James Holmes

Thank you. If that was any time in the second half, I definitely didn’t feel strong 😂

Thanks! Hope you recover well. You can’t plan for injuries, you turned up and gave it your all I’m sure, that’s all you can do.

For sure, it’s amazing how quickly they disappear afterwards. I’ve already gone from ‘never again’ to ‘what’s next?’ 😂

Arc of Attrition ✅ 27:34:42.

Really tough underfoot conditions which made me question my life choices a few times but very proud to have finished.

#running #ultrarunning #arcofattrition

How far out do you start your taper for an ultra? I’ve always gone with 2 weeks, but back in the summer I tweaked my calf 4 weeks out and was forced into an early taper, then had the best race of my life. It’s left me unsure what to do this time around…
#running #ultrarunning

Fantastic morning out on the moors! Didn’t see a soul for the first 3 hours, so peaceful.

And that completes my peak week of my Arc of Attrition training 🥳

#dartmoor #trailrunning #running

Fresh pair of Speedgoats for the Arc.

Not sure how I feel about white trail shoes though 😅

#running #christmaspresent

25 miles of cost path fun with full Arc of Attrition kit and fuel, a good test! Biggest surprise - Despite more mandatory kit than last year, I must have packed it better or something as my pack actually felt more comfortable than before 🤷‍♂️

#running

Didn’t have the time to hit the trails this morning so I had to make do with the canal path. 10 miles @ MP with a savage headwind. Stoked to be back running faster paces with no calf pain! #running

5 treadmill miles + strength session at the gym early this morning, then back home for the important stuff 🎄

Stunning crisp morning dog jog along the riverside! #running

Thanks. I make it by taking screenshots on Strava, making them black and white, then use a design app called GoDaddy Studio (I’m sure you could also use Canva or Photoshop) to layer and overlay.

Might be quicker ways, but this way only takes a couple minutes once you’ve done it a couple times.

8 mile pace progression. Very satisfying pace chart 😃

I’ve been slowly building back after a calf strain in September, so it felt great to build into some faster paces for the first time in a while.

#running

I think they should be fine. Although the last two years have been dry on race day, both had plenty of rain in the lead up and both times the Speedgoats were fine. Plus I’ve worn them on wet/boggy runs on the moors, they’re surprisingly grippy. I just think I’d rather the comfort over 100miles.

Also, TNF Alta Mesa 500’s would be perfect for St Ives onwards, but crewing is only allowed at Lands end and Godrevy this year. Wouldn’t want to put them on for the technical Zennor section and Godrevy is after the tarmac through Hayle, so might not bother changing, unless I just need to mix it up

I’m scared to try Altras, mainly because I’m worried that if I like them, It’ll be hard to go back to others and I don’t like the idea of being tied to one zero-drop brand. Are they going to be your Arc race day shoe?

Nice, one day I’ll get around to trying some Inov8 shoes, I’ve been meaning to.

It’ll be the Speedgoats for the Arc. Worked great on the 50 and the 100 pre-DNF. Boggy sections they weren’t great, but there’s way more tarmac than bog, so comfort over grip for sure.

I also still have an old pair of Hoka Jaws, for the particularly boggy routes.

What are you currently using to take on the trails?

My current favourites are TNF Alta Mesa 500’s. Perfect for runnable non-technical trails.

I also love my Speedgoats, great all-rounder, it I could only pick one, it would be these

Hoka Tecton X 2 - fun for going faster.

#running #runningshoes

Got home from work late, it’s pissing it down and I have a hill reps session… the pre-run procrastination is real 😅 !

Get changed and get out has turned into, sit on the bed for half an hour and doomscroll. Urrhhhh
#running

Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check it out

I’ve been on the precision fuel 30g carb gels for a while, think I’m gonna test out the SiS Beta fuels ones though, few people I know have been raving about them

It’s perfect for testing isn’t it, I think it’s time to upgrade my coat, it’s a few years old now and doesn’t keep me as dry as it once did. Definitely wouldn’t want to find that out on race day

Stormy afternoon miles on the south west coast path! Great prep for whatever weather the Arc will throw at us. #running

At least you’ve got a nice view. The one in my gym is up against a blank wall 😅

Best of luck with yours as well, and enjoy the 50, it’s an awesome race!

Yeah this was from Lizard, no way haha!

Yeah, back for redemption, although after two dry years (did the 50 in 2023) I’m due a wet one. Hopefully not as wild as this weekend though 🤞

Easy miles in the snow tonight 🥶

#running

Hell yeah! Good luck with your training

My no1 goal this training block is to stay healthy!

Back in Jan I started the Arc of Attrition with flu symptoms and chesty cough. Terrible idea! After 25miles of coughing my guts up, I DNFd and I still feel cheated out of all the hard work I put in beforehand. This year will be different #running