UK Ultra Performance of the Year 2013: The Story so far

     Firstly, a couple of important notes when looking to add others in and comments. I feel the performance has to have been run at a UK race and by a UK athlete. I think UK performances abroad and overseas runners performances in the UK (like Jean Beaumont at South Downs Way 100) warrant their own categories.  The initial idea was to promote Ultra Running in the UK by putting UK athletes and the races they compete at on a pedestal and provide a bit of exposure. Please whack a comment on if you think of other great performances that would have undoubtedly missed and I can update as we go.

JANUARY:

Mick Cooper-  Spine race 268mi 2^nd 127:11:00

     Just finishing this beast is a huge undertaking. Phenomenal time and only just pipped by an overseas runner

Zoe salt- Country 2 Capital 1^st and 10^th overall (Course Record)

     Route was altered and shortened this year but it’s the 10^th overall in a hugely competitive mens field that is most impressive

FEBUARY:

Dan Doherty  and Craig Holgate- Thames Trot 50mi 5:11:00 (Course Record)

     Shortened course but weather was atrocious.

Naomi Tier- Thames Trot 50mi 6:16:00 (course record)

     Again short course but well inside old course record in bad conditions

MARCH:

Debbie Martin-Consani- Thames Path 100 19:19 3^rd Overall

     On paper not as impressive time wise but when you look at how bad the conditions were you realise just how good of a run this was. Beat a really good field including most the guys

Dan Doherty Self-Transcendence 100km. 7:05

     Beat an insanely fast field and put himself 3^rd on the all-time fastest list at a really prestigious race

APRIL:

Holy Rush- Compton downland 40mi 5:10 (course record)

     Crushed the female field

Mark Perkins- South Downs Way 50 6:55 (course record)

     Not sure many expected a sub 7hour run on this course but Mark got it done

Lee Kemp- Highland Fling 53mi 7:03 (course record)

     A race that has been run by the very best over the years. To get a course record at a race like this is simply phenomenal. Had to work hard to chase Lightfoot down too and inflict his first and only Ultra defeat

MAY:

Johnathan Steede- 100km causeway crossing 8:35 (Course record)

     Tough one as the race has no history but 8:35 100km on a tough trail path is very impressive. He also won by 2hours 45mins!

Jennifer Bradley 9:03 pony express 60mi 2days 3^rd overall (course record)

     Mixed it up with the fast dudes again. Always tough to beat in these multi day races

Craig Holgate- North Downs way 6:47 (course record)

     I think generally people found it hard to find words for this one. Craig was like a freight train from start to finish. Who knows what he would have ran if he was pushed

Emily Canvin- North Downs Way 7:49 5^th Overall (course record)

     This will be a popular vote. That time is World class

Shelli Gordon- Hardmoors 110 22:10 3^rd overall (course record)

     When Shelli ran a 24:19 last year for a then a course record everyone said it was one of the best runs of the year….so how about 2 hours faster this year! Incredible

Mimi Anderson- Grand Union Canal Race 145mi DOUBLE. 31:50 + 36:49

     To run the GUCR twice is unfathomable to me. Running from Birmingham to London is a huge undertaking but to do it following a wee nap that was preceded by running from London too Birmingham is truly remarkable

Katie Roby- Ultra Brecon 40, Summer. 7:41 1st
     Anybody that wins a race that attracts some of the very best competition deserves a mention. Katie won a tight race against Lizzie Wraith. Lizzie then exploded onto our radars with her Lakeland demolition so what does this say about Katie? Watch this space.....

JUNE:

Sarah Morwood -Classic Quarter 44mi 7:28 2^nd Overall (course record)

     This run was also 7^th fastest in the history of the race…that includes Men’s times!

Robbie Britton- South Downs Way 100 15:43 (course record)

     On race day everyone wondered when Robbie would slow down. He never did- relentless. I don’t think anybody expected a sub 16 and I credit Robbie with altering the Mind set of other runners. Would a sub 16 North Downs way 100 have happened without this first?

