Buxton, Summer Series, Thursday 20th June

My preparation for the race didn’t go as planned, I turned up with  a bad Achilles. I was unsure even if I was going to do the race a few hours before.  However my stubbornness over throw my consciousness, and I found myself once again on the starting line.  In a tide of blue and yellow, that represented Wilmslow and Staffs Moorlands Athletic Clubs retrospectively.  A quick speech from the captain and we were underway.

The first part of the race was a one mile uphill to Solomons Temple, a Victorian Tower that offers amazing viewpoints to the outskirts of Buxton.  I have been here several times before for educational purposes, and this was no exception.

As I reached the top, I felt a sense of relief for the downhill. My legs were tired. Things didn’t go so well as soon as I started the descent towards the underbelly of the canopy.  Before I knew it, I had been thrown overboard by the greasy grass and I was a the mercy of the banks. I scrambled for my water bottle and looked to face the sky.  This stumble cost me places but lucky it didn’t lead to an injury.  I quickly found my feet thanks to the encouragement to those around me.  The fact that I decided to run in road shoes didn’t help prevent this incident. This is indeed a learning curve and I had paid the price.  My choice for these shoes was because they offered good support for my ankle.

For the next five minutes I took it steady until I found my feet once I reached the harder paths made by the wooden legs. I quickened my pace; my fall had cost me three or four places and dented my confidence.  No time to relax and think about the past I had to concentrate and look out for the wooden arms and the lose stones, and the odd dog walker!

I made it to the bottom of the descent after about a mile. This gave me time to catch my breath but I could feel my legs burning with the pace. I decided to go a little faster on the uphill’s until I got to the last steep hill by the start line. I had a quick walk to catch my breath and I started it again, as did the route for another lap.

In the second lap I saw a talented runner had also fallen to the grease that day. His name was Tyler, a Congleton runner I had gotten to know during the series. A better runner than I and one to watch out for the future. We ran together on the up hill towards the Temple once more.

I managed to hold off those behind me and I tried to catch the ones in front that had over taken me on my fall and on the descent.

I managed to gain a through yards on a couple of runners but struggled to gain much advantage until it came to the end of the descent where I managed to over take a couple of runners on the small hills.

It was certainly an up and down race, both in terms of my gymnastics and the course.  I almost managed to claim another place at the end of the race, as I ran someone to the line.

I managed to finish 12^th again with a time of 31minutes and 47 seconds.

Well done to Jack Ross for winning the race for Staff Moorlands, last time I saw him it was back in October and he had a broken toe.

Well done to Dale Colclough and Clive Hevey also, and for all the support that you both have offered me before and after the race. Thanks again.  Tyler also completed the race in an impressive 22^nd place after an injury he sustained during the race. Well done for the determination.

Well done to Matt Statham for coming in 26^th with 33 minutes and 42 seconds.

Roaches – Summer Series 2013 June 13th

I had being looking forward to the Roaches race all week, even if I was a little tired after the Potters ‘Alf.

I also decided to do a training run around Ipstones and Foxt on Tuesday evening, which resulted in a five-mile run.

Thursday quickly came around and the time for knee high socks and shorts were acquired for the wet weather we had in the day.  After a bit of a rush from work, I made my way to my playground of the roaches, just below the peak district. 

I was excited about the race, as I knew the area well and I know some of the lines to take over the top of the ridge.

On arrival to the start line, there seemed to be a lot more cars than I had previously seen at other races. Then again this was to be expected.  Am sure am not the only one attracted to the Roaches.  The views that it has to offer on a summers evening are impressive to say the least.  Am sure this was race was setting up for a classic. Though the weather had decided not to join the party, instead it sent winds and the odd bit of rain.

Before the start of the race, I meet Clive, a runner from Endon who is well known for running the Paddy Buckley challenge in Wales and he also helped my brother during his night session. He recognized me, as I look similar to my brother. Must be the beards.  It was nice to meet someone who also said that he uses the Roaches as his “playground”, and who has a passion for the landscape and running. Though I pretty sure most people at the race we say the same. It was good to get some hints and tips for my running from Clive. I do hope to catch you again sometime soon. 

The race got under way and we headed up to the roaches to the main path that leads between Hen Cloud and the Roaches.  I felt tired as soon as the race started and I wasn’t sure If I would make it all the way round. With this in mind, I started a little slower than I normally would.  I think doing the Potters ‘Alf may of taken too much from me.  I continued to battle with my wits and those amongst me.

To my surprised though I did managed to overtake a few people over on the way up to roaches. This was the path between higher and lower tier rocks. I did have a bit of power walk at several stages to try and save my legs. As I reached the start of the ridge I saw Tyler from Congleton at the top stretching his legs. He waited for me and we pushed on together. We ran at an even pace across the top of the ridge. I love running across the top for two main reasons, one being the view and the other for the technique running that is required. To leap and bounce over the sandstone like child creates a sense of joy as if I was biting into my very first birthday cake. Yum.

