Spires & Steeples Marathon

Spires & Steeples Marathon was a last minute entry for me. It was a race I wanted to do but I wanted to see how I felt after Equinox before I signed up. After signing up I was quite looking forward to this event as it finished in my home town and it was a route I have wanted to run for a while. This was an event that I didn't want to race but to just enjoy and take in the Lincolnshire scenery.


As this was starting at Lincoln you could get a seat on the bus which would transfer you from Sleaford to Lincoln, which was perfect for me as I didn't have to worry about the car.

This was a marathon that had no chip timing, so you had to time it yourself if you wanted to know how well you got on. For an end of season I was not bothered with what time I got but I just wanted to enjoy the run, the distance and of course the amount of food that I would be able to eat afterwards.

The race gets going and it wasn't long till we were heading down what is known as Steep Hill in Lincoln and the cobbles were slippery so had to be carful. It wasn't long till I was out of the city and running along the river Witham heading towards Washingbrough.

We had 5 checkpoints to pass through and we had 5 wristbands that we had  to hand in at each checkpoint. At the checkpoints there was water to stay hydrated and it was also a place for family, friends or locals to gather a support and cheer us on.

The route was quite challenging and luckily we hadn't had much rain or running through the fields would have been tough. I think I chose the wrong trainers to run in. I don't like my trail running trainers that I have as I end up getting blisters all the time, so I decided to use my running trainers which probably had done over 600 miles and it didn't take long for my knee to start hurting. I thought it was just the terrain that was causing me pain, but after a few runs after the event and trying different trainers it was actually my trainers causing me problems. Now I have got myself a decent
pair of trail trainers and knee problem has gone away.

Last few miles became quite tough and I was happy to complete the race in 4 hours 11 mins. Not my fastest marathon but considering it was a trail marathon and that I had to walk some of it due to my knee I was quite happy with my time.



This was the first time I was able to use my Camelbak Ultra 10 hydration pack. I wanted to run this marathon with me carrying all my gear as next year I hope to a few more trail running events. The pack is very comfortable to wear and it has loads of storage for pretty much everything that you could possibly need for a day on the trails.
http://www.camelbak.com/en/International/Sports-Recreation/Packs/Ultra-10.aspx

 

It was also a good starting point for my training for London Marathon next year. Now I have no more events planned for 2015 and its time for me to have a rest and enjoy my training. Come January my training will intensify again trying to get myself in the best possible shape ready for London Marathon.

Equinox 24 Update

Monday evening and I am really starting to look forward to the challenge running solo and seeing how far I can push myself. This evening I have now finished my kit list, hopefully I have everything that I need or that I might need. Looking at the list I do have a lot of camping kit but I am staying over on the Friday night to take in the whole atmosphere and enjoy the weekend.

Tuesday I will get everything together and see what else I need to purchase.

At some point I need to sort out my wife's Ipod as its currently filled with boybands, girl groups basically all the music that would drive me insane. hopefully do this Tuesday evening.

Looking at this list over and over again and I do think I still have way too much stuff but with items such as socks and trainers I would rather have more than required than struggle on with a wet pair of socks. I am hoping that this will make me self sufficient and I won't need to rely on too much help. I do have friends competing in a relay teams and they have offered to help and support me when require. Help and support is something that I will need and even making a coffee when I am so tired might be too much for me to do.

I have done an Ironman before which took 11:35 hours and I have done a 24 hour hike across the Pennine Way which I managed to cover 60 miles, which I did a good few years ago. I haven't done as much running as I probably should but my body feels fresh and I have no real injuries that I need to worry about.

Just hoping that the weather forecast improves and its dry for the weekend.

Equinox 24

So its Sunday evening and I find myself thinking what I need ready for my next adventure 'Equinox 24'. This is a 24 hour endurance race at Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire. You run round a 10km loop as many times as you can either in a team or as a soloist. I will be taking this on, on September 19th and 20th

I had started off in a team but as time got nearer to the event I thought that I would hate waiting around for my next time to get up and run. So I decided to go have a crack at this as a solo runner.

NOW the panic sets in. Will I be able to keep going through the night? How will I cope with the blisters? Will my legs hold out? What do I eat? What kit do I need? So many questions and not much time to go before I take on this challenge

First thing first was talking to my very understanding wife and letting her know that I have decided to do Equinox as a solo runner. This didn't go down too well as its only 3 days before we go on our holiday to Lanzarote. I have already taken on one mammoth challenge this which was the Outlaw Triathlon. This took me 11:35hrs to complete and I was very tired after that. The thought of going for another 12 1/2 hours was hard to get my head round especially running.

