I'm finished and sitting in a lovely double bed with clean sheets while typing this report. A bit different from sitting is a sandy tent in deliberately small seats with a 15 minute time limit to post a message and a queue of people behind me, while my muscles as crying for a rest!
Stage 5
It was the last marathon and having finished strong yesterday I was looking forward to this one. I decided to run again with Richard as having a running partner is really important for a few reasons. One to make sure you don't get lost and the other to get you through the inevitable dark times. When you are running through dried river beds your head is inevitably down trying not to trip on rocks, or stand on a cactus or even worse a snake, you can miss the tiny pink flags planted in the ground of the pink ribbon tied to a bush showing you the route. Everyone got lost at some stage.
We headed off fast trying to take advantage of the cooler weather at 8am and also we knew we'd be going through some canyons that involved a ladder and a rope climb so we didn't want to get caught up on the rush. My bag was probably down to about 19 pounds now so feeling "light" and not causing me so much pain.
The scenery was once again stunning and you had to take time to take it in. Anyone who just kept there head down was in the wrong type of event and it did help with the pain. This became the hottest day of the race and it took it's toll, especially on some of the climbs. Richard struggled with the descents due to his leg injury and I was amazed how he persevered. I don't know how he managed to get through the slot canyons as there was a lot of clambering required. At one stage I must have dragged myself along withou saying a word for an hour on a long hot never ending dusty road and Richard was there just making sure I kept hydrating myself and staying a few feet ahead to encourage me - that's when you need a partner.
There was a video posted of us finishing the stage with me trying to hold onto him as we got to the finish line - we were in bits when we crossed it. He went straight to the medical tent and I checked to see if my pinkie toe had actually come off - painful little bugger but fortunately no infection and the drugs helped. Got weighed and had lost 10 pounds (project get the weight back on has started!).
Stage 6
Battered and bruised we got up for a staggered start with only 12km to do in the last day. Effectively the race was over unless you were competing for places. The slowest runners went ant 7, I was in the 8am group and the fast boys went at 9. Richard and I decided to run together and went out as fast as we could. I knew the terrain started off with a slight incline but would then get "silly steep" and we were doing well for the first half. The second half was a walk with the altitude over 6,000 ft and as we weren't competing for places we took in the best views of the week - the pink cliffs of the Grand Staircase, something we'd been staring at for a week in the distance.
Even at this late stage we had to encourage each other to make it up the steep parts. Just short of the finish line the winner came flying past us shortly followed by the 2nd place runner. We could hear up ahead the crowd going mental and the cowbells ringing so we forgot our pain and ran it in. A huge group of supporters and athletes were waiting going nuts and at the finish line was Fiona. That thought had been in my head every day and to see her was very emotional. The organisers gave us a hug and presented me with my Grand to Grand buckle which I will ware with pride. I didn't waste any time in tucking into the pizza, coke, apples and bananas just behind the finish line.
This event isn't about positions and my next post will explain what it's really all about - there are some many heroic stories to share with you. But for those interested, I was sitting overall 46th at the end of day 5 from a starting line up of 119 - with 26 DNFs. I will have lost a few places on the last day but top half is always something I aim for in any event. This is beyond my wildest dreams when in reality I was lucky to even make the startline. Thanks for following my journey. My next blog is going to give you a real flavour for the event before it all merges into one. But first some R&R time with my number one supporter - Fiona.
Sunday, 1 October 2017
Thursday, 28 September 2017
The toughest day ever!
Having completed 58 miles in the previous two days, throwing in a double marathon is a bit cruel. The scenery was the best yet with pink canyons and massive cliffs but the route was BRUTAL. 20 people dropped out. It was reasonably warm but 75% of the course was soft sand. My pal from the day before couldn’t continue but I spent the majority of the day running/trekking with Mark. We encouraged each other during the dark periods and there were many.
