Race Report: VR24 - The Virtual 24hr Running Challenge 2020 - 18th/19th July

I'd suggest maybe a cuppa for this one as I am about to take you on a journey, a journey that doesn't quite last 24hours but that Id suggest you are at least sitting comfortably. 

You are? Good, then I'll begin.

The Background 

This event was created to replace the annual Continental 24hr Thunder Run 2020 (a 10k lapped trail event) after the global pandemic caused all large events to be cancelled. I have completed the Thunder Run on 3 occasions, 2011 - as a late edition to a team of 8 supported by Womens Running magazine, in 2012 - a team of 5 from my running club (well four from the club and my dad stepped in as 5th team member) and 2013 - my first as a solo runner completed 100km in 24 hours. In 2013 I said I would be back, it has taken a while but I'm finally doing it. Seven years older, certainly not wiser and after having a child. 

This year I had planned once again to go solo and had recruited my two friends - Kate & Paddy - to join me. With government guidelines changing all the time we did not know if we could even run together so we were pleased that we were able to set up a Race HQ for the three of us to take on the challenge together. Routes were mapped out with a section of 20km, 10km and 5km options so we could mix and match depending on how we felt. For a bit of an extra challenge - like this wasn't enough - we also plotted road signs into the route so we could create a race name road sign collage, I mean why wouldn't you! (Thanks Paddy for being in charge of this).

The night before we had a carb heavy meal of homemade lasagne with garlic bread followed by apple & blackcurrant crumble with ice cream. Then whilst our support crew (Mike) put the mini supporters (kids) to bed, the three runners set out to walk a 5km route for familiarisation and stretch the old leg muscles prepping them for the beasting that lay ahead this weekend. 

We opted to start our 24hours at 6am on Saturday 18th July, so with our goals in mind (100km for me, and 50-60km each for the others), off to bed we went with our kit all laid out and our tummies full. 

Runners Ready..... 3....2....1....Go!

I hadn't slept well, slightly restless, strange dreams, a heavy tummy and waking at 4:30am but I was confident that I was well prepped and that I had banked enough sleep over the last week that this would not impact me too much. I got dressed in my kit, sporting my Petts Wood Runners club vest for the first leg, was liberal in my application of Vaseline and zinc tape in any areas where rubbing may occur and settled down to eat two Weetabix and a banana. Before long I was joined by the others. The weather was warm despite the early start and cloudy (which afforded us much protection throughout the day). The first route was 20k with options to add on and ended up being around 15miles - we had decided to complete the long routes early into the run to bank the miles and felt it would be easier to talk ourselves into either 10ks or 5ks later on as we got tired. 

 

Waterway to have a good time! 

This first run took us along the canal path and on part of 'The Big Track', as we ran I was treated to some history of Nottingham including the 2nd Boots store ever opened (now a pub). There were lots of geese and swans along the paths, not delighted to have their morning routine disturbed by 3 chatty runners - but we were considerate and Kate's clapping technique warned them ahead of time and we only had one minor geese hissing incident!

Note: The clapping technique was also used later on tired runners!!!

Going it alone (but not for long)

Upon our return from the first lap we were all buzzing and happy with how we felt, as my target distance was a bit higher I opted to add in another 5km - banking a few k's here and there where I could to keep the distance creeping up - whilst the others had some poached eggs and a quick shower. Although not my local area I was confident in the route we had walked last night so was happy to go it alone for a while, running down by the river I saw I had a video message from my running buddy Sally, I watched this as a ran along which really made me happy that she was running a 10km virtually with me from home - so nice to know I have so many great friends supporting me on this journey. I returned from this sweaty, hot, smiling, but with my legs slightly crossed and ready for some more food including homemade flapjack and some sausage rolls (any excuse). It was 9:22am (3h22mins into the challenge) and I had the equivalent of just shy of 3 laps completed! 

Whilst I was out the others were sorting out big batches of pasta for us at lunchtime refuel - blinking heroes! Not sure anyone ever actually stopped moving when we weren't running laps. 

