GB Ultras GB24
Inaugural 24hr running event
@ Whinlater, Keswick
21-22 July 2018.
Intro
Welcome to my latest blog/run report from my latest run adventure of 2018. This event was part of my vital training for my upcoming biggest challenge yet and fundraiser in memory of my Mum, the GB Ultras Mt Snowdon 56 mile Ultra in Sept 2018.
The GB Ultras GB24 is a new event from a spectacular run event calendar/portfolio put on by a relatively new Ultra events company GB Ultras.
I have only seen good things from reports about this company having many friends who have done, and are currently doing their events, and have reported back with very positive feedback. More importantly, all of them happy experiences and new and unique events and locations.
My presence at this event was fairly last minute as I wasn't sure I could cope with the pressures of 24 hrs of solo running, and I was undertaking a very slow training transition up to the 50+ mile ultra standard.
That being said I did book my time off for this event 3-4 weeks before hand once I made the decision to use it as a dummy run and training for my Snowdon Ultra challenge in Sept.
Unfortunately my work completely cocked up or ignored my holiday request and subsequently failed to notify me in any way shape or form that I could not have the time off. This resulted in a very frantic and stressful lead up to the event in the days before when it was becoming apparent that I would have to work and with that lose my entry fee and my chance to gain vital training for Snowdon.
Thankfully a couple of people at work actually did give a **** about me and the value that I put on my running and training in order to maintain my mental and physical health, and indeed the importance of it all regarding my active fund raising for important charities close to my heart.
Once last minute cover was sorted I was able to go on line and retract the bad news that I may not be attending anymore and could now thankfully announce that it was all back on....phew!
So hereby follows my usual long winded account of my weekend at the spectacular GB Ultras GB24hr running event, provisionally titled the 'Toughest in the UK' . Would it live up to it's name??...
Friday 20th July- Pre event day.
So thankfully a very kind fellow running friend and regular race volunteer Claire D had answered my call out for a lift to the event and back, as car shares are encouraged by GB Ultras to help the Environment obviously, and to save on parking space at events.
Claire was keen to get down to the event location fairly early on on the Friday so she was able to get her tent set up etc and to help a Little with set up on site once the organizers got there. I was keen too as I wanted to get my tent pitch sorted and settled a little and also have time to find somewhere to eat.
We got there about half one if I remember rightly and parked at the Whinlater Visitors Centre which was 500 metres or so away from where we would be camping and running.
The camping area wasn't open yet so it was an ideal time for me to eat in the cafe at the visitors centre. I have to say it was a lovely place too and would recommend checking it out. It had a cycle hire centre and a Go Ape facility as well on site and loads of parking too.
I checked out the menu for plant based options or Vegan/Veggie options as I have been plant based for over 18 months for health and moral reasons and have found my athletic performance better than ever, despite training less than ever due to trying to reduce overall wear and tear on my knee joints and knee tissue, which I have issues with.
I went for a jacket potato with Hummus and red pepper and a salad side dressing, which quite frankly was lush. I needed to eat as much and as often as I could in the next 24 hours in order to keep my energy and glycogen levels up for the tough challenge ahead.
After a while the parking area and camping spot for the GB24 was opened and our tents were up in no time, well if you ignore the fact the tent pegs wouldn't go in the ground which seemed to be stone gravel under grass. I was content that it wasn't windy so my tent shouldn't fall down or blow away with a few lame ass pegged guide ropes :)
Next was helping with the start and finish line set up while trying not to do too much or make an idiot of myself by breaking something. I kind of kept my distance but helped on occasion when it appeared help was needed.
Slowly but surely others arrived and it was fun watching them hunt for tent pitch spots and then try and hammer the tent pegs in the ground only to discover the same issue as me.
After a while people were pitching their tents in the woodland itself which actually was a good idea and certainly a way of feeling at one with nature. Personally The Blair Witch Project gave me nightmares and I had no wish to hear snapping twigs outside my tent at night.
Bedtime for me was early as I didn't want to sit out doing nothing so I retired to my tent at 8.30pm after a little bit of food knowing it would take a long time to get to sleep anyway, and that it was guaranteed to be an early wake up, especially with dogs on site.
Saturday 21st July - Event day.