The first marathon was tough but ok. But the second half was horrendous. My total time was 20 hours and 20 minutes and I finished at 4.20am when I had started at 8am. This was a huge success. There were many difficult sections where the soft sand sucked you into the ground – 75% of the course was soft sand. Then we hit the 5km stretch of sand dunes having been active for over 14 hours. Imagine your hardest leg session except you’ve already done 14 hours of exercise. It was pitch black and there were lights showing you the top of the sand dune – some were 4 stories high and you ended up on all fours clawing your way up. My poles helped but they were sinking 2 feet into the sand. On top of that I’m carrying 23 lbs on my back.
Later we went through the devils garden. Again in the dark negotiating through bush, cacti and other stuff. My gators were ripped to be bits which is going to be an issue in the next 2 marathon on Thur/Fri.
My body is holding up and subject to my shoes not filling with san every two minutes, I’m confident I’m going to bring this home. However just one misplaced foot and it can be over. This is the toughest even ever. I’ll expand on the stories when I get home but in the time allotted, that’s it for today. Cheers.
The first marathon was tough but ok. But the second half was horrendous. My total time was 20 hours and 20 minutes and I finished at 4.20am when I had started at 8am. This was a huge success. There were many difficult sections where the soft sand sucked you into the ground – 75% of the course was soft sand. Then we hit the 5km stretch of sand dunes having been active for over 14 hours. Imagine your hardest leg session except you’ve already done 14 hours of exercise. It was pitch black and there were lights showing you the top of the sand dune – some were 4 stories high and you ended up on all fours clawing your way up. My poles helped but they were sinking 2 feet into the sand. On top of that I’m carrying 23 lbs on my back.
Later we went through the devils garden. Again in the dark negotiating through bush, cacti and other stuff. My gators were ripped to be bits which is going to be an issue in the next 2 marathon on Thur/Fri.
My body is holding up and subject to my shoes not filling with san every two minutes, I’m confident I’m going to bring this home. However just one misplaced foot and it can be over. This is the toughest even ever. I’ll expand on the stories when I get home but in the time allotted, that’s it for today. Cheers.
Wednesday, 27 September 2017
Shorter but harder!
At last I have Derek's day 2 blog based on how long they take to arrive next update likely to be Thursday.
Hard to believe but day 2 was 27 miles and harder than yesterday. So much is dictated by the terrain and near after 5 kg there was a climb of 500m. Not much you would think but at altitude higher than we have back home, with temperatures higher than back home and a 24 LB pack on my back – it was a good test. My hill training came in handy but the key is keeping m...y body temperature down or you can be in big trouble. There isn’t much shelter from the sun so this also dictates when you can run. It might be flat in places, and there were plenty of them but if you keep running then tomorrow might be an issue. And today is all about tomorrow.
I met a wonderful American guy called Andy and we stayed together the whole day which made it easier. The scenery once again was stunning making the pain in my shoulders slightly easier (along with the pain killers).
When I got back to the finish you are greeted by people cheering and a cow bell sounding. I rehydrated and went straight to the medical tent to get a couple of blisters seen to. The amazing thing is after 8 hours 30 mins unofficial time I know I’ll feel great in the morning because all I do now is put my feet up, rest, rehydrate and eat. Tomorrow is the big challenge. 53 Miles and I’m unsure how I will tackle it. Much will depend on how I feel. This is like no other race in that it’s as much about survival. The conditions are brutal. I won’t be sending a blog for a few days now as I’ll be having fun in the sand! Thanks for your messages of support.
When I got back to the finish you are greeted by people cheering and a cow bell sounding. I rehydrated and went straight to the medical tent to get a couple of blisters seen to. The amazing thing is after 8 hours 30 mins unofficial time I know I’ll feel great in the morning because all I do now is put my feet up, rest, rehydrate and eat. Tomorrow is the big challenge. 53 Miles and I’m unsure how I will tackle it. Much will depend on how I feel. This is like no other race in that it’s as much about survival. The conditions are brutal. I won’t be sending a blog for a few days now as I’ll be having fun in the sand! Thanks for your messages of support.
