Buff Enigma Week at the Knees Day Four - The Hump One

57.2% Done!

Today was the first of two days at Furzton Lake. With it being the smallest of lakes, it's the one that seems like it will take an eternity. Unlike Willen and Caldecotte, which are 7 laps, Furzton is 17! Now I know what you are thinking, sod that. But personally, I think it may be my favourite lake. Despite the fact it has a tough little roller coaster bit to it every lap, and yesterday's hurricane force wind (authors artistic licence used), you do get to see much more of each other while running.

Day 3 I had picked up two blisters, which I managed to treat with surgical spirit. One had gone and one was on the retreat. A change of trainers and I felt good to run.

Four friends joined the race today for the day. It was fantastic to see Carrie,Carl, Mel and May ( May is doing the final 4)and it really lifted my spirits. The proverbial spring back into my step. However I was keen on the wind which seemed as powerful as being inside a tornado. (More licence, not been in a tornado, plane or twister)

We were off, I'd like to say that I flew out the gate all keen and had to rein myself in, but day 4 of 7, there was no risk of that!

My plan for the day was to run a lap, walk a lap. Repeat until Karen said I was done. Easy. Sort of.

After lap two, I needed a wee, so I had to trot off to the pub. How easy it would've been to stay there!! However I didn't, I went to my car, for headache tablets. Managing to avoid all temptation to regain my sanity!

Due to my enforced break and slow shuffle (which when I talk to the grand kids in 40 years, will be running like a gazelle across the open plains of the Serengeti, being chased by the lions, Steve, Jeremy and Rik!), Cat wasn't far behind lapping me. Her plan was the same as mine, but was doing walk then run and repeat. 

It seemed only right to natter and chatter again. From this point onwards I think other than the odd break, we ran walked together. Although I was a lap down. 

Inbetween our jolly going round and round the lake we would be joined by other runners for periods of time. Having a good catch up and cuddles with Mel, little chats with Carl and Carrie as they pushed on. May joined us on hers and Cats last laps. 

Once those guys finished, I thought I would catch Marathon Man, Trent. He was actually behind me, but my legs were feeling great, and it was an opportunity to see what was under me, so I shot off after the two ladies finished.

Now, bear in mind there was now 100 miles of running (sort of) in my legs. I some how managed to get into a 9.30min/mile pace. Comfortably my fastest pace for probably the last two marathons. I couldn't believe how good my legs felt. I soon caught Trent, where I had planned to have a little chat, but looking at my watch, realised I might just squeeze sub 6. So like a man possessed I blurted out a hello and carried on. Then remembered the hill! (Which feels more like Everest every lap) Naturally I walked most of it, I'm not stupid! 

Before getting to the top, I surprised myself and started running again. I bashed out the last few 100 metres and finished 71 seconds I believe over the sub 6. But I didn't care, I was back and four marathons out of seven done!! 6.01

It was great to see Rik Vercoe complete is 300th marathon. Steve Edwards was steady again today. Really is Mr Consistent. Jeremy not to far behind running in unknown territory like myself.

I must also say hello to the Silson Joggers. Somebody really does read this!! Stop yawning! 

I never thought I'd say this, but bring on day five!

Buff Enigma Week at the Knees Day Three - The Enjoyable One

First day at Caldecotte.

Day three morning started with me feeling tired but determined. It was the first of three days at Caldecotte lake, but we were running it in reverse, Anticlockwise. The wind was a bit choppy, so I opted to wear my jacket. 

Starting off with Foxy running again, we did a small loop before the main loop and I was surprised that although I felt tired, the legs felt good. That put a smile onto my face. 

I spent the first lap chatting to the odd runner and realising I was getting to warm. So end of lap one and jacket off. 

I was then joined by Cat, who had picked up a packet a crisps but then seemed to Palm them off to everyone rather than eat them?! We chatted for a good lap and a half until I struggled to digest my bacon rasher crisps. 

I wasn't to be alone for long, as Kate was soon closing me down. We chatted for a good half a lap, but her relentless running was just to much for me. So I dropped off when we caught Martin and Traviss. 

