Its more of a mental battle.....

It more of a mental battle.......

As part of the preparation for next years event, i want to put down on paper so to speak what i consider the most important part of the preparation for next years 100, preparing the old noggin for the rather testing task of travelling under my own steam for 100+ miles.

Whether or not this will help i have no idea, ill know at the end of July next year.

You can prepare completely physically, but if the minds not fully prepared, then the task will be all the more the difficult, Stuart mills talks about this in his blog, follow the link for an interesting post concerning ultra peformance and positivity.
I agree with the premise, any negative thoughts can grow and if they take over you're fighting two battles, from my own experience I can say that I have never set out on a challenge thinking I can't do it, my wife calls me stubborn, and I guess I am, sometimes it's a good trait to have sometimes its not,
I think we are programmed with these traits or we are not, it's inherently woven into who we are, thats why only a very small percentage of the population enter these events.

The drop out rate for the Lakeland 100 this year was so im told greater than normal within the first few checkpoints, looking at the results on www.Lakeland100.com, of the 262 that started in Coniston 136 finished, so pretty much a 50% drop out rate overall. Around 50 of those that dropped out for whatever reason and dropped out within the first 10-12 hours or at or before Checkpoint 6. Running through the night could have taken its toll and to the uninitiated is a tough experience, the darkness is claustrophobic not really allowing the mind to wander only concentrating on a few metres in front of you making time pass more slowly. Add to that tiredness and fatigue from physical exertion and your on the road to negativity setting in. The challenge is to try to keep the mind positive and strong when the body is sending overwhelming signals that it wants to stop, i.e. pain.

 

 

I havent done the 100 yet,  but I have done a fair few night runs, paced BGR legs from dusk util dawn and spent many a night yomping through the night on exercise in the army, and endured sustained periods of sleep deprivation. What I haven't done straight after the nights exertion is then continuing for another 60 - 70 miles, this is the reason for this post, ill be a new experience for me and i think the mental preparation required for such an event is an important thing to think about. That's why over the next 9 months or so a long mental excercise will consume my thoughts, I'm already doing it, on the drive to work, during quiet periods, and last thing at night, focusing on what i will be feeling, thinking and what will keep me going.

Some extremely capable and experienced ultra athletes havent finished the L100 finding it too far and too hard, again something to consider but not to dwell for too long on.

Below are some of what i think are important factors, im sure there are more but these are the ones that have jumped out at me in the first instance.

Belief.

Physical Preparation.

Personality.

Motivation.

Mental training.

I aim to develop this post up until and after the 100, and continue adding to it as my training and experience develops.

 

 

 

http://www.justgiving.com/christetlow249

Sometimes something in your life makes you take note of what you have, and not to take it for granted. Im lucky, i realise what i have and i treasure it more than anything. 

Earlier this year i was invited by a colleague to tag along with one of his labour suppliers who was taking him to watch Manchester United versus Bolton Wanderers. The nice fella that kindly took us to the game was Nick Irlam, a talkative Mancunian who wears his heart on his sleeve. He told me about his son Tyler and the condition that the boy has, which is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He explained the condition briefly and the effect it has on mostly young men and how their  lives can be cut short. I decided then to try to raise money through the run i was about to do later in the year (The Wall Run, see relevent post). I raised over £600 with the limited time i had before the race. I want to do the same next year and raise as much money (hopefully more) as i can to help these young men and women and help the charity search for cures.

'Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a condition which causes muscle weakness. It starts in childhood and may be noticed when a child has difficulty standing up, climbing or running. It is a genetic condition and can be inherited. It usually affects only boys, although girls may carry the Duchenne gene. Boys/Girls with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy should have regular check-ups and physiotherapy from childhood, and are likely to need increasing help and treatments from about the age of nine years.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic condition which affects the muscles, causing muscle weakness. It is a serious condition which starts in early childhood. The muscle weakness is mainly in the 'proximal' muscles, which are those near the trunk of the body, around the hips and the shoulders. This means that fine movements, such as those using the hands and fingers, are less affected than movements like walking.

The muscle weakness is not noticeable at birth, even though the child is born with the gene which causes it. The weakness develops gradually. It usually shows up in early childhood. Symptoms are mild at first, but increase as the child gets older.'

The charitys website can be found at http://duchennenow.org


So next year i am pushing the boundaries of my own endurance and taking part in the Lakeland 100, a 100 mile Ultramarathon starting and finishing in Coniston in the Lake District, UK. This is a premier UK event attracting many of the UKs and Europes best ultrarunners, the record for the event was set this year by Terry Conway who got round in an incredible 19 hours 50 minutes!!

