2013

A quiet end to the year but, not a quiet life. This year seems to be spit in two. The first, dedication to train and run ultra's the 2nd finding motivation with no focus and incorporating change. Life is very different from 12 months ago. We were in a flat, now 2 moves later we are in our dream home, I have a full time job and we have a dog. All 3 looked unreachable last Christmas but now I'm here sat at home, with the dog asleep and I'm looking forward to work in a few days time. Now, I just need to find that mojo to get out running more and to start writing a little more.

That's the personal stuff out the way. I need to look back at the year and hope it helps rekindle my desire to push myself further as 2014 will be my biggest yet.

2013 started with big plans to run far, to run many. I managed one goal and ironically it was the one I least wanted and had to do it with a stinking cold  - the London Marathon. The rest fell away due to injury and lack of money. January came and went with first the rain then the snow but the training was so varied and enjoyable and rolled into February with an exciting micro adventure up into Snowdonia where the weather tested - or ruined - our equipment.
We also finally moved out of our flat to a rental house which reinvigorated us and the weather. Not my foot though, which had not been right (and still isn't fully) and so I rested it and even visited a gym a few times to avoid impact.
With a months rest I started up the running again but always knowing that any 'fast' time for a road marathon was gone and so it proved in London. But who cares about roads, in April I manged my first Ultra (27miles) around the Purbecks, always stunning, always tough. Then a good wild camping weekend away in Shropshire with a meet up with fellow Ultra enthusiasts at the Torq trail weekend, great fun- just a shame that I haven't really bumped into anyone again.
Taking a break from running the bike came out for a Coast to Coast 3 day micro from north to south Devon. An amazing weekend, looking back why I have not fulfilled my promise to return and run around Dartmoor? Only a week later I ran the Ridgeway 40, my bike legs feeling it all the way along and I've never been so pleased to see the finish.
In prime fitness I planned my next big challenge - a 2 day variation of the Paddy Buckley. Things went slow but I was loving the movement around the mountains, then my back spasmed and that was it! A painful 5 hrs to return to the car over the Glyders, 5 hrs drinking to forget the pain, a 5hr interrupted sleep and 5hrs through gritted teeth driving home. This was a major set back and the start of losing my motivation and more importantly money. With the injury I didn't work for a bit and then I couldn't find a lot of work. This culminated in me cancelling my dream of holidaying in the Dolomites and sneaking in the Lavaredo Ultra. So, no holiday, no A race and no money. Life kinda sucked.
I did help out at the SDW100 run by Centurion. I thoroughly enjoy volunteering and as a 'bonus' I now have a free entry + my A race for 2014.

For July I had won a 2 night break in Devon in a lovely old hotel. We added an extra few nights camping down in South devon adn I picked up the running along with relaxing on the beach. For my birthday, I treated myself to running the entire Test way. Well, nearly, I managed 32miles before I rested up in a pub and the beer and food were a bigger draw than running the final 18miles. One to do again.0
But best of all we moved into our home, something we had been wanting for all to long. Typically work picked up just as I was planning on taking time off to vamp up the house and brought low miles in Sept. I did get to North wales again for a splendid climbing weekend managing 2 all time classics, Amphitheater Buttress and Grooved Arete in decent weather. The latter I had been trying to climb for 10+years having been thwarted each and ever time by weather and crowds.
October brought more changes in a permanent job. Not only giving the hope of better stability in life but a chance to run lots of miles.. 9 to 12 miles back from work. This was gonna work for me.
November.. a strange month.. Settling in very nicely and then we find our dog.. she is something special to us and we are so happy to have rescued her and let her become part of us.
I also had a very reflective moment. It came out of the blue. I was running home along the Itchen with just the one headphone on and ran past what I thought was a fisherman night fishing, 20 yards further a nagging doubt took me back up the path to find an old lady in the freezing river up to her waist, in all manner of problems. Once I comforted her and tried, in vain, moving her out.. I went and found her husband in a nearby house and after an age we managed to get her back to the house. This was far from easy with difficulties ever step. What was conflicting is that she was a little hysterical and trying to commit suicide. Difficult to know what exactly to do and the husband said that they had tried help etc and would seek further aide. I visited the next night and all seemed better with the lady more embarrassed than anything. I can only hope it was a weak moment and that this scare will help her focus on living her life better and not trying to end it short.
December I became a dog walker. I walked and walked and walked with very little running. My only consolation was that for Ultra's walking is a good training method..Right? Who cares to be honest when you love taking your dog out out, sacrifices have to be made so until I find a routine that suits me the dog will always come first.
And that was 2013 my worst running mileage since starting 2 years ago... but a lot of changes and sometimes you need routines to enable yourself to find the dedicated time to train .
I ran 1260 miles (3 Ultras, 1 marathon). Biked 300miles (very poor, but did a C2C). 100hrs of other training (i expect this to increase with dog walking now in)


