Race Report - Shipley Country Park Orienteering - 11th July 2015

A story of over confidence and not learning from my mistakes.

Full of bullish confidence after a hard fell race at Cromford on Wednesday, I was ready to push hard at a friendly, non-league orienteering event on Saturday. I met up with a few mates there including JP who I beat by 5 mins at Cromford. I was hoping that my speed would balance out his higher navigation skills and orienteering experience to beat him again. These events are super slick and registration is a breeze, and all the information is enthusiastically  given by the volunteers and marshals.

The four of us head off to the start point, cleared our dibbers, and line up in the starting pens. TH went off first and I was second. This was quite handy as TH is pretty good at navigating, so I broke rule 1 of the orienteering hand book. 'Don't follow other people' (they probably are going somewhere different). Anyway I watched TH pick his route and jog off. After a minute had passed I dibbed the start control, grabbed the map and quickly found my self on the map, and confirmed that TH had gone the right way and followed his path.

The first control was pretty easy to find and the route to the second was pretty obvious too. As I approached control 2 I had already made up the minute gap on TH. I took a slightly different route to control 3, and again reached it slightly after him. After consulting the map I decided on a direct route to number 4 and ignore the path around 'woodland fight' section. Bad Idea. I ended up crawling through a thick hawthorn  hedge, dropping my sunglasses and then struggling through a meadow with grass and wild flowers up to my chest. This was a much slower and more painful route.

I then took a less direct but much quicker route to control 5, and then hacked through another meadow to a wide path ready to get control 6. It all went horribly wrong here, it was only 300 metres from control 5 to control 6 (as the crow flies) but I went off in the wrong direction trying to find a break in a high fence (that I didn't need to cross) I went round and round in circles trying to get a fix on where I was on the map to try and work out a bearing to the control. But I just compounded my issues by running faster in the wrong direction, rather than settling down and calmly reading the map properly and getting sorted. Luckily I was in good company, with JP and KL both struggling blindly. We all started to converge on the same point and then realised we were, finally, in the right area. A shout from KL and we all raced over and dibbed the dastardly number 6. I then rushed off to get back to a known path on the map to re orientate and settle.

I learnt NOTHING from the 20 minute nightmare and went off with gusto and stupidity, and went flying past the the path I need to take and ended up completly off the map fighting though grasses at head height, fences, marshland before getting back on track, and dibbing control 7. Looking at the map life seemed a lot easier, with less choices to make, and slightly simpler terrain. I even managed to open up the legs and get some real running in also. I even made some cracking navigation decisions, going longer but on more accessible path. After a bit of trouble finding the final control. It was a blistering sprint to the finish.

I finished in just over an hour, with my legs, and arms covered in scratches, bites, nettle stings, all glowing red with nice swollen white bits too. I must invest in some gaiters, and take some anti-histamines later too  It was a valuable lesson in the perils over confidence and the need pick a route carefully!

Strava: (Didn't hit start until I had found the 3rd control - Doh!)

Thanks to
www.dvo.org.uk

Kit:
Shoes: Salomon Fellraisers
Socks: Decathlon running socks
Shorts: nike Dryfit running shorts
Top: Mudstacle Running Vest
Watch: Polar RC3 GPS (not used for any kind of navigation)
Extra Kit: Generic Flat base Compass, Seemless scarf worn as a sweat band on wrist.

Race Report - Cromford Fell Race - 8th July 2015

That hurt! That Hurt A LOT, And it just kept hurting more and more.

I rocked up at Cromford rugby fields with JP and quickly got registered and ready to race. We stood and chatted and caught up with few other runners before mustering at the start line. After a short briefing we were away. A quick lap of the field helped thin out the runners before hitting the canal tow path. The path was wide enough for 2 or 3 runners a breast and he first flat kilometre was spent finding my pace and settling in and was fairly painless.

Time to bring the pain, as I crossed the canal bridge I started the uphill section. The high peak trail is a stunning bridleway that stretches from the Cromford canal rising steeply above the Derwent Valley before cutting a path into the heart of the Peak District. Today's course only followed that steep incline out of the valley. The path was wide and well maintained but was a hard grinding slog. Relentless as it was beautiful, It was a struggle to just keep running, walking would have been just as hard, I dropped to a slow jog and just kept plodding away. The course then took a diversion of the broad bridleway,onto a single track footpath that was steep, rocky, root strewn, and full of twists and turns. I couldn't maintain my slow jog and had to slow down to walking pace for the more technical sections.

This path soon levelled out and I could get on with some running, this was only a short run before tackling some gnarly steps back to the comfort of the wide trail path. Even though I was back on a wide flat trail, my legs and lungs were suffering and I was struggling to keep up my usual pace. The flat section wasn't any respite from the pain and effort required to keep running. The next section of uphill was steep and the trail underfoot was broken and loose. It was just too hard to keep running. But even walking was painful on the legs and didn't give a chance to catch my breath or lower my heart rate.

After passing though a gate the views and terrain changed to bleak moorland above the tree-line. The path was narrow and littered with large boulders. It was now a huge challenge to pick a route that would keep me from twisting an ankle and going arse over tit. This part of the course was shared with runners coming back down from the trig point, which marked the highest part of the course. They seemed to be cruising down the hill with speed and grace, whilst I was bumbling and bouncing from boulder to boulder. But after I looped round the trig point I knew it was DOWN HILL ALL THE WAY!

This gave me a great boost and gravity was finally on my side. There was no time to take in the views or even lift my head up. To go fast down the path took so much concentration. Picking a route on and over the rocks was incredibly challenging and all-encompassing. The added distraction and challenge to avoid bumping into runners climbing up to the turning point exacerbated the task in hand. Soon enough the path split and it was back to one way traffic. As I descended back below the tree line, the terrain settled back into less treacherous beautiful, woodland paths and wide farmers tracks.

