Isle of Wight Challenge & Training walks

This blog is long overdue.

On the 30th April a group of us "Team Ilson Glowsticks" participated in the Isle of Wight half Island Challenge. As you have seen from previous blogs we have done various training walks throughout 2015. These walks carried on in 2016 to make sure we were fully prepared.

24th January - Erewash Valley Trail 21km

Jo, Tricia, Rob, Jo, Danny, Sian, Me, Lauren. 

After all the different training walks this was the first one we managed to get all 8 Isle of Wight Challenge walkers together.

It was a simple 21km walk around a small part of the Erewash Valley Trail. We did the area around Ilkeston linking the West and East sections of the Trail. It just shows what you can achieve without having to travel too far. Check out your local walking routes and see what you can link up to turn a couple of 5/10km walks into a full day out exploring your local surroundings.

13th February - Kinder Scout

Ready for Isle of Wight I went to Kinder Scout with Lauren for a nice hill test walk. Fully kitted out for the conditions forecast we set off. The walk started in the rain, which turned to sun, followed by at least 3 good flurries of snow as we closed in on the top. By time we got back to the car it was the nicest part of the day and glorious sunshine.

Between the snow flurries and blustering winds attempting to blow our lunch away the views were spectacular. The walk wasn't all straightforward and you can easily see how people get lost up these places especially when the weather can change in seconds.

If you do go and attempt Kinder Scout or any major walk please make sure you're fully prepared. You've got the correct kit, supplies and training.

Map of our route with incline chart.

20th March - High Peak Trail 46km

This was our last big training walk and I made sure it was a little bit dull! The views, walk, company etc weren't dull but walking 23km along a trail then turning back and walking the same 23km back made it a little bit tedious. This was intentional as the Isle of Wight Challenge won't just be tough physically but mentally challenging too. This walk was the last chance to break the boredom barriers and get focused on the big task coming up. We set off from High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal walking to Parsley Hay and back.

A good walk 23k out and 23km back all on the High Peak Trail.

This wasn't our first time on the High Peak Trail as you will have seen in previous blogs. Last time we took on the climb to Middleton Top we didn't enjoy it. However this time after Kinder Scout and no snow around the walk up seemed a lot easier this time! Much to the joy of the little group on the walk.

Middleton Top

The views were brilliant as always along the High Peak Trail and I would recommend a walk along there no matter what time of year. The walk joins up with the Tissington Trail which we previously walk along at Halloween. On the Tissington Trail walk we turned back just before we joined with the High Peak Trail. This time we pushed on past the join to have a little rest at the Parsley Hay.

Once we had refuelled we set off on the return leg. We knew where we were going as we just retraced out steps along the trail. We had given ourselves plenty of time for the walk but with it being such a long walk and in a rural area we required our head-torches as we closed in on the finish. Again this gave us good preparation for isle of Wight Challenge as they would be required on the day. It proved a simple cheap head-torch provides a bit of light but maybe something a bit more powerful would be required along with our glowsticks.

The walk was eventually finished in the dark with all 5 of us feeling the effects of such a long walk. There were some major blisters which again allowed for good preparation as it highlighted suitability of footwear.

30th April - Isle of Wight Challenge 2016

The big day is here and we all made it down and across to the Island safely. There were lots of pre-walk nerves but all the training had taken place and I knew we could do it.

Sian, Jo, Jo, Danny, Lauren, Rob, Me, Tricia - Photo taken by Cliff!!!

We couldn't have asked for any better weather, the sun was out a gentle breeze coming off the sea and smiles all around. The route was the reverse of the route I did a couple of years ago. We set off from Chale walking West towards the Needles, then back East to Cowes. 

As with previous Action Challenge events I've done this event was really well organised, signed and supported. We all had different reasons for doing the event, personal goals, in memory of loved and lost family members, charity, health, fitness, the list goes on. Between the group we were supporting Cancer Research UK, Crohn's & Colitis UK and Miscarriage Association.

