Put your boys back in the barracks!

Logistics in the household are always slightly strained on Tuesday evenings and tonight was no different such that the Delightful Mrs S volunteered to drive me to my second club as she needed the car and knew that I really wanted to run with them at the annual "Chevening Run" a brilliant 12.5 mile (~21km) trail run from Orpington and down the scarp to Chevening on the North Downs then back again.....ending with a very cold cider in the pub.

In a mad panic trying to find my kit I chucked on a shirt, a pair of shorts and my Monkey Feet but then remembered tradition dictated that I had to where my Union Flag Shorts. The weather being hot I didn't fancy wearing lycra shorts under them so decided to cut the exposed elastic out of the inner pant (which is ripped). Happy with my quick DIY job on the shorts I jumped into the car and we drove off.

As we drove off Mrs S pointed down to my waist area and said "The boys need to be back in their barracks!" and looking down I found I was exposing just a little too much of my privates which were happily lying on the car seat! Time to be careful, especially whilst clambering over stiles

Weather was hot this evening, in fact perfect for running over the downs with 50 or so other runners but I have realised that I am probably not totally recovered from GUCR quite yet finding it hard going on the up hills preferring to take it gently and walk in parts to prevent strains or unnecessary injuries.

Then to return back to the start watching a beautiful sunset over the North Downs Way to finish off for an unexpected [very] cold cider in the pub, perfect.

I name this race

There are many things I have been called in my life but there are very few [read as none] where I have had something named after me.....yes ME!

Some of my Dear Readers will remember my escapades in Hanover when the amazing Christian Hottas completed his 2000^th marathon and I was there to witness along with other runners from around the world.

Well Christian continues his onslaught with marathons and ultras being completed at a rate of 2-3 a week and then I spy something strange....

M/U # 2016 – Hamburg (Teichwiesen) – Jeremy Smallwood Marathon am 12.06.2013 

(link to blog here)

What's this "The Jeremy Smallwood Marathon?" surely not but the date confirmed it, Christian had created a marathon to commemorate my birthday and I am proud to say that there were three competitors and there was a winner.

Awesome...so what is you claim to fame Dear Reader?

When running through...

...fields of wild buttercups and giant daisies wearing Monkey Feet a.k.a. Vibram TrekSports you have to accept that your toes will become adorned with said flowers!

This picture was taken from the internet but it was getting a little silly at one point as it looked just like this.

...and then as I ran through a field of mown grass I likened them to a camouflaged sniper running with half a bail of hay on each Monkey Foot.

All very silly today

Monkeys, Cats and cakes

I had a plan last night to go for a night run recce but finding no takers I decided to call it off preferring the comfort of the sofa and the television. I was pleased however to hear that my mate Liz was up for a run on Sunday morning, I am often amused by my running friends as they often "grumble" that when they go running with me I always seem to add extra miles to the end of it, normally about 10%. The initial messages went:

 

Liz: "Early doors say 6.30 - 7. Need to get decent miles in but slow pace."

Me: "Suits me, can I pick you up at 6.45am very sedate, you call the mileage."

Liz: "14 ish, you okay to plan route."

Me: "Wow 14, can do that and will plan route now, see you then." 

Liz: "If too optimistic maybe go for 10 with option to add in? See you in morning."

I must add that I said "Wow" because I was pleased Liz had kept her miles up 

So now I am really confused as I know Liz of old that when she says 14, she really means 16 and if she says 10 she really means 12 because she knows I sometimes add miles so chose to make it about 13 miles and call it safe and then add a little loop if we needed it.

Cats and Monkeys

Elmer

Today there was a definite theme going through the run....cats and animals in general. Liz and I are best described as "Cat People" the sort of people that when we retire we will have a house full of cats and have a slight smell of cat pee about us when we are in the shops buying food for them. So as we set off at the agreed "slow pace" and after the usual chatter about holidays and running the subject of cats came up as it normally does but then we found ourselves passing an animal sanctuary which saw us stop and lean on a fence laughing at the antics of the goats therein and then the promise of a trip to the local cat sanctuary where I wanted to see if my old mate Elmer lived. So making a small detour we found ourselves leaning on another fence surrounded by santuary cats all suspicious of the new lycra clad entertainment.

Then after a few minutes we moved off, this time with the important intention of getting a coffee and cake at the famous Cake... shop where we managed to get in before official opening time and have a well deserved rest after about 13 miles of running (and resting on gateposts).

