Ultra

‘Slip Sliding Away’

It’s not often you get to see and experience the full perspective of a race. Watching the preparation, looking behind the scenes, understanding strategies, decisions and equipment choices.

I have just been fortunate enough to spend the last 10 days at two races; the Transvulcania La Palma in the Canaries and the Zegama race in the Pyrenees.

What was notable about these two races was the runners. Both races had arguably some of the best runners from the trail, ultra and mountain running scene. Both races also offered great contrast. The Transvulcania race was run in hot temperatures over some 50 miles. The Zegama race was marathon distance and took place in cold, wet and even some snow at the top of the mountains.

So, why the post?

Well, Zegama revealed many weaknesses and ultimately bad decisions by runners that seriously affected the ability at which they could perform. Yes! Even at the top of the sport, poor choices can be made.

What should you consider when racing?
1. What terrain will I be running on
2. What will the conditions be like
3. What variables do I need to consider
4. What clothing options will I need and shoe choices
5. Will I need ‘mandatory’ kit to race
6. Race day temperatures and variables
7. Will I need to be self sufficient or will they have feed stations
8. What pace will I run and how long can I expect the event to take
9. Best case scenario
10. Worse case scenario

The above questions are all completely relevant when undertaking any event. Certainly, the longer the event takes or the higher the event goes then the above list has even more relevance.

Assuming that your training is done. You have prepared meticulously and arrived at the race in the best form possible, why ruin it by making decisions or should I say, making a lack of decisions that will ultimately result in a below par performance or even worse, a DNF.

Zegama

As a reference point I am going to use the Zegama race. We arrived in the Pyrenees on Thursday two days before the race. Weather conditions were chilly and wet. On Thursday we attended press conferences, looked at the course and went out for a short 10k run covering a small section of the race route. I was with Mike Wolfe, Nick Clark, Ian Sharman and Marcus Warner. So, as you will note… Mike Wolfe was 2nd at 2011 Western States and Nick Clark was 3rd. Need I say more… Two very experienced ultra runners at the top of the game. We discussed the terrain on the run, the footing, the fact that it would be possible to run quick and as Mike and Nick said, this part of the course was Douche Grade meaning that it was easy. I guess they were right. This part of the course was downhill single track trail and a mix of rock, mud and grass. Mentally the guys made a decision that this was a quick and easy section.

The next day I ran the same section of course but this time went to the summit some 12k away and approximately a 1000m high. This time I was with Serge who is an R&D guy with Salomon. I was also joined by Marcus. Notably the previous night we had had thunder, lightening and torrential rain. A low lying mist covered the course making visibility a little poor but not problematic. The terrain was considerably muddier and much more slippery than the previous day. As we covered the course we discussed sections, looked at possible problems, discussed the weather, discussed temperatures, discussed footwear and then at the summit noted how cold it was. As we did all this I took photographs of sections.

That evening I saw Serge sit with Salomon Team Manager, Greg Vollet and Kilian Jornet and he talked them through step by step what we had done. He mentioned temperatures and he discussed shoes and made recommendations. Imperative. This information was then related to each runner within the team and they than had a team meeting. The information was relayed back to all the runners, clothing for the race was discussed, strategies for feeding/ nutrition planned and they then went to sleep armed with the required knowledge for the race.

By contrast, I showed my images to the other runners and by this I primarily mean the Americans. I relayed that it was potentially chilly on the tops particular if it was constant rain. I also mentioned that it was technical in places with rocks, mud, loose leaves and potential other hazards.

That night it never stopped raining…. Harder and harder. The following morning was considerably colder and snow was forecast for the summits. I had gone to the 7k checkpoint some 2 hours in advance of the race and relayed back by phone that it was cold and wet. At the 7k point the trail was a mud bath and slippery.

As the race unfolded and as I looked on at the, it was apparent that it was going to be a tough day, the front runners slipped away on the terrain. Of course good technique reduced some issues and good shoe choice also made a big difference. But it was apparent that a lack of technique and more importantly the wrong shoes could mean the difference between performing and surviving.

At the summits light snow was falling and then at the final summit a 13k decent lay ahead. Waiting near the last section of trail with just 2 km to the finish I watched runners appear. Firstly Kilian bouncing along like a mountain goat, then Hernando, Tom Owen and the first American, Mike Wolfe. It was a surprise to see Mike as pre expectations had touted Max King as a potential winner. Then Max King arrived not looking happy at all. One by one the Americans arrived and ran past me. As Joe Grant passed I asked how he felt. ‘Not good’ the reply.

Post race talk was about the terrain, the difficulty and more importantly the ability to run or survive the final descent. Although wet and although snow was falling at the summit, few runners said they had got really cold. Certainly the compulsory jacket had helped here! What was apparent though was the inability for many to stay upright.

Nick Clark said I had no grip
Joe Grant said ‘not sure road flats was a good idea…’
Mike Wolfe said ‘I had the wrong shoes’
Max King said ‘I was completely un prepared’
Lauren Jeska said ‘I am just not good on downhills, I couldn’t keep upright’ (importantly, Lauren was leading the women’s race and lost a podium place on the 13k decent, Emelie Forsberg was over 13 min behind Lauren at the top of the last climb but went past her and took 3rd place)
Ian Sharman wrote in his blog ‘It was fun to see what the Skyrunning guys do and to see really European-style races with huge amounts of vert and more technical running than back in the US. In fact, the mud, rain and snow of Zegama made me feel like I was on a fell run in northern England…just wish I’d had some fell shoes with me.’

I have to ask the question what preparation pre race was undertaken to make sure that nothing was left to chance?

It is appropriate here to make one or two defences.

