Chevy Chase 2016

It's now just over two weeks since the 60th Chevy chase fell race. Legs are just about back to normal and the result has just about sunk in.

This was my 5th Chevy, although it should have been the 6th having had to miss last year due to my bad back and the lack of training leading up to it.  This year I was determined to give it a good go. From past experience of this race I have tried several strategies.  In 2013 I started steady and finished strong in 3rd place. In 2014 I started too quick and ran out of fuel in the last few miles but finished second. I planned my tactics with the aim of trying to keep with the leaders up to the Hedgehope descent and then push on if I felt good.

The weather was much better than anticipated although there was a headwind on the way out.  The first few miles were awful. I felt really heavy and quite lethargic. I was in a leading group of 3 or 4 up to the Cheviot summit. Coming off cheviot I took my time to try and save the legs. This allowed other runners to catch up and track me. I assumed the two on my shoulder hadn't run the route before as they followed my every move down to the burn then up to the Hedgehope summit. 

Skirting Housey Crags I began to open a little bit of a gap and I was feeling quite comfortable having eaten and made sure I was taking on water at regular intervals.  From this point on I didn't look behind me.  Not once.  This was difficult as there's nothing worse than being hunted down.

I passed through Brands Corner then Carey Burn and Hell's path.  I hadn't been caught up to this point so I began to think I was in with a good chance.  I put the hammer down, knowing that when the road section was reached that I had the pace to challenge if needed.  I turned the corner into the Wooler Youth Hostel and was greeted with cheers, it was all rather exciting that i'd actually done it. I had won the Chevy chase!!  I was overjoyed.

As always, thank to all the organisers, volunteers and supporters.  Best in Northumberland!

National 12 stage road relays, Sutton Park 16th April 2016

I landed a place in the B team for this annual event down in Birmingham.  Morpeth had two teams who qualified from the Northern relays a few weeks ago (in which I didn’t compete).  This was my first visit to Sutton Park since I was a wee nipper, or so I was told by the Club official.  

It was a long journey, around 3 and a half hours travelling with Messrs Snowball, Alder and Haswell.  We embarked on a recce around part of the course to see what was in store for us, and it was going to hurt.  I was on a long leg (approx. 5.4 miles) and was fifth in the pecking order.  I had envisaged a lot more teams being involved, there were around 60-70 in total and by the time I headed off on my leg the numbers were well spread out.  I was on my own for the majority.   I wasn’t overtaken and made up around six places.  

The course was tough. There were a few steady climbs which felt like they went on forever and the ice cream truck at the 2 mile mark took a long time to come into view.  There was good support around the course which was most welcome.  I’m so glad I wasn’t on the 12^th leg, it would have been the longest day ever waiting around.

The A team finished eighth and the B team in the low 50’s.  It was a great performance by both teams and an experience to remember.

I aim to return in four weeks for the National Masters relays.

It’s the Yorkshire 3 peaks race in two weeks’ time.  I have no hills in my legs so I may have to give it a miss.  The Cheviot/Hedgehope pendulum race is on the Sunday which would be more manageable at half the distance.  Apparently there’s a drone filming it………

Brough Law report 2016

There was a great turnout today at the Brough Law fell race in the Ingram valley.  82 runners registered and duly completed the 5 mile course on a very mild, dry and wind free day.  Perfect weather and the strongest hint yet that spring is in the air.

Setting up the course early doors

First back was an in form Lee Bennett in his recently renewed NFR colours in 37:45, closely followed by last year’s winner David Beech in 37:59.  Third place went to Morpeth’s Mark Snowball in a very good time of 38:38.

Mr Bennett taking the win

In the women’s race, Karen Robertson crossed the line first in 44:13 with Katherine Davis second in 46:39 and Claire Bagness in third with 49:51.