The last mile or so was very sedate as our breakfast slopped about inside but we were happy with the relaxed run and the opportunity to catch up on the news

Feeling down

 The last few days I have felt really down and emotionless, I have been asked whether it is a downer from the GUCR but I don't think it is. In these moods I become introspective, mind spinning over and over, sleep disturbed and not suffering fools gladly. My stubbed toe has not helped seeing me limping around the place and then having to pull out of Sweeping duties at the South Downs Way 100...35 miles is just too much for a swollen foot. It is times like this that strangely I become more creative possibly my mind trying to find an escape and my need to latch onto something as a distraction but in danger of becoming obsessive.

This week saw me totally frustrated by the purchase of an extremely expensive mapping system at work that whilst powerful was very slow such that it could extend a call centre's phone call by 4 minutes. I decided that in my morose mood to prove I could build an alternative using Open Source data (read as free)  and my IT skills...I did and if implemented could save thousands of pounds over a year. I should be excited but I am not. 

Plan is to run on Saturday at some point, in fact I may go for a night run recce just to escape.

Stubbed Toe

The opportunity of going out with the running club was calling to me on Tuesday evening and so armed with my Monkey feet I charged through the woods to the club. Still be very cautious about my speed at the moment I chose a reasonably paced group that promised to go mainly off road around the usual paths of the local woods and nature reserve.

I am not a great lover of pack running with a lot of inexperienced runners so I positioned myself near the front so I could get a good view of the path and to keep away from runners who have a habit of getting too close. Then it happened:

STUMP

 and I felt myself stumble when my big toe stubbed a massive root which was obscured by another runner who did not call it through. Eye watering stuff as I continued on for the next 6.5 miles grumbling to anyone who was in earshot that I thought I had hurt my toe quite  badly.

Looking at it today, it is swollen, bright red and hurts when I walk on it after sitting down for a while, I am not a happy bunny as it looks like my run will be off on Saturday if this does not clear up soon as I don't fancy 50-60kms with a bruised toe....ggrrrrr

Monkey Run x 2

Tonight's run was always going to be a special one as it was going to be when two Monkey Feet runners joined up for a gentle run in the sunshine. For tonight Duncan (a.k.a Bhundu ) had planned a 6 mile run both wearing our Vibrams, I planned to run totally minimalist with just shorts, shirt and MFs, no GPS, watch or phone. So at the allotted time I ran up the road and as I turned into Duncan's road I was amused to see that he was waiting at the end of his garden path with his 3 boys all running around him all in bare feet....it transpires they were all waiting for his wife to return from the shops.

Then it occurred to me there were 5 of us in bare feet (well 2 of us in Vibrams) and I have had to now work out the collective noun for Monkeys, Troop, cartload, mission, tribe or my favourite as we were going off road was a Wilderness. Waving our farewells we jogged up the road, the two boys leading the way and I am still amazed that they were going at quite a pace and unphased by the concrete pavement beneath them...incredible.

Turning the boys back the two of us went for our usual style of choosing a path at will with no plan only that Duncan was not to do more than 6 miles as he was recovering from his knee injury but we tried our best to keep off the road as best as possible and were even seen "trespassing" through a livery stables to get back on track when we found our route blocked by chest height stinging nettles. Then it was out in to the nature reserve and across to our local woods.

I love this style of running...just go for it and see what comes out at the other end, calling out we had done 4.5 miles we pointed ourselves in the direction of home and were amazed that as we turned onto Duncan's path we had run 5.9 miles...true to our word that no more than 6.

Great run, thanks Duncan.

What a drag!

A window of opportunity arose in the Smallwood household, a Twilight Zone, a down time when everyone is absorbed in their own little world. This is the time when I can disappear for an hour and sometimes they don't even know I have gone.

So Monkey Feet on and just a pair of shorts and a shirt ( I am still using Injinji liners due to the sore toe) I went for a cheeky little run but soon found myself dragging my sorry arse up the first hill...this did not bode well showing I haven't quite recovered. I used this as an excuse to drop by my barefoot pal, Duncan, to catch up on some news and then left feeling a bit better about myself such I changed my plans and decided to get in to the local woods and enjoy the shade of the trees.

Phew, I felt better now and in the shade began to enjoy my run and felt as though I was no longer dragging myself around. What was very noticeable in the woods today was the overpowering scent of garlic which grows in large patches at various parts of the wood but today it was almost heady, all invading.

