Craig's 7x7x7 Marathon Challenge (7 Endurancelife Marathons in 7 Months)

Sport Cornwall Website Launch !

2009-09-21T09:40:00.001-07:00

Check out my new website !!

www.sportcornwall.com

Cheers
Craig

183.4 Miles, 1 day 7 hours, 20 minutes and 4 seconds............

2009-05-10T01:23:00.000-07:00

............and all I get is this lousy T-Shirt !

What a day, what a place ! Exmoor proved to be everything we were led to believe, if not more so. This was the steepest and most savage of the 7 races so far. A real monster of a course involving huge climbs from sea level to 1000 feet above the sea with dizzying views and spectacular coastal sections which were mountainous in scale.

I loved this race, I started at the back and worked my way through the field meeting some of the now familiar faces from the series. People from all walks of life, some with bigger things on the Horizon yet to come, such as the Marathon des Sables a monster 7 day trek across the Sahara desert. I couldn't help but think that today would be more than adequate training for such an event, as it was getting pretty hot....

somewhere on a hill far away...

After about 15 miles or so, I found myself in a pace which was very similar to a familiar face from the series. I thought he was called James, and he thought I was Chris, so we formed a euphemistic partnership of James and Chris and we helped each other around this Final Seventh Marathon. Having someone to talk to and run with proved a great thing and we made Stirling progress back along the coastal path and we overtook lots of people. One guy was adamant that at Lynmouth it was the24 Mile point. He must have been disappointed as it can't have been much more than 20 !

There were lots of people in Lynmouth who of course had no idea who these strange people were running through their town. We got quite a few puzzled looks. Some asked if it was a race, and then how far? Mouths dropped when we shouted back it was a marathon ! Little did they know either that for some of us, we'd been doing this every month since November. The sight of people sitting in the sun drinking cool lager only served to torture the soul even more.

Relentlessly, the James and Chris duo pushed on through some magnificent sections until James (aka Tim in reality) started to cramp. Come on Lad! I'd been there in Pembroke, and I told him to drink and stop to rest for a while. Fortunately it subsided and we took on board some more energy gels and water.

We started to recognise features we had passed on the outbound journey and it spurred us on, knowing the finish couldn't be far away. We were covering miles quicker now, although we were well through the dreaded 20 Mile point, and 'The Wall' could strike at any moment. We were truly living on borrowed time, so we made progress while we could.

The final two miles were psychologically the worst. This contained some severe coastal climbing sections and just as you rounded a corner, another gargantuan beast reared its head. No match for James and Chris though, and we slaughtered them all, overtaking many a dead warrior lain to waste on the verges of the Coastal Trail.

Then downhill, downhill all the way to the finish line, at the Hunters Inn, a fitting finish for a wonderful series, the crowds were cheering and my wife Katherine and Brother-in-Law Stefan had completed the 10k version of the race in good times too.

I celebrated with my now trademark cup of tea (2 sugars) followed by pint of cool Guiness.

James (Tim) was really pleased with this result of 4h53 which knocked spots off his Cornwall time. I was pleased to Finish the series in one piece, and having made a new comrade in arms.

So there it is, I survived the series, I got the T-Shirt, and I can truly say that I've been there and done that. And it's been a hell of an experience, who knows what I can do next?

But most of all, raising the Grand Total of £1682.57 has been the most humbling thing.

Thanks to all you who have donated, without your support, this would never have happened.

Thanks All,
Craig

PS So what next I hear you ask? Watch this space for Episode Two. "I feel the need, the need for speed", my quest to run faster than ever before, in a Top-Gun style mickey take of Road Running to see if I can break the sound barrier in a road race: 10 mph.

The Home Straight?....the Final Marathon Looms...

2009-05-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well folks, that's six down, and just the question of one more yet to complete.

The vertical profile of the Exmoor marathon beggars belief. About 12,000 feet of total ascent in total well over the normal 26 mile distance. I can only hope here to complete, smiling, and receive the 7x7x7 T-shirt to complete the challenge.

I have given my All to the six marathons, I have paced myself, raced myself, pushed myself beyond limits I didn't know I had. I have trained harder than I have ever trained in my life.
Above all - I have come to realise that, through running, I can find a true sense of satisfaction and contentment.

It has changed my life. From now on, I will always be a runner.

