BEACHY HEAD MARATHON Eastbourne: 27/10/12

08:15: Mum has driving duties today as she offered her assistance as my crew for the day. We pull up the top of the hill near to where the start is and as I have 15min to get to the registrations tent just drops me off, grab my Camelbak and head down the hill while mum parks up somewhere else. She shouts from behind ‘water don’t you want this?’ I run back up for a swig and tell her anymore water I’m going to be peeing all day! 

I manage to see the starting line and a marquee tent on the green opposite the school so head over to find it pretty rammed full of runners pinning their numbers and waiting to collect. Number 47 is me and a dinner voucher and chip is in the pack too. I head out and pin my number with difficulty as the biting cold wind is making my hands numb, even though I have been wearing gloves from Brighton in the car all the way here!

As I locate the line for the toilets outside I see Andy straight away, fellow BOSH-Runner from our group. We chat about the conditions briefly and I see he has no over coat or jacket but joggers over his shorts so he must be cold! Andy is usually a running shorts man! I attempt to call mum see if she has parked up but she finds us and I introduce Andy, she jokes he’d be easy to spot with the long hair. We say our goodbyes and wish each other good luck.

I’m in my usual trusty running tights, compression long sleeve, an over weather layer, gloves, my Vivo Trails with socks, buff and cap. Yet I’m still cold to the bone! Mum has lent me her big weather coat to throw over but I’m still shaking like a leaf... 

After a few last minute pics, tweets and FB update (with great difficulty) I head into the start pen area and wait around the front by the less than 5hr finish, not many runner’s have got into the area yet and I figure why as the strong bitter wind is sweeping down from the steep hill in front of us.

Just a few minutes left for gun fire, everyone huddles into the starting area and lots of jumping, shaking about and movements as we all try to keep warm somehow!

09:00: After countdown from ten we start with the loud horn sound and I start my Runkeeper and Garmin watch, head straight towards the first hill just 30 metres or so from us.

We climb up the few steps and grass at a steep, sharp ascent and fairly quick, it’s very cold still and I’m excited but want to just warm up. I can feel my heartrate elevate quickly so slow to a climbing pace, concentrate on my breathing to a steady rate but with the biting wind against me it takes a while. 

As the hill levels out to a slow gradient I realise if I have just struggled there it is going to be a real tough race! I’m really not sure if the just six hours sleep and finishing my night shift only yesterday will help me in feeling good to race. I keep my pace to around 8:00min/mile until I feel my heartrate has steadied some.  Is it the excitement and cold? I normally feel lots stronger than this...

After a few minutes I can hear bag pipe music drifting with the wind into our earshot, I look up to see a player in all his kilt and colours playing for us! His head is turned so he can see the runners coming over the hill. Nice touch I thought :-) We head over the road where a marshal has stopped traffic to allow us to cross, we head over the other side of the field which is part of Beachy Head and leads onto the South Downs Way trail.

09:25: Mile 3 after the first water stop is another rather steep climb into the Trail.  The path leads under shady trees and I am grateful for the wind block so lower my buff from my mouth and nose a little. There are hard slab stones that are rather uneven beneath our feet, which become hard to run down as the slope gets steeper as we descend. 

I see a lady approach from the side of me in a baby blue top and shorts (cross between mini skirt and running shorts) big shades and dark curly hair, she looks Spanish perhaps? She smoothly glides past me like a ballerina, wonderful watching how light and at ease she runs. Another sharp hill and rock gravel underneath so I take it carefully and slowly pass the lady in blue: “""u hang with us we descend downWill hang with you again, see u soon!” I say. She laughs with a big smile.

09:55: At 6.79 miles my Garmin stopped and I did not realise at the time.  We go up yet another steep gradient, I slow to a 10:00min/mile pace. Eventually down again we head through a small village which gets quite muddy and slippery, so glad my trail shoes have the grip! After what I think is about two miles we reach another water stop and I then notice the watch stopped so restart again cursing how I didn’t notice and then how did I manage to stop it? 

High up into the South Downs and I take in the breathtaking views for miles around us.  The sunshine really does make this area look stunning and I think this is so much better than hard rain so learn to deal with the bitter strong winds. A very enjoyable flat moment is ahead on the SDW trail high   up and it gives me time to absorb this great view! I quicken my pace into a comfortable 7:20min/mile pace and swiftly fly along...

10:20: Nine miles in or so the trail has led downhill a fair amount towards the south and I can see the sea in the distance ahead .I can't hold any longer and stop for a comfort break. We are deep into a wooded area under many trees and climb over a stile and then steps lead us high up again. I can hear bagpipes again from above and can see another chap playing in all his get up! Nobody around me talks a word and I climb the large big steps slowly. I’m walking these along with everyone else and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the bag pipe player as we pass him. 

