Reflection

Whilst sat in the west bound services avoiding a traffic jam caused by 'animals' in the road (which is never going to be a good ending), I thought I would summarise a few of my thoughts today....

• I have realised that I can enjoy ultra distance events - to be honest after really struggling in the Ridgeway Challenge (which I did finish) last year, I have wondered I have if it was really for me... Having finished the Lakeland 50 and been pretty comfortable overall I feel elated but also I have appreciated that a trimmer and better trained me can actually learn to push myself a little more rather than just surviving and getting through.  CAN DO BETTER!

• Success and highs also brings lows - that's how I have felt a little today, however I can honestly say that this has even made me more motivated to aspire to do better at the Ridgeway this year - been realistic I am not going to change much regarding my body shape and weight, or training regime in the next 4 weeks but I will approach it with a much more positive outlook and more controlled 'long -course' tactic.

• Apart from the self inflicted wound after popping a blister whilst cutting a toe nail, and the bruising where I kicked a boulder to my big toe, my feet are in pretty good nick - this was one of the major issues at the Ridgeway last year - I put this improvement down to my toe socks and Hoka's, and again a more controlled pace. The weather was similar but even when wet my feet help up - chuffed with this as I always thought this was one of my key limiting factors.

• DOMS - yes I hurt today, I guess there's no surprise there however I am also looking at this positively and understanding that more training and specific weights in the gym will improve this - I have never been a gym fan when I can and do train outdoors but I have now realised that this can and I am sure will make a difference to my strength and overall stamina to maintain a pace for longer.

• Weight - Yes I am over weight - I don't like it, in fact I detest it. I was lean last Sept after a good summer but I reckon I am 20lbs heavier now - this does not help and if I want to get better I have to commit to making a difference. Mrs W cooks lovely food, and generally I love food but it has to be the right things at the right time - changes need to be made but I guess an all inclusive holiday in August will have to be a sensible one - I WILL BE TRAINING EVERY DAY IN THE HEAT! I am not confident in getting my belly out around the pool - maybe if I wear my Lakeland 50 medal at the same time it will make me feel better??

• Being fit and healthy makes me a better person, nicer to be around, and deals with general life stuff better - I crave this.

Lakeland 50

As Iie in bed the day after finishing the Lakeland 50 mile ultra trail race http://www.lakeland100.com/the-lakeland-50 I am trying to move and realise most parts of my body ache. On the plus side my left big toe has gone down a little after swelling, something to do with kicking a boulder twice in the dark (not the same one...)!

Anyway - here's me at the start,

At around 40 miles,

At the finish.

My highlight was finishing strong and confident 

Lowlight coming in to Mardale SO thirsty and gasping, and realising I had not eaten enough after leaving Ambleside.

Check point splits here
http://live.sportident.co.uk/home/event/search/entrypunchsummary.html?racenumber=&name=Woods&club=&entryid=3490ecf4-dbd8-4a33-a3a6-61b0967a137f&eventid=225a4a88-e5af-4483-9eed-439523cf9603&mobile=true

Gradually moving up the field....

I had loosely arranged to run with Andy H but we got split up after the first mile or so and from that point I was on my own, occasionally being around other people but in the main just me and my thoughts. I encouraged all the Lakeland 100 runners who had set off the previous day, only imagining the efforts they had put in (the first 50 is brutal, we joined the course at 55 miles doing a loop before leaving the check point to make up the milage). it was great to briefly meet Deborah again he helped me through the recce in January between Coniston and Buttermere - lots of snow/wind/cold etc

Mrs W was unable to come up due to recently having a shoulder op but she was tracking my progress on the phone/ internet and tweeting with my good friend Jason http://dragonironman.blogspot.co.uk. Matt from Calne RC was also tweeting my progress, and Nichola also from Calne RC actually brought her family up to Ambleside on their way to their family holiday - unfortunately i didn't get to see them but it was great to know they were there.

My M&D saw me off at the start and were also at Ambleside and Skelwith Bridge to cheer me on.

Lessons learned (not for the first time) are to ensure I am at a racing weight  - carrying around 20lbs more than i was last year does not help, and ensuring i am doing consistent specific training. In saying that the organised recce events were of massive benefit for my confidence and course navigation. 

I feel as though I am rambling now - I did it, I have the medal and the t-shirt which I feel I earned. Would I go back... absolutely as its an ace race, its got to be one of the toughest out there. 

I am racing the Ridgeway Challenge in a months time http://www.tra-uk.org/ridgeway-challenge and then the Snowdon Marathon in October http://www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk