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.