End of an Journey? Maybe For This Trip but Not the End of the Adventure

We waved goodbye to Gibraltar, our final stop of the 10 month deployment and made our way out of the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Atlantic Ocean. It's mad to think back to when we first came down this was at the beginning of February. I came down with Pneumonia, the Bay of Biscay was rougher than St Paul's in Bristol. Was that really 10 months ago? 

Our count down ship

Now as we made our way back up through the Bay of Biscay, there is a little swell enough to rock us to sleep at night but it's far from it's brutality it has often known to cause. We have some guests on board in the form of Parents and Children joining us for the trip home. Some have coped with the rocking others not so but I believe they still would've enjoyed the experience none the less being with their loved ones for so long. My son unfortunately was too young to come, but to be fair it means homecoming will be far more special. 

As this trip comes to an end, so will my training on board. I continued to treadmill although easy runs due to the rolling of the ship, it makes you feel like your running up and down small hills often and it would be too easy to come off, if care wasn't taken. 

The Thursday night before we came alongside was spent at the buoy in the Plymouth Sound. It's so close to home, the excitement is hard to maintain. You know the family are right there but still not close enough to touch. I'm not scared of showing my emotions to be fair, times have changed where man no longer should be scared of a tear or two. Homecoming is going to hit a lot of people hard I think. We've been lucky to have better technology on board to allow us to stay in touch more. When I first joined in 1997 there were few mobiles around, no emails and getting time to phone home at sea was hard due to the lack of phones on board that allowed you to do it. Now we have constant emails, wifi and phones (operationally dependent of course) which allows staying in touch so much easier and I believe this helps with maintaining the bond in the families. Ok the WiFi isn't the best we can just about send FB Messages or Whatsapp but it's more than we used to have and all currently that is needed. 

All the family and friends waiting on the Jetty

I can safely say it's been good for me. I have had my moments of struggling being away, but with my running and being able to communicate with family and friends back home it's helped.

The day of homecoming arrived, everyone is up early for various reasons and it was time to get us back alongside. Over 1500 family and friends were expected to be on the Jetty waiting for us. The city of Plymouth saluting us from the Citadel with their cannons as we sailed past. It's a big day for the ship. If you went back to last December when during Operation Sea Training we were told " by the way your now deploying early next year for 5 months to the Med" and then 1 month in the deployment you get told "by the way we're extending you til 10 months in the Far East" we have traveled a long way and for a long time with very little time before hand to be prepared both physically and mentally.  Now it's over and we were finally back! 

Reunited with my boy!

The following day at home was just about chilling out, nothing major but I was surprised in a nice way to catch up with some of my friends in the evening that came out to see me. It's amazing the little changes around the area you notice that others take for granted that have happened. Road layouts, shops closing, the list goes on. 

Sunday was a day planned out by my son. He wanted a daddy and son day, no mummy as he says "Mummy has had me to her self for 10 months" So his plan was for me to run with him at our local Junior parkrun in Plymouth, lunch then cinema then tea then bowling. 

Me and the boy at Junior parkrun

The morning started with the Junior parkrun in Devonport, Plymouth. I've never run it before as it started up during my time away. It was one that had been talked about happening over the years and finally it's happened. It's a wonderful park and the course is a nice 2 lap course with a cheeky little hill to run twice for the kids. 

We turned up and it was nice to see some of my running friends there with their children. My friends were either volunteering whilst their children ran or running with their children like I was. My boy said to me prior he wanted to beat his PB for the course, so that was our goal. Off we went when the run was started and made our way round, with my boy thanking all the Marshals as he went, giving them all high 5s along the way (this may have slowed him down) 

He's grown up around parkrun since he was 3 years old when I first started myself. He continued  to run, and often saying he felt destroyed hehe. He was working hard, and all I was doing was giving him encouragement. He led the pace not me, I've never pushed him like that. I have never been a fan of pushy parenting. I rather he enjoyed it, than being forced. 

He eventually finished and he smashed it. He took almost 2.5 mins off his previous PB. Did it help having me there? Possibly a bit of confidence for him, or he wanted to impress me with how much he's come on. Either way, he did it and he did it himself. 

After we had finished, the boy went home in the car as I ran home, I needed to get my run in before the rest of our day continued. I have always tried my best to fit my training in and around my family rather than fitting the family in and around my running. It was also a good excuse for me to test out some of my new kit that arrived in the post prior to me coming home. 

