Cotswolds Marathon Swim (10km)

I picked up swimming again mid June in order to do a 1.75mile open water swim at Isoman but things seem to have escalated.  This 1.75mile swim got upgraded to a 3.5 mile swim because I found I was able to increase my distance quite easily. 

When I didn't run so much I used to swim a fair bit but never more than a mile.  The last 4 or 5 years I have swum a handful of times each summer and on holiday so when I started again in June it had been almost a year since I had swum.

After a month I did the 3.5 mile swim (see Isoman blog) and whilst I was nearly last I really enjoyed it so started looking for other events (I already had Nottingham big swim 5km entered for the following week).  I came across the chillswim Coniston end to end swim (5.25 miles) which looked really good and was on my birthday (5th September).  Unfortunately it had filled up ages ago as it is really popular but luck would have it that it is sponsored by 9bar who sponsor me so  I was lucky enough to get a place via the back door.  I was scared but also quite excited.

After the bigswim I met Lesley who was telling me about a 10km swim she was doing in 3 weeks time.  I really fancied a 10km swim as that is called a marathon in swimming terms but ideally wanted something after Coniston.  Sadly marathon swims are harder to find than marathon runs so I didn't really have many options.  I thought about it during the week and had pretty much decided that it would be too big a jump in such a short time.  When I saw Lesley at the Railway ultra on Saturday I told her I had decided to be sensible and not do the 10km.

So what happened? Well I just couldn't put it out of my head, I could not settle and was not happy with my decision.  I went onto a swim forum and asked what people thought.  Just about everyone said go for it.  I was going to be doing long swims in the pool in training for Coniston (the lake sessions are not long enough to do mega swims) I would just need to cram in some slightly longer ones.  I had done 3.5 miles in the pool at the end of the week and felt fine, that was my longest time in the water as I am faster in a wetsuit.  So the plan was Monday do a longer swim and see how that is then decide.

At the gym where I go to swim the lane swim sessions are not made for people training for marathon swims so I went to Loughborough University which had a much longer session although it did mean paying (swimming is part of my gym membership).  It is not until you go somewhere better than you realise how bad the usual place is! The University was much nicer in so many way so much so that by the end of my swim I had pretty much decided I would be joining even though I already had pool membership at the gym!

On that swim I did 7km/4.3 miles - I could have done more but the session was ending.  As this was Monday I thought that I could nudge the distance up a bit more on Friday before having just over a week to recover for the 10km.  I did 8km/5miles on Friday which again felt OK and I felt I could have done more.  I was a bit slower but I had had a hard week of swimming so that was to be expected.  The entry was now in!   I felt that I would be OK with the distance now but was worried about the cold and if I would get too cold being in the water for over 4 hours.

Race day arrives and I am nervous/excited/scared.  Meet Lesley and some of her friends at the start, she is feeling the same too!  We each have a number section on the pontoon to put our drinks which is good as then they are easy to find.  I wasn't quite sure what I would need but on my 5mile swim did get very hungry so I had a big carton of chocolate soya milk (so that I could save time by getting my calories and fluids in in one go! A caffeine electrolyte drink,  a couple of gels and a 9bar.

Just before we got in I had some of the soya milk to ensure I was hydrated before I started and to top up my calories in the hope that I wouldn't need to stop too many times.  There was a quick race briefing then we were allowed in the water. As usual I waited until last as I don't want to be standing in cold water longer than necessary.  I made sure I positioned myself near the back too. 


The course was a rectangle.  We started halfway down one of the long sides.  As you were nearing that point at the end of the lap you had to go diagonally to the pontoon to hit your chip on a carpet before starting the next lap.  The drinks were around the side of the pontoon the chip mat on the front.

Out of all the events I have done this was the best in terms of being able to see the buoys - as soon as you got to one you could easily see the next.  There were about 45 swimmers in the 10km (other races started later) so there was none of the kicking and shoving like at Nottingham and I was able to settle into my slow steady pace from the start without worry about being kicked or shoved out the way and without really needing to look out for others too much.  About halfway round the lap there was a section I was not too keen on as there were loads of weeds growing up from the bottom so if doing front crawl your hands got caught in them.  At this same point were a load of swans always giving me funny looks but luckily keeping well away.   I found the best way through this section was a wide front crawl and not going deep underwater.  Breastroke might have worked but that is harder in a wetsuit.

First lap was completed in 21.xx which didn't seem right (too fast) then I realised that the first lap was a bit shorter as you didn't have the going to the pontoon and back bit.  I was pleased to get the first lap done as I was now confident I knew where I was going and could see all the buoys.  I didn't like the going to the pontoon bit as that was also weedy and was a bit awkward doing the turn around as hard to push off.  On the later laps it became even more difficult as I was being lapped and it was sometimes busy so I would get kicked by people thinking they could push off from me.

The next lap the watch said 44.xx - I hadn't been looking at the seconds but 23 mins when I did the calculations also seemed a bit fast.  When I am running if I am going too fast I will slow down but with swimming I only have two speeds - 'plod' and 'make a bit of an effort'  I was already doing the plod so I couldn't really slow down.  3 weeks ago I had done the 5km in just over 2 hours so was expecting to be in the region of 4.15-4.30 allowing for fading a lot which I did at my previous two events.  On my recent pool swims I hadn't faded as much so I had a dream goal of 4.15 but ideally just wanted under 4.30.  A 23.xx min lap was sub 4!!!! I knew I wasn't going to keep it up but did start thinking maybe I could get sub 2 for 5km which would be nice.

I had planned to have feeds at 3/5/7/9 km but as I was coming to the end of the 3km lap there was a mass of 5km swimmers passing me quite aggressively.  There seemed to be loads of them too.  As I wasn't feeling hungry I decided that I would wait until 4km as I figured getting around to my bottles with loads of swimmers around would be hard work!  At 4km I had some chocolate soya milk and electrolyte and it was quite hard getting around there although I think I only wasted about a minute.  Set off for lap 5 feeling a bit sick from all the fluid inside me but it soon wore off.  Even after the stop it was looking like I was easily going to get under 2 hours for 5km - ended up on 1.55 so very happy with that.

I know from running all about fading! I know that a 1.55 at half way does certainly not mean sub 4 at the finish but I did start letting myself think about sub 4 at the halfway point because my lap times had been fairly consistent unlike the 3.5 mile event which was 4 laps (Notts harder to compare as that was only 2 laps and you had to get out and back in again!).  I worked out that if I did 24.30 per lap I still had spare for a couple more feeds but thought that if I could manage on just one more feed then that would be better.  Having had something at 4km I had thought 6 and 8 but was now thinking lets see if I feel I need something at 6 and if not stretch it to 7 which is what I ended up doing.

