Lucky 4-Leaf Clover

I’m not really the superstitious type and tend to believe that what will be will be, but after a disappointing end to last week, I needed a bit of perking up. As a child, I remember reading a story book by Enid Blyton about a lucky four-leafed clover and wondering whether they really existed. I used to spend hours crawling round in the grass, desperately trying to find this lucky token, only to find endless clover with just the 3 leaves amongst the dandelions and daisies in the summer time. But then one day, I found that four-leafed clover, and have found 3 others over the years since.

I suppose I need to explain what on earth clover has got to do with my running.

A couple of weeks ago, I was asked if I would be interested in doing a 47 mile trail race, the only problem been that I would have to wear a GB vest. It dawned on me at the time that it meant running for Great Britain in the World Trail Running Championships in Connemara, Ireland and to say I was excited was an understatement. Having sent off details of all relevant performances for consideration by the selectors at UK Athletics, I was determined to train hard to justify selection once written confirmation came through.

Last Thursday all that changed. More people had put their names forward than expected and my place on the team was in jeopardy. I needed to provide more details about trail races I had done in recent years , but whilst I have done absolutely loads of them, they were too short to be considered – even the Dovedale Dipper which is 26.5 miles with over 4000 feet of climbing! To top it all, the Forest of Dean Ultra that I had raced but wasn’t really motivated for the previous weekend was working against me – I felt disappointed, let down and miserable. My only hope was my performance at the Marlborough Downs 33 Mile Challenge back in 2008, but even that was been called in to question despite winning the race and finishing 6^th overall.

Having not heard anything by Saturday afternoon, I’d resigned myself to the fact that the World Trail Championships were no longer part of my plans and as my confidence had taken a bit of a knocking, I was reluctant to commit myself to the 100km in September for fear of facing the same disappointment all over again. At least I still had the Commonwealth Trail Champs in Anglesey to look forward to.

By Sunday, although feeling better, I still wasn’t myself and whilst out walking the dogs, we came across a field full of clover.  A moment of wistfulness made me wonder whether I could find a 4-leaf clover that would perk me up a bit and bring a bit of luck, and reminiscent of my childhood, I got down on my hands and knees and starting sifting through the grass. After 10 minutes of searching, low and behold I found one and putting it safely in my pocket, I literally couldn’t believe my luck.

Monday morning came, and whilst waiting for my lift into work, I went through my regular routine of checking my emails. I’d only had one but it was a surprising and humbling email. A certain friend had nominated me to be a Torchbearer for the 2012 Olympics, and with the Olympic Flame coming through Stoke next year, it was something that he felt I should be a part of. I can’t thank him enough for thinking of me, and whilst I’m sure there are far more worthy people than me to carry that torch, I feel honoured that he has taken the time to nominate me.

Monday lunchtime came, and I once again checked my emails, still desperate for news about my possible selection. Yet again, there was just one email, this time from the London 2012 Games Makers. I’d been invited for interview at the University of Warwick on 5^th July for a possible position on the Olympic Volunteers team. With almost a quarter of a million applicants, I was so happy that I had been shortlisted, and whilst I still have to get through an interview and an assessment, I was one step closer to being a part of the London Olympics and contributing to their success.

I arrived home in a much better frame of mind, feeling excited and a lot more positive. As I was getting ready to head off for my evening run, the phone rang and it was Norman. UK Athletics had taken their time over selecting the GB Team this time but the good news is, I will be going to Ireland after all and I will be wearing the GB kit – and maybe, just maybe, I’ll pin that 4-leaf clover to my vest!

Where Rest is Best!

As runners, I’m sure we’ve all entered races that we’ve really been looking forward to, but then when race day arrives, we wonder what the hell we are doing. For me, I should have taken the hint earlier in the week when I missed a day’s training due to feeling tired and having a lack of motivation. By Friday, I had said to my mum that the excitement and anticipation I normally feel a day or so before a race just wasn’t there and if I hadn’t already entered, I probably wouldn’t be doing it. Even when I started prepping my drinks and everything on Saturday afternoon, I wasn’t focused and my mind was elsewhere.

I’d entered the Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon just after London with no intentions of racing it per se but rather using it as a training run in the build up to the World Champs later this year. I also fancied doing something a little different for once, and instead of pounding out the miles on the roads, it would be 31.76 miles made up of 1 small and 5 large laps on the trails around the Forest of Dean. It was also the English Trail Running Championships and a selection race for the Commonwealths for both England and Wales, so really I had everything to run for.

