Over the last couple of months I’ve twice been asked to contribute a piece about my running experiences and I’m both pleased and proud to have been asked. All my blogs have the underlying aim of promoting trail running so I’ve enjoyed contributing to both the runr clothing brands #irunbecause with a blog entitled Why I chose the trails and recently on the Winchester Bloggers website with Running the Winchester Ways

The nature of a long run through the country also lends itself to occasional photos. Keeping a look out for interesting examples of what you may come across certainly adds to your thought process as the miles tick by. The right photo can really add depth to your narrative.

The Winchester Bloggers request was a great example of not only covering a lovely part of the world but being able to step back in time and research some of the history that laid behind the route I took. So many trails lay undiscovered by the general public and it’s a real privilege to not only run them, but to promote them.

As a blogger I think its great to widen your horizons by reading about other peoples passions and how they express themselves. I looked at food, drink and lifestyle posts on the Winchester site. We can all learn off each other 🙂

Keep on blogging and maybe have a read of my two posts above !!

Thanks

The Gosport Golden 24 is a new event that started on Saturday 12 noon and finished Sunday 12 noon today. The basic idea was to use the measured Golden mile that’s already an established race and simply invite runners to contribute both miles and money to charity. The coastal tarmac route is a scenic mile of Stokes Bay, close to Gosport itself and also offers great views of the Isle of White. As this photo suggests some runners were more tired than others 🙂

Clothing sales had generated the majority of sponsorship before the event even started with the funds going to Depression Friends and the Brathay trust ….. “GG24”

When I arrived at 8am for an hours recovery run after last weekends Purbeck marathon all I had to do was add my name to the ever growing list. A variety of local club running vests were in evidence and it wasn’t long before I bumped into Johnny that I’d met at and Absolute Running 5.45 evening. Unfortunately the reason I struck up a conversation was because Johnny had clearly injured himself.

If Johnny did need rescuing we were in the right palace !!

As we walk/jogged while Johnny and I were talking both Shane and Roman from the Endurance Hub came into view so it was a hello and good morning to them and then I set off running again. Naturally with the route being a mile out and back you saw people on a regular basis. Ben Jarvis from Gosport Road Runners (GRR) was the next person I recognised, Ben did last weeks Purbeck marathon and when we talked later he’d run a 50K yesterday too.

By now the sailors were getting their yachts organised for racing out on the water and the junior run was being organised too. It was at this point I saw Lee Rhodes from Bayside Tri club who use Stokes Bay for their open water swimming but today he was a supportive parent.

The friendly nature of this low key event certainly came through with numerous “well done” and “morning” comments. As I came to the end of my hour I could see quite a few runners gathered at the start/finish HQ tent. I signed for my mileage and almost immediately saw Paul Pickford (Blue top), Fareham Crusaders new men’s captain for the 2017/8 season. We only had a quick chat as Paul was just about to set off running but there was still time for a couple of photos with Shaun and Ronan (Blue caps) & Ben (thumbs up).

By all accounts there’d been a great response from runners attending on the Saturday and into the night. As I left more people were arriving so all in all the event sounds like its been a huge success. The number of a thousand miles had been mentioned as the target for the 24 hours, I may have only contributed a small amount to this but I felt part of the great effort everyone made.

Well done to the three organisers Terry, Steve and Rob for harnessing the community spirit that our local runners possess. If the event is repeated in 2018 I’ll be back for a much longer run 🙂

It’s only two weeks now to the Purbeck marathon so today needed to be a descent test of my form. I managed just over 19 miles with 2,170 feet elevation in quite Autumnal conditions. Also my Tailwind trial moved into its second week which you can read about further down.

Todays added bonuses were bumping into Ray Gunner from Stubbington Green who I haven’t seen for ages and Rosie from my club Fareham Crusaders who again I haven’t seen for quite a while. On my way home at about 18.5 miles with two lanes of heavy traffic to my left I also spotted the bright red Absolute Running van with owners Nick and Kim in it, so that was a great “pick me up” with waves and shouts of encouragement.

Well, September is with us, the football posts were up next to the cricket boundary, the leaves have started falling onto the path and todays drizzle was (although refreshing to begin with) fairly constant from mile 6.

However, none of the above dampened my spirits because today was the furthest I’ve run since June and being on the move for over three hours gives you “belief”.

