What a run!!! The wind and rain made the conditions tough but the route was spectacular with a bit of everything to keep it interesting. Having it so well marked meant that I could just focus on the job in hand and enjoy the running. So, thank you KMF for that.
I set off wanting to run my race, not putting unnecessary pressure on myself, but equally give it my best shot. I needed to get my confidence and joy for running back, and this was really going to test my foot.
From the early on I, unintentionally, was in third place (ladies) and by the time I was going up to Walla crag I had put myself into second, just behind first lady. She was going quick and steady but not dissimilar pace to me. I decided that I wasn't going to try and overtake, just stay close by. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up with her pace or if the pressure would get to me so I decided straight away to stick with my plan of running my race. If I was meant to get ahead then I would. I wanted to give it my all but equally enjoy it as much as possible.
Going down to Rosthwaite we hit some technical ground and I managed to navigate my way down confidently where I took a lead, all the while trying not to put pressure on myself to keep it. Not always easy because who wouldn't like a win!? I was feeling good and choosing to mostly power walk up the hills meant that I avoided fatigue in my legs and running the slight gradients, flats and downs felt comfortable.
Going up from Honister was challenging with the wind but I didn't let it get to me and powered my way up still feeling strong. I surprised myself the most on my decent via Dubs Crag into Buttermere. I felt confident with the tricky technical decent, despite the wet and windy conditions and kicking a rock that I thankfully managed to not fall from, but left me with a bruised toe. It was a relief though to be running along the lovely trail beside Buttermere.
The section along Crummock was my least favourite, but I had expected that and used it as an opportunity to slow down and catch my breath and got a great welcome at the top end of the lake by a friend Raj and being told I was first lady did make me feel proud, although a bit pressured.
Newlands valley is a long valley! Running off camber and trying to keep a good pace, on wet ground was not easy. My legs were feeling good and knowing that we were well over half way and having some company kept me going, I was feeling confident that first place was mine.
The final sections of road were tough and I had to dig deep to keep up my pace because I wasn't sure how much ahead I was and really wanted the win by this point. However; I managed to smile on the last section into Keswick before being brought to a halt just after the Rugby club as the festival was shut down due to winds.
The last few km of the race we joined other runners doing a 10km route. I was a little disappointed that no one seemed to know I had just won first lady in the 50k due to the merge of runners and the hectic change in finishing venue. Nevertheless, I was chuffed to bits to have run it it 5.31, ten minutes from the record time and in harsh conditions. My training must have paid off somewhat and I have gained some confidence now. I just hope that I can carry some of it with me on the 100.
POOLEY BRIDGE TO AMBLESIDE-FINAL LL100 GROUP RECCE
Despite a really early start and the weather looking pretty grim I was excited for the day ahead. Leaving my car and walking to the bus I knew something didn't feel right. The arch of my left foot felt sore and uncomfortable. Putting it down to my shoes I spent the bus journey up to Pooley Bridge adjusting and re-adjusting my shoe in the hope that it was just pressure on my arch that was causing the discomfort. No matter what I did the pain stayed just the same. It made the 28 miles particularly tough. More mentally knowing that my foot was potentially injured, unsure if it was due to footwear and how I was going to resolve it. I had quite a low point and if it weren't for good company I think I would have hated the day. I did pick up though and by the end did feel I could have continued on despite the pain that was clearly something that wouldn't just go away. The day taught me that I can keep going but that I am really quite afraid of doing any long term damage, no bad thing but scared that this won't resolve or flare up during the race.
I also had a go using poles again and that on sore feet or legs they do help and also found my hands didn't feel quite so puffy despite the heat and thinking about what I was doing with the poles was quite a nice distraction. I had also been advised by several fellow runners, before even asking, that poles would really help save my legs if used from the start...I was convinced. Conveniently my Birthday was a few days away and I made the purchase reassuring myself that I could sell them on even if I only use them for the 100 event.
NEW POLES!
After much faffige I managed to figure out a fairly convenient way to stash my poles on my running bag and headed up steep Fleetwith Pike to have a practice. They will take some getting used to but think I can feel the benefits, just taking a bit of strain off the legs. Getting them out to use and putting them away is what puts me off the most, but I'm sure over time that will become a bit more slick. It reminds me of being on the cross trainer actually! I knew it was going to be helpful beyond just aerobic fitness :)
Feelings before Keswick Mountain Festival 50k
The last two weeks I've been feeling pretty tired, heavy legs with the minimal running that I've done due to foot resting. I feel like I have become so slow and the couple of runs I've done have seemed like such an effort. This doesn't fill one with confidence when running a 50k let alone 100 miles! However; reducing the running and doing a bit of cross training has allowed my foot to rest and feel quite a bit better. So despite feeling sluggish this has given me a bit of confidence that I can at least start the event without pain. I imagine the aftermath will be different. It's a long way to run and it is going to be tough especially because i want to give it my best shot. But I can't help feeling particularly nervous because in my mind it's a fraction of the distance that is before me. I just hope I can take the pressure off myself, at least some of the time, and just enjoy the running. I need to really try and get that joy back after the stress and pressure of training, so that when I do get ready to start the 100 I am going out doing what I love. I want to enjoy the journey and experience as much as I can and so need to start with the event tomorrow. oh yes, and I'm going to try it in my Scott shoes 😛
Until afterwards...
The last few km of the race we joined other runners doing a 10km route. I was a little disappointed that no one seemed to know I had just won first lady in the 50k due to the merge of runners and the hectic change in finishing venue. Nevertheless, I was chuffed to bits to have run it it 5.31, ten minutes from the record time and in harsh conditions. My training must have paid off somewhat and I have gained some confidence now. I just hope that I can carry some of it with me on the 100.