As we reached Roach End we had a bit of cap between us and those behind, and we had even managed to catch up with some others runners.  It was here that Tyler decided to up his game and he pressed on without me. I tried to keep in touch with him, but he was to good for me.  Though by trying to keep up with him meant that I did over take the runners in front. 

And as I did someone whizzed passed me, he was clearly going for it on the road. I thought I would hope to catch him at the back end of the Roaches.  I did so, and managed to create a bit of gap when going over the muddy paths behind the back of the roaches and Hen Cloud.  I even managed to pull in a bit of space from Tyler.

I stayed in this position until the end of the six mile race.

I think I managed to finish around the 43 minute mark in 12^th place. Another good result for Team Raidlight.

I congratulate Tyler for his impressive race and clapped for those that were coming in.

This was an exciting race and I did enjoy racing over the roaches once more. It was nice to find out that some many people enjoy the natural beauty in the peaks, and on my doorstep.

Well done To Gareth Briggs for finishing second in the Race.

Potters 'Alf 9th June

Having been bullied into doing the Potters ‘Alf by my Brother, I was kind of nervous and not looking forward to event, as I don’t really like running on roads. However this was an exception as this was going to be a family affair. My Brother Ant, was doing the race, and even more impressive was the fact that middle brother Steve had be persuaded into doing the race too. Though my twin sister had pulled out. Maybe next time though.

Bethell Bullets

The morning of the race had come, as usual I was a bundle of nervous, and anxious about was about to come.

My preparation involved stretching and eating two boiled eggs, one more than I usually do!

We set off to Hanley, otherwise branded as the City Centre. We arrived about one hour before the start time.  There was a certain buzz in the air and I could already see a lot of runners warming up.  We meet Ant and Steve in Costa Coffee. They had decided to get some needed caffeine. I opted out of this, as coffee gives me the shakes. Not that I wasn’t nervous or shaking anyway. Rattle, Rattle.

Now you may already know a little bit about Anthony my brother or as Forest. He was a little stiff from the Shutlingloes race and from the training that week, but I still expected him to have a good race.  As he always does.  My other brother Steve has only being running for three months and was set for the challenge of the concrete hills.  This is impressive to even consider doing after such a short period. Hats off to him. I had previously had a training session with him. And he looked in good shape, so I was worried about him beating me.  Maybe I will have to trip him up at the start line…

After a few visits to the rest room, we headed out to the start line to have a bit of jog. Before I even left the shopping centre I had lost both brothers, so I went to start to await for them. I never saw Ant until after the race, but I did see Steve just before the start as we both decided to take moment to ease the pressure of liquid in our stomachs before hand. I fact I missed the start by a 30 seconds or so.

And that’s how my race began. I decided that I needed to work my way through the field, so I wormed my self through high spirits and smiley faces. I finally got into my stride just after leaving the City Centre to head up through Fenton. I saw a few familiar faces along the way, including Steve and I wished him luck. I also meet up with a few people that had being doing the summer series, Tyler from Congleton Athletic club.  I ran with him up to the top of Fenton. The weather had decided to continue smiling upon us, like it had being doing all week.  The heat did start to rise within the first few miles and I knew we were in for a warm one.

I kept my pace going and started to progress through the field. As I tried to maintain my pace, my shins and legs felt tired. So I decided to throw lots of water on them.  I felt a little heavy, but I was enjoying the crowds of people that cheered everyone on. In fact the crowds were amazing, well done to the people of Stoke for getting behind the runners. Some had even made additional water stations and even handed out a few oranges and my favorite Jelly Babies. Result

As I went through Longton, I could start to feel the my legs, but I was also determined to keep at my pace, and try to keep an eye on those in front. I did manage to pass a few more people on the up hills, and realised that this was my strong point, where as I found it hard on the flat parts.

After about an hour of running, I start to get a tired and need some more water and additional food, I hadn’t packed any gels or food. I did manage to take an orange from someone in Bucknell, thankyou. Though it did make me feel sick.

This was about 8 miles in.

It was at this point that Tyler can running past me like a steam train, good running from him. I wished him luck and told him to go for it. I found myself interchanging positions with a group of runners from Trentham running club. I managed to keep up with them till Holden lane bridge when two of them broke away. The good thing was that we had been overtaking other runners too.

It got to Heart Break Hill, the classical part of the Potters ‘Alf I had heard so much about. I decided to just go for it, as I had saved a little bit of energy for the hill. My plan did work and I managed to overtake a few more runners, but struggled to catch the two Trentham runners and Tyler.  I did however catch a few more people on the home straight. 

Just before the end I saw my Brother Anthony who gave me extra encouragement to the finishing line by running with me. It pushed me on and I managed to quicken my pace.

On the way to the finishing line, there were rows of people, sometimes four lines deep, applauding the efforts made by some 1500 people on a Sunday Morning.  It was overwhelming to see so many people clapping.  It really did inspire you to keep running. Thanks again for those that came and supported me and the other runners.