'The Lakeland 100 'Ultra Tour of the Lake District' is the most spectacular long distance trail race which has ever taken place within the UK. The circular route encompasses the whole of the lakeland fells, includes in the region of 6300m of ascent and consists almost entirely of public bridleways and footpaths. The route starts in Coniston and heads South before completing a clockwise loop which takes in the Dunnerdale fells, Eskdale, Wasdale and Buttermere before arriving in Keswick. From here the route heads to Matterdale and continues over to Haweswater before returning via Kentmere, Ambleside and Elterwater to the finish at Coniston'

www.lakeland100.com

                                       

Please follow my Just Giving link at the top of the page and donate whatever you can spare to this vital cause,

Thankyou,

Chris Tetlow

http://www.justgiving.com/christetlow249

Lakeland 50 2012

 

At the start of the Lakeland 100 Coniston, the day before the Lakeland 50,i did the 50 this year improving my time by over 3 hours to 11 hrs 14 mins. I was more than happy with this improvement as it wasnt expected. Im hoping to build on this for next years events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 100ers about to set off, Stuart Mills deep in positive thoughts no doubt. His blog is a full of useful information and many race reports find it at ultrastu.blogspot.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

Dalemain – Howtown (Leg: 1:25.14)

There is a start loop around the Dalemain Estate of 6.3km (4.1miles).

Distance between checkpoints: 11.5km (7.1miles). Ascent: 294m (965ft) Descent: 285m (935ft)

 

 

 

After the bus ride from Coniston to the Dalemain estate we had 20-30 mins to kill before heading off, we stood around chatting, checked kit and went for numerous trips to the bushes and portaloos. I felt good, knowing id have no problem finishing but wanted to better last years time of 14 hrs 23. I knew i would but by how much i wasnt sure. I had trained throughout the year, ran a marathon and two ultras, so i knew i was fitter than last year. But with next to no time spent in the lakes or on the hills near where i live on longer runs due to our new arrival Tommy, i wasnt sure how my legs would cope with the climbs and descents. I would soon find out.

 

Otto, dog half of the ultra duo Jonathan Fletcher and Otto, who are also doing the Lakeland 100 next year in aid of the Parachute Regiment charity.

 

The 50 kicks off with  a 4 mile loop around the Dalemain estate which family and friends can accompany you on. I had remembered from last year to set off at a good pace so i didnt get caught in the bottle necks at the gates and stiles. The run around the estate is nice and   easy and can be used as either a warm up or to get ahead early. It continues onto a good path running along the river Eamont towards Pooley bridge. 
I was in and out of the checkpoint as quick as possible to not waste time standing around, you can easily add an hour + onto your time  throughout the event without realising.

 
Bobbin Mill (GR 443196)

Distance covered so far - including the Dalemain loop - 17.8km (11.2miles)

Howtown – Mardale Head (Leg: 2:11.40) 
 

Distance between checkpoints: 15.2km (9.4miles) Ascent: 765m (2510ft) Descent: 672m (2205ft)
 

Up Fusedale Beck the terrain gets rougher as you get to near the top of Wether Hill. From High cop to Low Cop you get an idea of the rocky terrain you will face for the rest of the race. Onwards down to Haweswater, this is a great section, the descent down the fell and then through the bracken is fast and good fun, with the views across Haweswater towards the next checkpoint at Mardale Head, again this year i managed to fill my water bottle with the crisp freezing Lakeland water as it crashed over the rocks and down the stream next to the trail we descend. It always seems to tastes better fresh from a stream.

 

 

 

Mardale Head, CHECKPOINT 10 (GR469107)

Distance covered so far: 33km (20.6miles)

Mardale head – Kentmere (Leg: 1:46.07)

Distance between checkpoints: 10.4km (6.5miles) Ascent: 511m (1677ft) Descent: 589m (1932ft)

The climb up Gatesgarth pass is definately takes it out of your legs and after the climb you are greeted by a the rocky descent down to Sadgill wood and over the wall towards Kentmere hall.  I was fed and watered at this checkpoint, filled up bottles and was on my way. All checkpoints are manned by fiendly and helpful volunteers and this definately gives you a positive mental boost. I made a point last year of not sitting down at any checkpoint, i managed it and followed in the same vain this year. Not sure why, just wanted to save the sitting down until the end.

