Oxford Half Marathon 2016 - New PB

Some of the awesome people from Falcon :-)

Yeah - New PB at Oxford Half Marathon - 1h25m44s :-D Pleased!!

In the last few months after finishing Race To The Stones (100km) I've been focusing on my upcoming half-marathon in Oxford (9th. Oct. 2016). It's local to me as I live in Oxford, so one I have to do. I wanted to beat my PB from 2015, which was 1h29m47s. To do that I've been slagging on my long runs and including a bit more speed-work as intervals, hill sprints and shorter tempo-runs. 

The Oxford Half-marathon was a great event, and the weather was perfect for running! As said I managed to improve my time from last year with just over 4 minutes! I came 170th of 7686 finishers in total, 160th of men of 4263 and 166th in my age category (2464). Some stats from the event can be seen here.

I haven't been doing any full-distance test-runs. I find it really difficult to compare a training/test-run with a race-run, as I wont have the same conditions as in a race anyway, so I simply trusted that my training would be sufficient to carry me through. For me, training is for improving and increasing my level of fitness, strength and speed in all it's aspects - And races are for testing if my training has been sufficient for that particular race and for achieving PBs :-)

3rd place at
Henley Hasler K2 Kayaking

I haven't been running as much as I could have in the last month, as I've had many kayaking races on my programme and wanted save a bit of energy and focus a bit on this as well, which did pay off by getting a 3rd place at Henley Hasler in a K2 :-) 

For now, I'm once again gonna focus more on distance/time on my feet instead of speed. I worked on increasing my speed for the Oxford Half-marathon, and did less long runs. However, I missed the longer slower runs where time doesn't matter and simply enjoying the scenery. So now it's time to slowly increase my week mileage again in preparation for next years long runs :-) 

As many others I was unsuccessful in the ballot for London Marathon 2017. But it's okay - I'll find some trail race instead :-) For next year I've got my eyes on some longer races/runs which I'll hopefully be able to find both time and money for :-) More on these later...!

It's getting dark out there in the mornings and evenings, so bring out your Hi-Vis vest and lights both to be able to see but also to be seen! Stay safe! :-)

See you out there! :-)

#YouVsTheYear #RunWithFight

Best. M.

Suunto Spartan Ultra for a month: Week 4

Yet another update has arrived for the Suunto Spartan Ultra!! :-)

I'm pleased that Suunto keeps generating updates for the watch, and I'd very much like to follow their progress of updating the functionalities of this highly specked watch in the future. However, this might be my last week having the watch available for testing, so I will probably not get to test a fully optimised version of the watch and all the new functionalities such as interval planning and customised displays. :-( 

However, I'm very pleased to have had the opportunity to try it out and test it throughout September and I am very honoured that Suunto chose to include me in this with the customised packing of the watch and description for why I was chose and all.


Thank you very much Suunto!! :-) 


Right - I've updated the watch to software version 1.2.0 and the response time in the watch menu is now quite good. I believe the delay between pushing the start-button and actually start of the timer when starting an exercise session has been eliminated. :-) 

An alarm has been added for the everyday clock usage. However, it would be great if it was easier to access, e.g. together with the stopwatch instead of being located in the settings menu. You can also change colour of the clock-face. Moreover, you now get asked how your exercise was after a session. Sadly the support for Android phones have been delayed a bit and was not a part of this update as first planned.

It is now possible to see battery levels during an exercise session by tapping the display. I would very much like the battery level to be displayed when charging it as well.

I've tested the 3 GPS modes again after the software update, and it seems to be performing similar to my findings of last time. In OK-mode, where the update rate is 60 seconds, I'd expect a crude course. I do get a very crude estimated route, but not until several minutes into the run shown by the RED arrows below. The first part in OK-mode is actually very similar the GOOD and BEST modes (displayed by the GREEN arrows). The watch should be able to hold for 65 hours in OK-mode, but I think it's too crude for many purposes. The battery should last for 26 hours in GOOD-mode and 16 hours in BEST-mode.