I spent the best part of a lap and a half chatting with Traviss, and had even managed to order a pint of coke, thank you David. I did the majority of the next lap happily on my own, fully aware that day three was going to be the enoyable one.

Not long into the penultimate lap, I was rejoined by Cat. She was doing well considering she had decided to run naked (without a watch). We chatted for a little while until Vicky caught up. Cat went on to finish day three as Vicky and myself still had a lap and a bit to complete.

Vicky got a massive PB yesterday of 30 mins, so it was nice to catch up and chat. Especially as we are local to each other. I also naively thought Vicky would be pleased to plod to the finish with me, but nope, she got me running again. 

We had a really good catch up on the way around to the finish, our lives intermingled unknowingly. Sort of. Without Vicky cracking the proverbial whip, I would've slipped to over 6 hours, thankfully though we came home ten minutes slower than day two at 5.56!

Thank you to everyone for the conversation, it really helps the miles go.

On a bonus, the £2014 target has now been beaten and I shall need to think of a new one!

Buff Enigma Week at the Knees Day Two - Oma's Marathon

Same course, different run. 

After yesterday's cramp issues and going off to fast, I changed the plan. I settled into a good early pace, took on salts and enjoyed myself. Like yesterday though, the second half was to be harder than the first. 

The weather wasn't as nice as day one, and on the far side of the lake, it was very windy with a head wind to deal with. My quads were starting to ache. Probably due to not ice bathing on day one! At around mile 18 it became a real mental battle. If this was day two of a double, I would've bashed the miles out to get it done. Unfortunately it's day two of seven which required me to be sensible!

I went inside myself to review the build up into the event. The last few weeks haven't been to plan, which made me think upon recent events, or more so my Oma and Opa (grandmother and grandfather). They had been married 66 years until the recent passing of my Oma. With them in my thoughts, I realised I shouldn't be dull and glum. I'm very fortunate to be able to do what I love. That's when the sweepstake idea popped into my head! See my Facebook!

Running was still tough but I had a spring back in my step, so much so, I swept the course of markers on my final lap. Crossing the line with Kaja. 5.46

It was tough but probably the most sensible race I've ran. This one was for you Oma! X

Buff Enigma Week at the Knees Day One - The Easy One

They say no two marathons are the same, and today I found that out. Of course, I kind of knew that having done 23 previous ones. But there is always more to learn.

Having set myself a plan for the day, which was basically to run comfortably for around a 5 hour marathon, I made the rookie mistake of going out to fast. With the weather nice and sunny and the enthusiasm of it being day 1, I set off in the middle of the group and ran without checking my pace with my Garmin. Just running on feel. 

Initially I thought this would be a good way to run. Just listening to the body. Unfortunately, after 3 miles, I checked my watch and saw I was running at a sub 4 hour marathon pace. That wasn't going to happen and I'll pay for that later. It took me until past the half marathon mark (2.02) to settle into where I should've been. 

With the sun no longer beating down as hard as the first few hours I worked on my second half strategy. Trying to recover the damage from the first half. This involved walking which I started to do around mile 16-17. A nice quick walk that allowed me to stretch the legs and let them recover. It also created opportunities to chat to some of the other runners as they started to catch and pass me.

That's where my competitive side kicks in. Seeing people go past as I slip down the finishers list. I spent most of that time reminding myself of the challenge. Time is important, doing the 7 marathons is the challenge. 

After having a good stretch out and talking with Traviss, I set off into a run walk strategy. With the thinking of not stressing the legs. Unfortunately though, I was starting to get cramp in my calfs. What was frustrating was I had maintained good fluid and had been take my salt tablets. But obviously not enough. See, more learning. 

Eventually I got through day one in a pleasing and pretty much in target 5.10. With things to adapt for day two, I was very pleased and would say day one was a success and I was exactly where I want to be. 

Although I must say, trying to manage myself across the distance when you are normally up against the clock, rather than this challenge, made it tough. As you can read, it took me a long time to settle into the correct pace. 

Any how, day two awaits!

www.justgiving.com/Dennis-Cartwright

The Viking Coastal Double Marathon

Ok, so these two marathons were last minute entries. Although on the waiting list, I didn't know until Thursday if I would gain a place. Thankfully a place per day became available.