It wasn't long before I was back on the high peak trail. The footing was smooth, firm, and now the incline was in my favour. I was picking up speed and focussing as hard as possible on my running technique and form. Remembering all that advice I had read about running downhill. This all went out the window as I passed a runner in red shirt on the left as a gentleman from Wirksworth running club past him on the right. We ran shoulder to shoulder after passing Monsieur Rouge and he was running bloody fast, but I wasn't about to let him cruise past me. I stopped thinking about leaning into the hill at the ankles, not over stretching and not slapping the ground with my feet. Instead I was in full 'fuck it' mode.

I matched the Wirksworth runner stride for stride, and ran in perfect unison, we soon gathered a very impressive amount of momentum and caught up with another runner. He, incredibly, put on and extra burst and slipped past the runner. I managed to stick to his shoulder and then regain our synchronised cadence after passing the other runner. Running downhill should be fun and a chance to ease off. But now I was engaged in an epic downhill dogfight, and was really struggling. We approached another runner but it was my turn to make he first move and burst past. The Wirksworth runner returned the favour, slipstreaming and then re-syncing at my shoulder. With only 100 metres of downhill left my core muscles were on fire, I was breathing heavily and pretty much emptied the tank.

As we hit the bottom of the hill and reached the final flat section, the gentleman from Wirksworth carried on with his amazing pace, but I was exhusthed. I've walked in races, I've ran through the overwhelming desire to walk in races. But I have never wanted to walk or stop and get my breath back after running downhill, before moving on to a pancake flat section! But this race was making me hurt in ways other races haven't. I plodded on at a slow steady pace and didn't give into the desire to walk.

On any other day this final kilometre would be an amazing experience. Running alongside a glassy flat canal flanked with beautiful trees. The evening sunlight dancing through the leaves and boucing of the water. Running through the Derwent valley towards the birth place of the industrial revolution should be an incredible run. But today after an epic climb and descent, this final flat section was just a drag. A painful, demoralising, trudge. JUST END! HOW MUCH FURTHER? Even when you can see the incredible Arkwright's mill and Willersly Castle the pain just doesn't abate. You even pass the finish line before doubling back 50 metres to finally cross the line.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVED this race. The challenge, the atmosphere, the terrain, the views, even the pain were all what made this such a great event. It took a couple of hours, a pint of beer and a very nice single malt whiskey before I felt normal again.

Strava:

Thanks to:
Matlock Running Club for hosting the event - www.matlockac.org.uk/
The Derby Runner for supporting the event - http://www.derbyrunner.com/

Race report - The Hairy Helmet - 12th June 2015

This report will have no twists, no shocks and definitely no surprises. I LOVE this race. No, I LOVE everything about this event. The ethos, the atmosphere the motivation, the spirit and all the untangable awesomeness that happens around this event

The event team, are so incredible and passionate about their local community, they invite all the local running clubs, local businesses, and communities to put together a team of four runners for this 2 and a bit mile relay race. The sponsors are the local brewery, the local knife maker, the local running shop, the local health care centre, a local fashion outlet, oh and a popcorn manufacturer from miles and miles away. They support the local cricket club, and choose a local hospice to give all the proceeds to.

I feel I've already over hyped this event, but I haven't even started. I haven't even given you the greatest part of this event. I did say there would be no surprises, but I need to tease you in for a boom-bash-bish finale too, and this is a real doosie. I would normally run for team derby runner at local, non obstacle related, races. But hairy helmet is a family race. My team is my sister, me, and my two stepsons, Izaak and Rudi. Rudi had to miss out this year due to being out of the country on a French exchange. Luckily a mate stood in for Rudi and we had a full team ready to roll.

When you arrive on site the meadow is buzzing with people eating burgers and hot dogs, chatting, warming up, talking tactics, and pinning race numbers on. It's does take long to before you immerse yourself into a conversation about pace, overtaking opportunities and baton change overs. However it wasn't long before the start and everyone was gathering at the start line. The pack was hilarious, with people politely, and sometimes humorously impolitely, adjusting there position in the pact to reflect there intended position.

'Whoa, what are you doing here? get to the front with the rest of the Kenyans'
'Oi, asthma boy! Get ya' sen behind us, you'll only slow us down'
'Don't mind you being behind me, but just don't run over the top me at the first corner'

The air horn blasted, and drowned out all the jibes and jeering, I was sitting on the outside, and quite near the back of the pack, so I made a 50 metre sprint round the outside looking for open space, and a clear path. The hairy helmet course has hairpins, hills, grass, tarmac, gravel paths and muddy paths, so you never have the chance to get into a rhythm, or settle in. You never pick up a running buddy, as everyone has strengths and weaknesses and you loose and gain places with every turn, or change in gradient or terrain.

2.2 miles is such a hard distance, too far too go all out, too short to try and be clever with negative splits and intricate pacing. 2.2 miles is 'go as fast as you can until it hurts, and then try and ignore the pain and taste of blood in your mouth, and then try for a sprint finish without throwing up'. It's not a classic tactic you read about in Steve Cram's autobiography, but it is familiar tactic to most hairy helmet entrants.

Once I had negotiated the 2 miles, and just had the final meadow loop and handover to complete. I was feeling terrible, everything hurt, but you have to finish strong in front of the crowds and fellow runners. Luckily Izaak was in bright orange, and easy to spot in the exchange area, I passed the baton on and collapsed in a heap on the floor. Done. I can now relax and watch other people's suffering from the comfort of my grass lined boudoir.

As promised earlier on, here is that ram-a-lam-a-ding-dong finale. Free beer. Yup a beer token for every member of the team. Forget protein shakes, chocolate milk, or steamed fish and bagels, a nice drop of real ale is just what you need to recover after a 2 and bit mile race. Oh wait, Izaak is only 16, better be a responsible parent and drink his beer too. Along with the, 'hey Andy, I've got to shoot off, do you want my token?'

You know it's a GREAT race when the next morning your hangover is worse than your DOMS.

