Ultimate Trails 110k - 02/07/2016

"Whether you believe you can or believe you can't, you're probably right." - Henry Ford

The only long race I have planned this year after injury and three ultras in 2015 almost permanently extinguished my running mojo.

The route is a sixty odd mile loop taking in a huge section of the beautiful Lake District which required all four OS lakes maps when I tracked it out on my living room floor! It would be my fifth ultra beyond fifty miles, but a first for a night time start and a step up in terms of technicality of terrain in the Lakeland fells. I need my beauty sleep, so it would be good to see how I fared through the night for the first time.

I'd trained hard but not had as much time in the hills as I might like as I have also been working on my road running this year which doesn't help that much as preparation for an event like this.

With mum and dad at the midnight start

I have a reputation for organising soggy jaunts to the lakes with my pals so it seemed apt that my first long Lakeland run would be tackled in some classic Lakeland conditions. Hours and hours of rain would be a test of kit but also would add to the test of resolve. 

The first of many downpours eased off just as the race briefing finished and thankfully we were quickly away for the race start. It was awesome to have Mum and Dad, Rach and Bobby along for the ride, although due to most of the route being in the remote fells, access to meet up on the route and support would be limited.

Whers's Matty!?

The first job was to get to Kentmere and climb high into the fells before a tricky descent to Haweswater. The sight of a twinkling snake of headtorches stretching miles down into the valley will stay with me for a long time. Unfortunately for me though, it had become clear that my headtorch was seriously underpowered and as a result I fell many times in the dark (seven to be precise!). Luckily I got away with just a few scrapes and bruises but I won't be leaving it to chance next time.  An investment needs to be made before I try anything like this in the dark again. 

Despite the falls, I was still making pretty good time and after cruising along a still Haweswater to the sound of the dawn chorus I arrived at Bampton where Bobby and Rach were waiting.  Thanks guys, top support at a ridiculously early hour - you are mental!

4.30 am trundling into Bampton making decent time

After smashing some pizza into my zombified face I was on again for the push to Glenridding and half way via Ullswater and a crushing climb out of Boredale.  I had started to feel weak on the climb so just resolved to get to halfway and regroup.  The rain had set in big time now so it was a relief to have a dry shirt and socks waiting for me there and my trusty Ambrosia ultra fuel.    

8 am fortified by rice pudding and clean socks - On to Grizedale Tarn!

Meanwhile the cheerleaders were busy missing me on the trail, getting drenched, savaged by midges and eating my breakfast at the B&B!

Ace support from the family, cheers guys!

Midge dodging race crew!

A steep ascent to Grizedale Tarn was the next big obstacle collowed by the most technical descent of the day alongside Raise Beck which was a spectacular roaring torrent in the rain.  The descents were by now making my knees grumble but my trekking poles helped take a little of the strain and definitely helped keep me upright and attack the climbs a little better.

40 miles in and it had been a hard fight against the climbs and the weather so far.  My feet had been wet for hours which meant the soles were being nicely tenderised but I was growing used to the discomfort and more determined to finish this thing.  The calories from Glenridding kicked in and I found I was even able to drop a few runners on the climbs at Watendlath and up Stakes Pass.  

It was the descents where I lost time though and descending into Rosthwaite I found myself in the dirt again when I slipped on a wet polished slab.  I'm still very wary of my weak ankles from injuries and on tired legs my confidence on the long and technical descents was now really low. I definitely could have done with more practice miles in the mountains to toughen up the legs and be a little less cautious.

Lakes still stunning in the gloom - Photo credit James Kirby

Beautiful Langdale

After a final bone jarring descent, all that remained was to run the length of Langdale, one of the most beautiful places in Britain.  By now it was mid afternoon and I was very weary with so many climbs and 55 miles in the legs but I was still running and fighting hard.  I was lifted by the scenery, sensing the finish now and some much needed encouragement from the folks at the final aid station was just what I needed.

Photo credit  -James Kirby

Ultra running delivers a very special
kind of pain experience
Photo credit - James Kirby

The gift of gate opening is a powerful one for long distance runners 

There was still time for me to squeeze in another rather comical and pathetic fall but thankfully the finish was now only a couple of miles away.  There was a lovely reception as I ran into the finish in Rothay Park as spectators had gathered to cheer everyone home.

Now where's the bar!?

This would have been one of my hardest runs to date even without the challenging weather.  I am proud to have finished it.  The body held up well and the dreaded cramp stayed away.  I was especially pleased with how I dealt with the mental challenge of the sleep deprivation, all those falls and the never ending rain.  It was definitely an emotional finish and was made more special having my family there with me again.

I love the Lakes and I'll definitely be back here for more running in the mountains.  More practice on the steep stuff is required though and a better headtorch!  I lost a couple of places where I had to wait for others to catch up and help find the route, but no matter, just finishing felt like an achievement this time.

Photo credit - James Kirby

Yay - Mor hard earned race bling.
I need a medal rack!

Thanks to the organisers, volunteers fellow runners but most of all to Mum, Dad, Rach and Bobby for being such a supportive bunch.  I'm not sure what is more daft, running an ultramarathon or staying up all night to support one!

Three more points mean I'm set up for the UTMB draw again this year and the next.  Fingers crossed I'll get lucky in January with double the chance this time.  No matter if not, the more ultras I do the more my list of bucket list races seems to grow!

Next up York marathon, thankfully, no headtorch required...