I knew that the event would be well organised, and I had heard good things about the goody bag and medal. When the race organisers are both 100 marathon club members, you could say they are more than qualified to know what a marathon runner would want from a race. We weren't to be disappointed!!

The marathons were on the same course for both days. Starting at the sea front in Birchington, Kent, then running 3.30 miles west along the Viking Coastal path to Reculver Castle. Once there, it was just a case of running back to the start area, doing that loop four times.

I decided to drive to the race on Saturday morning. The weather was looking promising considering the recent heavy rains. But being a Coastal event, I was aware the weather could change quickly. I arrived in plenty of time and started to see the usual faces from other double marathons. I received my race number for the weekend. Number 65.

As the weather was good, I opted to give my new Balls to Cancer running shirts their first outing. My plan was to again try and hit a pb, or more specifically 4.22 marathon. Running 10 min/miles as an average. The plan was to run at least halfway at 9 min/mile pace, 16 miles was where I was hoping to hold it for, then I could slow to 11 min/miles pace for the second half. Haven't got my head around negative splits yet. Only down side to my plan, I had forgot my salt tablets?!

I soon saw two friends who I knew were attempting their first double marathons. Hannah Prentice and Jennifer Chilton. They both looked a little nervous, but also excited. Hannah was doing marathons 6&7? And Jenny was doing 3&4 (I know, nuts). These were to be 20&21 for me. 

With our final race brief, a few hello to friends and applause for Rik Verco for doing 150 marathons in 365 days, plus Brian Mills starting marathon number 952!! A uk record by a very large margin, we were off. 

Still chatting with Stefan after the first loop. (6.6 miles)

With the wind at our backs, I settled into my pace and chatted with Stefan for a while. Although I felt the pace was a little slow I pushed on a bit. I was aware that I was now running around 8.45min/mile pace, but I wasn't stressed and stayed happily with it. It was a nice flat route upto the castle, where we turned around 100 yards short of the castle at a gate. As soon as I turned to head back, I immediately noticed the head wind. Joy! I had a plan and I wanted to stick with it, so it was a case of pushing harder back into the wind to keep the 9 min/mile pace going. I was now in a little group, and we were having a good chatter. It was helping. The head wind was making it tough to keep on pace, but I knew I'd get the benefit when heading back out. I was amongst some great runners and felt proud of how I was doing. Reaching the quarter distance I took on some shot bloks and headed straight back out. This left me out on my own as the little group spent a bit long at the aid station. 

I went inside myself a little bit as I pushed on, the head wind now at my back, I didn't feel as help for as the first loop. Nevertheless, I stuck to my plan, occasionally having to slow back to the 9 min/mile pace. To occupy my mind I started counting the field and my position within it. I found myself sitting in 22nd position of a field of 57! I was stoked, but knew there was a very long way to go. I had also set my virtual pacer on my Garmin to 9.40min/mile pace. That would be a 4.15 marathon time.

At the second time of touching the gate, I opted to freshen up on the route back into the head wind. I was ahead of my VP by 6 odd minutes, roughly 9 minutes in front of a 4.22 marathon pace. My walks were short, but it allowed me to push a little harder when running without over stressing myself. It wasn't long until I slipped into 23rd. I argued with myself about gaining the place back, but it was stupid, stick to the plan. Not far from the half way point, Stefan pushed me down into 24th.

Again I wasted no time here and was back out. My half time was sub 2, so all was still really good. 

Stefan was soon back on me, kicking my backside. I had decided that I wanted to get back to the gate 5 minutes in front of my VP. So at this point I could afford to slip into approx 9.40 min/mile pace. 

I soon slipped down into 26th place, but did so with encouragement from the two guys going past me. They knew my target and were very encouraging, which lifted me. It was time to dig deep. I stuck to my revised plan as best I could and arrived at the gate for the third time, 4.30 minutes in front of the VP. The plan now was to see how much of that I could keep when heading back for the bell. I was now  the best part of 12 minutes in front of a 4.22. It seemed like a lot of time, but with just under 10 miles to go, it was a small amount realistically. 

