Double Tikka

Thought I'd better update the blog.

It's time for me to give something back to ultra running.  I've volunteered to help out at the WHW race and if accepted I look forward to seeing the event from the other side.

I've been doing Marcothon, mostly the minimum 3 miles but I'm not too concerned with the low mileage.  Marcothon gives runners a good mid winter base fitness, ready to step up the miles in January.  I've chosen a training programme leading up to the Double Cateran so the higher training starts on Saturday.

The DC 110, it's never far from my thoughts as this is going to be a tough challenge for me.  Thanks to Mike for uploading the Cateran times.  This allowed me to compare my three race times    in which my splits are remarkably consistent.  My average finish time is 12 hours, on that basis I only have a one hour buffer for the 13 hour first half cut off.  One hour is not a lot considering seven hours will be run in darkness.  So, with such a tight cut off I have two concerns - navigation and illumination.  Even after completing the  race three times, missing a turn is a worry.  Running any course in the opposite direction makes it seem completely different, and the lack of light will make it a lot harder.  Navigation I'll leave for another post.  This post is about illumination.

I've been planning a lighting system for the DC, it's crucial I get this right so I can run as if it's daylight and beat the 13 hour cut off.  Over the years I've always used the Petzl Tikka XP2 head torch, maybe not the most powerful head torch around but it's served me well on two WHW races.
The WHW race starts on a pretty good surface, there's also a couple of hundred runners helping to illuminate the track ahead until daylight breaks.  On Lairig Mor, towards the end of the race, tiredness creeps in where for me, illumination is not so important on the march to Fort William.

For the DC I realise this won't be good enough, so without spending a fortune on a new all singing and dancing head torch, I was going to continue with the XP2 and carry a powerful hand torch.
Then I had an idea, I own to two Petzl head torches so I put them both onto one head band. 

A six mile night run around local country roads, the testing ground for my new system.  These head torches have a diffuser, a sliding plastic lens spreads the light for close up illumination, leave it tucked away for a longer distance spot light.  I started the run with one on diffused and one on spot.
I thought this would be ideal, the way ahead lit up and also close in illuminated.  It didn't quite work out like that, mainly because the head torches were slightly askew on my head.  It was a good system but required a twist of the head to see either close in or further ahead.  I then diffused and adjusted both torches to give an extra wide illumination, this was a revelation.  Instead of being focused on one circle of light ahead, I could see wide across the road.  Wide light will be perfect for me on the Cateran so I can choose the best and clearest path on the difficult sections.  I'm still going to carry a powerful hand torch, one with an arm band which I can use to light up the trail ahead when required. 

The double head torch is not perfect, being mounted on a single head band, the extra weight meant the torches kept sliding down my forehead.  Hopefully, a third party central band should sort this out.        

That's illumination just about done, a future posting will be navigation, something I'm a complete novice at.

Abstain

If you abstain from something, you restrain yourself from consuming it. People usually abstain from things that are considered vices — like drinking alcohol, eating chocolate or running the West Highland Way Race.

So there we go, the first casualty of my 2014 plans, the race that has consumed me for the last 2 years.  I didn't put in my entry, it was a close call, right up to a few hours before entries closed.

It took the whole of November to decide and finally let the race go.  It wasn't an easy decision, my 2013 race was one of the best weekends of my life, running and spending time with my family.

There were three reasons for not entering -

First was my family and support - with the Double Cateran, an East to West Scotland challenge and the G24 requiring extensive support, it was unfair to expect the same commitment at the WHW race.

Second was recovery - yes, the WHW is only five weeks after the Double Cateran and I don't doubt my ability to at least complete both, but my major challenge next year is the East to West which would be less than five weeks after the WHW race.

Thirdly - I didn't want to take a place in a race which is over subscribed and requires a ballot. The WHW race requires complete commitment, something I don't think I could have done.  I didn't want to take the place from someone who might have been more focused than me.

I must admit, I was a bit jealous reading the Facebook posts of acceptance, but I pressed "Like" on every one of them and wish all race entrants the best on June the 21st.

I can still be involved of course, maybe 2014 is the time to give something back to ultra running, a time to support or help out.

I already have two Crystal Goblets and I'll be back in 2015 to make it three, three sounds much better than two.

So that's it, it's off my chest and now I can concentrate on the first major challenge of next year, the Double Cateran, I better start serious training.

 

Fraserburgh Half Marathon

My last race of the season, 2011 was the last time I ran this race, one of my favourites.  My PB to beat was 1.45 or there abouts (without checking historic results).  Although I intended to run this race, I left it till Tuesday before entering on line.  That left me with a bit of a dilemma.  How would I run this race, what strategy would I have and what pace to run.  I Googlised a half marathon pace chart and was dismayed to find a steady 8 minute mile pace was required to get close to my PB.

