From the desert to the alps

UTMB - DNF....

2009-09-04T01:08:00.003+01:00

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

2009-08-20T19:59:00.002+01:00

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

2009-08-19T21:07:00.002+01:00

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

2009-08-19T21:06:00.002+01:00

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

2009-08-17T20:11:00.002+01:00

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

2009-08-12T19:46:00.002+01:00

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

2009-08-11T19:38:00.003+01:00

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

2009-08-04T19:52:00.003+01:00

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

2009-08-02T19:26:00.007+01:00

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

2009-07-31T08:01:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-29T18:05:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-28T22:39:00.001+01:00

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

Ring Road sixteen

2009-07-27T12:29:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-24T19:13:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-22T20:24:00.001+01:00

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

2009-07-21T20:09:00.004+01:00

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

2009-07-18T18:07:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-17T23:40:00.001+01:00

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

2009-07-15T20:55:00.002+01:00

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

2009-07-15T20:51:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-07-14T21:09:00.003+01:00

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!

2009-07-12T21:40:00.004+01:00

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

2009-07-11T19:23:00.005+01:00

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

2009-07-09T20:07:00.005+01:00

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

2009-07-05T20:01:00.003+01:00

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

2009-07-04T22:39:00.002+01:00

'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

2009-06-27T18:08:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-25T17:46:00.027+01:00

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

2009-06-16T21:20:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-15T19:35:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-14T11:07:00.003+01:00

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

2009-06-12T19:47:00.001+01:00

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

Nothing much to report, all felt OK.

Three

2009-06-11T20:34:00.002+01:00

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....

2009-06-09T23:04:00.005+01:00

....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

2009-06-08T19:29:00.002+01:00

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!

2009-06-06T20:56:00.008+01:00

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.

2009-06-04T22:58:00.002+01:00

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

2009-06-03T23:31:00.001+01:00

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

Skipton to Otley - 18

2009-05-31T22:50:00.002+01:00

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.

2009-05-29T19:33:00.001+01:00

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

2009-05-27T23:11:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-26T19:46:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-25T19:48:00.004+01:00

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

2009-05-24T19:17:00.008+01:00

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

2009-05-21T23:02:00.001+01:00

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

2009-05-18T20:20:00.002+01:00

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...

2009-05-17T23:19:00.002+01:00

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!

2009-05-16T23:22:00.002+01:00

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

2009-05-15T16:07:00.000+01:00

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!

2009-05-15T12:12:00.001+01:00

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

Total continues to rise....

2008-09-17T12:42:00.000+01:00

I've been sponsored again. Thank you! Total now creeps up to £2,912.

Another £9

2008-08-17T17:48:00.001+01:00

This is money from collecting loose change. Total now moves up to £2,886.

Money, money money...

2008-06-03T19:38:00.000+01:00

...another £10 in sponsorship added today!

Total is now £2,877.

More Sponsorship!

2008-05-21T12:54:00.000+01:00

Went to a Governor's meeting at school on Monday and came away with more sponsorship!

Total now: £2,864

Fundraising update

2008-05-10T11:08:00.000+01:00

Current figure now stands at:

£2,854 raised - thank you to everyone who has sponsored me.

That still leaves me £1,146 short of the target set, so I'll continue to raise funds for Facing Africa until I reach it - feel free to help me out!

and here are a few pictures from the race, including a cheery finish line photo!

Thank you!

2008-04-11T08:18:00.000+01:00

Thank you to everyone who supported me while I was out in the desert, your emails were really appreciated. Thank you also to everyone who has been busy sponsoring me in the last two weeks, the grand total now stands at £2,761 and I'm keen to keep going and get the remaining £1,239 to make £4,000.

I will post a full race report in time, along with plenty of pictures of sand.....but in the meantime, here is a rather scary picture of me just across the finish line. I was trying to smile, but the emotion was rather getting to me.......

