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Thanks to everyone who has sponsored me, including gift aid there's over 1000 pounds !!

Happy New Year !

The Tubercolosis 10k

After a miserable week battling the H15N ManFlu Virus, I was still determined to complete the Trelissick Estate 10K, a scenic trail run around the National Trust estate overlooking the Fal Estuary.

I couldn't let a pesky group of molecules come and hold my red blood cells to ransom with a flick-knife. They may have had me snivelling like a schoolboy all week, but I wasn't losing my entrance fee lightly, and I was going to stick two fingers at them and then leg it. All the way around - very fast too, as you would expect after nearly a week in bed. Naturally all my muscles would be itching to go, or so I thought.

On the start line I felt a slight sense of unease as I was still knackered after warming up, which is generally not a good sign. I went off at quite a fast pace initially, sucked in by the crowds and felt pretty good holding a decent pace for.......about 4 and a half minutes. At this point all the oxygen that was stored in my bloodstream seemed to run out, and I was left gasping for air with what felt like two lungs with the gas capacity of two extra small condoms.

I continued as best I could and tried to enjoy the scenery around me (it was very pretty). I dragged myself aroud the rest of it and settled into a kind of marathon style plod as people started overtaking me.

I got a lovely T-Shirt and Mincle Pie though, and in all, I'm glad I managed to do it. At least I know what effect the ManFlu virus can have though.....

(time: 44:58, 5 mins off pb)

Germ Warfare

Training Update: so far this week 5 days lost to Flumonia - A harsh varient of the ManFlu Virus which has left me unable to do anything meaningful.

I did however clean out the garage in a rage feeling very angry about germs and took it out on all the rubbish that I have hoarded for years. With the discovery of the Newquay tip, most of it has now disappeared. It's a lovely warm feeling to have found the local recycling centre, I really feel settled here in Cornwall now, and I am looking forward to my next trip already.

Merry Christmas all - hopefully I shall be well enough for the Trellisick 10k trail Race tommorrow !! I'll let you know if I can cough and hack my way around it.

No Bonking Please, We're British !

Stage 2 >> Gower RESULTS

Having a good stretch before the start ....


At the top of the first hill !

Running along Rhossili beach - fantastic !!

Stunning Coastline along to Port Eynon

Blasting along singletrack through forest approaching the 20 mile point

Trail shoe carnage at the finish !!

Well the Gower-thon proved to be the best racing experience so far ! It had everything, from the perfect weather conditions to the sheer variety of terrain: Trail, Mud, Beach, Rocks, Moorland and Forest . Now I had experienced what a coastal trail marathon requires, from my Dorset meltdown experience, I was prepared to take a tip from Enduroman (remember Mr London->Paris?) - to start unnaturally slow.

Although this for me is a challenge of 7 marathons, and the joy of completion is fantastic, a part of me cannot help but to try my utmost to get a high as possible in the leaderboard. In Dorset I started too fast, although I didn't feel as though I was pushing hard, the pace soon caught up with me and I lost about 20 places in the last 6 miles.

In marathon circles - I had BONKED. Hit the Wall. Run out of muscle fuel quite simply. My body was throwing whatever it could find to fuel the fire. And it felt bad, as if my legs were trying to consume themsleves.

I hadn't let my body start the race by burning my fat reserves first, because a higher pace prevents this. So, this time, things were going to be different. Oh yes, I was going to start this marathon FROM THE BACK OF THE PACK.

And what a jolly experience this was. Lots of chit chat and banter filled at least the first hour, and I even took a few photos as you can see above. I even stopped for a wee at one point.

I hit Rhossili beach (5 miles in) to be greeted by my ever helpful wife: "You're going really slow ?! you're 50th at best" - she helpfully commented ....
"It's my race strategy" I replied "I'm going to crank it up at the halfway point!"

Hmm methinks... it seems that my partner of 10 years was not content for me to run this race without at least giving the Leek affecionados a bit of a bashing. So to hell with it, I increased my run velocity from a lowly 6 to Warp Factor 7. Oh yes, eat my shorts people, I am now travelling at 7 mph.

Of course, overtaking people at these speeds is a dizzying experience. At first you see them on the horizon, and then perhaps half an hour later you get the opportunity for a 5 minute conversation as you eek past, before leaving them in your undetectable wake turbulence. This is probably as exciting as Snail Racing. But on these distances it can make a huge difference.

I ran and ran and ran, and never ever felt like stopping. In fact I ran faster as the race progressed. I reached the 20 Mile point at the top of a hill and even passed over the Tangfastics and opted instead for a more healthy banana snack.

I lost count of the people I overtook, and even increased to Warp Factor 8 (or thereabouts) in the final stages of the race. Oh yes folks, I was on fire. It was a fantastic experience to run on such hard terrain and not be reduced to a jelly.

I came in 4 hours 5mins 14 seconds, overall 13th / 99.

When people wonder what running is all about, this surely has to be it. Only sadly to say, Zippy was lost somewhere between Dorset and Cornwall, and this run was dedicated to his memory.

Energy Gels : 3
Bananas : 2
Tangfastics : 0

Heli-Running in Haverfordwest

Google Map of Mega-Run

I found myself with an inpromptu 'day-off' in Pembrokehire, having put some engineers on the Smalls Lighthouse on Tuesday. I had a glorious Wednesday in which to stretch my legs. (I ran nearly 10 miles on Tuesday night as well).

I decided to head off to Little Haven which is the race HQ for the Pembroke Marathon in March. I ran from Haverfordwest, which is where we usually park the helicopter when we're over there. It was lovely running through the countryside to the coast, then when I arrived at Little Haven, I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was,. There are two or three pubs and a brilliant beach with panoramic views over St Brides bay. I couldn't run this far and not check out the coastal footpaths so I ran nearly four miles along the coast which was superb, great singletrack and awesome vistas !

After an hour and a half, I decided I ought to turn back and headed for home. Total run time : 2hrs 57mins, and distance about 19.5 miles : OOPS, only two days to recover before the Gower Marathon !!

I must admit though, I was feeling good !!

Roll on Saturday !

Recover, re-focus - retrain?

Six days now until Stage 2 >> Worms Head !
As you can see from the picture the place deserves it's name. I'm not running around that bit, but past it on the mainland and it looks set to be another scenery packed marathon.

So what have I been up since the last race ? Hmm well, it's been a difficult four weeks as the first week I was literally shot to bits and couldn't walk properly until about Tuesday. I then went to Guernsey and managed three runs with the longest 1 hour on the coastal path. I also got the bike out and did some gently cycling.
Second week, I went to the Isle of Wight and got a run in there, another 1 hour, and a few at home but mainly 4/5 milers. This week I managed a few more longer sessions culminating in a 2 hour run on the Coastal Path to Porthcothan. So nothing massive, and not nearly as much as I was doing in the build up, but then again this is slightly different. I'm trying to sustain the fitness and not do myself further damage (the marathon is a damaging race !). Really I'm looking to fully recover. This week I will try and get a few more quality fat-burning type runs in and perhaps a long bike ride, then it's off to the Gower on Saturday. I'm planning to bring my initial pace right back as I definately 'bonked' on the last one (ran out of glycogen - or 'hit the wall'!!). This should keep me burning fat for more of the race and allow me to speed up towards the end ! Well that's the theory anyway - we'll see what happens - Next Post after Stage 2 >> Gower Peninsula !!!!!
See you then.

Dorset Race Report

There's a good article about the race, seems it wasn;t just me who thought it was tough !!

Here's the Race Report Link

Jurassic Coast - Aerial Pictures

Just had a great flight out to the Isle of Wight, so on the way I did a fly-by of the Dorset Marathon Area ! The scenery was instantly recognisable - check out the steps up to the coastguard lookout ....

Check out the scenery - I completely missed it...

Look at the beauty !

It's EnduranceLife Jim, but not as we know it....

It's been 48 hours since the race, and only now have I been able to put the experience into words - ExtraFantasicallyPainfulExhilaratingSteepMuddySlippyWindyTangFastic !!!

Ok I admit, I couldn't speak at the end. I admit I had to crawl up some sections which were so steep people were literally sliding back down. I admit that I was probably totally unprepared. I admit also it was a crazily optimistic to hope to try and do this as my FIRST EVER marathon. But I did it one way or another even though at times I started to whimper and cry with the agony of the last 6 miles, and I finished 29th out of a field of 119 in 4hours 32 mins. The winner (a cyborg from the future) came in 3hours 34mins.

Here is what I can remember from the day:

As we set off from the start line, I started a kind of sporting conversation with a runner. "Alright Mate? How's it going?, doing any of the others?"
"Well I'm planning to do all seven..."
"Nice one, me too, think it's going to be a bit of a challenge..?!"
"Well I'm doing them for training 'cos I'm running from London to Paris in May"
"Wow that sounds awesome that's got to be 300 Miles? At least you get a rest on the ferry he he"
"Nah mate, I'm running on a treadmill during the ferry crossing because Eurotunnel wouldn't let me through"

What?!?! Who are these crazy people ? he also told me he'd done two Marathons THAT WEEK and planned to do a DOUBLE IRONMAN 3 Months after his jaunt to Paris.

At this point I realised i was not at your local fun run.


After a couple of miles we hit the coastal path. From here on I remember gazing skyward at hundreds of steps many times. Running /sliding down narrow singletrack and people 'wiping out' around me. Running across a farmers field which clagged up my shoes so much they felt like they were encased in depleted Uranium (very heavy).

I remember eating TangFastics at every refreshment stop (kiddies sweets !). I vaguely recall the sun breaking through the clouds and stripping off my waterproofs at the 15 mile point and seeing the lighthouse on the horizon which was the 20 mile point which seemed to never, ever get any closer.

I remember taking my Zippy cuddly toy out of my backpack on waving to the people at the finish saying "I've got the Z factor!!" with a crazed grin to innocent spectators. The effect of this race on the human body can not possibly be understood by medical science. The course was a full 26.2 miles and information from a runner who had to abandon at the 20 mile checkpoint had already clocked 1600 Metres ascent up to that point on his GPS.

