Northburn 100 mile New Zealand 2016

Back in 2008 I spent almost 2 years in New Zealand, ever since I left I always wanted to go back. I was mainly bouldering then, did some hiking too but wasn't really a runner. I decided that to make it a worthy trip I'd pack in a few races and base myself out in the mountains of Wanaka to train.

The Northburn 100 mile has been running for a few years now and has grown it's reputation for being wild and tough, the hills are very exposed, tracks are generally a bit rough underfoot with some off piste tussocky, spear grass lined patches here and there. In terms of the route it's just a slither over 100 mile with around 10000m of ascent... Some people were claiming 11 but I clocked on just under 10 including my little diversion. Weather-wise we got dry conditions with some strong winds on the top, (i got blown over a fence and had to crawl at one point) it was pretty hot down in the valley. Had it been less windy it would have been hotter... That would probably have caused more issues than the wind.

Kit check and registration was Friday evening then a very entertaining briefing from Terry, one of the organisers... We got a good and detailed run through of the course along with advice like
'The entire area is a big mass of hazards for you runners'
'Beware of the foliage'
The course had grown a bit since previous editions apparently an extra 1000m of climbing had been squeezed in. To give an idea of difficulty  there is a 48 hour cut off.

Come Saturday morning 6 am start we lined up along with 50km and 100km runners and set out into the dark. There is an initial flat 5km loop before heading off on the first long gradual climb to 1600m at about 25km. I'd ended up with the lead 50km runner until about 15km in where I moved ahead as we reached rougher ground. I hadn't expected to be leading ahead of the shorter races too but was happy with my effort levels and took it as a good sign. It was cloudy up high at this point so I just kept paying attention to the markings and passed through a checkpoint before starting to descend. It all went fairly smoothly I cruised down, kept sipping through water and grazed off a bag of jelly snakes and reached another CP where the marshal informed me I was starting the 'loop of despair'....

I jogged on up the climb and saw the leading 50km runner about 5-10 mins behind though nobody else as far as I could see. The course weaved around a gully and I followed the tape to a good track which started to descend. The previous checkpoint came back into view and I thought great! The path met the previous track I'd run up earlier and I carried on down to the checkpoint where the marshal informed me I shouldn't be here again!!! I'd been confidently following markers the whole time and couldn't figure what had happened. After a minute or two trying to figure out what happened I saw the map in the car that the checkpoints each had. I took a look and set off to retrace my steps back up the hill.

I'd done just shy of 3km extra and about 20 mins when I saw a guy I'd meet a few weeks earlier heading towards me past a marker. I stopped him and we scanned around to see some markers over the fence in the next paddock. I ripped a couple of the markers and tied on extra so it was more obvious. 2 runners had gone the correct way off the 50km and me and Paul had gone wrong, at this point nobody else has reached the turn. From this point I was stopping at nearly every bend and twist to look for markers and had a really stressful next few km. I then saw a lady running who wasn't in either of the ultras but was in the half marathon and that confused me even more... After stopping and starting, I decided just to carry on to the end of the loop and see if I was on course or not and decide what to do from there. Luckily turns out I was on track though two 50km runners had finished before me. (Well done Lucy and Paul)

I'd planned to throw down a tin of rice pudding here in an attempt to eat more than I usually do. I had about a third of a tin but decided that wasn't going down well and headed out on the second loop. I was trying to regain my focus after losing around 30 mins on loop one I was concerned about the markings and really hesitant at junctions. The course layout is pretty confusing with various loops crossing and weaving all over. The maps that cp staff had were good, would have been no problems at all if runners were given those to. I didn't take any wrong turns for the rest of the race but being in the lead meant I was the first at checkpoints and together with some of the marshals we had to figure out where I was actually meant to go next, had i not double checked with a particular checkpoint on loop 3 I would have just been sent the wrong way. They called to HQ to check where to send me as I was certain I should be climbing more.

Anyways... I was out on the second 50km loop (different to the first) and was still on track for what I thought would be a sub 24 hour time. I reckoned if I did the first 100km in 12 hours I would have 12 hours to do the last 60 odd km loop which would be fairly easy. Moving up the next climb back to 1600m I felt like I was crawling, I regretted the rice pudding and decided from there I'd stick to liquid calories like usual. I lay down in a stream for a few minutes to cool off and it was like hitting the reset button. I finished the rest of the climb and here came the windy ridge... It was here I got blown over a fence then a little later had to crawl on my hands and knees along a section of the ridge as I just couldn't move into the wind. I've been blown off my feet a few times by strong gusts but this was sustained strong wind. I was feeling good and treated to some awesome views of leaning rock. There was a van checkpoint here and the guy inside couldn't get the door open against the wind. I confirmed the direction and headed downhill one more.

