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CTS 09/10 Marathon Winner Interview

Congratulations on taking the title, describe to us how you got your hands on the coveted trophy.

It was all down to hard work, putting in the hours in the gym and out on the Purbeck hills, with some solid off road time trial sessions and some hard fast 3-4 hour hilly runs on some of the most demanding terrain on the coast path.
 
Why do you choose Endurancelife events?
 
I first met the Endurancelife team in 2008 when I competed in the famous Classic Quarter a 44 mile long Ultra Marathon which starts at the most southern point in the UK, Lizard Point in Cornwall and finishes at Land's End the most western point. This route takes in a Quarter of the Compass, hence the name. The event went well and the team were so helpful and friendly, I went back for more. I went on to do the Classic Quarter again in 2009 and then entered the Coastal Trail Series. The venues chosen by Endurancelife are breathtaking and second to none, if anyone reading this hasn’t yet entered any of the Endurancelife events then give them a go, you won’t look back!!!

 The right footwear plays a key part in your result, what do you use out on the trail?

 It’s Inov-8 for me, every time. The first shoe I tried from their range was the ever popular Mudroc 290, I then went onto the roclite 285 for racing. At the moment I train in the roclite 315 as it gives me the extra cushioning that I need for the longer 3 hour+ runs required when training for these demanding events. When I am racing there is only one shoe from the range that I use ‘the X-Talon 212’ when I first put this shoe on it was like putting on a slipper, comfortable, low profile, flexible and all that in one shoe. I ran the Classic Quarter in this light weight shoe and it was comfortable from start to finish.

 What do you get up to during downtime from training and trail running?

When I’m not running myself I am working and promoting my web-site peteroper.com. My passion for running started 18 years ago and I’ve learnt and been inspired by a group of top level coaches. They taught me that if you work hard and receive the correct training you can achieve your goals. Whether you want to just enjoy a run and finish it or you want to break your PB, put the right training in and a bit of quality time and it can all come together. Over the years I have adapted myself to be able to run efficiently over some of the roughest, toughest terrain on the coast path and under cliffs where many never wonder. I take regular off road running workshops on mixed terrain in Dorset on the coast path, my clients have enjoyed learning different skills in a beautiful setting.

I have also enjoyed fast-packing over the years and this is a great way to train for an endurance event, you’re probably asking "What is Fast–Packing?" This activity involves travelling fast and light over multiple days carrying a pack containing everything you need to survive, travelling 4-5 mph and sometimes a slow paced run depending on the terrain. It’s an awesome way to spend a few days out on the path and trails. You can use it as a way to unwind from work and enjoy the great outdoors, find out more at peteroper.com 
 
How do you think trail running will develop in the future?

 I think trail running will really grow, especially if the events are held in breath taking locations and they are challenging, let’s face it Endurancelife have put on some great events on some of the toughest terrain and runners come back time and time again. There is defiantly room out there for more events, check out the new Coastal Trail Series with three new locations.
 Why do you think the CTS have proved so popular with the whole spectrum of runners?
 Again this is down to location and a course that challenges any runner, run by a company that puts everything into making sure that the runner gets everything out of their day whatever distance they run.

 Do you have a course which particularly stood out for you and why?

This is a difficult one to answer as are all outstanding venues but it's got to be Portland, this venue was well talked about over the weeks commencing the event, the lose beach section, the climb to the top, the technical section etc. But when you expect it to be hard it's sometimes not as hard as you imagine. It was a very cold morning as we all gathered for the briefing and as I looked around to see what the competition was like, I noticed a face from the past, an old team mate that I used to run with. At the start he set a fantastic pace and left me for dust, when I finally caught up with him we ran stride for stride and it wasn't until well into the second lap that he started to slow. I kept up the pace for a win and we both broke the course record "Quality Just Quality."
 
What is your favourite memory from the Coastal Trail Series?

 My favourite memory was meeting Adrian Jones for the first time at the Gower marathon, we battled it out for most of the marathon and neither of us giving in, it was stride for stride for the second half of the marathon and in the end it was a joint 1st place. I will never forget that memory, Adrian is a strong runner and I’m looking forward meeting again as I enjoy running against him, I’m sure we will do battle again.