Huge thanks to:

Detwent Runners for providing so many Marshalls - www.derwentrunners.co.uk/
The Derby Runner - www.derbyrunner.com/

Port;ebay popcorn -  www.portlebaypopcorn.com/

Canopy - www.canopyonline.co.uk/

Blok Knives - www.blok-knives.co.uk/

Derventio Brewry - www.derventiobrewery.co.uk/

Central Helth - www.centralhealth.org.uk/

Hide Burger - www.hideburgerbar.co.uk/
Fluid Ideas - /www.fluid-ideas.co.uk/

Darley Abbey Construction -
and the charity of choice, Rainbows Hospice - www.rainbows.co.uk/

Strava:

Kit:

Shoes: Inov-8 303 Ultras

Socks: Quechua running socks

Shorts: Nike Dry Fit

Top: Ron Hills / Team Derby Runner Running vest

Watch: Polar RC3 GPS

Race Report - Ramathon 2015 - 7th June 2015

Today was all about the battles!

I have a long standing grudge match with a good friend and fellow runner, Rob. He very generously paced me around the course last year, until the final 400m where I managed to out sprint him. Rob could have easily left me for dead at the 9 mile mark last year but dragged me on for those final 4 miles. Recently Rob changed running clubs (Dirty Splitter) so I've been keeping an eye on his Facebook and Strava posts in the weeks coming up to Ramathon, and he has been getting quicker and really putting the miles in. But he had unusually poor performance at a 10k just a week before the big day, so it wasn't clear how he would perform here.

The day before I had raced at an obstacle race, which was pretty tough on the body. I also had a couple of glasses of wine, and a BBQ in the evening, coupled with a bad nights sleep due to a whining dog and restless baby. I wasn't confident of a good time or winning the grudge match.

It was a 4 Weetabix breakfast, with some extra fruit; and lots of water for breakfast, before heading off to event. Team Derby Runner had borrowed Zibrant's canteen area for the day, which meant we had close parking, bag storage and somewhere to prepare. With about 15 minutes to go, we headed off to the start line and ran into Rob and we joked about times, niggles and all the usual banter. Rob is now running for Derwent Runners and it was odd seeing him in his new colours, but it all helps maintain our healthy competition. Rob admitted he wasn't on top running form today, and wasn't expecting a quick time today, which was a huge shame, as it would have been great to have him at full strength to battle against.

Rob and I ran shoulder to shoulder for the first couple of kilometres at the usual 'too fast, too early' pace, before rob decided to slow down to a pace he knew he would maintain. I was feeling bullish and strong so kept at my 'unlikely' pace and pushed on. It was always niggling at me that I had gone out too quick and Rob would come cruising past in a few miles. But thing were going well. At the first water station at roughly the three mile mark I took a few sips and carried on moving. The road straighten out for a while now and I could see a team mate out in front. Richard is another really strong runner and had gone off like a rocket and was surprised to see that I was making gains on him. It took me another 2 miles and an energy gel before I reached his shoulder.

"Make sure you beat Rob too" were my final words to Richard as I pushed on looking for my next target. There was another Derwent Runner vest in a pack of runners about 50 metres ahead, so he was my next mission. As I slowly gained on the pack a runner from Wolves and Bilston club was also gaining on them. He was a tall, broad shouldered guy, and was making great progress through the pack or runners that included the unknown Derwent Runner. This W&B runner never stayed with other runners, or packs of runners he just kept picking them off and passing them. This is just the motivation I needed and stuck with him as we past half mark. At the 2nd water station I over took my running buddy to take my turn in front, but he wasn't having any of that and stepped it up and pushed past me.

This is the way it was for next few miles, I just kept on his shoulder as much as possible, and at mile 9 I was still feeling strong, and keeping up my 'maybe I can' pace. Last year mile 9 was where I could have quite happily stopped and walked, so it was a massive psychological win to still be strong at this point, this year. At Mile 10, the amazing Mark was marshalling, and handed me an ice pop! What could be better at this point than a sugar filled, chemical cocktail, frozen in ice! This boost and buzz was doubled when we entered the wooded area of Elvaston castle, The beautiful woodlands just makes running an absolute pleasure! With a mile to go before the 3rd water station I spotted another friend From Derwent Runners. Nick! Nick had cruised past me in the last mile, at the final Derby Runner cross country race of the season. He left me for dead, I had forgotten to congratulate him for having such a great race that day (through gritted teeth of jealousy), so I was stoked that I was gaining ground on him today.

I had my second gel as I went through the 3rd water station. This was the caffeine one too! I must thank my sister, Sheena, as she had a stack of spare gels in her car and I hadn't brought any with me. A very friendly chap from Belper running club gave me predicted finishing time, pace notes and even encouraged me to push in front of him to take the racing line for the upcoming corner. Was a star! I didn't have the heart to let him know that I only work in kilometres and would need to crack open a spreadsheet to start making the translations from miles to kilometres. I couldn't stop and talk numbers as my 'offensive blocker' from Wolves and Bilston was still cutting a path through runners that I had to follow.

As we left the grounds of Elvaston castle a very cheerful man caught up with me and we chatted about the little battles you imagine while racing, and I pointed out my target runner and continued on in race mode. I saw the last 5k on the river path as 'home stretch', knowing that come rain or shine I would finish the race and would probably know weather I would win the grudge match with rob by this point. The pressure was off but the the headwinds were certainly on. I though that the gentleman from Wolves and Bilston had done enough work in front and so I decided to push hard past him and let him draft off me for the closing miles. No sooner had I passed this chap, I had picked out my next target. The red and white harlequin shirt of a Massey Runner, stood out in sea of plain, hopped and sashed running vests, and he too was cutting his way through runners. I tried to keep up with him and and drifted to and from his shoulder until mile 12 where I managed to pass him.

Now I had picked up a shadow in a brown HAVAK vest and we exchanged positions for while but with about half a mile to go there was pack of 4 people to pass, so I put on a burst of speed and skipped clumsily through them all. I must apologise if I nudged people here, I certainly didn't meant be aggressive or impatient, I just wasn't very light of foot at this point. So now with about half a mile left to run, and for the first time in the entire race there were no target runners in front of me. For the first time in 12 and a bit miles I had no one to focus on chasing down. This felt really weird. Right this means its hammer time! Start emptying the tank, and push as hard as possible for final few minutes and see if I can hunt some more runners down.