I look back to see how steep it is. I wish I counted how many steps as there was more than a fair few... The top of the forest opens up to a big field and cheers from spectators at both sides say: “Well done, keep going not long to go!” I thumbs up and thank them but know deep down we have awhile left to go and plenty more hills to come! My quads are starting to burn and ache from the steep ascents but it is a nice familiar discomfort I’ve come to expect from this year of many marathons.  It makes me feel like I have worked at something, without this pain I know I’m going too easy and slow... 

10:55: 12.70 miles we reach a water stop, I see half mars bars, hot cross buns, biscuits and squash on offer, tempting but no not yet for me, just some water. The fields lead down to yet another steep descent past a river and over a bridge.  The route leads out onto a small private road then out left into a village.  I try to look around for key places or signs to see if I recognise anywhere, I eventually spot Friston and the local pub has a huge crowd cheering and clapping us as we pass down the road. We slow to some marshal’s blocking the A259 from passing traffic to let us cross and enter the Seven Sister’s park.

The view from here is stunning and I remember walks here years back. I think to myself I’m so glad I get to experience some of this today during a marathon, I now see why this is such a popular race to run and grasp some of the most scenic sights East Sussex has to offer. Many more walkers, spectators and marshals on the way cheer and clap as we pass by. I take in the views and plod on checking my pacing which is around 7:00-7:15min/mile.  I start to feel fatigued and rather hungry all of a sudden so tuck into a pack of berry Cliff shots leaving only one cube left - the pack contained six! It doesn’t last long as by mile 14 I’m ready for another SIS gel and use the caffeine berry as I am still feeling rather sluggish and tired. Killer hills and no tapering this week are probably catching up on me now...

11:28: 16 miles or so on the cliff side and I am now facing Seven Sisters which means seven cliff top hills to go... I take a look back at the famous cottage on the cliff edge you see on postcards so take the moment to snap a photo for myself. I see up above the hill I’m not the only one snapping away. I climb the hill rather slow and figure I can speed up going down to make some time up here.  I only just manage crawling up at a 14:00-16:00min/mile pace! 

The ground is a combination of soft grass and chalk gravel so the climbing up becomes tricky, not knowing where to place your feet as it is so uneven. The wind is so strong here and each climb at the top I’m greeted with a huge cold blast that feels like ice thrown on my face! These hills are repeated for another six and the view of the lighthouse at Beachy Head looks very small from back here. My aching quads and tired cold head just want this to be over now and I start to hit a low...

11:55: Reaching the climb just after mile 20 I can see a drinks station ahead and it’s actually a relief to just stop a minute and catch my breath. I can see the lighthouse closer up front on the cliff edge and figure still so close but so far left to the finish. I drink two cups water and decide to take half a mars bar for the chocolate, just a moment of bliss to try to distract the last few hills to go.  I thank the volunteers and speed down the hill with my mouthful. The speed doesn’t last very long, as quick as I get to the bottom I only slow to a marching effort back up the next steep slope.   

A few small slopes that feel a breeze for the time being so I have a moment to feel some recovering, only to see another two big sister hills left. I decide to keep my head down on the climbs and enjoy the speedy drops which seem to lift my spirits more - or is that the sugar rush from the mars bar that I would never have in my diet usually?!

12:30: Approaching about 24 miles the last of the sisters are behind me, all seven of them.  I have a proud moment knowing I’ve managed to conquer those and got the worst over with, well almost…I can see a huge steady incline of a hill which leads up to the lighthouse that is Beachy Head up next. I take it slowly but try to keep a 10:00-12:00min/mile max going on here when possible. 

The climb feels like forever and the cheers from passing hikers and walkers helps but I can’t help thinking have they ever tried running on Beachy? It is brutal and horrific in places. Not one for a beginner this. As the hill gradually becomes steeper still, as if it couldn’t already it still climbs up reaching 300ft to the top. Finally as if I would never see what is over the hill I eventually get a sneak peek as I creep up nearer to the summit.

Then there it is…the light house and a nice bit of flat, just a short part but it is flat! This is where I can see everyone who is upfront in the lead. I try to count some of the runners ahead but I soon give up and know with my time that I will be around the first 100. I cruise along here feeling so much better already.  Then a small climb, which is over quickly enough, then through past the pub restaurant car park at the top of Beachy Head and around to the main road following it up across the grass verge. I notice it looks familiar and realise we passed this but on the other side of the road earlier on. I suddenly have a clear idea that means the finish is only about one mile or so away! I up to my race pace (or the closest I can) with my burning exhausted sore legs and hope please for no cramping!

12:43: Less than one mile to go and no cramping yet. I remember back to Liverpool how this is when it started, I’m quite grateful that today has been mainly off road and the road we did run on was very brief. We make our way around the cliff top passing walkers and spectators strolling to see the runners come in. Over the small mound and past some trees, I can see a glimpse of Eastbourne and then, as I approach nearer the finish, I can see the Pier. 