As each lap passed in under the 24.30 I needed I was starting to seriously think that I would get close to 4 hours.  I knew it was not a given as I could easily take an extra 2-3 mins per lap as I got tired and more when in unfamiliar territory.  However, as I was getting under 24.30 I was getting more of a buffer and I found I didn't need a feed at 6km so that banked a bit more time. 

At 7km I was getting quite hungry so thought I would have some more choc soya and a gel but couldn't get the gel open with cold hands.  Used my teeth so eventually got a small opening but it was hard getting any out so only had about half of it.  A time check showed that I had over 25 mins to do each lap now - still not guaranteed but since I hadn't been slowing too much it was looking possible.  As I was feeling OK (slightly achy shoulders) I decided to make a bit of an effort for a few small sections, maybe about a minute harder a few times each lap just to try to gain a bit of time as I didn't want a really stressful last lap!!

With 2 laps to go I was on 3.08.xx so this was looking good but still to early to celebrate.  I was trying to take note of the seconds but often couldn't remember what they were and I was looking at my watch a few strokes after the chip mat once I was well on my way on not risking being kicked so that meant I had a bit more time than I thought, only a few seconds but they all help.  I continued to do the minute or so a bit harder and ended the 9th lap on 3.32.xx.  I set off on the last lap smiling to myself as not only did I know I was going to do it but I was pretty certain (unless I got cramp or attacked by the swans) that I was going to do sub 4 which was a time not even on my radar.  I was finding it really hard to believe. 

Finally finished in 3.56.xx which I was over the moon with.  Not been so pleased/surprised with a result in a long time.  I know it is not a particularly good time compared to other swimmers but for me that was good and far better than expected.

I really enjoyed the event and found it so much easier both training for and doing than my first marathon.  The water temperature was 19 degrees.  I didn't really get cold.  My feet went numb a few times and occasionally I thought I would have liked it to be warmer but I never got proper cold.  That was probably thanks to my orca heat seeker vest (worn under wetsuit as an extra layer. 

Post race I only had a tiny bit of chaffing from the vest and my shoulders ached but were not disabling - another thing which is better than post run marathon!!

Skechers Gorun speed 3 review

The Gorun speed is sometimes known as the Gorun Meb as these are the shoes which were designed for top US marathon runner Meb Kaflezghi.  They are the second lightest shoes in the current range weighing in at 202g for my UK size 7.

 

I have now run over 200 miles in the shoes so they have had a decent test on runs of up to an hour on tarmac including speed and hill work.  The wear is about what I would expect; they are still good for a few hundred more miles.  Like all Skechers runnning shoes these have M strike technology which helps promote a mid foot landing.  Straight from the box I found these to be very comfortable - they are very light and feel fast. They are breathable and give sufficient support.  I preferred them to the original speeds although the original speeds as they are of  a softer material and the heel is much better.  However, to look at the original still remain my favourite and are the prettiest shoes I have owned!



pink - original red - gorun speed3

The Gorun speed 3 looks quite different to the original (I don't have the 2 so can't compare).  My original speeds (pink) were size 6.5 compared to size 7 for the 3 - this is because I prefer to have a bit more space so now go for a slightly bigger size.  The new model is not as narrow; I prefer the fit around the heel - the original were tight around the heel and initially caused blisters.

The shoes come with two sets of laces - slightly elastic (the ones I am using) and normal.  Due to the heel fit not being as tight I found I needed to use the top hole otherwise the shoes were slipping around on my feet.  I don't use the top hole on the Gorun4 so I think the speeds might be bigger around the heel. 

The Gorun speed 3 is very similar to the Go run 4 - both have a 4mm drop and are considered a racing shoe.  The Gorun 4 are 10g lighter in a size 7.  It has taken me some time to decide which I prefer as they are so similar.  

blue - gorun4 red - gorun speed3

If you have a cadburies Jaffa cake one day and a Mcvities the next you probably will find it hard to choose a favourite as they are so similar.  The only way is to have one immedietly after the other so today I did a lap in the speed3 then a lap on the gorun4.  My favourite was the Gorun4 because they are a little softer.  The speeds are more firm (but also more responsive so probably faster).  When I say firm I do not mean inflexible just not as soft underfoot as the ride4.  There really isn't a great deal in it.  However, if I had a choice between pink speeds and yellow runs then I would probably choose the pink speeds - that's how little there is in it!

Railway Ultra and Dovedale Dipper

The railway ultra is along a disused railway near Coalport organised by Denzil at CODRC.  It is a great introduction to ultra running as you can choose your distance and don't need to make up your mind until you get to the end of the 3rd lap!  In addition as it is an out and back route you are constantly seeing other runners so you are never alone.  Despite being a disused railway I do not find it that easy underfoot and in addition there is quite a camber which has previously meant bits of me have hurt sooner than they would normally!

Each out and back is 9.4 miles so you either do 3 or 4 laps.  My aim was to do 4 but I had been having a bit of a knee niggle so was just going to see how it went.  I had no intention of running hard I just wanted a long training run in company.  This was my first time over marathon distance in over 2 months so I was a little nervous!  When I did this event in February I was 1st lady so I felt a little bit of pressure but as soon as I saw Sue Harrison (super speedy GB 100km runner) at the start I was actually quite relieved as it now meant I wasn't going to be tempted into racing and really could settle into long slow run pace without thinking about what others were doing!

I set off nice and steady at just over 9mm.  I think this must be a popular default pace as it was quite busy for a small race (about 120 runners).  It wasn't congested and you could run free but it was too busy to be nipping off for a wee (which unusually I needed after a few miles!).  Eventually I saw a spot where I could nip off course behind some bushes - the relief!!  I spent the next few miles catching back up to where I had been and got a few looks from people wondering why I was behind them!

At the turn around point there was a table with goodies - 9bars, Jaffa cakes, sweeties and drinks.  I had a quick chat with Lesley telling her that I had decided not to do the 10km swim she had mentioned to me last week as it was too soon and I was going to be sensible!!!! (don't believe me when I say I am not going to do something stupid as a few days later I entered!!).  I grabbed a Jaffa cake and walked whilst I ate it then was off again running. 

I always like out and back courses or routes with little bits of out and back as it is nice to see other runners ahead/behind rather than those around your pace especially if you know others who are running as you get to see them.

By the time I got to the end of the first lap I was getting hungry so had some crisps and a 9bar - walking eating the 9bar.  It was quite warm so I also had a couple of cups of coke and a cup of water.  This was the pattern until the end - either 9 bar or Jaffa cake then 2 or 3 cups of drink at each turn around.  I was also carrying my own electrolyte drink.

My pace was gradually slowing but nothing drastic and I seemed to be picking people off.  A lot of those who were running around the same pace as me at the start were now getting further and further behind so whilst I wasn't setting any records at least I appeared to be fading less than most. 

When I got to 1.5 laps to go I did a quick calculation to find that if I kept under 10mm (including stops at the turn around) then I should be able to get sub 6.  I was now on a bit of a mission! I didn't go crazy though as there was still a long way to go but instead of letting my pace fade I made a bit of an effort to keep under 10mm with a bit spare for the aid station stops. 

