Lakeland 55k

 Arrived in the slightly moody and hugely beautiful lake district for a stab at the Lakeland 55k tomorrow. Stunning, stunning place. Did I ever say that its good to be able to breathe? 

 

Sunset Ultra 2021

 Well. I really enjoyed this race. The event had been postponed, once, maybe twice, due to the pandemic. This version was shorter than the original race length, and a slightly different format from the event we had entered : originally we were to run through the night into the sunrise, instead we ran through the afternoon and evening, into the sunset.

I use the term 'run' quite loosely.... Maybe just propel ourselves forward is a more accurate description. 

The course followed the Norfolk coastal path. Flat, a mixture of trails, sand, boardwalks, promenades. The latter third was awesome with the sea in sight and sound to our right, and the gradual sunset over the sea. 

The idea of the race was to try and make it back before sunset : the sun went down on us in our  last painful 5k. 

Meeting up with an old running friend was an absolute blast, to share the day as well as previous running stories. The fact that he had the patience to stick with me and my still-a-bit-injured-very-slow-plod for the whole event was a testament to his level of stamina in itself. 

The race incorporated four checkpoints for extra water and supplies on what turned out to be a pretty hot day. The support from the race marshals was phenomenal. 

Loved this race, loved this day. 

 

Sunset Ultra 2021

 Just finished the 35 mile sunset Ultra, a beautiful race on the Norfolk Coast. What a buzz. Pics tom

Woodland running

 Good to get out in the woods, clear our heads, get off the tarmac, inhale those gorgeous views..... And......... Breathe..... 

 Thank you Adrian Howes, photographer, for catching the last painful moments of the race

Country to capital 2021, my race

 So, the first long distance event that I've been able to get to, due to the pandemic restrictions, for a long long time. I felt like a complete newby with this : the journey, the organisation, the overall distance, was all completely intimidating me. But it felt time to try and get back in to this, as a mental boost and kick up the bum to try and focus again, in past and present passions.

A flat race: the winner finished in approximately five hours fifteen. I have no idea how. I think many of us felt that it was perhaps harder than normal : no preparation with recent events due to cancellations, it felt very much like the first time of attempting this distance.

Yikes.

My legs got tired too quickly for my liking, with the classic schoolboy error of setting off too fast. Plodding commenced quite quickly, the ultra gear. A huge piece of luck for me : I hooked up with a chap running a similar pace quite early on about fifteen miles. After having a little moan between us, we went in to a run / walk strategy that he timed like a metronome. We were aiming for 13-14 minute miles to complete, so would walk (well, hobble) for 0.6 of a mile, then jog (well, shuffle) for 0.4-0.5 of a mile. Honestly, it worked a treat. The miles just ticked by. In between our attempts at 'running', we put the world to rights and this in itself was interesting. So, how lucky for me to have bumped in to this chap.... My race would not have been anywhere near as enjoyable or achievable without him. 

The end came after 9 hours 32. I certainly didn't feel as if I'd had a 'good' race:  legs way too sore, rubbish injuries rearing their heads. But, but but.. I didn't expect to, either. First event back, my aim was to complete, I was chuffed to get there.

Still buzzing. And still wearing the tee shirt, with pride.