Spitfire Scramble Event Review

For the second year running I spent my weekend camped in a field with a group of relative strangers taking it in turns to run 5.8 mile laps of Hornchurch Country Park as part of the 24 hour team relay event that is Spitfire Scramble.

Writing up a 24hour event could well turn into a long progress, if you would prefer to read my summary of the event you can do so here.

As with last year I was competing in the event as part of UKrunchat's #teamred against the fearsome opposition of #teamblue.

Our team consisted in the end of 7 runners whereas #teamblue had their full compliment of 8 runners so already competitive advantage was theirs! 

Being a local to the event I arrived on Friday evening to get the task of setting up my tent out of the way. I arrived to a much larger campsite than the previous year which made it difficult to find the UKrunchat area. I soon found the right place and was ably assisted in putting my tent up by team mate Laurence and teamblue opposition Paul, my blue tent further muddying the waters of this team competition.

I had decided on the easy option of spending Friday night in the comfort of my own bed rather than camping for two nights, a decision I was pleased to have taken on Sunday after the lack of sleep achieved on Saturday night. So I returned to the campsite on Saturday morning to meet the rest of my team mates captained by Jen and the opposition for the weekend marshaled by Jeff. It was my second year locking horns with Jeff as we were both the sole survivors of the UKrunchat teams from Spitfire Scrambles inaugural race last year.

After the introductions and pre race photos and briefings were completed the race was soon underway at 12 noon and the gruel ling 24hours was underway! The thrill of these 24hour events is the unknown, how many laps will I be required to run? What will it be like running in the dark? Will the team survive the 24hours intact? Will there be injuries and dropouts? All I knew was that I was scheduled to run as the 7th member of the team with an estimated starting time of 6pm. 

So quite a difference to a normal race where you get up early, get to the race and bang your off! The first few hours were going to involve a lot of sitting, chatting, cheering, clock watching, eating and relaxing before my running got under way. 

The race soon sets into a rhythm though of supporting other team members as they either complete laps or start laps, then a debrief of how the lap went before a quiet period where the runner on the course completes their lap before the whole cycle starts again.

My lap came around pretty quick to be fair at around 5.30pm and by that time I was desperate to run! I figured that as my second lap would be at about 11pm in the darkness when I would have to take things easy I might as well go for it and go flat out rather than save something for a second faster lap. The problem was when I got underway I was pretty lethargic from all the hanging around and realised I had eaten far too much during the afternoon, an easy trap to fall into! 

I completed the lap in 45.41, my aim had been to rival my first laps time from last year which was 43.40. Realistically I knew I was not as quick as I was last year so I was pretty pleased to get within a few minutes of last years time.

After lap number one I had some pasta from the onsite catering, continued getting to know the rest of the team and enjoyed watching the bright summer sun head in for the night. Around 9pm I managed to grab about 45 minutes sleep before getting ready to run my second lap. 

Head torch at the ready I set out on my second lap in the darkness of night. My plan was just to settle into a pace that I was comfortable running at both in terms of pace and where I was confident of finding my footing on the uneven trail surfaces. I also decided to take on the giant Ingrebourne hill at mile 2 a bit gentler. 

The lap was brilliant despite it being at 11pm and having already ran a fast lap I felt brilliant and felt like I flew round despite the tricky underfoot conditions. A speedy run coupled with the magic of running in the stillness and peacefulness of night combined for one of my favourite ever running experiences. 

Getting back to camp I was conscious to try and keep warm and get some rest so after a Mars milkshake and a few half hearted stretches I climbed into my sleeping bag with my alarm set for 5am to be ready to get up and run again at about 6.

Although I didn't feel tired I was soon asleep it was just unfortunate that the sleep didn't last too long! Our tents were positioned alongside the course route about 50m from the changeover point which meant we had runners coming past at regular intervals calling for their various team mates in the change over area. It was pretty frustrating to be constantly disturbed but it was made bearable by the funny remarks and commentary from Paul in the neighbouring tent who was very amusing! 

The time to get up soon came and after a pain au chocolate and a handful of jelly babies I felt ready to run despite the early hour and the lack of sleep. 

Lap 3 was again an enjoyable experience as I was heading out soon after sunrise and the course felt peaceful with the day yet to begin. Again I ran a pace that felt comfortable, took it easy on the hill and tried to enjoy the route and the scenery. 

Both before and after the lap I was surprised with how well I felt, yes I felt tired and lacked a bit of energy but my legs felt good and I felt more than capable of running at a decent speed.