As the initial miles ticked by I contemplated on my liquids and nutrition strategy. I’d filled three 500ml soft flaks and only packed one gel and one energy bar. Ordinarily for a 3 hour + run I’d have taken three or four gels as well as a couple of SIS energy bars so it was going to be “sink or swim” time. Granted I was running conservatively but when I say the first time I thought I may need something extra was at 15 miles then that’s a big thumbs up to Tailwind. You read the recommendations but it’s always best to try it for yourself. I’ll come back to this later.

The first 6 or so miles were really an introduction before I reached Portchester Lane. This Lane is a favourite of mine due to 3/4 of a mile giving you 270 feet elevation. I set myself 4 reps and I wasn’t alone as a number of cyclists passed me too. As I mentioned earlier Ray Gunner passed me going up one of them. Ray has always been quick and he was on good form as he easily caught me up.

I really believe hill reps are an essential part of any runners training regardless of their race distances. The strength work really pays off physically and mentally.

The route may be tarmac which isn’t idea and it is open to traffic but generally on an early Sunday morning its quiet. As you can see it’s a hill that just keeps giving as it snakes up to the horizon.

The fields to the right had wheat growing three weeks ago but that’s all been harvested so this was another reminder that Summer is disappearing.

I generally use a “bump bag” these days that I swivel around when I want something. My preferred choice of liquid containers are soft flasks because once empty they take up no room at all, they can be rolled up like an empty toothpaste tube.

Once heading down Portsdown Hill there’s a section with no pavement and it was starting to get busier as the morning progressed. I always like to run towards the traffic on these sections as I’d rather see them and move out of their way. Naturally I avoid doing this wherever possible.

Once heading for the creek at about 15.5 miles I’d taken a gel just for good measure and it was all flat from now on. Passing my friend Rosie was a surprise and then waving to Nick & Kim was a great motivator. At 17.5 miles I had the energy bar just to be on the safe side but to be fair I was still feeling good on the back of the Tailwind. Is Tailwind the answer to all our running needs ?? I will let you know over the coming weeks, however, the signs are promising.

Finally, I thought this sign from our local council was well thought out by aiming it at the kids 🙂 Although to be fair most people are pretty good.

So, great miles, plenty of hills, more Tailwind feedback and a few surprise friends along the way. “Good Times”

 

Well, it’s 3 weeks until the Purbeck marathon so it “really” is time to get those distance legs working again. My analogy of “the road to fitness” and more specifically marathon fitness was tested to the full with this churned up trail coupled with the gradual elevation. To be fair this logging access trail only lasted for about 350 metres but it was a great addition to our run.

With the Purbeck marathon having a similar 1,000 meters of elevation to Second Wind Runnings QE Spring marathon (25th March 2018) then 14.5 miles in todays heat was a great tester on the back of 10 miles from Tuesday and 6 from Thursday. The QE Spring marathon has two 13 mile loops so we largely followed one laps worth.

Starting at 8am due to the anticipated heat our first 2 miles included a number of twisting and turning ascents that we well remembered from the race in March, especially with us running up this twice for that marathon. The most noticeable change from March to August (apart from the heat) was how green and “lush” everywhere was. The woods branches had filled out and this certainly worked in our favour with greater shade.

I haven’t seen Paul since RTTK so we had lots to catch up on as we steadily ran the trails. When I say we had lots to catch up on this actually meant going the wrong way 🙂 !! However, we both agreed the extra miles would come in handy as additional training.

After about a third of our run we passed what has to be the busiest junction in the QECP  woods. With this signpost pointing to the South Downs Way, Hangers Way, the Shipwrights Way and Staunton Way (which we’d pick up later) it was an obvious photo opportunity.

Paul has carried on his relentless quest to race virtually every week so today’s run must have been quite relaxing for him and it was just the push, distance wise, that I needed so as to hit 30 miles this week. Today was also especially beneficial for me as the earlier runs this week have been flat ones so it certainly was a case of “in at the deep end”. Not long after this signpost we came across four Pompey Jogger ultra runners and after a short chat they carried on their way onto yet another trail.

Now, I’m always keen to try different products, both drinks and food wise so today was the start of my Tailwind trial. I mixed 2-3 scoops in 24 oz of water twice, which made up enough to fill my two 500ml soft flasks and a smaller 250ml. Todays hot weather and hills would be a good test and they passed with flying colours. I will update this in future blogs as it would be unfair to just base my thoughts on one run. That said I’m excited to be using a product which so many people recommend.