I've been having some issues related to the heart-rate monitor ranging from disconnection to odd flat values to unrealistically high values while running at slow pace throughout the whole period of time I've been using the watch. And the run above was no exception... :-( 

There are still a few things I'd like to have added to the next updates:

• Make the auto-start of a session after approx. 30 sec. optional. 
• I'd like to have customised interchangeable icons/data areas on the main watch-face like battery levels, steps, calories, time of alarm, time to next planned session, temperature, etc.
• Customising the number of steps and calorie levels for the daily activity tracking
• Show all data in the overview of a session in Movescount. For example is "cadence" (stroke rate) not displayed for kayaking.
• Auto-estimate activity levels to be used in Movescount, instead of me having to set my levels manually - the watch is after all monitoring my activity 24/7 anyway... Why not exploit this?!
• Make it possible to track different types of kayaks and canoes (e.g. K1, K2 and K4) to be able to track PBs in each discipline.
• Show battery levels on the watch when charging   

3rd place at Henley Hasler - K2 Kayaking

It's a bit sad that I'll most likely have to return the watch now that things have started to come together and the basic usage is in place. I'd very much like to follow the progress though the next many months of updates to experience the continuous improvement of this highly specked multi-sport watch!

The Suunto Team seems to be listening to user-feedback and adjust the functionalities of the watch accordingly to give the users the best experience. I can only speculate, but my guess is, that this is the reason why they have put a not-fully-updated watch on the market - to get user feedback for optimising it for what ever the users want and desire.

However - It's been fun testing it, and although I've experienced a few issues, I still believe this watch has a great potential when fully updated! :-)

The next scheduled updates are: (From Suunto.com)

• 28.9. (Released on time) Improvements to daily use (such as alarm clock) and training functions, peer-to-peer coaching on Suunto Movescount.com. The Android compatibility is unfortunately delayed. We expect to release this within the first 3 weeks of October.
• 12.10. Ability to adjust default sport mode settings
• 19.10. Progress Tool, Personal Bests and Community Training Insights on Suunto Movescount.com 
• 26.10. Sport mode customisation, training plans to your watch and more 
• 11/2016 Altitude and Barometric trends, POI Navigation & heart rate zones graph for training
• 12/2016 Rest & recovery 
• Q1/2017 Route altitude profile, interval training support, performance and recovery analysis on the watch

#SuuntoSpartan Ultra

See you out there :-)

Best M.

PS: Views are my own! The watch has been provided by Suunto for me to test for a month, after which it has to be returned.

Suunto Spartan Ultra for a month: Week 3

I have had the Suunto Spartan Ultra for about 3 weeks now, and I'm still looking forward to the latest software update (should arrive later in September).

I have compared the GPS modes when kayaking and running. There are three different settings: BEST which allows for 16 hours of usage, GOOD which allows for 26 hours of usage and OK which allows for 65 hours of usage according to Suunto (These times have not been tested by me). With the longer battery life comes less accuracy for the GPS. For kayaking I find the OK mode too crude in the accuracy as can be seen on the figure below where the estimated course cuts corners in OK-mode compared to the BEST-mode.

A thing I'd like to see, is the possibility to switch between K1, K2 and K4 in kayaking mode, to be able to keep track of PBs in the different kayak-types. 

I've also tested the three GPS modes when running. Did a loop in the local University Parks, one in each mode: BEST, GOOD and OK (click for more details in Movescount). The accuracy in BEST and GOOD was fine, but something strange happened in OK-mode. It started with good accuracy following the path quite accurately, which then turned into a crude zig-zag course at the end, as seen in the figure below. The update frequency is 60 sec. hence I'd expect the estimated course to be somewhat crude. But I'm not sure why I get the output I do in this mode. 

Sadly I also have to report that the heart-rate monitor was acting strangely (again). In the BEST-mode (top figure below), the HR was way off for the first half at levels I've never been to before and never will go to - and certainly not at that relatively slow pace (avg. 5:18 min/km). For the second loop in GOOD-mode, HR levels were strangely low at first (82 bpm), then it was at okay levels, followed by some slow in creasing to way too high levels for that pace (avg. pace 5:23 min/km). And for the OK-mode, HR-data was completely missing. 

