December marathon, Frostbite30

Frostbite 30 is an ultra marathon, which starts a Pateley Bridge and is in it's 2nd year. Last year we were having a much more winters December and due to poor conditions the race was shortened. Hmm! Worrying, still I thought it would make a nice December marathon and entered.a small race of 100 competitors, I worried that I would be last or withdrawn, as I always think that these smaller races attract only the faster more experienced runners.
I woke up on the morning 07/12/2013 to fog, oh oh! That is the weather I would least like to be doing a trail race in, but by the time we had walked the dog, (hubby was doing the race too) he weather had cleared, but it was bitterly cold.
We arrived in Pateley and parked up, there were plenty of cars, the pay and display machine had no tickets, so we risked it (no choice really). We went to the scout hut and registered, got our numbers and shirts. We then had time to chat to other competitors and check the map carefully.
I was disappointed at some of the other runner's attitude towards the race briefing, I was near the front and sometimes struggled to hear for people chatting.

Just before 9am we gathered outside, the claxon went and we were off, soon we stopped for a gate, and another and some styles, before we knew it ,we were last, Billy and I, not for long though as we reached Gouthwaite reservoir

and the first incline, where we passed 3 people, they were close behind us as we reached the first checkpoint at 4 and bit miles.
We turned right and Billy held my pack as I stripped my raincoat off, I was overheating already, Billy had taken his rain jacket off at a style earlier. I had a drink and we set off up the hill that loomed in front of us.
The views were stunning.

We over took a couple more people, as I am quite strong at walking uphill, ahead was a man in a fluorescent yellow jacket, we figured he could be the next to catch, he was running even though the hill was very long. We did run the less steep bits. Soon we turned and the wind was in our face, it wax drizzling and icy cold. We stopped to put our jackets back on. Man in yellow gad passed a lady in purple, we passed her just after the Lofthouse/Masham road, then Billy's strap came undone on his pack and she passed us whilst Billy sorted it. There was an building ahead, like a village hall in the middle of nowhere.

we were running well, We had put food in our jacket pockets to eat as we ran, about 10 miles Billy said that if we could keep this pace we would make our 6:30 target, then aargh! (Sweaty words) I turned my ankle, totally inverted my foot, I heard an internal crack/pop, and hopped a few steps, Aargh! Just like in January. I gingerly walked, it bore weight, so I carried on, gingerly at first, and upset and angry about my ankle. I distracted myself with the views
Soon we were turning towards Scar House Reservoir, we had been able to see it for ages, the Dam was massive.
At about 14 miles we arrived at the dam where the green van with the food packs was parked, we were going to run past as we had our food on us, but we were offered cola and hot Rubens, it would be rude to refuse.
We set off again, we had gained a bit on the man in yellow, and just ahead of him was a group of 3 runners. Off we went again, the wind was horrific and the track soon turned to waterlogged ground and bog. The man in yellow passed the group.

We approached Angram reservoir and again a stunning dam, and amazing views

The ground underfoot was very tricky and we struggled to pass the group ahead, we crossed one inlet at the end of the Angram reservoir, and eventually passed them and caught another group, we passed them, crossed the other inlet and soon found our way to the dam

And then we were on Tarmac, we picked up the pace,, but so did man in yellow, we did a10:15 mile,not bad at that stage, but all to soon we headed of the Tarmac and up a rocky track

Over the crest of the hill and we got more food out of our packs, ate some pork Pirandello set off towards Middlesmoor. It was tricky going and was painful on my foot. At the car park there wax a checkpoint water and hot Rubens, wepassed another runner, and then a run through the village. "I camped in there with Sunday School, when I was a kid" I said as we ran past the village gall. I remembered back 35 ish years, to borrowing a sleeping bag from AuntyJean and spending a weekend with other kids from local Sunday Schools doing activities, from Walking and rounders to colouring in.
We continued down through the hillside village, past the pub, where a few years ago, I had gad Lamb chops and Billy had had Trout, after a walk up the lane we had just run down. Ther were a lot of farmers/hunters at the pub. Down the 1 in 4 hill toa stone stile into a field, I hate stone gap stiles, they're too narrow for my legs. Then a run down a field to the next sone stile, and more of the same, until we crossed a bridge over How Stean Gorge.

Along a road towards the cafe, Billy stopped to sort some grit out, that was in his shoe, I was gawping around as usual, and spotted what looked like a big hole over the fence, it was a visitor area with what looked like a carved griffin.

Along to Studfold farm and caravan and campsite, turn right, right again and Oh my goodness that was a steep hill, not too long but tough. We were well and truly on our way back now, we crossed a little bridge and went up another hill. BANG!I nearly jumped out of my skin, a gunshot from the left. I hoped it wasn't an angry farmer, but there over the fields were some people hunting. We now had another runner in our sights, sometimes we thought we were gaining, then I t looked as if we would never catch up.

