Tag Archives: atb

Eynsham 10k 2012

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My return to previous running speed seems to be continuing but not quite there yet. My plantar fasciitis maybe improving, at least not getting any worse. So I set off for Eynsham with a plan for sub-50 and maybe a season best, not a lot to ask as my best so far was 49:24 at Charlgrove. I rode my new to me (but very old to previous owner by the looks) Muddy Fox hack bike that I’d bought in a hurry from Cycle King’s collection of trade-ins after the seized bottom bracket in my old faithful Bob Jackson fixie collapsed.

A bit of a struggle into a headwind that that might yet threaten my target. Over the very flooded Thames at the Swinford Toll Bridge. I picked up my chip, said a couple of hellos, had a chat with an older runner who’s daughter – also a runner – has recently gone vegan, then it was the 5 minute walk up to the start and dead on 10:30 we were off.

The Thames spills over by Swinford Toll Bridge

Although this is a pretty flat route there’s a tiny bit of a downhill slope to start with allowing a fastish mile then the benefit of a tailwind south of Eynsham. I was expecting a strong headwind for the slightly uphill drag alongside the A40 but in fact it was reasonably sheltered and knowing the route I was aware I just had to hang on in there for a few minutes then we turned to pass near the start for the second lap of the route. I was pleased to pass a few in the last couple of miles and managed a 48:33 finish – 298th of 547 runners. Still 2 mins 30 secs short of my PB but at least I’m heading in the right direction.

The tailwind made for a fast ride home though I stopped at the toll bridge to take a few photos. I’ve entered the rather low key Watlington 10km XC race for this coming weekend and traced the route through earlier this week – this is going to be really, really tough – looks like 2 ascents of the Chiltern scarp. I’ll be pleased and surprised to get under an hour on that. Part of me is looking forward to it but with a sub-zero forecast for the weekend and my foot niggling away I might yet DNS. I ‘ll leave the decision until Saturday after I’ve done my volunteer stint at the parkrun.

Real Relay – Crowmarsh to Henley

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The Real Relay is a brilliant concept – amateur runners following the route of the pompous Olympic torch relay but actually running all the way carrying a single GPS tracked baton instead of driving round much of it in a coach like the torch. It was already getting very popular by the time I’d hear about it from Matt and I only managed to get a stage by sitting in front of my computer pressing refresh every minute for an hour. The 20 stages the organisers made available that morning went in less than 5 minutes. Instead of charging for the event Endurancelife asked that we all make a £10 donation to the charity CHICKS who offer respite breaks to disadvantaged children in the UK.

Anyway I bagged the Crowmarsh Gifford to Henley stage – 10 miles with a big hill. Matt was to run the first few miles including the hill then I’d take over for the remaining 7 odd miles. The obvious route was down the busy A road but we didn’t fancy that, particularly as we were supposed to run at around 5pm Thursday when the traffic would be bad. I drafted a route and we did a recce on the mountain bikes, up the hill via a quiet lane to Nuffield then after Nettlebed down a very muddy bridleway then the Old Bix Road to the outskirts of Henley where pavement began. Still a couple of miles here and there along the A road but there were paths for part of that.

Come the day the online tracker and facebook page suggested the baton was about 90 minutes behind schedule. This had always been a possibility – look at it another way, over 5,000 miles and 540 runners so far yet only 90 minutes off target – but did mean rearranging the handover times. Various emails and texts later and we’d agreed Matt and I would be at Crowmarsh Gifford roundabout at 5:30pm.

As I drove out to Henley where I planned to leave the car it started spotting with rain. By the time I arrived it was a steady downpour and sitting in the car for 5 minutes hoping it would blow over just seemed to make it worse. I accepted my wet fate and got the bike out the car only to hear a crash behind me. I turned to witness a woman reversing her Range Rover out of a nearby space while yapping into her mobile phone still propelling a shopping trolley along broadside across the rear of her vehicle, it looked like it was about to tip over so I darted over to warn her but then some kid, presumably the dimwit’s son, appeared and risked getting squashed while whisking it out the way. I’m not even sure she knew any of this happened! I resolved to cycle cautiously around here.

