My First Ultra.
Back in December last year I was looking to fill up my race calender for 2018. Whilst searching for events in the summer months, I managed to stumble on a few Ultras listed, from 50k to 100K’s. For some reason, over the next few days my mind kept toying with an idea on completing one.
So I spent time looking into Ultra races that were suitable for me. And that’s when I found Salisbury 54321 Trail Ultra 50K.
50k (31 Miles) doesn’t sound too bad if you have done a marathon before, only an extra five miles, quite easy to be over confident. I didn’t really think about the trail bit when signing up at the time to be honest.
So after paying my entrance fee for a value price of £27.00 I had 8 months to prepare.
Fast forward to July one month before.
After missing March out because of an injury, my plan was to really start increasing my mileage in late June/July. My minimum goal was to run at least run 31 miles a week, but with a lot of 5k and 10k league races most weekends, I did find it difficult finding enough time to complete and recover from my long runs.
Race Day
After training through the hot months, it was just my luck that had to rain on the one day I wanted it to be dry.
The start and race number collection was at Salisbury fire station. It was quite a relaxing atmosphere and everyone was really friendly and helpful. This event had a few different choices of distance from 10k-50k’s, walkers and all.
The 50k started at 9:30am and I felt good, with music on trying to be chilled and to slow my pace down. The first few miles felt reasonable flat and I was running between 7:30-8 minute miles, way faster than I should have. Then we hit the Old Sarum and this is where it seems to be the beginning of the inclines and fields, you have to be very careful where you plant your foot. (I did see two people slip over at the Old Sarum loop around)
By now it’s 8K completed and the route links you up with the 42k runners. I made the mistake of keeping with the same pace with the new set of fresh 42k runners.
I’m a bit annoyed I didn’t look up more and check my surroundings more, as I only seem to remember the grind of hills and long grass fields, I was pushing it too fast.
I did remember running through the lovely Langford Castle grounds and passing the race course.
But by mile 21 my legs weren't having it and were in pain. Running that hard on a multi terrain with an elevation of 1680ft at the same pace was a big error, now I’m paying for it.
My upper body felt reasonably fine, it was my legs that were struggling. Have I hit the wall or was it the lack of training and going too fast? Maybe if I started off at 10 minute pace from the start I would’ve been ok?
I admit the last 10 miles were a struggle, I was on my own at this point as most of the runners were running at a sensible pace and were miles behind. I was a tad concerned at getting lost and really had stay focused and look up more, as you could easily miss a sign and head off in the wrong direction when not being in a group. I really didn’t need that mistake now.
With my legs in pain, my plan was to be positive mentally and I found myself jogging 200 yards, then walking for 10 seconds, it worked well, but felt like forever until I got to Salisbury Cathedral, where I knew I was near the finish line. It seemed to lift me, so I manage to run the last mile through the town centre to the finish line without walking with a time of 4:24:09.
My overall position was 15th, with amongst a lot experience ultra runners, so that was an achievement I am proud off.
It certainly was not sensible running by me by any means, and I would strongly advise any first time Ultra runners to slow down considerably especially off road terrain races as it does take a lot more out of you, or even run with a friend.
But I’m delighted to tick off completing an Ultra off the running bucket list :)