Mont Blanc Cross 23km

What a race! Short, intense, humid. Here's the breakdown.

Leading up to this race, nerves kicked in due to the potential size of the race (inscriptions open up to max 1500 runners) and the weather. I don't need to remind you how hot and muggy most of Europe was last week. Considering working, shopping, and generally moving, were proving to be an incredibly humid affair, training was not going to be a breeze.

Needless to say, the heat made training a lot tougher, and I was praying it would cool down a bit to take the sting out of the impending intense uphill race.

 ©Matt Groom 

The Mont Blanc 23km is a race that begins in Chamonix, and ends up at Planpraz below Brévent (approx 2000m altitude). It is a course that undulates from Chamonix, through Lavancher towards Montroc, before hopping about the trails on the other side of the valley until the climb to the first lift at Flégère. After this checkpoint you need to maintain focus for the final marginally vertical zig-zagging action to Planpraz (thankfully finishers are then able to take the lift down).

Quite a lot going on for just 23km.

montblancmarathon.net

The beginning of the race was tough. The sun wasn't out in full force, but you could tell we were certainly at midsummer. This initially undulating course began on very familiar old ground, but I felt a little jaded. As my friend and yoga teacher Alistair pointed out when chatting at class this week, a race transforms well trodden paths with tension and swift moving numbers, creating a place very different. 

I knew this area, but I couldn't take it all in my stride (so to speak). The first bit of a race for me often feels like waking up in the morning on a weekday. The alarm buzzes, you know you need to move and you absolutely do, but it's going to take a few minutes to adjust to it all.

I knew I had familiar faces waiting to greet me at Montroc, a roughly half-way point, and I was there faster than I expected.Let's be real, I was basically feeling a bit grumpy at this point,  so when my friend Alice shouted 'eighteen!' I became motivated by the prospect of being in the top 20 women (we had a deal that if this were the case, she would darn well make sure I knew it).

Knowing the best of this trail was yet to come, I moved more strategically during the second half.

 © Irne Mnguía

When your own inner voice is hard to hear under pressure, let others shout it for you. Never underestimate the power of a 'keep going' bellowed at you. Thank you so much to Alison, Meg, Andrea, Alice, Kaz, Nikki R, Irne and Luca for pushing me on at the sidelines (as well as Filippo who wished me well via WhatsApp. Filippo, I didn't read your message to 'get a move on' until after the race, but somehow I think I knew you had said it).

 ©Matt Groom

Special thanks goes to Matt, for listening to nothing but race chat leading up to the event and for knowing that even though I truly appreciated every kind word of congratulation, we both knew that I ultimately really needed that Coke and salt & vinegar crisps you brought.

In terms of kit, despite trying other great Salomon options, I decided to stick with a recent pair of Salomon Speedcross 4's. Oh, I just love them. They were beast-like on the more technical downhill section before the Flégère climb, and they were comfy on the uphills and rockier bits. Still my top choice.

I finished 10th Senior Female, 17th woman overall. A lot of heat, a lot of runners. Well that was fun! Now for the next.

Dig Deep 30 mile Race Report

It was a glorious day! After horrendous weather conditions the evening before, it was pleasing to see sunny breezy weather early yesterday morning for the start of the Dig Deep 'Intro' Ultra. A rather amusing title given the navigational requirements of this 48km, approx 1388M total elevation gain route across the Peak District - this ain't no easy jaunt! The atmosphere was buzzing at the start of the race, I was kitted up, and at 8AM, it was time to go.

I started in a pretty strong position, which was a little unnerving given how early on in the race it was, and I was conscious not to get tired when we had a long way to go and hours to run. From Whirlow Hall Farm, the route makes it's way around Burbage valley towards Stanage Edge. I was aware on the way to Stanage of another female runner close behind me, however I noticed her stride wasn't one trying to overtake, so I felt no need to alter my strategy.

