Richards Blog

Badwater

2012-02-03T20:22:00.004Z

So pleased to be ready now to enter the Badwater ultra marathon an innovational race that is a milestone for many ultra runners from the first time I read about this race some 5 years ago I knew this was the one I wanted to do . Having carefully practised with many races in heat and cold distances from 5k to 145 miles I ready for this one

described by the organisers

...

Covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA, the Badwater Ultramarathon is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet. The start line is at Badwater, Death Valley, which marks the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere at 280’ (85m) below sea level. The race finishes at the Mt. Whitney Portals at nearly 8,300’ (2530m). The Badwater course covers three mountain ranges for a total of 13,000’ (3962m) of cumulative vertical ascent and 4,700’ (1433m) of cumulative descent. The Portals are the trailhead to the Mt. Whitney summit, the highest point in the contiguous United States. Competitors travel through places or landmarks with names like Mushroom Rock, Furnace Creek, Salt Creek, Devil’s Cornfield, Devil’s Golf Course, Stovepipe Wells, Keeler and Lone Pine

...

It is a real privilege to be able to be considered for such an event and so looking forward to finding out if I am able to compete on Monday the 16th of July 2012

Olympic Torch

2012-01-30T20:36:00.005Z

Very pleased to have been chosen to be a torchbearer for the 2012 games a great privilege and fantastic news it will be on the 1st June on the leg from Bolton to Liverpool
More news as I get it
http://www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay-map

Frostbite 50

2012-01-29T12:53:00.011Z

After a very eventful journey nearly 6 hours to Whitby for the start of the Yorkshire Ultra a 50 mile off road ultra (actually 51) with 4700 ft of climbing http://www.adventurehub.com/Home.html .

An 8 am start at least gave us ( Rich Brown , Nick Holt & Guy ) a chance to get some sleep after our journey , the start was fairly cold around 2 degrees with a stiff wind blowing from the North Sea . Starting from Whitby Abbey the route took us along the very scenic undulating coastal Cleveland Way to Robin Hoods Bay . After check point 1 we followed a very pleasant cinder path for about 4 miles only spoilt by being bitten on the bottom by a dog and being told to F off by its owner when I complained ? .

RAVENSCAR

After the cinder path we turned inland with a short steep climb towards the radio mast at Ravenscar . Then crossing the A171 check point 2 over onto the North Yorkshire Moors towards RAF Flyingdales were the terrain of the moors was extremely challenging with mud and knee deep water slowing our earlier progress we made a 20 mile loop with checkpoint 3 in the middle visited twice and then re tracing our steps towards Whitby Abbey and the finish .Overall winner came in 8.40 second shortly after with Rich Brown third in 8.55 me in 4th in 9.10 a massive 2hours 20 improvement on last year ( it did help not getting lost )Nick and Guy in in 11.35 well done to all the finishers in tough conditions

FLYINGDALES MOOR

COAST TOWARDS WHITBY

Garmin connect link http://connect.garmin.com/activity/145437785

Anglesey Coastal Trail

2012-01-22T21:01:00.001Z

This weekend was my first major race of the season the http://www.endurancelife.com/event.asp?series=54&location=135 endurance life coastal trail marathon a trail Marathon over 27.5 miles on a particularly windy Saturday morning around the rugged north coast of Anglesey starting from Holyhead with the first major accent over Holyhead mountain . Followed by a quick decent to south stack lighthouse , then following the coast path to Trearddur Bay then continuing along the coast to Rhoscolyn . The course then turned inland through some muddy paths before rejoining the coast path at Trearddur Bay then following it back towards South Stack and a particularity sapping climb back over Holyhead Mountain

and steep decent to finish at start . Very stiff racing for second and third place with me just piping Richard Heath to second place by six seconds , I have ever raced that hard for position in a trail race we swapped position 4 times in the last 5 miles !

Sunday was the 4 Villages so I had a number thought I would give it a go and to my surprise ran 1.26.45 to all in all a good weekend . Good training for the Adventure Hub Yorkshire Ultra nest Saturday http://www.adventurehub.com/Ultra_Races.html

Christmas Break

2012-01-02T21:06:00.003Z

A bit of a break from running with two weeks of ski touring in France made a great change . Been back running for five days and feeling bit better on legs with 70 miles covered with some good quality running .Big plans for this year three weeks till Anglesey costal trail marathon then week after is Frostbite 50 a race I particularity looking forward to.

Beacons Ultra November 21st

2011-12-03T21:28:00.005Z

My recent trip to the Brecon Beacons for the Beacons Ultra http://www.beaconsultra.com had been a success with a tenth place on what is a hilly off road 46 miles in 7 hours 21 mins about 20 mins of my best time around this course always great to Martin & Sue Like of Likeys the best on line outdoor shop http://www.likeys.com/ a video of the race here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S2h93LYbNU Its me at the start of the film

Race Miles

2011-11-01T11:56:00.001Z

Just added up the miles for this years races to date was supprised I have run 940 miles in races this year

ultimafrontera 160

2011-10-30T21:01:00.003Z

The Ultima Frontera 1oo mile race was great event in the Andalusian in southern spain , the race was two laps around a 50 mile trail course on mix of single track and fire roads . The weather was a mix of rain showers and sun . Starting at 9am I finished just before 5 am a total of 19 hours 50 mins and a finish position of 8th very pleased to have done that well considering I was on tiered legs .

Busy few weeks !

