Hello, my name is Craig and I'm an ultra runner. Or i was until i injured my knee in 2022!
In my experience, and its not very long, I started running in May 2012 - The usual, Park Run, 10k, half marathon, 62 mile trail run.......WHAT!!!!
That's basically how it happened, then the trail took over, half marathons, full marathons, 55, 62, 110 mile races, all within the next 6 years.
After doing numerous point to point races I wanted to try something different and had previously done a lap race, Nemesis, which although the first time i didn't enjoy I went back for more and the second time I won!
Lap races have a different perspective on the mental side of running.
I ate and drank at exactly the same spot each lap, stopped for exactly the length of time each lap, same rest period..
Now laps is not for everyone but mental strength in trail running is imperative so if you can train your brain to endure laps you can do anything, right?
There are times when you want to stop, give up, go home. You fight with each emotion, it drains you mentally, after the race you might go into a slump, you might think its the physical energy used in the race but its the brain power used convincing yourself to keep going!!
Always staying one step ahead of your conscience, knowing dark times are coming!
In July 2020 COVID was rife, I was still out doing my day job, the only thing I'd signed up to was a Cockbain Challenge. The challenge was 1 mile on day 1, 2 miles on day 2 etc. for a whole month.
When i got to day 10 i thought it was easy, run to the town and back, I have done it many times before, its exactly 10 miles.
Days 14 & 15 were coming and I was trying to think outside the box, we have a 3 miles loop around our house, along a disused railway line and back along the road, so i started lapping, I even created a smaller loop within the larger lap. It took the stress out of trying to find new routes with more miles.
Day 25 I had accumulated 300 miles and was keen for a race that I had no idea if it existed yet.
Day 26 was to be my last, my mother in laws birthday and a family meal interupted my streak! My mentality for laps was at an all time high, I entered the SBYU.
Fascinated by how everyone approached it I stuck to my own game, ran my own race and refused to get sucked into the furore that surrounded past winners.
My timings were on point, exactly enough time to grab refreshments, use the toilet (if needed) and go again. If i had mastered my sleep deprivation I'd have hit 100 miles at 24 hours but at 16 hours I bowed out.
Again, this set the cogs whirring about a lapped event in my area, so in August 2021 we premiered Survivor, a diificult 4.1 miles over hills, rocks and tough terrain.
We are now into our 3rd year after being somewhat 'underground' trialling ideas with a small group of like minded runners.
Survivor has built a small but perfect following, mostly runners, a few helpers. We have indoor facilities, a place to relax after each lap.
Even if you don't like doing laps, if you are an ultra runner i am challenging you to test your mental strength and ability to come and compete in one of our races.
It will take everything you think you know about running and turn it upside down. Just when you think you've cracked it, lap 4 or lap 14 it will throw a curve ball so hard it will knock you back to Redcar, Locke Park - Park Run in 2012!