Tuesday, 26 September 2017
Day 1 Race report
Sorry for the late post here is Derek's Day 1 report. I didn't get it before I flew to Vegas. Fiona
Before we get into the race, we were at camp on the north rim of the Canyon. We had a spectacular meal laid on for us before we went to bed at 8am. It was cold to star and went to minus during the night – it was freezing but my cosy sleeping bag worked.Up at 6am for the race and my first cold breakfast – it was ok. Today was 31 miles and it was a tough day. The heat built up as the day went on and with an 8am... start I tried to get in as many miles as possible before then heat took its toll. The altitude is a definite a factor as is the hard packed tracks, stones, and fine sand – it gets everywhere. Then there are the cactus which lurk in the ground. One of them snagged me and I had a few needles to pull out. My pack weighs 25 lb before you add 1.5 L of water. Too heavy but it makes sure I won’t be freezing or starving at night. The camp was 5 miles from the last check point but they kept taking you towards it then away from it – not nice. I finished in 8 hours and 20 mins (unofficial). Tomorrow is 27.5 miles and that leads up to the 53 mile long day so I’m sticking to my strategy of getting acclimatized and breaking myself in slowly. Only on heat spot which I treated so so far no blisters.Now for recovery. Salt drink taken, protein drink next. Feet up and rest before my first freeze dried food – can’t say I’m looking forward to that. This is an amazing race with stunning scenery but I’m told it only gets better from here.This probably won’t be posted till Tuesday as there is no signal at the camp and they have to save the emails then take them into town. It will be posted to Mrs Stewart who will then put it in the blog – assuming she isn’t at 35,000 feet!
Saturday, 23 September 2017
Talk the talk, now let's walk the walk
It's 8.30 pm on Friday night and I'm tucked up in bed. This will be the last night where I have a descent bed to sleep in as tomorrow night I will be under canvas in the Grand Canyon worrying about the contents of my rucksack and the weather conditions for the start of the race the following morning.
Today was all about registration - making sure I didn't fail before I started. I had to check out of one hotel and check in to another. I decided to "fly the flag" and walked from my hotel up the Main Street for breakfast in my kilt! It took me 3 times as long as normal as all the locals wanted to either explain their Scottish heritage or just generally have a chat. I was welcomed at the registration by the race organisers Colin & Tess and it was so nice to meet them after a lot of email and FB communication. We've agreed that I should ware my kilt at the awards dinner along with a cowboy hat - that will be a picture for the collection!
I've met so many new people today and the one thing they all have in common is their love of adventure and based on my experience this week, this will be a real adventure. G2G looks harder than MdS and the temperature will play a large part. Sure it will be hot during the day but it could fall into the minus numbers at night which will present a real challenge.
My rucksack weighed in at 26Lbs! It was described as "one of the heavier ones". I've repacking tonight and reduced my food as the calories on some days were 3,200 which will probably be difficult to consume. But I've only got it down by 1Lb! I'll get my shoulders taped to avoid the straps cutting in and will use my secret weapon to relieve some of the pressure of the straps - sanitary towels! Honestly I won't be the only one using this technique.
We had a beautiful meal in the park tonight but the temperature dropped quickly so we didn't hang around. Tomorrow involves getting breakfast then heading up to the coach which will take 3 hours to our camp site in the Grand Canyon.
I've been talking about this race for 2 years and now it's time to execute the plan. I'll keep my blog going but realistically you won't hear from me until Monday. If you want to message me then go to www.g2gultra.com and go to "race coverage" and "email a competitor". My bib number is 252. Let's do this!
Today was all about registration - making sure I didn't fail before I started. I had to check out of one hotel and check in to another. I decided to "fly the flag" and walked from my hotel up the Main Street for breakfast in my kilt! It took me 3 times as long as normal as all the locals wanted to either explain their Scottish heritage or just generally have a chat. I was welcomed at the registration by the race organisers Colin & Tess and it was so nice to meet them after a lot of email and FB communication. We've agreed that I should ware my kilt at the awards dinner along with a cowboy hat - that will be a picture for the collection!
I've met so many new people today and the one thing they all have in common is their love of adventure and based on my experience this week, this will be a real adventure. G2G looks harder than MdS and the temperature will play a large part. Sure it will be hot during the day but it could fall into the minus numbers at night which will present a real challenge.