I've experienced multiple times where the HR-data is either faulty or the monitor has lost connection to the watch. It might be my watch/HR monitor that has a fault somewhere. I haven't heard about anyone else having these problems yet. I decided to change the battery in the Movesense HR-monitor, to see if this would have any effect. Sadly this had no effect as seen on the figure below.

Tempo run 19th September 2016 - See more in Movescount here

I also have doubts that my pace towards the end of my run was really that "flat" - a straight line! and that my HR would be that high! 

I still hope that the next software eliminates these issues I've been experiencing. I keep my fingers crossed!

#SuuntoSpartan 

See you out there... :-)

Best M.

PS: Views are my own! The watch has been provided by Suunto for me to test for a month, after which it has to be returned.

Suunto Spartan Ultra for a month: Week 2

I have now had the Suunto Spartan Ultra multi sport GPS watch for about two weeks, and the first software update has been released and has been installed (now using software release 1.1.30). 

Top: HR loss running (1.1.24)
Bottom: HR loss kayaking (1.1.30)

I've come to experience a few heart-rate drop-outs during my exercises - both when kayaking and running. Apparently the first software update to 1.1.30 didn't fix my problems. I'm hoping the next update will!
I've experiences 3 dropouts in total.

I've also experienced touch screen activation by rain drops/sweat droplets e.g. displays the clock during a session. However, you can lock the screen by pressing and holding the lower button during a session, so this wont be happening. 

A thing I'm finding a bit irritating, is that when "start" is pressed for a session, the timer doesn't start immediately, but it displays "Starting..." for a moment and then, after a few moments, starts the timer. I want the timer immediately and not a few moments later...

The watch is a bit slow to wake up when the main clock-face is displayed is a button is pressed. It takes about 2 seconds, which may not seem much, but I find it a bit annoying. I also find the inconsistency in methods used for going back in the watch menu less than optimal, which can either be back-swipe or having to scroll all the way up to "back" (or double tapping in some cases to get back to the main watch face - a short cut I think).

Right - enough moaning...
The watch has a good colour display which is easy to read. It is fast to obtain GPS signals (less than 5 seconds so far), and the same is true for detecting the HR monitor. It has great battery life, which is rated to 16h, 26h and 65h in GPS-modes BEST, GOOD and OK. I haven't testes these modes yet though. I'm pleased that it supports many different sports, which for me is running, mountain biking, kayaking plus some strength/circuit workouts till now. In kayaking the stroke rate (cadence) is recorded, however, for some reason the average cadence is not displayed in the top overview in Movescount for kayaking mode. The cadence data in kayaking mode also seems a bit noisy when displayed in Movescount. The chest strap for HR monitoring is still not causing any problems. 

I'm still awaiting the second software update for September to unlock further functionalities including customised data fields, Android compatibility, an alarm clock and more. I'm uncertain if interval settings will be included also, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

These are things I would like to see updated:

• Customised interval settings if not included in the next update
• Battery indicator on main screen - possibly as one of the small interchangeable icons
• Customised step count/calorie targets
• Possibility to delete workouts on the watch
• List all data in Movescount: it does not show avg. cadence (paddle strokes) in kayaking
• A timer integrated with the clock/stopwatch
• Customised data fields on the main clock screen to toggle though
• Different colours for Movescount (web version) for different data fields selected
• An optical HR monitor for extended tracking of daily activities (I believe this is planned for the next version)
• Estimation of resting heart rate
• Automatically estimation of activity levels instead of having to set this manually in Movescount
• Possibly wifi
• Faster response times when interacting with the watch menu 
• Lap-representation displayed as bars in Movescount 

As mentioned before - The watch has the potential to be awesome, when all updates are installed, but a bit expensive...

I'll keep you updated on my findings!

See you out there... :-)

#SuuntoSpartan

Best M.
PS: Views are my own! The watch has been provided by Suunto for me to test for a month, after which it has to be returned.

First week with the Suunto Spartan Ultra

I've had the Suunto Spartan Ultra for about week, and I've used it for my training as much as possible. I'm feeling very lucky to have been chosen by Suunto to use this brand new multi sport GPS watch, all wrapped up in personalised packing for me specifically. :-)

First of all, let me point out that two software updates have been planned for September, hence what I write about may be different for the fully updated version of the watch.
(Based on software release 1.1.24)

So - what's been happening? 