I have done a 24 hour endurance walk before across the Pennine Way and that nearly killed me. I have never been so tired and this was just walking. So the thought of attempting to run for 24 hours is crazy.

I have been asked "have you ever done an ultra marathon before" My answer was no.
Also been asked "what's the furthest you have run before" My answer 26.2 miles

I have an idea of how many miles I would like to cover but that is between me and my trainers. Not even my wife knows.

So what do I actually need:
Running gear plus spare running gear to change in to, compression socks, compression tights, hat, torch spare batteries, trainers (several pairs in case they get wet), Vaseline for feet to help stop blisters and for other chaffing needs. Socks, socks and more socks. jacket, hiking poles (to help my tired legs at night), sun lotion (probably won't need this now I have mentioned it). Also will require a tent to store everything in.

What to drink is not really a problem, but what to eat? so far I have been thinking about cold pasta dishes for main meals, snickers bars, energy gels and bars, sausage rolls and pork pies, crisps, Jaffa Cakes (I will not be sharing these) and what ever else thrown at me from all the people that I will be with. Hopefully more cake, burgers, bacon rolls. I kind of like this idea of Ultra's as it seems to be a good excuse to just east.

How will I get round the course? I have an Ipod which will be loaded with music and some light hearted podcasts, anything to keep me entertained. My plan is to not stop for a great deal of time. I want to try and keep moving and eat on the go apart from when I have planned meals and coffee breaks.

Next week I will start planning on getting all my kit in one place in the house and make sure that I am ready for this.

Sleaford 10km

So we all love taking part in our local events no matter how big or small they are. It's the idea of winning your home race, which for me will never happen but I still like to go out and give it my all. There is bragging rights up for grabs and the possibility of getting a PB on your local course.

This year was a little different for me as I had competed and completed my first Outlaw Triathlon of 140.6 miles. So I knew my legs were still recovering and I was looking forward to this event for different reasons. It would be my first race after my main event of the year so it would be a good gauge of my fitness and it was also the first time I would be running for the running club I have just joined. Sleaford Striders is the running club I joined and they are also the organisers of the Sleaford 10km race. So this was a good opportunity to meet more of the Sleaford Striders team and enjoy the race.

The course is easy to navigate and is fairly flat, but there is a couple of small climbs that can take it out of you and can mess around with your pacing. The course is all on roads which are quiet. Unfortunately there had been a car accident on a near by road so the traffic was diverted on to the course. Which was no issue as the roads were well signposted saying there was a running event on.

 

So with every race I take part in I always seem to start off too fast and this race was no different, but I didn't take long to get in to my stride. I tried to keep up with someone I knew and I was doing alight he wasn't getting away but by Km3 I was feeling it. I had not done any speed work for a while as I was training for the Outlaw Triathlon. I had to slow down and get in to my own pace that I was comfortable with. This race for me wasn't about getting and PB or a really good time but it was about just getting out and running and enjoying it.

 

What the hell happened at the 4km mark?

No idea what was going on with my ankle it did not feel good at all. I didn't roll on it or do anything with it but just had a really bad pain. Thought I would see how it went for another km. If it got worse I said to myself I would pull out and rest up.

 

I get to the 5km mark and I just kept on running. I am really stubborn when running, which is probably not a good thing. If I feel pain I tend to just keep going and worry about it at the end, which is exactly what I did again.



 

 

At the end of the race I could feel my ankle hurting quite a bit and was limping a little bit. I was really pleased with my time of 41:00mins. Not a PB, but considering that my body was still recovering from Outlaw I was pleased with my result finishing 24 out of 184 runners.

As soon as I got my medal I went to the massage table to get my ankle quickly looked at. Ended up getting my ankle taped up and was told to rest up and see how it goes. The next day no pain in my ankle and walking fine and managed to go running again two days later.

Love the race as it's my local race and the fact that I know many of the marshal's so also nice hearing your name being cheered as you run past them. I look forward to representing the Sleaford Striders in other running events.

 

 



The Outlaw Triathlon

The Outlaw Triathlon. I have always wanted to do a iron distance triathlon ever since I watched one years and years ago on TV. I never thought I would do one or be fit enough to do one as I was never really in to swimming, biking or running back then. I was more in to football but I did enjoy watching different types of sports and it was one event that was on my bucket list.