Back home I have come to realise that I am being sensible and should keep it that way until my legs and body catch up which should be a few more days so will keep the mileage down to hobby running levels for the time being.

Dumbo's Magic Feather

Dumbo's Story (in part)

After a failed attempt as an acrobat in the circus the ring master makes him a clown falling into vats of pie filling which you would agree is not the job of an aspiring flying elephant and such Dumbo is miserable. To cheer him up, Timothy Q Mouse takes him to visit his mother but on their return journey Dumbo starts to cry and gets the hiccups. Timothy Q takes him for a drink of water from a bucket which, unknown to them, has accidentally had a bottle of champagne knocked into it. As a result, Dumbo and Timothy both become drunk and see hallucinations of pink elephants.

The next morning, Dumbo and Timothy wake up in a tree. Timothy wonders how they got up in the tree, and concludes that Dumbo flew up there using his large ears as wings. With the help of a group of crows, Timothy is able to get Dumbo to fly again, using a psychological trick of a "magic feather" to boost his confidence.

And to tonight's run

I was desperate for a run tonight and against all standing opinion and my better judgement threw caution to the wind and decided to go minimalist, after all their last run out was 2 weeks ago. I say minimalist if you accept a pair of Injinji liner socks with the addition of two sticking plasters (to protect my little pinkies) is minimalist but I think you can forgive me just for tonight.

I had no intentions of being stupid, this run was for my head not my body and I just wanted to enjoy the freedom of the woods in the early evening away from the humdrum of city life. No pressure, gentle jog, that is until I saw two runners ahead of me....then the runner in me came out....Gotta catch 'em, gotta catch 'em... but as I closed in I realised it was Donna (from the club) and her husband Alan, I relaxed as now we could run together for a few miles and just enjoy the evening for a few miles.

Secretly, Donna is a good runner, she just doesn't realise it....I think it is a confidence thing so I think it rather poignant tonight that I found a lone feather on the woodland floor and handed it to her telling her it was "Dumbo's Feather"......the intention was there [Then I realised I had used an elephant comparison metaphor to a woman in front of her husband, but I know they enjoyed seeing me squirm as I dug myself out of a hole :-)]

Donna's Magic Feather

I am assured by Donna that it did in fact speed her up...there, I proved it, Magic Feathers boost your confidence

Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;

Or close the wall up with our English dead.

In peace there's nothing so becomes a man

As modest stillness and humility:

But when the blast of war blows in our ears,

Then imitate the action of the tiger;

Stiffen the sinews summon up the blood,

Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;

Apologies for the Shakespeare Dear Reader but I have this singing through my head all this morning after I made the brave (or foolish depending on your viewpoint) to enter the Winter 100 2013 which has this tag line:

 "100 mile winter trail run taking in the Ridgeway and Thames Path National trails. Race comprised of 4 x 25 mile out and back spurs. Total Climb: 3,840ft. Date: 30th November 2013."

As some of you know I was the Sweeper at the Winter 100 in 2012 and thoroughly loved it due to its extreme nature with horizontal rain, wind and mud. I just did about 45 miles of it at night but I am totally up to doing the full course this year. Something to aim for methinks

 Henry V Act 3 Scene 1

Monkey Feet Magic

I had made a promise to the Delightful Mrs S that after my rather self-indulgent weekends of late to crack on with domestic projects and shift my concentration away from the trail. So like any husband I choose my battles wisely and happily went about ripping out some old skirting boards, some remedial plastering and began to cut new boards for attachment.

Whilst doing the works my mind wandered off to the possibility of a short run on Sunday and looked forward to getting the Monkey Feet out for an airing as they would be less pressure on my sore little toes which had blood-blistered at the GUCR last week but were drying out nicely. My crouching and clambering told me that although a little still they would probably hold out for a run.

So this evening I thought I better check my theory out and so putting on my new Injinji liners I then put on my Monkey Feet and tried them out in the garden.....hhhmmmm not great but they would be OK for a short run. So returning to the house I sat down pulled my Monkey Feet off and then YANKED my socks off.....

As if my Monkey Magic I looked down at my little toe of my left foot and noticed it was just a little pinker than usual and then saw that the toenail had come clean off....gone, departed, quit. Fishing around my sock I found it, dry as a bone and my toe just fine......and there was me thinking it was Monkey Magic. I may try it on the right toe now and see if it happens again.