My new kit from UglowSports

On first impressions the kit did very well, the top was comfortable, light, and felt good to run in. The shorts were fantastic, and loved the pockets on them. I liked the stitches design in all the garments. The jacket was what I was most impressed with. I wore it originally as I thought it was going to rain and because it was cold. However despite it not raining, I didn't end up over heating. I also didn't end up like a sweat bowl in it. One first use in no rain, it was pretty good. Looking forward to giving it a good run out when it rains, as this jacket will be my go to jacket for the AoA in Feb. 

So that concludes my blog in my series of blogs from my travels around the world. I've still yet to have a look at my footage from the rock race yet, that will be something I will do over the next week during my time off and hopefully will be able to put a film together of some sort. 

Thank you everyone who supported me and kept up with my travels whilst I was away. Thank you to Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continued support. I hope to continue being a trailblazer next year. Next year is going to be a good year I reckon. 

So until the next blog! 

My run home!

#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer #UglowSports #StitchFree

Singapore, the Lion City Continues to Make Me Smile

After we left Vietnam, we headed South to Brunei. It was an important visit for the ship as we were hosting His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei. It was a big deal, as the UK has very important links with Brunei and it is one they want to keep secure. Sadly our stay wasn't for very long and the only time I had off the ship was to go and keep my self in date for shooting rifles. So I along with others spent the day down the ranges keeping us in date. It was stupidly hot and humid, but it meant I wouldn't have my post deployment leave disrupted by having to go to the ranges once back home. 

Ship's Company photograph whilst at anchor in Brunei pic by Ship's Phot (edited by me)

Once all the Brunei stuff was completed we departed and made our transit to our final port of call in the Far East. Outside of Brunei territorial waters was our friends waiting to shadow our movements as we expected. We headed Westwards to Singapore, I am so excited by this for a few reasons. 

Shooting at the ranges in Brunei

1. The most important reason is, it means after we leave we are making our slow way back in the right direct of home. 

2. The Formula 1 Grand Prix! I'm not going to lie I am stupidly excited by this. Ever since I found out we were coming here again and it was at the same time as GP, I had my tickets booked. Months and Months of waiting for this. I've had friends that went to Silverstone to watch it and I have missed out. Being an F1 fan and a runner has given me the opportunity to run around some of the GP tracks. I doubt I will be able to on this Street Course, but to be able to go watch the Singapore Night Street race will be awesome. Along with the various music acts etc, it's going to be an amazing memory to take away with me. 

Getting up early for our transit around the Island of Singapore to get to our berth, it was going be a long day. This will be my 9th time of visiting this wonderful place during my Naval Career. I'm very fortunate in doing so. I hope to visit here on holiday one year so I can experience it with out the limitations of work added. 

Seriously I love this place! On top of the GP my fingers are crossed to make one of the three parkruns in Singapore. I did manage to last time, but I was staying in a hotel nearby, where this time I am on board the ship at the top of the Island. However since my last visit there is a new parkrun in the centre of the island, to which I am looking at participating in. It maybe the better option. The East Coast Park parkrun which I did last time was a beautiful parkrun along the coast, so it will be hard to beat for sure. You'll have to read on to find out. 

I made it to Bishan parkrun

After the first night at the F1 for the practice sessions I got up early to grab a taxi to the nearest parkrun. I left the ship about 6.30am, by the time I got the main gate and got in a taxi it was about 6.55am. I started to think I wouldn't make it to even the nearest one in time, but luckily I did with about 10 mins to spare. 

I heard the RD Brief and the 80 odd of us, soon lined up. It was a nice small gathering of runners including two school running teams. The temperature was very warm and really humid, before I even started I was soaked with sweat. 

In stride

The RD started us and we were off at 7.30am, making our way around the park. It was a two lap course and a very beautiful city park it was. Loads going on around us, with other runners, walkers, exercise groups. It so nice to see a wonderful spare being used by so many at so early in the morning for exercise of various forms. 

I made my first lap around and my calf was a little sore but it was holding up. The taping I did was doing the trick. I was taking it reasonably easy any way due to the heats so my calf was manageable. 

Like anywhere there is a parkrun, the marshals are brilliant, and the fact that there is now 3 here in Singapore is brilliant. This island is the same size as the Isle of Wight and is packed so much with so many things.

I finished the second lap to the cheers of the runners who were already finished. I took my token and scanned my barcode in with the token. Like any parkrun, where there is a parkrun there usually follows coffee, cake and chat. Some of us went to the nearest park cafe and socialised. A mix of locals and tourists gathered to chat and it was nice. A great way to end my parkrun journey in the Far East.

