DYMCHURCH ( AKA GRIMCHURCH), KENT.

26.2 miles to hell and back!

29th NOVEMBER 2016

Having given myself the challenge of 50 marathons before I turn 50 years of age, I signed up to another 26.2 with Saxonshore.com .
A coastal amble along Dymchurch seafront, completely flat and good for PBs! Great I thought, what could possible go wrong?
Remembering my learns from last time, I prepared all my fuel and hydration, slept well and felt ready to conquer the world, well Dymchurch first, then the world!
The only thing out of my control were the elements.

Wind beneath my wings
Arriving at Dymchurch it became apparent very quickly that the weather was not on my side! A quick check on my phone confirmed a headwind of 45mph. A continuous gust that would helpfully be behind me for the first part of the out and back route and regrettably against me on my return. A simple route along the seafront to the brown fort and back needed to be completed 5.5 times to achieve marathon distance and even with the foul conditions it seemed achievable. I managed to find a familiar face and was invited to run with Dee and her friend Crustie.
We started at a good pace and chatted away, happily exchanging running stories and experiences, this is all very jolly I thought until we reached the turning point for the first time. Facing back into the wind we tried our best to keep running and talking, we soon realised this was pointless and opted for walking and less chit chat!

Blurred laps
Having Dee for company was amazing, we talked and battled through another lap, walking after the turning point and laughing at the mystical halfway rock that we were convinced kept moving! At times the wind was so strong, it was pushing us backwards and I felt like curling up into a small ball and hiding under a bench! Relentless as the wind was we were tough old birds and marched ever forward.
Traviss and the HQ gang were having their own issues with the gorgeous cake lovers buffet that had been laid out, being blown away every 2 minutes and supporters tried to find shelter whilst cheering on their loved ones.
The sea gradually built into an angry high tide and everything turned a gloomy grey.
The laps blurred into one another and a mirage of the fort kept tricking us into thinking we were near it, when alas we were still far away!
Cheerily we continued and set a course record for toilet stops, which was a welcome break and a chance to refuel and hydrate.
We marched out and back to get lap 4 done, all of us now exhausted mentally and physically from battling the winds. Each lap was taking an hour and thought of having one more lap still to complete was a bitter pill to swallow.

The mystical rock.

I get by with a little help from my friends.
With Dee and Crustie on board we stuck to the plan, run with the wind behind us and walk back in the opposite direction.
We smiled and acknowledged all the runners on the return part of the loop and tried to encourage individuals to keep going.
The Sunday marathon was the last day of marathons in a series of 5 that week. Some of these runners had already run 4 marathons in 4 days and had already battled similar elements all week. These runners were HARDCORE, I had a lot of respect and admiration for them. Once I’d thought about their journey and how they must be feeling I felt I had no right to complain!

Hysteria
There is a point in many situations where tiredness or exhaustion brings on hysteria, the last lap was our point!
Laughter, singing and selfies marked the way, still happily trying to run against the wind, it became a computer game. Getting to the next bench was like going up a level and beating the baddie.
Dee’s catchphrase as we stopped and started was “Run to the bins”, she shouted this sporadically and we obeyed! My favourite selfie of us, was by the mystical moving stone and for some reason we decided to have a mini rave, we look ridiculously happy about it and surprisingly awake!
Approaching the finish line was the best feeling in the world, as I crossed the line, I was so relieved and emotional, knowing I could stop running, had brought a tear to my eye. We all hugged and congratulated one another, we had put in an amazing team effort to get round.
Traviss had outdone himself with the medals this time, a medal depicting the Kent coastline which was as big an an Ipad was placed around my neck! A fantastic goody bag was provided too (but no chocolate orange was supplied this time and we all know how I feel about them!)

Relieved to be finished with Dee.

