South Downs Way 100

My decision to sign up to such a ridiculous distance race was a pretty late one. Having returned from the Marathon des Sables tent 109 were conversing lots via email. Many races were suggested such as The Grand 2 Grand Ultra (through the Grand Canyon) and it was all a bit of fun. In the back of my mind I've been thinking that the Ultra Trail du Mont Blonc (UTMB) would be a great pinnacle to my running career and a reason to start hanging up my running trainers from serious training. Then again just ticking off a 100m race from my bucket list might just be the trick whist I still have the MdS endurance in my legs.



Every so often I have looked at the Centurion Running website and marvelled at the logo while thinking a hundred miles must almost be impossible. When I checked there were no spaces for the SDW100 race, phew, although there was a 'join the waitlist' option. Well that didn't involve spending any money and wasn't stressful so my details were filled in. I told the rest of tent 109 what a silly thing I had done and Rob, Tom and Marcus joined the list too. The problem was a couple of days later I got an email stating that there was a place and I only had 72 hours to pay the entry !!! Ahhh man, with butterfly's in my stomach I took the plunge and signed up. Rob also signed up but Marcus and Tom thought better of it and agreed to help us as pacers instead.

Training - After the monstrous training of the MdS I didn't want to go getting stressed out following a tough schedule. Instead I cut my running back to 3-4 runs a week. Short but quick tues/thurs, medium if any on the Saturday and long on the Sunday. My Sunday runs essentially became recces for the event itself. Over a period of a month or so I ran from Cocking to Eastbourne following the route of the SDW bridleway. I had already run Harting Down to Cocking with Tom in MdS prep so the only unknown part of the route would be the first 30 miles. I figured I'd have lots of people to follow to start with so that was fine. 2 weeks before the event I ran 20 miles with Tom on the SDW then the following morning I ran a nice slow 32 miles, Clayton Windmills to the Finish. Long training done I just ticked over till race day.

The race - Logistically an event such as this presents challenges as its point to point, Winchester to Eastbourne. Centurion Running do provide return transport but its not until 12:00 and I didn't know when I would finish. As it was I crashed with Tom on the Friday and he drove me to the start line. Once I was ready to go I chatted with runners, there was plenty of first timers and plenty who had tried and failed before. I didn't know what to expect at all.

At 0600 we were off. A short jog around the field then out across open fields until we joined the South Downs Way. It had rained heavy the night before which meant that underfoot it was mixed, some dry chalk typical of the SDW, wet clay and really wet muddy patches. This race had it all including grass and only a very very small asphalt patch. Aid stations were well placed at approximately 11 & 22 miles for CP1 & 2,then after this they started to get a bit closer together. They were well stocked with crisps and chocolate, coke, wraps, sandwiches and all sorts. The surprise highlight for me was fresh fruit, I couldn't get enough.

The secret to running an ultra I think is to break it down into stages, specifically a first and second half but more importantly only think from one checkpoint to the next, that way the distance always seems achievable. I had opted for a new running pack for this race, the Salomon Advanced Skin Hydro 5. I was unsure if it would be large enough but it turned out perfect. A bladder was placed in the rear along with compulsory kit, a soft flask on the front along with my phone, sweets, gels etc. Filling the bladder at the CP's was pretty easy and the stewards always helped out. Just remember to turn the pack upside down and suck the air out before setting off again. Thanks to Jon Lavis for this picture, I'm deep in concentration.




Cocking was the 35 mile checkpoint. The sun was shining brightly and we were directed into a farmers field. The CP was at the top of the field and I had to run past 40 or so cars to get to it. Almost every car had someone clapping and wishing me well, I was almost brought to tears at this stage. Then the most amazing thing happened, we got Ice Cream at the check point. Yeah baby, I was so hot and it tasted amazing, "more please" I garbled before chasing it with some coke, probably not a great idea in hindsight but it was just what the doctor ordered.

Between 25 and 54 miles I ran pretty much alone. I was on familiar trail so I popped on my music and enjoyed the day. Following a very heavy but relatively short shower halfway came around before I knew it and 54 miles was the big stop at Washington. Here I was met by my wife and daughter and as usual I started to cry, I was also met by Mark and his son who had come to wish me well and Tom Parry my pacer. Loads of food was on offer including pasta but I was careful not to eat too much. I changed all my clothes and trainers which in retrospect was genius. The only problem ... I forgot to re-apply body glide and was to pay the price later. To my surprise I met Rob here, I thought he would have been well ahead but he only left around 10 minutes before me. (Rob finished top 30 MdS)

Most of the foods and snacks I had in my drop bag I didn't touch. I know you're not supposed to experiment in races but I did by using Peronin. A powder which you mix with water for a 450 kcal drink. I had 2 of these during the race and they were easy to drink. I ate at most of the CP's but was never hungry. The call of nature came twice (No2) but I took wet wipes so all was good ... apart from the chafing, damn forgetting the body glide.

It was great to have Tom in the second part of the race. We chatted lots and my music didn't come out again. Tom helped me through a couple of dark patches and came out with a few  little gems:

1) the top runners will be missing the MAGIC hours by not running in the darkness !!!! no Tom they will be wrapped up in bed
2) when you think everything hurts ... your ears probably don't. He was right on that one :-)

Simon from X-bionic was at Clayton Windmills, he noticed I was running in the kit and he took this pic. It was here that we saw Rob running with Marcus. This spurred Tom on and he dragged me along with the intention of catching them. We did eventually at the A27 which was ideal. Marcus left Rob here and it meant we could all run in together. Fortunately I brought spare socks and Rob was a happy recipient as his feet were soaked.

Rob and I were both feeling it at this stage but I was determined to push on so I encouraged a short jog before we stated an epic climb. Then pretty much for the rest of the race it seemed that all we did was climb !!! Hill was followed by hill after hill, false summits and more climbs. At least that's how it seemed. I knew what to expect having recced the route a few weeks earlier and I was so happy at this stage that I had done so. Head torches came out from Kingston which really was "MAGICAL".

It was while running in the dark that Rob and I started to lose our sense of humour. Essentially we were just becoming tired but there was no escaping the fact that everything hurt, well not everything, Tom kept reminding me of my ears. It was great to have someone around who wasn't as tired as he kept dragging Rob and I out of dark places and making light of it. Never underestimate the importance of company when you are really tired.

The night time hours seemed to pass and we ticked off the miles. It was one checkpoint to the next, quick refill a little food and on we went. Alfriston came along at around 91 miles where Rob picked up another pacer, its a beautiful village and we were directed into a little hall. A coffee and a small bowl of beans, a few fresh blueberries and some vaseline where the sun don't shine and we were off again. Cruelly we had to take a little detour as the usual bridge was out,  we had to cross around 5 stiles to get back on track and the vaseline wasn't working !!! A great big climb again and before we knew it we were descending to Jevington. This was when Tom really came into his own. We ran ... yes we ran and at some pace I might add, downhill over very technical ground, Tom was always a few feet ahead calling out obstructions and guiding my way. Apart from the obvious feet pain it felt great and I was having fun. We stopped very briefly at Jevington as there was only 4.5 miles to go. Another great climb and another cracking descent, our last of the race.

Then that was it, we were onto tarmac, the last 1.5 miles. The 4 of us ran non stop straight to the finish, I wanted and needed to take a rest but the guys wouldn't quit. We overtook a couple of runners as we followed the endless path to the stadium then that was it, through a car park and I saw the running track. The sky was a magical blue and I saw my wife wrapped in a blanket by the track as we entered. We jogged steadily to the finish line, joined our arms and finished the South Downs Way 100, 21hours and 35 minutes after starting.