Without doubt, the hardest thing has been picking myself up after a Marathon and somehow, trying to physically and mentally prepare myself to do it all again in 3 or 4 weeks time.

This has been the most amazing thing, to keep bouncing back, month after month, I'm not sure whether it has been physical or mental - whichever - the fantastic support I have had through sponsorship has been the driving force. Without that, I would not be here now, talking about the last race. Thanks to all who have donated, and I can assure you the Air Ambulance has done some amazing missions over the last few weeks, and you can take pride that you helped that happen. Peoples lives have been saved due to the speed of care provided.

So here's looking forward to Number 7. I shall be having a nice jog round - my racing legs have long since been shot to bits and this will be all about completion of the Challenge. My body has been put through hell over the last six months and is well overdue a rest, so don't expect great things here folks...

....this may be the last marathon but I'm running it on my last legs!!

Stage 6 >> Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual !

2009-04-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

More pain please, I love it, really I do...

First the blurb:
".....[cornwall] the course was considered by many to be the most challenging course in last year's series. This is a truly savage beast that only the toughest of trail runners will tame, but those that do will bask forever in the glory of the accomplishment."

Okay. Nice words. I like the 'truly savage beast' bit especially. I must admit, the description alone is enough to strike fear into the heart of any would-be runner of this course. And I for one (having seen this section from the air) was ready to fear the worst. After two marathons in the legs in the last 6 weeks also, I was starting to wonder what might happen to me in the miles ahead, whether I could withstand another physical challenge of what sounds like epic proportions. It must have also scared off a lot of folk, as there were only 69 subscribers to the fun packed miles ahead.

It's been three weeks since Pembrokeshire, where I got my best time and placing, but at the expense of a 22 mile near disaster. Only 21 days has elapsed since then, little time for my legs to heal and my spirit to relight. Although I had posted a good place, I would rather have finished stronger. I promised Katherine I would not get carried away with this race and I would jog around it with no aspirations of time or place. I promised.

It was a glorious day, and this was somewhere that felt familiar to me, having holidayed down here it gave me a sense of comfort. The race started in the familiar way with the cyborgs going off at a gallop and I let them go and get on with it. I hooked up with some lovely people and had a jolly nice chat for at least the first hour. Had two wees. And rearranged various items in my back pack. I drank in the scenery, the huge cliffs, the turquoise sea and it felt great to be alive. Everything in my life seemed perfect and in a kind of druggy runners haze I became high on a coastal ecstasy dose.

I had restrained myself, armed with my new Ipod Suffle (spelt wrong on eBay so I got it cheap) I had enjoyed the first 14 miles. I didn't feel too bad. I knew I was only just over half way but I had been running for nearly 3 hours ! This is a time which rings alarm bells, as it's the point at which the horrible feelings of the wall sometimes become apparent. Physically I felt okay, mentally I was finding it hard to comprehend the amount of running time still lying ahead. Somehow, I drifted into a zone where I could almost feel nothing. I was now catching people up and that gave me an added drive. I felt like I was on the home straight although I had a lot of miles yet to cover. My Ipod Suffle was giving me something to focus on too.......

In particular I became addicted to Joan Armatrading. Don't ask why. After the 20 Mile Checkpoint I decided to play her on an endless repeat cycle....

Drop the Pilot, Try my balloon...

The point beyond 20 miles is a strange place, full of unknowns. It's a place I've been five times so far, and each time has filled me with trepidation. I just ran and ran, faster and faster. It's like running in Cinderella's crystal slippers, eventually they will disappear in a puff of smoke and I'll be left in a heap on the trail again.

...Drop the monkey, smell my perfume...

I began to recognise things in the distance which I knew where near the finish. Mentally, that was a huge boost.

...Drop the mahout, I'm the easy rider...

I overtook more runners, I was on fire by now, blasting along the spongy singletrack trails

...Don't use your army, to fight a losing battle..

This is part of any marathon which is so difficult for people to describe. The anticipation of the finish. The wonderful feeling of accomplishment begins to well up inside and all the expericences getting to that moment come flooding back in a torrent. It's like the ultimate runners high comes on in a headrush as you run up the finishing chute ...

Animal, mineral, physical, spiritual
I'm the one you need
I'm the one you need

...then you realise....what is this crap song I've been listening to !! I played that song over 12 times over the last 6 miles. I think if if it were to come on the radio I would more than likely stop the car, get out, and start running.

