The Ultra Marathon

Or as I like to call it 39.2 miles of PAIN. So I don't really know where to start. I took part in this race 9 days ago but what with work and the training camp(later blog) Ive not been on to write about this horrific experience. For Mick photos will follow when I'm back home. OK im going to try and keep it short and sweet. Starting way Back when both Kaz and I decided we wanted to do something different training wise. We came across the Connemara Ultra Marathon in Galway. This was my 1st mistake, aggreeing to do this with Kaz as she can run, is a whippet and also built like 1... and most of all at least she has done a Marathon. Furthest I had run was 15 miles. So months of training go past and Ive run 20 miles as my longest. This was my 2nd mistake I was counting on my endurance from the bike to get me through(It did). Don't get me wrong Ive been pounding the streets getting the miles in as my weight loss will vouch for, Yippee, Anyway 2 months before Kaz gets ill and we have lots of in and outs of hospital, visits,tests etc. Bee all and end all there is no way she is running.... Oh dear not good news in all aspects. She is getting better.

So....First time doing the connemara half- Weather was brill! Perfect day for the run. Found the hills tough but good going. Legs are still feeling it today!

Learned a lot from the race however - I under trained and thus found the experience far tougher going as a result. Thanks to all helping out at the water stations and support on the route.
The experience of the race for me, was pure hell. I had set off ice and steady as not to blow. 9 min mile pace going to about 8:30, not too sure when we (A fellow Englishman Andy P) hit the 13 mile point was about 1:50. Was feeding good and felt OK. Mile 18 - 20 went through my 1st little wobble. 20-26, OK but slowing. This is where it all when Pete Tong...........

To give you an idea here's what happened to me:Crossed the line- shattered, dizzy and legs in bits! Blood-sugar levels seriously low when I crossed the line was very close to passing out! -Completely disorientated.
Was desperate for energy -no bananas, no chocolate, no energy drink even available at finish line - hadn't the energy to walk to bag area/figure out where it was or even to get my medal and t-shirt. Thank god Kaz was there- life saver.
Thank god there were such sound people in the race. Really helped lift my spirits afterwards.

So what happened at the 26 mile point, there were various feed stations around where you could leave food and drink. You guessed it my major feed/re-fuel was at this point to help me cover the last 13 miles. Somebody had nicked my stuff. I hit this point at 3:58. So was still on my target time of sub 6 hrs. I mean 2 hrs to cover a half..... how hard could it be. 2hrs 49 minutes later I crossed that finish line to my amazement. Basically I BLEW. I had not eaten anything of substance from 18 -32 miles. I had put fluids in. I was now down to a shuffle and walk. By the end it was a walk and rest. I had power walkers doing the half flying passed me. I am so glad I have done it though and have got the t-shirt. Now the days have passed I'm picking up the positives from this challenge the major one being I have the inner strength to keep going. A MASSIVE well organised event. Glad Kaz was there with me I needed the support.