My third lap completed and it was still a way off 8am on Sunday morning! 

After the initial buzz of the run faded I definitely started to feel fatigued so I did what what I need to do eat and sleep.

The eating came courtesy of a brilliantly greasy and fatty bacon bap, bacon makes everything better!

Then the sleep followed shortly after with a 40 minute power nap in my tent.

By this time it was around 10am and the event was entering its final stretch, there were noticeably less runners running around and less team mates waiting for changeovers and signs of people starting to pack up camp.

I knew our team had time had enough time left for me to squeeze in my last lap as Sarah Jane didn't want to run another lap as her back was sore from all the running and sleeping in a tent so this meant I got pushed up the order and would have a chance to run lap number 4. 

It was great to see that satisfaction on runners faces as they came into the finish to complete their final laps, a grueling 24 hours of running was over and people could start to enjoy the rest of their weekends. The sense of achievement at the large number of miles ran by everyone was almost tangible as every runner completing a lap started to get cheered and clapped home as all of a sudden everyone seemed to have a beer can providing celebratory refreshment. 

Before I knew it I was waiting for outer teams penultimate runner Simon to complete his lap, the 24 hours had simply flown by! 

There was no pressure on Simon to complete his lap although he still completed a speedy lap and set me on my way at around 11.30 to complete team reds final circuit of the course.

I wasn't sure what to expect from my final run, I kind of thought to take it easy, enjoy the run, enjoy the scenery, take lots of pictures and ease my aching legs around the course. Surprisingly though I felt brilliant after the initial stiff and achy first few hundred metres so I threw caution to the wind and thought I would just try and blast my way around the course.

After a few miles I realised I was at least matching my first lap time so decided to push on and try and beat my time set some 17 hours earlier. 

I think it was somewhere around mile 4 when I heard the distant roar of the mighty spitfire and it wasn't long before I saw this majestic fighter plane soar overhead, a sight that will stay in my memory for some time. After coming in low over the start/finish area the spitfire circled to repeat its fly past and I was fortunate to get a great view of it banking and circling back on its self right over my head as I ran, a real spine tingling experience.

As I approached the finishing straight my UKrunchat team members were all gathered so we could run in the closing metres together. This prompted a Mo Farah style sprint finish from me as we all stormed across the finishing straight, it was a privilege to have run the last lap for the team and I even got to keep the slap wrist band relay baton as a souvenir! 

Getting my hands on the medal was now on the agenda, and what a medal it is?! A shiny silver outline of a spitfire, very fitting and very attractive, easily one of my most impressive medals.

With the running all over there were plenty of congratulations all round with team mates and fellow runners before plenty of post race team photos. 

So in the end I ran 4 laps composing around 23 miles with split times of 45.19, 47.37, 47.53 and 46.00 all on only a few hours sleep.

Unfortunately I faded away in the last mile and missed out on beating my first lap time. 

The final team results were somewhat disappointing for teamred as we finished someway behind the speedily impressive teamblue but we were really pleased with our overall finish of 17th out of 42 teams. 

The weekend was then all of a sudden at an end as I started to pack up and pack up my tent. Goodbyes were said and everyone reflected and agreed on what an enjoyable weekend it had been.

UKrunchat team members you were all awesome, it was great to meet you all and teamred will be back stronger and faster for 2016!

Spitfire Scramble you were bigger, better and more gloriously enjoyable than last year! A great event so well organised in a great venue, thank you for all the organisation from the event team and massive thanks to all the marshals for their cheery encouragement and assistance throughout the 24 hours. I hope to be back again next year! 

Hopefully this read will give you an insight into the action packed adventure that is a 24 hour team running event, a grueling mix of running and fun that quickly flies by in a blur of excitement, I would definitely recommend giving one a go! 

What did you do this weekend? I got scrambled!

Between midday on Saturday and midday on Sunday as part of the amazing 24 hour team relay event that is Spitfire Scramble my weekend consisted of the following:

• Spent the whole time camped in a field with people I have never met.
• Ran approximately 40K
• Slept for about 3 hours 

           

• Ate large quantities of jelly babies and my home made chocolate and banana cake
• Didn't shower for in excess of 24 hours despite all the running and some hot and sweaty conditions 
• Got bitten to within an inch of my sanity by a variety of creepy crawlies
• Enjoyed meeting UKrunchat members from Twitter and they turned out to be a friendly bunch of runners with a range of running experiences.

