“Steaming to the Coast” is a Devon based trail marathon. Becky, John and Helen ran this inaugural event in April.
We generally run together, quite slowly, and always take the opportunity to look at stuff as we trot by. The marathon gave us plenty of opportunities to do that.
The race starts in Minehead, with the first leg being a steam train ride to Bishop’s Lydeard. From there to the sound of a steam whistle, we set off back towards Minehead. A bit of farmland first, then up onto the Quantocks. Undulating moorland with spectacular views for a while, including a view of the finish (very far away) and then back down to fairly level farmland and coastal trails, and the sea front in Minehead.
All in all, a great day out. Not a cloud in the sky, friendly marshals and other runners, and great variety of terrain and scenery.
Spoiler alert: We all completed the race 🙂
Feel free to continue reading for a more expanded version 🙂
Training for the race had gone quite well, but had been interrupted by holidays and other things, so our last four weeks was not ideal. Still, it was certain to be an adventure that we could enjoy … let’s see what the day brings.
· Potatoes the night before – whilst sitting chatting Helen realised that she’d left them at home, having promised Becky she would provide them. (salty potatoes are a must for any long run!)
· Surprisingly spacious Air BnB Lodge, surprisingly good night’s sleep
· Early start but the clear sky and sun made up for this.
· Slow train – but with toilet, and stuff yourself full of food so you don’t have to carry it and lots of countryside to distract your pre-race nerves.
· Waiting around at Bishop’s Lydeard Station and a few more toilet stops.
· Finally, we have a briefing – something about following flags, public rights of way, can’t hear but can’t process either, just want to get going
· The train in the station lets off steam and toots and we start, cheered out of the station by all the 11km and 11 mile runners who will then be getting back on the train to get to their (closer) starting points. The atmosphere at the start was different to other races, the unique start and beautiful weather must have had something to do with it.
We had previously run once on the Quantocks, which we did recognise as we sailed past; otherwise, this was all new territory for us. Now we understand why people get excited about trail races which they haven’t reccied – once we’d got up the (never ending) hill it was one pleasant sight after another: mown grassy paths through heather, magnificent views, firstly of Hinkley Point C (still under construction) and soon after that of our ultimate destination, just past the white roofs of Butlins in Minehead.
Ponies on the path, lots of gorgeous yellow gorse, the sun continues to shine with a warm breeze.
Coming down off the Quantocks, zig-zag path steep through the woods, keep an eye out for the little red flags, knees coping well with the downhill.
Beep beep – Becky’s watch reminding us every 20 minutes that we should eat or drink, using this method was new to us but it seemed to work.
Being directed down a path towards the sea and realising that we’ve reached the beach much quicker than expected. There was a cut-off of 15:30 as the tide would be too high for us to cross the beach, but we’d make it with plenty of time to spare so had the pleasure of attempting to run – mainly walk – across slippy rocks and sandy pools and up steep steps (lots of them) at the other end.
Marshals at the aid stations delighted to see us, reluctant to answer the question from a fellow runner of “how many people have gone through?” – We are fully aware that there are – and will continue to be – around a dozen of the 130 or so starters behind us. We could see the bright orange marshal t-shirts from afar.
Getting hotter, John’s head getting redder. Marshal stopped Helen just in time when she went to pour water on his head; age-old problem of clear electrolyte drink, which would have been a very sticky mistake. Becky on the other hand poured the sticky water over her hands!
Leap frogging another group on the coastal section (metaphorically, not literally – that would have been very hard work at this stage).
Watchet – public toilets at last! An opportunity to have yet more food, shuffle the pack around, admire the picturesque fishing town whilst the tourists cheer us past.
Beaches! After the springy beach with the tide out, we then had what felt like a VERY long pebble beach and then just before we reached the seafront with tired legs we were met with deep dry sand that you sank into.
Medal & T-shirt. There was an option at registration to not have a medal, we went for this option but at the end decided we would like one as a memento and they were unique like the race and you could take the lanyard off it to use it as a coaster. One of the local running clubs made their own t-shirts which everyone was admiring so much so that the Dan and Jan organisers decided to add this on after the event.
Success?
· Not overtraining (motivational phone call from ultrarunning daughter who comforted us by saying “undertraining is better than overtraining” – J and H had spent 2 of the previous 4 weeks in the searing heat of Central America, doing lots of walking and snorkelling but zero running!) Becky had no excuse not to continue training during those 4 weeks unless the weather can be used.
· Planning – regular intake of food and drink, including this time for the first time some savoury stuff (Becky wondered why her savoury bag couldn’t be found at a feed station….turns out it was on the sofa in the Air B&B)
· Preparation – having attended Nick’s strength presentation we have been faithfully doing the “top five” weight-lifting exercises he strongly recommended (we managed to walk back to the van….slowly but not broken, thanks to the strength work)
· Confidence – we’ve run a marathon and 50 km before, albeit with some aches and pains afterwards, but our heads knew that we could do it (Becky spoke to herself a couple of times to say that this race was different to our Ultra and she wasn’t broken before the start and the weather was ideal…..so she could and would finish it!)
· Sticking together, walking when necessary, running when possible. Definitely walking up the hills. Becky reminding us that our legs are MUCH longer than hers and when we are power walking she can’t keep up!
· Regular massages during training. Deep tissue, performed by a passionate Lithuanian; avoid any political chat as she will press even harder as she gets animated about the topic!
Why trail marathon and not London marathon?
· The views, the countryside
· Less stress on the legs – you have to change your step constantly, so knees don’t mind so much
· Less pressure on yourself, enjoy the views and feed stations
· You can walk some of it without anyone really noticing
· Toilet stops – otherwise known as hedges or finding public toilets
· You can take as long as you like
· Training is much more fun. Embrace the mud, the hills, the gorgeous grassy downhills and views.
· Channel Events would love to hear from you if you’d like to get involved in marshalling at their runs or indeed cycling events. Dan always picks fantastic locations and looks after his marshals and runners very well.
Bishop’s Lydeard to Minehead via the Quantocks, Williton, Watchet, Washford, Dunster Bay
Total distance: 42.34 km
Total height gain: 666 m
Number of D of E groups passed: at least 5
Number of Scouts cheering as they walk the other way: at least 40