WE DID IT .... TOGETHER, it really was a team effort. Rob and I received our sub 24 hour buckle, '100 MILES ONE DAY' and I was so happy. To top it off we finished in joint 50th position. AMAZING.


Over the next week or so I kept speaking of how horrible it was, how everything hurt and how I never wanted to do such a silly thing again. Now, a week and a half later I've been looking at UTMB and the Western States 100, go figure !!!

The South Downs 100 was professionally organised and everything appeared seamless. The start, the aid stations, the volunteers. My only very minor criticism was that I nearly missed the red and white directional tape a couple of times (1 runner ahead of me did) and could have been more obvious. Having said that I really enjoyed myself and felt it was great value for money, I will definitely consider Centurion Running for future events, thank you :-)

Fathers day reward ...

A Big Thank You

To all my friends and family, anonymous donators and anyone who helped me on my way over the last two years this is for you.

A real heart felt thank you is sent from me to you.

The 2014 Marathon des Sables has now come and gone, a mere memory which I relieve through stories, pictures and the odd bit of cramp as I try to go for a run. Getting to the start line was a true adventure in itself and I completely agree with those who say that getting to the start line of any event, having completed your training and being without injury is 95% of the battle. 

Getting to my start line began 2 years ago, I'm not trying to be dramatic but thats when I entered and set my mind on the goal. I went for coaching sessions, focused my Marathon goals and built up to ultra distances so that by New Year 2014 I was ready to push things one step further.

My training can be seen on my blog www.scottisrunning.gmail.co.uk but what can't be seen is all the assistance that I had along the way. Encouragement from friends and fellow runners, support from Sam and Poppy when I was always away from home and even support from work colleagues when I talked running non stop and hit the gym or went for a run whenever possible. 

When people ask me about the MDS I find it incredibly difficult to sum it up. It was a race, it was a week away running great distances in the sunshine, it was all that and more, but what it also was, was endless running in the cold and dark when others were in bed, taking days off work to go away competing, getting up early and missing the school run, getting home late and missing story time and also not seeing friends for a long long time because I have just been too busy.

I couldn't have done all of this without the love of my family and the support of those around me so for that I am truly grateful. Whilst away I received many of your messages, these were a real boost and kept me going, never underestimate the value of a few kind words.

Now its over I want to readdress the balance in my life a little. I'm going to try and spend a little more time at home and I'm going to try and catch up with friends before they are lost for good. 

I am really happy to report that with gift aid we have together raised over £1085 for The Chestnut Tree House charity. This really has added icing to the cake and I want to express my heart felt thanks for your generosity. Thank you.

My just giving page www.justgiving/scottmds2014 will remain open for a little longer until I have completed my next little event. Its a last minute addition to the calendar before I take a much needed break but on June 14th I will be running the South Downs Way 100, 100 miles on foot in a single stage event. It must be completed in under 30 hours!! Check it out at www.centurionrunning.com

Am I mad, quite possibly but hopefully the endurance is there so I figured what the heck. Thank you and and hopefully I'll see you out on the trail....

Solidarity - The Charity and last stage

Stage 6 is the Charity Stage - Its only 7km and all competitors are given a blue UNICEF charity t-shirt to wear. Most runners and walkers tended to stick together and pretty much everybody walked this last stage. There was no timing chip so nothing to be proved here.

Tent 109 were no exception, we walked pretty much the whole 7km together, only breaking out to chat with newly formed friends. The terrain was lots of soft sandy, a couple of small dunes and before you knew it, town was just around the corner.
We formed back together, went arm in arm and crossed the line for the final time.

Just that short walk had made me realise how different the walking experience would be as my back was starting to get stiff. No time for post race celebrations and although there was a mini carnival of locals at the end, we were ushered with our packed lunches onto the coaches and back to civilisation, well sort of.

