Written by Debbie Martin-Consani - http://debsonrunning.blogspot.fr

Arriving in Drymen.  Pic: Muriel Downie

Conic Hill.  Pic Josh Hewitson

I’m not really big on running with people during races, but I do enjoy brief exchanges.  I ran with Kristof from Poland for a few miles, just chatting through our plans for the year and bucket list of races.  By the time I hit the bottom of Conic Hill, I pushed on, looking forward to a fast hike and something to eat. 

Loch Lomond side. Pic Patricia Carvalho

Along Loch Lomond side, the views of the glistening water and hills beyond were breath-taking.  Talking to runners on the route who were enjoying their debut run on the WHW, made me feel so proud to be Scottish.  Although they should try it on a real Scottish day to get the true experience. 

Leaving Beinglas.  Pic Vicky Hart

Dropped by Cairn. Pic Graeme Hewitson

The old burds.  Pic Graeme Hewitson

Thanks to the best crew ever! xx Pics Ross Lawrie

Written by Jez Bragg - http://jezbragg.blogspot.fr

Start line (credit: Lao Yao / Vibram Hong Kong 100).

Frantic early pace (credit: Lao Yao / Vibram Hong Kong 100)

Pretty nice, huh? (credit: Lao Yao / Vibram Hong Kong 100)

One word: "Steps". (credit: Lao Yao / Vibram Hong Kong 100)

Not a bad backdrop for the final sections (credit: Jeanette Wang)

Finishing chute

Me moaning about - err - steps.

Written by Owain Thomas - http://www.ultrarunningmatelot.co.uk

For me this always has a special place in my running heart, it's sometimes difficult to explain why a 24 hour event would be that special especially when there are other great versions out there. However Hope24 is a little bit more than another 24 hour running event. Is it because it's not organised by a business or company? Is it because it's organised by one man who manages to seduce the running community in to help him create the event? There are many factors that could be considered but by being a small part of it, I understand why this small non profit charity event won 3 National Running Awards this year. Yes 3, it became the Best Trail Event (under 1000), Best New Event and was 3rd Best Charity event. 3rd, is fantastic when the winner was Race for Life an event that is national and has 100,000's of runners all over attend one of their events and Hope24 last year only had 450 ish in total. That alone shows you already why this has become a special event in the running calendar.

3 x National Running Awards

This year was no different when it came down to the effort put into setting up. The days before I along with a couple other local runners went down and helped Danny Slay set up the course and the arena, marking out a slightly modified route which is each is slightly different to the previous years to keep it fresh and keep those coming back wanting more. After walking setting up plenty of it, and later running it during the event I can tell you honestly, it was a stunningly tough course which was slightly tougher than the previous years.

Just setting it all up, the buzz we were having about the event was already showing between the 4 of us. By Friday morning, we had pretty much set up everything which previously we'd still be marking things out.

It all started to come together

After a few beers in the Friday evening catching up with friends and listening to the band laid on for entertainment I decided this year to sleep at home to try and get a good night sleep prior, however with my 5 year old son, this was but only a nice thought and I didn't get a sleep I wanted. I arrived early Saturday morning at the arena and wow! The place was heaving with runners and supporters. I knew we had more numbers this year but the atmosphere was electric. Bimbling around chatting to people and seeing others there were many nervous and excited people about. By now Colin and Elisabet Barnes (myRaceKit) who have been very supportive to me had arrived with their pop up shop. They love the event are big supporters of it. It was great to catch up with them and have a good natter, as I knew I'd not get a chance later on. These are two of the finest athletes and human beings I know and I know a lot of people take my word.

Myself with two of my favourite runners and friends Elisabet and Colin Barnes (MyRaceKit)

This year was also a first for Hope24 as they were hosting two children races a 2.4km run and a2.4 mile run depending on the age of the children. My son who's started to get the running bug big time and has already run a few parkruns now, weeks before decided he would actually like to run the race. So the 2.4km was his first official race. Despite only recovering well enough to go to school the day before from days of fever he still ran. Despite coming last it didn't matter, the atmosphere for him was electric. If you have ever seen an Iron Man event where the winner is high fiving everyone on both sides of the finishing straight, this was my boy. He was milking it big style and it made me a very proud dad I can tell you! I was even given the medal to present to him, trying not to well up was difficult but I managed it.

My son and wife before his race start. I was very proud.

Soon after all the runners from soloists to team relayers were gathered on the bank behind the race village for a group photo. It's mad that from the 1st year of just over 100 runners in a small group photo to around 600 runners which 200 were soloists were now gathering to do the same thing.

A quick thank you and race briefing was given by Danny and his partner in crime Pete Drummond (who like Danny is another ultra runner) as they prepare everyone for the start. Soon enough the runners took their place on the starting line, this that line was missing the two previous winners Richard Keefe (2014) and Matt Biscoe (2015 and course record holder 135 miles). They were however there in support of the event and the runners, like true gents.

