Cateran Trail 55 mile Ulramarathon

8:30 at night with the sun fading I clutched hands with two people who thirteen hours previously were strangers, we raised our hands and crossed the finish line of the Cateran Trail Ultra marathon. Covering 55 (+3) miles with over 2000m of elevation. Long before this time it had stopped being a race and become, for me at least a little more.

 

 

I haven't posted a blog in a while, because I've had a few things to juggle. As well as a new job and moving house the weekend before the Cateran I've  actually had to train for the event, and that takes up a  takes up a lot of time. If I take the last 12 months as a whole my training as a whole my preparation was pretty good but recently I've had a sore knee that required more rest than I would have liked.

So what was it like?

The day before the race my wife found out that she would have to work the morning of the race so my lift to the event was scuppered. Step in Neil Smith who replied to a Facebook plea for a lift  from either Perth or Blairgowrie. This show of generosity was a sign of things to come. On race day Neil picked me up promptly and was great company distracting me as I was probably very obviously a bit nervous. Once Neil and I arrived at the Spittle of Glen Shee I got a bit carried away and must have packed and unpacked my bags at least 3 times. Soon enough we had the race briefing which was a short but prompt and then we all headed across the road to the start line. Then we were off. It all caught me a little by surprise. I hadn't recced the first or last 13 miles. The first section is stunning but I made sure to stay near  the back and keep to a pace that meant I could still talk mainly to Andy who was doing this for the second time. The first checkpoint was 6 miles in and although I had a drop bag I left it there as I still felt good and had enough food and drink to get to the next checkpoint, though I did eat the first of many bakewell slices.

There was lots of chatting between runners and everyone was really encouraging and friendly. I settled into a pace with a runner called Lois who both seemed far more seasoned at these sort of events. There was lots of styles on this section but at the start you don't mind them do you?  Gordon George (Please let that be right?) was smart enough to know which gates to open rather than climb, Surely the sign of a pro. He had done the double before and clearly knew the course really well and it was really interesting chatting to him about running through the night when he did the double. As we got into the Glen Isla checkpoint it was obvious I was really far back with only a few drop bags left. It seemed a bit odd since we were there at a decent time (for me, I'm no record breaker) but there wasn't much I could do about it. It was also at this point that I started to yoyo a couple of runners that I would later run the second half with.

From Glen Isla to Alyth I was feeling really good and now on a part of the route I had recced I felt confident. This section is also my favourite part of the route with a few wee 'bobbles' but great views. n hindsight I probably got a bit carried away on this section and ran too much of it.  As I came into Alyth I found myself alone for the first time and I headed down and then out towards the Den of Alyth. As I got to the Car park I didn't see the checkpoint so assumed it was at the other  end and headed on through, only to get to the otherside and it not be there. I speed up to catch a pair of runners and  ask them where it was. The fist chap said 'about a mile back at the play park'. My heart sank and my face must have showed it as the other chap said it probably wasn't as far back as that (My Strava says I ended up doing 5km extra). I decided I didn't want to risk a DQ so headed back through the Den and towards the checkpoint. Every runner I passed was great and checked I was okay but my head was mince. I know I was being massively over dramatic but I suddenly had loads of variables running through my head, I couldn't believe I'd been so stupid I'd recced this section multiple times.. I got to the checkpoint, signed in and asked what time the cut off was for Blairgowrie. I had planned on slowing and eating something a little more substantial but now the only thing I could think about was how stupid I had been. I've recced this part of the route and knew exactly where the park was I had just thought the checkpoint was at the car park. I had ran parallel to it on the road (as an add in This was my fault not the organisers, they actually put the OS co-ordinates of every check point up, I just didn't confirm them before the race). From then on the next 6 miles to blairgowrie were all spent in my head thinking what a silly mistake I'd made. I started to get loads of niggles and pains. My head spiralled downwards to the point that I was thinking about dropping out. It was a massive pity party. Fortunately I met Lois at the checkpoint and had previously chatted to her. She was great and I just tried to stick with her and the other runners around me. Lois and another runner were chatting about the CCC and UTMB and although I wasn't really talking it was a great distraction from the head mess I was dragging myself into I don't know if Lois realised how much of a help she was, so thank you.

On the long down into Blairgowrie my right leg started to cramp and get sore. Once we arrived I refilled my drinks and phoned Anna. I needed someone to tell me to Shut up, get a grip and crack on. Anna  duly obliged and was really encouraging. I set off from Blairgowrie with Tom who I had spoke to a bit on Facebook. He was starting to feel it a bit too and we resolved to keep going. Once up the climb out of Blairgowrie Tom pointed out Mount Bair where we had came from and it looked miles away, which I guess it was. We tried to run the flat section and Tom managed well but my Right quad and calf cramped up. With more than 20 miles I couldn't run. I thought I was fcuked. After some flapping I figured that I needed to eat and get some salt into me to I eat and drank everything I had on me. I gorged on my bakewells and crisps, put some music on and tried to run again. Fcuk, Siht,  crap. More cramp. At this point my mum sent me a text to say she was inspired to to run today having recently only fairly recently taken up running got a Parkrun PB, with a double whammy of emotion my sister sent me a motivational text just as Florence and the Machines came on. That was it, I started to ball my eyes out while walking through a field.