• Despaired at early morning visits to the portaloo
• Witnessed the awesomeness of a spitfire flying and swooping down over me while running my last lap.
• Helped steer UKrunchat #teamred to a very respectable 17th place out of 42 teams, a top half finish that was well deserved that we were very proud of.

• Earned an amazing medal

• Overall had a blast, enjoyed some epic running experiences and reconfirmed my love of running.

Come Sunday evening I felt exhausted which to be fair had a lot to do with having my tooth extracted in hospital on Friday as well as the running and the lack of sleep. On Monday morning when I got I regretted not taking the day off and wished for a weekend to recover from the weekend I had just had but by the time I left for work I had the smug glow of knowing I had done something awesome at the weekend.

Never entered a 24 hour team event? You should! They are a bit crazy but in a good way, lots of running interspersed with eating, socialising with other runners but not so much sleeping, give one a go you just might find you like it! 

Vanguard Way Marathon Report

I was excited to run the vanguard way marathon for the second time following last years run which went down as one of my most enjoyable running experiences ever despite getting lost three times! 

Heading over to Lloyd park in Croydon bright and early on Sunday morning I joined a group of runners ready to hit the trails. The group was a mix of elite looking ultra runner types with their high tech running belts and specialist trail shoes mixed with the less professional looking but eager all the same marathon runners of a range of ages.

As we set off from the park the sky was pretty cloudy with the summer sun struggling to get through making for quite cool conditions this changed over the coming hours though as the hot August sun shine on runners making for tough running conditions and leaving me red faced by the end of the day!

The course of the marathon is incredibly varied, extremely hilly (750m+ of elevation over the route!) and very scenic so much so that the races website describes the run quite fairly as the beautiful marathon.

Heading out of the park the course covers a range of paths, trails and roads before heading through forests and woods and out deep into the North downs.

It was in one of the wooded areas where I along with a few others lost the marked trail, easily done when there is no clear path and the woods quite dark and dense. After some deliberation, discussion and retracing of our steps we found it back onto the trail, this turned out to be the only time I got lost which I was pleased with. 

The race is very low key and understated with only two drinks stations one at 6miles/20miles on the return and at the halfway point. This breaks the marathon down nicely into four quarters which really helped me mentally conquer the challenge.

The first 6 miles is all gradually uphill which then makes the last 6 miles all downhill which is just what you want at the end of a marathon. This had been my focus through the week focusing on how easy the last 6 miles would be! Yeah right! 

The second quarter then takes on the real hills of the course with two massive downhills and one monster climb before flattening out around halfway for runners to turn back around. 

At the halfway point I was glad to refuel at the drinks station which was well stocked with water, juice, cola, fig rolls, cookies, jelly beans and more! Anything a runner could want for fuel! I don't eat mid run so opted for a glass of fruit squash and a glass of water, I am not sure if it was the volume or drinking it too quick but my stomach then felt like a washing machine for the next few miles.

The next quarter is then even tough this time with the opposite of the last section so one big downhill and two massive climbs. 

The drinks station at around 20 miles came around pretty quickly which was a relief and after a quick drink I headed off feeling confident about the downhill trails that lay ahead. 

The problem with a there and back route is that you know what's coming, you can't trick your mind into thinking it will be easier or that there isn't that far left when you can remember and visualise the sections still to come. 

The last 6 miles dragged.... They felt so long, I was incredibly glad of the company of fellow runners as a small group of us struggling along at similar pace ran a few miles together chatting about our running experiences and how tough the course was.

Meeting and chatting with other runners is one of the highlights of these kind of small scale events and I was fortunate enough to run along with and strike up conversation with fellow runner Mark at around the halfway point and we ended up running together on and off for the second half of the race. 

As a veteran of 70+ marathons I was keen to getting his opinion on how he rated the course against other marathons and was surprised to hear he felt that the vanguard way was actually the toughest marathon he had ran including the much feared Beachy Head marathon. 

Having someone to run with in the final miles really pushed me on to run harder than I would have had I been on my own so I was very grateful for the company and the chat to keep me going. 

Heading back into Lloyd park and seeing the finishing funnel in the closing few hundred metres was a much welcome sight and I was relieved to be able to lie on the grass in the sun while watching other runners finish. 

There's no doubt that the vanguard way is incredibly tough nor is there any doubt it is a really beautiful course to experience and for me that's a great combination that will see me plan to come back next year! 

Massive thanks to everyone that mad this race possible, it really is a special event I would recommend to anyone and I look forward to running again next year! 