Now the Coastal Trail Series 2010-11 has launched, what are you excited about regarding the new series?

That’s an easy one, the new concept of a qualifying final which will see the fastest runners from the previous nine races going head to head. The fact it’s at a secret location and called ‘The Edge’ only serves to fuel my excitement. 

What are you plans for the next 12 months on the race circuit?

I would like to come back and defend my title. I’m looking forward to a break and once I’m refreshed and ready to race. It will be exciting to run the new venues plus a few of my favourite events like Portland and Gower and see if I could grasp a series win again, but this will be all down to training and work, to win any of these events takes time on the hills and in the gym so I will have to see what comes up.

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Amazing Aerial Footage from the CTS!

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Coastal Trail Series 2010-11 Goes Live!

On your marks, get set, go!  The Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series is going to be even more thrilling for 2010-11, with the launch of three brand new venues, plus an exciting new concept final. This means a total of ten tough challenges around the British coastline. The new inspiring locations adding to the already epic line up include; the Isle of Wight, Anglesey and Sussex, plus a secret location series finale. Every stage of the Coastal Trail Series will offer marathon, half marathon and 10k options, whatever your distance you can guarantee an adventure every step of the way.

Each stop on The Coastal Trail Series 2010-11 will deliver a unique challenge and exciting experience while highlighting the very best of the British coastline. As the United Kingdom has over 11,000 miles of coastline, the team at Endurancelife had plenty of stunning locations to choose from. Each handpicked course passes through Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB's) National Parks, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) and National Heritage parks.

A thrilling addition to the new series will be the exclusive CTS final ‘The Edge’. The concept will differ to the rest of the series, due to the low numbers this secret location can accept, a qualifying procedure has been put in place. Therefore trail runners making the qualifying times from previous events will be invited to line up on; ‘The Edge’.

Trail runners can choose to take part in any number of events with a variety of different race booking offers available including the twin pack, triple pack or take on the formidable 7x challenge i.e. the completion of seven events in the series of nine. Those entering and successfully completing the 7x challenge will also qualify for a place on; ‘The Edge’.

Whether you are new to trail running or a hardened veteran, the Endurance Store will be open at all the venues to offer the very best collection of kit and advice. Of course the store is also open twenty four hours a day at Endurancelife.com.

Thanks to INOV-8, Clif and For Goodness Shakes for their continued support of the Coastal Trail Series. Endurancelife is continuing to work closely with the National Trust Neptune Coastline Campaign with £1.00 from every CTS entry going towards the £30,000 target.

 The all new Coastal Trail Series kicks off in September 2010 on The Isle of Wight and each event is guaranteed to excite and inspire the trail runner in you to get out there. So what are you waiting for?

The Coastal Trail Series 2010-11 venues

           Stage                                     Date
      1. Isle of Wight                           25.09.2010
      2.  Dorset                                   16.10.2010
      3.  Gower                                   13.11.2010
      4.  Portland                                 04.12.2010
      5.  Anglesey                                22.01.2011
      6.  South Devon                          19.02.2011
      7.  Pembrokeshire                       12.03.2011
      8. Sussex                                    26.03.2011
      9. Exmoor                                  16.04.2011
     10. The Edge Secret Location      07.05.2011

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CTS 09-10 Stage 7: Exmoor

A Hot weekend of Action
The Heddon Valley and Exmoor National Park played host to the final stop of the current Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series 09/10. Over 750 runners took on the distance challenges (ten km's, half and full marathon) as well as the 25 degree heat, there were plenty of medals and water available.
All the routes stuck to the coast providing breath taking views which spurred the runners across the undulating terrain. The varied terrain also provided some welcoming shade under the mature trees clinging to the steep cliffs.

Trail runners were attracted to the area from across the UK. Winner of the Marathon Adrian Jones from Cardiff, posted a blisteringly fast time of 3:44:31 on his 41st birthday said "the temperature soared though out the day so hydration was critical and I had this all organised. I really enjoyed the course with the spectacular views, catching long distance views of the coastline was incredible. A highlight was running up parallel to the cable car in Lynton. All credit to the Endurancelife team for ensuring everyone had plenty of water available.”

