I didn't complete a 100km ultra by my 50th. 80km achieved before 53 years, still working on it...
Monday, 1 August 2022
Reverse magnetised
Saturday, 9 July 2022
Post-Covid run
Saturday, 11 June 2022
The Cuckoo Way
Today I walked/ran the length of the Chesterfield Canal from West Stockwith to Chesterfield. The night before I stopped at a hotel in Gainsborough and this morning took a taxi to the start so as not to add 7 miles to an already long journey. I was fortunate in having a dry summer's day which was not too hot.
This plan meant that I was 'self-supporting', either carrying what I wanted or nipping off to local shops for water and snacks. My rucsac was around 4.5kg in weight, including a change of clothes for last night and in case I had to overnight in Worksop. My overall pace was 09:18 min/km which I believe counts as a run as it's faster than a typical walking speed. Between 10 and 15 km I felt at my best and hit a heady 7 mins/km, around 50km I was strolling.
The video/slideshow has an image taken each kilometre (roughly) of the route which gives a good impression of the scenery.
After previous experiences I made quite an effort to have sips of water/electrolyte but I was still dehydrated at times. I was able to buy or refill water bottles along the route and I estimate drinking over 3 litres. This time my problem was a lack of food. I'd failed to buy decent items for my early breakfast so set off on an empty stomach. That was fine for a few hours but after half way I found the items I was carrying/bought unappetising. I bought an onion bhaji & mango chutney sandwich from the Co-op and that really helped me along.
At the 50km mark I was disappointed with my lack of pace but notwithstanding the food issue, I was also saving a bit of energy for the last 20km. On my first 50km I had nothing left when I finished and clearly that wouldn't have been useful today. It was also quite demanding to be on my own. Although I could set my own pace there was no-one else to try to keep up with, chat to, stay ahead of, or any of the other strategies that can encourage a bit of pace from a tired body.
Ultimately it was very satisfying, especially that the journey home on the train was trouble-free.
Take a look at Carl's video for a more in-depth report of the path.
Saturday, 14 May 2022
Ongoing running recovery
Saturday, 22 January 2022
Gradual return
Since November I've been returning to running. At first the usual circuit of the woods and then to the old haunts of Oxstones and Porter Clough. Today I combined these into a great 10 mile run, or perhaps more accurately a run-walk, through the Porter Valley and up to Oxstones. Just for good measure I came home via God's Spring and Houndkirk Hill (Tor). The pace was modest but it was good to be out for a few hours in the sunshine.