BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON 16/2/14

A glorious, sunny and fresh Sunday morning in February 2014, marks the 24th year of the Brighton Half Marathon.

Voted most improved race at the 2013 Runners World PB Awards, the race is now one of the most popular races in the national running calendar.

Over the years the race has grown to some 10,000 entrants and is now one of the largest running events in the south east.

Fantastic blue skies

By 8am the crowds of runners arrive at Madeira Drive, thick and fast. The big clear blue skies and break from the severe winds and rain, make today feel like spring. I have chosen a compression long sleeve top and tee over it. My usual compression tights with running shorts over them and a running cap. With the bright sunshine the temperature is set to reach just 9C today. 

Myself, Sunday and Gillian, who is staying in a BB opposite us, make the short stroll of 5 minutes to the seafront. We feel rested but all struggled to wake up today...

This is a big BOSH-RUN event on the calendar as preparation to the full Brighton Marathon in April. We all meet at the Steve Ovett statue and already can spot the numerous blue Bosh logos dotted about. I chat some to my good friend Mani, who has been training up to his first race. he is excited but very nervous. I am happy to see he invested in running gear and is now looking like an actual runner! 

Chatting, training, floods and catching up with the group. John Fitz, Shawn, Nuala, Alma, Gary, Peter, Nigel, Ash, Domingo, Alma, Lesley, Marie, Steve and Tina, Scott, Lucy, Michelle, Nik, Mark and Liz, Stephen and many more...

Steve Ovett has joined the Bosh-Run group

Sunday leaves to check in his bag, I go for a last minute toilet stop, which is a fair walk in the other direction. I spot our girl Kelly, with Lisa and Beth on the way back. Wishing her all the best. She blames me for her love of running and has not fully trained for today, however is very excited and will finish no problems like last year! She has the marathon to run too...

An empty starting pen

7,000 runners on Brighton front

We wish everyone the best of luck and make our way into the coloured starting pens, I find a nice spot in the red pen with Domingo, he moves on further back as feels it a little too ambitious to stay up the front. 

I see another runner I know, Jacob and we chat about racing and how he has improved this last year. I hear someone call my name, it is Bosh runner Richard, who has an injury and decided to spectate instead today. He wishes me good luck. 

9:00 START

Eagerly waiting among all the red number runners at the front of the start line. Last minute competitors join the small crowd. Within minutes the pen becomes full and I can gauge how big this event has now become. 

Shuffling along the start line heading towards the wheel, we break into a sprinting pace over the roundabout and passing the Pavillion. 

Miles 1-4

Best Pace 6:40

I keep up with the front pack runners following the super elites, briefly, before they speed off ahead. I spot Gary sneaking past at a smooth and fast pace. He looks very comfortable. 

Heading around Grand Parade, then back towards the pier before running east, onto Marine Parade heading to the Marina. The turn out of crowds and support is amazing along the front, cheering and clapping us on. Brighton is very colourful this morning in the winter sunshine...

GO!!!

Approaching Sussex Square on the front, through the first water station. I take a few sips to wet my mouth before tossing it aside. I am carrying an UltrAspire bottle with a mixture of coconut water, coffee and Himalayan salts to save for the later stages. 

Keeping up a steady pace I quicken ever so slightly after the first three miles. 

Already the super elite runners are heading back towards the Pier. 

Once close to Roedean, it is a switch back to the way we came, passing the marina again, then all the oncoming runners. I see the huge group growing the closer I get to the Pier. I spot a Bosh tee approaching and see it is Stu, followed by Tristan. Then later further down the road I see Tina, smiling and looking strong. 

Miles 5-9

Best Pace 6:29

Close to the half way point at the pier, the crowds are larger and louder as the clock ticks on by. Feeling strong and keeping my pace in check I change gears slightly for the long Kings Road section. 

As there is no cooking breeze the sun feels rather warm and I begin to think that wearing a compression top was it the best choice today. I am heating up nicely but not too much...