Giles Savage from Exeter won the 10k race having entered all seven events over the last seven months said "winning this was a great way to cap off the races which have proved a great way to enjoy the UK’s awesome coastline. The Heddon Valley is truly a hidden gem which many people simply don’t know it’s on their doorstep.”

Ellen Robinson came first in the half marathon said "the course is brutal with lots of steep ups and downs, thankfully the amazing scenery and atmosphere means it is a real pleasure to take part in this wonderful event.”
 
James Heraty from Endurancelife said "this is the final stop of seven in the Coastal Trail Series 09/10 which has introduced runners to the UK’s fantastic coastline and many of the people taking part spend the weekend enjoying the location. The Heddon Valley and Exmoor National Park are truly inspiring locations and the perfect setting to finish the current Coastal Trail Series. A big thank you to all the CTS 2010-11 sponsors: Inov-8, Clif, and For Goodness Shakes.”

 Marathon Results
Male                         Female
1st Adrian Jones       1st Zelah Morrall
2nd Peter James       2nd Tracey Hayward
3rd Terry Conway    3rd Frances Cooke

Half Marathon Results
Male                               Female
1st Chris Gill                   1st Ellen Robinson
2nd Mitchell Barclay       2nd Anne Baumber
3rd James Walker           3rd Jo Starr

10k Results
Male                              Female
1st Giles Savage             1st Clare Donovan
2nd Tom Beech              2nd Kerry McGawley
3rd Lawrence Percival    3rd Kirstie Morrison
 
All Photos and a full list of results can be found at www.endurancelife.com
The dates for the new 10/11 Coastal Trail Series were also released, which kicks off in September at a brand new venue – The Isle of Wight. This is the first of ten challenges in the new series which also sees the addition of Anglesey, Sussex plus a secret location final.

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CTS 09-10 Stage 6: Cornwall

The penultimate stop for The Coastal Trail Series 2009-10 was never short of excitement and offered the typical pedestrian roller coaster of up and downs associated with Endurancelife events. The 500 + competitors were greeted with perfect running conditions, a cloudy sky and a fresh wind coming off the sea. With rumours flying around race base of one of the driest courses to date, some may have been lulled into thinking this would be an easier affair. Any such thoughts were quickly forgotten as the brave hit the coastal path. All three courses had to tackle a very technical opening section with plenty of lose footing and a hands down scrambling approach required on the ascents. The stunning scenery provided a welcome distraction along with reminders of Cornwall’s industrial heritage breaking.   At the halfway point it was time to head away from the coast, though only briefly for the 10 k runners before they returned to the coastal path. The marathon and half courses up run over the open health and moorland. These courses too then returned to the coastal path before the final sting in the tail that was the final two miles steeply ascending up to the finish line.

From the racers mouth

Marathon Winner Pete Roper described the St Just course as the toughest and most technical yet. "There was no let up and you had to stay focused the whole time and always concentrate on your footing plus plenty of hands down action required on the ascents. The open moorland and health section was amazing if not forgiving. Will Turner (Course Director) must have had a little smile on his face as he planned the final two mile ascent into the finish.”
Half Marathon Winner Shane Ohly said "The landscape made the race both tough and enjoyable and I kept a steady pace for the first few miles as the coastal path is very technical. The course continues along the spectacular coast for a further five miles before heading in land over the moor. Of course I’m very pleased with my result as this is my first race back since January last year. My race plan was to go steady to at the beginning and then I kept my speed up with the mantra; the faster I go the more I can eat.”
Runner Up in the 10 km Lucy Snowball said "The weather has been perfect and the scenery amazing. My friend is running in the marathon distance and recommended the event to me. We both fancied a road trip out of London so we’re making a weekend of it down here. The whole event has a brilliant atmosphere and everyone is really up for it. It’s very different to a normal road race; this is an event for true runners.”