A) The American contingent may very well have struggled with luggage/ baggage allowance that restricted the option to bring multiple shoes (I usually think running first and then bring what will fit after that)
B) Sponsored athletes may very well have not had a shoe available from the sponsors range for the conditions (not much you can do about this BUT Mike Wolfe can use any shoe he wishes as can Joe Grant)
C) Extreme weather that created out of the ordinary conditions (always expect the worst)

So although I provide some defence, between the lines I am sure you can read that ultimately they have no defence… School boy errors that could so easily be rectified. I liken the lack of prep to a new or novice runner.

Prep
Prep
Prep

These guys and girls can run, no doubt but it’s no good being one of the best if you throw it all away by doing a Paul Simon by that i mean, slip sliding away!

less cloud MORE SKY

2012 signifies a key moment in time for Skyrunning. Some 20 years ago, Marino Giacometti introduced a series of races to the world. In 1992 the first circuit was introduced. In the Alps on Adamello, Monte Rosa, Mont Blanc (summit) and then to Nepal for a race to Everest base camp at 5,200m altitude.

Over the years many mountains have been raced upon and many records have been broken, currently 23!

In 2008 it became a Federation, the ISF, International Skyrunning Federation. Currently the ISF has some 20 member countries and 3 associate members.

In an effort to continue delivering quality events and meeting the needs and goals of its participants, the industry and the sport, Skyrunning has evolved and that evolution has resulted at this significant moment in time, May 2012.

We are at the Transvulcania La Palma on the island of La Palma in the Canaries. Skyrunning have brought together one of the greatest ultra running fields ever, runners such as Kilian Jornet, Dakota Jones, Geoff Roes, Mike Wolfe, Erik Clavery, Sebastien Chaigneau, Joe Grant, D’Arcy Africa, Nikki Kimball, Anna Frost, Andy Symonds, Iker Karrera and so many more…

Yes, we ant to see a great race over what has been universally agreed as a ‘stunning course’ but Skyrunning also have another objective… With the race over and Dakota Jones crowned men’s champion and Anna Frost crowned ladies champion, a three day conference has been assembled to discuss the future of Skyrunning. It’s a key moment in time as not only is the Federation accepting that they need to move forward but they are also accepting that to move forward they need to listen to and discuss what the athletes, journalists, team managers and sponsors want. It’s refreshing to have such a forward thinking approach.

The conference ‘less cloud MORE SKY’ took place over three afternoons.

Day one showed all participants the history of Skyrunning. How it began, key moments, an introduction to the key athletes, a talk by ‘Sky Doc’ on the physical demands the sport places on its athletes and we also had some great video footage of races and events from the past.
Day two concentrated on media and in particular how social media can dictate how the sports future is made or broken. Athletes and journalists alike openly discussed how social media such as Facebook and Twitter are used to help get a message across to a media hungry public. Next day, a week later or even a month later is no longer acceptable for ‘News’. We want the news NOW and we expect it… It has it’s pros and it has it’s cons!
Day three I guess was the most important day. Although all participants had an opportunity to interact on the previous two days, day three discussed how the sport would progress and how the series would unfold. It was a great debate and all parties really did bring something to the table making Skyrunning look at its series of events, the locations that they use and how they can develop the sport so that European and non European runners have the opportunity to race on a level playing field.

Of course at this stage it was a point of discussion and the ISF now need to go away and discuss and bring together all that has been discussed over the last three days and formulate a plan for the future. It’s no easy task but I feel confident that in the hands of Marino Giacometti and Lauri Van Houten that the future of the sport is in safe hands. They are passionate about what they do, what they offer and they understand that although the sport needs to progress to the demands of the public, the participants and the sponsors they also know that they must not loose the roots of the sport and what makes it great.

With the inclusion of ‘Vertical’ and ‘Ultra’ circuits to the already very successful Skyrunner World Series the sport has exciting times ahead…

It is now important that we as athletes now work hard to ensure that our future in the sport is one of harmony, cohesion and importantly, as Marino and Lauri said, ‘in the spirit of the sport’ so that it’s future is secure.

We will face new challenges, new horizons and we must go to our respective home countries and/or federations and ensure that we remove the cloud so that we can all see MORE SKY!

Notes:

The ISF new formula world series offers a distance for every runner with three stand alone circuits and a combined title. Twenty spectacular races available across the world. Skyrunning offers more titles, more prize money and without a doubt, more kilometres and more altitude.

ISF MEMBER COUNTRIES
Andorra, Brazil, Bulgaria, Costa Rica, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, USA, and Venezuala.

Skyrunning Contacts
Skyrunning
info@skrunning.com

2012 CALENDAR
SKYRUNNER WORLD SERIES
Spain – Maraton Alpina Zegama-Aizikorri May 20
Italy – Giir Di Mont Skymarathon July 29
Switzerland – Course De Sierre-Zinal Aug 12
USA – Pikes Peak Marathon Aug 19
Malaysia – Mount Kinabulu Climbathon Oct 14

VERTICAL KILOMETER SERIES
Russia – Elbrus May 7
Greece – Gerania June 10
Italy – Dolomites Jul 20
Switzerland – Le KM vertical de Fully, Valais Oct 20
Spain – Puig Campana, Valencia Nov 11

SKYRACE SERIES
Russia – Elbrus May 9
Greece – Goura Coninth May 27
Italy – Dolomites Jul 22
UK – Snowdon Jul 21
France – Marathon Du Montcalm Aug 18

ULTRA SKYMARATHON
Spain – Transvulcania La Palma May 12
USA – Speedgoat 50k, Utah Jul 28
Italy – Trofeo Kima, Sondrio Aug 26
Spain – Cavalls de Vent, Pyrenees Sep 29
France – La Course des Templiers, Millau Oct 28

2012 SKY GAMES
RIBAGORZA ROMANICA, PYRENEES, SPAIN. JUNE 29 to JULY 8

EcoTrail de Paris 2012

Another year and another EcoTrail. Since 2008 I have been in and out of Paris on a regular basis. Niandi, although South African born is a Parisian at heart and after living in the City for 20 years she considers it her home! I personally love the place. It’s my favourite City. No doubt!