Kentmere Institute which is CHECKPOINT 11 (GR456041)

Distance covered so far: 43.4km (27.1miles)

Kentmere – Ambleside (Leg: 1:46.28)

Distance between checkpoints: 11.8km (7.3miles) Ascent: 491m (1611ft) Descent: 602m (1975ft)

The next section includes a climb up and over Garburn pass towards Troutbeck.  By now we are passing more of the 100ers, as always passing on encouragement and being replied to everytime aswell normally by a grunt or two.  I hope i receive the same next year, the encouragement not the grunts!. As we leave the woods and we near Ambleside the tracks start to become a bit easier underfoot and sure enough the roads of Ambleside take us all the way to the next checkpoint at the Lakesrunner shop. There are quite a few people out along the route cheering us on, this is always great to see and again gives you a positive boost. The rucksack pouch was filled with jelly beans/babies, cups of coke were downed, flapjacks stuffed in rucksacks and pockets, and water bottles filled including electrolyte.

Runner Shop on R which is CHECKPOINT 12 (GR 377045)

Distance covered so far: 55.2km (34.4miles)


Ambleside – Chapel Stile (Leg: 1:11.14)

Distance between checkpoints: 8.1km (5miles) Ascent: 234m (768ft) Descent: 213m (699ft)

Leaving Ambleside it was still light, meaning i was moving quicker than last year, by now i was running with a south african guy called Jan, he had been telling me about the ultras he took part in back home in Johannesburg. He and his wife had come over for two weeks to run in the L50 and to watch the Olympics, hope the rest of his time in the UK was enjoyable.

This year i had discovered Hoka Mafates, i had used the Hoka One One Bondi B for the Marathon and Calderdale Hike earlier in the year, and was impressed. The Bondi B are geared more for the road and really good dry trails, so wouldnt be that good for large sections of the 50. So a pair of Mafate 2 were purchased a few weeks before the event leaving not much time to break them in but to be honest they didnt need it. These are a revelation. Now i love running downhill, with these its even better, the extra cushioning and oversized treads allow you to run faster, bounding over rocks with an oversized grin on your face. They may look odd but honestly give them a try and you wont be disappointed.
 
 

The route now includes some nice flat stretches past Elterwater and onto Langdale and Jan and i pick the pace up to make up time. He said at this stage we were on for a sub 11 hour time, i was amazed and continued in the same vain hoping i could achieve this time. We pushed each other on through the next few miles with darkness closing in.

 
CHECKPOINT 13 (Marquee in field on R) (GR 313057)

Distance covered so far: 63.3km (39.4miles)


Chapel Stile– Wrynose (Leg: 1:07.34)

Distance between checkpoints: 5.7km (3.5m) Ascent: 283m (928ft) Descent: 385m (1263ft)

This section is wet, muddy, with the rocky trails becoming tricky in the dark. I remembered to keep to the higher section away from the sodden lower section. The track disappears in the bracken at Blea Moss, and if you keep to the higher section it is slightly easier. 
 
I struggled prior to this section with the last climb up from Langdale but having done this section on two recces and last years event i knew we were closing in on the final push.
 
We headed to the unmanned checkpoint on the wall/fence dibbed in and set off down the tarmac road towards Tilberthwaite.
.
Wrynose – Tilberthwaite (Leg: 0:34.17)
 
We headed down the Wrynose Path before heading over the penultimate climb towards Tilberthwaite. The finish is less than 6 miles from here, Jan was ahead of me now so i pushed on my own. 
 
The tent on the car park is CHECKPOINT 14

(GR 306010)

Distance covered so far: 74.8km (46.5miles)

Tilberthwaite – Coniston (Leg: 1:11.51)

Distance between checkpoints: 5.7km (3.5m) Ascent: 283m (928ft) Descent: 385m (1263ft)
 
The view of Tilberthaite valley has definately stuck in my mind. Dusk was on us and the end of this endeavour was close, you can see across the valley and could make out a line of runners only identifiable by the flickering headtorches.  This line of lights marking out the final climb and final section of effort before the finish in Coniston.

I filled water bottles, took on the last of my electrolyte and rammed whatever food they had on offer down my neck ready for the last push and headed off. I was again wavering on this climb as the quad cramps had returned that suddenly appeared during the last climb. I stretched to keep them at bay and kept going. Once at the top i was relieved that it was all downhill (albeit a tricky rocky descent) down the miners path back into Coniston. After that though it was a relatively easy surface all the way to the finish.

I found the reserves i needed, recuperating fast after the last climb and picked up the pace downhill passing those who had overtaken me on the final climb. I tore into Coniston finishing at a sprint (sort of?!), like i always seem to do. I was greeted as everyone is by a clap and was given my finishers medal and directed towards a table of multi coloured finishers T shirt. It was good to be given a choice, but with the state my mind was in it took me longer than everyone else to pick a colour, i went for orange!!