Turning back into the head wind, which now seemed stronger than before, I started to struggle. With my focus purely on getting to the bell as quick as I could to keep the time I had made. I was struggling with cramping, not my legs, but my stomach. All week I kept thinking I need to take my salt tablets to the race. I was now rather annoyed with myself for forgetting them. A mistake which was now costing me big time. I struggled to the bell and the start of my last lap in front of my VP by a few seconds. Still not a loss though. I still had approx 7 minutes in front of a 4.22 and 13 minutes from my pb. This was going to be tough.

It's said many times, a marathon is a 20 mile training run with a 6.2 mile race at the end. Unfortunately I had ran a 20 mile race and was slipping into a 6.2 miles of pain, all of it in the stomach. I was stuck in a rut. I was trying to push, my stomach bringing me to the occasional stand still. I was slipping back through the field. I reached the gate for the final time for the day. 4.22 was all but gone. It was now about breaking the pb, even by a few seconds. But I was done. I applied a run walk strategy, but it still wasn't enough. Matt and Jennifer were next to catch me, a bitter sweet moment. With a mile to go, these were the last two to pass me. I had a little chat with Matt, he was doing marathon 99. I then tried to catch Jen. But I couldn't. I finally crossed the line 35 seconds behind Jen. Completing the marathon in my 4th fastest time of 4.39.54. Not a disaster, but due to one mistake of forgetting my salt tablets, I could've smashed my pb. I congratulated Jen on her time, a pb for her by a massive 30 minutes!! We didn't have to wait to long to see Hannah complete day one as well. All three home! Mel Floyd then arrived, which was really pleasing after she had a knee injury during the Winter Double and DNF'd, day two. She was back and the marathon completed!

Day one done

Fantastic goody bag!

After a rubbish nights sleep, Day Two was upon us. I managed to get a good bacon and eggs breakfast in, before heading to the race venue. It had rained over night, but it looked like it was going to be another dry day. The wind had settled down too.

Today was about getting the job done. No time plans, just do what needs to be done to get through 26.2 miles. I had decided if I could to run with Hannah and Jen. Stefan half attempted to convince me to try for a pb, which I laughed off. Another short race brief for those who didn't run day one, and we were off. I started running with Jen, Hannah and Mel chatting just behind us. 

Jen and myself settled into a 10 min/mile pace. We slowly opened a gap between Hannah and Mel, and discussed if we should run with them. Although I knew Hannah would be happy with Mel, after they ran Berlin together for 95% of it. 

We soon reached the castle/gate for the first time. Both of us feeling the pace a little, so we started to ease it back to 10.30 min/mile pace. Thankfully there was no head wind to fight! We soon started chatting about all sorts of weird and wonderful subjects. It was nice to be sharing the miles. 

We were soon finishing our first lap. Time to get some scoff on. Plenty to choose from, cheese balls, pretzels, mini cheddars, peanut butter M&Ms. Water, squash and energy gels. With some scoff on, my jacket removed and Jen catching up with her mum, we were off back to that castle.

Reculver Castle and the turn around point.

We had decided to do a walk run strategy. Easier said then done. Jeans walking pace was unbelievable, I struggled to keep up!!! We were breaking up the course into walk sections and run sections. We were also both aware of little niggles creeping in. My foot was sore and Jens knee was feeling out of sorts. Jens plan for the weekend was to pb day one, finish day two. Pretty much the same as my plan, but I missed that pb. 

The weather was beautiful and there was many cyclists and walkers out and about. Although I did joke that I wouldn't walk the route. Even though I was running up and down it eight times in two days.

The castle was reminding me of the part in Monty Pythons Holy Grail, where King Arthur attacks the castle to save the fair maiden after Concorde took the arrow to his chest. You know, where the guards look and see him charging in the distance, then look at each other, then look back and he's no closer. After a few more glances, he's suddenly there. That's what the carle was like. It just looked like it wasn't getting closer, then suddenly we were there. 

Still smiling or wind? You choose!

Eventually that castle was in front of us. Yes, only needed to see it two more times! We both were surprised to feel our stomachs rumble?! How could we be hungry? We ate lunch in the Brewers Fayre, dinner at Chiquitos and breakfast that morning! We were calorie burning machines. Best get back to that aid station for food!!

