Thanks Phil! Yeah, taking it easy made a huge difference. I've got other runners and my heart rate alert to thank for that. Spent most of the first half running with other people and chatting to keep the effort down. I'd definitely recommend it, if you get a chance. The set up for this ultramarathon is amazing. The event village with the camping setup and the same finish line for four different races makes it a great experience.

Amazing! Good luck with your first ultra! The lakes are such a beautiful place for running.

Thanks Brian. Happy to share it. I really enjoy making these films. It's like a nice reminder of the races. I'd never be able to remember the races without these films.

Thanks Sarah! Oh I'm definitely enjoying the recovery! Snacks, Snacks, Snacks 😁

Thanks Grant! Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Im a big fan of videos by run steep get high’s race vlogs and Dan Whitehead’s vlogs about ultra running. They always came across as themselves during their films so I’m trying to replicate that as much as I can. Also, it’s very cool to think you found these videos from down in Tasmania!

Thanks!

Thanks Danny! Really appreciate your support. It was an amazing day.

Thanks Mark! Yeah, the training clearly hit the spot. I feel like it was also one of those lucky days where everything just clicks.

Thanks Charlotte! Easy pacing is always a challenge, especially in a race. I found running and chatting with other runners really helped and also I had a heart rate alert set up on my watch to stop me running too hard.

Thanks Bev! Really appreciate your kind messages! It was a wonderful day. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

Thanks Shaun! The finished line was definitely a highlight 🙂 I'm already itching to get running but I think my body needs a little more time! Glad you enjoyed the video.

Thanks Nick!

Thanks Nancy! Glad you enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend running a 50k if you get the chance! They're such great experiences. Hard but so much fun!

Thanks Paul! It looks like you smashed it with the 50k! 34th out of 450 with a competitive elite field. Very impressive! From the timing it looks like you finished strong as well. Glad you enjoyed the video as well!

Thanks Brioni!

Cheers Kristoffer! It was a really nice route. Definitely a dream day. Can't imagine I'll have another race go this well! Glad I documented it 🙂

Thanks Amber! Good luck with the 100k in October. I can imagine it's quite challenging finishing in the dark. I've signed up to a 100 miler next year so need to get comfortable running on trails at night.

Thanks! Good luck with the 60km. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time!

Thanks Ben! It was a lovely course. Lots of variety in terrain and environment.

Thanks Steve! One of my favourite running channels is from down in Australia. Dan Whitehead's vlogs about running and ultramarathons are worth a look if you've not come across them! He hasn't posted in a while but has some great videos on the channel.

Thanks Maja! Yeah it was an amazing course.

Thanks Mike! It was a pretty special day. I'd definitely recommend the race. The whole event village setup creates a great atmosphere for the races - especially the finish line!

Thanks Heather! Really appreciate that 🙂

Thanks Andrew! Well done with your 50k. Beautiful route! I'd love to run the 50km race. Maybe one for next year!

Thanks! Congrats on the marathon. That is a great time on trails with hills. I just had a look at Andorra Trail 50k. It looks like an amazing race. Good luck with the 50k!

Thanks Philip! Yeah, I’ve got a recap video coming on Tuesday where I discuss that. I think I went past something like 80 people during the race.

Thanks Gavin! Yeah, I’m super happy with how it went. Glad you’re enjoying the videos! I’ve got a 50 miler in September - Chiltern Wonderland 50 which is supposed to be a beautiful course. I am planning on signing up for my first 100 miler for next summer. Probably the 2023 South Downs way 100 👍 I just need to plan my races for this winter and in the build up to the 100.

Thanks! Interesting point about training runs. I never get cramp during long runs but ultra races I always get cramp! Yeah, good point on the muscle fatigue. I've done fairly high volume (100-140km per week) for the last 6 months but still find cramp is an issue. Maybe I need to build strength work into my routine. I'm currently doing some research on cramp so hopefully I can figure it out before the next race.

@@jamesday1 Thanks James for your time to reply. My hamstrings seem to cramp first, so I'll try some strength training for that. I'm also trying some Mountain Fuel "energy fuel" as also includes magnesium and potassium which may help. I do wonder how marathon runners in the 70s/80s coped when none of this "product" was available. Pinch of salt, dash of lemon and jelly babies. Before Brighton Trail, I was 100km a week for about 6 weeks, 30km long runs - some fasted and no cramp. At Brighton, I cramped at 19km, which is unheard of and I am going same pace as training. So it is a mystery and I will keep trying. Be interesting to hear how you get on with any research in the future.

Yeah, interesting how much it varies. SWD50 I had cramp at 40km, ST100km I had cramp at 60/70km. SWD50, the cramp just got worse, and never went. ST100km it completely disappeared by 80/90km. I've been reading that a lot of it comes down to muscle fatigue when the major muscle groups get tired and then your body relies on the less dominant running muscles which are less conditioned to the stress. Strength training to build muscle across both major and minor running muscles seems to be the suggested answer. Will be interesting to see how it works out.