I'm not going to go into too much of my own run as I don't feel the need to, I will briefly mention up until 15.5 hours and 10 laps (50 Miles) I was feeling fantastic but I had shredded the bottom of my feet (something I need to find out why) and I couldn't continue on, but I wasn't gutted just annoyed at my feet as I felt good for another 20/25 miles and I was mentally on my A game. I live to run another day.

Just before the start

The race started with the horn and clock started to tick down! As mentioned previously the course was definitely tougher, in the same distance covered in the 24 hours last year there was another 1000ft of climb in total I covered on 2015. The start took us around the arena where it was a slight decline until you reached the first bridge to cross. Low and behold one of the greatest marshals I have ever met and now I can say a good friend Captain Pink Beard himself Kevin Guild stood proudly. Every year he has stood there for the whole day, night and day supporting every runner who passes him by, offering support and even charging up phones so I hear this year. One thing this event does well and that is marshal! This year even more people came forward to help out which shows what sort of community event it has become.

Captain Pink Beard himself pic taken by himself

Turning right from Kevin took you straight up the first hill, which after a few laps felt it went on further than 1.5 miles. It wasn't steep but it wasn't a slightly incline! Once you reached Thomas (or Gordon the debate is still out on this one) the Tank you have a slight decline so a bit of a respite as you made your way to the next marshal point.

With the well known course landmark is it Thomas or Gordon?

Upon reaching these forever cheerful and motivating marshals which were rotated about throughout the 24 hours, you turned up another climb to the bluebell woods, this is a stunning section of the course. Eventually what went up must come down and we soon ran down a steep  technical decline. The route from the bottom then takes you along side the river towards the shooting ground, this year we didn't go through the shooting ground, but we went up the next steep climb which is around 2.5 miles in to the course, until you reach the marshals at the top again. Once you've caught your breath a nice downhill section before one more little climb. Just before you got to 3 miles you started the long downhill back towards the arena and this was a mixture of track and grass with the grass bits at a slight camber. Once over the bridge at the bottom you go back through the arena however as each lap you do you notice it is a very slight incline and you start to feel it each lap heading into the next section of woods, where you then greeted by another group of marshals who spent the entire 24hrs camped there, cheering everyone on, watering them, feeding them etc. I say group because they're made up of my wife, son and my in laws.

All the runners felt this every lap!

Their CP soon became known as "Disco Corner" and one of the runners favourite parts of the course, sometimes only second to the finish. My wife even came for a run with me around the next section which took you over a bridge up and zig zag incline and then down and around back to the CP. Little do people know how much my family put into this marshal point, with just a event shelter and wobble light provided, all the food, water, additional lighting, music, generator which ran the music and the wobble light (and fuel) as well as morale and support for the 24 hours. (Next year my wife has decided she wants to run the event for the first time so all this won't be provided by my family next year).

 From there you hankered left up up another small climb into another section of the woods which is new this year following a trail will took you above the arena, you could see all the lights and partying going on down below. Eventually you came down a grass bank and into the arena on to the finishing straight.

Disco Corner - created by my family

The whole atmosphere in the arena was out of this world, the supporters camping, around wood fires, drinking their wines cheering everyone on, the other runners supporting everyone in and around the course, is still something I have yet tried to find close to at other events.

Now let's look at other aspects of this event, the cost was £45 across the board for every runner, which makes it one of the cheapest endurance events out there and most definitely the cheapest 24 hour event in the UK currently. You get a nice tech t-shirt, a fantastic medal, some little bits of goodies and we had a bottle of beer at the end. Additionally you could buy a Hoodie and also a limited edition Hope24 Buff original (those who know me know I love my Buff's). Also in the entry you got to run a very beautiful tough well marked, well marshalled course with some amazing people!

Pete kept everyone going as MC all 24 hours with his music and commentary. The weather was hot during the day and Baltic during the night (cars were frozen solid and frost on the ground) and then red hot again once the sun was up. People were putting some of the best if not thee best performances of their lives in. Friends of mine were running further than they have ever run before and I truly think it was down to the event for helping them do so.

My boy and I with our medals

So far the event has raised over £12,000 for the charity Hope for Children which the charity themselves even had a team of 4 running. It's an event I have been looking forward too all year, and I am already waiting for the registration to open for next year as is many others. With a limit of 750 runners I would be very surprised if it doesn't reach it this year and it won't be long before some sort of waiting list or ballot would be needed as it's popularity rises. With this event and Mudcrew's Events down here in the South West we are starting to have some great races in this part of the world, which means those who do live locally finally do not have to travel to get to a great event. The fact people are willing to travel from the most northerly part of the UK as well as abroad shows that down here we put on some great events and long may it continue!

Sunday morning at Disco Corner with my in laws pic by agimages

So why not head over to the website and when registration opens, you enter one of the best events in the UK Hope24 Website

For me this event was about training, and until my feet issues everything went well, the kit I used from my sponsors X-Bionic UK and Sunwise worked for me very well in the day and night. I can't thank my sponsors enough, they continue to support my efforts and the kit they provide is the best. So despite me only running for 15.5 hours I still very pleased how things are going, and now starting to focus on my next race which is the Classic Quarter 44 in June.

