May 2018 - Race Reports
Donna 70.3 adventures (May 20th) - Outlaw Triathlon
In a moment of madness whilst my family were asleep on a family holiday I entered Outlaw 70.3. This is an event for 4 different ‘skills’
Swim. Bike. Run and transition. The swim would be open water something I said I would never consider but if I wanted to try that distance I would need to over come that. But I hadn’t considered we would have an awful winter and this race is quite early on in the season. The bike is 56 miles. No worries I’ve cycled 100 miles before ( leisurely with food stops and 2 years ago) and a 13.1 run. Easy.
My aim was literally to get round and not get timed out so I took the pool for the swim training and chipped away at the distance. I had 2 practice swims before race day. Not advisable and I hadn’t enjoyed them.
I did most of my bike sat in my conservatory with the longest being 90 minutes. Geez that was tough. I also got two real rides in. A 28 miler and a 20 miler before a late entry into MD10k.
I ran as often as the I could with work life balance.
With all that said as I had set no time apart from not being timed out I turned up as relaxed as I could. With this event you can’t rack your bike the day before as another event was on.
My day started with us going to a different car park than we used for registration and got stuck in unnecessary traffic. Probably my only gripe with organisers. I was needing a loo stop but needed to get to transition and parked further away. Therefore before I knew it I was walking the plank! And getting in the dreaded lake. I’d stayed calm Friday and Saturday but it made no difference. Other ladies were looking nervous and that didn’t help. Sunscreen seemed to have stopped the goggles to fit well and they were steaming up. I started to panic. I started at the back as did another lady. She was panicking and that was enough for me to start hyperventilating.
Also starting where we did meant we needed to swim to the start buoy. That added to my stress levels too. Three episodes and Twice hanging on for dear life to a youngster in a kayak and a waisted 6-8 minutes before I got going and the other lady getting taken back was enough for me to get on with it!! The next wave started to catch me. The fastest lady in the next wave decided to take one look at me and push me…. I thought that would start my panicking again but actually I found it quite comical. Had a few bumps to the head etc. But finally I had manned up. I finally could see the double buoys which indicated the turn around point and just over half way. I was so pleased and had definitely started to relax. I got to the other side and started going back down towards the finish, I don’t know why but going that way meant I was going no where fast and was getting depleted. I managed to check my watch and I could see 46 minutes, not bad I thought but still I was moving slow. I began to kick my legs more. All staff and volunteers at the finish of the swim I could hear them willing me to finish which did help. I finally stood up knowing I couldn’t swim anymore and they helped me out. I had 70 minutes to complete and a further 10 minutes in transition. I was disappointed when I noticed my watch and saw 1:11:58.
Was this game over but the crew member asked if I could run, I started to and she opened the back of my wetsuit and told me to get going…… out of 333 women of all ages and abilities I was 331
I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel when I got on my bike but I sat down; took off my wetsuit, put on my socks and shoes stood up, put on my helmet and a race number and my gilet, set the Garmin, shouted to a random man which way and off I go. Just saw hubby as I left transition and he looked as concerned as me.
I loved the bike and apart from someone having and unfortunate accident and us getting held up and diverted ( an extra 2 miles) and riding a bit bunched up for a few miles all went well and I made up some places. They told us the last 2 miles was very potholed and they weren’t kidding!! My bum had just about had enough, I was happy to get back but had been thinking as my swim had gone over maybe I was DQd. So entered transition expecting to get pulled to one side. Similar transition, I sat down, took off my shoes and socks and replaced for my running ones. Took off the gilet and moved my race number to the front applied sunscreen and swapped my helmet for a running hat. Picked up my gels and off I go. Out of 333 women I was now 281 (206 just on the bike
I loved the bike and apart from someone having and unfortunate accident and us getting held up and diverted ( an extra 2 miles) and riding a bit bunched up for a few miles all went well and I made up some places. They told us the last 2 miles was very potholed and they weren’t kidding!! My bum had just about had enough, I was happy to get back but had been thinking as my swim had gone over maybe I was DQd. So entered transition expecting to get pulled to one side. Similar transition, I sat down, took off my shoes and socks and replaced for my running ones. Took off the gilet and moved my race number to the front applied sunscreen and swapped my helmet for a running hat. Picked up my gels and off I go. Out of 333 women I was now 281 (206 just on the bike
There was a service station early on, I had taken one gel and decided to get some water early on. I was running ok but my legs were cramping and it was hot. I had decided to take it easy. I just waked when I wanted ran when I could and jogged. I stopped at all service stations and chatted to people. I made one guy laugh when he said what would I like and I replied EVERY THING!! The run was 2 laps and I saw hubby as passed through the first lap and was happy knowing it was only 6.5 miles to go! I took on the same strategy and walked and jogged and less running. Got my second wrist band and told the young guy if I wasn’t a sweaty and sticky mess I would have kissed him. He looked scared. I felt consistent and managed to finish smiling and the MC told me to look up as he said I was OUTLAW I was now 259 out of 333 (218 on just the run)
I got my medal, my tshirt a cooked meal and a pint of Erdinger. Also a nice glass of Prosecco.
