Sports Events 2023

[Duophonic]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo


Another race under my belt as I signed up for the same 10k series as last year and like last year I'll only make 2 out of the 3 races. This is the race I missed out on last year so totally new to the route and it was weird seeing my home town and where I'd travelled from across the river.

Got there late due to work and traffic so was rather stressed and only time for a quick pee and no warmup at all. The weather had taken a turn from the previous day so it was really cold and up to 38 mph gusts which we were treated to on the way back. Good route with a couple of tricky hills but all in all my plan was to just run and try and run as fast as I can for as long as I can no matter what.

It seemed to work and my watch time was 52:12 with my official time being 52:47 or thereabouts and a massive improvement from the 52:51 from last year's series.

[Topcat]

Haha, thats brilliant, well done! And a top 10 on your first attempt, there might be a future in this...

I would love to try proper fells, they look awesome and I know what you mean about the speedies and the way they do things. Its sometimes terrifying to actually watch, I have no idea how they do it.

[Duophonic]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo


Another race under my belt as I signed up for the same 10k series as last year and like last year I'll only make 2 out of the 3 races. This is the race I missed out on last year so totally new to the route and it was weird seeing my home town and where I'd travelled from across the river.

Got there late due to work and traffic so was rather stressed and only time for a quick pee and no warmup at all. The weather had taken a turn from the previous day so it was really cold and up to 38 mph gusts which we were treated to on the way back. Good route with a couple of tricky hills but all in all my plan was to just run and try and run as fast as I can for as long as I can no matter what.

It seemed to work and my watch time was 52:12 with my official time being 52:47 or thereabouts and a massive improvement from the 52:51 from last year's series.

Ooops I edited rather than quoting my previous post

[mojojojo]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo

Well, thank fuck that’s over :lol: My training was going really well up to about 6 weeks ago, since when it’s felt like one thing after the other with niggles, illness and work trips.

My usual pre-race nerves were off the scale, and meant that (through nausea, crying and a million trips to the loo) I felt weak from the off.

I felt pretty miserable for the first 10/11 miles, although pacing was going ok at that point, and I was struggling mentally. Then I got cramps, fortunately not far from a race portaloo, but the cramps were so bad I was stopped for nearly 10 minutes!

After that, the pressure for any particular time was off, and I just wanted to try and enjoy it and finish, which totally changed how I felt. It was still hard - very hilly and really hot in the last couple of hours - but I dragged myself around and was still really pleased with the time overall (had been hoping for nearer 5 but will take that with a 10 minute stop!)

I feel so happy and relieved to have it done after so long!

[mojojojo]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo

Did one of our club’s 5k series last night - less than 2 weeks post marathon and managed to get round in a fairly decent 29 mins. I was dead last but still pretty chuffed :))

I have also entered a 10k this Monday, but plan to treat it more as a social than a race.

[mojojojo]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo

Just a slow social 10k today. Still carrying a little fatigue but this one is a nice event with a sort of village fete at the end so it was just a nice day out.

[Duophonic]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo


I'd forgotten to update this in a while.

Gryffe 10km - it was all uphill for the first 3 miles and then like a rollercoaster as we make our way downhill, brutal but great views
Dumbarton 10km - tried to get a PB but wasn't to be on the day but a great run regardless, it's a nice route.

[Duophonic]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo - 48:02
July 30th - GGH Bill Elder 10km - Duo - 50:47 PB
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo 01:02:04
Aug 14th - Tour of North Clydeside 10km - Duo
Aug 16th - Tour of North Clydeside 5km - Duo
Aug 18th - Tour of North Clydeside 8km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo


I'd forgotten about this again - Rouken Glen was a hard hard race. Anything that Alex organises is never easy. You'd love it TC he offers free events over tons of different terrains showcasing the parks of Glasgow. It was a fast downhill to start and everyone took off too fast, me included, couldn't hang on for the second loop and had to walk a few times but glad I did it as the atmosphere and camaraderie is fantastic.

GGH Bill Elder - Last club race of the season and we had a course change which I didn't fancy on the day, I'm getting running coaching to try and get under 50mins so I had put tons of pressure on myself. Again a fast downhill start everyone took off but I stuck to my 5:00 km pace as much as I could, got to the 5km mark with a PB so pushed on. The last quarter of the race I thought I can actually do this but hit my threshold pace of 4:50/5:00 a bit too early to pass a seasoned fast male runner who was having issues and couldn't hold on. PB nonetheless and took home the trophy so I'm over the moon.

Port Glasgow 10km - I paced my friend around this, she's a seasoned endurance runner who had a horrific ligament injury mid-summer last year and has really struggled to get back to her best. Unfortunately last night some dog walkers removed some of the signage in the park that we have to do a small loop so we ended up doing the loop twice. It was a bit of a shambles which was a shame as the event is fairly new and really friendly.