Since the event I've set up a team page on JustGiving so you can support all team members really easily - Ilson Glowsticks

We've raised a lot of money for the great charities and hopefully we can keep the donations coming.

The event went as close to perfect as possible. There were ups and downs along the way, tears, stress, doubt, but the was all cancelled out by laughter, joy, food, views, jokes, conversation, friends, and most of all crossing the finish line like we started as a team of 8!

At that point more tears followed, maybe because it was over, we could rest, or maybe because the jokes ended!!! Those on the walk understand why I focus on the jokes.

A massive well done to everybody who took part, it nearly broke us but we did it and you should be very proud of yourselves and each other. A big thank you to our "support crew" with Mum aka Fitness Mum, Seacombe family, Maron Family, and Bradshaws. It was nice seeing you along the way for a little boost and encouragement. Finally a thanks to everybody who has already donated and to those who donate after reading this.

JustGiving Page - Ilson Glowsticks.

Bring on the next challenge.

Carsington and Middleton Top Walk

On the 21st Novemeber we did out next training walk for isle of Wight Challenge 2016. We took ourselves off to Carsington Water to do a bigger walk I found - Map.

This walk is 21km so shorter than last month however it included a big climb up to Middleton Top and a nice descent back into Carsington. The morning on the walk we woke up to a nice little covering of snow. It had been forecast but we didn't think it would actually arrive. But in Ilkeston it was just a little covering, nothing major.

So we set off to Carsington and soon realised that short distance into Derbyshire the snow had been falling a little bit heavier.

Carsington Water

We set off on the walk from the Carsinton Water visitor centre where we've done previous walks from. The route took us 3/4 of the way around the reservoir before we left the path. At this point it was a nice climb over a couple of fields in ankle deep snow. You work you way towards Wirksworth with some really good views. 

From here you make your way towards the National Snow Centre near Cromford. At this point it's once again up hill to join the High Peak Trail. We had already had a few inclines along the walk but this was a main one! The climb to Middleton Top.

Middleton Incline!

Middleton Top Visitor Centre.

Once at the top it was a great feeling knowing we had done the biggest hill on the walk and something we wouldn't have to do on the Isle of Wight Challenge. The cold winds and snow made it a nice challenge and we all dug in deep to get through it. From here we walked along the High Peak Trail with another couple of inclines towards Hopton. This is when we left the trail and headed across a deep snow covered field (Carsington Pasture). 

Ilson Glowsticks in Trainingwith Carsington Water behind us.

Once over these fields it was a "simple" little descent back into Carsinton for a bite to eat and 3km walk back to the car.

Please notice the "simple"!!!

This little descent was far from simple, it was great fun in my eyes but others in the group took a few slips and stumbles as it was very steep and slippery with the melting snow on the grass.

The walk was really good and easy to follow, it was a really nice addition to the usual Carsington Water loop. I would definately recomend this walk if you're capable of walking 20+km and can cope with some good hills. I can't wait to go back in Summer and do the walk again to see how different it looks without all the snow.

Again some hard work went into the walk and people deserve sponsoring.

Lauren - Cancer Research UK

Danny - Crohn's and Colitis UK

London to Brighton and back!

On the 26th and 27th September me and Rob had been daft enough to sign up to cycle the London to Brighton Challenge, there and back!

We originally looked at doing London to Brighton but the offer for the there and back ride was too tempting to say no too, or so we thought at the time. The ride was a total of 120 miles or 200km setting off from Smithfield Market in Central London all the way South until we hit the coast at Brighton, before cycling all the way back again.

Pre ride happy photo.

Before we set off it was time for a few photos, last bike check, some food, hydration and a little panic about what we had signed up too. At about 11pm we set off and it had to be said cycling out of London around midnight really wasn't simple, I thought the traffic would have died down slightly but it really hadn't. The roads weren't the best and I was one of many who had a light on pop out of it's holder and onto the road, thankfully everybody on the ride was really friendly and helpful and they all had their lights returned. The first rest stop was at 17km so not far but it was just out of London and a good point to meet back up with Rob and then time to set off again.