So it was 5:30am and after some intermittent sleep through an interesting night of various intermittent dog whining sessions it was time to get up, as camp had definitely awoke and conversations and noise levels were slowly rising, as were the frequency of the portaloo door slams.
It never fails to amaze me how people manage to slam the doors in the early hours, but then again compared to Thunder Run and Conti Run 24hr events this campsite was a peaceful bliss as it wasn't filled with runners who brought their entire family&friends list with them for a free campout.
For the rest of the morning runners were arriving for registration or arriving to pitch up as they hadn't come down on Friday. It was interesting to see people arrive and recognising their faces or names from Facebook on the various GB Ultras event pages and particularly the GB Ultras community page where we all get to chat to each other about the events etc.
There also is a GB Ultras running club which is free and an easily recognisable Union Jack t-shirt available to wear at events etc. Profits from this go to charity which is a nice touch from the organizers.
I was struck by how friendly and approachable everyone was, I'm used to it with runners, but here they were doubly friendly and people were genuinely asking what I looking for out of the event, as in how many laps was I looking to do, or what colour medal was I going for...Bronze for 1-7 laps, Silver for 8-13 laps or gold for 14+ laps.
My target was 8 laps minimum for a silver, then 10 laps to equal my furthest distance travelled yet (and to simulate the Mt Snowdon distance) and ultimately 11 laps to reach 100k+ which would be a milestone for me.
I had no wish whatsoever to try for 14 laps as I wanted downtime between laps when I wanted and I wanted to enjoy the social aspect more at the start and finish area which had free food and refreshments available throughout.
The feeding myself from the aid/food station was also vital training for me for the Mt Snowdon Ultra too as I am not used to all day events and actual food as opposed to shorter events powered by gels and energy drinks etc. It was going to be interesting to see how my stomach and bowels held up to 24hrs.
9am came and it was time to hit the cafe for a big dose of food to get me through the initial hours of the event as realistically I would not be getting breakfast, lunch or dinner etc and I would need all the calories to start I could get.
I went for the veggie breakfast and felt a little guilty eating eggs as I don't eat them for health and moral reasons, but my veggie breakfast would of been just beans, tomato, mushrooms and toast and I wanted all the calories proteins and fats I could get. It was a great breakfast and a good call, especially backed up by a big cup of black coffee to wash it down.
After various chats with people and a little standing around killing time it was finally time to get dressed in my run gear. It was a warm day so not much would be required. I went with vest, twin layer shorts, Injinji toe socks and Hoka Speed goat 2's and a cap to keep the sun off head and the sweat out of my eyes.
Run equipment wise I just went with a Salomon waist belt that would hold a 500ml bottle, an emergency gel and the collapsible 'Eco cup' provided by GB Ultras which would be used to consume drinks at the midway point on the course and the start/finish area and thus eliminate the use and waste of disposable cups and plastic. A great touch from GB Ultras.
I also took my Black Diamond collapsible poles as I wanted to save every ounce of energy I could for the long haul of 24hrs. I would hardly use them in early laps, but having the option was vital.
Race start at 12noon Saturday 21st July....
After a race briefing and various photo's at the start line it was finally time for the off and off we went on an uphill to start our first loop of what supposedly would be 5.8 (cough) miles...
After roughly 300 to 400 metres of gradual climb we came to the start of our first little downhill or down section, but it was also our most technical as it was pretty much through long grass with twigs and sticks and holes all over the shop, so it was run slow and look where your feet went time, and also time to memorise it as we would be seeing this many times over 24hrs.
At the end of the little downhill was a bit of road/track for maybe a third of a mile and out at a road crossing manned by great chipper volunteers to keep us safe for 24hrs. This junction led onto a flat section of gravel road that took us maybe a third of a mile to the hillside of Whinlater itself and the beginning of the trails we would be hitting from now on.
We turned off from the gravel road and into the trees and forestry itself and this is where we would learn what type of trail laid ahead and what kind of wondrous perils and climbs Wayne and Jonathon had selected for us.....
The rest of my lap description may be a bit sketchy, but I will try my best....
Once into the trees etc we had a short while on little flat bits leading into downs, followed by little ups etc until we hit a wooden bridge which looked familiar as a picture of it had been posted on the GB24 site asking menacingly 'how many times will you cross it?'