Thanks for reading

Owain

Written by Owain Thomas - http://thematelotwhoruns.blogspot.co.uk

Brace yourself for this blog it may be a biggy!

For just about a year I have been eagerly waiting for a certain event to start. Last year I was involved in HOPE24 a new event in Plympton, Devon. I marshaled the event because I wasn't sure if I was going to be working or not so didn't enter. I got such a buzz from the whole thing, I wanted to run this year for sure! That is how it all began.

Having got to know Danny Slay the Race Organiser really well over the year since, I wanted to help him as much as I can. The event isn't a commercial one, it's proceeds go to charities and not his pocket. He doesn't have a team of paid staff that help him create what I would call something extraordinary. So as I found out I was not working around the event I offered my services over the two days prior to help set up the course and the arena.

Danny wanted to spice the course up a little from last year, so made some modifications, but the main one was having the runners run it in reverse to the year before. This making the big climbs much different as was the downhills descents. Only a handful of people knew this so the runners returning for another beasting were in for a surprise.

The course concept map (drawn by Matt Bisco, winner 2015)

Soon we were pretty much up and running and with runners starting to turn up to pitch their base camps for the event, I did so myself and making sure I had a prime spot in the Solo Camping area. Perk of helping with the course set up.

With my base camp set up on the Friday night, even though I only lived a couple of miles away literally I was going to camp that night as well, so I could catch up with friends coming down for the event before it all started. I hardly had anything to eat that day so when the Luff Bus a catering bus putting on food for the event (all through the night) turned up I had to sample some of it. Home made food is the best and that is what they provided in my honest opinion. I cracked open a couple of beers and sat down with Danny, Pete (Danny's sidekick) and a few others before finally turning myself in for the night and getting to sleep around 11.30pm ish.

My Base HQ I think the biggest tent on the campsite

9th May 2015 the day of the race, 4.30am and my body naturally woke up, be it through excitement or because that's what my body loves to do to me sometimes to annoy me I don't know but it wasn't the way I wanted to start the day for sure.

Just down the road was my local parkrun PlymValley where I run direct. This was starting at 9am and as HOPE24 wasn't starting until 12pm, it gave me ample of time to fit a timed 5k event in before hand. Another event to knock off from the 37 I am doing in total. So the idea was to run both events. Event 14 of 37. I ran the parkrun at a leisurely pace and end still whilst doing so helped a fairly new runner beat her 5k personal best. I didn't hang around or too long after the parkrun I had to get back and get my self prepped ready to go for running around a course for 24 hours.

I prepped my kit and my food/supplies I needed for the 24 hours and waited for my support crew (one of my best mates Craig) to arrive and for the start of the event. The atmosphere was starting to buzz, with Pete banging out the tunes and doing the announcements and the weather which was horrible first thing now sunny and warm, the place was now getting electric!

I was also very privileged to be given the bib number 001, mainly because I was first to register, but in most races this number is given to an elite runner. It felt special regardless of the real reason it was given to me. 

My support crew Craig

Event 15 of 37 Hope24 an 24 hour Endurance 5 ish mile off road lap event.

I was joined on the start line by my Brother in Law Paul who I entered into the event for his birthday present (I'm good like that HEHE!) He hasn't run much recently since the birth of his son, and has never run further than 12 miles! So he set him self a goal target of 35 miles as he though that was a sensible achievable target and I set my self a minimum of 50 miles. I set 50 because for some 24 hour events I have seen and read this is a minimum to be classed a finisher. Having been ill for almost 4 months and with the way training and other events have gone, this was a smart target for myself. I was on the road to recovery but not 100% recovered from whooping cough. I was about 95%-97% recovered. So Paul and myself had our goals. For me to get to mine I had to go through Paul's so I thought it'd be good to have company for ourselves so I decided to stay with him and get him to his goal, then I would only need a to do a few laps by myself to get to mine.

The Start (taken by Craig)

12pm Race starts as the hooter blows and now the party really starts! There are soloists and team relay runners setting off. The soloists all started and run the laps how they wanted. So if they wanted to smash out 8 laps before a break or do a lap then a break and repeat they could do so. The teams had 1 runner out on the course all the time, taking in turns. teams were made up of pairs, 3's, 5's and 8's.

So there will be around 170 out of the 460 odd entrants running around on the course pretty much all the time so me and Paul will never be out there by ourselves for very long time. Our first lap went well, with the plan of running the flats and down hills and walking the climbs to conserve energy, we soon smashed out two laps. We decided to have a good break after two laps and rested for about an hour. It was warm out there and I had caught the sun well! During the break Craig my support crew got me a coffee ready and got me any supplies I needed. This break was mainly snacks, I smashed in a banana which I dunked in Peanut Butter and some coconut water.  I also had some flat coke a cola on the go as well. Craig also adopted Paul under his wing as Paul had no support crew so now looked after us both.