Thankfully the calories and a sence of decency took hold, and the calories kicked in. I tried to run again with a little success. I caught up to Patricia and we developed a routine of her running consistently and me run walking as and when my cramp allowed. As we came into Bridge of Cally we caught up with Tom. The marshalls here were brilliant and like everyone helping couldn't have been more helpful.

I asked the marshalls the time and when the next checkpoint was. I decided to carry on and see what happens. I managed to stay with Patricia and Tom for a while but soon enough they Pulled away as I cramped up again. At Bridge of Cally I had a Banana and I think that this helped a lot as later I was able to run walk with more consistency. It didn't stop my head from trying to talk me out of finishing. I didn't think I was making enough progress and the finish seemed so far off. I spent so much time thinking how I was letting everyone down that had sponsored me or donated their own miles to the MillionMilesForEllie campaign I didn't want to be the only one to fail. But how on earth would I get to the next checkpoint with my legs like they were. Then another runner passed me and said he had got lost and added a whole load of miles, much more than I had added. God I was pathetic. I made it to the next checkpoint and it wasn't anywhere near a road I couldn't even drop out here. On to Kirkmichael and as I arrived it was unmanned. There wasn't even any water left. A runner came behind me and asked if anything was left. I asked him how far to the finish? ( miles he replied. I said I don't think I can manage 9 miles. He replied in the most Scottish way possible

"Either way, it's a 9 mile walk big man"

With that he offered me a Banana and off we went. He was right, time to shut up and get on, Thanks whoever you were. Man those Bananas really help too. He started to run and I followed and continued the run walk shuffle I had been doing since Blairgowrie.

As we came into the final checkpoint I met Tom, Patricia and importantly my wife Anna. She had come to make sure I was okay. I wasn't sure if I could do the final section. I know it was uphill for 5 miles then down for 1. The marshalls were again brilliant and really encouraging. I had another Banana and packed a mars bar.  Tom asked if I wanted to go over with him. So Tom Patricia and myself set off on a March towards the finish. This section was absolutely stunning. We tired a small run on a flat section but by this time I think all of our legs were in pieces. as we reached the big climb a few people had passed us again and we encouraged where we could. At the top the view behind was amazing. so we stopped for a few photos and then turned to see our end point for the first time in over 13 hours. the view was great but if I thought the down would be easier I was wrong. Stiff, sore and wrong. Thankfully though we did move forward and we soon crossed the bridge. It was great to hear Anna shout my name from about half way down. we then took the last few turns together and joined hands to cross the finish. It was a great feeling and a huge relief.

It was brilliant to finish with Tom and Patricia and also goes to show the strength community that running creates because finishing with Tom and Patricia absolutely made my experience better.

 

Karen the race organiser was at the finish to congratulate us. As I had to leave straight away she gave us our amazing finishing prize of a Quache, a beautiful and fitting memento..

On the way back to bonny Dundee I spoke to a very nervous Mum and told Anna the story of my race. As the week has passed I've become happier and more content with the day. My legs have started to work and I think I'm about to lose my first toe nail.

I learned a huge amount about myself and the race itself through this experience. Though I found it really hard I'll echo what everyone else has said. This is a brilliant race, in a brilliant setting and very, very well organised.

My splits show that I got carried away on the Glen Isla to Alyth section and pushed a too much, then let my mistake dictate the rest of my run. I'm still fairly new to the ultra business  so lots to learn.

Dalnagair    Glenisla    Alyth    Blairgowrie    Bridge of Cally    Enochdhu      Finish        Placing
1.07                2.50        5.26       6.41                    8.32                     11.3       13.31.42       74

I'd like to thank the Race Director, Marshalls, Neil, and all the runners I spoke to throughout the race, especially Lois (if your reading), whoever '9 miles left big man' was, Tom and Patricia.

A big Thanks to everyone that has helped support me in my preparation, or sponsored me in raising miles and money for the #MillionMilesForEllie. If you don't know what it's about please have a click and a read. I can be a bit cold hearted but have found this is a really inspiring campaign.

So far I've raised an amazing £425 and added 55 miles to the cause. If you'd like to help out and add miles or pounds please go through the website.

I don't know if I can muster up the strength or time to train to do this sort of distance again any time soon. So I think I will drop down and try and get myself a Marathon time I'm happy with. I'll take some time to think about it though, because I think I can give a better showing of myself on this course. Having just moved I'll be cycling to work more often than not so I'll have to figure out my running schedule and the effect cycling has on it.

If you are looking for a friendly race to get your teeth into give this one a go. :)

A small step towards a bigger goal

This time last year I had aims of entering the OCC, a 50km run along a small part of the UTMB route. I have spoken before about why I wanted to do it here. Like most people who visit Chamonix I fell in love with the trails and scenery of Chamonix. Once I decided I would do it I set about trying to make it a possibility. Along the way that target has been (temporarily) shifted. I was delighted to be invited to a close friend's wedding and it is too good an opportunity to turn down. So My 'A race' for the year was changed to be the race that should have prepared me to be able run in Chamonix (and provide me with the qualification points for Chamonix next year).

So somehow I ended up with the aim of running the 55miles that makes up the Cateran Trail. For anyone that doesn't know. The Cateran trail is a 55 mile Long distance circular walk around Perthshire made famous by the cattle thief's that used the roots and ultimately gave the name to the trail.