Another check at the end of lap 3 and I had gained a bit of time on the 10mm target so didn't gobble down my 9bar whilst walking but had a leisurely walk break knowing if I had to I still had another gear!

On the final lap I was lapping a few people, a lot on their first ultra.  I knew I couldn't afford to take my foot off the gas but also knew I didn't need to give it everything - I still had another race tomorrow.  I continued at a pace a bit harder than comfortable but not full out so finished in 5.55 which was only a minute slower than February.  I was happy with that as my training has been a bit hit and miss. 

On Sunday when I woke up my legs felt more or less OK, just one tight spot on one of my quads.  Today was the Dovedale dipper which I was running with Claire.  We were doing the 15 mile option (there was also a marathon).  This was a typical LDWA type event (including a bit of mud) with route instructions but it also had arrows in some places so in terms of navigation it was one of the better ones. 

The start was downhill on tarmac; a soon as I started running I could feel my quads but once we got off road they were fine.  We walked the uphills and the tricky underfoot bits and ran the flat/downhills.  It was a lovely day for a walk; too hot for running; I think we spent more time walking that running!  It was nice not to have any time pressure and doing the short route meant we could be home well before dinner!

We had a lovely day out catching up, having a chat with the check point volunteers and getting a suntan with no concern for time. 

Nottingham big swim

Saturday 25th July was nottingham big swim with a choice of 5km; 2.5km and 1500m.  I opted for 5km which started at 1.15pm so no need to get up early which I liked but it did leave me wondering what to do about lunch.

This event was 2 laps, at the end of the lap you had to get out, walk across some Tarmac where there would be water then get back in again so there was just one chance for fuel.  As I had been getting cramp I wanted to make sure I was adequately fuelled and hydrated before as well as during so put a bottle of electrolyte drink with a 9bar stuck to it near the water table.  About half an hour before the start I had a banana and 'everything but the cow' drink.

This event is part of the outlaw triathlon which was the next day.  Saturday was very busy with outlaws coming to register and rack their bikes.  Everything was very well signed for the outlaw but a bit confusing for the swim -  spent ages trying to find the bag drop for example! 

Just before the start we had a briefing then were allowed in the water - I waited until last as I didn't want to be standing around in the cold water longer than necessary.  The start was quite wide; I positioned myself at the back but it was still very busy with lots of people pushing and shoving past me.  I had chatted to a few people at the start, they seemed very friendly but in the water there was such aggression - my other event was a much smaller start; this had 5km and 2.5km swimmers so several hundred. 

The route was a very long rectangle so quite straightforward to follow. It must have taken about 10 minutes before the pushing and shoving stopped at one point someone even bashed my head hard which was still hurting at the end, my goggles did stay on OK though!

By the time I got to the big buoy (the end of the long side of the rectangle) I was feeling relaxed and had started to enjoy it.  It was still busy so I was constantly looking out for others but it was not crazy busy.  

On the return leg I was overtaking people from the 2.5km and 5km (we had different coloured hats) which felt good as I was expecting to be at the back (from previous results I didn't think I would be last but certainly the last handful!).  It was possible to see the finish gantry from a long way out, it never got any closer!  About 5 mins out I was being passed by some 2.5km swimmers doing their final sprint to the finish and it seemed to get quite busy again.  

I was a bit worried about getting out as that is often when I have got cramp, luckily there were two people standing in the water to haul you out!! The official clock said 57.45. I had my bottle of high5 and 9bar which took forever to eat ( I was feeling hungry so defiantly needed something but another time will got for a quick gel!).  The walk across the Tarmac was not that nice in bare feet as it was bobbly.  I was careful getting myself back in again as any sudden move might cause cramp (afterwards I saw some photos of others diving in, I hope I wasn't the only one slow and pathetic getting back in again!).

The time on my Garmin when I got back was 1.00. Xx.  Before the event I had hoped I might get under 2 hours (not an impossible target based on my previous event). On seeing the time getting back in I thought it was probably not likely as I slowed a lot last time but I wanted to give it a good go.

The second lap was so much nicer as it was quite and I could see better where I was going, this made me think that if I was taking a more direct line and not having collisions I might have a chance at sub 2 hours. There was a lady ahead (I know it was a lady as she had passed me as I was having my refreshments!) so I focused on trying to catch her and pass.   Next up was 2 people swimming together, I managed to get past them at the start of the final long straight.  Then there were 3 people together so I hunted them down.  Once I caught them it seemed to take a while to pass, maybe they picked up the pace when they saw someone trying to pass them.

I had glanced at my watch at the start of the final straight but as I didn't know how long the last bit was I wasn't sure if sub 2 was possible but I thought it might be so I tried to pick up the pace - with swimming though I don't have that much of a range of paces so me putting in a big effort to go harder only equates to a few seconds faster per 100m!! 

I looked at my watch again and had 12 minutes to do what looked like not too much distance but I remembered from the first lap that the finish didn't seem to get any closer.  I never looked at my watch again as I just wanted to focus on getting there.  After what felt like about 5 mins the finish still seemed a fair way off and I was sure that I wasn't going to get sub 2 but I didn't give up.  

The event was chip timed but you had to get out to cross the mat before you got your time.  Right near the finish someone caught up with me and tried to pass. I wasn't so bothered about them passing but more concerned about being delayed getting out and over the chip mat! If someone finished just ahead of me then the two people helping swimmers out would be helping them out and I would have to struggle out on my own trying to avoid the cramp! 

Anyway, I did get passed and did get helped out (by one person) and didn't get cramp but didn't make sub 2 - ended up on 2.01.xx.  If I had been a few seconds off I would have blamed the time taken to eat the 9bar but I was too far off to blame that - I just need to get faster for sub 2 which I hope I will do with more training.

Isoman Weekend

Isoman is a new event this year.  The aim is to equalise the time spent swimming, cycling and running in a triathlon.  The full Isoman distance event was 7 mile swim, 61 mile bike and 26.2 mile run.  It was possible to enter the full, half, quarter triathlon or to just do one event or mix and match.

As there are not many road marathons at this time of year I decided to do the marathon.  My sister is into long swims so she said she might do the 7 mile swim then proceeded to talk me into doing the 1.75 mile swim!  This was 4 weeks before the event.  I hadn't swum since last summer and over the last 4 or 5 years since I have run more I have only swum a handful of times each year (in the summer or if I have been injured).  I wasn't convinced 4 weeks was enough time to prepare and have never done an OW swim before so made a plan - swim a mile at the pool then if I could do that have a go at Sixhills lake where I could hire a wetsuit. 

The 1 mile swim went OK apart from cramp near the end so a few days later it was to the lake.  I was a bit scared getting in but before I had finished the first lap (650m) I was relaxed and enjoying it.  I ended up doing 4 laps and felt I could have done more but time was out.   I was now confident that I would beable to do the 1.75mile swim - the marathon after might be interesting though!

