UTMB - DNF....

So, what was the story of my UTMB race 2009? Well, the bottom line is that I DNF’d (Did Not Finish). Not only that, I DNF’d after no more than 20 of the 103 miles and after completing just one of the 10 significant ‘hills’. Still, it was an interesting experience and in a wonderful place, so I’m left just wanting to go back.

The story. After a week chilling out on the shores of Lake Annecy we turned up in Chamonix in glorious afternoon sunshine (temperature in the high 20s) and relaxed while we waited for the 6.30 pm race start.

Chamonix was naturally very bust with a real party atmosphere and the whole town turning out to wave the runners off and shout out encouragement.

Feeling good at the start and ready to go

The race start is actually quite narrow, so with over 2,300 runners the start was slow (more of a stroll out of town), but after about 5 or 10 minutes everyone was able to start running. The first section of gently undulating trails through the woods leading out of Chamonix was very easy and it was good to be underway.

Chamonix town centre at the race start

I’d allowed about 58 minutes for this first section and arrived almost bang on time in Les Houches. I grabbed a couple of cokes (colas..) here and then set off up the hill, waiting a while to find a spot off the track to get the poles out. Then started the first climb of the race, rising over 2,500 ft to the top of Le Charme at nearly 6,000 ft. And this is also when it all started to go wrong.......

I felt good to start with and the pace was steady (still lots of people around you) but I started to sweat profusely – it was becoming difficult to grip my walking poles (I could see the whole of the poles glistening with sweat) and I noticed that even my shoes were changing colour as they became wet.

Slowly I also noticed I was falling off the pace with those around me but just decided to stick to my own pace and not to worry about anyone else.

However, I was also starting to feel tired and my leg muscles were complaining (defiantly NOT normal so early into a long race). I stopped a few times to drink, take on some food and take a few photos – glad I did as I got to see Mont Blanc appear in a break in the cloud. I was also aware of a tightening in my chest and some constraint on my breathing – was it the altitude?, the cold mountain air?, I just didn’t know.

Mont Blanc making a brief appearance above Les Charme

By the top of the climb I was really out of sorts, I was very wet, feeling cold and very low on energy. Anyway, I put on my arm warmers and gillet for the descent and started the long (3,250 ft) drop down into St Gervais. The drop was surprising steep and for what seemed like forever you could see the lights of the town below.

Despite now being on flat and downhill trails I had no energy to run so just plodded steadily on down hill (conscious that lots of people seemed to be travelling much faster than me) and eventually arrived in to St Gervais to a real party atmosphere – lots people lining the streets and lots sitting out at pavement cafes and restaurants (how much did I want to join them at that point!).

At the feed station I found a wall to collapse onto and contemplate what to do next. I really wanted to stop and indeed saw plenty of runners seeking medical attention, but it seemed so early in the race and after so much preparation. I sent a text to Pamela to let her now I was ‘struggling’, filled up my water bottles, found some coke and then some tea to drink and made my way through the feed station to continue.

Just as I was leaving I bumped into two runners I’d met doing the MdS, Annabel and James. They were not complementary about how ‘ill’ I looked!! and, in comparison they looked as fresh as daisies (Annabel was to make it through till morning, James did a very creditable half way – well done both of you!). We chatted for a while then set of for Les Contamines but they were soon away and out of sight.

I decided to keep going (knowing that the next 6 mile section was largely ‘flat', climbing ‘only’ 1,350 ft – originally this was one section that in my race plans I would try and run as much as possible). In the event, I trudged slowly through the night.

It now became very quiet on the trial and, at times, I could see no runners ahead or behind. I actually quite enjoyed this solitude, but my general physical state was not getting any better. I was OK on the flat, but any climbing was an effort., I also felt very dehydrated despite having taken on far more liquid than usual this early in, eating was also a problem as my mouth was so dry I couldn’t chew any solid food without drinking at the same time.

Eventually I arrived at Les Contamines, but now well down on schedule and only 30 minutes inside the cut off time. After the party atmosphere of St Gervais, Les Contamines was a bit eerie, about 12.30 at night and just a few sad looking runners wandering about – most it turned out having, or about to, pack it all in.

After finding more tea and sitting on the pavement I texted Pamela to say ’I don’t know what to do!’. In truth I did know what to do, STOP. But, it’s hard to make that decision and the pull to keep going to the next checkpoint was quite strong. So, in order to remove myself from the decision I ventured into the first aid station. There a doctor checked me over, pronounced that basically I was OK, but the breathing was a bit rattly and said the words I really did want to hear; ‘I think your race is over’ (in a French accent of course!).

Just then Pamela phoned. Spookily she’d woken and decided to check her phone for messages just after I’d sent my text.

Obviously I wasn’t happy to be bailing out, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Next followed the logistics of getting back to Chamonix, of Pamela and Emma getting back into France from Italy and my drop bag return from Cormayeur. This saw us watching CCC runners finishing at 3 am in Chamonix centre, breathing in the smell of fresh baking in the square, and then spending the rest of the night sleeping in the gymnasium on camps beds with a load of UTMB drop outs and CCC fast finishers!

Me and Emam sleeping in the gymnasium!

The next day we returned to Annecy and then enjoyed a couple of ‘bonus' days holiday. I also started to think about next year and the plan now is to enter the CCC – the 56 mile race that covers the second half of the UTMB route. The thinking behind is that, one, its shorter, so if it is altitude or heat and humidity that my body can’t cope with, then I might still be able to finish this race. Two, if I do drop out again say, after 6 hours, I’ll have seen some fantastic scenery in daylight (the race starts at 10 am as opposed to 6.30 pm) and three, if I complete then I‘ll be ready for UTMB and will have seen three quarters of the route.