Marathon Results
Male                                  Female
1st Pete Roper                  1st Sharon Daw
2nd Chris Gilbert               2nd Anna Theophilus
3rd Adrian Hall                 3rd Nichola Taylor

Half Marathon Results
Male                            Female
1st Shane Ohly            1st Zelah Morral
2nd James Rae            2nd Lizzie Bradshaw
3rd Steve Schooling     3rd Jo Cowper

10k Results
Male                       Female
1st Sam Hill            1st Clare Donovan
2nd Giles Savage    2nd Lucy Snowball
3rd Peter May        3rd Elizabeth Robinson

The final venue in the 2009-10 series is Exmoor on 22nd May where the plans for the brand new Coastal Trail Series will be unveiled.
As always the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series would not be possible without the support from the series sponsors Inov-8, Clif and For Goodness Shakes and of course all the runners raring to take on these tough challenges.

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CTS 09-10 Stage 5: Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire to me was going to be a working weekend with Endurancelife.  I was going over to Wales to work for a couple of days, not to run as I would normally, not to just turn up on Friday to register, but go to work and see what goes into setting everything up.

My thanks go to Robin for his good early pace and without whom my time would have been considerably slower.   And a big thanks has to go to Endurancelife for making these events happen.  There is a huge amount of planning and work that goes on both before and after these events, and it does take a lot of time, energy and resource.  But the result is that we get to race in the best off road running series in the country!  I really enjoyed my weekend with Endurancelife even if I did skive off to race!  Thanks to all and see you at the next one at Cornwall.

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CTS 09-10 Stage 4: South Devon

It was with a mix of excitement and trepidation that I headed to South Devon for the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series event.  I was here in September 2009 taking part in the South West Coast to Coast ('Extreme' - one day version) and the excellent Coast Raid 20 adventure race.

I had therefore ran this section of coast this course many a time, but always at the end of a long race and this was the first time I was going to do it fresh over the Marathon distance, having last done the Half Marathon about 3 years ago.  With little training and no racing since the Coast Raid 20, I was worried how the legs would hold up to the distance and the hills (and as it turned out – the MUD).

After a week of rain in the South West, it was noted that the race venue had arranged for extra parking (just in case there was difficulty parking at the start because of muddy fields).  Arriving in plenty of time, it was good to see that the Endurancelife team were efficient and well managed, with traffic being well directed.  I luckily bagged a parking slot opposite the Event Base & Start/Finish, so at least I didn’t have far to crawl at the end.  With a large turnout expected ( I believe 700 or so) the Event Base had upgraded to a large marquee on the village green, complete with efficient registration, the Endurance Store and cafe.  There was even changing rooms and a manned bag drop area, and the provision of clean toilets. Unlike other events, there never seemed to be a queue!

As the race kick off approached, the slower (plodders) for the marathon distance headed off.  Some 30 minutes later we queued up to hear the race briefing and a list of hazards to look out for on the course.  This mainly consisted of those dangerous things like mud, cliffs and slippery terrain.  All good stuff, so the only thing to do was to take off the warm clothes and head off.  Everyone was given their own sportident dibber, so it was possible to start when you wanted to avoid the initial crush going into the first narrow trail section.  As I headed towards the first hill I saw Will (Endurancelife Course Planner) directing people on to the beach – this was new and I guess broke things up a bit more, before the first hill.  Having waited for the initial rush to go at the start, I thought I would have no problem on the narrow first hill, but this was not the case, and it was still necessary to walk and try to pass other competitors in front.  With a long way to go, a few minutes lost passing people would probably not make much of a difference.

It was nice to be running this section of the coast from fresh instead of at the end of race.  The terrain under foot was very muddy and slippery, and the off road shoes were a must for this event.  There were a few people in road shoes and they just could not get any traction on the slippery surface.  Down hill sections were a breeze and I easily slipped past some of the slower runners.  As I approached the coast guard station at East Prawle I had to laugh as someone in front of me slipped and slided trying to get up the hill.  As I passed I gave a word of encouragement and a friendly recommendation to buy some off-road shoes.  The stunning coastal section was over way too quickly and it was soon time to head in and from the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary.  There was a long climb up from the coast and a quiet road section before more bridleways, green lanes and farmer fields.  It seemed to take a long time to get back to somewhere I could remember and then all of a sudden we were mixing it with the half marathon runners.  As I descended down a slippery bank, I got asked by another competitor how far there was to go.  After advising him that we are about 2/3rds of the way through, it became apparent he was doing the half and soon shot off as I was beginning to slow down.  As we came closer to Beesands, it was so tempting to think that the finish was down the hill, but unfortunately, the GPS said I still had another 10km to go.  I was starting to get tired now and had to force myself to keep a steady pace.