Easier said than done. Our niggles were now protesting. Making us question what we were doing. No doubt like the walkers we were chatting to. We were soon discussing how nice it would be to have an ice cream.

From the halfway point on it was about digging deep for us both. We were hurting from the day befores effort. Our walks were becoming longer than our runs. We were doing what we needed to, getting the job done. I don't remember much of the next loop other than hurting and the castle taking forever. However I did enjoy the bell, signalling the last lap.

At this point we were down to walking. Happily, we were passed by Mel and Hannah who were running really well. We stuck to our plan. Somehow we discussed bowel movements and other odd things, including what do dogs think?! 

Finally the castle and gate arrived. We were 3.3 miles from finishing the challenge. As beautiful as the castle and route is, I'd be lying if I said I would miss it. Although, in the long term I will.

Saying good bye to the gate.

Just a Parkrun to go, that's what one of the runners said to us. It was true, just a very tired, aching and sore Parkrun! We attempted to run, but it wasn't happening. So it was back to Jens walk speed. 14min/miles! Although we decided that we would run across the finish line.

With that last .2 miles in front of us, we set off doing our last bit of running for the weekend. We had fought our demons through day two, we did it wearing smiles. It really was a pleasure to help a fellow runner complete the challenge of doing two marathons in two days. Even if they beat me by 35 seconds collectively! We crossed the line together in 5.42.

Without Jen, day two would've been so much harder mentally. Running with a friend to chat to really helps the miles go by. We talked about everything except, war, religion and politics. It was amazing to see Jen complete marathons 3&4. To do your first double so early in a marathon career is bonkers. The same for Hannah. They both set themselves the challenge and they both completed it in style.

100% impressed. It takes a huge amount of guts and sheer determination to complete a challenge like a double marathon. Only a small percentage of the worlds population will complete A marathon, you get into very small percentages to find those who have done two in two days. It really is an amazing achievement. One that should be respected for the challenge it is, but also huge respect for those who take it on and complete it.

Well done guys, I'm proud of you!

A big thank you to Traviss and Rachel and their support staff for a fantastic event, medal and goody bag.

A big thank you to all my running friends at the races and supporting me around the country. 

Viking Coastal Double Marathon finishers! Hannah, Me, Jen and Mel.

Buff Enigma Winter Double Marathons

2014 was only a 3 days old when I made the drive up to Milton Keynes ready for the weekends double marathons. Only having a half day, I meet up with Foxy at Foxy towers for tea and biscuits. We then planned to head to Caldecotte lake for some lunch and mark the course. After a lovely lunch, thank you Foxy, we went out to check the course and mark it. All looked god considering the weather. Caldecotte lake is a man made lake to deal with flooding in the Milton Keynes area.

At 8pm that evening I was back in the pub for the "Expo". Karen and Foxy were late, and I soon found out why, at some point after we marked the course the weir on the river had been closed and now part of the course was flooded. This was also the route they were using to walk to the pub. Karen and foxy now had a dilemma, one they had already started to rectify, a course change to the nearby Furzton lake. The final decision was to be made in the morning if the course was still flooded, for now it was food and drink time.

I arose around 6am, so decided to head down to the lake myself. Unfortunately it was still flooded and I texted Foxy to let him know. Wheels were now in motion and it wasn't to long until I was driving Foxy to Furzton to start setting up for day one. Karen stayed at Caldecotte to meet the runners and to direct them the short drive to the new venue for the Winter Double. It was amazing to see how easily they took it into their stride to organise this last minute venue change.

This years Enigma races have been sponsored by Buff Headwear, the new banners in the picture above. This was the start/finish line.

My race plan for the day was to go for a pb. Of course the wind and rain was going to make that a tough target. My plan was to run 9.30min/miles for he first half and run 10.30min/miles for the second half. Hopefully bringing me home around 4hrs22. A 6 minute pb. 

