Thames Path 100 2023 (Centurion Running) - My Second DNF. Experience Is The Hardest Teacher

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The Thames Path 100 is a 100 mile ultramarathon by Centurion Running. Starting in Richmond, London, it takes runners along the Thames Path National Trail, all the way to Oxford where it finishes.
This ultramarathon has been on my mind for a long time. Having first attempted it in 2022, I pulled out at mile 73 due to not being fit enough following an injury at the start of the year which stopped me from training properly. I booked onto the 2023 edition to set things right, and vowed to myself that I would fix my DNF (did not finish). But, things didn't quite go to plan.
In this video, I share my point of view running the Thames Path 100 2023 including what went wrong and the two vital lessons I've learnt.
For a more detailed written account of the race, check out my blog post here: www.runningcafe.online/post/t...
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - Race start - 11 miles
01:36 - 12 miles - 22 miles
03:34 - 23 miles - 31 miles
05:37 - 32 miles - 39 miles
08:07 - 40 miles - 52 miles
11:02 - 53 miles - 60 miles
13:00 - 61 miles - 69 miles
14:39 - 70 miles - 84 miles
17:15 - What happened at 84 miles?
18:19 - Mistake 1 and lesson learnt number 1
19:32 - Mistake 2 and lesson learnt number 2
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8 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 150

@runningcafe1 Год назад

For a more detailed written account of the race, check out my blog post here: www.runningcafe.online/post/thamespath1002023 All my running gear, and the gear I use to make my videos, is linked in the description 👟🏃🏻‍♂️📽️ As you've probably gathered, I make a cringey pronunciation fail throughout by calling the race the TAMES path instead of the Thames Path. 🤦‍♂️ For anyone watching, and questioning the two reasons I gave for why I couldn't finish, I should have also mentioned that I was limping pretty badly and my quads were in massive amounts of pain in the last few miles before I pulled out. This was caused by my ridiculously quick pace in the first 50 miles. With more ultras coming up very soon in my race schedule, and not wanting to injure myself, I made the decision to pull the plug rather than do a death march to the end on messed up legs. If you're watching this as part of your pre-race prep, or prep for any ultra marathon, please learn from my mistakes and don't go off too fast. Take it relaxed and easy, and you will be fine to finish comfortably within the cut offs. Thanks for watching!

@johnnyrotten43 Год назад

Thanks for making the video. Running 84 miles, in and of itself is incredible, when you compare it to the average person. Also, the lessons learned will give you very good improvement in the future. It is pretty courageous to enter such a race and even more to discuss it publicly. Much respect to you and I'm sure you will nail it next time.

@tinaj7508 Год назад

Well done, great video 👌

@Krilin84 3 месяца назад

Great report and information, thanks for sharing! 💪🙌

@timshields8720 Год назад

Youre rationale for putting this video out vs. Not is SPOT ON!! Good on ya mate. Regardles of the DNF still HUGELY INSPIRATIONAL. THNX!!!!!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks for the kind words Tim! Definitely think it wouldn't be right for me to not post it as this video will hopefully serve as a warning and a lesson to others 🙏

@michaelday1896 Год назад

Great video, thank you for the honesty.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Michael

@reluctantfellrunner Год назад

Its all good. Best wishes on the next.

@jacksmit6474 Год назад

Nice video as always!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks mate

@seasiderp6859 Год назад

Fair play fella, thanks for uploading

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thank you

@user-cb7xh3fx8i 8 месяцев назад

Well done on a reflective and valuable lesson.

@runningcafe1 8 месяцев назад

Thank you!

@glen6276 Год назад

Great effort Craig. I’ve really enjoyed your channel since you’ve focused on running content. Keep up the training and I look forward to seeing you finish this time next year 👍

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers glen, really appreciate this. I definitely think it's been a good decision to focus just on running. Will keep it and I'll be back to take this one on and finish it finally!

@runjamesrun Год назад

It was a tough day on the trail - well done for giving it a go, and thanks for sharing your adventure

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks James, appreciate that. Lots of lessons learnt on my part on that day. Glad to see you smashed your pacing duties and enjoyed it.

@TheAverageRunnerGav Год назад

Great effort ! & its a learning curve isn't it !! Come back and smash it next year !

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks fella, it is a learning curve indeed. I am definitely thinking about it!