I've stupidly signed up for races this week but I'll only race the 5km as I want to try and get under 25mins.

I hope everyone's doing well and your event isn't too far away TC. :))

[mojojojo]

Wow, well done Duo! You’re really going from strength to strength!

I had a 5k race on Friday night (hadn’t entered it on here for some reason). Nothing special - I really struggled as I’d stupidly planned a bit of a detox/low carb week :lol:

[mojojojo]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo - 51:00
June 29th - WRC summer 5k series - mojo - 28:45
July 13th - WRC summer 5k final - Mojo - 28:47
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo - 48:02
July 30th - GGH Bill Elder 10km - Duo - 50:47 PB
Aug 11th - Colchester Friday 5k - Mojo - 29:24
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo 01:02:04
Aug 14th - Tour of North Clydeside 10km - Duo
Aug 16th - Tour of North Clydeside 5km - Duo
Aug 18th - Tour of North Clydeside 8km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
Sept 24th - Langham 10k - mojo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo
November 5th - Wix 5 mile- mojo

Updated. I’ve done 4 5ks in the last couple months, with little improvement

[Topcat]

Cheers Duo, you minge! You are absolutely knocking it out of the park with this shit though, I see it on Strava all of the time.

I have done what I have done up to now and I am fairly certain that I am going to finish this bastard but probably not before any cut off time, which will suck a bit but I'll know that I did the course and that is the best I can aim for right now.

[Duophonic]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo - 51:00
June 29th - WRC summer 5k series - mojo - 28:45
July 13th - WRC summer 5k final - Mojo - 28:47
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo - 48:02
July 30th - GGH Bill Elder 10km - Duo - 50:47 PB
Aug 11th - Colchester Friday 5k - Mojo - 29:24
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo 01:02:04
Aug 14th - Tour of North Clydeside 10km - Duo 55:36
Aug 16th - Tour of North Clydeside 5km - Duo
Aug 18th - Tour of North Clydeside 8km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
Sept 24th - Langham 10k - mojo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo
November 5th - Wix 5 mile- mojo

I'm sure it'll be fine TC, it's all about the experience, isn't it? Running in the open air tons of scenery, cannae beat it.

I ran the 10k last night as a steady pacing practice. I wanted to concentrate on form and running to a steady pace.
Turned up harassed as I couldn't find the start line - I'm also practicing being organised and less stressed heading to races. I tend to get myself into a hell of a state. So I got to the start line and the volunteers are folk I see at tons of events so we're all on nodding terms, that's when I realise that there's more volunteers and hardly any runners so I ask around and only 23 people had signed up and less than that had turned up to run.

The run itself was relatively boring over a canal path and in my haste I'd forgotten my headphones so it was motivation practice too. I ran the entire race myself as I was middle of the pack, far too fast for the two ladies with the tail runner and far too slow for the fast club runners.

My chip time will be slightly faster but the website hasn't been updated yet - all in all a lovely night to run and great practice for getting over mental obstacles.

[Duophonic]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo - 51:00
June 29th - WRC summer 5k series - mojo - 28:45
July 13th - WRC summer 5k final - Mojo - 28:47
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo - 48:02
July 30th - GGH Bill Elder 10km - Duo - 50:47 PB
Aug 11th - Colchester Friday 5k - Mojo - 29:24
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo 01:02:04
Aug 14th - Tour of North Clydeside 10km - Duo 55:36
Aug 16th - Tour of North Clydeside 5km - Duo PB 24:19
Aug 18th - Tour of North Clydeside 8km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
Sept 24th - Langham 10k - mojo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo
November 5th - Wix 5 mile- mojo
Nov 12th - Jimmy Irvine 10km - Duo

This is the 2nd of my series of races this week and the one that I intended to race. Completely flat and chip timed with near-perfect weather conditions although a bit too hot.
I have a tendency to be too slow to start and I don't typically do 5kms because of that so I knew I had to be quick off the bat. The races have only had 20 or so attendees which has actually worked in my favour. It's made me practice my prep routine 24hrs prior, I'm a 'get up and go' type of runner so I'm always horrendously stressed at the start line. Everything was packed the night before, nutrition was set the night before. I've also practiced turning up at a race in plenty of time, doing a proper warmup with drills, and having a few bants with the other runners. Pacing has also been an issue so that I'm trying to address too, it went out the window at this race but I'll get a handle on that soon.