Refuel & Resume 

Now that we'd all had a little break we opted for the second 20km route, which promised beautiful views, and a flapjack at the midway point in a play park with our support crew. We set out at 10:00am and whilst I found my knees a little achey they seemed to return to normal service after about half a mile - which was a bit of a relief as there was a lot more to come. It was certainly getting much warmer but the cloud cover stayed which seemed to help - not sure I could have coped being smothered in sun cream as well. we passed through the watersports centre and eyed the podium - this would indeed need a return trip for a photo opportunity! Picturing more road signs and starting to see more people out and about we trotted along, a happy little trio chatting away. I started to notice a pattern... roughly every 3 miles as part of my fuelling strategy I would eat 3 jelly babies or fruit pastilles and ensure to have at least 3 swigs of water from my 'hydration bladder' (you know those water packs that go in a pack on your back and you have a straw!)… this was not the new thing I noticed... it was the similar regularity of which both Kate and Paddy have wild wee's yet they carried very little water with them! 

Just before we reached the halfway point of this lap we stopped briefly to admire the views over the Radcliffe on Trent Valley (?), and then joined the supporters at a picnic bench at a playpark on a hill (giving us the opportunity for a little walk) where we enjoyed some cold water and flapjacks, good luck cuddles from our kids and off we went away... this time down a little hill back to the water sports centre. Just before the we returned back to the water I saw hat my distance had reached a marathon distance so a quick stop for a photo opp with a lama to celebrate and we were back on our way. 

As we rounded the water the wind was at our back but on the return leg it was against us and truly felt like we could be running on the spot. I took this slowing in pace to check the VR24 facbook page - just in time to see Alex McNicol (the race director) to give the welcome and countdown to the 12noon start (insert airhorn here!). It wasn't much further and we were starting to flag physically, Kate sent us on and myself and paddy pushed on tagging on a few more km's making sure he also reached the marathon distance. We expected Kate to arrive back at HQ shortly after but she didn't, but when she did she had also tagged on some km's plus helped a man to find a lost phone. And the community spirit award goes to.... Kate!!

We knew this was to be a longer break, a time to rest a little, refuel, shower and change kit. 

Just the two of us

At around 2:30pm we were thinking of heading back out although Kate had opted foo a longer break so just myself and Paddy were going. We choose a 10km route so that we could loop back from Kate when her legs had rested some more (plus a quick bath and a lay down). I changed into a second pair of shoes (slightly larger in the toe box to allow my hot feet some more space) and completely fresh kit. As we started back up it was harder this time, the longer break although beneficial and had allowed my knees to stiffen up and start aching again and they were not happy. Our pace took a little while to settle to something resembling consistency but we plodded on, returning to the water sports centre and this time going the other way around in the hope of a tailwind for the first long stretch by the water - it kind of did but by no means magically lifted and transported us as I sort of hope it would Mary Poppins style...would that still count?

Checking in with Kate we knew she would be ready to head back out again at 4pm so we stuck to the 10km plan getting us back to HQ just before 4pm in time for a mini refuel of satsumas and marshmallows. Another change of shoes into the Mizuno's as the Reebok Floatride were not my friend that day.

Friends Reunited

Before long we were back out again as a trio, plotting a 5km that could turn into a 10km if we 'were feeling it'. Kate seemed to have had a complete turn around and was buzzing! Her form looking good, pace steady and strong. Myself and Paddy on the other hand were feeling a little weak at this point and somewhat wobbly. He seemed better than me, I was continually burping and tasting the high volume of sugary treats that had been fuelling me so far. We continued to gather our road signs for the collage, our minds struggling now to remember which letters we had and I was just happy to stop at every road sign for a little break (sssshhhh don't tell anyone). As me and Paddy trotted along behind, Kate led the way, and every time we slowed she did two claps - which seemed to have a magic power over out legs and spurred us into action. A bus slowed to allow us to cross a road - I had wanted the break, grrrr - but then somehow we started chatting to him and felt the need to announce we had done 40 miles so it was okay we were moving in slow motion. We were frauds I was only at 39miles at this point, hahahaha!