Grand Union Canal Run (2013) - Race Report

Wow, what can I say, an unbelievable weekend, one that held so many emotions both high and low. I don't know how to start this race report so I think I will just start writing and see what comes out at the end. Just remember that this is a weekend event so get yourself comfortable and get a flavour of the GUCR weekend as it is not just about the running, it is the irrepressible camaraderie and loyalty of not just the runners but the support crews and race staff...just amazing and just looking back at it makes me feel emotional. Individuals from all walks of life meeting to do one thing...get to the other end of the Grand Union Canal.

"I have no expectations, minor goals yes, 

what they are, are for me and me only"

Friday Evening

Meeting up with David in Euston on Friday afternoon our first job was to buy lunch and with a enough food to feed the whole train we boarded for our leisurely 2 hour journey in first class (I had managed to negotiate a very cheap deal) to Birmingham New Street. I was so pleased we had got the luxury of First Class as we had power to charge my Gamin (which I never used), the ability to stretch out & relax and a table to put out the maps and really focus on some minor details.

Arriving in Birmingham David and I departed to our respective hotels about 100 metres apart but planned to meet up at the Travelodge (where I was staying) for check in and to meet up with the other runners. I was staying in Travelodge, not the choice of many but it is cheap and if you can bear the noise of late night revelers it is clean and functional.

Registration was brilliant, quick and easy, check in, have a long and industrious chat with all that turned up and arrange to meet at O'Neills pub across the road. Having eaten a lot at lunchtime I chose to do some last minute shopping and then go for a walk with David along the first mile of the canal just to get a feel of its pulse again. After that it was back to the pub for laughter, conversation, food and a couple of pints of cider before an early night.

The Day of the Race

Saturday

I was amazed that I had 7 hours of sleep and only awoke twice when a few drunks shouted down the corridor and with my picnic breakfast safely delivered to my door I went about the final kit checks and preparation before leaving for Gas Street. As I turned the corner I was pleased to see a sea of nervous runners mingling around having a warm drink or queuing at the backs of vans to place kit bags on to turn again to join in last minute planning with race crews and runners alike.

I am often known for my extrovert character but today I felt leveled and calm but whilst enjoying a joke or two was very focused on my race, mentally feeling tough I was feeling very independent and business like.

Called to the start at 5.50 am we had a safety briefing and then at 6.00 am on the dot we were sent on our way some running, most of us walking to the first tunnel. I am not even sure where I was after 100 metres, I cared not a jot as I fixed my pace to be very sedate planning to run at an average 5 mph (8kph) speed was not the essence, consistent pace was and as long as I kept my heart rate down I was to crack this baby. The weather had promised to be warm later but all of us had jackets, hats and gloves to keep the warmth in 

To Catherine de Barnes Bridge (10.7 mile) - Checkpoint 1

At CP1

The journey so far was good with a lot of runners in sight both in front and behind my temptation to pick up the pace was always in the forefront of my mind and it was important tell myself ever so often to come down a gear....always come down a gear and it with great pleasure that I looked down at my watch as I passed through at 8.09 am an absolute perfectly paced 5 mph.

Stocking up with some calories in the form of chew bars and peanuts I topped up my water bottle  ditched my hat, gloves and jacket and went on my way even at this point the day was heating up.

"I had set myself minor and major targets either time, a location or a distance. 

You can't think of the race as 145 miles, that would send you mad"

To Hatton Locks (20.4 miles) - Checkpoint 2

This section of the course is unusual as you have to leave the comfort of the towpath and go over the Shrewley Tunnel, a very minor target but it is good to get some goals out of the way early. My mind kept going back to last year when this section was horrible, it was wet, miserable but I was running with other. Today was the complete opposite, dry, warm but cool in the shadows of the trees and I was alone, I was really  happy and was under no pressure at all.

