Luke Ashton Ultra Marathon Runner: 2016

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON

Beachy Head Marathon 2016 is the 15th year of the popular East Sussex trail marathon. More than 1,700 runners and walkers have arrived to take part today.

This famous spot attracts many to Eastbourne from all over the world to for the Beachy Head Marathon and 10K race, set within the stunning South Downs National Park and taking in the sights of the UK’s highest chalk sea cliff.

This is my third attempt at Beachy after a two year absence. I have always been a part of the experience whether I am supporting friends or taking part myself.

This year my better half Sunday is running for the first time. It will be his first go at a trail marathon event.

Like me Sunday is calm but excited at what lies ahead. As this is a local and less congested event than the over populated road marathons of the South East, the mood is happy and cheery with a real friendly vibe.

We arrive in good time to park and then register at the marquee, on the green, by Beads School, Dukes Road.

Within minutes of collecting race bibs we see familiar faces and friends. Marathon legend Mark Johnson running marathon number 140! Nick, Lucy, Ann-Marie, Julie, Steve and Tina are just some of the usual friends here.

I am running without a water pack today as it leaked in the car, so I will make do with the water cups around the route instead today...

The time flies by taking pictures and catching up with each other. The crowds make there way to the start with the runners at the front and the walkers and those running with dogs further behind.

I wish everyone all the best before weaving through the waiting crowds and settling near the start... but not too far to the very front...

Six miles in

I can see Tracy taking pictures after the climb up, then further along Sharon is marshalling at four miles.

It is always good to see friends out supporting when they are not on the running side for a change!

Once meeting the South Downs Way near Jevington the air becomes thick with damp and poor visibility. The wind has picked up the higher we climb and the fog is making me feel cold.

I am finding it difficult to warm up and feel comfortable.... I keep my head down and follow the other runners.

At Bo Peep around nine miles in, I can see a photographer up ahead, but then realise once closer it is my good friend ultra Nick hidden in the fog. He hi fives me once I pass him and calls out 'you Lakeland legend'

When you need perking up it's always a boost to see a friendly face...

Endless leafy trails

The fog feels like it is hugging the downs without lifting. Although just as quickly as it started it disperses and a break brings some hazy sunshine.

Those damn steps...

Once over the wall and heading across the road to Seven Sisters Country Park. I enjoy all the spectators cheering everyone along and the scenic views across Cuckmere Valley.

Making my way across Seven Sisters

At mile 18, just over 2hrs 33min, I take some 'Pip Nut' peanut butter fuel and a walking break to start the cliff-top climbs.

I try my best to keep an average pace of 9:30min/mile but it is slowed with the rolling terrain.

Rolling cliff tops

By mile 24, 3hrs 46min on the Garmin, and reaching the top of one the seven sister cliffs is a checkpoint. I take on some water and a mars bar piece. There is nothing else on offer, which is a surprise as a few years ago I remember a full table spread of homemade goodies...

I thank the team and make my way down the hill and then back up the next climb. They become less steep but with a long gradient so I can start to run again...

The last few miles to go

Heading to Birling gap I can see by my watch I am doing good on time and look close to reaching my PB from 2012.

I feel I have held back just enough to save the energy in my legs to be able to finish strong!

I wonder to myself if I can beat my Beachy PB of 3hrs 50min...

Checking the Garmin

Passing another water stop and many cheering spectators we keep following the cliff top path until the very last half mile, which is the same as the beginning.

Carefully placing my footing so I don't slip or trip in the potholes or the steps leading downhill to the cafe and then back to the School.

I sprint for the finishing stretch, I check the clock and can see that I am just a few minutes off my personal best time of four years ago....

Finishing in 111th Position 3:52:29

I finish in 3hr 52min.

Considering I didn't get the chance to train as much summer/autumn, I still managed a good time for this hilly trail Marathon. Good to know my endurance fitness levels haven't dropped since Chiltern Wonderland 50 last month, which was some tough elevation.

I collect my medal and some water then check my official time at the timing tent. I head back up the road where the car is parked to change into warmer clothes.