Please help me.

I am now an addicted, endorphin fuelled, mad as a hat, trail marathon runner. It is hard to describe the feelings and sensations that these experiences have given me, but I know one thing....

I'm getting some new Ipod Tunes.

I finished 10th / 69 , in 4hr39, thanks to a fast second half of the race.

Results Here.

Crushing Cornwall and Excruciating Exmoor - Race Preview

2009-03-28T00:53:00.000-07:00

Exmoor - the Devil's Work

It's only a week now until the grand two-part finale of this extraordinary series of races. Cornwall and Exmoor are in a league of their own, being longer and much, much tougher than any of the previous Five.

This is where the going gets really tough, and the tough get Girly. The experiences of the first Five will pale into insignificance in comparison with the dizzying rocky coastlines of these two monsters. It's time to Get Real. After the battering I have taken completing the series so far, these final two could prove to be a push too far. I'm feeling in good shape, and have managed a fair amount of training since the last marathon (almost 100 miles) but somehow, I think that just getting through these last two alive and completing the challenge is the very best I can hope for. The record times for these races is over 4hours 40minutes, so I can expect to be running/walking/crawling for well over Five Hours on each event. It's going to be rugged, steep and more than likely, raining.

If I don't die of exhaustion, then I will probably fall arse over tit. That, my friends, would be an unfitting climax to what's been a mixed bag of success so far.

So I'll be in pure Survival mode. I have to get to the end alive, and complete the challenge, rather like a lone sperm who has long since lost his fellow gametes, and is heading on the final lonely challenge of the near vertical fallopian tubes.

Will I wriggle my way to the end of this dark nightmare that I have created? Or will I die, abandoned on the coastal trail wrapped in a space blanket like an unwashed Tramp who never made it from Rehab?

Let's hope I hope I can conquer, and I find the holy egg which is the 7x7x7 challenge T-Shirt.

Amen.

If it ain't Pembroke, Don't fix it.

2009-03-16T13:22:00.001-07:00

Ha ha me hearties, yet again I stand about to run into almost certain pain, on the start line of another Marathon. Oh yes, they're coming along thick and fast now, the latest being Stage 5 >> Pembrokeshire, a lovely twee place called Little Haven nestled in the cliffs of the National Park.

Here the coastline is undulating and gives way to some spectacular views of St Brides Bay, including Skokholm and Ramsey Island where I can sometimes be seen flying my little helicopter, as there are quite a few lighthouses around. The weather again was stunning, and set the scene for another showdown, of cripples versus coastline.

Looking at the previous years results, this one was the fastest course. As your best 4 places count towards a series prize, I was determined to make this one count. My knee was feeling pretty good, I had done the Carbo thing, rested beforehand, and got in a bit of training since the last Marathon. The Cornwall and Exmoor races will be pointless trying to race as they are so incredibly hilly, and no doubt this will attract some Terminator like cyborgs who enjoy that sort of thing. If I am going to get a good placing, then surely today is the day to do it. And if I'm going to do it, then I'm going to have to go for it with the big boys off the mark. Whatever happens later, is in the hands of the Gods.

I felt pretty good to start with, unlike some races (Portland where I felt dis-interested), and so I rode the wave, feeling quite excited as I could see the race leader and soon established myself among the front runners. We steamed along, and my local knowledge from having run this section before paid off, as I knew roughly what to expect. This knowledge however only lasted for about the first half of the course.

I was loving it, blasting along in the fantastic weather and taking in the amazing scenery, and checked through the first few checkpoints in some pretty good times. Arriving at the 18.5 Mile checkpoint, I took a breather to walk a fairly stiff hill, and couldn't see anybody behind me at all for at least a mile ! Then the route became quite tedious, with one section across a disused airfield which seemed massive and made it seem as if I was hardly moving. I could also feel some signs of tiredness creeping in and sucked onboard more water from my pack to keep hydrated. I had noticeably slowed, no wonder really, after the ridiculous pace of the first two and a half hours.

It was at 22.5 miles that the wind was taken from my sails. I was run-walking by now 10 paces of each in an attempt to keep going and things were taking a turn for the worse. Suddenly, a massive cramp engulfed my right hamstring mid-stride and I fell onto the floor.