My Mantra for this event ticking off laps as I went

 The laps are a tough 5 mile course, with two 300 odd ft of climb hills and descents. You start in the arena where there is constant support, music and just great atmosphere you go out and into the woods towards the shooting ground, where there were a group of marshals there. I say a group because it was my wife, son Gethin who had that area named after him after last years event "Gethin's Gate" and my in laws. They set up their motorhome, music, water station and just provided the morale us runners need throughout the day, night and back into day again.

From there you headed up the first stonking hill climb after you passed through the muddy trail. At night I was freaked out by orange eyes which happened to be deers as they hopped passed. Once you got to the top of the hill, through the blue bell meadows, then head back down and around until you hit "Gethin's Gate" and the ultra marshals once more. This no was the 2 mile point and you soon head back towards the arena.

The first climb pic doesn't show it very well (taken by Craig)

Bluebell meadow (taken by Craig)

 You approach the arena and the support goes mental once more as people you've never met are cheering you on. As a solo runner I seemed to get more support than I could've asked for. They had what appeared a little bit of respect for those braving out the solo attempts. Within half a mile later the lap soon took you over a bridge (where the noisy peacock lives) and to the second hill climb again of around 300ft of climb but this time the gradient was different. It was steep first then once at the top of the deer park then reduced into a long incline which felt after a few times never ending. It finished eventually when you got to Thomas the Tank Engine (a horse jumping obstacle). You knew then it was down hill all theway back to the arena. The down hill was a mix of off road track and a section of the only tarmac of the course. It was  a killer especially on the feet as they were pushed down the end of your shoes.

My self with Danny (Race Organiser) and Thomas

At the bottom you were greeted by another ultra marshal called Kevin. He was back for another year and the bridge by his marshal point was named after him. Again he was out there in the rain, sun, wind, and cold nights cheering, supporting and helping those that needed it. The guy is legendary! It's people like him and my family marshaling that make these events what they are.

Kevin Guild (Captain Pink Beard)

Once you've crossed the bridge you are back in the arena with about just under a 1/2 mile left to the start/finish point. You are led past all the supporters once more as they are camped around the arena and you finish your lap.

My elevation chart from the event almost 6,000 ft of climb in total

After my first couple of laps I took a 10 minute break and headed out once more. 3 laps were knocked off in good time, still running mostly with walking the inclines. After I nailed the 3rd lap I stopped for my first proper break. I took an hour, taking off my shoes and socks to let my feet breathe in hope to prevent swelling (this worked very well). I knew after marathon distance there was a good chance of blisters in parts of the feet I have had them in the past. So during this break I stuck some compeed on and started to vasoline my feet and toes up. I took on some snacks, wiped down my face from the salt crust that formed from the sweat during the heat of the day and soon got back out there for the 4th lap.

It wasn't long after 4th and into the 5th lap the sun started to set and Paul was into a territory he's never been before distance wise. Our chats were still going ok as we plodded away, but I started to feel cramp set in both my groin muscles. So my next big break I was getting a massage by Body Balance which were giving all the entrants massages throughout the 24 hours. Probably the most awkward massage I have ever had been it was needed and did the trick.

End of Lap 4(taken by Craig)

Night fell and head torches were on and runners were settling for night time running. Some chose to get some sleep (those who smashed out a good mileage before hand or were feeling a bit ill) some like myself and Paul carried on with out sleep. The relays were still going but some of the bigger teams are able to get a good break before their laps. I had a visit from Jonathan Cousins, a friend from work who timed it right to catch me as I was just about to get ready to go out again. This type of random support really does help a runners morale in an event like this.

The music was turned down a little but was still going on through the night, I was on a good break again before my first proper night lap. I took my shoes and socks off once more. I was planning on changing my shoes from trail to road for a bit of comfort althought the woods were muddy I could cope as long as it didn't rain. My bare feet were cold so I put my little gas heater on. I then in my tired state thought "ooo I could warm the bottom of my feet up" So I raised my feet towards the heater. Within a split second I realised not a good idea as I had compeed on my feet which soon melted to my skin! Action support crew! I tried to peel them off but it had caused blisters underneath and was also peeling the blisters. So Craig had to cut them off the best he could and I stuck some more over the top. Doh!!!

Finishing first lap of the night (taken by Craig)

 Good thing about this event was they allowed the odd support runner to come out and keep runners company, something some events don't allow. So Craig came out for the first night lap with us. By now though our running had started to really slow down, and walking came in. Paul's knee was in bits and with my feet in bits and lower back twinging every so often it was making life a little difficult.

As the night went into early morning the fog came in and soon it was like a scene from American Werewolf out on top of the second hill. I added an out layer to keep a little warm on the top of the hills which was just about right because I was little too warm in the sheltered areas in the woods.

During the breaks I took on more food, a couple breaks were long so had Spag Bol in a boil in a bag format. It was quick to cook and tasted ok. The food stayed down and seemed to do the trick. I also ate ready salted crisps to help add more salt in my intake. Coffee and cuppa soups were had and I also kept taking in the coconut water (natural isotonic). I was very pleased with the way my food and drink was going. I carried around in my Inov 8 Race Ultra Vest water in the bladder and two bottles filled with isotonic drink.