I felt really strong over the next few km and the second 25km of the loop just breezed past, it wasn't long before I was heading back in to the main aid station and finishing loop 2. The watch was showing 107km in 12.44, considering my early detour I was happy with that and topped up my water and got more batteries etc for the night that was to close in shortly.

Another long climb here about 12km gaining 1200m. I knew there were 3 more decent climbs on the loop but didn't really pay any attention to the time from now. I was visiting the same checkpoints as the previous loop but a totally different order. As I was now crossing paths regularly with people still on the previous loop I spent a lot of time trying to check I was going the right way. The last thing I would have wanted was to go off course. The terrain was pretty similar aside from a little descent to a water race where a few safety ropes had been rigged up to stop anyone jumping off the edge. Soon enough I'd hit the little mountain hut checkpoint TW for the final time after the two climbs and was just 20km from the finish including a final climb. I'd had word that I was miles clear of 2nd and so enjoyed cruising down the long descent to a final cp. Just one more hill! Everything felt great and from the top it was obviously all downhill to the finish and I was passing many runners coming the other way who were just starting out on their last 60km loop. I shouted a few 'well dones' but tried not to give away that I was about to finish.

I rolled in just after 4am finishing in 22 hours 11 mins. I'd like to say a huge thank you and well done to those involved both organising, competing and supporting! Together it all added up to a great event!

I've not counted recently but it's getting toward 20x 100 mile or longer races that I've done, all my highest placing and generally best runs have been on majority liquid calories and minimal solids. Bottom line for the longer races you need to be putting calories in one way or another, I hear of a lot of people struggling to fuel properly which can lead to some epic drops in pace. When I was doing my first couple of years of ultras I ate a lot more solid food I guess as I was less fit my stomach could keep up with digesting stuff whereas now I can keep a much higher average pace it seems easier to stick to liquid.

Heading back to Europe soon, my next trail run coaching week is in June (details on my website) and I've a few races lined up before then leading up to Andorra Ultra Trail in July (170km with 13500m ascent)
Should be interesting!

The Ultra Easy 100km Jan - 2016 New Zealand

Ever since I returned from spending nearly two years in New Zealand back in 2008 I have wanted to go back! I finally managed to round up a few races and make a trip of it, flying from the UK it's not really somewhere within range for a quick weekend trip. 

After searching through the races around in New Zealand I came across The Ultra Easy.... 'A good honest 100kms' with 4700m ascent it sounded ideal 6 weeks out from the next 100 miler. I believe the race started as a MTB race starting at the top of a mountain and finishing at the bottom so being named the Big Easy, then there was a marathon run added and finally a great idea to add the 100km race in and just keep the name 'cos it's easier! 

After a hectic week of travel I arrived in New Zealand and drove it down the islands to arrive in Wanaka. The race registration and briefing the night before was all good apart from my long sleeve tops not being up to a particular standard. I've never had an issue with kit checks in over 150 races so I ended up packing a down jacket in with my kit too! Looking at the next few races I've got the kit lists are a bit more extensive than anything I've ever seen before which I was surprised about considering the general laidbackness of NZ. As long as everyone is safe and having fun though hey?

So race started at 3AM!!!! I laid down for a couple of hours but don't remember getting any sleep and then the alarm was going at 2am. I didn't really feel like eating but wolfed down a couple of bananas and rolled onto the start line just in time. I thought it would at least be cool starting at that time but not so. I was roasting up the first tiny hill before hitting the lake track. There was a group of about 5 ahead and we all made some quick progress along the flat lakeside trail to the bottom of Roys Peak around 13km. From here there's a good honest climb of about 1200m in 7.5km.

It's a pretty sustained climb at a fairly constant gradient. I knocked it out in just under 1 hour 20 mins and was sat somewhere around 6th or 7th on the way up. It was coming light near the top but it took another 20 mins or so along the ridge to Mount Alpha before I turned my torch off.

So as promised there was a pie oven up on the top of the second peak just below 1600m as sun was breaking. I heard some of the runners made use but a whole pie sounded a bit heavy with the descent coming up! Great to catch the sun popping out over the horizon during the lonnnng descent into the Cardrona checkpoint.

