Run to the hills! As I've taken a last minute place in the Race to the Stones 100km, I needed to fit in a good training run this weekend, plus properly try out my new Inov8 Ultra 290s, as I am now trying to run as much as possible over walking these distances. I decided to do around 25k from Berwick back to Eastbourne. This route would start off flat, on road towards Alfriston, before following the winding river cuckmere towards the coast, then over the very steep seven sisters hills towards Beachy head and back down into Eastbourne, and the flat of the promenade. This was one of my longest runs in long time and was very pleased to do the distance in 3 hours 28 minutes. As I'm more used to walking over the hills in walking boots, the new trainers were great. Still with good padding around the ankle but gave me much better flexibility and more natural feel to move in. I ran on wet grass, slippery mud, gravel, chalk paths, sticky clay and various man-made surfaces and had confident grip on all especially going up or down hill. They have great natural support and cushioning but still allow you to feel the trail. Can't wait to get out in them more.

London 2 Brighton 100km 24/25.5.14

After a lovely evening reunion with half of my challenge buddies, and a good nights rest, it was into the cab, and off to the start line. I was hoping for a good time, maybe even my best 100km time, but knew that would be hard. I would also be walking with friend who was doing the first 56km. His first challenge and the furthest he would have walked in one hit. I had a nervy sick feeling in my stomach as the flags and bustle of people at the event start came into view.

After registering and meeting everyone else my nerves soon turned to excitement. It’s a long way and you can never really know what is ahead. I had done this challenge 2 years ago and now about to start my 4th 100km knew that you can never know how the day will unfold no matter what your training.

100km would make a small book to recap everything so here’s some key points. Starting off as a large group we set off at our allotted time from The Old Richmond Deer Park, along the lovely Thames Path for a towards Kingston before heading away from the Thames into South London Suburbia. Walking with my friend we set a good pace as we weaved through the urban Surrey hills. The highlight of this section being Nonsuch Park, once established as a deer hunting park by King Henry VIII. Reaching Oaks park we completed a fairly easy but surprisingly hilly first 25km.

The next stage at last became more rural with rolling downland and pretty meadows interspersed with the something we would soon be getting very used to. Mud. As the sun started setting the excitement of the night stages grew, but so did the amount of mud. My friend had changed his start time to an hour later to be the same as us, and he didn’t have a head torch as this wasn’t on the 56km kit list. Not expecting this amount of mud I soon slipped over, stupidly not using my trekking poles. Realising how tough this must be for my friend I leant him one of my poles, and as much as I could, kept turning around to give him some light.

Reaching the 56km and “halfway” point I was very happy to see my friend achieve his medal. Asking him how he felt, he replied, “fine up to 50km, but the next 6 were hell. Looking around the marquee it resembled a field tent. Quite a lot of people looked pretty done in, and I’d seen the blue lights of at least 2 ambulances. After eating and then a quick change of socks which turned into a blister patch up too, I set off into the night with 2 friends and it was only a few minutes till we hit yet more mud.

The event organisers later said that this year had seen the toughest conditions ever. Off course due to the mud, which was made worse by a few torrential down pours over the event. The mud was relentless and energy sapping on the leg muscles. The many many stiles, slopes, fallen trees, bridges and more became coated in it and gave no break from is squelchy grasp. Each obstacle caused participants to bunch up causing delays. As we made our way through the night the dawn chorus helped the spirits to rise and we were making good progress

But hitting the 80km checkpoint tiredness finally kicked in, I felt absolutely shattered, could barely think straight and my muscles stiffened leaving me feeling that I wouldn’t be able to carry on. This was a bigger wall than I had ever felt. I had eaten at the halfway point but perhaps not as much as I should as I ended up eating 7 bacon and sausage rolls at this point. I ended up resting for 2 and a half hours and after having many messages and calls of encouragement I had still decided to pull out but heading past the water I thought I had better fill my bladder for the transfer to keep hydrated. But the support must have hit a nerve inside as I headed back out rather than stopping. I had wanted to run more on this 100k but the mud stopped all that. I knew there wouldn’t be any more mud on this section and so ran the next 7km in 55 minutes. A pretty quick run for me!

