My Background

Monday 28 April 2014

Blue

I thought you were supposed to feel invincible and unstoppable after achieving a goal.

I can't explain it, but since the race I have been feeling right out of sorts. Lethergic, unmotivated, uninterested, feeling down.......

....I thought that I should probably do some research to get to the bottom of it, but then I didn't have the energy, and couldn't see the point.

I did half-read something about opoid-like things in your brain and running, and I think I might have got addicted to running a long way, and now I'm going through some kind of withdrawal, because I've been for plenty of runs since the race, and enjoyed them at the time, but I'm missing the buzz afterwards, it's like I can't do enough. 

So, as a true addict, I have arranged for some future fixes:
  • 17.05.14: The Marafun, Orpington
  • 12.07.14: The Lyke Wake 42 miles
  • 23.08.14: The Thames Meander Marathon
  • Next year: The LDWA annual 100 mile event, in Lancashire next year
But I wish the Woldsman race wasn't over! Perhaps that's the problem. Maybe I am thinking of the past and wishing for it to still be happening too much, and so am missing the good that could be/ actually is happening right now.. 


...so enough! It's been two weeks. I have to keep my amazing memories that  I have collected from the experience, and use them to direct my future!

Sunday 13 April 2014

The Woldsman - my first ultra marathon!

6am 12.04.14....that would be time for The Woldsman!

Arrived at Driffield Showground at 7am and checked in in a big shed. I am number 28. That's my age. Almost. Anyway....

Cup of tea time, and a motivational note from my Mum to carry on the way :-)

'Nothing is impossible. Even the word itself says "I'm possible".' How many times I have said something is impossible, and how have I managed never to notice that before??

The shed is filling up with fast looking people, lots in walking gear, but lots in running outfits too. They all look really good. I'm looking forward to today, but am pretty nervous about the furthest I've run before being 35 miles, which is quite a lot less than this, and these people all look like 35 is a warm up for them. Ohh err. 

8am and we're off! I like these LDWA events. There's no fanfare or anything at the start, everyone just suddenly starts moving off in a big wave of eagerness to start the task ahead.....

You get a little card when you register which has all the eight checkpoints listed, and once you arrive at each one someone stamps it for you to prove you made it. There are also five self checkpoints where you have to stamp them yourself (these are on parts of the route to check you didn't take a short cut). There is also a 'bucket drop', which sounds exciting, and which turns out to be dropping a small wooden disc with your number on into a bucket. This was after only a couple of miles, and I couldn't find my disc. Panicked rooting in pockets ensued. How have I lost it already! Found it. Phew. The bucket has been dropped.



The first few miles it was interesting to consider those around me. Trying to figure out how fast I should be going, so pretty much following everyone else around me. There is a lot more walking than I've been doing in my training. Feeling like I could go faster than this, but it's still early on, and I'm also feeling really cautious. These guys obviously know what they're doing, and I really don't have a clue. And I'm worried about the last 15 miles! So I decide to go with their pace.

I got chatting to a girl called Tanya quite early on, and we ran together, or around about each other for all of the route. She had done this run several times before and some 100 milers, and she was a really calming and encouraging influence, and I was really lucky to meet her. Her Dad was also there, having run this several times himself also, this year was driving around supporting Tanya as he waited for a hip replacement. Andrew was also driving around to some of the checkpoints, so even in the middle of the countryside we had support, and I would just like to say "Thank you!" to both, because it made a big difference! At the end when I thanked Tanya's Dad, he said, "well don't thank me, I didn't say anything helpful!" which isn't true, he said many hugely helpful things, but another runner chipped in with "it doesn't matter what you say, it's just having someone say something to you that helps!" which is true! It's not always what someone says, but the fact that they were there and noticed that you needed some help :-) 

Andrew ran some of it with me too at a couple of checkpoints which really helped. New legs, and of course, his amazing sense of humour. Haha! Gave me a boost :-) 

Also, the event was so well organised! There were eight checkpoints, all around the countryside, some in really remote spots, all manned by cheerful volunteers, who had probably been there for hours, and gave up their own time. All stocked with tables heaving under piles of sandwiches, cakes, fruit, puddings, and a full meal at the middle one (including bananas and custard!) tea, coffee and water. So, massive thank you to the East Yorkshire LDWA for putting this on! Great achievement. I recommend The Woldsman unreservedly. To give an idea of the amazing amount of food on offer (and how much of a pig I am) this is what I ate during the run:

CP1: flapjack
CP2: 2 x ham sandwich, 1/2 scone
CP3: shortbread
CP4: bananas and custard
CP5: bourbon biscuit, flapjack
CP6: jaffa cake,
CP7: cheese scone
CP8: sweets

Plus a kit-kat and a handful of mini egg/jelly baby/ nut mix from my own stocks, and about 2 litres of water/ juice. My Mum joked this is the only walk she has done where she might put weight on. I think I might have just achieved this. Oops.

