NEVER GIVE UP....
The Endurance Life Coastal Trail Series in Sussex is the 7th edition of 9 events starting in October 2013 and finishing in May 2014. The trail series are very select coastal routes in outstanding natural beauty around the UK. With race distances for all abilities, graded from moderate elevation climbs, to very extreme.
I participated in the South Devon CTS in February 2013, which was a severe category event.
Today is graded as a strenuous category, with some 4,000ft of elevation gain along the south downs and seven sisters of East Sussex.
Race regulation starts early for the ultra race from 7:00, with a race brief and then starting time of 8:25. Followed by the marathon, half then lastly the 10k race.
Today myself and fellow ultra running friend Nick will be attempting the full 34 mile ultra course that uses all three routes, then finishing with the 10k route after covering 28 miles. We just have to pass the finish area before doing the last leg.... just like the previous CTS I raced.
Starting at a chilly and breezy Birling Gap, the weather looks to be unsettled yet again. Winds to reach 22mph from the south west, rain and broken sunshine. Perfect British running weather...
Registration complete, finishing tee and chip secured on my wrist, I meet Nick and we chat races and I ask about the route, as he ran this last year. My split iPhone cable is playing up with the connection and it doesn't look like I will be getting any charge from my back up battery today. I use Runkeeper as a live tracker, which unfortunately drains the juice fast...
8:15
After a race brief we head off to the starting area, the wind cold on my face, already I am missing my buff. I wish Nick all the best and that will see him soon. At go it is across the car park then straight uphill to the downs and cliff tops.
The climbs are steep and sharp, with even more harsh descents, that is chalky and uneven in places. Through plenty of gates and following the arrow markers. Eventually the route heads away from the cliff edge and into Seven Sisters Park.
Seven Sisters Park
Today will be fun....
The track leads uphill through the woods towards East Dean, where eventually at 6 miles or so it is the first check point. I am good for water so just scan my chip and thank the team, heading on down the route.
Finding my pace and keeping up with some of the front pack, I take in the scenery and deep woodland trail. The mud is getting thicker in places and proves technical at times.
Once out towards Folkington and deep into the South Downs, the climbs keep on coming. I walk the very steep parts and then after a good 800ft and 10 miles onto the route, I stop for a breather to take in the view.
The rain has cleared and just a strong wind is left....
Fastest Pace: 7:50
Slowest Pace: 12:45
Folkington 800ft
Looking towards Jevington
I enjoy some clearer skies and less climbing for the next stretch into Friston Forest, then back towards Birling Gap. I start to feel smoother on my feet and get into my pace better, with my spirits lifted. The route is so scenic, I really enjoy the surrounding views.
I think I have warmed up now....
The track meets up with the half marathon runners, it seems they are the back of the pack at a more leisurely pace. So I try to navigate around them and over take where possible. Some even have their four legged friends with them for the run...
I go to take a picture with my phone, but with just 20% power remaining, it switches off and dies on me...
Fastest Pace: 7:32
Slowest Pace: 11:51
11:50
After another steep 400ft climb at 20 miles and running for over 3hours, the route takes to the rolling hills at Beachy Head cliff-top. We can see the sea view and Eastbourne to the distance, then the drop is so steep runners zig zag down the hill so to not trip and fall. I love downhills so I just let gravity take me down and enjoy the adrenaline buzz....
Once reaching the trail that meets the Cafe by St Beade's School, its a quick water stop before climbing back up to the South Downs Way trail heading west back across to Birling Gap. Checking my Garmin I can see I am almost at the marathon disctance of the race...
I have a few sips of my extra virgin olive oil that I always carry these days, for some fat burning energy.
Almost there...
Breather between climbs
Fastest Pace: 7:47
Slowest Pace: 11:55
Another climb up into the downs and joining the South Downs way, high up over looking the valley. The route then heads towards the start and we are teased with seeing the race HQ, before bearing off down a track and then up around a field. Marshals guide us the way.
A short and sharp climb, another check point and scan of my tag. Then following the trail back down hill. I pass a sign that says one mile to go, through the woods and then passing the finish line. Spectators cheer the other runners in. I carry on down the track where we started to go on and complete another 10k. I grab some water before heading on.
28 miles on my Garmin and feeling good. I pick up the pace and feel confident I can finish strong....
Beachy Head
Back up the dirt track and out into the open space of the seven sisters cliff top. Rolling hills and strong winds, I really miss that buff now...
I pass a few runners, who were pacing much stronger earlier in the race. They are now marching up the hilly parts and trotting down them...
The 10k route turns off earlier than when I was running here this morning, taking me up and over towards Alfriston. Through styles and gates across the scenic landscape of the downs before meeting the track back to Birling Gap.
Keeping hydrated on Nuun water and another SCap. I sip my special brew, blended with chia seeds,salts and nibble on some nuts and choc espresso beans.
Again it's up and down over the hills to the light house. The climbs are no easier, but somehow my energy is good in my legs, and I can carry on up without any walking this time...
I wish other runners well and enjoy some sunshine that decides to show up, just in time for the finish. Eventually after reaching the top of a climb I can see a marshal for the last check point. I scan my tag for the last time, and head on down the steep ridge that meets the other routes for the finish.
14:00
Picking up pace with just one mile to go...
I over take some marathon runners and finish strong, with a sprinting burst to the sound of clapping by the nearby spectating crowd...
Collecting my medal from a warm welcome of the Endurance Life team. I have a happy smile of achievement edged on my face. Although I perhaps could of raced this much harder, I did struggle in places with the steep climbs and was aware that this is still a training race. I have key races later in the year, so wanted to tread carefully with a course I am not so familiar with...
I came in 10th position overall. Happy and pleased with the result. I am looking forward to next years event in the South Downs.
Nick came in finishing strong in a time of 6:54:43 and in 45th position.
Out of 82 starting runners, 63 came into the finish.
10th Place 5:33:33
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