2011-10-30T20:43:00.003Z

The Hardmoors 60 went very well with a third place finish despite the fact I got lost and in fact ran 69 miles it was a great event and very well organised a must for next year . Two weeks later saw me line up for the start of the first Liverpool marathon for a number of years a very windy day but amazing support all the way around course I finished 28th with a time of 2.59.50 very close call to stay under three hours the 7th time .

Hardmoors 60

2011-09-23T09:05:00.002+01:00

Saturday is start for Hardmoors 60 a 60 mile race down the yorkshire coast from Saltburn to Filey should be very prity route with good weather forecast

Fundraising

2011-09-23T09:04:00.000+01:00

I will be running the Liverpool Marathon on the 9^th of October .This should be a fantastic event and is already sold out ! It will showcase the Wirral and Liverpool demonstrating our city as a great place to live , work & visit . The running of a city marathon benefits charities many of them local , if half the runners raised only £100.00 each that’s half a million pounds !

Most of you who know me , know I do many sporting challenges in a year , the reason for my email is , could you help me to help the Mersey Regional Head and Neck Cancer Centre . This fantastic facility based in Liverpool is at the forefront of treating and highlighting early diagnose of these type of cancers . I have a gratitude to Professor Rogers and his team as they saved the life of two friends of mine over the last few years with their pioneering work . If this event can be supported and encouraged it could in fact raise as much money for charity as the London Marathon does. Which raised £51.8m in 2011 , a record for both the race and for any single fundraising event in the world.

We all know how hard financially things are at the moment but if you can spare anything you will be supporting a great charity , a great event and hopefully another marathon finish for me .

You can sponsor me through just giving website http://www.justgiving.com/rwrunner

Hoylake 10 K new PB

2011-09-20T08:50:00.002+01:00

To my great suprise after a year of long stuff a new PB over 10 k 35 mins 40 seconds very happy with that ,next weekend is the Yorkshire hardmoors 60

UTMB 2011

2011-09-08T22:19:00.005+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFWDUsvLCoE
Since the first year, it has been called “the race of all the superlatives” A complete tour of the Mont Blanc Massif, passing through 3 countries: France, Switzerland and Italy, the race that every runner should finish at least once in their life.
Le tour of Mont-Blanc, starting from Chamonix, with 166km, 9,500 metres of positive height gain, and in semi autonomy.

A Mountain race, with numerous passages in high altitude (>2500m), in difficult weather conditions this year sub zero temperatures and snow then bright sunshine
Crossing Col du Bonhomme by moonlight. At sunrise, crossing Col de la Seigne into Italy and the magical Val Veni overlooked by Noire du Peuterey and the glaciers descending Mont Blanc. reaching the Val Ferret, guarded by Dent du Géant and Grandes Jorasses before finally turning into Switzerland to relish the beautifully protected countryside.
The race its self turned out to be every bit as punishing as i thought the star due at 6.30 pm was posponed until 11.30 pm causing some concern as to the distinct possibility of missing my flight home ! . starting in the pouring rain that continued most of the night with snow at sunrise and through part of the morning on the high altitude sections after after entering Italy and heading down into Courmayeur the sun came out making the day altogether better . Heading out of the main checkpoint at Courmayeur after a little drama made good progress before the second sunset and heading up to the highest peak the col Ferret were with the wind it was well bellow zero and scary cold .After a long slog through the night with many hallucinations caused through lack of sleep made the next major checkpoint at Champex Lac heading out of champex at day break it was a tough slog to make the finish after a grueling but exhilarating

Start 23:28 Chamonix

CP 1 Delevret time of day 01:59:01 Position 749 elapsed time 1hour 27

CP 2 Saint Gervais time of day 02.56 elapsed time 02:25 position 701

CP3 Les Contamines time of day 03.53 elapsed time 03.53 position 585

CP4 La Balme time of day 05.29 elapsed time 05.29 position 559

CP5 Refuge Croix du Bonhomme time of day 07.38 elapsed time 07.06 position 613

CP6 Les Chapieux time of day 08.26 elapsed time 07.55 position 646

CP7 Col de la Seigne time of day 10.56 elapsed time position 685

CP8 Lac Combal time of day 11.44 elapsed time 11.44 position 731

CP9 Arête Mont Favre time of day 13 .14 elapsed time 12.43 position 814

CP10 col Checrouit time of day 14.07 elapsed time 13.36 position 866

CP11 Courmayeur time of day 15.05 elapsed time 14.hour 34 min position 904

CP12 refuge Bertone time of day 17.50 elapsed time 17hours 18 min

CP 13 refuge Bonatti time of day 19.21 elapsed time 18.50 position 940

CP14 Arnuva time of day 20.41 elapsed time 20.10 time 20.41 position 941

CP 15 Grand Col Ferret time of day 22.32 elapsed time 22 hours position 876

CP16 La Fouly time of day 00.39 elapsed time 25hours 10 mins position 857

CP17 Champex time of day 05.04 elapsed time 29 hours 35 min position 845

CP18 Martigny time of day 09.37 elapsed time 34hours 8 mins position 823

CP19 Trient time of day 12.04 elapsed time 36hours 35 min position 811

CP20 Catogne time of day 14.03 elapsed time 38 hours 34 mins position 784

CP21 Vallorcine time of day 14.53 elapsed time 39 hours 24 min position 722

CP22 Argentière time of day 15.48 elapsed time 40 hours 19 min position 661

Finish Chamonix time of day 17.23
Final time 41:55:02
Position 624 out of 2500 starters
Cat postion 295

