British Ultra

The British ultra, a six day, 130 mile race on the west coast of Scotland, organised by the Likeys boys and girls and Dave Scott.

What a week, Islay and Jura are simply stunning, of the 10 days we were on the islands only 1 day of rain!!! but boy did it rain!!!

Initially i had thought of running this but it was a little too soon after the arctic injury so i accepted the offer of a place on the support crew.....

Had great time, great bunch of people, it was hard work at times and some long days sat out on the side of a mountain or roadside layby, but I'm glad i did it, it just served as a reminder that as competitors we spend long hours training, but the race organisers equally spend long hours organising and running these event for us compete in.

For me crewing an event like this was a great experience, but i think you are more likely to see me racing than crewing in the future.

Can't talk about this event without mentioning the midges, probably the most annoying and pointless insect in the world, wreaked havoc on my arms/hands/neck/legs, tried industrial strength insect repellent, vitamin b tables, midges nets all to no avail, it a shame that such a stunning area is blighted by these ever so annoying insects.

Bike tyres and broken bottles dont' mix...

It's tipping it down with rain your in a bit of a hurry the last thing you need is 'another' puncture!!! this was a bit more than just a puncture though the tube and tyre had been almost completely sliced in two by the bottom of a broken wine bottle conveniently left on the narrow section of the tow path, i spotted it at the last minute and managed to miss it with the front tyre but the rear went straight over it......
I was too big a cut too repair so i ended running home the remaining 7 miles pushing the bike, the combination of pushing a bike, the wrong trainers for running, baggy wet shorts all made for a miserable trip home.

Happy days.....

I can't describe how good it was to cycle in today it's the first proper ride/training since the Arctic, most importantly it was pain free, it's a 05:30 start so the sun is just coming up, a couple of miles through the forest, then another couple of miles on the road and then it about 11 miles on the tow path all the way into mile end.

Now normally i'm stuck on a train that is full/late/uncomfotable, this morning i've seen herons, rabbits, baby foxes, ducks, geese, burnt out cars, dead swan and a 3 legged dog......

Happy days........

Always looking on the bright side......

Ever hopeful that my groin injury will clear up i have put together the following race calender, leading quite nicely to the 6633 Ultra in March 09.

Sat 14th Jun - South Downs Marathon - 26 miles
Sun 20th Jul - Fairlands Valley Marathon - 26 miles
Sat/Sun 23/24 Aug - Ridgeway challenge - 85 miles non stop
Thu/Fri/Sat 11/12/13 Sep - Spar Coast - 103 miles
Sat 22nd Nov - Lee Valley Ultra
Sat 6th Dec - Round Rotherham - 50 miles
Sat 17th Jan - Thames Path - 50 miles
Sat 31st Jan - Town to Tring - 42 miles
Sun 1st Feb - Tring to Town - 42 miles

Best i do an update.......

What an amazing 5 weeks, I think most of you know i dropped out of the 6633 Arctic ultra after 120 miles with a stress fracture of my right shin, up until that point i had been comfortably keeping up with one of the best ultra runners in the world, i have no doubt that if i hadn't got the injury that i would have finished and probably i quite a good time.......

Just for the record, the coldest temp during the race was i think about -56, post race i slept outside for a couple of hours at -50 (hats of to Etienne who slept outside for 8hours at -50!!)

My aims for the race where to

1. have fun
2. finish

The first aim was comprehensively satisfied, thanks to the organizers/support and fellow competitors (Martin, Sue, Matt, Murry, Scott, Dave, Nic, Sarah, Etienne, etc) i had a great couple of weeks.
The second aim will be for filled next year, as i have already entered next years race.

So what now, well I've had 5 weeks rest so my shin should be fine, the groin is still a little troublesome having been back to the physio i've been given further treatment so hopefully it just a matter of time.

Waiting for the taxi

Let the adventure begin.....

The second challenge (the packing being the first) is to make sure all this kit turns up at Whitehorse airport, fingers crossed if either bag doesn't arrive thats my race over before i even start.

And looking out the window the third challenge is to get all the kit there dry, it is absolutely tipping it down, when going to the Arctic packing a rain coat is not normally something you need to think about.

If i get a chance to post over the next few weeks i will otherwise look for updates in about 3 weeks time......

First challenge complete

Packing all that kit, i had put aside a couple of hours but it took most of the day in the end.

Think i may blow my baggage allowance, fortunately Air Canada are expecting a sled but i don't think they were expecting it to be pack full of kit!!, leaving an hour early for the airport just in case some repacking is required.