The next time I went to the lake I did 6 laps (approx. 2.5miles) and again felt I could have kept going.  After another 2.5 mile swim I starting thinking that maybe I should go for the 3.5 mile swim at Isoman instead so that's what I entered!

The event was on Saturday, Friday evening I was entered into a 10km ( I hadn't realised that it was the same weekend). Phil rarely does races but this is one I liked so I didn't want to miss it.  I was meant to take the 10km easy, I did to begin with but then got carried away trying to pick off the ladies ahead.  Finished 2nd lady at the 10km which I was quite surprised by as it was a big race and I am not exactly in race shape at the moment.

The 7 miles swim started at 7am; 3.5mile at 9.30 and 1.75 mile at 10.30.  I was a bit nervous as I had never swum with so many people before.  The lap was just under a mile so for 3.5 miles I had to do 4 laps.  I had no idea if it was accurately measured and had worked out that if I was swimming really well and drafting (apparently that can make you go faster) and the course was a bit short then I would be just starting my 3rd lap as the 1.75mile race was starting.  I did not want that to happen as that could be quite scary them all coming charging past / kicking/ swimming over me etc. 

The race was chip timed; the chip was around our wrist, we needed to hit the carpet with the chip at the end of each lap! About 3/4 around the lap was a jetty where we could put our own bottles but they also provided drinks bananas and gels. 

About 10 mins before the race start we got in and very quickly, before I had chance to panic too much we were off!  I made sure I started near the back and as it was a wide start I didn't experience and kicking or hitting or knocking off of goggles!  After a few minutes I looked behind and saw a few people - I am not very fast so was worried about being last! 

The lap was a kind of triangle with 4 big buoys and a few footballs to follow.  On the first lap I just followed the people in front.  I spent quite a lot of this lap feeling bad about being at the back but when I told myself to think of it as a Saturday swim at the lake rather than a race I was able to relax and enjoy it.  Every so often someone in an yellow hat (7 mile race) would go past but it was never busy just the odd person every few minutes. 

I didn't really need to stop for food/drink on the first lap but I thought I might need something before the next opportunity (in training I had been getting cramp quite a lot which I think may have been dehydration or lack of electrolytes).  I stopped for my bottle but it was not where it should have been so it took a while to find (it had found its way under someone's big bag!).  Had a drink and banana and was on my way.  I was pleased that when I got to the end of that lap 33 minutes had passed so even with a slightly quicker stop next lap I would be over an hour for 2 laps and therefore miss the rush of the orange hats (1.75miles).

Now that I had done one lap and knew what to expect I could enjoy it more.  Occasionally I felt bad about being way behind everyone else and at the back but mostly I was able to just enjoy it.  I made an effort to look out for the buoys rather than following as I knew the last lap would be very quiet so I couldn't rely on following others.

2nd and 3rd lap were uneventful, just plodding along from one buoy to the next stopping at the jetty for some food/drink and generally enjoying it.  The last lap was very quiet as most people had finished and those remaining were spread out.  I did pass a few people so at least I knew I wasn't going to be last in the water. 

Coming up to the 3rd buoy was a bit of a problem as I couldn't see it.  I had to keep stopping and taking off my goggles to look for it but there was no sign of it - I thought it must be my eyesight but later found out it had blown away!! I knew roughly where I should be going and could see some ducks/geese/swans in the distance so was getting scared - they had moved out the way earlier but now most people were out they seemed to be back.  There was a safety boat so once I got closer I shouted and asked where to go so they directed me - luckily I didn't need to go as far as where the geese were! I didn't stop at the nutrition jetty on the last lap but someone with a white hat did so I was able to pass them. That made me happy as at least I knew I was not going to be last in the 3.5 mile race!

As I hit the carpet (see photo on left) for the last time the clock stopped so I could take my time getting out but then got cramp as the photographer was trying to take photos!! Finish time was 2.19 which  I was happy with. 

I had several hours break before starting the marathon so was able to get changed (sadly there were no showers)and get some food.  Luckily the visitors centre had jacket potatoes as the only hot food at the registration area was a BBQ (it had veggie burgers but they were being cooked on the same BBQ as meat).

It was quite a warm day so a 3.30pm marathon start meant it would be a warm one.  I was not planning on racing this but taking it reasonably steady.  I don't do many short distance races so my quads were a bit sore from the 10km the previous evening.  Everyone doing a run who had not entered swim bike run started at the same time.  There were probably only about 20 of us doing 3 different distances.  The marathon was 4 laps.  I had spoken to some people who had already finished the quarter Isoman who said they went wrong on the run so I was little worried but there was no need as it was well marked with arrows.  I think those that went wrong just didn't look ahead; there were a few junctions which didn't have a sign but if you looked hard you could see something in the distance.  If you are racing 6.55 miles then you are probably going too hard to look properly which is why I think they went wrong.

I quite liked the marathon course. a lot was around the park, a few bits on roads but mostly it was quite and was quite flat.  There were a few hills but nothing long.  I ran with a couple of people on the first lap and felt quite relaxed but was hungry after 4 miles!! There was a water station at the start/finish area and another on the course which you passed twice, luckily that one had gels (I think they had other snacks but I stuck with gels).  Grabbed a gel after about 4 miles, it was really nice - torq raspberry ripple, I have never had torq gels before, these were a good consistency, not too thick and not too sickly (until the 5th one!!), the flavour was lovely although I could have done with a bit of variety when having so many!!

Felt quite relaxed on the second lap too but was getting hungry a mile or so after each gel so was having loads of them and  a banana.  Normally I have my first gel after about 14 miles but I had already had 3 by then today! Although I ate a meal after the swim I think I must have been starting depleted and struggling to catch up. 

Things started to feel more of an effort on the 3rd lap and were not helped by dodgy bowels which I had to have a quick stop for!   There were plenty of other runners on the course as now the half and full isoman athletes were doing the run.  There were a couple of out and back type bits where you can see runners coming in the other direction which is always nice.  By lap 4 I was really low on energy and felt like I was running through treacle, the hills seemed massive ( I didn't walk them though) and I was so slow going up them!  My legs didn't feel especially tired I was just low on energy.  I did manage to do a bit of a sprint finish and crossed the line in 3.53 which I was happy enough with, obviously way off PB but that was not the aim of the day!  My marathon time was the fastest ladies marathon time of the day although it is not really fair to compare my time with those who had done a 7 mile swim and 61 mile bike first!!

This was a great first event, am already thinking of going back next year to do the 7mile swim and marathon. 

Womens Running 10km Nottingham

Just because I am an ultra runner does not mean I want to be sent off on an extra lap in a 10km and even less so if I am winning.

I would not normally blog about a 10km race but am so cross about today that I wanted to get it all written down.

