iROC : OFF

iROC Cancelled

You know I thought when I saw the new dates earlier in the year for the iROC event, why did they move it? Now it's been cancelled, Bank Holiday was not a great time to pitch for the event? My only issue now is what to put in instead?

Gear: inov-8 Flyroc 310

Running Gear

I've been using a pair of inov-8 Flyroc 354 GTX trail shoes for some time now. However, while at the iROC event the other day inov-8 were selling any of their shoes at a ridiculous price of £30. Well I couldn't resist and bought a pair of the standard Flyroc 310's and wore them then end there for the race. I've used them since too for the training run around Hexham last Tuesday. To say I'm pleased is a bit of an understatement, no blisters and dead comfy, they're fantastic. They are lighter than the others and for these warmer times they appear to breathe more easily.

I haven't quite taken to wearing them about the flat but that's just because they're already too muddy.

iROC : The Fell Race

The baptism of a novice

As Churchill said it'll be long and it'll be hard but of this I can assure you there will be no withdrawal, too bloody right. It was long, 15km. It was hard, 900m. It was bloody hard, according to my team member '..it's the hardest thing I've done to my body ever..' and he plays rugby regularly. There wasn't any withdrawal either, I did complete the course dispite my ankle. The last leg included a fording of the river, so cold it anethetised my ankle sufficently to allow me to run the last mile properly.

I wasn't last but was well down the field finishing in just over two hours, 2:03 to be more precise. Mark did much better, 1:40, well done him but we're both outside of the top 100 entrants. The winner's time by the way was 1:03!

There is a iROC Race Report over on SleepMonster's website and some photos too. More photos on my flickr photostream and Paul's Facebook

It was a learning experience that's for sure. Will I do another? Probably the bug has bitten, the endorphines addictive and the rationalism ...

Immediate plans are now focusing on the Lakes 3000's trip though, that's all the 3000ft peaks in 24 hours in the Lake District, 46 miles and 11,000ft of actual ascent. Target dates are early June.

Today : Tomorrow

iROCket Science

Food and liquids all day, steady as they go. Two helpings of Robert's Famous Beef Curry and brown rice for tea.

Tomorrow up and about by seven; on the way to the event by eight thirty; start time is 11:00. Hoping that the ankle will hold together with 8m of zinc tape. Please don't let me be last!