In 2008 the EcoTrail de Paris was originated. I missed the first edition but 2009 was my introduction to the event. What could be better, 50 miles of trails, beautiful forests, stunning views and of course, the best finish line in any race. A night time run up to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. It’s magical.
In my first year I ran with Niandi wanting to enjoy the experience together. Although I had a tough day I loved it.

In 2010 I went back with friends and ran quicker, in 2011 I went back again and ran quicker. Each time I missed my own target of sub 8 hours.

This year, although my training had not been perfect I hoped would be my year. As it turned out, it wasn’t. Not by a long shot…..

The EcoTrail has developed considerably over the five years of its life and they now offer a 30k, 50k and 80k option. The races start outside the centre of Paris and you basically run into the city with a final 10k along the Seine and an ascent to the first floor of the Eiffel Tower for the 80k runners at the finish. The course is predominantly trail through woods, forests and trails. You have a few villages to pass through and few road sections but ultimately it is wonderful off road trail.

Temperatures in Paris shot up to the mid 20’s when I arrived on the Friday. On Saturday, race day, with a midday start we knew it was going to be a tough one. The previous day I had discussed with Jean Charles the Race Director, about the feed stations. In previous years they had the first feed and 14 miles and the second at 31 miles…. A long way! JC informed me that they had added an extra feed station to fill the gap! Good, it was needed and particularly with the weather forecast.

On race day, the sun beat through our hotel window at 7am. It was going to be hot. We made our way leisurely to the start allowing for plenty of time. With such weather it was no problem to be out in the open air relaxing on the grass. We had an opportunity to meet up with French friends; Huguette, Katel, Jean Pierre and I also met up with Emre Tok from Turkey.

At midday we started. It’s always congested initially as 2000 runners head out to the trails. I controlled my effort wanting to slowly move up the field without exerting too much energy. My target was to run 8 min miles on the flat and power the hills. Within 8 miles I had moved up the field and was running in clear space with small groups of runners. The heat was beating down but I felt good. Relaxed even!

The first feed seemed to come quickly. I filled two 500 ml bottles and probably had about 500 ml left in my bladder. I grabbed food and walked out of the station taking 3-5 mins to eat while still making progress on the course.

I was now much more in isolation with just handfuls of runners here and there. Twenty miles came and I was suddenly feeling not too great. I was getting some spasm in my legs, particularly calfs and I was starting to feel just not 100%. Nausea was making feel light Heade and I was getting some double vision. I couldn’t understand it? I had drunk over 2 litres of electrolyte drink at this point. Surely I couldn’t be dehydrated. The previous night I had had some bad headaches late at night. I was beginning to think that maybe I had picked up a bug.

From here on in it just got worse and worse. Headaches, tightness in my chest, my throat ‘closing’ not allowing me to drink. The climbs became purgatory and the flat sections just ridiculous. I was jog/ walking and could do no more. Runners started to come past me and it was becoming survival. Not really what I wanted….

I though of JC telling me that they had added a feed station and I thought, I just need to get to that! I went through the marathon in 4 hours, so, I was sort of on my 8 hour pace but I just knew that unless I got energy, hydration and somehow had a remarkable recovery, this was not my day…. The feed finally came but it was at 30 miles!!! Yes, some 16 miles after the first. It turned out NOT to be a feed station but just a water point.

I have only ever quit one other race and that was because of a hernia! The process of handing my number in at the second feed in the EcoTrail was an easy one! I was in bits. No broken! I had no mental strength and no determination to push myself to the end. I wouldn’t say I am the ‘best’ at suffering but I can do it. Today was not one of those days.

The feeling of complete emptiness is one that I never wish to experience again. Double vision, a dried up tight throat that made it difficult to swallow, sickness and this tightness in my chest that did have me a little concerned. I thought of Dean Karnazes saying that you should always try to finish but sometimes a DNF is okay when those initials mean Did Nothing Fatal!

It may sound extreme but I have never quite had a run experience like it.

The EcoTrail is a race I love. Paris is a place I love. I still have wonderful memories and although 2012 edition of the EcoTrail is not the story I wanted, it is still a story and one that we can all learn from! Ultimately, it’s ONLY RUNNING. Running is an enhancement of my life, a passion, an enjoyment, an opportunity to mix and bond with similar people. Saturday became purgatory and I never want running to become that! I accept good and bad days, I accept the will and determination required to complete an ultra but ultimately for me I must have the overall sensation of enjoyment. I was not enjoying Saturday!

With my number handed in, other runners began to drop like flies. Looking back, I don’t think I had a bug. I’m pretty sure I had a combination of several things but more importantly my race came to an end through dehydration! I have always needed plenty of liquid and importantly salt. Although by that 30 mile point I had consumed 2.5 Lts of Electrolyte, it wasn’t enough.

In addition to all the above, my build up to EcoTrail was not perfect. Don’t get me wrong, no excuses. The day was the day! But I have been burning the candle at both ends with extremely long and stressful work hours, reduced training and little sleep. I guess ultimately something has to give! A hot day, 50 miles of trails and I guess not being 100% contributed in what was on the day, an easy decision.