It sounds like an absurd thing to say but I have no idea how I ended up entering a 55 mile race. It wasn't a singular plan that I have built up towards. It is something that has evolved and grown, and I was not fully aware it was happening. When I think about it I'm equal parts anxious and ignorant. Anxious that this is a target that is potentially beyond me, much longer than my now postponed aim of running in Chamonix. Ignorant about what it takes to run 55 miles over that type of terrain in the
time frame required.

Ultimately, this is a challenge and it should be challenging. The challenge is what makes this enjoyable. The not knowing and the need for development. If I had tried to take this on last year I would certainly have faltered. The progress I've made is what makes this possible.

If you hit the target every time it's too near or too big

            - Tom Hirshfield


This isn't about success or failure, it's about the process, the growth. Bluntly it's about having the balls to step up and take the shot.

My first Marathon, horribly underprepared

A more recent shot. I'm not slimmer, just further away ;)

I can become a bit obsessed with the notion of trying, I think it's because I'm a natural dreamer, I still partly believe I'm destined to be an olympian, though my sporting options are narrowing by the year.

There is no point in trying this without going 'all in'. Therefore, as part of the preperation I have signed up to run two other races, trying to bridge the gap in  ability that a 55 mile run requires and I currently possess.

I'll be running the D33 in a week, a 33 mile Ultra Marathon along the Deeside way, and the John Muir Way 50km Ultra Marathon at the end of April.

I've decided to run the Cateran Way for the 1 million Miles for Ellie campaign. This campaign aims to raise 1 million pounds and cover 1 million miles within 1 million minutes in memory of a young woman called Ellie who sadly passed away due to cancer. I had the pleasure of meeting Ellie and her parents. While I can't begin to understand what they have gone through, I can promote this amazing cause, set-up and galvanised by an amazing woman in memory of her daughter. The target of 1 million pounds will be split between Maggie's, McMillian and Cancer research UK, with the aim of helping all aspects of cancer.

A link to the campaign website can be found here, 1 Million Miles for Ellie.

I am trying to raise £119. 1 pound for every mile raced. I'd also like to ask you all to add your own miles to this wonderful cause. It doesn't have organised, a walk with the buggy, a run to the shops, a cycle to work. All I ask is that you pause for a moment. Think about a person you know that stood tall, and strong in front of a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Then walk a mile in their memory, in Ellies memory.

I'm not an overly outgoing person and don't know if I could raise a huge amount of money but I know we can all walk a mile.

My fundraising page:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulHendrie 

When you've dontated or walked the mile (or more if you want) please click the link below and add in the miles you've completed.

Add you miles here Get Involved.


Together, a mile at a time, a pound at a time we can succeed in this wonderful goal.

If you want to follow the campaign you can do it here:

Facebook 

Instagram

Twitter

Woop Woop. Remember, don't think just give it a go (then log it).

One last cheeky mid week Tentsmuir run

What can be better than a mid week run on a beach and through a forest? How about you throw in a cheeky wee crepe? Oh, go on then.

This is to be my last random mid week run as I move job to more regular working hours. I also just passed my driving test and so decided this would be my first solo drive. Tentsmuir forest, A place so brilliant It should be known the world over. It also meant I  didn't had to travel too far as I've never filled the car up with petrol and some traditions should remain so.

Also, why didn't anyone tell me having a car is just so much easier. I didn't need to look at bus time tables, pack loads of spare kit to change into after so I don't get cold and a two hour run doesn't take up the whole day getting there and back on the bus.

Once setting off apart from nervously trying not to crash I also wasn't sure what run my legs were up for. I had to do either: 10 x 1km repeats, 15 km easy or 21km easy. My legs were still a little sore so I ditched the 1km's. They belong to a day that wont be made any worse by wanting to vomit at 5 minute intervals. 

 

So we would wait and see how I felt and play it by ear on the 15/21km issue. Having arrived safely at the car park by Tayport and only checking 7 or 8 times I'd locked the car I was off. Considering it's winter and fife has been hit by some truly horrible weather recently it was a perfect day for running. I decided to head to the beach and try to see some seals. Once passed the entrance  I didn't see another soul until I got back to Tayport.

I started off skirting round the forest toward the nature reserve and beach. Once there the views were great. There's something about the beach that makes you smile. It's infectious, I found myself running along with a huge cheeser on my face for no other reason than I was happy in that moment.

 

The smile didn't last too long though as sand is bloody hard work on the legs. 15km it was. once round the corner of the nature reserve I went closer to the beach to try and see some seals and get to firmer footing. Sadly I got neither, though I did run through the water. Yes I'm a child.

 

 

All this happy care free running though wasn't helping the state of my legs so I decided to head inland towards the forest looking for some of the fun single track stuff that the mountain bikers use. This is my favourite part of the forest as you never know which way it'll turn next.

 

After a while I got to some diversions where the forestry commission are taking some trees down by the main car park due to high winds. This meant either I turn back and go the way I came or I run round the diversions and do the 21km. A wee swither to myself and off I went in search of a new path. That mean running though the dunes. Finally I made it onto gentle well maintained forest path. Hallelujah. The last few miles flew by with the hope that I could get a crepe if I got a move on.