I had a pace range set on my watch to ensure I knew exactly what each step was at.
Took off far too fast 4:33 km for the first km but fewer runners meant no snarl-ups and got progressively slower each km after but that was to be expected. I managed to keep the nerves down and keep my legs moving and couldn't believe it when I crossed the finish line. My pacing was set for me to come across the line at a hopeful 24:30 and couldn't believe it when I saw that I was 24:19.

[mojojojo]

Amazing Duo! Well done - fantastic work on all the prep too

[mojojojo]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo - 51:00
June 29th - WRC summer 5k series - mojo - 28:45
July 13th - WRC summer 5k final - Mojo - 28:47
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo - 48:02
July 30th - GGH Bill Elder 10km - Duo - 50:47 PB
Aug 11th - Colchester Friday 5k - Mojo - 29:24
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo 01:02:04
Aug 14th - Tour of North Clydeside 10km - Duo 55:36
Aug 16th - Tour of North Clydeside 5km - Duo PB 24:19
Aug 18th - Tour of North Clydeside 8km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo - 1:04:04
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
Sept 24th - Langham 10k - mojo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo
November 5th - Wix 5 mile- mojo
Nov 12th - Jimmy Irvine 10km - Duo

A pretty slow 10k this morning, but I was happy to get out in the sun and get it done. Other events aside this week, I’ve really been struggling for energy which I think is at least partly down to a couple of weeks of low-carbing.

[Topcat]

Jan 1st - Lyle Mile - Duo 11:53
Jan 8th -Sx5 Bellahouston Park 5km - Duo 27:41
Jan 22nd - Sx5 Queens Park 5km - Duo 31:50
Jan 29th - SVHC road relay 3.7 'ish miles - Duo 30:43 PB
5th Feb - Great Bentley Half - Mojo - 2:27:22 PB
12th Mar - RRR 5 miles - Duo 42:26 PB
Mar 19th - DAAA 10 miler - Duo 1:27:11
April 16th - Bromley 10k - Mojo - 1:00:03
Apr 19th - Kaim Hill Race 5km - Duo 1:05:43
May 4th - Babcock 10k series Helensburgh - Duo 52:12
May 14th - Halstead Marathon - Mojo - 5:30:59
May 21st - Gryffe Valley 10k - Duo - 55:56
May 25th WRC summer 5k series - Mojo - 29:00
May 25th - Babcock Dumbarton 10k - Duo - 52:15
May 28th - Hatfield Broad Oak 10k - Mojo - 1:05:18
June 23td - Springfield Friday Night 5 (mile) - Mojo - 51:00
June 29th - WRC summer 5k series - mojo - 28:45
July 13th - WRC summer 5k final - Mojo - 28:47
July 23rd - Rouken Glen 8km - Duo - 48:02
July 30th - GGH Bill Elder 10km - Duo - 50:47 PB
Aug 11th - Colchester Friday 5k - Mojo - 29:24
Aug 13th - Port Glasgow 10km - Duo 01:02:04
Aug 14th - Tour of North Clydeside 10km - Duo 55:36
Aug 16th - Tour of North Clydeside 5km - Duo PB 24:19
Aug 18th - Tour of North Clydeside 8km - Duo
August 20th - Clacton 10k - mojo - 1:04:04
September 2nd - Mendip Marauder 50k - TC, FFS. Somewhere around eleven hours.
Sept 10th Kilmacolm 10km - Duo
Sept 24th - Langham 10k - mojo
October 1st - Southend 10k - mojo
Oct 1st - GSR Half - Duo
October 8th - Tiptree 10 mile - mojo
November 5th - Wix 5 mile- mojo
Nov 12th - Jimmy Irvine 10km - Duo

I hope that this makes sense, I'm a bit pissed...

Well, wasn't that a fucker!

I am slower than all of my gang and gave them all strict instructions to fuck off and leave me be from the start, so I did nearly all of it all on my own.

The first part of this (beginning in Wells) is really easy running, steadily uphill for the first three miles, maybe? Then you hit the 'steps' at Ebbor Gorge, Cheddar Gorges less well known partner. They are savage, absolutely savage. It took me about a mile to recover from that before I trudged on toward the first stop at Priddy,six miles at this point.

I was trying to get used to poles on this first section because I knew what was ahead of me but I just couldn't get on with them and I threw the absolute mother of all tantrums when I hit the support cars, lobbing the poles in absolute fury and screaming at them. Handily, this is available on video because some of the full on mental trail runners were out supporting us and one of them managed to record the whole thing.

Anyhow, I went on. The next phase was about three miles toward the top of Draycott, its about a mile and a half down hill but it isn't easy. Hit that, nicked some grapes at an official aid station and then hit the next big up, and I don't know if that is still Draycott or it is Rodney Stoke. Whatever anyway, this hill is horrendous. Utterly horrendous. I think getting up it took me 45 minutes.

