D33 ultra 2016

By Fiona Rennie

Medal and step count

This week I took part in my third Dee Way Ultra Marathon. And so I'm writing my first blog. In the run up to the race my training had been sketchy to say the least. My health hasn't been so great for many weeks and although my training has included long runs up to 24 miles, I had been unable to really push hard. However, enough of that and let us get down to the racing.

I spent Friday doing an easy 4 mile run, a body combat class and meeting with friends. My pre race routine is usually along these lines as I struggle with complete rest and this gets my nerves going. So after packing up my van/camper and eating dinner I headed to Aberdeen to stay over. I had a great sleep that night and woke up refreshed. Breakfast was muesli, coffee and a banana. Then I was off out the van to register.

The place was teeming with runners, I arrived relatively late because standing around gets me panicked. Their were a few friends to say 'Hello' and 'Good luck' to at the start area. Registration done and drop bags sorted it was nearly time for the off. There is always a short speech to begin, this year delivered by Karen, and then we were off.

Start to quarter point: The first few miles I usually feel the adrenaline flowing and an actual sense of dread this year for some reason. The sound of runners chattering and feet pounding, I won't say shuffling, although that's what my feet do in an ultra marathon. One thing I have learnt is patience, 33 miles is a long way. So the route heads away from Aberdeen along the deeway. And we leave the city behind, entering more rural surroundings. I settled into a pace, which in hindsight was too fast for my current fitness levels, averaging 8:54 mile miles for the first 8 miles, which seem to be a gradual incline. I didn't pick up my drop bag at the first check point and instead had a gel and forced myself to take on some water. I headed on

Quarter to half way point: This was probably the lowest point of my race, I had no power in my legs, and the prospect of still having to get to half  way was excruciating (not to mention I still had to get back) I seriously wondered for most of this section if I should pull out. My brain was really getting on my nerves so I tuned into some music and plodded on. It wasn't long before the first runners started passing on their way back Boy, they fly by so fast. I feel in awe! One thing that did keep me going was a high five from my friend David on his way back. He told me his day hadn't been great afterwards, but in my eyes, he smashed it. So, with 1 mile to half way, my spirits lifted. The half way check point held a caffeine and sugar fix for me, via my drop bag. Here I was caught by Fiona Rennie an amazing lady who has run many an ultra, including several west highland way races. I kind of lost my train of thought and spoke a lot of non sense to her while we walked out.

Half to three quarter point: This was probably the highlight of my race. I felt great here, for 8 miles I was averaging slow miles, but mentally I felt great and even initiated chats with several runners around me. In addition, the rain had started, this was welcome for me as I had felt rather warm earlier. I had a sing song, and enjoyed the scenery. And so it was with a happy frame of mind I entered the final checkpoint to pick up a banana and enter the last 8 miles.

Three quarter to finish: Upon leaving the checkpoint I was positive and feeling good. Although, not for long... The last section is relatively flat, and of course, with the route being out and back, the last part is quite a bit of gradual downhill. This didn't lift my mood much and for some reason my back was awfully sore, making taking a breathe difficult. So, with all hopes of a good finish dashed, I basically jogged, shuffled and walked to the finish. The sight of the wibbly wobbly bridge about half a mile from the finish sure was a welcome sight. But I couldn't even muster a jog, half crying, half raging, I walked until Duthie park gates were in sight. At this point I managed a run to the end. Grateful to cross the line I was given my medal by Sandra then I had to hurry away to cry.



Finish time : 5:39:21 compared to circa 4:45:00 last year

After thoughts. After many tears and much contemplation I have had to really consider my future training and races. I have reintroduced meat into my diet to try and help my recovery and I will need to reasses this years goals. Right now my p;an of action is still up in the air, but after vowing off running ever again on Saturday, at least I have now come round to the thought of running again.

Positives: My legs were not sore, my pace was consistent, albeit slow, after 7 miles (too fast before that)