I could see Lofthouses on my left and knew we were only about 7 miles from the finish, we kept on chasing, it was good to have a focus, we were still running quite well but we were heating up fast. I realised the runner ahead was a Ripon Runner, this made me more determined to catch him. We stopped just before Ramsgill to take off our rain jackets, I was getting cross because I got mine stuck on my wrists, Billy sorted it and rammed it into my pack. The runner ahead looked back and realised it was us. "We won't catch him now" Billy said as we followed to the check point, we stopped for cola, The runner was wY ahead now, but there wax also another runner that he was gaining on. Slowly and steadily we picked our pace up and about a mile further we caught the Ripon Runner and another 2 runners, we passed all three and kept onwards, heading for the Dam at the end of Gouthwaite Reservoir. Nearly home, new target in sight. We soon caught and passed the runner ahead. He stuck right to us, "your doing really well, but if you can pick up your pace a big more, we will get in in under 6:30". I gave it everything I had left, running alongside the River Nidd. " I can see the car park" I cried out, nearly there, into the trees, there was the tape follow the tape, the air horn sounded as we emerged from the trees, one more corner, then run, run as hard and fast as I could to prevent the runner behind me overtaking.
That it. It was over, I stopped my watch at 6:27:22 I was very happy, I removed my soggy muddy trainers and padded indoors with soggy socks to the warmth of the scout hall, there awaiting us was scrumptious soup and bread, tea, coffee and cake.
The other Ripon Runner came in just behind us, we all sag and refuelled on the wonderful food.
Soon we got warm clothes on and set off home, tired limbs were seizing up and my ankle was being a big of a nuisance.I forgot to pack dry shoes so had to put my nice warm dry feet back into my cold soggy trainers, Yuck!
After getting home, We walked the dog to loosen back off, before stretching.

I highly recommend this small friendly race. Yes it's tough, but that makes finishing even better.

Year end, rapidly approaching

I have been on a year long challenge to raise £1000 for the British lung foundation in memory of my Dad, Eddie Kimberley. The challenge has been to run 2013 miles in 2013 including a marathon a month as well as Outlaw long distance and Vitruvian Middle distance triathlons. Now my journey is almost over.
On Saturday 7 December I hope to complete my December marathon, the Frostbite 30 is a 30 mile trail race from Pateley Bridge run mainly on the Nidderdale Way, with around 100 competitors.
My previous marathons in 2013 were;
January 26.2 miles running 3 loops around Ripon
February 26.2 miles running 3 loops around Ripon
March Trollers Trot a 24 mile trail run from Grassington which I added 2.2 miles on at the end
April Blackpool Marathon
April Manchester Marathon
May running up and down Studley Deer park drive 10 times
June running up and down Studley Deer park drive 10 times
July the marathon at the end of Outlaw
August Ripon Runners run from Ripon Cathedral to York Minster 30.6 miles
September Robin Hood Marathon, Nottingham
October Yorkshire Marathon
November Goathland Trail Marathon 27.5 miles

In July I completed Outlaw Triathon in Nottingham 2.4 mile open water swim, followed by a 112 mile cycle and completed with a 26.2 mike run.
In August I completed Vitruvian Triathlon at Rutland Water 1.2 mile open water swim followed by a 52 mile cycle and completed by a 13.1 mile run along the banks of the famous Dambuster lake.

I hope to complete my challenge in late December with my 2013 th mile being run from St Mary's church Studley to the front gate to the deer park, as many of my miles have been run there this year.

If you would like to give a little to my challenge fund, you can visit my JustGiving Page www.justgiving.com/Lena-Conlin-Dad or text LENA75 followed by £2 (or other amount) to 70070

Thank you for your continued support
Lena Conlin

Percy Pud 10km

Sunday first December, advent (arrival) at last after 4 years, I finally have a new 10km PB.
My friends and I have competed in the Percy Pud 10km, run by the Sheffield Striders and held at Loxely for the past 5 years, the first three years we dressed up, and the last 2 years we have worn Christmas pudding hats. Vicky swears hers is lucky, no mine is too. Not that I raced in mine, it was mild yesterday, it would have cooked my tiny brain.
The race started at 9:30 so it meant an early start, Billy drove, though he didn't race and we took Annette and met Vicky and Andy there.

