Calderdale Hike 2012 - GPX, TCX, KML

As part of my ultrarunning plans this year I am attempting the 37 mile mammoth challenge known as the Calderdale Hike.

The only reference points given for navigation are UK Grid references. How you get between the points is entirely up to you.

To make this muddy uphill struggle slightly easier on the navigation side of things, I have painstakingly entered all the coordinates into an OS map, and plotted the most efficient route from checkpoint to checkpoint.  I have taken into account inclines and surfaces.  I prefer to run on trails rather than roads, so where there is a trail, I have used it!

Always bring a map and compass for safety.  This route should only be used as a guideline and a quick reference point to stop you going too far off track.

If you use this and appreciate my effort, then buy me a beer with paypal!

You can download the GPX HERE

PLEASE NOTE:  This route has not been recce'd, it is simply drawn from plotted checkpoint coordinates, joined together with footpaths and roads available on Calderdale Council OS maps.  There is no official route.  Always recce the course before the race, use maps and common sense in every situation.

If you need it in any other format, please see my other post on trail mapping resources and use bikehike.

Meltham 10k 2012

The runners were greeted with snowy hills and icy roads this morning, it certainly was chily at the start with my car registering -2 degrees!

It was a very casual affair, people gathered around the starting area around 9:30 and we were bunched up ready for the start.  I was close to the back and I didnt hear any sort of official "GO!", but when everyone started moving in front of me, i clicked my watch, and off we went.

The initial mile or so was quite annoying. Lots of people cramped into small roads leads to lots of dodging and bumping into people until everyone finds their place and the field spreads out a bit, it would have been nice for there to have been some indication of finishing time, and lining up accordingly, but it wasnt too bad.  I enjoy passing people anyway!

I got into a nice rhythm as we hit the first hill and i ploughed on strongly, not letting anyone past.  Felt good.

I have decided this will be my last road race.  I just find it boring.  I can handle the exertion if I'm jumping over tussocks, slipping on rocks, splashing through puddles and dodging sheep, but on a road....plod....plod....plod......i just find it really hard to get motivated.

Another reason I'm giving up roads is....it makes my feet hurt!  I haven't run on roads in ages and well....it felt like I was at the gym doing some kind of foot workout!  It burns, especially on the uphills!

This reduced me to a walk up some of the hills, constantly having to stop and shake them out.  I would stop, shake them out and get passed by people, who i would then pass when i set off, but then they would pass me again as I stopped.  I pretty much lost all motivation.

One plus from the race was the final downhill!  I found this amazing.  It was steep, and I think a lot of people are scared to run this fast....

Luckily, i have been throwing myself down much steeper hills with many more hazards recently, so I just flew down here, getting to a speed of 5.08minutes per mile, with a HUGE grin on my face as I passed lots of people.

I ended up finishing in 53.25.  Very disappointed with that, I should have been under 50 by a minute or so, but my constant walking and stopping, and lack of motivation ruined my race.

From now on, I am a fellrunner!

Why do I want to run ultramarathons?

If I have to explain to you why I want to start ultrarunning, you will probably never get it.  I believe it is something that exists in everyone at some level, perhaps subconsciously or genetically.  A remnant of our ancestral past that lingers in us, suppressed by 21st century life and deemed alien to the vast majority of modern humans.

Perhaps this means that me along with many other runners with this strange and unsociable urge to run not just mere marathons, but ultramarathons, are a step back in evolution?