Oh, and ‘fourthly’, we get to holiday in the Alps again, maybe heading down to the Italian lakes. Roll on August 2010!

Foot note: a final mention needs to go to everyone who sponsored me in this venture. I ‘m sorry I didn’t manage to complete, but thank you for your support. I raised over £300 (once you add in Gift Aid!) for Children Today and even got some publicity with a piece in the Bradford Telegraph and Argus!

Just Three - Bolt's fault

Should have been four, but didn't want to miss Bolt running in the 200m World Finals - right choice! Another amazing performance by Usain, another gold, another world record, another field decimated. Wow!

My run was very, very sedate by comparison. Full kit run again, but really sweated as the weather is so warm and close.

Not much more running now before 18.30 on Friday 28th......

Easy Eight

Full kit work out today, even down to the mini gaiters and little sachet of crystallised ginger.

Ran a made up route that took me up Leeds Road to Bar House End, then walked with poles up Old Pool Bank to the very top of the hill and the old school. Packed the poles away and ran down into Bramhope, cut down by the Fox and Hounds (cricketers hang out), back along Oltey Road to the Dyneley Arms, then cut up through a little snicket to Old Pool Village and back through Chevin Forest to arrive at Danefield Gate.

This is usually the 'best view in the world', which I fully intended to capture on camera (found a spot for it at last), but sadly arrived after the sun had sunk below the Cow Calf rocks and was faced with a dull grey sky. Still, took photo, will post it below later.

Fast Four

Short run yesterday, the usual four mile circuit around Otley, but ran it fast and wore the UTMB back pack again. Balance was good even at speed.

Pool Seven

Back from a weekend of more rest and over indulgence! Guests at our house from Thursday through Sunday, so lots of cooking, entertaining and wine!

Run today was good though. Ran with Olmo 5 back pack, bottles and poles.

Pack still holding up, stable and comfortable. Used the poles up Pool Bank and feels good once you have a rhythm. Also a great feeling when you pack them away and start running again 'hands free'.

Hopefully more runs out most of this week adding bits of kit and looking for the elusive 'ideal' spot for the camera...

Roughly seven

Well, that was more like it, about seven miles in all, up East Chevin Road and then kept on going all the way to the trig point deep in Danefield forest but also the 'summit' of our little hill.

Used the poles to the top then packed them away onto the Olmo 5 back pack. Really like this bit of kit, but typical Raidlight seem to have skimped on strength to go lightweight and one of the bungees to secure the poles snapped. This pack is only about 30 miles out of the wrapper......still, managed to fix it up and carried on through forest, out to Old Pool village and back in on the Leeds Road.

Fantastic evening, bright, breezy, quiet and perfect for running.

Easy Three

I is officially taperin'!

Decided to take some rest last week after feeling tired of so much running. Its actually harder than you might think not to run - your body is happy with the concept but your mind insists that you are undoing all those weeks and months of training. Which is, of course, rubbish.

So, just a selection of shortish runs now I think until the big day, but lots of messing around with kit!

Today's dilemma, where to carry my camera.....

Which is of course essential, so I can take lots of pictures, like these from Berwick-upon-Tweed at the weekend:

Muggy, Muggy Four

Once swam off a beach called Muggy, Muggy. We were trying to snorkel but couldn't see a thing.

Visibility around Otley this evening was very clear, but the atmosphere very close. Not a pleasant run at all.

Oh, and Muggy, Muggy beach is off Dunk Island on the Great Barrier Reef....

Pembrokeshire Coast Path

Trip down to Wales this weekend to collect Emma after her weeks holiday with cousins Sophie and Amy.

Drove down Friday evening and stopped over at the The Bell in Skenfrith. This is an old pub that is now a restaurant with rooms and is featured in the book 'Hip Hotels'.

The Bell at Skenfrith

Unfortunately, it rained the whole time we were there, so no chance to explore the riverside, ruined castle or what looked like a lovely flower and vegetable garden. Still, the room was very luxurious and the meal absolutely delicious - check out their website if you are interested: http://www.skenfrith.co.uk/

Saturday (after a very nice breakfast - all local produce) we set off for the the very far south west corner of Wales. After a picturesque if slow drive we reached 'Dale' at the mouth of Milford Sound just before 2 pm. Here Pamela dropped me off to run the 28 miles along the coast path to the caravan at Newgale.

Dale

Marloes Sands

St Bride's Castle
View north across St Bride's Bay

By now the rain had cleared and it was a glorious sunny day - I'll download some photos later in the week. All in all in was great run, until the last few miles before Broad Haven when the path became overgrown and treacherously muddy. It was thick, slippy clay and impossible to run in and only just walkable - my feet slid with ever step.

Broad Haven

After about an hour of this, and still some 8 miles from Newgale I phoned Pamela to give an update. It took another 30 odd minutes to cover the next mile to Broad Haven so I called in to get picked up - I could have run on up the road for the last 7 miles in, but I was going to be well over schedule and late for tea! Anyway, I'd run a good 4 and 1/2 hours which was good training and I'd had the chance to test out all my new kit.

Saturday night's accomodation....

Burley Menston

Ran this regular route yesterday in glorious sunshine. Its either six or seven miles, not really quite sure, but a nice circular route with some fine views despite the main roads.

Big news yesterday was the arrival of various bits of UTMB kit - back pack, short sleeve Helly Trailwizard, gaiters, water bottles, collapsible beaker......hope to test these out over the weekend.

