Colonial
Upstarts, Bonsai Trees and a Strange Man Punching a Tree
As
this was my third year at the Sri Chinmoy Self Transcendence 24 hour race, I
decided it was to be a boy’s road trip packed with ultrarunning-related japes
and hilarity. Carla - my previous support - had conveniently arranged a hen do
in Barcelona that weekend and everyone else in the western world was apparently
busy. I was therefore reliant on a crack team of two 24 hour virgins to provide
the entertainment: Chris, an Ironman athlete dreaming of past Kona glories, and
Dan, a strange troll-like creature who I’d somehow convinced to enter the
event.
It's Friday night, it's a road trip, let's crank it up to 11!
The
plan was to travel down with Chris - and his daughter, Arabella - on Friday
evening and meet up with Dan on race morning. Amazingly, Chris had managed to
dress himself properly and was unusually ready on time, and after a
surprisingly small amount of faffing the road trip began. As everyone knows the most
important element of any road trip is a rocking soundtrack, the sort
of thing Jeremy Clarkson would listen to. Unfortunately I have great taste in music and Chris doesn’t so a middle
ground couldn’t be agreed on. We consequently travelled to London listening to
Radio 4.
The
next morning after fuelling our bodies with a wholesome and nutritious
McDonalds breakfast, we travelled to the race venue at Tooting Bec track. We picked
Dan up en-route managing to take a few wrong turns, nearly causing a pile up and promptly
losing him just outside the track, all within ten minutes.
Pre-race flex off: who needs calf muscles anyway?
The
venue was instantly familiar except it resembled a building site along the back
straight. We chose a pitch at the far end and this was to be our home for the
next couple of days. Once I’d registered, set up my support area and Chris had
erected the tent Dan eventually arrived. How the man gets himself to work every
morning I’ll never know.
The
relaxed atmosphere before an ultra is something I’ve grown to really enjoy over the last couple of years.
Chris was struggling to adjust as he was used to the adrenaline and
testosterone fuelled nature of a transition area before the start of an
Ironman. I’ve found I don’t need that intensity or stress anymore and relish the change
of environment.
Ladies, form an orderly queue...
In
between incomprehensible monologues, Alan Partridge quotes and obsessive
texting, Dan somehow managed to get himself ready with the help of his
assistant, Lynne. We were sharing the same table and chairs and it was soon apparent
I didn’t have as much food or drink with me as usual. Because the food provided
by the organisers is so comprehensive and varied I found I took most of my supplies home with me the previous two years.
The
weather was perfect and spirits were high as we lined up to start at midday. My race plan was
very simple and there was a tier system of goals:
Gold: run 135+ miles
Silver: beat my previous distance of 127
miles
Bronze: achieve the Spartathlon standard of
200km (124 miles)
Hours 1-4
(Clockwise)
After
blowing up at the Lakeland 100 I was conscious of not repeating the gamble. I
was also aware that I needed to reach 100 miles well under 18 hours to have any
chance of reaching 135 miles. I decided to run the first hour and then follow a
routine of running 7 laps and walking 1 lap for as long as possible. This was
one extra lap of running than the previous year.
I
didn’t want to get distracted by splits and measurements as there was a long
way to go and energy levels can fluctuate wildly during an ultra. Dan was
chirpy and continuing to talk shite, and Chris insulted us every time we passed
him so things were looking good.
As
usual I was being lapped from the start but I wasn’t remotely bothered. I knew
several people would withdraw or self-destruct later in the race so I remained
relaxed and ticked the early hours by. Chris soon left to visit the zoo and after
around two hours Dan’s Alan Partridge quotes had virtually ceased. The novelty
of the event had worn off and we were all resigned to the reality that we would
be running around the same track for a whole day and night with very little to
look forward to.
Hours 5-8 (Anti
clockwise)
After
a week of poor weather it was a huge relief to have such perfect conditions
forecasted. The day was slightly overcast with a light breeze but I was happily
running with short sleeves and a gillet.
Picnic table - spot the Moshlings!
The
early hours were fairly uneventful. There were still several people lapping me
at a decent pace and most people were engaged in conversation as they ran.