Why dismayed?  I'm not a fast runner, so Wednesday lunchtime I went out on my usual 3 mile route and tried to stick to 8 minute miling.  After the run I checked the stats, I managed an average of 7.36 minutes per mile but was absolutely done in!  The 8  per mile (or faster) required just didn't seem likely, particularly as my "training" has been a bit sporadic lately.

So, with a bottle of lucozade in one hand and smart phone in the other I found myself in Fraserburgh on a beautiful Sunday morning (this race always seems to hit good weather, despite being mid November) and unsure how to run it.

It's another great turn out, almost 300 runners line up for the start, then we are off.  It's difficult getting my pace from the start, I need to get off the path to pass slower runners.  The route takes runners into a housing scheme before heading into the countryside.  This is mostly a flat course with a couple of small inclines, a mixture of road, trail and disused railway line. 

Now, I'm afraid to say I was using two timing devices and I managed to mess them both up.  A basic GPS watch and Map My Run on the smart phone.  Unfortunately I forgot to stop both on crossing the finish line, not only that but something went wrong with the watch, I can't report my minutes per mile pace.  I was determined to hold on to 8 per mile, even if negative thoughts crept in half way round and wanted me to slow down.

There's a motorised para glider high in the blue sky, a great vantage point for watching the race.
I'm slowly passed by a runner but they are breathing fast and heavy.  I concentrate on striding out and breathing deep and slow, keeping up and eventually retaking the place.

I'm on the way back now, about 3 miles to go and struggling to keep up the pace.  I'm not looking at my watch but would be really happy if I managed to get under 1 hour 40.  Another runner slowly passes me before reaching the main road back into Fraseburgh but I have to let them go, I don't have the energy or breath to keep up.

Less than a mile to go now, I pass a couple of runners before turning into the park and see the finish line ahead.  I give it all before seeing the large timing clock on the line, 1 hour 44.  Och, I've missed my target but still get in under 1 hour 45, another PB (I think). 

I collect my medal and bag of goodies, usually there's a nice spread of food and beverage after the race but unfortunately I can't hang around and head home, pretty content with the performance.

Thanks to Fraserburgh Running Club for organising another great half marathon, one of the best races out there and deservedly so.

The Moon is My Friend

The clocks have changed.  We gained an hour but there is no advantage when daylight is taken from the evening and handed to the morning, particularly when I'm not running or training first thing.

Rake out the head torch then, it's not been used since the WHW race, still the same batteries but it seems bright enough.  Pack my gear for a Friday evening run after work.  I did toy with the idea of running home again but thought better of it.  Nothing would have been gained doing marathon distance with just over a week till the Fraserburgh half.

Park in Methlick, it's dark and deserted.  The car tells me 1 degree c.  It will be cold and I have no hat or gloves.  It's not long before I swap the sodium glow of civilisation for the pitch dark of woodland.
It takes a bit of time to adjust running in torch light again but there is something comforting about it.
My concentration is limited to the illuminated circle a few feet ahead.  I start to relax and unwind,  my mind thinks about races ahead and my plan for 2014.

The double Cateran, I know the route well and visualise running it in reverse, and wonder how it will be at night.  The moon is out tonight, lying on it's back but it's not lighting the way ahead, it's too low, just peaking through the tree branches on this frosty night, tantalising and mocking. 

On I run into the night, a steady rhythm of footsteps, breath steaming up the beam of light ahead.
Woodland creatures don't like me, every now and again scuttling noises can be heard as they flee from the thudding of my feet.

My mind wanders back to the task ahead, this is how it will be.  This is the kind of terrain I'll be running on the 16th of May.  But I would like some help, more help than the torches I will be carrying.  I've already checked the lunar cycle, my friend will be full, glowing on the 14th May and if the night is clear during the Cateran he'll show me the way.

Squirrel bridge, I love it here and stop to take in the silence and solitude.  The stars are bright above, there's not a sound.  My headtorch acts like a spotlight as I scan the river for Otters but there's none to be seen, all is still. 

I must be mad, I've entered a 110 mile race with a 13 hour cut off and 28 hour limit.  But I know I can do it, must do it.  I want to be part of this unique event, Scotlands first ultra over 100 miles.  To do it I must get some things done, and done right.  A right balance of winter training along with a build up of core strength.  Pace, the big one, I must get my pace right for these long distances I have planned for next year.

After squirrel bridge it gets a bit technical, up and down hill, slippery muddy sections and stream crossings.  I feel alive sprinting through the woods, frozen leaves crunching under foot.  There is a call far in the distance, a hoot.  It's a lonely sound, it penetrates my soul and makes me feel isolated and alone.  It's regular call is haunting and beautiful at the same time, I soak up the atmosphere.  A frosty star filled night, the moon on it's back and woodland wildlife, this is the pinnacle of running and I'm loving every minute of it.