This is it. The end. No more challenge. I am literally Hamstrung. Left for dead on the roadside. Maybe now is the time to Don my Space-Blanket and sit on the verge of life - watching my dreams vanish amongst the Cow Pats forever.

No. Not in Wales. I gathered my leg, sucked in more liquid, and ran like a Boy with Wet Trousers until - Miraculously, It subsided enough for me to carry on. I was hemorrhaging time, but there was a chance I could still do this. I knew that I was in the top ten finishers, and the time was still under Four Hours.

At last I caught sight of the Village, and knowing The End was near I almost broke into a sprint to get it over with.

I collapsed over the line, utterly exhausted and legs completely shot to bits. It was hard, and my own daft fault for trying to run beyond my capabilities. But what the Hell, this is for Charity isn't it? Please phone my helpine if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase.

I recorded 7th/102. 3hrs 56 mins over a 26.8 Mile course.

Results Here

To knee or not to knee.....

2009-03-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

Guess what?

I've not run for 4 whole days.

My legs were complaining so I decided to rest a bit. I had actually entered a 20 Mile Road Race on Sunday (I was going to jog it - honest !), and I didn't do that either.

So I had a jolly good rest instead. Made me irritable though - a real Mardy moo.

I went for a test-run tonight, to check out the biological progress. It was good. My legs were moving quite quickly, much better than the end of last week when they were sluggish and painful.

I ran a two mile test. Out in 6min20 and back in 5min40. Va va voom, there's some speed there - so that's a good thing.

I'll carry on resting till the end of the week !

ON TARGET !!

2009-03-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hooray ! Hooray !

Thanks to all who have sponsored me - The 1000 Pound targer has been reached for Cornwall Air Ambulance ! Fantastic News and a big thank you to Suze and Alan for the Biggest Donation so far and taking the total to the target !!!

I'm all set for Pembroke now - and I'm also looking forward to Runnning in Cornwall for some hopeful extra bonus fundraising - I'm working on the Charity to send down a representative on the Day !

Thanks Again All !!!!!

On the coastal trail !

2009-03-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

Series Leaderboard !

2009-03-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

I'm in the strange parallel universe between marathons again ! 10 days since number 4 and 10 days to go until number 5. It's weird how you can tell the body is busy repairing itself, and it doesn't take much for strange aches and pains to appear, from what would have normally been a straight forward training run. I had a strange knee pain the other day, which seems to have now completely gone, and shortly after it appeared on the other side of my knee. I rested it, and when I woke up in the morning, my knee was completely fine. Apart from my left hamstring is now complaining ! It must be a mobile spot of pain which just wanders my body randomly. Or perhaps a cell-workforce which mobilizes to various regions performing repairs, a bit like the council. Only more efficient, as this one must work at night, and without countless tea and fag breaks.

I had a loose idea of what I wanted to do in this middle week, ie a lot, but with the various messages of pain ringing loudly in my legs I have decided to do less and instead have been to the gym. This for me is a painful experience, as I am not a natural gym-goer. For that, you need a grunt, a vest, some food supplements, and to enjoy comparing muscle dimensions with your gym buddy whilst scratching your arse.

I, of course, do none of these things. And I cannot, repeat cannot, run on a treadmill. Just can't do it. My record is two miles. And it was agony. I think it the fact that it faces a whitewashed concrete breeze block wall has something to do with it. And there's no wind. Or rain. And it's infinite !

A treadmill does indeed go on for infinity. It has no defined beginning or end. It is quite simply a one-dimensional rotating universe of complete boredom. It just goes to show how much of running is all in the mind. In my distorted universe, running has a purpose which involves a journey. A challenge of me against the road, the trail, the hills, the wind and the rain or whatever it brings. And the rewards are the joy of the journey, the sights, the sounds, the sensations and the satisfaction of completing the course. Without that, you are reduced to the clanking mechanics of running for it's own sake - which to be honest - is rubbish.

To demonstrate even more my point that I am not a gym person, I also inadvertently turned off the running machine whilst somebody was running on it. Oops.

As you can imagine, I am a gym goers worst nightmare. But I did a bit today (not the treadmill) and hopefully it will have strengthened me in some way for the skeletal battering that will come from the Cornwall and Exmoor marathon monsters.

So far, after four marathons, I am somewhere up in 6th place in the Leaderboard, which is a combined table for all the runners attempting all 7 marathons (of which there are 38 brave souls). One of which is Malcolm Brookes, who in the 60+ category is also steaming through the series.