Of course, the day after is always the tough one. As I walk around Paris and see ‘finisher T shirts’ everywhere you think to yourself, was I just weak! Could I have carried on? I guess the answer is yes. Would I have achieved anything? Well, other than another finish, no. Best to take in the views, eat and drink! Why not…

I wanted to look at the big picture and in the coming two months I have a stacked calendar. To pull out and hopefully speed up the recovery process will mean that I can be back fighting sooner rather than later.

This coming weekend I have a 50k recce in the English Lakes on the Lakeland 50/100 route, two weeks after that I am heading to Turkey to report on the first edition of the Iznik Ultra and participate in the 60k. The weekend after that I have London Marathon which I hope will be ‘just fun’ and then the week after that I will be in Scotland for the Highland Fling; another tough 50 miler. Again at the Highland Fling I will be working/ running, so, the pressure is off. I will just be a participant, but, 50 miles is still 50 miles even if you try to take it easy.

So, another great weekend in Paris and of course I have the opportunity to go back to the race and try to put the record straight next year!!!

All experiences are valid, even the bad ones!

Hoka One One – STINSON B EVO

Hoka One One is the brainchild of two gravity sports enthusiasts Jean Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud. Both men have been adventuring as long as they can remember and their trail running experiences have taken them across the globe. They quickly came to an important conclusion; fatigue, impact and muscle strain were challenges that runners of all stripes had to deal with. So, Jean Luc and Nicolas came up with a brilliant idea, why not design a shoe that would help to alleviate these problems.

This week I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Steve Couper from Sidas and go through the new Hoka One One range for 2012. Needless to say, this was a real bonus. After some discussions with Steve and Nicolas, I was aware that the 2012 range had some significant changes and importantly, a new shoe.

First thinks first, the new shoe!

STINSON B EVO

Wow – first impressions are stunning. Steve had all the colour ways on display of this new show but your eyes to go straight to the Unisex show with the bright and bold Hoka One One written on the side of the shoe. The white/Cyan/Citrus colours stand out and just draw attention.

The Stinson B Evo is designed for racing performance and as such is designed around precision and flexibility. The new outsole design includes high abrasion EVA lugs to improve on weight without sacrificing abrasion resistance. The surface profile, as a whole, has been altered to provide enhanced grip (in comparison to the Combo XT/Stinson) on challenging terrain such as wet rocks and mud as well as providing greater uphill traction.

Stinson B Evo sole

The upper has been optimised to provide a precise racing fit and this shoe feels much more streamlined with improved forefoot hold. The upper is also considerably more breathable, it balances all aspects of weight, support and breathability perfectly. There is a pull-cord quick lace system for rapid adjustment (conventional laces also supplied). The midsole which includes a new contoured sidewall synchronises perfectly with the 25mm recessed misdsole. Finally, the Stinson B Evo includes and ortholite insole which improves comfort through its breathability, anti bacterial properties and the fact it will not compress over extended use.

Technology

The Stinson B Evo provides off road racing performance thanks to an enhanced sole and ‘rocker’ profile. The rocker profile creates a smooth energy efficient stride transition. As with all shoes in the Hoka One One range, the Stinson B Evo uses oversize technology with 2.2x the EVA volume of conventional run shoes. This ensures high impact resistance, a smooth underfoot feel and importantly, this enhanced sole allows you to run over mixed terrain in much more comfort allowing you to keep the pressure on and the pace up. Your foot actually sits ‘within’ the sole in a ‘bucket’, this allows for an unparalleled level of  control. In addition, the new grooves in the sole allow for enhanced flexibility.

Colour Options & Stock

The two main colour ways that runwildrunfree will stock for 2012 will be Citrus/Black/Cyan and Anthracite/Citrus/Black.

Citrus/Black/Cyan - Unisex

Anthracite/Citrus/Black - 7.5UK to 13.5UK

In addition to the above, I will have available for PRE ORDER ONLY the limited edition White/Cyan/Citrus with the ‘Hoka One One’ branding on the side. This is a real ‘statement’ shoe and as such will be the shoe to be seen in come 2012.

White/Cyan/Citrus 4.5Uk - 12UK

Sizing? If you currently use either Mafate or the Combo XT in the UK we recommend that you order the same size. If you are currently using the Bondi B, we recommend a 1/2 size smaller. If you are new to Hoka One One, we recommed that you size up by a 1/2 size.

Ordering? I will take pre orders on all shoes and colour ways with an expected delivery in March 2012. I not require advance payment until the shoes arrive in the UK, however, I will require you to complete an order form with a £25 deposit.

Contact? Please email me at ian@hokaoneoneuk.co.uk

Stock? UK stock of all Hoka One One shoes in the first six months of 2012 will be limited. I therefore strongly advise you to avoid disappointment by acting in advance.

Price? £136 plus recorded postage (please remember that Hoka One One shoes last considerably longer than conventional run shoes, 6-800 miles)

Trail du Mercantour


Menton has been a favourite family holiday destination for over 25 years. So much so that Mum & Dad purchased a time share some years ago. Since Dad passed away in 2009, Menton has become even more special. September in particular. A few reasons for this, Dads birthday is on the 18th, Mums on the 24th and most importantly it where Mum and myself spread Dads ashes. It was his request.
In 2010 I was with Mum for ‘our week’. An opportunity for some sun, an opportunity to reminisce and an opportunity to be with Dad on his birthday. Not in a sad way, but in a way that I am sure you can all understand.
I digress. It was in 2010 that I noticed a race called the ‘Trail du Mercantour’. To be honest, I couldn’t miss it as race registration was almost outside our hotel on the beach. Of course I hadn’t planned to race, firstly I didn’t know about it and secondly some seven days later I was running Millau 100k in Provence. But it was just too tempting….. With three races on offer, 17k, 29k and 53k I made the sensible option and picked the 17k. I loved it. I raced hard and got 4th place. I swore I would come back for the long one!


