Entering The Dragons Back Race 2019, #dragonintraining

When people discover I enjoy running in the mountains more questions follow including:

What races have you done?

Do you compete?

What races are you doing this year?

How long does it take you to run 10k, a marathon, this race, that mountain?

Enjoying moving along the Crib Goch Ridge during day one of the Dragon's Back Race

Well the thing is, I might have a Strava account but I don't really remember many of the figures on it! It's there to help me ensure I don't overtrain for expeditions, to be a log book for what I've done, and to see what routes other people do for my own inspiration.  I can tell you how far I've run this morning, or for how long, but I have no idea of whether this was faster than last week or last year!

When I choose to enter a race, it's normally because there's a particular route I would like to do, possibly that route without external support would be significantly harder, or it's because the atmosphere of the event is something I would like to be a part of.

May 2015 I joined the Dragon's Back Race Event Team as the Support Point Crew, 2017 as a member of the Check point crew, and naturally in 2019 I had to run it.

Hangin' out with the event crew (I'm on the right) in 2017, taking a much needed break from putting out and collecting markers in the sun (album photo!?)

It is a five day stage race through Wales, from Conwy Castle on the North Coast to the Brecon Beacons in the South.  The route runs 315km along the mountains, taking in over 15 500m of ascent. In addition to the runners a huge event team supports you, providing breakfast, supper, tents to sleep in, advice, medical care and more.  It's a route that makes sense, following a logical line of peaks, with only the occasional out and back, or short section that if it wasn't compulsory, would probably leave out, e.g. Moelwyn Bach!

At the beginning of any journey, expedition, race or new work venture I think about many things.

Running in the snow during winter

The Positives:

• I know how to use a map and compass, so when my GPS watch dies or fails to provide me with necessary information, hopefully I will be able to find the checkpoints and campsite!
• Routefinding experience, for over ten years I've been exploring mountains on and off paths.
• Local knowledge - Day 1 is my 'stomping ground', I climb these mountains on a weekly basis, Day 2 and 3 I knew pretty well, and Days 4 and 5 I was familiar with around half of the course
• Campcraft, knowing that I could keep my bit of the tent organised, and I had a system to look after myself each day would not only save time, but help me to recover and be ready for the following day.
• Time on my feet, working in the outdoors as my full time job meant that my feet were acclimatised to day after day of mountain terrain

Early morning guiding the 3000s, I was more psyched than ever to do long days at work in 2018

The Negatives:

• The distance, I had never attempted to run this far at once
• The time, I had never run this far each day for more than 2 or 3 days at a time.  As the week continued would I have enough time in the day to complete the course, eat, wash, do foot maintenance and recover?
• Training, balancing training with work, home life and building a campervan was a constant battle.  At times I was exhausted, whilst for most of November 2018 I didn't do any running at all as I spent most of it van building
• People, would tent life work?  How would I find the race psychologically with more competitors than they have ever had before?  
• Equipment, mine wasn't the lightest, but it was well tested.  Would this weight difference impact me?
• Food, whilst over the last couple of years I had figured out what food I can and enjoy to eat during long runs and fast packs, would the camp food provided work for me?  Would I be able to eat enough of it?

Keen to bag some munros after a day of outdoor work

Day one

The weather forecast was perfect, cool weather, clouds on the tops at the start of the day, with clear views later.  Jogging along the castle walls felt surreal, I struggled to believe this was happening to me, halfway between crying from all of the effort that brought me to the start line, and smiling that the journey had started.  The ascent of Tal Y Fan provided a good warm up as the mass start meant we would move slowly.  Shortly the running and power walking replaced jogging.  Grassy tops in the Northern Carneddau led to the rockier peaks further south.  The battle between feeling fresh legged, eager, and attempts to conserve energy had begun.

Heading down towards the support point on day one of the race

Five and a half hours later I was stood grinning in the Ogwen valley, embracing every moment.  Shoes and socks off, air the feet, eat lots from my drop bag, drink, restock running pack with food, stretch a bit, suncream on, smidge on my feet and legs for ticks, socks on, shoes on, continue.