Sonia Bracegirdle- The wall run 111km outright winner 10:53

     First Ultra and she beat all the chaps, not bad at all

Paul Giblin- West Highland Way race 153mi 15:07 (Course record)

     I can see this being a lot of people’s pick. He crushed a Terry Conway course record that use to be held by Jez Bragg. This could also be another defining run in the UK. Paul may have just proved sub 15 is possible. One aid station was not even ready for him which cost him time.

JULY:

Ricky Lightfoot IAU world trail champs 77km, wales. 5:36 1^st

     Big win on home soil against a truly world class field. Ricky led from gun to tape and was never  troubled by quality runners like Rancon, Riddle and Antolinos

Joanna Zakrzewski-  IAU world trail champs 77km, wales. 7:01 4^th

     Not bad for a roadie. Joanna is a superb british talent and I’m glad all that road speed is coming over to the trails! 4^th in a world class trail running field was mightily impressive

Ben Abdelnoor- Lakeland 50, 7:39 (course record)

     Stunning time on one of the hardest and most competitive 50 mile races in the country

Lizzie Wraith- Lakeland 100 24:15 (course record)

     I was convinced that Lizzie could not hold together her insane early pace. By mile 25 she wa already 90mins inside a tough course record. She ended up beating it by 4hours! If there are any doubts about how good the run is then you only have to look at her 8^th overall placing and her win margin of nearly two hours against one of the country’s best runners- Debbie Martin-Consani

Stuart Mills- Lakeland 100 22:17 1st
     So it may not touch the CR but as rightly pointed out to me Stuart is 50 and he beat some incredible young talented ultra runners along the way. Stuart himself being the absolute competitor he would probably not think to highlight the age factor but its a cracking performance none the less

AUGUST:

Ed Catmur North Downs Way 100 15:44 1^st (course record)

     Big performance here- The north downs is tough, it’s a rhythm breaker and 15:44 for 100miles on it is stellar.

Feedback welcome :-)

The Rise of the Footwear Sponsored Ultra Team.

Given the title it would be easier to start with some Salomon commentary. However, I want to take things back a little further than that. There is no doubt that some serious ultra historians can take it back further than me but from my little eyes 2008 saw a shift. A shift from the top Ultra Runner being more than just a ‘crazy nutter’ and starting to be viewed as a useful marketing tool- and I am not just talking about Dean Karnezes. More Scott Jurek. Brooks Running had an epiphany….if Scott Jurek can run hundreds of miles and wins a lot then surely that serves as proof that our shoes are amazing? If he can be comfortable whilst running for 2days in one shoe then surely anybody can be comfortable. This was a seriously influential strategy that really paid off for them. But deeper than that, it opened a door for Ultra Runners. The Green Silence was eventually released in feb 2010 and whilst this was going on New Balance had firmly set their sights on a similar concept. Anton Krupicka and Eric Skaggs had been working for the last year on the MT100/101 range which later evolved into 2 complete lines of shoes (minimus and MT).

                At this point the brands were not thinking of creating a team but they had effectively taped into the idea that Ultra Runners can shift shoes as well, if not better, than any marathoner. Top Ultra runners started to be signed up by every brand and we witnessed the first brands to make shoes marketed specifically to Ultra Runners- Hoka, Scott, Technica etc. . Some brands started to sign many runners which created a team….except it wasn’t quite a team yet, it was just a list of different Ultra Runners which is no different to road running. Enter….Team Salomon