Then I notice a half rainbow peeping from the thick clouds over the seafront, it’s the most amazing moment to see and such a nice welcome for the end of a race that has been stunning with scenery on the way.  I think of my partner Sunday and how he would really like it up here - to see what all us runner’s have seen. As the route seems to slope downwards I sense this must be it - finally the sharp hill that we climbed all those hours ago. I literally fly down but have to steady myself as the steps approach and land two at a time.  I whizz past the cheers and crowds and there it is the end....I sprint the best I can and thumbs up the spectators with a sign of relief and a big smile as I pass through the finish line. 

 I clock my time to be 3:50:39 

which is 70th place,  

not bad for my first Beachy Head Marathon! 

That’s 47 minutes slower than Liverpool two weeks ago and 25 minutes quicker than my Three Forts Marathon ‘The Tough One’ in May which has a similar 3,400ft elevation gain too. The Eastbourne website claims you need to add 30-40 minutes onto your road time so I am very happy with my result today.

I gain my 17th medal from racing and my 10th Marathon to date since 2010.

Thanks for reading and Run Free!

UltraLuke

RUN LIVERPOOL: 14/10/2012

My partner Sunday is running his first ever marathon today. I’m really excited for him as it takes me back to my first marathon back in 2010.

My very close friend Helen is running her fifth Marathon so far this year in aid of the Olympic rings so it is an extra special race for her too. Joining us are friends Darren and Tanya from our BOSH-Run group on Facebook. This marathon will be Darren’s second and both he and Tanya are hoping for a Personal Best!

08:40: After a short train ride to Birkenhead with the guys, we reach the park entrance and drop our bags on the lorry, it is sunny but a brisk northern 5c chill. My Inov-8 Wrag will be my wind proof today.


Pictures taken from Run247 and for our run group.

Heading over to the start, Helen already with soggy feet in her Vibram Five Fingers. I am wearing New Balance MT10 today, I favour my VFF on shorter distances.

We walk the start pen staying in the sunshine to keep warm. Wishing Sunday and the guys good luck, I head further down to the front as it is getting crowded.

I can see elites up front and the Mayor of Liverpool on the balcony.

09:30: The countdown begins 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1. A loud horn sounds and we are off! everyone is tearing through the park at lightning speed...

I steady myself and get my pacing to a 7:15-30 min/miles but find it a struggle with runners flying past.

Heading onto the main high street of Birkenhead, with lots of spectator cheers from both sides of the road.

At the first water stop I have just a few gulps as I'm only a touch thirsty. I find my pace and take in the sights of the Wirral. Over bridges, industrial works following signs to New Brighton.

10:10:  Six miles in and I can see the sea. I'm just about warming up now. Runners head up the sea road, passing more spectators. I thumbs up and smile at the crowd. The route switches back on ourselves with the view of Liverpool over the Mersey in sight.

Nine miles in and onto the promenade of New Brighton. I see a lighthouse out at sea and the buildings of the city. As I have an SIS energy gel. I am running 6:15-30 min/mile pace.

10:50:  Eleven miles or so and back over the bridge from the other direction and then towards the Birkenhead Tunnel. The toll is closed off.  I head towards the huge dark opening, it feels strange with empty roads. 

An eerie feeling it is to be running in a dark tunnel that usually occupies three car lanes.  As I approach the bottom of the tunnel, I see other runners ahead and we meet the half way marker. 

I cannot see any end close by. I start to feel rather low and try to keep focused. Alredy half way through the race.

After over 15 minutes in the tunnel I can hear live music playing from the exit.... 

Then finally, light at the end of the tunnel. I start to speed up to the exit. I have no idea how fast, my phone and Garmin have lost all service in here.

11:18:  At 13.5 miles I reach the opening of bright outside air. Greeted with almighty cheers. I see dancers and cheerleaders. I notice our Hotel just across the road.

I carry on the road, away from the docks for a few miles before another switch back down the other side of the road. I check my pace, still around 6:20 and I'm feeling muscle soreness from the road beneath me but still feel strong and confident I can finish this at my 3:10 goal time. 

Passing another water stop I gulp down a bottle of water and take a High5 gel with caffeine. I also have some Cliff shot cubes I'm carrying on me.

11:45:  At 18 miles I pass the Albert Dock and cut through the city past the town hall. The road then appears to be going up. I thought being a city marathon this would be more flat. Oh well, what goes up must come down...

My pace drops here as I start to feel the ache in my feet, swollen from the ‘tarmac pounding’.  Once the road flattens out, into a park, the path is gravel, which is a relief break from the roads. 

Lots of walkers in the park and see 2 hours 30 minutes have passed, so it is about midday.  This means I have less than 30 minutes to get a sub 3 hour finish.  I still have 4 miles to go....