Quite a lot of people out at the checkpoint and I caught a runner who'd been making the most of the refueling. We made our way through the fields and through another river crossing that was actually nice and refreshing. Although we were still pretty much sheltered from the heat of the sun as we were in the valley and it was still only around 8am as we climbed. Once up on to the Crifel Range it was undulating for a few hours and the heat was picking up but I was soon at another checkpoint.

I didn't see any other runners during the second half that were in my race but I hit the Bob Lee Hut which is near the start of the marathon at 11am and the MTB which had already started. I had some watermelon at the cp and it was the best thing in the world! So refreshing! I had about 45 mins before the marathon runners would be chasing and I passed a few riders who were changing a chain and caught a couple more on some of the climbs. This undulating section seemed to go on for a while and heading towards the sun it was 'toasty warm'! This Mount Pisa that I was heading towards eventually came and from here it was about 20km down hill and then 14km on the river to the finish!

A while after the descent began I was coming in towards another checkpoint around 10 hours in and caught sight of a runner coming up behind as I filled my bottle. I carried on and it was a few minutes before he caught me, the marathon leader and edged off into the distance. Not long off the bottom of the descent which was just steep enough to enjoy, I imagine it caused some damage to a few sets of tired legs, the second marathon runner caught me but stayed within sight.

I hit the checkpoint at Luggate and was mistaken for a marathon runner. By now there was the top 5 with me or already passed. I think I moved ahead of one of them and we made our way around the back of the airport to hit the river trail. I was so tempted to go in for a dip but was wary that I was going to be cutting it fine to finish under 12 hours when I checked with 10 miles to go and 90 mins to do it. The route was stunning pretty much all the way around and this last bit was no exception!

I passed through the final cp and had a quick cup of coke and sponged some water over my head and pushed on hovering around 8 min miles but really feeling the temperature. A quick river crossing felt amazing but I didn't hang around knowing that I was going to pop out at the finish any minute. There it was...

                             The finish... 12 hours 1 minute and 23 seconds....  6th back!

There was plenty of activity at the finish and refreshments, loads of support out and generally a great atmosphere. The medals and prizes were out the following day along with brunch at the pub! Great idea! A very rusticy authentic looking medal with some good old number 8 wire from the mountain fences.

All in all it was a fantastic route that took in many of the local mountains. There was a lot of support, seemed as though the checkpoints were very close together with 8 on the route. I didn't personally bother with drop bags after having to carry so much kit but they were available at 3 spots on the route too. Organisers did a great job of entertaining us all in the briefing and presentations and looking after us all around the course. 

Hardmoors 30 1st Jan 2015

My first Hardmoors event and also first run of 2015 on the 1st Jan. I actually entered the race without looking at the course and assumed it would be pretty hilly and quite a tough course... Couple of days before the event I got the map out and had a look at the route and realised I must have chosen the flattest HM event there is!

Next main race I'm doing is the Trans Gran Canaria in March after the Trail running coaching week I'm holding in Spain. That's 123km with 8500 meters of elevation :) :) :) so recent training has been all about the hills (mountains). Back to the run though, I hadn't done any recce beforehand but was looking forward to a steady long run around somewhere new.

The event was organised really well, efficient kit check and registration on the morning and a short briefing before heading outside and getting going, Weather was a nice temperature, dry overhead aside from a few spots of rain literally, the odd breeze in a few exposed spots but generally the route was sheltered from that. Underfoot the route was about half on rail track paths which were flat and easy running then a few sections of coastal path running along the sea with a few steps on, this was a bit muddy (I wore Mizuno Ascends which aren't that grippy in mud) but generally feet stayed dry.

I started out probably around 25- 30th position, stuck to a comfy 7 min mile pace, along the Cinder track and gradually passed a few enthusiastic starters over the next 5 miles towards Whitby. Had a good chat to a guy who'd done a few HM events before and the miles flew by. we hit the first cp around 10k in about 42 mins and ran through Whitby, passed the Abbey and onto the coast which was a bit more interesting than the rail track with some mud. Reached the Sports Sunday guys Laura and David who snapped some fantastic pics of us all.

The route carried on back to the start at around 21km and after a bit of mud and a few steps I'd moved up the field to 4/5th. As I was going pretty steady I didn't slow down as much as others on the coast I guess. I'd been concentrating on trying to pick the least slippery lines through the mud too. At the halfway I had a cup of water and set off out along with another runner. We'd continue on in 4th and 5th for the rest of the race not seeing any sight of those in front or behind.

