Lakeland 55k, 2021

 Well, just returned from the Lakeland race. Lovely day, lovely course. The hills were challenging and the weather humid. Thankfully the rain held off and the sun didn't shine brightly on us-good running weather.

I finished 10.35, to be honest I was pleased with this. Depressingly, we saw a couple of elites finish the 100k before we had even hit our start line - they were powering in at nine and something hours : how, how, how can they do these superhuman times, incredible.

Loved this day. Many good memories of previous Lake District events came flooding back, was good to be out there today.

Favourite beautiful moment had to be looking back from the top of the longest climb I had  attempted for a while, Helvellyn, amazing. Favourite comedy moment was trying to take a dodgy selfie when a work colleague ran past : huge congrats to him, first ultra and a superb finishing time.

Buzzing. Absolutely buzzing. 

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