I spot Sunday, so run closer to the right to shout over to him. He gives me a thumbs up and says he is ok. I feel proud knowing how far he has come with his running.

Big day for my partner Sunday: his first marathon!

Leading downhill at last, I see the 24 mile marker, so I am very close to the finish! I start to feel my glutes getting tight with the chance of cramping. I have some more Cliff Shots, followed by water at the next stop.

12:25:  With just one mile left, I check my Garmin and see that I may gain a PB for a Marathon. The glutes start to tighten more. I feel the pain approaching. 

The crowds towards the finish at Mann Island are screaming at the runners, clapping and cheering.  The support is truly intense and I feel a lump in my throat. Suddenly a muscle cramp hits my glute and I have to slow to rub the area. Luckily it fades and I head for the finish.

The road bends and I see the big archway finish. I try with all my energy and power I have left to sprint. It’s the best I can do without another cramp stopping me. 

I hear over speaker ‘Luke Ashton is just finishing’ and look up to see the time of 03:02:55 BOSHED!

That’s a PB and six minutes slashed off Brighton Marathon time from April.

I have a good stretch as I take in the moment and the memories of the race....My first Liverpool marathon!

I have time for a cold shower and change before the others from the BOSH-Run Group are due to finish.  I head back to see Darren gain his PB of 4:09, Tanya then Sunday finishes his first marathon in 4:21. Sunday has time for a cold bath before we head back for Helen to finish....

BOSH-Runners

Luke’s Top Tips for completing a road marathon:

1.  After finishing the marathon drink plenty of water.  I also recommend a high carb protein shake. I currently use a Vegan mix of pea and hemp protein as its plant based, lighter than whey and dairy free. I put a teaspoon of super green powder and Chai seeds in for added antioxidant boost post race.

2.  Run a cold – or if you can brave it an ice bath - to cool the muscles in your legs.  Sit in shallow water for 10 minutes.  Uncomfortable as it maybe, after a few minutes you will already feel less inflammation or aches. The next day your legs will thank you!

3.  Wear the right shoe for the terrain. With road races I use a minimalist shoe.  Today I wore my New Balance MT10 as they have just that bit more protection on the sole over my barefoot shoes.

4.  Remember to grease up your feet and toes.  Cover toenails with plasters if they suffer from bruising and wear a good running sock.  I have to tape up all my toes when wearing my New Balance trainers. With any marathon you will get the odd small blister but by greasing and using plasters you will prevent the worst that could stop you completing a race.

5.  After an hour to 1.5 hours after the race have a very well balanced meal to aid your recovery and start to replace all those calories burnt. You would have burnt between 3,000 to 4,500 calories in a marathon.

Run free!

Luke

 

SALISBURY 54321 MARATHON: 12/08/12

8:30am As I stayed over in a B&B the night before, race day breakfast consisted of wholemeal toast, mushrooms, beans and tomatoes followed by a banana. I drank plenty of water with a carb mix powder.

8:50am I arrive at the Salisbury 54321 Trail Marathon to find lots of activity; running gear for sale, first aiders, physio, detailed maps and pictures of the routes. As I fix my race number to my vest I get soaked in a full-on summer downpour!

I feel a tap on my shoulder at the starting area and a friendly voice says: 'Hey Luke'. It's Kevin Smith from the Bosh-Run group on Facebook - a small group of 400 members who all keep in touch about training and racing online. These groups build a real community among marathon runners and provide inspiration and encouragement, so it is always great to see fellow members at events –particularly before a race to calm pre-race nerves.

09:30am The race start gun fires and off we go! After leaving the leisure centre grounds we head up to the hills and trails that make up about 75 percent of the course today. Everyone is rather keen at a quick pace and bunched together but they soon filter out at about 2 to 3 miles in. We climb some short inclines over grass and limestone before it levels out above Salisbury. After about 5 or 6 miles the course splits with the different races diverting. The team support and marshals are clearly visible and give plenty of cheers and encouragement.

10:20am After heading back down into the village we cross a few A-roads and then cover more trails and fields over the shire. The scenery up here is very inspiring and the rain has held off as I feel the sun trying to peep through the clouds. I start to feel the first stages of fuel burning and hunger creeping upon me so have one of my SIS gels followed by some water. After about 9 to 10 miles the course takes us through private grounds into a manor park and this is where everyone seems to filter out and find their pace. It gets rather flat for the next few miles or so and I begin to feel strong so quicken my pace to an average of 7:00min/miles.

11:00am We approach a main road and the markers show to head up the road on a steady incline for a mile or so. By now I have overtaken a fair few groups of runners and get into a steady pace of 6:30-45 min/miles. The course leads up a small private road and back onto national trail into the hills and fields where the scenery is plenty of corn fields and poppy fields. The trail is rather winding and has limestone and mud throughout. We go through a few kissing gates and other styles before heading down a steep field pathway into a wooded area where the trees have a spooky feel to them.