I took up cycling to see if I could ever tick another challenge on my bucket list, which was to cycle London to Paris, but I took it one step further and cycled from my home town in Sleaford, which was approx 150 miles north of London. Then on my return to London from Paris chose to cycle all the way back again. After that event I fell out of love with cycling and didn't really get back on my bike for 4 to 5 months. During that time I was able to put on quite a bit of weight and was at my heaviest I had ever been.
 

Wanting to change the way I looked after Christmas 2014 I took up running and was running approx 3km at a time. After a good 2 months training I did my first half marathon and there was no turning back. I entered a few road running races and obstacle courses (Including TOUGH MUDDER) and also got back out on my bike and took up swimming. In 2014 I managed to part in a few sprint triathlons and I was hooked.

Without going through my life story. I had signed up for the Outlaw triathlon and I had 9 months to get myself ready for this. The real training started In January where the 30 week count down started. It didn't take long for race day to come round and I couldn't wait t to get going.

The last 9 months included lots of different training from speed work, strength work, long endurance sessions. I was told that it would be more beneficial to not over do the endurance sessions as it would be junk miles, but to concentrate on speed work and technique.

Day before the race, I arrive at the campsite which is right near to the start of the race and it was long till the tent was up and all kit was sorted out. All I had to do was collect my race pack and go to the race brief. At this point I felt really relaxed and was looking forward to the following day and getting in to the race. After the race brief it was back to the tent for a coffee and a bite to eat and then time to get all the transition bags in order and to put my race stickers on to my bike. All kit sorted and strangely I'm still feeling quite relaxed about it all. It was then time to get all my transition bags and my bike in to the transition area.

Back at the tent it was time to just relax and eat my evening meal which was chicken and pasta, I have this before every race and I have never had a problem.

RACE DAY




Alarm goes off at 4am and straight away I hear other people up and about. Camping stove on and water boiling for coffee and porridge. Time does rush by and before you know it I am lakeside with my wetsuit on and raring to go. One last check of the bike to make sure that tyres are pumped up and bike is in the right gear.






And we're off one mass start with over a 1,000 people competing for the best line in the lake. All my open water triathlon's this year have been a nightmare, with me swimming in to people, people swimming in to me and not having any space and I expected the same in the Outlaw. I was shocked to find that from the start I had to swim round two people straight away and then I managed to find some clear water. I didn't think it would last long and I was overtaking people and still having to worry about fighting for space. The swim in triathlon can be absolutely brutal, I have had people grab my ankle and pull me back before, which is not a nice feeling.
I find myself swimming strong an hard and I forget all about sighting. Not sighting was the best decision I have made as I found myself swimming nearly right down the middle of the lake and I wasn't the only one. When I finally decided to look where I was going I thought I would just take my time and get back with the main pack. I didn't fancy doing the whole swim with out drafting of someone.
I get back with the main pack and it was nicely spread out and I was able to get on to their feet and relax before making my move and finding the next set of fast feet. Half way point and I was loving the swim, I felt so good as everything was going right and I was in a very good rhythm. I was able to keep this up all the way round on the swim and when I got close to the end of the swim I started to kick my legs quite hard and fast to get the blood pumping to try and get me ready for the 112 mile bike.

Swim Time 1:06:32

Transition was straight forward and no real issues apart from for some reason I could not find my socks. decided straight away not to bother and jut whacked my shoes on. when I had my shoes on I had a quick look in my bag and there were my socks.

Onto the bike. This was the discipline that really worried me as I didn't want to go off to fast and end up burning up towards the end and ruining my run. Also I didn't want to go to slow on the bike and end up regretting not pushing it harder on the bike. Weather was perfect on the bike, not a cloud in the sky and the wind was minimal so I decided to crack on and push it a little bit as I knew the wind and rain was on its way but I wanted to get as much of the bike out of the way. Bike was running very smooth and I was so happy with how everything was going. I have a bike mechanic that is the only person that will look after my bike. He lives close by and is very experienced and I wouldn't trust any body else with my bike. So a big thanks to Jack Harmer for keeping my bike in tip top shape.

Knowing the route also helped as no surprises were expected. Food and Hydration was going to plan and I had thought that if I needed to go to the toilet I would just stand up on my bike and go. I tried this and could not even do it. So I sat back down and worked out when the next feed station would be so I could stop and use the facilities. Next stop was Oxton Bank. At the top of the hill I get to the feed station and I was able to get done what was required. The volunteer that looked after my bike had asked me what drink I wanted which was great as it meant it was one less thing to worry about when I got back on to my bike. It didn't take me long to get going again and get back up to speed. I was really enjoying the bike and I was above the pace I was aiming at, so I knew I was on for a good time as long as my legs could handle the run.
I get about 80 miles in on the bike and it starts to rain and the wind has picked up. To be honest I don't mind riding in the rain but today I really wanted the rain to stay away. I had packed the sun screen which was not required. 32 miles to go and it was time to just think about pacing and to keep on eating and drinking to make sure that I was ready for the marathon that was getting ever closer.
Doing the Outlaw half and a bike of the course really helped as I knew what was coming up and it really helped to know where I was going on the course. Getting close to the end of the bike and still feeling good, was quite worried about this as all I had on my mind was my legs cramping up as soon as I get off the bike.

Whilst out on the bike it was great seeing my wife out on the course cheering me on and giving me the much needed support to get me through. Jess had been up from the start and was watching all the way through the swim and then was tracking me online so she could see me on the bike. Just as I was getting back to transition, I see Jess on a junction and all I could do was smile. It was so nice seeing Jess as I finished the bike section. Over the last couple of speed bumps and I was off my bike and it was amazing seeing the crowd that I come out to support us all competing.

Bike handed to the marshal and I was jogging back to the transition tent, just before I get to the tent I see a large group of Sleaford Tri3 Club cheering me on and I couldn't wait to get out on the run and to start to tick off the miles.

Bike time was 6:04:09

On to the run. I was really worried about this as on the half outlaw I pushed too hard on the bike and my legs were cramping up within the first mile of running and I didn't want that to happen again as I don't think my legs would of managed 26.2 miles of running with cramp.
No hanging about in transition and it wasn't long till I was on to the run. first 3 miles in to the run and I realise that I was running too fast and if I was to continue at this speed I would be in too much trouble by mile 10. I slowed my pace down and just enjoyed the run. All the people that had overtaken me on the bike it wasn't long till I was chasing them down on the run and getting passed them. Running has been one of my strongest disciplines in triathlon and one that I am able to push myself at. As I was out on my first big loop of the course it was great seeing some friendly and familiar faces that were marshalling and helping on the feed stations. It gave me something to look forward to as I knew I would get some great and much needed encouragement whilst out on the run. In fact all the marshals and helpers were all fantastic on the whole course, spending the whole day helping and supporting everyone competing and doing so with lots of energy. A massive thanks goes to all the volunteers that made sure the Outlaw event was a success.

Running past the Nottingham forest ground became new territory for me and now I had no idea where I was going and was relying on the person in front of me to show me the way. I had no idea how long the loop was round there so just kept to my pace and ran to the next food station. As the run goes on my legs are getting tired and I then change tactic. To walk through each food station and grab something to eat and drink. This would ensure that I keep fed and watered to make sure that I can get to the end of this race. I have never eaten so many Jaffa cakes in one day.

So I have just completed the first big loop of the course and I am back on the lake and running past the finish line and it was great seeing people finishing and also see the crowd. Hearing friends cheering my name as I ran past was brilliant and made me want to keep pushing on. As I start the second big loop I knew that it was getting difficult but my pace was still good and I had worked out that I would hit the Sub 12 hour target if I could keep this up. On my way back and nearly finishing the second loop I could feel the life drain out of my body. I could feel that my face was losing colour and I was approx. 1 km from the next feed station. I knew I just wanted to get to the feed station to walk and get plenty of food and drink on board. As I get closer a good friend Emma was running towards me and was also competing and was trying to get me to stop but I just knew that if I had stopped I probably wouldn't of been able to get going again. I just wanted to get to the food station and get something to eat an drink. The feed station couldn't come soon enough and I finally got some water and coke and crisps. I had to stop and just keep eating and drinking. This was just what I wanted I felt better again and was back running and was able to continue my race again. I hit the loop round the lake and at that moment I knew I only had two laps of the lake to do. Emma, is someone who I have met since joining the Tri3 club and Emma and her husband Sandy have been great to get advice and support from. With there knowledge and experience from the sport it really helped me with my training and race preparation.


