Tag Archives: trail

Oxfordshire AA XC Champs 2013

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I’d spotted the Oxon AA XC Champs up Shotover a couple of years ago when I was out for a trail run and noticed all these runners racing the opposite direction, I’d had to ask a marshall what the event was as it doesn’t seem to appear in the usual on-line calenders. A bit of research suggested it was really for local clubs though so I forgot about it until Vegan Runners UK Secretary Peter Simpson half jokingly suggested I might be interested. A bit of enquiry and I seemed to be welcome to run, a cheque for a fiver and an emailed entry form and I was in. I’d looked at previous results and saw the local names I tended to race alongside were right at the back of the field. Local course knowledge might count for something but as I had no idea what to expect I judged it best to give it my all and not worry if I was last.

On the day a corner of the athletics club field on the Horspath Road was covered in tents and banners bearing the various local club names, it looked more like some medieval tournament than a race. I went to look for the expected HQ to collect my number but soon began to realise it wasn’t that straight forward. The instructions were to collect your number from your club team leader but I hadn’t got one. I looked in the hall and the refreshment area. I looked for further information on the notice board with the course maps.  I asked a marshall but he didn’t know. I ran into Rich Kemp and he suggested I ask at Oxford City AC stall but they didn’t know. I watched the ladies race start then went and asked a race official who didn’t know but suggested I followed the path signed to ‘First Aid’ and ask in a mobile office behind the building that had so far escaped my notice. There was no one in the office but it seemed the right sort of place. I asked a chap approaching the office with some paperwork but he didn’t know. He suggested I asked Cheryl doing the teas.

Cheryl helpfully came with me to the mobile office where we searched for and found some red numbers along with a list bearing my name and others and their allocated number. There were hundreds of these red numbers but ours were not there. We agreed I should search for organiser John Sears, an old chap in an anorak being the best description I could get, and see if he had them but if that failed I should write my number on the back of one of the ones we’d found and run with that. I was pointed to the finish where John was last seen, I met Andrew from Abingdon Amblers there who said John had just this minute wandered off. I was pointed to a non-existent bench with numbers near the notice board. Less than 10 minute to go so I decided to go for the marker pen solution. A friendly chap who turned out to be John wandered up, looked at my Vegan Runners vest, and said something like ‘Ah you’ll be looking for this’ and handed me my number. Phew! I pinned it on and headed for the start feeling worn out already!

A quick hello to George and Andrew at the start then I got in position right at the back. Off we went and already it was splish splosh splish through water logged grass. A couple of hundred yards in and I checked my Garmin and realised I was running much too fast. I slowed and noticed too late that we were to leap or splash through a wide, deep ditch – I’d already spotted it but had wrongly presumed we’d run over a little bridge which was in fact taped off. Without the momentum to get myself up the other side I dragged myself out of the water with the aid of a tree in a totally undignified manner. To make matters worse I used my sore right arm (my latest chronic ailment) and it took revenge with a lot of pain for the next few minutes*. I later discovered the whole water thing, including my sad episode had been captured on video by a Didcot Runner and put on their club facebook page.

On across a field track and at last we were onto familiar territory at the bottom of the longest climb up Shotover. I made slow but steady progress up it, passing a couple but also passed by a walker despite me running. I run this hill most weekends but trying to run it fast was a whole different ball game. Still I was no more huffed than those around me at the top and kept my place along the top then gained a couple on the familiar descent. My cursory glance at the map on the notice board had given me the impression we were to be excused the really muddy field at the bottom but I was wrong and we charged through it, me taking the direct route as some mud and wet is best taken head on.

Then it was back up that hill again. I joined the majority for a bit of a walk on the steepest bits, a tactic that paid off when I passed a couple of runners along the top who had worn themselves out by running all the way up. Then the descent again I gained 2 places here and by the time I had a chance to check behind I seemed to have a good lead and be pretty much alone. The marshall pointed me down the bridleway through Brasenose Wood which was really, really muddy with big pools of wet grey muck. I kept going, rather slowly and often over the top of my shoes – no one seemed to be catching me though.

Then over the strange wooden stile thing that leads to the industrial estate, turn left over a slippery railway sleeper bridge, and back in the start field for a long periphery to the finish. I was pretty much on my own when I checked a minute into the field but then I heard someone coming up behind and knew he was going to pass. He was younger and stronger, I was only in front of him because I was faster on that earlier descent.