So, 2011 came around. Niandi and myself entered the 53k and headed over to France for a long weekend. Menton is the last place on the south coast of France. In fact it is almost Italian. Everyone speaks both languages and the restaurants seem to split themselves evenly between both cuisines. It has a beautiful old town and has a pace on the slower side in comparison to Nice, Cannes and St Tropez. With about an hours travel time from Nice airport it is a perfect place for a relaxing break or a race!

THE RACE


The race is a point to point race staring at the Col du Turini some 50+kms away from Menton. The race retraces a route back to the coast and sea level by trail along mountain passes. After 24k it passes through the village of Sospel, here the 29k and 17k races start. The 29k race is the same route as the remainder of the 54k route, the 17k race veers off for a shorter more direct route to the coast after a few km’s. Having done the 17k race I thought I knew what the course would be like! No! I could not have been more wrong…… To put it bluntly, it is one of the toughest races I have done and without doubt the hardest 50k race. To put things into perspective, my PB for a trail 50k is 3:46. This race took 7:45 and the winning time was 6 hours!

AN EARLY START


Niandi and myself were up at 4:30am to eat, have some coffee and then make our way to the race bus that would transport us to the race start in the mountains. Leaving on time at 6am we arrived at the Col at 7:30am. We immediately rushed to the hotel that was open. Keep warm, drink more coffee and then get ready. We ventured outside with 10mins to spare before the off.
It started to rain. It started to thunder. It started lightning. Oh my goodness we thought! The Trail du Mercantour is infamous for the death of 3 runners a few years ago. They got stranded on the course in bad weather, got hyperthermia and died. It was this set of circumstances that caused the French to review the whole procedures and kit requirements that go into a race. Makes sense. So if in future you are racing in France And think they are being a little too particular on ‘required kit’, think back to this, it may give some perspective.


Niandi and myself made our goodbyes and we headed off in torrential rain. Immediately going up to the top of the Col. In no time we where heading down, and down, and down. It was tough. The trail was slippery, technical and mentally you needed to be very focused. I was in a good place holding a position in the top 10. I felt pretty good but it was apparent that my decending skills did not match the French and Italians. I was better than most but nowhere near as good as the front runners. You really need to be running on terrain this technical on a regular basis to feel confident and at ease with it. I was working much harder than I needed to or should have been doing to keep in touch. I found it mentally exhausting having to watch for each foot placement and plan my route down.


The course was marked by orange and green ribbons and I must say the route was marked brilliantly. Two major check points were supplemented with smaller check points, it was necessary to ‘dib in’ with a timing chip. As I ran I was thinking of Niandi. She loves trail but she doesn’t love technical trail. In fact she hates it. Pre race we had discussed the option of her pulling out at Sospel, 24k into the race if she was having problems. Alternatively, she could make her race shorter by taking the 17k route back to Menton.

I soon found that I was alone on the trail. The effort of trying to keep with the front five was too much and when I lost my footing and face planted the trail. Caution was always going to take over! Although the route was well marked, several runners went off course. On two occasions I shouted to a few runners as they headed off in the wrong direction.


When not running down we where going up. Technical twisty trail, slippery in places but in general it was just the gradient and length of climbs that made them hard. Pretty much everyone was using poles and those that didn’t have them searched in the woodland for sticks to help them. After 24k I arrived at Sospel in 2:30hrs which I was happy with. I was still up at the front end of the field but some way off the ‘goats’ at the very front. At Sospel we were greeted by all the runners who would be doing the 17k race. They had a start time of 10:30am. I stopped, dibbled in, filled my two bottles, grabbed some pretzels and moved on. I would now be climbing out of Sospel for quite some time. Initially we had a short road section before branching off on to single track. Suddenly I was surprised by runners around me. The 17k race had started. Of course, they only had 17k to run and they were as fresh as daisies. I was conscious that I was going to be in the way. I was working hard running when I could, power walking when I couldn’t. Funny because I soon realised that I was going no slower than everyone else. The trail soon split with the 53 and 29k route going to the left and the 17k going to the right. I was now alone again.


I know had a section of wooded trail. It was muddy and pretty slippery but very runnable. I started to catch the tail end of the 29k race that had started earlier. Moving past them I pushed on as best I could and then we hit the major climb. Starting at about 1,000m we would now climb to 4500m (over 0,000ft). This climb was hard. Pace was slow and it was a matter of gritting your teeth and getting on with it. I reckon it was taking 30 minutes to cover a mile here. Although raining it was warm. I suddenly felt flat. Lacking energy and feeling thirsty. I had been so preoccupied with keeping up right and maintaining my effort that I had neglected to eat. Certainly I hadn’t eaten enough. I take salt tablets every hour to keep my electrolytes balanced but I was also feeling dehydrated. I took time out to eat an energy bar and push on. After 4:30hrs I was out of liquid and desperate for a feed station. Of course, I was in the middle of nowhere so the only option was to keep going. After hours of climbing I reached a plateau and waiting at the top was a car with a couple of Italians. They had water and ice tea. Desperate for liquid I filled both my bottles with ice tea, immediately drank one and then refilled it. The Italian lady was shaking hands at me and making gestures. I smiled and nodded and in French asked if I needed to ‘dib in’ my timing chip. In true fashion she threw both arms in the air and told me it was ahead. I left now running down some good trail.

