale of two halves

The weather forecast weeks prior for the start of Hope24 wasn't positive. It was constantly changing but bad weather was going to play it's part. Unlike the previous years where the weather has been pretty good, this year was deemed to be not as lucky according to the weather gods. So I was planning ahead in regards to kit selection and game plan. Last thing I wanted was my own planning to let me down.

Setting up my base for the event

I wasn't setting myself a target to hit, as I had no need I already have a place in AoA18 and I wanted to use this as a training session for the big adventure in August.

I would be happy enough if I hit at least 60 miles in the 24 hour period, but I wouldn't get upset if I didn't. I also planned on not clock watching . My watch would be on my pack and not my wrist so I wouldn't be checking pace or time.

All registered and ready to go

The morning of the event arrived, and the sun was out and getting unexpectedly warm. I already knew the course lay out as I was out helping set up on the Friday morning, and knew how stunning the course was.

My son was running the 2.4km kids race before the main event so I was running with him. Last year he was ill so this year I had no doubt he's smash it. He was quite excited about it all. Smashed it, he did! I was so proud of him.

Me and my boy before his race.

It wasn't long after we were called for a safety brief prior to the start of the main event. We gathered around to listen to Pete Drummond well given brief and then positioned ourselves on the start line. For the first time ever both myself and my wife stood on the same start line for the same event. My in laws were looking after our son so we both could run our race. With the sun shining and the temperature very warm we were off. The course was changed so it wasn't the same as previous years. The course was probably the best one for scenery so far. It really made the run far more enjoyable!

Stunning Bluebell trails

Seeing so many familiar faces along the course was fantastic, having brief chats as we passed along the way. The beauty of these types of events is that you are never along for too long on the course. I think the longest period was probably about 6pm ish when it was a couple of miles into a lap before some one passed me. I think it appeared to be the break period for most.

Random stuffed toys nailed to the trees that have been there a fair while

As the event went on the weather changed and the rain started. It was off and on a lot. It was heavy too when it was on. I go to take my jacket off and it was start again. Soon as time went on it was relentless. I started to see some runners still in road shoes slipping and sliding all over the place along the trails. It was funny at first but soon got worrying.

I was doing well enough for myself. Happy to take it easy as it darkened and the rain got worse. I was still moving forward and the Saucony Peregrines were handling the terrain well enough.

As it got darker it was head torches on for the runners, the rain didn't give up either. I was waiting for a good spell in the weather window to change my wet clothes. Alas that wasn't to come yet.

Snacking on the go just as the rain started again into the night -Pic agimages

The next two laps I helped guide some runners. During one lap I came across a friend Fiona, who I had met through Escape from Meriden, on the course. Her head torch had failed, and despite trail shoes she wasn't confident in the conditions. So I pointed out the rocks, the tree roots and other hazards as we made our way round.

We made it to the end of the lap around 10.50pm and we were greeted by Pete and marshals saying they had postponed the event at 10.15pm until further notice. It was for the safety of the masses they said, and it was the right decision. After waiting for about an hour my wife told me to get some kip as I was starting to get cold. During this kip we heard it was re starting at 5am. A forced kip was not going to be turned down.

I woke to Pete saying it was due to start and I was close to not wanting to get out of bed. I did and I managed to get back out just after the restart. Soon enough I was back around the course. Getting the legs going again was something but it was good practice for the big adventure as I will have to do it over and over again.

I put in some more laps as it warmed up and eventually it was time for the last lap. I was joined by my wife for the first time. She has slipped during her first lap and hurt her ankle and only managed another one since til our last lap. She was determined to get round. It was probably the best finish to a race I have had.

Me and the wife

As went round I caught up with Sarah Booker, a fellow blogger and runner. She's brilliant! She was supporting her husband on his solo quest. We had a chat and hug and they went on.

Then Luke from my club who for the first time had run 50 miles joined us for the remainder. He too had hurt his ankle so was happy to take it easy. I am so pleased for Luke. He is brill and he did great.

As me and the wife entered the final arena bit we enjoyed the atmosphere as we made it round til we decided to have a sprint finish together. I am so proud of my wife, and having run with her and my son in the same event was definitely a highlight of my running journey. They were brilliant!

My boy, wife and myself with our well earnt bling!

That brings me to end really. Although not on pace compared to last year, I am still pleased with how things went. Yes it could've gone better but I am not worried. Despite missing out on 7 hours I still felt good to go again and again. So I knew I had more laps in me and having hit 1 short of my minimum for 24 hours I am not going to complain.

