(Fotografia2007)
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Nostalgia
The Ladybower 50 holds a certain reverence with me as back in 2013 it was my first 50 mile ultra. It’s also local so a night in my own bed always helps in allowing me to turn up well rested. It's an incredibly friendly event and a little lower key than some of the ‘championship’ events I've tended to enter throughout the year. The course is not particularly demanding compared to the more mountainous routes I often prefer these days, despite 4250ft ascent (according to Strava) it’s really only undulating throughout and underfoot generally very good. It certainly makes for a rapid runnable course, but this of course means it is also generally a fast race.
My history with the event has served to demonstrate improvement each year, from an 8:50 in ’13 to a 7:15 in ’14. I was pleased to take a decent chunk of time off my PB last year, and in doing so beat the previous course record by about 15 minutes. The caveat to this was that I was beaten by a runner (called Gareth Bowden) by about 50 minutes, who took even more time off the course record in the process! Since last year I’ve seen further improvements in my running, and as such I was curious as to how fast I could run, and equally if I could try to secure a victory. My primary goal for the day though was to beat my time from the year before, ideally with a sub 7 hour time.
Unfortunately, despite these aspirations, eight weeks prior to this race I had run my first 100 miler in the Lake District. The Lakeland 100 had dominated my training requiring me to amass lots of steady vertical ascent and time on my legs. Exacerbating this training demand further was a long bout of sciatic pain and subsequent physiotherapy to relieve the issue. The point being, that race was for me the pinnacle (short of the UTMB) of my running journey so far – a distance and course profile I had aspired to reach. The issue with this was I had literally poured my heart and soul into achieving what, for me was a respectable showing on my first 100 miler. It continues to represent a distance which fascinates me and feeds my motivation to run these events. The downside was it has left me depleted, not only on a physical level but also mentally to an even greater degree.
This isn’t meant to represent a list of excuses for a poor performance, on the contrary I’m pleased with my race at the Ladybower. Rather I want to document my evolving motivations to push when mentally and physically challenged by the debilitating nature of ultras.
The Race - LB50 20th September 2015
The morning brought a calmness I don’t usually experience on race days. I’m normally a torrent of emotions ranging from excitement, nervous energy and often a feeling of readiness. I was in a great mind set, content to drive steadily down to the Derwent Valley where the race is held and take whatever the day served up. The sunrise was truly magical on the drive over the Strines Moor, a low mist in the valleys adding to the dramatic effect. All this ensured my good mood continued with the promise of a dry and possibly warm autumnal day. On arrival I signed in and was greeted by the race director Steve King who asked me if I was going to win this year?!? While flattering it did serve to bring the first flutter of some nerves. The support I’ve been lucky enough to receive from Salomon and Suunto has, at times added to the expectations by some in respect of my results, but has also contributed to my ever increasing improvements over the last six months. While this can help, it also adds to the pressure when I just want to focus on enjoying the experience and get the best out of myself. I am of course hugely grateful for the support both Salomon and Suunto provide as I use all of the products to my advantage – particularly in the use of the fantastic equipment they provide for me! For this particular event, the Salomon S-Lab Sense Hydro Set handheld water bottle system was perfect due to the distance between aid stations and in addition. I also used the Slab Ultra Race Vest for a couple of the main laps capitalising on it's super lightweight but with extra room for food. This was also the first time I'd tried the new Salomon S-Lab X-Series which ticked all the boxes for this type of terrain with added comfort, precise foothold and assured traction.
Before we set off I was fortunate enough to bump into last year’s winner, Gareth, as we hadn’t had chance to chat last year. Not knowing who else was toeing the start line with us we set off together and led the race out along the first bit of trail. I love this section of woodland trail that gently winds up towards the A57 before skirting back up towards Slippery Stones via Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. It was great to spend some time talking to Gareth and get to know him a bit – top bloke and a cracking runner to boot. We progressed at a brisk but manageable pace dropping into the high 6 minute miles on the first little 5 mile loop before commencing the 3 larger 15 mile loops. This was the sort of pace when I ran the Highland Fling I was extremely comfortable at, maybe even a touch quicker, yet today it just felt a bit forced. My stomach hurt a touch and my breathing was a little laboured. I put the effort down to not running many fast miles since the Fling in April with the Lakeland being my primary summer focus. I resigned myself to continue for a while longer to see if I settled down at all. Another runner joined me and Gareth as we neared the first aid at mile 5, but as we ran through it split the group. Gareth ran straight through, I stopped momentarily to sort something with my wife (Emma) before charging on in pursuit and the other guy seemed to stop for water or something, but suffice to say I never saw him again.