In wet and windy weather we were off. A short loop up the course clockwise then turning around to run the lake anti clockwise 17 times. Now I know what you're thinking. And I thought that too. But the course is surprisingly nice to run around 17 times. There's always a fellow runner near by either catching you or you're catching them. You get to see the finish area where the food and drink is lots of times too. It's at this point I must thank Karen. If the race was at the original venue, Karen would've only needed to count approx 60 runners for 7 laps, with the course change, it was now 17. A tough task I think you would agree!

Back to the race. My plan of 9.30min/miles went out the window pretty quickly. I was feeling good running at 9min/mile pace and occasionally dipping below that. So, probably unwisely I decided to stick to this pace. All was going really well and although some time had slipped, I went through half marathon distance in 2.02!

I then decided to keep going as long as I could at sub 10min/mile pace. Thinks we're looking good and I didn't feel that I was taxing my body. Around 15 miles I had to help Steve Edwards along with a few other runners. The risk on running at the lake was the Canada Geese, unfortunately a group of them decided to come across Steve's path. Being the size they were, and as Steve said on Sunday, a mix of large bird and tired legs was only going to result in Steve going over. Like a real trooper, Steve dusted himself down and was off into thei distance. I finished off my Jaffa Cake. 

The next lap and the wheels were starting to come off, but, I had banked some time. Bonus! I was now having to dig deep. But, by mile 20, I had to readjust my target, 4.22 was now a very tough target, so I started to look at just grabbing a pb, 4.28. Two laps later and a bit of maths and I knew that was slipping. 3.2 miles to go and I was pushing as hard as I could. Unfortunately 4.28 slipped by, but I crossed the line in my second fastest marathon time of 4.33.13!!I was over the moon! 4 and a half minutes off a pb in less than ideal conditions. I gave everything.

Day two didn't start the best. Waking up with a sore left foot. It had been wedged at the end of the bed where the duvet gets tucked in. I wasn't feeling up for it. But hey, that's the challenge. You can't bust your gut on one marathon and expect to feel fresh for the next day!

The previous night, myself and Brenda had convinced Carrie to run the marathon. Carrie had planned to run a few laps for training. A little pier pressure and no alcohol and Carrie was in!!

After checking out of the hotel, I took Foxy and Cameroon to Furzton lake to setup for day two.

A few running friends were turning up for day two, they included Lorrine, Coralie, Belinda, Jo, Emmett, Paul and of course Carrie. Carrie and I decided to run together. The weather was better than day one, but it was cold an icey under foot. 

The plan for the day was to run 11min/miles for the first half, then try to go quicker for a few miles after that, settling back into 11min/mile pace for a sub 5. 

We were off again and the legs started to complain, as expected! Setting off slow was alien to me, constant checking of my Garmin to check pace. To be honest, I struggled to run at 11min/mile pace. It just felt to slow. Carrie and I did feel for the first half marathon. Chatting the way around, me constantly asking if it was a good idea to run a last minute marathon! Also getting told off when reminding us of how far there was to go. We crossed the halfway in 2.30, it would've been slightly quicker, but someone needed the little girls room. 

Not long after going through the halfway point, we caught Lorraine, Belinda and Coralie. I have to say, they were doing far better than I expected. I don't mean that disrespectively. I just expected them to be a little slower. They were doing really well and were only 1.5 miles behind us. After a quick chat and some words of encouragement, Carrie and I cracked on.

This second day was far more social, chatting to friends as they went by, Emily with her lovely dog, Paul always smiling as he checked on us. Stefan and Jeremy were having better days. Trying to keep count of how many times Rik had lapped me. The best thing about Enigma events, it's personal. With only 60 runners, it really is like a little family, especially as it's almost the same faces that I've seen over the four races I've now done with them.

With a few miles to go, and the chance of a sub 5 gone, I worked out, if I got my ass in gear, I could attempt to complete both days in sub 10. I needed a 5.26. After a bit of umming and arghing, plus the encourage net from Carrie, Kate, Jo and Emmett, I shot of for the final two miles. They needed to be sub 13min/mile pace. I soon past Kaja and Jagjit, Jagjit asking if I was on my last lap. I guess it seemed a bit crazy to be running as hard as I was. I felt comfortable and it was nice to open the legs.