The West Highland Way.  I have not entered it yet.  Note the word yet.  In my excitement of entering the double Cateran I didn't stop to think the WHW race is only 5 weeks after.  Normally I can do the Cateran and the WHW race but is the double Cateran a step too far?  Not only that but I have a challenge next year which I still hope to do.  Far East Scotland to Far West at the end of July.  Now I certainly don't want to burn myself out but the key to my challenge is high miles at a steady pace and I can't think of a better race to help me achieve the challenge than the WHW.  However, I must be realistic and I'm in two minds whether to enter the WHW race or not. I have until the end of November to decide.

The Ythan, I'm on the river bank section now.  I take care as the path is only feet from a drop into the icy water.  I can hear rapids well before they are reached then it's back to the quiet section, the Otter pool where I have completed the loop and head back to Methlick.

Stretching.  Along with core strength.  Two things I completely neglect but not any more.  I am now attending a friends fitness class twice a week, not only a fitness class but stretching based on yoga as well.  These classes were a shock to the system.  I couldn't believe how stiff my hamstrings and calf's were.  Also core strength, my core felt like a plate of jelly.  These classes are part of my plan to be fitter and in better shape for the challenges next year.

My friend is watching, lying back low and flickering through the trees.  I can see the village glow ahead and stride out, running far more confident in the torch light than when I set out.  I find a good balance of foot strike and breathing rhythm, I almost feel like I'm floating.  I leave the magical and mystical Braes O Gight, back to the streetlights for a walking warm down before driving home.

Happy winter training everyone.

The Great Pretender

TUESDAY. Time for another marathon run home from work, on the back of virtually zero training.
HURTING. After 5 miles lungs, back, pelvis and left knee start to complain.
EQUESTRIAN. Slow to a walk past a rider, my luminous WHW top might spook the horse.

DISSUADE. Brain is very negative about the whole idea and try's to chuck a spanner in the works.
EMBROIL. Spirit fights with brain and comes out on top, the run continues.
ENERGY. Has fled after thirteen miles, halfway home at Ellon. It's going to get tough.
RELENTLESS. The ultra shuffle has started on the incline out of Ellon.

RESIST. Phoning coach for a lift, I've decided on an evening marathon and it must be done.
UNWILLING. Body and brain don't want to do the miles and wants to stop, spirit drags them along.
NUTRITION. A double decker and lucozade sport is not sufficient.
NAUGHT. The amount of running up hills.
EXHAUSTED. I'm completely done in when I reach home.
RETURN. To regular running and a training program so I can be an ultra runner again.

Back to the Braes

It's been a while so thought I'd better do a post on where I'm at with ultra running, or rather, where I'm not.

My last descent run was three weeks ago, another coast run, this time off Aberdeen.  I intended doing a full report but never had the time so here are the pictures.

I parked at Garthdee and followed the river to the harbour.

It was a beautiful Saturday evening, perfect for a wee jaunt.

The path is easy to follow, sticking to the contours of the coastline all the way to cove.

Pass Girdle Ness lighthouse and the disused fog horn.

Drilling activity in the bay of Nigg.

The coastline from here is perfect for rock fishing, something I used to do back in the eighties.
I did pass some people fishing at some of the popular spots.


After Speyside my season was finished, just too busy to pencil any other races in.  The family did consider a visit to the G24 but the house scuppered that plan, with maintenance required at the well over that weekend.  It's amazing how much water is used until you don't have any, always reaching for a tap that's not supplying water.

As the title suggests, I'm back to the bonny Braes O Gight, my much photographed and visited training area.  Here are the latest shots and I intend posting more as the seasons change.

I'm hardly doing any running at the moment, DIY takes precedence at this time of year.  The result is weight gain and a loss of fitness.  I'm not too concerned just now, I think the body and mind needs a break now and again.  Hopefully I'll manage to do the Fraserburgh Half this year then it's time for Marcothon.

Sometimes, nearer the end of an ultra, I will ask myself questions, like - What the hell am I doing? and When am I going to give this crazy pastime up?  Each time I do briefly consider chucking it in, but at what cost?  As I've already said, weight and fitness would be an issue but there is something else I would miss and I can't quite put my finger on it.  Of course, there is the camaraderie, meeting fellow ultra runners at races and social events, but there is something I would miss deep inside, something gnawing away.  When asked by family, friends and colleagues why I ultra run my response is "you need to have something that scares you" but where and when do you draw the line?  Well for me it's not going to stop next year and I suppose that could be quite a selfish decision to make as I have decided to do even more.

