Hardmoors 55 - Part 2

So off we went into the distance towards Roseberry Topping, just the thought of it was making my legs ache.  Having gone through the experience of the Half-Marathon up RT I new what torture was ahead of us so I kept my pace comfortable and tried not to think too much about how far or how long the day was going to be. It was a fairly steady start gradually increasing into ascent after ascent but still no sign of Roseberry and I was nearly an hour and a half in, it was only 7 miles to the checkpoint at the summit, oh dear its going to be a long day for sure.  Re-assess the calculations!!!

Once I had this ordeal over with it was onwards and yes upwards over to Captain Cooks monument which is a great trail and then a long draining path uphill. Yet again I'd been here a few times now as its on the route for the much shorter half marathons that I'd done so it felt good to be in the know for where I was going, which always helps!!  So on I went with my first major target being Osmotherly at 32 miles, I thought if I can reach here in under 8 hours I am on track.  With the gruelling route taking you over the Wainstones and Clay Bank area it was looking like a tough ask, my quads were killing and feeling like I was carrying another person on my back.  At this point the end did not look possible!!!

This wasn't me but it was exactly how I felt, the kitchen sink was definitely in the pack!  I just past 20 miles and my thinking was now actually quite positive, I thought I was going to make Os in just over 7 hours if I could maintain the pace I was going, oh how wrong I was ha ha, crawling into Osmotherly Village Hall at 8 hours 10 minutes with this image of a magnificent buffet of food spread all across the hall and oceans of different drinks to dive into, I was broken!!! Barely anyone there and barely any food left, just 2 half squashed end of the packet dry sausage rolls, which actually were amazing, and then tons of sweet stuff which on any other day would be great but at this point I'd already had loads of sweet, I needed savoury.  I was so disheartened I had set myself up for this fall really I shouldn't have allowed myself to get fixated on reaching here.  My drop bag included spare socks and new dry base layer but I didn't even have time to change them I decided it was more important to crack on.  So more items to add to the pack, 'any lessons learnt yet Ed??' was the question humming through my head, torturing myself even more!!!

Only 23 miles to go, 'how hard can it be???' Really bloody hard if you want the honest answer.  I then had to reset myself and plough on entering the second phase of the run in my mind.  This was the easy bit ha ha!!  No chance, darkness fell and the head torch was on.  At this point I found myself on the middle of the moors in pitch black darkness all on my own and no idea where I was going, brilliant!  'Just keep going, stick to the path its all the way to Sutton Bank now, just keep going!'  this is all I kept saying to myself for about the next 10 miles until I eventually spotted more bobbing head torches in the distances not too dissimilar to fire flys!  I managed to stay with 2 or 3 other runners which was at least a bit more reassuring, at least if you go wrong you all go wrong, which we didn't due to one of them being local and knowing the route like the back of her hand.  I decided it would be in my favour to keep up with her, this would tactically save me I think.  As we watched a number of fellow runners go off in the wrong direction, obviously trying our best to get there attention if possible before they went on clueless to there peril.

The final check point was in the White Horse carpark, this was a fun set up they had going on, very welcoming and jolly with music playing and lights flashing, very rave like!  Just what I needed before the final tough climb back up Sutton Bank via the steps, which on any other day would be tough going but after 47 miles of hills and moors my legs were not impressed, but up I went powering one after the other, just repeating to myself  'you will not beat me, you will not break me, I will finish this!!!'.  Making it over the road at the top and across to other side where the trail went off down into Helmsley for the final 7 miles of which I new from my training run. I couldn't believe I had actually made it to this point, I'd thought about getting here for so long throughout the day, it was almost like I'd classed this as the end.  Unfortunately after doing 48 miles, 'a mere 7' was actually still a massive task.  It is at this point it becomes mental torture because you know you are so close to the end ' only 7 more to go, you've done 48 you've done it!' which is great but my legs are shot, my feet hurt, my backs aching and I just want to go home! Take my word for it, it was 7 miles that felt like 14 Hardmoors miles and anyone who has run there races will know exactly what that means.  There's no let up, there's no easy bits, and when you think it couldn't possibly throw any more at you, BOOM! 'Try climbing some steps before your final mile'.