 

 

 

 

What's that I hear you ask. A crepe? Did I run to France? Oh no, Tentsmuir just got even better. Due to the forestry works the 'crepe shake has moved from the Main Car Park to the Tayport entrance of the forest and now sits perfectly for me to get a post run snack. It's like running god's blessed me. 

 

On a serious note, the Crepe shack seems to have been established for a wee while now. It was my first time and I loved the product and the idea. Fife, Dundee and Scotland in general needs more of these great entrepreneurial businesses. If you fancy a wee walk or a  cycle/run treat give it a go. Brilliant stuff.

My view to eat my crepe

 

 

 

 

Lastly this was my route and pace etc. The drops tent to be me either looking for a place to turn or taking a photo. The run ended up with 89m of gain which although not a lot seems crazy for such a flat route.

 

 

 I know I say it a lot but don't you just Love this place.

 

 

 





Round Ripon Ultra 2015 Race Report

Round Ripon 35 mile Ultra

 

Position 60/130 starters

Time 7hrs 08mins 48sec
 

at the start line with Anna and my folks in the background

The Round Ripon Ultra (run by Go Beyond) was my first step into the fabled 'Ultra' territory. How did it go? Fairly well is the short answer, but this is an ultra and my time wasn't the quickest so grab a coffee, and a cake to so you're ready to hear the Ultra version.

The route and elevation profile

Anna and I headed down to Harrogate (about 25 mins from Ripon) on Friday. We were spending a long weekend there to try and make the most of the event. Thankfully, my folks also made the trip and we had a bit of a family get together on the go. It also meant that Anna would have a little company while I was out in the mud. The weather forecast looked good for race day and we woke to a little fog with the forecast that it would burn off in the afternoon. Pretty much perfect running weather. After a great Italian meal on the Friday I settled in to bed at about 23:00 and up at 06:50 some how still ending up running late, changing in the car, and missing the race briefing while on the toilet. Thankfully I did remember a couple of key things:

1. My Garmin etrex10
2. Put Vaseline everywhere.

Neither of these things should be underestimated.

After a quick run about getting ready it was start time. This meant that I didn't have time to get nervous or worry about anything in the build up. After a chat with my better half I decided to wear my heart rate watch as I had a cold the week before and a really tough work week. I also think it put Mrs Aboveaveragewife at ease.

The start was great and we all headed off down the road without too much fuss at Studley Royal, took a right turn and then stopped to get through a gate. Yorkshire has a lot of styles and gates.  After that stop we were off, everyone seemed in good spirits and there was a lot of chat. I planned on making sure that the first half was ran slowly to ensure that I felt good for the last 9 miles as I'd only ever ran 26.2 miles before...

Anna having convinced me to wear my HR monitor was probably a good idea as the first 9 miles were constantly spent trying to slow down and keep my HR under 150bpm. Ideally it would have been under 140bpm but with the recent cold and the rush to start I gave up on that after the 1st mile. It was in these first few miles I was hyper aware that I couldn't take a deep breath without my chest hurting, a lot. Now normally this would spell alarm bells but I had strained or tweaked something muscular on the left side of my chest the day before. It didn't stop me doing anything but I did have to force myself to take a good deep breath every 20 mins to make sure I was breathing properly. It was also clear that good posture helped so I tried to run with good form well into the race, glad that I was wearing a bum bag and not a vest or shoulder bag.

Up until the first check point I spoke to loads of really nice people who were also running the Ripon as a UTMB qualifying point. I was also surprised just how many people were doing this as their first Ultra. It also did  a lot to help me feel less over whelmed by the distance. To checkpoint 1 we were mostly running through fields or on Landrover tracks. The scenery and terrain changing enough that you always has something else to look at.

Checkpoints are something new to me and when I came into the first one I was glad to see that although towards the back of my target I was feeling really fresh. Once at it, there was lots of water and energy drinks available with some rather amazing fruitcake too. I took a little of the fruit cake (there had been rave reviews online) and walked on. If I'm honest I was shocked at how many people were stood having a chat. The marshalls were great and very friendly but even If I'm not at the business end of the race I still wanted to minimise my loses. I took the cake (it was amazing and got better at every checkpoint). I Then walked the next 1km eating my Jam sandwich, I had packed one for each checkpoint. I also made a quick call to my parents and Anna to make sure they knew I was okay and feeling good.

I had asked them to take over my social media to try and update how I was getting on and send me any messages that might help in the later miles, this was going to be fought in the head more than the legs. More on that later.

After my first break it was easy to start running again. I had pulled away from a really nice group of runners just before the first checkpoint and then they passed me during my food walk  I managed to catch them up for a bit and then slowly moved forward. This meant that I was mainly running on my own from checkpoint 1 to 2 catching someone every so often, having a chat then carrying on. Again everyone was so friendly and helpful making sure I didn't go wrong on the route or offering advice.

During one of the sections through the woods I met a nice bloke in white who reassured me that I would make the cut off time no problem, he must have seen the worry in my head. Despite the reassurance I kept pushing on thinking I was behind schedule doing a really poor half marathon time for me. Then suddenly the next checkpoint appeared. I even asked a man how far we'd run. 15.1 miles. At this point I had my HR watch, Garmin 10 watch AND my Garmin etrex. I still couldn't do the maths. It just shows you running and maths shouldn't be done together. Still the section through the trees showed me that I could speed up a little and I was feeling good though the other half of me kept saying "don't be the idiot that blows up" So I re affirmed to myself "get to 26.2 miles feeling okay then see what you have". 35 miles means a lot of talking to yourself- or at least it does for me.