Off after CP2. Fueled by sandwiches and scones:

Had troubles with feet! Wasn't sure what to do! Ran through a field early in the run which was really dry and dusty and some dust/ stones got down the back of my socks and started rubbing my heels. I got a blister two days before the run by walking into town in shoes that are normally really comfortable but for some reason gave me a blister. I was furious, I never get blisters, why get one two days before I really don't need one! But, everything happens for a reason! Because of this, my Mum had given me some blister plasters, so I had some on me when I normally wouldn't, which saved my heels from further pain. Phew.

After CP3 - shortbread eaten, heels better and downhill coming up, good times!

Was nice to have my parents doing the walk too, and to text each other updates along the way. My parents did amazing, walking all day and into the night and finishing in just less than 17 hours - fantastic!



I was really surprised to have no low points really on the way round. I put his down to:

  • I think it makes a difference running with other people around, lifts your spirits and gives you something else to think/talk about compared to when running alone. Met some really nice people on the run - a guy who was doing the race for a similar 'reason' - doing 50 miles for his 50th birthday. He was also really optimistic and a good navigator and saved me from running off the wrong way up a hill - so big thanks! There are some others running 50 for the first time, and lots who have done the distance many times before. There was a group of us running at about the same pace for quite a lot of the race, nice to feel part of a group and help each other out.
  • Also, having all the different checkpoints to break it up makes it seem like not one big run, but 8 smaller ones, and the checkpoints got closer together towards the end, which helped too psychologically. 
  • And, having to navigate yourself really gives you something to focus on! In a road race all there is to focus on really is the next mile marker, and if you've having a rough patch, a mile is a loooong way! But if you have navigate and you're looking out for "the next stile over the hedge on the right after the fallen tree and the abandoned hut", then how far you're going doesn't stay in your mind so much, just looking out for things all the time. And good camaraderie to figure the route out with other participants.



So the miles seemed to go by really quickly. The scenery is beautiful in the Yorkshire Wolds. Really open rolling countryside, you can see for miles and it feels like you're on top of the world. Weather was pretty good too, mostly, well apart from the rain at the start and the rain near the end!

After the 7th checkpoint at Wetwang (great name) I ate a cheese scone and I following this felt really good and was also getting cold, so pushed on for the last 8 miles and finished feeling good. The finish: 


My finishing time was 11 hours 12 min and I was in 14th place:



I am so happy! I felt really strong at the end and it was a fantastic day and experience, and I feel like I have so many great memories of the day, and thanks to everyone for helping me! Definitely will be back!

Friday 11 April 2014

The Woldsman 50 miles.....1 days to go!

Thanks to everyone who has been so nice since my anxious post. You have made me feel better! Can't believe the race is tomorrow! So, still feeling nervous, but excited now too. And today is beautiful weather!

Packed.

Have remembered map. And have been studying it. My Dad has transferred the written route to the actual map, and my Mum has made me copies to carry on the run :-) First time this year I'm taking sunglasses. Get in! On second thoughts, this is sure to make it rain.

OK: maps, compass, head-torch (in case I'm not finished by dark, eek), whistle, clothes, trainers, socks, spare socks, waterproofs, bag, watch (and Andrew's for when the battery runs out), sunglasses, food.....whoever said running was easy because you don't need anything to do it- errm, clearly that's not true!

Also, quite excited about my first 30th birthday present! A fold-able water bottle, from Catherine - thank you! I just washed it out. It has a slight lemony taste now, from the washing up liquid. But at least my insides will be clean too. It's cool, it's squishy and easy to carry. 

Right, off to compile a motivational play list for my i-pod, for any low moments I might encounter on the way around . Then off the Driffield this afternoon.....

Thanks again everyone for all your support :-) Will let you know how it goes! 

x

Wednesday 9 April 2014

The Woldsman 50 miles...3 days to go!

Been tapering for the Woldsman race for a week now. In my grouchy, bored, carb-loaded anxiety I found this article about tapering. I think it was written as a joke, but everything is true for me:

http://running.about.com/od/distancerunningtips/a/You-Know-You-Are-Marathon-Tapering-When.htm 

But it's true! And I hate tapering! And I think I'm overdoing it because I'm anxious because I've never done an ultra before and I don't want to mess it up now. 

