UltramarathonMike

When Matt and the crew at Likeys organise a race they do it properly and the second running of the Beacons Ultra was going to be no exception.

This year the course ran from Talybont-on-Usk at the Outdoor Recreation Centre. I had made it down to Wales in good time this year, and caught up with Matt for a kit check early evening and picked up some technical undercrackers from Martin. At the kit check I bumped into Alan Silcock who, despite talking about the MdS via the forum for almost three years, I have not yet met!

I was staying in the Bunk House with the likes of Graham, Rab, Perks, Rach, Steph, Graham, Mike, Sharky, Andy, Jeff, Kevin, Bill, Pete, Cookie, Steve, Kobus etc etc. Quite a crowd … many MdS vets and experienced ultra runners, and me!

The race started at 7am so after about 4 minutes sleep and a 5am wake up for breakfast (mmmmm porridge) I headed down in the dark with everyone else, over 100 people were gathered at the start line and we set off on the short stretch with a police escort. Last years winner female winner Jo Kilkenny was here defending her title and was looking keen on the start line, also back was Mark Palmer who last year put in an astonishing time.

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Another long break since the last post which is about typical of anything at the moment. On the plus side I am feeling surprisingly fit am managing to get the miles in, despite a 3 month old with sore gums and an intermittent bolshy temperament (it’s a good job he is a smiley little monkey the rest of the time!).

Feeling fit is not just a bonus, it’s essential, as this weekend it is time for the Beacon Ultra. A fun but testing double loop from Talybont in Welshest Wales, from the chaps a Likeys.

Last years write up does a good job of conveying just how good the weekend was. Not only that it’s a good excuse too meet up with many of the folk from the MdS 2009 (tent mates and more) and enjoy some food, chat, miles and post race beer in The White Hart!