I wore my Sense Pro Shorts, Agile tank, S-lab Advanced Skin3 12 Set pack, Bandana and Speedcross 3's - Salomon. © johnroberts.me

© johnroberts.me

What I love about this sport is the ability to make friends in amongst a time of challenge and competition, so within a few miles we got talking, and I could not have met a nicer running competitor! Kate Hastings (Totley AC) and I spent much of the race together as well as chatting with other close by runners, using light banter to support each other on such climbs as the infamous Win Hill. The ground conditions were very surpising, as I expected it to be very boggy from the heavy rain recently, however I finished that race surprisingly un-muddy!

© Dig Deep Races https://www.facebook.com/DigDeepRaces/photos/a.891696660922630.1073741833.380538832038418/891696974255932/?type=3&theater

From Win Hill, the route goes towards Bradwell, before heading up Bradwell Edge and then down to eventually follow the river Derwent. By the time we got to mid way along the Derwent, some runners, including Liz Lewin (also Totley) had strongly met our position. 

Photo: John Roberts

Although I assure you there was no scrap (hehe), it became a very close race for the female top 3 from Hathersage, and it was hard to know what would happen with the end in sight but still some miles to go! I feel I have learnt a lot from this race in terms of tactical nutrition decisions that I made, but towards the end I began to feel heavy in my legs, which slowed down my pace. The reflection time after is always good to see how you can improve.

However, I was chuffed to come in 3rd woman 05:04:35 [1st female time 2014: 5:55:41], 2nd SEF, and 9th overall. Many thanks to Outside Shop for supporting me and the Dig Deep Festival. A fast pace and a great ultra.

Race Report: Tour du Giffre

Last Friday, I caught a plane to Geneva, and headed to the mountains. Time to trail race. Here is my race report:Tour du Giffre.

I had been looking forward to this weekend for so long. After months of injury, and discussions of whether I should do this race, I boarded the plane with a smile on my race, knowing I was ready to run, and the commitment to recover properly had paid off.

The race was held in Samoens, as part of their Trail series in June. The Tour du Giffre is a 31km mountain race, with 2200 + D. The profile was fairly steep, but nothing would put me off a mountain trail. With memories of last year's OCC, I could only dream of the terrain and panoramic views that this route would have, and I could not wait to get my trainers on and be at that start line.

http://www.samoens-trailtour.com/#!tour-du-giffre/c1clq

After a restful Saturday, eating well and enjoying being in the Chamonix atmosphere, I was awoken by the alarm that Nikki Barnard had set."HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOOO YA" resonated throughout the house. It was time. Both to race, and to declare myself a year older - yes, I raced on my birthday! After breakfast we piled into the car and made our way to Samoens.

Getting ready for the race! Wearing Salomon S-Lab Adv Skin 3 12 set, Agile tank, Exo 3/4 compression leggings, Speedcross 3's

Photo: Nikki Barnard

Photo: Nikki Barnard

The race began at 8.30am. As the profile suggests, the challenges begin fairly early on, and after running through the centre of Samoens, we headed up the mountain. It felt a fairly lengthy climb, and my mountain legs had not been stretched on a Alpine trail for little while. Psychologically this was quite a tough part of the race, as I was only fully aware of the miles ahead, and yet already I felt I was exerting a lot of energy.

Then I got my act together - some encouraging words to myself and seeing the friendly face of Nikki's husband Alan passing me, it was time to fire the engines! I wasn't really aware of how I was doing, yet I stayed in the same female position for the majority of the race. It rained just before the start of the race, so the ground was pretty slippery, and it made the trail more technical.  As the profile suggests, the race has two sizeable climbs, which although tough, are interspersed with some really great downhill. The support of the locals throughout the race was so valuable, and definitely helped reinforce the message that we could all do this!

A truly amazing day - and ecstatic to have finished the race 3rd woman.

A wonderful and unforgettable way to spend my birthday.

Dig Deep 2015

So, my summer adventure.

Training underway, getting into the groove of it - excited and psyched for this project and the adventure. This August I shall be taking part in Eight Point Two's Dig Deep Event, running in their 30 mile ultra. I could not resist this race upon seeing that it was held in the beautiful Peak District, containing some nice hills (approximately 1388m ascent), good distance, and some beautiful scenery. With the support from Outside Shop in Hathersage, the Official Race Shop for the event, I'm entered and ready to get ready for this race.