Oxon XC Champs 2012 cHoward managed to get a photo just before I got passed, then it was into the finish and get my breath back. 50:23 for about 8.75 of the hilliest, muddiest, km I’ve ever raced. 105/119 so not quite last. It was great fun and I expect to be back again next time 🙂

XC Legs

* 2 months later this was to be diagnosed as a frozen shoulder destined to get worse and plague me for a long while. (note added 6th March 13)

Watlington XC 10k Hill Run – Winter 2012

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My urge to have a nice run in the Chilterns was not matched by any want to get out of bed early and cycle to Watlington on freezing roads so instead I jumped in the car and drove there along the M40. It was a somewhat unnerving journey as it was only once the windscreen was splatted with salty melt water that I realized the squirty bottle was frozen solid and what with the low sun directly in my eyes visibility was extremely poor. Still I arrived at the sports pavilion good and early and rinsed the worst off with my water bottle before going inside and collecting my number.

Despite having paid my £5 entry for the Watlington XC XK Hill race already via Runners World I was asked to fill in and sign an entry form, presumably so they organisers had it in writing that it was my problem if I fell down the hill and broke things. It was a friendly atmosphere as maybe a hundred of us gathered and gradually peeled outer layers off to expose flesh to the bright but frosty morning. A warm-up jog round the field then the 5 minute stroll to the start by Pyrton Field Farm where hot drinks were available – something to look forward to at the finish if we were still cold. No megaphone for the announcer but I caught the bit about the course actually being 10.7km – then a blast from an air-horn and we were off!

Up the track for half a k then left onto the Ridgeway where we ascended very, very gently. I stayed near the back as we gradually found our positions and watched my feet on the frozen, rutted ground. The conditions were perfect and I was dead comfy in shorts, long-sleeve and thin gloves. A couple of easy miles in and we turned eastward and started the first proper climb, I knew I’d be walking some of it so started to do so before legs and lungs forced me. Others struggled on a few more metres then also ended up walking but were perhaps too busy trying to get their breath back to appreciate just how fine it was to be in the Chiltern on a sunny day all sparkling with frost. That lump was called Bald Hill which I thought was a bit insulting as it was at least part covered and very pretty. I caught sight of a yellow marshal jacket and what looked like the road at the top of the escarpment so started running again gaining a couple of places from the still puffed.

Almost immediately we turned back west onto a path and after crossing a field were descending fast, maybe a bit too fast considering the frozen sunken path we were on. Soon onto grass de-iced by the sun and enjoying the downhill despite having to slow for a couple of kissing gates. Then the course flattened out and we followed a twisty single-track through Shirburn Wood, the many roots and stumps highlighted for us in a surreal dayglo orange.

A mile or so and we turned uphill again, gently at first but soon we were all walking. I think this one was called Pyrton Hill, my second 12 minute mile of the day. A marshal reassured that we were almost at the top, confirmed by the aerial mast in the field we arrived in. Then right onto a narrow path and immediately back down again. I passed 3 guys taking it cautiously but thought it looked safe to let go myself as no frost or ice seemed to have formed in the shade of the trees and bushes surrounding the path. The orange paint must have run out, I kept my eyes down and a few metres ahead. A female voice from behind asked how the time was as I’d just checked my watch, I told her and said I’d didn’t quite think we’d get under the hour. We flew downhill together on this fabulous track, I clocked 7:40 for that mile – much better!

Then right to rejoin the Ridgeway for a few minutes before turning left to retrace down the track we’d started along. I kept momentum from that great descent and left my companion behind while passing a couple of others zooming along that last half mile to finish in 1 hour and 25 seconds which might sound crap but I was pretty pleased with considering about 250m climbing over 6.5 miles of interesting terrain, 83rd of 125 finishers.

I was buzzing from the run for the rest of Sunday – another reminder to myself that a decent trail race on a sunny day is what it’s all about 🙂

Ridgeway Run 2012

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This was my 3rd time at the Ridgeway Run and once the mist cleared it was obvious we were in for a treat of a run on a beautiful sunny day without even the wind that made itself felt during last years edition. I met Peter and Simon at the start, about a kilometre walk from the HQ where we were to finish. I’d promised myself I’d take it nice and easy, targeting 1:35, so as to spare my sore foot and there’s not many starts as easy as this – I didn’t hear any countdown or bang – we just started shuffling, then walking, then eventually jogging along narrow Marshcroft Lane.