An hour and a thorough soaking later I arrived at Crowmarsh Gifford roundabout and pushed the bike into a bus shelter. I checked my phone to find a voice message from Matt which I couldn’t really decipher what with the noise of traffic streaming past but seemed to end with a reassurance he’d be there on time. A lady pulled up in a car over the road and beckoned me over and asked if I was Nik, she had bought the children to collect another Nick who was due to hand over to me. She took a call which was Nick saying he was at the bridge so I knew he was due in a few minutes. No Matt still but I’d always been aware I might end up running the whole thing without him and wasn’t going to let it be a problem. I locked the bike, necked a gel and some water, decided I’d run in my cycling stuff rather than risk freezing in my vest, and took the baton from a happy but sodden Nick at 5:41 and set off alone.

After 5 minutes my feet were as wet as they could be, the side of the A road was awash and I couldn’t step out of the gutter due to the traffic. Turning into the quiet road to Nuffield was a relief and at the start of the climb Matt appeared on his bike. I pointed out he was a bit late now!

The climb, about 160 metres over a couple of miles, went by pretty painlessly. Nattering to Matt, who cycled alongside, stopped me running too fast. Come the top of the hill in Nuffield, a bit over 3 miles, I’d averaged 10:30 minute miles which I was fairly certain I could reduce to sub 10 minute miles by Henley (10 minute miles being the average time allowance for the relay). I had to rejoin the main road to Nettlebed at 4 miles but there was a bit of roadside path most of the way and even the traffic had it’s good side as people hooted goodwill – maybe they knew what I was at or maybe they just thought a nutter running in the pouring rain with a big stick flying a Union Jack must be worth a toot.

I’d decided on the ride over to abandon the bridleway plan – I knew I’d end up weighed down with feet of mud and I was bound to loose time. I’d spotted path most, but not all, the way down the A road to Bix but weather and lack of maintenance meant much of it was obstructed by low hanging trees and overgrown bushes. I did my best to keep my pace, now around 9:30 minute miles, as I danced back and forth into the gutter while Matt cycled in the road behind so I felt fairly safe from traffic. This all sounds miserable but I was thoroughly enjoying myself!

A few hundred metres before Bix there was no path and the road was narrow, Matt had gone on ahead, and a huge puddle loomed ahead which may possibly have hidden a broken drain cover so I skipped right out into the road round it and back relying on my ears to warn me of traffic. I tweaked my calf here which pained me a bit latter but no serious damage. Then I left the main road to run through Bix and down the steep and quiet old road with it’s crap surface, Matt joined me running for a bit but then turned back to collect his bike. I suggested he just lock it up somewhere and run into Henley with me then I’d drop him off when driving back.

The Fairmile into Henley has a good path either side and Matt joined me here to run, I even let him have a go with the baton but this was more because carrying the thing was making my arms ache than any forgiveness for his tardiness. Half a mile to go and he seemed to be speeding up just as my legs were whispering ‘almost there’ so I took it back and soon after we were at the arranged rendezvous in the middle of Henley Bridge at 7:21, nicely on time but with no sign of Philip to take the baton. I stood in the middle of the bridge waving the baton while Matt jogged over to the other side to see if he was maybe over there.

Matt returned empty handed but moments later a fit looking runner appeared from Henley direction, he’d been expecting us to appear along the High Street whereas we had reached the bridge via Thameside. I handed my camera phone to Matt who did a fine job with it considering the dull weather and the grinning fool in the cycling kit. Soon enough Philip was on his way to make good time to Bisham Abbey!