Two laps of the lake to go approx. 10km and I was buzzing. On the first lap I just kept to my pace and I knew that I had less than an hour to go and the end was sight. As I passed the finish line all I could was smile as I knew that would be me very soon that would be running down the red carpet. As soon as I pass the finish line and collect my final wristband there was no stopping me. All the pain, the blisters that I collected on the way, the tired body had all gone. It was like I was a new man. I picked up the pace and got my arms swinging and I was smiling from ear to ear. Nothing was going to stop me now. I even started to catch people up that had over taken me and flying past them. I get to the top end of the lake and I knew that I had no more corners to turn, it was the finally straight. I again found another gear and was picking up speed. As I got closer to the finish line the crowds were getting bigger and the cheers felt louder. As soon as I made the turn on to the red carpet that was it, I knew I had done it. It was time to enjoy it. What was amazing that there was loads of the Tri 3 Triathlon club that I am a member of were there cheering me in to the finish. As I get further down the red carpet I could see the Lincolnshire flag that Jess had made to cheer me on right on the finish line. At that point it got a bit emotional. Jess had been up at the start of the day with me and had supported me all the way through out the day in the good weather and the bad. It was great crossing the finish line and stop. That was it I had completed my first Outlaw triathlon. YOU ARE AN OUTLAW.






















End of the race and I didn't feel like eating so got my photo taken with a massive glass of Erdinger and then went to go and find my wife. My legs felt like they had worked hard all day but overall I felt really good. All the training that I have put in has paid off and my body felt fine after a few days

The Outlaw Triathlon is a great event. It is one that I would love to do again in the future but not next year. Next year I have different objectives I want to achieve.

I have already been asked to do the marathon as part of a relay team next year. Which is something that really interests me as the marathon course is very flat and could possibly be a PB target for next year. So watch this space I might be back.

Now that I have completed my first Outlaw Triathlon, I have all the fun and games of decorating the house that I have managed to put off for the last 9 months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tallington Lakes Olympic Triathlon

So races have been coming thick and fast recently, all in preparation for my main event of the year the Outlaw Triathlon. One event I wanted to do was the Tallington lakes triathlon as it was again just down the road for where I live and it was a new event that I wanted to try out.

I was on twitter one evening and I saw a picture of Tallington lakes so I retweeted the picture and like it. Not realising at the time I had just entered a competition for a place at the race. I week had passed and I receive a tweet saying congratulations you have won a place in the Olympic distance race. Was really chuffed with this as I never usually enter competitions on line.

This race was to be used to have a good race but not to break any records as I wanted to stay fresh and fit for the OUtlaw Triathlon. So I was using this race for some conditioning and to make sure that my transitions are quick with minimal disruption.

Arrive nice and early and bike was racked and kit all set up, Swim was a deep water swim and the swim course was straight forward. the horn goes and the race is off. I took it easy at the start as I didn't want to have too many people round me and barging in to me. I soon got up to pace and I soon realised I was quite near the front of the overall pack. From what I could see there was 7 or 8 people in front of me. I thought to myself that I was going too fast and I needed to slow but I thought I would continue at this pace and carry on. On the back straight on the swim I managed to sneak past two people and on the final two turns I could see a small group of swimmers in front of me but I knew I wasn't going to catch them. I managed to finish the swim in 5th position and I knew this would be short lived when I got out on the bike. Swim Time 25:40

T1 went as expected and I was looking forward to the bike course which had a last minute change to the course, but since I didn't know the course I wasn't too bothered about any changes as it was the same for everyone else. The bike course was well marshalled and it was good to see people of there houses on the side of the road cheering us on as we passed. You don't really get many people on the side of the road cheering us on local events so it was nice to see and added to the whole experience.

The bike course good and the roads were in good condition. as usual it wasn't long till the faster bikers were passing me and all the hard work on the swim was going to waste. My bike strength and power is something I need to work on over the colder months. Bike time 1:24:48.

I was in to T2 and just over 30 seconds later I'm out on the run. I have managed to master T2 with speed. the time and effort has paid off in doing brick sessions with transition set up in the garden at home. On to the run and the is very little wind and the course is pancake flat. I knew early on that I would be on for a good 10km time as I took it slightly easier on the bike. The course takes you 2.5km out round one of the lakes and back to a turn point and then repeat. I was really pleased with my time and of 40:20 seconds. Under a year ago this would have been a personal best time for on just a 10km road race. So over the months I have been really please how my running and swimming has improved and my cycling has got stronger but it is still my weakest discipline.

Overall time was 2:32:33
finishing 12th overall and 2nd in my age group. The first time I get a podium for my age group they are not giving out prizes.