I see Steve coming back down the road. Puzzled by this he then explains how his flu has caught him out of breath and struggling, so decided it wise to not continue after 16 miles...

I head back to the school with Steve to have the lunch that is offered to all runners and a hot coffee.

We watch everyone else coming in for the finish and have a great spectating spot at the cafe. Sunday makes it in without any troubles and much less cramping than the usual road marathons he has run.

He is beaming and enjoyed every moment of the event. He says he will be back again next year it had that much of an impression on him!

We stay around for the remaining runners and walkers so to cheer on Tina for her finish.

Another Beachy Head Marathon complete.

Running Total

58 Marathons (including ultra)

2010-2016

UltraLuke

AUTUMN 100..... ALMOST

The Centurion Autumn 100, previously the Winter 100 (the year I finished), has always been quite a special event with the four different out and back spurs, feels like each one of the Centurion events thrown together.

Luckily the past three years I have had some part of the experience.

Last year I supported and paced Shawn for his Grand Slam victory. This will be my 2nd attempt at the A100.

I finished in 2014 in 8th Place in 18:17.

Plan A is to PB that time and try for a top ten position. Plan B is to just PB and finish.

Shawn has been training well with Ronnie Staton and has a target of a sub 19 or 20hour finish today.

Hands up for first time trying a 100?

After catching up with friendly faces, Jess, Tim, Helen, Dan and wishing Tinu a very happy birthday today, we listen to James give the briefing just before we set off...

With Shawn, Helen and Dan

The line of runners is very tight and grouped together so I gave up trying to reach the front. Some 300 of us charge down the path to meet the Thames Path heading West up the river.

We bottle neck the gates until at least a few miles for the field to start spreading out evenly...

Wallingford. Leg One along the Thames Path

52 minutes on the clock, in the village of Wallingford at Mile 6.5 we meet the first checkpoint. Runners are in and out quickly and some without stopping...

I drink a cup of water.

Louise takes my number down, Lindley Chambers is here supporting. I thank the team before crossing the road and carrying along the river.

The miles tick by quickly and I stay to my own pace trying to not pair with anyone else.

I am running approx 8:30min/mile.

The Thames Path soon reaches Little Wittenham for the next checkpoint and the switch back. I drink a few cups of water and a jelly baby. I am feeling slightly hungry now that it's been awhile since my Bulletproof Coffee, so grab a few squares of cheese to take with me.

Shillingford. Returning on Thames Path-Leg One

Thanking the team I head back the way I came from.

So far I have counted 20 or more runners infront of me.

I shortly pass Shawn, Helen and then later Dan. All looking fresh and in good spirits still. It's a good way to catch everyone else you know and familiar faces, but come Legs two and three the field will have spread further apart with much longer gaps.

Benson Lock. Leg One returning back to Goring

Once back over the Thames River at Benson lock and along to Wallingford for number check and some water.

The sun is now shining and the cooler damp air has lifted making it feel much warmer and spring like conditions.

By 18 miles my body starts to feel fatigued already and my legs are heavy. This is very early on and usually I can feel strong much longer. I sip on some olive oil for the time being as it's not too far until I reach Goring after completing leg one...

Leg Two at Grims Ditch

At 13:40 and running for 3hr 40min I reach Goring. Kevin and Sarah are in control of number recording and pleased to see me. My drop bag is ready for me as I walk into the hall.

I refill my water pack. Have some diluted coke, then some cherry tomatoes and olives I packed in the cool bag. I have a few sips of coconut water also before thanking the team and heading back out for leg two.

This section heads along the Thames River again but the other side before meeting the Ridgeway path a few miles along.

It is sheltered and shaded at the moment.

By North Stoke I catch up with lovely Alma who is crewing here. I nibble on chocolate, cheese and cherry tomatoes before having some water.

Refuelling has helped but I am still feeling very fatigued and lack of energy.

Once at the wooded track heading to Nuffield, it is rolling climbs so I start to walk. I was doing great with time and just feel so tired all a sudden...