Aftershock
Battered by the winds, limbs aching, the cold and hunger had set in. I was bundled into the car and wrapped up in blankets and given a hot chocolate. It had felt weird saying goodbye to Dee and Crusite, we had formed a weatherproof bond in the 5.47 hours on the seafront. and I wondered if I would’ve got round without them?
A few hours later refreshed and still feeling victorious with my medal around my neck,  I browsed social media. Photos had already been posted with #racejokes added by Dee. We all commented on how hard it had been and congratulated each other once again.
For once I looked at the race results and I didn’t care about my position or time.
I had got something far more valuable than a top ten place, I got an incredible marathon experience with 2 AWESOME women…….and I’m not sure but I think I may just be invincible, having absorbed some of the magical powers of the mystical stone of Dymchurch!
Now one last time everyone, run to the bins!

Another awesome medal.

Hugin challenge, 26.2 miles running on empty!

HUGIN CHALLENGE , PEGWELL BAY, KENT

1st NOVEMBER

26.2 MILES

SAXONSHORE.COM

Foggy haze
Travelling down to my next marathon at Pegwell bay was fairly traumatic, a thick fog blanketed most of the Kent Coast and visibility was limited.
A feeling of dread came over me as I knew my pre race preparations had not gone to plan the day before.
I generally stick to the same food and drink intake before a race but the evening before was Halloween and whilst at a friend’s party I had been tempted by all sorts of spooky themed treats. During the small hours of the morning I had paid for that mistake 10 times over with numerous trips to the toilet and a sicky feeling that would not pass. Lack of sleep and an empty growling stomach were not ideal and as much as I wanted to pull the duvet over my head and stay in bed, the thought of not getting a medal ( or a chocolate orange) was unbearable! So, I got showered, dressed and left the house clutching a hot water bottle to my stomach.
Despite my unease about running in my current state, arriving at HQ with it’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly organisers gave me a little more confidence, I pinned my number on and soon I was lined up to start.
The out and back course weaved through the beautiful Pegwell bay reserve for 1.85 miles but unfortunately the eerie fog kept the scenery well hidden, with a further 1.9 miles heading out onto the road past the Viking ship Hugin, which lurked behind the fog just after a small hill, then it looped back round and down to HQ.
The looped course was just under 4 miles which meant I would need to run 7 laps to achieve marathon distance and knowing I would be running on empty,  I needed to fuel and hydrate on the go. I decided that I would take one lap at a time and see how I felt.

Eat, drink, run, repeat.
Thankfully the first lap was easy enough, I was unsure of my pace but it felt comfortable, so I kept going and every time I passed a runner coming back the other way we said well done to each other, nodded or gave the thumbs up sign.
 I have found distance runners to be a friendly bunch and lot of the them belong to the 100 marathon club. I've had some great conversations with a runner who was finishing his 1200 marathon on that day! Immense achievements and all very down to earth people.  I always feel lucky to have met them and be a part of this slightly crazy yet addictive pastime!
After 3 laps,  I needed to zone out so I put my music on and grabbed some more food from the well stocked “Runner's buffet” which is always spectacular and I trotted off back round the course.
For the next 3 laps I ate, I drank, I plodded, I sang to myself and nodded to other runners.
The view of the coastline was still shrouded in fog but the odd glimpse of the sea and the Viking ship was a welcome treat.
On my 6th lap I was flagging, tired legs and  fatigue were setting in and mentally I was giving up. I didn’t think I was going to make 26.2  and so I shuffled back to HQ with my head hanging low.

#helprequired
Arriving at HQ after 6 laps (22.2 miles) I was exhausted, my girlfriend who had been cheering on all the runners up at the Viking ship had already noticed I was tiring and had made her way back to base to find me. In a desperate bid to get me round the last lap she had put my spare trainers on and was ready to run the final lap with me.
That was just what I needed, she paced me, encouraged me and even pushed me up the small hill (which now seemed like climbing Mount Everest). She got my legs turning over faster and soon my mind and body realised it would soon be over!
I was so close to HQ I could smell the cake! She encouraged me to sprint and somehow my legs gave a final kick and I crashed through the finish line!
Unable to breathe or stand I slumped to the ground thinking out loud I said “Thank fuck for that!” and I really meant it!
Traviss rushed over with the most amazing goody bag, clearly I checked to make sure the chocolate orange was in it and then he put the medal of all medals around my neck. A replica of The Viking ship Hugin, it was the size of my face! I was chuffed, high as a kite and ever so slightly broken.