I was starting to feel a little sick on the hills now though, a bile type sickness. I kept it at bay drinking water as I went round but it was something I couldn't shift. I had learnt after the event I should've drunk milk!

By now I had got Paul through his 35 miles and now he was still going to keep me company to my target. We reached the 9th lap as morning broke and the fog was slowly going. As we hit the top of the second hill Paul turned to me and said "What the f*ck is going on with the trees? Are they moving?" "Don't be silly" I replied. I looked up and I too hallucinated seeing the trees do some weird shit! " Don't look at the trees! Don't look at the trees!" I said to Paul and focused on the track in front of me.

We finished the 9th Lap and had a good break. It was about 8am and I only had 1 lap to do by 12pm to hit my target. I could've fitted another 2 or 3 laps in but my mind was set on my target and with feeling sick on the hills my mind just didn't want to go up those hills more than I had to. I took a long break to recover trying not to fall asleep.

Craig was planning on keeping us company for the last lap but was really gagging to go. He was a nightmare because I know he wanted me to do more he knows I am capable of more. I also had my parents coming up as well, I wanted to wait to see them before I headed off too. This was the first time they have ever been to one of my running events and for them to see me finish this one was a really big morale boost.

10.30am came and I got up and went out! I saw my family marshaling before they packed up to see me and Paul finish. We made our way around the first half. Still runners praising our efforts as they passed us, just like they have done all through the event. Mutal respect was had by all.

We headed in to the arena towards the second and last hill climb. We past some some supporters who cheered me on. Then something myself and Paul heard really caught me by suprise and hurt me. "Walking solo is alright I suppose, it's easy" said one unknown supporter to another as I passed by. Tiredness kicked the emotions in and that upset me. I was already in bits what was the need for that?

It pissed me off, but it also drove me up that last hill. We eventually made our way back down past Thomas for the last time, and down the tarmac, I started to jog as I started to see Kevin at the bottom. I said thank you once more to Kevin and crossed the bridge into the arena.

I then thought I'll show those tossers, and picked up my pace. I said to Paul "Sorry, but I'll see you at the finish" and really started to sprint the last 1/2 mile. I was going for it. My back and feet were killing, I was holding back the tears. I was drained but I pushed and pushed all the way home!

I crossed the line, and collapsed. I gave it all. I was spent.

Spent!! (taken by Craig)

Me, my wife and son Gethin (taken by Craig)

 Not long after Paul who had also got into a run, crossed the line, and I gave him a hug. We had done it.

Me and Paul at the end (taken by Craig)

The Kit I used was X-Bionic Trick Top and Running Shorts, Sunwise Canary Wharf Glasses, Various pairs of shoes. I also tried out Black Diamond Z Lock Poles, they saved my knees on the hill climbs for sure.  Inov 8 Ultra Race Vest which was a great bit of kit especially for this event and of course I wore a good selection of Buffs!

 Now what made this event so special? It's not that the event's proceeds go to two great charities and not the pocket of the organiser. It's not that it's local to me, I would do it if it was up country. It's not because it was only £40 odd to enter. It's atmosphere, the course, the event as a whole, the team that created it and most of all it was the friendships that were made from it.

HOPE24 is not just an endurance event it's an experience like no other. To be able to run it with friends, to make new ones as well is something I am truly thankful for. I ran with my friends from TEAM BUFF UK, my running club Plymouth Musketeers, my fellow parkrun director Matthew Bisco who went on to win the event and break the course record with 135 miles (27 laps).  The event attracted soloists and teams from all over the UK literally and I believe France too.

Me and TEAM BUFF UK

It's one event, I will be not hestitating to enter again! I certainly LIVED IT, LOVED IT and RAN IT.

14th/15th May 2016 HOPE24 is in my diary put it in yours!

Written by Tobit Emmens - http://tobit.emmens.co.uk/ 

In 2012, my running diary has 2 runs in it – a total of 9 miles. I was clearly so unwell, that I had no energy to even run – something I loved to do. In 2013 I thought, I will try harder, I ran well in January, February and March, but just had no energy to sustain it for longer. In May 2013, about a year ago, I found out I had coeliacs disease. By October, a few months into a gluten free diet I had never felt better. No longer was paracetamol on the weekly shopping list.

Around November 2013, in the post Great West Run elation, 30 or so weeks ago, I signed up to run the Hope 24 event – a 24 hour ultra event. So, as this is ‘Coeliacs Disease awareness week’, take this post as a celebration of what can happen when coeliacs gets diagnosed and no more gluten is eaten. (BTW, if you have daily headaches, bad guts, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, wind that put a sulphurous hot spring to shame, achy joints and a general malaise, go and talk to your doctor about coeliacs (a simple cheap blood test is all that is needed to rule it in/out)- it is estimated that 1 in 100 people have it, but many go un-diagnosed for years.)

So, on we go, because this post is also a celebration of 26 weeks of hard training.

