Training Log Archive: jonny crickmore

Snowdonia Trail Marathon including GB long Mountain Trial. -- 6th

Results and Splits (Go to ON Snowdonia trail marathon)

A pretty stacked field and a tough looking race with a short first up and down for 10k then a fairly flat but slightly undulating 20k trail section before a massive climb and descent.

Went off pretty easily on the first climb and sat in with Coombs on the way up in about 15th place already quite a long way down but knowing there was a long way to go. First descent was pretty technical and boggy so risked it and pushed a bit and moved through to about 200m behind Tim and Jack and 200m ahead of Coombsy at the bottom (Checkpoint 1). Was hoping either one would drop back or catch up but I instead had a pretty lonely 90min. Very unsure of how to pace this section but seemed to get it fairly well. Just went past at Brennan but Jack and Tim seemed to get further ahead and completely out of sight.

Then coming up to the climb I caught sight of Tim and slowly reeled him in and started the climb feeling good and just running all the way but not really pushing. Started closing in on a guy called Nikki and Max. Went past them feeling good, then Brennan came flying up and I also didn't realise how much climbing was left to go. I died at the end of the climb losing about a minute to Brennan and Nikki and I think I got a bit dehydrated or just exhausted.

Finally reaching the top I went hard on the steep bit of the descent, straight past Nikki and on the heels of Brennan on the flatter bit who looked behind saw me and sped up. I was able to match him but I was really struggling with balance/ foot placement/foot lift with a lot of little trips and it is a pretty sketchy descent to do in a daze. Was holding on though but then the inevitable happened and I went flying. Got very cut up and bruised but got straight back up. Eased off a bit though for safety and let Brennan go. Then we hit the really steep road now not having to concentrate I started catching up again but as soon as we hit the flat he cruised away. The last mile was so tough with a few tiny climbs to do. I didn't let myself walk as I knew there was a chance my body would just give up so stumbled into the finish.

Really happy with the result though and paced it very well, I should of drunk a bit more on the long climb but it wasn't disastrous and definitely learning more about these types of races each time.

Knees seized up pretty badly afterwards. Luckily I was rather distracted on the train home by TMS. Pacing/hobbling up and down the carriage getting strange looks was as much of a WD as I could manage.

C • animal 2

Easy and strides.

Bus to sprintelope

Fun sprintelope around Buckstone and Morton hall. Feeling tired but better than yesterday at least.

Jog back after doing first couple of K on Laura's bike as she did a WD.

Feeling horrendous so cut it shorter than planned.

HFW