We headed out on more Cinder track and I moved ahead towards Ravenscar. At the end of the track my route was suggesting I go right towards the village hall so off I went. Shortly after a family was walking towards me and asked if I was in the race and the guy said he thought the route had changed so didn't come up that way this time... I didn't know any better than the route I had (I now know that i had last years route, oops, the route was mostly the same but this year started in a different place and so I was effectively heading to last years start finish.) I turned around to head to the previous junction and wait for the chap behind who'd said he knew the way and saw him heading off in the distance the opposite way.

I headed off to follow him and then turning the corner was a checkpoint, I was back on course and was slowly catching him up again following old rail track. I reached the next cp ahead of him without seeing him (think he'd ducked into the gents somewhere and I'd passed) I stopped to tip some gravely bits out of my shoe and he caught me up. We chatted as we set off back along the coastal path (around 10km left to go) this was a bit more interesting as there were a few steps here and there mixed in with the coast path as we weaved along the top of the cliffs on the path. I moved ahead again and all was good until I glanced left and saw another runner wearing a red top and I thought it was my friend behind me and  that I must have gone off route. I stopped and was shouting to ask where he was going but no reply, then a small group behind him were following too, one guy shouted back they were out at 18 miles so I realised they were on the start of the loop and I must be going ok, I waited up for 5th place and he was happy with our route so we continued together to the checkpoint. We ran together a couple of miles on easy trail back to the coast path then again I ended up moving ahead again and eventually finishing a few minutes ahead. It was relatively straightforwards following the coast path but I had no idea where to go at the end, as I reached the town I asked people who were walking around and they pointed me up to the left and with a few other spectators help I was up the hill and jogging across the carpark to the finish in just over 4 hours and a 4th place. Only a few minutes behind 3rd although I never saw anyone in front that I didn't overtake.

If you're looking for a good value race on New Years next year definitely give this one a look. It's pretty fast going depending on the mud. Not very hilly overall for the area, ie no big hills, highest point being about 200m any ascent comes from the short sections of steps along the coast path, nothing more than a couple of minutes up or down at once. If you're looking to go pretty quick then it'd be worth checking you've got the correct route ;) Well done to all the runners who got out there and had a bash, also well done Tony from The Ultra Runner Store coming in 3rd on the 15 miler!

Lakeland 100 mile 2014

This years Lakeland 100 was fantastic! Same great organisation, checkpoint support was awesome once again with various teams taking over checkpoints (such as running clubs, shops, pink fairies) to look after around 300 starters in the 100 mile and 600 in the 50 mile race. I had a perfect weekend, catching up with friends from all over the country who had descended into Coniston on Friday ready for the briefing and 6pm start.Oh.. and the weather was perfect (aside from a smidge of rain Saturday evening though I was tucked away in my tent then) some say a little hot though after the AAUT in Spain 2 weeks ago where temps passed 40C this felt nice.

After kit check (it is actually checked) you go through a little funnel of being weighed and collecting race packs etc then I had the afternoon to get some food and catch up with friends before the briefing at 4.30pm
There was a male singer at the start line to add to the atmosphere and the first 500m or so through Coniston was lined with people, I set off steadily to the side and apart from ducking and dodging all the Ipads people were filming on all was well.

There wasn't any really fast starts this year apart from Lee who seemed to be pushing quite hard initially, a small group of about 10 of us behind him and as we passed the Coppermines YHA had already started to spread out a little bit, after a couple of km heading up Walna Scar Rd at a gentle pace I found myself in 3rd with Lee and Marco just a few seconds ahead. We ran together chatting a bit for the first few Cps, running towards Wasdale as the sun was setting, not a breath of wind simply perfect running conditions! At the Wasdale Cp Lee had dropped back a little bit and I was first to dib in, a cup of coke and we set off towards Black Sail, I ran up and at the next gate I turned to give it to Marco/ Lee and there was nobody there, I'd just run from the cp chatting but there was nobody there! Felt a bit silly but carried on enjoying the run up and out of the end of the valley on my own. A good descent down to Black Sail YHA and ran on up and over to Buttermere. Darkness just hit on the descent to Buttermere so I whipped the torch out (had packed it in the very top pocket of my pack this time and not in the bottom!) a quick photo shoot on the way down followed by the easy run around the lake to the cp.

Thanks Thomas Loehndorf for the pic up Walna Scar Rd

Thanks Andrea for the pics! 