Running into the support point in the Ogwen valley

A short sharp ascent up Tryfan came after the support point.  It felt busy on the route and I struggled to enjoy following others step after step, soon I left the main trod and took a more direct route to the summit, scrambling over rockier terrain and leaving the crowds behind.  Friendly faces by Adam and Eve on the top spurred me onwards.  Running off the Glyders the terrain was dry, and familiarity allowed me to follow my nose and enjoy the descent along the red dot path towards Pen Y Pass.  I made the cut off time, not by miles, but enough that I knew I would have plenty of time to reach camp and should be there before darkness.

Happy to be there and loving mountain running on the race

Crib Goch was amazing, as usual!  Dry scrambling took my mind off the gentle abuse my legs had suffered during the day.  Cheerful shouts and hugs from friends in the safety team on the ridge gave me some extra energy, and soon I was on the summit of Snowdon.

Selfie with Tim on the safety team on Crib Goch

The final descent of the day was fabulous, a gradually descending but rolling path led down to the campsite, along the side of Galt Y Wenallt.  This section contained some of the best views and trods of the entire day, perhaps it was the welcoming camp, or perhaps the lack of others as the field was spread out.  Who knows, but I loved every minute of it.

Clapping and cheering surrounded the farm roads into camp, a beep from my SI chip and into the marquee to download my figures for the day.  The crew efficiently ferried me onwards through the bag collection, finding my tent and then food.  It was funny how yesterday carrying my own big bag was perfectly manageable, but now I embraced the crew lugging it around for me.

The start of the race in Conwy Castle.

Knowing the camp craft and organisational side of things would be one of my strong points I went about my routine.  First up, tea and supper.  I had arrived to be able to have a hot snack first, refuelling quickly, and then continuing on to arrange my things in the tent, before my main dinner later.  Stretching, cleaning and checking feet, a bit of chit chat, organising my day food and bags and looking at the map for tomorrow.

The first day went well, I was super happy to finish, eat and drink enough, and my legs still felt strong.

Dawn Patrol in the Glyders before work

Day two

5am wake up the next day.  The first participants would be allowed out at 6am and I knew that I would have to be among the initial batch to stand any chance of staying within the cut offs.  Today would be equivalent to the longest I have ever run in one day and there were some big road sections in it.  Not to mention the fact that it was forecast to be really hot and sunny again.

I was fortunate to join the breakfast queue when I did, as it certainly looked longer by the time I was at the front.  This was one meal that seemed harder to pick what to eat.  I really fancied my own banana oaty pancakes with fruit, but settled on cereal and something hot, along with a big mug of coffee.  Having burnt so much energy the previous day, and beginning today with a gradually ascending road for 4km I wasn't too concerned about feeling ill from running so soon after eating.  Normally I struggle to run particularly swiftly if I've just consumed a plateful of food!

Runners in the sun on Day 2 of the Dragons Back Race

This section of road was probably the only tarmac I enjoyed that day.  It served as a pleasant warm up to get the blood flowing and find my rhythm for the day.  An already hot ascent of Cnicht followed.  Thankful for local knowledge and some route finding ability, I was able to swiftly remain on track as the right of way is suitably vague on the ground.  Descending almost directly down the mountain you link up smooth patches of grass and scree like terrain, grateful for the lack of fog as you have nothing to help you other than following your nose in conjunction with the map.  It's a taster for the wilder terrain of Day 2 with the Rhinogs still to come.  

The Moelwyns came and went, before a really lovely section of trail running that I'd only ever been on once before, heading South to Maentwrog.  Then came more road.  It might've only been 5km worth but I hated every minute.  Upon reflection there was more than one reason for this.

Checkpoint on the summit looking towards the sea

I was feeling hot and knew the next section of hills wouldn't start for a couple of hours.

The bulk of the pack were overtaking me and suddenly it felt like a road race.  There seemed to be so many people and I started to question, probably for the first time ever, why I liked running, why I wanted to do this particular race, and what on earth I was doing!

Honestly and simply, I just quite like running, I get to think about nothing or something or whatever!  I revel in being able to do a quick loop around the hills in a couple of hours, when walkers spend all day doing it.  I enjoy seeing how far I can go in a day of running, and there's something satisfying about the self sufficient and selfish nature of it.  As in a video I saw the other day about two runners, 'it's simple, I think it has become a habit, a bit like having a meal!'