As I came off the river path a small boy was very impressively calling out positions
"201"
what!? you mean there's a chance I can get in the top 200! forget GPS! Forget Stava! Forget chip timing! its all about what this little kid just told me! a bunch of 3 runners are out in front and reachable, so put my head down and attack, as I get past them I see the very familiar face of Darley Parkrun's race director, Ian. A flyby high five and a shout from Ian, and its just like Saturday morning, and sprint finish time. The burn is really kicking in as I run along side the iPro stadium, thoughts are flying round my head
'you've gone too early'
'you're going to blow out'
'you're going to throw up'

As I rounded the penultimate corner the crowds have really swelled, and they are cheering, and shouting encouragement. Kids hold out there hands for high fives, so I swing wide to reciprocate the gesture, which distracts me from the pain, Right enough fun, time for the final corner, and with the finish line now in sight it's time for BEAST mode. Grunting and gurning I managed to overtake one extra runner in the final 20 metres, but keep kicking all the way to the line to make sure I hold on to this position.

Crossing the line I find the nearest barrier to collapse on before being cheered by fellow team mate, Will, who was volunteering, at the medal and banana hand out area. What an awesome race, everything came together really nicely for me, being able to spot friends and find people going at the right pace for me draft, chase and pass was just what I needed to get into 'race' mode. This is why I love racing, for me it's not about the bling or times, its about getting my competitive fix, it's about about pushing as hard as I, even if it is just to over take one person, or stick to someone's shoulder for as long as possible. I hung around the finish line to thank the guy from Wolves and Bilston and a few other people that had unknowingly helped me round the course. Rob hadn't had a great race, hampered by a churning stomach and 2 minute pee stop. So it turns out I only won this grudge match because Rob had 2 cups of tea in the morning and I had forgotten all about my breakfast coffee, and left it sitting on the Nespresso machine that morning

Result:
189th 1:32:23 (the little kid was about right)

Huge thanks to:
All the staff and volunteers involved with Ramathon - www.ramathon.co.uk
Team Derby Runner for all the support on race day - http://teamderbyrunner.co.uk/
The Derby Runner for all the advice and kit over the years - http://www.derbyrunner.com/
Zibrant for letting us use their facilities - www.zibrant.com/
Sarah and Richard for the photos, and epic imagery for the one I stole

Strava:



Kit:
Shoes: Brooks Cadence
Socks: Quechua
Shorts: Nike Dry Fit
Top: TEAM DERBY RUNNER vest
Watch: Polar RC3 GPS
Gels: SiS x 2
Accessories: seemless head scarf worn on wrist used as a sweat band and to stash gels

People - Steve Saunders - You never know who you are running with.

I've met Steve at every cross country event I've been too and we run into each other at other local races and events too, we've always said hello and had a quick chat either before or after the race. One time we got chatting about the obstacle races I've done, and reported on this blog, and we then got chatting about what races he had entered. It was a impressive list of ultra's and endurance list. We realised that this chat would be better finished off in a pub over a couple of pints rather than in a muddy field where we where both tired and wet.

So one Sunday Steve and I met in his local pub in Heage and had a great evening talking about running, training, racing, and obligatory conversation when any two runners meet: trainer choices. Steve had very kindly written a few pages of notes of his journey to running ultras and coaching. In summery Steve was a good running and football player at school. But left school and sport behind to pursue a more rock and roll life, touring around Europe and the UK with his band.

"Then the light came on I was on a diet of 5 pints of larger a night about 40 fags, time for change. I started Running"

Steve entered his local marathon, the Humber Bridge marathon and despite his lack of training at marathon distance still managed a time of 3h33m, and much to his embarrassment, finished the race and smoked a cigarette his mum had presented him with at the finish line!

"As soon as I finished my mother lit up a cigarette for me and like a fool I smoked it"

After completing his local marathon, Steve decided to enter a triathlon, but back then it was triathlon of running, cycling and race walking rather than the usual disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. To train for the race walking section Steve enter the Humberstone half marathon and race walk the course. Starting from the back, he set off, after being attacked by a Jack Russell dog. The Race check points all waited for Steve to walk through, as he was at the very tail of the race. He focused on technique and built up a decent pace which brought him in sight of the tail runners, that had gone out too quickly and now struggling to keep up the pace. With chaffed, bruised and bloody inner thighs caused from the unfamiliar race walking technique, Steve finished the course in an impressive 2h10m.

Unfortunately Steve's training didn't help his triathlon aspirations, as a groin injury prevented him for making the start line, Steve then took a break from running for some 25 years, while he built up his lorry driving business in Europe, During this time his fitness levels dropped, his smoking increased.

In 2008, back in the working UK, Steve decided to get back into shape and started cycle the 15miles to work and 15 miles back again and packing in smoking too. Steve like most runners need targets to motivate us to train, Steve entered the Nottingham 50 mile bike ride, and came home in around 3 hours. Happy that he still had 'it', he joined Ripley Running club and got back into training and entering local running races. promising him self to stick to races of a maximum distance of 10 kilometres, but this was a promise Steve was never going to keep.

"Promising my self not to train further than 10k racing. My furthest race to date is 135 miles."

Steve moved towards trail and off road running, and really took to the longer distance events, and soon built up a very impressive back catalogue of races and events, including:

Tipton track 6 hour race - Coming 3rd covering a distance of 37.5 miles
Cannock Forest - 2nd covering 35+ miles on hilly terrain
Boston 6 Hours - Just a few yards shy of 40 miles
3 x Humber Bridge 12 Hour challenge - Best effort was 63.25 miles
Coventry $0 mile event
Around Rotherham 50 miles - 9h26m
4 x Wilmot Wander 30 miles
Gloucester 50k - 5h40m
Yomp Mountain challenge (Cumbria)
The 3 Rings of  Shap - 63 Miles Self Navigation
The Hard Moors
Several LDWA Events too (Long Distance Walkers Association)

Here is a short clip of Steve finishing his 100 mile run in 24hr 03mins in2014 at the Equinox 24 event



Having conquered his fair share of endurance events, Steve looked towards his next challenge and the natural progression was towards multi-day events.Steve entered the Ring of Fire event which is a 3 day, 135 mile race along he coastline of Anglesey, and attracts a far few foreign entrants due to the toughness and prestige of the event.