After a short distance I arrived at a feed station and check point. Funny that these two had been so close! It later turned out that I had taken some Italian couples picnic…. Well at least their ice tea!!! No wonder she was so vocal. Funny when I think back but I was so in need of liquid that I just didn’t think or question. At this feed I now moved to Coke. I had been thinking for the mlast few miles about having a nice cold Coke with ice and lemon. Of course I had no ice or lemon but the coke would more than suffice. I filled both bottles and was off.


More climbing now and this time it was like being in a quarry. Rocky hard terrain that was tough on the legs, quads, ankles and knees. I was so glad to be wearing the Hoka One One. The cushioning really helped to remove the harshness from the terrain. After a long climb we reached a plateau, crested and then had a very long technical decent to Menton in the distance.


Going down these rocky trails now was even harder. Tired legs, tired mind and it was easy to slip. I seemed to have a lack of connection between my thought process and action. I would be thinking one thing only to find my legs didn’t follow the thought process. I was loosing time when I should have been making it up but I had little choice. I lost 4/5 places over the final 90 minutes.

I was really thinking of Niandi here. I knew that this would be way beyond her comfort zone. She loves to run and she is bloody good at it. She loves the mountains and she loves trail but rocky and technical is just not her thing!

Finally I crossed under the autoroute and was running in the outskirts of Menton. I was looking for the cemetery that would give me the route back down to sea level and the beach finish. It finally came.


Within 10 minutes I was at the finish. It had taken me 7:44 to cover the 53k. I had climbed 10,000ft and decended 15,000ft. Although I had run the 17k race last year, the 53k race had been a surprise. I hadn’t anticipated it to be so difficult. The finish times and dnf’s reflect the severity. I WS 20th overall and although not disappointed I do feel it is a case of what might have been. I certainly couldn’t have been at the front with the winner in 5:53 but I do feel as though 6:30 to 6:45 is a realistic target.


At the finish I waited for Niandi. I was worried. I knew she would be hating being out on that mountain. My phone went and I had a message saying that she couldn’t keep upright and that her spirit was broken! I phoned, no answer. I was trying to decide if I should head back on the course and retrace. It wasn’t that I could do much but I could at least offer moral support. I decided against it. I was worried that Niandi may take a different route or that I may miss her. I headed to the old town and waited. She finally arrived. I could see the fatigue, the frustration and the desire for the finish in her face. I stopped the traffic, she ran across the road to the beach front, I ran at her side and then branched left to wait at the finish line. She crossed in 10:30hrs. Big hug and then the tears came! She was broken. Mentally and physically.

Post race Niandi was frustrated by what she considered to be a poor performance. No bad performance at all. She had achieved something in that race that so few people would even contemplate. We started in thunder, lightning and rain. We had climbed 10,000 ft, decended 15,000ft and had covered 33 very tough miles. No failure. No failure at all.

Sometimes it’s the taking part that is actually the achievement. To finish is enough and I have to say at the ‘Trail du Mercantour’ to finish was enough. It’s a great race, I thoroughly recommend it. It’s a beautiful and tough course in a great part of the world. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Would Niandi do it again? Mmmmmmm, what do you think?


Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
http://www.runwildrunfree.co.uk

Location:Menton, South of France

Elsecar Skelter, August 13th 2011

Niandi returned from her weekend in Paris and congratulated me on what turned out to be a joint 2nd place at the Dovedale Dipper in Derbyshire. It soon became apparent that as I talked about the event; the course, the low key nature, the organization, the feed stations and basically what a great event it was, Niandi wanted the buzz too! So, armed with the LDWA book I found the Elsecar Skelter – a 27 mile challenge over a trail route in Yorkshires finest countryside.

The event had a start of 08:30 but the we where only about an hours drive away so our typical 06:00 start was no hassle. The HQ was in the center of Elsecar, The Market Hotel which was just next to the Heritage Center. As with all these events it was very low key. Plenty of friendly faces and everyone willing to help. We picked up our packs and the ‘route book’. Wow, the route book… it was like War & Peace. Niandi looked at it and felt instantly ill.

“When you said navigation, I thought you meant just following signs” exclaimed Niandi “well, you are going to have to run with me as I can’t run and follow that!”

I wasn’t worried. I was looking forward to today being an opportunity for Niandi and myself to run together and also for me it was more miles in the legs. I was happy for those miles to be easier than the previous weeks marathon at Dovedale. On the start line serious looking runners looked each other up and down. Yorkshire breeds a tough, hardy runner and we were surrounded by them! At the ‘off’ two lads sped away looking as though they meant business… within 50yds they missed the first right turn. It was going to be a long day I thought. As I made the turn with the two other guys ahead going straight on, I questioned if it was myself that was wrong? Never good when you still have 27 miles to go. However, reassuringly I was correct. Importantly, you must always do your own navigation. Make your own mistakes and don’t second guess the decisions.

Early pace was relatively sedate as we ran up narrow single track, climbed over a stile and then ran through some open fields.

We soon had a small road section, past Cottages, over another stile, through a field and then entering a wood. It was very easy to go wrong but the route book was very well written. It was clear, informative and descriptive. The only issue is when you are trying to move at spped it is difficult to run, read and navigate without missing something. We passed ‘Hoober Stand’ – a 30m high building on a ridge situated in the village of Wentworth. The building designed by Henry Flitcroft was built to commemorate the 1745 quashing of the Jaccobite rebellion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoober_Stand). So, now you know…. it made a nice backdrop for Niandi as she ran past.