After passing the West Pier, Hove Lawns and the King Alfred Centre, we approach Hove Lagoon. The last turn around point for the final stretch home, to the finish.

Half way point

Miles 10-14

Best Pace 6:08

I see Matt up ahead, keeping a strong pace, wish him well and then approach Mark, aka Robo (love of the treadmill). He is doing well and is in good spirits. The final leg along Hove seafront is dotted with walkers, spectators and support, enjoying the pleasant sunshine. I sip some coconut water and espresso, trying my hardest to push my pace that little bit quicker. 

With just a few miles to go, I can see the West Pier again and the Brighton Pier in the distance. Almost, not too far left to go. I over take a few of the runners flagging, dropping their pace, maybe they pushed too hard at the beginning? 

Almost..... I can see the finish

Close to 6min/mile pace I try with everything I have left in my legs to run hard into the finish. I spot a few more Bosh Run tees approaching from the other side of the road, and thumbs up when passing them. At the Brighton Pier and just .20mile left to go....I can see the clock and finish.... creeping closer I race the last stretch the best I can and as I see the clock in view 1:25.... I already know I am a few minutes slower than last year. Although I have not trained for speed and half marathon, I am quite pleased to still have the stamina and speed as an ultra runner, one year on....

Finally under the finish archway and I receive my medal from Bosh runner Keith, who is volunteering today and then a  goody bag from the support team. 

Exactly two minutes slower this year in 1:26:42

Just shortly after I see speedy Gary, who came in an impressive few minutes before I did, making it a personal best. We chat about the race and then to Mitch from STRIDEUK who is at the massage tent. 

Collecting our bags from the luggage area, we wait for all our other runny buddies to come in and finish...

Sunday coming into the finish

The Medal

A fantastic morning for the Brighton half, the weather was kind to us all today. Great to see so much support out on the route. Lots of personal bests come in from other Bosh runners. 

Mani and Kelly make it in to finish just over 2hrs and 10mins. Mani struggled in places but grateful to complete his first race ready for the marathon. 

Gary the first Bosh runner to finish in a PB of 1:25

Finish Certificate

Happy Sunday finishes in 1:52

All smiles with Gary and Shawn

BOSH RUNNERS

HELLO 2014

Tradition is to run on New Year's Day, no matter what the weather brings. 

Still we have heavy rain battering the country, and the return of high winds again. This is the welcome start of 2014...

Brighton has 20mph winds and the rain hasn't stopped all morning. I'm ready for a training run and actually looking forward to the refreshing start of the year! 

My SealSkinz socks are still damp from my bike ride yesterday in heavy rain so I figured I would try the plastic bag trick. They may not keep the damp out but it should be an improvement to numb feet from the bike. 

With compression tights, two pairs gloves, a beany hat, then rain cap, thermal layer and waterproof jacket. I think I am set to head out....

11:30

I stay to the left of Marine Parade to shelter from the wind. It still pushes from all directions but must be better than the seafront side...

I head up the public footpath across Roedean and up to the trail that heads past East Brighton golf course. 

The wind is still strong but more tame than by the sea. The track is muddy and heavy with puddles but not as bad as I had expected.

I enjoy the route and my beats reaching 3 miles then the racecourse. I head over Downland road then cut through Warren road before going down hill on Falmer road. 

Ninja

Not sure these bags are holding

As much as I would love a downs run, I am saving this for when the wind and rain is softer...

The road has flooding in parts and I stay to the pavement until taking the cut through to Ovingdean. Enjoying the down hill pace, until coming out to open fields on Greenways. The force of the wind and rain hits my face hard.

Ovingdean ponies

My buff has no protection as it is soaked through, I am just inhaling water with each breath. The rain feels like sharp needles against my skin.

Once I reach Marine Drive I stay to the inland side to shelter some of the wind. Although it knocks me flying in both directions, the gusts push me from behind and quicken my pace. 

I have a permanent smile edged on my face! The puddles are deep like a stream and now the plastic bags on my feet have pulled up around my ankles. I tuck them under my tights, then my cap flips off my head and into the main road. 