Here are my plans for 2014, as long as I am accepted in any balloted races -

15th March - D33
26th April - Highland Fling
17th May - Cateran
21st June - WHW race
24th to 27th July - Kieth Insch to Ardnamurchan Point (a personal challenge)
23rd Aug? - Speyside
06th Sept? - G24

So there it is, the cats out of the bag.  Something to scare me.  I'm in the early planning stages of an East to West ultra run of Scotland,  I'll post the proposed route and details later.

Fields of Gold

Fifty percent of Scotlands whiskey distilleries are located in Speyside and it's easy to see why.  The bus slowly makes it's way through Fochabers then follows the river upstream. I really enjoy this trip, passing through fertile barley fields and forests on our way to Ballindalloch.  Now and then I get a tantalising glimpse of the Spey meandering it's way to the Moray Firth.   Steam rises up from the trees giving away the location of famous whiskey distilleries.  It's overcast but there's no sign of the light rain showers which are forecast for the day ahead.  The bus turns off onto a side road and drops us off at our destination, the start of the Speyside Ultra Marathon.

We have a piper which is a nice touch and adds to the atmosphere.  There is a small tent area where a few campers are folding their tents, I'm sure they don't mind the intrusion.  After the race briefing we make our way to the disused railway line for the 9 o'clock start.

I don't have any tactics this year and with only three long runs under my belt since the WHW race I quickly decide to do the same strategy as last years Speyside.  Ten minute miles for as long as I can but I don't feel as good as this time last year.  I have had PB's for all my ultras this year but I'm not confident beating my 2012 time today.

We're off along the track, a beautiful start to the race.  Bridges span ravines where streams make their way to the River. We pass fly fishermen, the Spey is famous for Salmon. This route passes a few distilleries with their distinct mashing aroma.  My GPS watch bleeps just under 9 minute miles, a bit quick for my plan today but I feel okay and continue at this pace.  I chat to a few runners who all seem to be running around 9 minutes per mile so I continue with this pace till the first checkpoint at Craigellachie.  It's not overly warm but I've been drinking a lot of water so a quick top up of the water bottle, drink two cups of water, grab my food and make my way to the uphill road section.

Cheese and pickle sandwiches, coke, a mars bar and skittles - sugar is playing a part once more for my running diet.  I force down the sandwich before the top if the road section, scoff the coke and pocket the sweets.  It's not long before there are more uphills on the way to Ben Aigen, there are a few runners on the uphills where I start my run 30 walk 30 strategy.  There is a steady runner behind me, making his way up without walking.  We leapfrog each other practically all the way to the top (and a few more times into the race) but his steady run means he reaches the top first.  The uphill takes a lot out of me but it's worth every step for the view out to the Moray Firth.

Jenni is marshaling on Ben Aigen, so it's a quick hello and a couple cups of water which is much appreciated.  I really like the next section, coming off the hill before hitting tarmac again.  I begin to feel empty on the road section, I can't stomach the mars bar and take a few skittles which doesn't help much.  There are a couple groups of runners behind who are catching.  A few pass me before I try and step up a bit and limit the damage, I don't want too many runners passing.

It's quite a long road section to the next checkpoint, a nice quiet back road where I can see runners way ahead.  I've run out of water and have a raging thirst, it's still 3 miles to the Fochabers checkpoint.
The Skittles in my pocket rattle to the rhythm of my run, annoying at first but it helps keep me going at a steady pace.  The water station can't come quick enough, I fill the water bottle and down it in a oner.
Refill the bottle and grab my food, if that's what you could call it.  Two bottles of coke (one gets scoffed straight away) a mars bar and more Skittles, sugar fuelled as usual.

Feeling spent, I make my way down to Fochabers and under the A96 bypass, this is where the wheels came off last year and I'm determined not to have a repeat.  It's a lovely stretch through the woods then alongside the river once more, one I'm familiar with.  the path cuts inland over open countryside before reaching Spey Bay.  Practically every marshal on this race offers water and it's no different here.  Another watering hole at Spey Bay then its time for the home straight.  The trail winds its way through woods before breaking out into a long straight in open countryside once more towards Portgordon, I can see Buckie in the distance.

The tide is in, so no seals here this year.  I'm passed by a runner on the seafront, she is a fellow Hoka runner.  I'm feeling drained now and practically write off beating my time from last year.  Not long to go, the race passes through Buckpool, the old Start / Finish point of the Speyside Way.  I want to crank it up a bit but have nothing left in the tank, just keep running steady through the streets.
The last 100 meters are a cruel uphill to the finish, up to Cluny Square and over the line.

Last years time - 6 hours 24 minutes 46 seconds.
This years time - 6 hours 22 minutes 51 seconds.

Another PB! Unexpected but welcome all the same, 2013 - the year of PB's.
The medal..... another Stags Head, one of the coolest out there.

Thanks to Sarah Louise Grigor and her team for yet another brilliant ultra, well organised and much appreciated I'll be back next year.