Before we set off I was fortunate enough to bump into last year’s winner, Gareth, as we hadn’t had chance to chat last year. Not knowing who else was toeing the start line with us we set off together and led the race out along the first bit of trail. I love this section of woodland trail that gently winds up towards the A57 before skirting back up towards Slippery Stones via Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs. It was great to spend some time talking to Gareth and get to know him a bit – top bloke and a cracking runner to boot. We progressed at a brisk but manageable pace dropping into the high 6 minute miles on the first little 5 mile loop before commencing the 3 larger 15 mile loops. This was the sort of pace when I ran the Highland Fling I was extremely comfortable at, maybe even a touch quicker, yet today it just felt a bit forced. My stomach hurt a touch and my breathing was a little laboured. I put the effort down to not running many fast miles since the Fling in April with the Lakeland being my primary summer focus. I resigned myself to continue for a while longer to see if I settled down at all. Another runner joined me and Gareth as we neared the first aid at mile 5, but as we ran through it split the group. Gareth ran straight through, I stopped momentarily to sort something with my wife (Emma) before charging on in pursuit and the other guy seemed to stop for water or something, but suffice to say I never saw him again.
I kept Gareth in sight all the way through the woodland trail again, but it was apparent he was running slightly quicker. I assessed my situation and how I was feeling in general and came to the annoying realisation that I was going to have to throttle off for a while. I found this disappointing as I’d been keen to race closer with Gareth for at least 20-30 miles then see how I’d feel for a strong finish. I love racing especially when you get embroiled in a battle, it's the times I can get the best from myself especially when someone’s pushing me all the way. It just felt a ridiculously early point to be experiencing relative defeat. I can honestly say I wanted to push at that point, yet surprisingly looking at my previous years run I was actually running a faster average pace, I just believe I was missing an extra gear that could have made for an interesting race. A pain in my stomach and a deep fatigue in my legs were threatening to make the wheels fall off my day. I certainly didn’t relish the idea of a DNF having not suffered one up to press (touchwood!). So I resolved to grind it out, if things turned round I might still salvage the day, if not I could be proud to force a finish on such a tough day.
(Fotografia2007)
With the resolution to enjoy myself I moved on with a purpose and started to get back in the moment and soak it all up. The easiest way to move on was to concentrate on my form and ensure I was running efficiently and covering ground the best I could. And so my race became an exercise in good running form, focussing on every step, assessing my arm swing, leg-pull through, posture and cadence. All these elements ensured I continued to chip away at the course while repeating the mantra ‘Don’t walk’! As I ascended the far side of the reservoirs towards Slippery Stones at the top end, I got into a good groove and essentially broke the chasing pack. Sections of the route take big doglegs alongside the reservoir that serve to allow a good view across the water of competitors in front and behind. This confirmed that after about 16-17 miles into the race I was at least 10 to 15 minutes clear of third place with no view of any pursuers whatsoever. But this also did the same in relation to 1st place showing Gareth was once again putting the hammer down and breaking clear. I was in a better place mentally though and I was happy to run on feel despite my legs suffering a dead leg sensation.
(Fotografia2007)
As I ran into the 20 mile point my family were waiting to cheer me through which gave me a huge lift. I came through in 2:31 which was 7 minutes quicker than 2014, so I guess I was running well despite my internal concerns. I told Emma I wasn’t eating well with an upset stomach but grabbed some flapjack and a banana to get some solids in. I managed to eat them both over the next mile or so which helped my energy levels a bit. But I couldn’t help but wonder if my general low feeling was a product of the Lakeland still in my system. To add to my low feeling my hips started tightening up at around the 22 mile point making my movement laboured and slowing my pace a little. Back to form! I concentrated on my cadence and arm swing to ensure I kept a reasonable speed going. I’d already resigned myself to a hard day racing, but I was keen to get some positivity out of the experience. My middle 15 mile lap proved to be a complete suffer fest where my body didn’t want to respond to my ambitions. At the 25 mile point Emma failed to turn up with any coke, which I’d already figured would be the most effective way to keep my glycogen levels up to prevent me bonking. Another low!
(Russell Tanner Photography)
The High
Things started to come round eventually; I plugged into my ipod and got some inspiration from the music I’d selected, then Emma randomly appeared at the 30 mile point armed with a huge bottle of coke. I managed to throw about half a litre straight down my neck and psychologically it immediately boosted my energy levels. Despite this when Emma asked how I was I replied ‘I feel awful’, which prompted a National Trust warden to literally stop me. I assured him I was fine but he insisted I stop, so I had to explain that a sugar crash was quite normal for ultra-runners and I’d no doubt bounce back shortly. I then ran on rather amused by the exchange. I can appreciate the guys concern and if only he knew some of the awful lows endurance athletes suffer through, of course always with the promise of a potential high just around the corner.