One of my highlights of this race is the portaloos, they're on uneven ground, so when I use them I wonder if I'd ever get out if it tipped up.
This year there were pacers, Sally was 50 mins, I decided that I wouldn't be running with her, but as I have always run the race in around 55 mins, I decided to run near the 55 min man. I set off behind him and wondered if I'd ever catch him as he seemed to run very quickly, but slowly I gained on him as we ran towards the dam, just after the dam I ran with him a while and then passed him, right I thought, If I stay ahead I'll be sub 55, chance of a PB. Just before the turning point he got ahead again, and at the water station he started to get away from me, I ran a bit harder, but I could feel that was too hard, I slowed a bit, but slowly caught and overtook again. As we reached the dam on the way back, I was still ahead for the long incline to the finish line. I pushed onwards, it was only a mile or so to the end, I dreaded seeing the pacer pass me again as this was my limit, I could see the finish, away in the distance, focused on it and one foot in front of the other, it got closer and then I was running through the crowds to the finish. I stopped my watch. I ran to Billy for a finish pic, looked at my watch and was delighted to see a 53 on the front, 53:52 a PB. On the way home I got a text with my official chip time 53:43, even better. And we all got Christmas puss for our efforts.

My old PB was at the Leeds Abbey Dash in 2009 54:32
Andy got a PB too, it was a good running day.

After we arrived home and had some lunch, I cycled to Knaresborough on my road bike. It was nice to be out on the road bike again, the sun shone, and I was toasty warm in my Michelin man gear.
I road home a longer route making 30 miles.
I finished my day with 30 mins of yoga.

184 miles left of the 2013 miles in 2013 challenge

Two month catch up

Well, what can I say? I have been lapse in my blogging. The last time I blogged it was about the Robin Hood Marathon at the end of September and at that time I was feeling pretty fed up about this years challenge. I was way behind my target mileage, even though the marathons and triathlons were up to date, I just seemed to be falling further and further behind with the 2013 miles, and I was so tired.
When I started this challenge I would have to run 38.72miles a week but week after week I was not hitting target and at the beginning of October I was faced with having to run 47.58 miles every week for the last 13 weeks of the year. I felt that it was becoming an impossible task. I was always tired running almost daily as well as walking, cycling and swimming. I was out on my Monday morning run on 7 Oct, and because I'd been in Londan at the weekend, supporting Billy at the Royal Parks half marathon, my legs were reacting well to the run after 2 days rest. I came up with the plan to run 12 miles 4 times a week, unless racing, but to aim for 48 miles a week. It seemed the only option.
The new plan worked, I was managing 50+ miles a week and having 3 days run rest.

On 20 October it was the Yorkshire marathon, I ran Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, clocking up 34 miles and on Sunday ran the marathon. I didn't think it would be a great day for me because of the mileage that I gad already completed that week, bug how wrong I was. It was a great marathon, great organisation, great course, though not flat as advertised. I worked my way back a pen, and then to the back of that pen,behind the 4:30 marker. My plan was to stay with the 4:30 marker bug knew Id set off too quick, so set off behind him.
We worked our way to the start and a lovely downhill got my legs going and I soon caught up and overtook the 4:30 marker. "Right" I thought, as long as I keep ahead of him I'll be quicker than 4:30. I felt I was running well slowly overtaking people, often running alongside and chatting to them along the way.. At 20 miles I was shocked to see Billy and Martin, walking, they were struggling as it was warmer than anticipated, now I had to keep ahead of them too. I pushed ever onwards, I turned a corner towards the end and the lovely downward sweep that had got my legs going at the start, was now about to test my tired legs. It felt like a mountain bug I kept onwards and soon I was at the 26 mile mark and ran for it. Bad move, I went way too early and even though Zi was overjoyed at finishing, I could hardly breathe. When I recovered and looked at my watch I was amazed to have run it in 4:24:25. My third fastest I thought with Manchester 2012 my PB at 4:16 and Manchester 2013 at 4:22 I was very happy, even happier when I got home and checked and realised Manchester 2013 was actually 4:28 making York my second fastest ever marathon.
I kept up my 4 day running program throughout October and clocked up 242 miles, things were looking up.
At the end of October Billy Martin and I meg with a Tri coach. We have got a coach to help us with next years challenge of Outlaw and the Ironman Wales 50 days later.

November started with a more positive attitude, the Guy Fawkes 10 miler was on the 3rd. Starting at Ripley, the mainly road race takes in a few big hills and over the 4 years I had done it I'd never managed to run them all. This year I did, I ran all the hills and finished 2 min quicker than ever before.very happy.

The new Triathlon training plan started on the 4th. This might affect my running, I completed so many miles in October because I hadn't swum and had only cycled to work. Now I was going to be swimming, cycling and doing core fitness.
I had the Goathland marathon on the 9th and so only ran Monday and Tuesday, resting then for Saturdays trail marathon. On We'd, the girl taking me let me know that she was I'll and would not be able to make it. I put out a plea for a lift on the race's Facebook page and wax offered a lift from a very nice man from Knaresborough. He is an Outlaw and we had loads in common, which was great. He picked me up at 6:45 on the race morning and we headed out over the North York moors to Goathland. The marathon was great, Fantastically organised and marked, great Marshall's and cake all the way round. At each cake point I had a small square of caramel shortbread and a mini chocolate iced donut with sprinkles on, washed down with cola it was the biz for slogging up big hills and running over boggy moors, it was all great fun and I finished the 27.5 miles in 6:01:45.