The event is pretty special, the atmosphere, organisation is brilliant. The community feel is outstanding and the fact I get to run it with so many friends is great. If you've not run this event before I suggest you put in your future calendar.

This race was for a friend who sadly passed away through mental illness.

Thanks to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support.

Until next time!!
Owain


"We'll never truly find our limits until we try something we can't do"

Equinox24 Endurance Event - Sun Downers and Sun Uppers.

After a long journey all 6 hrs of it, in the car from Plymouth that was made longer thanks to the lovely M5 traffic jams, we made our way down a dusty track heading towards lights and sounds that were on the horizon, and with Belvoir Castle (near Grantham) glowing due to an orange light I was starting to get pre event excitment or as my wife who is my support crews says starting to become a pre race arsehole. I still don't know what she means by this as I'm always calm and collective prior to any running event!

Glamping was available (Photo by Mark Ratcliffe)

 Met at the campsite area by my good friend Duane of Team Buff UK, he guided us to the area, where he and the others were pitched along the start finish line. Probably one of the longest start finish lines I've seen for sure and arriving late meant we didn't get the best of spots but it wasn't the worst. It was dark, so we didn't hang around and soon got our shelter up in quick time thanks to lending hands of my Team Buff friends. We've gone for a different set up to our HOPE24 set up. Mainly for ease as our massive tent is a nightmare to put up and down for such a short time. With it up and done and only the stuff for the insides to sort out we went off to our hotel to try and get a good night sleep prior to a long day ahead of me. We checked in and put my best support crew member (my 5 year old son) into bed and I and the wife soon dropped off to sleep.

All set up!

Event 28 of 37 Equinox 24 - 24 hour Endurance Event

I slept pretty well, unlike my wife she had a pretty rubbish sleep which was not good considering she was going to be crewing me later on. I still had to register to pick up my race number and finish setting up our stuff for the event,  so we left the hotel early, grabbed a big breakfast and made our way to the event.

All ready for the go!

The place was buzzing with the very atmosphere I like. People were up and getting themselves ready, campsite was a lot more filled and I couldn't wait to start. I registered straight away and picked up my race number and the Equinox24 Morph (a bit like a Buff) and preceeded to finish sorting out my stuff, getting it all prepared. Even though I had some various snacks out on the table, I decided to try something different. As I had no minimum laps or a target it didn't matter if things went wrong. I was out to enjoy it as much as I could and try new things. Having heard about a nutritional product called Tailwind from Duane, and knew other friends raved about this product, I thought I'd give it ago. I filled up my bladder in my race vest with water and added the naked flavour Tailwind powder to the water. As it was a 2 ltr bladder and normally the sachets give two scoops for 500 ml, I added 7 scoops to the water. I went 1 less as I had a feeling 8 would be one to many.

Duane and myself

As I was getting ready, the fun run for the children was set off and it was soon good seeing them having fun. Some with their parents some with out. It was a lap of the camping a field about 1KM I think and it was good to see all the solo and team runners cheering them on as they went around. I stuck my hand out for a high 5 like many of them will be when I am running about, but alas none took up my offer. I felt slightly rejected by this but I knew they were focused on their goals hehe!

Team Buff UK's Sarah, David and me!

As 11.30am approached everyone made their way down to the start finish line for the run director's briefing. Johnny Nicol with microphone in his hand mentioned the usual rules and regulations you would hear at a 24 hour event. This is the 3rd year the event has been put on and has grown massively since the 1st year and this year there was about 1200 odd runners either running the 10K, team relays or as soloists and this was showing in the atmosphere around the arena.

Last few minute preps and I made my way to the start line, with so many people on the start line, I was towards the back. Everyone was eager to go, like horses in the starting pens. The big and small hands hit 12pm and we were off, the supporters along the start straight finish cheering us on as we made our way out of the area. Each lap was 10KM and was made up of mainly tarmac with some grassy areas, having asked a few veterans of the course, I asked how it compared to HOPE24's course and was told it's not a challenging but the extra 1.2 miles makes up for it. The course lead us out down the road before turning right up an incline and the first of the grassy areas. It took us around a field before back on the road and heading back towards the way we came. Not far after the 3KM sign we turned right and headed down a slight incline towards and over a bridge near two beautiful lakes at the 4KM point. Straight after the bridge we made our way up a long hill, it wasn't steep but it went on for about 1 and 3/4 KM's where you hit a water station.