Peter left us behind soon enough and somewhere during the second mile I realised I was running much too fast and let Simon go ahead. Much of the first 3 miles are uphill and what with kissing gates and some huge puddles to get round we suffered minor congestion leading to a brief walk several times on the ascent. I passed Simon then he must have passed me as I snuck behind a tree for a leak. I caught him again at the water station near the Bridgewater Monument at the top of the main climb.

A couple of miles along a wide track through the woods then a sharp descent down a bit on gnarly single-track. Soon enough we were on the Ridgeway which takes the form of a partly sunken track through chalk grassland at this point. Then up and over the two lumps on Pitstone Hill and into the long final descent through woodland avoiding walkers and trying not to trip over roots and steps.

The last mile and a bit was mostly tarmac which I know peeves some runners but for me was a chance to expend a bit of the energy I’d been hanging onto and get myself to a comfortable 1:30:45 finish 378th of 559 and only 30 seconds slower than last year.

I decided to give the long queue for the technical shirt a miss as I have too many running shirts as it is. I grabbed a bottle of water though and went to see Simon finish. Peter appeared from somewhere having finished 5 minutes before me and we posed for a photo. Peter and I then went into Tring proper to visit the vegetarian, mostly organic, Anusia Cafe where we refuelled on vegan soup and cake.

Two days later, the ibuprofen having long worn off, my plantar faciitis appears to have got a bit worse. Maybe running up that hill wasn’t so good an idea after all but it was fun. I’d run the Oxford parkrun the day before, not fast at 26:22 but not exactly a rest day either. I’m hoping that a few days of nothing but the easiest of taper running will allow it to recover enough to survive the Abingdon Marathon on Sunday – after that I think it’ll be time for a bit of a rest, nothing more than 10ks for the rest of the year, and I’ve already dusted the bike off to get a few miles in the saddle instead.

Dunstable Downs 20 mile Challenge 2012

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When I’d last entered the Dunstable Downs 20 mile Challenge in 2010 I’d ended up downgrading to the half marathon distance due to injury and had thoroughly enjoyed the run in the sunshine. I wasn’t exactly on perfect form this year either what with plantar fasciitis still nagging my left foot, I decided to go for it anyway and just take it nice and easy. A poor nights sleep and dubious stomach meant I really didn’t want to bother when I got up at 6:30am but experience has shown that how I feel before a race is usually totally unrelated to how I feel during and after.

So, equipped with Garmin, water belt, gels and 3 pages of route sheet I really hoped I wouldn’t have to try and follow I found myself in the sunshine at the Creasley Football Centre start along with a couple of hundred other runners, some for the half and full marathon versions, and 2 football pitches worth of youngsters playing to impress their parents. A jog round the field, a megaphone announcement I couldn’t hear as everyone kept chatting, and we were off.

A gentle first mile then a walk up a short but very steep chalk hill and we were on the downs admiring the view of the countryside and glider station below. Keeping it easy I chatted with a bloke in black who was also doing the 20 miler and who I would run with on and off throughout the day. I mentioned that from the profile the steepest 3 climbs seemed to be immediately after the control points and sure enough I was walking straight after the first water point and those who tried to run it could mostly be seen slowing to a walk up ahead.

Single track through some lovely woodland, stubble paths across now a bit hot for comfort fields, a few very quiet lanes, rolling up and down. The half marathon disappeared through a hole in the hedge around mile 7, we split from the marathon a mile later, not very many of us now and I was sometimes running alone, sometimes pointing the way for those who had stopped to study the route sheet. I was glad I had the course to follow on my Garmin. More water about mile 11 by which time both my bottles needed refilling and I was hot enough to tip a cup over my head. I was thoroughly enjoying the event but also slowing and by mile 14 I was taking a few walking breaks without the excuse of a hill. I could maybe have pushed a little harder but was more intent on finishing uninjured and still smiling.

I caught a young lady in red who was taking a walk break but using the motivation of not losing sight of her navigating companions to spur herself on, I wondered whether I should tell her she really needed to wipe her nose but thought better of it as I’m pretty good at causing unintentional offence. I caught up with my buddy in black who asked how far to the next water, a mile I said, mile and a half at most. He must have been struggling as when I next looked back he’d vanished. I started yoyoing with another run walker then recognised the lane to the water station which I’d run straight past 2 years ago on the half. A good drink, fill-up, one over the head and I was off again. It must have been about 28 degrees, not bad for September!

The last 5 miles climbed gently up to Dunstable Downs again where everyone was out sunbathing, kite-flying, dog walking, picnicking and making the most of what may well have been the last hot weekend of 2012. I jogged most of the tarmac track along the top, at one point finding myself jumping over a kite string while being chased down by a 4 year old. I passed another runner who was having a walk break and then it was back down the steep hill we’d climbed at the start and less than a mile to go.