A great improvement in finish position towards end of race so well pleased after what was a tough 42 hours
Good Video of race http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFWDUsvLCoE

last few months

2011-08-23T21:07:00.002+01:00

No posts recently something to do with lots of races , but thoose races have gone well a good top ten finish at Osmorthly Phoenix helped to keep in second place in the uk ultra running championships then it was of to spain for the fantastic Al Andalus Trail a 5 day stage race in the south of spain http://www.alandalus-ut.com/ a race that went well with a second place finish
Next weekend is Ultra Tour of Mont Blanc

The Longest Race

2011-06-17T08:21:00.004+01:00

A couple of weeks ago was my first realy long race the Grand Union Canal Run this is a run along the entire lenth of the Grand Union Canal from Birmingham to London a distance of 145 miles non stop . The race started at 6am from the Gas St Basin in Birmingham on a pleasent morning it went with 100 miles completed in 20 hours then the last 45 took 14 tough hours a big thanks to my helpers Ed , Phil & Clair who gave up a whole weekend to support me

Top of the UK Ultra champs

2011-05-17T22:11:00.003+01:00

Just checked out UK Ultra run champs and well happy with number one in the points
www.runfurther.com/index.php?cPath=870_888

2011-05-17T22:09:00.001+01:00

Build Up for GUCR

2011-05-17T21:49:00.005+01:00

A few weeks of good solid build ready for grand union canal race 145 miles Birmingham to London started with a solid race at Highland Fling 53 miles along West Highland Way in 9 hours 40 then the Anglesey coastal Marathon a good win in 4 hours a testing coastal run over rough terrain . more news to follow

London Marathon

2011-04-26T20:16:00.002+01:00

This years London Marathon still one of the best races in the world went to plan with a finish time of 2.54.12 this being very good on the back of a 38 mile fell race the week before with a top twenty finish .
my London times for the past three years all very close with 2x 2.53 in 2009 & 2010
all looking good for the Highland Fling on Saturday the 50 mile race in the along part of the way of the West Highland Way
More soon

2011-04-12T20:22:00.004+01:00

Calderdale Hike was a great day out on Saturday the 9th April as part of the uk ultra running championship www.runfurther.com/home-c-641.html
The race starting from Sowerby Bridge the run was over the Pennines in the first of the summer sun . Much of it over heathland and cross country 37 miles most of the time I had to follow others my navigation skills are not up to much and got lost a couple of times disappointing but a final finish time of around 6.36 I was pleased with race met up with Chris Webb who gave me some advise for my Grand Union Canal attempt (and also the photo ) rest this week before London Marathon on Sunday then next race is Highland Fling

Untitled by w18str at Garmin Connect - Details

2011-03-31T20:50:00.000+01:00

Untitled by w18str at Garmin Connect - Details

Recent races

2011-03-22T21:57:00.003Z

Well pleased with recent races with good race at Haworth hobble 33 miles in just over 5 hours and Hardmoors 55 55 miles in 9hours 30 all good training for Grand Union Canal Race ... more to follow

New races

2011-02-11T20:03:00.002Z

Entered The Haworth Hobble on Sat 12th March 36 miles cross country http://kcac.co.uk/kcac-events/haworth-hobble/

The Saturday The 19th March the Hardmoors 55 you guessed it 55 Miles Cross Country http://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/cms/?q=node/48

Frost Bite 50

2011-02-11T19:37:00.005Z

The frost bite 50 Mile race started from Whitby Abbey taking the coast path to Robin Hoods Bay then on to the Yorkshire Mores for a long Soggy section of the race the weather was cold and clear but despite good visibility I managed to get get lost and had to cover an extra 5 miles so finishing 5th was not to much of a disappointment in finishing joint 5th http://www.adventurehub.com/adventurehub/Yorkshire_Ultra.html

Getting the mojo back

2011-01-22T13:49:00.002Z

After a bit of break since the beacons ultra with a few weeks of skiing I am struggling a little with for but some OK weeks of around 70 miles building good strength . Sunday is the 4 villages half marathon not holding out for pb but to race again will be good then next weekend is the Yorkshire frostbite race 50 miles should be nice race one I have not done before got a busy season planned but looking forward to it all

Beacons Ultra

2010-11-23T19:42:00.007Z

Saturday 20th November was the day of the Beacons Ultra organised by Likeys www.likeys.com
the race is two loops of 23 miles with a mix of fell and canal tow path was a great day I think over 150 starters went with two good friends and we won the team prize and Jess finished first lady I finished twelfth with a time of 8.10 bit of a painful run as ankle very sore from the off but hey that's ultra running .www.beaconsultra.com

Grand Union Canal race

2010-11-23T19:40:00.002Z

Well happy to have been drawn in the draw for places to run the Grand Union Canal Race a 145 mile race from Birmingham to London in early summer next year Harah

www.gucr.co.uk/

Snowdon Marathon

2010-11-23T19:38:00.003Z

Just after returning from Augrabies I ran my fifth and fastest Snowdon Marathon in 3.10.01 the day was pleasant with favourable weather

more info and pics www.snowdoniamarathon.com/

Augrabies

2010-11-23T19:29:00.007Z

A recent good result from the Augrabies Extreme Marathon a seven day stage race in the Kalahari desert . A well organised event that was a seven day stage race covering 250 kilometres in various distance each day . All the competitors were self sufficient for the whole time food first aid etc. with water and shade the only thing provided by the organisers . The longest day was 78 kilometres around 50 miles and the temperature that day touched 50 degrees . I was happy to finish with 4th place and intend to return to improve that some day .