I wait for a gap in the traffic and chase my cap down the middle of the road, chuckling to myself what I am doing. I head onto the seafront pathway and tighten my cap. 

Big waves and moody skies

The winds push me so much faster, I reach the Marina in no time and then the last stretch, home arrives quickly enough. 

I have only spotted two other brave runners along the front today, we nod and smile, then thumbs up. 

The view to the sea is huge choppy waves, crashing onto the stones with grey dark clouds above. 

Grabbing a picture with my phone is probably a harder task than running in the high winds. Gripping my phone with a claw hand the best I can.

Nice little route

Soon enough I reach home and have covered just over 9.5 miles. Not bad considering the conditions, but shorter than planned had the weather been more pleasant. 

Feeling great and refreshed, the legs are still strong after the bike ride yesterday. 

A very nice on and off road to start the year...

Hello 2014...

Garmin route

Run Free

 

 

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UltraLuke

PORTSMOUTH MARATHON 22/12/13

Over 1,200 runners arrived for the annual Portsmouth coastal waterside marathon today. Pompey was battered by high winds of 22 mph with heavy rain, overnight and this morning. So conditions underfoot will be very testing. 

Today is a mix of clouds, rain and sunshine reaching 11C.

Just three weeks after my recent 100 miler, I feel well enough to run today, however I have not run over 10 miles since, and I feel I may fatigue very rapidly. I have no time in mind, just an enjoyable training day with running friends, to end the year off nicely...

This is my 2nd Portsmouth marathon.

I am fortunate to be driven to the start from Bosh runner Tina. Gary and Shawn have joined her to support myself and Steve running today. 

The rain is heavy and we arrive wet. Numbers attached we look out for the others. I see ultra runner Paul Ali, and chat about 2014 plans, after his amazing achievements this year. 

This morning I had a bulletproof coffee, which I am finishing now. Half an avocado with fried kale, few walnuts and some coconut water. I am really not hungry but finish the coffee anyhow.

Steve attempting his 2nd marathon

We see Sharon, who is very nervous, Sue and then Kevin. Outside it is brighter and the rain has stopped. Sheridan and then Keith arrive. We get a group pic. I spot Jonathan and Jane, wishing them all the best. Lots of chat and well wishes, then it is time to head to the start. 

Just myself and Steve, we say our goodbyes and wait in the pen patiently. The rain comes down heavy, again. The wind blows, drowning us wet from behind. I can feel the damp cold soaking through my back. Everyone groups together like a herd. 

This is crazy!

Rain cleared for now...

BOSH boys

9:00 

With no warning or loud speaker announcement, the group move off slightly awkwardly, before setting off to a sprint. I weave in and out of the runners until I find a comfortable place to stay and get my pace.

Miles 1-13

Fastest pace/mile 6:57

Slowest pace/mile 7:47

I remember the route very well from last year, and shortly the promenade path ends to head on towards the waterside. The front pack already are minutes ahead further up the track. Navigating on pebbles, puddles, mud and seaweed. The path is just one big obstacle course. Luckily the rain has stopped and it is just the wind to deal with. 

Pebbles

Seaweed

Following the narrow dirt track and other runners, I am feeling ok in my legs and strong enough to keep up the pace. 

Weaving around the water edge, small pubs and waterside houses are dotted up the course. Soon enough, we reach a check point. I gulp some water from the cups supplied, then head back out of the car park and on the main road.

Before running parallel to Eastern Road and passing the water sports centre, it is over a small bridge then the route uses a cycle path. Adjacent to the A27. 

6 miles in, It is only a few mile stretch, but enough time to feel the boring pounding of smooth tarmac. 

Soon enough the path ends and it is back off road into the mud. Back along to the waterside and over a pebbles beach, then a stretch of puddles and grass. Like last year I use the raised ledge by the water, careful to keep close to the grass. 