My morning's major target was the little cafe at Hatton Locks just before checkpoint 2, all I wanted was a can of Coca Cola and some hot food for breakfast. Passers by called and whooped as I passed which went quiet as I ducked into the cafe to return with my hands full and now caught on camera with a guilty look on my face. As I got to the curtilage I saw some familiar faces in the form of Allan and Paul who looked all set up for breakfast in the sun. Poor Allan then got a full brain dump from me with me grumbling about a passerby which made me feel better and I traipsed off to the CP for some preventative foot care, a cup of coffee and snacks. I was feeling OK 

To Birdingbury Bridge (36 miles) - Checkpoint 3

I am aware at around now things just merge a little, I am in it for the long run so there are periods of deep concentration, auto-pilot if you want, when running long sections. Whilst the surrounds were stimulating I often slip into these states popping the bubble from time to time if an interesting thing comes into focus. As time went on race crews would pop up at various road bridges and cheer me on or make a joke but these moments were fleeting but I ran on, chipping away at the distances and by now had been running continuously for nearly 6 hours and was beginning to feel a little hungry so it was good to see the CP where I had the chance to feed on cheese sandwiches, strawberry scones, coffee and biscuits. Here I checked my feet which felt  little sore caused by the frequent gravel paths but found them just to be moist from the ground so I covered them in talcum powder and filled my shoes with the same. I was soon told to bugger off by the staff and I moved off.

To Heart of England (53 miles) - Checkpoint 4

Let me not beat about the bush, this next section was a horrible one for me and being 17 miles long I had to have my whits about me, the humour and frenetic activity of the checkpoint now a distant memory as I went about the business of navigating 17 miles, the longest section yet and was pleased to see the turn at Napton Junction but the next 10 miles just dragged on but my mood picked up when I found a little shop open and I purchased another can of Coke and a Calypso ice lolly (popsicle) and had a hilarious time when a lady started cheering me on and telling me silly jokes to get me going. Her mad activity really picked me up and with the new injection of caffeine , sugar and iced cold fluid really gave me a renewed drive as I powered over the Braunston Tunnel seeing me overtake another runner on the down hill section and then the cross country path back to the tow path. Here I met a casual runner who asked to join me for a bit to chat about ultrarunning and was happy for him to do so just to have some interaction as I had not got 47 miles under me and feeling pretty good having just left a bad patch.

In the picture above you can see me crossing the lock at Norton Junction at 48 miles, spectators were tucking in to their pies and supping cool ciders as I stumbled over almost torture when you are tired but I was driven now and all I wanted to do was get to to the Heart of England as I knew that would be the last drive onto Navigation Bridge.

The Heart of England came and went with some hilarious banter from Henk who was offering a rides on the "Death Bus" the van that takes dropped runners to the nearest train station. It was hear I saw my first dropped runner who was casually vomiting in the bushes and in the short time I was there he must have heaved about 5 times. I crammed calories in, drank cups of Cola and shot off, now with my waterproof on, a hat in my bag and a headtorch in my pocket. We were going to enter a new phase of the race soon....the night.

"...my issue was on the forefoot which is unusual as I normally get bad heels, 

this must be down to my barefoot running..."

To Navigation Bridge (70.5 miles) - Checkpoint 5 

The journey continues, I was thriving, I was focused on the end and as chance would have it I came across Imke Siegerist, a lady I met in Hanover a few weeks ago and had lunch with her and got chatting again. This was to be my night time partner. I told Imke to be very positive at Navigation Bridge as I have seen many people pulled at this point if they appear to be hypothermic or suffering.

The evening light soon faded and we were now at power walking pace as the trail allowed us, Imke told me she had no intention of staying for too long at Navigation Bridge but as she was aware, I held no loyalty to her and she was welcome but if our paths crossed again we could travel together.

On arrival at the bridge I jumped into survival mode and had a set routine of clothing, kit packing and then hot food (comprising bacon quiche and baked beans) two cups of hot coffee and extra carb gels for quick energy. As I was feeling more hydrated now I ditched a bottle and left for the night finding that Imke had left some 10 minutes before me

"...Hallucinations were sporadic and fleeting but when I did see them 

they gave me a start but nothing like last year's continuous loop..."

To Fenny Stratford (84.5 miles) - Checkpoint 6

Compared to last year I was really on top of it, my feet, whilst sore, were OK and my mood good although if I be totally truthful was actually hoping to do the night section on my own as Imke did talk a lot and I needed time with my own thoughts. If I was to walk with her later then I hoped in part silence to concentrate on my own feelings as she was sounding negative. The good thing about this section also was that there was one bridge change at the start and after that the canal would be on our right the whole way for the next 14 miles allowing me to step forth without fear of getting lost.

