The Forum of Benfleet Running Club

mArKw · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 239 Location: Benfleet

My second crack at this race and was looking at doing a much better time than last year of 4:49. I don't think it was going to be my day. I took it intentionally easier at the start and then tried to build into the run, but I felt a little sick and my legs felt as if they just didn't want to work for the whole of the run. Finished in 4:44 which I suppose is OK, but I know I was capable of getting under 4:30. I'll just have to do it again next year.

For info, the three peaks race is 24 miles, taking in Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Inglebrough. About 5000ft of ascent. The climb which scared me last year was Whernside where it felt near vertical at the end of the climb. This year didn't feel that bad at all. Some of the decents can be a bit nasty though.....

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The hills are alive........

debbie g · Joined: 11 May 2006 Posts: 251

Well done Mark rather you than me anything with the slightest incline puts me off ! Hence my weekend choice was ultra flat Blackpool !

And you'll crack that time next year for sure bounce

JBD · Joined: 15 Sep 2007 Posts: 177

Mark, you know when we were running at club the other night and I said that these sort of races were kind of tempting for the future.... ? Well forget it pal, 24 miles up 5000ft with near vertical climbs not to mention 'nasty' descents....you're having a laugh.

Well done though.... cheers

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Beware of the Albatross

Pammie · Joined: 30 Jun 2006 Posts: 275

Well done Mark (i have been waiting for this thread)

I must admit i did sneak a look at the results yesterday to see how you did
You'll do it next year for sure
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I'll put something interesting here when i've thought of something, in the meantime heres some music.

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 891 Location: Hockley

Well done Mark. I got my badge and certificate for hiking it some years ago.....your achievement is more impressive...
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'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 · Joined: 26 May 2006 Posts: 157 Location: Hockley GORC

Well Done Mark... easy to pick you are not from these "flat" parts

Just don't understand what the attraction is in running up hills.

I used to live at the base of a mountain and hill-running I've done plenty of.
I was never any good at it and hated it then just as I do now.
It's hard work....really hard (well for me anyway)

But saying that I'm full of admiration for the way those Hill-Runners "fly" up those hills.

Still cant believe how I let Mike Mason talk me into the 3 Forts Marathon on Sunday even if it is only a Namby Pamby 3,450 ft 27.2 mile trail event compared with this 5,000 "footer"

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 891 Location: Hockley

Ernie, was it the lure of 'the pert buttocks?'
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'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 · Joined: 15 May 2006 Posts: 239 Location: Benfleet

Cheers Ernie

I can't describe why I enjoy hills so much. When I see a description of a course and it says 'flat', it sends shivers up my spine. The only two bits of the Nicola 5 I enjoyed running the other week were the 'ramps' going on and coming off the sea wall!!!

Going up and down hills is always hard work, but I find it easier in the head. Comparing the Seven Sisters / Beachy Head marathon (run 5 times), London marathon (run six times) and now having run the 3 Peaks twice, the London always stands out for me as being the hardest one to do.........

I'm sure you still enjoy the 3 Forts on Sunday. Despite having to put up with Mike blackeye

Here's some piccies of the 3 Peaks to enjoy. I'm not in any of them. Maybe I don't have pert enough buttocks for the photographer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/threepeaksrace2008/

Although my favourite picture just has to be this one.....

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The hills are alive........

Mike Mason · Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 891 Location: Hockley

Mark, I can assure you pert buttocks are a curse and a cross that I have to bear.....
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'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'.