One sign sent me into a fit of hysteria - not even for a really good reason but left me unable to talk as I was giggling so much. Luckily I recovered from the delirium and normal service resumed... until Kate turned and started running up a hill... she was gone... we couldn't keep up. We were about 2 miles from HQ and all agreed that given the time and how we felt this would be a longer break, we would stop for dinner (pre-prepped by our catering lead, Kate), see the kids and crew, have a rest for a while. We arrived back at 17:40 - almost 12 hours after we started. Our countdown timer dutifully showing us how long was left. I uploaded my run to Strava - the Garmin had been great so far but couldn't risk losing the run!

Woah, we're halfway there

My feet were hot and swollen but amazingly free from blisters - taping the pressure points is certainly the way forward. I sat in the garden with them submerged in a bucket of cold water, while the kids bounced on the trampoline and quite frankly it felt amazing! We ate a dinner of Cheesy Macaroni Broccoli bake with sauages, followed by more flapjacks. We took the opportunity for a quick photo opp - I was delighted to be well over halfway towards my target and then others had both reached theirs already but wanting more!! They'd been bitten by the ultra running bug! I showered and even washed my hair - I'll be honest, I didn't have much choice, I had sweated so much it was dripping and rank...yuck!

I went to drink my tea, it tasted foul, but I didn't want to be rude as Mike had been looking after the kids all day and running round after us. In my mind I was thinking, when did his tea making get so bad, its like nothing I've tasted before. Then he looked up, saw my face, and pointed to another cup... Oh... "is this coffee?" I asked. I don't drink coffee, I have actually never had a cup of coffee in my life, coffee cake, coffee ice cream yes but the drink, no, not once. Good news is it didn't kill me, but I certainly wont be rushing for more!

Paddy's last hurrah...

Heading out on the 10km - and fuelled by bitter coffee - we knew it was going to be Paddy's last, he had smashed his target distance already so this was the cherry on top before a well-deserved beer. It felt tough, really tough, I was struggling. We headed into a more industrial area then we had been in previously in need of a road sign starting with an I, then in stark contrast back towards a more residential area with all road names, named after areas in the Lake District - which made me smile and think of my Dad - to find two U's. 

By this point my bladder was not my friend, I would start to run then have to stop as the pressure was too much but we were in a residential area and nowhere for wild wee's. I ran/walk/ran/walk feeling bad for holding the others up but I couldn't keep going like that. In what felt like an age but probably not even 500m we found a suitable spot and a weight was lifted (or more accurately expelled at high velocity) and I could run again! Whoop whoop! 

Who's your mate?... that's Kate, Kate from Netball, she's awesome

Now it was time for ladies, me and Kate heading out. Paddy was now happy with his beer but we had unfinished business. Kate still seemed to be on top of the world - all I had done was run - she had done kit washing, fed children, made signs, found a lost phone, and possibly changed a tyre or built a den (who knows she's so busy!). She knew what I had left. We were out for about 2 hours and covered over 8.5miles edging me ever close

Don't get me wrong I was always going back out and would have got the distance I wanted but with Kate by my side, in rain, leading the way, driving me forwards and with an

It's Abbey Road, I promise!

enthusiasm that only she could have at that point it was contagious. Before long the distance clocking up again, it felt possible, I knew we had hours left but wasn't sure how long I could keep going. The rain started and it seems we found Kate's nemesis, she was not happy with our new soggy selves but we kept smiling and driving each other on. soon we came to Abbey Road, which also had a pedestrian crossing, what else could we do... recreate an Album cover of course! 

She did more that she needed... two reasons,... to creep her total just past her hubby and to stay with me as long as she could. Kate - you are my hero. 

Time to bring it home vs. are we nearly there yet?

I had 95km done, I need 5km more to hit my target and 1km more to beat it. I was tired and wet, I felt sick. I couldn't find my waterproof so settled for a lightweight gillet. Kate was not thrilled at me going out by myself in the witching hour but she made me eat some toast, drink some water and said she would stay awake until I returned. So at 12:20 I set back out in p!ssing rain to complete the final few kms as a solo runner, but actually solo for only the second time since 6am. I stayed close to HQ on well lit roads, I saw more other people than expected, with umbrellas and big jackets - weak! (eye roll). Who possibly questioned what I was doing running around at that time with flashing lights and inappropriate clothing for the w

eather. I started off running and when I saw the first mile split was about a 14min/mile pace I kind of wondered why I bothered so just walk/ran the rest of it. Kate was sending intermittent messages, fighting her own tiredness so keep an eye on me (using shared location tracking).