Race start briefing

 We turned left onto another grassy field where it took us past the 6KM marker towards a steep short downhill section. The downhill was also at a camber all the way down to the bottom where you turned left toward what they call "That Hill". This was a short steep hill, which brought you back up to the top towards the tarmac. It wasn't a tough hill but it was enough to make you walk it. At the top turning right along the grass you soon hit 7KM and eventually heading down the tarmac which we came up before hand. Half way down the hill where a marshal waited for us we turned right into another field and down a slight incline towards the lake. You can see the arena from here and one of the lakes. We turned right at the bottom and headed past the 8KM and turning right over the bridge and back up the incline towards the arena. 9KM's led you back into and around the arena. The route lead us around the arena where some of the best support you could imagine were located until you hit the finish start straight which was a really slight incline and that was your lap done!

That Hill

 So how did my event go for me? First two laps were pretty good, straight away I went with run the flats and downs and walk the hills from the very beginning, and making sure I soaked up the event with the mindset of enjoying it all the best I can. I didn't stop between the first two laps but after finishing the 2nd lap I had to change my shoes. I was wearing my Hoka Speedgoats, but due to the amount of tarmac it just wasn't worth trail shoes. I had another pair of trail shoes and only one pair of road shoes. I went with the road shoes which happened to be my famous Hoka Flops from my epic adventure. Even though I knew it was going to get damp during the night on the grass it was worth the risk I thought. The sun was beaming down on us, and it was redders out on the laps. I was making sure I took my salt capsules every hour due the heat and sipped on my tailwind from the race vest's bladder. I had a cup of water when I reached the water station. As I made my way up the long hill for the 3rd time, the back of my right knee blew out on me. The injury I sustained during the 7 ultras in 7 days reared it's ugly head once more. It proved I wasn't fully recovered and now it was a case of damage control during the laps. I got back to the tent, and the support crew aka the Wife was waiting ready to go. She knew exactly when I was coming, due to hiring a tracker for the weekend for this purpose. It saved me using texts on my phone and it worked very well.

Digging in deep (Photo by Curly Photography)

I'd taken my poles out for hills to give my knee some respite and soon 5 laps had gone, each marshal I passed on each lap got a thank you, because they rotated with different marshals through out the 24 hours, I didn't know if I'd see them again. I crossed the line and grabbed a top up of the bladder and my head torch ready to dig in deep for the night. Each lap finished with that amazing support, there were cow bells, cheering, clapping, and signs. On one lap I had a runner called Paul Ross from Shabba Runners recognise who I was and came over to me as I passed and shook my hand. I stopped and chatted as he introduced me to his team and told them of what I had recently done in my epic adventure. The awareness of what I set out to achieve over the year is working and it makes me very humble. During lap 6 I had other runners slow down and chat to me asking me about what I did. I was humbled and my spirit was lifted because of this. Also my wife was now having a nightmare due to my boy being poorly and vomiting everywhere, the last thing she needed was to deal with me. I had 30 min break and headed out once more my thought with my wife and boy now and not on the run. I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't that cold. it was cold but I coped with just my X-Bionic Trick shirt and Gillet my arms and legs felt warm. On the other side of the lakes there was a big wedding going on, with a terrible saxophonist and a DJ giving it large, I was able to guess the tune and have no need for headphones. It went on til late into the night/early in the morning so wasn't much of a quiet period.

Great support throughout the event by Team Bear Tri

 Eventually I came in from my 7th Lap, it was not good with my knee, I felt great otherwise, with Tailwind doing what I expected. I still hadn't needed any food and I seemed to have solved my issue with eating right here. It was 2.48am and I went out for 8th lap but 2 minutes after I couldn't go a step further with my knee and with my boy being ill I didn't want to go out (in my head anyways). I hobbled back and I went for a lie down. Something I didn't want to do or plan for but I did it. I got my head down about 3am and it wasn't until almost 7am that I give my mind a telling off and dragged me out and back on the course. I kept hearing the other runners go past and I had to get up, I had to. The sun was coming up with a little mist over the course. It was stunning, and with that second wind you get first thing when the sun comes up, I went out put in a good 8th lap, I saw a field full of ducks which was something I didn't expect.

Photo by Mark Ratcliffe

 Now I went on for my 9th lap with time to do another and another I had in mind, but as I made my way around the course, my knee had nothing left pain, pain I hadn't felt since the third day of #YOLO7dayUltra. the day I couldn't barely walk. That was it, my event was over for me. The rest of me was good to go, and if I hadn't had stopped for almost 4 hours I could've done even more. Was I disappointed? No I did what I set out to do and that was to enjoy myself. My wife met me at the bottom of the finish straight and walked with me to the finish. I received a great man hug from Johnny who's words were "You're going to be the first to punch me for saying one more lap aren't you?" "No, my knee has had it" was my reply, with that I ended my run and collected my lovely medal. I was very pleased, that I survived pretty much on Tailwind alone with no issues, no sickness, cramp or feeling hungry. I had fuel in the tank and it was great. I was reasonably happy with my performance and the fact actually I could of nailed more laps really but this time just 93KM's were completed but they were happy 93KM's.