Looking across towards the Rhinogs

So I guess you could say I was having some sort of physiological crisis about my running at this moment, in that, currently, I was not longer liking it, and I was having to think about why I enjoy mountain running!  Oh yeah, and I was currently not really mountain running, but in a valley on a hot road being over taken by (in my mind anyway) road runners! (Actually quite a lot of them were not 'just' road runners, but I was feeling a bit pissed off at the time)

Enjoying early starts when out fastpacking on days off before the race

And then, I bumped into Mel.  We had both been on the support team for the race four years ago, and said that we would one day do the race.  We hadn't spoken much recently and it was great to have a good natter and catch up.  Boosting each other along, actually Mel did most of the work here, we continued until we were on the stretch of path leading towards Llyn Eidden Mawr.  She told me to stop getting my knickers in a twist and get on with it, I was just having a bad moment and everyone gets these on long running days.  

True, but now my heel was starting to niggle a bit.  It had niggled a bit in the year before, but rarely, and temporarily.  I just put it down to the heat, my heel spurs and length of day.  Working in the outdoors means I need my body to function, and I phoned Jim, asking for advice.  What I really wanted was him to say, keep going, it's nothing, don't worry.  But the reality was that I was a bit concerned and scared that I might not be able to work the remainder of the year or future if it got worse.  I had called earlier asking him to pick me up at the end of Llyn Trawsfynydd, and then later saying I would continue to the support point and see what happened along the way.

Trying out new foods whilst loving training in my 'Dragon in Training' T-shirt

The section from Trawsfynydd to Cwm Bychan is so pleasant, perfect mountain running, even without any mountains to go over!  It is wild, deserted and just so cool, I'd run there anyway!  Things were feeling good, I sent Jim a message saying I would carry on, I had time and my heel was feeling ok.

Support point, sit down, eat from drop bag, restock food and water in hill bag, drink, chat, suncream, tick repellant, change socks and feel psyched to continue.  Little did I know that a couple of minutes later, Jim would arrive to collect me, whilst I was already near the top of the Roman Steps.

Trigpoint training views, somewhere in Wales

Similar to my first ever marathon, the Snowdonia Trail Marathon, it was the hills I was looking forwards to the most.  (In that marathon Snowdon is the last section of the race, and was the only bit I really enjoyed!)  The changeable nature of the paths underfoot, making decisions on what route to take, and being able to tick the hills off, made time feel redundant.  

I was beginning to actively look at my map for the recommended times on the peaks and calculating if I was going fast enough, faster, or not.  I still had more than enough time in the bag, but I really wanted to get to camp without needing to wear my headtorch.  Knowing the final descent off Diffwys required some nimble feet I did not fancy the added duress of limited depth of field and vision.

Looking back towards the Rhinogs from Y Llethr, with one peak left to go on day 2

The peaks passed in a daze, I knew where most of the good tracks were, and where I could take the occasional short cut to save on height gain or distance.  I secretly enjoyed being able to use my navigational skills and assessment of the terrain to my advantage here, it felt more akin to how the original Dragons Back Races were, no recommended routes, fewer people, and no GPX files to download.  Whilst understanding the reasoning behind this, I couldn't help but feel as though there was a bit of GPS watch reliance in the race!

At the end of what is probably my favourite drystone wall in Snowdonia, was Diffwys, the final peak of Day 2.  To my delight I managed a reasonable speed of descent, passing a very midge eaten photographer, and knew that at least, if I needed a head torch towards the end, it would be on forestry roads and tarmac.

Then the torture began.  Fluctuations of pain from my right heel as I ran, with my brain trying hard to continue the push onwards.  More fast paced, impactful road running, about 10km worth!  It went on forever and felt as though everyone else had passed me by as I slowed to something you could only just about call a jog.  At least this edition had altered the gradually climbing road on the North of the Afon Mawddach for the flat trails to the South.  I suddenly got cold, forced down the last of my food and put all of my clothes on, I knew it was because I was in need of a hot supper, rest and recovery.  Headtorch on for the final kms into camp.  

The markers through the camp guided me towards some vague clapping and the end-line of the day.   I had finished Day 2 before the cut off.  But, it was ten o'clock, my tent buddies all fast asleep, and I was a hungry hobbling wreck.  Ironically all of my leg muscles still felt pretty good!