I had a free place for the race from Skechers who were sponsoring it.  I wouldn't have done it otherwise as it is very expensive to enter (I think about £26). 

The website didn't have a great deal of detail and no details about parking.  I messaged them twice asking about parking but got no response so in the end looked on the race for life website who do a race at the same venue, they said where they were using for parking so I assumed the same.  I put this into my sat nav and it took me to almost the right place if it were not for the road being closed for the race!! No info about this in the limited race details. The poor marshal had not been given instructions on parking, she was there for directing runners.  She sent me in the almost right direction of the car park and said there were signs.  I drove around for a while but couldn't see any signs so went back (I actually went back to her twice and was somewhat grumpy).  In the end I put in the postcode I had for the race start (not parking) in the hope that it would take me there.  I was so close to giving up and driving home.  So eventually after several turns there were signs as you could see the car park so they were a bit late really.  The marshal should have been given full directions, all she was told was turn right then left but in reality there were about 2 or 3 more turns after that before you saw any signs.

Got parked up and got my number.  The toilet Q was long so I went behind my car, they delayed the race start because the toilet Q was so long.

I started near the front and settled into a pack just behind a couple of people ahead.  After about 5 minutes I was in the lead, the pace was feeling reasonably comfortable.  The route has a lot of out and backs so you can see how far behind others are.  I was surprised how much of a lead I had at the first of these.  That lead kept growing so by about 3 or 4 miles I realised that barring a disaster I was going to win.  I am far from PB shape so eased off the gas a little as there was no point giving 100% if I could win by only giving 85% -  a PB was not on the agenda otherwise I would have pushed harder.

For the 1st lap I had a lead cycle.  At the end of the lap he stopped; I asked him to come along with me and asked another marshal if the bike could come but he didn't.  Mostly the route was well marked and there were a fair few marshals but a lot of the time the marshals are bored in races (I am sure I would be) and they forget to tell you which way to go so I had to ask.  Having the bike helps as you can see where you are meant to go.

At the last out and back which was maybe 1.5 miles to go I was at least a couple of minutes ahead so unless I fell over or someone behind was able to throw out a 5mm then the win was mine.  I had seen from previous races that the top 3 got a bottle of bubbly so I had already decided I would give mine to the marshal who I kept pestering for directions!!

Then it all goes wrong.   I am coming up to an ambulance and think that it is around here that we turn into the finish (before doing a lap around a field).  There must have been about half a mile to go.  There were 3 lanes and I deliberately did not have my music playing as I wanted to hear instructions.  I was directed into the left hand lane by a marshal.
 A later marshal shouted 'straight on' so I went straight on thinking I was sure I shoukd turn but knowing what I am like with directions thought I must have got it wrong.  It was obvious I was on my last lap as I was going significantly faster than the others around me.  I thought that maybe the last lap was a bit different at the end so carried on running.  There were no marshals on this stretch and I was starting to get a bit suspicious that I had gone wrong.  These sort of races are often not accurate so the fact that time I was getting close to 10km but not yet in the field didn't ring the same alarm bells as it might have done on an officially measured course. 

 In the picture on the left you can see there were three lots of runners on one stretch of road all going the same direction 1.  Me on my last lap  2. Others at the end of their first lap (ie being lapped, I don't think there were many of these) 3. People starting out on their last lap.  The issue was at the point where you can see the 4/9km marker. 


When I got almost to the far end and saw the parking marshal again as well as the 1/6km marker  I knew that I had defiantly missed the turn so turned around and ran back in the worse mood ever.  

In the picture on the right the bottom arrow was where I should have turned (I did on the first lap when I had the bike).  As I was the only person in that area it was easy! The second arrow is where I did turn!

When I got  back to the bit where I should have been directed I heard the marshals shouting '10km turn around' and directing people - shame they didn't do that for me. 

I finished 6.7 miles in 47.23.  The 'winner' finished in 45.xx.  On strava my 10km split was 43.31, other people who did the race on strava measured it as 6.1miles rather than 6.2 so my finish would have been 42.xx i.e. a significant win. 

When I finished I obviously complained and was on a foul mood.  The RD said he would have to speak to the marshals to find out what happened - he didn't take my name or number though.  It was obvious what happened but I got the impression he didn't believe me.   Afterwards a number of people spoke to me as they either saw me go off in the wrong direction or had seen me way ahead and wondered why I didn't win.  There was a lovely lady from England Athletics (not sure her role but she had a clip board and was filling in a form).  She had been at the bit where I should have been sent to the finish so saw how I went the wrong way and how far ahead I was so at least the organisers will know I am not making it up as she spoke to them.   She also said that she was at the briefing and they said the back runners might get lapped so surely they knew it was going to be busy at that tricky point and taken precautions such as a) had the lead bike on the 2nd lap and b) had extra marshals or another marshal a little further up in case anyone went too far?

What happened next was that the 'winners' were presented with their prizes which was the worse bit as that should have been me on the podium. I don't know what the protocol is when this happens but I feel that they ought to have at least investigated before awarding prizes.  I was around right at the end but the RD never came back to me, I suppose he was too busy/avoiding me.

I am not sure now whether I am more disappointed in being sent the wrong way and losing the win or the inadequate way in which this was dealt with i.e. just being swept under the carpet .  If I had come in 2nd and was awarded 1st I don't think I would be able to claim that prize it would feel wrong.  I don't even drink and have plenty of shoes (which were the prize) so its not like I mind about missing out on that, its the principle of it all.  I was offered a free entry to their race in Liverpool next week.  That is a 5 hour round journey and would require staying in a hotel overnight so I declined.  ( I also have a small matter of my longest ever swim at Isoman next weekend).

I saw the bike man at the end and asked why he didn't come with me for a second lap, his response was he was only meant to do 1 lap! If he had been with me then this wouldn't have happened.

Speaking to a few other people they said they found the point where I was sent wrong quite confusing. 

This is the same organisation who put on the Womens Running Birmingham 10km which I won last year.  I was supposed to have been sent some shoes for winning (I only run in Skechers now so was getting them for a friend) but they never arrived despite several messages.

And one final moan is that after I wanted to go to the toilet, I tried 3 which were out of toilet roll!!

On a positive note, it was a nice course and lots of ladies seemed to be enjoying it and having a great time and they are already getting lost of praise for an amazing race on FB and twitter! Also, the marshals were mostly really friendly and enthusiastic.  

Foxton 24

After a couple of bad 24 hour races last year I wanted a break to build my confidence back with shorter ultras.  Foxton 24 was a new event this year and in the absence of any other suitable 12 hour races decided to enter and just run the first 12 hours.

Training had been quite good with several 100 mile weeks and lots of long runs/races. Then 5 days after the London marathon I came down with tonsillitis. My planned long runs didn't happen and hardly ran the following week.  The next weekend (2 weeks out from the race) I wanted to do a final long run but was still so tired (due to a bad night cough keeping me awake - after about a week I started on an inhaler which helped) so only managed 12 sluggish miles.  After that it was taper time so too late.   I wasn't sure if the almost 4 week taper was going to be a good or bad thing - my last long run was London 4 weeks out.