More miles for Phil

 What can I say about this event? It's a very special event. The atmosphere is amazing, the support is something I've only seen really at events this. The marshals are everything you want from a marshal they kept your spirits up and made sure everyone was ok as you went around. There was plenty of food selection in the arena, from fish and chips, jacket potatoes to pizza. There was a double deck beer bus which supplied throughout from Friday on wards.The event is amazing and if it grows even bigger I hope it doesn't lose the spirit, the atmosphere I love about it. I've met and created new friendships, Sid the man who wore a Morph suit throughout another inspirational man and Nikki Reeves who had more changes of outfits than the London Fashion show you smashed out an awesome 111K whilst still fitting in a long sleep. The winners Gary and Kirsty were amazing and put in outstanding performances.

Johnny and Laura have created something special here, long may it continue. Definitely one as long as I'm not at sea I will go back to.

I must thank my wife and son for being an amazing support crew once more, X-Bionic and Sunwise for the continued support and the amazing kit.

Top Crewie!

I've 9 events left to do now and more miles for Phil to run. Until the next time!

Owain

Endure 12/50 (Ultra12) Endurance Event - Run, Snack, Repeat

As I write this I'm comfortably resting my poor blistered toes (I can hear the little violins going as I type) and a slightly sore left ankle.

When I had to pull out of Dartmoor Discovery due to work at the end of May I needed to find another ultra event to replace DD which was in June. Having no luck for an event in June around work and holiday I found an event in mid July. A 12 hour endurance event called Ultra12 was giving to me by a friend on Facebook who was also running it. So that night I looked up the event Endure 12/50 and entered it. Ultra12 it's original name but is now known as Endure 12/50. As well as the 12 hour endurance run which you can enter as a soloist or as part of a team, there is also a 50K race and a 50 mile race.

Bib Number

 Now as my longest ultra distance of the 7 ultras in 7 days (#YOLO7dayUltra) is about 40 miles, I wanted to use this event as a basis of time and planning for that event. So I gave myself a target of 40 miles within the 12 hour period.

The event is located in Beale Park, just outside Reading, so we had a bit of journey to make. Even though the event wasn't starting til 7pm of the Saturday I didn't want to be leaving earlier in the morning of arriving and setting up base and not leaving me much time to prepare myself. So we set off Thursday night? Thursday night you ask, well I have a 4 year old boy and he has had to put up with a lot of me running in events. So we booked a hotel Thursday night, so we can set up camp early Friday morning and then take my boy to Legoland which was about half hour away and give him a treat for being my best support crew member I could ask for.

Event 25 of 37 - Endure 12/50 (Ultra12) Endurance Event.

As the sun rose, after a pleasant night of chilling out around the fire pit talking with the organisers I woke around 6am after a pretty broken sleep. The wife took my boy out for the afternoon so I could try and catch a few hours sleep before the race started, however due to the heat in the tent, and outside noise I couldn't get any so I will be running through the night having been up since 6am. Not much difference to the 24 hour events I guess, I am also used to this when working nights.

The fire pit

 Eventually with our gazebo and table set up alongside the race line with all our drinks and snacks available for when we need it so we can snack and go. That was the plan run, snack and repeat.

With the safety brief given the 50 milers and 12 hour runners lined up on starting line for the 7pm start, the 50K runners had a different start point so they can cover the correct distance. There was a slight delay of 10 minutes to the start but soon the hooter started and we were off! 5 miles laps of multi terrain.

Start/Finish straight

The course route was pretty much flat with two very slight inclines. Flat ultra's is something I have never run before so this was going to be different. I had to make sure I didn't go too fast just because it was flat.

The course lead us out of the camping field and in through a field for the short stay parking (those who were doing the 50K and wanting not to hang around) and into a loop around another field just opposite the camping field. After about a mile this brought on to the road which takes us past the camping field. So by now the supporters would've seen the runners 3 times before heading down the road past the 2K mark. Now considering the course is 5 miles I would've preferred the course to have been marked in miles not KM's but that's just me I'm funny like that. As we left the camping area the music faded out into the distance and followed the road all the way until the 1st marshaled area.

My motivation

We made our way off the road and onto a gravel track and through a field before hitting the next marshal spot at 3K, marshal had parked his VW camper van at the corner where we turned and headed along the Thames. The VW Camper had two big speakers playing music and when it got dark was turned in to a Lucozade Sport (bar) and was lit brightly up (see pic). Probably one of my favorite marshal spots I've come across.