As I took a last stroll to prepare for my sprint finish (ha ha) a marshal appeared and chatted, checking I knew where I was going and commenting that he could never get the official Garmin course to work. Then right onto a residential street, a couple of turns and back into Creasely park for a 3hr 50m finish 43/65. I drank the water I was handed, selected a mug as my memento, and sat in the shade for a bit. It was another 5 minutes before we cheered the bloke I’d passed on the downs over the line and I never did see the chap in black I was running with earlier finish. An official told me one runner had been in such a state less than a mile before the finish they’d had call medical help. All in all I was pleased with my comfortable, if slow, run.

Otmoor Challenge 2012

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They tell me 666 is the number of the beast and the beast in question seemed to be a bit of a donkey.

The Otmoor Challenge is never going to be a fast half marathon (though I notice the winner got round sub 1:15) what with a mixture of wonky farm track, stubbly rough strimmed grass, muddy puddles, stiles and a long hill. Last time I’d run in 2010 it had been hot and I’d suffered, taking off too fast then finishing in just over 2 hours after a walk up the hill. This time I did much the same but struggled with the strong south westerly wind rather than heat – I’m not a quick learner.

The plan was sub 9 minute miles all round to finish under 1:59. The first 3 miles, mostly off road, I was running more like 8:20s and passing too many people. I realised this wasn’t going to work by the time we’d hit tarmac and slowed a bit through the villages of Murcott (water station), Fencott and Charlton. I tried to pace myself by an older Alcester runner but he proved a bit inconsistent, speeding up every time there was roadside support – they all seemed to know him – then slowing after. Still too hard and by the time we hit Oddington at 6 miles I just couldn’t keep it up (though I did pass the Alcester chap).

Just to add insult to injury we left the road again here turning on to a tree lined track directly into a really strong wind. Then there were signs warning of rough track, roots and lumps to watch out for, slippery wooden bridges. A going on forever stretch on rough grass by a field where you could see runners way up ahead. It was hard to pass here as only a narrow path was runnable but plenty of people managed to get past me non-the-less. More water at Noke. I was fighting to keep the miles under 10 minutes by now and was keeping myself running with a promise of a walk up the hill at 10 miles.

The Otmoor Challenge offers a walk as well as a run and we occasionally passed bunches of walkers who had presumably been on route for about 4 hours by this stage. They all had a cheer for us and one bunch of kids would ran past us to stop and cheer then ran past again for a repeat – this didn’t quite have the intended effect as it made me feel even slower but couldn’t help but chuckle.

We turned onto the hill, the narrow road that led up from the Otmoor RSPB reserve to Beckley village. I ran the first bit then ran and walked the rest making sure to discipline myself to just walk to ‘the 3rd telegraph pole’ or whatever so I was in control. Just me walking near the bottom but quite a few more pedestrians near the top I noticed.

Another drink at the Beckley water station then last bit of climb before launching myself down the grassy slope that was our reward. Several stiles slowed things down a bit but after some woodland then track we were back on tarmac for the final blast. I almost managed to regain my 9 minute miles along here but it was all very hard work, even with the turn into the finish in sight it just seemed too far. I pushed best I could though and finished in 2 hours and 13 seconds, about 30 seconds faster than my 2010 attempt.

I was totally stuffed and very nearly threw up. After a drink and a sit down I decided to have a go at welly-wanging, perhaps this would prove to be where my talents really lay. Unfortunately, what with weak arms from the run and a total lack of coordination, I proved to be rubbish but possibly safer than the strong runner who had a turn before me and threw his second welly straight up in the air for it to land more behind him than in front. Riding the fixie home back over Beckley hill was tough!

Post mortem: at home I weighed myself and I suspect that I may have been a bit dehydrated despite using several drinks stations, the wind was too strong for any sweat to stay so I may have been fooled. I’d been wearing my heart rate monitor and the download suggested I was actually running near full effort for most of the race, even those slow miles and particularly at the end. More 10k pace than half marathon. On top of this it was only 13 days since my ultra race and I’d already run 15 miles this week so maybe a bit more recovery time for my ageing body would have been in order. Unfinished business here and next time I am definitely going under 2 hours!

I may be a mediocre runner and an incompetent welly-wanger but my first effort at cooking vegan pizza on Friday was not to be sniffed at, we made short work of that!