Check out the race reports on www.extrememarathons.com

Race Video www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICBxdrNIiL0

Not long to go

2010-10-02T08:20:00.002+01:00

A good few weeks running and work so all is good the . Garstang halfmarathon was cut short to 11.9 miles did time of 1.10.01 then last week saw the Anglesey marathon with a slightly disappointing finish time of 3.03 nearly 8 mins slower than last year and finish position of 8th . This week been spent getting used to running with rucsac on got some nasty blisters across back but I guess a lot to do with way bag packed .This weekend get bag packed and down to 7.5 kilo more to follow

Short and fast (races not me )

2010-09-19T14:52:00.002+01:00

A few weeks now working on competitive speed with promising results done two multi terrain races with good results a local 10k time of 37 mins and 7th out of 500 , Garstang half marathon today pity it was shortened to 11.8 miles still pleased with 1.13 that doing the maths would have been 1.21 finish would have been happy with that Anglesey marathon next week .

UTMB

2010-09-02T20:10:00.008+01:00

Start Area

Saturday 6.30 pm was the start of the ultra tour of Mont Blanc this is a trail race covering 100 miles in a single stage the weather in the days leading up to the race could only be described as changeable .The hours before the start saw torrential rain clearing just in time for the start many shops visited to purchase more cold weather clothing and gloves .

The accent to Bovine

The start was very crowded with a fairly flat section to Les Houches then the first Major accent to Delevert 1776 meters were the rain started again with sleet mixed in then a decent in St Gervais were upon arriving at the first checkpoint we were told the race had been abandoned everybody was very disappointed with lots of emotion .The reason was landslides in the next part of the course and only last year three competitors died from exposure .We were told that we would be bused back to the start town during the evening we arrived back at 3.00 am when we arrived we received a text from organisers telling us the race would restart at 10 from Courmayeur with buses leaving at 6am after an hour and a half sleep i put my wet clothes back on and headed out in the rain to catch the bus.

Race restarted at 10.15 with new 100 k distance over the last part of UTMB course the terrain was difficult with challenging conditions on the climb to Col Ferret rain and cold with very slippery technical decent , the rest of the day saw some pleasant running in ok conditions .

Evening checkpoint

During the evening the temperatures dropped and the muddy conditions made progress slow I was pleased to finish at 6.30 am a little weary but happy and felt ok after an hours sleep spent the rest of the day with friends a very nice weekend away in good company.

Done in at finish

Ubaye Trail Marathon

2010-08-10T20:01:00.013+01:00

Sunday 8th of August was the Ubaye Trail Marathon held in the Ubaye valley in the Southern French Alps the race was 42 K with around 2200 meters of climbing on trails and tracks ending with a decent from the Ski resort of Super Sauze . After a busy week before the race cycling and learning to paraglide I was happy with a time of 5hours 30 the pictures above dont really do justice to the race for more pics and info www.athletic-club-ubaye.fr/trail-ubaye-salomon.html

Third time lucky

2010-07-31T21:10:00.010+01:00

The start of the annual Mersey river swim , an historic race across the river Mersey in the traditional style of no wetsuits . The Mersey being a fairly difficult swim due to the tide running at around 8 knots and being the UK not that warm . A total distance of around 1.8 kilometres

After two previous attempts were I made it across but just ended 500 meters to the wrong side of the I was glad to be able to finish in the correct place and was not to cold so was well happy with a time of just over 30 mins then at the end there was a one kilometre run it was a pity it was just one kilometre had it have been forty i would be certain of a podium finish

A big thanks to all the people who came down to watch and of course the race organiser who has to put on what its a very difficult race to make certain its safe for all the competitors and a special thanks to Nicole and Veronica for the banner , all in all a good afternoon

Mersey swim

2010-07-28T22:36:00.002+01:00

Three days to go swim tomorrow am another non wet suit swim I goring to love cold water in a weird kind of way

Bouncing back

2010-07-22T22:04:00.005+01:00

Summit of col d bonnete

On the way up

Great to be feeling better , been out in France riding bike for few days in the sun building up strength in shoulder worked wonders and managed swim on Wednesday with ten mile run tonight painful but great start ,
Next weekend is Mersey swim a freezing cold swim across Mersey with wicked tide and no wetsuits allowed two years of trying without success this could be my year !
The following weekend is Salomon Ubaye Marathon a trail run with two thousand five hundred meters of climbing .http://www.athletic-club-ubaye.fr/trail-ubaye-salomon.html

I dont like mondays

2010-07-08T16:59:00.001+01:00

Monday was not a good day came of mountain bike and ended up at the hospital with few broken ribs and very sore shoulder . On the mend now so hopefully continue with speedy recovery .

Osmotherly Phonix

2010-07-04T12:54:00.003+01:00

Saturday saw me competing in the Osmotherly Phoenix fell race 33 miles with 4000 feet of climbing went out there with Rich B who still feeling rough since our last outing made a good decision to not race but to drive us there . The weather was great sunshine and warm with terrain mainly dry ran a comfortable 5.45 supporting Richs friend Jess and her getting 3 place even if that did involve me picking up thirty minute time penalty great day out with fish an chips after just perfect

Sea swim

2010-06-26T12:11:00.002+01:00

The summer really here now isn't it great this morning swimming in the sea of Thursaston with Sian an impromptu dare whilst doing exercise class on the beach , no wet suit and it was not even cold how lucky we are to live were we do .

DEE MILE SWIM THATS NOT A MILE

2010-06-24T21:02:00.004+01:00

The historic Dee Mile was first swum in 1922.

There was an eight year gap during and either side of the Second World War, then another brief hiatus in the nineties but, apart from these, it has been one of the first items to appear on the river diary each year.

The race has several idiosyncrasies.

It starts at the Red House, which is actually white.

You swim downstream, around the Crook of the Dee to finish at the suspension bridge. You might think that this distance would be a mile – No! It’s actually a mile and a quarter.

Being all downstream, the course times vary considerably. They depending on the seasonal flow, as can be seen from the times recorded.

The winning men’s time has varied from the record 20 minutes 44 seconds to 33 minutes 25 seconds!

I finished in a time of 35,57 nearly exactly the same as last year so no training for swimming has paid off the water was a balmy 20 degrees with little or no flow

Run in the Sun

2010-06-17T21:36:00.002+01:00

Good run tonight 14 miles in 1 hour 37 so around about three hour marathon pace happy.... :-) swim tomorrow am

Lake Swimming

2010-06-16T21:09:00.004+01:00

Summer swimming at 6.30 am in the marine lake at West Kirby perfect start to the day sure beats the line on the bottom of a swimming pool

Verdon 2010

2010-06-16T20:45:00.002+01:00

Stage 7 the 70 k point feeling ok

the route is marked by tape in the trees you can route disappearing down this hill

The route was in and out of the gorge

Stage 5 50k halfway

Verdon

2010-06-16T20:40:00.004+01:00

Can you see the runner on the path just on tree line click the picture

Verdon

2010-06-14T21:28:00.003+01:00

Weekend in Verdon in France competing in Verdon Canyon Challenge Ultra Marathon at 100k long with over 6000 meters of climbing the same hight as Mt Kilimanjaro on technical trails that makes this one of Europe's toughest ultra marathons . With 120 competitors around 40 did not complete the race the race started at 5am and I finished just after 2pm a time of 21 hours some three hours better than last year in 28th position. Training through the year has helped and I feel tougher and more able to cope with the pain that these runs can bring , the next race now being the osmotherley phonix in early July hope to post few more pics

2010-06-06T19:13:00.002+01:00

A weekend involved withbputting a bit back into my sport I have been setting up and stripping the fantastic Chester triathlon a great success with 440 competitors !! All enjoying it in perfect conditions with the sun being out just at the finish it was lovely to see so many families enjoying supporting their chosen competitors and every body sitting down in the park after the race . Next Saturday the big one the Verdon canyon challenge in France next Saturday hoping for 20 hour finish ! .

A good weekend

2010-05-31T21:29:00.002+01:00

A weekend of running coming to think about it a week of running , a good tough 25 miles on Wednesday in peak district recing a race that is on in July tough day with lots of climbing . Saturday was gym class on beach lots of sprints and weights then Sunday the liverpool tunnel 10 k a pb over that course 37.10 then today chester marathon in 2.54 new race that was well organised feeling good and ready for verdon a week on Saturday

Joggle

2010-05-04T20:53:00.003+01:00

After London recovery been good all round with Jimmy looking as fit as fiddle he all entered for tunnel 10k , I had weekend run of 26 + with crazy Rich just like old times , really looking forward to fells man this weekend 60 miles around Yorkshire I think we going to give it a good go this weekend cant wait excepting the fact that Rich has booked our accommodation in the wrong place cant believe the Joggle race http://www.9barjogleultra.blogspot.com/ Lands end John o groats at moment looks tough .

london

2010-04-26T13:05:00.002+01:00

All in all happy with 2.53 this weekend good foundation to have a crack at sub 2.45 . As always great weekend with lots of friends getting impressive times including Jim my foreman who did sub 5 hours in first marathon with little training could not recommend this race enough a must do life tick entries open early may see http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/ good luck if you decide to enter

5 days to go

2010-04-20T17:31:00.002+01:00

London on Sunday , looks like I should gain a few places because of the ash cloud preventing people from getting to London . Feeling good with the usual nerves why .... I will never know just love the race ,although have ended up with a bit of cold and a cough always the way but should shake that off before Sunday , As you may know Jimmy my right hand man is doing London as his first marathon and is looking good from his training , fellow club member Julian Mc Donald is trying to qualify for a place to represent Wales in the Commonwealth games a brilliant athlete who puts an incredible amount of effort into his training and has had some bad luck in the past he needs to run sub 2.20

London 2010

2010-04-12T21:56:00.002+01:00

All is good after what turned out to be eventful ski trip , and back focused with road running feeling good and getting back to speed , Lawrence my brilliant coach back on board with plan for London a week on Sunday and beyond

Skiing

2010-04-05T18:56:00.002+01:00

Just had day of perfect skiing with MJ , Anna & JR the only bad thing MJ finally has the edge on me on a pair of skis a bad day for me a good day for him I think he just plain crazy . Been running tonight and just about shaking Canada off hopefully in time for London marathon .

Nerves

2010-03-24T17:50:00.002Z

Just done a presentation about arctic adventure to my nieces Jennifer's grade 1 class at Woodbine School , Calgary , I was more nervous before the presentation than the race itself . The kids were cool lots of questions........ did you see santa ? ......did you see any polar bears ?....... did you see any ice hockey players ?.........