Now That's awesome.

Series Leaderboard here

Stage 4 >> South Devon - To Infinity and Beyond !

2009-02-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

Another Day in Paradise

Before the Start

When will Daddy be back?

Out on the Trail (Start Point Lighthouse in the Background)

Four Down - Three to Go !!

After only four measly weeks, I find myself at another start line to a Marathon - this time in South Devon, a spectacular headland called Start Point. After the pain of running on empty in Stage 3 (Portland), this time I was well rested and "Carbed-Up" to the Max ! I had eaten more calories in the past few days than a horse, after calculating that a flat marathon would burn about 3200 calories, that must mean that a crazy coastal trail marathon must be at least double that. So an unlimited licence to eat policy meant that I had eaten my In-Laws house out of Pasta and Bananas.

This however has a side-effect. For anybody who might want to try this at home, I discovered that driving 2 hours in the seated position before suddenly standing up on arrival at one's destination creates a kind of biological trigger, which coupled with some pre-race nerves creates a sudden need to evacaute everything that one has binged on for the previous two days.

I highly recommend parking close to an outdoor lavatory which has been pre-booked in advance to ensure it is vacant on arrival. The Resultant Dumpage required after consuming nigh on 10,000 calories is not likely to sit in the chamber very long and having to wait for ten minutes while some other competitor (no doubt having a similar sudden Carbo-de-loading experience) is an unpleasant start to the day. Nuff said.

As this was my fourth race, I was getting used to the proceedings. Bit of nervous chit chat and banter with the fellow nutters (No Enduroman this time), and a quick look at the route map to check out the course: Hang on, total distance 27.8 Miles, quai? This one has the added bonus of being 1.6 miles longer than a 'normal' marathon, never mind the rocks, mud and quad crunching hills. Thanks Endurancelife, you know how to make an event truly special. Ya buggers.

After a bit more pre-race faffage, adjusting various clips, strap-ons, and arrangement of 'mandatory' equipment (space blanket one of them - so you can dress up as a Sci-Fi extra presumably if you lose your mind completely on the trail) it was time to go.

Nice and steady, I set off well back and had a good bit of chit chat for at least the first hour, meeting a crazy Norweigan who is entering the World's Hardest Ironman (The NorseMan!) and offered me some of his sandwiches ! Strange choice of mid-race snack, but hey, that's Norway for you. Then there was a guy who told me all about his 24 marathons he had run since this time last year. Including various ultra races (35 Miles+) he had mixed in. He had plans to run an Ultra the next day. It seems these races attract some extraordinary people.

The scenery was spectacular along the coastline to Salcombe, and the weather was fantasic (again), from 10-20 Miles the route went inland through various muddy tracks and woodland trails which was quite hilly at times, and slippery. I ran the first 20 Miles at a decent pace, but by shortly after the 20 Miles aid station I hit a Low Point.

It strange how it comes about. A kind of insidious feeling of slowing down, and a lack of energy came on quite quickly. I walked quite steep hill section, trying to get myself together, and promised to run on at the top - which I did. From thereon it was mind over matter for the next couple of miles and as I approched Slapton Sands I knew I wasn't far from the end (although it was still about 3 miles). Here I had a sudden burst of finish line enthusiasm which I carried from there to the finish.

All in all, another great experience, but now the cumulative fatigue of running a "Marathon a Month" is starting to show. The training in between is getting harder, and the chances of Injury are now increasing rapidly. From here on, Diet, Rest and Injury Prevention will be more important than the training Miles I acheive in between. In fact, Cycling and Swimming will be more beneficial, rather than pounding myself senseless for another 3 weeks. Having said that, Trampolining, Crazy Golf and Tiddlywinks, are probably no worse !

So here's to the next 3 weeks. Glory be.

Race Result:
4 hours 40 Minutes.
19th / 120 ish.

Trail Cam !