The event was organised by Team Hope – a group of firemen who set out to raise money for Hope For Children. Their plan – run the Marathon De Sables, and do some other things. Other things being a local 24 hour race. It wasn’t a commercial effort, there was no prize money, and even the guys rubbing legs for a fiver, through the night, were contributing 100% to the fundraising effort. The team, led by Danny was amazing. I have not been to many running events, but I have been to a lot of cycling ones, and good event teams are like gold dust. Well, that gold got sprinkled a lot over this team. Thanks guys for an amazing event.

My contribution was, rather than paying the modest £40 entry, taking a free entry with a commitment to raise £250. Well, I far exceeded this (and there is still time to donate) and have raised over £1000. So far, the total raised by Team Hope from their MDS effort and Hope 24 is over £45,000. And that is amazing. So I blogged a little about my training here, and last week on my final prep here, so its only fitting I write a race report.

The course

The course was a 5 mile loop around Newnham Park. It was a course of two halves – the first open, exposed and windswept, the second through the bluebells and forest paths (oh and the shooting carpark, but more on that later).

start – Liz Peapell

We left the show field,

through the show field – Louise Shipton

went across the river, using Kevin’s Bridge (here in the dark)

Kevin’s Bridge – Kevin Guild

and headed up a long tarmac climb

the long road climb – Liz Peapell

This then continued up on a stony, brick, mud and rock track around a large field.

Quite a surreal field, if I’m honest.

Full of what I can only describe as derelict gymkhana kit, grumpy sheep and excited lambs. At the top of a field, there was what I thought was a Thomas the Tank Engine jump. I had told GeekDad Andy (my awesome night time helper) about this, and his comment, when he later walked a lap or two at 2am with me, was, ‘no, its Gordon’!

I just laughed. I think.

After the climb, we looped around and came back over the other side of the field…

the field – Liz Peapell

This field was hard work. In theory it was flat and down hill, but the gale force wind, and near horizontal rain at points, made it energy sapping.

This field dropped into an off camber descent, with a corner that by the time I got to lap 13 was a nightmare,

end of off camber down hill – Louise Shipton

and then we were back to the show field. After a run through the show field, we went out into the wooded section of the course. This section was pretty muddy in places

track – Liz Peapell

This section went through the Shooting Place… (not really sure what to call this bit, but it looked like something out of one of those video games where bad things happen and you shoot people. Andy confirmed this thought telling me it was like something people say was the kind of thing only game designers would make dropping random buildings into a natural landscape!), thankfully, there was no shooting, although on lap one, there were several amusing shouts of ‘pull’, BUT there was the most amazing marshalling team. Introducing Owain, Cathy (well she took this picture) and ‘the boy’ – high fives, Mexican waves, cheers and smiles…

best marshals ever – Owain Thomas

This marshalling team was the perfect setup for the next bit of the course that went on to a couple of climbs, one that become known, at least to me, as ‘that Pesky Climb’. I think others had different names for it!

Just before we move on, I want to say that all the marshals were great, and so helpful – Kevin Guild who stood next to the bridge near the start for quite possibly the whole 24 hours was always a welcome face, and light during the dark hours – thanks Kevin.

That Pesky Climb

After That Pesky Climb we ran through bluebell forest – so beautiful (but they didn’t glow in the dark Mary) and they soon erased the pain away, even in the dead of night.

tracks through the bluebells – Liz Peapell

bluebells

We went on to a longish sketchy descent, (sorry for the bad photo, I was trying not to fall over, or get in anyone’s way)

The Sketchy Descent

along another muddy track

final mile – Olly Prentice

back to the shooting ranges and the worlds best marshals, through an area of shattered and discarded clays, and then back into the show field. lap distance 5 miles, although the garmin measured up a bit short, and around 500f of ascent per lap.

x16

We were briefed, had a group photo

all of us – Louise Shipton

and then lined up

ready to go – Louise Shipton

and off we went

me (in the black outfit) – Susan Anderson

The Short Version

I had a target of 70-100 miles. I managed the first 50 miles (10 laps) with no significant stops or breaks and only a little walking up the hills. Race nutrition left the plan a bit, and I played with various strength of Perpetuem, trying to get the balance of calories and liquid right, eating Nakd bars and rice cakes with almond butter. After mile 50, I ditched the Perpetuem, and used just water, Nakd and Trex bars, crisps, rice cakes and cheese and a delicious gluten free (more about this later) bacon sandwich. After mile 50, I had a bit of a break, then did two laps, then had a massage, then did a lap, then had a little sleep for an hour or so and then got up and did 3 more laps.

I started in a pair of Inov8 X-Talon 212 (shoe review coming another time) and switched into a pair of Skechers GoRun Ultra at mile 25. Those first 25 miles were pretty muddy, sloppy and slidey, although it got progressively drier, so the X-talons were the right choice, but after hours of gale force winds, the course began to dry out, and I welcomed the extra cushion on the GRU.

The Long Version

A lot of work went into the planning and prep for this event, and while I ran a number of 30 mile + 20 milers in prep and thought I had the legs for what I signed up for, I really had no idea what to expect of my body, my kit and the things I planned on eating. I had a really relaxed frame of mind – there was nothing I was going to stress about, and this worked almost perfectly. There was one moment, as I stood on the start line and we counted down – we got to 6 or 7 and it was like, oh my, this shit just got real!