There are lots more fantastic (!) photos at junglemoon.co.uk

Sprint finish

2008-04-06T10:37:00.000+01:00

33 hours 37 minutes and 58 seconds later, and it's all over. 123rd place overall out of 800 starters. Last stage was the fastest pace (no surprises there) covering 10.9 miles in 1hr 39 minutes, and coming 97th, Paul's best placing apart from the long day when he was 109th - proving that whether it's a sprint to the line or the long hard slog, he's a bit of a star. Spoke to him on the bus after the race (drinking Pepsi and feeling a bit ill after the day's exertions) and again in the evening after he'd had his first proper food at lunchtime (steak haché/frites), and a shower, and he was wandering around in the warm evening air before their meal last night. He sounded fine, is very pleased with himself, thank goodness for that, does that mean he doesn't need to do it again (??????), and was looking forward to another day of taking it easy, and bit of shopping, on Sunday. Oh and in case you're wondering, he'd had just one beer, but I haven't yet gathered if it was pre-shower or post!

Thanks Emma

2008-04-05T11:48:00.000+01:00

Just a quick email before the concert starts (the Paris Orchestra are here...no, really, they are!) to say thank you to Emma for her message on the food bag that had my tortilla in. It said: Flour Tortilla. We get chocolate cake, you get tortilla. Keep Going!
Thanks Emma, I will! Just 17.5 k tommorrow, so about 11 miles, havent checked terrain yet, but I guess 1:45 to 2 hrs? Depends how I feel. Felt very tired today, and all that effort to move only 6 places up the rankings, 118 th now, but that could just as easily go up as well as down tommorrow, I'll take the 109 th long stage placing as my moment of glory, that and finishing!

Stage five, in his master's voice

2008-04-05T11:45:00.000+01:00

42.2 km today, full marathon distance and a Personal Worst in 5 hrs 7 mins. Still, given it was 46 degres at CP3 and sandy, and I've just run 116 miles in the past 4 days, I'll settle for that. Only came 127th though, so there must be some excellent runners out here....I wait to see the overall standings. Today's start was good stoney running to CP 1, and I could still see the leaders going over the hill ahead. 2 climbs followed then sand.....I was on a 5hrs30 schedule though and was up on time the whole way. After CP3 we hit good stony running again so I put the foot down....pleased with the result. Also ran through a settlement today, so lots of palm trees, kids asking for water and gateaux and low mud brick buildings. In answer to email questions: it's definitely pod racing country, for anhsal read anakin, they both fly over sand. Sandcastles, haven't built one, but took a photo of a real live one today. Right, last email from the desert, hopefully back on text tomorrow, 11m to go.

Stage five - just a marathon

2008-04-04T17:46:00.000+01:00

Well he's done it again - exceeded all expectations and turned in a cracking performance and a time of 5 hours 7 minutes - his fastest pace so far at 8.23k/hr. Overall placing seems to be 118th, although these change sometimes. Still first British woman, and all set no doubt for a sprint finish to the line tomorrow over about 11 miles, ready for that Ice Cold Beer in Ouarzazate in the evening. Shower first or beer first? Votes please.

Fame at last!

2008-04-04T10:23:00.000+01:00

Paul has been in the local paper many times with his various exploits, but never before has he been featured on the billboard, so ta da! here he is, outside the local newsagents!! Story inside and good pictures of a child helped by Facing Africa, and one of Paul in his full kit outside a very non-desert looking Silver Mill Cottages. Today the Wharfedale Observer, tomorrow who knows?

Blog Central, Silver Mill, Otley.

Rest Day

2008-04-03T22:19:00.000+01:00

Why does he send emails just when I'm going to bed? Honestly, sooooo inconsiderate. Here are today's words of wisdom from the man himself:

Bonjour! Nice day? Well, sunny here and a bit boring, but definitely need the rest as tomorrow is marathon day. Mulling over tactics, might set out at quicker pace but if its too much revert to plan A. Feet came throgh yesterday well. Blister on top of left big toe seems to have healed. One new one under right big toe, so pierced it with safety pin, drianed the gunk and dressed with salvon and tape, no problem walking on/running. Today I officially MING! to teh heavens, but then so doe severyone else, really looking forward to a shower in 2 days time! To recap yesteday, the best route so far for stunning scenery, three big climbs, not just the first on the website, ridge running, immense salt flats shimmering like lakes, dunes, oasis at cp 2, sunset and running in the dark (which is just like running in the dark anywhere but more sandy). Came 109 yesterday, now 124 overall. Pleased, but shame not to have broken into top 100. Limit up, so till demain.

