The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

to cover the circuit of Mont-Blanc in a single stage while passing through 3 countries !

27-31 August 2008, the 6th edition

• UTMB® : 166 km and 9 400 m of + altitude change - 46 h maxi
start Friday, August 29 at 18:30 from the centre of Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Apparently nice little Race and once again (for the third time !) Mike Mason (of rarely turning up at Club Training nights fame) will once again attempt to finish this race.
Mike has promised that should he finish this race he will come down to a Club Training Night wearing he's Finishers Shirt (or was that Jacket ?) and be available to sign Autographs.

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Good luck Mike I'll be thinking of you.

And I am looking forward to your return to the club with Carb Boom gels and biscuits

Karl C · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

Yes Mike, have a good one and try to make it to the Sunday this time !!!

ALL THE BEST

We will be officially tracking Mikes progress here

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason

just "google" Hockley DNF Tart and you should also find it.......

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Yes indeed the 'caring club my arse....'

My race number is 2754. There is a US Mike Mason also running...not as good looking as me that's for sure.

This year they have upped the mileage to 104 miles and the ascent/descent to 9400m including adding a final climb of 700m only a short way to the finish...the swines!

I intend to bring in celebratory biscuits.....

the Hockley Tart
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject:

Great tactics already - getting the excuses in before you even leave Blighty !

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

no I am talking it up so that I realise that it was worth waiting for them to make it harder

_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

If you need some motivation, Mike, just think of my pert rear scampering up the rocks on the Llanberis path. A sight for sore thighs....... :bootyshake:

I've only just mentally recovered from that Snowdon weekend......

Have a good one Mike.

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

cheers Mark...and just as I had expunged the vision..
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Mike, 2 basic facts !

No 1 : you need to be a hard bastard to finish this race
No 2 : you are a wimp if you cant !

Apart from being hit by Space Junk,Death or Life threatening injury you have no excuse not to finish.

JBD · #3 Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

Motivational Quotes is on another thread Ernie.....!

Good luck Mike....sounds completely mad, right up your street then

Steffan · #4 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 588 Location: Basildon

Don't know when your off to get acclimatized so I'll get this in early!

HAVE A GREAT RUN, GET TO THAT FINISH LINE..........

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Mike,
have just noticed that another new race starts in Chamonix on the Wednesday 2 days before your race ie: (• La Petite Trotte à Léon : 220 km, 17 000 m of + altitude change, 100h maxi)
Not like you to choose the "Namby Pamby" one.

jsteele · Joined: 23 Aug 2008 Posts: 1

Mike
if you dont get past courmayeur this time, I will disown you!!!

All the best mate

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Jon, thanks for kind words. I will miss running with you this year. I will miss your headtorch falling out of yr bag 10 minutes into the run. I will miss you telling me to run the 700m descent into St Gervais because momentum favours you. I will miss you leaving me on the climb to Col du Bonhomme and waiting for me at Les Chapieux. I will not miss you singing Beatles tunes badly.....

All the best see you at the Hardmoors next month. And it was because Ernie was cooking food with one hand and fixing your feet with the other that he didn't butter my rolls ..the lazy git!

Ernie..looking forward to you coming round for the motivational speech tomorrow...which I know will be the 'Mike you're a Wimp' one.....I can't wait

Thanks all for kind words.....
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Smash it Mike!

Mike Mason · #7 Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1055 Location: Hockley

Ernie has just left after eating more cake than you would think is humanly possible. His 3 hours worth of advice can be distilled into:

1. There is no excuse not to complete
2. JDFI
3. there is no 3.

and to think I would have had to pay hundreds for this from a Sports Psychologist. Ernie's approach this year is to veer away from the namby pamby...'good luck Mike you can only do your best..' to heaping as much abuse as possible. I appreciate this change of tactics...

Mike (Hockley DNF Tart)
_________________
'sometimes I am running so fast it appears that rocks and trees are standing still......' 'I may be slow, but you are ugly and I can train harder.' '90% is mental, the other half is physical'it's going to get a lot worse, before it gets worse'.

Karl C · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:59 pm Post subject:

OK, Mike is now in situ, waiting for the start of the race.

ALL the updates will now be on his official "Track the Hockley Tart" website

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Looks like Mike is running well.
19 minutes ahead of schedule at St Gervais.
So far so good.

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

Go for it Mike

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Mike arrives Les Contamine 23.41 - 18 mins ahead of schedule
He'll be climbing now from 807 m to Croix du Bonhomme at 2,433 m and he should be there around 3.00am.

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Arrived La Balme 01:25 (39 km) - 10 mins ahead of schedule.
Moved up in places from 1605 to 1359.

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Latest News ! Mike arrives Col de la Seigne (60 km) 6:37am.
9 mins ahead of schedule and I figure about 2hours + ahead of checkpoint closure times.
Place 1202.
So far he has done really well and hasn't faltered.

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

LacCombal (64.7 km) 7:22 am . Place 1162.
Quite a few will be dropping out from here on.

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Arrived Arête Mont-Favre 8:38 (68.7 KM) 1 min ahead of schedule.
Place 1134.