Looking forward to getting home tomorrow and picking up training for London marathon did thirteen miles yesterday and was sore after not good

Pictures

2010-03-23T03:36:00.003Z

Arrived back in Calgary tonight after three days of traveling , Air Canada have lost all my bags but some good home cooking tonight all is good 6633 Arctic Ultra - 2010 Richards Video

Final Result

2010-03-21T02:45:00.004Z

Two finishers made it all the way to Tuk a supreme acheviment both suffering from quite significant injuries frostbite swollen limbs.A superb performance by Chriss and Shaun that shows the level of both mental and physical endurance required to complete this event .
Looking forward now to getting home .

Its not fully over

2010-03-17T23:08:00.002Z

Tomorrow Alberto and I will take on the final stage along the ice rd to run the last fifty miles to Tuk from swimming point , he in the same position as me in good physical shape just cold and stress causing his withdrawal really looking forward to getting out there again............... having walked on the Ice Rd this morning it is stunning you can actually see right through the ice . The race is on with Chris ( Walking machine ) making great progress and Sean who is suffering from twisted ankle and damaged his knee both scarcely swollen and PJ who has massive damage to his feet is still to make the checkpoint at 230 miles all three are supreme athletes who are extremely brave .

My Finish

2010-03-17T00:26:00.002Z

As you may have guessed by now I withdrew from the race around 6pm local time after 180 miles (82 hours of racing) .

I was suffering from extreme mental exhaustion this being brought on by lack of sleep (seven hours in total) , solitude , dehydration , lack of nutrition and cold.

My physical well being being intact I was in danger of making mistakes that could harm myself and was not seeing the point of continuing past the point I had reached, given that I walked for a further two hours after informing the very supportive race director that I needed more time to consider my feelings, bearing in mind that walking into the wind the temperature was around minus 40 (with wind chill).

Having now had a little sleep and some real food I feel much better and am not disappointed having not finishing and am personally proud that I made it so far in such a tough race and managed to finish the 120 race and am one of only 6 competitors have made it past the 120 mile mark

There are currently 3 competitors still in the race all each of them being just unbelievable athletes Chris (the walking machine - last years winner), Sean and PJ. I will update on their news as the race continues.

My special thanks to all those who taken the time to have supported me it has given me great encouragement

In the very apt words of TS Eliot:

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”

a few more snaps....

2010-03-15T15:21:00.008Z

Looking back at the Richardson Mountains

Richard in his bivvy around 39km from Fort Mcpherson

The amazing Northern Lights

towards Tsiig

2010-03-15T14:51:00.004Z

Day 4 of the race today and the racers are heading towards Tsiigehtchic. Martin, the race organiser, has posted race reports on the main race website (see link in top left) so check them out for some good detail.

The few hours before arriving at Fort McPherson were probably the most challenging so far for Richard having had over 48 hours with barely any rest or nutrition - oh, and having travelled 120 miles on foot in that time. Having helped Richard pack his 'food' I am not a bit surprised that he is having trouble eating it!!!

I have been sent a few photo's from earlier in the race - the scenery looks amazing.......

Richard on day 1, crossing into the Arctic Circle

Wright Pass at sunrise, Richard passed here at 5.30am. It is the border of the Yukon and North West Territories in the Arctic Circle

on route to Fort McPherson

2010-03-14T14:03:00.004Z

Last update was received from Phil at 1.15am after he returned from a patrol:-

Richard was about 39km from the check point at Fort McPherson, the end of the 120 mile race, hunkered down in his bivvy. Woke up just in time to see the incredible Northern Lights go over. 4 of the athletes are fairly close together now so should be good to have some company.

Richard was in good spirits - checking on the beacon now it looks like he may be taking a break around 15km from the check point. The next check point is at the Gwich'in First Nations band office and should allow for some quality rest.

Hanging out in the hangar!

2010-03-13T19:55:00.002Z

Richard arrived at James Creek (69 miles) this morning within about 15 minutes of his 'desired' time - he was 15 minutes earlier of course! He has definitely experienced some severs winds and is probably in no hurry to do the ascent to Wright Pass again.

Sleeping is difficult in the hangar due to noise, so if he hasn't managed any more sleep before then, Richard plans to leave at around 1pm (pacific time). The next check point is 47 miles away at Fort Mcpherson, so the racers may choose to bivvy up somewhere in between.

and they're off................

2010-03-12T19:47:00.008Z

The race has started on a beautiful, mild morning with the temperature minus 15 degrees. Thirty miles along the race route it is minus 40 degrees with 50mph winds - chilly!

Will add to this post as soon as I hear news, but for now, here are a few photos from the start........

Northern Lights

2010-03-12T05:41:00.001Z

9pm local time just had cosmic light show the Northern Lights spectacular !

Eagle Plain

2010-03-12T03:24:00.007Z

Finally here at Eagle Plain Yucon Canada ,it is hard to describe how isolated this place is the nearest petrol station is 250 miles away ! it gives you an idea the weather here is calm and not to cold around minus 14 but apparently only 40 miles away, where I hope to be around 7 pm, it is 50 mph winds and a temperature of minus 40 with wind chill. Anyway that's what I am here for . Really excited now to get started at 8.30 am tomorrow that's about 4.30 pm UK time . So I guess this is the last post for a while. follow me on the spot, see the link in links, and Helen's sister Ruth will be looking after updates from now on. I must mention any schools following me, Kingsmead in Hoylake UK and Woodbine in Calgary Canada thanks for your support

Captain Dick and the sour toe

2010-03-11T17:03:00.005Z

All is good here in Dawson , ready to go having had my Sourtoe good luck cocktail. Check it out on the web, google sourtoe cocktail, not sure I was so lucky . Superb drive through the wilderness yesterday where we saw lynx , porcupine and coyote just like a trip to zoo . I ready to start we got to drive a further two hundered miles north to Eagle Plain and the start tomorrow morning ....... Bring it on ......