@Steve-vr6mq Год назад

Thanks for sharing your experience good and bad. Your advice is very valuable for those looking at doing this ultra.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers Steve. That was my aim with making this video in that I want it to help others by sharing and explaining my mistakes

@michelleharnett1351 Год назад

Great video. I think you summed it up really well with 100 milers being all about strategy.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Michelle

@leerunsultras Год назад

Some valuable lessons learned there Craig. There's no growth without lessons mate. So glad you still made the video anyway.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers for the comment Lee. Definitely feel that the lessons learnt from this one will help me in the future. Hope all is going well with your training mate

@michaelbennett6778 Год назад

Thanks for your honesty Craig. We learn on every run but those conditions were so tough, 40% of the field had dnfs! You’ll be back stronger 👊💥🏃🏻‍♂️

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers Michael. I was questioning making the video but it's made me really understand my errors and what I did wrong more. It was certainly a tough race condition wise, that's for sure. Cheers again mate 🙏

@bardn5350 Год назад

Crazy how different the conditions were this year to last year. Fair play for running so hard brother - another lesson learned and I'm sure you'll be back to tick this one off.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

We'll be back to tick this one off you mean! Well, you finishing it for a second time. Me ticking it off!

@juliemckie72 Год назад

Outstanding effort Craig - it was obvious how much better you were feeling than 2022 - 2024 will be your year for sure 🎉

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Julie, much appreciated. Third time's a charm (or so they say!)

@alistairfitch Год назад

100% the right call to make the video. So glad you did. Bought back many 'happy' memories 😉Strong running 👏👏Good luck with the next one🏃‍♂🏃‍♂

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers Alistair, appreciate that. Yep, many 'happy memories' for sure! Haha. Onwards we go!

@StevoRuns Год назад

Mate, i live near Oxford and that coronation day rain was like nothing we’ve had for years, it’s no wonder there was a high drop out rate after dark. Good on you for giving it your all and making the video still! You will conquer it next time with your lessons learned. Nice one mate

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Hi Stevo, thanks very much for the comment! The rain was a bit of a pain to be fair and the conditions were terrible so massive congrats to anyone that finished. Will definitely apply the learning to my future adventures. Thanks again fella 👌

@markg99 Год назад

Fair play mate. It's clearly a tough race, especially for those who are used to hilly terrain. You'll get it next time. Appreciate you sharing the lessons learned as always 👍🏻🏃‍♂️

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers Mark. This one is tricky for sure, the lack of hills make it a tough one in terms of managing your pace throughout the whole thing. Hope trainings going well with you

@reecescott6129 Год назад

Your a soldier craigo!!!! Third times the charm I believe❤

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Reecey! Big love my man, yes third time's a charm ❤️

@jonathanwatkins447 Год назад

I have to give you a big well done on race even though a DNF. But for you to make the video and share is just awesome. You will get it done 1 day if you want. Your a machine 💪

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks so much for the comment Jonathan. If definitely hurts not to have finished but I'm grateful for the lessons learnt. I'll definitely be back to finish it next year, not giving up that easily. Cheers again!

@user-it7ws5eu1r Год назад

Hi Craig. Great vid and thanks for posting - l understand it must have been difficult for you. My mate and l finished in 23:11. The second half was horrendous, never run in mud like it. You easily have what it takes to finish this - learn from the experience and get yourself onto that start line next year.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks so much Phil. It's frustrating as I could have easily finished this but I just had no respect for a sensible strategy which was my downfall. Massive congrats to you for getting to that finish line, an epic achievement in those conditions. Thanks for the comment 🙏

@BenNotley Год назад

Shame about the DNF Craig but we learn from these experiences. Huge kudos to you for sharing the experience with us. You are an amazing runner mate and I know you will bounce back strong. 😎🤘

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks very much Ben, I really appreciate that. Can't wait to see your take on the North Downs Way 100, hope you're training continues to go well fella

@maidstoneharriers5731 Год назад

That looked brutal, despite the DNF that is some distance and achievement. Well done!!!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thank you guys, absolute legends!