Pool Seven in the Rain

Bit of a feature recently, but yet another run in the rain. Always difficult to know what kit to wear, its definitely not cold, but the body chills quite quickly when wet so there is always a need to stay warm.

Still, good run, luckily I avoided the heaviest of the rain and quite enjoyed the route (up Leeds Road to the Dyneley Arms junction, down the big hill into Pool, back to Otley along Pool Road).

Otley Four

Just four steady miles around Otley in the warm but dull summer gloom.

Ring Road sixteen

Not the most glamorous location for a training run, but convenient!

After a weekend at the parents and dropping Emma off for a holiday with her cousins I got dropped off on the way home near the junction of the M1and the A63. I then followed the Ring Road through places like Cross Gates and Roundhay to Moortown and then cut up through Adel, onto the Leeds Road and home.

Quite a good run, including a quick second half, covering the route from the Lanswood pub to home in 41 minutes.

Also tested out an SIS fig and raisin bar (glorified fig roll) that went down very well, so might form part of my UTMB diet.

Just Three

But a nice three - up East Chevin Road, little circuit around Danefield Forest and then back.

Should have been a rest day today, but had decided to do tomorrow's 2 hr run today instead (free up some weekend time), but then just didn't feel like it some how.

So, back on track Sunday (I hope).

Old Pool Bank six

A really enjoyable run this evening, despite the outward half climb.

Ran up the Leeds Road to Old Pool Bank and then carried on to the very top of the hill. From here there are great views across Wharfedale and of Armscliffe Crag.

The run back is mostly downhill through Danefield Forest, coming out onto East Chevin Road at Danefield Gate for one of the best views in the world - Wharfedale, Rombalds Moor, Cow and Calf rocks, Beamsley Beacon and, on a really clear day, right out to the hills of the Yorkshire Dales.

Pool seven

Quick seven miles in between the heavy showers tonight. Not much to report, no space junk or crashed world war two bombers.

Although earlier in the day I ventured across the Pennines again to a place called Birchwood, near Warrington. Very nice business park (home to BNFL, Atomic Energy Authority, Atomic Police Agency...) but the shopping centre and housing all around were, well, a tad different.

The really spooky thing was wondering back to the station (there were no sign posts so it was all a bit hit and miss - its clearly modelled on Milton Keynes, so lots of paths and cycleways, but with no pavement on the roads, also no signs so no idea where I was going...) and found myself on 'Dunnock Avenue', which lead to Goldfinch Close, Dipper Way, Blackbird's Nest......very twilight zone.

Three more Peaks

Yes, back to the Dales today for another round of the Three Peaks. Wasn't sure how this one would go coming off the back of yesterday's 24 miles (that and the fact it had rained non-stop yesterday and last night), but in the end I had a really good run.

Weather was spot on. Very clear with fantastic views - Pendle Hill to the south, Morecombe out to the west and although it was cloudy, the cloud stayed off the tops for each of my visits. PERFECT!

It was also drier underfoot than last Sunday (that'll be that fast draining karst topography), and with the wind blowing even the descent off Whernside wasn't as slippy.

Busier than last week, but not too congested and overall felt pretty pleased with myself.

Four and Twenty

It was an awfully wet day today, not a 'tad' wet, but constant, unrelenting RAIN.

So, ideal conditions for a quick four mile run at lunchtime and then a little 20 mile jaunt this evening! NOT.

Dario Melaragni - WHW Race Director

I was shocked today to read that Dario, Race Director of the West Highland Way Race for the last 10 years, died tragically on Sunday whilst out Munro bagging with friends (many of whom are WHW runners).

It really was a shock and I found it hard to believe it was true (given the propensity of WHW forumites to go completely off the wall). Needless to say the tributes are many and moving, and if you knew Dario, or had any involvement in the race, do read them.

http://www.westhighlandwayrace.org/

Three up hill and down dale

No idea how this happened, but my schedule today stated '3 x mile'. In other words, SPEED work?! in the middle of an ultra training plan. Weird.

So, I ignored the speed bit and stuck to the three bit, walking up the 1 in 8 gradient East Chevin Road (poles in use of course) into Danefield forest, and then enjoyed the gentle run through the woods and back into glorious sunshine with stunning views up and down Wharfedale.

Fantastic evening to be running in, but found those three miles quite hard....

Thunderous Five!

Just a short five mile loop around Otley, but made all the more interesting this evening by a huge thunderstorm. Not too much in the way of thunder and lightning, but lots, and lots of stair-rod rainfall! Got home a tad wet....

Three Peaks again!

Well, I did it. Not the Three Peaks so much as getting up at 4.15 am on a Sunday morning!

It poured with rain all Saturday night and it wasn't exactly the sound to get you leaping out of bed at 4 am to go and run for the best part of 6 hours. Still, I need the training, so got up, left on schedule at 5 am and was running from Horton in Ribblesdale towards Pen-y-ghent by 6.05.

Needless to say it was fairly quiet and apart from a few walkers getting ready to set off in Horton, I didn't see a soul until the top of Whernside 3.5 hours later.

The weather was warm when I set off and dry, but that soon changed as I ascended the slopes of Pen-y-ghent and rose up into the swirling, misty cloud. Having set off in a long sleeve Helly it was time for coat on and head down. It was getting windy too near the top but I never felt cold.

From the top of Pen-y-ghent I tried a different route to the last run (which I thought was too boggy). This was better, more running on grass (which was really wet after the overnight rain), but lots of styles and a lack of sign posts meant this section to the Ribblehead viaduct still seemed to take forever.