Stage four - long day?

2008-04-03T17:39:00.000+01:00

Email from Paul:

Well yes, it was, but 11 hrs 4 mins it was perhaps my quickest speed so far. I had a 10 hour plan mapped out, and a tad disappointed not to break 11 hours, but the dreaded soft sand did for me again, I am beginning to loath it! Still, pleased with my result, and wait to find out the placing tomorrow - rest day. No injuries to report...yet, but I haven't taken my socks off yet, not expecting anything though. Amazing scenery today and reached the first big climb in third place (the top 50 runners set off 3 hrs later _ saw one at CheckPoint 4, he was flying and it wasn't anahal (leader).) A few other climbs slowed me down, as did the last hour in the dark, but hit a great surface with 10 mins to go and sprinted!

Paul finished 109th in the stage, taking him up to 119th place overall. Better not tell him that under 11hours for stage 4 would have taken him into the top 100 overall........

4 euros/minute

2008-04-02T22:28:00.000+01:00

4 euros/minute is the price of a satellite phone call from Oued Ahssia to announce a brilliant time of 11hours and 4 minutes for 75.5k!! Phenomenal. I thought he would do 13-14 hours, so clearly once again Paul is surpassing expectations. He says he would like to have got under 11 hours......typical.
He sounded very chirpy and relaxed, still just the 2 blisters, but is now missing a leisure sock and his foilbubble stove windshield due to a windstorm last night - for the first time he didn't repack his rucksack - lesson there for us all...... He asked me to thank EVERYONE who has emailed and sent messages of support, they are much appreciated and he said to keep sending them!!
So a rest day tomorrow when he can look at a bit more sand...then marathon Friday and 10m ish Saturday......

Signed, Mission Control.

Your views please

2008-04-02T21:14:00.000+01:00

Found this picture when I was trawling the MdS website for any news of Paul on this, 'the longest day'. Having seen most of his kit at close quarters (on the dressing table in the bedroom for most of March), I think this might be him at the back of this photo looking at the view instead of concentrating on the rope rail. The orange sleep mat is a big clue I think, although they do appear elsewhere.

Anyone else think so?? The photo is on the Darbaroud website under Day 4 photos if you want a better look , but I'm not skilled enough to improve the resolution any more!!

Pamela

Day 3 Stage 3

2008-04-02T08:16:00.000+01:00

Another excellent performance from Paul on Tuesday, 25.1m in 5hrs 48mins, moving him up to 148th place, and 11th British person home. The person he has leapfrogged is Sharon Gayter, so now Paul is the 'first British woman'. When Paul started to run races, especially local ones, his target was always to beat the first woman - a realistic but challenging target, given the fantastic quality of female runners out there. So the competitive side of him (I know, you'll all be suprised by this) will be quite satisfied. Probably the boost he needs before he tackles the 46.8m 'long day' on Wednesday.

We've got everything crossed - again. There are some fantastic photos on the darbaroud website, well worth a visit. Here's a taster.

Day 2 Stage 2 - Paul's version

2008-03-31T22:30:00.000+01:00

Just when I thought it was safe to sign off and go to bed, got another email from Paul, this one sent today, received today, so things are speeding up....