                For me, they really have taken it to the next level and created a proper team. A team normally akin to cycling. Take away Kilian Jornet and I still feel confident enough to say that the Salomon evolution would have still happened. They provided their athletes with the budget and resources to truly compete, win and market them on a global scale. They started training weeks for their athletes, integrated them into the product creation of the S-lab range and made them feel part of something bigger….a family. If you call it good marketing then fine, I wouldn’t say your wrong but for Greg Vollet (who had a cycling background funnily enough) and his team it was pure fun and they were told of one mission….MAKE TRAIL RUNNING HUGE. They enlisted the services of filmmakers the AfricanAttachment to shoot videos of their races, training and athletes and they were told two things- 1. Don’t be exclusive to Salomon products in all videos as it’s bigger than that and 2. MAKE TRAIL RUNNING HUGE. For me the African Attachment are the ones that have created the Ultra Running boom, more so in Europe as I cant forget the influences of Mr. Benna in the states!  Greg Vollet and his team have forced other brands to react. The North Face always had a star studded team but they had to do more than free gear. Pearl Izumi and Montrail are starting to provide the resources to their runners to get them into the big races. It’s a fascinating time to be around Ultra’s and to witness this team evolution but where does it go from here? As the financial benefits to brands for their runner to win a race increases so does the demands they will have to enforce. Each runner’s season will be mostly dictated by their sponsor and they will have to ‘fit in’ other races around this. The depth of the team will need to increase as more and more races grow their global visibility and prestige and therefore there are more races a brand needs to win. We will see more competitions with Team results, relays and races where multiple team members have to run the entire race together. The team that comes out on top and the brand that benefits the most will be the guys that have a true family culture and a true desire to support the sport in itself. If these elements are lost then the Ultra Community will swallow them up and spit them out. Becoming too corporate like, dare a say it, Nike will not work in Ultra Running. I love an environment where we can all openly discuss each other’s gear from different brands without being worried about losing our sponsorship deals. A sentiment that cant be said for elite level Road or Track running.

So what am I saying and what is the point of my post?

Ultimately I don’t mind this big brand influx to our sport as long as they keep it pure. Create content for us all to enjoy not just videos that focus on one specific piece of gear, which again, is something associated with track and road running. And keep it social and enjoyable, that’s our sport which means that’s your market….don’t lose sight of that. A blueprint has already been made with one brand to enormous success. Long may it continue…..otherwise I’ll take up tchoukball or something and do a Tchoukball player of the year awards 2014.

Have fun,

Debbie Martin-Consani: 2012 Female Ultra Runner of the Year

With her much anticipated run at Centurion Running's Thames Path 100 in two weeks time, I figured it was a good time to post a little Q&A with the first UK voted Ultra runner of the year. Debbie Martin-Consani.

Debbie has been an exceptional runner for the last few years however, 2012 saw her shoot to UK Ultra Running super stardom. The biggest head turner was the outright win of the famous and very prestigious 145mile Grand Union Canal Race. This performance also led to Debbie getting the nod to represent GB in the 24 hour World Championships where she put in another stellar run to record 135miles

Q: Before I ask about the ‘big one’ tell us about your first (was it your first?) run as a member of Team  GB, that must be an incredibly proud moment for yourself and the people close to you?

I’ve always been a bit of a self-confessed plodder, so running on the GB team never even crossed my mind. It was a real honour to represent Scotland twice in 2011, but I didn’t think I’d make the step up to GB.  I didn’t even know what the qualifying distance was.  I really have Adrian Stott to thank, as I hadn’t even run a 24-hour race before when I represented Scotland at the Commonwealth Championship.  He just saw some potential and gave me a shot.  My family think I’m nuts, but I’m sure they enjoy the bragging rights.

Q. You set a few records during that run too right?

Yes, I set three Scottish records: 100m (15:48), 200km (20:55) and 24 hour (217km).  Not bad for a day in the office.  It was my main focus for the year – others events were just a bonus – so I trained hard for the race and the conditions were just perfect.  I unravelled in the last few hours, for various reasons, so there’s still room for improvement.

Q. GUCR- what did you realistically expect going into that one?  Had you ever run that far before?

The furthest I had run prior to the GUCR 2012 was 130miles in a 24 hour race in 2011.  I wasn’t overly concerned about the distance, more anxious about being alone in the dark – with a map – in an area I had never stepped foot in.  I was fairly confident that I could do quite well in the ladies placing, but I never expected to win outright.  The biggest shocker though was falling in the canal in the middle of the night.  That mishap will haunt me for the rest of my life, as I get ribbed for it on a daily basis.

Q. How can you prepare for a race of that length? I’m guessing you can’t get close to training runs of that length as it would break you down so how can you mimic those conditions?