@bensmith6633 Год назад

Gutted for you Craig, but huge achievement to get to mile 84 in those conditions. 👏👏 Painful lessons, but they will make you stronger 💪 rest up and recover well 👍

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Ben. Gutted but I know where I went wrong. Luckily, I have some ultras in the calendar and I'll be able to apply some of the learning to those hopefully 🙏

@Tireddadruns Год назад

Well done, I struggled to finish in 2022 I cant imagine how much harder it would have been with all the mud!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Congratulations for finishing this insane race, that takes some doing so hats off to you sir

@shteebious Год назад

I think it was wise to pull out considering you were saving yourself for other events and really honest and brave to post about the tough lessons you learnt, many wouldn't have..so kudos to you, you will have helped others learn and run their races better as a result of your transparency 😁

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Hey, thanks very much for your comment. I really appreciate it and am glad that the decision to post this video was the right one. I was really not feeling it at the time, but now after having had some time to digest the race I definitely feel it was the right move. Thanks again

@adammay3091 7 месяцев назад

I ran this year as well. Your vid really captured how muddy and difficult it was this year... a total mud fest the last 35/40 miles. Great work mate, hope to see you attempt it again?!

@runningcafe1 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for the comment! It was a bloody mud fest, wasn't it? Can't believe how many I saw fall in the mud 😧 Well done if you managed to get it done, fair play! Yes, I am signed up for the 2024 edition. This will be my time 💪

@haon2205 Год назад

Very inspiring for someone like me who had recently completed the first full marathon

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks. Congrats on your first marathon, that's awesome 👍

@racer125mx Год назад

Mate I’ve run a couple of marathons but I’d struggle to cycle that distance, fair play on the big big miles. Third time lucky it will come 🤙👏🔥

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Louis, I really appreciate the comment. Its annoying as I could have finished this but I just didn't have any respect to follow a proper strategy. Best of luck with the cycling! 🙏

@30somethingmike Год назад

Mate well done for the effort, not only on getting past 80 miles (which itself is an achievement) but also for sharing this. Nothing to be ashamed of, these things happen! Third time lucky next year? 😂

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks so much Mike! 84 miles is a big achievement but gutted to not have finished. It's frustrating as we've both finished the NDW100 which is arguably much harder but my strategy for this one was ridiculous. Valuable lessons. Onwards and upwards. Yeah I think a third time lucky will be the charm 🙏

@missycolleen Год назад

Loving this video and, as always your soundtrack. Sorry you dnf and surprised you did this on coronation day. V cool idea. Oh well. Got to turn back to your video

@avinashbhogun Год назад

Hopefully third time lucky!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks very much Colleen. Yeah, it was a bit odd doing it on Coronation day, I think that's why the trails were extra quiet plus the weather was atrocious.

@angelhristov2933 Год назад

Congrats for tje Strong performance! The hidden lesson for me watching is: accept the circumstances, don't beat yourself in addition to the hard conditions!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thank you. That's a great hidden lesson, I will bare that in mind for the future also!

@julietmorrice3205 Год назад

Ah, what a shame, gutted for you but as you said every run is a new lesson learned. 84 miles in grim conditions is still a great achievement! You’ll boss it next time 💪🏻

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks very much Juliet, really appreciate that. It was pretty devastating but I know what I did wrong so yes will apply the lessons moving forwards. Onwards and upwards!

@paulmulks 2 месяца назад

Nutrition is always my enemy 😤 Just completed the South Downs Way 50 and from mile 19 to mile 50 I couldn't eat anything as even the thought of food made me feel sick as a dog 🤢 Thankfully I wasn't sick but it's a lesson I need to learn from! I would like to give the Thames Path 100 a bash but need to get those admin issues sorted first 😂 Good luck with your next adventure

@trailrunningphil Год назад

Unfortunate mate. Another great effort. When I ran the same flat course up to 100k, I had a run walk/run strategy right from the start line - Run 5k, walk 5 mins and repeat. Even that didn't last me the whole distance but I eventually got to the finish line. As I have never trained and raced in a road marathon, Im just not motivated by splits or times but I fully get im in the minority and runners who do, should be very proud of their own achievements. Im still not brave enough to take on a 100 miles but perhaps I should give this one a crack next year! Onwards and upwards Craig 🤜👏🙌

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Phil, much appreciated. I've seen your Thames Path 100k video and it looks like you enjoyed it, and smashed it so fair play to you. To be honest, I've really been thinking about this race and why I do ultras in the first place and that's to have fun and see how far I can go. I got caught up in getting a good time and it cost me, and took some of the fun out of it to be honest, so I'm going to take a different approach moving forwards. You're a great runner so you'd be more than capable of taking this race on and finishing it I bet, your approach is sound. If you take it on, I'll see you on the start line! Cheers Phil.