I got back to HQ the door was open, Kate was stood inside with a sign congratulating me, I had done it, I had covered 63 miles / 101.3km in 19hours 40mins. My furthest distance covered and in a much shorter time!

In summary

•  Distance Covered 
• Paddy - 71k
• Kate - 74k
• Me - 101k
• TEAM TOTAL - 248km
• Wild Wee's - 1 for me, too many to count for the others!
• Types of pasta eaten - 3
• Bags of Jelly Babies devoured - 2 (I feel sick just thinking about it)
• Fits of hysteria by seemingly innocent things - 2  (had to be there moments)
• Album covers recreated - 1 (very poorly)
• Road sign, race name collages - 1 (thanks Paddy)
  

Post-Event

I was shaking, shivering, cold and nauseous. My legs were sizing up, I couldn't face anything more than water - which even that was a struggle. I had sent Kate away back to bed, my husband appeared and asked what I needed. I needed a bath but it was 2am. He ran the bath, I struggled to keep my eyes awake as the hot water warmed me back up. I was still feeling very unwell and struggling to get water down. I did and was in best by 3am. I woke at 5.15am.... hmm, 45 minutes until this thing is officially over, I wonder if I could get back out for a few more km's? Yes at this point I know I was being ridiculous! I rolled over and had a few more hours sleep. 

We celebrated over breakfast with Mimosas and bacon, then we all went back to the water sports centre for our medal giving ceremony and ice creams from a van with my name on it! What bloody fantastic weekend and amazing group of human beings! 

There are still places available for next years race, teams or solo's. But be warned, If you don't go Solo you're gonna get FOMO! Its all in the mind. 

Acknowledgements 

Thank you to all who supported me in this endeavour, to everyone who joined me on a training run, who posted their well wishes on social media, the other VR24 runners being so supportive in the run up to and during the event, my family, my friends, my fellow Petts Wood Runners, my awesome daughter and goddaughter for behaving so well this weekend whilst we kept disappearing out the door, my husband and of course Kate and Paddy. You two were fricking awesome and I cannot wait to do it all over again with you at the Thunder Run in 2021. 

Guess who's back, back again.... and running the #VR24

We've been here before, I go quiet for a long time. The last time I was dutifully silent and reappeared to tell everyone I'd decided to run the London Marathon rather than losing my place... oh and with zero

training unless you count a couple of 5ks and a 5 mile run 6 months before. 

This was in 2017 and I have been meaning to step up and start writing the blog again and this latest adventure would have been a perfect time but for some reason I haven't. Better late than never though and I want you all prepped for what I hope will be the story of an epic adventure this weekend! 

So by way of a super quick recap... my running has been back on track for a good year now. I have a new excellent running buddy in Sally - we are evenly paced, always encourage each other to get out and run; and have endless sources of chat so we never get bored (or silent!!). 

It took a while after I had my daughter for a number of reasons but I am well and truly back. So much so that last October when the entries opened for the Continental Thunder Run 24 Hour Trail running challenge I promptly signed myself up as a solo runner and started campaigning others to do the same (or in teams). My good friend and her husband (also a good friend) missed places as solo runners but were going to enter as a pair instead. It was easy to convince them.... we had all run our first marathons in the year of our 30ths so 10 years on what better excuse than reaching the 4th floor with another medal round our necks!

Alas, a rather inconvenient global pandemic put pay to many events this year (I won't dwell on this and I'm not being flippant but its all been said), and sadly this including the Thunder Run. I was gutted, the last time I ran it (and as a solo runner) was in 2013. I did 100km , 10 laps and it was the year of horrendous thunderstorms, rain, mud slides and the 'frog incident' (you'll need to read a previous blog for more on that one). 