Checkpoint 2 and 3 were only 4 miles apart but this was a hard section with a lot of steep uphill on tarmac. I had decided to power walk all the proper ups- a proper up can technically be defined by  anything that makes you look up and think 'F&%k sake'. It was at this point I first met the first of a group that I ended up running a lot with. Dalgety (I forgot to ask his name) was really nice bloke who lives in London and works in Dalgety bay every so often. He had done Comrades a few times and wes clearly very fit. He and his partner were doing the event for a bit of fun without any proper training. He said he was just going to run until it wasn't fun anymore. How impressive is that? "What are you going to do on the weekend?" "Dunno, prob just go for a run see how far I can go." 35 miles that's how far. 100% badass.  This 4 miles stretch was also where I read the text messages Anna had relayed to me and they did make me think I better stick in this and get a move on. Thanks to everyone that left a message, it was only a wee thing but it helped a lot.

At checkpoint 3 Dalgetey (I wish I had asked his name) stayed for a chat and I walked straight through, not before I got some more cake. I figured that they would catch me up fairly quickly. Straight out of checkpoint 3 was down hill and through some fields so I decided against my plan to walk the next km and eat and just ran on. It felt fast but I doubt I was breaking any records. I enjoyed this section the most. It was over moor land and with the mist not quite lifting it was really atmospheric.

Yorkshire, even in bad weather it looks cool

more of the same

It was around this point that I started running with a guy called Nick we ended up running a similar pace with him pulling away on the ups and me catching on the downs.

Dalgetey and another runner (Yellow Vest) also caught us and we ended up running the rest of the way as a four. This really helped as there was a couple of sections where I wouldn't have started running again after a walk without them pushing  me on. It was also helpful to have advice on the route to make sure we were on the right direction. I actually think Nick could have pushed on ahead but he wasn't sure of the route and  my Garmin was a helpful tool.

This was an interesting aspect of the race. In the last 9 miles there were a lot of very quick sharp turns in fields, through farms etc. It would have been easy to get lost even with the garmin. At one point we caught a really nice couple that helped us a lot on the route. The bloke had recced the route and although marginally slower than what I wanted to run the time I would have lost from getting lost was more than I would have gained from going ahead. What's that about haste and speed. It's also much easier to keep running in a group than on your own.

The signs you follow, though there aren't as many as you think

The last checkpoint at 29 miles was a great site. and we all new that we had broken the back of the race. I think we all decided to try and crack on and I put a lot of effort into that last 10km only walking a few of the initial uphills. Sadly I don't know what time I did for it but it was definetaly the hardest 10km I've done.

Checkpoint 4, they promised beers

The best part about that section was that the conservative 1st half meant that we managed to overtake a fair number of people towards the end. The finish was down a brilliant drive but it did seem to go on forever. Then suddenly, I heard Anna scream "Come on Paul". I couldn't even see her at that point. All that was left was for me and Nick to try and kick on and finish strong.

The finish was a left then a little up hill that seemed fitting for a run in Yorkshire.

At the finish, the photo is also given to you by the organisers.

Anna tried to run ahead to get a photo of me finishing but she proved to be a good motivation and I beat her on the  sprint finish ;)

At the finish

The finish was brilliant, low key but everyone was in good spirits. I was given my medal and immediately handed my jacket and some coke to drink. Go Beyond, the event organiser had put on some food, a massage if you needed it and there was a wee mobile shop selling some really cool ultra gear. We walked about a little and I thanked Nick for his help and spoke to the other runner (Yellow Vest) a really nice Northern guy that I also saw the next day and had a chat with him. He was certainly walking better than me the next day. I just wished I'd asked everyone's name.... Sadly, I didn't get the ask Dalgety's name or thank him at the finish. He pushed me on a couple of times in the latter miles and it would have been be nice to say thanks. So if you're reading this, thanks.


Just before I headed back to the hotel I asked one of the marshalls if I could get my time and he mentioned there had been two 99 runners. I looked strangely and the marshall asked if I had went through twice after going to the toilet (I hadn't), and the photographer joked one of us must be number 66. I laughed and asked if I could be given the quiker number.

I shouldn't have laughed.

Taking off my number later I realised I had put my number upside down. Thankfully after a quick call it was all sorted out and the organisers were great about it. Once I got back to the hotel and changed we went for Thai food which was great. The next day we had a walk around Harrogate to try and ease off my legs. It took 5 days before I was walking without any aches but much less pain than my first marathon 3 years ago.

Mud, but not too much

All together I had a great time during the run and would definetaly do it again. A big thanks has to go to Anna for putting up with all my long runs and encouraging me to do this event. My parents for coming along and supporting me so well and all the organisers and marshalls for making this event so fun.

Finally, after trying and failing to play about with excel to try and see how I did at each checkpoint I managed to get some of the information and it makes geeky but interesting reading.

