As JK has mentioned the High Peak 40 Mile Challenge (2009) that he completed it is probably right that I write about my complete utter failure of that same event.
On the back of a good performance from the 2009 Mont Blanc event we ran, we decided to take part in a 40 mile running event in the Derbyshire Dales some 6 weeks later to step the challenge up a bit...after all it was only an extra 13.8 miles on top of the Mont Blanc (MB) run and that was a lot more hilly.
I was so wrong in my training and mentality going into the ultra event.
I can sum up the training I did and mentality I had very quickly.
Mentality - it's only another 13.8 miles, MB was easy so I should be fine.
Training - none what so ever in the 6 week gap between MB and the ultra
OH HOW SILLY!!!!
Aside from these massive errors my inexperience for ultra running shone through before the event had even started.
JK's favourite phrase bar none on running is 'it's an eating and drinking competition while running'
I believe I took those words too literal to the point I had enough food in my back pack to feed a family of five heading to butlins for a weekend! haha
I was so overloaded with provisions my back pack must of weighed over 10kg and it soon took it's toll.
My body felt fine going into the run but it was soon evident that I had picked up an overuse injury in my left knee around mile 8.
You expect to get a few aches and pains during a long run but in the back of my mind I knew this one was going to a problem. 15 miles in I was complaining to the lads like a child not being allowed ice cream at a fair....I was struggling, the pack was unloaded of all non essential kit and we continued on.
Approaching mile 20 I knew my race was up. I was holding back my running partners, every stride hurt on my left knee and as much as I wanted to continue I just couldn't. It's not often that I have to accept defeat but up on the hill at mile 20 I was done.....just wish I hadn't thrown all the food away a few miles back at that point as it was a great place for a picnic :-)
I was very humbled and a little sheepish about failing that event. I was all gung ho and full of it but my decision making cost me. Waiting back at the camp site on my own for JK and Neo to finish the event will stick with me for a while to come yet. The event organisers give you a T-shirt and badge for the event.....I couldn't bear to look at them so threw them away.
Looking a it now it was a good learning experience for me and one I am determined to learn from going into the Transalpine Event.
That failure in the Dales could yet be the making of me.
Bad planning and prep will come back and bite you in the arse in all walks of life, so be sure you approach your runs, gym sessions, nutrition, sleep, work etc with the respect they require and then some.
Nick
No comments:
Post a Comment