The run into Helmsley and round the corner from the car to the Town Hall suddenly felt amazing, I'd made it, I was here at the end that I'd been visualising all day.  The relief was great, and so was the pain in my feet! There we were at the end of the Hardmoors 55, checking in and then the last piece of cruel punishment, you had to take your shoes off before entering and receiving your medal and shirt. Trust me this was not a pleasant experience with a grimacing face, and maybe even a tear as I reluctantly leaned over to undo them and pull them off.  Oh my word that hurt the most out of all of it, and I was finished.  Entering the Hall to a half filled room of applause but still plenty to make you feel championed even if the winner had finished about 7 hours before.  Medal on, T-shirt in hand, off I waddled back down the route I'd just struggled down and to my car.  Wow, I've done it I've actually completed a 55 mile ultra marathon,  now I just have the task of getting home!

What can I say, I feel immensely proud of my achievement, I worked hard to get to this point.  I also felt strong so I have the belief in myself to go on and reach my next target which will be 'The Wall' which is a 69 mile run along Hadrians wall.  This was really hard going and a real mental challenge of working through the pain and the emotions, the challenges we set ourselves and try to achieve are what defines us.  This is another one I will look back to in years to come with great memories.

Hardmoors 55, I will be back again!!!.....one day

Hardmoors 55 - Part 1

Hardmoors 55 DONE!!!!!  Wow it feels great to be able to say I have run this far, it was a bit of a slog towards the end but the end goal was to finish, and that I did.

It all started at 3.40am Saturday 21st March, that horrible sound of the alarm yet excited feeling of needing to get up and start my preparation for the day ahead.  Porridge on and final checks of kit and then wrapping up warm so as to at least begin the journey in comfort.  Placed all the food bags in the backpack and additional clothing knowing full well its all coming back out in the kit check.  I wanted to be out the house and in Helmsley early so not stressed about missing the bus, so the aim was to be there for 5.30 therefore leaving home 4.30.  This all went to pot about 2-3 miles down the road when I had this flashback of my Garmin watch charging in the kitchen, do I remember picking it up, oh chuff its still there, what do I do carry on and stuff it or go back and chance it????? Yep, I went back and chanced it, I decided it was worth it.  I still made it there well ahead of time so as to prepare myself and not to miss the bus!  So, I'm wandering round Helmsley carpark in umpteen layers of kit, headtorch on and flipflops ha ha, good job it's still early and a carpark full of other weido's doing the same.  Kit all ready and out of the car, and back to my ongoing issue of clothing, since I've got it wrong it seems on so many other occasions I thought I'd change from my original plan of starting in shorts then adding the leggings when it gets dark and cold, to......wait for it........I just added the leggings on top and thought would take off once warm then put back on later.  Not at any point thinking I wouldn't have time to do this, oh how wrong I was! So that was how I stayed all day, plus I'd had these great plans of changing my top and socks, oh no that didn't happen either but look on the brightside I'd put them in my drop bag which gets handed to you at Osmotherly check point. Great, now I just had the pleasure of carrying them all the way to the end.  Huh, genius Ed!!!!

I managed to get the bus and squeeze a few minutes of sleep before arriving at Guisborough Sea Cadets Hall.  Straight in and had my kit checked, more or less empting the whole bag, so glad I didn't pack it in any particular way.  Then I had the joy of sitting around for the next hour and a half watching everyone else go through a similar experience.  Now still being what I consider a rookie in this sport it was clearly evident being in this room.  All I could think was, 'I'm way out of my depth' and 'what am I doing here', 'I'm such an idiot to think I could do it' and then the biggie 'Why is everyone else's, barring a few other liked minded people, packs so small and not really a pack at all?????' This bothered me and still does.  My pack has everything in the kit list and a few small light extra's but looks and feels like it has the kitchen sink in it!

Some time passed and like human nature is curiosity took hold, I kept looking round the room seeing what other people did in their preparation and eyeing what kit they had with them.  The human race is brilliant really, the desire to all be different to stand out yet be part of a group. Love it, there were giddy excited people, serious and frown like people, people sleeping, non stop chatting people and dead solitary people just mentally getting themselves ready for what lay ahead, oh and one guy meditating in the corner.  I suppose I fell into the solitary category since I didn't know anyone, it just meant I could scour the room observing everyone else's antics.

After the race brief we all made our way outside to the start, the road. This is when any traffic just has to wait whilst 350 people crowd onto the road, or not in the case of my mate Daz who was still in the toilets unaware of the start ha ha!  So 3,2,1 and off we go, this is it, this is what all the training has brought me to, this is how far I have come.  I had one goal, FINISH!