Stroke rate when kayaking

Till now I've been using the watch for running, kayaking and a bit of circuit training/strength training, casual biking and walking. In general the watch seems quite robustly build - this version has Sapphire glass and grade 5 Titanium. The wrist strap is very soft and flexible and the watch feels great on my arm. It weighs a little less than my Garmin Forerunner 310XT - 72 grams - and is similar in size, though a bit thinner. Hence, the watch feels quite normal to wear for me. 

Overview of my activities

The colour touch-screen is great though you can experience a tiny delay in the response. Great resolution and good viewing angles. The watch menu seem fairly intuitive to use, though there are places where the "back-stroke" (to go back in the menu) on the touch screen has not been chosen to be implemented, hence one need to use the buttons or scroll your way back to the top. But this is no big deal - it's probably just me not understanding, how the menu should work. But consistency would have been nice...

Back-tracking is possible

I wanted to use it for my long run in the weekend, but had some glitches. Firstly the watch froze displaying "Starting..." after I had started the session. For some reason the timer does not start immediately when the button is pressed, but displays "Starting..." for a brief moment and then starts the timer and logging. I find that a bit annoying - I want it to start when I press the button, and not a few moments after... Anyways, I had to reinstall the software on the watch via my laptop to get it going again. These issues will hopefully be solved with the software updates.


Later on my long run same day, I noticed that the watch had lost the connection to the heart rate monitor. I had to stop the session and start a new one to reconnect. Here after no problems were found. I also hope this is solved with the updates.

The chest strap is great - nice and soft, and so far, I haven't had any issues with chafing. It is barely noticeable. Of course an optical HR monitor would be great, but I have not had the best experiences with this technology while testing the Epson Runsense SF-810, where the HR at times could not be detected in cold weather or were faulty due to movement - especially in interval-sessions and hill-repeats. I believe Suunto is planning on launching an optical version around Christmas 2016. 

Clock shown in the white field.

I was about to bitch about the lack of displaying a clock when using the watch in a session. But I found out that I only needed to tap the screen, and a temporary clock appears for a few seconds. 

In the web app, you need to specify your level of activity. This I would have preferred to be estimated automatically - after all, the watch is measuring my activities 24/7, so why is this not automatically estimated?

Heat map

The web app can show maps of your exercise coloured relatively to how tough your workout were. It can also show a heat map displaying where most people in your area (or in other places) exercise the most, coloured in dark orange for running, and hereby discover new places to workout.

It would be great if I could transfer the watch data to my laptop without having to connect it via the charging cable e.g. via Bluetooth, which is already in the watch for connecting to your smart phone. However, the Android version for this is not yet ready. 

I love that the watch can be used for many different sports, especially kayaking where it estimates my stroke rate, but it is hard to test it's full potential when there are two updates waiting to be released. I'm looking very much forward to play around with the watch after the updates have been installed.

So far I'd say it's a great piece of gear, solid build, great display, support for multi-sport activities, though expensive, and it has the potential to be awesome once the updates are released :-)

See you out there...

#Suunto #SuuntoSpartan #SpartanUltra

Best M.

PS: Views are my own! The watch has been provided by Suunto for me to test for a month, after which it has to be returned.

Suunto Spartan Ultra for a month

Got a great message a few weeks

ago, that I had been selected along with 13 others, to test the new Suunto Spartan Ultra All Black Titanium HR multi sport GPS watch - all because of my Race To The Stones video footage ;-) I like this!! 

#SuuntoSpartan
Thank you Suunto! :-)

I'll have the watch in my possession for a month (September 2016), and will do my best to test it as much as possible in both running, kayaking and when mountain biking - and what other crazy things I can come up with... There are some challenges related to the testing, which in the end may lead to that I can keep the watch if I win. Let's see if I'm prepared to do what it takes...