I found myself shouting out in my head there's another one Jonathan! every time I crossed it, but the joy of crossing it for the first time and every other time was short lived because that is where we discovered our first real challenge of the route...it appeared to be an endless climb up along a forestry path at what in reality would fast become a walking pace or actual walk climb up and up and up.
It seemed to be about 400-500 metres until you hit a road, but you crossed over that and continued on for more of the same for perhaps another 400 metres or so, and at points steeper than the first section.
Technique was going to be a test here as you tried to work out your own personal most efficient method to get up there. You could slow jog bits, but would tax your cardio system and also likely race your lactate levels in your lower legs, especially your calves. Or you could walk up or power walk up with hands on knees.
I can't honestly recall how I got up the first time, I think I walked as fast as I could with no running and I didn't use the poles either. I could feel the start of the lactic acid burn in the calves though if I tried to push and use the forefoot as opposed to flat foot which pulled on Achilles etc.
Once at the top of that section it was 100 metres of slight downhill road and then straight into another woodland section...oh the joys...another upward slog, but smaller sections followed by tempting little 20-30ft flat sections that made you think you could run again . then around a slight turn again and voila! another climb! and this one again was a doozy.
It was a definite power hike climb and I could fast feel that on future laps I may even need to stop for a brief breather half way up as it was a long climb, especially angle wise.
Again we hit a road, a forest road this time and flat to start but it took a few seconds for the legs to discover what flat was again and to actual feel like they were capable of actually running....
After maybe half a mile it was time for a little downhill back on a narrow trail into the woods and a little down the hillside. There were a couple of little steep bits here and I was already finding myself braking on my knees rather uncomfortably and slowing didn't help much.
A hundred or so flat metres later and we eventually hit a nice bit of downhill to regain some time lost walking, but again it was steep in places and hard to get running technique right in order to limit braking and the feeling that you were going to run off the trail and off the edge down the hillside if you went too fast and didn't brake.
Eventually we hit forest fire road again and this one was the start of a long climb up the hillside again, but not steep compared to the in forest trail bits.
The first lap I think I mostly ran this section with maybe a few walks I'm not sure. It felt like it was about a mile long and it eventually took us up the hillside with great views out across the surrounding countryside and onward and upward to our halfwayish reprieve.
The halfway treat and eventual favourite moment of the route was the aid station manned by Jonathans family mostly, where you could top up with an essential biscuit or two or other snacks, and fill up on flat coke even if you didn't want it, you felt obliged to drink it as you were there, and your eco cup was singing out to you 'Use me, use me, you idiot!'..
Massive thanks to the halfway aid station team for their relentless joy and smiles despite being stuck up there all day and night.
After this point there was more upward fire road for a while and into the trees again for more wicked little twists and turns uphill and fake run sections that suckered you into running and then stopping after 20ft feeling like an idiot for even imagining there was a run section here....
Onward and upward and this section had about three little steep sections that were really taxing, especially later on in the day. Eventually you hit what you thought was the top at an open spot and then you started a little decent and run with enthusiasm only to have it stolen from you as soon as you turned the next corner to another 20ft of uphill..
This went on for a while, a little on flat or downhill, followed by a little up. We were essentially running along the ridge/crest of the hillside but couldn't tell as we were surrounded by trees, but at least we got to stretch our legs a little and we knew eventually soon we would be able to truly unleash our downhill running legs.
After all the ups and downs and twists and turns on the section we were now on, we eventually came out onto forest road again, and it was DOWNHILL!...whopee!! or Weeeee!! as an elated Nicola B squealed at one point.
This section was bliss and took me a while to find the right stride and pace to be honest in order to take advantage of the downhill and yet not feel like I was slamming my knees. It was a long section and a relief. It went to flat again for a brief while and then joined another downhill forest road and eventually what would become a familiar sight of a bench with bits of red and white tape all over it and it was welcome as I never thought I would get sick of downhill, but later on I would as it would become apparent that damage was being done to my knees and I would eventually pay the price for it.
Past the bench and it was down through some nice soft woodland path with various twists and turns again braking on the knees at some points to slow as it was steep in parts. Eventually we came out at the Go Ape and playground section and took a left for a menacing and cruel diversion away from our eventual target, and then an eventual right and run past the cycle centre, the Visitors centre and down through the steep slopes of the car park and out onto a road crossing gleefully manned by volunteers again who were remarkably chipper considering how long they would be there, thank you for your smiley faces and support Ladies.