Can I actually do this mamouth challenge I have set myself?  This is what I have been dealing with all week, ifs, buts, what if's, can I's??????  At the start of the week I decided to call it the psychological phase, well I am going to call this last week the 'Paranoia phase!!!' Its unbelievable the games or tricks the mind plays with you on this final stage.  Its almost like there's a final barrier to break through where the mind knows the body is in for a tough time so what it does is sends a barrage of message's in one form or another to try and convince you not to put yourself through the ordeal.  Its very good at this, because if you let it, it will beat you!!!!  Major crisis today, as per normal I'm not actually that prepared apart from rushing out and having to make the normal last minute buys such as mmmm yes a map that would be a good idea, mmm waterproof leggings since there on the mandatory kit list and a survival bag, you know kind of quite important things but in the world of Ed last minute will be fine ha ha!!    Now that wasn't the crisis, that's just normal behaviour in my life, so to do anything other would upset the rhythm yeah????  I ordered a super duper new waterproof jacket as required with a hood unlike my wonderful Christmas present that I really want to wear for it but can't.  For the right reasons this was ordered, anyway this was at the start of the month now being a good 3 weeks in 'no' jacket so I give them a ring and its been sent back and they'd forgot to notify erm meeeeeee! The chap on the phone was great so I can't complain at all they were really good, I chose a new jacket and its arriving next day please please please as my run is the day after!!!

How do I feel??? Quite good actually but this I think is that my brain is deflecting the actual reality of what I'm doing because it knows its in for it.  Laugh I know, what the hell am I going on about, but its true, I have no worries or concerns about the distance only food, drink and whether I can prevent myself from getting lost ha ha! The distance is irrelevant, as its the ability to keep going so therefore it doesn't matter if its 10 miles, 20, 30, 40, 50 or a hundred. Learn how to survive it and you have the key.  That's what I am convincing myself and I'm sticking to it!

Tomorrow will be exciting as just want to get on with it now but final kit checks and bag backing in order followed by work, gym, jacuzzi and the right meal!!!!  Then bed..........

Next blog will be Sunday, what happened? how much I'm hurting! and whats next?????

The End is near!  Well, to phase one any way.  I am now going through an interesting period psychologically, its the questioning phase I've decided to call it. Have I done enough training?  Am I actually going to be able to do this? How long will it actually take me pessimistically and honestly? Have I got all the right kit? Whats the route really? Whats the plan for the day parking wise and meeting the bus? Why haven't I been thinking about these things already, I only have a week to go??? aaaarrrggghh!!!!

So my week included a few steady runs including hills and speed work.  Nothing too far and demanding yet trying to push myself in a different way.  Managed the gym a few times just to keep up with leg work and upper body strength training and core of course!  More importantly, I spent the week convincing myself I will be ok! I have done enough training and hard work to get me round, I am stronger than I have ever been and my endurance has improved without a doubt.  My actual long distance runs haven't been enough, without question the bit I know I have slacked on, but overall I have done more than I have ever done for anything.  I am ready, I can do it, I will do it.........

Like I say the questioning phase??????????????

Tough couple of days, working long hours in a physically demanding job then motivating yourself to train is hard.  I managed the gym this evening in preparation for a decent 15 mile run tomorrow.  I am currently reading a number of books but my newest and most interesting is one called 'Unbreakable Runner'.  This book is all about a different method of training, something that goes against everything we're told about marathon training.  One method, the Lydiard Training method and the other being CFE which stands for CrossFit Endurance.  The Lydiard method involves high mileage and the old idea that 'runners, run!' so therefore if you want to improve form the run more.  The CrossFit Endurance method involves lower mileage and gym work isolating muscle groups and synchronising routines with improved running technique.  The CFE method is suggesting that following this method, long distance runners may suffer less with injuries. They have carried out numerous studies to prove this.  That's all well and good but I'm not trying to win races, just to train hard, but i want to learn how to be more efficient and stronger without becoming a muscle head!  Not much chance of that I hear you say, squeezing into my extra large shirt, yes yes very good, I still train hard I just carry a little more than the next runner. That just makes me stronger, no!  Maybe I should concern myself more with diet than training, your whispering in my ear, well I hear that too and the food I eat is good quality low fat food.  Yes, I am not perfect and am susceptible to the odd indulgence and liquid refreshment, but again I am not trying to win this race, just want to manage to finish it.