Another friend who was marshalling at the end stage, an experienced runner who has complete the Marathon des Sables no less, came to meet and help pace me in. I got my trekking poles out again and kept up a power walk overtaking quite a few people. L2B finishes at Brighton race course and as I saw the 99k market it was just by the 4 furlong marker and I ran in the last 800 metres to quick a packed crowd of cheering which was something I had never really felt in quite this way.

It was an amazing challenge made even more challenging by the mud. It was a shame I couldn’t run as much as I wanted but felt good running the bits I did, and feel encourage to train harder to run more in The Isle of Wight 106km in August and am getting tempted by the Gower 50 Ultra in October.

Nothing like a bit of inspiration!

Last weekend I took part in Hope24. A 5 mile trail relay event. Organised by a friend of mine as part of Team Hope. He had organised the event to help raise funds towards the target of £45k the team needed to raise to compete in the Marathon des Sables. As if this wasn’t inspiration enough.

Leading up to the event I had obviously been running a lot more, but had traditionally been a walker, (more of this later). I didn’t really like running that much and had to force myself to get up and do it. But the more I got out there the more I was enjoying it. I was a little nervous before the event as no matter what route I planned it never seemed to work out much more than 5km, around 3.5 miles, so was very much aware I would have to run further than I ever had. Repeatedly. I was very much a fair weather runner too. The forecast was for torrential rain and gale force winds pretty much for the duration of the event, so another bit of uncharted territory for me.

Luckily we finished setting up camp in the dry, and as the camp site grew, the festival atmosphere became apparent as the organisers tested out the sound system that the excellently jovial DJ would be running throughout. The campsite area was organised in such a way that part of the course would go around it which would be great for supporters and runners alike. The rains and wind steadily increased and it turned into a rather crazy night of weather.

The morning brought better weather than expected. My team of 5 was called Scrambled Legs and it was decided that I would go 3rd, and when it came to my first run I waited slightly nervously in the transition area. As my team member came through I grabbed the wrist band we had to wear, said a quick well done and set off. The first part of the course looped around the camping area and I was met with clapping and encouragement as I ran round. I was running and it felt good.

Heading away from the “arena” the course headed over a small bridge, and I was snapped by the amazing Kevin, one of many friends marshalling the event. Now I was out alone seeing the other runners ahead and met the first of 2 big climbs. After a little while I decided to ease back and power walk up. I have completed 3 100km treks so I was used to hill walking which went in my favour. I ran every time it levelled off and made good progress. The course then looped around a field full of horse jumps and confused looking sheep with a plateau with the wind in your face. After an off camber decent and over a second bridge it was back past the camping area 2.5 miles down. The course then headed into some woods, over another bridge where the river was flowing faster, and then started climbing again. Even steeper this time, and became known as the mountain. After zig zagging to the summit the sight of a carpet of blue bells brought another dimension. Then a technically challenging very steep and uneven hill back down into muddy paths and a welcome sight of the 4 mile marker. After a final bridge with a steep bank which somehow seemed like the hardest bit of all it was not long before the final run back round the other side of the camp site to the the finish line. This arena area really spurred me on as there was no way I was walking around that part. I was very pleased to finish my first lap in around 56 minutes and was very happy with that.

It was then about 3 to 4 hours till my next run, which was both easier and harder in some ways as you knew what to expect. I did this in 57 minutes which felt good to be consistent. Next would be my first night run at midnight. Donning my head torch it was very exciting. I ran up most of the first hill as my mind couldn’t see it, it seemed easier. I soon fell into a rhythm and completed this lap in 1 hour 4 minutes. Which was pleasing as I expected it to be longer but it wasn’t as much as I imagined. I was due to run again at 4 but as soon as I was in my tent I seemed to pass out.