11:30am After the 15 mile water stop area the covered woodland continues and we follow red string to find our way back into the open fields. I consume another SIS energy gel followed by water.

After about 17 miles we head through another village and then up onto Salisbury race course. The track runs alongside and down the private road until it reaches the gate entrance. The road follows downhill into school fields and through residential housing areas to another water stop. By now I catch up with other runners from the half marathon and 30k distances. My quads, glutes and calf muscles have that familiar dull ache now from covering the miles so far and I start to feel fatigued and a wall approaching.

My pace has slacked a little so I consume 3 cubes of Cliff Shot Blocks with caffeine for a lift. After about 20mins the gels start to work, I realise I have gained pace to near the front of the group and have yet to see many more marathon runners for a fair while.

12:25pm As the route makes its way into public parks of the town centre it begins to get tricky and by now I'm up to 24 miles with various coloured signs leading the way for the different races. I cut through the town centre and begin to feel I'm going the wrong way as I'm racing down the high street looking for the marathon sign to lead the way! A passer by shouts to me“Keep going it’s this way!” The path narrows and leads down the river edge until eventually I recognise the leisure centre field from afar and check my Garmin to see I've covered over 26 miles now so look out for the finish line any moment now.

As I approach the small bridge over the river I see the finish finally and breathe a sigh of relief! I now run fast to reach the finish line and clock the time as 12:57pm (chip finish time of 3:27:56). My Garmin watch distance has covered 26.68 miles so just a little over the 26.2 distance of a marathon.

For an off road trail marathon I understand this is pretty fast pace and later discover I came in second place! I am really pleased with this result as the Salisbury Trail Marathon is only my fourth off road event, which requires a different technique to standard road marathon running.

Read my Top 5 tips for completing a Trial Marathon below:

1. Navigate: Study the route in advance if it is not a marshalled or easily marked route and plan your route. Get an Ordnance Survey map to cover the area. Getting lost will ruin your finish time.

2. Nutrition: Make sure you have enough energy carb gels with you and use only the same products in training don't try anything new, you don't know how your stomach will handle this on race day. Carry water with electrolytes if you usually do on trails in training. Today I carried my Camelbak with two Zero electrolyte tabs dissolved into water.

3. Pace yourself accordingly and as training: If the elevation gain is rather steep on a course slow your pace accordingly. Do not use all your energy on early hills as you will flag later in the race. There is nothing wrong with walking/marching up steep inclines, many Ultra runners only ever walk hills and still break records by adapting to this technique.

4. Equipment: wear enough layers and a waterproof light running jacket if rain is predicted and depending on the time of year. For this Marathon it was warm but not hot with light rain. I always wear a running cap to protect my scalp and shelter from rain/sweat in my eyes. But that doesn't mean it will work for you. Some runners prefer visors or headbands. Wear your trusty trail shoes if the terrain is mixed. They will provide added grip and protection when needed. Today I wore my Vivo Barefoot Trails.

5. Community: There are many online running forums, race review sites and social networks that have tips as well as your local running clubs. I have a very inspirational running group on Facebook BOSH-Run and we all have various abilities and run different race distances and terrains all over the UK. Today there were about five of us from the group and only three of us completed the course. Two unfortunately twisted ankles on the course and had to make the decision to stop running and return back to the start. Be prepared for this kind of setback, anything is possible and you can only run to your training ability. If you have any pain or fall, stop and seek help!

UltraLuke

GRIM REAPER ULTRA 40: 13/07/12

Today I shall be running my first ever Ultra race...

08:00:  It’s a chilly, grey, damp Friday 13th morning for the aptly named 'Grim Reaper Ultra Marathon' at Grimsthorphe Castle Estate in Lincolnshire.  You can still smell the wet grass from the rain of last night in the air as 150 runners make their last minute preps for the ultra distances ahead. 

Today we will endeavour to complete either the 40/70/100 mile distances around the castle estate on a combo of asphalt, grass, limestone and trail terrain in 10 mile laps, checking in at the aid crew tents on each lap. I've entered the 40 mile Ultra distance.

08:15: Race briefing is held by Keith Gray (Race Director).  After last minute registration, toilet runs and attaching our numbers we head slowly up the estate path to the start a 15 – 20 minute walking distance from the main castle gates. Here I spot the Ultra family that I have only recently joined.  Considering this is my first Ultra distance race after the Worthing Three Forts (a 27.2 mile trail race in May) and a 35 mile training run a few weeks prior, I start to feel at home and more relaxed than the pre-race nerves a marathon race can create.