I finished in 11 hours 14 over three hours quicker than last year, really pleased with the improvement from last years (14 hours 23 mins).

John Ruskin School

(GR 303974)

Distance covered 80.5km (50miles)

 

L50 2012 11 Hours 14 mins 25 seconds
 

 

At the end, it was time for some food and a beer or two, kindly offered by Jan his wife and friends who were sat in the school hall. Sleep followed when i finally came back down to earth from the high of finishing such a great event.

 

 

Next year its the 100............

Red Bull Stratos sky dive from space

This is definately worth a mention, amazing achievement pushing the boundaries and limits of the human body and mind, just awesome!!

 

 

http://www.redbullstratos.com

"Red Bull Stratos, a mission to the edge of space, will attempt to transcend human limits that have existed for 50 years. Supported by a team of experts Felix Baumgartner plans to ascend to 120,000 feet in a stratospheric balloon and make a freefall jump rushing toward earth at supersonic speeds before parachuting to the ground. His attempt to dare atmospheric limits holds the potential to provide valuable medical and scientific research data for future pioneers.
The Red Bull Stratos team brings together the world's leading minds in aerospace medicine, engineering, pressure suit development, capsule creation and balloon fabrication. It includes retired United States Air Force Colonel Joseph Kittinger, who holds three of the records Felix will strive to break.
Joe's record jump from 102,800 ft in 1960 was during a time when no one knew if a human could survive a jump from the edge of space. Joe was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and had already taken a balloon to 97,000 feet in Project ManHigh and survived a drogue mishap during a jump from 76,400 feet in Excelsior I. The Excelsior III mission was his 33rd parachute jump.
Although researching extremes was part of the program's goals, setting records wasn't the mission's purpose. Joe ascended in helium balloon launched from the back of a truck. He wore a pressurized suit on the way up in an open, unpressurized gondola. Scientific data captured from Joe's jump was shared with U.S. research personnel for development of the space program. Today Felix and his specialized team hope to take what was learned from Joe's jumps more than 50 years ago and press forward to test the edge of the human envelope."

 

 

The Wall Run

The logistics of the weekend took some working out, Isettled on leaving the car at Newcastle Station, getting the train to Carlisleon the Friday, staying in a cheap hotel Friday night, resisting the urge tohave 1 too many beers the night before because Euro 2012 was on. The plan was then to make sure I finished the wall run as my car was in Newcastle. Not finishing never really was an option. They give you a 24 hour (plus 2 hours grace) to complete, so bar a debilitating injury I was going to finish.

Even when a family member said about those who sponsored me‘nobody will think any less of you if you don’t finish’, sorry I would though,but that’s just me. You don’t sign up for these events with the back-up ofpeople saying ‘at least you tried and well done, not many people attempt things like this’, bollocks to that if you start you finish.

The night in the hotel was ok, few beers watching the Germany – Greece game, my excuse as always they helped me sleep, and I made sure I had a gallon of water before going to sleep. Which was all well and good for hydration, but ended up getting up for a pee every hour, add to that a fire alarm going off just as I was about to drop off didn’t add up to a good night’s sleep at all.

I woke up bright and early and met Kelvin Mann and his Dad Terry, who id got talking to the night before and very kindly offered me a lift to the start line which was Carlisle Castle. Due to the heavy rainfall of the week leading up to the race they had a few last minute route checks and alterations to see too. This delayed the start by half and hour, last orders in Newcastle was looking like it wasn’t going to happen.

 

 

 

Making our way to the start at Carlisle castle

 

                      

After getting the nod we all made our way to the start, waterproofs on as the weather was looking rather grim.  Some opted for full waterproofs with about three layers under that! I thought being June was a bit OTT. I know I’d have dehydrated after about 5 miles with all that gear on.

We started to a countdown from all spectators and competitors 10 down to 1, and we were off!!................at a steady jog. As my training has been bitty and interrupted I had no plan of what pace to start at,what pace to run the middle at, and what pace to finish. So I just ran at a comfortable pace that I knew/felt I could sustain.

 

The route started flat and after running through a water logged park, (majority of us trying to keep feet dry, not sure why givent he weather and high probability of soaked feet).

After a couple of hours of running we had our first view of Hadrian’s Wall, ive always been fascinated by castles and the like so was chuffed to see such a large section adjacent to the road we were running along, made the trip more worthwhile. Some after complained of the lack of Hadrian’sWall along the route, but to be honest I was happy. Plus due to the national restrictions on even small groups of ramblers allowable proximity to the wall, I thought the organisers did alright.