Feeling refreshed in the morning, I caught up with team, some of whom had run a lap or 2 in the night. It felt great to be out again and my legs weren’t as stiff as I expected and did another 57 minute lap. The organisers said that teams could do a final lap together, so we decided to walk around and take in the views and take a few photos. We had been lucky with weather and it was an awesome feeling to run over the finish with the team and get our medals.

But the most amazing thing was seeing the more experienced runners. True inspiration as the top runners ran over 100 miles! The top male ran 130 miles! Once I never thought I could run, so this event was a big confidence boost in my own fitness and abilities and I think I may have ambitions of being an ultra runner.

Next weekend I am walking The London to Brighton 100km challenge for the second time. This is also an ultra event that people do run or jog and the temptation is there but I think it would be a jump too soon. I am keen to get a good time and may jog a bit. But in August I have a place in the round the Isle of Wight 106km challenge. With more time to train and invest in a race vest I am looking to train to jog/walk this one. Never would have thought I would say that! It’s great sometimes to throw yourself into the unknown as you just don’t know where it may lead.

For my first real running event it was an amazing experience. Everyone was very open and friendly, and it felt like a festival of running. Well done to Danny and all the team, can’t wait to come back stronger next year! And after all this is for charity so if your feeling kind here’s my page:

https://teamhope.everydayhero.com/uk/olly-prentice-for-hope

Also, here are some great blog posts from some of the more experienced runners:

http://biscoadventure.wordpress.com/

http://tobit.emmens.co.uk/2014/05/12/hope24-race-report/

http://robertsduane7.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/hope24-race-day/

Hope 24

So, I'm just about setting off with part of the team of 5 that are all set to take part in Hope 24, a 24 hour, 5 mile relay event in aid of Hope for Children. This will be my first full on running event and am rather nervous, but mega excited too. The weather is set to be pretty rough and wet, but all adds to the adventure. I reckon we will each do around 5-6 laps so approaching 30 miles. Here's a link to the event page: http://hope24.team-hope.co.uk/ And if any lovely people would like to donate, here's my sponsor page: https://teamhope.everydayhero.com/uk/olly-prentice-for-hope Wish me (and the team) luck!

Done a few of these, might have to tick a few more off...

Perfect day for a #run on the #hills above #eastbourne #training #ebphoto #igerseastbourne

Sometimes the hardest thing about training is hearing the rain and motivating yourself to get out there. Luckily for me today the rain stopped and you always feel better once running. There's no such thing as a bad run. Did around 6km in 47 minutes which over these hills I'm pretty happy with. In 2 weeks I need to up my game when I take part in Hope24. A 5 mile 24 hour relay event in aid of Hope for Children. https://teamhope.everydayhero.com/uk/olly-prentice-for-hope

So it's been a while since I've posted anything about my walks. Most have been covering similar ground, but yesterday I got the 5:53 train over to Rye, to try and follow the 30 mile 1066 trail back to Pevensy Castle. Luckily the rain passed as I got off the train and figured out my bearings to find the start of the trail on the edge of the town. The sun was rising behind me as I started off along the winding path by the edge of the marshes, and it wasn't long till I was climbing the first hill into Winchelsea. As I headed off into more wilder countryside and farmland, it was becoming clear that this was a not too often used trail, and I would have to sharpen up my map reading skills. Lots of the signs were faded, and some paths having not been used recently were barely visible. Coming into one field full of horses, with no sign of where the path exited. I skirted round with a constant whinnying over my shoulder. One horse had taken a dislike to me being there, and as I approached a gate, he was suddenly too close and gaining, so I had to dive over the gate. He laughed at me after. Looking around I had found myself on a very overgrown path, but checking the compass I knew I was going in the right direction and with a bit of luck soon found myself back on the trail. It was certainly hillier than I had expected, and much warmer, luckily seeing the sign for Battle being 2 miles away meant that I could break for lunch at around 16 miles in. Setting off again the countryside seemed even wilder and remote and had to constantly check for land marks and follow the map. But this soon turned into farmland and the path followed perimeter roads or roads through them, so it was getting tough on the feet as it is never nice walking on Tarmac in walking boots. I soon realised that I had covered around 23 miles and checking the map estimated that I would still have 10+ miles to go if I stuck strictly to the 1066 trail. I was also nearly out of fluids, so at 25 miles I decided that I had done enough. I didn't want to break 30 miles this training session and knew there was still a fair amount of road walking till I reached Pevensey levels, which I have already walked before. Still the furthest I have walked solo in unknown territory so very pleased.