The next water stop I can see a Mrs Santa supporter ahead, in a Bosh tee. At closer inspection it is Nuala. She jumps up and down, cheers to me and waves as I approach. She is in knee high stripy socks and must be so cold in the wind. She looks awesome for 50! 

She makes me chuckle. 

The wind still very strong, pushing me from the other side as the route curves clockwise. The track widens and becomes more muddy and wooded. The sun comes out to shine, low in the sky but it is pleasant to feel warmer. 

I wonder if I left my coffee too late, as I have very slight indigestion going on.

The elite runners are already heading back from the half way marker. We stay to the left to allow them room.

Within another mile or so I can see the water stop and the turnaround point. More spectators cheer us as we switch back. Some more water then back down the track the way we came. 

Miles 14-27

Fastest pace/mile 7:33

Slowest pace/mile 9:29 
Within seconds I can see Kev up ahead. 'Go Lukey boy', he shouts out as we pass. I thumbs up then see Ian, further along, who stops to snap some pictures. Steve and then Sheridan soon follow in his steps. It is a good few more miles down the route before I see Keith.

I look out for Sharon and other familiar faces, but there are too many groups coming towards me. After 16 miles I can already feel my body fatigue and my pace drop. I try to keep strong and maintain it, but I think the last 100 miler is still too fresh in my system.

Once the body gives up, when not fully recovered, it is impossible to keep up a race pace.

By 17 miles I am ready to walk, I am done, I want to stop.

Back along the ledge with the wind fierce on my face. Another runner is on the ledge, then jumps off, but slips, he falls landing awkwardly. He shouts out in pain, causing the other runners to look back. Number 3 is on his bib. I stop to ask what I can do, another runner stands bewildered, just looking. He yelps out, it is his left calf. I lift his foot and raise his leg, then pull his ankle straight, like he tells me to. Soon enough the cramp stops and his leg comes back to life. I help him up and onto his feet again.

He thanks me for stopping, and sorry it has delayed me. To be honest I was ready to have a walking break, but this wasn't what I had in mind. I run close by until number 3 is looking good again, he soon increases pace and is gone out of sight. It is Christmas and I couldn't just leave him there in pain...

Switch back time

Gone...

With just some cups of water at the next two aid stations. A small gulp of olive oil to lubricate my dry mouth. Then a few sips of my special brew (espresso, chia, coconut water). 

Near-by shouts of 'Go Bosher' and 'good running Luke' from the spectators here and there. I do not recognise everyone but then at 21 miles just before the water sports centre I can see friendly supporters Alma and Lesley shouting and clapping. It is great to see so many come out and brave the harsh wind and wet. 

The mud and puddles are even more slippery on this leg back. My legs really are finished for the day and more rest is required. I manage to keep going but the last few miles are a long, drawn out chore, I really am not enjoying this feeling and it is familiar to after running the Thames path 100, back in March. 

It very rarely happens, but today I do not want to run, I am not enjoying the discomfort and low energy response. 

Soon enough I reach the seaweed water edge from the start and tip toe around large puddles. Other runners are racing past me for the last stretch home. I couldn't race even if I wanted to. My pace is a slow 9:00min/mile average at the moment...

Almost...

Once back on the promenade of the seafront and back towards where we started, I can see the pier in the distance, then eventually the pyramids centre creeping into view. Clapping and cheering from the spectators and sunday strollers along the beach. It really helps lift my mood and stops me from crawling to a walk. 

The last 0.25 mile feels like I am running the end of a 100 miles all over again. The finish looks so close but so far... 

12:28

I can spot Shawn, then Tina and Gary just before the finish shouting 'go Luke, come on'. I can see the time, dissapointed how much slower I come in to the finish, but grateful I made it around injury free and strong as I can be considering still in recovery...

3:28:41 is my chip time, another 20 minutes slower than last year and in 106th position. A total of 1,163 runners finished the marathon today. 

Marathon number 20 is complete to finish off the year.

I think Jane had too much fun!

He made it...

I collect my goody bag, which has nothing, in my eyes that is very good, all grains and quick fix sugar that I wouldn't use after a race. 