Coolest Marshal point ever?

The route then followed the Thames passing moored boats berthed along the waters edge with various boat owners and passengers providing some support atmosphere until darkness set in properly. We passed the 4K mark and not long after we reached the water station marshal point. Using my Inov 8 race vest I didn't require to use the water station, but it was used a fair bit I noticed by other runners.

Along the Thames

I continued further down the Thames until we reach the turning point where another set of marshals were back into Beale Park's grounds and hitting the 5K mark. Back on the tarmac and we headed through what could be described as the animal park, however I never saw any live ones only statues of various animals and some sculpted ones were a bit freaky when I saw them in my head light.  Pass another marshal point and around the parks car parking area through trees hitting the 6K mark at the top of a small incline. Normally these types of inclines wouldn't bother me but after a few laps I did start to walk them. It was back on the tarmac for a little bit with a down incline towards the short stay parking area of the campsite. We turned at the marshal once at the short stay parking and up another slight grassy incline.

My snacks and drink supply

We then headed down through a wooded area that went behind the camping and around it. Once it was dark two areas where trees had completely covered over head was lit up with fairy lights. These were just after the 7K mark and once we hit the second lit up trees we knew there was half a KM left and we soon turned on to a track before turning again into the camping area to the race start/finish line.

My motivation for this one

We completed the first lap in 51 mins which I was pretty happy with and new that would be our fastest lap recorded as we were stopping to snack after each lap. We reached my table of food and drink, and I took on some pork pie and banana. Picked up some isotonic drink stuck it in my race vest and off I went. I walked whilst I snacked and then ran once more my brother in law Paul was keeping me company once more during this event. He was a last minute entry as originally he couldn't make it. I was pleased to have the company again. Making our way round the second lap Paul was getting issues with the seams of his shorts. I started to feel hot spots commonly known about on my feet. I tried a different form of anti blistering powder. Which didn't work, so the wife who was my support crew taped up my feet using the kit I acquired from myRaceKit .

One more to go!

Again snacked up and off we went. It was fully dark and head torches were ever where along the route. However the music at the campsite was turned off, which was a little disappointing, even just turned down it's still provides a great atmosphere at these events. Anyway that was just a little thing that was missing from the event. We made our way round the 3rd lap and Paul was really struggling, he was broken already. We reduced our runs to run walks during the lap to get him round, and we made it back, we made sure he got some food and liquid inside him. Over the next few laps we walked more than we ran to make sure he could keep going. As we ticked off the laps, I could tell Paul was in suffering. I too felt blisters appearing on my toes, and a niggle under my left knee cap forming. Despite this I felt pretty good, but with Paul suffering he didn't want to do more than the target of 40 miles. Despite our pace slowing down the target was still possible to hit.

After the 35 mile completed we took a slightly longer rest for Paul to recover before fitting in the last lap. I felt I could've fitted in another lap with less stopping time earlier and also I had plenty of time to go and complete one last lap but once we hit 40 and with Paul not wanting to go on, I had lost the motivation myself to go on. It was good to feel I could do more though. So we finished 40 miles in 11 hours and 31 minutes and with a great sprint finish. Considering we had 55 mins of rest period in total I'm pretty pleased that the run time was 10hrs 36 mins. The hooter sounded at 7.10am to finish the event and those who were out on their laps still slowly finished off the laps. Even though the course was pretty much flat the uneven under foot terrain and the odd animal holes I found (hence sore ankle) made it still a tough test

Finished and some one is a little broken

During this event, I planned to give the Hoka Cliftons a good run out. Although it was multi terrain, it had been dry enough all day until the last lap when it rained, to warrant road shoes. I had other shoes in case I needed to change though. For the first time I didn't suffer bruising of the bottom of my feet during a long run so very happy. They were amazing all the way round.

Event 25 of 37 completed!

I only used my Sunwise glasses for the first lap it got dark after that and I went with the X-Bionic Fennec top this time instead of my trick top with my X-Bionic running shorts. Great kit and still providing me the support I need through all this. I can't thank Sunwise and X-Bionic enough really.

So there you, another event done. I really enjoyed this event, and if I'm not away at sea next year I think I will be back again. It is only in it's second year but I'm sure it will continue to grow like it's sister event Endure24, hopefully not as big though as I like the atmosphere of the smaller family feel events. May it continue with it's success and hopefully keep the music going all night next year ;)

Bling

Only 2 weeks now until #YOLO7dayUltra getting very real now.

Until next time.