A steady run along towards cp 5 at Braithwaite this section weaves around a few little streams and is gradually climbing, I caught a flash of a torch behind in the distance and was still moving well and remembering the route was pretty easy from last year. I was looking forwards to the first bit of food at the cp but when I got there I didn't really feel like the rice pudding so I had a handful of grapes and filled a water bottle with cola (which I did for the majority of cps from now on) from here the route is fairly flat and not very technical, some gentle climbs but nothing like the ones just tackled before Buttermere and after Howtown. The night section went pretty smoothly, just kept running along at a steady pace, sipping away at coke and water, keeping on the course and enjoying the clear starry night.

Thanks Kayleigh for the photo! Yummy!

Just before the 45 ish mile cp at Dockray Marco who was running strong came past and took the lead, I got into the cp and had a few peaches and set out again still just before sunrise. I filled up with some apparently flat coke only for it to explode in a huge jet that reached across the road a few moments later (haha who flattened that?) I managed to follow the next section without any detours, aside from a bit of confusion in a short section with a few cow fields where I couldn't spot the gate and ran around looking for it, all was good, a nice quick few km along the road and into the Dalemain Estate where the halfway point was (about about 55 miles I think 'cos it's actually 105 miles total I believe) I got in and got my drop bag, grabbed a bottle of lucozade out, downed a cup of tea, had a mouthful of custard and filled my bottles up then straight on for Pooley Bridge, quite a fast section which is relatively straight forwards too.

Thanks Laura at Sport Sunday for the photo! 

I usually think about what I'm going to do at the cp when I'm approaching eg what do I need to do/ eat or drink etc, for some reason I decided to take both bottles with water and didn't take any cola, I set out from the cp looking forwards to getting on some good climbs again to make a good push on but after a couple of km my eyes were shutting, I stumbled along up the climb and found a Mr Corless taking some action shots. Not sure if it had been the caffeine or the sugar in the cola keeping me going up until now but I was struggling to keep the eyes open.

Thanks to Delamere Spartans for the photo and a fab CP!

The top section seemed to drag a little before descending down to Haweswater track pretty well and dipping into a couple of the streams along the way woke me up nicely and I made my way on to the mighty Delamere Spartans cp at Mardale Head where there was plenty of energy! I topped up with coke again and pretty much just headed straight off I think?

The climb up from there seemed longer than I remembered I kept a good pace up and over and I knew the rest of the route from memory a lot better which meant I could relax and just run along enjoying the sunshine and look forwards to a fruit smoothie at Kentmere! There was a lot of energy at Kentmere too, Jenn was racing around sorting out my water bottles and bounding about looking really enthusiastic! I enjoyed the smoothie then set out up Garburn pass which is another great bit of the Lake District. I really enjoyed the section down into Ambleside and was feeling pretty good although perhaps got a bit too relaxed and noticed I hadn't been pushing very hard in the last few miles. I had run the section from here to Coniston with Julie a client who did the 50 though other than that hadn't been on any chunks of the course since I ran in 2013.

There were lots of people out enjoying the weather as I followed the route along the river and could see all people playing in the river, which looked incredibly tempting! I had been tipping water on myself along here quite frequently and before I knew it I had reached the Chapel Style cp when it was getting towards the warmest part of the day. All the water and drinks seemed to be warm and I was just ready for something cold, anything cold, just in time one of the marshals dishing out ice cream for themselves so I had a scoop which was simply fantastic! Sitting out on the sofa in the middle of a field in the Langdale valley, what could be better on a Saturday arvo?

Thanks Lois for the photo at 95 mile ish?

Anyway I got up and ran on towards the FINAL CHECKPOINT!! It was a mixed feeling, I was enjoying the run that much that I didn't want it to end I ran on and worked my way along some of my favourite parts down to the penultimate climb, got to watch a few 4x4s negotiating their way along the rough track as I was ascending slowly... Didn't spot the highland cows today but could see the final cp as I began the short descent through the farm at Tilberthwaite. Last year I didn't hang about at the cp becuase there was only a 10 min or so gap between me and 2nd (which I managed to make up and gain my own gap to take 2nd) I enjoyed a few strawberries and a chat to the crew before I took the final 4ish mile? section up and over into Coniston. No sprint finish needed this time, just a steady run down into the town and into the finish for another 2nd place in 22 hours 40 odd minutes. Aside from getting a bit lazy in the later stages all went well and I had a fantastic weekend!!

Thanks Thomas Loehndorf for the photo

There were some fantastic performances all around from the front end right the way to the guys coming in after nearly 40 hours, I think that's even more impressive! I've run for that length of time in longer events a few times and it's tough! Especially heading into a second consecutive night with no sleep!