I didn’t feel disappointed I felt lucky to have taken part.
I could have easily have given up that morning and had said the words at one point I CAN’T DO IT. Yet mentally I became strong. (Glad I didn’t, two people are thinking of doing the event as I have inspired them!!) Just pleased the organisers weren’t as strict on their cutoff times. I said never again but now I’m thinking maybe 2020!! Just need to practice the swim.
Submitted by Donna Howells
I got my medal, my tshirt a cooked meal and a pint of Erdinger. Also a nice glass of Prosecco.
I didn’t feel disappointed I felt lucky to have taken part.
I could have easily have given up that morning and had said the words at one point I CAN’T DO IT. Yet mentally I became strong. (Glad I didn’t, two people are thinking of doing the event as I have inspired them!!) Just pleased the organisers weren’t as strict on their cutoff times. I said never again but now I’m thinking maybe 2020!! Just need to practice the swim.
Submitted by Donna Howells
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12th May 2018 Transvulcania Marathon (28 mile junior ultra).
I'd been planning to do Transvulcania marathon for close to a year & with the Stretton Skyline race planned as my qualifier to gain entry I was good to go. Unfortunately an unscheduled hospital stay put pay to that & by the time I'd found & run another qualifying race the marathon had sold out & it was the waiting list & the thought of going over to La Palma just to watch (I'm sure id have coped). Then with a little over six weeks to go I got the email out of the blue to say I was in. So in what seemed no time at all & with a couple of 20 mile Wrekin runs under my belt we were in the air & on our way! The marathon started off at the more respectable time of 10am at the national park of El Pilar. This is where the half finishes & the ultra passes through so its a hive of activity & the support is immense before you've even set foot across the start line. It was cold & drizzling as we set off & as the first few miles were through a pine forest I could have easily been back home running around the base of the Wrekin. Then the climb started. 1,884 metres of elevation & most of it continuous over the next 13 miles up to Roque de los Muchachos. Another couple of miles & we were in the clouds & running through what was like a hazy dreamland. Before I knew it I was out of the other side with the sun hitting me & looking down on what looked like a waterfall of cloud spilling over the ridges of the mountains. Maybe this wasn't like the Wrekin after all. |
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The climb continued & I started to count down the miles to Roque de los Muchachos as I knew it was all down hill from there plus its aid station had become stuff of legend. It didn't disappoint! Goodies included pasta, sandwiches, cakes, gels, chew bars, sweets and fruits & drinks of every kind. Unusually for me I stuck to fruit & plenty of coke as the heat had gotten to me a bit.
I was then off again for what I thought was 11 miles of down hill. Turns out they were lying! They still managed to throw in a few decent climbs for good measure. When the descent started proper, with the terrain being so technical & rocky for the most part it was hard to pick up any speed & you soon started to feel the toll on your quads. The miles were running down though & after a couple of welcome makeshift aid & shower stations by the locals it was onto the switchbacks.
Basically a narrow zig zag path down a sheer cliff face. As I get dizzy on the second rung of a ladder I'd been dreading these ever since learning about them. I cautiously made my way down telling myself not to stop because if I did I'd just freeze to the spot & end up needing air lifting off. I didn't think Pauline would welcome that embarrassment either.
Then that was it, I was down & on the home straight with the streets lined with cheering crowds & the amazing support crew of Julie & Pauline cheering louder than all.
I loved every minute of it & don't think I've ever run such a varied & beautiful route. From lush green forest, to red desert like sands, through the clouds & onto lunar landscapes.
The highest respect to Paul who did that route plus 19 miles on top. Cant wait to go back next year where its the ultra for me too.
Cant have Paul taking all the glory!
Submitted by Dave Isaac
I was then off again for what I thought was 11 miles of down hill. Turns out they were lying! They still managed to throw in a few decent climbs for good measure. When the descent started proper, with the terrain being so technical & rocky for the most part it was hard to pick up any speed & you soon started to feel the toll on your quads. The miles were running down though & after a couple of welcome makeshift aid & shower stations by the locals it was onto the switchbacks.
Basically a narrow zig zag path down a sheer cliff face. As I get dizzy on the second rung of a ladder I'd been dreading these ever since learning about them. I cautiously made my way down telling myself not to stop because if I did I'd just freeze to the spot & end up needing air lifting off. I didn't think Pauline would welcome that embarrassment either.
Then that was it, I was down & on the home straight with the streets lined with cheering crowds & the amazing support crew of Julie & Pauline cheering louder than all.
I loved every minute of it & don't think I've ever run such a varied & beautiful route. From lush green forest, to red desert like sands, through the clouds & onto lunar landscapes.
The highest respect to Paul who did that route plus 19 miles on top. Cant wait to go back next year where its the ultra for me too.
Cant have Paul taking all the glory!
Submitted by Dave Isaac
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12th May 2018 - Transvulcania Ultra
The Transvulcania Ultra is the second race in the Sky Running World series its held on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands, it's a four hour flight from the UK. It's 47 miles with a total climb of 4,350 meters and a total descent of 4,057 meters. As the flight neared the islands you can start to see the the two main peaks protruding through the clouds, it's at this point it dawned on me I would be running up both of them as part of the ultra. After a short trip on a bus we were at the hotel, we chose the La Palma & Teneguia Princess as it was recommend by previous runners of the race. You collected your numbers from Los Llanos which is where the Ultra Marathon finishes, you get a good goody bag with a t shirt and a windproof jacket and a jar of what look liked some chili jam. Saturday morning was race day the Ultra started at 6 o'clock in the morning so it was a nice early start with the alarm going off at 3 o'clock ready for breakfast and then getting on the coach to take you to the start at 4 o'clock. It was only a short journey. you were dropped of at the top of the road that leads you down to the start area next to the Lighthouse at Faro de Fuencaliente, as you go through the kit check area they are playing a mix of heavy rock to get the atmosphere going there is a countdown clock beamed onto the large rock face that also adds to the build up. As the countdown clock gets to the final seconds everyone joins in with the countdown along with loud cheers and then we were off everyone heads off like we are in a 10k as after the first 1 mile on the road you head onto the GR 131 that is wide enough for two people at best. |
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From the start you are pretty much going up hill for the first 11 miles the first aid station was at Los Canarios at 7 o'clock in the morning, the streets were lined with locals cheering us on. Most of the trails on the first half of the race are run on volcanic sand and loose rocks which made the climbing even harder, the next aid station was at Las Deseadas at this stage you have already climbed 1,800 meters and you are ready for the down hill into the next aid station at El Pilar, This is were the Half Marathon end (to make it that bit tougher its 15 miles) and also the Marathon starts (again it has to be that bit longer at 28 miles) I was hoping to catch a glimpse of Dave Issac at the start of the marathon but I got there a bit later than planned and they had already started.
This is where the problems started i came out of the aid station feeling really good and then i started to get cramp in the bottom of my foot that slowly worked its way up my calf and then to my lower back the frustrating thing was this was probably the most runnable part of the course no matter how much I stretched it would not go away so it was a slow walk as more and more people passed me I thought shall I just give up here?
There are cut off times at some of the aid station's and the last thing i wanted was to be timed out, so i pushed on as quick as i could one thing that does keep you going is the support of other runners and the views the views are to die for I don't think i have been anywhere with such diverse landscapes and natural beauty. After a while i was starting to feel a little better and managed a run walk strategy but the down hills were proving more of a problem than the climbs my feet were in a bit of a mess passing through a further three aid stations and running a section in clouds that was freezing, to then come out the other side and it was boiling hot my Garmin peaked at 28 degrees.
It was now time for the long climb to Roque de los Muchachos the highest point of the island and far above the clouds there are also a number of observatory's dotted around the top, as we were nearing the top there were lots of shouts to hurry up as the cut off time was coming it was hard as i was on a tough climb i pushed on as fast as I could I got in with 10 seconds to spare a woman just behind me got in as well everyone behind her was timed out, over the whole race there were over 300 who did not make the cut off.
After eating lots of melon and drinking lots of coke I started off on the what is claimed to be one of the toughest section of the course 17k of downhill this really hurt my legs were bashed and both my big toes were painful even though they say its all down hill there are still some tough climbs as well. At the bottom you hit a tarmac road that is really steep and then you hit the switchbacks it was just getting dark when I was at the top so head torch on theses are very rough and basically take you down a cliff face, not for the faint hearted.