The medal though, is a big improvement to last year, A very distinctive and suitable choice for Pompey. I like it and will get the back engraved. 

Sharon, she struggled with the technical terrain and did not enough it as much as she had hoped. Jane, however seemed to have way too much fun falling in the mud. Kevin and Keith had lots of fun with the day, as they always do. 

Steve came in 4:47:53. He was aiming for 4:30 but honestly for his second marathon, on multi terrain and in very wet and windy conditions. This is something to be very proud of. 

We are all proud of how far Steve has come, from his first 10k race to marathons in just one year! 

A true Bosh runner.

A nice new medal design this year

Thanks to Fit Pro Bob for another successful marathon in Portsmouth and to everyone who organises, volunteers and makes the event possible. 

Big shout out to all the Bosh Run support and words of encouragement, If it wasn't for my running group, I probably would have given it a miss this year! I am glad I didn't, I enjoyed the company and team support.

Thank you to Steve, Tina, Shawn and Gary for the support today and the chauffuer drive. 

Great to see everyone and Happy New Year! 

UltraLuke

YEAR IN REVIEW 2013

2013 has been quite an epic year of achievements and reaching my goals. I knew it would be a crazy year of racing planned, since becoming an ultra runner in 2012. To actually complete as many as I did is rather remarkable. 

With 9 ultra (2x 100 miles) and 10 marathons, a few were top 3 and top 10 finishes. I really have learnt a lot in 2013. I am still learning about what ultra running will bring to me, but I am enjoying the journey and experiences that are on the way...

Nutrition has been one of the biggest changes and then the importance of cross-training and resting. I had a few marathons that I did not start due to injuries, which is just as well with the amount I was racing. Highs of finishing 2nd place in my first 100 miler event. Then lows in the summer, from my first DNF, which was the hardest, but most sensible decision I encountered in 2013. 

JANUARY
After a harsh and bitter cold to the end of 2012. January started just as cold, with training lighter during the deep snow, but I still went ahead and completed the 'Go Beyond Ultra Country to Capital 45'. Starting in Wendover, then finishing along the Grand Union Canal in Little Venice, London. 

For my first ultra of the year, it went pretty well, although I struggled with the canal route of hard pavement and an ITB issue. I hit many lows but did finish strong, eventually. 12th place 6:09:00

Total running miles: 250

FEBRUARY
The weather didn't improve much this month, still cold but then came the wind and rain, lots of it... My miles increased and training off road went to plan. I felt strong and running in extreme conditions really toughened me up. I started longer back to back runs. 

My 2nd ultra of the year was the 'Go Beyond Ultra Thames Trot 50'. From Oxford to Henley-On-Thames. With heavy flooding to the Thames River, the route was made slightly shorter to 42 miles. But was the only safe option to avoid the burst banks. 

Too many roads

The weather was a bright brisk day, I paced myself well and feel that the training really pieced together the race nicely. I made a few wrong turns, but with the help from others I finished in 8th place 6:21:46

Coastal Trail Series 35 Devon

Just one week later I traveled to South Devon. Tired after work and then the 6 hour drive. I had a further long drive to the start of the 'Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series 35' event. 

This was a severe category run, along the moors covering steep climbs and dangerous descents on rock, grass and clay.bI really struggled during the second part of the race, lack of rest and the previous race from last week took a toll on me. I finished in 11th place in 6:23:06

The only half marathon of 2013

Another week later is my local Brighton half marathon with fellow BOSH running friends. 7628 runners swarmed the seafront, in this fast and flat race. 

I raced on how I felt, although not recovered from the last two events, I felt confident enough that the short distance would be over in a flash. Soon enough it was and I raced a hard 1:24:41 coming in 139th place. A surprise PB on this distance.

Total running miles: 272 (highest month)

MARCH

The Steyning Stinger marathon starts off the month. A small, local, hilly trail run along the downs. just over 200 runners. Feeling very conditioned and fit, without much struggle on the climbs, I come in 7th place in 3:24:28

A week later I take part in the Worthing 20 road race. Another small local run of 478 runners, designed as preparation for Brighton and London marathons. The route consists of four 5 mile laps on residential streets.