I think it was at this point that I said to another competitor that there was not much to worry about now, as there was only a flat run out and back along Slapton Sands and one last hill to the finish.  Then, just as I thought we were going to turn right to Slapton, we headed up another hill and I realised there was a harder route ahead.  This brought us to the back of the lake at slapton and the run along the lake, although very nice, was starting to make me suffer.  The final check point was now passed and it really was a flat run and one hill to the Finish.  Again, it pays to look at the pre race info, as the GPS was now advising that I was coming up to the 42km marathon distance, but I reckoned there was still another 2km to go.

The last hill was a bit of a killer and it was great to top out and see the view back down to the Event Base in Beesands and all the competitors from the 10km and half marathon waiting at the finish.  I tried to put a final sprint for the line, but this was not that fast and was happy to get in under the 5hr mark.

Again, this was another great event and we were very lucky with the weather (it stayed dry all day – thank god) as I dont think you can have much more mud to run through.  All in a great event and the organisation was spot on.

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Chesil Beach hit by CTS Litter Pickers

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CTS 09-10 Stage 3: Portland

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CTS 09-10 Stage 2: Gower

This Gower outing was to prove a tad more demanding than hauling the deckchairs or surfboard through the dunes or eating the curry at the end of the ‘Mile’.  I knew a marathon around the Gower was going to be a different kind of new experience and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

I’ve done my fair share of long endurance events, from my inaugural US Athens to Atlanta 85 mile in-line speed skating marathon back in the early 90’s to a spate of 11 Ironman races up to 2007, a couple of 100 mile TT’s, straight marathons (including a rhino at London) – the usual stuff.  With the spiraling entry fees of Ironman I’ve been in search of a new format to feed my need for long endurance racing.  I’d been enjoying long trail runs on Caerphilly Mountain north of Cardiff so figured off-road races were worth a try.  As a starter for five I entered the Go-Beyond multi-lap marathon in Brentwood, Essex.  It worked out better than I’d imagined and so I figured I’d up the ante and search for a purer, more challenging course.  That’s when I spotted Endurancelife’s Gower event.  It just had to be done.

The good thing about a new sport is the new world of products that come with it and trail running is no exception. After a frantic few weeks of product research I got kitted out and before I knew it there I was standing on my old stomping ground in my Raidlight tights, Mizuno trail shoes & one of those silly headbands. A far cry from the surfy baggies & Alder jacket of my youth. I had the mandatory first aid kit, phone, foil blanket, whistle, etc, all packed in and was good-to-go for my Endurancelife initiation.

Due to fallen trees, the new course had been extended to 27.5 miles so not only was I getting initiated in trail racing but technically in ultra running too. It was a real step into the unknown.

It was all very relaxed from the off with lots of light conversation amongst a group of about ten at the front.  I was a bit taken aback by this as when it comes to racing, I’m very much a head down, lets just get on with this mentality.  Some bloke asked if I was going to run with him, to which I replied "I’ll give it a try”.  Little did I know it was a certain Pete Roper and little was I to know how much of a try it was going to be.

I mistook the first check point as a water station, as whlst the others stopped I figured I’d be a cunning fox and take advantage by surging straight through.  The problem was, 1) straight through was the wrong way, and 2) it was a chip timing check point.  After going back & chipping-in I had to work back to the front.