@heatherwheeler4668 Год назад

Well done its a massive achievement to get to 84 miles!! I did Race to the King in 2019 it was tough but I finished it although it is 53 miles and not 100! I am not as fast as you though it took me 15 hours to do it! I am sure you will come back stronger next time!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks so much Heather, I really appreciate that. Congratulations to you for your epic Race to the King performance. Regardless of how long you took to complete it, a finish is a finish which is the most important thing and you must be proud!

@heatherwheeler4668 Год назад

@@runningcafe1 Thank you I am and so must you be too 100 miles is a hell of a long way! I have thought about doing the Thames path but fear that I wouldnt make it before the cut off!

@patrickedwards5804 Год назад

Bad luck. Saw your effort in 2022. You will crack it. BTW what's with TAMES PATH. Always know it as THE TEMS? Its how Londoners pronounce the name of that iconic stretch of waterway.. 🤔

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks for the kind words. I'm probably not saying it correctly, I have no idea what the proper way of saying it is. I'm not a Londoner, I'm from Kent

@30somethingmike Год назад

Kent and proud Craig!

@tombarr2536 Год назад

It's the most famous River in the world almost haha behind the nile

@tomatkins9806 Год назад

@@runningcafe1 Definitely 'TEMS', not 'TAMES'. I twitched a bit every time you said it 😅😅

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks, now I know

@CharlotteJ-zf3mr Год назад

Still a monumental distance, well done "buddy"

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks very much 'little buddy!'

@FilmMyRun Год назад

Ok, just watched the vid. Nice editing. Nicely put together. In terms of the race, yup you already know where you went wrong. Essentially you were doing sub 17 hour pace for the first half. Great learning experience though. I bet you'll get it done next time. See you at SDW100?

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks for that Stephen. Really appreciate you confirming my thoughts on the mistakes as such an experienced runner. Looking back it's ridiculous to think I was unknowingly going for a sub 17 hour finish! Lesson learnt. Unfortunately I'm not going to be about for sdw100 as I'm keeping myself relatively fresh for the Mozart 100k in Austria. Very best of luck to you for the rest of the same mate looking forward to seeing how you get on 🙏

@westhamfanhc6861 Год назад

Great video. Sorry you had to drop. It was unusually hard at the weekend. I was 4hrs slower to finish than I should have been. I ate real food from the start which got me through it otherwise I would have dropped I’m sure. Best of luck next time 👍

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Ian. Don't worry about being slow, you finished which is the most important thing! Real food sounds like a winning strategy for sure. Congratulations 👏

@nickkennedy6457 Год назад

just missed me Parkrunning with my daughter at 1:25 😅

@FilmMyRun Год назад

Hey Craig, I forgot you were on the start line or I would have come up and said hello. Hope you're ok. Haven't watched the video yet. Will do after the wife has finished watching Masterchef!!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Hi Stephen, I was trying to spot you at the starting line but wasn't successful unfortunately! Hope you and Victoria had a cracker of a race. Haha, I understand; Masterchef is the priority! Best of luck with the grand slam mate

@noobei_bb_ws Год назад

Sorry to see the result, but should make you a much stronger person overall. I was lucky enough to get it completed but much slower than your pace was. My feet are very bruised and blistered due to the wet and muddy weather but recovering slowly now. All the very best for the future Craig !!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks and congratulations for finishing, absolutely epic. The conditions were grim.

@jamesbarnes9469 Год назад

Well done Craig for posting the video. Great to relive the race/nightmare! 😂 Good luck with the rest of your plans and I look forward to watching the videos. Question is……. Are you going back next year? 😲😬

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks James, pleasure to spend a mile or so with you in the first half! I think I am going to give it another go. If I don't, I know I'll regret it. It's annoying as I've done the North Downs Way 100 which is arguably a much, much tougher race, but I think the lack of hills in the Thames Path make it especially tough as you have to be so on top of managing your own pace. Me and my brother will probably enter next year and run the whole thing together at a really relaxed pace. Fingers crossed!