I swear by back-to-backs long runs. They make up a significant chunk of my weekly mileage and are the key to building endurance and strength. Running when fatigued on tired legs also simulates the mental and physical issues in the latter stages of an ultra-distance race.  They help train your brain to take over when your body has thrown in the towel.  

I also do two speed sessions during the week.  I think some ultra-runners can sometimes over focus on long slow runs, but the speed sessions prepare my muscles to feel fatigue and pain.  And stop me from going insane too.  I often do sessions at lunchtimes with a group who have jet-propelled legs. Let’s just say I’m punching above my weight, but it really pushes me. 

I think the nasty runs are also an important part of training too.  Granted, I don’t go out looking for them, but grinding out the real stinkers – when faced with bad weather/fatigue/bonking - are the runs that can make you.  After they break you, of course.

Q. What does the future hold for you in terms of racing? It seems as though you have put yourself in position where there are lots of great opportunities for you. Do you concentrate on the GB and Scotland vests, Races abroad or more Home based long stuff?

For me it’s just a hobby, albeit a hobby I’m very passionate about.   I also have a family and a job, which are higher up in the pecking order.  Although my husband is also an ultra-runner, so running is not only important to me, it’s important to us.  Our three-year-old thinks running is perfectly normal and is frequently found darting about the place and racing everyone.

I have been guilty in a past of rehashing the same races, so I’m hoping to branch out a bit over the next couple of years. I’ve already written my bucket list of races – which I keep adding to.  I’m sure I will get round to most of them in my lifetime, just maybe not in my prime.

Q. Is it fair to say you are a bit more of a hard surface runner? Are the more Mountainous Ultras something that appeals to you?

I actually prefer trails, so it’s just unfortunate that I perform better on long and flat J I started off with ultras on the West Highland Way in Scotland, which are a bit on the bumpy side.   I like all terrains really, apart from cross-country.  I don’t do cross-country.  Sometimes road running is just more convenient and less times consuming – especially for two ultra-runners with a small child.  It’s a juggling act.  My heart will always be in trail running, but the logistics are often more challenging than the runs.

I’m hoping to run in GB team at the World 24-hour Championship in the Netherlands in May. Then I’ll be home to train for the Montane Lakeland 100 in July.  I’m sure going back to off road training will be a welcome relief.

Q. If you couldn’t pick yourself, who would you choose as this year’s Female Runner of the year?

It would have to be Emily Gelder.  She’s so talented, yet so demure and unassuming.  Her main focus is running and she doesn’t concern herself with the hype and shameless self-promotion, which I indulge in! She’s amazing to watch, as she just cruises.   Not only is she a fantastic athlete but she’s an amazing person and very supportive team mate. 

 Ok so time for everyone's favourite-

 Quick fire questions-

1         Favourite race in the UK.  The Devil o’ the Highlands was my first ultra, so that will always be special to me.  I’ve run it five times now.  It covers the north sections of the West Highland Way through Glencoe to Fort William. The route and views are just magical. 

2         If you could only race one more time, what would you choose? I have high aspirations of running the Everest Marathon with my Son when he’s old enough.  Although I fear he may rebel and take up Badminton or something.

3         Non-running item you can’t live without: I presume you mean an object, so I would say my iPhone.

4         Favourite running item: It would be a toss-up between my Garmin or iPod.  I’m not overly analytical with stats, but my Gamin is more like a comfort blanket now.  I don’t think my feet would work without it.  Purist, I am not.

5         Biggest Running inspiration: Those who support and put up with me and slog out the miles with me. I am quite self-motivated and just aspire to be the best I can be, but having such great family and friends gives me that extra push.   Having an ultra-running husband means we not only support each other’s dream, but we’re a bad influence on each other too.  Also, Sharon Law, who has been my closest friend since were teenagers, is also my training partner and biggest racing rival. We never let on, but we always try to outdo each other J

6        Favourite Training session: I like to mix up my training. I think there’s nothing worse than just trudging about aimlessly and just churning out miles.  It makes me feel so flat and de-motivated. I like the “buzz” of running, whether it’s the high (or slump!) after a speed session, some good banter with friends or a run with a speculator view. I call them the “wow-wee moments”, when you just have to stop and take it all in.