Bonjour! Well, I recovered well last night, feeling much better after emailing you (thanks for yours, got them at 7pm last night) and ate all my food and drink, almost properly hydrated this morning, with urine no longer loooking like an oak aged chardonnay! Today I ran much better - 5 hrs 15 I think for 38 k. I did more walking inclines and sand and every 45 mins walked while I ate, took salt tablets and drank. It must have worked because I came in just ahead of Sharon Gaytor - oh yeah, deresrt running, bring it on! It was well hot today, no cloud no breeze and 40 degrees, same forecast for tomorrow, which looks like hell consisting mostly of dunes....Feet holding up, 2 small blister which I got treated at doc trotters (me being sensible). They sliced them, drained then and then injected iodine.....ouch! 40 k tomorrow, so off to rest and chomp through my rations. Hope all is well at home, missing you both loads but being entertained by my tent mates - its WHW + Call Chall...bye XXXXXXX

Day 2 Stage 2

2008-03-31T21:14:00.000+01:00

The second stage appears to have been a less hilly, more stoney/packed sand stage, and Paul must have recovered from this exertions yesterday as he completed the 38k (23.5miles) in 5 hrs 14 minutes. In 159th place, 12th British runner to finish. He should feel immensely pleased with himself.
40.5k tomorrow, 25.1 miles....

Day 1 Stage 1 - Paul's version

2008-03-31T21:11:00.000+01:00

This time, in his owns words.......

I am......recovering! 4hr 43 mins for the stage, 2:16 for the dunes at the start, they were MASSIVE! Seriously that was a very tough day's running. The 14 km of dunes were staggering, amazing to look at, anazing to be in, and tough to run.
The next 10k was flat stoney plain (the stones had fossils in, I've picked one up......then we had a killer 2 to 3 k of small dunes to finish _ small like nothing you've ever seen on a UK beach!
That was the killer section, up down, up down......and probably why I projectile vomitted over the line, that and the 38 degree heat..... Better now though.
So, top line story, Stage One, job done. Real story, one tough day in the most awesome landscape I have ever run in. Velcro is in tatters, but rest of kit seems to be doing the job.
Off now to chomp slowly through my rations and try and sleep in the windy tent - lighting the fuel is a challenge too. Oh, and only one small blister. Ooops, word limit!

Day 1 Stage 1

2008-03-30T22:33:00.001+01:00

Information from the Darbaroud website tells us that Paul completed the first stage of 31.6km (hooray) in 4 hrs 43 mins, coming 154th out of 797, the 12th British runner over the line. An excellent first day result, especially as the route went straight up a huge sand dune after the first kilometre and was reputedly the hardest first day of the race's history.

No email from the man himself yet, so we wait with baited breath for an overnight satellite transmission (or for the email to be released from my over-zealous Mail Defender).

Pretty picture of the start to whet your appetites....

Travel tales

2008-03-28T12:54:00.000Z

Welcome to the first Pamelamail posting on Paul's blog. Paul arrived safe and sound in Ouarzazate, luggage intact, and during Friday is on the 6hr coach trip to the race start location. Endurance training I think it's called. First stage on Sunday is 31.6km. Full day on Saturday to mess around packing and repacking the kit bags/ do all the admin stuff/build up a bit more of that nervous tension.

Nice photo of the tulips in the yard opening in the sunshine for the first time this year...

Last training run

2008-03-26T20:16:00.000Z

Very easy paced 7 miles this evening in the cold misty night air! Nothing to report really, now busy unpacking and re-packing and crossing everything off my kit list ready to fly out tomorrow......

Hopefully I'll be able to email updates after each stage of the race, so watch this space!

Fundraising and other stuff

2008-03-25T20:34:00.000Z

Thank you so much to everyone who has sponsored me so far, and if you are thinking about it but haven't yet done so, do it now!

Running total stands at £2,272, so just £1,728 to reach my nominal £4,000 target.

I also sent out a press release yesterday to the local papers, as much to try and get some publicity for Facing Africa as anything else. Anyway, took a call from Wharfedale and Airedale Observer who did an interview over the phone and seem keen to do a follow up after the race, so lets hope they print something!

Also found out today that there will be an ITV reporter at Heathrow on Thursday who is coming out to follow the race. Maybe my 15 minutes of fame beckon....

Training - easy 3 miles

2008-03-25T20:29:00.000Z

Very steady 3 miler tonight. Very cold, so full winter kit on (more ideal MdS training....NOT). Still, felt v.good.

Only downer was the sickening crunch of unsticking Velcro when I put my trail shoes on. So, back to the gluing board......this time its because the strip of Velcro crossed a 'flex' point on the shoe, so I snipped in two at the crease and hope that does the trick.