Who doesn't like cake after a run?

My agenda then switched back to the F1, with Saturday being the Qualifying Sessions. OMG what a day that turned out to be. Not only was qualifying awesome but the whole atmosphere was great. Liam Gallagher and The Killers were the two main acts playing that day. I was buzzing from the whole thing. 

First night of the F1

It was to be surpassed by the actual race day! I chilled out in the hotel that I was staying at in the morning, making the most of the infinity pool. Eventually we headed out for the big race. The place was buzzing, with various music acts on like Due Lipa and Martin Garrix on the main stage. 

We took our seats for the drivers parade, my opponent was drinking Tiger Beer, I had a pint of G & T and you could feel the anticipation for the race in the air. 

Sun going down on the second night

Just gone 8pm the starting lights were out and we were watching an awesome spectacular race. I was in my element. By far one of the best sporting events for the whole package I've witnessed. I am so lucky it fell on the same date we were due in to Singapore. What a way to finish this Asian/Pacific part of the trip. 

Due to not sailing when expected, it allowed me to pound the streets of Sembawang (the area we are berthed at the north of the Island). It's so easy to run around here, traffic isn't very busy, the pavements are wide and not very crowded.

Giving my legs a good stretched, still nursing a niggle in the calf but life goes on. 

Now it's over we start to make our way back home, we still have 2 months to go, 8 months done but at least we're on our way home! 

In other news if you've not seen it yet here is the link to my latest video, from my Vietnamese stop >> Click here

Well thanks for reading, thank you too Tailwind Nutrition UK for their continuing support. Until next time!

#GoTailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer

Konnichiwa Daniel Son

As I was still coming to terms with the shocking news of the death of a running friend (see my last blog), we sailed from Brunei in the morning, to carry on with our tasking until we arrive at our next port of call which would be Sasebo in the Nagasaki district of Japan.

I've only ever been to Japan once and that was for 6 days in Tokyo back in 2000.  It's been 18 years ago since I last stood on Japanese soil and I never used to run back then. So I'm very much looking forward to doing so this time round.

Leaving Brunei

Again I attempted to do some research with our limit internet we have, and I've noticed there were a couple of mountains not too far away from the City limits. My goal is to try and venture up one of these, and get some trail running in.

The problem I have is, the ship is always miles away from any where and planning or executing the plans are never as simple as they seem. However this stop does seem to be the best opportunity so far. If all else fails I will get to run another in city.

I'm liking the look of Sasebo in general as it appears to be plenty to do from first glance, looking at the various websites like TripAdvisor. Plenty of cultural things to see, which is something I like doing, as well as the usual enjoying the nights out on the tiles.

As we steamed North, I continued my training at sea. As there were parkruns and runs being dedicated to our friend Sharon, I decided as I didn't have pink to wear, nor was able to do any of the planned runs. I thought it would be good to do a little triathlon of my own. With no pool available (it was very unlikely they would flood the back end of the ship where our landing craft live) for me to swim, I had to do something else instead. I decided the rowing machine would be a suitable swap. Row, Bike, Run would be my tribute to Sharon. Only a small one, but it was a little event suitable for me especially as I don't row or bike that often. I'm pretty sure she would've been happy with that.

I've been pretty much keeping my emotions and thoughts to myself over this, and just getting on with life. I'm away a long time and I really don't want to be depressed for the majority of it.

My local parkrun dressed in pink for Sharon (pic taken from Plymvalley parkrun FB page)

As we progressed northward the weather in the South China Sea started to change as we voyaged up towards Sasebo. The waters were no longer mirror, and the temperature was dropping from being in the 30's into the 20's. It started to make a big difference when it comes to sleeping, as my sleeping area is under our flight deck which just bakes in the Sun.

Eventually after a fair steam, we arrived alongside in the US Naval Base in Sasebo. Like always the first day was a full working day, I'm planning my running around the next couple of days including the usual sight seeing and socialising on top.

Stunning sunrise as we approached Sasebo

So I awoke at 5am to get myself ready for my run, although it is cooler here in Japan it was still quite warm even at 6am in the morning. I awaited on the Jetty for Kelly who was joining me for a run up the mountain, it would be the first run on this trip with company and I was looking forward to it. We directed ourselves to the exit of the dockyard and started our run. It wasn't long before we started our way up the mountain.