Day one was started off by Prince William and Kate Middleton at 1pm, and was 'warm up' run of 36 miles, which meant a pretty late finish. There are no home comforts on the Ring of Fire, and entrants have to doss down in the village hall all together. With late arrivals, and all the unpleasant noises that are released from tired bodies, Steve was never going to get a decent nights sleep.

Day two greats you at 4:30 am with a loud rendition of Jonny Cash's Ring of Fire to wake you up and give you time to pack, prepare and fuel up ready for a 6am start. Today Steve was joined in the run by 2 guys from Wigan, who didn't know each other, the younger of the 2 had never ran more than 19 miles before embarking on this ultra adventure, but had his family in support meeting him at way points with food and drinks which they generously shared with Steve too. In the evening around 10pm the small group managed to get themselves lost in the dark in some woods, luckily the young lad had a GPS with him that helped navigate their way out of the woods and back on course. Once they made it to the second overnight stop, The other gentleman from Wigan thanked Steve for his support over the 66 miles and told him he would be dropping out at this point and called his daughter, so she could drive from Wigan to Anglesey to pick him up. Tired from a long day's running and navigating Steve nearly looses his cool with a team from Germany that are being rather noisy.

Day three welcomes you in much the same way as day 2

0430 Prompt! Jonny Cash Ring of Fire blasting out again, how I hate that song.

Steve was up, fuelled and back in running gear ready for the 6am start and the final 33 mile section. In his eagerness Steve found him self leading the first 5 miles of the day, but soon backed off as he isn't a fan of people 'running off' him. Unfortunately the young man from Wigan was no were to be found during the third day, and Steve assumed he had overslept and missed the start of day 3. The end of the 33 mile stage has a cruel twist, taking the runners over the Holy Head Mountain. Steve has the resolve to finish what he starts and even manages a sprint finish to complete 135 miles of running over three days in a very impressive 35 hours.

Only half the 90 starters finished as it is so hard, my first attempt but failure was not an option.

The young man from Wigan was waiting at the finish to clap in the runners, perched on crutches, he had spent the night in hospital with acute blistering on his feet and very painful shin splints. That young man learnt a hard lesson over those 2 days. Steve thinks he only had about 2.5 to 3 hours sleep over those 3 days and clocked up 135 miles over 35 hours of running. That more than most of us put in, in a month!

We all were treated like superstars at the finish, people couldn't believe I had run around the coast of Anglesey at my age

It has been a great pleasure catching up with Steve and hearing all his running stories, and it is amazing to think that when you look around, at the other runners at races, or at Parkrun, or just passing them on the trails, you have no idea what there story is or what they have accomplished.

Race Report - Kedleston Hall DVO Orienteering - 8th Mar 2015

This was my first 'real' orienteering event I've enter and was keen to try out the classic orienteering after being introduced to the sport at the Red Bull Robin Hood Event. I decided to bring the boys along so they could try out orienteering too. The boys are 13 and 16, and both happily manage Parkrun in around 25 minutes I thought the orange or light green course at around 3km would be perfect for us to run as a team.

When we arrived the orienteering volunteers were really helpful and suggested the easier orange route would be much better for us to learn some navigation and not get too lost or disheartened. It was a couple of minutes walk to the start were we queued up with our dibber and control card.

beep beep BEEEEEP. we were off. grabbed a map and quickly worked out were the first control was and rushed off along the hard packed track. The boy quickly spotted the control point and rushed in, double checked the numbers matched and got our first beep of the day. On the drive through the site to the car park I had pointed out a control to the boys so they knew what they were looking for, and it turns this was the second control we needed to find so we raced off to punch it.

The course was great for us beginners and we didn't really have to use the compass and could simply rely on getting to the controls based on proximity to map features like the river, buildings and fences. This meant all we needed was a quick check of the map, control description, work out how far away it was, and run off in that direction. It was amazing to see so many other runners and walkers out on the course, all dressed completely differently, taking different routes, choosing different tactics.

The routes between controls where mainly on paths or open fields so it was pretty easy running too.We put in a few sprints between controls for fun and took it pretty easy between others. I was super proud of he effort and navigation skills the boys put in, and next time I'm going to sit back and follow them and let them do all the work.

I was really impressed with the organisation, and instant results with orienteering. All the splits between controls and current leader board position were given as soon as you got to the download tent. This was a great day out and we all had a great time even though it started to rain about half way round. I would really like to do more events and try harder and longer courses.

Links:
http://derwentvalleyorienteers.org.uk/

Kit:
Shoes: Salomon FellRaisers
Socks: Quechua (Decathlon)
Tights: Borrowed the other halfs running tights (No idea what brand they are)
Shorts: Nike Dry Fit
Top: Freebie Tech Tshirt from Survival of the Fittest
Watch: Timex Triathlon - No GPS
Compass: Generic navigation compass

Race Review - The Derby Runner XC League - Race6 Holly Hayes Wood - 1st Mar 2015

With our usual team captain pulling out last minute with flu, I said i would help out and bring my pop up tent so we would have some where covered to leave our kit and a meeting point. I thought it would be best to get there early to set up and be ready for the rest of the team arriving. It was a good job I had arrived early as it was a good 10 minute walk from the cap park to the event village.

Once the tent was set up and tethered to a nearby tree I stood around drinking coffee until the familiar faces arrived and we got chatting and preparing for the race. It was fairly windy but still quite warm and dry, so everyone was looking forward to a good race. As it got closer to 11 am we had all striped down to racing kit and hovered around the PA system awaiting instructions.

Under direction we plodded 50 metres down the hill to the start line ready for a muddy uphill sprint start. The pack today was for both men and women and everyone was in good spirits, laughing at mud squelching and runners slowly sinking as we waited for the gun.

As the gun went we racing uphill for a 100 metres, I managed to to take an outside line and raced through the pack struggling with the slimy mud. into the first corner and things settled down quite quickly on the wide hard packed path trail. We soon swapped the hard trail for a woodland track which was narrow with patches of thick mud and ankle grabbing roots. A quick dash through a steam and we had completed the first 'small' lap, with a 'medium' and 'large' lap left to go.