Cross Training - family walk

2008-03-24T16:12:00.001Z

Enjoyed a nice leisurely walk from the back door up on to the Chevin today. 4.2 miles in all with 1,070 ft of climb. Quite a bright day, but still chilly and the odd snow flake still falling, though you could see that the real weather was out towards the east coast.

Nice views though and enjoyed making the most of a cool breeze - if I could only bag that up and take it to the desert.......

Click on the thumbnail below to see today's video:

Chevin walk, Easter Monday

Ready to go.......nearly!

2008-03-23T13:05:00.001Z

Packed all my stuff into my back pack and front pack this morning and it all seems to fit (slightly annoyed that one piece of Velcro came off when I removed the sand gaiters, that's currently being re-glued...). Just about have everything, though I do have one or two minor bits of kit/food to pick up.

Really just want to get out there and find what its like to run in the desert. Its currently about 25/28 degrees at Ouarzazate where we fly too, so expected to be hotter still 6 hours drive out into the desert....

And here's my support crew practicing to say goodbye!

Cross Training!

2008-03-23T13:00:00.000Z

Well, it was cross training if you count sledging as exercise! After last night's snow fall the field behind the house was just too tempting.....so ski clothes on and sledges out! Snow was OK, but soon wore through to muddy grass. Fun, but not exactly replicating MdS conditions....

Training - 3 miles

2008-03-22T20:21:00.000Z

Easy three mile run this evening. 3 more miles in my MdS trail shoes and just a light back pack to test out the 'Foam Frenzy' valve caps on my drinks bottles (see post below). No leaks and a nice easy run. Rest day tomorrow.

Kit

2008-03-22T20:06:00.001Z

Quite a bit of kit messing around today.

I think I've finally got all the Velcro attached, and no bits came loose on my 3 mile run out this evening. This is what the shoes look like, Velcroed and with one sand gaiter attached:

I also made a wind shield for the stove this morning. This is made out of foil bubble, stapled on one edge and I've insert a tent peg on one side to use as an anchor. The water did boil alot more quickly, an effect I'm sure of the foil reflecting back the heat.

Pamela then helped sort out the leaking 'non-returnable' valve problem, spotting the ideal piece of kit in a pack of 'Foam Frenzy' at the craft section in the local garden centre! Tested it on my run this evening and no leaks! Will pack some spares in case these come off, but no weight penalties!

Emma then helped me to pack up my food, each day's supplies in a sealable freezer bag. That way I don't need to think about what I'm supposed to have or what's left to eat up! I just need to buy one more Granola bar for day 7.

Fundraising

2008-03-21T18:37:00.000Z

Since I posted an update on Monday I have raised another £135! So thank you again to everyone who has supported me and whose sponsorship will go towards the very important work that Facing Africa do. £2,202 now, so only £1,798 to go....

Exercise ECG

2008-03-21T18:34:00.000Z

Message on the answerphone from the consultant yesterday to say that the exercise ECG is 'normal', or at least of no concern. Will try and call in on Wednesday to pick up a copy if I can.

Training - 4 miles easy

2008-03-21T18:30:00.000Z

Nice gentle jog out this evening with Pamela. Nice sunny day but windy and pretty cold, even had a brief snow shower (very brief!). Nice to run without any pack on today - such a relief!

The last few runs out with full kit I've really noticed that; running uphill, even the slightest incline, or running into the wind, is so much harder carrying all that weight. However, on the plus side, I've found the weight less hard going while I'm running than when I'm walking. There must be some science around that or I'm just a bit weird....

Training - 5 miles

2008-03-20T22:18:00.000Z

Short easy run tonight but again with full pack. This time I was running wearing a weight lifters belt (a light weight one obviously, infact a simple wide belt of neoprene). It certainly does the job though, no slicing in two and if I do get any back problems then it can only help - thanks to Steve for thinking of this solution and posting on the belt!

My only slight concern is that it may get very hot. But then its going to be hot anyway so, tough!