Post race I went for a dip in the lake and lay on the beach for a bit... the perfect way to cool down, then it was out for dinner which I managed a soup and about 3 mouthfuls of a main before getting a takeaway box!
Sunday morning there were still runners finishing in all kinds of states from sprint finishes to painful shuffles. The prize presentation is definitely worth staying for, with a video of the weekend that had been made and edited already, some funny competitor stories and of course the trophy and prize bit! Some amazing runners out there over the weekend! Same time next year? Who knows!

One last thing... What did I eat?
half a tin of peaches at Dockray, a few strawberries at Tilberthwaite, a few grapes at Braithwaite, a mouthful of custard at Dalemain, fruit smoothie at Kentmere and some ice cream at Chapel Style cp.
along with 2 breakfast 9bars just before the start....
I think... that was about it. I had 400ml of cola at 7 checkpoints and a cup of cola at 3 others. I put Elete electrolyte into my water which I had about 500ml at probably 10 checkpoints and a bit out of streams.... and a tescos own lucozade after Dalemain.
from memory that's about the lot, should have had a cola again at Howtown as shortly after then was when I got a bit sleepy and relaxed the pace a little it felt like although I haven't actually any garmin data to check I was enjoying the run probably a bit too much!

 Massive thanks to everyone that helped out, organised, ran, cheered, clapped, took photos and got involved with the event in any way. Also obviously well done to all the runners too! There is a fantastic video floating around of the whole event, try searching it out on youtube it's worth a watch.

AAUT part 2

PART 1 was more information about the race and the kit I used, this is PART 2... More along the lines of my account of the whole experience (which was fantastic!)

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Stage 1 : Loja to Alhama de Granada, 39km

Total Ascent : 1330 m / Total Descent : 976 m
3 hours 27 min

WE all gathered around for the 9.45 start on the Monday morning literally outside the hotel. The daily routine of waking up 7- 8 ish eating a couple of breakfast 9bars and guzzling down a litre or so of water began. I didn't really have any kit to sort out, literally a case of get dressed in the usual running attire, fill the water bottles up and slap a bit of sun cream on. Easy!

For the first 3 days we all started at the same time (9 am on day 2 and 3) and for day 4 and 5 there was an earlier start group at 8.30 and the remaining faster runners at 9.

A group photo on the line before the big countdown and we were off... following 2 Police motorbikes... not sure how fast they were expecting us to set off but we kept up. My main plan was just to ignore the pace of other runners and just do my own thing.... there were 5 days of running after all, it didn't make any sense to me to be battling over a minute or two here and there and I just went on enjoying the route. The first 11km is a steady climb before CP 1 and myself, Sonia and Franck moved on ahead of the pack, by now the only clouds we saw all week had cleared and it was HOT!

10km day 1 looking back at Sonia and Franck

 There was a long steady track downhill after the cp and I moved on ahead, Sonia caught up at a gate that was tied shut and we ran together to the next CP enjoying a chat and passing through the early miles at a good pace. After the cp Sonia edged ahead and we continued on following the markings and weaving along the tracks. The scenery was fantastic and before I had finished gazing around the mountains in view I was running into CP 3. I grabbed a bit more water here and had a quick chat before running on, I was a bit too quick to get a cold towel but was feeling fine at a steady pace, just starting to get hot. Next was a gradual descent and suddenly we turned to approach the town and the final km into the finish of day 1 where a refreshment table, bar and pool awaited.

Paul had a good vantage point for day 1 finish

Typically at the finish this was my routine....
Finish: I'd get a cold towel and start replacing fluids for the first approx 30 mins
+ 30 mins a recovery shake
+35 mins a shower/ bath/ swim
+ 45 mins Continuing to drink and eat juicy stuff like watermelon and bananas still using elete electrolyte too. + 90 mins Continuing to drink I'd have a dehydrated meal + chill out in the shade for a bit.
+150 mins A recovery protein bar and some salty crisps
+180 mins By now hydrated drinking as usual and would continue to eat as I felt hungry.

The thing about stage racing is that the faster runners (quite possibly are better trained and recover quick) are finished sooner giving them more recovery time than someone who has been out for longer and perhaps isn't as conditioned to the distances. I think it's phenomenal achievement no matter how you finish such a race...