My poorly heel turned our annual Scottish holiday from backpacking to bikepacking, it was an enormous positive that came out of the whole injury experience, as I have a new found passion for exploring by mountain bike too now. 

Realistically I knew tomorrow would be a bad idea with my heel, but with my usual stubbornness I planned as though I would being day 3 and leave the final decision until the morning.  My only other issue was that the lack of sleep would begin, having the chance to get a maximum of six hours sleep.  On the bright side at least I didn't have trench foot, like one of my tent mates, who had had to pull out earlier that day.

5am, I limped out of bed, just standing was troublesome, thankful for my poles I completed the hobble of disappointment and shame to the kitchen tent for breakfast.  Friends from the support team asked after me, and I felt as though I was letting them down in addition to myself because of my limp.  Food complete, and trying not to cry, I made the decision to pull out of the race.  It was a sensible choice, realistically, I needed to be able to work on my feet in a week and a half.  I had booked seven days off after the race to recover; in fact I can remember telling my colleague that I wouldn't be able to work then, despite the centre being busy, as I probably wouldn't be able to walk!  Dramatic at the time, a couple of weeks before the race, but it was now a reality.

Living within 40minutes of the camp, Jim was able to pick me up before he went to work.  It took me about thirty minutes to hobble the 300m from camp to the junction down the road with all of my stuff!

Snowshoeing at work in January 2020, the first time I wore boots consistently since the race

Bitterly frustrated and both happy at the same time, I began to reconcile with the fact that I hadn't finished the race as I spent the remainder of my time off from work recovering.

On the one hand I put Jim through so many early alarm clocks so I could go out for dawn patrols in the mountains before work.  He had had to endure my endless obsessing over kit, food, training, routes etc...  I had barely rock climbed for the entire year, been more antisocial than usual, and any spare time I had was taken up with building the new campervan.  And at the end of it, I still didn't finish the race.

Finally back out training again in March 2020, and loving it

But on the other, I embraced it.  So many opportunities and support from people to get out in the hills and go running.  The knowledge that afterwards, the only reason I was limping was my heel, but my legs and other muscles still felt amazing.  I was forced to question what sort of running I like, whether this kind of event was for me or not, and what some of my weaknesses are.  I learnt to manage my food and liquid intake over two long hot days in the hills.  I realised that, without unforeseen injury, my legs could probably take me further than I think without being too tired.  I also had an incredible season of work afterwards, wearing my running shoes every day, as I wasn't able to wear boots until the following January.  In fact, in the year since the race I have probably only worn walking boots for twenty days, two in the summer, ten snowshoeing, and the remainder in UK winter (where working I can't really wear my winter running shoes!)

First trials of longer mountain runs when I couldn't resist the winter conditions at home in Snowdonia in March 2020

I'm still not sure what the future is, I'd love to try the Dragon's back route again, and I'd certainly love to work on the crew again, whether I would want to race it in the current format, I'm undecided.  Perhaps, but I know I still want to continue running in the mountains.  And currently, after my slight setback of 2nd degree burns on my legs last Autumn, I'm slowly returning to long hilly running again, and I love it.

Dynafit Feline trail running shoes review

Every now and then I come across a piece of gear that I think is so good I can't help talking incessantly about it and recommending it to everyone I come across!  Therefore on my blog I will be reviewing the odd piece of outdoor equipment that I really like.  These shoes fit the bill perfectly.

Trail running in Snowdonia

What trail running shoes did I use before?

When I first started trail running I just used some Saucony road trainers, then I bought some Salomon Speedcross which meant I could actually run (and not slip over) on grass and mud.  After a couple of pairs of these I switched to the Inov-8 Roclite which increased my grip on rocky terrain in addition to having a good enough tread to cope with grass and mud.

Winter running with Kahtoola crampons on

Why did I buy these shoes?

If you've never heard of Dynafit, don't worry, unless you are a ski tourer I'll forgive you!  They are relatively new to the running world, particularly in the UK.  However their ski equipment and clothing is highly functional and well regarded, especially in the ski mountaineering racing world.  So, when I saw they were making trail running shoes I had to have a look.