Seeing the two leaders ahead on the Llanmadoc Hill ascent I kept it steady and worked the descent for the catch-up, and then there were three.  It stayed that way until we started to go upwards again, this time onto the exposed ridge of Cefn Bryn about 8 miles in to the course.  Heading towards the top which is the Gower’s highest point, the other chap, Warwick Gooch, slipped off the pace a little as Pete kept pushing on (spot the theme!).  This is when I realized that if I was going to try to run with him I’d have to try all the way round.  There was a stretch where we didn’t see any Endurancelife arrows so Pete slowed with a bit of concern that we’d gone wrong.  This is when I could be of some use.  Having written a mapmyrun of the route along with my knowledge of the area, the rookie could re-assure that we were OK.  "We have to cross that road at some point, Arthurs Stone is over there.  Nice pub down there in Reynoldston” etc, etc.  As we ticked off the slippery muddy miles, the chit-chat was still going strong.  Pete put the willies up me when he revealed his sub 2:30 London marathon PB.  It sounded like I’d be wise to take a page out of his experienced book and follow his pacing.

Coming off Cefn Bryn we hit the next check point at Nicholaston. I had managed to coordinate my wife, kids & parents to be there, the interlude of moral support along with a fresh bottle were a welcome boost. Down through the woods to Oxwich Bay and Warwick had bridged again and was back on our heels.  Switching to a westerly route on the beach the next challenge became self-evident.  South westerly winds were banging straight into our face.  With soft sand underfoot bundled with this head wind I could see the challenge was going to be a lot more than dealing with the tough course profile.

The Endurancelife website states, 'the events will go ahead in all but the most severe conditions. The weather conditions are very much a part of the challenge of trail running'.  Having read this beforehand, instead of getting angry with the wind I just got on with it.  Across the bay and onto the next course characteristic - the coastal path.  It was immediately apparent that the technical aspect was now a big factor, balancing the need for speed with self-preservation, every foot-strike was a potential broken ankle.  On the descents I used my newly acquired Richard Askwith (author 'Feet in the Clouds') mantra "brain on, brakes off”.  When clambering upwards it was more a case of balancing the risky business of redlining with keeping on Pete’s heels.  The closer we got to the finish the more the willingness I had to redline.

Across the first stretch of cliffs, down  in to Port Eynon Bay, I received my second boost from the family.  Seeing my 4 year old son in the distance running on the sand in excitement was priceless, but the sentiments would have to wait if I was to stick with Pete.  Onto the next headland and yet another new dimension to the race – steps and when I say steps I mean big ones and lots of them - lots of them!  Up to the top of Oxwich Point then more steps back down.  We’d been having off & on chats along the way, and at this point I made the observation that "mile splits don’t mean sh*t”.  It was more a case of "go, recover & then go again”.  This game was certainly a far cry from my even-effort events of the past and its rawness and purity was a welcome breath of fresh air.  Especially so, after years of frustration over the prevailing increase in the peletons of drafting cheats in Ironman events.

I’m a big fan of segmentation and had done my homework.  A tough final segment - up, along & down Rhossili Downs was looming.  The route was cruel, as we progressed west The Downs were right there on our shoulder.  Yet we had to keep going to the far south west tip of the peninsula before tackling the side wall of The Downs.

By now the layers had been peeled away, but even at this late stage I still had one of those magic little moments.  It’s one I get every time I see the beauty that is Worms Head and the sweeping vista of Rhossili Bay.  No wonder it was Dylan Thomas’s most inspiring place: 'Even on this calmest day a wind blew on the Worm'.  Gower - what a beautiful place - what a place to have the good fortune to run & experience so much of in a single morning.

So there it was the ugly prospect of getting to the top of The Downs after over 25 miles of trying.  Scary in itself but when there are two of you who had come so far it was as daunting a prospect as any.  With the effort we’d put in it was obvious that we were both uncompromisingly competitive.  Who was going to falter at the last hurdle?

The gradient was as bad, no, worse than I’d ever imagined.  It felt more like a climbing wall than a hill.  At the top and both of us were still together.  How on earth were we going to settle this?  I knew how vertical the drop off the other side to the finish was.  Add the wet conditions under foot from the rain that had just started, and you have the recipe for a hospital visit.  The idea of a cheese rolling competition after over 27 miles of hard running was none too inviting. We somehow managed to string a conversation together and agreed to share the glory.  A surge to the line this late in the game, when all the real work had been done would have been a tad un-sportsmanly.  We shook on it at the top and gingerly clambered down the 85 degree bank.

Job done.  I’m sold.  What a fantastic sport.  Thanks for the initiation Pete.

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