The first impressions of the device is that it's robust and seems to be able to handle some tough conditions (made from titanium and sapphire glass), though it is fairly light and the wrist band is soft and flexible. The chest strap for heart-rate monitoring is also very soft, and I'm keen to find out if any chafing will occur on my longer runs (like with the original strap for my Garmin Forerunner 310XT! Now using the strap from my old Garmin Forerunner 305)

The touch screen works great, and the menu seems easy and relatively intuitive to use. There are some things which I'm missing a bit. A simple alarm when worn as a normal watch - this will be part of a software update (hopefully soon). 

There are some other functionalities, which hopefully will also be included in a soon-to-arrive software update. I wanted to use the watch for an interval session, but there are no settings for this (yet) even tough there's a sports-mode for it, which only change the screen layout. Therefore I had to use my Epson Runsense SF-810, which actually does great on that point (but is also lacking the normal "alarm"-thing).

It has 80 different pre-programmed sports-modes, and I'm pleased that it can be used for kayaking as well where it estimates the stroke-rate among other things. And should I capsize, the watch is waterproof down to 100m. It also tracks daily activity in terms of steps and calories burned. It estimates your recovery time and I miss some customisation of screens and activities (like intervals), but that will be coming with a software update (hopefully soon!).

Anyway - I'm gonna take it for some long runs this weekend and some more kayaking. I'll include mountain biking at some point as well, but lets see when I can find the time for it. So far I like the device very much, but the promised update of the software will make it even better! :-)

See you out there!! :-) 

#Suunto #SuuntoSpartan #SpartanUltra #RTTS2016

Best M.

PS: Views are my own! The watch has been provided by Suunto for me to test for a month, after which it has to be returned.

UPDATE: A list of planned updates for September can be found here!
 

Complicated running

What has happened to the simplicity of running? 

When did it become so complicated to go for a run, where we have to consume (horrible?) beetroot juice at the right time before we even start running; put on technical outfit that will increase our performance and increase blood-flow; put on anti-chafing creme in strategic places; wear GPS watches that can log everything and even tell you if you still alive; consume gels and electrolytes in the right quantities to not get a runners tummy; use "walking-poles" to help climb those hills; make sure we get that perfect running-selfie to "prove" we've actually been out running; and when finished we have to consume the perfect amount of protein in the right time-slot to optimise recovery and increase muscle growth; do foam-rolling and stretching when we are sore afterwards and if that doesn't help, make an appointment to get a sports massage or at the physio, before putting on compression socks for a fast recovery; And finally, posting our achievements + selfies online for the world to see...

Before I go on, I should probably say that I'm not judging anybody or trying to determine what is the right or wrong way to run, but merely trying to take a step back and reflect while observing myself...
Has it become overly complicated to go running...?

In the past 6-8 months I've come across many runners online and made many new friends. Some are beginners to running while others do multi-day ultras. It's great to connect and share the daily runs, tips for racing, info on shoes, discuss models of GPS watches, be inspired for our next races, etc. Helping out where possible and share knowledge if needed... I love it and thanks for letting me be a part of it :-)

You also get to see glimpse of peoples routines and habits when running or racing, and it's probably inevitable that these habits, good or bad, spread to other runners when sharing our experiences. 

I'm no exception! I too get inspired by others. I don't do all of the above-mentioned "rituals", but I have some. I try to stay hydrated before a run and not drink too much coffee. I either run on an empty stomach (early mornings) or approx. two hours after eating to let the food settle. I bring electrolytes on long runs or if it's hot as I sweat a lot and electrolytes are needed along side with water. I have recently started using gels in races as I find them very convenient, tough expensive. I wear compression calf-sleeves even though I'm unsure of the effect - I guess I simply like the feeling of them ;-) I wear a GPS watch with a heart-rate monitor so I know I'm alive. I most often bring my camera to take that perfect selfie to "prove" I've been out there conquering those miles. I stretch immediately after my run but no foam-rolling. I usually have a glass of milk to re-hydrate before hitting the showers but no added protein :-) And yes - I do post selfies and my results online!! ;-) 


Now, taking that step back while observing myself; have I made it more complicated than necessary to go running? Is it worth the extra effort? And do we actually gain any performance from it? 