Once out of London the temperature really dropped cold but the roads improved and it was nice to be away from traffic lights. The next aim was Tulleys Farm which was around the half way point to Brighton (57km roughly). By this point we were both feeling confident about the ride and we became very happy once we got into the tent and saw the food they had put on for the riders. It was time to get some carbs in the system to help keep us going on the ride over night. Once we had used the facilities available it was back on our bikes and off to the next rest point.

Oakmeeds Community College was the next stop off point around 80km and it was really cold by now. I had to warm up in front of one of the heaters in the sports hall, after about 10 minutes I could feel my toes again and my socks had warmed up nicely to put back on. After warming up, refilling our water bottles and a handful of sweets to keep us awake we set off once more, next stop Brighton.

Well Brighton is the next stop but first we've got to get up and over the Ditchling Beecon. We have both cycled some nice hills around Belper and surrounding areas in preparation knowing they weren't anything like Ditchling but still some good hills. All I can say is I'm so glad we cycled up there in the dark so you couldn't make out the gradient. At first it wasn't as bad as I was expecting but it soon became a relentless uphill challenge. I could hear one of the guides encouraging a woman behind me and telling her "the more you cycle the less you need to walk." it made me laugh but also helped me keep focus. This was my challenge within the challenge, don't walk at any point on the up hills. I have read other blogs and it gets mentioned so often that this is the point to walk. I refused to do that and powered on to the top! BOOM I had done it!!! Ditchling Beacon conquered, happy days.

The video below is taken from YouTube to show what it's like the cycle up there. There was no point using my GoPro as in the pitch black it would have recorded nothing.

From here we were informed it was downhill all the way to Brighton, well in a car it may seem that was but it really wasn't. We eventually made it to Brighton as the last few people were leaving some of the bars and had some original heckling of "look it's the Tour de France.". It was nice to eventually make it to the Brighton rest stop and go to the toilet, get some food and drink. It was however depressing watching people get their medals for cycling to Brighton knowing we had to return to London to get ours.

When we set off the sun was just coming up but it really didn't warm us up. The trip back to the top of Ditchling Beacon was a long long gradual incline but once at the top the views were amazing. I did get a photo but there was some sweat on my phone so it looks a bit blurred - Instagram.

Now after cycling up the Beacon it never crossed my mind how fast it was going to be to cycle back down it. According to Robs Garmin we hit 39mph and that was while breaking most of the way down it. All there was to do now was cycle back to London and finish! This was only a matter of another 80km to get there. By this point it was the longest bike ride me and Rob had ever done and there was a long way left to go. Each rest stop seemed to be absolutely miles away and the small hills on the way seemed like mountains now. 

As the minutes and then hours past we got closer and closer to London. First passing Gatwick Airport which passed a few minutes watching the departures fly over head, then it was the first time I've ever been happy to see the M25 as it meant we were one step closer. Once past the M25 we had less than 30km left to cycle. That last 30km took us over 2 hours as our legs were spent, traffic was building up and traffic lights took away any momentum. 

Our route including elevation.

Eventually at 2:30pm we finished!!! I could hardly keep my eyes open and walking felt odd but who cared it was over! Time to go back to the hotel have a well needed shower and sleep. 

DONE!!!

So you may ask why we did this, well two reasons:- something big to aim for on a personal level for us both to work on our own fitness, push ourselves and see what we could do. Secondly to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

My JustGiving page is - www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Robs page is - www.justgiving.com/Rob-Marron

Please visit and donate to either page.

Bring on 2016 and maybe the Leeds to Manchester ride with another client for a challenge.

Thanks

Adam

September LONG WALK!!! Erewash Valley Trail

So the aim for September was a 30km walk so we can build up 5km per month ready for the Isle of Wight Challenge next year. We were going to cover a large section of the Erewash Valley Trail including the section on the previous walk - Trent Lock Long Walk.