I was feeling good and strong and happily picking off the odd runner. The medium lap started with a small hill but I managed to keep the power on, and cruised up the hill. The climb was worth all the added pain, as the following descent was on narrow paths littered with rocks, turns, fallen trees, and exposed tree roots, this was wonderful running, fast and technical that required strong focus and confidence. I loved it. As we left the woods over a different part of the stream we had a short section round the edge of a sodden grass field. This was incredibly energy sapping and brought my pace right down. The end of the grassy field marked the end of the 'medium' lap and the start of the final 'large' lap.

The final lap was great but I was loosing the odd position and had to work hard to not drop too many places. The route was familiar as we following parts we had already ran along, the hill seemed steeper the second time round, but I kept my pace up, the woodland section was just as much fun, belting through the single track dodging rocks and muds. The second time I hit the grassy field, my legs felt like lead and was a real struggle to keep running. As the finish line came into sight I had 2 guys in front of me and it was time to empty the tank and see if i could handle a 200 metre sprint. First guy was taken early on but the second guy was going to be harder work and closer. I was pushing as hard as I could but line was getting closer and closer, with only a couple of metres to go I managed to get past and cross the line just ahead of him.

It would have been nice to celebrate my mini victory but I could barely stand up after the hard sprint finish. luckily I managed to recover pretty quick and wondered over to the team tent, for some water and sugary snacks. I caught up with other runners who had finished and clapped in those that followed. This has been a great race and a great league, shame it has to end.

Strava:
Thanks to:
http://www.derbyrunnerleague.com/
SL Images
http://www.hermitageharriers.co.uk/

Kit:
Shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 200
Socks: MoreMile Running Socks
Shorts: Nike Dry Fit
Top: Team Derby Runner Vest (Ron Hill)
Watch: Polar RC3 GPS

Race Review - The Derby Runner XC League - Race5 Bosworth Country Park - 15th Feb 2015

After getting back from a week in the Alps on Saturday night, I was never sure I was going to make the Sunday fixture, so my pre race meal of choice wasn't very well thought out. Chippy chips, battered sausage and half a bottle of Rose. I woke fairly early and unpacked a load of the holiday bags, got kitted up, grabbed a banana and a flask of coffee before hitting the road and driving through the fog to Bosworth Country Park.

Once I had parked up I headed over to the team tent and caught up with the rest of my team mates and generally larked about drinking coffee, spreading rumours about the course and making last minute kit checks.

Once we mustered on the starting line the race director gave a quick briefing before a very quick 'Ready', 'GO!' the chorus of GPS watches being beeped into life, and the surge of runners springing into life. It was a fairly wide start so I ducked and dived through first 200 meters, suddenly the course took a 90 degree turn on to a single file track and was hit by a stationary group of runners. A wave of groaning swept back towards the oncoming runners, but it was very short lived before we were back to full pace once the path slightly widened. I quick dip in a muddy ditch caused a slight queue, but my years of obstacle racing  experience kicked in a pushed to over take before the ditch to avoid queuing and saw the the ditch was wide enough to go 2 abreast and just piled in, through and out the other side. It was a shame to see so many other runner loosing shoes and having to stop and retie laces, but I didn't spend too long thinking about it before getting back up to running pace.

The course was relatively flat and mainly skirting the edges of agricultural fields, occasionally we dipped into wooded sections and gravel paths, but it was a head down and run day, rather than a head up and admire the views day. With about 4km to go a we hit a real slog of a hill right through the middle of a freshly wheat plugged field. The ground was soft and sodden, and soon completely clogged up my running shoes with thick heavy mud. This was by far the slowest part of the course, due to the hill and added weight of the mud on my shoes. Remarkably, a guy in front of me lost his shoe to the heavy mud, and after a pause to try and replace his shoe, he took the decision to abandon both his shoes and carry on in just his socks! He was a great runner and after his short wardrobe change pulled away up the hill.

I kept Mr Zola Budd in my sights as he picked off more runners. 'Surly I can beat a guy running in his socks?' He was my target and focus for the next kilometre of fields, unfortunately we hit more gravel paths and he looked like he was really suffering, trying to find softer grass on the edges of the path. I congratulated his courage as I passed him, but I don't think my admiration helped his mood or frustration. This was now just a case of keeping up the speed to the end, I still managed to pick off a few other runners which gave me a good boost of energy and confidence.

The event village was now in view and the pace and competitiveness picked up I guy came past me with about 300 meters to go so I stuck to his shoulder and pressured him as we gained on another runner. I was now running a full pace, but the both pulled away in the last 20 meters, I could keep up, glanced over my shoulder to make sure there were no other runners catching me up and slowed up before hitting the finish line. Once the tunnel vision and nausea had subsided I congratulated the 2 other runners and went back to the team tent to recorded my position with our team captain and RACE WINNER! Congratulations Jordan! before popping a hoody on and clapping in the rest of the team.

With some great post race cake and the rest of the coffee, the team swapped stories and reviewed our kit and had a great time just chatting and slowly getting out of the muddy kit into warmer and drier clothes.


Thanks to:
http://www.derbyrunnerleague.com/
http://www.hinckleyrunningclub.com/
SL Images for the photos

Kit worn:
Shoes: Inov8 X-Talon 200
Socks: More Mile Running socks
Shorts: Nike DryFit
Top: Mudstacle Tech Shirt and Team Derby Runner Running Vest
Gloves: Cheap (£1) polyester / wool gloves from decathlon
Head: Born Survivor seamless head scarf
Watch: Polar RC3GPS

Race Review - Winter Warrior - 31st Jan 2015

http://www.mudstacle.com/2015/02/xrunner-winter-warrior-removing-timing-chip-fun.html

Race Review - Hell and Back - 25th Jan 2015

http://www.mudstacle.com/2015/01/mudstacle-tour-hell-back-planes-guinness-good-irish-craic.html

Race Review - The Derby Runner XC League - Race4 Bradgate Park - 18th Jan 2015

It was a cold and frosty morning when we arrived onsite after a missed M1 junction and a bit of country road re routing to get us there. But we arrived in plenty of time and headed over to the wash of coloured tents and flags to find Team Derby Runner's tent. We had plenty of time to catch up with team mates and other runners from other teams. It was very chilly so we waited until the very last moment before stripping down to our race gear, and wondered over to the start line. I saw a mate from a rival team standing in non race kit and wondered over to see why he wasn't racing, as we chatted about his very unfortunate injury the jostling for position had started and I made my way to the back of the pack. It was very busy with just over 400 males lined up ready. It was good fun in the pack with the usual banter about giving the whippets at the front a head start, and listening intently to the locals about the best places to pick up speed and suitable areas for over taking.