An early start once again saw Andy, myself and the dogs heading down the M5 to Gloucestershire, and unlike other races, I wasn’t nervous and even managed to down a bowl of porridge and some brioche bread rolls for breakfast. That in itself is unusual for me, where normally I can’t eat due to nerves just before such an important race, but today, my heart really wasn’t in it.

We arrived at Speech House, and it was great to see the old ultra running chums again having not seen them for a couple of months. In addition to the ultra race, there was also a marathon and a 5k event, the latter being extremely popular and seeing some 50 odd dogs running with their owners (it was at this point that I was already thinking a 5km trail race with our young Wilson dragging me round sounded like a much better plan, and a lot of fun!)

Just before half ten, 50 or so runners lined up on the start line and shortly afterwards, we were off.

I actually started quite well, felt quite relaxed and thought that maybe things wouldn’t be so bad, but the first short lap seemed to go on forever, and despite the lovely surroundings, I was already beginning to wonder how I was going to cope mentally with another 5 laps. Shortly after the start of first large lap, I was overtaken by a Welsh lady with Karen Rushton (who you may have heard me mention many times before) hot on her heels. Karen looked very relaxed and comfortable and actually went on to win the race. The three of us were quite close together for another mile or so, but as we hit the first of quite a long drag of a hill, the other 2 started to move ahead and as bad as it sounds, I really couldn’t be bothered to give chase.

It was a strange feeling as I really didn’t want the stress of racing today, and having already missed the training session earlier this week, I admitted to myself that, having done so many long races and a few hundred miles in training since January, I needed a rest.

As the others pulled away, I found myself running solo, and it gave me the opportunity to take in the scenery. When I entered the race, I was expecting it to be woodland trails a little akin to running around Hanchurch Woods back home, but it turned out to be forest tracks rather than trails. The tracks were hard and pebbly, and with wearing trail shoes, I wasn’t really getting the cushioning I needed and I started to wish I’d stuck with my usual road shoes. 

There was lovely part of the course that did follow a woodland path that was lined with bluebells and the smell of pine trees, and I really enjoyed running through this bit but unfortunately it didn’t last long enough!

As the race progressed, the tiredness I’d been feeling the past week was finally starting to set in and by the end of the third large lap, I was starting to walk. Not good as at this point, I had probably only done about 19 miles and still had a good way to go. I wasn’t really bothered about a time – time doesn’t come into things when you run off road – but I was hoping to run around 4 hours which with the walking, was starting to look unlikely. The walking only lasted for about 10 yards every so often, particularly on the hills, but with 2 laps to go, it was getting more frequent. Even the downhill sections were slow as the legs just wouldn’t go any quicker.

It was at this point that I was told I could catch the 2^nd lady as she was only about 250 yards ahead of me and she was starting to tire. By now though, I had already resigned myself to finishing third lady, which despite how the race was panning out, would still be enough to win me the silver medal in the English Trail Champs, and selection for the England team at the Commonwealths in September. I didn’t bother trying to catch her, and just focused on trying to finish the race. Oddly enough, I was actually enjoying the run and selfishly wanted the woods to myself.

The final lap couldn’t come soon enough, and as I approached the last feed station with about a mile to go, I saw Andy for the first time. It was great to see him, and our little puppy Wilson, who had spotted me running up the path and started jumping about for a fuss which of course I couldn’t resist so stopped to give him a big cuddle before heading off to the finish.

At last, I finished the race. I had no doubt throughout the duration that I would finish, but I knew it would be slow compared to what I know I’m capable of. I finished 3^rd lady in about 4.01 – that’ll do me today and at least it’s another long run in the bag.

First 3 ladies - Forest of Dean 33 Mile Ultra Trail Race

So now, with no races planned until the World Trail Running Championships in Ireland at the beginning of July, I’m hoping to have a couple of easy weeks of running to give the body chance to recover from all the long stuff I’ve been doing lately.

I did enjoy today’s race and would certainly recommend it, whether it be the 5k, the marathon or the ultra, and there were of course some excellent performances once again from my ultra running chums. Well done to Karen on becoming national trail running champion, and to all the chaps that I didn’t really get chance to speak to afterwards. It’s great knowing you all, and I look forward to competing with you all again very soon!

Back on the Trails and the Kibblestone Clamber

Thursday evening saw the last race of the Spring Treble - a series of 3 trail races of approximately 5 miles that take in some of the beautiful Staffordshire countryside. With focusing more on ultra running on the roads this year, I hadn’t planned to do the whole series, so with the choice of either the Kibblestone Clamber or Clayton 10k the day before, I was expecting Norman to suggest Clayton for my tempo run this week. Whichever he decided on, I knew I was in for a hard time as neither of them are particularly easy races, but on past experience, Kibblestone is the most difficult, not just because it’s off-road, but also with it being 3 laps of the scout camp which means 3 times up those very steep and troublesome steps!

