Strava: https://www.strava.com/activities/2973472602/overview
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/dazzzelliott/?hl=en
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/dazzzelliott/?hl=en
I’m not entirely sure where I first heard about the Hardmoors series. I think it may have been watching Stephen Cousins from Film My Run complete the 60 that lit the initial spark of interest.
I ran my first ultra in August 2018 having never run a marathon, it was a 50 miler / 8000ft in the Peak District and by completely blagging it I managed to crawl over the line in 14:45ish in shit state but I was hooked.
I ran my first ultra in August 2018 having never run a marathon, it was a 50 miler / 8000ft in the Peak District and by completely blagging it I managed to crawl over the line in 14:45ish in shit state but I was hooked.
I’ve done other stuff since then but always had the Hardmoors ultra series Grandslam in my mind as one of those “way too big to consider” goals. As it happened the callout rota Gods smiled sweetly on me as every race in the series for 2020 was over a free weekend and with the support of my ever suffering wife I signed up.
We both marshalled the 55 in March and had a great day out at Scugdale helping people coming off the Sisters so had a fair idea of what I was letting myself in for.
2019 was a disastrous year of DNF’s, I DNF’d the Tyne Trail Ultra, St Cuthbert’s Way, Yorkshire 3 Peaks Ultra and the Montane Cheviot Goat. Still haven’t really muddled through the whys for them yet but one thing is for certain, none of them held the spark of excitement that going into 2020 with the Grandslam looming has.
2019 was a disastrous year of DNF’s, I DNF’d the Tyne Trail Ultra, St Cuthbert’s Way, Yorkshire 3 Peaks Ultra and the Montane Cheviot Goat. Still haven’t really muddled through the whys for them yet but one thing is for certain, none of them held the spark of excitement that going into 2020 with the Grandslam looming has.
The 30
As mentioned, confidence in ultras was at an all time low going into the 30 on NYD. Multiple DNFs, a couple bouts of man flu and injury didn’t help but I drove down to Robin Hoods Bay with the conviction in mind that barring disaster, nothing was stopping me finishing.
Having watched loads of HM videos on YouTube, it was great to finally be there in person listening to Jons pre-race admin chat and seeing everyone looking fit and ready. I was feeling a bit chesty on the start line and decided to take the first 6 miles as easy as possible along the Cinder Track to Whitby. This didn’t happen as I set off way too quickly, swept up in the excitement of it all. I was feeling alright though and trotted into Whitby relatively relaxed, it wasn’t mega busy which was handy and the swing bridge was accessible so I hit the steps with Jons command that “everyone will run up these” ringing in my ears.
I probably managed about a quarter of the way before I realised this was silly and stomped up the rest as best I could. At the top I rang Kelly and Connor on Whatsapp video call to show them the Abbey, how nice a day it was and just have a natter. I’m definitely not in these things to race them so it’s good to throttle back now and again.
They’re both signed up as my crew for the 110 and practicing on the 55 so felt like they should be involved. Connor is also running the 60 with me which *hopefully* will be the victory lap for the Grandslam.
Conditions were great along the coastal section and had no dramas until about a mile before RHB when I started bonking pretty hard, not ideal so early in the race. I’m notorious for not eating properly in races and turning them into a sufferfest but luckily the food back at Fylingdale Hall was outstanding so I got a fair bit of that down me, topped up and off I went.
After RHB you have a decent climb up the Cinder Track towards Ravenscar, I was really struggling here and was resigned to walking it in. Decided on the tactic however of having a Jaffa cake at every mile and point blank forcing myself to run. Run is probably a stretch but I did manage to pass a couple people at this point and came into Ravenscar feeling alright.
I’d have been excited at this point if I’d recce’d the course / done a proper map appreciation as it was all downhill to Hayburn Wyke and I stuck some music on, knocked out some full on, speedy 10:30 min/miles, and felt great.
As with ultras though, the highest highs are usually followed by the lowest lows. Hayburn Wyke back to Ravenscar was an absolute grind. Effectively walked the lot of it whilst people streamed past me with a cheery “hello, you alright” before disappearing off into the distance.
I was getting cold so walking back into the Ravenscar CP I layered up, checked my time and with 6 miles and 3 hours to do it in, knew I’d finish which was my only goal.
I think it was just before Boggle Hole when I was caught by Tim W, I’d never met him before but we got on great and the last couple miles were over in a flash as we run/walked it back to the finish. The finish, of course, being at top of RHB which wasn’t the most pleasant of climbs. If I’d had money on me I’d have stopped in the chippy, finish time be damned.
I probably managed about a quarter of the way before I realised this was silly and stomped up the rest as best I could. At the top I rang Kelly and Connor on Whatsapp video call to show them the Abbey, how nice a day it was and just have a natter. I’m definitely not in these things to race them so it’s good to throttle back now and again.
They’re both signed up as my crew for the 110 and practicing on the 55 so felt like they should be involved. Connor is also running the 60 with me which *hopefully* will be the victory lap for the Grandslam.
Conditions were great along the coastal section and had no dramas until about a mile before RHB when I started bonking pretty hard, not ideal so early in the race. I’m notorious for not eating properly in races and turning them into a sufferfest but luckily the food back at Fylingdale Hall was outstanding so I got a fair bit of that down me, topped up and off I went.
After RHB you have a decent climb up the Cinder Track towards Ravenscar, I was really struggling here and was resigned to walking it in. Decided on the tactic however of having a Jaffa cake at every mile and point blank forcing myself to run. Run is probably a stretch but I did manage to pass a couple people at this point and came into Ravenscar feeling alright.
I’d have been excited at this point if I’d recce’d the course / done a proper map appreciation as it was all downhill to Hayburn Wyke and I stuck some music on, knocked out some full on, speedy 10:30 min/miles, and felt great.
As with ultras though, the highest highs are usually followed by the lowest lows. Hayburn Wyke back to Ravenscar was an absolute grind. Effectively walked the lot of it whilst people streamed past me with a cheery “hello, you alright” before disappearing off into the distance.
I was getting cold so walking back into the Ravenscar CP I layered up, checked my time and with 6 miles and 3 hours to do it in, knew I’d finish which was my only goal.
I think it was just before Boggle Hole when I was caught by Tim W, I’d never met him before but we got on great and the last couple miles were over in a flash as we run/walked it back to the finish. The finish, of course, being at top of RHB which wasn’t the most pleasant of climbs. If I’d had money on me I’d have stopped in the chippy, finish time be damned.
Speaking of which I finished in 7:34:06, by far my worst ever 50km (ish) time but looking back one of the most enjoyable.
Writing this at the end of February 2020, the HM30 has been a great catalyst for consistent, specific training. I’d say my performance on the 30 was 40% residual illness and 60% shite training / shite race day nutrition.
Learnt loads and feeling good about the 55… not sure I can say the same about the 110 however...
Writing this at the end of February 2020, the HM30 has been a great catalyst for consistent, specific training. I’d say my performance on the 30 was 40% residual illness and 60% shite training / shite race day nutrition.
Learnt loads and feeling good about the 55… not sure I can say the same about the 110 however...