A few days before the race my night cough started to make a come back (not as bad as before though.  Needless to say although my legs felt well rested I was not!

Skechers Gorun4

The race started at noon which is nice as means no early start or rushing around.  Phil was crewing for me which meant he would hand me food and drink when requested.  The race was chip timed with the chip being attached to the shoe which made me reconsider my shoe choice for a few minutes! I had intended to test the Gorun4 (see previous blog for review) which I have used for marathons but nothing this long as they are very light (200g).  Changing shoes loses a few minutes but changing chips onto new shoes adds to that.  I decided to risk it!  - thankfully they were great although the last couple of hours I did think a bit more cushioning would be nice

I had a fairly rough race plan - number of laps per hour (with a built in fade!) and time per lap on a pace band.  As always the plan was a one lap (400m) walk per hour to take on food then later probably walk a bit more. I wanted to start slower than normal in the hope that the fade would be less but always find it hard running slower when well rested - my legs want to go faster than they should and slowing down too much feels awkward.

First lap was 2.05, far too fast but felt easy; I slowed down.  Kept adjusting my pace and checking each lap and ended up settling in at a pace which was a few seconds per lap faster than planned but which felt very easy - it was slower than I would usually start 12/24 hour races so I was a little bit successful at slowing myself down!  I was recording my laps on a stopwatch - for the first few hours my laps were all a few seconds faster than they needed to be.

It was a really warm day with not a cloud in the sky.  The heat started getting to me after a couple of hours and I think this is the reason for my early slow in pace.  Normally I alternate 9bar/powerbar protein bars/bananas for about 8 hours before getting bored and moving on to the junk food but today I was struggling to get them down after only 4 hours - it took a full walking lap to get down a small 9bar which is only about 4 or 5 bites!!

Although I was still on track at 5 hours this was because of the cushion I had built up earlier. My lap paces were getting slower quite quickly as I was struggling with the heat.  I made a few errors with fueling......

I only had 4 small bottle of Pepsi Max so didnt have some when I really wanted it as wanted to save it until later - first mistake as I ended up have one left!  Second error was that I should have bought normal Pepsi! I wasn't really thinking when I bought the Pepsi Max (sugar free) just bought what I normally drink. Finally to do with the Pepsi Max was that shortly after having it one time I realised that I needed some calories but couldn't stomach any food - normally I would have chocolate soya milk in these circumstances.  My stomach was full from the Pepsi so I couldn't  have much soya milk without getting stitch and therefore couldn't get the fuel in - I forgot I had gels!

After 7 hours

Somewhere around 6 hours I started to consider just doing 100km rather than the full 12 hours.  I was going to get a rubbish distance so what was the point? 100km would still have made the journey worthwhile.  6 hours felt like a very long time to go but 100km was less than a marathon  which felt a lot more doable.

There didn't seem to be any rules about pacers - other runners had people walking with them for several laps, some of them more than one person as if they were on a family afternoon stroll; some even in the inside lane which made me cross.   After about 8 hours I decided to get Phil to walk with me on my walk lap - which got extended to 2 laps!  This gave me a chance to have a bit of a moan.  He needs briefing next time on what to say as I was grumbling about it being hot his response was I shouldn't enter races in the summer its always hot and I should know better by now!! Not exactly the comforting/encouraging word I needed!

By about 9.30pm I started to feel a lot better as the sun had gone in and my core temperature was finally falling.  However, I was not able to muster up much speed.  I occasionally ran a few laps with other people who were running a bit faster but it was not a pace I really wanted to hold on to for long so I was glad when they decided to have a break.  One thing I noticed about this race more than others is that everyone seemed to take time off the track for a sit down - I only left twice to go to the toilet and twice to do some squats (it helps stretch out the tight hip flexors).

Once I was no longer struggling with the heat I decided that I could manage to keep going for 12 hours - I had got into a plodding pace which when I was moving wasn't really all that bad.  My cough which had not previously bothered me running was now quite bad, I am sure a few runners gave me a wide berth! 

left over marzipan balls

My struggle with solid food continued! I would walk with Phil trying to get down a packet of crisps and only manage half.  I ended up getting my fuel from poweraid (luckily this was provided); chocolate soya milk and marzipan balls.  It took me a whole running lap to get a marzipan ball down by biting little bits off but at least I was getting them down.  I was surprised to see how many I had got through when packing away at the end!!

Once my watch ticked over to 12 hours I completed the lap then stopped.  My final distance was 110km.  At this point I was 1st lady and 2nd overall.  Another lady stopped at 12 hours but I think everyone else went on until the end although there was heavy rain for a few hours in the night so I think a fair bit of resting/hiding in tents went on!   By the end of the 24 hours I had moved down to 2nd lady.


Leaderboard after 11 hours (not in order)

Overall a bit disappointed as I have done 120km in the first 12 hours of a 24 hour race in the past. However, taking into account my excuses - hot day; missed training at a key time; still had a lingering cough - I suppose it wasn't too bad. 

For future races in warm weather I must remember plenty of full fat coke/Pepsi; sports drink (I don't usually drink this but in a few hot races where it has been provided I have been grateful for it; marzipan balls (supermarket marzipan made into bite sized balls)gels and chocolate soya.

Skechers Gorun4

Gorun is the lightest shoe in the skechers range.  The gorun4 is the most recent model and sees more changes than previous updates.  When I read online how much the shoe had changed I was worried I might no longer like it but I kept an open mind especially as I had seen so many pretty colours and they looked really nice!

 

Taking the shoe out the box it looks totally different to previous models - in a good way and just like (or even better) than in the pictures I had seen. The first change is the hole in the heel to make it easier to pull the shoes on and off.  At first I didn't see much point in this but now I find myself looking for it on other shoes!  This hole is also on the Gorunride4.

top - gorun3 bottom gorun4

 

The upper has changed as has the sole which is 3mm thicker.  This has added a little extra weight - size 7 ladies GOrun3 weighs 187g the Gorun is 210g.  As with the Gorun3 the heel drop is 4mm or you can take out the insole giving a zero drop and a more minimal ride.  I have not run without the insoles as the shoes would then be too big (I already have a slightly bigger size than normal shoes).  

They come with 2 sets of laces - I have not tried the red ones but will probably swap them over when these start to look grubby! 

I was never keen on the tongue on the Gorun3 - it was too thin/floppy.  The new tongue is much better - more padded so more comfortable.

I received the shoes a few days before the London marathon and since I had the limited edition London edition felt it would be rude not to wear them! I wore them for a few short test runs then for the marathon with no blisters or bashed toe nails!  