On 17th I headed to Askrigg with Billy and Martin for the Wensleydale Wedge, a 23 mile challenge. Martin and I did it last year but it was first time for Billy. I set off quick to get through the early crowded styles and then as we all settled into our pace, Billy and Martingale got ahead on the first big incline, I couldn't keep up but I kept on tring. At the first proper food checkpoint they were nowhere to be seen I went to the loo, grabbed a drink and some food and set off again, I soon caught 2 Ripon Runners, I tried to keep up and eventually ran the rest of the way with one of them, John. We'd made it back in under 5 hours, I was amazed because that was 46 min quicker than last year. Only 7 min behind Billy and Martin.

November has just about finished now and I'm resting for a 10 km race on Dec 1st.
Monthly mileage was 186 miles plus I did my training plan too. My race results for Oct and Nov were great, so I am about to head into December facing 41 miles a week. Much better than 8 weeks ago.
190 miles to run, now including a 10 km race, a 30 mile trail race and a 8 mile race. It will fly by.

Ikano Robin Hood Marathon 29/09/13

Early start for this one. I was going with Ripon Runners clubmates, Emma, Donna and Claire. Emma picked me up at 05:20, we then picked up Donna and Claire, it was pitch black, a real sign that summer was almost over. We headed down the A1 to the M1 chattering excitedly about our challenges ahead as the skies lightened. We stopped at Woodall services for a comfort break and emerged to a gorgeous pink sky criss croosed with airoplane trails and a sun erupting over the horizon like a flaming orange. Back in the car we made our way to Nottingham and The Riverside Inn by Trent Bridge, where we were parking and meeting Emma's twin sister, Sally. It was their birthday,and what better way to celebrate than doing what you love, running.

We visited the portaloos then went to get race ready. We were really early so sat in the car for a while. Soon the lure of the loo was too strong, honestly what is the point of trying to hydrate when all you do is wee. The nearest loo was 20p, 20p! To spend a penny? Goodness me, anyway it was one of them newfangled things. We joined the queue but it was a slow process with the cleaning process between customers, so, curious as we were to investigate this contraption, we gave up and headed along the embankment for the race village and the numerous portaloos, where long queues shrunk quickly. Relieved we headed to investigate the finish area and arrange a meet up point for after the race. 

We headed for the start pens. Emma and Donna went to the red pen, they're very quick runners, I was impressed by Donna's cool, calmness as she went to embark on her first marathon. Claire and I were in the blue pen, Claire was doing the half and had a solid blue number and me I had a blue stripy number because I was doing the full. We stood near the front chatting to other runners when a pacer arrived, I looked up, 1:50, he was for half marathoners. I wished Claire luck and moved further back, the other pacers were well back. I decided to take it steady and join the 4:15 pacer as they passed. It was quiet where I stood, everyone absorbed in their own race plans. Soon we moved forwards towards the line, then we were over the mat, I started my watch and got on with it, running along the embankment. It was very busy, I was constantly being passed by people running really quick, I felt ok, so kept going but if felt as if I was going backwards. Slow down I thought, this is too quick, by 3 miles I was running slower but still was being overtaken at a great rate of notts.

 Approacing 6 miles I thought, I know where this is, it's the Kilomathon start from the Worlds first Kilomathon, Nottingham to Derby in 2010. The last time I was there the fences were covered by men going for a wee, not nice for the owners of the flats to wake up to on a Sunday morning, I wondered if that was why the 2011 Kilomathon never ran from Nottingham, it was just in Derby. We ran past the park and where the baggage buses had been and turned into the grounds of what I was told later was the University, what a lovely place, then we went round a little lake and I was reminded of the Newcastle Town Moor marathon. As the 4:15 pacer passed, I didn't have a hope in hell of keeping up. I let them go and decided to just go my own pace.