2014 plans.. fingers crossed I actually attempt more of these than I managed in 2013. I hope I can find the needed commitment to participate in all these. Good luck with your 2014 plans and dreams.

Jan - Winters tanner  (oops, that was a good start)
Feb -Punchbowl?
Mar - New Forest Challenge / and/or Ski mountaineering
Apr -
May - Apocalpse 50
           Sussex Weald Ultra
Jun - SDW100
Jul - Rest / wild camping / Biking
Aug - CCC UTMB (Ballot)

LDWA Ridgeway 40

You can't enjoy every Ultra you run but each brings their own rewards ensuring you return for the experiences again and again. My legs were already telling me that this was gonna be a tough day and within 10 miles they were hurting. Hurting bad. I was not enjoying this at all.

I was doing the Ridgeway 40 LDWA challenge event. This is the first section of the Ridgeway National trail on the Wessex Downs. On modern footwear we were to travel through ancient landscapes used by prehistoric travellers.

Arriving early in Streatley the morning promised good weather, although the forecast was for worse to come so I packed my waterproofs in my already overloaded bag. Unsure of what exactly each Check Point would supply us with I opted to take enough to feed me entirely for the route. I then made my way to the Youth Hostel where large groups of walkers and runners were mingling, whilst we waited for the coaches to transport us to the start. I had a quick introduction and chat with Paul Ali of Ultra Tales and wished him luck on his training run and upcoming GUCR, a 145mile Ultra taking place in just a couple of weeks. I then got talking to Pete as the coaches arrived and we had a good chat about his fell running in the Peak District and I talked about the lack of decent hills in Hampshire.

Arriving at the start we got off the coach and were told to start immediately which threw a few of us. Taking my time I went through my overloaded bag knowing that I could not discard anything but, as it was cold and windy, I could at least put on my waterproof top and get rid of some weight that way! Once I had sorted out the rest of my stuff, put on watch, mp3, buff, sun cream, etc I was on my way, slogging it up Avebury Down. Reaching the top of the first incline I was sweating profusely so off came the waterproof. Then not long after my t-shirt, eventually coming to a comfortable temperature with just my base layer on.

During the first few miles everyone was jockeying for position as runners were finding their pace as well as moving through the mass of walkers taking on this fine challenge. It was not long past Barbury Castle and into the heartland of the Marlborough Downs that the pack really thinned out and you felt alone, unable to see anyone in front or behind for long periods. I did pass a lady around here pulling a tyre!! Huge respect. (I have since found out it's TyreGirl who runs to highlight Eco issues. Great stuff).
I knew, at some point, the route took a northwards approach but at the specific junction I was a little confused as to where I was and as luck would have it a couple of approaching runners assured me this was the place to go north. It was at this point I realised my day was going to be a struggle. As they eased their way away from me, my legs had nothing. I had to walk the smallest of slopes and running was painful.  My thighs weren't just tired they were in pain. I can only think that this was due to biking 100 miles over the bank holiday and that my under trained cycling muscles were not fully recovered and boy,were they letting me know about it now.

Over the next few miles of undulating terrain I would pass some runners only to be re-passed when I slowed to a walk.  This process would repeat itself until suddenly I wasn't get overtaken any more and the people I had been intermittently speaking to had disappeared. This felt strange as I was increasingly taking more walking breaks. I think we all must have been suffering by this point. My legs were screaming at me and my mind was telling me to throw in the towel, play it safe and don't injure yourself. But for reasons unknown we all persevere and at the end of the day I could always walk it in.

The day was interspersed with light rain and threats of sunshine. What was a constant though was the wind. Pretty breezy but at least it was a westerly wind and we were running in an easterly direction.
Around this point I was looking forward to seeing the White Horse of Uffington. It didn't help not knowing where I was, my concentration was fading, and I had lost all awareness of my location. When I arrived at CP5 I was sure I had done 28 miles only to discover in fact it was 23 and that I had missed the White Horse!