@jamesbarnes9469 Год назад

@@runningcafe1 fair play Craig. It’s a strange one. I’m done with it now. But looking to do the south downs way next year. I really don’t understand the struggle so early on with this race. I hope a hilly one will be different! 🤞😂

@stuartwalker6786 Год назад

Breaking down mentally....ME,,,,Crying in a muddy puddle, screaming and swearing at the squirrels and the sky!!....... Crag...ohhh it's a bit muddy here!!!🤣🤣 ALWAYS love the chilled out vibe of the videos, even in the face of DNF! 🦾🏃❤

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Haha, yes I know the feeling Stuart! It can really get to you after a while, especially with the tough and muddy conditions. Thanks for watching buddy

@neilgoodwin662 Год назад

Great effort Craig, but as you say way too fast in first 50! Hit that checkpoint at mile 85 in last place in 2021 and although knackered, had a bit left to finish. Did 3 gels in the whole race as well!!!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks Neil and yep I agree. Way too fast for the first 50, no idea why I was trying to run an elite time just ridiculous 😂 Lesson learnt the hard way. Massive congrats to you for finishing this beast in 2021, hats off sir

@kal094 Год назад

It is absolutely amazing that you are sharing the experience regardless of the result. I have always wanted to watch some "real" ultras and it feels weird that every video is "how I ran 100k with no training". A tip - do not spoil the result in the title, let us go trough the journey wondering how it is going to end :) I signed for 100k in 2021 and didn't start because I got covid. Last year in the same 100k i dropped at 83k because my knee was refusing to work. Lets see if 3rd time will be the charm for both of us. Good job and good luck man.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks for the kind words and for the suggestion on the title. Best of luck to us both for 3rd time lucky 🙏

@Kwildcat13 Год назад

We all have DNF stories ! It happens all you can do is create a new goal and move forward !

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Absolutely, very wise words and I totally agree!

@cars92dtb Год назад

As difficult as that must have been to take, you completed an incredible distance in conditions that were far from easy. I thought you went through the first 1/4 very quick, then again you are a fast runner. You’ll complete this next time 😅

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks for the comment! Yeah, I did go off faaaaar too quickly. In hindsight, it was pretty ridiculous but you live and learn, and making the vid has certainly helped me to learn more about the mistake. Hopefully third time is a charm! 🙏

@SciFiScavenger Год назад

Bad luck Craig. So many variables to manage on these things, and the conditions in the last 30 or 40 miles were just horrible, i slid around all over the place in summer trail shoes - really regretted not putting my luggy shoes in the crew kit. 3rd time lucky Craig?

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thank you for the kind words. There are so many variables; it's a strategy for sure. Congrats for finishing the race. I think some cross country shoes would have been excellent for the muddy conditions but obviously not ideal with the constant road/paths breaking up the muddy paths. I think I am going to enter it again and run the whole thing with my brother at a really relaxed pace

@NicholasBarter Год назад

Pretty sure I saw you on course. I did the first 1/4 quicker than you, but I think we came into Henley around the same time. I realised that I wanted to get to mile 60/70 feeling good, so slowed right down. Unless you finish first, you all get the same medal. Try a run walk strategy - something like 13/2 and 8/2. Also, a significant amount of people pull out around midnight - your biological clock produces chemicals thatwill affect your mood, digestion and mental capacity, thus making you want to pull out. Having someone to run with, or just understanding this should get you through this. 15 minute pace per mile is perfectly fine 70 miles onwards. It's also perfectly fine to have a walk for an hour during a 100 miler, just to get over a low, get your stomach back or just relax a bit. A backyard ultra is only 4.17 miles per hour, which is enough to do 100 miles in 24 hours.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Hi Nicholas, thanks for your advice and thoughts. I agree with everything you suggest. I particularly like what you say about 'everyone getting the same medal', which is absolutely true. I was feeling good at mile 25 having done such a fast pace, so I just carried on, but - like you suggest - I should have predicted my drop in form and did a walking/run strategy and slowed right down. Thanks for sharing mate.

@spaniard86 2 месяца назад

Good luck this year mate! What are your thoughts on pacing it like a Backyard Ultra? Running only 4.167 miles per hour but walking the remaining time until you hit the hour mark. Therefore, whatever you walk each hour puts you ahead of 24hr pace. Stopping at aid stations would only eat into the walking time you've accumulated...