And then there was a gentle hustle and bustle as the team runners worked through to the front through the first section of the show field, and then it kind of all fell into place. My aim was to run 10 laps and take a rest, regroup, have a chat with my night helper and carry on.

Through those first 50, Martin was on hand until around 5 (I think) and did a great job of handing me stuff, keeping me on track, but then he had to go home.

checking in near around mile 30

Mile 30 through to 50 felt really hard. I carried my phone, and then, as the  hills became walks not runs, I checked Facebook, etc. and enjoyed the messages. I called my girls and had a little chat, that was good, although it was hard to hear them.

I had to use a lot of resolve to push on through, I did, and was glad to see Andy around 9:30. And he came bearing cheese – oh how I loved that cheese!

Me running through the shooting ground carpark somewhere between mile 30 and 50 – Stan Kellet

My nutritional plan, as I mentioned above, was all about Hammer Perpetuem. My mistake and learning in relation to this was that in training, I mixed multi hour bottles and sipped it slowly, alternating with water. As this even was around laps, I didn’t really want to wear a vest with a bladder or two bottles. On reflection, I probably should have done this, but I opted for a handheld with an hour mix. It took a few laps to get the mix strength right, but what I learnt was that I really wanted a variety.

It was nice to pause at the end of a lap and spread almond butter on a rice cake, eat a bit of banana, grab a Nakd bar and refill my water and carry on running, so by mile 50, this became the approach. The calories were supplemented by crisps and bacon from the catering van with my own supply of gluten free bread (gluten free options at even the biggest events of any kind are limited, so this is not a complaint, just something I would like to see change for the better over the years to come).

Liquids were also supplemented with a regular supply of tea and the occasional coffee. Overall I was pretty pleased with my nutrition, I have not had a burning hunger today (Monday), I didn’t lose any weight, and as far as I could tell (by the light of my head torch) I remained well hydrated.

At mile 60, Andy said he fancied a walk, so we fast walked a couple of laps together, and I really enjoyed the conversation. I assume I made as much sense as he did! But at the end of those laps, and maybe it was the walking, but I felt like my legs had gone. My right ITB was giving me hell and my ankles (well the front of them) had started to hurt quite a bit, as was my back (from the compressed nerve issue in my rotator cuff muscles I have had for 5 or so weeks now) so I had a massage, and set out for another lap. I ran the first 2.5 miles of this lap, but it was slow work, and Andy joined me for the second 2.5 miles.

After this lap, Andy suggested I take a rest. I literally put on a load of clothes, and lay down on my tent floor on a couple of fleeces (next time – a carry mat would be sensible!). I was layered up with running tops, a running coat, a down gilet, a waterproof, a buff, a woolly hat and I then, at about 4am, fell fast asleep for around an hour. The weather meant that when tackling the first hill it was too hot, the windswept descent back to the field too damn cold and all ear-achy (thanks to Danny for arriving somewhere between laps with my fundraisers Hope24 Buff, on it went).

So if anyone had ideas for running in weather that is at the same time too hot/too cold / too dry / too wet, I would like to hear from you!

I set out on my last three laps after a snooze, some coffee, and a little bit of food, and a good bye to Andy who needed to go home to sleep. The sun had come up so I left my head torch in the tent and set out at a steady walk run. Walking on the up hills and downs, and running on the flats. I managed two this way, hitting 75 miles. By now I was pretty beat, but my little sister and her family arrived meeting me just I slowly navigated the corner of the off camber descent. I walked the second half of my last lap chatting with Andy, who carried his youngest on his shoulders. Tamsin went off to find the harribos.

We caught up with Tamsin and their eldest just before we entered the show field, and there at the far end were the wild things, charging towards me shouting things like run daddy, run. I made an effort to, buoyed up by a mouthful of Starmix.

being dragged and clapped over the finish line by the wild things

race splits

So, I finished 9th solo male and there we have it, a race report of sorts. I slowly packed up my camp, clapped and chatted with fellow runner through their finishes, and stood in awe at the two leading men clocking up 130 and 120 miles. Today, Monday has been about resting, getting a massage, icing my ankles,

owewee that’s cold

washing shoes and shuffling around

sparkling shoes

and a gluten free beer

gluten free beer

Massive thanks to my crew – Si and Nay for getting me there, Martin for the Afternoon shift and managing my social media (!), GeekDadAndy for the night shift, bacon, coffee and train related corrections, Tamsin (at 8 1/2 months pregnant!) and her husband Andy for the morning shift and Harribos, all those of you who send texts, DMs, and tweets AND of course Mary for the get me home shift, cooking and looking after me stuff today.

Written by Joy White - http://www.naturalmover.co.uk

 photo from u-trail.com

1, 200 registered runners were picked via lottery in December 2015 out of over 3, 000 applicants worldwide.

I was very fortunate to be selected and after a few injuries and work-play imbalance in the following months, I decided to go for it. If I felt my training was going well, I'd tell the world so we can raise money for charity.