I soon caught up with Imke and it was apparent now that she was limping slightly, my issue was on the forefoot which is unusual as I normally get bad heels, this must be down to my barefoot running. The conversation was sporadic but as I was feeling tired I asked if I could have some time in my own thoughts which Imke kindly agreed and we happily carried on together at a good pace silently through the night but ever so often pointing a strange thing or to check our position on the map ( I don't care about position as I rely on pace at these times). Hallucinations were sporadic and fleeting but when I did see them they gave me a start but nothing like last year's continuous loop. Whilst not as vivid as I have had in the past, they were still there in the background, a cat's face, a space rocket.

Cracking we eventually got to Fenny Stratford after almost losing hope that it would ever arrive as at this time of day and almost 24 hours on the trail the mind can play tricks on you where you think you see bridges that are not really there.

On arrival all I needed was a hot cup of coffee, some much needed food and the need for some human interaction but was soon off as breakfast awaited me 16 miles down the trail

To Grand Junction Arms (100 miles) - Checkpoint 7

This was an interesting section for me, this is the section that I had failed before within 7 miles and 12 miles, this was not going to be a repeat for me as I wanted to get through 100 miles on my own terms. I was really positive soon although I did note more negativity from Imke whom I felt was on her last section as her limp was becoming more pronounced. My speed was down to 3 mph or so but I was totally up for breaking my personal best distance. My mind was on Little Venice, calculating times, distances and being really up on the whole event.

The sun really started to show its wonder here as it rose above the hills around us to shine through this glorious mist in the valley and that rose from the water of the canal. Coming of the day brought new energy but with it the heat. 

I had now tuned Imke out of my journey for no other reason that I needed to focus on my own emotions and mindset. Up ahead I saw Tesco's in Linslade where I dropped before, I moved through this section fast my mind was on my breakfast and kept on going. I carried on, no way was I stopping and then at 92 miles, Imke called me back and told me she was pulling out, her feet were on fire and she was out of it. I made sure she got to the road for pick up, said my goodbyes and left...harsh as that, I was on my own and now I needed to get going. I had 8 miles to go which at my current pace was a long time but I picked up my pace and dug in......this was a long 8 miles and was feeling a bit down but then realised that I was powering through the 96 mile mark....my demons were being eaten away. Then from out of the blue, I saw a runner come in the opposite direction...Stuart Blofield. Stuart was on fire as he came to a halt, full of energy and noise such that it stimulated my tried, befuddled mind to drive me on to the Grand Junction Arms arriving at 10.00am

Breakfast in Tring

At this checkpoint I was pointed to a list of food that could be cooked fresh, I went for a bacon and fried egg sandwich, hot coffee, coca cola, biscuits and sweets. This sounds strange but this was the stuff my body craved and I was happy to give in. I was really buzzing now, really positive, I had 45 hours to go and if I kept to 3 mph I would still have 2 hours to spare for any problem moments. Bag packed with extra water, night kit (in case no bags at the next CP) however it was going to be a long day, in fact 7 hours to the next CP and I know it was going to be tough, but this was the GUCR and this hardship is to be expected.

"...staring out at me was a seriously angry owl..."

The end game

Leaving the 100 mile checkpoint after some much needed laughter and joking with Henk and Andrew I traipsed off, making notes where water taps were. People were awake now and the towns and villages more often so I was seen chatting to passers by who wanted to know what was going on. Some good natured, some disbelieving, others just plain rude. 

The bridges were steep on this section and I was now in completely new territory so I was now battling the map a little finding that the tiredness was getting to me as it kept me changing sides of the canal. Looking back at this it was pretty straightforward but when you are tired even the simplest tasks can become that much harder. The temperature and sun were well and truly up now and I yearned for some shade. At one point I wanted to have a pee and so looking both ways so as to not upset walkers I went to the side of the path and went to a bush. I heard a rustle and in the middle of my wee I looked down and said "Who are you?" for staring out at me was a seriously angry owl. I was freaked and shouted "Get lost..go on F&%k off" but still it stared, unblinking at me and then I moved my head to look at it again and it morphed and merged back into a bush..........I felt stupid, a horrifically lucid hallucination had just got the better of me!

Laughing at my stupidity I traipsed on, I was now happier than I had been, I had enough food, my feet a little sore but the pain manageable and I had just been able to blag some cold water from a nice family in their garden, I even had a chat to someone in Bourne End who knew of my aunt, I was really positive...........