The answer is probably Yes and No! I could run without a camera, GPS watch, HR monitor, calf-sleeves, etc. But will I loose these things to make it less complicated to run? Not likely! I might loose the calf-sleeves at some point to get a more even tan on my legs ;-) and I may leave the camera at home once in a while. However, I like to share my runs, and the beautiful sunrises in those cold winter mornings, the clear blue skies along the river on a perfect summer day :-) So I'll continue to carry my camera around on my slow/longer runs :-) And do the things I like about running - regardless of what other people may think :-) 

See you out there... happy running!! :-)

Best M.
 

RTTS2016 - Aftermath

In retrospect of Race To The Stones 2016 I want to check up on what I had chosen to bring/wear for the race compared to what I actually used and found useful... 

Kit review:

For shoes I had chosen to wear Under Armour Fat Tire Low (see review here) trail shoes, which was an awesome choice! My feet was good for the whole run and they survived with only two not-too-bad blisters on my big toes. The cushioning was awesome!

I used my Salomon Advanced Skin 12 Set Trail Running Backpack for water (1.5L), a 0.5L bottle for electrolytes, camera, gels, etc. I like this vest very much and didn't find any problems as such, except one zipper "broke" about 70km into the race as I probably had overfilled the zipped pocket a bit. I did manage to fix it after the race though.

I had chosen to bring my Black Diamond Distance FL Z poles as well, as the inclines seems quite steep when looking at the race data. I did use them and they gave me a great walking pace uphill compared to when not using them! I will definitely used them again when possible (and allowed!). They were strapped to my running vest, but somehow they got to touch my back causing a bit of chafing. Nothing too serious though! 

I "redesigned" how I use the Salomon 4D pole carrying system to make it easier to strap them on and get them off, by using a carabiner clip to attach/release the top bungee-cord. I found this much easier and less likely for the bungee-cord to be entangled into the poles/pole-straps when trying to wrap/unwrap them from your back.

I wore my Under Armour CoolSwitch calf sleeves. There are many theories about if they work or not. I like the feeling of them and my calfs didn't ache at any time during or after the race. If it's due to the guards or something else I cannot tell! But fact is, I haven't had a single sore muscle in my legs from the run, however my hips and ankles were a bit sore from the uneven terrain and the downhill running.

My Under Armour Shadow Run Cap protected my head from the sun and redirected sweat from running into my eyes. At some pit-stops I soaked it in cool water to cool me down. Awesome! My Under Armour Launch 2-IN-1 shorts and LP Embioz compression top also did very well along side my Falke running socks :-)

My Garmin Forerunner 310XT didn't complain and recorded the whole run. The HR chest-strap (which is actually from my old Garmin Forerunner 305) was unnoticeable and didn't leave any marks from chafing, as the original HR chest-strap have given me on much shorter run (~20km).

I did bring extra clothes like a waterproof jacket, a thin long-sleeved top and extra socks just in case, but didn't use any of it. However - you never know with the British weather ;-)

All in all the clothes I wore worked well for the hot weather and I could have left the extras at home, but 100km is a long way if you need it at some point, hence I'm happy with the choices I made :-) 

Food review:

I had chosen to bring my own gels (Science In Sport/SiS) as I have used these through out my training, and didn't want to find out if I could/could not use other gels mid-race! I used 15 gels on the course. 

Flat coke is a winner!! :-)

I also brought my own electrolyte tablets (SiS) for the same reason as the gels. I refilled my 0.5L bottle with a new tablet/water at every pit-stop except the first one (one for approx every 10km) and even though it was extremely hot and sunny, I didn't at any time feel I was lacking fluid or the like, so I think I got it right.

I refilled my 1.5L bladder once. In addition to this I drank a lot of flat coke and some squash/water on the side. In total I must have consumed at least 8 Litres of fluid - and only one stop at the loo! ;-)

I didn't eat many of my homemade muesli bites. I think it was due to the hot weather. I also didn't eat any chocolate bars as they were way too sweet during the run! Instead I devoured a lot of oranges at the pit-stops where possible and grabbed some apples for the road + a few bananas on some of the early stops. I also found bananas too sweat to eat at the last half of the race.

I ate crisps in some of the pit-stops, which was a very welcome snack and a great source of salt :-) Standard food from now on!! 