It was getting warm and I was drinking loads. But still felt warm. As we approached 12 miles we turned back onto the embankment, Oh! This doesn't feel right. I looked around and was surrounded by solid coloured numbers. Oh no! Have I missed the split off, I slowed and started to go back. I saw another striped number, he was sure we hadn't missed it, I ran with him and soon we heard half to the left, full to the right, Phew! Relief! We turned right and under Trent Bridge, then we went through a housing estate, that seemed wierd. I knew I was fading as even though there were hardly any runners now, they were all overtaking me and I couldn't do anything to prevent it. At this point the route out, ran alongside  the route back. I started to look for Donna and Emma, there were not many runners and some of them were looking tired, then there they were, running together, looking comfortable and as if they were having a great time. I shouted to them that I was going to be slower than I'd hoped, 4:30-4:40. I thought 13 miles would never appear, but at last, there it was. Half way. I felt better than this when I finished the Great a North Run a fortnight ago. Still I just had to get on with it. By 15 the battle really started, everything hurt. I forced myself to run, I hadn't run this far since the Minster to Minster marathon in August. As I approached Holme Pierrepont I saw the campsite where we stay for Outlaw, I welled up, all the memories of July 7th came flooding back as I ran along the road that goes around the outside of the grounds. We'll turn in soon to the lake, then I'll be on the Outlaw route to the finish.,At 19 miles I noticed that even running I was not gaining on the walkers ahead. Right, time to swallow my pride and walk a bit. I knew I could walk a decent pace, so I did for a while, then when I ran again, I started to gain and overtake some of the walkers, so I run/walked the next 4 miles, then I managed to run along the riverside and under the footy ground, There were lots of people cheering me on, I wanted to stop, but I was determined to run the suspension bridge, I never managed it at Outlaw., I approached and just went for it, through the crowds leaving the event and off the other side. I set off along the embankment. I knew this was an out and back, but still it sapped my will and I walked a bit more. As I finally saw the turn point I ran again, painfully slow, I could hear my trainers scuffing on the ground, the marathon shuffle, but I was getting closer to the end. As I approached the turn into the finish chute, I could hear my name and there were Claire Donna and Claire's husband Chris, I forced myself to pick up the pace and high 5 d them as I passed, I wanted to stop, the finish chute was ridiculously long, and then, there were the grandstands, almost empty now, turn the corner, the clock read 4:58 something, quick, get under 5 hrs, under the clock, over the mat, switch off watch. 4:51:27.

It had taken 6 mins to cross the line at the start. It was over, relief and exhaustion took over, I collected my medal, some juice, lucozade and water then my goodybag and a banana. A scout leader thanked me for running for British Lung Foundation, she explained that she was Lung foundation nurse.

All the way round people asked about my challenge, I tried to give them figures but my brain was mince. So my mileage was not accurate, but here it is. 1394 miles, which places me in Belarus, the last country to cross before Russia.

I was met by Donna, Claire and Chris, Emma was with her family at the Riverside. Claire had got a PB on the half 1 hr 46 and Donna's first marathon had ended with an awesome 3 hr 24 time and 4th or 5 th female. Emma had done 3hr 26 a PB by over 5 mins, but sadly Sally had got an injury and taken the decision to pull out, she has a big fell race next week so is saving herself for that, then Amsterdam marathon. Hope you are well Sally, good luck next week and I hope you get your sub 3 hr goal in Amsterdam.

Well that's it, another marathon over, 21st since my first ever in Edinburgh 2010 that includes 3 ultras and the marathons at the end of my 2 Outlaws, 10th this year, only 3 more to go this year, hope they're better than this. Suddenly the mileage is starting to catch up with me

Brownlee Triathlon

When I heard about this I just had to do it. I have followed the Brownlees career for a long time now. I registered for notification emails, and when it came, it said that entries would open at midday, I was unable to do that and worried that it would sell out and I would miss out. A friend offered to do the entries for hubby and I. Later in the day I received a text to say  we were in, How much do I owe you" I asked " £120" was the reply. I was gobsmacked. Still we were in, that's what counted. 

Anyway that was months ago now. To prepare, the week before I cycled the bike route twice, once on my road bike and once on my mountain bike. On both I was scared of the descents and the ascents were really hard on the mountainbike.

On the morning Billy and I met Bully, Martin and Will at 07:15 to cycle the 2.5 miles to the event, we figured that it would be easier than driving as the car park was about a mile the other side of transition and would be busy. It was a cool morning and we were amongst the first to arrive. We registered and had our tattoos put on, we put stickers on our bikes and helmets, Will wore all of our supporters stickers. We also had the dreaded wrist bands. I had to go back for another ankle strap for my timing chip as I have large ankles. We then went to  rack the bikes. In true Conlin fashion that wasn't straight forwards. Billy had not had a wrist band and even though the woman on the entrance to transition and he had his number on both legs, both arms and both hands, she was unable to let him enter transition, he had to go all the way back to registration for a makeshift wristband. I had found someone else's on the grass and handed it to him, I wonder if someone else had picked it up and put it on, if the would have been allowed into transition. Anyhow, eventually Billy was allowed in to rack. 

Billy was in wave 1 at 09:30 and I was in wave 4 at 10:00.

Whist I was waiting for my turn Ali and Jonny Brownlee were in transition, chatting with competitors, I got my photo taken with them, after asking permission from the ITU official to get my phone out in transition.