HOPE24 24 hour Endurance Race - Live it, Love it, Run it 2015

Brace yourself for this blog it may be a biggy!

For just about a year I have been eagerly waiting for a certain event to start. Last year I was involved in HOPE24 a new event in Plympton, Devon. I marshaled the event because I wasn't sure if I was going to be working or not so didn't enter. I got such a buzz from the whole thing, I wanted to run this year for sure! That is how it all began.

Having got to know Danny Slay the Race Organiser really well over the year since, I wanted to help him as much as I can. The event isn't a commercial one, it's proceeds go to charities and not his pocket. He doesn't have a team of paid staff that help him create what I would call something extraordinary. So as I found out I was not working around the event I offered my services over the two days prior to help set up the course and the arena.

Danny wanted to spice the course up a little from last year, so made some modifications, but the main one was having the runners run it in reverse to the year before. This making the big climbs much different as was the downhills descents. Only a handful of people knew this so the runners returning for another beasting were in for a surprise.

The course concept map (drawn by Matt Bisco, winner 2015)

Soon we were pretty much up and running and with runners starting to turn up to pitch their base camps for the event, I did so myself and making sure I had a prime spot in the Solo Camping area. Perk of helping with the course set up.

With my base camp set up on the Friday night, even though I only lived a couple of miles away literally I was going to camp that night as well, so I could catch up with friends coming down for the event before it all started. I hardly had anything to eat that day so when the Luff Bus a catering bus putting on food for the event (all through the night) turned up I had to sample some of it. Home made food is the best and that is what they provided in my honest opinion. I cracked open a couple of beers and sat down with Danny, Pete (Danny's sidekick) and a few others before finally turning myself in for the night and getting to sleep around 11.30pm ish.

My Base HQ I think the biggest tent on the campsite

9th May 2015 the day of the race, 4.30am and my body naturally woke up, be it through excitement or because that's what my body loves to do to me sometimes to annoy me I don't know but it wasn't the way I wanted to start the day for sure.

Just down the road was my local parkrun PlymValley where I run direct. This was starting at 9am and as HOPE24 wasn't starting until 12pm, it gave me ample of time to fit a timed 5k event in before hand. Another event to knock off from the 37 I am doing in total. So the idea was to run both events. Event 14 of 37. I ran the parkrun at a leisurely pace and end still whilst doing so helped a fairly new runner beat her 5k personal best. I didn't hang around or too long after the parkrun I had to get back and get my self prepped ready to go for running around a course for 24 hours.

I prepped my kit and my food/supplies I needed for the 24 hours and waited for my support crew (one of my best mates Craig) to arrive and for the start of the event. The atmosphere was starting to buzz, with Pete banging out the tunes and doing the announcements and the weather which was horrible first thing now sunny and warm, the place was now getting electric!

I was also very privileged to be given the bib number 001, mainly because I was first to register, but in most races this number is given to an elite runner. It felt special regardless of the real reason it was given to me. 

My support crew Craig

Event 15 of 37 Hope24 an 24 hour Endurance 5 ish mile off road lap event.

I was joined on the start line by my Brother in Law Paul who I entered into the event for his birthday present (I'm good like that HEHE!) He hasn't run much recently since the birth of his son, and has never run further than 12 miles! So he set him self a goal target of 35 miles as he though that was a sensible achievable target and I set my self a minimum of 50 miles. I set 50 because for some 24 hour events I have seen and read this is a minimum to be classed a finisher. Having been ill for almost 4 months and with the way training and other events have gone, this was a smart target for myself. I was on the road to recovery but not 100% recovered from whooping cough. I was about 95%-97% recovered. So Paul and myself had our goals. For me to get to mine I had to go through Paul's so I thought it'd be good to have company for ourselves so I decided to stay with him and get him to his goal, then I would only need a to do a few laps by myself to get to mine.

The Start (taken by Craig)

12pm Race starts as the hooter blows and now the party really starts! There are soloists and team relay runners setting off. The soloists all started and run the laps how they wanted. So if they wanted to smash out 8 laps before a break or do a lap then a break and repeat they could do so. The teams had 1 runner out on the course all the time, taking in turns. teams were made up of pairs, 3's, 5's and 8's.

So there will be around 170 out of the 460 odd entrants running around on the course pretty much all the time so me and Paul will never be out there by ourselves for very long time. Our first lap went well, with the plan of running the flats and down hills and walking the climbs to conserve energy, we soon smashed out two laps. We decided to have a good break after two laps and rested for about an hour. It was warm out there and I had caught the sun well! During the break Craig my support crew got me a coffee ready and got me any supplies I needed. This break was mainly snacks, I smashed in a banana which I dunked in Peanut Butter and some coconut water.  I also had some flat coke a cola on the go as well. Craig also adopted Paul under his wing as Paul had no support crew so now looked after us both.