There were some strong Scottish runners competing and they’d brought an
energetic group of supporters with them which was a welcome distraction.
During
quieter times I found myself focussing on anything different and exciting
outside the venue. I became a master at this the previous year but soon
realised that this year there was very few little activity around us apart from
the occasional siren as an emergency vehicle sped past.
Every
four hours we were to change direction. My plan was to alternate my shoes at
this time throughout the race to provide some variety and hopefully prevent
injury and blistering. I switched from my Saucony Omni to Adrenaline GTS and
the difference couldn’t have been more stark: the Adrenalines felt really hard
underfoot and I was in two minds whether to change straight back. I’m very
conscious of hot spots developing as they soon become blisters – until people
experience them they can’t appreciate how crippling they become.
I
went through the first marathon in under 4:15 which was quite a conservative
pace. It felt very comfortable and I was still conscious of pacing the event
sensibly. I was halfway down the field which was slightly better than previous
years and as the hours passed I began to creep my way up the leaderboard.
Excitement
was eventually provided as I heard some noise in the trees adjacent to the back
straight. At first I couldn’t work out what was happening but after a few laps I
realised what the noise was - a man was in the middle of the wood repeatedly and
enthusiastically punching a tree.
Awesome lapcounters working through the night (Photo Run and Become).
As
the light began to fade the floodlights were switch on and I had the first of
several hot meals. I only ate small amounts but wanted to avoid sweets and
cakes as much as possible. The volunteers were as helpful as always and any
request was happily answered. Chris eventually returned from the zoo to resume
the insults and he’d also brought some beers with him which put a brief spring
in my step. By now Dan wasn’t providing any entertainment whatsoever and had
disappointingly transformed into Mr Seriousultrarunner.
Hours 9-12
(Clockwise)
As
darkness fell some supporters left and the place became noticeably quieter.
We’d also lost a couple of runners through retirement and Treepunchingman had also
gone home (or gone to find some different trees to hit). I changed back to my
Omnis and couldn’t believe how softer they felt underfoot. The weather was
still perfect – spectators were wrapping up but the temperature was ideal for
running. I’d brought loads of clothing options with me in case it rained but
all I needed was my arm warmers.
The 24hr buffet (Photo Run and Become).
One
or two people were paying the price for starting too fast and one runner was
throwing up so violently I could hear him from the other side of the track.
Amazingly, after emptying his stomach he continued running as if nothing had
happened.
Scotsman
Marco Consani was flying around with great consistency as were the two lead
women. I’d raced Helen James a couple of times before but didn’t know Fiona
Cameron, also from Scotland. She was on schedule for an outstanding performance
but the race was still in the early stages.
There were a few spare seats left for spectators (Photo Run and Become).
As
it approaches midnight the body inevitably begins to tire as it expects you to
be sleeping. There’s also the fact that you’ve still not reached half way and
the finish seems a long, long way away. Despite this for some reason I started
to feel stronger and decided to increase my running to 8 laps run, 1 lap
walk.
Chris
stayed up to insult me for a final couple of hours while sitting there drinking
beer. Sometimes he gave me the finger, sometimes two fingers and occasionally had
the creativity to use a combination of the two. He eventually disappered into the tent mumbling that he'd had enough of watching skinny old men shuffling around a track.
The
runner with the vomiting issues was still running well despite more violent episodes.
It was proper vomiting too, the type that takes your breath away and makes your
eyeballs stick out. If I’m sick I
think I’m going to die and need to lie down in a dark room - how he was able to continue is beyond me.
During
the evening a familiar race appeared. I’d raced Chris Ette at the Lanzarote
Double Enduroman a couple of years earlier and then duelled with him at the UK
Triple Enduroman a few months later. He’d eventually won and I was second. He’d
come to watch the race for a few hours and seemed to know the Scottish
contingent – the world of ultra-endurance sport is a very small one!
Perfect running conditions during the night (Photo Run and Become).
Hours 13-16
(Anti clockwise)
The
halfway point is always a positive time in a race, and after 12 hours it’s
particularly welcome. I was maintaining the 8/1 ratio and managed to gain
several places during the early hours, entering the top ten overall.