Soon It was time for Wave 4 to go for race briefing at the lakeside. The lake looked quite inviting. Not how it had looked a couple of weeks ago when it was choked with weeds. The dredgers had done a good job. We had a few mins to acclimatise, gosh it was cold, It's a while since I ve swum in water that cold. I normally swim wide and at he back, but had to re evaluate they tactic as there were so many beginners, I was in the middle ish and was soon in my own space, the 400 m went quickly, less than 10 mins, happy with that.

I set off up the hill to transition, struggling with my Velcro on my wet suit, eventually I got it undone, unzipped and off to my waist and ran to my bike. I struggled out of my wetsuit and put on my socks and bike shoes, put my helmet on and headed for Bike Out. Doh! Hadn't put my number on, so stopped to do that, carried on towards the mount line and set off to merge into the cyclists, already flying down the drive. I was soon breaking as my spead increased. Over the covered cattle grids, I was glad the ramps had been removed. Out onto the main road and up towards the Fountains car park entrance, the hills did not sem so bad, and I was soon at the church gate and on the dreaded 1 mile downhill section, I could feel the back wheel moving on the gravel and was back on the brakes as other cyclists sped past me, I could have kicked myself but I was just not brave enough. Back down the drive, over the covered cattle grids and back to the uphill section.  I managed this bit really well again and was overtaking cars on the car park road back to the church. I tried not to brake, but it was no good I could feel the panic rising so brake it was. Soon I was off the bike, helmet off and running down the hill, gosh this was just fast and furious. I ran as fast as I could, as I turned a corner I was confronted with the awesome view of Fountains Abbey and the finish line. Wasn't as easy as that though, there was a slight incline through the trees to get over first, then a little bridge and I turned and ran right through the Abbey, Wow! It was a stunning course, soon I crossed the line.

I had estimated around an hour for me to complete this race, so was chuffed to bits to complete it in 56:52. It was great watching other triathletes crossing the line, the air was electric whith the excitement and relief.

We walked back to transition, about a mile, for warm clothes and the sarnies we'd packed, also some money so I could buy the Brownlee's book. We were catching up with friends all along the way. We then watched the race between Jonny and Ali's Twitter team.(Ali was injured from the previous weeks ITU world Championship final in London 6 days before, and so someone else would swim, he would cycle and another person would run, but Jonny would do it all. We watched the start and caught up with more friends, then set off for the finish a mile away. We watched as across the river Jonny ran through the trees and went to the finish line. 

Jonny won, but Ali was there waiting for him, we didn't have long to wait for Ali's runner to finish too.

I then went to bug a book and Billy went for more food, there was lots of that about. While he was waiting for his pizza I went to get my book signed. 

All too soon it was time to head off for transition to retrieve our bikes and kit, as we had to get back because we were babysitting our 6 month granddaughter. We watched gts other races as we worked our way back to transition, on the way back I met Poppyfielder Michael Evans, we chatted then I could put it off no longer, I had to go home.

We gathered our kit and walked down the drive into Studley Royal village, we then walked to the road end as there were still competitors on the route. We cycled from the road end home. 

The Brownlee Triathlon at Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey 21/09/13 was a fantastic event, there were competitors of all ages, sizes, experience, many from Yorkshire and many first timers.

Alistair and Jonathan were lovely people. The atmoshere was awesome. 

A new journey begins

I promised myself a rest in 2014 and not to commit to anything crazy. I really fancied doing Ironman UK at Bolton and so registered my interest, but when Outlaw was released Billy and I decided to do it again and entered, IMUK was released and will be the week before Outlaw this year so when Zi didn't get an early entry email I was not bothered. Billy has been wanting to do IMWales and wants to do that too. He enquired about early entry but was told that that had closed weeks ago but that general entry opens Friday 13 at noon.
Yesterday evening I checked my emails and tree was one from IMWales, an early entry code because I had registered for IMUK.
Should I, Shouldn't I, we discussed it momentarily and I soon found myself filling in an online form and parting with a lot of cash. eek! That's it, Done.
So today will be the first day of a 369 day journey to truly be an IRONMAN