Following the long journey we were greeted with a really nice hotel, the food wasn't great but there was plenty of it and that was a relief. Tom's parents even made a show of it and provided the 3 amigos with beer while queueing to get in the hotel :-)

The next morning we were offered the opportunity to visit a local school which is sponsored entirely by the Marathon des Sables. This year they have given 40,000 euros to the school which will fund them for another year and assist with their growth into new premises.

The school 'Solidarity' is a place where children can come and learn, they learn key life skills through play and sport and they also learn French which is essential for getting ahead in Morocco. The mothers are alos catered for too, they also attend the school, learn skills such as needle work and also to speak french. Following my short visit I am happy to say that I believe this charity is a great cause and I think that it is a credit to all those from the Marathon des Sables who have supported it. Here are a couple of pictures I took whilst there .... the kids were amazing ...  (pics to follow)

MDS Part 3 - Just keep running

Day 2 (41k) 
This was a tough day for me. The sand dunes on day 1 had wiped out many runners and we
were informed at the start of many non starters. Day 1 had also taken its toll on me, the initial
excitement was gone but we were still here to enjoy the experience so crack on we must.

Day 2 was flatter and the pace was quicker, I was out of breath early on, we completed the 41km in around the same time as the 34km on the day before. Flatter doesn't mean easier, it does mean less excuses for walking breaks meaning that Tom and I pushed on and on. It was Tom's day today and I needed him to push me on which he did as my ipod was kaput and my back had rubbed sore. Only my buff squeezed at the base of my spine was making it bearable. Tom only left me half a mile from the finish when he still had juice in the tank. That spurt gave him a minute on me but he was there at the finish line. First blisters today, razor and iodine mmm. 113th overall after a 96th place finish today :-)

Day 3 (37.5)
This day held our first great mountain and my best day so far. A difficult climb but amazing views with the helicopter passing just overhead.  Once scaled there was a great downhill path that allowed us to stretch our legs. We caught up with Marcus at the bottom who was having a nose bleed and he joined in with us. We ran some amazing and beautiful soft peaked rolling dunes, we even stopped for pictures and to play running down the steep stuff. Our first taste of salt flats was like running across a frying pan but we took it steady, listened to our bodies and thanked our heat chamber training for keeping us in the safe zone.

The Long Day  (81.5k)
This was to be my longest run ever, previous max at 46 miles. I wasn't worried as Tom, Marcus and I decided to stick together and help each other through. The first stage was completely flat but through lots of camel grass. After CP1 we went vertical. Straight up a massive mountain and running was not an option. It was so steep that rope was provided at the top to prevent falls. The mountain was truly beautiful and just as brutal in contrast.
A very technical boulder jumping descent then the salt flats came. Mile after endless mile of emptiness in all directions, it was amazing. Eventually the mountain came but I ran out of water 5k from the next CP. A brutal 5k of sloping soft sand and unrunnable surfaces. The race leader who had started 2.5hrs after us came by at CP4 as did Danny Kendall (no relation) and we cheered them on. The miles drifted by and we were conscious that night was falling. Marcus and Tom faded so they broke out their music, mine wouldn't work but surprisingly as the sun set I felt good. We donned the head torches (mine was completely inadequate) and I was really grateful for their presence.

Following glow sticks we were guided home across more supersoft sand and in 9.5 hours we
were done. All home and happy we rested and waited for the others. Runners and walkers kept crossing the finish line until almost 5pm the day after! Those of us who were back rested the next day, hand washed our clothes and tried to stay out of the sun. We played 'secret allah' (think secret santa) giving non edible gifts of less than 25g :), the airfreshner and game were particularly welcomed.

The Marathon (42.2k)
Being in the top 200 meant a start 1.5hrs after everyone else. You'd think this would be good but
everyone shot off the line like it was the race of their life. Was I missing something? Had everyone been holding back all week? I pushed hard trying to stay with Tom and Marcus. We passed Alfie who had blown up and was giving walking a go, then we started to pass the back markers which was great as we shouted words of encouragement which was returned with gusto.