I came in 2:12:59 in 17th place 

Worthing 20

With my last high mileage week reaching a total of 83. I feel strong and fit enough to start a three week taper, for my first attempt at running Thames Path 100.

Again the river is flooded in some areas, so the route has been rerouted, starting in Richmond then ending in Cookham. Consisting of two out and back spurs, finishing in Windsor at 102 miles. This would mean passing Windsor three times.

A cold 3C with bitter winds and sleet. Still nursing a cold from the lack of activity, my start wasn't very pleasant. I started the first half rather too quickly, then eased into a steady pace and soon the training paid off for the rest of the day. 

Slowly runners suffered in the wet, cold and started to drop. I crept up on the route to the front pack, before eventually making the finish in 2nd, just 4 minutes from 1st place in 18:14:18. 

First 100 miler event

I felt amazing finishing my first 100 in such extreme conditions, and so well. A door had been opened and I craved to run long again...

Total running miles: 259

APRIL
Brighton Marathon number 4 takes place in April and always brings back fond memories, as it was my first marathon in 2010 and in my home town. Lots of friends and runners come together for this popular event by the sea. Now with 10,000 runners.

Trying desperately to achieve a sub 3 hour time, but sadly it was not meant to be. I cramped at 24 miles and had to walk a minute or so until it passed.

I finished in 70th place 3:00:18

One week later I experienced my first ever Virgin London Marathon, with over 33,000 other runners. The squeeze in the good for age pen was immense, and it was scary but amazing to be a part of it. I enjoyed every moment of the sights, support and route. A true people's race. I felt fantastic throughout, with only a slight low, briefly. The crowds really do pick you up. 

I finally reach my sub 3 hour goal. A PB of 2:57:47 in 1,068th place 

First VLM

Total running miles: 210

MAY
This month kicks off with running my second Three Forts Marathon. A huge improvement to the damp wind and wet of last year. I wore the wrong footwear, choosing my Vibram Trek Sports (4mm sole) over trail shoes. The hard stone trails really battered my foot bed and slowed me towards the end. This still stays in my mind as 'The Tough One'. 

An improvement this year of 3:43:49 in 11th place

Two weeks later I head to Florida for a brief break, and to run the Keys 50. Although I felt trained in the distance, nothing could prepare me for the lack of heat training and intense Floridian sunshine. Temperatures reached 30c and with very little shade. I really started to suffer after just 10 miles. I had GI issues and severe stomach bloating. It felt like a crawl to the finish. 

I reached Key West, the end of the US-1 in 9:18:13 in 5th place

First overseas ultra

One week later I head up to Edinburgh for the marathon festival weekend. I have never been to Scotland until now so enjoyed the sights, and the surprising, scenic route out of the city. 

Some 25,000 runners take part in this event. I feel just about recovered enough from Florida and some how manage another PB, sub 3 hour time.

2:56:26 in 68th place

EMF with Joyce

Total running miles: 235

JUNE

This is the start of a very busy month. 

First I try out the South Downs Marathon, from which I have heard great things. The route, the scenery and the climbs. I found this even harder than the Three Forts in places. It is a point to point course in Queen Elizabeth country park. 

I really did suffer but managed to come in 37th place from just under 500 runners.

The next day is the popular Seaford Half Marathon with friends, that I committed to. A local off road on the downs, with 1,400ft of elevation. 476 runners took part.  

It was one of those events that you read great things, and just unfortunate it was the same weekend as a marathon. I wasn't going to treat this as a key race, but more of a training run for my next ultra. 

Although I felt tired and fatigued in my legs, falling over at one stage. It was a good test on my body for what is to come.

I came in 19th place in 1:39:21

San Francisco Marathon with Mark and Lucy

Next up is a 6 day trip to San Francisco for the marathon. A slightly hilly road marathon that attracted over 5,700 runners. Joined by our Brighton friends Mark and Lucy. 