As with all skechers shoes I found them very comfortable out the box.  They are very light which makes me feel fast even if that is not the case!  The previous editions were softer, a more slipper like feel; these are a bit more firm and feel like they have a little more support (not over pronation type support). The Gorun ride4 has changed in a similar way (see review http://helenrunsultras.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/skechers-gorun-ride-4-review.html )

Gorun has been my Speedwork and race shoe (up to marathon distance and the occasional short ultra) but now there is less difference in weight between the Gorun and Gorun ride (which is my everyday training shoe) I will probably wear the Gorun4 for more of my training runs as I prefer a lighter shoe and the extra weight means it is more suitable for every day use.

London marathon

Having done a 6 hour race the previous week and a 40 mile off road event the week before I was not expecting to run a PB.  I still wanted to run quite hard but was aiming for a controlled race where I didn't die a death at the end and was not hanging on for dear life!! The week before I had received the new Skechers Gorun4 London edition so it would have been rude not to wear them for the marathon (review to follow - they were great).

I was at the championship start again (for ladies that means running a sub 3.15 marathon).  The biggest benefit is that there is a lower runner to toilet ratio so much shorter queues!  We had a list of rules to follow about what could be worn and logos.  Last year I was really good and turned my calf guards inside out as the 'compressport' logo was too big.  However, loads of people were wearing them the right way round so I didn't turn them inside out this time.  Slight change was that we were all being inspected so I was asked to turn them inside out.  

lack of toilet Q

Another benefit of the champs start is that you can keep your warm clothes on until the last minute and hand your bag in as late as possible.  Another change this year was we had to be out of our congregation area and bags on lorry by 9.50 (race starts 10.10) as the gates would be locked.  Due to having to sort out my calf guards and this new rule I didn't have time to go to the toilet again.  I saw lots of people still queuing for the toilet and was tempted to go back in once I had handed my bag over.  Lucky I didn't as the gate was locked so they had to go to the blue start.

I deliberatly lined up at the back ( we were right behind the elite men and ahead of the blue start pen ie the faster men who had not got champs start or GFA).  The blue start were stopped by men linking arms but as soon as those men unlinked arms (which was before the gun went off) those men were moving forward and pushing through - so rude.  The gun went off and there was more pushing and shoving from behind before I had even been able to start moving! 

Another benefit of champs start is not getting held up at the start by slower people starting up front; this time I was the slower person upfront as the faster men from blue come pushing through.  When the 3 hour pacer passed with his followers there was more pushing and shoving; some people need to chill a bit, it's not as if we were that much slower.  

After about half a mile we join the green start so more pushing and shoving as I have effectively had a head start on these runnners as I only took 15s to cross the line so faster runners from green are behind and trying to pass.  After a few miles things have settled down a bit and I am running mostly with people at my pace which makes it easier.  I am running at a pace which feels comfortable - ish; hitting sub 8mm and hoping it will last as that will equate to sub 3.30 - not a PB but about the best I can hope for given what I have been doing recently.

I see Phil at around 7 miles - I knew he was there because he sent me a text which came up on my new Garmin!!! I didn't take the drink he had for me as I had managed to get water OK from the water stations - sometimes they are really crowded or they come up suddenly when you are in the middle of the road and negotiating getting to the side can be tricky.

interesting sign in the background!

One thing I noticed this year more than the last couple of years (when I was around 15 mins faster) is that there were a lot of water bottles in the middle of the road; why can people throw them to the side. This meant after each water station it was a bit of an obstical course for half a mile; you had to be really careful not to trip.  On the topic of water stations, I noticed this year a lot more people cutting me up when coming to a water station or grabbing water and stopping dead infront of me!! I always try to get out the way once I have my water and if I don't want water i run down the middle out the way.  

The miles are ticking by quite nicely; as ever the crowds are amazing and I am enjoying it more than usual due to be less obsessed with the time!  I was looking forward to tower bridge (12 miles) as that is always amazing and crowds 5 deep or more; it always feels effortless as the crowds carry you so it's like a free mile! However rather oddly that mile was the first one over 8mm; i put it down to there being an incline into the bridge or perhaps getting low on energy so I took my first gel - I was going to take it at around 10 miles but had bad stitch then forgot!

The next mile was back to sub 8mm so thoughts of sub 3.30 were still on although it would be tight.  I checked my watch at halfway and thought it said 1.43.30 which meant I didn't have much scope for fading which had already started happening to a small extent.  When I looked at the official splits halfway was actually 1.42.51 so not sure what was going out there.  

Paula Ratcliffe

I was now making a bit more effort as I wanted to see if I could get under 3.30 although I was still not pushing as hard as I could - it was too early for that.  Saw Phil again at 16 miles where I took the drinkn as I wanted the high5 zero.

At around 17 miles my left hip flexor became really tight ( I have recently been having problem with the right hip and glute so maybe that side got neglected when I was strengthening and stretching the other side).  I was in quite a lot of pain which probably slowed me a little.  I had some paracetamol on me but knew with all the runners around me I would have to walk or stop to get it out my belt as otherwise I would be bumping into people.  Whilst 3.30 was still on I didn't want to risk stopping so told myself once 3.30 was lost then I could have the paracetamol.  If I had a bigger cushion I probably would have got it too but it was tight.   

By around 20 miles the pain had eased to more of a background niggle.  Hit 20 in 2.38.xx and thought 52 mins for 10km sounded OK although in reality I didn't actually work out what pace I needed and it was still a long way so anything could happen.  Had my second gel in the hope it might give me a final boost!  I had also been drinking some of the lucosaide sport for some additional calories but as it was the orange flavour only managed a few mouthfuls each time!

By now people around me were slowing a lot or even walking and I was getting annoyed being stopping dead infront or by getting blocked on the narrow bits.  I was having to look ahead quite a lot and pick out my route around people; it must have been far worse for people going faster than me because although I was overtaking a lot of people I was still being overtaken by some (see bottom right of picture) I don't remember it being this bad the last couple of years but maybe because I was 15 mins ahead so it was a bit quieter.  It made me think that planning to run a negative split at london is probably not the best idea as you will be going against the masses; running at the same pace as those around is much easier and conserves energy compared to constantly dodging!

 

At the 23 mile marker I got my maths a bit wrong as I looked at the time and worked out how long to do the last 5km and thought it was in the bag until I realised that 23 miles was 5km + 0.1 miles!! I had pretty much forgotton the hip flexor by now and was focusing on running hard to ensure I got sub 3.30 but I was not going into that top 5th gear unless I really needed to so waited decide to wait until 25 miles to do a final assssement.

3.17.xx which meant I could do 10mm to the end.  This was a didn't seem right then I realised that was the 40km time.  The 25 mile seemed to take quite a while to come but it still looked OK for 3.30. This didn't mean I stopped trying but rather i didn't need to push it up a gear.  It always feels good to finish a marathon strong and to be passing lots of people.  800m to go seemed to take so long to come that I thought I had mised it!  I checked my watch again just to make sure I was OK!! That last 200m is always amazing when you finish strong as the crowds are going wild.  I have done london where i above been dying at the end and have hated it but that was not the case this year.