I drove a drenched Matt and his bike back to Crowmarsh where I was pleased to see my Marin was waiting safely in the bus shelter. It wasn’t till I got home that I realised just how knackered I was. The run took 1hr 40m for 10.4 miles, I would have been a bit quicker in better conditions I think but at least I didn’t lose any more time. A great event to have a small part of and now I keep finding myself drawn to the online tracking page to see where he baton has got to!

Didcot 5 2012

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I’d not been well for much of the 10 days in the lead up to the Didcot 5 (miles that is not km). A stomach disorder meant I’d hardly eaten anything the weekend before and I’d not slept well either due to the discomfort. I’d not been up to racing the Jericho Run 10k the previous Sunday and had taken the Monday off work, I was 3 kilograms lighter than usual by then. I felt a lot better by Friday but still had to cut my trail run short as I felt faint and weak running uphill.

On Saturday though I’d arranged to get on the mountain bike and recce the route for our section of the Real Relay with Matt. I seemed to manage that OK and we had a pleasant afternoon despite having to push through some of the muddiest bits. So I decided I was up for the Didcot 5 and settled on the plan of leaving the club vest behind and letting myself run reasonably fast while resigning myself that I may find Friday’s weakness returning with the effort and have to slow, even walk, if I felt faint or queasy.

A pleasant, if windy, ride out to the start at the Willowbrook Centre, out through Abingdon, Culham, Appleford then over a level crossing to follow a path that emerged at a roundabout in Didcot. Changed into my running shoes (I’ve not yet tried to run in my SPD cycling shoes but one day I expect I’ll forget). The start was on the other side of a playing field and it became clear that we would be finishing with a 200m dash directly into the wind.

I had found someone’s upload of the route from a previous year and it looked very convoluted, using the same stretches more than once but not in exactly the same way. I had a chat with Vince and Barry from Oxford parkrun, they commented that I wasn’t wearing club gear and I’d explained that I wasn’t expecting to run well.  The mayor started us off and sure enough a few minutes later we passed the 2 mile marker with a few groans of ‘if only’. The distinctive sound and smell of a steam engine emerged from behind the hedge and I realised we were next to the Didcot Railway Centre. The marshaling turned out to be well up to keeping us on route and I soon settled into enjoying the run along leafy cycleways I had no idea existed in Didcot just going where the smiling helpers pointed us.

Recently I’ve been running with the Garmin just showing heart rate and flashing up my pace at the end of every mile. I left it on these settings today and the first mile turned out to be about 7:30 minutes, I felt fine but eased of a bit for comfort. I had started very near the back and passed a few people but made sure not to get over excited and end up too far up the field. Soon I settled into pace focusing on an older Kidlington AC and the miles ticked by, one minute into the wind, the next with it behind, all just under 8 minutes.

My heart rate was up above 155 bpm but I felt pretty solid and was enjoying myself. A sub-40 finish seemed in the bag and, having already gained a few places at the expense of ‘gone off too fasts’, I gently passed Kidlington AC and, shortly after, Woodstock lady who had been in sight for the last few miles. Nearing the end and remembering the promised windy finish I left it at that as we turned the last hairpin and ran for the line. If I’d have known I was going to get 39:02 I’d maybe have pushed that tiny bit harder but as it was I almost joined those lying on the grass just past the line totally spent. Considering the quality of the field, it was a championship race of some sort, I was reasonably happy with 84th of 134.

There was squash at the finish and a free chocolate biscuit which I passed on. Also plenty of homemade cake but I didn’t ask if any was suitable for vegans. A fast and very well organised little race that I hope to return to. I was so pleased not to be feeling ill and weak anymore and a steady tailwind home only added to the joy. Come Tuesday my 4 mile run was back to slow and knackered but hopefully this was just residual tiredness and I’ll be able to make it round the NSPCC Half at Milton Keynes ok next weekend.