START - CP1 7.5 miles - 1hr 19min     102nd place
CP1 - CP2       8.8 miles - 1hr 36min     84th place
CP2 - CP3       4 miles -    53mins          77th place
CP3 - CP4       9 miles -    1hr 48mins    77th place
CP4- FINISH  6 miles -    1hr 32mins    60th place

Apart from being shocked at how slow these times actually are when broken down the positives to be taken from them are how I managed to keep moving up the ranks. For me this makes a real mental difference. Did I go too slow at the start? Could I have suffered  bit more and pushed on? Would I have blown up? I don't know, I just know that this tactic seems to work for me. Maybe, with a little more experience and strength in my legs I should try to push on a little earlier but that's for another blog and another race.

Interestingly, one week after the race I did my first parkrun in ages and got a 40 second PB running Camperdown (not all parkruns are equal) in  22:51. I think this shows that training for an Ultra doesn't just mean running slow. More miles  can also make you quicker.

Next up is the Templeton 10 miles at the start of November. The long term goal is still the OCC application and I'm going to do the Cateran 55 ultra as a warm up/ B race in May. If you fancy seeing how I get on please follow me on twitter, instagram or follow my blog.

Until then Woop Woop.

Follow me on Twitter @HendriePaul or Instagram hendriepaul

Round Ripon, What you need to know.

It's a really well organised race.

You need to know how to navigate the course. you can do this by sticking with some runners, recceing the route, reading the map + instructions they give you. Using a Garmin.*

Harrogate is a good base and has a Bettys

It's a really good first Ultra

The technical top you get is pretty sweet as is the inclusion of a photo in the cost

You get 1 UTMB point

The Terrain is mixed and although you need trail shoes there is enough tarmac to make your feet ache that night. I used Salomon Fell raiser and they worked really well and no blisters but alsp buy some decent socks.

Be constistant in your race planning and pacing.

Countdown to the Round Ripon Ultra

Countdown to Round Ripon Ultra

The Chamonix dream in the distance

It's a week to go until the Round Ripon Ultra. A 35 mile jaunt rather surprisingly round Ripon. It's my first foray into the Ultra realm and part of a grand plan to try and take on my own slice of Chamonix next year.

This has been a strange training cycle. I've had a mixed run up (boom Boom) to this event. So I thought it would be good to go over a few things prior to race day.

Things that went well.

1. I got a running coach. This has been the biggest factor in getting me ready for the event (I cringe saying race when I wont be anywhere near the racing end of things). It has been the catalyst for most of the improvements seen below.

2. I've been more consistent and ran 5 times a week for the last 8 weeks barring two sets of night shifts where I ran 4 times. This has meant that I've logged a lot more miles than my previous marathon training schedules.

3 More structure, less junk. Because of the training plan my coach gave me I've had more focused runs and had a lot more variety.

4. Less Bored. I've changed the routes of my runs enough to make sure that I've not got bored training. When I think back to Loch Ness marathon I ended up hating going out to run because I was so bored of my route. The same running routes at run at the same pace were infuriatingly boring. Thankfully, variety seems to be the spice of running.

5. Trails are fun. This year I've  managed more running off road, though still less than Ideal for this type event. Lets face it off road is more fun.

Things that were less than Ideal (trying not to be too negative).

1. Length of training cycle. Although I've ran consistently I haven't had the longest plan. 8 weeks with my coach and 3 weeks before don't make ideal build up. I would have liked to have built up slower and spent longer doing bigger runs to make sure I have the confidence getting past the 26.2 mile distance fairly easily.

2.Runners physique. Sadly I probably should have lost a few more pounds leading up to this event. I've clearly fallen into the running more=eating more trap. I guess there's always December to lose weight right?

3 A cold. This week I've had a cold. Although I feel better now I don't know how it will effect me towards the end of the  race though the joy of it being my first Ultra means I wont know any difference.

One of the many runs through Tentsmuir

So what does it all mean?

(be bold Paul, be bold) I'm fairly confidant I'll finish. However I don't think I should be aiming for a specific time. The cut off time is 10 hours and given my longest run was 26.2 miles completed in 4hrs 42mins I should make with time to spare but I don't want to underestimate what the next 9 miles will do to me. Plus, Yorkshire weather. . The route has potential to be quiet boggy in places it might end up being a bit of a slog, if the weather turns nasty in the days leading up to the event. But it wouldn't be the north without a little rain to cleanse the soul.


All in all I'm looking forward to race and looking forward to testing my fitness. But I will really need to focus on making sure I don't get lost or make any silly mistakes. I'll try to take a similar tactic to Loch Katrine and start slow but make my way through the  race with an even pace hoping it allows me to finish well.

Navigation skills course

Navigation skills course

 

I don't have the best sense of direction. Put me in a situation where I need to navigate and I will act confidently and proclaim that this is the best way to go. Mainly because I think confidence and decisiveness beats worry and indecision. Sadly is doesn't stop you getting lost or help you 're-locate' . So after deciding that I want to improve my trail running and being a solo walker/runner I need to know what I'm doing with a map and compass.

 

This being Scotland there are a huge number of courses available to choose from. In the end I settled upon a midweek evening course in the Pentland hills run by Steven Fallon. The course details and his website can be found here. His website was actually one of the reasons for using him as it was easy to navigate (boom boom). As it's a midweek evening course It's a little shorter than some other courses but is easier to fit into a busy schedule.     

 

The day started with a late train through to Edinburgh (I absolutely had watch the last episode of Game of Thrones). I got through and caught the bus from Princes Street to the Midlothian Snow Sports Centre where the event was being held. It started at 17:00 until about 20:00(ish). A fairly simple if a little long winded journey (A car and being able to drive would make this outdoors lark infinitely easier).