The first part took us through a small housing area, the road was narrow and steep. I wouldn't want to try driving around that area as it seemed to be a bit of a squeeze. As we made our way around the steps winding roads, we soon took a path that lead us to a trail section, I loved this section on the way back down. It was full of little shrine along the path, also we came across a memorial to a submarine crew. Not sure why it was up the mountain, but it was a lovely memorial.

Plenty of steps along the trail

Eventually we made it to the top, and I can tell you it was worth every bit of torture getting to the top. It was absolutely amazing. One view I could see over the bay where my ship was berthed and the other view allowed me to over look the "99 Islands".

We took break to take in the views and to catch our breaths. I was really glad I made the decision to go up there, than to take an easier run through the city area instead.  One thing it did show me, was how unconditioned my legs were to climbing. I've been so used to running on the flat, that my legs were really feeling it on the climb up to the top. With the Arc of Attrition in mind, I will definitely have to put some more effort into the stepper or something similar in the gym on board otherwise I will struggle far more on race day.

The view over the bay

Mountain Selfie

Eventually we made our way down, luckily it was all downhill. it was a good opportunity to stretch the legs out, we remembered the way we came up, and apart from the occasional stopping to see bits we missed on the way up we flew all the way down.

I was glad I took some fluid with me, as although I took some money with me I didn't have any change for the vending machines we came across along the way. The place is full of them, literally a drinks vending machine on every corner. 

This time I decided to go with Raspberry flavoured Tailwind. I don't normally use this flavour but I felt something different and to be honest it was a good decision. It was a refreshing change.

Tailwind Nutrition is all you need. 

We made it too the bottom, although it wasn't and uber long run, we covered around 5 miles in total but it was definitely a good work out much needed after the more mundane running on treadmills and the upper deck.

We used the walk back to the ship from the dockyard gate as our cool down The temperature was getting warmer and we were glad we timed our run right. The best way to describe the run, is that it is very similar to the Gibraltar Rock race. Although similar in distance I would say the climb was steeper. Plus it was a more scenically stunning. Definitely my best run on the trip so far, I'm looking forward to more of them.

Me and Kelly at the end. 

We got ourselves showered and not long after we headed out on a trip to Nagasaki. It was a 2 hour train trip to the other city. We decided we wanted to go visit the place the Atom bomb hit during WW2. The train trip although long was pleasant enough, and not that expensive, it cost about 2,500 Yen which is about £15 ish. We had to get a tram which felt very old school to go to the area of the ground zero. That costs 120 yen regardless of the distance travelling.

We started with the Atomic Bomb museum which was very humbling, before heading to the Hypocentre (ground zero) to see the memorial and finished with the peace park. It was really good, I'm glad we went because I don't think I would ever have the opportunity to go to such a promenade place in History again. If you do have the opportunity I highly recommend it.

Nagasaki

So that concludes my blog this time, I thoroughly have enjoyed my visit so far, the rest of time will be chilling and running. Thanks for reading I hope you enjoyed it.

Until next time
Owain
#Gotailwind #Tailwindtrailblazer

The adventure takes me to the heart of Asia...

Where the last blog left off, I was waiting at Port Said at the northern point of the Suez Canal waiting to go through. We did indeed go through the Suez and made our way South towards the Red Sea, soon enough we went from the warm Mediterranean temperatures to the hot and sweat temperatures of Egypt and the Red Sea.

Going through the Suez has changed a lot over the years compared to when I first went through back in 1999. Back then we were on the Forecastle of the ship in shorts and deck shoes working, now we have guys fully manning the guns in body armour etc and no one else is allowed on the upper deck. We were at an enhanced posture all the way down the canal.

After a fair trek, we eventually popped out. The canal is approximately 120 miles long, and all the way down I was thinking, I'd love to run it and try to beat the ship through (Well just get there and the ship pick me up at the end will do). Not do it on a treadmill and do the distance but actually run the length of the canal. Alas I don't think that will ever happen whilst I work within the RN.

So we are in the Red Sea, and my training continues either on the treadmill or around the upper deck. We were slowly sailing down as we were waiting for an American task group and French ship to come through with us. There has recently been attacks in the area on vessels so were were all going though the Bam el Mandeb known as the BAM the choke point of the Red Sea into the Gulf of Aden.

This time our posture would be further enhanced and we'd be closing up into Defence Watches firstly (a 1 in 2 routine) prior to the 12 hour BAM transit where we would then go to Action Stations which is our highest state of readiness, should we be unlucky and be attacked. Luckily we weren't and all was well. It was a long ass day though because some were unlucky to have to say on watch for another 6 hours or more after falling back into Defence Watches.