I drew the short straw – it was Kibblestone – and whilst I was looking forward to a short faster paced run, I was quite nervous and dreading those steps.

The weather has been very dry of late, but on arrival at Kibblestone Scout Camp, it had turned quite muggy and light rain was falling. However, although there were places that would be a little slippery due to the rain, there was absolutely no mud and conditions underfoot were pretty good.

Following a short warm up, we all gathered at the start line and shortly afterwards we were off. It was quite refreshing running across the grassy fields, particularly with the damp grass, and I actually found myself enjoying the run. It was a fast start for me, but I wanted to beat my time from last year and so tried to keep it going, knowing full well that the steps were coming and I would more than likely end up walking up them.

The short section through the woodland alongside the brook was really nice with all the bluebells out and the birds singing – amazing the things you notice when you are supposed to be racing! – but it really was lovely. Then things started to get tough as we started the short steep climb across the lane and then up the steps.

These steps are steep, and are too high to run 2 at a time, but too short to run up at normal stride length – well for me anyway – and no sooner had I started the ascent , the legs went like lead, the lungs couldn’t expand enough to take in enough oxygen, and the brain was stupidly telling me to walk. My brain won, I started to walk, and sweat was literally running off me due to how warm things were.

I was at this point 3^rd lady with fellow team mate Deb Thomas not far behind me, and although I wasn’t really bothered where I finished tonight, I still wanted a half decent run, so with Deb almost literally on my shoulder, I started to run again albeit with difficulty. I knew that Deb would probably catch me on the hills as I really had nothing to give tonight, but also knew that I was probably faster on the flat and downhill, so managed to pull away as soon as I hit the downhill section towards the end of the first lap. I almost took a tumble in the woods as I slipped on some wet leaves , but thankfully managed to avoid any embarrassment and got away unscathed.

The second and third lap were pretty much the same, although with about half a mile to go, I had pulled away from Debs, and was now gaining on the second placed lady but I knew that the chances of me catching her were very slim as we hit the second set of steps again through the woodland. Having slipped yet again on the same stretch of wet leaves, I began the final push to finish line where I crossed the line in 36.50 – just 7 seconds slower than I had ran here last year. Although at the start I was hoping to run slightly quicker than previously, I was content considering all my longer races of late. I had also enjoyed the race despite being tough, and despite feeling that perhaps it was a few hills too many for me this week!

It was great to see that Trentham ladies yet again came away with prizes, with Jayne and Debs finishing 1^st and 2^nd in the series overall so a massive well done to them two.

Some Good News!

It’s funny how things pan out, and with my focus so far this year being on qualifying for the World 100km Championships in September, I now find myself planning on competing on the trails. I’m not complaining as I do actually enjoy trail running, I just don’t consider myself to be particularly good to do myself justice in competition.

On Tuesday I had a call off Norman asking if I would like to do a 47 mile trail race in July to help me prepare for the 100k. I’m up for any challenge, and when he said that it would mean running in a GB vest, it suddenly dawned on me that it would mean competing in the World Trail Running Championships in Connemara, Ireland. Of course I was ecstatic – another opportunity to represent my country – and it would mean running across bog land and open moor, along country tracks and up mountains in the gorgeous Emerald Isles.

I’ve ran the trails before, competing in the very first World Trail Running Championships in Texas back in 2007 where I finished 3^rd in a 50 mile event, and then of course there was the Swiss Alpine Mountain Marathon – 78km in the Swiss Alps – whilst closer to home I’ve done the Dovedale Dipper, Marlborough Downs 33 mile Challenge, and the Belper Rugby Rover.

I know there will be no pressure on me in Connemara but as ever I will still want to run at my best if I’m wearing a national vest. It’s probably a good thing that I have decided to do the Forest of Dean Ultra Trail Marathon on 15^th May which also serves as a selection race for the Commonwealth Trail Championships later in the year and of course tomorrow I have the Kibblestone Clamber – not quite an ultra marathon but certainly a good start to get me used to running on the trails again!

A Very Windy South Cheshire 20

Being a true runner, I really don’t mind what the weather does, and I’ve ran in conditions ranging from freezing cold temperatures and knee deep snow to temperatures of 30 degrees and 90% humidity. However, there is one type of weather that I absolutely detest, one that saps the energy and makes me swear like a trooper – and that’s the wind. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a side wind, a head wind or a flaming tail wind, it isn’t much fun and makes a mockery of the phrase “are you going for a PB today?”