I took the bell to indicate my last lap and saw I was in the 10min/mile pace. Happy days. I was running two hundred steps then fast walking one hundred. With around half a mile to go, I saw Carrie catching me, she had decided to get it over and done with. Just as she caught me during my walking break, I was running again. Carrie had ran the whole lap up to this point. With the final short hill walked it was the finishing straight. We ran it together until I decided to go for a sprint finish. Finish four seconds in front of Carrie with a 5.21.11!! I had completed the double in 9.54.24. A double pb by some 45 minutes!

I would like to thank Karen, Foxy and Cameroon, for all their hardwork over the weekend. We just had to run, they had to count 60 runners 34 times around the lake in every weather imaginable. They had to deal with the logistics of changing venue to allow the marathons to happen. They made sure we were safe and happy, we got hugs and Foxy even handed me a Jaffa cake during the race!

I'd also like to thank the guys who were handing out water and help pick up the empty bottles.

Finally, I'd like to thank all those who support me and those who have sponsored me. You help me achieve my dreams!

My two medals

Carrie with her medal.

2013 A Review

2013's Booty

2013 started with my first ever Ultra race. I had previously ran 44 miles sweeping the NDW50/100. My first ultra race was the Go Beyond Thames Trot 50. Unfortunately due to heavy rains leading up to the race, it had to be rerouted due to flooding on the Thames. Michael Sartorius buddied me on this race, dragging my backside round the now 44 mile course in 8hrs59.

The following weekend I helped my friend Beccie Van Ostrum to her first sub 2 half at the Wokingham Half Marathon.

The 3rd of March was my first DNS. Way to ill to attend the Silverstone Half Marathon, I stayed in my pit.

17th March was the Fleet Half Marathon. A nice local event. After a Garmin failure, I got my sorry backside around in 1.57. 

23rd March and I was back on the Thames, this time sweeping 38 miles of the Thames Path 100. Again the Thames had flooded and the race started in light snow. A good course recce and where I meet Sian Lewis.

31st March was the Stroke Association 15km, it was also the first anniversary of Run for Fun.

14th April and a return to marathon running. This time the Brighton Marathon. A mixed weather day, starting cold and finishing sunburnt. 

21st April and my first world major marathon, the Virgin London Marathon. Another beautiful day, but on tired legs, wasn't the success I hoped for. The atmosphere was amazing and enjoyed meeting up with fellow rffs at the start and finish!!

18th May and it was time to put some demons to bed on the Centurion Running North Downs Way 50 ultra. I ran the race with Martin Bushell, a lot of the time having a good laugh, it's surprising how easy hills are when giggling over Monty Python sketches!! We got to the 44 mile aid station in just under 10hours. This is where I stopped in 2012. It took a further 3 hours to cover the next seven miles, but job done!!

The following week, and I was up in Edinburgh for the EMF weekend. Running the 10k on the Saturday. It was roasting! Not what I was expecting in Scotland. The route also went up that bloody volcano! After a wonderful meal with many rffs, Sundays marathon arrived. I started running with Chris Murray, but just up to halfway, my legs finally rebelled and completed the marathon in just over 5 hours. Not bad considering they had done 50 miles the weekend before, plus the 10k on the Saturday. It was great to spend so much time with runners who have become good friends. It was also awesome to run the final mile of Maureen Murray's first marathon at the youthful age of 68!

5th June was the first of the three race series, Yateley 10kms. With all the long distance stuff, my legs struggled to cover the short distance.

8th June was the very tough but enjoyable South Downs Marathon. A case of maybe to fast start lead to a slow visit. Crossing over the halfway point in just over two hours. The ascents and descents had killed the legs, crossing the line in 5.44

22nd/23rd June was my first ever 12 hour event. The Brutal Enduro. The race started at 9pm and was 10km of muddy hilly terrain. Living upto it's name, Brutal. I ended up with bad stomach cramps during the night in the rain, covering 50km.

3rd July was race two of the Yateley 10km, a little quicker than the month before, but nothing great.