Dog tyred............

2010-03-10T04:03:00.003Z

The secret weapon is my faithful sled dog pawrelli who will never tyre . On a more serios note weather is good but very cold in wind have done today compulsary briefing and kit check , and been out tonight and done safety check practising setting up emergency shelter and boiling some water more difficult than in sounds in a stiff brezze . Tommoro we all travel to Dawson and then on to Eagle Plain on Thursday really looking forward to getting started

Yucon

2010-03-09T02:04:00.002Z

Have arrived in Whitehorse with a marked change in weather with it being colder and windier than Calgary so a little more in the spirit of the race still a lot further north to go another 500 miles so a lot more chance of extreme weather . Met at the airport by Martin race organiser and looking forward to tomorrows safety checks when we all go out on frozen lake and demonstrate that capable of setting up bivvy and boiling up water . The secret weapon will also be unveiled tomorrow ..............

Club Tropicana

2010-03-08T03:11:00.004Z

The weather here is a little warmer than expected around 20 degrees in the sun , it all has shades of last years marathon d sables when it rained for the first time in forty years . I now concerned the frozen lakes I going to cross will start melting and every Canadian seems to be very concerned about polar bears like there are going to be hundreds of them just waiting to eat me ! . Being philosophical it just goes to show whatever prep you do for these long events it is never enough like as if there always a other dimension to test you . Well happy and ready to go with just enough nerves to be good

Lots of nothing

2010-03-07T16:54:00.002Z

The view out of the window of the plane just lots and lots of nothing over two hours of just wilderness just brings home how remote it is couldn't see a Starbucks or Mc Donalds anywhere ! . Another sunny day here off for a walk now been awake since 5am ain't jet lag great . The word from Martin the race organizer is the weather is unseasonably warm but lots can can change in week whatever happens it all good really ready now fly to whitehorse tomorrow afternoon

Sunshine !!

2010-03-06T22:45:00.002Z

After very good flight the sledge and I have arrived in Calgary were it is warm and Sunny still only afternoon here so I guess I will be tired later looking forward to getting out for a run tomorrow in the sunshine hopefully

TV

2010-03-05T14:57:00.003Z

Story on Granada reports not going out till next week so watch out !

7 Days Today the big day

2010-03-05T09:09:00.004Z

Only 7 Days to go every day now flying past . A little concerned now about charges for excess baggage , this can not be anything to with all the excess stuff on the principal "that might be use full " and "there is nothing worse than being hungry " the blame lies firmly with the amount of gifts I taking for the Searl family in Calgary for kindly looking after me both before and after the event .Work is good and a big thanks to Jimmy , Ross & James for looking after things in my absence although Jimmy needs to pick up his Marathon training only a few weeks left now before he embarks on the London marathon . The weather looking very favorable at moment but hey loads can happen in a week

The Now Famous Tyre

2010-03-02T21:41:00.002Z

Had funny afternoon filming a piece for Granada reports with my friend the tyre , this should be on TV Friday night , great run tonight 16 miles cross country lots of hills and mud in two hours . Looking forward to last massage before I go the last chance for Dave at massage for life http://massageforlife.net/default.aspx to work his magic that has kept me injury free during my build up, the best around give it a try !

Watch out George Clooney

2010-03-01T21:48:00.004Z

Or should I say George of of George and Mildrid , Pleasant surprise today when I got call from ITV news asking whether they could cover my story , they going to film tomorrow .More trye dragging today , and yesterday first time on indoor bike for a while riding at 5% more power than ever ridden before over an hour so must be doing something right .The picture of competitor last year just a reminder of just how warm its going to be feeling good and ready to go .

Snow Snow and more Snow

2010-02-27T18:18:00.002Z

Been running in snow from Poynton Manchester to Cat & Fiddle pub at top of snake pass ( did not get to stop ) with every hill in between , loads of snow about 100cm in places ! , made for probably the toughest 28 miles I ever done but good fun .Good day and looking forward to meal out tonight and REST ! day tomorrow cant wait bmx with Jr & Anna in morning cool

He is behind you ! oh no he isnt !

2010-02-26T22:47:00.003Z

No significance in the title apart from the fact just got back from very good pantomime , Feeling good had great week little concerned that I weigh less than I have weighed in last ten years lost nearly a kilo in last month ! like a extreme fat fighters ! no big deal could not have eaten any more if I tried and I guess less to lug around. Looking forward to tomorrows run going to the peak district for thirty miler with that crazy Rich B even if it means yet a other early start , he should be doing the event he done the training !
Need as many followers as poss now in the run up to the start on March 12th ,every follower is another reason not to give up when every bone in body says stop , tell your friends family whoever to sign up it makes sense I promise some good pics and hopefully witty comments don't worry I will remind you again and remember it is free I am not even looking for sponsorship
This should make you laugh
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT8I2KYWGY4

Not so good now

2010-02-23T22:30:00.002Z

Tonights weather forcast ****** Blizzard. Wind northeast 30 km/h except 60 gusting to 90 near the Richardson mountains. Low -31C(-24F). Cold wind chill -44. Risk of frostbite ******
Scared now
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/71506.html?bannertypeclick=bigtemptr

Feeling good bring it on !!!