Loving these shoes

Highlights

1: The Sole

The sole (and their reputation as a gear company) was the sole (excuse the pun!) reason I bought my first pair of Dynafit Feline running shoes.  They were made of Vibram rubber and had a tread in a similar pattern to that of the Salomon Speedcross.  Therefore I expected them to race down muddy hillsides but also stick to rocky scrambles.  Just what you need when the UK mountains are your trail running playground.

Dynafit Feline Vibram sole

2: Fit

The fit feels snug, stable and precise.  This has allowed me to take the shoe on graded scrambles in addition to running over uneven terrain with ease.  I have also worn them for multi-day backpacking trips without any problems.

Enjoying the shoes in the Scottish Highlands

Lowlights

To be honest I struggled to find any real lowlights, the ones below are me being a bit picky.

1: Price

They are pricey, as are most high end trail running shoes, currently £110.  

2: Lacing system

It works, is quick and easy to use but not quite as good as Salomon's, as the pocket for the laces is on the side not in the middle of the tongue.

Cold feet in the snow, these aren't really made for winter runs

Click here to view them on the Dynafit website

V3K Ultra race report (Vegan Welsh 3000ers) - My first ultra race finished

Last Saturday 18th June was the annual V3K ultra race, the first race of the year in the UK sky running calendar, and I had, rather stupidly, booked myself a place.  I say stupidly because the last running race I attempted I didn’t finish, the one before that I finished but didn’t get my food and water intake right, and the race before that I didn’t finish either!  Add to that, that I had only just returned from a long expedition and had only done a couple of runs in the last 6 weeks and you’ll understand why it was becoming a ridiculous idea.  But then there was nothing to lose.  54km of running over my local mountains, with 4000m ascent.

Looking fresh at the V3K ultra start

3:45am alarm clocks ring, banana oaty pancakes and coffee for breakfast (kindly cooked by Jim who got up at 3:30).  Dressed in running kit, double check compulsory kit, check 4 safety pins holding race number onto shorts, check phone and watch charged, check heart rate monitor is on and working, check food and water are all in the correct pockets, put midge spray on, check check check and check.

4:20am driving to the race start and find ourselves behind the coaches of runners, at least I won’t be late then.

The race start, full of lean sky runners, marshalls and midges!

5:00am race begins with a fast ascent of the South Ridge of Snowdon, leaving the midges behind.  Initially starting up the Watkin path, you soon split off to the left as you would to climb Yr Aran.  I raced up, alternating between jogging and power walking, trying hard to focus on breathing steadily and keeping a pace of 800-1000m ascent per hour.  My initial goal was to get to Snowdon’s summit within 90 minutes of leaving the road, having eaten some food; I got there in 78 having eaten 1 and a half bars.  Feeling great I hurried past the summit ‘rush hour’ as hundreds of walkers plodded up, and was soon joining other runners along the way to Carnedd Ugain.  Peace again.

Balancing along the Crib Goch ridge in the fog

Crib Goch, the ‘knife edge ridge’ was covered in low fog, enabling you to see around 100m infront and no more.  Being local definitely helped here as I knew roughly where some of the faster more runable sections are, in addition to feeling confident travelling purposefully along the ridge.  The first section of Crib Y Ddysgl was incredible slippy and greasy.  Passing a few groups heading in the opposite direction, in addition to some slower runners I made great time and felt confident in my abilities, so far so good.  But the worst was yet to come, the screes down to Nant Peris.

Running along Crib Goch is always fun, even in the fog Photo by Andy Milton

Punched the first set of holes in my checkpoint card and followed the occasional flag down to the very end of the North Ridge of Crib Goch before disengaging my brain and just going for it down the screes.  Descending technical or uneven terrain is my ultimate weakness and I knew after last year’s attempt at the Glencoe Skyline, that I just had to run it to avoid being timed out.  Imagining skis on my feet I kept a high cadence, ran and survived.  Losing the ‘path’ a bit in Cwm Glas cost me a couple of minutes, but soon I was back on track and out of the fog.  Legged it down the road at 10km/hr and was soon greeted by cheering at the first aid station.

7:47am arrived at the aid station, I couldn’t believe I was there around an hour before my estimated time, this worried me a little, but also gave me a much needed boost (maybe I could actually finish the race after all I thought).  Filled water bottle with half coke half water mix, ate food, packed another bar, packed jam sandwiches, picked up trail running poles.

7:52am left aid station and started the long 800m ascent to Elidir Fawr.  Despite being a long ascent, time seemed to pass quickly, and by now my feet and shoes were soaked through having chosen bog and marsh over the long way around.  More food and water consumed.  The fog remained thick and I only saw a few other runners.  2nd checkpoint stamped.

Energy levels were still high as I powered up Y Garn into more thick fog

How pleasant it was to be descending quickly, my legs still felt strong and I would be up Y Garn in no time at this rate.  The next peak was over, more descending, a cup of tea from the lovely marshalls at Llyn Y Cwn, and then a 300m climb to Glyder Fawr up more scree.  This wasn’t too bad either, however I was very glad that I knew the area so well, as the course markings were rather sporadic at times and I would have had to navigate properly across the Glyderau.  An occasional check of my phone GPS sufficed for peace of mind.

Glyder Fach soon arrived as I skipped across the uneven rocky terrain, but no sign of the checkpoint stamp or marshall.  Descending downwards we spotted them, some misinformation as to their true location was given beforehand.  Phew, I picked up my 3rd stamp and continued on, legs firing, to the Miner’s Track.  Traversing to the Tryfan wall, and the hills began to get busier again.  The summit was littered in hill walkers and runners, and soon the descent straight down the gully started.  This was the only section of the course I had never done before, and I couldn’t believe how direct and easy to follow it was.  After a short section of bum sliding and down stepping, man made steps arrived and I galloped down them, overtaking several other runners, yes… overtaking while running downhill.  This seemed preposterous to me, the runner who can’t run down hills.

Descending quickly down the steps from Tryfan Photo by Andy Milton

12:09 Arriving into Glan Dena aid station, I felt tired for the first time, and knew I was as I could only manage 8km/hr rather than 9km/hr along the road.  The Carneddau would be difficult.  The good news was that this eating and drinking while running thing was actually working, I couldn’t believe the difference it made.  Over the Glyderau I had consumed 1litre of liquid, 2 jam sandwiches and a bar.  Sitting down inside the bunkhouse I ate some vegan lemon drizzle cake - actually quite nice (I’m not a vegan), topped up bottles, put more jam sandwiches in my bag and dropped off my 2nd extra warm top.

12:19 Ran out of Glan Dena towards Pen Y Ole Wen, the last big climb of the day.  Having taken each section of the day in small stages so far I only thought about getting to the top of this climb, forgetting the other 25km running left to do.  Impressed that I could still ascent at 800-850m/hr I still felt positive, but my legs were tiring.  This showed as I could no longer bound from rock to rock across the Carneddau, everything began to ache.  At times the fog cleared and you could see for miles, then it would return with a vengenace, requiring the occasional GPS check.  Although familiar with this section of the course, the GPS could tell me exactly how much further I had until the next peak.

Soon the first out and back to Yr Elen arrived, flagging, a couple of people who had overtaken me earlier passed me by, fleeting words of encouragement were passed, I was still smiling!  Carnedd Llewelyn came and went, and I tried my hardest to get those sprightly legs to return to me.  Come on legs…  They didn’t, patient jogging over the rocks took over, until the grassy tracks towards the northern peaks replaced them.  Patient jogging continued, a forced injection of speed running did nothing to invigorate them, so I was damned to forever plod on at this pace of 6-7km/hr.  Secretly I wished to do the 3000ers top to top in 8-12hrs, and finish the race in under 12hrs.  Ambitious.

Nearing the end of the Carneddau and the uphill, this track went on forever

15:43 Relief poured over me upon reaching Foel Fras, the last top in 9hrs 25 top to top.  No more big climbs left, and the only way back was on foot, I had, effectively finished, as I now had to get down unless injured.

Jogging slowly towards the sea and the finish line at Hendre Hall, all downhill from here. Photo by Andy Milton

Returning to Hendre Hall, Tal Y Bont, from the Carneddau is beautiful.  Whatsmore, the fog began to part and I could see the sea in addition to all of the peaks previously summitted earlier today.  It was stunning, but I just couldn’t stop to take photographs.  My legs were fading fast, and all I could concentrate on was getting down, not tripping over, and trying not to cry with excitement!

Running into the finish line at Hendre Hall

17:18 Killer steep downhill tarmac to the finishing line, and it was over.  Slate medal awarded, vegan food consumed, discovered I couldn’t walk up anymore stairs (glad I live in a Bungalow!), more food on the way home - bacon cheeseburger (not very vegan!), massage, stretching, hot shower, smiles, exhaustion and sleep.

I can’t describe how thrilled I am to have finally finished an ultra race.  After another year of trail running, trying to work on my descending, and having the guts to enter another ‘crazy’ race I think it all paid off.  To summarise, all I can say is, it was a great day in the hills, and eating and drinking while running definitely helps.  Thanks Jim.

At the finish having just received my medal.

The Salomon Glencoe Skyline Race - my first ultra attempt

That's running, isn't it?! - One of the first 'promo pictures' of the race to come out by Ian Corless

Some people reckon I'm delusional, others recognise my motivation and understand why I set myself inconceivable goals.  I 'dream large' about running long distances across mountain ranges, turning myself into a 'Kilian Jornet', and travelling quickly over technical terrain.  I draw up lists of the link ups and traverses I'd like to do one day, both in trainers and on my touring skis.  On the most part, these have been little more than fantasies, until...



The Glencoe Skyline Logo

In March 2015 Ourea Events announced a new race in the UK Skyrunning calendar, the Glencoe Skyline.  http://www.glencoeskyline.com/  The route seemed fantastic, technical, long, fun and perfectly matched to my running dreams (and delusions!)  The entry date was marked in my calendar and I continued my usual winter training fun - lots of vertical m's on my touring skis; dreaming of lighter boots and competing in mythical races, such as the PDG and Pierra Menta.

 

 

April arrived, and as luck would have it I was at my alpine home with WiFi when entries opened (as opposed to in a mountain hut where most of my spring days are spent).  As I filled in my application form, diligently answering each question, I doubted if I would ever get an entry.  My previous running race history is one very unsuccessful OMM race, and that was it, not even one other local fell race!  The only things in my favour were, my self belief, lots of personal mountain running, and a proven ability to look after myself in the hills - it is my job after all.  I can climb, run, and have a stubborn streak that makes me keep plodding on and on.

Having fun ski touring in the Alps during Spring 2015

The following day (so soon!), my entry was accepted, S**T!  Every mountain person I had told thought I was crazy - your 1st ultra, and everyone else just said 'cool', not really comprehending the task I had set myself.

All climbing was set aside for the summer, as I ran and ran, before work, after work, missing lie ins on days off, and generally obsessing over running, running videos, running magazines, running training and more running until I drove my colleagues and family bonkers.  Strava and my training spreadsheet became my new best friends!  Here I would like to point out that I did not give myself a structured training plan, but rather a vague, this month will focus on base work, speed work, etc... and set a goal to do something on most days of the work.

Summer arrived, and as I eased into July, I thought that entering a running race before the skyrun would be a good idea for some racing experience.  Scouring the race listings for one I could make, the only one was the Snowdonia Trail Marathon in two days time!  Over Facebook I bought someone else's entry, registered the day before and the following morning at 10am I was on the start line in pouring rain.  Despite having a bit of a bonk on the summit of Snowdon, I completed it, and this only sought to feed my delusions more!

Crossing the finishing line at the Snowdonia Trail Marathon, image by Mel Parry (I have yet to buy a copy!)

The day after finishing this race, my muscles were sore but my foot was even sorer, and I thought I had really injured it.  After a week of no walking or running, just swimming, I went to get an x ray of my foot - no stress fracture, phew, but it still took another week of pain to recover.  My third week was pain free, but I wanted a whole week of pain free before training again.  So there went nearly all of my weeks set aside for technical speedwork, and after three weeks off, my first run was up the Aonach Eagach the following week on holiday (it was a relief to feel no pain at all = full recovery :) ).