My pace was diminishing badly I ended up trying to run five minutes and walk for one. I could only manage a fraction of that and shuffled along for a minute or two and then walked a helluva lot more. Only the sight of walkers up ahead had a motivating affect on me to run for longer than I wanted to.
The miles were slowly ebbing away and what, for an age, looked like faraway chimney pots were now the large eyesores of Didcot power station.

I enjoyed, yes enjoyed, a sit down and a cuppa at CP6 with the wonderful cheery volunteers. The sun was out and we were protected from the wind. Somewhat refreshed I told myself to get in some longer running stretches from here on out. Playing the mental game I considered how I could carry on at a better pace. One thing that worked was to imagine this was a training run for a longer ultra where you would be running on tired sore legs but still have a distance to go. This will happen in the future so why not get use to that feeling, accept it and shuffle on.

Around CP7 I began to pass the walkers from the 20 mile challenge. This helped as it enabled me to have brief chats while taking a walk and hearing the encouragement when running spurred me on to work harder and 'take the pain'. At CP8 I was feeling ecstatic thinking I only had 4 miles left, only to be corrected that we actually had over 5 to go. Bugger. A little deflated but fortunately my mindset was in a far better place than a few hours ago. Talking to a lady on the next hill, who had local knowledge, I heard the welcoming news that it was all downhill from the top and I promised myself to run it in from there.

It was tough, and pretty excruciating, but I managed it and with the sun shining I arrived at the YHA and hobbled up the steep incline to finish. Not quite ALL downhill then!

Overall it was a rewarding day but a different, more drawn out experience compared to what I am used to. Physically I was not up to this Ultra but mental will power pulled me through which can only improve my confidence of running these distances in the future.

Stats : 40miles +/- 850m in 7hrs40mins.

(note to self : Don't take so much food)

Virgin London Marathon

The hardest thing is starting. Are you ready? Can you finish? Self doubt or self belief. Everyone standing around in their own inner thoughts had all been through their own personal dilemmas and questions. My build up was not ideal, an injury and an illness but, 5 years of ballots, raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and for Boston ensured I got to the start line.

It was a perfect spring morning and a perfect place to race, London, but I was feeling far from perfect. Over the previous couple of days my cold had steadily gotten worse although when I was too busy to feel sorry for myself it never felt bad enough to defer my place. Registering for the race and wandering around the stalls at the Excel was a good distraction during the day and an evening out in the West End watching The Book of Mormons had me in fits of laughter instead coughing fits which settled me in for a reasonable nights sleep.

Waking up early but still feeling under the weather I was unable to force much breakfast down.  I loaded up on paracetamol and caffeine and headed to the start line. The train was packed with other runners and the  sounds of the gathering crowds grew as we drew closer to Greenwich. Exiting the train en mass it was an inspiring sight to see so many people making their way up to the park and begin their race preparations.

This was my first road marathon so I had no expectations. I had only really started training specifically for this race in the last month. However, I was now injury free and had no doubt that I could complete this distance in a good time. I believed I could run better than 3.15 and after talking to UltraStu at the previous weeks Torq trail running camp I decided I would try and use some of his philosophy and run hard and fast for as long as you can. There was even talk of a beer or two if I could achieve certain goals. What more motivation do you need?  This was all before I picked up a cold though...would my aching head and sore chest ruin everything?

I was running from the Blue start and once there I had plenty of time to figure out what I would take on the run. I should now consider myself as an experienced long distance runner but whether it was the short training build up, running a road race with expectations of running faster and taking no walking breaks, or just not thinking through things and believing it wouldn't happen to me, I broke the golden rule of not doing things for the first time on race day. My faithful old road running shoes, comfy for 10 mile runs but not really tested on longer distances, would turn out to be too small, my feet having grown since buying them all those years ago. This didn't really slow me down but it's given me some ugly toenails to protect! No, my issue mainly came from either using gels, taking on too much water or taking paracetamol. Maybe a combination of factors, but already feeling weak from my cold I certainly did not help matters by putting untried products into my stomach on race day. My lesson to take away will be to practise a little more on the sponsored nutrition goods or leave the science and stick to the normal foods I always take.