 

 

The Boneshaker

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I’d discovered the Boneshaker doing one of those ‘what events are within
30 miles of home’ searches on the Fetch race calender. It is an
off-road duathlon comprising a 5k run 20k ride 5k run starting at
Ardington near Wantage (really more like 4.7k/21.5k/4.7k). I’ve never
done a duathlon or anything that could be described as a mountain bike
race but it sounded fun so I sent of an entry.

I wasn’t particularly worried about the run but wasn’t over confident in
my ability to ride off road in a large group so I took up the offer of a
course familiarisation the weekend before and rediscovered that I am
terrified of descending on rough terrain. In fact the guys I’d been
following disappeared in front of me without trace so I had to get the
map out. Might help if I got some of these front shock absorber things
95% of the riders seemed to have. I settled on 2 hours as being an
achievable goal for the event.

The 20th September turned out to be a perfect morning with sun and no
wind. I collected my chip, hung my old Marin up in the bike area then
listened carefully to the transition instructions. About 230 of us ran
off in one bunch, I was aware that many of these were relay team runners
and I needed to hold a bit back. Through woods and paths, after about
10 minutes the 1st of the Skeleteens came past leading their 5k run
only. The 2nd Skeleteen not far behind wearing his running shorts
nearer his knees than his waist to reveal 3 inches of pristine checked
boxer shorts – obviously not willing to leave his sense of fashion
behind. I was parched, I’d neglected to drink anything before the
start. We finished at a pace downhill on tarmac. Grab a cup of water,
over the chip mat, on with helmet, mitts and Hydropak and walk bike a
few metres to start of ride.

The 1st mile was on tarmac and I guzzled energy drink while I had the
chance. Up a track then 1st descent on grass and I knew to go wide as
we had a sharp turn at the bottom. The 1st of many bumpy chalk tracks
soon turned into uphill single track but I was going well and managed to
squeeze round a couple of slow climbers. A bit of the Ridgeway then
another grassy descent where I was passed by several. Marshalled
through what felt like a hole in the hedge into woodland then a hard
single track climb and I got my breath back twiddling behind a rider I’d
no chance of passing.

Now I had to pick my wheel rut for a long chalk decent as they were deep
and once in I wouldn’t be able climb out. A sigh of relief from those
trapped behind me as the track turned to gravel and those stuck behind
me could get past this terrified amateur who wouldn’t let go of the
brakes.

Feeling good as we climbed up tarmac road then turned back onto chalk
and grass. The views were great – we were right on top of things. Back
onto the Ridgeway then onto the final descent down a curving chalk track
littered with loose bits. My adrenaline was up now and I let the bike
fly as much as I dared only getting passed by a couple of bouncy fork
folk. Left onto tarmac and hammered it the last 2 flat miles of lane.

Approaching The Finish

Somewhere along the way I seemed to have forgotten I had to run another
5k, a reverse of the 1st run this time starting up hill. I dumped my bike, drained the sports drink and some water and set off at a pathetic jog. 1 chap was walking up the hill, another had stopped and was doing some stretches, not just me struggling then. I settled into a rhythm as we left tarmac and hung onto then passed a bloke in front, I ran most of the distance 100m behind a small pack I couldn’t quite catch. Turned into the finish field and the clock said 1:52 something so I pushed myself over the line before it changed to 1:53. Handed a bottle of water and a goody bag, I swigged the water while I cheered a few in. A
chap came up to me and said he’d been just behind me the whole event but couldn’t quite catch me which felt good. I was raving about how much fun it had been and he said if I liked this event then I really ought to consider the Hairy Legs from Goring in May.

The car was pretty hot when I got back to it as I’d left it parked in
the sun with the windows fully closed. Running in a cycle shirt seems
to be a smelly thing to do and I was relieved I was travelling alone. A
quick look in the goody bag revealed a custom ‘Boneshaker’ flapjack, it
had whey in though so not for me but Jane can have it. Then a
Boneshaker buff, that’s different. The other thing in the bottom of the
bag amongst the sponsors literature turned out to be a bar of organic,
vegetarian soap … how thoughtful!