I suffered with some stomach issues at the end of RTTK so I’m keen to try Tailwind 🙂

After negotiating the short mud fest which was just as entertaining as it was unexpected we pressed on down New Barn Lane. To our surprise we were met by a number of cyclists on this narrow and quiet country road. The surprise wasn’t the number but the age !! Paul and I often joke we are the Saga branch of Fareham Crusaders running club but a number of the ladies and gentlemen that were cycling uphill towards us were considerably older. Huge respect to them.

We joined the Staunton Way at about ten miles and made tracks for home. This photo gives you another example of why we run in the countryside as well as how hot it was getting !!

I look like I’ve got makeup on but that was simply a combination of suntan lotion and sweat, however, it was the rolling fields and freshly cut crops that I was trying to capture 🙂

By the time we got back to QECP the temperature was up to 23 degrees and a well earned drink was in order. Pace wise lets just say it was “steady”, however, I was chuffed to get back to a testing run and it’s a large thank you to my running buddy Paul for his company.

How many races have a tree lined avenue leading to the finish, registration in the grounds of a hotel and glorious parkland to run through …. Goodwood 5 miler had this just for starters !! I think we’ll all be familiar with the motor racing and horse racing that Goodwood offers but up and till a few weeks ago I didn’t realise you could experience the glorious parkland that the estate offers.

As if all of the above wasn’t enough there’s a hill involved in the 5 miles too !! We all know I love a good hill so when I read that the iconic motor racing hill climb features as 1.2 miles of the course then my £14 entry fee for a Monday evening race was assured.

The Goodwood Health Club were organising this third annual event and the race was also supporting Winston’s Wish

The perfectly cut lawns behind the hotel presented the evenings first surprise, an amazing marque that’s presumably used for either social gatherings or weddings.

The Salomon sponsorship was immediately noticeable with the flags and very cool deckchairs. After registering it was also noticeable that there would be entertainment and food afterwards if you’d chosen that entry fee option (£27). The circular marque bar was another feature I wouldn’t normally experience on one of my typical off road races.

So, “was any running happening” … I hear you say ?? …..  Yes 🙂

I warmed up along the tree lined avenue that extended for probably the best part of half a mile and it was noticeable that I hardly recognised any local club runners from the Southampton / Portsmouth area. The majority of the 230 clubs runners were from Sussex and for this reason alone that’s why I’m writing this blog to encourage others to run next year. The largest club participation seemed to be the Tuff Fitty Triathlon club.

The first out and back mile or so was on smooth tarmac with parkland and golf course that stretched out for miles. The nature of this “out and back” also meant lots of encouragement in both directions from all the running abilities. At about 1.5 miles in we passed Goodwood House and then started the hill climb. This photo was after the race as I just had to have a snap of the “Big House” !!

The old flint walls near the big house followed the road up quite a reasonable incline. With the road twisting it also meant you weren’t aware just where the top of the hill was so this added to the psychological as well as physical challenge. The tree lined section opened up to present us with a view of the horse racing pavilion in the distance. Once at the top of the hill a short section of grass was then followed by re-joining the road downhill from where we’d come.

Knowing you have about a mile and three quarters left that’s downhill or flat really makes you work your lungs to the maximum and as we hit the home straight it was a case of counting down the ancient trees to the finish line.

I was pleased with 85th out of 226 on a humid evening. One final “Goodwood” touch was the golf kart at the finish which I also couldn’t resist a photo of.

Tonight was an unusual location with a completely different atmosphere to almost any other race I’ve done and I’ll certainly return next year, hopefully with others from Hampshire and my Fareham Crusaders club.

Thank you Goodwood for great run.

As ever Steve from Film my Run shows us what to expect on September 17th. The 2015 video is 7 & 1/2 minutes long and has actually been superseded with a 2016, 360 degrees version, but I went with this original one. I’m excited to get training for it !!

In less than a week and a half I’ll be running the furthest I’ve ever run. I don’t often run for a charity but on June 24th I am running for WWTW who support the retraining and re-education of our wounded servicemen and women, so that they can return to the work place.

This independence and future employability is the least we can help with, after the mental and physical injuries they have had to cope with.

Please donate, thanks very much 🙂

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RogerThomasson

 

Todays 20 miles were with Fareham Crusaders James Yeardley (first timer with us) and Rod Nairn (an old friend). We set off in the lovely early morning sunshine and were looking forward to seeing the South Downs Way 100 mile (SDW100) runners on our return leg. The runners started at 6am from Winchester and even allowing for the 14 hour course record pace we had figured we’d see them once we’d turned around at our half way mark of 10 miles. Today promised to be scenic with a capital “S” for us all.

