Race week is here. I’m hardly running which is the strangest feeling. I’m getting antsy to run which is usually a good sign. Theoretically I’m ready to run. My training has been ample. My hotel is booked for Friday night, just need to commit to train tickets. 

New shoes arrived at work the other day and are feeling excellent. I’m hoping to use them for the entire race. No shoe change this time. I usually change after 50 miles but at UTMB I didn’t feel it was necessary so I may attempt only a sock change. These are the Hoka Tecton X2, I raced in the Tecton X at UTMB. 

I’ve got some nutrition on the way and will probably get a few things from work as well. I’m running with VeloForte chews, mainly because they have a high carbohydrate content, and probably some Clif Bloks as well. Otherwise I’ll supplement from aid stations. There are 13 and the finish, all around 5-10 miles apart, only a few long ones at 9-10 miles apart. 

Fingers crossed for no rain but whatever happens happens. 

This should be the link to the live tracking, race start 7am UK time. 

https://centurionrunning.com/live?mc_cid=a98f65da70&mc_eid=1c4630f23d

Race Info in general, Centurion Running North Downs Way 100:

https://centurionrunning.com/races/north-downs-way-100-2023

As infrequent as I blog I figured I’d get this up before I forget! Goals? Well my safety is always number one. I’d be ecstatic with an 18 hour finish. That being said, I play “pacing games” for these races looking at what’s possible ahead of time, and I never seem to get it right! Theoretically 18 hours with quick aid station stops should be totally do able. Looking at my race and training history I should be capable of it. But in the moment a lot of factors can come in to play so we shall see. In comparison to UTMB a top twenty finish should be expected unless I have a totally miserable day. Off we go. 

Training has been going surprisingly well! I’ve been really happy with it. Usual long run on Mondays have been consistent, started doing a tempo run on the treadmill Thursdays, and this week fit in a back to back long run Monday Tuesday! The kids’ sports day, kind of like field day in elementary school, was cancelled due to rain so I got an extra day off. I took full advantage and ran 21 miles. The timing leading up to North Downs Way 100 couldn’t have been better. 

Wyre Forest singletrack 

Been making a list of things to focus on during NDW100. I just need to implement them.

1. Aid stations - in and out fast, don’t waste time

2. Consistent pace - pain will get better

3. Run easy hills

4. Listen to music, podcasts, or a book

An insane amount of time is wasted at aid stations, UTMB I was hanging out with Chris and Gail for nearly 4 hours! Not that it was a bad thing as it was really fun but this race I don’t have a crew, no reason to hang out. 

Focusing on a consistent pace, realizing “it will get better” when I feel bad is probably the most difficult. 

Late in these races it’s easy to walk any hill. It’s an excuse. Easy running will always be faster.

I usually end up chatting with people, it’s fun and passes the time, but it also slows you down sometimes. Music etc distracts the brain, passes time, and has been scientifically proven to reduce pain, but I’ll hopefully move quicker.

Considering how I’ve felt in training if all goes well I’d hope to have a solid finish. Doing the math the pace doesn’t need to be fast, just consistent, and I could do really well. 18 hours would be fantastic. 

This would be an ideal race to have crew and/or a pacer as both are allowed. My buddy from Cornwall would’ve but he’s racing the following weekend. His girlfriend lives on the course even! Oh well, it would’ve been fun just to run together but no big deal. I’ve done most of these alone anyway. 

I just need to acquire a new pair of shoes and I’m ready to go. Maybe one more long run, two tempo sessions, and then rest! 

Trail snacks are ripening 

Really been enjoying getting to know the Wyre Forest better. Without a huge need to work on uphills I can roam a bit more. The single track out there is excellent. Most trails are questionable legally and made by mountain bikers. Super fun, winding and smooth,  are for excellent flowy trails. Sometimes I wish I was on a bike but running them is just as good. 

Finally committed to North Downs Way 100. Signed up this morning. Race is August 5th. I think I’m back on track with training, doing weekly 20 milers at least and feeling good. It’s the least focused training I’ve done in a long time so could be interesting. I guess I have ran 100’s on far far less! Hoping to do a weekly tempo session on the treadmill too. 

My right quad has been giving me issues but I usually can massage the problem away. I think it’s a recurring muscle issue so being aggressive on it works. No idea where it comes from. I had the same issue years back and it got so bad I couldn’t run at all. Just need to keep on top of it.

Long runs have been very enjoyable lately. Super easy meanders exploring the Wyre Forest. That place has an insane amount of illegal singletrack from bikes and it’s super fun! Really would love to have time to learn it well. Weather has been gray and in the 60’s, it’s alright, can’t complain since it’s not raining, however the “heatwave” in the 80’s we had was really nice! 

Anyway here’s a pile of photos:

Hot sunny day during our heat wave.

Overgrown summer trails.

Rockslide from storms.

Overgrown field covering footpath.

Evening run

Cleaned my shoes, I guess I like Hoka:  Mafate Speed, Challenger, Tecton X

Wyre Forest, love the ferns here