Was happy to finish in 3.28.29 which whilst far from my best is about the best I could have expected.

It was nice to get a choice of T shirt size this year.  I got my bag from one of the early lorries then it seemed a long walk to get out of the runnners area.  Again being that bit slower had its disadvantages as it seemed a lot busier and people were walking so so slow!!!  Made my way to the Macmillan recovery centre - you can sponsor me here https://www.justgiving.com/helen-james23/ where I met up with Phil had a massage some food and was able to get changed.  The advantage of doing lots of marathons is that the legs hurt less.  On the walk back to the train station quite a few people commented on how I didn't look like I and run as I was walking normally!

Crawley 6 hour track race

This was a bit of a last minute decision! I didn't originally enter as it was the week before London so I wanted an easy weekend. However, a few weeks ago whilst on holiday,  I realised that I wasn't in anywhere near PB marathon shape so there was no need to be resting the weekend before; I might as well do a race!

The previous Sunday I did 'A Coventry Way 40' which is a 40 mile run/walk around the outside of Coventry so I was not especially rested before Crawley although I did have a rest day on Friday (the day before) which usually makes quite a big difference.

Three years ago i covered 41.3 miles so my obvious goal was to better this but I wasn't confident given that I had not tapered and have not been running that well lately.  I needed 2.10 per lap but was just going to see how I felt and not push to hit that pace but if I was going faster than 2 min laps I would slow down as I knew that would be far to fast.  The best ultra runners seem to manage even splits, even in 24 hour races but I am no good at that - I find it hard to slow myself down at the start.

As this was not a target race I decided to risk wearing my skechers Gorun3 which are a racer; I love these but have not worn them for this distance before (good choice, no blisters or foot issues).

Skechers Gorun3

The early laps were in the region of 2.05 and feeling comfortable.  A little faster than PB pace but not so much faster as to be a disaster later! At the end of each hour the lap sheets are taken from the lap counters; our distances calculated then put on a leaderboard.  I had a dream goal of 42 miles which was 7 miles an hour so that is what I was looking out for.   I was just under 7 miles on the leaderboard but that only counts full laps, I had actually done most of the next lap before the full hour was up so had managed 7 in an hour. 

I have got into a routine for marathons where I don't drink anything/very little for 2 hours before the race and the first hour of the race.  I can then make it through without needing the toilet! I think this is OK for marathons but for longer is perhaps not such a good idea to get so dehydrated yet I still do it because I forget to drink.  I didn't have my first drink until about 90mins into the race and shortly after had first gel.  I think the problem with 6 hour races is that I treat them a bit like a marathon (i.e. not much fluid or fuel) because they are still quite intense but the distance covered it a lot longer than a marathon so more care needs to be taken of nutrition and hydration.

Another issue on the hydration front is that normally I have my husband handing me drinks and filling my bottles so I will grab a bottle, run with it a few laps then hand it back therefore drip feeding myself fluids.  I had no crew so had a couple of donut bottles which are easy to run with but then it was the 500ml water bottles which are not so easy.  I would delay getting one and then when I did so as not to waste time (which in reality was a few seconds going off track bending down to put it back) would drink my bottle quite quickly to get rid of it so I wasn't carrying it.  This resulting in getting stitch and having a horrible sloshing in my stomach for quite a lot of the race.  Also, due to dehydrating myself early on I constantly felt thirsty yet at the same time couldn't drink more than I did as my stomach was full of fluids.

So, back to the race! At the end of hour 2 I was on 14.x so quite happy with that although I was feeling like I was having to work a bit harder now.  I found the next hour (2-3) quite hard as it was not yet halfway so it still felt a long time to go yet I was getting tired.  Its often the same miles 11-12 of a marathon where the fatigue is setting in yet you feel like its still a long way to go. Infact I find this to be the case in a lot of races at the just before halfway point!

My lap paces were getting slightly slower but not too much so I hit 3 hours on 21 miles but not feeling confident of keeping it up although I knew I was not giving it everything and that last time I was able to pick the pace up at the end so I was still hopeful of a PB and possible 42 miles. 

The 4th and 5th hour were really about just sitting in there ticking off the laps and trying to keep the effort level comfortable.  Rachel was doing a great job of lap counting - calling out my laps every 10.  It was quite warm and also windy; the thing I wanted most was a cold can of coke - another disadvantage of not having crew! I don't know why I didn't pack any coke! I spotted Traviss walking around with a can which he said was caffeine free but said it was cold, had it been caffeine I might have swiped it and made him chase me for it!! I spent a while dreaming of cold coke, the best I could manage was luke warm chocolate soya milk - it is not easy taking the straw out the cellophane and sticking it in the top of the carton whilst you are running around a track!

At the end of hour 4 I was a little below 28 miles.  I hadn't given up on the target but I knew I was slowing more now so it was unlikely.

I think there was a flaw in my nutrition plan! I should have planned things out better.  I would think to myself, best have some electrolytes so would have some high5 drink then I would think need some calories but my stomach was full of fluid so I couldn't then have the choc soya milk for a while and would have to have a gel.  I only had 4 gels as I had brought solid food as well but when I tried eating a jelly baby I couldn't get it down as I was running too hard to get the solids in.  What I should have done is brought electrolytes as tablets so I wouldn't need to drink high5 but could then drink more soya milk for the calories.  Also some marzipan as that melts in the mouth or baby food sachets - I take both of these to 24 hour races.  I am not sure if I would want many more than 4 gels in a race! 

By the end of hour 5 I had done 34.5 miles so was not going to get to 42 miles but maybe I could still get a PB.  My stomach was not happy so I wasn't really wanting to push hard just yet; I just kept churning out the laps hoping what I was doing would be enough as I didn't really want to go into 5th gear!!

I wasn't sure how many laps I needed so was going by my Garmin which I knew was half a mile long at marathon distance (105.5 laps) so guessed it would be just under a mile long by now.  Usually in 6/12 hour races i will make an effort for the last 10-15 mins to get in as much extra distance as possible but I really didn't feel like it because of my stomach and as my Garmin suggested I might get a PB there didn't seem to be any need.  

It would seem that my Garmin gained a lot more extra distacne in the second half as final distance was 42.3 which equated to just under 41 miles.  I finished 3/4 way round a lap, had i completed the lap (to make 165 laps) that would have been just over 41 miles.  Am slightly annoyed at myself for missing that as I know I could have found that extra distance with 10-15 min to go.   Happy to be 1st lady and 1st 100 club runner so got a trophy and a bottle.

Total fuel/food

2 cartons chocolate soya milk (minus some which I got down myself!)

4 gels (2 caffeine)

1 jelly baby

1 L water

1.3 L high 5 caffeine