In 2010 The Gobi Challenge was my first race (similar 140 miles in 6 days except across a desert and carrying all gear) I didn't have the fitness to run it all (not even close) but that wasn't my intention, I wanted a once in a lifetime adventure/ challenge which at the time it was! With the right mindset I could complete it, just by keeping going. I had less recovery time than the ones at the front and carried more stuff, spent longer in the heat and did get achy legs and tired feet, but I made it to the end! AAUT is a tough event and might seem light-years away to some aspiring runners right now, I think that depends how you want to do it, how much you want it and what kind of experience you'd like to get. Definitely there is no need to be elite level and run every step, but if you're planning to hike it and do bits of running now and then (like I did in Gobi Challenge) be prepared for the longer days out on the trail.

Each evening there was a briefing for the following stage giving a detailed overview of where the cps would be and how many mountains there would be etc and dinner provided along with prize giving for the stage winners (which turned out to be myself and Sonia each day)

The tents had been set up in a large sports hall for the night, very warm. Easy peasy, ready for .....

Stage 2 : Alhama de Granada to Játar, 48km

Total Ascent : 1640 m / Total Descent : 1500 m

4 hours 37 min

Alhama gorge. Stunning!

Stage two was fantastic running! Starting with a run through the gorge which was shaded and really nice to visit, before some easy tracks to cp 1. There were fantastic views into the mountains ahead and after a couple of km on trails we diverted on the road briefly up to cp 2 where I was treated to a cold towel to cool down before an awesome bit of running into the mountains on perfect single track!

Into the mountains day 2. My favourite!

 If only the whole route was like this, temperature was starting to rise and the sections on white sandy rock reflected the heat back at you. A couple of small streams to cool off in before climbing up further into the trees ready for a long gradual trail descending to cp 3 at 35 km.

You can make out the long descending track

After this about 6km on was a ford so water up to the knees which felt awesome in the heat, a good splash about in there next to the final cp where I had a cup of cola before hitting the road and ascending over two small hills on the way up to Jatar which we ran through and about 500m further to our overnight camp which had an awesome stream running through it which some of us lay in to cool off.

How we cool it down!

The finish refreshment table and awesome crew!

After that it was time to start the recovery process once again and do some clapping for some fantastic performances that day although day 2 seemed to catch a few people out. Stage briefing for tomorrow indicated the 'easy' day basically flat and short apparently, not everyone seemed to agree with that ;)

Day 2 camp terrace

Dinner was in town a couple of mins walk away and after my own pizza and chips I managed to help out a few others with their's... followed by some rice pudding for afters. Yum Yum.

Stage 3: Játar to Jayena, 39km

Total Ascent : 980 m / Total Descent : 1035 m

3 hour 14 min

Typical start

Day 3 is on paper quite easy although for most the two previous days have given the legs something to worry about by now and so whilst being quite an easy day, still needs some effort to get round. The day begins with just under 11km on the road to cp1, before a gradual climb to cp 2. I had chewed through the early miles quite easily and hit 14km in 1 hour as I glanced at the Garmin, this felt good to know as I jogged up the hill and reached the cp in what felt like no time. A brief hello before carrying on back into a more shaded section through the woods on good trail before another small climb which I can't remember much about. 

Looking back at cp 3

After that it was basically 10km downhill to the finish including a short single track section a mile from the end, I turned a corner and saw Paul the organiser who was just finishing marking the route out.... I passed him as he frantically dashed to get his vehicle and just kept following the track down to a dirt road... With no idea where to go I looked around for a moment before randomly picking the road to the left and then hit yet another junction which left me completely confused I stopped and could see Paul coming in the distance so after a couple of moments he passed and I followed him into the camp, that was the only problem I had route marking wise... partly my fault for running too fast perhaps ;) Sonia was in not too long after along with the rest of the field throughout the next couple of hours. A fantastic camp once again with stone picnic benches that made great sun loungers combined with a Thermarest, and also a nice river to lie in and cool off. Same recovery process which was becoming routine and the fantastic crew were always on hand to help out. 

With tonight's camp being slightly out of town a local restaurant made a huge amount of Paella for us and it was brought to camp for all to enjoy. I waited until later to go to bed tonight after dark sometime when the temps had dropped and was able to get straight to sleep unlike previous nights where I was lying uncomfortable due to the warmth still. Good plan and also got to see the stars and some nocturnal wildlife rustling around camp, rumour has it there is now a fox that also has it's own Salomon waist pack which was left outside with food in it! 

Stage 4: Jayena to Alhama de Granada, 67km

Total Ascent : 2031 m / Total Descent : 2083 m

6 hour 4 min

Day four was the 'long one' I'd been looking forwards to something a bit longer and especially after hearing of the scenery and the big lake we got to run along. A really nice start with a gentle climb and a long winding descent to cp 1. Shortly later we hit a road before picking up the lakeside track through the trees all the way along the lake, the fantastic clear blue waters looked very inviting but I didn't want to hang around today. 