Vanguard way marathon reflections

So yesterday I ran my sixth marathon the vanguard way marathon, after running it last year I was really looking forward to running it again as it is one of my favourite ever events. Also having not managed to run a marathon since October last year I was eager to get back to running a marathon again.

It is an incredibly tough course with over 750m elevation gain over the route as the course goes through the North Downs, put in comparison the big city marathons such as London and Paris have 100m or less gain. Race day was also a really hot and sunny day which did not provide ideal running conditions.

So how did I do? 

I finished in 5 hours and 27 minutes, my slowest ever marathon and in many ways a disappointing result. Yes I know I did well to run it, to complete the race and to finish with a time which many people would be proud of but in many ways I am very disappointed.

Even prior to the marathon I knew I had got slower over long runs since last year. I have restructured my training to be more targeted with my pacing and have paced my longer runs at about 30 seconds a kilometre slower than my desired 4 hour marathon target pace. Although I have done plenty of speed work and shorter faster runs overall I feel I have got my training wrong and made myself slower.

Additionally I don't think I pushed myself hard enough in training, although I was covering 40-50kms a week I just don't think I trained hard enough to be marathon ready.

The other factor was that I set off too slow. In the early miles I was conscious of being overtaken by a lot of runners but I maintained what I thought was the right pace as I wanted to run the whole race evenly paced and be able to finish strong. Looking back now I realised I was to slow and starting off any marathon let a lone a tough hilly one too slow it is always going to be struggle to make up any time. In the end I did managed to pace the whole marathon very evenly and perhaps even ran a negative split largely due to me pushing really hard through some of the middle miles.

There are some positives though, I feel I tapered really well and felt pretty fresh on race day. Similarly my carb load went well and I felt I had plenty of energy to keep going in the final miles just not the fitness to match it.

I am not too downhearted thoughts the marathon was a great experience I really enjoyed, great scenery, brilliant comradary chatting with other runners and a great challenge to push myself through. 

It's good to get these thoughts off my chest and to reflect on where things went wrong and how I can continue to improve. A more detailed race report might follow later in the week but fire the moment I will continue to rest and recover ahead of my next event spitfire scramble in less than two weeks.

Ready to run my next marathon

Following on from my last post which took a look back at how my training had gone I have just completed a gentle 2km jog and in doing so have now finished my marathon training.

Now I sit and wait for 9.30 tomorrow AM for the race to start.

Today I have mostly rested as well as prepared for tomorrow. I have my kit and supplies all ready and I have again consumed vast amounts of carbohydrates as I continue my carb load to ensure I am fully fueled for the 26.2 miles that lie ahead.

In the last week or two I have again questioned why I run and specifically why I run marathons and have again chosen to put myself through a grueling marathon training program as well as running a marathon.

It's a curious question, I certainly enjoy running, I like the free time, I like getting out and exploring, I enjoy challenging myself and I feel I need the focus that marathon training brings. These are just a few of the reasons why I do what I do.

I came across this article in the week about the growing trend in society for people to push themselves in extreme pursuits. It's an interesting question with no clear answer readily available. 

I certainly feel that I continue to run and enter marathons under the guise of trying  to 'scratch an itch', something in me that just won't go away and won't be satisfied by another hobby or activity. On a more personal note I am still striving for a sub 4 hour marathon, tomorrow will be my 6th attempt even though I know this feat is impossible tomorrow as the course is far to challenging and hilly for personal records to be achieved.

Scroll through social media early today's I was pleased to see this quote pop up.

To me it sums up that marathon running is about so much more than running. Tomorrow will be about running, enjoying the experience, the scenery, the comradery with other runners, the challenge to name just a few. I was also reminded this week that having running in my life is also a kind of stabilizing focus on my lifestyle. This week I had a work drinks reception, a colleagues leaving drinks, an evening at the football, a work summer barbecue party and drinks with ex colleagues. It was both a challenge and a disappointment to have to hold myself back not to have a proper drink or enjoy as much food as I would have liked and to have to come home early. But then I think of all the extra calories I would have eaten and the excess alcohol I would have consumed had I not had the  marathon this weekend as a get out clause to hold myself back. I know I felt much better this week sticking to the orange juice, not eating too much and getting to bed early.

So now onward to marathon number 6, the vanguard way marathon following the vanguard way path through the North downs. It's a race I ran last year and thoroughly enjoyed despite getting lost three times! You can have a read of those escapades here. 

Good luck to everyone else racing this weekend or training hard for the next event. Race report to follow once I have ran and sufficiently recovered marathon number 6!