My rucksack weighed in at 26Lbs! It was described as "one of the heavier ones". I've repacking tonight and reduced my food as the calories on some days were 3,200 which will probably be difficult to consume. But I've only got it down by 1Lb! I'll get my shoulders taped to avoid the straps cutting in and will use my secret weapon to relieve some of the pressure of the straps - sanitary towels! Honestly I won't be the only one using this technique.
We had a beautiful meal in the park tonight but the temperature dropped quickly so we didn't hang around. Tomorrow involves getting breakfast then heading up to the coach which will take 3 hours to our camp site in the Grand Canyon.
I've been talking about this race for 2 years and now it's time to execute the plan. I'll keep my blog going but realistically you won't hear from me until Monday. If you want to message me then go to www.g2gultra.com and go to "race coverage" and "email a competitor". My bib number is 252. Let's do this!
Friday, 22 September 2017
Almost there
Tick tock, tick tock. It's getting closer and everyone you meet is excited and nervous about the race. Many different strategies are being employed and fortunately for me having done a staged race before, I have a rough idea as to what is important and what is just "noise". What is essential is that I don't waste any energy on the noise and conserve as much energy as possible during the day as we have a lot of time to do nothing.
Yesterday's flight around Kanab was special in so many ways. The scenery from the sky was stunning especially when we flew down a narrow canyon! My flight was the last one because the winds were picking up so it was bumpy but worth it. I was even given the opportunity to fly the plane for 10 minutes which included lining the plane up to land - Dave Baird the pilot took control with 45 seconds left! Dave and his wife gave up there time to allow as many runners that experience and wouldn't take a penny for it. They just wanted you to have a good time and enjoy flying.
I met some new runners as well; 3 Japanese, 2 Frenchmen (they were MY passengers on the flight!), a Swiss professor in Business Psychology and the youngest runner in the race who is 22. She is working with a charity to inspire your people and is full of positive energy - you can see how she will be an excellent role model. What a mix of people with a common passion.
Before dinner I went for a private yoga session with a very laid back teacher. After she realised how "non bendy" I was she helped me with some exercises I can use during the next week to help prevent injury or ease the strain. Yoga definitely has to be part of my training regime going forward before I snap! I walked away very calm and relaxed, probably an inch taller.
Dinner was with my new expanded group of friends but was slightly more subdued as we all beginning to retreat into ourselves in preparation for the organisational phase before the race starts on Sunday. Today I have to move hotels and then register for the race. I hope I don't have to empty my rucksack and show them all the manditory items, although I will be repacking the bag for one final time as I figure out how to get the weight down without starving.
Tonight the organisers are laying on dinner for everyone so this will be the first time the 120 runners will get to meet. It won't be a late night as we will be leaving on Saturday morning for our base camp in the Grand Canyon which is 3 hours away. The temperature is meant to be dropping for the next two days and it was very windy yesterday but who knows what it will be like when we get there. Tick tock - my destiny lies ahead.
Yesterday's flight around Kanab was special in so many ways. The scenery from the sky was stunning especially when we flew down a narrow canyon! My flight was the last one because the winds were picking up so it was bumpy but worth it. I was even given the opportunity to fly the plane for 10 minutes which included lining the plane up to land - Dave Baird the pilot took control with 45 seconds left! Dave and his wife gave up there time to allow as many runners that experience and wouldn't take a penny for it. They just wanted you to have a good time and enjoy flying.
I met some new runners as well; 3 Japanese, 2 Frenchmen (they were MY passengers on the flight!), a Swiss professor in Business Psychology and the youngest runner in the race who is 22. She is working with a charity to inspire your people and is full of positive energy - you can see how she will be an excellent role model. What a mix of people with a common passion.
Before dinner I went for a private yoga session with a very laid back teacher. After she realised how "non bendy" I was she helped me with some exercises I can use during the next week to help prevent injury or ease the strain. Yoga definitely has to be part of my training regime going forward before I snap! I walked away very calm and relaxed, probably an inch taller.
