The offer of a place in the inaugural Royal Parks Ultra from
the fabulous people at Salomon, was an offer too tempting to resist. Presented with a chance to run 50k through
the parks of London city, and participate in a very special event. The fact that the race was the weekend
immediately before a very important race for me meant that my objective was
purely to enjoy a very special longish distance training run. It would also be an ideal opportunity to
trial my new Rehband compression shorts, calf guards and arm sleeves.
The pre-race pack provided loads of information about the
event, lots of SIS goodies, a fabulous event t-shirt and a pair of Salomon S-Lab
socks. I decided to save the race
t-shirt until after the race but trial the new socks during the run – the perfect
complement for my shoe of choice… the Salomon XR Mission.
Parking at Richmond railway station, I jumped on the train
and headed to London, disembarking at South Kensington to walk the short
distance to the race headquarters in Hyde Park.
I had chosen to not bring a drop bag as I wanted to avoid any queuing
before and after the run – I should not have worried as the queues were minimal
at both ends. Anyway, my choice meant
that all the clothes that I wore to the start would be packed away in my
backpack that I would run all 50k with.
Sadly not a Salomon, instead it was my trusty Camelbak that had accompanied
me all the way on my recent Ridgeway success.
Today’s bag would be packed full of food, phones, keys, money and my
warm up clothes.
The run started in Hyde Park, and headed down towards
Westminster before turning left along the Embankment and across Blackfriars
Bridges, before picking up the Thames Path on the south side. We ran the same route as the half marathon
until part way down Embankment (just after passing the London Eye). The ultra-race actually started 30 minutes after
the half marathon, but even after that length of time we were overtaking runners
within minutes of starting, ducking and diving around them, good slaloming
practice!
As we ran through London I reminisced a lot about my time
working there… It was only three years ago and yet it feels like a lifetime
ago. Fabulous memories, both good and
bad…..
I felt very thirsty within a few miles of starting. I regretted not carrying any water in my
Camelbak, but looked forward to the water station at 5k that I had been told
about…. Sadly I was misinformed and the
feeding station did not appear until 10k.
However it was a brilliant feeding station, offering water, SIS juice,
gels, bars and Percy Pigs. However, I now know that Sandra and Percy Pigs are
not a good combination….
After guzzling lots of SIS energy drink at the feeding
station, I headed on my way towards the parks of London…. I was surprised that I seemed to be running on
rather a lot of tarmac. For some reason I
had thought that running in parks would provide me with the opportunity to run
on grass, trail and all the good stuff that is not tarmac…..
One of the consequences of running on so much tarmac - I
love my XR Missions, but I was really feeling uncomfortable with the reduced
cushioning that they offer in comparison with my Asics road shoes. My ankle was complaining and I realised at
the 6.5 miles point that my run today was going to be more challenging than I
had thought.
I was also getting a little frustrated with the London locals
and her visitors. Dozens of dogs off
leads coming too close for comfort, people on bikes meandered in front of
runners and tourists stood and stared – packs of them crowding the path as we
tried to negotiate a safe passage towards our destination, taking photographs,
queuing for the attractions…
Don’t worry, politeness remained top priority at all times,
even on those occasions when I really wanted to be grumpy!!
At 35k, I suddenly recognised Richmond Town Hall – the start
of the Thames Path 100, my first ever experience of a 100 mile race. The crowds in this area were exceptionally friendly
and supportive, and I felt a lovely little buzz as I glided through…. And then I finally got to run across a large expanse
of grass – my first ever run through Richmond Park. Suddenly my Salomon XR Missions and I were
where our hearts belong. A mixture of
terrain, gravel grass and even some mud we both came alive! We even found a little hill…. One day we will return to enjoy even more of
it, bringing with us some huskies to help us explore all the little paths that
meander off the main route….
Speaking of the inspiring support around Richmond, I must
also mention the amazing marshals that accompanied this race. A phenomenally friendly and supportive group
of people, they appeared at almost every corner or junction of the route,
always smiling and offering compliments – thank you all!!
Upon exiting Richmond Park I started struggling again, ankle
aching and worries about the affect my run today would have on my performance
at next week’s race. My right hip and
lower back were sore from chaffing from my Camelbak and my hands were swelling
as a result of dehydration.
But there were lots of positives…. Thanks to my new Salomon
socks and the larger size of XR Missions, I was not suffering from blisters or
any toe problems. All my Rehband
compression clothing felt very comfortable.
In particular I must compliment the Rehband shorts. Not only are they extremely comfortable, they
also do not hold moisture in the way that other brands of compression clothing
does. Very encouraging news for my
future racing plans. I also wore the
compression tights for 14 hours after the run and awoke to fresh legs able to
go running with huskies!
I loved running through Bushy Park. For five years I have wanted to run a 5k in
this park and thanks to Royal Parks Ultra I finally did! What a lovely park, especially when I got to
stop and video some rutting stags at 48.5k.
The temptation proved too much when I turned a corner and they were
right in front of me!
The last 1.5k after my impromptu stag stop was easily the
fastest of my run – had I continued that pace for another 3.5k I would have
rivalled my parkrun PB….
I was particularly impressed with the finish marquee. There was plentiful food, drinks (including
beers) and seats for everyone. Showers
were available, as was a shuttle bus service to Teddington Station. I felt brave enough to try eating a burger, I
felt my body deserved some special attention after safely transporting my mind
and her demons through the streets (and parks) of London.
The goody bag was also a delight to rummage through. Crisps, bananas, mints, Salomon goodies, SIS treats
and water bottle, and even some broad beans to plant in my garden. The medal was an engraved wooden leaf – a very
special memento.
I have found a perfect event for Ian to run next year, one
which I would love to support him on – meet him in every park with our pack of
huskies, by then we will hopefully have sussed out the best way to deal with
off lead and out of control dogs….;-)
And for anyone that did not know… the eight Royal Parks are:
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, St James’s Park, Bushy Park, Richmond
Park and Greenwich Park.
(image courtesy of Royal Parks Foundation)