From the viaduct it was the long slog up to the summit (ideal UTMB training - poles out and working well), then the steep slippy descent before the short valley crossing to climb up Ingleborough. This route is pretty much straight up and I felt the effort of the steep climbing, but once on the rocky plateau felt good. All peaks on Sunday were in the mist, so no fabulous views, although there was one 'moment' coming off Whernside when the cloud broke, the sun streamed through and a rainbow lit up the hills and valleys' below.

The run of Ingleborough was uneventful, the sun finally started to come out and I eventually got back to the car about 11:50 am. Job done.

After the quick dash home, bacon butty and tea I raced over to Ellerton near York to hear Pamela perform with the Cantabile Choir - quite a contrast between morning and afternoon!

The new East Window at the restored Ellerton Priory Church.

Creskeld 10

Bit of an issue with motivation at the moment. Was supposed to do 13 and then run the Three Peaks route tomorrow (means an early start) so struggling to think that's a good idea!

Anyway, did the route out via Pool, up Creskeld Lane to Bramhope and back in on the Leeds Road. Like Thursday though, once I was out and running it felt good and I even started to think tomorrow might be fun...

This mosaic sign at the foot of the Lane is for the Creskeld beef herd - available in all good Otley butchers!

Pool Seven

I love running!!!!

OK, said it. Have been feeling really tired this week, nodding off on trains, struggling to keep my eyes open in a meeting - oops! So, I skipped my run yesterday (no, I didn't literally skip it, I just missed it out altogether) and was tempted to do the same today.

BUT, with UTMB looming large I felt I really needed to make the effort. So I set off to do the Pool seven loop and, after an afternoon of torrential rain was greeted by lovely sunshine, the Chevin was glistening in the light and everything (yes, cheesy) felt right with the world. And, that's when I realised why I run, its so uplifting, and its outdoors in fabulous scenery and its just really, really good.

East Carlton Nine

No Wimbledon marathon for me today, infact, because the tennis went on so long I had to cut my planned 13 mile run down to 9. Still, ran a good solid run - Menston, Guiseley, Yeadon, East Carlton and home. Didn't take any drink as I usually do on this run and did it all in one go - no stops. Felt good!

The old church in East Carlton

Seven

'Longest' (and only second) run since WHW. The old, familiar, Burley 'Menst'. Despite another really hot, sultry day (at least it was sitting in the office revising for my RHS exam next week), the run itself was quite cool, made easy by the breeze and was easy and enjoyable.

Hopefully about 13 tomorrow.

Quick three

First run since Saturday and joined Pamela for a nice steady three miler around Otley. All moving parts seem to be in full working order and fully recovered. Back training from Monday on the UTMB schedule. Only about 8 weeks to go...

West Highland Way Race 2009

22 hours, 25 minutes and 54 seconds for 30th place overall - a new PB by 33 minutes!!

So, that's the headline, but the story behind it was far less enjoyable than the result. It was perhaps best summed up by Pamela who said; "I can't understand why you are so keen to do it again when you seemed to have such a hard time and clearly didn't enjoy it?".

Well, like most races, the enjoyment is in the result and the memory after, more so than the run itself - most running is 'hard'! AND, this year was perhaps worse than any run before.

The story. Arrived in Milngavie as usual on Friday afternoon to pick up fresh supplies from Tesco and have a nap in the Premier Inn before tea of Pizza and Tiramisu at Toscana on Milngavie High Street. There was then time for a couple of hours kip before registering for the race, getting weighed and giving blood and urine (for a research study into the effects on the body of ultra running).

Then at 1 am sharp we set off into the Glasgow night.

The first sections went very well and by Drymen I was already up on schedule and ahead of last year's time.

I felt good up through the forest to Conic Hill but it was at the top of the hill that the fist sign of things to come emerged (well almost!). Following a long draw on my Camelbak and intake of Nuun electrolyte I heaved hugely and it was alI I could do not to actually throw up - not fun, and not a good sign. I continued OK though and was able to refuel at Balmaha without any side effects (I did however hand Pamela my false tooth - didn't want to lose that later! - which was clearly a sign that all was not well).

Loch Lomond from Conic Hill


I was now finding it hard to take on board much water without gagging and was only taking the smallest bites of food - mainly dry biscuits. BUT, my legs felt good so I stuck to plan and ploughed on along the side of Loch Lomond to Rowardenen.

I now faced about 18 miles without contact with my support crew and decided to ditch the electrolyte and go with plain water - I had more Nuun waiting for me at Inversnaid but would have to ditch that as well and hope the mountain rescue team there would have plenty of water to spare, though I also had two small bottles of Coke in my drop bag.

I hate the run along the side of Loch Lomond, at times its more of a walk/scramble than a run and for the distance, takes a disproportionate amount of time.

Still, and despite not eating or drinking much, I made good time and arrived at Criagmyle Cottage (the new meeting point a mile on from Derrydaroch) ahead of last year's time and with one of my quickest lochside runs. I ate OK here, fresh peach, bit of sandwich I think, tea and then set off with a bag of ready salted crisps - I did suffer from incredibly itchy feet and legs here, not sure if it was the midges (who were out in force) or the change in air temperature after removing my longs and changing into shorts. The 'pain', not unlike chilblains, persisted for about quarter of an hour - not fun and a bit weird.

From here to Auchtertyre is another section that I generally don't like but I found myself running well and quite enjoyed it, that is until crossing the A82 and approaching St Finnan's Priory. I had caught up with two runners here, but soon found myself dropping back again as I felt really sick - and then I was, bent double and spewing up all the fuel I'd taken on board. I was proper projectile vomiting. I wasn't far from the farm and checkpoint, so walked in slowly wondering what had hit me.....