Even without the wind, a PB was never on the cards on Sunday, but I still had a time and pace in mind and was hoping to run around about 2.17-2.18 realistically, but hoping for as close to 2.15 as possible. However, having seen the weather forecast the previous day, I was beginning to think I would be lucky to get anywhere near 2.20 let alone any quicker!

I’ve done the South Cheshire 20 a couple of times in the past, and it’s a great race organised by neighbouring South Cheshire Harriers. It’s cheap to enter, has loads of friendly supportive marshals, takes in some of the beautiful country lanes of Cheshire, has homemade cakes at the finish, and this year a pretty cool t-shirt! It’s also a notoriously hilly 20 miler with a couple of good climbs mid-race, and there never seems to be quite enough downhill to recover before the next hill starts.

Being the same day as the Uttoxeter Half Marathon this year, there were very few local vests at the start, but I have to say that it made a refreshing change to see so many other club names, mostly northern clubs, and many of the competitors were using the run as final prep for either the Edinburgh or Windermere Marathons. It also makes the race more interesting as you don’t know who your competition is, and as I lined up at the start, I noticed a lady not too far away in a white vest that looked particularly lean and mean, and thought that she would be the one to watch.

Lining up on the start line, it really was like being in a wind tunnel, and whilst I was looking forward to the run, I wasn’t looking forward to being battered by the wind all the way around. Add to that the hills and the warm temperatures, I figured this was going to be a tough one.

Before long we were off and I settled into my pace of around about 6.45/6.50 pace. Shortly afterwards, the hills started - short undulations just to tease us, before turning into longer and sometimes steeper drags. The first few miles were straight into a head wind, but I was still managing to hold the pace give or take a few seconds, probably because I was convinced that the lady in the white vest was just 400 yards behind me! From past years at this race, I remembered running along the main road and around about 9 miles, you bear left and take in the first of the nasty hills past a farm. I figured that if I could get up that hill and not let white vest lady come past me, I could quite possibly hold on to first place, assuming I didn’t start tiring after half way.

The hill, as suspected, was bloody hard. Okay, we were sheltered somewhat from the wind by now due to the hedgerows, but it also meant we were exposed to the sun and boy was it warm! I struggled up the hill, but thankfully only a couple of gents overtook me, and on reaching the top, I went through 10 miles in a shade over 70 minutes with the last mile split being my worst at 7.45.

I’d convinced myself that after the long climb at 10 miles, things flattened out a bit, but nope, those hills kept on coming, albeit the worst was pretty much over. A burst of energy at about 13 miles, courtesy of an energy gel, gave me a bit of a push and before long, I was counting down the last 5 miles. I was still leading the ladies race, but had no idea how far ahead I was, and every time I passed marshals, they all shouted encouragement and so many of them knew my name. I felt quite humbled by that as I never realised how many of the Harriers actually knew me, and whilst I attempted a “thank you” to each of them, I started to think how ignorant it was of me not to know their names.

By now, it really had got quite warm and the wind was stronger than earlier in the race, but with the final couple of miles fast approaching, I felt spurred on and even managed to pass some of the chaps that had passed me on the big hill. I was feeling good, I was feeling strong, and I was thoroughly enjoying the race.

At last, I turned into the road by the leisure centre and could see the turn to the finish ahead. One last little hill over a bridge sent the legs a little wobbly, but a shout from one the marshals lifted me again, and with about 400 metres to go, I realised that 2.20 was still on the cards. Running across the grassy playing fields towards the finish, I gave it all I had, finishing first lady in 2.20.23 – I was happy.

Going for it in the finishing straight 

Following a quick drink of juice and some tasty homemade cakes, I waited on the grass in the sunshine to cheer in the 2^nd lady and all the other runners. White vest lady, as suspected, did have a good run to finish 2^nd but she was much further behind than I thought, finishing in around about 2.30. Having spoken to her afterwards, she was happy with that and felt it a good indication for her attempt at the Windermere Marathon in a couple of weeks.

So yet again, another good day and another good race, and I can now look forward to the shorter but no less challenging Kibblestone Clamber on Thursday evening. 

Oh yes, and before I forget, Trentham ladies had yet another brilliant day of racing, with Sarah winning the Lichfield Half and Mandy winning the Uttoxeter Half, where the team also finished 2^nd. Fantastic results again ladies , fantastic J