My Mantra for this event ticking off laps as I went

 The laps are a tough 5 mile course, with two 300 odd ft of climb hills and descents. You start in the arena where there is constant support, music and just great atmosphere you go out and into the woods towards the shooting ground, where there were a group of marshals there. I say a group because it was my wife, son Gethin who had that area named after him after last years event "Gethin's Gate" and my in laws. They set up their motorhome, music, water station and just provided the morale us runners need throughout the day, night and back into day again.

From there you headed up the first stonking hill climb after you passed through the muddy trail. At night I was freaked out by orange eyes which happened to be deers as they hopped passed. Once you got to the top of the hill, through the blue bell meadows, then head back down and around until you hit "Gethin's Gate" and the ultra marshals once more. This no was the 2 mile point and you soon head back towards the arena.

The first climb pic doesn't show it very well (taken by Craig)

Bluebell meadow (taken by Craig)

 You approach the arena and the support goes mental once more as people you've never met are cheering you on. As a solo runner I seemed to get more support than I could've asked for. They had what appeared a little bit of respect for those braving out the solo attempts. Within half a mile later the lap soon took you over a bridge (where the noisy peacock lives) and to the second hill climb again of around 300ft of climb but this time the gradient was different. It was steep first then once at the top of the deer park then reduced into a long incline which felt after a few times never ending. It finished eventually when you got to Thomas the Tank Engine (a horse jumping obstacle). You knew then it was down hill all theway back to the arena. The down hill was a mix of off road track and a section of the only tarmac of the course. It was  a killer especially on the feet as they were pushed down the end of your shoes.

My self with Danny (Race Organiser) and Thomas

At the bottom you were greeted by another ultra marshal called Kevin. He was back for another year and the bridge by his marshal point was named after him. Again he was out there in the rain, sun, wind, and cold nights cheering, supporting and helping those that needed it. The guy is legendary! It's people like him and my family marshaling that make these events what they are.

Kevin Guild (Captain Pink Beard)

Once you've crossed the bridge you are back in the arena with about just under a 1/2 mile left to the start/finish point. You are led past all the supporters once more as they are camped around the arena and you finish your lap.

My elevation chart from the event almost 6,000 ft of climb in total

After my first couple of laps I took a 10 minute break and headed out once more. 3 laps were knocked off in good time, still running mostly with walking the inclines. After I nailed the 3rd lap I stopped for my first proper break. I took an hour, taking off my shoes and socks to let my feet breathe in hope to prevent swelling (this worked very well). I knew after marathon distance there was a good chance of blisters in parts of the feet I have had them in the past. So during this break I stuck some compeed on and started to vasoline my feet and toes up. I took on some snacks, wiped down my face from the salt crust that formed from the sweat during the heat of the day and soon got back out there for the 4th lap.

It wasn't long after 4th and into the 5th lap the sun started to set and Paul was into a territory he's never been before distance wise. Our chats were still going ok as we plodded away, but I started to feel cramp set in both my groin muscles. So my next big break I was getting a massage by Body Balance which were giving all the entrants massages throughout the 24 hours. Probably the most awkward massage I have ever had been it was needed and did the trick.

End of Lap 4(taken by Craig)

Night fell and head torches were on and runners were settling for night time running. Some chose to get some sleep (those who smashed out a good mileage before hand or were feeling a bit ill) some like myself and Paul carried on with out sleep. The relays were still going but some of the bigger teams are able to get a good break before their laps. I had a visit from Jonathan Cousins, a friend from work who timed it right to catch me as I was just about to get ready to go out again. This type of random support really does help a runners morale in an event like this.

The music was turned down a little but was still going on through the night, I was on a good break again before my first proper night lap. I took my shoes and socks off once more. I was planning on changing my shoes from trail to road for a bit of comfort althought the woods were muddy I could cope as long as it didn't rain. My bare feet were cold so I put my little gas heater on. I then in my tired state thought "ooo I could warm the bottom of my feet up" So I raised my feet towards the heater. Within a split second I realised not a good idea as I had compeed on my feet which soon melted to my skin! Action support crew! I tried to peel them off but it had caused blisters underneath and was also peeling the blisters. So Craig had to cut them off the best he could and I stuck some more over the top. Doh!!!