Auchtertyre is just over half way, from here I only had about 45 miles to go! I really didn't feel like eating anything, so asked Pamela and my Dad to boil up some water for my Camlebak, went and got weighed and set off for the shortest of our legs (about 2/3 miles) to Tyndrum.

Brodie's store in Tyndrum

Ran/walked OK and arrived at Tyndrum feeling sort of OK. Very short stop here then set off for Bridge of Orchy. This is one of my favourite sections and after nibbling on a very dry Granola bar starting jogging then running and arrived in BoO in good time, but feeling a bit drained. No more sickness, boiled water was going down OK, but definitely feeling low on energy. Tried eating peaches, but Waitrose let us down with a couple of very unappetising 'just ripe' fruit. After those aborted snacks I really didn't feel like anything but took a Tunnocks Caramel Wafer bar with me and jogged down to the checkpoint.

Trail from Tyndrum to Bridge of Orchy

Here I met Phil Robertson - first time WHW finisher last year, but sadly injured this year and out of WHW and UTMB, but somehow he couldn't keep himself away and had volunteered to sweep up from Kingshouse. WHW and many races like this only happen because so many people volunteer their time. Thanks Phil!

After BoO another short section over an annoying little hill to Victoria Bridge. I seem to remember this being fairly uneventful and can't remember much about the change over either. Anyway, set off for Rannoch Moor, one of the longer stints at 8 to 9 miles loaded up with two ginger biscuits and more boiled water. At this stage, although feeling depleted of energy (and a bit worried about the effect on running so far on 'empty') my time was good and according to the calculations in my head, not only was there a very good chance of improving on last year's time, but breaking the 22 hour barrier seemed possible.

With this in mind I put my head down and starting running this section much earlier than usual and passed quite a few runners early on.

Things went well until the very last climb on the Moor before the descent to White Corries. I'd just passed a runner and their support who looked like he had decided to call it a day when I felt that horrible sick feeling and promptly threw up what little food and water I'd managed to take on board - and I mean every last drop. It was horrible. Still, nothing much to do about it apart from walk the last of the hill and then run the descent to White Corries to get the section over with as quickly as possible. I arrived at White Corries and collapsed into my chair.

I don't think I was very communicative or indeed very polite to my support crew at this point (though I think that was probably a bit of a theme throughout the day....) and felt a degree of despair. I was running well, my muscle strength was good, but I was throwing up everything, including the trusted formula of warm boiled water and crunchie bars. We still had 25 miles to go and quite a few hours on the move.....could I do it?

The view from white Corries - worth keeping going for?

Again, I don't remember eating at this stop, I think I tried some Coke and set off with another Tunnocks bar. This section had been unbelievably slow last year (I threw up at White Corries after downing a bottle of Lucozade, so walked it) so I made the effort to run down to Kingshouse, through the checkpoint and out along the road. I then started the climb up the stony path before the easy descent to Allt na Feadh. And then I threw up again.....and again, it was everything. So, just like in 2008 I ended up walking to the foot of the Devil's staircase and recorded yet another really slow three miles (on the plus side, I could make up heaps of time on this section next time around!!).

So, 21 miles to go, three significant bouts of vomiting, feeling really, really low on energy, BUT still up on time......

I sat in the chair at Allt na Feadh shivering, covered in towels, coats etc and thinking "is it all over?". There was no way I was going to eat or drink anything and I had 21 miles ahead with two big climbs. I'm not sure how my thinking went, but I finally decided to pack a small bottle of coke and then set off up the Devil's staircase (at this point, I don't think I said a word to my poor support crew...).

The climb up the Staircase was deliberately slow but I still caught up with a runner just passed the summit. I stopped here to drink some of the coke, thought about putting on my jacket, but decided against and set off on the long descent. Gradual at first, then steep down the Alcan service road.

Looking down onto Kinlochleven

I stopped again before the road and finished off the Coke and the run down was good. 90 minutes for this section felt like I'd made good time and indeed after a sit down at Kinlochleven I was ready to go again knowing I was 45 minutes up on last year's time. The big question in my head was, "could I gain 15 minutes in the last two sections to get that elusive 21 hours something".

I knew not to talk about this to Pamela as I know the answer would be "don't be silly", but she would support me if I decided to go for it.....as in previous years Pamela joined me for this last 14 miles, but we didn't know if she'd run beyond Lundavra as her knee is still causing her problems.
We set off running the short road section before veering off into the woods and the long slow '1,000 ft straight up out of the car park' climb onto the Lairig Mor. Now, last year when we hit the top of the climb and the long, gradual drag to the turn into the Lundavra forest we encountered a fantastic tail wind that really did blow us along the Way. No such luck this year, but we were soon running well and it felt as if we were making good time and running at least as much, if not more than in 2008.

Then, just after the turn towards the forest I threw up again. Horrible.

This slowed me to pretty much walking pace and we rather limped towards the curling smoke from the bonfire the marshals and supporters had got going at the checkpoint.

On arriving at the checkpoint I also then knew that sub 22 was very unlikely as we'd taken 15 minutes more on the last section than in 2008, a factor clearly of last year's tail wind.

Still, a new PB was definitely on, so after a very brief stop - and no food or water - set off for the last 7 miles. The one big high, it was still daylight and we were in with a shout of making Fort Bill without the need for head torches! Only, just as we were about to leave Dad announces that he'd been unable to start the Prius since he arrived at Lundavra - so Pamela ran through the checks (sounded like being in an aircraft cockpit) and we left him to it, wondering if we'd see him in Glen Nevis. Or not!