Only other thing to report is that one strip of Velcro came loose, but the rest are still in place and still seem to be holding out.

Not much more running now, but need to do more Velcro gluing, construct a wind shield for my stove out of foil bubble and attach the sleep mat to my back pack - somewhere...oh, and work out how to stop the non-returnable valves fitted to the Raidlight bottles from, well, returning....

Cross Training

2008-03-19T18:55:00.000Z

Dusted down my bike at the weekend, cleaned and oiled it and removed winter scraps of metal from the brake pads ready to start cycling to work again. Today was the first chance to cycle though and it was beautiful and sunny.

Round trip is just over 8 miles, so no great distance, but takes about 20 minutes each way because of the mighty Chevin in the way - the trip to work starts with a one mile 1 in 8 uphill.....and then drops more gently down the other side into Yeadon.

Exercise ECG - 2 miles!

2008-03-18T19:41:00.000Z

My cardiologist organised an exercise ECG for me today as part of my expanding case file at the LGI into my mysterious chest pain episodes! It also happens to be a recommended test for any MdS runner over 40 - so belt and braces I guess.

Anyway, test started off with a 'supine' reading, which looked like my normal 'abnormal' ECG to me and resting heart rate was round about 60bpm.

I also had to have a number of areas of my chest strategically shaved to attach the electrodes - that'll be nice and itchy by the time I get to the desert then.

Then it was time for the exercise. This consisted of 3 minute slots starting at a walking pace on a 10% slope and then steadily increasing both speed and gradient until I was running at 5.5 mph on a 20% hill! This felt like serious training and, as I hit my maximum heart rate towards the end of this session (178 bpm) I was OK to stop - I wasn't sure I could face another increase in speed AND gradient anyway!

The technicians seemed happy with my results which now get whizzed HNS style over to Dr Cowan for his assessment. I guess I'll only hear back if he spots anything 'interesting'.

Needless to say, I don't think many people in the cardiology ward get that far through the test...

Less appealing than this test is a further exploration that my GP has come up with which involves a Barium meal. Might save that till after the MdS I think!

Fundraising - thanks everyone!!

2008-03-17T20:27:00.000Z

Thank you to all my sponsors so far and to all the recent ones - to Emma, Monica, Frances, Karen, Asa and Inigo and to my fellow Trustees at Children Today. You have all been extremely generous.

My grand total now stands at £2,067, so 'just' another £1,933 to go if I'm to reach my £4,000 target!

Training - 9 miles

2008-03-17T20:19:00.000Z

OK, so not quite taper miles but I still want to put a few miles on these new shoes - this now makes 26 miles. Maybe just one or two runs to add....

Did this circuit with full kit, including full water bottles and felt really good. Even ran most of the mile long, one in eight hill at the start of the circuit (Otley, Carlton, Yeadon, Guiseley, Menston, home). Infact, I felt like I wanted to be out there, in the desert, and near the end of stage one. Weather was a bit different though, bright and cold, but a fabulous sunset.

I am also officially an idiot..........no comments please. Having said the strap keeping the front pack in place would cut me in half....well, I haven't got round to looking for any padding and, it cut me in half. OK, not quite literally but I did yell like a boy when the hot water of the shower entered the welt on my side.......really do need to get that fixed.

Otherwise, a very satisfying and encouraging run!

Training - 10.3 miles

2008-03-15T19:34:00.000Z

Opps, thought I was retracing an 8 mile loop, so thought it was slow when I looked at the clock when I got home...that was because it was 10.3 miles! Still, took it easy, another useful run out in the new trail shoes and stomach also slowly recovering.

It was cold though. It was raining and the light westerly wind made it very chilly - had to disappear under the duvet after my shower to warm up. No back pack again today, didn't think that was a good idea with a dodgy stomach.

May or may not run tomorrow, but will have time on Monday hopefully after the Children Today Trustee meeting though.

Training - 7 miles

2008-03-15T11:48:00.000Z

First run this week on Friday since Barry 40, mainly due to an upset stomach which has not been pleasant.