I soon manage to jog slowly and pass the time by counting the returning front runners.

Returning from Swyncombe on Leg Two

Endless tree roots and fallen leaves scatter the trails until the path meets Swyncombe checkpoint at mile 36 for the switchback.

It is good to reach as I see the stove set up for hot drinks. I refill my backpack water, take a salt capsule, whilst the team make a black coffee. I nibble on nuts and cherry tomatoes again whilst taking a few jelly babies with me.

I walk back out along the path with my coffee in my handy carry cup. Everyone is impressed, commenting on the cup!

Soon enough, after the sharp climbs in the woods... I can start to feel the coffee and salt kicking in.

My mood is lifted and I feel much lighter than I have since starting today..

After catching Helen looking so fresh at Grims Ditch, I start seeing the other runners approaching in small groups and then closer together. I catch Dan and see Shawn, who isn't looking his cheery best, but still moving forward.

Slowly the runners approaching me becomes less and then I am running alone again.

The dark clouds come in and just as predicted, the rain starts. Not just a little... but heavy...

After North Stoke and a quick hi and goodbye to Alma and the team. I want to get back to Goring to change clothes and have some fuel.

Route not complete this time but a good training exercise under the belt...

Still feeling good but my insoles are starting to slip, so at Goring I change the shoes, get out of the damp tee and put on a base layer. Change my cap to a skull cap and add the headtorch.

I eat some of my olives, energy butter and have some diluted coke. Back pack refilled I am set to carry on up the Ridgeway...

The rain is starting to slow and soon once I am away from Goring and out into the open darkness it stops.

The Ridgeway is dry and very stoned and rutted just like I remember.

The temperature is dropping fast and the cold air feels thick with damp as the wind blows. I put my music on to distract my mind of the cold. My legs are starting to fade and I can only power walk the climbs, jogging the flat.

It seems forever to reach Bury Down checkpoint. I am pleased to get a hot coffee and nibble on some cheese and nuts. My pace has really dropped now the cold has tired me out. I can feel the damp getting through my gloves and buff already...

By Chain Hill, three miles later, the wind is more harsh up here. I am ok for food so just have a jelly baby and some diluted coke. I thank the team and head back down the hill the way I came.

I can see all the moving headlights dotted for miles ahead of me. Some far apart and others all grouped together.

On my return I make calls to my sister and then Sunday, explaining how so cold it is getting. I start to wonder if I packed another dry base layer.

My gloves and buff are now wet, but it isn't raining anymore.... I soon reach Bury Down and it is much busier now with all the other runners heading up the hill.

I have a hot coffee again and refill my water. Running friend Max is here waiting for Dan and Helen. She says they are doing well and for me to get warm back at Goring.

It has been good to see a friendly face I know, just popping up along the route. Always helpful when I do not have a crew or pacer as company...

I turn my music up and head down the track, trying my best to keep a quicker pace so to get to Goring as soon as... it isn't helping my feet are now damp and numb...

Elevation changes at Leg Two and Three...

I pass so many runners who are just starting up for leg three. I try to look out for some I know but can't remember all their numbers...

I spot Dan but only as he stopped to grab my hand, I couldn't hear him calling me. My mood is really low and I can feel the cold reaching my neck and arms. My jacket is waterproof though my arms are damp to the bone. Dan is looking good and really buzzing.

Once I get nearer to the street lights the runners have spread out again and it is just me and the odd car that drives by.

Soon enough it is over the Streatley bridge and into the village hall. Number recorded and my bag is handed to me.

My mind is made up. I am stopping.

I had those hours in the cold damp wind which went right through to my skin and as I thought, I have no other dry layers to change into. I only have the emergency layer which must be carried at all times and not worn.

The team are really attentative and help me gather my thoughts.

My running friend Sharon is here helping in the kitchen. She is so gutted for me but sympathises as to why I cannot carry on today...

I just want out of the damp cold clothes and get warm and dry again...

In warm clothes and refuelled with coffee and the wonderful homemade chilli. I am glad I decided to stay put and not carry on further.