James completed the MDS earlier in the year and Rod the London marathon, Rod was using today as a training run for the South Downs marathon next week and James was looking for his longest run since returning from Morocco and a gradual increase in his mileage. It’s always good to run with different people so chatting with Rod and James added a different twist to our training. Paul and I are 2 weeks away from RTTK so this would be my last long run.

As we ran out of Queen Elizabeth Country Park (QECP) Paul and James immediately looked the keenest, so Rod and I would be on catch up for most of the day !! We all had questions for James and his epic MDS experience while, to be fair, James was also interested in what we’d been up to. Paul commented that James has a few years yet before he joins Fareham Crusaders Saga splinter group (us) … ha ha !!

As we made our way along the South Downs trail I was wondering whether James was going to be too fast for us but he looped back with Paul on a few occasions. After some steady miles and quite a bit of banter we ran up through the trees towards Harting Down where we had our first sight of the Centurion Running 100 mile feed station and Ian from Chichester that we know was one of the volunteers. We pressed on down the chalky steep path near Beacon Hill, over the cattle grid and down the other side of the hill. Paul gave us a moment of amusement when he lost his footing on some slippy mud but skilfully managed to stay on his feet. We passed the WW2 German pilot’s memorial and took advantage of the cooler wooded trail but it’s worth noting there’s still puddles and mud out here.

4.5 miles of the RTTK with 3 hills you need to know about !!

Our half way turning point was on the open Downs that come up from Cocking. From a RTTK point of view this would be at about 18 miles. We had a quick pit stop and James impressed us with his nuts !! Quite an assortment of protein packed goodness. Once you leave the wooded section and take a sharp left and right you will come across a narrow flat section that then winds back up hill. There are tree roots to avoid and a sharp left hand turn brings you out into the sunshine and onto the first main hill. This was the point that we saw the leading SDW100 runner. He looked strong and had a healthy lead.

As you can see we decided to walk some of this hill !! We didn’t see the second and third placed runners until the shorter but steeper next hill that’s just down from Beacon Hill (which you skirt around). This photo was from earlier in the year as we were all concentrating on getting to the top !! The chalk path is quite rutted with loose stones and flint so care is needed both down and up it, once you’ve negotiated the cattle grid 🙂

Needless to say today was considerably hotter than this photo. The first ten runners had passed us before we made the third climb of this section of hills towards Harting Down car park and the Centurion feed station. This hill needed some walking too 🙂

By now we had lots of runners passing us in the opposite direction but we made a point of encouraging them all as they continued their epic journey. Ian very kindly gave us some water and after a quick chat we were off again. We stayed at the back of the tent keeping out of the way of the race runners.

Not long after crossing the B2146 we bumped into Film My Run  Stephen and Richard. We wished them well and it was noticeable they didn’t seem to be filming !! James also met another MDS runner (it’s a small world). Soon after this we reached the signpost that will take everyone South for a few miles off the South Downs Way before we re join it at QECP and the 30 mile marker. Paul is doing his best “flight steward” pose. RTTK wise this would be 22.5 miles.

Our final miles were “steady” as the heat was starting to take its toll but with a constant flow of SDW100 runners to cheer on, the time passed quite quickly !! For anyone that knows the route into QECP there are quite a few cheeky hills but the last one is short, sharp and very rough with stones and bricks. Rod and I caught up with James and Paul at the top just in time for this team selfie 🙂 p.s “Yes” I will be getting my haircut as part of the double marathon preparation !!

20 miles of sun and smiles, that’s what trail running does for you …. love it. James treated us to tea & coffee in the café so thank you for that and we look forward to future runs. It was also great to catch up with Rod as he’s run with us many times but not for a while.

Sunshine wise on the day of the RTTK we will be running East to West so the rising sun will be behind us until midday then for the remainder of the time we will be running towards it. White T shirt and white cap will definitely be my choice for the day.

I hope all the 100 milers had a safe journey towards Eastbourne.

This week Paul and I ran from QECP to Meonstoke and back. This out and back 21 mile run included Butser Hill and Old Winchester Hill. Our route was effectively between miles 30 to 41 within the Race to the King. By way of a change I decided to string our photos and a video clip together to give a visual account of our run. “Moving images” whatever next … ha ha. The Hot and hilly weather meant a white t shirt & cap.

Hope you like it !!