Couple of Target Events Completed

It has been a while since I wrote anything, being a dad and work commitments take priority I am afraid.  Well anyway, I have done a couple of events that need reflection.

Richmond Sportive

Way back in early July I rode the Richmond Cycle Club 80mile 4 Dales Sportive.  This is the second time that I have ridden this route and I have to say it is really good fun.  The climbs are great, all appear in Simon Warren's fantastic "100 Greatest Cycling Climbs" book.

This year a necessary detour took the route over Buttertubs Pass instead which added a new tough climb and brilliant descent to the route.  The new route took in 1810m climbing and 113km.

Anyway, I succeeded in achieving a Silver standard time again and got to test my new tubeless wheel setup which was fantastic - fast, good grip and quiet.  I managed a max speed of 65km/hr coming down from Buttertubs.  No skipping or nervousness from the wheels, simply smooth and confidence inspiring.

Next year I will aim to complete the full 100mile route and take in Fleet Moss and Park Rash climbs as well.

Lakeland Trails Coniston Trail Marathon

Early August saw me take the whole family to Ambleside for a little run around Coniston Water.  They were put into a B+B with pool whilst I went over to Coniston for the race.  The weather was pants, rain and more rain for the actual race.  The course was tougher than I thought.  A total of 950m climbing combined with a course that muddier, rockier, narrower and generally more technical as the miles ticked away.  The final 10km or so along the lake shore was especially unpopular with me as it was root infested meaning I spent my time watching my feet, chopping and changing my stride length constantly.

Anyway I completed the course in 4:18.  I wanted to run 4 hours so did not manage that but reflecting on my training, total lack of speed work and the tougher than expected running conditions I am actually quite happy.  

In comparison with other competitors I was 124/310 finishers in all classes.  42/92 in Vet40 class.  A time of 4:13 would have put me in 100th position overall so I was well in the bunch.

As an event I really enjoyed it.  The trails were fair and challenging (if tougher than I expected).  Running along trails that were little more than running streams is always fun.  I judged my pace well, managing to run the whole route except one especially steep climb and even overtook quite a few other runners.

Marathon running in the rain

Data from Coniston Trail Marathon