Tail Runner = Trail Runner #DT40

DT40 trail marathon didn't go to plan. It was a run of 2 parts.

My last race before this was the #UGB200 miler a month before recovery had gone well and my energy levels were starting to get back to normal, but not quite there yet when it comes to the climbing and any efforts on elevation, but I really wanted to do this race even though I am missing out on the 'Slam' medal as I had to miss the #DT30 race due to injury. It is not everyday you will do a marathon distance race and not get a medal.

Start line chat

Part 1: 8miles 10.2/mile 1243ft going well... twisted ankle.

The DT40 route is different to the other races, there is less technical trail running, but it has its own challenges, for me this year was the packed trail descents and areas of limestone paving that protrudes from the ground. I enjoyed the start of this race, it climbs steeply on the road, not anything like the DT20 and Fremington Edge but in it own way as tough...pacing is crucial.

I hesitated, slipped and twisted my left ankle.

There was around 50mins where I gave up then walked/hobbled back towards a CP to find it only the sweepers coming and I had to go the other way. I was pleasantly surprised how many other runners asked how I was and even stopped to check if I was ok, so thanks to everyone who asked how I was #3. I had taken off my number and screwed it up and stuffed it in my pocket... however the 'Tail Runner' David got me going again, chatting ,walking and talking. So by the time I got back to the point where I had stopped I got going again...back in the race. My number was pinned back on and watch switched back on.
I really didn't want a DNF and wanted the T-shirt, I've had a DNF this year and just didn't want another, I couldn't be doing with those after race thoughts of having not finished. I thought of my friend at my running club Steve Rhodes (Hyde Park Harriers) battling through TDS a few weeks earlier and imagined what he would have told me... better get on with it. I was with the Tail runner and the course route markings were disappearing in front of my eyes, way at the back so I tentatively got slowly running again.

Part 2: 18.4miles 12:07/mile 1830ft started right from the back from the back working my way back up the field taking it steady and a sprint finish! Managed to get back 44places.

As I had decided not to now 'race', I still wanted to get back up the field and I slowly began to catch people up, 1, 2, 3 , 4 chatting to folk depending on how they were doing, I'm not normally this far back in the field and was great to see how hard everybody was trying...some amazing efforts out there in the race and I was really impressed by this, not going win, but racing and pushing themselves, for some it was the longest they had ever run, others were really suffering with cramp and just trying to make it to the next CP, this at a point in the race clock where the winner was crossing the line and taking the DT Series Grandslam title.. amazing all round.

I took it easy through the boggy bit before the last big climb, then enjoyed the climb as going is much easier than down when feeling an ankle. It was very boggy this year, although I did manage to keep my shoe on this time, last year I lost one to a bog!

I did the High Cam road climb quicker than last year when I was racing the full route, I felt good and the distance and climbing wasn't a problem, I was catching other runners up and making good progress, I pushed on to the 'Summit' sign and through next few miles which feels like a detour, because you catch a glimpse of Semer Water before you turn off through the single track ups and downs. The decline to Semer Water through fields is a section not to take lightly, ploughed and deep tracks to go over and some muddy sections through trees and the odd stream to cross.

I was up for a sprint to the line and a group of 3 runners ahead of me were in my sights now...who am I kidding...I was racing, my sprint for the line from the bridge with the marshal saying "Save it for when you get nearer" fell on deaf ears for me... I just wanted to finish well.

My overall running time 5:06.15 ... and overall race finish time 5:50:19 (104th) not my quickest marathon but satisfying to finish, followed by a paddle in Semer water in the cold water to help my ankle and wash my very muddy trail shoes. The customary Nav4 soup went down a treat and post race debrief with friends.

Just checking race times at the end



Got the T-shirt after all - Semer water

Slammer: From rookie fell runner to first ultra: In the Dale Trail Series classroom

I'm signed up for the full 2017 Dale Trail Series Grand slam and having done the DT20 over the weekend with 'SLAMMER' written next to my number it feels good to be back competing in such an awesome series. 

These races just have to be in the diary. Over the last year I have gone from doing my first fell run to completing my first trail and then a mountain ultra. The Dale Trail Series has been my learning curve and still is after a minor route error on the DT20! I have been thoroughly enjoying it and learnt so much over the last year about trail running.