The Hugin.

Overview
After a bath and a mountain of food, I sat with my medal on and relived the final lap, ever so grateful to my girlfriend who is not only the best supporter but a bloody good pacer too. I viewed the race results and was slightly bewildered, in my post race state was I reading it wrong? Maybe not... 2nd woman in for marathon distance and I had knocked 2 mins off my London time! A new personal best! Fantastic!!

Pleased with my new PB.

Learns
I am a determined and stubborn runner and even though I felt unwell I do like a challenge, but thinking about what could’ve happened to my body when running on empty or whilst feeling ill is no laughing matter. Putting your body through 26.2 miles is hard enough without adding in extra strains. Lessons were definitely learnt that day.
I will listen to my body, I will ensure I rest and rebuild my stores before and after endurance races, as maybe next time I might not get away with it.
Finally, a thought that myself and my peers may share that indeed running is perceived to be individual pursuit, a personal journey,  but what I learnt that day is it doesn't hurt to have someone who will “walk” the same line with you once in awhile.


Thank you for reading, next blog to follow will be Dymchurch marathon.

My first 50km Ultra

RACE REPORT RANSCOMBE FARM, KENT

10TH OCTOBER

50KM

SAXONSHORE.COM

PART 1
It's all in the preparation!
After I had completed the 2015 London marathon I decided to sign up for a new challenge and in a moment of madness I opted for a 50km ultra on the North Downs in Kent.
My training started in June, with 5 months till the event, I felt assured that I had plenty of time and my base level of fitness was still good from my marathon training.
 I had achieved a great time in London and had worked around a few injuries, so full of confidence I wrote myself a 5 month training programme which also included cross training, circuits and pilates.
In a world obsessed with PB’s and running tech, my first month proved harder than I thought it would. Learning to slow down and using a run walk method was so alien to me. I ditched my beloved Garmin and just opted for a standard watch and used a print out of the North Downs rather than a google map on my phone! Old fashioned running some might say but I didn’t need to know my splits and wanted a more relaxed approach to the running I had been immersed in since October of last year.
The North Downs are beautiful and I now consider them to be mine, I ran and ran all summer, enjoying the freedom, the silence and the stunning views.
I felt lucky to have them on my doorstep and embraced the good weather everyday in short shorts and vest tops, a far cry from the long winter training,  wearing everything I owned and running every morning or night in the dark.
It felt right.
I witnessed the changes of season and every time I ran on the Downs it looked different. From the long grasses in the summer, to the fields of vibrant yellow rapeseed and then to the brown ploughed fields of September and the beginning of Autumn. I knew every path, every hill and every view.

Whilst all my running buddies were out running faster 10km and 5km on roads, I would lose whole days running along the Pilgrim's way, stopping for lunch and taking photos. I was in a phase of re-education with my running, absorbing from others, listening to advice and finding my own path to follow, I was no longer a sheep!
I had made it through to Sept and then I had a wobble! OMG ! Could I do this? Had I trained enough? What if I was last! I doubted myself and all the training that I had done, all the sacrifice, all the painful sports massages, all the gym sessions would be for nothing! But just as I hit my low point my friends and family boosted me up again!
“Of course you can do it, you will smash it”
“You've done all the training, you will be amazing”
For this I am truly thankful as it put me right back on track .
One week to go and I started my taper, just a few shorter faster trail runs set me up and I stuck to my daily fuel and hydration plan.
 I had already practised eating whilst running and getting my digestive system used to working whilst I was busy putting one foot in front of another.
So training completed, preparation done, all I had to do now was show up and run it!