Vitruvian

Vitruvian Triathlon
This triathlon is a middle distance race, 1900m swim, 85km bike 21 km run, it is based at Rutland water and in 2013 was on Saturday 31 st August.
I did this with my husband Billy and our friend Martin.
We arrived on Friday 30 th, we had rooms a few miles away from the start at a pub/hotel the White Lionnin Whissendine. After booking in we went to the race site to register and rack our bikes. We wandered to the lakeside, the lake is a Reservoir of dam busters fame. The water was low and there was loads of weed, Yuk! We also went to see where the swim in/ bike out/bike in/ run out were. we then drove the bike route, the hills did not seem as bad as rumoured, phew!Then we went back to our digs for our evening meal and an early night.
The morning of the 31 st dawned to find the three of us already in the car, driving to the race site. We went to our bikes and set our stuff out then went for the loo. The loo queues were massive and as we got closer to he front we were called to the race briefing. Martin and I stayed in the queue listening carefully, an eerie silence fell over the site as everyone awaited the briefing. This was soon broken by the race directors advice and instructions. After the loo we joined the crowd of competitors at the briefing. After the briefing, we went to squeeze into our wetsuits as th first wave headed for the water at 06:30. There were 6 waves in age groups, youngest first, the first 5 waves were all male and the 6th wave was all the women, mixed ages. Billy and Martin were in wave 4 and me, we'll I was in the last wave, there were 10 mins between waves. Now here is the bit that worried me, cut offs. The clock for the cut offs started when the last wave entered the water, that by my reckoning gave all the males a bit of a time advantage. But hey ho, rules are rules.

The start was weedy, but I coped well with that, It was also crowded so I stayed at the back and watched for the clearest path and was soon in clear water passing other swimmers, I swam wide and so probably swum further. This was my first Australian exit which was ok, I walked I as even though there was carpet down it was stingy on my feet. The second lap was almost fun, I had my own space for the whole lap. The water was pretty churned up so I was a bit disorientated on the second exit and joked with the volunteers helping me out that the lake must be full of cider, I was really wobbly.

Vitruvian Swim 1900 m 00:49 41:33 pace
Vitruvian T 1 0.5 mi 00:03:37 07:14 pace

I walked whist I removed my wetsuit, dried only my face , put on my helmet and glasses and got into my socks and shoes, folded my wetsuit and walk/ran to the mount line.

Two laps, first lap I took steady to start with, I had heard it was hilly and even though We had driven the course the night before I knew the reality on a bike could be different and didn't want to burn out. The race leaders were already coming in at the end of their first lap. It was a climb to the main road and then continued upwards for a while then the first descent, long and gentle but my pace picked up quickly and suddenly the lid and straw flew over my right shoulder, I was a busy main road and I was travelling at 24+ mph stopping to retrieve it was not an option. I felt guilty and sure I'd get penalties o DQd, also I no had no access to my drink, it was going to be a long 26 miles. Confident of the route, due to the previous day's recce I got on with the task in hand. The Rutland Ripple was ahead, this is a series of three hills in close succession, they didn't seem too bad on the recce. The first was ok, I was constantly being lapped by the leaders now. The road was busy and there was slow traffic on the hills as vehicles slowed behind cyclists and cyclists then slowed, basically everyone, cycle, car, lorry bus went the pace of the slowest, I saw faster cyclists up close to the back of vehicles, I was passed by a tractor, so close that my heart missed a beat it must have been a matter of inches from my elbow, but I pushed onwards and soon was descending again. I was glad to leave the ripple behind, it was stressful for me, the rest of the lap was quite enjoyable, at about fifteen miles I managed to fiddle with my drinks bottle to make it so I old get a drink, one long none too steep incline and a few miles later and Zi was turning back down to the reservoir, I had to slow as an ambulance was dealing with an accident, I collected a bottle of water and set off for the second lap, hoping the incident that the ambulance was dealing with was not too serious.The second lap I pushed it a bit more as I knew the course, hills were still tough and the roads sill busy but not as bad as the first lap as there were less bikes out now, I passed my first male on the middle hill of the ripple, that bouyed me up, I passed a couple more on the bike ride, I the bike ride as a whole went well and soon I was turning back to the reservoir.

Vitruvian cycle 50.64 mi 03:25 14.8mph pace
Vitruvian T2 0.12 mi 00:02:08 17:46 pace

Jogged in off the bike, racked it and changed my shoes, grabbed my sweat band and removed my helmet and jogged onto the run course.

I Set off at a gentle pace, my initial aim was to complete at least a mile without walking, soon I saw Billy running towards me, he looked comfortable, I knew Martin would be somewhere near so I couldnt walk and soon I saw him running towards me too. It was starting to feel warm so I walked through the waterstops to ensure I took on plenty of water and then just went from water stop to water stop. I walked each stop to get the fluids in me not down me. The run was two laps of an out and back course and as I left the dam wall on the first lap heading for the transition area, someone came out of the toilet, I narrowly avoided being hit by the door, I joked about it with the man in front, who I had been keeping pace wit, soon we were running comfortably and chatting, he wa called Adrian and was on his second (last) lap, he was almost a Vitruvian. You could hear people finishing for the whole run route. Distracted by chatting, it was soon time to part, Adrian to the finish and me to my second lap. I now felt good, bike legs totally gone, I smiled at everyone as I completed my second lap. The whole Run was reasonably comfortable because the course was flat with a couple of rises in it, it was differing terrains that was good to wake the legs up abit. Very happy with the time.