I just wanted to get down them as quick as possible I knew Julie would be there waiting for me with Pauline and Dave, once you are at the bottom in Tazacorte this is where the Marathon finished unlucky for me I have to run through the marathon finish and then a further 5k with the added sting in the tail of a further 500 meters of climb on roads, you head through the Ravine of Sorrows a dry river bed for a short while before you start the climb to the town of Las Llanos and the finish at at last.
Even though it was late there were still people cheering me on and giving me encouragement as i ran up the finishing straight.
What a race even though 16hrs 30 min is now where near what I wanted I still loved every painful minute, i think its races like this that make you stronger, a massive thank you to Julie for putting up with my mad ideas and supporting me all the way. Thanks to Pauline for driving Julie around and being there when i was out on the course.
Would i do it again that's a huge YES.
Submitted by Paul Spriggs
This is where the problems started i came out of the aid station feeling really good and then i started to get cramp in the bottom of my foot that slowly worked its way up my calf and then to my lower back the frustrating thing was this was probably the most runnable part of the course no matter how much I stretched it would not go away so it was a slow walk as more and more people passed me I thought shall I just give up here?
There are cut off times at some of the aid station's and the last thing i wanted was to be timed out, so i pushed on as quick as i could one thing that does keep you going is the support of other runners and the views the views are to die for I don't think i have been anywhere with such diverse landscapes and natural beauty. After a while i was starting to feel a little better and managed a run walk strategy but the down hills were proving more of a problem than the climbs my feet were in a bit of a mess passing through a further three aid stations and running a section in clouds that was freezing, to then come out the other side and it was boiling hot my Garmin peaked at 28 degrees.
It was now time for the long climb to Roque de los Muchachos the highest point of the island and far above the clouds there are also a number of observatory's dotted around the top, as we were nearing the top there were lots of shouts to hurry up as the cut off time was coming it was hard as i was on a tough climb i pushed on as fast as I could I got in with 10 seconds to spare a woman just behind me got in as well everyone behind her was timed out, over the whole race there were over 300 who did not make the cut off.
After eating lots of melon and drinking lots of coke I started off on the what is claimed to be one of the toughest section of the course 17k of downhill this really hurt my legs were bashed and both my big toes were painful even though they say its all down hill there are still some tough climbs as well. At the bottom you hit a tarmac road that is really steep and then you hit the switchbacks it was just getting dark when I was at the top so head torch on theses are very rough and basically take you down a cliff face, not for the faint hearted.
I just wanted to get down them as quick as possible I knew Julie would be there waiting for me with Pauline and Dave, once you are at the bottom in Tazacorte this is where the Marathon finished unlucky for me I have to run through the marathon finish and then a further 5k with the added sting in the tail of a further 500 meters of climb on roads, you head through the Ravine of Sorrows a dry river bed for a short while before you start the climb to the town of Las Llanos and the finish at at last.
Even though it was late there were still people cheering me on and giving me encouragement as i ran up the finishing straight.
What a race even though 16hrs 30 min is now where near what I wanted I still loved every painful minute, i think its races like this that make you stronger, a massive thank you to Julie for putting up with my mad ideas and supporting me all the way. Thanks to Pauline for driving Julie around and being there when i was out on the course.
Would i do it again that's a huge YES.
Submitted by Paul Spriggs
Market Drayton 10k 13th May 2018
This would be the first time for me doing this race. Me and my husband managed to get booked on it when entries opened last July, never have i booked a race so far in advance! So race day arrives i'm feeling good. Off we go to first drop the children off then on to pick my sister and dad up. We arrived at barbers auction house about 10am we packed up and caught the bus into town. At this point there was rather a lot of people, I was starting to get a little nervous. Toilet stop then meet the Wrekin crew for team photo.
This would be the first time for me doing this race. Me and my husband managed to get booked on it when entries opened last July, never have i booked a race so far in advance! So race day arrives i'm feeling good. Off we go to first drop the children off then on to pick my sister and dad up. We arrived at barbers auction house about 10am we packed up and caught the bus into town. At this point there was rather a lot of people, I was starting to get a little nervous. Toilet stop then meet the Wrekin crew for team photo.