Bam el Mandeb choke point (pic taken off google)

As we go out of the other side and so forth rumours of where we were heading starting to creep around the ship. Eventually we got told the Far East, but still unsure of whether after Singapore we would be turning right to Australia or left northwards to Japan etc.

With thousands of mile to go across the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, it was going to be a long transit. Training sessions in the gym in the early hours when it was cooler although still very warm or on the upper deck when it was a little cooler either first thing or last thing before sunset. Sessions are now on running, cross trainer, bike and stepper. The stepper is in mind of the Arc of Attrition I have early on in the year next year.

It was also confirmed to us when we were looking at getting back and yes it is now pretty much 10 months away from home. I'm sad that I won't be seeing my family for pretty the whole of the year, but I have to find silver linings and going to the Far East, where I have been luckily with work a few times in the past, I get to go again to. Then the thought of running in some of these places makes me smile. We are just awaiting confirmation of the ship's programme so we can plan things, and for me to be able to see if there is any races I could enter.

Training in the gym

As time went on, we made our way across the Indian Ocean, seeing various things like Flying Fish leaping out of the water, lightening storms of great proportions and beautiful sunsets. We had flight sports and BBQ's in the lovely weather. Occasionally it would rain which was well need to 1. freshen the air and 2. wash down the upper deck of all the sand that built up from the sand storms.

Then we got told where we were going and finally we had a programme, the Government want us to left. So after Singapore left is where we were heading.

I can't tell you off all the places we are going yet, but as I visit them I will continue to update you on my adventure runs.

We made it down the Malacca Strait and finally have about 3 and half weeks we came alongside in Sembewang, Singapore. I've visited here 6 times in total, the first time in 1999 and the last time in 2000 pretty much 18 years ago. The wife had booked me into a hotel for a couple of nights so I could get some time off the ship, abuse their wifi to update my phone etc and so I could be close to one of the parkruns here in Singapore. They have two, 1 in West Coast Park and the other in East Coast Park. The hotel is near the East Coast one. It's an earlier start out here compared to back home, most likely due to the temperatures, they have.

Sunset somewhere along our transit in the Indian Ocean

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little excited to do it. I never thought I'd ever return here to be able to do one here so I'm pretty happy. I woke up early in the hotel my lovely wife booked for me for a couple of nights, and I got my self ready. I made my to the start of the East Coast Park parkrun, as the sun just started to rise. The start was at 7.30am here due to the humidity and the temperatures in the country. Even at that time it was still very hot and humid. Knowing this, I was happy to just go and enjoy the sights as I bumbled along as an easy pace. Soon enough plenty of other runners turned up and and we given the standard pre run briefing, and the tourists like myself had a really nice welcome. I wasn't the only person from the UK, there were about 6 or 7 of us in total. Some on holiday and others like myself there on work reasons.

At the start of the parkrun in Singapore

We walked down to the start and we were off, down the path along the coast. It's a very flat course much like Southsea in Portsmouth but much nicer scenery. Looking out sea you could see the 100's of ships at anchor. I also passed groups doing yoga, Thai Che, etc. It was a very busy park especially at that time in morning.

We soon hit the turnaround point, I high 5'd the marshal thanked her and made my way back to the finish. I crossed the line and scanned my barcodes. Thanking the team I soon left, I had a busy day sort of planned ahead so I didn't hang around to grab a coffee and cake at the nearby Starbucks with the other park runners. Shocking I know, but I had to make my way back to the hotel and get myself sorted. I'm so glad I go out of my air conditioned hotel room and ran it. It was nice to have a little organised event to go to as well. If you're ever out here you can't go wrong with a parkrun.

The view along the way of route of the parkrun

I nailed about a litre of tailwind not for the fuel but for the electrolytes, due to excess sweating thanks to the humidity and the exercise I wanted to make sure I replaced them. Lemon was my choice and it was quite refreshing.

Rehydrating

So my adventures went on into the evening in the various bars and clubs into the early hours with a friend off ship. I had a pretty epic time to be honest, I love it out here and my whole stay reminded me why it's one of my fav places in the world to visit. Highly recommended to be honest!

So we leave soon from here and continue our journey, so until next time when I update you all on my adventures away with work.

Out on the streets of Singapore

Thanks for reading

Owain
#gotailwind #tailwindtrailblazer

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!