I managed to cross the line with a time of 1hr and 28 minutes in 63^rd place. I was really pleased to finish under the 90 minute mark.

I later found out that my brother had finished 9^th and won his class. Well done Ant Great running from you.

I was that greeted with a muffin and some Water from Cara, thank you.  Though I did almost fetch it back up.

I also saw some close friends on mine come into finish their first half marathon. All under the 1hr and 50 minute mark. Well done to Ben, Gilbert and Angus for achieving this. To complete a hard half marathon on such a sunny day is amazing.

My Brother Steve came in under two hours, an amazing achievement considering how long he has being running for. Well Done Steve. He was pushed from the Heart Broke Hill with my other brother running along side him until the finish. Am really proud of Steve and my friends for complete this challenge it just goes to show what the human body can do when you have the determination and will.

After the Race (Steve, Ant, Me)

Afterwards (Ben, Ant, Angus, Me, and Gilbert)

Summer Series Shutlingsloe

Race two of the summer series was a fell race. That mean and steep fell in question is Shutlingsloe. The race was 3 miles according to the organisers.

So again, it was going to be a fast race.

I have ran up Shutlingsloe before, as I use it in my training runs with the roaches. The Hill offers amazing views over the Moorlands and Cheshire. I would recommend it to anyone.

I was also going with my brother Anthony.  He had just returned from running Zegama in the sky running series. He was the first Brit back in the race, and 7th best in his class. Good Work Ant. Amazing. I have no idea how you achieve this, but you did. Well Done.  He is also one of the people I hold accountable for my running.

This was the second race, I had done with my bother. The last time I raced him he finished 3hrs ahead of me...

The aim of my race was to just complete the race in the top 30, I never like to have unrealistic expectation for races.

This was also my first race under the team name of Raidlight. A French Running association that I will now be running under. I really like the ethics that they have. It doesn't matter how far you run, where you come or what type of running you do. Everyone is under one banner and pulls together. Please check it out.

As we lined up my brother was in front of me, in the narrow trail lane.

The whistle went, and so the up hill struggle began.  I decided to run as fast as possible up the hill to the fell as I knew I would get some time to catch some air when we reached the top of Shutlingsloe. I followed my brother to top, of the hill. I tried to stay on his heels in hope that I would have enough to over take him on the down hill.   This was a bit of a risky strategy as I may get tired and lose places to other people.

I kept looking over my shoulder in case this happened, but I had some space between me and he next person. As we reached the summit of Shutlingsloe my brother was, I think a little surprised to see me.  As he soon bolted down the hill back to the finish. I do remember someone shouting is that your brother you can catch him. My reply was "I am too *Ducked." My legs went a bit to jelly at the top of the summit and I lost a lot of time on the descent, as I didn't wont to fall. I headed back to the finish, a 1mile and half down hill.

I could not see my brother once we entered the forest. He managed to finish two minutes in front of me. It goes to show how much pace you can pick up on the descents. He was like bull after a red cloth.

He had a great race, and I am please that he pushed me so hard around the course, as I managed to finish in 9th in 29minutes.

Am really pleased with my result as it was such a hard course for such a short distance. The race was actually 3.6miles according to Ant's Garmin.

I reached the finishing line with Joy and congratulated my brother on his race.

I am really enjoying the series as everyone is really nice to talk to, and the atmosphere of the races are a good laugh.  Thanks for all those that are support so far.

The next race is the roaches.

On the Ascent to Shutlingsloe, Photo By Mike Hall

Summer Series Titlesworth

I have been trying to progress with my running this year, so I have decided to take part in the Summer Series, which is a series of races organised by Staffordshire Moorlands Athletics club. The series consists of about 10 races that are on trails, fells, and road with the staffordshire moorlands area. 

I decided to do the series as I think it will improve my training and my running. With the distance being short it will also help increase my speed. 

I also want to get to know more runner that run in the area, and also improve my training and my knowledge of the sport. 

The first race was at Titlesworth, near Leek. The run was a five mile race around the lake.  The circuit around the lake is flat. I had not ran around the lake before, but I had walk around it a long time ago, when I went for a picnic there. 

This was my first race in such a small distance and I didn't have an expectation about the race, I just wanted to get around in a reasonable time.  

The whistle was about to go, and I noticed a few really good runners lining up, including Jason Burgess and William Neil.  Therefore I knew it was going to be fasted from the off. The whistle went, and so did my legs. I set off with a steady pace and kept that going for a couple of miles. I noticed that I was holding my position and moving well, even though I had tired legs. I kept pushing and even managed to over take a few people. Half way around the race I could feel I was getting more tired, so I continued at my pace until the last mile where i decided to go a little faster in order to catch up with two people in front of me. I did manage to catch them due one of them taking a wrong turn.  I put the effort in to the finishing line and managed to finish 12th. 

I was really pleased with my result for the race, as I didn't expect to do that well.  

The race has given me alot to think about in the future and also bit more confidence in my ability.