The Derby Runner XC League Bradgate Park - Thanks to SL Images

When the gun went the pack started up a steady incline which was nice and wide, I started to weave through the runners and try and get some space, but it was very tight and you needed to have ultimate trust in the runner in front as you are so close to his heels. If he falls I fall! On a few occasions I went off piste and made a few overtaking manoeuvres through the bracken which worked quite well a few times. However a bad error of judgement, and poor line picking skills at one stage put me in a bracken filled trench. A quick climb out, amused my fellow runners so I stayed on the path for the next few minutes and picked off runners one by one.

It was a glorious day with the ground still hard with ground frost, the air still as fresh as it was dawn, the skies clear and icy blue, with the sun shining bright and clean. The course took a 90 degree bend and we where thrown into the shadow of the hill, the temperature dropped several degrees and bit like cobra as I slogged up a steeper hill. I hadn't noticed but we had been steadily climbing for just over a mile, so when the descent started it was a great relief and time to open up the legs. The pack had nicely thinned out but still plenty of runners around to make sure I didn't let off the accelerator and plenty of targets to seek out and pass.

The Derby Runner XC League Bradgate Park - Thanks to SL Images

As we reached the start / finish area for the start of the second shorter, steeper lap I was getting into a nice rhythm and enjoying the more open course with less tightly packed runners. My good mood was soon shattered by the view of a HUGE steep hill in the distance. This ubiquitous monolith loomed over the horizon, it was a demoralising half kilometre heading for certain pain and suffering. I managed about a third of the hill before being broken down to walking pace. All the pain, all the burning in the chest and all the stress in the legs were soon washed away when a fellow runner wheezed. "would you look at that". I lifted my gaze from the rock and dirt path and saw a beautiful morning landscape of woods, hills, farms and villages. THIS IS WHY I RUN! Being healthy, and endorphins are are nice side effects but this was a real treat for a Sunday morning!

With the view taken in, it was not back to focusing on the ground 2 metres ahead of me. If was a huge mile of downhill running now. I felt really strong, and the added gravity assistance, was great, I picked off all the runners that had taken me on the climb and a few more besides. I saw a mate from obstacle races, took a few deep breaths and cruised passed with a cheerful 'hello', Then after a couple of metres resumed my wheezing and cursing, cant have him thinking I was struggling! The final hill wasn't too big so I pushed hard to keep up the pace, and it felt great. It was a great feeling to be running up the hill at pace, I knew the short downhill section to the finish line would bring out everyone's competitive side and started my sprint finish at the very top. This was dumb, but fun. I was running way faster than I felt safe to do so, but wasn't prepared to let anyone pass. I was neck and neck with another guy right at the line, but he had the inside line and took the honors right on the finish tape! Good work Sir!

This was a great race with virtually no flat sections, a huge turnout, and a brilliant atmosphere. We all hung around and clapped in the rest of the team and all the runners whilst we compared war wounds and stories until the last runner came in, before headed off to get warm and drive home.



Thanks to SL images for the photos
and the Derby Runner League

Race Review - The Derby Runner XC League - Race3 Sinai Park - 4th Jan 2015

With plenty of runners from Team Derby Runner heading to the event there was no shortage of car pooling options, but I opted for the 'It's only 20 miles away, I'll cycle there and back'. A quick bike and kit check the night before and I was all set to cycle from Belper to Burton on a combination of roads and canal tow paths. I had given my self 1 hour 45 minutes allowing for extra faffing, getting lost, getting changed at the venue and general pre race mooching about and catching up with other runners.

I set off around 0915 and the nightly frost was still everywhere, and the temperature was holding at a 1 degree centigrade. Even in full finger neoprene gloves my finger tips were pretty painful and cold but I just got on with it. It had been a few months since I had last been out on my bike so it felt great to be back in the saddle and racing along. The first 20 kilometres were all on the road, but when the route took me onto the tow path of the Trent Mersey canal, things got a little more dicey,

I was Expectations of a compacted trail or a tarmac path alongside the canal were soon dashed, it was just grass, frozen puddles and mud. Oh. Luckily I ride a cross country bike, so it's just as happy off road as on road, also it was beautiful. The low lying fog was still hovering, ducks and swans were gliding on the water, the grass and a frosty white bite all around. So I happily dropped a few gears and slogged through the frozen clumps of grass and shattered the layers of ice on the puddles. By now my hands had nicely warmed up, but my feet were getting colder due to the exposure and the moisture being kicked up from the grass.

It's lonely at the back

The tow path was really slow and cumbersome, I was becoming aware that I was falling way behind on my estimated time of arrival, so I climbed up the embankment and joined the road. After a few stops to check GoogleMaps I was almost on site. Thanks to a few large signs and other later runners rushing to the start line it was easy to find the event village. The usual running club flags and tents had been pitched and I quickly found the Team Derby Runner tent and started my change from cycling kit to running. Then I heard race director shout:
"GO!"
I turned to see a few hundred runners set off. BOLLOCKS! Fuck it. I've made the effort to get here I'm running this course even if I have to start late and come last. I finally got my running shoes on, dumped my outer layers and threw on my team vest over my cycling jersey and headed for the start line.

The marshals at the starting area where highly amused and supportive of my late start and encouraged me to catch up with the tail runners. I ran on my own for at least 1.5 kilometres before sighting the tail runners, no sooner had I caught up with them I hit a queue for a tight corner with deep mud. The rest was welcomed and when the course widened out I could open up my legs again and start gaining some places. It was fun chasing down so many other runners, and overtaking was easy as the course was mainly on open grassland and a small woodland section.