Stunning morning views from the Aonach Eagach on my recce whilst on holiday

Jimbob had agreed to support me for the Glencoe Skyline, his parents lent us their campervan, and we agreed to make a holiday of it, taking a week off during both of our busiest work periods of the year.  On arrival to the race location, driving down the Glencoe valley seemed to take for ever and it hit home just what I had taken on.  The night before the race we headed down to the Mountain resort to register for the race, and although excited I felt I was there at least two years too early in my running dreams!  I was surrounded by friendly lean runners sporting t-shirts of completed ultras, with legs toned from thousands of vertical metres logged running, and lots of shiny lightweight gear.  Only a few weeks ago I had 'been informed' that my leg muscles were 'starting to look like those of a runner!' so at least I was beginning to look the part to enter such a race!

My race map and number

5:45 am the alarm clock went off and I slowly drank some coffee with half of my planned breakfast.  I dressed for the race, made some final rucksack adjustments, and managed to go to the loo (always good before the race starts).

Views down the Glencoe valley earlier in the week

7am, race starts, pounding out the first 6km along the West Highland Way, I move quickly and easily, although still at the back of the middle of the pack.  Forgetting to zip my rucksack down to the side of the back it burst open along the track, to which the other runners were amazing at picking up and passing me the contents as they flew on past me - damn, this was the only fault with my otherwise brilliant Deuter Speedlite 10, when full you have to drag the zip pullies to the side as if they are at the top of the pack it splits open!

The only photo I took during the race - on Curved Ridge

Curved Ridge was always going to be a bottleneck but I was not expecting a few minutes rest.  The last time I was here was in torrential rain and howling wind on a Scottish climbing holiday, so to be queueing in the sun on dry rock was incredible.  The next section passed quickly, although the same cannot be said for my descending speed as I was overtaken by the majority of the field.  At checkpoint 5 I saw Jim which gave me some motivation to try harder, however on my way up to Stob Coire Sgreamhach I knew I was loosing time, I could still jog the easier sections, control where my feet were landing, but it just was not fast enough.

On top of this it had started to drizzle, I knew if I stopped to put my waterproofs on, this meant I wasn't running fast enough to make the cut of time at the A82, but I still believed I could do it.  On the out and back to checkpoint 8, Stob Coire nan Lochan I saw the end of the pack (that would just make the timing cut off).  This section was so atmostpheric, cloudy and sunny at the same time with super terrain, but again, just about too technical for me to run over.

One of Ian Corless' race photos, the cow bells and support were amazing and added to the alpine feeling of the race

Three word review of the Bidean Nam Bian descent: Horrific, Wet, Steep.  At the start I knew if I ran as fast as I could I would just make the cut off, but the steep wet terrain mean I couldn't go fast, thoughts of injuring myself when I would probably miss the cut off time anyway went through my head.  A quick check of my GPS showed me I was not even half way down to the road and only had 15 minutes or so to get there.  Pace slowed and my mind turned to how the day had gone, what I had learnt, and how amazing it had been even though I knew I would never finish the route.

The Glencoe Skyline race route (in orange, blue is the bad weather course)

In the distance I saw a brightly coloured Jimbob who had walked up to meet me, this was a great boost, kept me strong, and as the terrain evened out I ran into checkpoint 10, 48mins too late to continue.  Despite being tired I could still walk, and did vaguely consider just going up the Aonach Eagach even though I was timed out, but that would be silly.

As we drove back to the resort the top half of the field were finishing, and I although disappointed with myself I couldn't help smiling as I handed my GPS tracker etc... back in. 

Sky running UK logo

Thoughts on the race nearly two weeks later:

• It was an incredible day in the hills, one of the best running days out I have ever had
• The event marshalls were amazing, and knowing a few of them gave me an extra boost too - thank you so much
• Everyone else I met on the hills were so supportive too
• I probably was not prepared enough to go for my first ultra so soon, let alone this one!
• Today I went on my first 'proper' run since the race and I still love it
• Missing three weeks of training before the race didn't help, but probably didn't hinder me either
• The trails in Scotland are amazing
• ... I still really want to run the race again, but am unsure whether to wait one year or two

Training focuses:

• Improve speed on technical terrain
• Improve speed descending
• Fit in more speedwork
• Get faster on long steep hills - they were all long and steep!

Hmmmm, sounds like I need to go faster!