Running through Hoober Village Niandi and myself were pretty much running on our own. In the distance we could see one runner. Ahead of him just 2 or 3 others. Running up we came to the brow of a hill and the village of Nether Haugh. Navigation here became a little more complicated…. ‘bear right on tarmac track and take path left of house number 19, go forward (hidden mausoleum on right) on path to corner of field and turn left keeping hedge on right’

As you can see, very descriptive instructions and in most cases very reassuring. Any mistakes could soon be corrected relatively quickly. However, even though I ‘thumbed’ the route it was easy to jump a sentence and then I would find I was ahead of myself and starting to question if I was right. It all comes down to practice, the more you do the better you get. Wentworth Woodouse was in view, a stunning grade 1 listed country house (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wentworth_Woodhouse)

The first check point came. We had our cards clipped, drank juice, picked up a snack and then we were off. After a section of trail and fields we entered an industrial estate and stupidly I followed the direction of one lone runner in front. After 3-400m I realized we were wrong. As we back tracked I saw one runner turn where we should have turned. Back on the trail we were running uphill when suddenly a group of 4 caught us and ran past…. despite this being training I always find this difficult. I am far too competitive! But I behaved. Needless to say Niandi would not have been too happy to see me get the bit between my teeth and head up the trail…. At the top of this section a group of approximately 6 of us looked at each other; we were all wrong. We had missed a path off to the left lower down. A ‘local’ guy who obviously knew his way around went off piste and we followed, over the brow and running through a field and checkpoint 2 was in front of us. Another banquet. This checkpoint would be visited again much later in the day when we ran our figure of 8 loop.

This next section between checkpoint 2 and 3 was the toughest of the route. It had plenty of open rutted fields, gnarly ground, corn fields and thick overgrown vegitation. Believe me, both our legs have the scars to prove how tough this bit was. Navigation was also a little difficult but we managed (just about). We also had a ‘self check’ checkpoint on this route just to ensure no cheating took place. Liked that idea! The course really was a surprise. It was beautiful, tough and the weather was kind. What more could you want. After approximately 13 miles covered checkpoint 3 came and with it the option to take the shorter 20 mile route or commit and go for the 27 mile option. I could see some hesitation in Niandi and when we were asked “20 or 27?” the very quick response from myself came “27”. Pretty sure Niandi thanked me for that decision later in the day….

As we left I immediately went the wrong way. Apparently we needed a ‘supplement’ to the road book for the 27 route. Luckily I had this! Somewhere… !?! Back on track we headed off with the riniging voice of one of the marshalls saying

“This bits tricky…. easy to get lost… complicated… watch out at Dragons Den….”

OMG – Dragons Den… what are we running into? We ran down a path, through a stone yard, over a stile, ran across a field and then ran up a grass bank to meet the road and a left turn. Down the road I looked for a bungalow which apparently our ‘path’ was opposite. Mmmmm apparently not! Aaagh – that bungalow – you mean the bungalow that doesn’t look like a bungalow… ok.

Now in moorland we headed towards the sklyline and a power pylon. The path stopped, a stile was in front of us but the route book didn’t say ‘go over’ the stile. Another runner came. He was local and very well experienced on the course… he had ‘given us the nod’ once or twice before! We chatted and tried to decide on the route. I took the stile and ran on whatt was a definite path. After 5 mins or so it just didn’t feel right. I retraced and did what is always the best thing to do in these situations, go back to the last place you know is correct and then re navigate.

I was back on the track and then we had a ‘self check’ point at Dragons Den. All made sense now…. those marshals new that this area was open to going wrong. Wharncliffe Crags – wow!!! This section of rough tough trail was absolutely fantastic, Tough underfoot, great views and stunning.

The edge which is characterised as a steep rock face for much of its four kilometre length runs from just east of the village of Deepcar in a roughly south easterly direction to just east of Wharncliffe Side. Wharncliffe Crags stand on the eastern side of the upper River Don valley at a height of around 250 metres above sea level with the highest spot height being 297 metres.

Here is a little clip of me running at full speed on my way down to the edge of the Crags. Needless to say my Hoke One One Combo XT helping to remove all the harshness out of the terrain.

After a short section of forest we now re joined the original route book and our ‘detour’ to build the mileage for the 27 mile option was over. Running uphill we arrived at Wortley Church.

Passing trough a metal gate, we turned right, crossed the road and entered the grounds for Wortley Hall (http://www.wortleyhall.org.uk/) The hall is a stunning location, a beautiful building set in beautiful grounds. Waiting for us here was the ‘famous’ checkpoint 4.

All the feed stations in this race were superb but ‘4’ was the icing on the cake! The walkers would certainly be able to benefit from the spread on offer… i grabbed a jam tart, or was it two? Niandi was her usual restrained self, body is a temple and all that and took a whopping piece of chocolate cake!!!

It was the home run now and feeling refreshed from the joys of checkpoint 4 we pushed on. We now began to retrace some of the route from the earlier part of the day. Fields, gates, paths and routes had a familiarity. It was reassuring. However nothing looks the same when running in the opposite direction. From here on navigation was relatively easy. I had taken on the tactic of running ahead, stopping, naviagting, waiting for Niandi and then pushing on. We ‘self clipped’ at checkpoint 4a and then had a really great section of forest before suddenly arriving at checkpoint 5 (this was the same checkpoint as 2 from earlier in the day). Up the hill, over the bridge and now climbing up through more trails and then a fast run down past a golf course. We then joined a road opposite Tankersley Church, turned right and then ran past Tankersley Old Hall (http://www.wildyorkshire.co.uk/naturediary/docs/2001/9/7.html), famous as this was featured in the classic film ‘Kes’ – http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064541/

After the Hall we took a path left and the final checkpoint, a ‘self clip’ set in a wooden pathway was ahead of us. We now ran the final miles at a good pace. Navigation was easy and the terrain was good underfoot. After a few miles we came to a reservoir. We ran around the reservoir, through a park, past a bandstand and then suddenly we were back! 28.5 miles in the bag.

