Tuesday 11 December 2012

Long snowy adventure

Theres's no better feeling for the trainee ultra runner than a semi-planned long slow run. Even more so when your usual playground has a completely different dynamic with the addition of a blanket of snow and ice. These sort of ventures add a spot of excitement and variation, especially if training is becoming a little stale.
 
So with about 20 miles in mind I headed out of my valley along Broomhead reservoir before kicking up the road to climb into the next valley. As my elevation increased so did the ice and snow making some of the steeper ascents rather interesting. The view into the next valley was spectacular as always, only today even more so with a low winter sun and a snow capped hills. As I reached the beginning of Strines Moor the views were even more impressive so I took the time to grab a couple of photos on my camera phone.
 
 
Strines Moor
 


As I started the steady climb over the moors the snow was adding to the resistance significantly, more akin to running on sand, which added to the incline was seriously hard work. Not least the cold and occasional freezing winds. All this would have been more than bearable, even enjoyable but for the increasingly deeper snow.

 
 
Happy in the snow
 



Getting a bit too much really
 


The issue was that in places the snow hid deep stream beds that I was breaking through and soaking my already chilly feet. So with the concern of a rolled ankle, the fact the path was hard to follow and that clearly with virgin snow I was out there by myself I took the decision to abandon going the full stretch across the Strines. Not least because on a clear day recently I had a pretty awful navigational error adding a few miles to my journey. So with this in mind I spun around, retraced my footprints before dropping down to Agden and Dam Flask to circumnavigate the reservoirs. The issues down there weren't snow but black ice most of the way around. However skirting the edge of the trails allowed me to pick up the pace a little.

Trail around Dam Flask
 


After the reservoirs I had to face the prospect of the not insignificant climb back over to my valley. So I kicked up the road towards upper Bradfield and as the gradient went up a notch I slowed enough to eat something. As I did a fellow runner came alongside and passed me. I'd just seen this guy warming up at his car a short way back so aware he was on fresh legs (me with near on 16miles in mine) I dropped in behind him to help give me a tow to Bradfield. This didn't go to plan as he immediately slowed on overtaking me and I had the embarrasing situation of plodding directly behind him. As a result I've pulled alongside had a chat and carried on my way. It is amusing how runners and other athletes feel the need to compete during training. Whatever the motivation, clearly this guy must have bust a gut running up the hill to me, then not really wanting to talk and having nothing left in the tank, he probably felt a bit silly afterwards. Oh well the brief company was well received and broke up my journey.

By the time I finished nearing the 20 mile mark I was bonking pretty badly and couldn't wait to eat some carbs. After the evil cold/chest infection I've had recently I needed the confidence from this run to really leap back into my ultra training. I'm going to keep these efforts fortnightly for the time being as 5 days later with only short runs inbetween my achilles and shin splints are still sore. I'll be looking at flatter 10-15 milers I think to condition myself for the Dukeries Ultra in order to aim for a top ten spot.

Monday 3 December 2012

Ongoing recovery

On a frosty autumnal day, clear blue sky's and the remnants of a badly timed hangover - patience has run out. As my family while away a Sunday afternoon decorating the Christmas tree, I sit staring up to the hills out my living room window. I've felt it before, and it's here again in abundance; the countryside is calling.

I need to run.

Not a want, a desire or even a feeling of responsibility. I just have an impulse and I'm going to act on it!

Quick text to Stan, my training buddy and arrangements are made. It's only going to be a short one, no more than five miles. But the effect will be the same. Renewed vigour and motivation.

We set off on the usual incline, but much slower than usual in order to allow my lungs to suck in the required oxygen to sustain an effort. The sub-zero air feels tangible, almost painful as I breath into my chest. However it's not as bad as first anticipated and quickly I drop into a nice sustained trot. Nothing blistering fast, but just enough to get the blood pumping around my veins. This feels good!

On our return I assess my condition. My legs feel great, no adverse affects. My lungs however are heaving with effort and the chilling effect of the winters air. About half an hour later after some serious coughing action and things settle to normal.

I may have pushed that first run out a few days to early but I believe I've gotten away with it. Along with the odd relief that I didn't abstain from running for a whole week. (I went Monday to saturday run free).

Couple more days and I'll venture out again and assess things further.

Saturday 1 December 2012

Race plans for 2013



So I'm new to this race schedule planning. I realise the importance of races for me as a motivational factor. Which always shows through on the days when my drive to get out in inclement weather is tested sufficiently. 




My first priority is to select at least 2 events that will look to push my ultra distance further. A secondary consideration is to pick out the sort of races and venues that will continue to inspire and motivate my running progression. This specifically for me means locations remote and with plenty of vertical gain.





The first event planned goes significantly in the face of my secondary goal, in that it'll be relatively flat. Still I can't negate the benefits for my confidence of it being a 40miler. The event in question is the Dukeries Ultra in Nottinghamshire. It will essentially take in the Robin Hood way, Creswell Crags and the Major Oak. So although not necessarily on my radar of mountainous terrain, the offset will be some nice landmarks to break up the journey.

The aim at the Dukeries is to move on from the relative annoyance of the stomach upset at Ennerdale and make a better sustained running effort. The lack of elevation will certainly assist in this. The downside being that I often find my advantage in races comes on the climbs. Still a number of long training runs, with elevation, should well prepare me for a long sustained effort with mild inclines at best. I would like to aim for a top ten finish, really just to massage my ego. But with the sheer volume of training in ultras it would be nice to get the reward at the end.

If all goes well at this event, I'll be looking to enter the Ultra Tour of the Peak District if the event is run again. I would anticipate this will be around August time. Plenty of time to get some good training in and a couple of recces in!

In and around these two ultra efforts, I'd like to look at getting a few shorter trail efforts in. The local gritstone series has taken my fancy. It will give the opportunity to get in some quicker races and improve my overall speed.

So I'm pretty excited already, and the following year should, all going to plan, get in some decent ultra efforts...