Long Mynd, Shropshire

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Long Mynd

So after the Long Tour Bradwell, I was a bit worse for wear, that been I couldn’t move or get out of bed. I had lost all my oil, I was as stiff and battered, like a washed up piece of furniture that had been tossed aside after a great storm.

Exhausted, Battered, Drained, Emotionally Spent, and over relieved that I had managed to survive the night.  Thanks to the coke and the fish and chips.

After two or three weeks of resting I started to train for the Long Mynd.  I also had to under go more physiotherapy, before and during my training. Thanks to guys at Sub for Health, I made it through. Thanks Steve.

I started to train at the roaches again, doing my usual route, and my usual core exercises, apart from this time I stopped drinking and eating bread for while. This seemed to help with my diet and I felt a lot lighter, “floaty like”. 

After a few weeks of doing my roaches runs it was time to do a few recce runs of the Long Mynd.

I figured it would take about 4 or 5 days to do the recce. This does not sit well in your consciousness when you have to complete the course in 24hrs and when you are only 3 months into ultra and fell running.

I begun to fear the worst and questioned my ambitions.

So with this ambitious task at hand, I decided to ask my friend Ben to come with me (yep the same Ben who I go fishing with).  Now Ben’s the kind of person that throws himself into the deep end to.  This was evident when he declined my offer to pick him up from his house. Instead he decided to run 10 miles along the canal, before heading down to Shropshire…

I didn’t know he was doing this, else I would of advised against it. Crazy Man.

When we arrived in Stretton after a 2hr drive, I was amazed at how picturesque the village and the surroundings were. It definitely has a romantic feel, and you fall in Love with the place straight away. Valentines day must be special there. When you picture England in your mind, you picture Church Stretton, it’s the perfect postcard.

This was also Ben’s first time at running in the hills and mountains. So I was keen to make him enjoy it. But when the first hill is Caer Caradoc its hard to understand the logic behind the sport. And after you have do a ten mile run and ran a mile or two to get there. Its hard to convince people that this is for fun. We did how ever stumble across another fell runner and she accompanied us to the next check point (The lawley) and gave me advice about the course. Thank you Fell Running Angel.

After following the angel to the second checkpoint we, started to head towards the Long Mynd Valley for Pole Bank and by this point Ben was suffering cramp, so I decided to carry on and continue to do first and last part of the course.  I am not sure if Ben enjoyed his experience as felling running, but I am sure it’s not one he’ll forget in a hurry. I am sure that he enjoyed the Stella nad the crisps he brought from the local shop.

Over the next two weeks I decided to continue my scouting of the course with four more runs.

I was pretty happy with the routes that I decided to take, but that changed when the race day came.  My Brother did advice me on the routes to take, thanks Ant.

I also practiced running with Nuun tablets, and also tried different snacks and foods. I settled with Jelly babies, jeffa cakes, power ade and salt and vingar crisps.

During my scouting, I decided to stay over one weekend at a Bed & Breakfast in Church Stretton. I managed to stumble across one of the nicest Bed & Breakfast’s I’ve ever stayed in.  The B&B was called the Arden House, in Church Stretton. I would recommend it to anyone. As Ian and Julie, will go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and comfortable.  It also turns out that a lot of fell runners also use the B&B. Also this year Ian and Julie were helping with Long Mynd Hike, and were at one of the checkpoints. I think checkpoint 9, around 25miles in.  So Ian was keen to find out my ambition for the course.  I always responded with “I just want to complete it”.

I would also recommend the B&B as a weekend away.  As Church Stretton is an area of natural beauty, you simply just fall for surroundings and not because of the running. The restaurants and bars are really nice and the walks are good to. All filled with friendly people.

On the day of the race, Ian had arranged for me to park my car at the B&B and leave my belonging there as I decided to book the B&B for following day and night. As I knew I wouldn’t be moving far the next day…

I was nervous and arrived early to organise my racing kit and to do my kit checks. I passed after buying a few things on site.

I then started to wonder around the school, this was the meeting and base for the Long Mynd Hike. I also covered myself in deep heat, to keep my muscles warm.  Then I made my way to start after about 2 or 3 hours of arriving at the school.

I also saw Ian and Julie at the start as they said they would come and see me and the other runners and hikers off. I thought that was really kind of them. I also saw some old friends from Wales that were taking part in the Long Mynd. In fact they inspired me to take part in this years challenge. As it was something of a regret not doing the hike the year they did.  As I feel I would of developed my love for the hills and mountains a lot sooner, but sometimes things are best done together and sometimes things are best done alone.  This year it was the latter. I wished them well and after hellos and byes, I made my way to start. I was nervous about the task a head and the uncertainty of what was to come.