A special note of thanks go to the following people for their invaluable help: 

• Mike Steven, Richard Kirby (+ son/wife), Jane Briggs, Michael Briggs and Andy Richardson for their support and help on the day.
• Ross Wilson for permission to hold the race and for dismantling the course after the race.
• Northumberland National Park ranger (Mark) for the use of the new facilities at Bulby’s wood. 
• Stuart Ferguson for the support from Hangar 18/FRA and guidance in making sure everything went smoothly.

A total of £220 was raised for Northumberland Mountain rescue.

Thank you to all who took part.

FYI – apologies to Marie and Jeffrey Emmerson who should have received prizes and didn’t.  George R was mistakenly given a prize, but I’m sure he enjoyed it.

Any queries with the results, let me know fellrunner1975@gmail.com

JB.

May the glutes be with you....

A long time ago in a backside not too far away.......

Glutes.  Pretty important.  Especially for a runner.  They are the largest muscle group in the human body and need to be taken seriously.  This came to the forefront in my running life over a year ago, and I'm still playing catch up.  I have so many glute stretches and strengthening exercises in my sporadic cross training routine that I could write a book about it.

The main problem is that I work in an office.  I'm on my arse most of the day, which is the worst thing in the world for the glutes.  They become lazy and don't 'fire' correctly when running.  This results in other muscle groups overcompensating which ultimately results in overuse injuries and tightness, meaning more stretching.  In particular the adductors on my right side become very tight as well as my lower back.  This doesn't stop me running but it does mean I have constant reminders that I need to increase my bum size.

So, I am doing squats, bridges, lunges, rolling on a tennis ball on a daily basis when time permits.  Active stretching before a run to wake up the glutes and my new found love for Pilates!

I have also discovered that I have a tight Piriformis and stiff hip capsules.  Again, from the office work.  It's easier said than done, but getting off your chair in a busy job every 15-20 minutes is sometimes impossible.  The battle continues....

On a positive note I ran in the Masters North East cross country championships at the beginning of February.  I did better than expected in finishing 4th overall and 2nd V40.  I also ran a park run at Newcastle last week and achieved a parkrun PB of 16:13.  Not far off my 5k PB.  There are some good signs there, the key is to consistent training.

I'm organising the Brough Law fell race next weekend so I won't be racing until the Thrunton Thriller 10k the week after.  Then of course the Good Friday relays.

Brief update

A few updates since my last post.

Leeds Abbey dash went better than expected.  I secretly aimed for sub 34 and just sneaked in with 33:51, the last mile was tough which showed up my lack of speed endurance.  I was happy all the same.

I missed the North Eastern cross country due to not putting my name down before the deadline.  Instead I went for the Simonside Cairns race.  A cracking 11 miler starting in Rothbury.  This time my speed endurance paid off, battling with a young whipper snapper in the remaining three miles.  I broke free and ended up winning.  Champion!

Morpeth 11k was a cold affair and a good way to start the year.  It was very quick considering the long drag up Morpeth steads.  I was happy with the result and felt quite strong at the end.  Pilates is paying dividends.  1st v40, 13th overall.

I have no targets this year in particular.  I have, however, sent off my application for the North East Masters.  

I am quite happy getting in some consistent training weeks and picking events when they crop up. No doubt I'll be swayed into trying something daft......

All the best.

Quiet pride

Where does the time go? Two and a half months ago I completed what was my toughest, yet most satisfying event in the CCC. It seems like it was years ago.  I've attempted to describe what the experience was like on many occasions but it is so difficult to put into words.  It all comes flooding back flicking through the photo's. Great memories.

Since my return I've had period of rest, but soon got back into the swing of things.  Simonside fell race (Thropton show), Sherman Cup cross country, the Gibside fruit bowl and a park run have all come and gone like a whirlwind.  Is this what happens once you reach 40!?

I have had a solid block of consistent training and also into my ninth week of Pilates classes.  I can highly recommend them, I'm definitely feeling the benefit.  It's not easy, mind you.

