It’s strange to think it’s been way over a year since I last raced. Due to being deployed or being quite ill for a long period of time prevented me from treading a start line.
So the build up to Hope 36 for me was not my normal build up. I was ill up until basically June (including ending up in A&E) with tests still on going now as they try to work out what is going on. So although I was allowed to keep running (thanks Doc) and my miles have been consistent whilst running everyday (Over 5 years and still going) the actual training hasn’t been happening. The Doc said to carry on what I was doing but take it easy. Then leading up to the race two weeks to go, I caught the lurgy again and still had it just about at the start.
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| Bib Number for Hope 36 |
So for those who don’t know, Hope Trail Festival started 10 years ago as a one off 24 hour race to raise some money by the legends Danny Slay, Pete Drummond and 4 other fire fighters for charity. It grew over the years and last year was taken over by GBUltras who have a portfolio of events around the UK. Wayne Drinkwater the owner of GB Ultras had race Hope 24 in the early years so was fully aware of the community and event that was built by Danny and Pete.
This year was the 10th Anniversary of the event, only missing 2 due to deployments I was eager not to miss this one. The event has played a big part of my running career over the years. I decided to run the 36 hour event again, but I was more excited about seeing friends, who I’ve not seen in a long time.
The race weekend came, and Thursday like always I went to help out set up the course etc. I had already pre booked the time off work before I knew the loading pattern at work, so the latest group of recruits I pass out on the Friday. This event is always been a community thing, so it’s always nice to see others come and help where they can. It also allows me to set up my tent early as well which is a bonus.
Race morning, and I was awake at 0630 (still in work mode although this is a lie in for me). This would be the last time I sleep for quite a while. I get down to the event arena and help a little more with the set up. 2100 was the start time, so it does keep me busy and my mind off the race for a while. Keeping my RaceZilla attitude to a minimum. Full of nerves, and just a dick basically.
Eventually it was time, there were a few more 36 hour racers this year, which is good to see. People stepping further out of their comfort zone and also realising it could give them a better chance of the 100 mile buckle compared to 24 hour race, if they race it sensibly. It had been chucking it down with rain all afternoon right up until the start time. So now I had to decide how I was going to cope with wet feet from the start. Then I realised I has some gortex walking trainers. So I decided to wear them until either the wet grassy areas dried up or a trodden path formed by the runners appeared.
So the whole idea if the 12,24 & 36 hour race is to smash out as many 5 mile multi terrain hilly laps as you want. This still of the timed event is ideal for all runners wanting to step into the world of ultras, see how far they can go or just want to put some miles in with out the worry of cut offs. You can do just 1 lap of you wanted, it wouldn’t be the cheapest of 1 laps but if that’s what you wanted you can. The event itself is still good value for money. Like everything prices do go up and I have no doubt will do again, but it’s worth the pennies in my honest opinion doing this events for as long as I have.
Having not raced for a long time, and not been fully well for a long period, I was going out to have some fun and see what I can do. The last time I did 36 hour race I was awake for 51 hours. I don’t plan on that happening again but we shall see what the body says.
The race started and off we went! 5 miles of beautiful trails, with the sunsetting, the head torches were worn as we lost light pretty soon especially going into the wooded sections. I wore my gortex walking trainers to run into start with. I was going to change into my newer Asics Trail shoes later on.
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| 18 hours into the race pic by AG Images |
Soon enough we were into the early morning hours, and I was tired “zzzz”! As I came into the wooded section of of the course after the long slog up Pylon hill, I started to fall asleep whilst running. This wasn’t fun, I tripped over roots a couple of times also. As I made my way back to my tent after finishing that lap, I sat down and thought I should try and kip. I tried but no bananas. I went out for another lap and by this time the sun was starting to rise.
Boom! A second wind came and a went smashed out another 3 laps full of energy and the legs feeling ok. I changed shoes, feet were still dry and I was no longer feeling tired (first mistake). This was not good! Post those laps I started to be on a major come down. Like I had taken something to enhance my performance and it wore off. (I hadn’t taken anything just in case someone started wondering). My happy hormone levels had dropped, legs start to feel solid as I made my way round the next couple of laps.
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| Sunday morning Sunrise |
I had taken a break after each lap, fuelling and hydrating. But now the breaks started to get a little longer each time (second mistake). I still couldn’t nap (3rd mistake) and I was struggling on course. I was starting to not enjoy myself out there.
A couple of friends had a massage gun, which they kindly offered for me to use to see if it would help the legs out. Never used one before, as I have looked into them and found they don’t really do anything like they suggest but worth a shot! I gave my legs a good battering with the massage gun, but sadly I was correct. It doesn’t really do anything.
The second night came and on with the head torch once more. Again being so tired and awake for over 40 hours at this point, I started to trip and fall sleep whilst on the trails. (Having spoke to others I wasn’t alone in this, others felt the same during the first and second night and one even actually went to sleep on the trail floor lol). I got back to the ten after the lap and decided to try and grab a couple hours of sleep. I fell straight to sleep and woke up after a couple of hours. It bloody worked to my legs felt great again, they recovered pretty quickly. I went out and put some more laps in. The buckle had already gone from my grasp so having those few hours sleep wasn’t going to make a difference.
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| Finish Selfie |
I went out on my final lap with 20 mins of the 36 hours to go. One more lap it was! The 12 hour racers had already finished at 2100 the day before, the 24 hour races soloist and team relayers were still flying around as they still had more time to go. They started at 1200 on the Saturday. The last lap did seem to drag, but I was the last 36 hour racer still out on course.
My little family who crewed me, came out to the last section to join me before heading to the finish lien to see me finish. As tradition, I always sprint finish the final arena section to the finish line. Off I went! But as I approached the finish line, there were awards being given to those already finished and podiumed of other races. I never got my finish line action pic, I usually got. As the last 36 hour finisher I did feel a little forgotten about due to the awards ceremony being done on the finishline. I grabbed my medal, went on got a post race portrait. And that was that! 80 miles completed with in the 36 hour period. Not my best by far and I am capable of more but with how my year has been, I am proud of myself. My run streak continued, so that was pleasing too.
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| Post Race Portrait by Dan Bentley |
I was able to go up the and down the stairs the following morning with out issue, pretty much no DOMS, so I went for my usual recovery runs for the week. I'm really pleased how well my legs recovered. Now I can look at getting back training seriously whilst continuing my run streak.
It was great that I got to see old friends and make new ones along the way. I enjoyed myself out there for the majority of the race, can’t say I enjoyed falling asleep whilst running lol. The race event itself still holds that special place in my heart. I’m glad it’s continuing on under GBUltras. Yes they are still learning and trying to find ways they can improve, but they have done a great job this year!
So I can still highly recommend this event, especially if you want something to challenge you, an event with a great atmosphere and an event worth the pennies. We have lots of event companies folding down here in the South West, and this event is worth making the weekend of!
Well done GBUltras
Until next time
