HOWUM Race Report

Luke Merrett -

Race two of the Pegasus Slam, this time on the beautiful trails of Mid Wales chasing the River Severn from a camp site in Llanidloes to it's source high up in the hills. Considering I live on the River Severn over 100 miles away, it's lush to be able to trace it to where it all begins.

It is a 48k mixed terrain circular route with 1,300m elevation gain, consisting of some lush moor running and fast fire roads, through some absolutely breathtaking scenery.

I took on the HOWUM last year as a prep race for the Epona and had a blast of a time, leap frogging with the wonderful Chris Silvester before we ended up pushing in together.

This year it was a prep race for the Wild Horse and a last kit test. Funnily enough both Chris and I are taking the WH200 on now.

Prep & Gear

After getting lots of knee issues lately I'd opted for the heavily underrated Altra Experience Wilds, a 4mm drop moderately cushioned road to trail shoe that's a great mix of performance and comfort. Faster than the Lone Peaks and not as knee hurty as my old Merrell Agility Peaks.

I've also been trying Active Root Electrolite for my salts and a little of my carbs. They pack smaller than Tailwind and the ginger in them helps keep your stomach settled, whilst the taste is nice and subtle.

Goals for this one:

  1. Don't get caught by the Slog Squad ❌ (but I caught them back!)
  2. Don't get caught by South Glos Punks ✅
  3. Don't get caught by Chris Jones ✅

Jokes! Jokes. In reality it was to test the new shoes on a longer mixed terrain race and see how my fuelling strategy was holding up in hot conditions.

Lining Up & Conditions

Arrived early with Jamie after a 2h 20m drive from Bristol. Hadn't slept a wink the night before, my mind racing and the bedroom too hot from the recent good weather.

It was cold at the start with a chill in the air, I'm glad I had my coat handy.

Lots of friendly faces with 299 starters!! Got chatting to the punks, slammers and volunteers. There were so many folks there it took us a solid 20 minutes to walk to the loos on account of stopping to chat.

Nev and Karen from the Bristol Punks were here to do their first ultra marathon, and couldn't have picked a better one to start with.

Went through registration and kit check, was going to go sit in the warm car for a bit but ended up talking with lots of folks until briefing.

A countdown from 10 then we were all off up the lane!

Start to CP1

First stretch is along a road and folks tend to go out fast to avoid a squash in the narrow pathway through the following woodland.

After reaching the woodland was able to chill out a bit and settle into picnic pace.

Was caught early by the Dream Team, the Slog Squad: George, Jamie, Jo and Leigh. They'd formed up during the CANUM to make one hell of a morale boosting team, and were now pushing a strong pace on that first section whilst still being sensible on the hills.

Stuck with them right up to CP1, chatting away and enjoying their company.

On this section it was fairly undulating, some lush descents over fields, but also plenty of climbing.

The sun came out early and it quickly got warm. Wasn't long until my coat, arm warmers and gloves went away for good.

Waved to wonderful Nikki Love at the first checkpoint, who last year was the guest race director for the day.

CP1 to CP2

Suncream time on the next climb as it was HOT!

Stuck with the Slog Squad for the first half of this stretch, then lost them when I had to take an extended loo break (the early start had not been kind to my stomach)

The section consisted of what felt like one giant fire track ascent that went on forever.

I got chatting to Owain here about his upcoming wedding and last year's Wild Horse, got a load of great advice (for the WH, not the wedding) thank you dude 🙏

By CP2 I'd managed to drink 2 litres of water, which was a good effort but still a little under where I should've been for the day due to the heat.

I was feeling good though, had managed my energy well and was still able to eat and drink here despite the heat.

CP2 was a She Runs Cardiff checkpoint, the most glorious of things. Saw the legendary Gruby here who was making sure folks were drinking lots of water.

At this point I hadn't managed to catch back up with the Slog Squad yet. But there was still time

CP2 to CP3

Straight after the checkpoint is an out and back stretch along a gnarly narrow path that leads to the Source of the Severn. Here I passed folks going back the other way and could get a gauge of the gap. Lots of high 5s and cheering each other on here, the wonderful spirit of ultra running.

Getting back to the fire track I saw the Slog Squad just up ahead cresting the hill, they must have rested at the checkpoint after the out and back. It...was...on!

Next section was a long descent on a hard gravelly fire track. I pushed hard here to catch up and passed 3 runners before getting eyes on Jo and Leigh. Had to push harder still to finally catch George and Jamie.

This destroyed me, my body temp and hydration went from happy to dying, and I relaxed into a pace with the Slog Squad again for the remainder of the race.

We chatted away and agreed to stick it out together.

At CP3 saw Harriet and Charlotte who had come to support, was lovely to see some friendly faces.

Drank as much as I could here, but my stomach had stopped working properly.

Also dunked my hat in the river to cool off, ended up dunking everyone else's too!

CP3 to Finish

Kept taking water on and got some PH Chews in, albeit very slowly.

The last stretch was mostly downhill but there were some kicker hills thrown in for good measure, along with one bugger of an endless country lane.

We had one last absolute bastard of a hill before descending back to the village.

Here we all upped the pace and pushed through. Massively proud of the whole group here, especially Leigh who had been struggling but ground out that last stretch hard.

Paused, regrouped, and sprint finished together holding hands.

Official time 05:56, just below 6 hours. We'll take it!

Cheered some other folks over the line, drank coke, tried (and failed) to eat, chatted with the other finishers, before the long drive home via a Greggs.

After Action Report

A great race and strong reminder that everything is better when you do it together as a team. I had the time of my life despite the heat of the day.

What Went Well

  • The Altra Experience Wilds were a good choice; made for mixed terrain with a nice level of cushion whilst still being light and responsive
  • No toe issues at all, no blistering or irritation, a good vote for the socks I've been using recently: the Feetures Elite Lights
  • Active Root Electrolite kept my stomach settled for the most part, and was drinkable even as the heat got to me a little more. Didn't feel it getting 'treacle like' as Tailwind does when your stomach turns
  • Running in a group and working as a team is so, so much more fun

What Could Have Gone Better

  • The cushioning on the Wilds left a lot to be desired after hard descending over the fire roads. Now admittedly it would have to be a pretty high stack shoe to fully protect my feet at that pace but something to be aware of
  • Using a bladder in the new Salomon Adv Skin 12: as there is no insulating layer the heat off my back warmed the water until it was rank to drink
  • Still, still, need to be taking on more water. At least 750ml an hour when it's hot, with extra at aid stations before leaving

Damage

  • Sore bottom of my feet from pushing that descent too hard, really regretted that the day after
  • Bar that, knees, legs, toes, felt great, the Wilds did a good job

Thank Yous

As always to the wonderful volunteers alongside Rhys and Certs who make this all possible and take you from broken souls to smiling spirits whenever you reach a checkpoint.

A big thank you to the folks who came out to support on the day. I got a lot of high fives from little folk to help keep me going.

A thank you for Matt for the excellent photos!

And to George, Jamie, Jo and Leigh, a massive thank you for running with me 🙏

Next?

This was the last race before the Wild Horse 200, now all I have to do is rest up, pack my gear, get hold of my demons, and line up in Chepstow. 🤞