08:40: We slowly walk towards the south gate entrance along the drive way to the race start.  My crew today is my partner Sunday, who is recording the morning’s happenings enroute.  On reaching the 9bar branded flags at the Grim Reaper start I notice the colourful array of competitors in all shapes and sizes.  I spot the young college boy who seems to be wearing a lot of wind/rain weather gear so assume he must be a walker.  

I also see a 40-something year old man wearing the Vibram Five Finger shoes that I am a big fan of in shorter distances.  I strike up a conversation about how he finds them and discover he has never run a marathon and has only ever trained up to 32 mile distance in his VFF,S.  That distance is not far off my training except I have at this stage run five marathons with only one being on trail.

I spot a very colourful character in – at a guess - her 50s wearing pink and blue clothing having a good old giggle and a joke with other competitors. About 5 minutes left to race start now and three Army chaps stroll up with their huge patrol backpacks, which look very heavy!  I think that these must be walkers. I then spot a familiar face from last year’s video, the 100 mile winner looking very much the same in person, strong, muscular and trained.

08:58: Time for a quick group photo from Keith and a last minute brief on where the course will change for the different distances.  We are told not to worry as the markers will have already been moved the time the first person has lapped.  I eat a last minute 9bar given out from team 9bar support and enjoy the much needed fuel as it is now over two hours since I ate breakfast.

09:00: The gun fires and we are off! Last minute wave to my partner who is still filming on social cam and we trot, run, walk off from the start. Within minutes up the drive way I'm surprised at how quickly some runners tear off up to the castle grounds. I purposely slow my pace not to keep up with them and check I'm not going any faster than an 8:30min/mile pace.

I'm aware that my long training runs have varied to 4.5 to 5.15 hours reaching 35 miles as my furthest distance so worry a little that my pace is too fast and that I can comfortably sustain the whole distance with confidence of finishing injury free and strong.  

I start to take in the scenic sights of the castle approaching and the groomed grounds around me.  There is a wet feel in the air and I'm already preparing for the worst downpour to happen any moment during this event.  I feel warm enough but maybe still a bit on the chilly side as it is only reaching 16C max today with heavy cloud, a 70% chance of rain and light winds.  I know I shouldn't really overheat much as the sun is unlikely to shine through.  It's hard to believe that it is July already!

I keep up with a few guys that have started off quickly, but I am careful not to be grouped with them.   I like to get comfortable with my own pace and rarely have raced alongside anyone at my pace.  I also have a lot more miles to cover than the usual 26.2 mile distance so concentrate on my own pace and take in the very scenic landscape.

I'm grateful to see a rather flat landscape ahead and just a few, very small, undulating areas around the lake and woodlands.  I've already packed in plenty of hills weekly up the South Downs in the last 6 months as they are right on my doorstep at home in Brighton, East Sussex.  I have little worry about the course to come thanks to the South Downs training runs and just enjoy my run and getting into my zone.

After a good 4 miles in I have passed some winding, narrow, limestone paths, plenty of cows and sheep around the lake and skimmed the edges of woodland areas.  I begin to wonder how the lap will go. I like surprises so didn't study the route beforehand and thought best to concentrate on my training for these longer distances on multi terrain.

09:35: After about 5 miles or so the route cuts into the forest and onto a wet muddy trail uphill to an opening between the trees.  I can only describe it as very long marsh grass conditions and by now it is very wet, up to ankle deep in places! I just pray that I have enough grease on my tootsies to prevent any blistering.  I take note that the muddy trail will become lots more slippery on the next lap, after 100+ feet start to scramble up it.  

I manage to navigate around most of the long grass and puddle water below, but my socks are so wet by now I actually feel like I'm treading water anyway.  I drop my pace back a little to save some energy for the next few laps. Ahead I can see two of the faster runners about 600 metres or so in front and someone in a blue top tearing ahead of them at a very strong pace. Once I reach the end of this grassy marsh land wood, the trail leads onto another field behind a farm house and outhouse and further into another field.  

Eventually after about 6 miles I see a long fence and stiles to climb over onto a private road. I pass a few cute cottages and barns along the way and feel comfortable on the road again after getting such cold wet soggy feet from the grass.  A few more minutes in and I eventually catch up with the two men ahead, once closer I see from there frame they must be no more than 22 years old.  They seem to have dropped their pace now and one has an odd shuffle going on.  I thumbs up and say ‘Well done, looking good!’ as passing the first then the other.  I hear a quick ‘Well done’ from them in reply.  

I look at my Garmin and see I'm doing a steady 7:45-8:00min/mile pace. The road seems to lead on forever and cannot see to the end of the horizon, just lots trees either side. I start to feel a wet spray on my face, which is refreshing at first, but then it starts to get heavier and rain follows. I cover my watch with my sleeve, put my head down and just plod on.

The road eventually narrows, bends left to right, undulating on the way and over a small stream.  Then I see a familiar arrow to turn left into another rocky trail along a field.  This eventually goes into the grass field and feels like hard mud below on my feet. The field follows the edge of woodland and I see the first 9bar white flag in the distance with Keith and his Land Rover standing by. 