We had mapped out a route that was almost bang on the 30km mark so we knew it was a good route to do. The bad thing was this was planned in August and my memory is shocking and I forgot which point we joined the Canal path. Basically we went wrong at the top on my street as I keep getting reminded of nearly a month later.

The walk ended up being 40.5km so a huge 10.5km longer than planned. However everybody on the walk is doing next years Isle of Wight challenge and the distance has to keep getting bigger. We all had sufficient food and hydration with us and managed it.

Our 40.5km walk

Now the walk is over everybody is looking back on it and feeling a massive sense of achievement and pride that they did it. I actually really enjoyed the walk and loved the views, the banter and being out exercising for the majority of the day. 

The walk covered a few sections of previous walks on the Nottingham Canal (Trowell Garden Centre) and the Trent Lock walk at the end. However my addition to the walk added going past Bennerly Viaduct and Winston the windmill which explains the 10km extra as we shouldn't have joined at that point. Once past Trowell Garden Centre we walked towards and in Bramcote Hills Park, this provided our first little rest stop and time for a coffee for one walker. The next section of the walk really isn't the nicest. It's off the paths and just walking along pavements over the new Tram line until you get to Attenborough. Here we had our main rest stop on the picnic tables at the visitor centre. We didn't stop too long as it was a cool windy day as we didn't want to start to stiffen up. Once out of the Nature reserve it's along side the River Trent until you get to Trent Lock.

Along the River Trent.

On the River Trent.

Trent Lock provided our next little stop and time for a well needed ice cream as it was at this point the walk had clocked up just under 30km so we should be home, however we still had 12.5km left to walk. 

This was the hardest part of the walk, but also the most important section. Everybody was starting to feel tired and their legs were aching. However we just kept going! The locks on the return leg were vital as they let us set mini targets, rest at a lock, walk past a lock, rest at a lock etc. From walking this section on the previous walk it meant we knew we could do it and we knew how far sections were. It wasn't long until we could see the M1 so knew Ilkeston was coming. By time we left the Canal back in Ilkeston at Nottingham Road it was dropping dark and I was lucky not to have been pushed into the canal.

We might have only been 2km from home but a quick stop in the garage for water to keep our hydration levels up all the way to the end was needed. Once we got back it was time to sit and chill! After walking 40.5km (25 miles) setting off just after 10am and returning in the dark it was reflection time. Some people had been worrying about next years IoW challenge but this proved to them it is and will be possible. 

Danny is doing the IoW challenge for Crohn's and Colitis UK - www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Brooks3

Lauren is doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Roper2015

Joanne is also doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Seacombe2

Sian is doing it for Miscarriage Association  - www.justgiving.com/Sian-Pickering

For the fact I pushed them to walk so far and they didn't push me into one of the canals please visit their JustGiving pages read their individual stories and make a donation. 

Not only are these walks improving our lives physically with exercise but the social and psychological benefits from walking and exercise are amazing too. But we are all doing this not only to improve our lives but the lives of other people too by raising money for some very good charities. 

Exercise can improve lives, not only yours but as we are proving the lives of others too.

Wollaton 10K

Run 2 of 3 in a row now. Last week was the Ramathon and next week is Water Wipeout, but this week is Wollaton 10k. Back to Nottingham after last weeks visit to Derby, all nice local runs meaning minimal travel to the events which is nice.

Last year I set a 10k PB on the course and I haven't got a clue how, it just fell into place. (Wollaton 10k 2014) I then set a new PB this year at Derby 10k so knew I was up against it. Last week in the half marathon I had slowed my pace from around 4 min 30 sec per km to around 4 min 50 / 5 min per km. I knew it would be tricky trying to get the pace back up with only 1 short run mid week to try and get the pace back.