OS map OL30 is more than sufficient for any recces and on the day not really needed at all as such due to the course being well marked and marshalled.

The races are three varied and enjoyable events (once completed that is) with each having something in challenge more than just the increasing distances, but that should not put you off as they are genuinely 'do it again' races and I would recommend the Grandslam to give that added incentive for every place when racing and if you like medals it's the only way your going to get one. Last year I managed an overall 29th place as a 'Slammer'; but this year after having done a course PB (46th) with last year coming in 41st...it seems 2017 in the DT Series is going to be more competitive this year. But there is plenty of time between each race to put in the training miles and get out on those hills.

DT 20 Reeth

This is a favourite, the shortest but certainly not the easiest, with Fremington Edge looming large at the start, technical descents as you drop into the hush (gully) and signs to warn and taunt you like 'don't eat rocks' on the descent off Calver.

The start is a race to the first gate with a muddy/wet or 'dry' route which is a short detour round the walled lane for a non muddy option...mud it was all the way for me.

DT20 2017 Muddy option

The first mile of this race is a beaut, this year I was determined to go at it from the start and see how I faired, as I was aiming for a race PB. It's always surprising after the sprint for early positions and the charge through the 'muddy puddle' route option... which is my preferred favourite, that the first hill of Fremington Edge takes its toll earlier than expected - it is a dig in and keep moving climb, a run, hike, just keep going effort. The drop into the hush is a favourite section of descending, although this year, my head was down chasing feet and a few of us went down one too soon and had to climb out once we realised that we had got it wrong... losing time gained and a good number of places to boot.  Coming down from Fremington Edge there are two bridges to cross, a stream then the river and even a graveyard to run through before you cross the road and start the ascent to the top of Calver- which is of varying terrain. 

The final mile or so on undulating trail turns eventually into the field where earlier had been the scene of hard efforts from all to the first climb becomes the sprint to the finish looking over the shoulder to make sure no one catches you as the muddle puddle comes back into play.

DT20 2016- Fremington Edge in the background

 DT 30 Muker

DT30 2016

This race is by far the most sociable with the camping option near to the registration and a short walk to the start line, makes it an all in all a 'weekender' or at least an overnight trip. I went on the Friday night last year, but many stayed over the Saturday night and enjoyed the specially brewed 'recovery ale' around the camp fire. 
The start of this race is pretty special along side the river, and is a great location at the end of the race to relax and dip your feet, sit on the banks of the river Swale for that all important debrief with fellow runners. In 2016 it was a hot sunny day which surprised many of us. I didn't get my hydration sorted and suffered with cramp from 9miles in and with Swinner Gill still to climb that wasn't so clever. Lesson learnt because it turned what should have been the glory miles back down into Muker and through the meadows into a trudge. I'm hoping 2017 will be better for this race, as I feel I have unfinished business with the DT30.

DT30 2016 Swinner Gill

At the top of Swinner Gill was an water stop and having already given up on really racing last year by this point a quick turn around to look at the view was very rewarding. 

DT30 2016 Top of Swinner Gill

DT 40 Semer Water





This is a scenic but challenging 'marathon' distance trail race. Starting and ending at Semer Water. This was my best effort in the 2016 series and more the kind of distance I enjoy running, although saying that it still has to be run and fuelling well on this is important as by mile 15 when it starts to kick back up, it is at the point where I know I need that little bit extra to keep going both fuel and determination and it can be the breaking ground of any close fought Grand slam as it was last year in the women's race which I was able to witness in race... some great running, with sounds of the gates in your ears, listening as to whether ground is being made or lost.
The views on this route when the clouds allowed in 2016 were wonderful especially when your nearly back to Semer water and you catch a  glimpse of the finish in the distance.

 

After all its only 92km for that medal - worth it! I'm still using my La Sportiva mugs from last year. More importantly you'll meet some great folk at these highly recommended events. There are so many running events these days without character and soul and try to make up for it with a goodie bag or a crazy looking medal. The DT series are not those races, they have plenty of characer, great routes and by the end of it...they will leave you with a sense of achievement and memories of the ups and downs of being a 'Slammer'.

Grandslam 2016