My goal was to finish the 55 km OCC (Orsières-Champex-Chamonix) run with a cumulative ascent of 3,500 metres. But with recent injuries (not running related), I was happy to see where I'd end up with its three strict time barriers. 

Natural Movement

From reading books and internet data, I've come to realise that there is an efficient way of running up and down mountains for hours on end without much damage to knees, hips, heart, etc. caused by running too much for too long. It's called natural movement.

We lose our ABCs at age 12 (agility, balance and coordination). Then adults make it worse by telling us to use a chair and to stop sitting on floors. This dependence on objects that bring us comfort and convenience has uprooted our normal form and function - we have deviated from our forefather's origins of being hunters and foragers. Well, we all have choices. We also adapt to current ways of living.

And many will happily stay in the comfortable zone until the day they die. This isn't a problem for me. 

I, however, have a different goal in life: to be functionally fit for old age (assuming I'd be disease/illness-free in the next 30 years).

Parkour (Started Feb 2016)

No it's not jumping between rooftop buildings. Well, to a certain degree, yes. But that's not what I've been doing or what I recommend. Originally called parcours du combattant, parkour's roots can be traced in the 1900s when it was used by the French Navy as their standard of physical and moral training using an obstacle course. This discipline resurfaced in the 1990s. Films and video games made it infamous and have caused a wrong impression on what it really is and its advantages. Parkour encompasses movements that we as children have been doing all day long - walking, running, climbing, jumping. We are all capable of re-kindling these abilities. For serious practitioners, pushing their limits and boundaries by jumping higher and longer and performing back-front-side flips is their life-long goal. For me, parkour has improved my agility, core strength, balance and more importantly cardiovascular fitness. 

Callisthenics (Started March 2016)

I'll let you Google this one but essentially it means bodyweight exercises. We've all done this in our P.E. classes - sit-ups, push-ups, starjumps/jumping jacks, squat jumps, etc. The aim is to achieve muscular and aerobic conditioning without using weights, barbells and other equipment.

BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) {Started May 2016}

The father of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships), BJJ is great for self-defense at the same time brilliant for fitness and conditioning. Our dojo has a minimum warm-up of 20-minute runs, jumps, backward and forward rolls, crawls, etc followed by 1 hour and 45 minutes of drills and fights. This art taught me to pace myself which is applicable to running. Anyone who has done a BJJ competition knows not to 'gas out' in the first few minutes. It's a surprisingly physically and mentally demanding martial art and I'd compare it to playing chess whilst jumping and performing cartwheels.

Yoga

From my first race of 20 km in 2012 to my attempt to run 55 km last week, I can honestly swear by the healing powers of yoga. My knees, hips, muscles and fascia are all conditioned thanks to yoga.

Icicle Mountaineering Trail Running Camp (July 2016)

Kingsley and Sarah were superb hosts with a fantastic, well-organised running routes for each day we were in Chamonix. Mountain runs of over 2000 metre elevation everyday around Switzerland, Italy and Chamonix were simply indescribable. You have to be there to experience the awe and lure of the mountains.

Ultimately, they taught our group major adjustments in body mechanics which powered our uphill runs and supercharged our descent time. My time with Icicle has been priceless and I'm very grateful. I've met some wonderful runners who share the same love of the mountains and I'm humbled to be in their company. 

Questions, questions

"Why did you not cycle, and swim more and did frequent runs as part of your training routine? You could've finished the race!'

Well, maybe. But I fall off bikes and I'm so bad at swimming I look like a drowning fish when I'm in the water.

I've also heard about OTS (Overtraining Syndrome) which affects ultrarunners. If I'm careful enough, I believe I'll enjoy more time running up the mountains. To finish a race is a logical expectation. It's an old-fashioned notion. Long races are there to give me focus. Post-race last week, I chose not to be weighed down by not being a finisher. In fact, it's given me a strong resolve to come back next year - stronger and wiser.

Running the OCC-UTMB 2016 has been a great experiment. I've exceeded 22 minutes over time required at the third time barrier. My calloused toes prevented me from running any quicker towards the lit up La Flégère checkpoint tent. 

I may not have finished but I was close.  To finish the race in 36-40 degrees C heat with only painful calloused toes (which only hurt for 2 days) with a total run of 47km in 13 hours, 22 minutes and 22 seconds is my ultimate triumph. I was informed that about 180 runners (mostly men) dropped out in between steep ascents.

In the end, despite minimal running hours, my body conditioning routine using the above methods were vital. I now know that repetitive long, frequent runs are not the sole answer to finishing a race. Besides, it's the journey and not the destination that makes a person stronger.

Happy training to all! 

-o0o-

Where I trained:

http://www.train-hard.org/ (free first session)

http://www.desouza.tv/ (free first session)

http://www.icicle-mountaineering.ltd.uk/ (fees include 7 nights accomodation in Chamonix)

-o0o-

As of this writing, the current amount of funds raised for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Dorset DocBike is 77% nearer to target. 

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/joylanonwhite