@runningcafe1 25 дней назад

Sorry for the late response! Unfortunately, it was another DNF at 52 miles. I got injured earlier this year and have had a few things going on so the training was not happening. I still gave it a go though, little disappointed to have failed again but hopefully next time... For a backyard ultra, I would take it as easy as possible and do the bare minimum from the start. It's not a race, it's an endurance test. I might do one someday but to be honest the idea of backyard ultras don't thrill me as I like the adventure that comes with a good old point to point or lap ultramarathon

@neilcatley9474 Год назад

Good video - well put together. I watched your 2022 as part of my race prep. I think your 2 summary reasons for failing are correct - waaay too quick, and even just grabbing some of the jam or marmite sandwiches would have helped. Road shoes for 70 miles with that forecast wasn't the best idea either. But sorry.. I'm going to be brutally honest. You could have finished. If you want to finish in a certain time or way, and you'd rather give up than not, then fair enough. But a 15min/mile and some tough going in those conditions is not a reason to give up. Harsh.. Maybe. Sorry. 😊 We got to Henley in 10hrs with a 0.25/0.75mile walk/run strategy from the start. Due to the conditions, we were forced to walk large sections of the second half and that pace plan was largely abandoned - the positive split was obscene and we finished in about 25:30 ish. You could have finished - have you asked yourself why you REALLY didn't finish? I obviously don't know, but neither of the two reasons you gave would have stopped you walking 16 miles to Oxford and finishing easily under the cutoff.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

I probably could have finished, but I was struggling to run 15 minute miles with every step feeling like my quadriceps were being stabbed and walking felt even worse and I was limping. Running that fast to start with for the first 50 miles, with my level of fitness/training, was not a good idea and put me in a very bad place for the second half of the race. I may have sounded relatively cheery in the last few video entries but I was in a very bad way inside. I can only assume I didn't have the mental strength to grin and bare it, and do a death march to the end. That's probably the real reason why that you're alluding to in your comment. My strategy of running too fast in the first 50 miles was clearly the problem, and I've definitely learnt from it. Sounds like you had it worked out well so perhaps I ought to take some inspiration from your strategy there. I'm also doing Ultra Trail Snowdonia 50k this Saturday too which was also on my mind. My decision to book these races back to back, and you could say it's foolish, but that's my choice.

@neilcatley9474 Год назад

@@runningcafe1 thanks for not taking my comment the wrong way! Do you think you put too much pressure on a time and if the result isn't what you'd want, you prefer to drop than death march? We did a few 20+ min/miles due to the mud and the pain of trench foot! I've not checked, but second half was prob around 15/mile average cos it was so bad out there. You'd probably be totally happy with 15/mile up a hill - but the flat plays with your head. Good luck with next weekend - 84 miles is a pretty decent training run! 🙌

@runningcafe1 Год назад

@@neilcatley9474 I appreciate your comment, and it has made me think about what happened. But, I know exactly what state I was in, and - due to having gone off so ridiculously quick - it wasn't a good one. My situation after Henley was totally different from yours due to our different approaches (yours being the better approach), and that's why I was messed up and unable to carry on. Yeah, I definitely put pressure on myself for a time. I didn't walk at all during the first 50 miles, and only walked in the second part when there was ridiculous mud. I've completed the North Downs Way 100 before, and I didn't put any pressure on myself for a particular time and I was able to finish that feeling relatively comfortable at the end in 26.5 hours, so I know that my pace was the problem. Massive learning, and I've really opened my eyes as to why I do ultra running in the first place which is to have fun and see how far I can go rather than getting caught up in a fast time. Looking forward to making changes in future. Thanks for the comment and congratulations for finishing. Took some patience and lots of grit to get to that finish line, I'm sure.