13th July, the big one, my longest race to date, the 100km Race to the Stones. The weather had been warm upto the weekend of the race, it didn't stop there. Saturday saw the mercury top 35c. Not the heat you want for 100km non stop. After the first 20km the heat did start to get to me. I did however bump into Mark Griffiths, the luna sandal runner I had seen at the NDW50. We spent along time together. At 50km I was close to heat exhaustion. Some time spent at the aid station sorted that out. After around 65km I got running again, until tiredness caught up, I walked in with the double Olympic medalist Alex Partridge and his friend Tom! A whopping 21hrs15 to cover 65miles.

21st July and I was back in the Olympic stadium running the national lottery anniversary 5 miles. A massive 80 rffs were also there. My feet hadn't recovered from the previous weekends efforts and were still swollen. I did however cross the line with two running buddies Chris Murray and So Nic. It was fantastic to finish the race in the stadium knowing my mum, brother, and his partner Alison were in the stadium, Fay my wife was running the course behind me!

27th/28th Thunder Run 24hrs. A Rff team of four including Carrie Morpeth, Sharon Parkin and Michelle Iddon. Another 10km loop to continually run as a relay in my team of four. It was also an unofficial hen do for Carrie. The weather lived up to its name in the evening with a large thunder storm and heavy rain. We were camped up next to the team Enigma. Much fun was had. A Glastonbury for runners!

7th August was the final Yateley 10k, the series completed again.

10th August and back on the NDW. Michael Sartorius and myself sweeping the second 50 of this course. Starting at 9pm. Struggling again on tired legs, after the marathon distance at the bottom of Detling Hill, I let Michael keep his sweeping legend status as I missed out a few miles, running the final 6 miles with Michael. A good course recce and getting used to running in the dark.

8th Sept and the return of the marathons. The much loved Bacchus Marathon. Two lops of a course around Denbies Vineyard. Wine at every aid station which was around every two miles! A great race all about fun!

The following week was my local marathon. The tough Farnham Pilgrims Marathon. A route out to St Martha's on the hill in Guildford, then looping back, mainly on the NDW. A beautiful stunning route. Struggled near the end as I got my fuelling wrong.

29th Sept World major number two, the BMW Berlin Marathon. A completely awesome weekend spent in Berlin. A pb on the course that the marathon works record also fell a few hours before me. Enjoying evenings out with Hannah, Mark, Lucy, Hannah's mum, Shari, Nigel, Mia, Terry, Steve, Mo, Shauna, Mel, Mel's hubby and my wife. Loved it.

6th Oct and the brand new Bournemouth Marathon. A very hot day and tired pb legs I decided to help a fellow runner finish. I was struggling after the first few hills, and around mike 16 linked up with Mo and Rachel. We enjoyed ice lollies in the warm October sun. It was all about getting the job done!

27th Oct was the Bupa Great South. I've ran this four years running. This year I didn't enjoy it. A well supported race in what was very windy weather.

8th/9th/10th Nov The Druids Challenge. A tough race ran along the ridgeway. Day one was the longest of the days. 30 miles of constant wind rain and mud, crossing day ones finish line in 7hours. After a good start on day two, I eventually DNFd at 16 miles, cold wet and injured. It was game over.

1st Dec and the local mud fest, The Grim. 8 miles of mud and water on the military vehicle testing area. This race is all about fun and mud!

14th/15th Dec my first ever double. The Enigma Christmas Double. I had been looking forward to this race for a long time. Not just the challenge of two marathons in two days, but the social side of it. Fellow rffs Brenda, Kelly, Nikki, Mo, Carrie, Chris, May and Jo were running it. Support from race organiser Foxy and race director Karen. Plus support from Anjie, Sarah, Rebekah and Lorraine. Also other running friends Dawn, Kate, Stefan, Emily and Emnett were also there. 7 laps per marathon on Caldecotte lake. A third fastest marathon on day one was followed by a few second marathon dressed as a Mexican. A few pbs thrown in by Brenda and Stefan. Nikki ran her second bad third marathons!

The final race of 2013, the Gutbuster. 10 miles of mud abc a ford crossing in Mortimer. I loved it! Finishing with a lovely medal, mulled wine and mince pies. It really was the cherry on the cake for 2013!!

Happy New Year, bring on 2014