The second half of the race brought climbs and rolling roads and I came into my own. It was only
the wicked flat sand that took the feeling from me. This section was long but soon we were rewarded with dunes and a far off view of the FINISH line. Cresting the dunes we broke into song, 'Sweet Chariot' for some reason and sucked the last of our sweets. The lump in the throat was big and I fought back the tears as we crossed the finish. Friends cheered us in and there were sweaty embraces a plenty. After a long queue Patrick Beauer the race director handed out nedals and we were done. 101st and a big smile on my face.

That night following a small awards ceremony we were treated to a set fron the Paris Opera. Picture it ... starlit sky, friends and beautiful music. I'll never forget that scene :)

MDS Part 2 - Stage 1

It seemed early waking up at 05:30 but when the sun gets up in Morocco so does everyone else.

Having an outer tent afforded us an amazing view out over the vast emptiness and into the dunes
where the sun rose. It also afforded us a view of the toilet facilities too which we're starting to
get rather busy with pre race nerves. It was chilly to start but by the time we had collected our water
rations, 1.5ltr, and had a brew it was already getting hot. I order to keep my pack weight down I
had opted for a basic breakfast, coffee (2g), nuts (50g) and cliff bar (68g), around 560kcal.
What took the most time each morning was packing and repacking my rucksack, getting
everything just right. While doing this the Berbers would remove the tent from over our heads
and leave us to finish our prep.

Everyday before the race started we were summoned over to the start line early so that the race
director could give us information for the day, sing happy birthdays and get us in the mood. My
pack didn't feel too bad, I was more concerned that my trainers and clothing would hold up for
the week (having no spares). I wore a white cap but didn't wear the neck guard as I had long hair
and wore a buff around my neck, white t shirt, compression shorts, compression calf guards,
gaiters attached to my trainers by velcro and 2 pairs of socks. A pair of injinji toe sock liner with a
pair of thorlos over the top.

The briefing went on longer than expected but we were soon off. We all burst across the start
line and the race was on. The elites sped away at the front and I was content to check that all
was in order with my pack and that Tom and Marcus were both close by. The race is filmed throughout the week and there is often a helicopter getting close to those hard to reach places. As we charged across the start line the helicopter passed over us, not once but at least half a dozen times. It was truly amazing, it flew only a few feet above our heads and as it passed over it was flying straight ahead but positioned at a 45 degree angle. We couldn't believe it it looked amazing, it roared so loud and the enormity of everything sent shivers down my spine.

The ground underfoot was hard packed stony sand for the first 3km and was easy to run on. A
great warm up, but what waited for us at the 3km point were 'The larges sand dunes in Morocoo'
!!!. There was no gentle introduction into these and afterwards experienced MdSers said it was very cruel
to put such a tough section so early on in the week, especially considering everyone had full and heavy packs at this stage. The dunes were truly beautiful, golden sand in every direction, it was just like something from a movie. Rolling tall dunes and a snake of brightly coloured runners fighting their way relentlessly
up and down. The sand was as expected, very soft. That meant walking on the up, shuffling on
the flats and running on the downs. It was tough going but I didn't mind, this was all new to me
and I couldn't help but marvel in the scenery. Tom and I kept stopping to take photos which in
retrospect was a great idea as we wouldn't experience this again in the same intensity all week.

After 15km we came to our first checkpoint (CP) of the week, it was simple enough, get card
stamped, collect water, fill bottles, dispose of rubbish and push on. That was pretty much the
format we followed all week. It's easy to spend a good few minutes faffing around, sitting or
having blisters tendered to, but we just tended to do the basics and get moving. The next section was pretty flat but it was out first taste of really soft level sand. There were tyre tracks all around where 4x4s had been through but there was no path, no obvious well trodden route to follow out of the soft stuff. It really was sapping, Tom and I tried to run when we could but running on the soft stuff was futile and a waste of energy.