 

I have never been to Hadrian’s Wall country so enjoyed thefirst time even if the weather was pants. The route went off road for a while,which was good news, a respite from the constant pounding to the legs sufferedduring long periods of road running. The footwear I had decided to use for the day were bang on, after looking at the route in some detail on the maps and website it transpired that the majority was on road, tarmac path, or track with hardly any (almost zero after they changed the route due to the weather) off road or on fell. So those expecting to hit some soft ground where their Walsh’s or Inov8s with trail grip may not have been the best selection. I had decided on the Hoka One One Bondi B a bit of a new concept in the world of ultrarunning. Their oversized spongy soles act as shock absorber and the only way I can describe what they are like is to compare them to riding a full suspension mountain bike. The resulting shock absorption over an ultra is something else, joints muscles feet all having taken less of a battering repair quicker and are ready for the next run planned.

After making halfway (the Vindolanda) in 5 hours 45 minutes approximately I was making good time, better than I thought. I didn’t go mad and stayed at the same comfortable pace as before.

By now I was having a bit of a to and fro with a girl in pink shorts. I would catch her up up the hills and out of check points and she would go past me on the runnable sections. Her comfortable pace was obviously quicker than mine; time would tell if both were sustainable.

The weather had got gradually better by now as we headed towards and through Hexham crossing the river tyne a few times on the way.  By now the sun was out and I was getting warmed up, im glad I saw this sign below though before I jumped off the bridge into the river to cool off??!! As if?!

 

The checkpoints and pit stops were manned by friendly and encouraging staff and were always stocked with food sweets water juice etc as and when required. By the 50 mile stage I was surprised by how good I was feeling (good meaning not feeling like crap), I pushed on and when i hit the sixty mile point I knew that any cramps or similar problems were not coming so I upped the pace slightly. I always, whatever the distance, seem to hold something in reserve, its not a conscious thought, maybe the central governor in my noggin is doing its best to preserve the legs the best it can. This meant a strong finish and those that had passed me right at the start were now flagging and I picked a few of them off on the last 8 to 10 mile run in to Gateshead. With about a mile to go I spotted one of the lads that I had got talking to on the train from Newcastle to Carlisle the day before. I managed to pass Carl on the Tyne riverside, he started to say something but I was blinkered and was only focused on the finishline. I powered (lol!) over the Gateshead Millennium bridge and across the line in 13 hours 6 minutes and 55 seconds in 28^th place!! I could not belive the time or the position, having gauged the time against the 14 and a half I did the Lakeland 50 in last year. I was way out in my estimation, I had hoped for a top half finish somewhere between 15 – 17 hours, so I was more than happy with my performance. Here’s to next year’s events!!

 

 

Jubiliantly crossing the finish line, was great with all the support at the end, made for a really good end to an ultra.

 

At the end 69.76 miles later.

.

Me and Carl Zalek who id just managed to pip at the post!!

Oh just to add we did make last orders and a few well deserved pints were supped in the hotel afterwards :-).

 

 

Greater Manchester Marathon 29th April 2012

I had been looking forward to this for a while. Having done the Manchester 10k numerous times when i saw this advertised i decided to sign up. The text below and route map are borrowed from the race website;

www.greatermanchestermarathon.com

After a 10 year absence the Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford brings the ultimate running challenge back to Manchester. On the 29th April 2012 thousands of runners will take to the streets to achieve their personal dream. The 26 mile 385 yard course will take in some key landmarks and beautiful countryside around the borough of Trafford.

The course is one of the flattest in the world, so is great for anyone looking to do their first marathon, or for those looking to set a new personal best time.

 

Route map for 2011 race, this is to change for next years starting at Old Trafford home of the greatest football team Manchester United.

 

I improved my marathon PB and got round a miserable day in 3 hrs 32 mins, i hope to improve on this and aim for around 3 hrs 15 mins.

Highland Fling entries open today!!

Im in, entry submitted!!

A 53 mile multi-terrain ultra run along the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Tyndrum.

The Challenge

To complete the 53 mile “Fling” course along the Southern part of the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Tyndrum within the appropriate time limit.

 

http://www.johnkynaston.com/2012/04/hoka-highland-fling-race-report.html

 

http://never-been-a-runner.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Above are a couple of blogs containing writes ups and race reports of previous Flings by runners who have completed it.  The second being a blog of an old friend from the Army, who has completed a good selection of challenges and has set me a target time for the fling, sub 9hrs! Looking forward to it already............