Off to the start we go. This was a little confusing having never done it before. I was looking for the 65min pacer, I couldn't see any pacers. After a little wait the gun went so we ran going around the school field then out onto to road. The route travelled in and around all the housing estates and because of this the support was fantastic. So many people lined the streets it was great to see. The first water station arrived and there was no water!!! Oh well on we go I thought. I continued to run with fellow club mate Laura we were doing well it was starting to get a bit warm now. We continued and caught up with my sister who was coming back from injury and not feeling great but she was doing a great job. Soon after we were told by marshal's this was the last hill then we were back. So up we climbed to be cheered on by Wrekin. This was a very welcome surprise. To the top we made it, then it was back into the field and a sprint along the grass to the finish. We were handed water, a goody bag, muller yoghurts and a pork pie. This was great never been given so much! A quick chat with fellow Wrekin then off to collect my t-shirt and meet with family before heading home. I was a little disappointed to find that the size small t-shirt i ordered was not available, so medium it was.
Overall I enjoyed the race, the route was great, support was fantastic but I'm not quite sure why this race is so popular, maybe I missed something? So I'm doing it next year to see what I missed.
Submitted By Samantha Hall-Davies
London Marathon 2018
What an experience, a marathon like no other(only have one other to compare it to though).
The months of training have flown by, long Sunday runs, gym, yoga, no alcohol, thinking more about carbs and protein, fuelling runs.
The list is endless, finally the wind down week arrives, easy to overthink everything, niggles galore, trying to remember all the advice on what to take, what to avoid etc.
Friday night bag packed, ahead of early taxi to the station Saturday morning. Arrive at Telford central, quite a few runners and supporters from local clubs, atmosphere is buzzing. Lots of excitement and camaraderie on the journey down. Once at Euston, now to locate the Expo, which was easy enough, fantastic atmosphere and lots to spend your time and cash on. Took on board the advice and didn’t stay too long, didn’t invest in anything new! Saturday evening felt like biding time, anxiety, nerves and excitement all rolled into one.
The big day arrived, feels surreal, a bit of a challenge getting across town. Trains delayed, then faults on the line didn’t help anxiety levels. Got to the red start at 9.30, just enough time for the bag drop and one toilet stop before having to enter the pen (was hoping for at least another trip).
Into the pen, the volume of folk is unreal, it’s warm, very warm (my worst nightmare). Moving forward, edging to the start line and we’re off.
The noise of the crowds is overwhelming, there isn’t one bit of the course that wasn’t supported. Landmark after landmark. Boy did it get tough, I swore, cried, vowed I’d never do it again, even thought about calling it a day. Remembering the pledge to the charity, letting people down, not least of all myself! I was going to get to the end. Coming round Westminster and seeing The Mall - there are no words. Seeing my Husband and 2 boys reduced me to sobs, the finish line ahead - I can’t believe I ran the London Marathon, something I could have only dreamed off, this is where couch to 5k has brought me on my running journey.
Submitted by Deborah Hickman
What an experience, a marathon like no other(only have one other to compare it to though).
The months of training have flown by, long Sunday runs, gym, yoga, no alcohol, thinking more about carbs and protein, fuelling runs.
The list is endless, finally the wind down week arrives, easy to overthink everything, niggles galore, trying to remember all the advice on what to take, what to avoid etc.
Friday night bag packed, ahead of early taxi to the station Saturday morning. Arrive at Telford central, quite a few runners and supporters from local clubs, atmosphere is buzzing. Lots of excitement and camaraderie on the journey down. Once at Euston, now to locate the Expo, which was easy enough, fantastic atmosphere and lots to spend your time and cash on. Took on board the advice and didn’t stay too long, didn’t invest in anything new! Saturday evening felt like biding time, anxiety, nerves and excitement all rolled into one.
The big day arrived, feels surreal, a bit of a challenge getting across town. Trains delayed, then faults on the line didn’t help anxiety levels. Got to the red start at 9.30, just enough time for the bag drop and one toilet stop before having to enter the pen (was hoping for at least another trip).
Into the pen, the volume of folk is unreal, it’s warm, very warm (my worst nightmare). Moving forward, edging to the start line and we’re off.
The noise of the crowds is overwhelming, there isn’t one bit of the course that wasn’t supported. Landmark after landmark. Boy did it get tough, I swore, cried, vowed I’d never do it again, even thought about calling it a day. Remembering the pledge to the charity, letting people down, not least of all myself! I was going to get to the end. Coming round Westminster and seeing The Mall - there are no words. Seeing my Husband and 2 boys reduced me to sobs, the finish line ahead - I can’t believe I ran the London Marathon, something I could have only dreamed off, this is where couch to 5k has brought me on my running journey.
Submitted by Deborah Hickman