100 metres alongside the road and we were back at the car park area and up a cruel 200 metre climb up the road to the start/finish area to clock our first of many laps!!...
The start/finish area was also the refreshments area and time keeping area so was manned by a selection of very kind volunteers who took time out to help us all and support us all, and we all appreciate that immensely. It makes all the difference at events, and the amazing friendliness, helpfulness and support by all at this event and other GB Ultra events stands out and makes this one of the best.
The 24hr attention, food and drink was remarkable and and any reasonable request was never too much trouble. My favourite had to be Wayne's Mum who despite using a crutch at times was always to hand to ensure all the runners and indeed some supporters were catered for and comfortable.
I for one relished my time at the start finish area, not only for the rest but for the selection of food or drink, all of which was also vital refuel training for the Mt Snowdon Ultra for me as I needed to get used to the type of stuff usually at aid stations, and I needed to get used to rest when necessary at aid stops, as well as when to pick up food and move on straight away.
I won't bore you with too many details of my remaining laps as obviously it was the same course and not a lot changed. I also can't remember vast amounts as it was obviously mentally taxing at times as well as physically.
I did manage to run a fair few laps with my running mate Barry R and we kept each other well paced throughout. Walking on hard uphill sections and not getting carried away on downhill sections.
We both seemed to do the first 2-3 laps at a time with a short break after 2 laps and a longer one after 3 for food. At some point in my first 2-3 laps I ran with him, and then laps 4-5 but toward the end of lap 5 I was getting an energy dip and knew the next lap would be a real struggle without proper food and rest so we parted ways at the end of lap 5 as Barry went on for his lap 6 before dark, and I stopped for hot food etc.
After a while I felt OK and after initially planning on stopping for anything up to an hour I decided to go out again after just over half an hour I guess but with the intention of walking the first bit as my food settled down.
I had also swapped my Hoka Speedgoat 2's out to the Hoka Bondi's which are a very cushioned road shoe. It was a gamble because of the high stack height and with the terrain not being flat, but I was suffering badly with dull knee pain throughout the course from lap 3 or so. I was also getting a brief sharp pain in my knees at different points when putting full body weight on one leg at a time on some bits of the steeper climbs, this is where my poles came in handy eventually as I was able to alleviate some of the weight pressure.
Off out on lap 6 I went and the first was still light and didn't need a head torch so was easy enough and my knee pain was relieved a bit by the more cushioned shoes. My legs actually felt better as well and any earlier deterioration in my muscles with niggles etc and overall use seemed to dissipate a little.
By now I was likely walking a bit more of the uphill bits and likely even some of the brief flat bits which may be why my leg strength wasn't too bad overall. I was definitely using the poles now on any uphill section that was difficult and I could tell if I didn't use them then I would of had to stop for breathers or to dissipate lactic acid build up on small climb sections.
I finished my lap and saw Barry who had now had his food and wasn't far off going out again, so after a snack I went out with him for lap 7 a dark night lap. Two head torches are always better than one and it was a decent lap and fun in the dark. I remember getting cold at times when up at the top of the route and being too warm on other sections and went through several tops and shorts during the day just through sweat and then wanting a fresh dry and warm top for each new lap.
The lap in the dark with Barry was a wet one as well as at some point it had started to drizzle which meant choosing between being too hot in a waterproof or getting wet and likely cold at times without one. I went out in a waterproof and a buff on this lap because I knew I would get cold on the hillside.
I know both Barry and myself had done 7 laps by 11:30pm and I stopped at the 24hr toilets at the cafe at the end of lap 7 which explains the 8 minutes difference in our end of lap 7 time.
Me and Barry split up run wise as I planned on another hot coffee break whereas I think he was going straight on for another lap before a long rest.
Sunday 22nd July - The race continues...
It was now midnight and I was chilling out in the damp on a camping chair with several life saving hot coffees and several biscuits and chatting with anyone who would talk to me. The conversation at this point from many was either they had done their 8 laps for silver, or they were soon to do their 8th lap and that was it for the day.
I think as the weather had turned damp for most of the evening a fair few decided against more laps or at least went back to their tents earlier for a kip and to see what the morning brought.