 

The course started promptly and had 5 participants including myself. All of us having a very varied background and reason for doing the course. Steven took us through the different types of maps and the various benefits and draw backs of each, pointing out subtle features that could easily catch people out. We then went through the features of a compass, again showing us how to use them and how they can go wrong. At this point I was amazed at the huge variety in types and quality of compass. Ultimately research and spend a little extra on this.  

 

After showing us how to take a bearing from a map we headed outside and started putting it all into practice. We spent 2 hours going over the 4 D's of navigation (if you want to know book onto his course) Using pacing and map and compass to follow a path that I'm sure Steven has done a thousand times before. The weather was clear, with a really cold wind that made me thankful I had some gloves with me.

 

Once the course was finished we got given some course material to take away including a very handy pacing chart. All that was left for me to do was  head off to meet my lift from the Brother and Sister in-law where I would be given bed and Breakfast for the night. 

 

On a really nice end note.  Everyone of the course participants, and instructor offered me a lift as they saw me walking to the bottom car park without even knowing where I was going. Once again proving hill folk are friendly folk.

 

The course also made me appreciate the Pentland hills and I'll look to do some more running there in the future.

 

Finally, it seems navigation is a skill and you only get better at it by practicing so I'll be trying to put these skills to practice as regularly as possible.  

 

The photos don't do the views justice.

 

 

 

 

Some Hill navigation courses in Scotland

StevenFallon - This was the course I did and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone I know.
http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/navigation-skills.html

Mountaineering Council of Scotland
http://www.mcofs.org.uk/navigation-courses.asp

Glenmore Lodge
http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/mountaineering-courses/cat-19-summer-walking-navigation/qualifications/

N.B I'm sure there are other course but these were the ones I found quickly using google.


If you've been thinking of doing one of these courses or even just like walking I'd recommend giving it a go. You'll learn a lot and actually be able to use the compass that's sat in your backpack since you got it.

Weird disclaimer- I booked and paid for this course myself and didn't receive any money or any other nonsense to attend or review this course. Sad that this is actually needs to be said.

 

Dreaming Big

For the last year I've had a secret dream. Something I've only dared whisper while sleeping. This week I was forced to either continue dreaming or wake up and step forward.

 Last August Mrs A and I found ourselves in the centre of Chamonix town square where we came across the finishing line of the 5 UTMB ultra races. It was a truly inspirational setting and I found it utterly captivating, I posted about it here The emotion within the square was palpable and infectious. On one of the nights we sat having a beer watching everyone pass through the town, every finisher was totally spent and utterly happy. I decided there and then that I wanted to cross that finish line. The UTMB race is spectacular in its length and challenge. This would be too much. There is however a smaller race. The  Orsières - Champex - Chamonix (OCC). If you can count 32mile/ 53km and 3,300m/10876 feet of ascent as short. Some bizarrely do.

Unfortunately the shear size and popularity of these races mean that in order to enter you need to have earned enough UTMB qualification points to enter. Fortunately as the OCC is the shortest and easiest (I cringe when referring to this as easy) of these races you only need one point to be able to enter. The points are allocated based on how hard/ long the qualification race is. Because I haven't researched properly I only now realised that you need to have 1 qualification point to enter the OCC in 2016. With there only being so many races left this year I have had to act quickly. The only achievable race that I felt I could do was in either October or November. With the weather in the UK a factor I choose to enter the Round Ripon Ultra in October.

The round Ripon Ultra is a 35 mile Circular route ultra that has 2856ft/ 870 metres of ascent and takes place on Saturday 3rd October through Yorkshire.

Ideally I would have longer to train and get ready for this but sometimes you need to step forward and take stake your claim. I wont break any records but if I'm willing to entertain the idea of entering the OCC. I need to be fit and strong enough to complete this. More and more I have been reading Ultra Blogs and podcasts. Mainly because of the sense of community they have. I haven't had any desire to enter an Ultra especially the huge distances but the smaller ultras do hold an appeal generally because they tend to involve beautiful places and great terrain.

All of this means that I have to ensure I am running regularly and at a decent level. I haven't posted recently but I have been running or hill walking but without any structure or even using my Garmin regularly.

I have 16 weeks to prepare but that includes a big US holiday and the inevitable nightshifts that my job brings. I'm not sure if that gives me enough time to prepare or if I have enough of a base, but that's life. I have spent the day looking at various training plans and am not sure what the best way forward is. One thing I have been looking into for a while is getting a running coach. Originally this would have been after Christmas to train for the OCC (last year you didn't need any qualification points). They aren't cheap though and although I understand that there will likely be huge benefits from getting some proper structured help I can't stop myself thinking 'it's only running'. A statement I'm sure I'll regret putting into ink. Either way I'll have to decide soon.

Have I taken on too much? Probably

I'll find out in 16 weeks.

A test of (hill) Fitness

It's been about a month since the Loch Katrine marathon. Since then I've only been on a couple of runs, all of them 4 miles or under. Instead I've been out on my bike trying to ensure I can get pulled around the Red route of the Kinross sportive. So I've been trying to get out and so 3-4 rides a week of between 10-30 miles working under the rule that consistant training is better than one big session If I'm honest, my arse couldn't take one big ride of 50 miles without a little cycling acclimatisation.