On the morning of the event it was throwing it down! I don't mind running in the rain as I sweat buckets so it helps keep me cool but there are limits. The state I'm usually in post race is how I looked at the start line this time. It was the same course as last year and my first of the 2 5km laps felt ok, I was only about 15 seconds down from my PB time. However I seemed to just hit a wall at 7/8km and my pace just dropped for no reason what so ever! I think the last couple of km were run at about 5min per km, way down on what I needed. I finished in 47 minutes 25 seconds which I was disappointed with. On the plus side I did finish 37th of 262 runners, compared to 52nd of 477 runners last year. This shows how the weather effected the race but the turnout as well.

This years winner was Ian Hunter in 38 minutes 9 seconds, last year he finished 3rd in 35 minutes 57 seconds. So I shouldn't moan too much as the conditions effected everybody in a similar fashion.

I also had a client running the 10k too, it should have been one client but after an accident involving stairs, dog toy and falling over it resulted in a broken metatarsal a week before the run. Another client stepped up and transferred the place and he ran in her place. With minimal training time for the 10k and the shocking weather he managed a respectable 1 hour 7 minutes, down on his PB but a cracking results in the circumstances.

Bring on next year for my third year at the event.

A tad wet post run.

Great work Rob.

Robs work deserves some donations for a great charity. Please visit his JustGiving Page.

Derby Ramathon

After finishing last years Nottingham Half marathon and actually sort of enjoying it I wanted to find another one this year. At first I saw the Sporting Futures Derby Half but it's the same weekend in September as I'm cycling London to Brighton. I then found the Ramathon and it fitted perfectly into my schedule. Also being from Ilkeston having a Derby postcode and a Nottingham phone number it felt right to do a Derby half to match with the Nottingham run.

The race starts and finished from Pride Park (iPro Stadium) like the Derby 10k but that's about the only similarity in the route. The 10k going into the City centre and around the Cathedral Quarter, where the Ramathon went out to Alvaston, Shardlow, Thulston, Elvaston and back to Pride Park. 

Derby 10k route 2015

Ramathon route 2015

The route was really flat with just a few undulations, the sun was out and I was sweating as always. One of my clients was running it and her partner from Beeston Cycling Club was there taking photos. Thanks to his massive camera and bright cycling helmet I could spot him and put on a smile for his photos, or laugh at times because it felt like I was playing "Where's Wally?" looking for him to pop up and take a photo.

2km into the race, a proper smile.

About 12km, laughing at spotting him again.

About 18km, a slightly forced smile/laugh, just let me finish now.

I had never realised how big or nice the park was behind the Pride Park complex, it seemed to go on for a lot longer than the 2/3km we ran in it. Once the iPro Stadium was back in view it was nice, the finish was almost here. I knew I was slightly up on my time from last Septembers Nottingham Half Marathon but I wasn't 100% sure how much. As I turned the penultimate corner a brass band were playing some tunes and I could see about 5 people in front of me and thought game on let's see how many I can overtake. Some how there was a huge sprint finish left in my system and boom overtook all of them. Once I crossed the line I couldn't wait to get a bottle of water, a banana, the medal and some sleep!

My PB for a half marathon at this point was 1 hour 49 minutes and 31 seconds, on this day in Derby I ran in 1 hour 45 minutes 44 seconds, smashing a huge 3 minutes and 47 seconds off my PB. Time to have a big stretch and chill for the rest of the day now.

For more photos please look at my Instagram account.

Another great run done supporting Cancer Research UK too - JustGiving.

Night at the Dogs

Night at the Dogs

On Friday 15th May I organised a night at Nottingham Greyhound Stadium with all the ticket sales money going towards Cancer Research UK.

The evening was part of their "Sporting League Cup" where different sports teams and charities can apply for 100 tickets and the money from sales they keep/donate. We managed to sell about 88 of our 100 tickets raising £440 for Cancer Research UK. This is split between mine and Robs JustGiving pages and helped hit our fundraising target for our London to Brighton Bike ride in September.

My Page - www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Robs Page - www.justgiving.com/Rob-Marron 

Both of us are raising money for Cancer Research UK and it was a brilliant night helping a great charity.