..........and then I retched and then retched again, my stomach in a knot I started to dry vomit and sweat profusely.....AAAARRRGGHHH the symptoms of heat exhaustion. That was it, I called it a day. From feeling really positive to feel absolutely rubbish within 10 minutes but I am not stupid, there are risks and there are risks.

Thank you
Without wanting to sound too soppy, the GUCR is a gem of all ultras, the organisers, helpers, volunteers, crew members and most of all the competitors are absolutely fantastic. The camaraderie is unbelievable, supportive, friendly and respectful.

I am a little disappointed I didn't go the whole way but I was not going to risk illness but to get to 112 miles unsupported make me feel very proud, I have no regrets.

It doesn't always roar

“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.”

 Mary Anne Radmacher

Laughter, despair, hope, determination, pain, joy, angry, tired, frenetic. These are some of the words and feelings that went through my head and body on my latest GUCR event but alas the finisher's medal was not mine again this year but on my journey I managed a personal best distance of 112 miles which I am really proud of.

My race report will follow but it sometimes takes time to assimilate all the fantastic moments from start to end, I promise Dear Reader it will come soon

Say hello to Wortel

This evening I was looking forward to my last very, very sedate run with my running club before GUCR and such I left the house early to jog (not run) to the club meeting up with Robert along the way. The ground along the river was hardening nicely and moist a good omen for the weekend. 

Gathering together in the park awaiting the group calls I was surprised to hear people calling to me "Jerry, JERRY, Richard wants you!" my usual reaction is to bemoan "What have I done NOW?" but looking over I saw Richard had a big smile on his face and as I went over to him I was passed a carrot and a cheery good luck from the pack for my antics at the weekend. The carrot was obviously to help me see in the dark!

I can only say I was chuffed, such a simple gesture but one that means a lot to me as it is a form of recognition such that the carrot has been "named" and will now be my mascot for the GUCR.

So what name?

Asking the other runners in my new pack I got the usual "Fred, Craig or plain old Carrot" that is until someone suggest Wortel which transpires is Afrikaan for carrot......perfect he was named and tonight whilst my ciders cooled in the fridge a club vest was made (to comply with UKA and TRA requirements)

Watch this space...Wortel is going to have the journey of a lifetime this weekend!

GUCR Banter begins

What I LOVE about the ultra-fraternity is the build up to races and the inherent banter that takes place up to and leading to the race, this is no different this week.

Suddenly we are all on a taper and therefore more time on our hands it seems, photographs of kit being laid out, plans of one spectator/supporter navigating his boat down the Grand Union Canal to the 120 mile point to cook bacon sandwiches. Bad advice being thrown into the air for any mug to catch it or ignore it. Tales of duct taped knees to skin peeling off feet does not quell the fun and excitement. Pictures of a kettle in a race pack (assuming I hope for the runner's support team) has made me laugh today.

Even today runners are celebrating 10 Marathons in 10 Days which has spurred me into thinking positive about the GUCR again and such my planning is up a gear and kit is being sifted. I am pleased to say that comparing it to last year it is almost exactly the same to a point of ridiculous apart from a  different coloured shirt.

I have been unwell over the past few days but hopefully a short run on Tuesday evening with the club will draw a line under the training ready for some more banter in the coming days

"How are you getting back from London?"

To more positive thoughts and to next weekend...the great Grand Union Canal Race. This race has got right under my skin and this year I am very positive about completing, I have had more consistent, steady training. Had the tough runs, the fun runs even taken my running back to basics with minimalist running and with it I feel happier and more content.

Plans afoot

Over the past few days a small pile has been getting bigger, sifted and sorted then made bigger, this is the great GUCR pile. Every time I see something I may need I place it on the pile, my union flag buff or I buy a disposable toothbrush, a pot of Vaseline or some socks even a sachet of suncream ....it just collects, out of the way so that if visitors arrive they cannot see it immediately.

I know that soon it will avalanche, refined and laid out  ready to be packed but most important are the bigger items, the railway ticket (First Class), the hotel reservation, the time to meet in the pub to share a pint with the competitors, timetables, hats, waterproofs all important items and thoughts all piled together. There is even a thought of putting in my Monkey Feet if I have foot problems just in case!!!

Distraction?

Absolutely Dear Reader, this takes my mind off the training, gives me positive reassurance and a little peace of mind. I am even enjoying the question from the Delightful Mrs S "How are you getting back from London?" That bit I haven't planned...that bit is for another day!

Taper starts

Thursday night is normally Monkey Feet Night and there were plans to go to the track this evening for a very gentle run but this time with running shoes.

I sat at my desk tapping away dully at the keyboard thinking the office was hot and I felt a bead of sweat on my brow...Spring at last I thought until I walked off to the station and the weirdest feeling came over me. Although I was walking in a straight line I felt I was actually traveling at an angle, almost drunk. I fell asleep on the train and then as I walked home I felt quite dizzy and have since then slept for about 1 hour this evening, I have a feeling I am going down with something.

The decision not go to the track was confirmed when my ankle started to hurt which is strange as this is the site of the bruise caused by me tripping over a traffic cone at the Hanover Marathon.

So dizziness, bruised ankle, still a bit miserable about my beloved Arthur and now the tapering has sent me slightly over the edge now. Let's get to the weekend and see how things are but putting it into perspective, the runs are not for training, they are just a run for fun and maintenance....he adds to the end trying to sound positive!

Definitely a Trial

As you all know the tag line for my blog is "The trials and tribulations of a long distance runner living in deepest, darkest Kent." and today was very much one of those trials.

Many of my Dearest Readers will know that apart from the Delight Mrs S and our Jezzarettes I have two great loves in my life, the first my cats and the second obviously my running. Sometimes the two loves interweave with a few pictures of my cats appearing in my blog getting involved with my running world.

At the weekend our beloved young cat, Arthur, returned home with a horrific injury to his tail after being run down by a car which we found today was inoperable and we made the very hard decision to have him put down. A young cat in the prime of his life cut off in such a horrible way. 

The Delightful Mrs S has been fantastic and despite her own grieving cut me loose for a run at the club to allow me to clear my head but I was only willing to run just 10km tonight, in a slow group of people I did not know very well just so I could be lost in my own thoughts, all passion for my beloved sport gone running just for its therapeutic rewards.

Indeed, it was a great release for 50 minutes, allowing me to get my mind off our beloved Arthur, visions of his horrific injury, the last kiss goodbye and his untimely burial in our garden under his favourite apple tree. My run held no real joy and at the end I realised that for most of the time we were running in torrential rain which had not phased me, the whinges and groans of the newer runners met with disinterest.

Tonight my run was a trial

Interloper

The venue, the Orpington Marafun, a mixture of runs and walks of varying distance that is run in my local area on behalf of charity and has become a regular meet for so many people in the running fraternity.

This video was linked in various places (and I have remorselessly published it here) to show members of my running club hammering up a hill until a certain character you may know appears out of nowhere at 2:24 mins and then again at 3:22 mins.....who could it be Dear Reader, who could it be?

Enjoy

PS Thanks Brian for letting me steal the link :-)

A run of two halves

So with the marathon plans scuppered I chose to run the half marathon in Orpington, Kent instead but with some clever negotiation with the Delightful Mrs S I was given a bigger window of opportunity so that I could run there and back making it a 34 km run instead of a 21km one....a nice compromise.

Planning to run in my Monkey Feet again I was a little worried that I might get a blister (from last weeks marathon) again as there was promise of heavy rain today but as if by chance I was just getting ready to leave home when the postman arrived and dropped a letter through the door from the Ultramarathon Running Store which contained my new Injinji Performance Liner socks, so ripping off my shoes I put them on with my Monkey Shoes over the top....perfect as they fitted much better beneath them than my Trail 2 Injinjis which are much better for trail shoes.

The Half Marathon

Not much to write home about my half marathon as it is around my local area on well trodden roads but it was fun to socialise and catch up on some news from my running friends. What was nice was friends from the running club were cruising the route in cars and popping up here or there or peeping their car horns or shout encouragement as they zoomed past.

By the end of the day I was to have 108 kilometres in my legs in 7 days and so had no intention (even if I was capable with tired legs) to race especially as GUCR is in two weeks but trotted off at a steady pace enjoying my own company but stopping to chat and share a joke when I saw friends until about the 15 kilometre mark when I heard someone cough behind me (apparently she had inhaled a blossom  petal!) and after asking if she was OK we struck up a conversation and I promised her we would get her into the Finish under 2 hours, I then felt our pace pick up as we attacked the field with new energy...we arrived in 1:56 hours, not great by my normal standards but pleasing with all the recent distances.

So, after a quick drink and a catch up with friends I left to run ~7km home feeling tired and very, very hungry, time for a little rest methinks.