Keep on Running......

Earlier this year I had stepped up my training and devised a new training program for myself to follow, so I thought it was important to put it to the test and check that it was working by getting a few races under my belt.
First of all I revisited the Stour Valley Path 100km race which I had attempted last year (see earlier post) and had unfortunately timed out after 40 miles - I had put this down to the fact I had only finished my UK circumnavigation 2 weeks previously and my lack of running fitness was very obvious.  
This year I went for the earlier start time, which gave me 15hrs 30mins to complete the course and, as the race was being held a month earlier than 2013, there was also more daylight to complete the event in.

At the finish of the SVP100

I'm pleased to say I completed the 62 miles in 13hrs 47mins (results here).  Reviewing my performance post race, I realised I had let myself get very dehydrated and this resulted in me slowing considerably in the final stages, resorting to a walk for much of the latter stages of the course.  I put this down to using a bladder and tube during the race to take on my fluids and was unable to properly monitor how much water I was drinking, or get the water into my mouth quickly enough. So I decided to switch back to bottles for the next event.

On the start line with 50 miles to go....

Three weeks later I was on the start line of the Dig Deep Ultra Tour Suffolk 50 miles, another trail race. 
This time I made sure I drank enough fluids and felt much more comfortable throughout the race, although towards the end of the race I found it difficult to eat anything.  I manage to complete the distance in 9hrs 43min, well within my 10hr target, finishing in 11th place overall and the first over 50 finisher! (Results here)

At the finish and still running....

I am currently waiting to hear if my entry into the Dragon's Back Race has been accepted; I should find out by the end of the month and if successful this event will become the main focus of my training over the next 9 months.  Entry is limited to around 150 runners and previous experience to taken into account...fingers crossed.