Leading up to our final CP of the day we passed an old disused mine, the terrain was all uphill on
hard packed ground scattered with fist size rocks which were difficult to avoid. It was necessary
to take it steady to avoid an injury. The look of the place had really changed, the sand had gone
from a beautiful golden colour to a grey black blend which would look more at home in the
Canaries. There was even a disused village on the peak of the hillside which was eerie but
magical, no time to enjoy though, a long 5k, running with a Dutch guy and we could see the finish line. I
felt good and pushed Tom along in our 3 man unstoppable train, a decision that would repay me later in the week. Crossing the finish line and day 1 was done. All the planning, all the prep, the time away from my
family, the endless training and the first day was over. Relief and sadness combined. Great to
get the first leg under my belt but I knew it would all be over before I knew it.

Each evening followed the same routine. Sweet sultan tea at the finish line, collect 4.5ltr of water.
Find tent, feet up, eat pepperami and recovery shake. Wait for tent mates to return and talk
about the day. We seemed to have a great tent as everyday our tent would be full while others
only had one or two back. The should have been a tent medal, I think we would have had a good
shot :-) The email tent opened at around 3pm everyday and it was our chance to keep our loved ones
back home up to date. Sam sent out my updates daily and I think I developed quite a following, it
was great because I also received emails from back home with lots of love and encouragement which meant more than I can say. Bed came as the sun went down, we were all exhausted. Often it was warm as we drifted off but I woke every morning at about 3am when the wind whistled through and the temperature
dropped. Should I have packed more clothes?!

MDS Part 1 - Getting to the start line

Well the adventure is over and I'm sat in my lounge with 1) a comfy chair & 2) access to water and
food whenever I like. Quite a difference from this time last week when I was tackling the long
81km stage in 45 degree heat....

Flying out from Gatwick on Friday was a great way to break those pre race nerves and chatting with
my tent buddies was a great way to start. My tent mates Marcus Escott, Tom Parry, Emma
Waterfall, Alfie PearceHiggins and Abby Gouch had been arranged some time ago. There was panic buying of food in order to stock up our fat stores and we even wolfed down the in flight meal with a gusto. When we landed in Morocco it was almost comedic, our luggage was piled on the tarmac and the terminal was no
bigger than a small toilet block. We were treated well and soon ushered out of the heat, onto our
coach and given a packed lunch, this again was inhaled as we headed off into the abyss.

Some time later we drifted off the dusty road, we stopped for a moment and pretty much every
male on the 6 coaches emptied their bladders in unison, if it wasn't so hilarious I would have loved
the view as the evening sun set. It was here while chilling that I bumped into Tim Evans who I
met at the Meon Valley Plod some months previous. We were still one short for our tent and Tim agreed to
join us. We then headed a few miles down a very rough sand path and arrived at our bivouac for
the next 2 nights. Alfie and I dashed ahead, keen to secure a tent and we found 109 empty. Rob
Leonard had been given the 2nd flight so he arrived some time later making tent 109 complete :-)
For the 2 nights before the race starts you are fed by the bivouac team which was great, cous
cous, chicken, bread, that kind of stuff. We had all packed extra goodies too so we carb loaded and
evaluated what we would need for the week ahead. Spending 2 nights at the bivouac also gave
everyone a chance to test their equipment, sleeping bag, mat etc while getting the overall pack
weight as light as possible.

The Saturday was pretty much spent with final preparations and queueing. We had briefings, our
kit checked, race numbers and flares allocated etc. My final pack weight was around 7.5 kilo
including all compulsory items. One final meal and it was early to bed ... It all starts for real in the morning .......

Ready for the off

Its getting late and I leave in less than 12 hours. My kit is all packed but its too heavy. It weighs in at around 7.5 kilos. Once I add the items issued in Morocco, flare, road book and water etc its going to be about 9.



We have a days prep on saturday so I'll spend it trying to strip back to the bare minimum. Hopefully the guys in the tent will have some ideas but basically its going to be food vs weight. Which can I live without?