This has had a number of effects on my overall fitness but to cut a long story short my mate Steve dragged me out on a 'long ride' to last week to see if we had the 68mile red route in us. After I had repeatidly begged him to cut it short, (alas the river tay is a fine natural obstacle) we ended up doing 55 miles from Fundee through to Fife, Perth and then back via Scone. This also married up rather akwardly with some great weather and a rare Friday off for my better half. So after 55 miles (the furtherst I have every cycled by a huge margin) I ended up going to Dunkeld and walking the inver route through the Hemitage and along the river. To my suprise the next day I felt good. Not great, but I wasn't walking as if I'd been spanked by and angry grocer for stealing apples. Not something I do often I might add.

So after all of that the only thing left to do was to pass myself off as a fitness expert, use all of the pseudo science I can muster. I'll be using ideas so shaky they're too insecure to look 'BroScience' in the eye and test my fitness


Bring in the Beast, or at least the Ben. No, not 'The Ben', my Ben. Ben Vrackie.

Ben Vrackie

This is by far one of the most fun walks to do if you want to get into hill walking as it is challenging enough for you to earn your pint at the finish. Also,  low and behold there's a pub at the finish.

I ran this route roughly 6 months ago completing it in 89:51 I started that a little early so will cut of the appropriate time etc... (why let details get in the way of a good story)


Inorder to add a little scientific vigor I proceded to alter 90% of what I did in the lead up to this run, though I think I was post nightshift in both. Instead of cycling I walked from Pitlochry train station up but made sure it was at a good pace, I was in shorts and didn't want to get cold. It was also a lot hotter, a little less blowy but I still had much to much in my bag. So all things being far from equal but hopefully still meaningful I set off for the top. It was strange being on the hills so late in the day. I got into Pitlochry at about 12:10 but normally head out first thing. This did mean that I had plenty of people to reel in as I made my way through the first section. As is often the case with steep hills I soon adopted a run walk strategy of running past someone then walking again ;) Before the start I hoped that I could do finish in 80 minutes but that might be the disney dreamer in me. After all my last run further than parkrun was a month ago.


I tried to run more than I did last time thinking that a slower more consistant pace might be quicker than running up hill only to stand still and get my breath back pretending to take photo's as an excuse......

 The going is pretty good until you get to the loch, after that it's about putting one foot infront of the other and focusing on moving forward consistantly. The weather was pretty good but I was still getting too hot and I was only wearing shorts and T-shirt. The sweat and snot was streaming off me quicker than a waterfall. At the top I was surprised to still see some snow as you come round the back of the top. There is something pretty cool about running through snow in shorts. Once I had got gotten over the Rocky daydream I decided to put on my cycling arm warmers. Yes runners, cyclists have far more, and better acessories. The start of the down was still far slower than I think it should be. I kept putting on the breaks as I didn't want to fall on what I view as technical downs. Once back onto the loch side I realised that my quads were shot. I remembered the last section being the most fun last time as you could just take of the brakes and go. The path is smooth, wide and easy but my legs were already gone. I kept having to slow down which probably put more strain on them. Once at the final wooded section I knew I'd 'beat' my last time but that I wouldn't make 80 mins.

 

 
Once I had finally finished my legs were screaming at me and I think the bloke coming down a minute after me must have thought I was mad as I wasn't running anywhere and stopped very suddenly. Pleased to have finished quicker and convinced my 'up' was faster than last time but that my 'down' was the slightly slower I was keen to compare.

shattered

As a committed scientist a checky wee half pint was in order before the analysis. Well it would have been if I didn't realise the next train was in 20 miuntes and the next one not for 3 hours. I drank as much as I could in one go (I'm not 20 anymore) and ran to the train starion as quickly as I could, via the chip shop. I made the train with not much time to spare looking a sweaty mess. About to infuriate everyone by being the bloke that takes chips on the train and stinks the carriage out. I'm not sorry though, they were good chips and I earned them.

SO what does the 'science' show?

Before looking at the numbers I was convinced that they would show improvements on the up but not the down. The down hill felt so hard I was convinced the lack of specifically running down hill in the last month would hit me hard. I was surprised to show only moderate improvements in my climbing especially as I felt I had climbed much better with more running than last time. I also thought that the last month of cycling would have translated into good hill running.  So, having to throw out the projected hypothesis that cycling and consistent training would help me running up hill but not down what does it all mean? I think it shows that the last 6 months of consistent training had meant my CV fitness has improved and all the focus on down hill running for Loch Katrine is still in there somewhere.


(Update, one day later my quads are in tatters)


I also think the last year is the first time I've trained consistently 3-4 times a week for a solid period since leaving University. Because of this, my overall CV fitness has seen the benefits. Perhaps this is the reason for the improvements. It's sometimes nice to think that a short intensive block of exercise can dramatically change your overall fitness but I think the reality is long term habits and consistent training over a long period trump miracle cures. Sometimes shit is just hard and there aren't any quick fixes or miracle cures. Trust me I've looked for them. I'm slowly learning it's about small consistant patterns of behavior change. A slightly dull and simple truth, but true.


So.......

Next week I've got the cycle and then after I'm going to focus on getting out in the hills more. Although I don't have any firm races in mind I might see if I can do the Ben Ledi hill race, though that's all dependant on the God of Offduty.