As I approach he starts to clap and cheer me on, he has a great smile on his face, which is a nice welcome to see. He tells me I have an impressive pace and am doing well.  He stamps my race card in the first lap box and tells me that next lap I'm on my own and need to stamp myself from now on. I look at my Garmin once I say my thanks and goodbye and see I'm up to about 7.5 miles.

The trail leads through a wooded area then onto a footpath that is surrounded by lots of fields and I can see the Grimsthorphe Castle in the distance, hiding behind the trees. I can see the person in the lead as my stride catches up and soon notice it’s a young girl in her 20's.  Her pace is so strong and she seems like she means business! I don't see any water bottle or camelback on her just her strong legs pounding away! I eventually reach her and tell her well done as passing. I realise I have competition today as her pace is not far off mine. It's still raining and although it's a grey, wet day I can appreciate the nice scenery I'm encountering along the way.

10:22: Reaching just over 9 miles now and the pathway leads through the garden grounds and closer to the castle eventually coming up the pathway from the west side and meeting the main drive way to the castle entrance.  I can hear cheering and clapping from the checking-in tent at the castle gates and spot Team 9bar in their black weather jackets along with some other volunteers and my partner who is filming again.

I take a banana and have more water then help myself to another 9bar and a high5 gel with caffeine in case I need it later. One of the crew takes my time down for lap one and says ‘Well done number 5!!’  I have a quick chat with Liz from Team 9bar and then remind my partner I will need my shake on the next lap and probably another banana too.

10:30: Just as I say my goodbyes I hear clapping and cheering from the tent and look back to see the girl in blue just arriving. I carry on down the familiar path now and pass the few cows and sheep that seem to have stayed in the same position since I last saw them.

The rain eases off and the sun tries to break through, it's that half sunshine haze and feels a little warmer.  I enjoy the warmth on my skin for just those brief minutes and as I thought it’s gone just as quickly as it came through!  I enjoy the route and take in the sights that I didn't notice as much on lap one.  As I approach the cut in to the muddy uphill trail I feel how sludgy the mud has become from the runners behind me already and take care to keep my footing steady until I reach the grass.

As I reach the grassy marsh area yet again my feet sink up to my ankles and I curse under my breath a moment until I adjust to the sudden wet cold soggy feeling again, my socks felt like they had just almost dried out some too! After careful hopping and navigating away from the marshy puddles I go past another arrow into the next field and spot some walkers ahead.  I give my encouragement and they say well done to me when passing.

Once I reach the white flag checkpoint I pass another few walkers who are taking a water break. I pass and decide I'm feeling rather hungry all a sudden so have my Sis Gel followed by the 9bar I put into my bum bag at the last check point.  I did think it could be a bit difficult to eat a seed bar on the go, but it was easy enough to chew and swallow with some water.

Once I reach the familiar pathway up to the castle grounds I feel quicker on my feet already and strong.  I hope I can keep this pace going as there aren’t any big hills to battle on these laps.  My energy stores should stay pretty constant throughout (I hope).

11:50: I check my Garmin and notice I'm going a faster 7:00-7:20min/mile pace, which is a bit slower than my steady marathon road pace. I feel good so keep it at this rate until I come around to the driveway up to the lap checking in tent.  I see and hear Team 9bar cheering ‘Number 5, well done Luke!’ I thank them with a beaming smile and look for my partner, but he is nowhere to be seen. I realise that with all that filming the iPhone probably needs charging as his phone goes to voicemail.

Blast! I don't fancy walking back on myself off the course to the car so grab some more 9bars and another gel and just hope for the best for the next 10 miles! I tut some under my breath and check my times have been noted then plod on. I realise after a few minutes into the third lap that us runners can get so focused in the zone we must come across very grumpy when we need fuel. I know how I get when I’m hungry so running must make me ten times worse....

As the path leads up to the wooded area I pass a few more slower runners and they move away for me to pass between them.  One guy shouts ‘Well done mate’ and the other says ‘Show off!’ and laughs.  I wave back with a smile and know he is only playing.  A few moments later I see the three Army guys walking up the path and they stop to clap me as I run past them.  I tell them ‘Good work guys keep it up!’

As I turn into the muddy trail for the third time it feels wetter and boggy already so I know going up around the corner will be tricky to keep from falling.  I use the longer grass in the centre to get a better grip and just as well as some guys up front are slipping and sliding all over the place.  I navigate around them quickly not to get stuck in case one suddenly slips and falls back onto me.

I purposely tread around the marshy grass areas as I don't fancy getting wet up to my ankles this time around!  I soon see a few walkers here and there and pass around them through the field until eventually I come to the rocky trail again.  I'm back on my own again for a mile or so and look at my Garmin to see I'm about 26 miles in now so have another gel (high5 with caffeine).  I figure now will be good for a lift and feel hungry enough to eat some more 9bar.