@shaunnicholson5389 Год назад

Sorry you didn't get it this time buddy. I saw your 50 mile time and my immediate thought was wow, that is quick. Proved to be part of the challenge for the day huh buddy. You are a great runner and very experienced and so it would stand that if you were cruising along at a comfortable pace and you had found your flow then staying with it made sense. Holding back on the reins would have been hard if you didn't have a strategy so maybe the old Jeff Galloway run-walk method might have been the call of the day (maybe a run 15mins and walk 5 mins?). I know this is a good strategy on flat courses where there are no real natural breaks to force the walks on you. As to gels, yep, been there myself last weekend on a trail 42km...first time tummy upset ever and I think too many gels programmed in rather than say going with a slightly intuitive approach. You will be back my friend and thanks for sharing, love your work!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Hi Shaun, thanks for the comment. Really appreciate that. Yeah, looking back at my performance I think it was rather foolish of me to run an 8 hour 50 miler in a 100 mile race! It would have been good for a 50 mile race, but not in the context of the beast that is 100 miles. I'm definitely considering some other methods, including the run-walk method, so thanks for highlighting those. I'll definitely back to give this one a crack, third time's the charm I say!

@Chriswiththeruns 20 дней назад

15 miles in 2 hours? Man, you were flying!

@runningcafe1 20 дней назад

Unfortunately it cost me big time later on. All learning!

@Chriswiththeruns 19 дней назад

@@runningcafe1 Yup, so much learning for all of us. I had a much slower pace (at a different 100) and finished in 31:39, 20 minutes before the race course closed. Too much stress! Somewhere between your starting pace and mine is where I would like to be.

@conradburdekin722 Год назад

Aw, Craig, I was sooooo gutted for you when I saw you’d DNF’d. I’ve (very) vaguely been thinking of entering this race in a year or two, but I thought: If it’s beaten Craig twice, what the hell would it do to me?!? Are you going to try again? I really hope so! Rest up and come back wiser and ready to best it!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Thanks for the kind words Conrad! To be totally honest, I was more than capable of finishing this race. My strategy was just terrible, and I ran far too quickly which finished me off. Had I ran it at a sensible pace to start, I would have likely finished it without TOO many problems. Also, my nutrition should have been much better. If you do the 100km fine, there's no reason why you can't do this one mate! I've learnt some valuable lessons from this experience. I've been thinking about it and I most certainly will try it again. I'll probably run it with my brother and we'll go at a very relaxed pace with the goal of finishing it rather than going for an elite time (which is what I stupidly appeared to be aiming for in my first 50 miles!) Cheers for the comment mate, hope trainings going well for you

@conradburdekin722 Год назад

@@runningcafe1 thanks Craig - training ok but been a weird four weeks between Manchester and now Leeds this Sunday. Came back too quick after Manchester which set me back a bit. Looking forward to Leeds a lot. As for your elite 100 miler (!) you have already done an elite marathon so you never know!!

@runningcafe1 Год назад

@@conradburdekin722 Glad to hear things going well and you're on the road to Leeds. You'll smash the 100km when the time rolles around, let me know how you get on!

@conradburdekin722 Год назад

@@runningcafe1 will do!!

@conradburdekin722 Месяц назад

Eventually got to do a 100km on Saturday - London 2 Brighton. Much harder than I expected, I just wanted to go home at half way, but eventually finished it in 16h 40 mins. Super pleased I did, but WOW it was hard

@avinashbhogun Год назад

Them Maurten gels are really harsh on the gut - in my opinion. Hopefully you make it third time lucky. 😊

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Cheers buddy, hopefully a third time lucky! Lesson learnt with the energy gels for sure

@richardantrobus7186 Год назад

good comment, I remember doing thames path and was eating sandwiches and real food early on, left gels till later and think keeping my gut in good condition helped me keep eating for the full 18-19 hours. I would also say a light windproof is great on top of mandatory kit in these conditions, it can really help regulate temperature/keep you drier till rain really starts. It's amazing how much energy can be used when wet/cold or overheating in full waterproofs. All good learning points and on another day you would have had this.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

@@richardantrobus7186 Really good points Richard, thanks for sharing. Will definitely bare those in mind for the next ultra.

@RunningWithDanny Год назад

Craig what camera are you filming with mate ?

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Go Pro Hero 9 is my outdoor camera Sony Alpha 6400 is my indoor camera

@RunningWithDanny Год назад

@@runningcafe1 🤝🏻

@pete801 Год назад

Gels are good..... But not for 100 miles. Eat a little bit of actual food at the aide stations. My first 100 I got serious cramps neglecting salt intake. Dnf. All a learning curve.

@runningcafe1 Год назад

Yep, learnt that lesson the hard way. Onwards and upwards for the future 🙏