However, felt OK yesterday and set out to do the 7 mile loop via Pool Bank. Had to walk the hill though as my stomach complained at the extra effort, but otherwise went OK.

Also ran for the first time in my new Adidas Supernova Trails - in lovely grey and orange...hmmmmm. These are a size 10 1/2, one half size bigger than normal to accommodate swelling feet in the desert. I was a bit nervous about running in them but with a pair of Sealskinz as well as my Fastrax socks they were actually OK. The Sealskinz did make my feet feel hot though, so might need to revise this strategy for the desert.

I also had Velcro stuck round the sole of my shoe sand only one bit came off, so a useful test. Luckily that piece stuck to my socks so I can reapply it. In case you are wondering, the Velcro is for attaching my sand gaiters...!

Race - Barry 40

2008-03-10T12:02:00.000Z

Took part in the Barry 40 yesterday which is held at Jenner Park Stadium, the home of Barry Town FC. The event consists of running 161 laps around a tartan running track - who said ultra running was glamorous?!

Despite forecasts of howling gales and lashing rain the day remained sunny for the most part, but the two hail showers were freezing.

I''ve done this race twice before, it was my first ultra back in 2005 and I finished 10th in 5 hrs 21 mins and then in 2006 had to drop out after 26.2 miles because of a shoe problem that created a very painful knee....I did go through the marathon distance under 3.15 though.

I set out yesterday with the target of running 5 hours (or rather anything inside 5 hours) and was on track up to 20 miles and still OK at the marathon mark (3:14 yesterday). Then, as seems to happen in most ultra races the wheels started to come off.......firstly, I found the Nuun flavoured water hard to stomach and kept feeling like I was going to vomit........then my lower back went into spasm and I could hardly stand up, let alone run, but a few walking laps, a geobar, cups of water and, most importantly, Nurofen, and I was suddenly up to 35 miles and just 20 laps to run.

At this point I decided the best strategy was to dig in and try and run the last 20 laps straight off, not worrying about refuelling etc, and if I could get back to sub 2 minute laps I was still in with a chance of breaking my PB. Luckily, my legs held out and I even ran one of my fastest laps of the day in last mile.

I finished with a time of 5 hrs 14 minutes, 7 minutes better than my previous time and finished in 12th place. I averaged 7 min 49 sec mile pace, I would have needed 7 min 30 for a sub-5.

There was a really quality field yesterday, with many past winners and any one of the top 9 competing for the lead early on. 10th palce went to the first woman, who ran a women's record 12th fastest ever time in the world at this distance!

I was happy with my run and my mug with the words: 'Barry 40 - Finisher'!

I must also mention my support crew, Pamela and Emma who sat through my ordeal noting down my time for every one of the 161 laps and giving me updates on various milestones and laps completed/to go. Now that is dedication......

Training - 7 miles...with my nap sack on my back....

2008-03-06T19:54:00.000Z

OK, hardly a nap sack, but full front and back packs again tonight. 7 miles was OK, though the long drag up Pool Bank was noticeably harder - a mile plus long hill climbing some 500 odd feet.

Otherwise, two runs in with full weight seems promising.

Rest day tomorrow then off to South Wales on Saturday ready for the 'Barry 40' on Sunday.

Training - 5 miles fully loaded

2008-03-03T20:11:00.000Z

First run out tonight with full front and back pack and it seemed to work OK. Only main bit of kit missing was my sleep mat, but that's just bulky rather than heavy.

Also sorted the bouncing front pack problem by using what is essentially a luggage strap as a belt. This kept the front pack firmly in place but I rather think that if I used that as it is for 150 miles in the desert then I'm going to end up getting sliced in two. So, just need to find some sort of padding, especially around my hips, the sort of thing you get on seat belts in suped up cars....only smaller.

Also carried two full Raidlight bottles. Adding the aquarium valves really does work, they are so much easier to drink from, but I do need to glue them - water kept on leaking out!

Still, a satisfying run out. Rest day tomorrow.

Kit - quick update

2008-03-02T19:28:00.000Z

Nearly got all the kit I now need. Just putting together a first aid kit and need to buy two more breakfasts.