This was the earliest race start I have encountered at 5:30am, whilst the streets are still dark. We was very lucky to experience the sunrise over the Golden Gate bridge. The first year without any fog. The weather was glorious and the scenery through the park was brilliant. I started to suffer towards the end, jet lag and lack of sleep started to set in. 

I came in 3:04:10 in 84th place

One week later I fly up to Newcastle, then head over to Carlise with my sister for The Wall Ultra. I am one of the 322 expert runners to complete the route along Hadrians Wall from Carlisle castle to Newcastle Millenium bridge in one day. 

A scenic 69 mile course, although, only 20 miles was part of the actual Wall ruins. This was too much road for me to endure and was the start of a ankle ligament injury. I suffered huge blisters wearing a birkenstock running sandal which I now no longer wear.

I came in 3rd place in 11:05:50

The Wall

Total running miles: 226

JULY
With physio and lighter running, my ankle soon improves, but is still not 100% healed. 

I still commit to running Race To The Stones 100k along the Ridgeway trail. The oldest pathway in England. 

Again I have gone for the expert one day challenge, with 227 other runners. It soon becomes the hottest day of the year reaching 33C with no shade. I suffer with the heat and it brings back memories of Florida. 

Again I have stomach issues and go off my food. My ankle starts to really nag towards the end and I eventually finish in a not so good 11:54:10 in 13th place 

I wore my Luna sandals this time and suffered no blistering on the feet. 

Struggles with 33C heat 

Total running miles: 133

AUGUST
Finally the month arrives to attempt my second 100 miler event from Centurion Running, the North Downs Way. With a much lighter month of running and strength training to help my ankle.

 I feel ready to run, but I am not sure the outcome of the race. After coming in 2nd for my first 100, I am being watched today. 

I have just started to tap into my nutrition and have been fueling on fats over glycogen. It has been working great for my performance and training.

The first 35 miles went well and I felt good. I did slip on rock landing hard on my hip at Box hill, then slowly the ankle started to ache, then discomfort, then pain with swelling. 

I had to make the hard decision to drop at 43 miles. It was either make the injury worse and finish walking. Or stop now and start healing it properly. It is my first DNF race.

This also ends my running streak after reaching 273 days...

Team BOSH

Total running miles: 78

SEPTEMBER
After some time out, cross training then light running again, I feel confident I can finish the London To Brighton Extreme Running event. 

A 59 mile self navigating trail route, with no course markers or GPS allowed.

I have trained some of the route on bike, and ran with Mark (one of the organisers) and another competitor, Shawn, on two of the sections previously. 

A field of just 55 runners take part this year in the off road run from Blackheath Common, taking the Kent and Sussex border south to Brighton. 

My nutrition really helps today and I feel strong throughout, although my pace starts to drop with the steep elevation and again, my ankle discomfort. I go off route in some areas and waste over an hour getting lost. 

The ankle gets sore during the last 10 miles, but with the race almost over I carry on and finish in a disappointing 11:43:20 in 9th place. 

First barefoot shoe runner

On a more cheery note I am the first barefoot runner to complete the course since starting in 2008. I wore my trusty Luna sandals again with no blister or foot problems.

Total running miles: 117

OCTOBER
Heading to Cologne to run the Koln Marathon whilst staying with friends. 

This is my first marathon in Europe. One of the many popular and professional German events with over 4,000 runners. The route was a very scenic, sight seeing tour of the city with a few switch backs. I felt pretty good through out but not my best in the later stages. 

My legs still feel the previous ultra, injury and lower mileage, so I soon start to fatigue quickly. 

This is my slowest road marathon of the year in 3:15:55 in 329th place 

Koln Marathon

It is quite amazing to go from strength to strength, and love the buzz of running, then all of a sudden have the set back of injuries and less training. 

I have learnt to discover I am unable to train for ultra and then race road marathons hard, at the same time. I need those rest periods after the longer distances, and then periods where I can add intervals, speed training and hill repeats. 