There
were more people walking by now and several people appeared to have
injury/motivation/happiness issues as the fatigue increased. Most supporters
had retired to bed and runners were largely reliant on the volunteers. The conditions were still ideal and at times
there was a full moon so I was still using some electrolyte drink with the
occasional sweet tea. The hot snacks kept arriving and the 24 hour buffet saw
no signs of slowing down.
My
feet still felt ok but I made the point to stop and change my socks and reapply Vaseline to my
feet. Losing five minutes could prevent losing considerably more time later on
and I was prone to blistering beneath the balls of both feet.
Leader board in the early hours (Photo Run and Become).
Hours 17-20 (Clockwise)
I
continued to feel strong as dawn approached but the two lead women were still
in front which was unusual. Fiona and Helen were still several miles ahead and
didn’t appear to be slowing. Helen’s tactic had been the same the previous year
and had resulted in her slowing during the later stages. She was obviously
stronger this year and I wasn’t making and progress on either of them.
Dan
was beginning to have problems with his hip and was also suffering from
Facebook withdrawal symptoms. Spirits were lifted when breakfast arrived and
then Chris surfaced from his tent so the insults duly recommenced for the final
few hours.
I
eventually reached 100 miles in 18:06 which was quite a blow. It was quicker
than previous years and I was running well but realised it was impossible to
reach my goal in the remaining hours. On a positive note I’d gained another
couple of places which was some consolation, but my motivation had taken a huge
hit. I still had six hours of running left knowing I’d failed my objective.
Hugh
Pinner – who I’d raced with the previous two years – was having stomach issues
and we found ourselves walking together. He mentioned that the race was also
the English Ultra Champs and that there was a good chance I was in contention.
I remembered reading about it in the pre-race information but hadn’t given it
any more thought. He kindly went to make some enquiries and established I was
in third place as the others ahead of me were either female, Irish or Scottish.
I was steadily catching the two ahead so I now had another reason to keep the
pressure on myself.
Who's idea was this? Dan holds back the tears.
By
now most people were finding it difficult and this is when the event really
begins to test people. Track racing is completely raw with no fluff or
distraction. There are no hills to crest, lakes to pass or pretty villages to
pass though. It’s 24 hours of monotony with nothing to take your mind away from
the increasing discomfort and pain.
I
reduced my running back to running 7 laps and walking a lap and hoped I’d be
able to maintain it to the finish. With around five hours to go I was up to
fourth overall and was leading the English competition. This was because others
were slowing (or stopping for breaks) whereas I was maintaining a consistent –
if unimpressive - pace. 7 laps became 6 laps and I eventually settled on 4 laps
and then a walk.
Holding on to fourth with hurty legs (Photo Run and Become).
Around
this time I made a pact with myself that I wouldn’t do another ultra again. The
pain was entirely self-inflicted and completely unnecessary. I was actually
planning what I’d do with my newly aquired free time – I went through a series of crap sports and
hobbies and even decided to buy a bonsai tree at one point.
Dan
had seen the physio who’d recommended he withdraw but he was running well, only
interrupting his progress by repeatedly stopping to satisfy his Crackberry
habit. I wanted him to put the phone down and get back on the track so tried my
best to encourage him;
“Dan,
start running!”
“Fuck
off. Unlike you I’ve got friends!”
Hours 21-24
(Anti clockwise)
By
now I wasn’t in the most positive place I’ve ever been. I’d failed my objective
and wasn’t sure if I’d even achieve the Spartathlon standard of 200km. A couple
of times I actually sat down for a minute which is something I almost never do
unless I’m tending to my feet. Dan, Chris and I briefly discussed the merits of
what we were doing and I was struggling to think of any positives. It was
mental weakness, nothing else. Chris even stopped taking the piss for a few
minutes so I must have looked bad.
I
was eventually kicked back into focus when I realised a couple of Englishmen
were gradually catching me, and unless I strapped a pair of balls on I would go
home with nothing. I stepped up the pace to make the best of the situation and
began to get my legs back. I was prepared to try anything to make the last
couple of hours as pain free as possible – I’d had an impressive amount of
Ibuprofen up to that point so thought I’d try a beer. It would either go
horribly wrong or make me invincible, only time would tell. I felt like a
Yates' Wine Lodge regular sat there all smelly and dishevelled drinking Peroni at
10am but it was surprisingly enjoyable and went down very well.