2010-02-23T21:59:00.003Z

After what was a great run Sunday night twenty miles 3800 ft of climbing of road with crazy Rich B dragging me around in 3.15 no pain all is good , good walk yesterday with my friend the tyre it nearly worn through the temptation is to wear it before I go . Tonight a fast five k I starting to think about London Marathon in April I know I should not but felt bad after , so did an hour on the stair treader feeling good and mentally psyching myself up for the biggist sporting challange I have ever undertaken
Need more followers to keep me motivated the more watching the bigger the presure to finish !!

Dress Rehearsal

2010-02-21T15:07:00.004Z

Not been a bad weekend with 23 mile walk yesterday with the pulk / bath on wheels happy with 6 hours . I now immune to the funny looks , but have to keep my headphones in otherwise would be answering to many questions from people along the way wondering why I out with this thing behind me , A few pleasant miles walking this morning with the tyre and Mrs W keeping me company on bike although ankle quite sore .Don't think I designed to walk never had so many niggles as I have had since started waking but tonight hoping for 15 mile run along the sandstone trail with Rich B . A dress rehearsal for the many layers I will be wearing it even felt warm in our house ! worried about end of my nose the only part exposed I liking the all black look

The bath tub on wheels

2010-02-18T21:11:00.002Z

Contrary to what seems to be a popular rumor spread around by certain friends ! Mrs Webster has not thrown me out to wander aimlesly the streets of Wirral with my belongings inside a bath tub on wheels .
Training is going ok but stepped of the gas as starting to feel a little fatigue coming on great run last night and rest today back on for the weekend

Tyre Pulling

2010-02-16T21:44:00.005Z

After bit of a shock in many ways lots of new aches and pains after walk on Saturday really tried were i could to nail it last few days and have to my surprise logged a respectable 60 miles of walking 15 hours and starting to get quite comfortable been checking out my tracking device http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0mA1rNJ5BsoHFenOyWW5EnDSYSCaNAQEe
seems to work well . Saw a really massive owl whilst out Monday night it just stayed perfectly still about five feet away watching me must have been thinking what lots of others are why is this idiot dragging a car tyre behind him

A sledge full of soup and some funny looks

2010-02-13T21:27:00.002Z

Out today for good test with sledge fully loaded not with technical equipment just tins of soup for weight and that sleeping bag for bulk .Just short of thirty miles walking ! it takes ages out at 9.30 am back at 4pm went well lots of people giving me strange looks ! wheels worked great many thanks to BL . Tomorrow is Jonnys 8th birthday party a BMX party at rampworx www.rampworx.com should be good

5K PB and race plan

2010-02-10T22:12:00.003Z

Got race plan all sorted does not seem to allow much time for sleep , and booked accomodation in White Horse ( cool name for a city ) need to get satelite phone organised PB tonight for 5k on treadmill 16.54 I know I should not be doing that but could not resist

The Pulk

2010-02-07T21:20:00.004Z

The Pulk all packed and ready to go , Hardly ! dont know were to start with it all but getting there ,looks big but 90% sleeping bag and I guess you thinking why wheels apparently the wind so strong it blows the snow of any tarmac surfaces check out the link you will know what I mean .

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmmq4X64iKM
Nice run in the sun yesterday around Great Orme in Llandudno foot much better

Only 35 days to go

2010-02-05T22:14:00.002Z

With a good week of solid training and all is good , have got 95 miles of qaulity running this week so with a other 10 tomorrow should be well over the magic 100 .Had a good chat on Thursday with Andy Carr prev competitor of similar race Yucon Arctic Ultra loads of good advice and even more motivation . Foot still a little sore but definitely on the mend , good massage by Dave at massage for life on Wednesday definitely helped looking forward to weekend
Who could not be motivated by this picture taken by Kevin H in a previous race

Mud , bogs , hills sand & scalectrix

2010-02-02T19:14:00.000Z

Tonight's run a difficult 13 miler with Rich B dragging me around the most difficult cross country terrain we could find on the Wirral in 1 Hour 50 , after last nights one and a half hours on the stair tread machine in the gym the legs felt the pace , all is good and looking forward to JRs eighth birthday tomorrow Scalectrix cool !!
link to great race that took place today apparently entry by invite only www.esbnyc.com/tourism/tourism_specialevents_runup.cfm

Pennine Bridleway Relay

2010-01-31T19:50:00.000Z

Great run , running leg two 12.5 miles of this relay race with fellow Chester Triathlon club mates Chris L and Chris M good company and scenic running for this leg done in just under two hours then for me the return journey in just over two hours so a good 25 miles of cross country . That foot that had been troubling me got steadily better during the run, it must be the answer to injury a good long run

The first post with some nerves

2010-01-30T21:00:00.000Z

Hey the first post , after a fantastic racing season last year with some great trips away to race inc Canada , North Africa & France and some good results along the way , I was happy with them at least ! Now for the big one the 6633 Arctic ultra with one month to go http://www.6633ultra.com 350 Miles across the northern most region of Canada in the middle of winter crazy ,and not even I can explain why check out the videos on the web to see the conditions . I hope to keep an up to date record on this blog of the next five weeks buildup before the race and during it with hopefully Phil my brother in law who has kindly volunteered as race crew updating the blog along the way . Training going well although suffering a little with sore arch on foot but I guess goes with territory . Pennine Bridleway relay tomorrow doing leg two and running back after so should be good 25 miler .