Hot bath this evening to relax my body after back massage on Friday which has left me feeling beaten and bruised!  Great to get the work into the muscle with this being a problem area for me, so rather than turn up after the race being injured, broken and unable to work I have taken this upon myself,  for once, to prepare.  My thinking was if I try to schedule in a back sports massage every few weeks during the 10 week programme prior to the race it may alleviate any problems during the run and maybe help reduce any post race injuries and pain.  Fortunately I also had a leg massage with Belinda on the same day, working all the stresses and strains of the weeks training out, which I have to say felt amazing. I felt so refreshed after and my legs felt energised and ready for more training.  Well worth it if you've ever thought of it and not yet managed, I thoroughly recommend it.

Topping the massage and work load, the gym this evening was actually rather nice, just a steady workout re-covering the work Chris does with me and strengthening the legs and helping to condition the body for the work load and mileage I'm putting my body through.  I am already planning the different training I am going to endure once this run is done.  After reading various books it is interesting to see how these athletes work in periods and train at certain activities or methods for a period then move on working through a cycle over a period of time, alongside the running training.

What do you do other than run to compliment your training????

After my pulse raising sprint on Tuesday with 'The Princess' who incidentally has requested a more hardcore running nickname which I obviously said yeah sure but 'you have to earn it!' I have had a PT session with Chris at EPOC Coaching.   The session was a tough one, he put me through a series of leg strengthening exercises that are conditioning me for the upcoming endurance runs I have.  We also went through some core work strengthening my lower back which is always a weak area. Then we progressed on to the upper body and arms, an inventive press-up method involving a stepper and a 'spiderman' kind of movement.  I was then told to grab onto the upright frame and climb up with my feet so hanging like a rockclimber on the underside of a rock face.  This was to allow me to do a form of pull up, which I have to say I am normally thoroughly useless at but this method was about incorporating a core workout as well, having to keep my hips raised throughout.  Off I went at the end feeling stretched and broken beyond anything like comfortable, ooooing and owwing whilst clambering into the safety of my car! Phew, another week complete......

Early start on the tennis court this morning for a couple hours teaching but at the same time stretching out and warming up, getting ready for 'Hill Rep Thursday!'  A quick change and off was the plan, but oh no not so quick.  Now, due to the recent cold mornings I have adopted the idea of 'running leggings' so as to help protect the muscles more by keeping the temperature up and therefor less susceptible to injury.  That was the plan anyway but if you have attempted to put these extra layer skins on it is most definitely not a quick process.  I am in the changing room fighting with myself trying to get this dam leggings on and all ravelled up  looking like I am practicing some of my 'Body Balance' moves ha ha! Leggings on, oh no now my top to do aaarrrggghhhh!!!

Once out and heading up the hill I was feeling great, legs feeling strong and fresh.  I decided to develop my normal hill run and follow a muddy trail off to the side and get some similar terrain to what I will be experiencing on the Hardmoors.  This was great I loved it, managed to get a good speed on heading down the hill then repeated the upwards slog pushing myself each time to get the maximum from this outing.  I was only going to have enough time for 7 reps but was happy as this amounted to 6 miles and I had a trail run with hills, perfect!  I ran back to the club finding more additions to the trail and managed to get it to lead all the way back.  This had me buzzing I couldn't believe, I know I know just simple things hey, but it was great to find this kind of run so close to where I am.

My legs still felt great and this runners high was still flowing through my vains, what a drug this is!  If only it felt like this every time, I won't lie to any one, it doesn't, but when it does wow it feels like you can run for ever.  So this took me back to my challenge, my goal, 100 miles.  If I can feel like this then I can do it, I can run forever ha ha!  Seriously though, that is how it makes you feel, I can achieve this, I will achieve this!!!!

"It's looking pretty icy out there!",  was the message I got early this morning as I was prizing my eyelids open like a mechanic jacking a car, and struggled to the bathroom creaking and cracking like an old wooden chair!  The 'Princess' had warned me the previous night that the forecast was looking a bit on the cold side, but I just bullied her into going anyway. So I wasn't too surprised when I got a text this morning almost testing my resolve, but no, I wasn't going to let her get out of it that easily.  All wrapped up and off we went, still creaking and cracking, feeling the effects of running the last few days but this was something I felt I needed to get used to as some of the more extreme challenges I am planning on doing will require multi-day running.  Faye being less wrapped up than myself made me look a bit wussy, so when running down the streets passing the morning rush of workers in cars and on bikes and bus's, I was feeling rather inadequate.  After a good catch up chatting about day to day life and who's doing what, we got on to running talk and what kit we've been buying and what we think is best.  At this point I realised 'The Princess' was flying, she was running a much greater pace than what I had been getting used to so I new I was in for a long slog.  The sweat was pouring off my head like Niagre Falls!  Clothing decisions all wrong yet again, now the Sun was coming out, thankfully melting some of the ice, unfortunately increasing the level of my dilemma.