The night is turning much colder and rain is due in the early hours, so my condition could have got much worse.

Note to self: I don't think being in 26-28C sunshine on holiday just two days ago helped my body prepare for this.

I just wish I thought it through asking for crew help, packed more clothes and my trusty winter waterproof jacket!

Before I start to get too comfortable I phone Sunday and my sister, say goodbye to the Centurion team, then head back over the bridge to the car.

The drive home was harder than some of the running today! I had to make plenty of stops for fresh air and coffee just to keep awake.

Note to self: Crew can always drive you home!

I do eventually and safely reach home at 3am.

After some bad cramping attacks getting into bed, I finally get warmed up again by the morning.

The DNF looms over me like a dark cloud for some of the next day, but I soon switch my thoughts as to why it was for the best, how you cannot always have that A race or complete your goals.

Ultra endurance is not an easy sport!

Looking back I am not sure how I managed to do a 74 mile training exercise, when I wasn't exactly feeling my best with troubles to deal with.

I have been using the past few events as training aids as my mileage hasn't been to where it should be, so considering what I dealt with, I am happy with the outcome.

My recovery was a few days and I was out running again with no real deep fatigue or low mood that I usually experience after running ultra.

Maybe my high wasn't as big this time so less of a come down afterwards.

I am looking forward to eventually reaching a 100 again and getting another buckle, but it wasn't to be this year...

Ultra Luke

CHILTERN WONDERLAND

THE INAUGURAL CHILTERN WONDERLAND IS A 50 MILE SINGLE LOOP AROUND THE BEAUTIFUL CHILTERN COUNTRYSIDE. THE ROUTE TAKES IN 5800FT OF CLIMB AND VISITS PICTURESQUE VILLAGES, BURSTING WITH HISTORY, FEATURING LOCATIONS MADE FAMOUS BY BRITISH FILM & TELEVISION. THIS EVENT IS RACE 3 IN THE 50 MILE 2016 GRAND SLAM.

-Centurion Running

After finishing a 12hr shift at work and checking the roads to Reading, I decide to stay over in Horsham at the parents. I had paid a saver rate at the Premier Inn Caversham Bridge, but would rather the good night sleep, than sat hours in traffic. Then leave early morning for Goring-On-Thames.

It takes 1hr 35min to reach my destination without any problems. I park further down a side street as the carpark I am familiar with is already full by 8am.

I catch up with the friendly Louise at the kit check, then collect my race number. I have already found Marina and her sister Max.

Finish bag dropped in I can then relax and catch up with Tim, John, Nick, Kevin and Sharon. All 50 Grand Slammers!

After the race briefing we all meet at the Goring and Streatley Bridge, where the route will first follow the Thames Path towards Wallingford.

The Autumn 100 is in four weeks time, so I didn't want to use today as an A race of mine. I have done some extra overtime the past few weeks, so do not feel my body is rested enough to go out hard.

I am going on feel today and focusing on the markers in the hope of staying on the route. I have not practiced any of this new course.

By 9am sharp we all run along the narrow tow path, bottle neck through the gates until reaching the open grass along the river bank.

I chat with John the first few miles and stay close by to him, until I soon realise he has dropped back behind me...

Once through Pangbourne and onto some fast and flat roads, John is no longer nearby. I am feeling fresher in the legs than I thought, so just go with it.

I try to stay a comfortable 8:30min/mile pace where I can and power walk the hilly sections.

10 miles flies past and I reach the first checkpoint in the village of Tokers Green.

I use my carry cup for a few cups of water and no need to fuel on anything just yet, so I make for a quick in and out.

All the other runners seem to be doing this also, as already plenty have overtook me...

Sonning Common

At checkpoint two in Bix

I can hear my name being called from up ahead. Once I can see closer to the checkpoint I recognise Steve and Tina. They both came out from the way home on holiday to support and see us!

I am so chuffed to see them...

Alma is part of the team here. I knew she would be at one of the checkpoints but wasn't sure which. It is always good to get a hug and warm welcome.