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Karl C · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2008 1:22 pm Post subject:

1008th 17h54mn57s Berton Refuge Bertone 82.40 Km 5087 m

Using Graham's mantra on every hill

"just smash it !"

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Pammie · #3 Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 385

Good going Mike Keep at it
_________________
I'll put something interesting here when i've thought of something, in the meantime heres some music.

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Well Mike seems to be powering on nicely.
He has recently left La Fouly (108 kms) in 980th Place and about 3 1/2 hrs outside of checkpoint closure times which is great news.
After spending a pleasant afternoon in Italy Mike is now on his way to Switzerland.

This is an incredibly hard race with 2 out of 3 "qualified Ultra Runners" either being Timed out or retiring from injury.

If all goes well and Mike continues at a similar pace then my estimate is that he will be finishing tommorrow afternoon 1.30pm + (GMT 12.30)
Closure time is 4.30 pm GMT (3.30 pm).
A big night ahead of him and 50 of the hardest Kilometres he'll ever experience to go.

"Smash it Mike"

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Message from Gill (Mike's Wife)

Yes very proud.
He mustn't falter now.
Am waiting for Champex time.
About 1 hour over what hoped for but hours in hand to finish.

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

It's great to wake up the morning check the score page and to see the git's still running!! Gone through Vallorcine and is on his way to La Tarte au Vente.....

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

He is doing well.
Running in 823 position and well ahead (3 hrs) of checkpoint closure times so he should make it easily now.
I currently estimate his arrival time now at 1.30pm GMT.

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Just arrived at La Tête au vent in 896 position.
Only 10.5 kms to go !

Latest Message from Gill : "Still going well i hope after slowed up in night picked up again though. Am going to the finish soon to wait."

"Track the Hockley Tart Website"
http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason/

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Mike has arrived at the last checkpoint before the finish.
La Flégère at 159.6 kms and only 7 kms to go in 908th position.

Get a move on Mike !

mikemoreton · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject:

He's only gone and done it!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Mike, 907th

Chamonix - Arrivée Sunday -13:52 43h20mn33s 907

Regards

MM2

Jez · #2 Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 291 Location: Eastwood

Well done Mike, superb effort!

Just goes to show that everyone should follow the old saying"if at first you dont succed, dont bloody stop!"
_________________
Jez

www.justjez.co.uk

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Must have been flying coming into Chamonix.
Finally after 3 years Mike can put this one to rest.
A truly great Achievement.

Point of Interest :First Lady home Elizabeth Hawker (GB) 25 hrs I9 mins & 14 th overall.

Steffan · #4 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 588 Location: Basildon

Fantastic Mike.
Very, very happy for you mate.

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Just Spoke to Mike and he would like everyone to know that :
"the Hockley Tart is now the Hockley Finisher and that he never ever wants to to this or anything like it again"
Totally over the Moon though.
Give him 48 hrs and the Dark side will creep back in and they'll be other similar "Hells" on his horizon.
"Poor Bastard"

gmike · #2 Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 259 Location: Benfleet

Nice one Mike

awesome achievement.

mArKw · #2 Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 291 Location: Benfleet

Well done Mike. Fantastic effort. We're all proud of you.

Pity I bet my heating allowance on you not finishing. Hope this winter's not cold......

JBD · #3 Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 317

Been away so read all these messages in one go, exciting stuff, brilliant Mike really pleased for you and a great challenge achieved for good !

Top man

Pammie · #3 Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 385

Well done Mike thats blooming great fantastic

_________________
I'll put something interesting here when i've thought of something, in the meantime heres some music.

Dave Waterman · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 3 Location: London

Apologies dropping into the Forum, Benfleeters, but just wanted to say WELL DONE MIKE MASON!!!!!!!!

mikemoreton · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 4:11 pm Post subject:

Excuse my ignorance, but,

Who is Dave Waterman?

And no witty remarks from you Karl

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

Re: Dave Waterman - Someone from the "Dark Side" Mike.

Jez · #2 Joined: 18 Feb 2007 Posts: 291 Location: Eastwood

Ernie says he is a Jedi whose gone to the dark side , you and I Mike know better than to rile such individuals but Karl often refers to him as the London tart!!
_________________
Jez

www.justjez.co.uk

Ernie · #2 Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 240 Location: Hockley GORC

You've lost me Jez ?

Karl C · Posted: Mon Sep 01, 2008 4:13 pm Post subject:

Picture update at

http://www.benfleetrunningclub.com/mikemason

Graham · #3 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 395

Well done Mike - you slew the beast!! Absolute legend mate.

Karl C · Posted: Wed Sep 03, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/mobey47/UTMB08#slideshow

debbie g · #6 Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 707

I have just emailed a piece on Mike to the Echo in which (with apologies to Mike) I have repeated some of his thoughts to me about his previous attempts at this event, amongst other things. He is an absolute hero and he deserves all the recognition he can get. I'm hoping my rather long piece with its photos will make it into the Echo this Friday so please buy a copy so Mike can get the glory he deserves - after all the poor man had to endure the abuse of Ernie and Karl pre-race it's about time he got some revenge

Hope you approve Mike - you did let me loose to write about you to the press!! Feet up now chill out and don't run up any hills for at least - well a week!!