We set off much slower than last year, without the prospect of sub 22 then the motivation was gone, but we ran/walked until we hit the forest (all of this section used to be in dense forest, but alot was felled before the 2008 race).

Once in the forest it gets dark, really dark, even during the middle of the day! So I did put my headtorch on at this point, more to avoid tripping up than anything else. The route rises and falls, passes spectacular waterfalls and meanders through eerily quiet woods.

Eventually we made it out of the forest onto the long stony forest track down into Glen Nevis and the last mile of road to the finish. Ben Nevis was clearly visible ahead (though topped, as ever, by cloud) and we started our descent.

The south face of the Ben looking across Glen Nevis

Very soon after we heard voices behind and turned to see Aileen Scott closing in.This did spur me on to run a little, but having heaved massively in the woods not long before (the sound boomed around the woods scarily!), this didn't last long and she and her support runner soon passed. Apart form Aileen, we'd only seen one other runner since Kinlochleven (who we passed just before the Lundavra checkpoint).

The descent though is endless, and walking it seemed to take forever, so we eventually decided to run and before too long turned the corner to see the Braveheart car park and the Glen Nevis road ahead. Luckily, Dad was there in the car, but despite waving we got no acknowledgement (the engine was turned off, so when he flicked the lights, nothing happened...). So Pamela had to detour off to make sure he'd seen us while I ploughed on ahead.

It seemed to take ages for Pamela to reappear, and Dad even longer in the car, but we raced as fast as we could towards the finish.

Unlike last year, I held my pace so that Pamela finished with me and with a final sprint across the leisure centre car park I held open the door for her and we finished in a new PB of 22 hrs 25 minutes and 54 seconds AND 30th place!

I then got weighed (I'd lost a stone!) and had my blood taken and decided the urine sample could wait till the morning. It was then off to the Travelodge to crash out.

Felt pretty good the next day, though it took me a few days to refuel - I really felt drained after this year's race. The presentation ceremony was great - some fantastically fast times this year and, as ever, some heroic finishes. And, before the ceremony we analysed this year's race to see that all the time made up on last year was in reduced stop times - so, can I go faster? Well, on one level yes, just by cutting down on rest times. I also felt strong this year and feel I could run more of each section. So sub 22 feels possible, but there are so many other factors - not being sick! the weather (tail winds, head winds...). Who knows, other than that I do want to do this again!

The End. Well nearly, actually the race finishes about 100 metres on at the Fort William leisure centre.

Last run before the West Highland Way

So, 54 minutes was on the schedule today. Nice still evening, overcast but dry. Ran the old, familiar 6 to 7 mile loop out to Burley, up to Mentson then back into Otley on the Bradford Road.

Thought I'd better wear my new Fastrax socks before the race - they are SOooo white, I looked like a right, random tennis player! Comfy though.

Alternative, uphill three

Another short run (who wrote this training schedule?). So, different route today, up Silver Mill Hill, up East Chevin Road, into the Chevin forest at Danefield Gate, then up through the woods, twisting and turning right up to the top car park, then a rapid run back down East Chevin Road. Nice.

Cool evening, could even see my breath, but bright and a light drizzle starting to fall towards the end.

One more run tomorrow and that's it until 1 am on Saturday.

10 miles

Yesterday I did the 10 mile loop out to Pool, Arthington, up Creskeld Lane to Bramhope and then home via the Leeds Road.

Thermometer was reading 22 degrees when I left but mix of a breeze and shade from the low sun meant that the temperature was actually OK.

Felt good on this run but bizarrely for just 10 miles suffered a very visible runner's nipple incident - I was wearing a white Two Oceans T-shirt. Oddly, this same thing happened the last time I did this route but luckily, the injury is less severe than it looked......

After the run had a very pleasant evening at Boun Apps in Otley, even sitting outside to enjoy a glass or two of Proseco before sitting down to our meal. Walk home was actually quite warm and still light enough to run at about 10.45 (no, we didn't actually run home). Fingers crossed for same night time temperatures and visibility next weekend...

Three more

Same route as yesterday evening, but the other way around. Clockwise I guess.

Nothing much to report, all felt OK.

Three

Yes, just three easy miles around the quiet streets of Otley this evening. I am, remember, tapering for the big run just 8 days away now.

Knee felt a lot better today. Skin still tight across the wound but starting to crack up and shrink.

Another short run tomorrow, then just a single one hour run over the weekend, and then time to get ready for the West Highland Way Race.....

So, the recovery continues....

....knee and calf still sore, especially sitting still at meetings or on the train today.

But, tonight's run seemed to go OK. Emma's guide troop (sounds like a pack of monkeys...) met at the top of the Chevin tonight (at Surprise View car park). View looks like this:

So I went ready to run and did a very acceptable circuit of the Chevin Country park which added up to about 5/6 miles. Calf sore again now, but felt much 'looser' as did my scabby knee on the run.

Not much more running now until West Highland Way, longest run will be an hour on Saturday......de de derrr de d derrr...(its a Star Wars thing....).

Slow recovery run

Just did four very slow miles around Otley this evening in an attempt to get the muscles moving.

Needless to say I'm still a bit stiff and sore after Saturday's little escapade. My left calf is very tight and my right knee very in-flexible covered as it is in a big red scab. Still, good to get moving and much better for me than sitting at a desk and hardly being able to get out of the chair after and hour of inactivity!

Might try the same again tomorrow.

Snowdon - times three!

As part of my UTMB training, I feel that lots of long uphill and downhill work will help, getting used to using poles, getting used to long, relentless downhills - the sort of thing that becomes tortuous towards the end of the West Highland Way race as the hills get bigger.