The pit-stops were well stocked on all sorts of things, and if I were more brave using those "unfamiliar" things, I wouldn't have to carry much myself. At some point I might start using what's available instead of bringing my own :-) 


Bottom-line for food and liquids is that I didn't have any stomach aches as I did in CTS Dover in January, so I must have done something right this time ;-)

Every thing worked out for the better and I had a fantastic and awesome day!! Loved everything about it :-D 

#RTTS2016

See ya out there... :-)

Best M.


PS: I'm on Endomondo Blog about the #YouVsTheYear challenge!! ;-)

Race To The Stones 2016

Yeah!!! I did it :-D 

On Saturday morning on the 16th July 2016 the alarm clock was set for 4:00am - Race day! I got my race kit on and ate my breakfast. Almost everything I needed for the race had been packed and prepared the evening before.

I hadn't even left Oxford before I met the first others, who were also running/walking Race To The Stones. The registration went smoothly and after a eating banana and a visit or two to the loo, I was ready to run... a 100km awaits! 

Just before we started the sun showed itself, so I took off my red top as it quickly got warm. At first I thought that was awesome with some sunshine for the race, as it until this point had been grey-ish and looked like it was going to rain anytime soon. However, the sun came and stayed for most of the day! That, of course, also means it gets really hot when running...

Halfway!

I skipped the first pit-stop as I had plenty of fluid and stuff to eat. However, I soon got to realise that I would have to refill my 0.5L bottle, which I use for electrolytes (I brought my own tablets), at very-pit stop from now on, as the heat had risen severely! It was very warm and I was sweating like a pig! I've estimated that I have drunk at least 8 Litres of fluids if not more: I refilled my 1.5L bladder + 8 x refill of 0.5L electrolytes + a huge amount of flat coca cola on the last 50km, say 2-3 cups on every station + a some cups of water/squash at my "lunch break" and in other places.

At the halfway point, a hot meal (included in the race package) awaited me. I chose a tiny portion of pasta with mushrooms and piece of bread, as I didn't wanna be too full as I had 50km to go still! 

Me and Terry (I think?)

After my lunch break, things got a (tiny) bit easier until about 90km. I had chatted with various people along the way. One had done Marathon Des Sables (tough multi day desert race) previously. Somehow she didn't finish this one though. I though I would "give something back" to the few spectators cheering and encouraging us, so I started taking photos of them as well, and they seemed to like it :-)


I often found myself running pretty much alone, which suits me fine, as in most (all) of my training I'm by myself. And running with a huge group on narrow trails makes it hard to find your own pace, which is quite important when doing 100km.

The last 10-12km was tremendously tough. The ground was very uneven and it felt like it was all downhill, which is why I think my hips and ankles are a bit sore - way harder than running uphill! And finally I was doing the last loop round The Stones and through to the finish line! A very cheerful lot welcomed me as I crossed the finish line... I've done it - 100km!

12h33m52s - I'm very pleased with that result! I finished 84 of 956. 

Even though my time was great, I wasn't fast enough to catch the public bus back to Swindon. But luckily, we (me and my partner, who had come down to pick up the pieces left of me) managed to hijack two seats on the last event-bus to Swindon, and later the train back to Oxford, only to find my bike punctured, hence a nice walk home :-)

What an awesome experience that was! If I wasn't hooked before - I definitely am now! The event was very well organised. Everything went smoothly from my perspective. I only got one "complaint": There should be fresh oranges at every pit stop!! GOD, they were good!!! ;-)



The route itself is very scenic and varied, though that last bit was really tough. In total: It was AWESOME!! :-)

In the few days after the race, I've expected to be sore all over my body. However, only my ankles and hips are sore. I've got no muscle aches and only two not-too-serious blisters, one on each big-toe. I've lost about 2.5 kg of body weight so it's time to eat and drink a lot ;-) YEAH!!

The Race To The Stones is an amazing event. Everything went smoothly. Well stocked pit-stops and friendly cheerful crew. The route was very well signposted all the way! Great race!!

Will I do it again? - Hell yeah!! ;-)

#RTTS2016 #MoreIsInYou
#RunWithFight #IWILL #YouVsTheYear #FuelledByScience

See ya out there... ;-)

Best M.