2009-02-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

A flavour of Racing the Coastal Trail !!
(filmed by me and my mobile)

Carbo-bloat

2009-02-19T13:14:00.000-08:00

I've just pigged out on more calories today that I usually eat in a month. I've eaten cereals,bananas,sandwiches,pasta,bread all washed down with a high carbohydrate energy drink. I feel as fat as Pavarotti. I've probably put on so much weight, that just getting to the start on Saturday is going be a challenge. But it's energy I need in vast quantities to get round them hills, and I'm not taking any chances on this one. Since the last marathon, I had a fairly easy week (about 30 miles total), then a slightly harder one (40 miles), then I started to get a bit of Knee 'jip' so eased off massively taking a whole 3 days off. Then I cycled a day, and ran again last weekend, only slow and a maximum of an hour. So it's been all quite slow, shortish runs. And now I'm just carbo-loading for Marathon #4 !!

It'll be interesting to see what happens this time. Will I spring up the hills with energy filled muslces, fuelled by my two-day pasta binge? Or will I burp and fart my way around, perhaps stopping for a kip at the halfway stage. Who knows.

Whatever happens on Saturday, I will have to either rethink or repeat, as Marathon #5 is only three weeks after Saturday ! and if you thought that was bad, Marathon #6 is just three weeks after that.

6 weeks and 2 days from today, I will have run THREE MORE MARATHONS.

Just imagine how much pasta that will equate to.

3196

2009-02-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

That's the number of calories I would burn running a flat marathon.

I just calculated it on a 'runners' nerdy website.

So if you add in some hills , this could probably double to nearly 8000.

Blimey.

I'm off to eat some more pudding ...............

Stage 3 >> Portland Beard

2009-01-25T05:52:00.001-08:00

Spot the Beard.

Cabbaged again.

It was quite a nice day, and Portland looked set to be a good race, a fantastic location overlooking the Olympic 2012 Sailing area, and a reasonably flat stage (or so I thought). I had noticed that bearded runners often have great success, so had even grown a beard for the occasion. I was hoping for a good time here and set about doing some warm ups before the race. After a few minutes I was knackered ! I was also getting quite a bit of stick from Katherine about my pre-race preparation (or lack of it). To be fair, she was spot on, I didn't have any energy gels, sport drink, and my rest before the race was non-existant really. I ran a 10-Mile road race on the Sunday before, AND did a hard hill sprint session at the running club 2 days earlier. I was feeling fairly laid back about the whole thing and now I was getting it in the ear about my ill-preparedness.

As I set off, I soon realised I felt pretty tired in the leg area. After only a couple of miles I really didn't feel like running another full marathon. As the miles wore on, I realised that I would have to do everything just to finish this one. The Challenge of Seven Marathons in Seven Months really hit home. The cumulative fatigue and relentless demand week after week was taking it's toll on me. How stupid I was to run that race last Sunday ! My legs were complaining and I hadn't even reached 10 miles !

Then something really bad happened.

The course markers took us over 2km of Deep Shingle beach. It was horrific, every step was a real effort and it took about 15 minutes to do the section, leading up to the half way point. I managed to run it all, but then the realisation that I would have to do it all over again on the SECOND LAP filled me with dread. I battled on and shortly after was chased by a pitbull terrier which bit my ankles and tried to pull my trousers down. This was turning into a bad race ! I hung in there, keeping up the pace as best as I could, but my body was failing me. Although truthfully, I had failed my body. I had done to much in the build up and not eased off in enough time to fully recover. Had I not raced 5 days ago, I wouldn't have lost my Mojo today.

I mulled this for some time, until, inevitably, the shingle beach appeared yet again. This time it was sadistic. A painful grind where I was reduced to a jog-walk as the extra speed was negligable. The final mile and a half of footpath was a joy after that experience. I crossed the line, disappointed with myself for not being more ready. I should have done better than this. When I got home, I shaved off my beard in a huff and promised to recover properly before Stage 4 >> South Devon in just FOUR WEEKS.

I recorded 4h29, 30th / 110.

Results Here

Blaythorne 10 Miler + Shower Surprise ! (In more ways than one)

2009-01-18T11:59:00.001-08:00

With only a week to go before Marathon #3 (Portland) I decided I would enter the Blaythorne 10 mile road race (sponsored by Cornwall Double Glazing) with my local club, the Newquay Road Runners. Just to stretch my legs out on the road and see what my pace is like nowadays.

I had to wear the mandatory club running VEST which I was quite proud of, but also bloody freezing ! Especially as before the start, the heavens opened with the most almighty hailstorm, which pebble-dashed people with bean-sized hailstones and left the roads covered in an icy slush!