I decided though this was going to be good for me, pushing my limits and extending my comfort zone.  The icy conditions that Faye had made me so aware of, were to be fair quite bad but I think its good for you as makes you concentrate on your running and feet more.  The Sun was beating down and melting the ice slowly but surely, and the morning was becoming yet again a beautiful start to the day!  Faye though, was taking no prisoners, sprinting on like the Road Runner which I managed between gasps of air, to shout to her.  Even trudging up 'The Hill' at the university didn't slow her down, unfortunately for me, it did, and I had to dig deep to power up this almighty mountain of a hill, it felt like I was climbing Everest!  Once we'd finished our gently morning jog, I treated myself to a well earned bacon sarnie, this was amazing, just what I needed to refuel, then straight on to the tennis court and off to work!

Another good run in the bag, miles are adding up now!  Less than 3 weeks till the Hardmoors 55, am I ready???? ........   Yes!    Is it going to hurt??????.........Yes!  Do I think I could have done more??? .....Yes!    I have learnt a little bit more, so next time it will be slightly less painful,   would I have it any other way????? ......NO!!

What have you learnt in your training, then implemented to improve your performance?

So the arrangements were in place, meeting 'Mad Dog' 7am  at David Lloyd.  His last message being 'no wussing out, bring your waterproofs!!!'.  Forecast was bad, heavy winds and rain, I have to say this did not inspire me, but that was that, Mad Dog had spoken!

We parked in Helmsley near the ruined castle adjacent to the track we would be starting out on.  Normal dilemma, what do I wear, there was a cold wind and it was early so first thoughts were rap up warm head to toe.  This meant hat, gloves, under layer, top and jacket, with leggings and shorts and my all new awesome Innovate trainers! Rucksack on with hydration system at the ready and map in hand.  Usually pre-run banter on the way discussing previous runs and many 'do you remember when's', then kit talk which gets a bit train spotting like but always good to discuss new kit and changes.  Its been a while since I've run with 'Mad Dog' so we had plenty of catching up to do as we headed up the intial ascending trail thinking only that this was a typical Hardmoors run due to the climb, yet in reality this was going to be the end of my 55 mile torture.  We eventually had a good stretch where we were able to get a decent running rhythm going and get some miles done, awesome run in the sunshine eventually which brought me to my dilemma, I was beginning to over heat, too much clothing, the beanie hat was too much I think! I was melting, but as I was considering how to deal with this minor problem ha! The temperature started dropping as the speed of the running began dropping due to the elevation.  So as it turns out I was spot on with the clothing now, it was cold, the wind was whistling past our ears and my sweat was beginning to make me feel ice cold!

So my first question to Mad Dog was, has he packed enough 'cheese sandwiches for two?' I received no comment just this look of 'ha ha ha very funny' then, 'those sandwiches were the best, they might have been melted, sweaty and disgusting looking, but they were the best!'..........  Really!!!

We made it to just short of Sutton Bank which was an area I new so was happy from there so due to time we decided we should head back.  It was a shame as we were feeling good at this point and wished we'd had more time to continue.  We passed through Cold Kirby, passed the farmers out ratting and in the fields with the dogs and chasers.  We headed back along the trailers having a great run back as majority was down hill.

 Except for this bad boy, whilst I was content with jogging up, Mad Dog went on one and sprinted up just to take a picture of my good self ha ha!  It was worth it just to hear him out of breath after lol!    The finish wasn't far away now so we had a good run to the end just passing a few other folk out for a little run in the hills.  Typical drive back, me slugging down as much fluids as possible and Mad Dog discussing how much food he was going to eat on our return.  We headed into the club and relaxed with a coffee, just mentioning to the odd person of our heroic, epic, adventureous, ultra 12 mile jaunt!

Love it as always, was great to be out, struggling and realising training was going well but I'm no Mo Farah!!!

What did you do today :)