So, off to Leeds this weekend for the Abbey Dash 10k. My first time at this one and 17 months since my last 10k.  The weather looks particularly grim so I don't expect any fast times.

I'm enjoying my running and just taking it as it comes.  If I fancy a race I'll do it, I'm not planning too far into the future as it always ends up badly.  I still have a certain annoying chimp on my shoulder though.  He may be difficult to remove......

Courmayeur Champex Chamonix (CCC) August 2015

The adventure finally arrived to race in the CCC on the 28^th August 2015.  Three years in the planning and it was here, exciting times.

My wife, parents and myself landed at Geneva airport on the evening of Monday 24^th August and were promptly collected by our transfer.  A pleasant chap named Nick, from South Shields! Small world.  The journey seemed to pass very quickly and ninety minutes later we exited the Mont Blanc tunnel and arrived in Courmayeur.  My wife noticed immediately that the majority of people were wrapped up in fleeces and jackets.  “Don’t worry, it’s going to be nice tomorrow”, I said.  We had been monitoring the forecast over the past week and it was changeable but sunny skies were due.

We awoke the next morning and opened the curtains onto our balcony to the sight of a mountain.  It wasn’t Mont Blanc, but one of the foothills.  That alone was one heck of a size.  

Mont Blanc from the hotel

During breakfast I popped outside to check the ambient temperature and walked around the corner to be blown away by the south face of Mont Blanc.  It was phenomenal, almost impossible to comprehend the sheer size of it soaring above some small wisps of cloud against the crisp blue of the sky.  And that was only a small part of it.

After we got our bearings I headed off for a recce run of the first four miles of the race.  Looking at the course profile, the first 10k was a climb up to Tete de la Tronche so I wanted to get an idea of what lay in store to mentally prepare.  The heat was becoming more and more noticeable by lunchtime, much to the delight of my family.  I was thinking that it was going to be a struggle.  I sat down on the path up to Tete de la Tronche looking down on Courmayeur and tried to soak up the view, knowing that this was a unique opportunity which I should make the most of. 

what a place

The TDS set off on the Wednesday morning, skirting past our hotel at 6am.  Paul Appleby was competing in this race and I tracked him during the day.  Unfortunately the heat and other circumstances meant he had to retire around half way.  A tremendous effort nonetheless.

On Thursday I went to register.  A great friend (Mike) arrived that morning to give support during the event and to enjoy the Alps for himself.  We all went to registration with all my gear hoping that it would go through without any issue.  I got through and received my wrist band and t-shirt.  I just needed to have a big supper and a decent night’s sleep.

I was up, ready and down for breakfast before 7:30am intending to get to the start line at 8am for a good place in the pen.  I passed over my drop bag for the finish and soaked up the atmosphere.  Lots of runners with all of the expensive gear and compression wear and sticks!  I rock up with my 2011 Blaydon race t-shirt.  Sports casual.  Chevy chase buff was mandatory.  I met up with Tony and Emma (Tony was doing the CCC too) and gave him by best wishes on his journey.

ready for the off

With 20 minutes to go I lost my spot in the pen having been well hydrated at breakfast...  I ended up at the back which wasn’t ideal on the narrow streets of the start.  The atmosphere began to build as the minutes ticked down.  Music and commentary blaring out of the speakers was certainly a distraction and before I knew it we were off.  A long day ahead for us all.

The first mile or so passes through the lovely town of Courmayeur and then off up to the trails and forests.  I waved to my support knowing I wouldn’t see any  of them until around 5pm, 8 hours later in Champex.  As the climb went on the more the field was spreading out which was just as well as the trails were very narrow and steep to overtake.  I was already one 500ml bottle down half way up to Tete de la Tronche.  The mountain streams were going to come in very handy.  A helicopter was flying overhead taking footage which was great, so I offered a wave.  I arrived at the summit and was duly scanned by the officials and made my way to Refuge Bertone and the first stop for food and drink.  This section was easy running with a gentle descent, some of which was technical.  There was a great reception at the checkpoint and I had my bottles refilled by the volunteers and grabbed some food to carry with me (thanks for the sandwich bag tip, Steph!).  