I eventually pass a few more runners that are looking strong and then come back round to the familiar white flag to stamp my race card for the third time.  The rain has held off for some time now although it still has that damp wet feel in places on the course. I start to think how good I'm feeling in the legs and remember the training runs at this stage. I have that great euphoric feeling every runner experiences when they get a second wind and really into their running pace. My legs feel light with the slight aches I usually get from marathon distances.

13:08: I pass a few more walkers and runners at this point towards the castle grounds and try to think if I remember anyone further up front at the first lap? I’m really not sure if there is anyone else ahead and wonder if it is just me up front. I come up the driveway to the checking-in tent to a loud cheering and Team 9bar clapping for me. 

One of them jokes that there's no shake for me and it's been drunk already! I laugh out loud and spot my partner shaking the fuel at the ready and greeting me with a very sorry face! I'm so pleased to be drinking the recovery protein shake.  I say little else except 'banana' for the time being! Once I feel the refilling process working I smile and hear how my partner was so upset he missed me at the second lap and felt pretty bad about it.  I forgave him way back running that last lap.  I was just grateful to see him now and to be laughing about it.

Liz told me how quick my last lap was and that I'm looking really strong, doing so well.  I ask how many are in front and she replies 'Erm, only you!' I am quite surprised, but also pleased that my training has come to some use.  I was thinking in the back my head that if this last lap goes okay I could win the Grim Reaper 40!!!!  I say my goodbyes and realise I've been filmed the whole time I was in the tent. 30 miles covered and off I go for the final lap!

As I head down the familiar pathway for the fourth and last time I have a slight fatigue feel to my body, but I stick with my pace and just keep my head down taking one step at a time.  I'm pretty accustomed to the discomfort of running for hours, I actually enjoy the feeling now as with training my body has adapted and started to recover quicker over the last three months or so.

I pass more runners and walkers who must be on their second or third laps by now.  I see further up the path the colourful lady who now has her pink jacket wrapped around the waist and is doing what I can only describe as a shuffling power walk. She has one of the crew beside her on his bike giving encouragement and checking she is well.  As I pass she is beaming and laughing which is good to see. I figured like me she is actually enjoying the discomfort in her legs. Endurance is a funny thing in how it can affect the human body! Clearly most of us use this feeling to our advantage!

I head up the muddy trail for the last time, which is really sloppy and boggy now.  I slow to a jog and take care where I place my feet to get a good tread grip. I pass through the marshy grass fields and remember almost exactly where I took my steps last time with no problem and find my feet get less wet this time around.

I pass more walkers and slower runners along the long private road past the farm houses and cottages. I see the 100 mile winner from last year with his pacers and figure by their pace that they are all doing the same distance this year.

I reach the field to stamp my race card for the last time, which feels good.  I try my best to up the pace but my legs seem locked into auto pilot at a steady 8:00 min/mile on this lap.  Looking at my Garmin I'm just over 5 hours in and have only a few more miles left to the finish.  I come up the winding pathway and trails to see the castle peeping through the trees and have a sudden feeling of accomplishment that I've almost done it…I've finished my first Ultra race and it looks like a good time too!

I try to hold my cool as I still have a little way left and just focus and keep to it passing others on the way.  One guy says 'Please say this is your third lap!' I tell him ‘No, sorry I'm almost done here, last one!’ I try not to show my excitement too much as I realise it can't be good knowing you have another lap or worse, seven left to go....

I quick step around the bottom of the gardens to the driveway up to the castle for the last time and already hear ‘Come on number 5, go Luke!'  I hear the jokers from Team 9bar say ‘Well done, half way Luke nearly there!’ I laugh aloud and roll my eyes. 'I'm done!' I say as I pass through the two flags leading to the checking-in tent to a big applause.

14:39: I hear those magical words 'the winner, you came first place!’ I've only ever won first once before at the Sports Relief ‘Run the Runway’ at London Gatwick through work, so to actually come first in my first Ultra distance is an amazing feeling! The door has been opened and I think I have found my niche in endurance running.

Keith and Team 9bar congratulate me and present me with my finisher's certificate saying I completed in 5 hours 39 minutes.  They pass me some goodies and then a big winner's trophy.  Photos and an interview follow.

I was so ecstatic and buzzing from the whole experience and actually coming in first I didn't even feel like I had run 40 miles!

I would like to thank the Race Director Keith Gray and Team 9bar for making my first epic Ultra race such an enjoyable and unforgettable experience!

I would also like to thank all my family and friends for their support in all my running adventures and lastly my partner 'Sunday' for being my crew, support and taking time out to be there for me on that not-so-summery weekend in Lincolnshire.

Run Free

UltraLuke

 

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