I did however get some comfort from Ian and Julie again. I promised I’d make it to their checkpoint at least. The whistle went and we were off towards the hill that Ben and I ran up about a month before.

Having realised my mistakes at the Long Tour Bradwell, I went off slow with the runners, knowing to hold myself back. I stopped myself from running to hard and fast on the flats and uphill’s for the first part of the course.  Again my brother offered me some good advice. He said play it safe as the race won’t start until 20 miles in.   I listened to his advice, and I also drank either water or nuun tablets every 15minutes.  Within the first few miles, there was a gap between everyone, with the fast runners coming down The Lawley as I was going up it! Eek!

Luckily the weather was nice, there was little breeze, with a clear sky, perfect conditions for running in. The race had started at 1pm.

I like to think as myself as a chatty runner, and try to get the most information out of people before and during the race, as I am new to whole thing I like to find out what other people are doing and also find out previous results and times for course.  I was also trying to see if I was in the right position for my first time at running the course.

I came across someone called Emily Millington who I now follow on Strava. This is a local runner to Long Mynd and she was kind enough to offer me advice, and said that I needed to eat more.  She had already completed the course the year before in 13hrs. So I thought I had better so down, as I wasn’t sure if I could get round in that time.

So I eased off a little on the way down from Pole Bank to Bridges and had a walk up to Stiperstones, eating lots of crisps and taking on more fluid. When I got to the top of Stiperstones I was surprised how good I felt.  So I decided that I wanted to enjoy it, and this was my favorite part of the course as it technical due to the rocky paths.  Running on the roaches does pay off. So I decided to pick up my pace along stiperstones. I than joined a group lads running together, so I decided to run with them for a while at least to pub before Earls Hill. Then they ran off up to earls hill, I stopped myself going to fast up there as its pretty step.  After eating a power bar at the top of Earls hill I headed back down to the pub there.

I meet up with same group of lads again so I decided that I was going to run with them and they were kind enough to let me. They names were Ry, Alastair and Dave.  They were also kind enough to give me some nuts. Thanks.  After some flat coke and more liquid we headed off as we wanted to get to Shelve before 7. The cut off before the volunteers group you. I think at this point it was around 6pm.  Myself and Dave run up to Bank Farm together, with Ry and Alastair going before us. We then all ran together towards shelve, before making a wrong turn, but lucky enough we realised so we only lost about 10 minutes. We did however gain another runner to our group. His name was Richard.  It started to get dark on the way to shelve so we put on head torches on, and I was excited to be running in the dark for the first time. I was also pleased that my scouting had helped me out. As it’s much harder to tell where your going. Especially when your head torch is as good as a candle in the wind. Lucky we were all grouped.

We all got to Shelve, the ninth checkpoint by 7:20 and managed to have some tea and biscuits. We also got grouped there. I think Ian and Julie we as surprised as I was to see them so soon. I thought I did well to get to this point.  They greeted me, with warm smiles. We didn’t want to settle to long, so we decided to make a move to Corndon Hill. Ian and Julie wished me luck.  Before we got to the next checkpoint we had to run through some woods, and a field full of mad cows.  It was at this point I started to think that completing the course wasn’t going to happen simple because of the ascents that we still to come. I had to use all my energy to get up to top of Corndon Hill, Ry had suggested using the side of my feet to go up the hill. I was surprised at how well this worked as it does take the pressure off your thighs.  Once we reached the top, we found some volunteers in a landranger with a tent and a cup of tea, very nice indeed. I wasn’t jealous at all. After a little break we headed to Woodgate and then to Black Rhadley hill. This was the hardest part of the course, as we got lost therefore battled with muddy fields and bogs. We somehow managed to find the wettest field in Shropshire. We mustered on and fought our way out.  I changed my socks afterwards. This was a welcomed relief. Dry socks after 9hrs of running feels amazing.

After heading up the long hill to Black Rhadley, we made our way back to the Stiperstones car park.  When we got to the checkpoint I managed to eat a few celebrations on offer. Yes. Get in!  Never to early to celebrate celebrations! At this point Dave had decided he wanted to stop as his knee was hurting, and had been since Pole Bank. So I was amazed that he got this far. He had also been suffering with cramp. Dave was a great runner and kept our spirits so it was a bit of blow. We tried to change his mind but we couldn’t.  So we decided to carry on, as what I regarded as the home straight, that being a very very long home straight. We ran down past Bridges to Pole Cottage and then Minton. I was aching in my feet and legs, and had been doing since Woodgate farm. I was just hoping not to get blisters, as that would be the end of it.