Q. Finally, one little nugget of Debbie Martin-Consani advice for all Ultra Runners?

Forget natural talent and ability, it’s all about hard work.  Remove your self-imposed glass ceiling.  If you want something bad enough, just work, work, work towards it.  I sometimes lack motivation, but I never lack commitment.

Thanks Debbie!

Debbie tracks a lot of her thoughts and races on her blog. With Debbie’s class and humour it’s well worth adding to your bloggers list http://debsonrunning.blogspot.co.uk/

Kilian Classik Result Summary 2012

Allez Allez Allez Allez Allez Allez Allez! God damn if I could go faster up this damn near vertical ski slope I would! Todays Kilian Classik 45km race was beautifully brutal- this is a quick summary before I do a more extensive post on the differences between European and UK trail races (their are many). Kilian himself, along with Britain’s Tom Owens and Greg Vollet (all Salomon) ran it in today in 4:17 followed closely by Mick Donges in a fraction over 4:30. The women’s race was won by Emelie Forsberg, who by her own comments claimed that she would be taking it easy today! Man that girl can downhill. The course was around the beautiful Font Romeu town in the French Pyreness and as you can imagine it was extremely tough. Only 11,000ft or so of altitude change run between 5500 and 9000ft but it was the most technical trail I have ever experienced! Lots of loose rocks and slate, with some very unrunable descents. Salomon used livepark.fr/salomon to upload videos as the runners went past two points. The first point was a climb up a ski slope- a quick scan of videos on the site suggests that only Jonathan Wyatt and Kilian were able to run it. Any questions that I can fill in before a post something for extensive then please drop me a line on twitter. UKRUNRAMBLES

Update December 2012 and IAU athlete of the year nominations

Been a while since a real posting, basically because in one way nothing has happened but when I look at the bigger picture I guess a lot has happened! Since the Ridgeway in August I have taken a lot of downtime with running to try and keep myself healthy (see training stats at the bottom of the page!). My biggest news is that I have an Entry into UTLD 100miler and I will be putting my silly hat into the UTMB 100 lottery later this month! If I'm in, it will dumb to do both just a month apart and a combined total of 206miles of racing and +50,000ft of vertical but I'll give it a shot. Minimum i will get from it is a ridiculous amount of "experience".
So from now until then its about getting in some good race practice and loads of hill training (plus watch this space for 'ninjering' you heard it here first!)
I have entered 4 races for Jan and Feb to keep me busy and focused in the mean time- Winter Tanners 30, UltraRace 45/90, Pilgrim Challenge 33/66 and London Ultra.

In world news- Hardrock 100 is going to be crazy next year and Kyle Skaggs' 'unbeatable' record could be in jeopardy but that will rely upon a fit Geoff Roes and Anton Krupicka (waitlist 16) to turn up. You also have some old boys in Karl Meltzer, Hal Koerner and AJW (waitlist 6) and some young guns too in Dakota Jones (also a threat to any record, Joe Grant and Dominic Grossman. Cant wait to spectate this from my laptop!

Finally the IAU have released the nominations for Ultra Runner of the year. GBR has one male and no less then 6 females! A bit better than SPOTY! Lizzy Hawker should be a dead cert for the overall gong too, shes simply incredible both athletically and personally. In fact just enjoy her THE NORTH FACE video profile

Roes, Krupicka, Jurek, Mackey

4 ordinary guys (with superhuman running powers) answering questions from ordinary people. These guys are legends of the North American Ultra Scene. They talk about the who, the why and the how. Enjoy

Boulder Trail Runners - Q&A with Scott Jurek, Anton Krupicka, Dave Mackey and Geoff Roes from Alpine Works on Vimeo.

Picture: Kilian Jornet leading out Geoff Roes and Anton Krupicka during the epic 2010 Western States