04/10/2024
๐ธ๐ฎ Race review ๐ธ๐ฎ
1) my focus face?
2) Finisher.
3) new friends ._klein
4) old friends - the Sale Harriers crew
5) Good stats
6) Bad stats - one day I will pace myself.
7/8) all the views
๐โโ๏ธ 79km
โฌ๏ธ 3,200m
๐17th Overall
โฑ๏ธAve pace 6.44mins/km
My most complete performance to date. I think.
After going out at blistering pace at the Lakeland 50 and paying for it later in the race, I was determined to stay in my cage for the first part of the race, so settled into an honest but controlled pace for the first section of road and trail (aside from a 3.43/Km section)
I used my poles early doors as others around me held them back for tired legs. I moved efficiently over the ascents, generally holding position and taking some places back on the descents which seems to be developing as one of my strengths - there was a time when I was terrible on the downs but have definitely upskilled.
I had a blister developing from around 30km. Nothing that would stop me but certainly something that slowed me a little after kicking a rock and bruising it. Ouchie! My thoughts for the next 5km were โkeep movingโฆ if can run across Scotland with THAT TOE then I can get round 80km. The pain soon subsided and I cracked on, keeping pace.
Nutrition.
Iโve been guilty of not fuelling well at previous ultras. Thereโs times you just canโt face food. Today was different. I took a total of 9 gels, which is decent for me and my stomach. I got ahead of my nutrition early in the race. This definitely showed in my performance later in the race.
Also, big shout out to flat coke. IYKYK.
A real low point was a flat road section which dragged on for miles, or so it seemed. Running with ._klein here helped the time pass and I had to dig in to keep running, the temptation to walk was strong.
I came home in 17th position which I think is a fair reflection of my fitness. Super proud of the performance and as always, the fact my legs carried me so far.
Still lots to learn but Iโm currently 2 weeks into 3 weeks โoff-seasonโ before chasing some big goals for 2025.