Finishing first lap of the night (taken by Craig)

 Good thing about this event was they allowed the odd support runner to come out and keep runners company, something some events don't allow. So Craig came out for the first night lap with us. By now though our running had started to really slow down, and walking came in. Paul's knee was in bits and with my feet in bits and lower back twinging every so often it was making life a little difficult.

As the night went into early morning the fog came in and soon it was like a scene from American Werewolf out on top of the second hill. I added an out layer to keep a little warm on the top of the hills which was just about right because I was little too warm in the sheltered areas in the woods.

During the breaks I took on more food, a couple breaks were long so had Spag Bol in a boil in a bag format. It was quick to cook and tasted ok. The food stayed down and seemed to do the trick. I also ate ready salted crisps to help add more salt in my intake. Coffee and cuppa soups were had and I also kept taking in the coconut water (natural isotonic). I was very pleased with the way my food and drink was going. I carried around in my Inov 8 Race Ultra Vest water in the bladder and two bottles filled with isotonic drink.

I was starting to feel a little sick on the hills now though, a bile type sickness. I kept it at bay drinking water as I went round but it was something I couldn't shift. I had learnt after the event I should've drunk milk!

By now I had got Paul through his 35 miles and now he was still going to keep me company to my target. We reached the 9th lap as morning broke and the fog was slowly going. As we hit the top of the second hill Paul turned to me and said "What the f*ck is going on with the trees? Are they moving?" "Don't be silly" I replied. I looked up and I too hallucinated seeing the trees do some weird shit! " Don't look at the trees! Don't look at the trees!" I said to Paul and focused on the track in front of me.

We finished the 9th Lap and had a good break. It was about 8am and I only had 1 lap to do by 12pm to hit my target. I could've fitted another 2 or 3 laps in but my mind was set on my target and with feeling sick on the hills my mind just didn't want to go up those hills more than I had to. I took a long break to recover trying not to fall asleep.

Craig was planning on keeping us company for the last lap but was really gagging to go. He was a nightmare because I know he wanted me to do more he knows I am capable of more. I also had my parents coming up as well, I wanted to wait to see them before I headed off too. This was the first time they have ever been to one of my running events and for them to see me finish this one was a really big morale boost.

10.30am came and I got up and went out! I saw my family marshaling before they packed up to see me and Paul finish. We made our way around the first half. Still runners praising our efforts as they passed us, just like they have done all through the event. Mutal respect was had by all.

We headed in to the arena towards the second and last hill climb. We past some some supporters who cheered me on. Then something myself and Paul heard really caught me by suprise and hurt me. "Walking solo is alright I suppose, it's easy" said one unknown supporter to another as I passed by. Tiredness kicked the emotions in and that upset me. I was already in bits what was the need for that?

It pissed me off, but it also drove me up that last hill. We eventually made our way back down past Thomas for the last time, and down the tarmac, I started to jog as I started to see Kevin at the bottom. I said thank you once more to Kevin and crossed the bridge into the arena.

I then thought I'll show those tossers, and picked up my pace. I said to Paul "Sorry, but I'll see you at the finish" and really started to sprint the last 1/2 mile. I was going for it. My back and feet were killing, I was holding back the tears. I was drained but I pushed and pushed all the way home!

I crossed the line, and collapsed. I gave it all. I was spent.

Spent!! (taken by Craig)

Me, my wife and son Gethin (taken by Craig)

 Not long after Paul who had also got into a run, crossed the line, and I gave him a hug. We had done it.

Me and Paul at the end (taken by Craig)

The Kit I used was X-Bionic Trick Top and Running Shorts, Sunwise Canary Wharf Glasses, Various pairs of shoes. I also tried out Black Diamond Z Lock Poles, they saved my knees on the hill climbs for sure.  Inov 8 Ultra Race Vest which was a great bit of kit especially for this event and of course I wore a good selection of Buffs!

 Now what made this event so special? It's not that the event's proceeds go to two great charities and not the pocket of the organiser. It's not that it's local to me, I would do it if it was up country. It's not because it was only £40 odd to enter. It's atmosphere, the course, the event as a whole, the team that created it and most of all it was the friendships that were made from it.

HOPE24 is not just an endurance event it's an experience like no other. To be able to run it with friends, to make new ones as well is something I am truly thankful for. I ran with my friends from TEAM BUFF UK, my running club Plymouth Musketeers, my fellow parkrun director Matthew Bisco who went on to win the event and break the course record with 135 miles (27 laps).  The event attracted soloists and teams from all over the UK literally and I believe France too.

Me and TEAM BUFF UK

It's one event, I will be not hestitating to enter again! I certainly LIVED IT, LOVED IT and RAN IT.

14th/15th May 2016 HOPE24 is in my diary put it in yours!