We got to Minton and then did some road running to Ragleth Hill, this is a killer. The last hill but not the tallest (Corndon Hill), but definitely the steepest and the hardest.  At this point you have nothing in your legs, its all in your head. I am pretty sure I just got up this hill through pure determination.  And Ry was as always encouraging.  I made it to the top, only to nearly get blown off by the wind. It had picked up and I wanted to get off the hill as fast as possible. So we headed back to school, after a few slips down the hill. We made it into Church Stretton, we headed for the school.

We all managed to finish the course in 13hrs and 15minutes.

Shortly after we had finished Dave arrived with Beer, so we shared some cans of lager in celebration. Boy does beer hit harder after a long run.  Only one thing left to do, eat lots of toast and drinks lots of tea.

I was to excited to sleep and keep still and began to wonder around, and I bumped into Helen Skeleton.  A great and well known fell runner. It was nice to hear some words of comfort from her. She gave me some encouragement for next time. Thanks Helen.

I later head back to the B&B to get some rest to come back again for breakfast in the morning. Where I later meet up with Dave, Ry and Alastair.  It was great to see them again, as I felt we had gone through so much together. I glad we decided to run together as we supported each other.  Watch Out for Ry Webb, I am sure he will make a great runner.

It was also great to see one my family friends from Wales Complete the course in the morning.  He had been out all night, and finished in the morning. To how someone can keep going for so long is amazing. To have the will and the push to finish after 23hrs on feet is something I am yet to experience. And when I do I will think back to this moment and remember those that have already done so. 

Its these experience that help drive you on.

Thanks for everyone that helped me achieve my ambition for last year. Special thanks to Ben, Ant, Tracey, Helen, Rye, Richard, Dave and Alastair.

Here is a link to the website for the B&B. Arden House

Long Tour of Bradwell

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Long Tour of Bradwell (Peak District)

33miles and 6300ft of ascent

So with about seven weeks before the Long Tour of Bradwell commenced. I started to train at the Roaches, this is not an uncommon place for fell runners to train.  It’s probably one of the reasons why so many people from the Staffordshire Moorlands are so good at running. So I decided to make this my playground, and it is today.  I have fond memories of the roaches, from my university days to today. 

So I started to do a 4 mile loop of the roaches, from Hen Cloud to the end of roaches, where you can start to head down to Gradbach Youth Hostel. I did this about twice a week as well as doing core exercises in between my runs. Which consisted of about 7 different variations of abs exercises, planks and press ups. I tried to do this for a total of an hour or an hour half between runs.  This is something I still do today, apart from over Christmas, I give into the mince pies and the chocolate cake.

Before the Long Tour of Bradwell race started, I went on a few scouting runs with my brother (Anthony Bethell), and Tracey Dean, to get to know the route and the course.  And to find out more about how a naked Scotts man running over the hills developed into a sport…I soon realised that I was out of my depth and that I had bitten off far more than I could chew.  Just a “nice easy run” as my brother put it.  I actually don’t think there’s such a thing, weather your running 2 miles or 80 miles it still hurts.   Anyway by half way around the run, I was tired, but I did enjoy running down the hill at Lose Hill and felt like I had gained a little bit of my childhood back, even if only for moment.  As that memory was shattered when someone shouted that we should wear cow bells. Actually come to think about it, its probably closer to my school memories! By the end of the run I was tried, sweaty and exhausted. This showed in the form of a my left knee locking up, whilst closing a gate.  There was nothing I could do, apart from carry on. Luckily the car was one half a mile down the road. So I did what I knew best the waddle. 

This put an end to my running for about three weeks, the cause of my locking knee and the need for me to squeal like pig, a tight IT band.

After the three weeks had passed and various exercises to help with my IT Band, and lots of physio meetings. I started to get back into my training, after only doing my core exercisers for three weeks.  This did hurt, before the race day came along I think I managed to do a single 18 mile run around the roaches with the aid of Jeffa Cakes and salt n vinegar crisps.