I will be organising another night out there again later in the year so sign up on my website for the newsletters and you will see when it's organised.

A massive thank you to all that attended and donated. I know a few of you left with some winnings and I wasn't one of them.

Awsworth 5K

Once again I've been neglecting my blogging as this should have been written in May.

Sunday 10th May Awsworth 5K was a good day for myself and clients. in the 2014 5 clients entered the race all setting really good times. This year there was 7, including one who ran it last year walking this year while pregnant.

Read to go!

I went into the run with a 5km PB of 22 minutes 30 seconds from the previous year. The weather was warm but really nice for running. Once again it was a really well organised event down to the Notts & Lincolnshire Air Ambulance flying over to start the race.

I felt like I go off to a good start and by the half way point I was feeling good. However by the 3.5km point you hit the last hill back up to the finish line, clients all think the hill goes on forever! When you drive up it, it takes all of 2 minutes, running it is a different task. I was at a faster pace than last year and by time I hit the hill my legs were starting to feel it. At the end I had no sprint finish left which disappointed me but I managed to set a new PB! 21 minutes and 31 seconds, finishing 23rd of 566 entrants.

With my clients there were a few new PBs beating last years times, a few people setting their first ever 5k time and Jo walking it with Lauren in fancy dress while pregnant and Jack running around in his Lightening McQueen outfit.

Jack with his sprint finish in the style of Lightening McQueen.

Lauren, Jo & Bump!

Once again it was a brilliant run, and really well organised. Bring on 2016 for my 4th run at the event and some clients 2nd.

Awsworth 5k Facebook Page

My JustGiving page for Cancer Research UK.

Blacklight Run UK

Following on from last years random running events like Wild Warrior, Santa Dash and this years Winter Warrior it was time for the next adventure with clients while helping raise money for Cancer Research UK. Blacklight Run UK at Donington Park on Saturday 28th February was the challenge.

The Blacklight Run is a 5km fun run with neon paint thrown at you. The run taking place at night with black-lights so all the neon glows. Basically a variation on the Color Run at night.

Now we know after a few winters of outdoor training sessions I've got some clients who really don't care about getting wet, muddy, dirty in any way shape or form as long as they can have a laugh. That's sort of important for this type of event because you're going to get mucky.

A brilliant group of about 15 of us all met up picnics ready for a brilliant afternoon and evening. We had our neon clothing at the ready, face paints, and white tops. The rest was just pure carnage!!! Once the picnic had been eaten it was time to get ready, putting on face paints quickly ended up in a paint fight with hand prints all over the place, lots of hugging to mix paints and just a brilliant laugh.

Face paints went wrong!

Once it started to drop dark we went over to the main area for the pre-race party and enjoyed the blacklights and the way we looked. We may have got some funny looks but we didn't care we went for it and had a brilliant time!

Neon Happiness

Once we started the fun run we split into our little groups of joggers, jog/walkers and walkers. We made sure everybody had a friend for the 5km and we all got round the course  to the best of our abilities. It was a brilliant feeling being with the joggers seeing 3 people finish the 5km jogging all the way (apart from paint stations) and the achievement they felt after.

Post Run Mess!!

I do think there are too many running events now all trying to draw in the same target audience and some events will become watered down, or prices will go up as fewer competitors enter but hopefully this is an event that can keep going. We all had a great time and if they had another event in the East Midlands before the end of the year I think we would all jump at the chances to do it again.

Check out my GoPro video below of the post run party. That is just one of five videos made from the event. If you enjoy running, enjoy mucky fun, and want to do a 5km fun with with a difference I would recommend this straight away.

Winter Warrior!!!

On Saturday 31st January I took part in X Runners Winter Warrior and as expected it was freezing!!!

Yes doing a mud run in January in England should be cold but I wasn't expecting the wind to be the worst part of it. As I was driving to Donington Park Race Circuit where the race took place it started sleeting. Once I got there signing all the disclaimer forms in the ice cold wind made me question my sanity for signing up for such events but then I remembered one of the reasons for doing them is for Cancer Research UK - JustGiving.