The end of 2012 I was just focusing on marathon. Where as now I have grown into an ultra runner, this has become priority. Although my speed has dropped my endurance and stamina to go long, has improved with base training. 

Beachy Head Marathon

The end of the month is my second try at the Beachy Head Marathon. This steep hilly off road route with over 3,000ft elevation, is still a very popular, sell out event for East Sussex. 

Over 1,700 runners took to the hills. 

Going in with an open mind and running on feel, I perform consistently and my pace stays pretty solid. I get the job done. It is still one of my all time favourite trail marathons and the grueling route is forgotten by the amazing scenery. 

As usual it is a very windy day but with sunshine. 

16 minutes slower than my first try last year, in 4:06:29 in 151st place 

Total running miles: 122

NOVEMBER
My birthday month soon swings around, and it is another try at running a 100 miles! Hopefully with a finish this time. 

After a very pleasant 10 days in North Tenerife hiking Teide and Anaga Mountains. I feel rested and recharged to battle the Winter 100 event. 

This course is a cross section, of out and back spurs along the Ridgeway and Thames Path routes. Using Streatley as a base. I have the experience from many previous races, so feel confident I know most of the route. 

My nutrition has really been going to plan, and now fully fat adapted. It is one less thing I need to worry on during these longer events. 

The first half went very well, maybe too well. I raced pretty hard and felt great. I stayed in 4th position throughout and reached 50 miles in a PB time of 7:35, but after this my pace started to slow considerably. 

Although I felt tired, my legs kept on moving and with correct fuel at the right times I stayed strong until the finish. 

Maybe I could of pushed a little harder towards the end? enjoying the long run too much, I really felt like I was back running my first 100 all over again. I was on such a high and knew I would finish strong but just not in a top 5 position. 

I eventually came in 4 minutes slower than my first 100 miler in 18:17:51 making 8th place. 

My 2nd 100 miler race

Now although I hoped for maybe a top 5 position, after the on-going ankle injury I sustained. To even finish was such a buzz and without any ankle discomfort. 

I really feel this ended my 2013 on a high. To actually finish 2x100 miler events, totally 9 ultra this year and 11 life time, in total. I feel like the journey is just beginning...

Total running miles: 241

DECEMBER
The end of the year, and another shot at the 4th edition of the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon. Just three days before Christmas. 

This waterside multi-terrain course has become a keen choice among locals of the South. The out and back route to Hayling Island is always very muddy in places with a combination of grass, road, stones, puddles and seaweed. It makes one very interesting race, although practising on this type of terrain is recommended. 

Still very flat, it attracts the fast elites. Over 1,170 runners braved the high winds and rain. This year I had the company of more running friends, old and new to experience Pompey. 

The rain eased after the start, but the wind kept on pushing. I felt good on my feet and strong enough during the first half, then the switch back section, I started to slow and struggle. 

It has only been three weeks since the Winter 100, and this is where I started to suffer. My legs kept moving although my body wanted to call it a day. 

With everything I had left to give, against the strong winds. I did make it, finally, into the finish but another 20 minutes slower than last year in 3:28:41 in 106th place.

I was just grateful to actually be able to find the strength to reach the finish. 

I am finding that ultra can take it out more so on the body, physically, rather than the actual running side of it. 

Another week, or two to fully recover, I think I can get back to the trails and start adding the time on feet once again. 

I am starting 2014 lighter, and with logistics and costs of the winter events, I have decided to wait until April for the first big ultra. I have a few smaller local races to keep me busy until then, but I really want to focus on building up my base and hills for the key 100 milers I have planned.

Total running miles: 98

Total 2013 running miles: 2,244.5

One great thing that has seen 2013 end positive, is my adaption to learning about my body and how I fuel my nutrition. Through eating higher fats, no sugar, no grains and low carbohydrates. 

You can listen to some interviews about my nutrition below.

Podcast interviews:
Vinnie Tortorich Episode 218

Paleo Runner Aaron Olson