Had a mile or so of down hill before another maybe mile and a half of uphill and again and it was equally as despicable. Another half an hour if not more. And that brings you to the top of Black Rock,maybe a mile run downhill? Only there is no running. This drops you into the bottom of Cheddar Gorge and the stones, boulders and people mean that you simply cannot run down it. Even the downhills at this point are hideous.

So I crossed over into the Blackrock Quarry thing and very shortly after that I had a very unexpected party of some of my pals who were waiting for me! They weren't running, but had come along for some support. There were lots of hugs, jelly babies and just a chance to stop for a minute or two. I didn't realise it at the time (about 13 miles in) but I really needed to see them.

I don't remember too much of note after that for hours. I trudged and trudged for hours, there were more bastard hills but not as bad as the first three and in my head at this point, I knew that I had it even though I knew full well that I had miles and miles to go. I think there were two more hills that were dreadful before I looked over Crook Peak, knowing that I had to run down a hill and back up the motherfucker that I was staring at. So I stopped, sat down and ate the last of my pork pie and cheese before going for it.

It was fucking horrible, I was over 20 miles in at this point and was struggling. I got to the top of Crook (look the fucker up!) and was beginnig the descent through a tight path surronded by gauze so I had my head down and was going for it, knowing that there was an aid station at the bottom and only one more actual hill ahead of me.

But half way down, I was met by Jen and Rich! My two best running mates, both of which are light years better than I am.

Having run it before multiple times they had guaged where I was and set off from the aid station to meet me. It was amazing, properly amazing bearing mind that I had seen nothing but sheep and hills for probably four hours. We ran back down to the aid station, refuelled and then realised that nobody had head torches! I had two of the fuckers in my bag but that was with one of the other support crews and there was no phone signal, FFS.

Jen had run the Wye Valley half that morning but told me straight away that the both of us were finishing this race and before we ran out of light. Rich jumped in the car and headed for the finish line, I all of a sudden had a spring in my step. A big one.

She dragged me up the last hill, by doing what she does, which means shouting a lot. :lol: but by now it was almost pitch black on the trails, it was a problem. More so when we had to do about a mile on country lanes, relying on my bright orange t-shirt to stop anyone mowing us down. We turned off of the lane, on a gentle downhill using just the flashlights on our phones to watch out for badger holes and the like for about a mile and a half before we saw a torchlight bobbing in the distance, which of course was Rich coming out to meet us,

From there we had around another four miles to go and with these two by my side I found some actual proper pace. I didn't realise but it had been a hell of a long day out there on my own. I even got excited about seeing houses and a street lamp!

We did the last bit that ended in Uphill, right on the sea. All of my crew were there having finished quite a bit before me (aside from two who came in shortly after me) with beers, ciders and champagne and I won't lie. I was struggling to hold back tears at that point, we all just hugged and hugged.

I took off my socks when I got in last night and the soles of my feet came with them, honestly, I am leaking like a leper at the moment and it is gross. As is the chafing, :cry:

We have all been out for many, many beers and a huge roast dinner this afternoon which has been epic, some of them are already talking about the next ultra being a piece of piss compared to this horror show that we have just completed. They are probably right, this thing was vile but I shall reserve judgement on any others just now.

All in all, it was absolute fucking hell but also absolutely fucking amazing to be honest.

I'm an ultra runer!

[Texaco Shirley]

That sounds horrendous and glorious in equal measure :)) Well done, it’s quite the achievement!

So, 50 mile version next year?

[Topcat]

Cheers!

I did well, I'm going to lie or be quiet about that!

The 50 milers (well the first two) caught me up as I was half way up the first incline out of Rodney Stoke/Draycott and even they said that it was ridiculous. :lol:

So no. If I never see those hills again, I will be more than happy with that. With possibly the exception of Ebbor Gorge because there is a nice carpark at the top of that for people that aren't idiots.

[Duophonic]

I read your report last night but I decided to read it again so that I could give it the celebration it rightly deserves.

You're a fucking legend! Not only the physical toll it takes to do something like that but the mental toughness to complete it. These things are normally run mainly solo due to the terrain so I cannot comprehend how you even tackle something as big as that.

I'm sure you've learned a lot about the format, how you'd approach another one differently etc etc and I hope you do complete another one as I love seeing your training on Strava, the progress you've made and the crowd you run with seem like such a nice bunch.

I'm not normally emotional but I'm absolutely over the moon for you. One of these days I'll come down and tackle some of those hills, they look amazing.

[mojojojo]

Very well done TC. I hope you’ll keep up the trail running once you’ve grown your feet back :))