At some point I wanted 2 hours sleep but knew I needed to go out again now for lap 8 and maybe 9 ideally so I would only have 2 laps left after a sleep, but I wanted a sunrise lap also which meant I would have to do lap 8,9 and then 10 as the sunrise lap which would be 3 in a row and I doubted I could get up the hillside for the sunrise in time as I'd be knackered and have no food breaks.
In the end I went out for lap 8 and then 9 having decided it was cloudy and drizzly so I wasn't likely to see anything up top at sunrise anyway so the decision was made, 2 before sleep and then 2 after, which would also mean I would be finished in time for breakfast at the cafe and still be around the finish area pre 12 noon for the grand finish!!
I also by now had decided as time allowed I was going to take it easy on my remaining laps and do my best at damage limitation on my knees by walking the steep downhills and the long downhill fire road sections. I figured this would only realistically lose me 15-20 minutes per lap, and to be fair I wasn't in a race as far as I was concerned so this was no loss to me. In fact it was a no brainer, an easier lap, with less pain and less damage to my knees short term and long term.
Laps 8 and 9 done and it was time to go to bed for a few hours kip and then get up for my final 2 walk laps and time for breakfast. I ended up sleeping for one hour and getting woken up several times by camp noise so got up after an hour and set out again, by now in day light.
Lap 10 done and I had now equalled my longest ever distance covered at a 24hr or any event which was 55 miles on the flat with loads of breaks. By now I was on at least 58 or 59 miles and 3890m of climb.
On my 11th and final lap Barry ran past on his 13th and I discovered he was on for the full 14 laps as he had consistently pushed on through his laps and kept up with running were possible whereas I'd taken the easier option and was by now just having fun.
I got my last lap done and was extremely happy to see the finish line at roughly 10:35am knowing I didn't need to go out for another. Physically I could of as I felt OK, but had slowed on even the uphill walks so certainly didn't want a 12th lap that had no meaning to me numerically or otherwise.
I strolled over to my tent to get some money for breakfast and somehow twisted my knee, which is common for me. But normally a simple bend of the knee and it all pops back or aligns itself perfectly again and it is as good as new. Not this time though. As my knees were by now swollen the simple bend of the knee was practically impossible at the depth of angle required to correct it, and I had to resolve to the fact that I would have to limp around slightly until it corrected itself (It took 2 days!).
10:45am and it was time to slope off for a well deserved breakfast that would also get me through lunchtime and a journey home. It was a great breakfast and well recommended if you visit the Whinlater Visitor Centre and Siskins Cafe? ...
Back to the finish area and it was time to watch people come in on their final laps and to chat to people who had already finished.
Claire D who had given me a lift had done several volunteer shifts inc Sat night til 7am, so was currently sleeping so I made no attempt to pack my gear and tent up yet as I couldn't of put it in her car yet.
Barry had gone out on his 14th lap prior to my breakfast with plenty of time so gold was guaranteed for him. Marina his wife was there so I had a chat with her for a while as I know Marina well with her being Barry's wife obviously.
12 noon and the finale came and went as some people were out on a final lap still in their final bid to hit 14 laps or in their final attempt to secure their place in 1st, 2nd or 3rd for a podium place and a winners trophy etc. So it was all a buzz and confusing at the same time while we waited to see who the unique people were that were capable of running so many laps.
Eventually all the runners were in, final places and winning positions were established and relevant prize's, trophies and applause were lauded upon them by admiring fellow runners and supporters.
Well done to all the winners, and well done to all the runners, whether it was bronze, silver or gold we all achieved something and we all survived the toughest and best 24hr running event in the UK!!..
Thanks to the following:
Thank you obviously to the race director Wayne and also Jonathon.
Thank you to all the volunteers who manned the check points, start/finish line and the food and aid stations and kept us all cheery and well fed and watered no matter what the hour.
Thank you to all the other runners for all being such a great friendly and inclusive bunch of people.
Thank you to anyone whose photo's I have used in this blog report.
Thank you especially to Claire D for giving me a lift there and back in the first place.
I will see some of you at the Mt Snowdon Ultra in September, and I hope to see you at some other magnificent GB Ultra events as long as my knee holds out and enables me to do so....
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