I’m
not sure if the Peroni had any effect other than boosting morale but I started
running more consistently. I was aware of who the others were and where we all
were relative to each other. I knew when they were walking or running and I was
counting how many times I was being lapped. Because I was 2-3 miles in front I
knew that I they would have to lap me 10-12 times per hour to pass me. Unless I
imploded this was impossible so I just had to keep going. I passed 200km with
around 30 minutes to go (as I had the previous year) so beating 127 miles was
possible if I pushed
as hard as possible.
Both
the lead women had slowed and I had almost caught Helen but it was too late.
The rest of the field were split between people finishing strongly and those resigned to walking. The runner who had spent an impossible amount
of time vomiting during the race was having one last heave for the road, and
I’m surprised if he had any stomach lining left by the end.
Chris
helpfully pointed out it wasn’t a race-walking event and the last few laps were
a blur as I dragged myself around the track as many times as possible before
the finishing horn sounded. I didn’t know exactly how far I’d run and didn’t want to
know. I gave it everything until the horn signalled everyone to stop and then immediately
collapsed onto the grass. Afterwards Chris said it looked like all the competitors had
been simultaneously shot by snipers.
Reflection
Expecting to be rumbled at the English Champs presentation (Photo Run and Become).
I
eventually covered 127 miles, exactly the same distance as 2012. My major
objective wasn’t achieved so my performance was insufficient. Winning the
England Athletics Ultra Champs was a happy surprise but I knew some of the
strongest runners were in Athens preparing for the Spartahlon. Still, it’s nice
to win and I’m not giving the medal back.
I
should have reached 100 miles in a faster time and I was left with too much to
do in the last few hours. I was also slower in the last 27 miles than the
previous year and this was due to lack of mental focus and positivity after
reaching 100 miles behind schedule. I was also able to walk, talk and function
after the race which has never happened before – another indicator that I
hadn’t given it 100%. This race is more mental than physical and I’d been
rightly exposed.
Both
the Scottish winners had achieved the British team standard for 24 hours which was
awesome, and Marco achieved the third fastest ever Scottish distance behind the
legendary Don Ritchie. Geoff Oliver also covered 94 miles breaking the world
80+ yrs world record. He also broke every intermediate world record except
100km en route. Top bombing.
Shankara
and her team had provided yet another flawless and friendly race and it couldn’t
happen without the lap counters and aid station volunteers.
The
next morning after an uncomfortable night’s sleep I was predictably incapacitated
and still in a huge amount of discomfort. I was also surprisingly excited about entering
Spartathlon 2014 and the retirement plans I’d made during the race seemed a
very long time ago. Bollocks to normal life and bollocks to bonsai trees.
Race details here: http://run.runandbecome.com/london-running-news/self-transcendence-24hr-race-2013/
Race results here: http://run.runandbecome.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/24-Hour-Results-2013.pdf
England Athletics report here: http://www.englandathletics.org/news.asp?itemid=12118&itemTitle=Thomas+And+James+take+England+Athletics+Ultra+Distance+Championships§ion=42§ionTitle=England+Athletics+News
Kit Review
Skins A400 shorts.
Because
the weather was so consistent I didn’t change clothes during the event. I used Skins
A400 compression shorts as they’re very comfortable and great at preventing chaffing. I can’t
get away with loose shorts for long distances and I've used these shorts several times without any problems.
The
A400 calf guards are tried and tested from previous events and also acted as an
insulating layer during the night.
Salomon Fast Wing Vest
The
Salomon Fast Wing Vest is light and very breathable and I used it to reduce the
effects of wind chill from the breeze. I didn’t overheat during the day and it
was perfect as a light insulating layer during the night.
Saucony Omnis.
I’m
now a convert to the Saucony Omnis. I previously used the Hurricane but the
cheaper Omni felt just as cushioned and comfortable. The 8mm heel and slight
rocker in the midsole allows for a very smooth, rolling foot strike and they
were very comfortable, even towards the end of the race.
All Salomon, Saucony and Skins products were supplied by Royles: royles.biz