I remember saying "no more - never" - but.....

... now I've recovered ....

bring on the Gower - I'm still coming !!!!!!!!

Coastal Trail Series Stage >> 1 8/11/08 Dorset Marathon. RESULTS 2009

Welcome to the Caernarfon Olympic Village...

So, what better way to prepare for a Marathon than to get posted to Caernarfon for two days. The fresh mountain air, ideal for an easy jog in the final week of training. Unfortunately, the freshly vomit stained pavements (only half past five as well) and indiginous chav popualtion letting fireworks off in the street made it safer to stay within the confines of the Hotel rather like a foreign worker posted to war-torn Nigeria. Besides, I left my new trainers in the back of the helicopter - doh.

Ah well, it was probably a blessing in disguise, as I would probably have had an embarrassing treadmill accident in the hotel gym (tripping up and getting my underpants
caught in the conveyor belt - that's the kind of thing that happens to me in hotels). I did however have secreted in my travel bag, a pair of SPEEDOS so spent a happy hour swimming in the hotel pool which was nice and relaxing. Well, that's what I'm counting as training this week, so there.

So that's it. Might just go for a quick 2 mile jaunt before tea, then back to the "Eygyptian PT" - lying on the sofa watching telly. It's all about recovery this week, or so they tell me. Just hope they're right !

Stage >> 1 Dorset - Race Preview available

Here's a link to a rather nice bit of mappage, showing the routes for the Dorset race, I'm not sure which the marathon is but I guess it's probably all around the longest bits !

Click on the pictures to see some of the great scenery - I can't wait now !


Stage >> 1 : Dorset course map

Forget McCain vs Obama - Zippy is surging ahead in the polls...

It has been mooted that I should be running this very serious athletic challenge, wearing some form of Zippy memorabilia. I am now on the search for a suitable hat or T-Shirt featuring perhaps one of the most misunderstood, yet influencial comedy heroes.

Please email me with any suitable Zippy clothing which you have seen to help me make an informed choice.

And if you haven't already voted, please do so now on the widget on the right hand side...

Cornwall Air Ambulance 20,000 Missions

On the 1st April 1987 CORNWALL’S AIR AMBULANCE took to the skies, this was the first Air Ambulance in the Country and became the model upon which all subsequent units based themselves. It was by the work and dedication of the guys here in Cornwall which made the rest of the UK realise that it was possible for any county to fund and run their own Air Ambulance.

Wherever you are in the UK, an Air Ambulance can reach you if you are in need of urgent attention and a time-critical transfer to hospital under paramedic attention.

For this revolution, we have the ground-breaking work of the UK's First Air Ambulance service to thank, for they showed how it was not only possible, but very much needed in all parts of the country.

The Road to Perdition - time is running out ...

After what feels like a long time since I first entered this crazy challenge, I have put in 3 Months of structured training which has involved building up my weekly mileage to 45-50 miles including a lot of off-road running on the coastal path and also packing my trainers in my Helicopter if I have been away from home in the week. I have run in Wales (Gower and Pembrokeshire) as well as Guernsey !

I have managed to get so far without any injuries although I did have a rather worrying stand off with a Very large bull yesterday as I ran through it's field. It took me a few seconds to realise that I was wearing a BRIGHT RED running jersey which I quickly whipped off and then legged it before it decided to charge !!

I have also now sorted my justgiving webpage so I can accept donations online to Cornwall Air Ambulance :

My Justgiving Page HERE

In fact in the last 6 weeks I have run a total of 256 miles in training including 3 long runs of 19, 21 and 22 miles ! The difference between running on the road and the coastal trail is staggering, taking me 2-3 Minutes per mile longer on the cliffs. The views and sense of well-being are fantastic (believe it or not!) as I take in some of the most spectactular Cornish scenery - it really does make me feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to live and work in Cornwall !

So, I'm feeling pretty tired after the hard training, but I am now 'tapering' ie cutting back on the training for the next two weeks before the first big marathon on the 8th November. All that remains is to source some kind of Zippy related hat or T-Shirt to wear on the big day !!

Thanks for your support to all of you that have donated - I contacted the Charity today and they were interested in publishing some photos of the events as they progress throughout the next 7 months, and I will keep you posted !

Cheers All !!
Craig

Welcome to My Blog

So here it begins ! In just over two months I will be embarking on a life changing quest to conquer 7 marathons in 7 months over some of the hardest terrain in the UK. I have never run a marathon before, so this is a first for me.

The first marathon is on 8.11.08 and there are another Six over the following six months !

Coastal Marathon Series Website Link

I would like to do this for my own (hopeful) enjoyment but also as a fundraising campaign for the Cornwall Air Ambulance who do great work saving the lives of not only the resident population of Cornwall but also the huge amount of holidaymakers who are present in the summer months.

Cornwall Air Ambulance Website Link

I am hoping to raise a target of One Thousand Pounds which will be a fantastic amount of money to give to the charity.

Anyway, enough of the waffle and onto the training - I've got a lot to do, running up to 4 hours continuously - and I will be posting regular updates !