Marevellous. I opted for the VEST on top of T-Shirt, not quite the hardcore runner look, but I did brave the mandatory skimpy running keks, with the kind of integral built in underpanty mesh. What a man's sport this is, I couldn't help thinking to myself, as I performed some warm-up skipping on the footpaths, nearly skidding arse over t*t in the process. The agony was extended further as the race was delayed 15mins due to Lightning in the vicinity; I was however willing to take my chances as I was starting to lose feeling in some of the more loose and dangly parts of my body.

After being told about the how the Race was sponsored by Cornwall Double Glazing by the marshals, we were off ! My heart rate monitor was doing it's job, and I tried to keep it at a sensible limit - so as not to 'BONK' (see earlier posts). I settled into what I thought I could maintain, a balance between heart rate, breathing, and gonad temperature and tried to hold it best I could for the first 5 miles. After that I let it go a bit, and in the last mile I just went for it, with my legs seemingly unhindered - thanks to my scientific skimpy shorts, blasting through the finish line (sponsored by Cornwall Double Glazing).

I collected a great goody bag with a Mug and a Cornwall Double Glazing Cleaning Cloth, then went to shower myself in an attempt to get the contents of my shorts back to some normal (well for me) size/length. Just as I was applying the Radox, I was greeted by a voice which certainly wasn't very manly. Because he was a woman. Or she was. Anyway, there she was having a good lather with all the blokes completely bollok naked. Not that she had any - but I wasn't looking anyway - honest! I wasn't exactly looking my best either, as the showers weren't very hot and my willy was still looking embarrassingly small.

Anyway. After tea and cakes, there were a few presentations (there were a lot of prizes) and somehow Newquay Runners came second in the team event, which apparently included me as I was among the first 6 Newquay Runners home. So I now have a nice plastic trophy. All in all it was a grand day out, and I managed 24th / 400ish in 1:03:42 (or 6:22mins/mile). Just goes to show how much faster road running is than trogging up and down coastal paths !

Right, must dash. I really need to enquire about some Double Glazing.

Family Day Out on Bodmin Moor !

2009-01-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

What better way to start the New Year than with a yomp up some yonder fell. Starting near the Jamaica Inn, we climbed up a nearby hillock and to our surprise the children managed the whole thing without any whingeing ! In fact they were as good as gold and thoroughly enjoyed it. Hurrah ! Hiking children - just what we always wanted.

We then rounded the day off with a drink in the Jamaica Inn, in front of a humongous log fire - with whole logs on! Toasty warm....

King of the World !

Egg sandwiches at the top !

The summit party

Lauren and Nairn in front of the conquered peak.

New Year - New Methods

2009-01-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

So this is it, Earth 2009. Dates really are starting to sound very sci-fi. And although I'm not wearing a skin tight suit (only when running), or flying to work in my own personal hovercraft, some things really have moved on. I now have a highly complex heart rate monitor to give me a scientific approach to my running (Thanks secret santa !).

I will now be training in "zones" where I will set a target heart rate for each training session, so that I can make sure I am putting in enough (or not too much) effort. In this way, a lot of my training will be at a relatively low level, to improve my bodies fat buring metabolism, and some will be shorter and sharper, to increase my speed. After each session I can download the results to my computer.

Before I could embark on this training I had to determine my maximum Heart Rate, so I could work out my "zones", each zone being a percentage of Max Hr !

So I ran for 30 minutes then ramped up steadily to a fairly high pace. I then sprinted up a pretty steep cornish hill in faster and longer bursts until I was physically at my limit. Legs burning, breathing almost uncontrolled after stopping. Unable to continue running afterwards for some time. A maximal effort. My 'MaxHr' was 180bpm.

I shall be doing lots of training at 60-75% of that.

Oh and I've got a Gym ball, for core stability exercises. Although the exercises look like I'm preparing to have a baby. Hmm.

3 weeks to Portland !

Good Fundraising Progress

2008-12-26T02:55:00.000-08:00

My Fundraising Page

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

Happy New Year !

The Tubercolosis 10k

2008-12-21T12:38:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-20T03:20:00.000-08:00

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 !

2008-12-08T09:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

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?

2008-11-30T04:47:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

Look at the beauty !

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

2008-11-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-29T03:02:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-10-28T05:57:00.001-07:00

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

2008-10-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2008-10-27T11:30:00.001-07:00

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

2008-08-29T12:34:00.001-07:00

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 !