#crossfit #wod #amrap #fitness

#trail #run #ebphoto #igerseastbourne #training #hope24 #eastbourne #sussex #woods

A fun and rather muddy 13 mile adventure from Eastbourne to Berwick. Time to up the training!

Wow, these are some full on challenging hiking trails!!

CrossFit and the 21 Day Sugar Detox

About a year ago I started doing CrossFit. I immediately clicked with this style of training and was lucky to have found a Box with extremely knowledgable coaches. After improving my fitness through an exploration of weights, cardio and various classes I hadn't seen much improvement in some time. I just did the same old stuff week after week. With CrossFit I was suddenly learning proper Olympic lifting, gymnastic rolls, handstands and all manor of other things. Not only doing them but learning the correct form first. I soon started to see improvements as the constantly varied approach always threw up fresh challenges. CrossFit also embraces nutrition and is associated with the Paleo way of eating, not a diet. This isn't rammed down your throat, but after a while it is intriguing especially as the mantra, "to eat meat, veg, nuts, seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar" is part of the print on the back of the t-shirts. I never thought I would adopt anything as strict as this as I was so used to eating breads, cereals and pastas etc. The new year came around, and January is the time a lot of people cut back or do some form of detox. Some fellow cross fitters were talking about the 21 day sugar detox. I asked to join in and ordered the book to find out more. I had already been eating pretty healthy dinners but cutting out all breads and cereals would mean some major changes and planning. The book had 3 weeks worth of meal plans and recipes. I wanted to be influenced by these but then try and work out my own plans so that I could maybe carry on afterwards. The first weekends made me quite anxious when I realised time was passing and shops would be shutting and I still had to figure out what to make and buy. By day 3 and 4 my mind was very clouded and work was a struggle as I couldn't focus and kept losing my train of thought. I really was amazed at the detox effects of cutting out sugar and how hard it seemed. I didn't feel up to that evenings CrossFit session, but after the warm up suddenly felt really energised. I felt like my body was getting energy from different reserves. As time passed the cravings for snacks and chocolate started to fade. I realised that cutting out sugar was actually more about cutting out processed foods. I never had sugar in tea anyway. Maybe what was written on the t shirts wasn't so out of reach after all. As I started to get more clarity I began using the book more to make snacks including grain free granolas and cookies and all manner of things that I never thought I would, to help prep meals for the week ahead. These were vital to stop mid afternoon runs to the shop or temptations if someone at work brings round cakes etc. Approaching the end of the 21 days I started thinking what I would eat and at first was thinking a big greasy pizza, but the closer it got I actually realised that I didn't really want to go back to how I ate before. I didn't miss bread, and courgette noodles were so tasty that pasta/noodles were not missed either. The benefits were so much more important. I felt happier, less bloated, more focused on achieving things on my to do lists, had more energy and was having better, deeper sleep. I look forward to each meal as my taste buds have changed to appreciate flavours more, and lemon chicken with a load of veg, is much tastier than a boring sandwich anyway. This is not a diet it is a change to eating natural whole, fresh foods, but as a bonus I have lost 5kg over the 3 weeks, and now consider myself eating Paleo with a few cheats here and there. I totally recommend the 21 day sugar detox to anyone. It's not even a month, try it you wont regret it I'm sure!