But on the plus side my leg is better after the Heptonstall Fell Race! Haven't done much since then:
Sunday 30th: rest (unable to move)
Monday 31st: rest (unable to move far)
Tuesday 1st: run 6 miles (hurt)
Wednesday 2nd: gym (30 min bike, 15 min cross trainer)
Thursday 3rd: 45 min spinning
Friday 4th: run 4 miles
Saturday 5th: rest (I went to a wedding. It was a good excuse to take complete rest.....)
Sunday 6th: rest (.....but all night dancing in 4 inch heels must count for something?)
Monday 7th: rest (feet hurt from dancing)
Tuesday 8th: 4 mile run

Last night I dreamed I was at the start line, but had forgotten my maps. Everyone laughed and I got disqualified before even starting. 

I also read something I wish I hadn't. The Woldsman has more climbing in it (4500 ft)than the Heptonstall Fell Race did (3170 ft). I am alternating between 1) ignoring this, 2) it must be a typo? 3) the fell race wasn't THAT bad right? 4) uncontrollable weeping. 

Feeling anxious.


Tuesday 1 April 2014

The Heptonstall Fell/Hell Race

My fears were justified. I have just recovered enough capacity to be able to write/ think. 

I woke after a sleepless night at 5am, half by the birds singing in the garden and half by an increasing feeling of anxiety. Tried to eat porridge, but not really up for it, so threw most of it out. Big mistake.

Packed bag with a makeshift emergency kit: waterproof trousers (thanks Catherine), waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, compass (thanks Chris), whistle (thanks pound shop),  map sellotaped into a plastic wallet in case of rain, emergency food, water. All the talk of 'emergency' is not helping my nerves. What's going  to happen?!

Off to meet Chris who is also running the race. Studied map on train. Some of my anxiety lessens as I read the text in bold at the top of the map which says 'the route is well flagged'. How did I miss that before?! Maybe my map reading skills (lack of) won't be so much of an issue after all! Hurrah, the day is looking up.

Get to Hebden Bridge. Beautiful place! The start is 1.4 miles away in Heptonstall, all uphill. Good warm up. So pretty here and it's all misty. Very atmospheric. 


 

Registration is in a pub. Start as you mean to go as they say. And it's only £6 to enter the race - bargain! Am now hungry, so eat some Belvita breakfast biscuits and half a banana because the other half got squashed (breakfast is a DISASTER today!), and have some tea. Then I need a wee, of course. In the queue for the loo, people are saying things like "well, I'm not sure how this will go, but at least it's only a category B race, not an A. If it was an A I'd be really worried" and "after that point after checkpoint 4 at the...'insert several rapidly proclaimed strange sounding place names'...you want to keep left because if you keep to the right down the tree line by the field boundary you'll end up knee deep in a bog".  I have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. Apart from the bog. Which sounds ominous. 

Here's the route:


The start of the race was really one of my favourites! The village vicar came to start the race, and he did a tiny short sermon about a reading from the Gospel of John, or Luke, I think, about water and Jesus giving the water and it would give eternal life and you would never feel thirsty. Then he said, there is a water station at 11 miles, and said a prayer that we would all stay safe and make it to the water station :-)

And then it began. I have honestly never in all my life run a race this tough! I will start on a positive though - because it was beautiful route with some views that were so stunning it could make your heart ache for the natural beauty of the world. 

Quite soon after that though everything else began to ache, as the reality of running around this scenery sunk in.  Here are my mile by mile highlights:

Mile 1: Nice downhill to start and some people commented on my Chapel A running top, nice to feel part of a group again :-) Then a big uphill scramble. Everyone stops running and walks/ crawls up the hill.
Mile 2: Headache starts and I've forgotten my tablets :-( The bog starts. I start falling over. I fell over 7 times in the race, or was it 8. I don't remember now. Just that I seemed to spend a lot of time on the floor. The first time was a couple of miles in when I misjudged the length of a particularly boggy section, and slid back into it. To be honest, I was so tired from focusing so hard on where to put my feet for the last mile of bog, it was quite a relief to lie down for a moment, even if it was face down in a bog. You have to take your rest where you can get it. I remember feeling quite cross after that. And stayed cross for the rest of the time, and it got worse after each time I fell. By the end I was in a rage. My Mum says this makes me like my Dad, who gets very cross when out walking if the going underfoot is not favourable. 
Mile 3: The navigation section turned out to be really straightforward, really because I could see where we were heading to from a long way away, and there was a long line of runners to follow. In fact, navigation wasn't a problem at all, it was well marked and there was always someone ahead.The only issue I had was later in the race, when there was no one ahead. Approaching a pair of helpful walkers they called out "all the others have gone that way, they said were lost, but they all went that way anyway". It was the wrong way, and I and three other people who were following me (foolish!) ended up running on the wrong side of the river, much map consulting and debate ensued as to our location, and eventually we ran back up (an extra up!) the hill to where we came from, and off in exactly the opposite direction to what I had thought was right. Sorry everyone.
Mile 4: I saw an ice cream van parked at the bottom of a very steep hill. Hurrah! Oh no wait, its the Mountain Rescue truck.
Mile 5: Running behind a group of men. A couple of them were wearing the same running club tops and looked to be friends. We had just gone along a little road and over a couple of stiles back into the fields. Looked boggy again. Big muddy puddle just after the stile. One of the pair jumped in, and sank up to his WAIST in the bog - I promise I'm not exaggerating! His friend laughed, and jumped up onto the dry stone wall next to the bog and ran along it, overtaking his friend. I followed him. 
Mile 6: Can't remember that much about this section. We were up high so the views were lovely. I was waiting for checkpoint 3 to arrive because I knew that was getting on to half way. I'd been feeling really thirsty and had been putting off getting my water bottle out of my bag for ages, but used an uphill walking section to sort it. Water tastes soooo good when thirsty.
Mile 7: Ran along a dam across a reservoir. Nice and flat and road like. Ahhhhh. Not for long! Back to the hills. I'm wearing too many clothes. Something strange has happened to the weather - it's hot. I've got dressed in the wrong way, need to take off hoody, but it's under my vest, so basically need to strip. I have been looking out for places to hide to do this for a good few miles, and I swear that every time I see somewhere I can hide, someone appears! First it was a race photographer, then a family having a picnic, and now I have just seen a good hiding place by a tree, and the guy who fell in the bog who is just in front of me suddenly stops and starts walking behind me! Argh!
Mile 8: I come across a jelly baby graveyard - several brightly coloured jelly babies lying face down in the mud, drowned. Such a waste! I learn from Chris at the end that these were his. Sad times.
Mile 9: Are we there yet?
Mile 10: The top of a deep gorge, the slides are so muddy and slippery and it is a long way to the river the the bottom. Make it down mostly by lurching between tree branches and holding one for life. 
Mile 11: Water stop! A little group of us had gathered. A man giving out water enlightened us that there was "only one more little hill and then the killer at the end". Half way up the "little" hill I could see grown men further up crawling up the top section on their hands and knees. If this was a little hill, I forbade myself to think of what that man meant by "killer", or I would stop dead and go no further. On the plus side, by the time I reached the steep section, an elderly couple walking down the hill shouted out to me that I was "amazing, and to go show those fellas how it's done!". They were so nice, I could have cried.
Mile 12: Shortly after this, I showed everyone just how it's not done, by misjudging the route markers, running through a bog rather than round it, falling into it, and hitting both knees on a wooden walkway that I was supposed to have run along, not into. For a moment, I sat in the bog, cried, swore at the surrounding countryside, and pulled fistfuls of grass out of the ground. Then I realised someone was catching me up behind me, so stopped behaving like a child and exited the bog situation pronto.
Mile 13: Oww. Everything hurts. 
Mile 14: Everything hurts more. Surely we are near the end? Where is the end?! "A mile away" said a marshal. Huuray! "You just cross the road, and follow that track" he said.
Mile 15: He omitted to mention that the track was vertical. The Killer Hill had raised its ugly head. It took several minutes to get up it, and all the time I could see other runners at the top and they were literally right above my head it was so steep! Mad. What am  I doing here? I kept climbing and climbing, and the top stayed just as far away. 
Mile 16 (I think - the route was longer than 15 and I did an extra bit): I saw my parents at the top of the very last hill! I started running so as to try to impress them. They gave very kind words and pushed me (actually pushed me) on to the finish.
The end: Tea and flapjack in the field. Soup and homemade bread back at the pub. Food makes everything better :-)

Proof that I did sit in mud: 


And some geek stats: I finished in 3.15.13 and came 11/27 in the ladies (and 162/206 overall).

And well done to Chris who did 2:56:31 in his first ever race!

The end (fake smile of pain):


Hurrah! I am already beginning to forget the pain, and now all my clothes and shoes are washed, I think it wasn't all that bad, and I may do another. Or maybe not :-)

I have hurt the back of my right leg. I ran 6 miles today and it was really sore. I think it is just a pulled muscle, but am quite anxious as only 11 days till the big one! :-S On the advice of Andrew and Catherine, I should have complete rest and hot baths and massage and stretch it. So, I might just do that and go to the gym for a couple of days and see if it helps it.