PART 2
Jitterbug
Having never entered an ultra before I was nervous about turning up and looking like a novice. The pre race jitters that normally plague me just drifted away as to my surprise the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. The organisers Traviss and Rachel chatted away to everyone, faces from all walks of life, older, younger and all shapes and sizes gathered for the pre race briefing, this was more of a celebration about individuals being recognised for their achievements than actually giving out regimented instruction.
The rules were simple, follow the course laid out and come back to HQ after each lap for a wrist band. The loop were 3.74 miles
7 wristbands/laps = Marathon and 8 wristbands/laps = Ultra.
We all lined up, a bell rang and we set off, there was no jostling for front running positions or barging, no beeping of Garmins. Everyone just set off slowly and chatted away to the person next to them. So relaxed it didn’t feel like any other events or races I’d ever been to before.

Enjoying my first 50km event.

The course was challenging to say the least! Being situated on the North Downs the terrain was undulating! Luckily it had been a dry week so the course was not too muddy under foot.
I decided to stick to my tried and tested strategy, run the flats and downhills and walk the uphills. The hills were mainly in the first half of the course so you could conserve some energy by walking them and then run at a faster pace on the last part of the course.
The scenery was stunning and Autumn had officially arrived. Leaves were falling in the woods, ambers and rusty colours covered the ground like a cosy quilt and it was peaceful, zen like.
Before I knew it I was back at HQ collecting my 1st wristband. A superb buffet of sweets, chocolate and cakes had been laid out and it was already surrounded by happy runners grazing on the offerings.
After a quick break I set off on lap 2, and in much the same way and time lap 3 and 4 got completed.
Mentally I needed to get past lap 5 and then I could begin the final countdown.
It got harder but every time you got back to HQ Traviss and his team gave me such great support and encouragement that you just wanted to get back out there!
My running buddy wanted to complete 7 laps, which would be her first marathon but we were both tiring and walking more. I decided to push us both harder and keep us moving till eventually we raced back to HQ! Both of us had now completed marathon distance, such an epic achievement but my race wasn’t over yet!

Marathon and Ultra marathon achieved.

PART 3
It’s the final countdown!
I didn’t hang about , my feet had started to hurt and I was tired. I’d spent nearly 5 hours running and although I had been eating and hydrating all the way round I could feel the last of my energy draining from me.
My strategy needed to change to get me around the course one more time.
I needed music and determination, I grabbed my ipod and steamed off up the track.  Still sticking to my race strategy, I walked the uphills and run the flats and descents.
I could feel every muscle in my legs tiring, heavy and fatigued but I continued forward, putting one foot in front of the other.
My mantra took my mind off of my aching limbs  “ Keep moving your arms and the legs will follow”. I allowed my mind to wonder, listening to thumping house music and repeating my mantra over and over again, suddenly I was jolted back to reality by tripping over a tree root! Concentrate Victoria!
I was nearly there, I counted the last 1.5 miles down, through the woods one last time and turning out into the final field. Exhausted I ran up the hill on the home stretch with a massive smile on my face.
The last 200m was dreamlike, almost in slow motion I ran to the finish line and was greeted by family and friends.
WOW! I’d done it and I felt AWESOME!

The medal was epic nearly the size of my hand with an Autumnal scene of Ranscombe farm and I got a PB badge too as it was my first Ultra.
The goody bag contained all the right things, a chocolate orange (FYI my fav!), chocolate match makers, crisps, biscuits, beer, cider and coke!
 Hey I’d just ran 50km, I was tucking into that bad boy as soon as I got in the car!

Goody bag & champagne.

PART 4
The aftermath.
My first 50km trail run completed and looking at the results later I was elated!
3rd woman in for the 50km Ultra distance, I’m still not sure how that happened!
Looking back on not only the day but the whole journey, I feel like I evolved.
My running ethos and mindset developed and progressed in a way that I didn’t think was possible.
I absorbed other people's knowledge and experiences and listened to my body.
Running gives me a sense of freedom, a healthy mindset and a positive outlook on my life.
So what's the next challenge?
Well no moments of madness but how about 50 marathons before I’m 50 years old? Here we go.........
Thank you for reading my blog.