Things started to come round eventually; I plugged into my ipod and got some inspiration from the music I’d selected, then Emma randomly appeared at the 30 mile point armed with a huge bottle of coke. I managed to throw about half a litre straight down my neck and psychologically it immediately boosted my energy levels. Despite this when Emma asked how I was I replied ‘I feel awful’, which prompted a National Trust warden to literally stop me. I assured him I was fine but he insisted I stop, so I had to explain that a sugar crash was quite normal for ultra-runners and I’d no doubt bounce back shortly. I then ran on rather amused by the exchange. I can appreciate the guys concern and if only he knew some of the awful lows endurance athletes suffer through, of course always with the promise of a potential high just around the corner.
And then quite before I really expected it I was coming into the last lap to meet my friend and pacer, Stan. A quick time check and I had come through in 4:41 (4:54 in 2014). I was told Gareth was a good 20-30 minutes clear now so I’d resigned myself to 2nd place bar a miracle, which gave me a clear mind to focus on getting sub 7 hours. Stan and I were joined for a short distance by a 'Strava' running friend, Craig who’d randomly turned up to wish me well. It’s this sort of community spirit that is why I love this sport. It was the first time I’d met Craig in person and it was another lift in a day that had started with me in such a negative place. When Craig peeled off we got to business and found that we were passing a number of 50 mile runners now on their second lap. I have to admit it was a great feeling especially as it reminded me there was a race going on behind after spending so much time by myself.
Me and my pacer Stan on the final lap (Russell Tanner Photography)
Stan continued to do his best to keep my spirits up commenting how well we were moving. Which is funny because all I could think was that my tight hips were impeding my stride and speed. We picked up Emma at the 40 mile mark as another pacer but she only lasted a couple of miles before she dropped off due to the pace (but in fairness she’s been injured for the last few months). I guess, which she later confirmed, we were moving better than I thought. Something that had become apparent during the race was the gradient of the ascents. What were once climbs in my mind were now no more than gentle inclines after competing in gruelling races like the Lakeland, making these hills runnable throughout. It’s this sort of perspective that demonstrates the progression I’ve made. I was pleased to see Carmen Franks near the finish line from Fotografia2007, who was kind enough to take some of the pictures that I have used for this blog. She's been really supportive of my running for which I'm immensely grateful.
(Fotografia2007)
The Finish
I think it was about 3 miles out from the finish I felt the first rumblings of adrenaline for the end. This in turn translated into a new found spring in my step, my stride lengthening accordingly. As the speed increased it felt great and made me wonder if I could’ve stepped it up a bit earlier. In my heart of hearts though I knew I was running the best I could with how my body was functioning but something kicked in. The last ascent to the finish line came all of sudden and I couldn’t help but wish it wasn’t the end now as I’d reached a state of total enjoyment and satisfaction. I crossed the line in 6:50:08, a PB of some 25 minutes securing a solid 2nd place. Bearing in mind how weak I’d been feeling all day I could only be pleased with that result. Gareth had done amazing again, beating his own course record in the process, and I had the satisfaction of knowing I’d finished about 20 minutes closer to him than in 2014.
I think it was about 3 miles out from the finish I felt the first rumblings of adrenaline for the end. This in turn translated into a new found spring in my step, my stride lengthening accordingly. As the speed increased it felt great and made me wonder if I could’ve stepped it up a bit earlier. In my heart of hearts though I knew I was running the best I could with how my body was functioning but something kicked in. The last ascent to the finish line came all of sudden and I couldn’t help but wish it wasn’t the end now as I’d reached a state of total enjoyment and satisfaction. I crossed the line in 6:50:08, a PB of some 25 minutes securing a solid 2nd place. Bearing in mind how weak I’d been feeling all day I could only be pleased with that result. Gareth had done amazing again, beating his own course record in the process, and I had the satisfaction of knowing I’d finished about 20 minutes closer to him than in 2014.
(Fotografia2007)
I take some confidence away from this race that when things are challenging I can face it head on and get the job done. I do these sort of events because they are incredibly tough and to be despondent on a day when it all feels too hard just isn’t in keeping with the motivation to be challenged. My passion for running and constantly pushing my own perceived boundaries only means these hard days serve to bolster my strengths further.
(Fotografia2007)
REST........for nowI’m currently enjoying my 4th day of rest after the Ladybower 50 to fully recover and reset before I commence training for the White Rose Ultra 100 miler in November. Hopefully I’ve got one last solid race in me to see the year out…
Thanks to Jeff Cole (http://www.injuryscene.co.uk) and Annie Needle (http://www.roomtorelaxholistictherapies.co.uk) for the sports injury treatment you have both given me, it assisted in my recovery for both the Lakeland 100 and the Ladybower 50. More importantly Salomon and Suunto for the fantastic support you have provided me, I am proud to run and be an Ambassador for such great sports companies.