Have a watch of last years Dig Deep:

More about Dig Deep Races:

It will be a great festival with evening talks scheduled from Nikki Spinks, Sally Fawcett and myself, among others. Definitely come and say hi if you are able to make it - I love hearing about other peoples inspirational stories and adventures.

All being well I am also heading to Chamonix this June for a race (could not think of a better birthday present to myself than some mountain running!) with one of my best pals and Running Wild compatriot Nikki Barnard (www.barnardsadventures.com). It will be a lot of fun, a lot of laughs and hopefully good weather - a perfect training opportunity :)

Salomon Ennerdale 25km Trail Race

Well, the weather wasn't so great on the way up to the Salomon Ennerdale 25km Trail Race, but I told myself - hey, it's good practice right? For bigger races, where the weather is unpredictable - and sometimes the really big rain is better than just the intermittent light drizzle.

By the time we arrived (and many thanks to a very dedicated boyfriend for a lot of driving very early on a Sunday morning) the weather had stabilised, and it was time to register - rather last minute!

The trail starts on very clear, flat trail paths. I didn't particularly find the beginning of this race very inspiring - flat, fast and the constant thought of placing in your head. However, at the half way checkpoint - the attitude changes. Nice rocks to hop along, streams to get the feet muddy and some very beautiful trails in very scenic Autumn surroundings.

© Stephen Wilson www.granddayoutphotography.co.uk

The downpour came when there was a kilometre to go!

Photo: John Roberts

Shorter races equate to a faster pace - which isn't my real favourite, however it is good experience for speed work. It is also more feasible when you are busy and don't have the time to train for regular very long distance races. 25km is actually a really nice distance for a shorter trail - longer than a half so you do feel you have time for exploring, yet not too long that very regimented training is an actual necessity.

Happy to come 1st woman, beating the last years first place result on a slightly longer route and to win a new pair of Salomon shoes!

OCC

On Thursday, my alarm went off at 4.20am, and I knew what I had to do. Go and run my first ultramarathon. 53km, 3300M positive ascent.

Soon after arriving in Switzerland from France at just before 7am, I started to get my thoughts  together.  My support crew would see me on the way - but this bit I had to handle alone. As I waited on the start line, I had a tap on my shoulder and it was Jaime! I had met Jaime on top of a mountain on a training day, when we had discovered we would be doing the same race. We wished each other well for the race, and we were ready to go.

The first 7km were straight forward, feeling the pace and getting comfortable. My concern was the 17km in the next stage between checkpoints. Funnily enough, this seemed relatively easy going, and I got to the next checkpoint without much issue.  It was about 15 miles in, and a large climb in front of me, that I started to feel tired and the doubts set in. I was feeling tired...the sun was blisteringly hot...it would still be a little while till the next refreshment post and a long way until the finishing line. But I got through it - a good talking to myself, some food and water from my bag,  the remembering that I had some of the support crew waiting to cheer me on at the next checkpoint, the determination to finish because I had worked so hard for this - I was not going to go down without a fight.

Then a funny thing happened. An elderly gentleman watching the race, mentioned as I went past him that he thought I was "premier GB femme". It was like spark going off in my brain. I didn't know if it was true; I had thought earlier on in the race I might be top 50 hopefully. But first for Great Britain on the first year they introduce the OCC - well, that would be cool. But A) It might not be true, and B) Nothing is certain until the finish line.

My boyfriend confirmed the gentleman's assertions at the next checkpoint in Vallorcine, and after briefly seeing familiar faces, more food for the journey and fresh hope, I was on my way for the next climbs.

The following miles were tough, but also fond memories of yet more beautiful scenery, time spent to reflect, and the constant drive to get to the end, and finish my first ultra. The longest I have ever competed in is a half - marathon, and I was not prepared to go home without an ultra to my name.

The clock confirmed my finish time as 07:39:34. I was 8th woman overall, 5th for SE F category, 1st woman for GB.

I had a crazy idea in January to run over 50km in the mountains. This August I made sure that happened. Got something you want to do? Listen to yourself, and prove to yourself you can realise what you didn't think could happen. It can, so make sure it will.

Now for the next races...