Back at the race HQ both Niandi and myself were told that we had made top 10. A good result considering a definite lack of pace due to the navigation. However, the result was not important, we had both had a fantastic day out on a stunning course with brilliant organization. At the finish we even had the treat of a finishing certificate, a ‘sew on’ patch and a meal of ‘Pie n Peas’ – a delicacy for Yorkshire. Have to say the pie went down really well…. nothing like creating a hunger with a long tough run. Of course I could feel even more smug….unlike Niandi I hadn’t had a whopping piece of chocolate cake at checkpoint 4!!!!

Dovedale Dipper August 7th 2011

 

The Dovedale Dipper is a ‘challenge’ event organized by Matlock Rotary Club offering a  15 mile walk or a 26.5 mile run over a circular route in the Derbyshire Peak District starting and not surprisingly ending in the village of Hartington.

This years edition I believe was the 9th running of the event and I have to say that Matlock Rotary Club did a great job. Superb planning, a great ‘route book’, great check points with a really good selection of food and liquid and at the end some hot food and drink. What more could you ask for? I certainly feel the ‘on the day’ entry fee of £15 (cheaper if entered in advance) was money well spent.

To be honest, on the Friday before the event I knew nothing about the event never mind the fact that I would be taking part. One of my coaching clients had sent me a text, told me it was local and that it was a tough and beautiful course. It all sounded too good to be true. I had a free weekend as Niandi was in Paris returning Stanislas after her week long brthday…. my training plan had me scheduled for a long run close to marathon distance, so it was logical that I turn up and run a new course with company.

Hartington Village Hall was full of people on my arrival. As I had walked to registration I had already seen plenty of walkers heading out on the route looking to get some early miles in the bag. The official challenge walk of 15 miles started at 09:30 and then the full challenge of 26.5 miles started at 10:00. Difficult to say how many took part but at least 150 in the main event.

At 10am we set off and the early pace was very sedate. The route book was very detailed and with having no knowledge of the route I held back and looked for the ‘locals’ to set the pace. Within a mile it was clear that one or two front runners knew the route. I quickly found myself in 2nd place following the eventual race winner, Gary.

My plan was to run this event sensibly and not ‘race’ it. Within 2 to 3 miles I settled into my pace and let Gary slowly pull away. I had him in sight for the next few miles so I had a carrot to follow, however, I soon had company with Del Salt (http://delsalt.blogspot.com) and Sean Ketteridge.

I was in good company… very god company. Both Del and Sean are very experienced ultra runners and Del has represented GB.

The first checkpoint came at Sparlow after 5.5 miles. Sean and myself arrived and we were quickly followed by Del. This actually turned out to be pretty much the format for the whole race. Sean and myself happy to run and chat, Del would sometimes surge away, come back and then when the road went up would fall back slightly. Del however new the route and this was invaluable. Sean and myself every now and then found ourselves stood looking at the route book only to have Del come past and lead the way. It soon became apparent that the most logical thing was to run together. Certainly it was a decision I made. The pace for me was spot on, about 1 min slower than race pace and I also feel that Del and Sean had similar thoughts to me.

This is the Peak District and the race is called the Dovedale Dipper, so, it was inevitable that some hills would soon appear. Funny wahen you look at the GPS data as the first 7-8 miles look all uphill but it didn’t feel like that; maybe fresh ‘ish’ legs?

Checkpoint 2, Longnor was not far away but we had a nice climb to get over first. Walk/ jogging to the summit we then ran down to Warslow. In-front was the infamous Ecton Hill. I now say infamous as I have experienced it and of course heard everyone else moan about it.

Our group of 3 remained together and we pushed onwards. Great views at the top but we didn’t have time to hang around. Back on pace we pushed taking turns at the front. Over Wetton Hill and then the 4th checkpoint came. A couple of cups of juice and some calories and we were off.


Traversing over Castern Wood we had some great views. I was feeling really comfortable and the decision to run as a group was really paying dividends. We all pushed a little keeping each other honest but not so hard that we were hanging. When we split up we always reformed. It wasn’t a concious decision but our paces were so similar that this just seemed to be the natural pattern of events.

The terrain for the whole route was generally good with a great mix. Grassy fields one minute, worn trail the next, rutted rocky paths and of course hills; plenty of hills. I was using a new shoe from Hoka One One called the ‘Combo XT’. This new addition to the Hoka range combines the trail Mafate and the road Bondi B and ‘combos’ them into this shoe. I have to say I was 100% impressed. Great grip and a plush comfortable ride over the multitude of different terrain that the peaks had to offer.

Combo XT by Hoka One One

We had a tough rocky and slippery decent to Milldale and the next checkpoint. In the valley we lifted the pace. Flat stony trail suddenly provided a platform of consistent running. Sean and Del lifted ran strong and I hung back a little trying to decide if I wanted to run this quick in the latter stages of a long run. I guess ego took over and I decided yes. Having spent the best part of 21 miles with these guys I wasn’t prepared to let them go. I knew when it came to the finish we would all be together with the same time and that seemed appropriate after a full days running.

Along the valley floor Del told us we had a kick in the tail. The short sharp shock of Beresford dale. It is a short steep climb that we power walked and then once over the top we re lifted the pace and ran down the longest road stretch of the event back to the Village hall at Hartington.

Gary had arrived some 15 minutes before and we arrived in 4hrs 02m all in joint 3rd place.

Great day out. Great course and a real pleasure to run with Gary and Del.

Big thanks to Matlock Rotary Club for a superb and friendly event with excellent organization, checkpoints and support throughout.