With some degree of trepidation I headed down to Cornwall for the 44 mile Classic Quarter with my running partner Israel_the_Runner. The event is a trial race along the coastal path between Lizard Point and Lands' End
It took most of the day to get down there, and we headed straight down to Lands’ End to check out the finish area. Then it was off for an early high carb dinner at a pretty poor Italian, and then my first taste of hostel life. With a very early start planned I hit the sack at 9, but as expected there was too much noise / movement so ended up with probably only 3 hours sleep before the alarm.
Still dark, we got to the finish area at before 4 and found our transport to be transferred to the start line. It was just getting light as we arrived at Lizard point and we were one of the first to get registered and when had plenty of time ready ourselves for the task ahead.
After our safety briefing which as well as the warnings about the expected heat, hydration and burning skin we were also informed that the previous year one competitor only got 6 miles in before a broken ankle meant a helicopter had to be sent for him. We set off a little after 6:00
My original plan to run with Israel but this was lost from the start as I realised that at this point the trail was barely wide enough for one person and we were separated at the first bottle neck. I thought I was running pretty steadily but with the constant twisting and turning and assents and descents I didn’t see him again.
It became clear very early on that this was going to be an extremely tough event with climbs up rock faces to the top of cliffs only to descend into bays before climbing again. Even the rare flat parts were difficult as the terrain ranged from sand to deep trenches less than a foot wide and fields of boulders.
I was running fairly well, keeping a 9.5 - 10mm pace on the flat, keeping up with those around me on ascents and overtaking people on the descents. And thoroughly enjoying the challenge and the stunning coastline. I made a point of consuming all my water just before getting to each water station and filling up, which took some time as there were queues at the first 2 or 3.
Around mile 16 my knee started to ache which was hardly surprising given the abuse it was taking, even though I had been trying to protect it but taking most of the load on the other leg on the fast descents. Also around 3 hours in it stated to get really hot and things started to get really tough. I was desperate to get to CP2, to get my drop bag and get so decent food inside. This should have been at 20.5 miles and was the first of the cut off points, you needed to reach it within 6 hours. According to my Garmin I was well past this point, getting on for 22 mile, I was starting to get concerned that I had missed it somehow. Finally the marker flags came into sight, and the marshals manning the station confirmed that it was actually at 22 mile mark, so I had reached the half way point in under 4 and ¾ hours. I took my time getting a decent amount of food and drink on board, decided to strap up the knee took some pain fillers and set off again.
This next section took us through Penzance, and whilst comparatively dull the long flat paved section was welcome. At one point I stopped to adjust the strapping and a Scottish guy stopped to ask if I was OK and offered some pain killers, and then we started running together for the next couple of miles but at the next incline I had to walk again and he went ahead of me.
I then had to take it pretty steady all the way to the CP 3, the last of the cut-off points, needing to get there within 9 hours, got there in 7 hrs 40. Again this ended up being at 34 miles rather than the published 32. The next two miles was very difficult. It was not possible to run at all as you had to clamber over boulders. At this point it was very painful to bend my leg even slightly so going other these rocks, and descending the stair cases was very slow going.
After a couple of more miles I was ready to pull out, it was just the thought of having to go back over the terrain that stopped my from turning back. Deciding that I had nothing to lose tried removing to the knee strap and pushed on. After a while the knee felt better and I tried running again but there was no chance, but I realised that if gave up any idea of running I would be able to walk the remaining 10 miles and make it to the finish. So I pushed the pace as much as I could and started to appreciate the beautiful surroundings again.
I finally reached the finish point at Lands End in 11 hours 57 minutes.
The following day the knee was very swollen and I could hardly walk, thankfully the driving position was comfortable and I was able to drive back without any problem.
After some good physio work,,(Thanks Graham) the advice was simple to rest and Ice and to wait for the pain to stop completely before attempting any more running. It’s taken over 3 weeks, but easing back into to it without any ill effects.
Under 8 weeks now to get ready for Trans Britain.......
