Stepping up to ultra - Oxford runners - Ultra / Adventure racing

David McHale

06/03/2012 at 17:58

Dear all,

My name is Dave. I'm a 35-year old runner living in Oxford.

Having completed lots of half marathons and a couple of marathons in recent years, I thought I'd try a step up to ultra running. I actually blame it on reading motivational books, which always seems to lead me to enter races.

I have entered the Born to Run Ultra, Llanelli, on 31.03.2012, and my training is right on track. I have thought however that it would be great to have some like minded folk to run with, particularly on the long runs when someone to share the experience with and to keep the mind distracted would be helpful. My Google search to-date has drawn a blank, so I thought I'd try a thread on runners world on the off chance.

If there is any one, or group, out who fancies doing a couple of longs runs per months together, please drop me a line or e-mail. I'm no speed demon, I plod along on the long runs at about 8.5 min miles give or take. If my first ultra goes well, I plan to keep it up and to stave off middle age for as long as possible.

Cheers to you all and happy running!

Dave

ian bowles 2

07/03/2012 at 22:52

Average age of runners on the UTMB is 45 so you are classed as a young whipper snapper!
Avoid roads and you could have another 35 years to avoid the sofa/zimma frame. Having said that if you get into orienteering the only thing that will stop you is Dementia.
8.5 min miles is V fast for ultras . Expect 15min miles for long fell ultras.
Good luck and check out your local branch of Hash House Harriers for like minded folk who are into unconventional long runs.

loulabell

07/03/2012 at 23:01

hi Dave, i am from Oxforshire area and have 3 ultras booked this year(first one is Northants 35)..doesnt seem to be many of us about does there in the area(they are hiding)...yikes 8.5m/m is fast for ultras...think more 10m/m and thats less scary for me

..i am your age..and dont mention the 'middle age'..thing

David McHale

08/03/2012 at 17:07

Cheers for the advice Ian. I've not ran the ultra yet, no doubt I'll be back to discuss my 15 min miles in a few weeks. I'm just starting a book by Marshall Ulrich, a hardcore old boy who ran across the states covering about 65 miles every day for nearly 2 months. Reminds me of nearing the finish line at the Abingdon marathon when a woman of about 60 in a shirt that read 'almost an athlete' charged past me. Maybe I'll get quicker with age! I'll check out the Hash Harriers.

Lou - I saw the Northants run online -Its in May I recall. I think if this one goes well I might sign up for it too. My brother and I are pondering the London - Brighton for next year. I've got a pipe dream of the Leadville 100 too, but still can't quite comprehend how people manage it, or where you find the time to train! I've been using the Ox Canal, Whitehorse Ridgeway, the river. The problem with Oxford is its too flat. Still ,if you don't mind jumping in the car there are good places out there. If you fancy sharing a long run some time let me know!

Cheers to you both

loulabell

08/03/2012 at 17:12

..yes oxon is so flat , thats the problem..northants is may 27th yes, hoping itll be a good day. im doing croydon in july and NDW50 in August, spaces are atill avaliable for those i think. i will be requiring a LOT of long runs over summer, and B2Bs, im just ouside Bicester so run all around the villages trying to make big enough loops! canal sounds good though!

Tiago Hefner 2

08/03/2012 at 17:20

Hey David, I run the Ridgeway most weekends, from sunny Didcot towards the Wantage memorial, feel free to join me some time, although I am more in the 9 minute mile plus camp.
I am also doing the Northants Ultra in May.

loulabell

08/03/2012 at 17:32

hello Tiago

...was thinking that you were nearer to David than me but im not really tht far, only 15mins frm kidlington etc..yesi m more 9/10 m/m Dave....you are speedy , and id never keep that up for 20 or 30miles+ !

David McHale

09/03/2012 at 09:00

Hello Tiago & Lou,
Thanks very much for the invite, I will certainly do that. I'll be heading out for a 15 miler-ish early doors next Saturday morning if you're about. The ridgeway is a good spot. I marvel at the fact that no matter how calm and still it is at a lower level, the ridge always seems to be battered by what feel like mini hurricanes when you're up there.
I've got a days leave today actually, and will be heading out for my last long run before the ultra in about an hour. So if you see a tall, skinny bloke in orange hat crawling back to Oxford in about 5 or 6 hours it could well be me!
BTW, I did the NDW 30K last year. It was awesome, really enjoyed it. Somebody put a video of the run on youtube, which has some nice shots though a bit bumpy.
Cheers

David McHale

14/03/2012 at 08:51

I take back what I said about 8.5 min miles on the long run. Mr Garmin tells me my long run of 30 miles was done at 9.5 min miles. It doesn't mention though the stiff right hamstring that never seems to loosen, or the need to buy new trainers! A good run though.

loulabell

15/03/2012 at 18:52

even room to slow that down a bit more id say if going above 35miles

David McHale

16/03/2012 at 17:49

You're probably right. Other than a 39 mile walk, I've never moved 37 miles in one go, certainly not running. I'm sure I'll get round in 1 piece, and will then need to get something else booked in, possibly the Northants run.

loulabell

16/03/2012 at 17:53

why dont you come and do Northants? im doing it and Tiago and spen from the ultra thread. it will be mine and spens first ultra...Tiago is an oldhand

David McHale

16/03/2012 at 17:59

I probably will do. I'll just hold off booking till after Llanelli (also my 1st). I'm heading out for a 20 miler on the ridgeway with Tom tomorrow morning as it goes. how much is it by the way?

loulabell

16/03/2012 at 18:03

£39 i think

loulabell

16/03/2012 at 18:04

im hoping for 20 or so tomorrow too...early start!!

David McHale

16/03/2012 at 18:05

Yes it is, just clicked on for a look. Looks a nice course with a few good hills to make it that bit harder!

loulabell

16/03/2012 at 18:08

dont mention hills!! we are from Oxfordshire remember

David McHale

16/03/2012 at 18:12

Sorry! A training run or two in the hills would be good practise for Northants. We should get out as a group for some for long hilly runs. Running with others is brilliant for the old motivation I find.

loulabell

16/03/2012 at 18:15

yes..i need to get on some trails and hills too..usually im on limited time , especially for LSR so have to just leg it out of the door and get going around here..but if i know in advance can try and meet up all 3 of us and any others out there to do some varying terrain..need it for the ultras after northants, so hopefully northants will break me in gently

Tiago Hefner 2

16/03/2012 at 20:20

Looby, you need to think up a name for the Oxon ultra wannabes.