Dinner was with my new expanded group of friends but was slightly more subdued as we all beginning to retreat into ourselves in preparation for the organisational phase before the race starts on Sunday. Today I have to move hotels and then register for the race. I hope I don't have to empty my rucksack and show them all the manditory items, although I will be repacking the bag for one final time as I figure out how to get the weight down without starving.
Tonight the organisers are laying on dinner for everyone so this will be the first time the 120 runners will get to meet. It won't be a late night as we will be leaving on Saturday morning for our base camp in the Grand Canyon which is 3 hours away. The temperature is meant to be dropping for the next two days and it was very windy yesterday but who knows what it will be like when we get there. Tick tock - my destiny lies ahead.
Thursday, 21 September 2017
Kanab rocks
Another day closer to the race and yesterday was spent on the logistics, resting and eating. My rucksack has been an issue right from the beginning. Even after upgrading from a 25L to a 32L I still couldn't get all my food, equipment and clothing in so I headed to the local outdoor shop and came out with two straps that can carry my sleeping back outside the rucksack. This will make a big difference and I think in 3 days time I can put it back in the rucksack as I will have consumed a lot of food which takes up most of the room.
I then spent a couple of hours checking every item going in the bag to make sure I had everything. I was given a tip of repacking the freeze dried food into freezer bags. It reduces the weight (packaging) and the bulk due to the air in the packed bags. You keep a couple in the original bags but rather than throw them away you use them with the ones in the freezer bags in order to "cook" the food. It made a significant difference. So for the first time, the bag is packed. I'll get it weighed on Friday but it's heavy and I may have to reduce my food slightly - leave out the beer!
Later on I had a lovely massage and had my muscles all stretched out - it was so relaxing. My foot's sore from time to time but I'm just going to have to MTFU and get on with it. However the skin on my right foot is very dry and three small cracks have appeared. This isn't good as you always have to guard against infection and running on raw skin isn't fun. I'm sure it will be fine but that's today's task.
One of the joys of an event like this is the people you meet. Last night 6 of us went out for dinner; a South African, an Australian, 2 Americans and an English guy. All from different backgrounds with different running experiences so there were no shortage of stories. There's a nervous excitement building and tomorrow is registration when it will start getting serious.
In a few hours I am heading out for a short flight around the area of Kanab. The rock formations around here are stunning and seeing them from the sky will be amazing. This is a local pilot who is giving 15 minute flights for free - that tells you all you need to know about how friendly the people are and how proud they are of the history of their area. Tonight I have an individual yoga lesson for some gently stretching. Much to my surprise, Kanab really does rock!
I then spent a couple of hours checking every item going in the bag to make sure I had everything. I was given a tip of repacking the freeze dried food into freezer bags. It reduces the weight (packaging) and the bulk due to the air in the packed bags. You keep a couple in the original bags but rather than throw them away you use them with the ones in the freezer bags in order to "cook" the food. It made a significant difference. So for the first time, the bag is packed. I'll get it weighed on Friday but it's heavy and I may have to reduce my food slightly - leave out the beer!
Later on I had a lovely massage and had my muscles all stretched out - it was so relaxing. My foot's sore from time to time but I'm just going to have to MTFU and get on with it. However the skin on my right foot is very dry and three small cracks have appeared. This isn't good as you always have to guard against infection and running on raw skin isn't fun. I'm sure it will be fine but that's today's task.
One of the joys of an event like this is the people you meet. Last night 6 of us went out for dinner; a South African, an Australian, 2 Americans and an English guy. All from different backgrounds with different running experiences so there were no shortage of stories. There's a nervous excitement building and tomorrow is registration when it will start getting serious.
In a few hours I am heading out for a short flight around the area of Kanab. The rock formations around here are stunning and seeing them from the sky will be amazing. This is a local pilot who is giving 15 minute flights for free - that tells you all you need to know about how friendly the people are and how proud they are of the history of their area. Tonight I have an individual yoga lesson for some gently stretching. Much to my surprise, Kanab really does rock!
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