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.