On the day of the race, I was a bundle of nervous.  To prepare for the horrible moment, I did some stretches and had eaten a few Jeffa cakes and had a cup of tea for my breakfast.  I decided to drive, as I knew my brother would finish long before me, this would allow him to have a pint or two afterwards.  On the way there I drank most of my Power Ade.  As we were waiting for the race to begin it became apparent that my Brother knew a few people all of which seemed friendly.  This is one of the best things about fell and ultra running community everyone is in the pain game together. There are no egos that I’ve come across and there is always someone willing to offer advise or to help. Today was going to be no exception.  Bang.

The race had started, at 9am. I started off okay, and kept in the middle of the pack and by the 3^rd checkpoint I was about 30th according to the steward. Which surprised me. At this point I knew I was probably going to fast, but decided to carry on regardless.  Later on I realised this was the wrong decision. After 12 miles, and the sixth checkpoint just after Losehill farm, I was struck by cramp, as I tried to get over the stile there. I instantly fell to the ground, with both my legs locked in a straight position.  I knew I could not stay there to long as I was blocking the stile for the other runners, so I pulled myself along the fence and lay their for about 10 or 15 minutes, stretching my legs. Its in these moments you find yourself. I could of pulled out but through stupidity, determination, and want of not wanting to fail I pulled myself up on to my feet, started my waddle again.  One person stopped and said “Do you have any electrolytes”. I looked at him with a puzzled face. I responded with a “no”. He was kind enough to give me a big mouth full. This helped with the cramp, as did the salt and vinegar crisps. I managed to make it to checkpoint 7 and get more drinks, and water, and sweets. I carried on, with the thought of only another 20 miles or so to go! This was 3hrs into the race. When I got to Aston Hall, I felt like I’d been shot in both legs, and that I was been made to carry an iron ball up step hills.  At Thronhill I meet Rob Eadon. I lovely chap, it was his first time he’d done the LTOB to.

I pushed on, past Ladybower Reservoir, and even managed to take a few people on the downhill and on the bridleways. After a few jam sandwiches, and the frightful thought of not completing the course I carried onto Stanage edge. At this point, I was gut retching and wanted to throw up. Luckily for the climbers and walkers I didn’t.  On the way to checkpoint 12, I meet a fellow called Nick Ham. This was my first encounter with him. He is friendly and has been doing the run further series for a number of years. He gave me lots of advice and also offered to give me some electrolytes. I kindly accepted this generous offer. At the checkpoint I drank lots of water, with Nick’s magic mix.  This sorted me out for a while.  At this point I nearly retired, but that would of being a waste of the magic potion. This must have been the same magic potion in Asterix.  After be asked to retire by the volenteers, I decided it was time to move on.  Before I left, I said a massive thankyou to them. Nick had already left, I didn’t see him again. 

Photo from Nick Ham

Half between Checkpoint 13 and 14, I’d started to slow down again, something between a jog and waddle. A jaddle if you will.  This came in the style of moving feet with little space between them, with the odd occasion on my left leg, doing a half a circle whilst straight out to my side. It must have been an impressive sight. Here I meet Rob again, he offered me some of his magic potion, much to my delight.  We pretty much ran the last part of the race together. I later found out that he was part of Wirksworth Athlecitcs team. He was also one of most friendly and supportive person I have ever met. I really don’t think I could of carried on, if it wasn’t for him. I defiantly owe him a pint or two.

After 7hrs or so I had started to sense the finish, and after coming down the hill at Bradwell edge, I was once again struck by the cramp. I just remember falling to right, as if someone had chopped my legs off. Again my legs locked, and again I had to pick my self up and carry on. After about ten minutes. I got up and pretty much hobbled to the finish line.

I never felt so much relief after I crossed the line.  I was exhausted, half dead, and I couldn’t feel my legs. The adrenaline that I felt was amazing, I was hyped up.  A bit like an over excited coke bottle. I hadn’t seen my brother since the start of the race, so I had a quick scout for him, only to have a slight memory of him with a pint in his hand outside of the pub next to the finish.  I went across to find out his tale. 

Photo from Sandi Allcock

He had finished the race in 5hrs and 27 minutes.  I still don’t know how he achieved this, but massive respect to my brother. This time made him second, a few minutes off first.

I finished the race with a time of 8hrs and 12minutes, finishing 73^rd out of 110.

Nick finished with the time of 7hrs and 57mintues.

Rob finished with a time of 8hrs and 5 minutes.

This was a massive learning curve, and probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  And I want to do more.  Lucky for me I had a 50mile race to do in 2months time.