Tasted Expedition Foods 'Hot cereal start with mango' this morning and found it really 'sawdusty', so will be sticking with 'Porridge with strawberries' for all seven days.........hmmmmm.

Also tried out loading up my pack. Everything seems to fit into the Salomon backpack and Raidlight front pack. No room for the Thermarest as expected, so might rig something up to sling that under the pack. Plenty of spare room in the front pack for the distress flares, salt tablets and night sticks that will be handed out by the organisers.

Two packs together plus sleep mat weighed 7.5 kg on the bathroom scales, probably nearer 8 kg based on weighing everything individually and therefore more accurately.

Will start doing training runs carrying the full pack from tomorrow...

Training - 15 miles

2008-03-02T19:23:00.000Z

15 mile loop today taking in Menston, Guiseley, Rawdon and Yeadon - basically using the A65 with various extensions off.

Felt very easy, but then no back pack today just a bottle belt - word of warning, kona coal flavouredd Nuun tabs are actually slightly fizzy, which if you use a bottle belt may result in a wet back.....cola flavour tastes OK cold though.

Today's run completes 42 miles for the week, which after last weekend feels like an easy week.

Fewer mid-week runs next week in preparation for next Sunday's Barry 40 race;

http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/barry40/

Training - Burley Menston

2008-03-01T21:57:00.000Z

Haven't done this route for ages! For a long time it was a favourite 8 mile route, but with the advent of MapMyRun we realised it was actually just short of 7 miles.....still, a good out and back circular route, made all the more enjoyable by the fact that when its windy (like the last few days....understatement I know!), its a headwind on the outward leg, but a tailwind home.

Nice easy run, followed by more of Emma's delicious cooking. I could get used to this....

Training - 7 miles

2008-02-28T19:48:00.000Z

Very boring run tonight, used my 'town' 5 mile route with a short extension out to the Fox at Menston.

Did a bit of 'fartlek', doing my main sprints up Burley Road to the Fox from the back of Ellar Gardens (or whatever its called...), and also up East Chevin Road - always a killer, must be 12.5% gradient, takes about 40 seconds at top speed.....

Only saw one Otley runner out tonight, so must have been a bit early for the 'moonlighters' and, despite by best efforts (Ken!), didn't stumble across any buried treasure, remains of crashed World War Two bombers (complete with skeletal crew), just a long tailback of cars because of the roadworks on the ancient and somewhat historic bridge. Here is a picture, of the bridge that is, not the traffic jam, or rather the weir, the bridge is in the background.....

Training - 8 miles

2008-02-27T20:07:00.000Z

8 mile route up Leeds Road to Bramhope, a few loops around there and then back down again.

Felt very fluid today, the benefits of a rest day I guess. Shorter runs coming up this weekend but plenty of kit to play with (have just added some valves to my drinks bottles and they work much better - very Wallace & Grommit! Will post some kit blogs at the weekend).

Training - 5 miles recovery run

2008-02-25T23:40:00.000Z

Quick 5 miles this evening before a rather long school meeting. Felt OK after the weekend's runs, not too stiff and not too sore - roll on the desert.....i think!

Training - 33 miles

2008-02-24T20:44:00.000Z

33 mile route today - out to Burley, then Ilkely, Addingham, Silsden, Steeton, Keighley, Bingley, Shipley, Guisesly and back over West Chevin End.

Set off in a cold drizzle but rain soon stopped and even saw some sun. Have done this route before so was pleased to feel stonger towards the end than usual, and have never done this off the back of a 23 mile training run before.

Makes 68 miles for the week and now start to enter my taper, although I am doing Barry 40 two weeks today, but otherwise will be concentrating on getting my backpack / frontpack system sorted out.

Training - 23 miles

2008-02-24T10:31:00.000Z

Usual 23 mile route yesterday taking in Menston, Guiseley, Apperley Bridge, Calverley, Horsforth, Headingley, Adel and Bramhope and, as ever, first 2/3rds of the route felt good and last 7 miles, less good! Still, completed in 3 hrs 20 mins so quite happy with that.