After about 4 kilometres the course had a pretty big hill which destroyed my legs and forced me to walk most of it. This hill killed my pace and I was now really struggling to continue working my way through the other runners. About 5 minutes later there was a monster hill on the course. I tried to run up it but that was just daft. It was hard enough to try and walk up. It took my legs a while to recover at the top of the hill.
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Yup running in cycle gear isn't great!

The final 3 kilometres of the course were pretty flat and I managed to get back up to a reasonable pace, but the bike ride and hills had really taken it out of my legs. Once back at the bottle neck I got a rest as we queued for the style. Once over the style I knew it was about a mile to the finish and a pretty fast descent too. So I put the hammer down and went as fast as I could. It wasn't that fast. But it was fun. The marshals near the start / finish were complimentary of my efforts, and very funny too. The final romp downhill was a blast and my jelly legs had no choice but to bumble down the hill at full pace and hope that my legs have been paying attention to all the videos and writings of Killian Jornet. I made it safely to the finish and headed back to the team tent and was mercilessly ribbed, laughed at and generally insulted for being such a Muppet. It was what I deserved it is was all in great humour.

My pack-up consisted of three apples which where instantly inhaled and washed down with icy water from my water bottle. I usually have a hoody and big coat to put on after a race, but all I had was my damp sweaty wind breaker and beanie today. the dry socks were a great comfort as I slowly changed back in to cycling gear. Our team captain took pity on me and offered a ride back in the van, but if I wanted an easy day I would have car pooling in the first place, so I sadly declined the offer.

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I decided on national cycle paths and roads for the journey back, and although cycling alongside the busy and noisy A38 isn't as idyllic as frosty canals, it was going to be quicker and easier. It was all going pretty well on the ride how until I reached Derby city centre. As I rode down St' Peter's Street (Yes, I know I should have gotten off and pushed) The smell of McDonalds hit my nose. I hate McDonalds but I was just so hungry! I didn't stop and eat, but for the final 7 mile ride home all I could think about was dirty, greasy, lard filled, junk food. It was a nightmare. I was so distracted by hunger and food, a mountain biker overtook me on a uphill!

Not today buddy! I might not be a skinny lycra clad whippet, on a full road bike, but surly my dropped handle bars and rigid setup is faster on the roads than your full suspension rig and fat tyres! I pushed hard but he just kept pulling away. I was burning everything I had to keep up with this out-of-place, two wheeled, cushioned, trick bike. Ironically I gained on the fat tired tribesman on the downhill, so I planned my attack for last downhill between here and home. So I raced hard up the final hill and was about 10 metres behind, and as I crested the hill, I got out of my saddle and cranked hard to build up momentum. I dropped back in to the saddle just before I over took. A cheery and wheeze-free "afternoon" from me as I cruised past, I gave it a few metres before resuming my Darth Vader breathing and swearing at my crying thighs. I had roughly 3 kilometres to maintain this narrow lead before I could relax and stop at my house. This really hurt I was so tired, and shouldn't make these races up in my head. The mountain biker was probably just having a nice ride out, and here I am thinking we are competing for the maillot jaune! I survived the 3km and pulled off the main road and watched my knobbly tired nemesis cruise on with his journey.

What a day, some great riding and running, but now was time for shower and FOOD!

Thanks to
Derwent runners and SL Images for the images and The Derby Runner League for such a great event.

Race Review - Holly Bush Fun Run - 1st Jan 2015

This race is a 10 minute run from my house. But after a 4am finish at a new years eve party and a 6am wake up call from the little 'un. I was feeling pretty ropey so called on the generosity of my mate who had stayed over at our house, and he dropped me off at the race on his way home. It was already pretty busy at the pub car park, with people limbering up and chatting about how mince pies and chocolates they had eaten since their last run.

Once everyone had registered and had their races numbers we all gathered just outside the pub. Humorous and informative warnings and instructions given about the conditions underfoot, the route and how to claim your finishers reward. The race was then start with a very large shotgun fired into the air. This stunned the racers who where still milling around at the back, and ejected the front runners from a standing stance to full pace running.

The start was a great uphill narrow trail, I was fairly near the front but was still keen to push hard early on and fought past a few runners. I was feeling surprisingly light on feet and going at a decent pace. Turns out late night drinking and early morning crying babies is in fact a great preparation for racing!

Oh wait. That breath tasted a little like that obscure Hungarian spirit we bought on holiday a few years back because it had a funny bottle and an amusing name. Oooo that bottled dark black 7% porter does lie heavy on the stomach. Yes, Czech lagers are very fizzy and provide a lot of gas. Yes home made rhubarb vodka, sloe gin, raspberry vodka are all very tasty little tipples but do make you head swim a little.

I have no idea what gave me the energy and inflated sense of heroism for the 1st km, but as soon as I started the road climb, everything went wrong. All I could do was focus on was trying to keep contents of my stomach where they should be, a heady mixture of drinks, twiglets and cocktail sausages was now sloshing around. I managed not to break into a walk but just plodded on, watching other runners cruise past. The top of the hill was such a welcome site, a few families gathered at the top of the hill to cheer on the plucky runners. I usually thank everyone that claps or cheers me on, but I wasn't in the mood for cheeriness, and swearing at perfectly polite and cheery spectators wouldn't be a great start to the year, so I chose a vow of silence instead. Once back on the trails, I was back in my element and took advantage of super grippy trail shoes and pushed hard for the final downhill kilometre. I managed to over take a few nervous runners in road shoes, a few slippery steps brought me back within sight of the pub. I very happily knocked on the front door of the pub (If you don't knock on the door, you don't get a time).

Once I had clapped in the rest of runners, I went inside and collected my finishers reward which is a stunning half pint glass, with the event details etched on the side!

I'm never drinking again!
Well not drinking again in January
Well not drinking in January apart from the Hockey Team's Christmas Party
Well not drinking in January apart from the Hockey Team's Christmas Party and the trip to Ireland.

http://www.hollybushinnmakeney.co.uk/