Brutal Dartmoor!

Early into run

Well I thought I would brave the barren world that is Dartmoor for a long training run. With the incoming snow imminently due, I set off from Tavistock with a planned route through the moors to Dousland and up to Princetown (home of Dartmoor Prison) then back to Tavistock.

A circular route across some of the most exposed parts of the moor and a total ascent of around 1,800 feet. Being only my second run of the fortnight, I was expecting it to hurt, but add the complication of snow, sleight and sub-zero temperatures and it was one of the most brutal runs I have ever done.

The early parts of the run were very comfortable, light snow and cold but moving well and not too many taxing hills.

Passing through the village of Dousland and picking up the road from Yelverton to Princetown the terrain and environment shows why Dartmoor is a barren place. The temperature dropped and roads disappeared miles in the distance.

The weather takes a turn for the worst and the snow gets heavier and the problem is the moor provides you no protection from the elements.

10 miles into the run and I arrive at the prison town of Princetown and just short of the highest altitude of 1,500ft, the weather takes another turn for the worst and snow gives way to driving sleight and wind.

I can see why they put the prison here, any inmate who contemplates a break out has no chance in the surroundings, especially this time of year!!!

Knowing I have 8 miles to go, I have to dig deep into my mental reserves, knowing though that it is nearly all down hill all the way. The roads wind down towards the Dartmoor Inn, and if I had a few quid I would have been tempted to dive in for shelter and a cup of tea! But no, relentless forward progress is the only way to go.

As I get closer to my destination, the legs are starting to feel heavier and heavier, but still maintaining the steady pace I am motivated to carry on. Then at last I approach the welcoming sign to Tavistock and with another dip into my reserves I grit my teeth for the final 2 miles.

It is not the furthest distance I have run, but the terrain, surroundings and weather makes it one of the most brutal runs I have ever done. 17.35 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes makes me satisfied. And with only two weeks till the first Ultra Marathon in London. I am more positive that I can finish it, as long as I slow the pace. I know there won't be the same hills and terrain for this one!!!!

Intensity Grows - Insanity Stays!

Well as the challenge gets nearer as the training intensity increases. This weeks runs to date are;

• Sunday - 12.5 miles
• Tuesday - 10 miles
• Wednesday - 11.5 miles
• Thursday - 4.5 miles

Just short of 40 hard miles, and I have to say the runs have been some of the easiest, but the pain the next day is uncomfortable!

However, when the next run starts the body loosens quickly and the pain disappears. It's like going back to the weekly pounding on the rugby pitch, early season it takes days to overcome the muscle bruising but as the season goes on the recovery time speeds up.

There is, in my opinion, no quick or easy win to prepare your body for a 50Km run let alone 100Km. All I can do is keep building up the miles and conditioning the body and building on my fitness levels.

The key to these are all in the mind, and my mind is shot!! I have become so focused to my aims that the troubles that caused me to start running in the first place have no place in my mind any more. Ultra marathon running is a case of mind over matter, 10% fitness and 90% mental attitude!! Or as my friends have said 100% MENTAL!!!

Skins & Blisters

Well as much as the long training runs are a way of conditioning my body for the Ultra's, they are also a time to test kit and find comfort in running. There is nothing worse than setting out on a long run and feeling discomfort or worse pain.

Getting the kit right and staving off any potential pains is the key to long distance events. It is imperative to nip that little rub early before it develops into a blister that is going to hinder you in the future.

Well, my problem is always between my 4th and 5th toe where I always cut due to the point my smallest toenail rubs the side of the 4th toe. This first came to light in one of my first long training runs when I looked down to see this!!

Well on Sunday during a gentle 13 miles on the South Devon coast I tried to find a solution. I purchased a gel-filled toe protector from Boots and cut it in two and slipped one half over each of the toes. The result was 13 miles of pain free running and absolutely no rubbing! Success!!!

Also for the run I used my new A400 Skins for the first time. Did they work? Well I have to say at about the 11 mile mark I felt the smallest discomfort in my left knee, but nothing like the discomfort it has given me previously. They also eliminated any pains around the calves which I have been getting.

So, slowly I am getting there with the kit requirements and comfort, just need to bank the miles now.

For those with an interest, after a recommendation, I have started reading Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons. It is filled with good tips for running your first Ultra.

Six Weeks Away

Well it is six weeks tomorrow till my first ever Ultra race event, the London Ultra 50K.

To prepare I will be enjoying, if that is possible, a gentle 15 miles in the Devon countryside tomorrow morning.

Skins Ahoy!

Well I am now the proud owner of a pair of Skins A400 compression tights. I will put them to the test at the weekend and report back my thoughts.

Also looking to overcome a persistent foot problem caused by my small toenail cutting the fourth toe, some will trial some toesocks which my friend swears by!