So, I set off for North Wales late Friday evening to do just that....

The plan, do three ascents/descents. After a brief overnight stay at the cell like Travelodge in Cearnarfon I arrived at Llanberis around 4am, parked up in the layby just on the edge of town then set off for the hill at 4.37 am.

Llyn Padarn, Llanberis 4.37 am Saturday 6 June

Snowdon Mountain Railway trains stoking up at 4.40 am

The weather was cool, with a few spots of rain in the air, with lots of low cloud around. I ran the half mile or so to the foot of the climb then got out the poles for the 4.5 mile uphill slog on the Lllanberis path. The ascent was fairly uneventful, saw a handful of walkers (all on their way down - 3 Peakers presumably) and hit the summit at 6.19 am. It was cloudy when I arrived, but that very suddenly, and dramatically, cleared to provide some stunning views:

Snowdon Summit, 6.19 am.

Looking into the Snowdon horseshoe:

The view north:

After a quick snack I folded away the poles and headed down the hill. Still very quiet but the path was starting to get very wet - in fact there was so much water compared to the ascent that I began to wonder if I'd taken a wrong turn (which on the Llanberis path you just can't do!). Anyway, with no misadventures I arrived back at the car at 7.19 am, exactly one hour after reaching the summit.

Llanberis was starting to get busy now and I got chatting to a fell runner parked next to me. Turned out to be John Vernon (West Highland Way family) over from Sheffield for the 1000 metres fell race (a 22 miler finishing on Snowdon). Turns out John is also running UTMB this summer!

After a change of kit and more food and drink set off at 7.39 am for leg two. Once again the climb was very straight forward, but the rain was incessant by now and the wind on the top made it very cold.

Second summit, 9.26 am

To get a chance to recover I went in search of shelter by the new multi-million pound visitor centre on the top of Snowdon - which bizarrely remained closed all day. No outdoor shelter of any kind has been built into this (which seems like a missed opportunity), but the north side of the summit was out of the wind and I warmed up from the hot air emanating through a steel shuttered door (no idea what it was powering).

Again, poles got packed away and I was glad to be running to start warming up (given that it was only 9 or 10 degrees in Llanberis, it must have been around zero on the summit and that's before factoring in wind chill).

I soon starting warming up and was enjoying the run off the hill when I suddenly found myself heading for the ground. I'd tripped (I blame low visibility.....). I hit the ground palms down, right knee, thigh, elbow and shoulder. I think I was more in shock about what a disaster this might be than from the actual impact and despite feeling sore (and glad no one was around to see me) decided the best option was to keep on running. The throbbing in my elbow and knee soon calmed down and I made the rest of the way down incident free and arrived at the car at 10.26 am.

Luckily, Pamela's car comes with a first aid kit so I was able to clean and strap up my wounds and then sat in the car to warm up, get dry, change kit and feed. At this point, with the rain still pouring down and feeling sore and cold I could have packed in, but fitness wise I was feeling good and decided I'd come to do three ascents so that is what I'd do.

Eventually I set off in the rain again at 11.10 am for the third and final summit.

Llyn Padarn 11.10 am.

The hill was really busy now with charity walkers and endless ill equipped groups who seemed to have taken a wrong turn off Bangor high street. Still, none of them made the news unlike the well equipped fell runners.

So apart from crowds, the third and final ascent and descent was uneventful and my run down marginally quicker than the first two - I think ostensibly as I wanted to get away from the all those people! Although I did get to see more trains on this run and took several pictures for train mad Asa.

Timings; I set off at 11.10, reached the top at 1 pm and was back at the car for 1:58 pm. The rain continued while I sheltered in the car, dried off, changed, ate more stuff, drank loads of coke and water and then headed home at about 3 pm.

Overall I was very happy with the whole exercise (apart from falling over) with all climbs taking between 1:40 and 1:50 and all descents @ 1 hour.

So, that was the equivalent of about 30 miles and 3,000 metres of ascent, about 30% of UTMB....but, in only just over 9 hours and in fairly rubbish weather. So quite encouraging.

7 - up, then down.

Familiar circuit tonight, up the Leeds Road to the top of Pool Bank, then down the hill and the return flat to Otley for 7 quickish miles.

Was distinctly cool tonight, almost cold but although the sky had that threatening rain look, just stayed dry.

The new Otley 'gateway' sign on the Pool Road:

Quick 4

Literally that, 4 miles around town, felt pretty good, sore knee early on, but feels OK now. Fingers crossed...

Skipton to Otley - 18

Pamela very kindly drove me out to Skipton today for my 'long' run. Was scheduled for 2hrs, but the Skipton to Otley route is about 18 miles and took about 2hrs 40mins.

Very hot today, 23/24 plus and towards the end I really felt it.

Otherwise, it was a great run. Starting at Skipton, out through Embsay then over to Bolton Abbey picked up the Dales Way through Addingham to Ilkey and then the dullist bit, the road route back to Otley.

Really enjoyed the section to Ilkley, breezy to start with so took the edge of the heat, then shady, firm trials.....felt rough after I'd finished but soon picked up with a few glasses of Chablis and Monkfish kebabs. Yum!

Makes for 50 miles in total this week.

14....'quite' warm.

Not a very interesting route - running one hour up the Leeds Road and then turning round and heading home (got as far as Lawnswood roundabout), but a good testing run in 22+ degrees heat.

14 miles in total.

Three

Well, that's what I'd written into my schedule, maybe it was supposed to be speed work. Anyway, ran /walked three, straight up Johnny Lane to the top of the Chevin (poles in full use), bit of traversing, then back down.