Vitruvian run 12.78 mi 02:17 10:41 pace

Vitruvian completed 6:36:56

At the finish line, Billy was waiting, so was Martin, then I met Jon and Gary and Lee, we sat by the finish, wondering how Zoe was getting on, "she came out of the water just Vitruvian run 12.78 mi 02:17 10:41 pace me" I said, the announcer called her name as I was heading to T 1. I was looking for someone with dark plaits, that's how I remember Zoe from Outlaw.
Eventually we had to all go our separate ways, we hoped Zoe had sneaked past us, and she had. The next day as photos appeared on Facebook I recognised the photos of Zoe, pink cap and calf guards, blond ponytails. Zoe and I had been passing each other all day but hadn't recognised each other.

Vitruvian is a good event, not for the faint hearted though, but I definitely recommend it.
I also recommend the White Lion in Whissendine, it was a lovely village pub, very welcoming with good food and drink, the rooms were clean, spacious and comfy. Most rooms are being refurbished a the moment.

dickybag review

Most of you know that I am a Dogjogger. I find it a good way to get my miles in as well as exercising my Border Terrier, Jed. One of the issues with dogjogging is the poop bag, it is not nice running with a poop bag in your hand.
Last week I read a tweet about a Dickybag and decided to check them out, I liked what I read and bought a small one, as Jed is a smallish dog. Today I got to try it out.
The bag was slightly larger than I expected, but inside there was a fresh disc and a handfull of biodegradable poop bags. inside the lid there is a pocket to keep these bags in. I was wearing the dog lead around my waist for hands free running and the Dickybag attached easily by a loop. it was lightweight and sat comfortably on my hip.

We set off for our run, normally I stop at the park for Jed to do his business, because there are bins there. Today we ran straight past the park and later when Jed nedded to go I unzipped the Dickybag, removed a poop bag, cleared the poop and put the carefully tied up bag in the dicky bag and zipped it up again. We carried on with the run, I was still hands free and there was no smell eminating from the Dickybag' we ran on until we reached a bin, where I unzipped the Dickybag and put the contents into the Dog poop bin, before carrying on with my run.
Verdict
I think that the products cost may put some people off, but,in my opinion, this is a good product, it meant that I could run hands free without running with a bag of poop in my hand, it did not smell and it made my run much easier today. I think it will be very useful on long country walks where there are few bins.

Ultra Aspire Spry Running Vest review

Ultra aspire spry running vest


A few weeks ago I liked and shared a post from UltraRunnerStore.com. I often do this on posts for sites and products I like, then what? Nowt, that's what. But this time was different, I received a direct message from the store, I had won. Wow, gosh I was so excited. I had won the above, an ultra aspire spry running vest.
I couldn't wait for it to arrive, but knew it would be a while before I got to try it out as Outlaw Triathlon was fast approaching and taking up most of my thoughts and energies.
I am a member of Ripon Runners and one of the members Matt Holt was planning a run from Ripon Cathedral (listed as minister on OS maps) to York Minster, that would be a great opportunity to try it out.
Now I am a runner, not quick but I can run a long way so Matt's Minster2Minster Marathon was ideal for my August marathon for my marathon a month challenge, the problem was, I cannot run as fast as the other runners that were going so my plan was to set off earlier so the others would not have to keep waiting for me. This meant that I would have to be mainly self sufficient for the 27/28 miles.
18/08/2013
The day arrived. I filled my lovely new ultra aspire spry race vest.

Rain jacket (just in case)
Maps
Compass
Glasses (to read the map)
Whistle
Dextrose tablets
Sugar free sweet
Cereal bar
Cheese biscuits
Spare water bottle
Phone
Money for emergencies

All packed in really easily, I was wearing my club vest, the straps of the race vest were soft against my bare shoulders and arms. The straps adjusted easily and the race vest was comfortable to wear. I picked up my hand held bottle and headed for Ripon Cathedral.

I set off on my run, the race vest was almost like part of me, I easily forgot that I had it on, it did not move around or hinder my movements. The mesh meant that I didn't suffer a sweaty back. The front pockets where I kept my phone and dextrose tablets were easily to access whilst still moving. The route was tricky, narrow paths and overgrown in places but the UltraAspire Spry race vest's size meant that it did not get in the way.

At 16 and 27 miles I refilled my water at a water stop.

Beyond that I had everything I needed to complete the 30.66 miles to York Minster.

I was wearing the race vest for nearly 8 hours altogether and it was comfortable the whole day, it did not leave me with chaffing or sweat marks

I really like this race vest, it suits me down to the ground, I don't like running with bumbags, I don't find them comfortable and if I was on a shorter run I could run without carrying water in my hand as my spare bottle fits in the front pocket.
I can't find any fault with it. 10/10 Thank you Ultra Runner Store