Muddy prep with big smiles for mega trials
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail is a well-used expression but one that resonates when running a big race. It’s possible I can wing it over a short distance but with mega races, the only way to give myself the best chance of finishing is to do the hard yards (miles) of training beforehand.
Back in 2016, I trained well for my first big 150 mile race and finished strongly. Once I had that level of fitness I just needed to do enough to keep myself there. However, after Covid I had a few injuries and medical issues – like a double hernia – and that knocked my fitness back.
While I trained for my 2023 big races, I know in all honesty I was not fit enough to finish well, even though I did manage to finish them all.
This year, though, I’ve worked out a tough training regime and so far have been sticking to it. This has involved running every single day, 10, 15 or 20 miles a few times a week, and just a couple of miles on rest days, plus going to the gym at least four times a week.
My next big races are 60 miles in Arran in April then 120 miles in Spain, with 30,000ft of climb so training includes lots of hill running.
While training on my own is fine, you can’t beat an actual race for preparation. And last Sunday I ran a wellorganised event by Freedom Racing called the North Downs Ridge 50k. I’ve not run one of their events before but needn’t have worried as the communication was excellent as was the route marking and checkpoints.
I hoped to finish between seven and eight hours for the 50k as the course was muddy and hilly. So I was pleasantly surprised with my time of six hours 52 minutes. Clearly the training has been working.
The other runners were a friendly bunch and I particularly enjoyed running with Ben for the last few miles. But what makes these kinds of races really work are the volunteers and they were up there with the best, smiling, attentive, supportive. Thank you, Freedom Racing, for a great day out.
It made me decide to volunteer to help with a future race and be that smiley person. I hope you too support something important to you whether you benefit or not from the outcome.
‘‘ You can’t beat an actual race for real preparation