Perfect evening, bit breezy, but bright and fantastic scenery from 'surprise view'.

Swift 5

Well, swift on the way back with the wind behind. Just the usual Otley 5 mile circuit of town. Lovely bright evening, breezy and cool.

9.7 miles

Took a day off yesterday (leisurely trip over to Hardcastle Crags and then gardening all afternoon), but muscles felt well sore when I set off today, especially my thighs. I guess that was the after effects of Saturday's climbs.

Still, soon loosened up and ran the nearly 10 miles from Otley to pool, Arthington, up Creskeld Lane and back along the Leeds Road.

After a warm, even humid, day the cloud cover and light drizzle made for perfect running conditions.

Yorkshire Three Peaks

Ran the route of the Three Peaks Fell race yesterday, about 26 miles in all with a 'few' climbs!

Set off at 10 am intending to start running at 11 but got held up on the A65 by Gypsy Caravans...finally got running at 11.42..........weather though was spot on, warm (about 16 degrees), but overcast and with a light wind.

Plan was to run anything flat or downhill and use the poles on the ascents. Route up Pen-y-ghent was fairly straight forward, a few running sections but mostly an uphill slog. Kept going to the top without a stop, then a quick fig roll, poles collapsed and packed away and map out for the descent and long run across to the Ribblehead viaduct. The top of Pen-y-ghent was cool, but cloud free and the first of many fine views I get throughout the day.

Summit One - Pen-y-ghent


Pen-y-ghent to Whernaide turned out to be the least enjoyable section of the day, it was very wet and boggy with time wasted trying to get round the worst of the degraded peat bogs. Finally hit a good farm track out to the road and then a short section of tarmac to the viaduct.

The fell race itself turns left soon after the end of the viaduct and goes vertically up the side of Wherenside, but this land is not open to the public so I had to stick to the main path on a long sweeping detour north then west. This was good training though for ascending using the poles and again I kept going until I hit the summit. Once more I hit the top clear of cloud, though it was dull and windy with spotting rain. I stopped soon after the trig point to refuel on ham sandwiches and crisps and had to put my coat on to keep warm.

However, the short stop was refreshing and I set off along the ridge (poles now packed away again) before the steep descent and short valley crossing to Ingleborough.

Summit Two, Whernside

The descent off Whernside is very steep and limestone covered in mud gets very slippy. Soon caught up with a crocodile of people (it was very busy on all the hills), including one women who was really struggling to keep her footing while carrying a folded up pushchair (father was equally struggling with crying child...). So I offered to help and ran most of the descent with a buggy under my arm!

Once I'd ditched that at a stile as the path improved I packed my coat away and set off across the valley floor to the start of the climb up Ingleborough.

The route up Ingleborough was fairly direct and though quite energy sapping it didn't seem to take too long to hit the summit plateau. Again, a short rest to refuel, pack away the poles and it was back off the plateau to start the long gradual decent back into Horton in Ribblesdale. The weather now was perfect, high cloud, sunshine and no real breeze with fabulous views.

Finally came off the hill about 5.15, making for a total run time just over 5 hours 30 minutes, slightly longer than expected but happy with the result.

Future plan is to run this route twice.......bearing in mind that one loop is about one quarter of UTMB......

Summit Three, Ingleborough.

Sunny seven

Though the weather outside is frightful, something or other is quite delightful......well, for once a run in dry, sunny conditions!

Just 7 tonight, out to Pool, up Pool Bank and back down the Leeds Road into Otley.

Rest day Friday (not back till late from trip up to the Solway Firth), then 3 Peaks on Saturday. Forecast looks good.

Five miles

Short recovery run tonight, so decided to go up the hill and off road through Chevin forest. Wore the still new Hardrocks and took the walking poles (Camp Xenon).

Walked using poles on all the uphills, running the rest and getting used to collapsing and resurrecting the poles.

Nice workout, bright evening and though a bit of drizzle no where near as wet as the last two days.

Two rest days coming up.

Cold and wet 15 miler...

Set out at 5pm for a gentle 15 mile loop via Menston, Guiseley, Rawdon, Yeadon and home and as I put my kit on it was about 15 degrees...balmy! Then I looked out of the window and the rain had started and it just didn't stop, so just like yesterday, rain, cold, floods, wet.....and then chill blanes, mid-May? eughh...

Hail!

Just 9 miles this afternoon, quite warm, weather a bit 'spotty' with rain, but then a huge downpour. Gutters and pavements like rivers, hailstones stinging and the temperature dropping quickly. Had planned to do 13 but with squelchy shoes cut it short at 9. Longer run tomorrow hopefully.

Snowdon night run cancelled

Was supposed to be supporting a Paddy Buckley attempt tonight, doing the section over Snowdon through the night but persistent rain and forecast of strong winds caused it to be cancelled. This is what the summit of Snowdon looks like at 4 pm today;

Blogging!

Not sure where to start. So, here's a summary.

Decided to try and get in the UTMB so applied at end of last year fully expecting not to get a place but be offered one for 2010. Only they had tightened up the entry criteria and were undersubscribed, so suddenly in January I find myself planning to run 103 miles in the Alps and climbing 9,400 metres - about the height of Everest.

I hadn't planned to blog though, but then at a Trustee meeting of Children Today Charitable Trust last weekend I sat there thinking, I should be using this event to raise funds to support our work helping children and young people with disabilities. So, here we are!

I'll post about my training (and doubtless some kit stuff) and also progress on fundraising. So please pop in for updates and please sponsor me! Just click here: http://www.justgiving.com/ultratour