I started at 11:00, Rob at 11:30 and Jo & friends at 13:00. Rob kindly stepped in and replaced another Jo who is now pregnant but I have a feeling she will be running this next year as pay back by Rob haha.

After the warm up I just wanted to get running to keep warm! The first few obstacles were ok, climbing over tyre walls, running in gravel traps and climbing fencing. The worst part was getting your hands cold for the first time and the icy wind. Around the back of the course there were a few cargo nets with mud and water (all the good things) under them. But once you got up and started running the wind just cut straight through you and it wasn't pleasant especially when you're then trying to climb up and over massive A-frames. The mud trenches were really good fun but Rob did manage to loose his trainer, then find it and then loose a sock in there. Jo had to just crawl on all 4s by her 2nd lap as the course was now just pure mud!

The climbing walls and slides were good fun too and to be fair to the weather the sun did try and come out while I was starting my 2nd lap but it didn't really make much of a difference once you was already freezing.

Apart from the wind the run itself was brilliant, good challenging obstacles, different terrains to run on, and most importantly loads of mud!!! I look forward to running it again next year and jsut hope it's a slightly milder January. Hopefully Jo will be able to join me next year, so she can enjoy the muddy good fun she missed out on this year while growing her little baby.

Post run in my foil blanket and it was needed badly!!!

I have now participated in 2 of 4 X Runner evernts, this and Wild Warrior. I have signed up for Water Wipeout in June and I'm contemplating Wild Mud Run in April if I can find somebody to run with.

If you think this deserves some money for cancer Research UK please visit my JustGiving page and make a donation, every £1 can hep make a huge difference. www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Men's Health Challenge 2014

This was my 3rd year running this event, and with all the other events this year I was looking to smash a new PB for the event. 12km with loads of obstacles, water and mud. The first year I finished with s time of 1 hour 29 minutes 30 seconds, last year I finished in 1 hour 24 minutes. Looking back at the previous blog I also set myself a challenge for a sub 1 hour 15 minute this year - Men's Health 2013

When I arrived on site I could see a couple of familiar faces waiting anxiously to see their partners return from an earlier wave of the race. Unfortunately I didn't see them finish as my wave started before they returned.

Rob almost finished after climbing over the inverted wall, next stop the "Wall of Fame"

Rob and Tom almost at the finish line.

Rob, Tom and Simon all recorded really good times as it was either their first event, of injuries stopped their training being 1005%. I think they're all signing up again next year as they enjoyed it so much, even if the photos dot show it. Trust me while you're running it horrible, once you've finished and have the medal around your neck it's a brilliant feeling,

I got off to a quickish start in my wave, helped by getting really close to the start line. I soon settled into a nice pace between my 10k pb and half marathon pace. Before I knew it I was out at the 5/6km point and it felt like I had only just started running. However with the course for Nottingham 70% of the obstacles are on the return leg so I knew it was only going to get harder.

As each obstacle went I realised I hadn't seen many white wrist bands for a while which was for the wave I was in. As I approached the climbing wall I heard a voice "carry on mate you're setting a great pace for me here." It was another white wrist band who was following in my shadows, a nice little confidence boost as I hadn't been a pace runner for somebody before. As we waited patiently for our climb a girl who was almost at the top lost he footing and fell a good few metres but luckily her friends cushioned the blow and she didn't fulling hit the turf. She got back on the wall and tried again and had every single person there cheering her on, it was great to see every person willing everybody else on during the event.

Another few obstacle stations came and went and the home leg was in sight, Trent End came into view which means about 3km left. After the little trip up and down the stairs it was a run along the embankment to the last couple of exercises then job done!!

I could see just in front another white wrist band, only the 2nd I had seen for the last 30 minutes. I soon caught him up and we ran almost neck and neck to the finish line. I honestly can't remember who beat who in the end.