Back at the race start I had filled my pockets with a few gels and some Clif shots, my usual sweets (which I basically ignored for the entire race), phone and ipod (unused due to the noise levels making the music redundant).  I handed in my bag and took a final long gulp of water which inevitably leads to finding the end of the toilet queue! It was incredible how many people were in the line but better to go now than during the race. I made my way to my starting pen and met up with Ben from Trail Ferret whom I met last weekend at the Torq event in Shropshire. It was good to have a chat with someone who had run the London marathon before and kept my mind off anticipating all the things that could go wrong. Stay positive.

30 seconds of silence was followed by all as a mark of remembrance to those affected by the incomprehensible events in Boston.

49 seconds and 50 metres to the start line and we were off. ...only another 26.2 miles to go. The first few miles go quick, things are fresh, the pace is set by the runners crowded around. It feels good though, manageable, and I was running hard. Every time the running pack started to thin out another group merges into the masses. The pace stays steady with low 7 minute miles. I have lost Ben and there's too much going on to worry about a running companion, especially as I no longer feel like talking to anyone. Concentration is the name of the game. I try to focus on how I can pick up the pace. I feel in good spirits, the sun is out, I am high five-ing all the kids lining the streets with their hands out. Their smiles and cheers are infectious. The noise of the crowd willing us all on to accomplish our hard earned goals was deafening and felt very special. The drum bands, singers, techno music and dancing girls were a constant uplift.  Particularly the dancing girls. It was hard not to smile and soak up this atmosphere.

I knew I was not on my A game today but run hard and fast and see what happens was the plan so needing the loo 10miles in was a frustrating delay. I am not sure if it was after this or beforehand but my guts started playing up and so for the rest of the race I had to contend with nausea and unmovable stitches either side of my body. Not what I need!!

Crossing over Tower Bridge was very special. The crowds were amazing, the runners all pushing themselves into the heat of the day, even if they were just wearing a mankini. I was overtaken by 2 of them! I was just happy that Mr Tickle didn't finish ahead of me.  Although a man carrying a 40lbs back pack managed to - unbelievable stamina. Once over the bridge we were treated to the front of men's elite fighting it out in the latter part of their race. I was halfway and these guys were nearing mile 22!!  By this point I was determined to keep with the 3.15 pacer and any chance of a better time was all but given up on.

As the miles ebbed away slowly, and the pacer increasingly crept away from me, I had absolutely nothing left to give and so my times kept sliding. By this time I had also given up on putting anything else in my stomach and took on only a little water at each station with the rest of the bottle going over my head to keep me cool and focused. Staying positive at this point was a hard place to find. My smile was fading, my head throbbing, and my mile 17 turned out to be mile 16 so still 10 more to go. When I actually made it to mile 17 I noticed that this was my normal training time for running 18 miles.

With plenty going wrong I was forced to dig deep. I was still running and every now and again I would get that pick me up we all need. These especially happened when passing my Prostate Cancer UK cheering teams. The noise was deafening with shouts of encouragement, whistles, rattlers etc. By waving and applauding these volunteers and supporters helped push me on that little more.

The final parts of the race was hard and I was fast running out of energy. Soreness was creeping into my body now and my times were now a far distance from the 7 min miles I was registering early on and were now into the 9's but by running slower at least I would be sure of  making it to the end. Many would not and all around me runners were getting as far as they could and having to stop. Worryingly some were being carried away on stretchers having collapsed, others staggered off to the side on their own. There was a great presence of paramedics around to help those in need but I just had to keep going. It felt that I was going backwards, it felt like all around were passing me with ease but to give up now would be heartbreaking and not an option. In fact, in the last 7kms only 338 people overtook me but, believe me, it felt more like 3338. Although 114 runners were finding it harder than me as I somehow passed them.


Seeing Big Ben was a relief. The end was near. I had had enough and was desperate to finish. The roar of the crowds and the thought that Lou might be there on the embankment ready to take my picture prevented me from walking as I rounded the corner and down into Birdcage, willing everything I had to push on for that final section. Turning into Buckingham Palace and the finish was a little surreal. I think I was just so happy to not have to concentrate any more, having run the entire course and not walking any of it or having to stagger into an aid station for help. There had been so much doubt over the preceding dismal days when my cold had been at it's worst.

With ecstatic people all around me a medal was draped over my neck, the chip cut away from my battered old 'never to be worn' again trainers, a goody bag pressed into my hand,a quick picture taken and then off to drop bag collection all in a whirlwind minute whilst the legs adjusted to that feeling of walking again. A quiet moment then to reflect on achieving something special in a sombre week that made us all run for Boston.
Unable to contact anyone on my mobile I made my way to the Horseguards parade meeting point.  Coming off The Mall I saw a Prostate Cancer UK group and introduced myself and said I would be back once I had found my girlfriend, not even noticing that she was standing there with them smiling and waving at me. I eventually heard them all screaming after me as I walked away and I sheepishly walked back. What can I say, I was a bit tired! We were taken to the post race reception, the organiser apologising profusely for the fact that there were so many stairs to get to the venue. It was still relatively quiet when we arrived and I was greeted with warm congratulations, food and drink plus and a much welcomed sports massage.

Crossing the line gives you that unique moment of satisfaction. You have completed a challenge set long ago, that felt like an age away only to come along all too soon. the day passes in a flash but the memories will stay forever with the medal reminding you off a proud day, sun shining and crowds all united with the running community. I cannot say if I will run another road marathon but I am happy to have participated in the 2013 London marathon. It is a special day.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyHumphrey 

Stats : 26.2 miles in 3hrs28mins

Mile splits

7.56 7.46 6.53 7.38 7.40 7.21 7.31 7.20 7.23 7.28 7.58 7.20 7.36 7.30 7.40 7.50 7.53 7.40
8.06 8.22 8.27 8.36 9.03 8.39 9.21 9.01

The Year of 2011

A year that I got addicted with Adventure Racing and Ultra's and knows how lucky he is to have a understanding loving girlfriend. The year started jobless and too much time on my hands and so not wanting to let the fitness I had built up from The Dablam trip go to waste. we were signed up to do a couple of adventure races. But, what else could i do. I do run a lot but not very far. So I went out in February and ran 20 off road muddy cold miles and rather than putting me off i wanted more and after pouring over the limitless information on the web on off road running i came across a term 'Ultra'. I have never considered running a marathon let alone further but, the thought of getting out of your own personal bubble and comfort zone and challenging yourself with things that will push you excites me. So I signed up to do a 30 mile run in April. Once completed and being wearily content i now knew that anything was a possibility you just have to put in a little hard work and the rewards will follow.
With the AR's and an Ultra done I now knew that setting myself a goal each month would a) keep me motivated and b) open up more possibilities. Next, pondering what to do in sunny May I just decided one day to get myself over to the Isle of Wight and bike off road around it. I completely underestimated how tough this would be but enjoying a beer and curry later that day, again, I had pushed myself out of my comfortable bubble and felt better for it.
June brought a team effort of completing the Welsh 3000's. I love North Wales and trips like this just confirm why this is one of the best places. Although the legs took a battering and took a week to fully recover. The South Downs were July's tempter 133miles biking the SD trail to Brighton and back. Pure stunning scenery and just on my doorstep.
August brought the highlight, a mammoth task of crossing the country using multi disciplines (kayaks, bikes and running) over 4 days. Great experience.
I had busted my ribs from falling off my bike in august and this took a couple of months to fully heal and with a holiday planned as well things had to go easy for a bit. September I completed 26miles over the Jurassic coastline in the Purbecks. A fine day out with the best views but I had missed out part of the coastline due to military closure. So, this will have to be fully completed next year. I cannot wait.
October I managed to run over a 100miles in a week. Tough going and hats off to people who do this amount of training regularly. The realisation of how hard a 100mile race will take to complete sinks in after this week. But the ambition is to do one of these one day.
With things winding down for the winter in November i took part in a fun muddy hell run with friends and then went wild camping, another first and to make this into a challenge I ran all the 22miles back home.
So, after all that what for December. Well, after that kind of year you gotta treat yourself so I will be going skiing over xmas and new year and hitting the slopes and backcountry hard and mulling over what to do for next year, more ultras, more adventure races, more wild camping, try mountain marathons.....

But that's for next year what have I done this year. I like looking at stats and so I put some in below and contemplate the task ahead in surpassing what I have achieved in 2011.

212 days of training managing to run 1326 miles in 217 hours. Biked 565 miles in 80 hours and completed over 172 hours of other activities.