There was a good running section all the way to Refuge Bonati and down to Arnuva, the last stop before a big climb up to Grand Col Ferret.  The heat was becoming intense at around 30 degrees.  I drank all of my water reserve on the climb and enquired at the top where the next water stop was.  10k!  Luckily I came across a mountain stream and replenished my bottles a couple of kilometres of the descent.

 

First climb - note helicopter

I stopped for ten minutes or so at the La Fouly checkpoint.  This was a substantial area with refreshments but I felt I needed to compose myself especially with the heat.  I tried to eat a variety of salty food and some sweet with plenty of liquids.  I was looking forward to reaching Champex to see some familiar faces.  Only Praz de Fort to pass through.  I reached Praz de Fort and was convinced that it was Champex so it gave me a lift.  This subsequently turned into disappointment when running through the town and there was no marquee and only a handful of people.  This deflated me considerably and struggled up the next climb to Champex.  I was told I looked dreadful upon arrival and Mike advised me to spend at least 30 minutes to pull myself together.  I had a blister since the 20 mile marker, some grit rubbing in my sock but it was too late to do anything about it.  I stripped down to my shorts to cool off and Mike ran around after me the whole time.  It was definitely worth stopping the extra time as it could have meant the difference between finishing and not!  I thanked Mike and said hi to my folks when I headed off onto the next section.  

I broke the race down at this point, only 17k to the next checkpoint at Trient. That’s all I focussed on.  The climbs are so steep and long that it’s impossible to run so I made up my time on the flat (wasn’t much) and the descents.  These were very technical in places so it took a lot of concentration to keep on my feet.  My blisters were numbing into insignificance with everything else distracting them.

I descended into Trient and met up with Mike again with everything prepared for my arrival.  Spare t-shirt being number one priority.  Only two more climbs.  Only 10k until the next checkpoint at Vallorcine, but almost 3000’ of climb in the way.  It was beginning to get dark on this section but didn’t need my headtorch until I left Vallorcine.  19k to go.  I’ve come this far, surely I can make it now.  It was still very warm and had no need for a jacket or baselayer.

getting set for the last 12 miles

I left the Vallorcine checkpoint and said goodbye to Mike and my dad saying I’d see them at the finish.  It was a fast walk to the ascent and after that it was a struggle.  I could see headtorches above me zig sagging all the way up to the top.  This 12 miles took 3.5 hours and it felt like it.  I was surprised near the top when I turned my head and my headtorch illuminated a mountain goat.  Was it really there.  It looked straight at me and didn’t move. I reached Tete aux Vents and knew it was all downhill from here.  The relief was overwhelming.  I ran the rest of the route without stopping, passing several runners on the way down.  Chamonix was illuminated in the distance but didn’t seem to get any closer.  I ploughed on thinking of the finish line then reached the tarmac of Chamonix town.  I spotted Mike when I made my way through the barriers to the centre and he shouted only 300metres.  I accelerated into a sprint finish an crossed the line.  A wave of emotion came over me and I hugged my wife, parents and Mike thanking them for everything.  It was complete.  I had done it.  I was so proud.  It was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.  153^rd in 17hrs 39mins.  Gilet well earned!

Having missed 4 months out of 8 this year with injury etc it was touch and go whether I would even make it to the start.  It took a considerable amount of mental strength to get through this race, especially at Champex when I felt rubbish.  My legs seemed fine throughout with no cramp which was a bonus. Tired legs, of course! I can’t underestimate this challenge and hats off to everyone who has competed in any of the UTMB races.  Well done John Telfer in the UTMB!

Many thanks to everyone who supported me.  I couldn’t have done it without you.

done