At the far end of the lake was the next cp which was full of energy and smiley crew, as much as I would have liked to stay and chat I moved along and up over the next bit of a climb that weaved along to cp 3 about 30km. I think I had a cup of coke here before running on and enjoying a long 10km descent to a small town and around about 40km where cold towels and icy water awaited, the only problem with being at the front is that sometimes you catch the crew by surprise but they were fantastic and within a moment water was topped up and I was on my way to a river crossing. 

I was quite surprised how powerful it was as I jogged through, after 3 or 4 steps I decided I was going for a dip to make the most of it which felt fantastic. Now for a quick few mins on the road and a long steady ascent to cp number .... ermm 5 I think? That section seemed to take a while but we did gain a few 100 m of elevation. Just some water, a cold towel here and off I went. The next section was exposed and followed a track, ever so gradually climbing for what seemed like a long time, I was feeling pretty hot along here so backed off the pace and kept dribbling water onto myself, next the cp crew passed me and I would find them about 1km further on making a rather rapid set up job to get ready for us coming through. 

baking!

I stayed a bit longer than normal here (probably 3 or 4 mins) to cool off a little and get a cup of coke and some ice in my water. Sonia was coming into the cp just as I was leaving as I'd been lingering around a bit so I put a bit of effort in on the downhill and managed to build the gap back to 5 mins in the last 7 or 8 km to the finish. As I was descending I could see the town we would finish in and a glance at the watch looked like I would be well within the 6 hour 1 minute course record until suddenly the markings turned left back uphill! Not a particularly big hill but just enough, a tricky descent down to a road crossing and a bridge before the final 400m of single track into the finish, another picturesque campsite! 

67km no worries on day 4

one of the pools we finished at

Tonight's dinner and swimming pool was about 15 mins walk away from camp so runners were being ferried across in cars to enjoy the sun and the refreshingly cool pool. A great dinner and really really good food, only the biggest piece of chicken I've had at a restaurant was accompanied by a tiny portion of chips. In hindsight I didn't get enough food in this evening at the meal compared to other nights, usual recovery process went on though. A few of the runners were looking a bit tired by now but it was great to spend yet another evening with such fantastic company!  

The day being a longer one led to some quite late finishes so once ferried back to camp most went straight to bed ready for the final day! 

Stage 5: Alhama de Granada to Loja, 37km

Total Ascent : 1120 m / Total Descent : 1500 m

3 hour 8 min

The first group starting final day!

I was up pretty early (7ish) and had a wander round camp before the usual breakfast of 2 Breakfast 9bars and a litre of water but somehow I forgot to eat the 2nd. I found it in my pocket after the stage. It felt like I was putting a little more effort in to run the uphills at a good pace although looking back at the garmin data I don't think I was running any slower than the previous days. There had been a staggered start with a group setting off 30 mins sooner today so it was nice to see other runners out on the route and say a quick hello to each of them as we all edged closer to the finish. By cp1 I'd just passed all the earlier starting runners and was enjoying the views as we weaved our way around the hillside. The second cp was equipped with coke so I had a cup and enjoyed the long descent over to the final cp, THE FINAL CP of the entire week! I stayed a couple of mins whilst cooling off with a cold towel and had a look back along the valley to see if I was being followed before heading off on a fast section of the route down through a small town. There was a small hill in front I walked along looking around and taking it all in for a few moments before the last 5km down into Loja. We crossed under the main road to find a 2km to go marker and then out popped 2 police motorbikes to escort me in to the finish outside Manzanil.... and there I was Winner of Al Andalus Ultimate Trail 2014 230km in a time of 20 hours 32 minutes...

Paul and myself and a smiley Holly and Sam in the background!

First and 2nd! First female Sonia a fantastic runner!

What a fantastic week. Nothing but great things to say about the organisation, the crew, the route, the area, all the other competitors. It was awesome to share the week with you all and some really inspirational performances at all kinds of levels. The fact that people just keep on going back to the race shows how good it is. If you like trail running, want to meet some fantastic people and have an experience of a lifetime you definitely want to check this race out! Tim Harman sorted out the official photos and was always cheery out on course! Thanks Tim!

The prize haul! Done pretty well there!

After all that just a big thanks to everyone involved with running and running the event! Can't think how to improve that week except maybe some more hills and technical single track , I'm sure everyone would be in agreement there too... no? Just me then!