But when cancellation was announced we were informed we could still run, it would be a virtual challenge (guidelines permitting) and we could still run for 24hours self supported on our own routes. Well why the hell not! My training planned was painstakingly added to my Garmin so I had daily reminders of what I should be doing and the advantage of being in lockdown is that I had very few social events and commutes getting in the way of my running. It was on! Kate and Paddy had been marathon training in the early part of the year and were up for the challenge too so it was more than on, it was on like Donkey Kong!

As time drew closer my distances were increasing and I was doing well, there were good runs, great runs, sweaty runs, runs that dragged, runs that flew by, many audiobooks listened to and runs where I got a bit grumpy but I have loved the journey. Restrictions have eased enough that the 3 of us can run together (rather than the initial plan of virtual support). Routes have been planned, flapjacks baked, kit is packed (way too much). Tomorrow we take on a self supported 24hour running challenge. 

Thank goodness a big part of this is about mental strength, there I have no worries, lets just hope our bodies can keep up with our minds! 

It’s taper time!!

5th June 2020 (forgot to publish!)

Today was a nice walk/run before I move into the two taper before the VR 24 - a virtual 24 running challenge. The original plan had been to go out to Lullingstone and see the lavender fields - usually a very popular spot for families to take cute pics of their little ones nestled in the rows of beautiful purple flowers but somehow my legs were tired and knees were achy so I decided to alter and shorten my route slightly.

I did pass a house with a generous out of lavender growing on the verge out front so I utilised this for my frolicking lavender pic - I was just a bit sweaty rather than in my Sunday best.

My route took me towards a previously unknown path, which I have passed a few times lately but not ventured upon due to the alarm “this is a COVID hotspot” sign

In two weeks the VR24 will be over, I’ll have tested the metal to see what I am capable of in 24hours... I'm just grateful that I found two willing participants to join me on my latest quest!! 

A Great (Houghton) North Run

For those that think its grim up north, well you are wrong! I awoke to beautiful blue skies and the sun beaming overead. It was the weekend we were to celebrate my Dad's birthday so we had all headed to t'north. 

I knew the day would have more than a little tipple involved so my plan was to get up and run before the masses awoke and get a run under my belt. Behind my dad's house there is a path that runs adjacent to open countryside, filled with friendly dog walkers... "'eh up love", "keep going duck". 

I did a nice flat,out and back route along the path concentrating once again on my gait and foot placement. My pace was comfortable and a little faster than I had been of later - perhaps due to the lack of hills. 

Returning along the path I could see the bar my Dad built and was looking forward to enjoying the rest of the day with the family and having a slight smugness that I had managed a run before most of them had got up for the day. 

It was 3.6 miles so still not a huge distance and I didn't feel quite ready to up the distance much further yet, but maybe the old (running) Liz is coming back!


 

Badger badger badger badger stret-ching stret-ching!!

As I get back into running regularly (ish) I am required to do more pre planning and to get up at 5:30am at the latest to squeeze in a run before my other half leaves for work and I return to parenting duties. First fail, I forgot to set the alarm... doh!

Luckily hubby woke me at 5:45am and with my kit already laid out at the end of the bed I leapt (this may be an exaggeration) into action and out the front door. It was raining. I was never a fair weather runner so decided I shouldn't be one now. Besides, it was very muggy out so the light drizzle was very nice to cool me down and I'd had the good sense not to put on a long sleeved waterproof which would soon turn into a me shaped oven once I warmed up.

I trotted along, happy enough but I was finding the run tough this morning. I took a strategic turn up a hill which I knew I would have to walk but would give me a flatter run for the rest of my route. I felt smug as I passed the growing line at the McDonalds Drive Thru, no doubt the inhabitants of the cars also felt smug that they were about to get their McMuffin and not soaking wet and clad in lycra!

The hill passed and I was running again, trying to concentrate on my technique, my feet seem to land differently so I was working hard to correct this to a more efficient gait. I reached home after 2.5 miles (shy of my planned 3 miles but time was not on my side today). I started to stretch, leaning against my porch then seemingly out of nowhere a large badger appeared by my feet.... being poorly sighted the badger jumped upon seeing me, as did I and he circled back and scooted around the neighbours garden looking for an escape route! (so I took the opportunity to grab my phone and take a few pics for evidence!)