All I know is boom another PB and beat last years target time!!! I finished in 1 hour 13 minutes 15 seconds.

Wall of Fame - it doesn't get any easier each year.

Bath Time!!!

 I fancy a change next year so I'm thinking of being daft and entering the Elite 21km race they have started. It looks incredibly tough but something worth training for.

Bring on the "Elite" next year.

That's now 12 races down, 0 to go for Cancer Research UK in 2014...... apart from a Santa Dash.

Derby 10k - 45 minutes 11 seconds.
Awsworth 5k - 22 minutes 20 seconds.
Hull 10k - 45 minutes 46 seconds.
Wollaton 10k - 44 minutes 53 seconds.
Twin Peaks Midnight Walk - 8k. - 2 hours 37 minutes.
Leeds 10k - 46 minutes 8 seconds.
York 10k - 46 minutes 31 seconds.
Birmingham Color Run 5k - 45 minutes 38 seconds.
Isle of Wight Challenge 56k - 7 hours 48 minutes 35 seconds.
Wild Warrior 10k - 1 hour 18 minutes 42 seconds.
Robin Hood Half Marathon 21k - 1 hour 49 minutes and 31 seconds.
Men's Health Challenge Nottingham 12k - 1 hour 13 minutes 15 seconds.

If you wish to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Robin Hood Half Marathon

28th September 2014 was the date for my first ever half marathon. I have covered many 10km this year for Cancer Research UK and even 54km as part of the Isle of Wight Challenge but this is the first half marathon I've attempted.

It had to be said I was nervous as I didn't know how I would cope with the distance none stop running. Everybody had been telling me I will be fine and my fitness levels are easily good enough with my job but there's always room for doubt before an event.  

Once I was at the start point ready for the warm up I was growing in confidence thinking 21km of running won't be as bad as 54km of running and walking. I knew I had been slowing down my race pace from around 4min 35sec per km for the 10km races to around 5min 10sec per km for this.

This practice worked really well as by 5, 10 and then 15km I was averaging between 5min to 5min 20sec per km. Unfortunately at 12km my iPod died, so much for the battery life being accurate. This didn't turn out to be a bad thing in the end as I plugged my headphones into my phone and listened to MapMyRun updating me of my time and pace each km.

At the 17km point I was actually feeling really good and any worries I had prior to the event had long gone. This showed with my pace increasing each km toward the finish line. The 21st km was completed in 4 minutes 28 seconds and the final 500m was a quicker pace still as I ended up in a sprint finish against another bloke with the crowd getting louder.

DONE!!!

There were loads of water station along the route and I had a couple of energy gels in my pockets to keep my energy up. I've since read there is a gentleman in a coma after dehydrating once he crossed the finishing line - Nottingham Evening Post. Hopefully he has a good recovery and can continue to run for pleasure or fitness soon. This highlights the risk exercise can have and the importance of sufficient hydration while exercising.

I really enjoyed the run which I honestly didn't expect too and finished in 1 hour 49 minutes 31 seconds. Bring on 2015 for another half marathon or two and hopefully an improved time. 
That's now 11 races down, 1 to go for Cancer Research UK in 2014.

Derby 10k - 45 minutes 11 seconds.
Awsworth 5k - 22 minutes 20 seconds.
Hull 10k - 45 minutes 46 seconds.
Wollaton 10k - 44 minutes 53 seconds.
Twin Peaks Midnight Walk - 8k. - 2 hours 37 minutes.
Leeds 10k - 46 minutes 8 seconds.
York 10k - 46 minutes 31 seconds.
Birmingham Color Run 5k - 45 minutes 38 seconds.
Isle of Wight Challenge 56k - 7 hours 48 minutes 35 seconds.
Wild Warrior 10k - 1 hour 18 minutes 42 seconds.
Robin Hood Half Marathon 21k - 1 hour 49 minutes and 31 seconds.
Men's Health Challenge Nottingham 12k

If you wish to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt